LDN Music Magazine, May 2024

A MODERN EYE ON MUSIC & POP CULTURE

GOATGIRL

TheSouthLondontrioopenupabout experimentationandauthenticity

INMUSICVENUES WETRUST

Yourdefinitiveguideto London’sgrassrootsgigspaces

BIMMINTRODUCING: ROBBIEZ COUNTRYCURIOUS FromQueenBeytoBieber,what’s withthisrootin’tootin’revival?

Ourresidentpopiconon makinghisambitionsareality

AYUSHI

Whetherit’sontwowheels,fouror evenonanopenrooftopbus,when thesunfinallyhitsthere’snobetter waytoseeLondonthanriding around.IndieexperimentalistsGoat Girlchampionthesamerestless spiritintheirthirdstudioalbum, BelowTheWaste,offeringspaceto findthetruestversionsof ourselves Speakingof fundamentals,ourgrassrootsguide togigvenuesisyour101to accessingthelivemusicscene. Whileonpage15wedishoutthe freshestlooksforthefestivalfields. Andifyoupreferyourexploringto beabitmoreexotic,discoverhow thecityisbecomingthego-todestinationforKoreancultureand whythecountrygenreisinthe midstofarootin’tootin’revival.So, whetherit'sthedeepSouthorjust SouthLondonthissummer,let’s headout.

O4.

FORTHERECORD

Amy Perdoni rounds up your essential listening of 2024 so far and the sunshine sounds for your summer ahead

06.

COVERSTORY:G.O.A.T

South London trio Goat Girl open up to Madeline Montisano on experimentation and authenticity

10.

GALLERY

GraceMinghellaservesupafrontseatrowforDeclan McKennaandDylanattheirbiggestLondonshowsyet

INMUSICVENUESWETRUST

Leela Brunsdon dishes out your definitive guide to grassroots live venues across the capital

14.

FESTIVALFASHION

Thetunesaren’ttheonlythingturningheadsthissummer, fireupyourfestiallookswithMatNiesmialek

17.

HELLOHALLYU

Why London is fast becoming the go-to city for experiencing South Korean culture, according to Iris Beek

BIMMINTRODUCING:ROBBIEZ

AyushiNathwanihearshowourresidentpopiconismaking hisambitionsareality

21.

COUNTRYCURIOUS

FromQueenBeytoBieber,IzzyBassettexplainswhy thecountrygenreishangingupitsbootsinpopmusic

FORTHERECORD

Havingmadeitaquarterwaythroughtheyearalready,AmyPerdonisharesahelpful round-upofthebestwinterreleases,plussomesummerrecordstolookforwardto!

Raffaella-LIVE,RAFF,LOVE(Actll)Jan2024,Mom+Pop

NYCnativeRaffaella’sfirstactofLive,Raff,Loveservedupaselectionof sicklysweetpopsongsthatwerenothingshortofhonest,andfulloflifethenextact,whichcameoutinJanuarythisyear,similarlyadoptsthese qualitiesHyper-popsingle‘PollyPocket’actsasapurposefullytrivalising responsetotheoverturningofpro-choicelawsintheUS.‘GotaPollyinmy pocketandshelookslikeme/AndherverybestfriendismyIUD/AndI knowI’mpickingoneofthemeventually’isacleverthinkpieceonthe positionmanywomenhavefoundthemselvesinsincethen-themessage slightlyobscuredovertheclangingofinstrumentsandboomingbass.This shortbutsolidEPrefusestoshyawayfromutmostsincerity

MGMT-LossOfLife Feb2024,Mom+PopMusic

PsychedelicrockiconsMGMT’sfirstalbuminsixyearsistestamenttotheir consistentrefusaltoadheretoanysupposedrulesorpresumptionsthey mayhavesetinforthemselvesthroughouttheircareer.Theoutstanding ‘Dancing In Babylon’ features Christine and the Queens, forming a beautifulduetwhichjumpsbetweenpiano&80s-esquesynthdriven sectionsEveryrecordisanewchapterfortheduo,andacoupledecades inthey’reexpandingtheirsoundfurther.

March2024, AntiRecords

Alabama’sKatieCrutchfieldhasprovenherselfastellarforceinalternative country-demonstratedthroughherlastprojectasonehalfofPlains,and againonherlatestrecord.Katie’sdistinctvocalperformanceisassoothing asitiscaptivating,particularlyonthewisttful‘RightBackToIt’-going handinhandwithlyricsexudingwarmthwhilstdemandingattention. WaxahatcheetakesonAmericanainitsmostheartfeltform

Waxahatchee-TigersBlood

RachelChinouriri-WhatADevastatingTurnofEvents

May2024,Parlophone

London-bornanddwellingsinger-songwriterRachelChinouririrecently burstontothescene,providingafreshoutlookoncontemporarypop.So far,herdebutalbumseemstobeanoutletfortheissuesmostsensitiveto Rachel,freefromrestraintorcensorshipStrikingleadsingle‘TheHills’ exploresfeelingsofmisplacementandstrugglingtoworkoutwhereyou belong.Whereasthetitletracktellsatrueandtragicstoryofsomebody takingtheirownlife-withlittledynamicprogression-asiftomirrorthe abruptcut-offoftheprotagonist’slifeYetit’sastorydeeplyconnectedto usall,too-‘She’sinmeandshe’sinyou’Withaconsistentstyle,personal andessentialsubjectmatters,andinfectioushooks-Rachelprovesherself tobeoneofthemostcharismaticartistsofourgeneration.

MayaHawke-ChaosAngel May2024,Mom+PopRecords

Followingupfrom2022'sMOSS,anenchanting,delicaterecordfilledwith carefullygatheredintrospectionandpoeticallegories-singer,songwriter, andactressMayaHawkeisreturningwithherthirdalbumThe disheartened‘MissingOut’showsMayaexaminingherlifechoicesandthe choicesofothers-hervocalsareasairyasbefore,herwritingstill impeccablyintricateandconfessionalChaosAngelspawnsfromtheidea that‘thenecessaryingredientforloveischange,andthenecessary ingredientforchangeischaos’.IfthissentimentisindicativeofMaya’s artisticevolution,wemightimaginearecordwheremuchisdugupto enactgrowth-somethingadjacenttoamessyrebirth

BillieEilish-HitMeHardandSoft May2024,Interscope

ThenewesteditiontoBillieEilish’smasterfuldiscography,herfirstrecord withoutreleasinganysinglesbeforehand,comesasabitofamysteryBut there’snoneedtoworry-thedark,playfuledginessofherdebutalbum, andthematureyetunrestrainedoutputofemotionsonhersophomore, respectivelyprovethatBilliecanflawlesslycaptureanyatmosphereshe likesAnd,havingwonanarrayofawardslastyear,hercomebackfeels moreexcitingthanever.

G.O.A.T

WORDSBYMADELINEMONTISANO PHOTOSBYHOLLYWHITAKER

SincetheirhumblebeginningsontheBrixtonWindmillscene, SouthLondontrioGoatGirlhasconjuredupanalchemist’selixirofgenres andmusicalexperimentationtakingusonanuncannysonicodyssey.

Fortheband’sthirdstudioalbum,LottiePendlebury,RosyJones,andHollyMullineauxexplorethepowerof humanconnection,delvingintothecomplexitiesofauthenticityandintimacyinanincreasinglyfragmentedworld BelowTheWastetraversesunchartedterritoriesdefyingconventionwithaboldfusionofunkemptnoise-rock, delicatefolk,andinfectioussynth-popWiththerecord’sreleasethissummer,thebandconfrontsthelistener head-onwiththeabsurdityofourmodernexistenceandimaginesaworldfreeofsocietaldecay.

HowdidtherecentTestDriveUKtourgo?

Rosy:ItwasreallygoodItwassonicetoplay allthenewsongsandseehowpeoplereacted tothemTheLondonshow,especially,wasquite specialsincewegottoplaytheICAItfeltlike therightspacetopreviewthealbum.Wehada massivesoundsystemwith24speakersand fullsurroundsound.It'sniceforourmusictobe heardlikethat.”

What'sthestorybehindBelowtheWasteas analbumtitle?

Rosy:“Similartoourlastalbum,thistitle initiallystartedasajokeHollywasnaked belowthewaistandIwaslike,‘You'renaked’ Thenshewaslike,‘onlyfromthewaistdown’! Thenwewerelike‘belowthewaist’andwejust keptsayingitandgotreallyexcitedaboutthe phraseWe’reaphrasegroupWethoughtit encapsulatesthealbumthemesandit'sabit cheekyaswellsinceithasadoublemeaning.”

Whatwouldyousayarethethemesofthe album?

Lottie:“There'sanoverridingthemeof humansamongstnatureandthecitythatwe liveinanditsstrangerelationshiptonature. Wedon'tnoticenaturethatmuchwhichisthis weirdcontradictionthatconstantlyexistsin London.There'sadetachmenttonaturebut alsoabeautyinthewaythatnatureexists aroundus,whichissomethingthatwewanted toexploreinthisalbum.”

Rosy:“BelowtheWasteasksthequestions: Whatdoweneed?Whatdon'tweneed?What ismostimportanttousattheendoftheday? Ittriestostripbackthoselayerstoseewhat’s underthesurfaceandthingsforwhatthey are.“

“Weshowedourdemosto John‘Spud’Murphy. Hewaslike,‘Theseare thebestdemos I’veeverheard.’”

LDNMAGAZINE

HowdidgoingtoIrelandimpacttherecording process?

Lottie:“Weknewcomingintothisrecordthat wewouldn'trecordeverythinginonegoand wewantedtopiecethingstogetherinpartsWe sawIrelandasthebeginning,ratherthana meanstoanendBynotpressuringourselves to have a finished product at the end of Ireland,itmeantthatwecouldtakemorerisks andbemoreexplorative.“

Rosy:“Havingmoretimewasanicepositionto bein.Itwasgreattogetoutofthecityandgo intonature.Therewereamazinglandscapes andwegottogoonwalkstoclearourheads. Ruby,whoplayedcelloonthealbum,wasa keenforagerandtheyknewallthespotstoget mushrooms.Tohavealittlebreak,we’dgoand findthemushroomsandtherewereallthese patches of rotting mushrooms as well We threwtheserottedmushroomsateachotherto spreadthosesporeswhichwasfun!”

Lottie:Ifeltlikewewereonholidaywhere musicwasapartoftheexperience.

Creatively,werespondedtoourenvironment anditinfluencedthewaythealbumsounds whichisacoolthingtobeabletocapturein realtime,youknow?

Talkmethroughsomeoftheexperimentation youtookwithgenreandinstrumentationfor thisalbum.

Lottie:“Wearetryingtosubvertgenresonthis album,especiallywith‘motorway’,wherein essence,it'sapopsong.Itadherestocertain poptropes,likebeingoverlyproducedwitha hi-fisound,butwewerekeentoincorporate folkinstruments.Havingthosenatural momentswithinthoseunnaturaldigitised soundsaddedahumanenesstoit.”

Rosy:“There'satrackcalled‘jumpsludge’, whichfeaturesanarrayofinstruments.It'sgot thebanjo,thebass,thedrums,andthe mellotron.Thenwe'vegotachoiraswell,made upofourfriendsandfamilyThatarrangement ofinstrumentsisunsettlinginagoodway.Like something'sabitoffbutyou’reoddlyintoit Wereallywantedtobringasortofuncanny feelingtoourmusicthroughexperimentation andplayingaroundwiththelistener’s expectations.”

Welovedthe‘motorway’and‘ridearound’ musicvideos.Whatroledidyouplayarolein conceptualisingthesevideos?

Lottie:“Wewereabitmorehands-offwith ‘motorway’soitwasquitedifferentto‘ride around’wherewewereinvolvedwiththewhole process Holly Blakey, who directed and choreographed‘motorway’,metusatacafé wherewesharedourthoughtsandideasand she made the video based on her interpretationofourdescription.Weletherdo herthing.Wewentdowntotheshootandit wasveryexcitingtowatchthisvideocometo life.“

Itwasthecompleteoppositeofourexperience with‘ridearound’wherewewere,asinvolved asyoucanbewithoutbeingannoyingItwas lowbudgetandinvolvedaskingfavoursfrom friendswhohavevariousthingslikeapizza restaurantortakingtosomeone'sflat.That was quite fun because then we met funny peopleandstrangecharacters Itfeltlikea realjourneywiththatvideo.”

How was co-producing with John ‘Spud’ Murphy(blackmidiandLankum)?

Rosy:“Itwastheperfectpartnership.Weknew thatwewantedtoco-producebecausewe'd doneloadsofdemosandwhenweshowed themtoSpudhewaslike‘Thesearethebest demosI'veeverheard’.Wewantedasafepair ofhandstomakeourvisioncometolifeand wefeltlikeSpudwasthebestpersonforthat.

WhatwouldyouradvicebetoBIMMstudents aboutbuildingconfidencewhenstartingtheir musicaljourney?

Lottie:Findpeopletoplaywithanddon’tput toomuchpressureonyourselftohaveafully finishedproduct.Learntoenjoytheprocessof beinginabandbecauseyou'reprobablynot goingtogetitstraightaway You'vegotto believeintheprocessandunderstandtheebbs and flows of how you write together. Most importantly,beauthentictoyourselfbecause onlyyouhavetheexperienceofbeingyou.

Rosy:Themostimportantthingattheendof the day is that you want to be making something that you're passionate about. If peoplelikeit,theylikeit.Iftheydon't,they don'tlikeitBelieveinyourselfandmakemusic youwanttohear.

“Beauthentic. Believeinyourselfand makemusicyouwanttohear.”

LDNMAGAZINE DYLAN&DECLAN

LDN’sresidentphotographerGraceMinghellajoinedDeclanMckennaandDylan ontheLondonstopsoftheirtours,bothplayingtheirbiggestvenuestodate.

IN MUSIC VENUES WETRUST

WORDSBYLEELABRUNSDON

There’snodenyingthecharmofatrue grassrootsvenue.Lowceilings,plasticpint cupsthatsnapbetweenyourfingersand

floorsthatrequiregenuineefforttopeelthesoleof yourshoesoffofthemFromtucked-awaypubs echoingwiththerawenergyoflivemusicto repurposedwarehousesburstingwiththecreativity ofundergroundart,thesevenuesarethelifeblood ofLondon'sartisticecosystem

In the heart and soul of London,The100Clubisa compactbasementvenue and is where to be if you wanttoembracetheoldschoolvibeofperforming Withbrightredwallsand averyrock’n’rolldivebar aesthetic, it attracts likeminded young people everysinglenight

Butthey'renotjuststagesforperformance;they'regatheringplaces wherefriendshipsareforgedoversharedpassions,whereideasare exchanged,andwherethediversetapestryofLondon'sculturefindsits voice.

Theirimportancegoesbeyondmereentertainment.Thesegrassroots venues are the nurturing grounds for the next generation of artists, providing them with the platform to hone their craft, build their confidence,andconnectwithaudiencesonapersonallevel

Ifyoufindyourselftryingtograzethroughthegrassroots,looknofurther. LDNwanttoofferyouaguidetosomeoftheiconicwhileaccessible venuesinLondon.

The Fiddler’s Elbow is seated just outside of Camden, offering an always busy evening and a night of young talent It is an authentic retromusicvenuefullof musical memorabilia

Open seven nights a week with live music every night, it’s a musician’sparadise

ArenownedLondonvenue,

The George Tavern boasts over 700 years of history fromliterarygreatstoearly appearances by famous bandsandisawonderfully quirky night out. A moody, almostgothycandle-litpub with a stage front and centre that homes baby bandsverycomfortably

Tucked away in an elbow of Dalston, the Shacklewell Arms open their embrace to all kinds of bands With a separate moody bar area and a cosy and colourful performance room, it’s the ideal spot forliveevents

Atruegrassrootsvenue, TheAmershamArmsisa wicked pub venue that feelslikeyou’rehanging out in a student living room With high energy crowds, a supportive community and a welcomingstage

Immerseyourselfinthe2024festivalseason—avibrantexplosion ofmusic,fashion,andself-expression.Thisyear'sheadlinersare asdiverseandexcitingasthefashiontrendsbutthetunesarenot theonlythingturningheads,asMateuszNiesmialekreports

Sustainability:TheHeart ofFestivalStyle

No longer a passing buzzwo sustainabilityisthecoreoffestivalfash choicesin2024.Festivalgoersarerock incrediblelookswhilemakingconscio choices to lessen their environmen impact

TheVintage&ThriftRevolution: Pre-lovedclothinghasneverbeencoo Scouringvintageshopsandthriftsto forone-of-a-kindgemsistheultim waytoexpressindividualitywhilereduc fashionwaste.Lookforstatementpie like70s-inspiredbellbottoms,bandtees fromdecadespast,andperfectlyworn-in denimjackets.

Destiny’sChildrockin’theOGY2Klook

Groovy70s&Y2KThrowbacks

SustainableBrandsontheRise: BrandslikeReformation,Patagonia, andStellaMcCartneyleadthecharge, offeringfestival-readystylesthatareas kindtotheplanetastheyarestylish. Expectplentyofbreezylinensets,organic cottonjumpsuits,andswimwear fromrecycledmaterials

Fashion,likemusic,iscyclical,and2024 isexperiencingapowerfulwaveofnostalgia.

70sFever:

Think flowing maxi dresses, vibrant paisley prints,andenoughsuedetomakearock legendproud.FreePeople,Rixo,andvintage stores are your go-to destinations for channellingtheultimate70svibe.

Cheers(Drinktothat)Crossbodywaterbottleholders

Y2KRemix:

Theearly2000sarebackwithaplayful vengeance.Low-risejeans,butterflyclips, andasprinkleofkitschmakeacomeback. This time, there is an emphasis on sustainable twists, like upcycled pieces given new life with embroidery or DIY embellishments.

FloralFrenzy:

Ditsy floral prints on flowing dresses, delicatelaceaccents,andprairie-inspired silhouettesdominatethisromantictrend.

ComfortisQueen(andKing!)

Festivaldays(andnights)arelong,soeven the most trend-forward looks prioritise comfort.

Flow&Function:

Breathable fabrics like linen and cotton, relaxedsilhouettes,andpiecesthatmove withyouareessential.

PracticalAccessories: Crossbodybags,waterbottleholdersfor stayinghydrated,andstylishsunhatsare festivalmust-haves.

BoldIndividuality:Colour,Cut-Outs &CreativeDenim

2024festivalfashionisacelebration ofstandingout.Daringchoicesandplayful touchesarewhereit'sat!

ColourExplosion:

Forgetneutrals!Electricblue,hotpink and neon green are the colours of the moment. Oversized sunglasses, chunky statementjewellery,andvibrantheadwear addextrapopsofpersonality

Cut-Outs&Skin:

Cut-outs in unexpected places, sheer fabrics,andskinflashesaddplayfuldaring tofestivallooks

DenimGoneWild:

Ultra-distresseddenimisthecanvas for self-expression in 2024 Think heavily customized shorts, handpainted jeans adorned with patches, and eye-catching embroidery.Levi'sandOneTeaspoon areperfectstartingpointsforyourdenim DIYadventures.

BeyondClothing:ThePower ofAccessories

Accessorieselevateanyfestivaloutfit,and thisyearisallaboutmakingboldchoices

MacrameMania:

Leave the flower crowns behind and embrace the resurgence of macrame Intricatebelts,handcraftedbags,andeven macramejewelleryaddbohemiantexture andanartisanaltouch.

StatementJewellery:

Big,bold,andeclecticarethekeywords. Chunky necklaces, layered chains, and colourfulresinearringsampupanylook

FestivalBeauty:Glitter,Braids &Boldness

Hairandmakeupareanextension ofyourfestivalstyle.2024trendsembrace atouchofwhimsyandawholelotoffun

GlitterGalore:

Biodegradableglitterisamustforadding sparkletoyourface,hair,andbody. Goforsubtleaccentsorfull-onglam–it'suptoyou!

BraidedBeauties:

Fromintricatecornrowstoplayfulspace bunswithcolourfulbraidswovenin,braids arestylishandpracticalforfestivaldays.

PopsofColour:

Brighteyeshadow,boldlipstick,andplayful graphiclineraddanextradoseoffestival flair.

CowboyBootObsession: Nolongerreservedforlinedancing, cowboybootshavegonehighfashion. Intricateembroidery,boldcolours, andunexpectedtexturesmakethem thestatementpieceoftheseason. BrandslikeFrye,Ariat,andGannioffer freshtakesonthisclassic.

HELLO HALLYU

TheexplosivegrowthofSouthKorea’s entertainmentindustry

Inrecentyears,SouthKorea’smost significantculturalexporthasbeenKpop,agenreofpopmusicperformedin Korean Thegenrehasgainedglobal recognition,particularlyinLondon, becomingawidelyacknowledgedterm worldwide.FromconcertsintheO2Arena bygroupssuchasBLACKPINK,aespaand TWICE,toso-called‘clubnights’with musicfromStrayKidsorBTSblasting throughthespeakersallnightlong.

Themusicgenreistakingoverinthecity inmorewaysthanwemightrealise;there aredifferentshopsacrossthecitythat sellK-popalbumsandmerchandise;like ‘SoKollab’atRathbonePlaceand‘K-pop K-shop’inBethnalGreenRoad.UKartists suchasHenryMoodiecollaboratedwith NCTDream,andtheBritishband ColdplaypairedupwithBTS LeadingKpopentitiessuchasHYBEandJYP EntertainmentarefocusingonLondon, organisingconcerts,launchingpop-up stores,andconductingauditionsforthe nextK-popstar.

FromUKartistscollaborating withK-popidolstoKorean restaurantsopeningacrossthe city,Londonhasbecomethe go-todestinationforexperiencing asmallbitofSouthKorean culture,ofteninmorewaysthan onemightexpect

BSTHydeParkfestivalhasalsotappedinto theK-popfandom,showcasingBLACKPINK astheheadlineactlastyearandStrayKids forthisyear,whichleadstoanincreasefor theeconomyofthecityaswellasfans travellingfromallovertheworldtoLondon.

AnotherimpactthatK-pophasmade mostlyintheWesternpopindustryis throughtheiralbums.ThealbumsfromKpipactshavealotof“inclusions”suchas stickers,postersandphotocards Thelatter hasevenbecomeafashionstatementin ourdailystreetimage;it’scommontospot fansaccessorisingtheirbagswithholders forthesephotocards.

However,photocardsaren’ttheonlytrend; lightstickshavealsobecomefashion accessoriesatK-popconcerts.Thefirst everlightstickwasinventedin2006by BIGBANG.Now,everygrouphastheirown lightstick,andwearebeginningtosee theselightsappearinthecrowdsat WesternconcertslikeTaylorSwiftwhohas alightbraceletatherErasTour.While thosebraceletswereinventedby Coldplay’sMyloXylotoin2012,we’resure thatK-popwasabiginfluence.

LDNMAGAZINE

K-popisn’ttheonlyexportwithaglobalfootprint fromSouthKorea-thisappliestoK-dramasalso. In2023,Netflixinvested$2.5billioninSouthKorean showsforthenextfouryears Thesuccessof Koreanshowsishuge.LookatSquidGame.Oneof themostwatchedshowsonthestreaming platform,withover1.65billionviewhoursinthefirst 28daysafteritsrelease.SouthKorea’seconomy keepsgrowing,mostlybecauseofitsworldwide successintheentertainmentindustry.

K-beauty,K-fashion,K...

It’sK-everything.K-beautyandK-fashionhave arrivedinourcity TheKoreanlifestylecrazehas sweptthroughLondon,withskincareandbeauty shopspoppingupallover,drawingcrowdseager todiscovertheirnextfavouritebeautyproduct. Koreanskincareespeciallyhasgainedahuge reputationamongstyoungerpeople.Itspopularity stemsfromgenerationswhohavetestedand refinedtheseproducts,leadingtoskincarelines thatboastnaturalandgentleingredients.The result?Smoothandglowingskin-ahallmark promotedbynumerousKoreancelebrities.

Koreanbeautyproductsarenottheonlysuccess storyinLondon,thecityhasalsoembracedthe charmofKoreanphotoboots.Life4Cutsisonesuch companythathasarrivedinLondon.Wheretheir photoboothsstandoutisinthevarietyof accessoriesyoucanuse,fromcuteglassesto funkyhats.AKoreanphotoboothissomethingyou shouldexperienceinthecity!

KoreanCuisine:ATasteofSeoulinLondon

Withawidearrayofrestaurantsand supermarkets,there’splentyofKoreanfoodtofind inthecity.FromtraditionalKoreanBBQjoints wheredinerscangrilltheirmeatsrightattheir tables,tomodernfusionrestaurantsthatblend Koreanflavourswithotherculinarytraditions, LondonprovidesarichtapestryofKoreandining experiences.Someidolsareevenvisiting restaurantswhenthey’reinthecity,suchasboy groupATEEZwhovisitedLittleKoreainChinatown.

Whetherit’sdanceclassesonK-popsongsor exhibitionsaboutKorealikeDelight:MediaArt,the bondbetweenSouthKoreaandEnglandisstrong. Butifyouwanttherealexperience,thenbookinga flighttoIncheonairportisthewaytogo

KOREAN SKINCARE AND BEAUTY IN LONDON

Inspired to seek out some K-beauty? From Camden to Covent Garden, we ’ ve got you covered.

GlamTouch59BGreekStreet,London (Soho)

PURESEOUL1223ArielWay,W12 (WestfieldShoppingCentre, ShepherdsBush)

NatureRepublicUK64-66Charing CrossRoad(LeicesterSquare)

OnYouK-Beauty71KingstonRoad, KT3(NewMalden)

aigoo Groundfloor,PutneyExchange, PutneyHighStreet

P2bus21NewportCT,(CoventGarden) K-MisoBeauty7TurnpinLane, (GreenwichMarket)

ROBBIEZ ROBBIEZ BIMMINTRODUCING

FROMPERFORMINGAT HOOTANANNYINBRIXTON TOHAVINGHISEP FEATUREDONATIMES SQUAREBILLBOARD, AYUSHINATHWANIHEARS HOWOURRESIDENTPOP ICONISMAKINGHIS AMBITIONSAREALITY.

Whendidyoustart workingontheEPand whatwastheprocesslike? Lastyear,Istartedworking withTommyRinglove.Heis aSwedishproducer,who wenttoBIMMUniversityas well.Wevibedreallyeasily andcreatedawholesong fromlyricsandmelody, recordingandproducing thewholesonginfive hoursIt'sontheAdultBaby EP.Itwassoweirdbecause I'veneverhadthathappen. Then,fromFebruaryto June,wehadhalfoftheEP, andthenwefinisheditin SeptemberVisually,Ihad thatveryspecificvisionfor whatIwantedtheEPtolook likeandIdirectedand editedeverythingbecauseI lovedoingthat

Howdoesitfeel,finally gettingtoperformthese songsaftermonthsof workingonthem?

It'scrazy.It'slikethecoolest feelingever.WhenImoved toLondon,Iwasperforming songsthatIcreatedyears before,andtheyweren't representingmeasanartist andwhoIwantedtobe.Well, thesongsnoware representativeofwhoIwant tobeandtheshowthatI wanttoputonIwantittobe theatricalIwantittobe sarcasticandIwantitto representme-thewayI dress,thewayIexpress myself,andmypersonality. Gettingtoperformthatlive wasincrediblebecause creativeexpressioniswhatI livefor.

So,tellusthestorybehind ‘AmericanNightmare’-as it’snotreallythekindof songwewereexpectingon thisEP.

Thissongisaspecialoneto mebecauseIneverreallydo slowersongsorrockballads. Ihadadreammywholelife.

ThewayIsawit,itwasjusta representationofhowsociety makesitseem,thatAmerican dreamthatweallknowabout thatwe’vebeenbrainwashed withTwoorthreeyearsago,I hadthatwholedreamruined formeandmywholeworld collapsed.Ihadtore-think everything;mygoals,my dreamsandmylifeandIhad areallyhardtimedealing withthat.[‘American Nightmare’]isaboutthe sadnessandtheangerthat comeswithhavingyour dreamstakenawayfromyou. Weallwanttoknow,what’s thenextgoalforyou,and whencanweexpectmore music?

Rightnow,I'mtakingsome timeawayfromcreatinga littlebit.Now,it'salotof experimenting.Iwanttoshow adifferentsideofme, becauseI'mnotjustthis sarcasticartist,youknow?I wanttoshowpeoplemore seriousstuff.ButI'mexcited todropalotofmusicthat's differentlikethis.

IG:@iamrobbiez

DearDiaryEPcoverartworkbyVeniPetkova Creativedirection:RobbieZ

WORDS BY IZZY BASSETT

COUNTRY CURIOUS

EveryonefromQueenBeytoBieberis gettingcountry-curious.IzzyBassett exploreswhythisgenreisontherootin’ tootin’riseandwhethertheshiftinsound iswhollyauthentic.

It’snotuncommonforartiststodelveinto theoceanofgenrefluidity I’msureweall haveafavouriteartistwhotookadiveinto unfamiliarmusicterritoryforanalbum. Whethertheypitchedatentthereorkept movingtothenexttown,mostmusicartists haveexperimentedwiththeirartistryand sound However,thelastfewyearshave seenariseinsongwritingstylesfroman unlikelygenre.Whileit’snosecretQueen BeyistheGOATofthepopmusicscene,to mostofusthecountrymusicdropwasa surprise Countrymusicoriginatesfromthesouthern USstatesandcanbedescribedashaving sixgenerations.Throughtheyears,the encompassmentofothergenressuchas rock,rapand,mostimportantly,pophas propelledthisgenredeeperintopublic listening.Overthelastthreeyearsalone, countrymusichasgonefromjustundera thousandmillionstreamsayeartoovertwo thousandmillionstreamsayear In2023, 57%ofcountrymusiclistenerswere millennialsandGenZ.Isitanywonderwhen wewerebroughtupontheDisneyseries HannahMontana?WhiletheCOVID-19 pandemicdamagedalotoftheworld, countrymusicendedupthriving In2020, TIMEmagazinewroteanarticlequoting Spotify'sHeadofArtistic&LabelMarketing inNashville,BrittanySchaffer,who explained“Countrymusicisauthentic, relatable,andgivesyoucomfort Youwant tobeinaplacethatfeelslikehomeata timewhentheworldfeelsuncertain.”

LDNMAGAZINE

Aidedbysubgenres,countryhascertainly madeafinepartnerwithgenressuchas electro-popandrapmusic.I’msureweall remember,quitevividly,when‘OldTown Road’brokeontothescene.Theunusually confusingcollaborationbyLilNasXandBilly RayCyrus,abeautifulcombinationofnew andold,isnowwhatsomewouldconsider iconicspendingarecord-breaking19weeks onthemainBillboardHot100chartafter beingcontroversiallyremovedfromthe countrychartsfornotbeing“country enough".

Alongwiththat,EDMproducerZeddand MarenMorriscollaboratedtomakeoneof themostsuccessfulrepresentationsof electro-popandcountrymusicwith‘The Middle’,asongthatfourotherfemalepop artistsproduceddemosforbutdidn’tmake thecut EvenJustinBieberhascoppedinon thecountrymusicwagon,releasing‘10,000 Hours’withDan+Shayin2019.Most recentlycountrylegendDollyPartonhas pairedwiththeoneandonlyMrWorldwide Pitbulltorelease‘PowerfulWomen’which leftmanysocialmediausersinafrenzy.You willalwayshavethecountrymusiclegends startingbackfromtheearly1900sbutisthis newwaveofcollaborationand experimentationgivingcountrymusicaleg upin2024?

OGCOUNTRYCLAN:DOLLYPARTON,SHANIATWAINANDNEWCOMER KACEYMUSGRAVES

Like most sectors within the industry though, country music is no exception to male patriarchy. But the real country music icons are the females, and no one has a reasonable objection to that fact. Let's be truthful, ladies, we’ve all at one point screamed scornfully to ‘Before He Cheats’ by Carrie Underwood. I deduce more than a few of us!

Or for the more favourable Grey’s Anatomy fans, ‘The Story’ by Brandi Carlile? Women in country are the women of the era, one in particular who has several Eras to her name

It wouldn’t be right to talk about country music and not mention this century’s front runner Taylor Swift. Born and bred Nashville resident, Miss Swift has never left her roots despite being an artist familiar with genre fluidity. With the re-release of some of her earlier country albums and the Eras tour positioned as a historical event, increasingly young fans are experiencing what country music is The spike in cowboy boots on Google Trends over the last five years is extraordinary, cowgirl aesthetic is in and has the trending music to accompany it Newer female country icons like Gabby Barrett, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves and Kelsea Ballerini are clearing up at the Grammys but pay homage to the women that set the tone; Dolly Parton, Shania Twain and The Chicks.

Alongside the classics, it’s no shock that with the growth of TikTok came the growth of county music Country music trends are becoming far more common, especially now. I can’t be the only one whose For You Page is filled with Beyonce’s’ Texas Hold ‘Em and Dasha’s ‘Austin.’ Past trends have also included the likes of Maren Morris’s ’80s Mercedes’ and Gabby Barrett's ‘I Hope’ Not to mention the dance trends like ‘Something In The Orange’ the Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen songs used as a background for CapCut videos

It was reported that a third of Morgan Wallen’s listeners are women aged 18-24, an uncanny likeness to the majority of TikTok users (57% of the platform identify as female users.) Like most things in the modern-day industry, social media can have a detrimental effect on music which poses the question of whether these artists are using genre fluidity to join the trend? Is this shift authentic or a marketing ploy, especially under the influence of Taylor Swift and the newer artists that are so inspired by her country era?

The allowance of more exposure through different platforms leaves a lot open to the future We know the music industry is forever changing and evolving. Maybe there is an operatic country tune on the 2024 bingo cards, but the country sector is far from closing the barn doors on its talent. Music is not linear, that’s what makes it so varied, and the freedom of creativity is what draws us to incorporate it into our everyday lives. Regardless of your genre preferences, music is art and art is there to be explored and enjoyed