MIC magazine

ijhideiehfhb May 15th 2013

Music is the medicine for the soul

Exclusive interview with up-and-coming grime producer NiLZz Latest shocker in the career of Tony Iommi, has he killed his rockstar image?

Norway vs. UK the battle of the music industries who will come out on top?

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Editors Letter Hi everybody, We welcome you to the awesome world of MIC. If you don’t understand the name, sucks for you, because by picking up this magazine you have given yourself a new way to experience music and culture, through our microphone.

We don’t just take notice of what we hear and how they dress, we will delve into how they feel what they aspire to and just how much fun they are really having.

We bring you the fun, the nitty gritty details and painfully blunt honesty on what we really think of all the people we meet, review and listen to, whether we love it, hate it or want to throw it out the window in the most rock and roll fashion you can imagine, you will know exactly what we think.

Our voice to the world, and you guys.

In this issue we have spoken to bands such as Speaking in Shadows, visited Norway to talk music culture with the crew of B.A.W.S, spent hours having fun and drinking at gigs, and relaxing the day after with movies and music to give you the latest.

From the staff and I. Camilla Jorddal.

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www.mic-online.co.uk

OUR STAFF Name: Camilla Jorddal Position: Editor Comment: I have listened to the same song everyday for 13 years. And my first tattoo was paid for by my dad in Vegas, an L.V special the ace of spades.

Name: Lizzy Freeman Position: Art director Comment: I was born while metallica was playing. And I dye my hair ginger ‘cos I feel bad for people being bullied for being ginger!

Name: Katie Dyba Position: Writer Comment: I love anything with stars on. And I have 7 tattoos, one is a music themed sleeve on my right thigh which includes a massive guitar.

Name: Rebecca Jenkins Position: Head freelancer Comment:I am half Chinese and half English but I also have an American passport, all these different cultures are really important in my life.

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CONTENT...

NEWS 8 Latest updates on Downloads, Eurovision and Roskilde.

THE IMPACT FASHION HAS ON MUSIC 39 Looking into musicians fashion choices and why.

SPEAKING IN SHADOWS EXCLUSIVE 16

FANCY DRESS 43

FESTIVAL’S 20

This is who we saw and what we thought.

How to dress for you An insight into life favourite genre. on the road for this popular band.

GIG REVS. 47

The summer festivals are here, get your boots on.

FILM REVS 50

STREET ART 24

This is what we watched and what we Where street art and thought. music meet.

MUSIC REVS 52 NiLZz Interview 28 This is what we Exciting interview listened to and with up and coming what we thought. producer.

GIGS 56 NORWAY VS. UK 33 Check out up and B.A.W.S fill us in on coming gigs all the Norwegian music over the World. scene.

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NEWS

UK music downloads hit one billion mark With CD sales hitting an all time low it seems we are in a download boom.

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his record was reached on Monday 8th April, 10 years after the launch of downloads was legalised.

The Official Charts Company have now said that on average more than three million tracks are now sold every week and the UK is downloading this much too.

Back in 2012, the number of digital tracks had risen, with 188.6 million songs bought. Which is up 6% from 2011.

We are now in a time and age where downloading and streaming music is seen as something to do when you are either bored or when you are with your friends, it is also seen as a way of telling others about new music that you may have found that they may not know about.

Martin Talbot, the Managing Director of the Official Charts Company, said:

“The explosion in download sales over the past nine years means we

Picture credits: Album art from Itunes

1. Adele - Someone Like You 2. Maroon 5 ft Christina Aguilera Moves Like Jagger 3. Gotye ft Kimbra - Somebody I Used To Know 4. Black Eyed Peas - I Gotta Feeling 5. Rihanna ft Calvin Harris - We Found Love 6. Kings Of Leon - Sex On Fire

are genuinely now living in the

7. Carly Rae Jepsen - Call Me Maybe

digital music age.”

8. LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem

Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive of the BPI, added: “As fans are increasingly downloading music on the move using tablets, smartphones and connected cars, this will drive another phase in digital music’s expansion.”

So far in 2013, an average of 500,000 digital tracks have been bought every day in the UK. The next thing which will be on the agenda of music and digital downloads may well be what is the limit when downloading? Can a limit be put on how much people can download? Will there be a limit on how much you can spend per day purchasing and downloading music?

Will music companies such as YouTube start charging in some kind of way? Can they do that? How simple can downloading music get? Can it get any simpler?

By Katie Dyba

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The top 10 mostdownloaded songs of all time in the UK are:

www.mic-online.co.uk

9. Bruno Mars - Just The Way You Are (Amazing) 10. Jessie J - Price Tag

Want to hear a funny joke?

A member of Black Sabbath is writing a song for the Armenian entry for Eurovision song contest

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EWS FLASH this is not a joke. Talk about a sell-out, Tony Iommi has given the Armenian rock band Dorians a rock ballad written by him for them to perform at the semi-finals on the 14th of May this year. He claims he originally didn’t want to get involved with the contest but decided to send over his ballad ‘Lonely Planets’ just to see what the band thought, which it then transpired they loved the song and decided to use it for their entry.

Congratulations to Tony, it is an amazing compliment to his skills as a writer, but we here at MIC think it is a bad

Last 10 winners of the Eurovision song contest:

move for his career. People don’t watch Eurovision for the quality of the music; surely we all watch it for the cheese factor?

2006 Finland “Hard rock hallelujah” Lordi

2003 Turkey “Everyway that I can” Sertab Erener 2004 Ukraine “Wild dances” Ruslana 2005 Greece “My number one” Helena Paparizou

As a high profile and incredible

2007 Serbia “Molitva” Marija Serifovic

rock musician, becoming the king

2008 Russia “Believe” Dima Bilan

of cheese seems like a strange decision to make.

As far as we are concerned. The song itself is an incredible piece of work, but when sung by Armenian Singer Gor Sujyan it quite frankly sounds pretty crap, he does not have a rock voice, its too soft, the song has lost its oompf.

We are so upset by this move from Mr. Iommi, we pray the new Black Sabbath album being released later this year is not as much of a let-down or we may just loose faith in our old rock gods. The up and coming album ‘13’ will feature the original line up of Black Sabbath. Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler, these men have been recording together since 1978 , that’s a pretty impressive run in the current music business. Let’s hope

2009 Norway “Fairytale”Alexander Rybak 2010 Germany “Satellite” Lena 2011 Azerbaijan “Running scared” Ell/Nikki 2012 Sweden “Euphoria” Loreen

this catastrophic decision doesn’t affect their credibility.

If I am listening to rock gods I want real rock and roll careers, not a late midlife crisis into the world of cheese.

By Lizzy Freeman

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NEWS

Big names at Roskilde this year Roskilde Festival is the place to be in the start of July. 8 stages to give you the best of the best from the music world.

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oskilde Festival is one of the six biggest annual music festivals in Europe. South of Roskilde in Denmark is where summer happens for music enthusiasts in Europe and this year is no exception.

10 others to watch at the festival are:

“Roskilde Festival’s 43rd

2. Turboneger

line-up came in the middle of April. Almost 200 artists

3. Lykke Li

unveiling a multicoloured music catalogue of countless

4. James Blake

genres, nationalities and moods.”

From 29th June till 7th July you can enjoy Queens of the Stoneage, The Lumineers, Gnucci, Rihanna, Slipknot, Kvelertak, Disclosure and Kendrick Lamar while your drinking up and sleeping in tents. And when the line-up is complete I guess we can expect even bigger names.

1. Volbeat

5. Karpe Diem 6. The National 7. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club 8. Suicidal Tendencies 9. Miguel

Picture credits: Anette Øster

By Camilla Jorddal

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10. Pissed Jeans

NEWS

New album releases...

Daft Punk

will be releasing their new album ‘Random Access Memories’.

Eight years in the making, the new album features contributions by Nile Rodgers, Giorgio Moroder, house producer Todd Edwards, and many others. The French DJs have begun introducing the cast with a series of collaborative videos.

“Two androids are bringing soul back to music,” Edwards said in a clip posted this week. Random Access Memories apparently captures an American “west coast vibe”, influenced by Fleetwood Mac, the Eagles and the Doobie Brothers.

“They reversed gears and went back to a time that no one’s really focusing on,” Edwards said.

Random Access Memories will be released by Columbia Records on 12th May.

Picture credits: Album art from Itunes

Rock legends Black Sabbath’s new album ‘13’ is due for release on the 11th June 2013. The album will have eight tracks in total, and it was reported also that the band will premiere the song ‘End Of The Beginning’ on the season finale of TV show CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.

‘13’ is the first album that Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler have recorded together since 1978’s ‘Never Say Die!’ The Birmingham rock legends made the album primarily in Los Angeles with renowned producer Rick Rubin and features Rage Against The Machine’s Brad Wilk, who replaces original sticksman Bill Ward on drums.

The album will be available in a number of formats, including the Standard CD album release, a deluxe double CD album (which includes a second disc of bonus material), 12-inch heavyweight vinyl (180g) in a gatefold sleeve plus a super-deluxe box set containing a Black Sabbath - The Reunion documentary.

In advance of the new album, Black Sabbath will tour Australia, New Zealand and play a show at Ozzfest in Japan.

Trio girl band Stooshe are releasing their album ‘London with the Lights On’ on the 27th May 2013.

The set will feature popular tracks ‘Black Heart’ and Love Me’, as well as new single ‘Slip’. The cover of TLC’s ‘Waterfalls’ will not be appearing on the album, band singer Karis Anderson reveals the girl band think of new song ‘Slip’ as their comeback single. She tells Britain’s Daily Starz newspaper: “We are pretending ‘Waterfalls’ didn’t happen, that song was never our decision.

“Slip now feels like a comeback, even though we’ve only been around for a year.

‘Waterfalls’ is not going on the album. We love the TLC version, but we didn’t like it as a single for us.”

By Katie Dyba

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Tweets @scooterbraun #Music is medicine for the soul

@FRIENDSHIP # People are like music. Some speak the truth, the others just make noise. @yelyahwilliams # We leave for tour tomorrow night. Prepare for the onslaught of tour updates & new album spam... @orangefeeling # @rihanna is coming to Roskilde Festival 2013 #rf13. We think it time for a spectacular pop party. @Harry_Styles # Cannot get ‘Brother’ by @Matt_Corby out of my head.. @henrydenyer # Fok wish i didn’t get kicked out of Barn on the farm festival last year i really wanna see Matt Corby @UntoldSecrets #The human brain can remember at least 850,000 minutes worth of music @Aon__ # Blood makes you related. Loyalty makes you family.

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Instagram #bjolley35

#brenbutcher Green Day’s gig in Rochester

Foals concert in Westminister

#nafisha91 The Script in Manchester

#alibongo111 Speaking in Shadows at Manchester Academy

#grooblin Coachella was the place to be in April.

#sam_baws BAWS performing at BlĂĽ in Oslo

#lydiapowell Bastille giving it their best

#cjorddal Light-show by Disclosure

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Picture credits: Speaking in shadow’s own

Pictue credit: Speaking in Shadown own

INTERVIEWS

orming in 2010 this band has gone from strength to strength, releasing their first official music video in 2012 before embarking on an extensive tour through the UK. They claim to be refreshing the alternative rock scene, and we believe them.

They aren’t trying hard to impress with co-ordinated style, tacky outfits or man makeup (which is never a good look by the way) they look like average guys, initiating a belief that you could make it too. The stage shows completely geared up to focus you on the incredible music they play, and capture you from that first beat to dance around like a mad one, well worth it. After the show we went to in Southampton’s Joiners, we got the chance to sit down with the guys and get the lowdown on their first ever tour, their style and what they hope for in the future.

Adam Smith: Vocals

Lewis Sketchley: Guitar Ali Carvell: Guitar Sam Powell: Bass Grant Sketchley: Drums

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Hey guys, how is your first ever tour going?

Adam: amazingly! This is the first time we have been away from home, living independently and travelled around the UK, and we get to do it with our best mates, playing the music we love, is there anything better.

Ali: yes Grant’s hot chocolate, that’s on a whole new level….. Although I guess we don’t sound too rock and roll now (All laugh) Grant: hey thanks Ali, you just killed my macho visard.

Adam: yeah right Grant (more laughter) Well before we kill Grants confidence let us move on can you describe to us your music, what are you trying to communicate to the live audiences through your performances?

Adam: I think it is important for the audience to relate to what they are hearing, we have a fairly young fan base so we try and gear everything

towards that age group.

Grant: meaning we sing a lot about young love haha, not that any of us know about that but Ali. Ali: it’s because I’m macho and don’t make hot chocolate for 5 guys in a small bus…

Adam:

“Yeah Ali’s the only one of us with a Girlfriend at the moment… hey ladies (winks)” Moving swiftly on before this gets too desperate, so you play a lot of original stuff, do you think it is important for new/ up-and-coming bands to do this?

Sam: definitely, Adams amazing at coming up with new lyrics for us to base the music around, it means we stand out at what we do… and in this market this is essential.

Adam: Yeah we always strive to play our own stuff, we did right from the start. Plus its what really brought us together as a band, a shared interest composing good music.

Lewis: plus it means we get to make up amazing guitar solos and lyrics to give the fans brand new stuff to play on repeat, if we copy other stuff it’s just not the same is it?

So is it something you find hard, for example agreeing on lyrics or riffs?

Adam: not really, every now and then I get stuck on lyrics and the guys help me work through it, but mainly we stick to our instruments and work out what fits with what we like from each other, it’s a long process but I think that’s the time we enjoy together the most.

Ali: definitely, I think if we didn’t have such intense jamming sessions our bond wouldn’t be as good and the music would reflect that.

Grant: plus we are good at being honest with each other, if we don’t like something we can confidently tell each other and no one really gets offended.

By Lizzy Freeman

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Picture credits:

That’s good, but what about the bands lifestyle?

Do you take part in any other stereotypical ‘rock band’ things, like drink, drugs and sex? Or excessive swearing and being abusive towards fans?

Lewis: god no Adam: does that make us sound like losers?

Sam: we do drink, and enjoy our social life, but we aren’t like rude or druggies or man whores Ali: *laughing* Sam I can’t believe you said man whore, but I agree we prefer to be about our music not our scandalous behaviour.

So do you find it hard touring, I know a one of you is relationships and stuff, does it affect that? Or your family/social lives?

Ali:

“Yes, I find it really hard, but it’s my dream and my girlfriend pushes me to pursue it and I love what I do and I love her, it’s just about striking a balance.”

Adam: is that why you cry every night into your hot chocolate Grant: I hope you don’t that will ruin the flavour.

I’m joking, but we do all find it hard being away from home I think. I miss proper food more than anything.

Sam: oh god your mums roasts, I wish she was our tour cook!

All: yes!

Haha! Well Imagine you’re could rewind back to 2010 when you decided to start up the band, would you do it all again knowing what you do now?

Adam: I definitely would, as long as these guys still agreed, I couldn’t do it with anyone else Ali: you big sop.

Adam: well its true, we are like brothers now it just works.

Sam: I would do this again in a blink of an eye Lewis: me too.

Grant: I would, the only change I would make was the first time I made my hot chocolate.

Ali: we wouldn’t have kept you this long without it Grant: that’s just mean.

Ali: not really GROUP HUG! At this point I got dragged into a very sweaty hug and decided this was the place to end the interview.

The guys really prove that it’s not just sex drugs and rock and roll in this industry, it can be best friends, amazing music and hot chocolate. What better mix is there than that?

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INTERVIEWS

The Great Escape - 16th-18th May 2013.

Isle of Wight - 13th-16th June 2013.

Download - 14th-16 June 2013.

Glastonbury - 26th-30th June 2013.

Beach Break lIVE - 20th - 24th June 2013.

Barn on a Farm - 5th-7th July 2013.

T in the Park - 12th-14th July 2013.

Latitude - 18th - 21st July 2013.

Kendal Calling - 26th-28th July 2013.

Eastern Electrics - 2nd-4th August 2013.

Boardmasters - 7th-11th August 2013.

Rewind - 15th-18th August 2013.

Reading and Leeds - 23rd-25th August 2013.

Creamfields - 23rd-25th August 2013.

Picture credits: Lauren Aquilina’s own, Leeds fan picture

estivals 2013

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Barn on a Farm 2013:

Barn on a Farm is a festival that is now well known for showcasing new and upcoming artists from all over the UK.

L

auren Aquilina from Windsor is an up and coming artist that has announced that she will be sharing the stage alongside other artists such as: Matt Corby.

Lewis Watson, Hudson Taylor and many more.

Lauren has been picked up by BBC Introducing as a ‘one to watch for 2013’, had her latest EP ‘Fools’ played on BBC Radio 1 and has had her music played on television programmes such as Hollyoaks.

As the young singer is a festival virgin, she has never sung or actually been to any festival at all, (shock horror!) it makes the build up and experience of being in the line-up for Barn on a Farm more exciting: “I’m really excited about playing at Barn On The Farm! I’m very excited to be sharing a line-up with Matt Corby, he’s awesome. Also, half the line-up is pretty much made up of my friends, it’s going to be a big party.” Said Lauren.

At festivals, you always see different cultures fusing together, Lauren is hoping to see lots of different cultures amongst the spectators dancing their time away, with not a care in the world: “I’m hoping to see a difference, more of the cultural side to music at the festivals. It’s going to be a total new experience for me and I can’t wait.” The eighteen-year-old said.

Lauren also believes that festivals should be able to enjoy having the variety of cultures enjoying the festival and showing the varieties of cultures at bigger festivals will fuse together and become one, purely because of the love of music: “Definitely! Especially at the big ones like Glastonbury where there are so many different cultures and genres of music coming together.

I think it’s a great way to meet people and fuse different cultures.

The aspiring pop singer is also in the line up of Kendal Calling Festival with artists playing such as: Basement Jaxx. Primal Scream, Seasick Steve, and many others on other stages. She is also singing at The Great Escape with people such as Kodaline, Everything Everything, A Tribe Called Red in the lineup: “I’m also playing at Kendal Calling, and The Great Escape.”

By Katie Dyba

Lauren’s EP ‘Fool’s’ is out now on iTunes.

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FEATURES

TREET ART AND

C I S MU

Picture credits: C215 own

M

usic and art have often been two creative outlets that combine perfectly, bringing together the best of street art and new music at festivals such as Piece Festival in LA and The Annual street art festival in the UK. This is one place were people can really represent themselves in their own way. One artist we spoke to was French street artist C215 for insight into the secretive lives of those urban artisans.

Renowned for maintaining an elusive and often anonymous persona, C215 is an artist from a small village just outside the city of lights, Paris. Interested in art at a young age, he first began creating urban pieces in 2005. After his daughter, Nina, was born,

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he gave up his decorating job to return to his true passion. He describes a devotion to art as less of a creative flair, more of an obsession; each creation is the center of his world, captivating him with every outline, stroke and detail.

“Culture helps to go straight to deep understanding of iconography and process,”

He says. “Dialoguing with art history helps with inspiration and technique.”

His artwork is an emotive urban insight into the

homeless and poverty-stricken. At first glance it wouldn’t strike you as street art - it could easily be on a canvas - however, not one to conform, even in a gallery exhibition he spreads his work over the brick walls or on suitcases and old post boxes.

When asked about the connections found between street art and music he explains;

“What could go better together than art and music, its two stunning urban exhibitions of style, talent and passion?

The two art forms and people working in them connect perfectly creating a beautiful unison of bright colourful design and music.”

Street art can be the stunning display of artwork, like C215’s own creations, or the juvenile-looking ‘tagging’ we’ve become accustomed to seeing on the streets. Where do we draw the line between the

two? We all know what we perceive as beautiful and what looks like a mess when it comes to graffiti, but what does it look like through an artist’s eye?

“Street art comes from the heart. It’s communicating emotions,“ C215 explains. “I hate tagging. It ruins what could potentially be an awesome way to decorate the greyness of the world.”

His most daring moment, he claims, was painting his self-portrait outside the National Portrait Gallery on a busy Friday afternoon. “I was crazy that day,” he admits.

Crazy, perhaps. But a genius nonetheless.

By Lizzy Freeman

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N M FEATURES

Picture credits: Katie Dyba Photography

iLZz uzik

bands s, st ti r a lo so t u bo a ll a Its not d n a s r ce u od r p s, y a d a ow n s n and musicia in the e m ti r ei th g n ti et g ow n e DJs ar r... la u op p s a st ju g in m co be d n limelight a

By Katie Dyba

28 www.mic-online.co.uk

“

I’ve dabbled with drugs was and alcohol in the past, I

always in trouble with the at has police, but nothing like th s, so happened in over five year n’t I’m living proof that it does

L

uke Bonella, also known as NiLZz, aged just twenty-two, is becoming a well-known producer in Wiltshire, doing what he does best; producing beats and making tracks in the Trap, Hip-Hop and Grime music scene.

“I haven’t always wanted to be a producer, but I am now glad I started production.” He said. Luke then started to explain the story of where he began: “Well it started off back in 2006, when I started messing around with my mate, he’d just rhyme random words and I’d “attempt” to beat-box. That went on for a month or so, until I thought it might be a laugh to try and rap myself. I got hold of another friend who was passionate about song writing, and he showed me a few rappers around Gloucester my age that were doing the same thing which influenced me somewhat.”

He continued: “My friend wrote something basic for me that I changed, chopped, and recorded using an old webcam microphone. I progressed with my song writing and in three months, I released a basic CD with about eight tracks I had written myself, which admittedly were not the best, but I attracted a lot of attention from around the UK whilst promoting on Bebo, due to my different sort of rhyming scheme and the speed I could reach on any sort of beat.”

“

always have to be that way.

“Anyway, I progressed and learnt the basics of vocal mastering from YouTube tutorials, and carried on listening to new, undiscovered artists to give me an idea of how I would have to step my game up to get more fame as an MC. I met a few guys from London who got me pirate radio plays, including one few minute slot on the infamous Rinse FM, before it became a legitimate station.” He explained.

“I got into Grime music a lot more and strayed away from Rap, which then led me to go on a yearlong break in 2009, due to the fact that everybody was doing it. I came back strong, after learning how to use Fruity Loops Studio from YouTube tutorials, and then started producing full time. My plan is to get noticed and to just basically keep on doing what I do, and continuously keep upping my game and

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FEATURES

“

Picture credits: Katie Dyba, + album art

I’m pro and to others, that money and a good ed you’re genuine

promoting myself 110%.”

Luke has managed to sell his beats as part of his career already: “I’ve got to the stage where I’ve started selling beats now, I believe I’m now producing well enough to charge for my services.”

Everyone has their reasons for choosing their paths of working amongst different music, Luke explained why he went down the path he did: “I started producing Hip-Hop, Grime, and Trap because I have always been a fan of those genres and instead of listening to artists and thinking: “that beat could sound so much better like this”, I can do as I wish.”

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There are some assumptions that with these Hip-Hop and Grime genres; that the cultures behind them are not something good, Luke expressed his view on this assumption: “Ahh, that old chestnut.

I know the genres are related to drugs and crime and crap, but hopefully it’s not just me that thinks the stereotypes on those genres can be changed if everything is positive. A lot of the major artists rap about that, because they don’t write their own material, they just parrot the writers” He said. adding: “There are so many unsigned artists writing positive things, or things relating to what they

oving to myself, t it doesn’t take loads of ducation to do things that ely passionate about.

“

have personally been through. In my opinion, I’ve dabbled with drugs and alcohol in the past, I was

C

always in trouble with the police, but nothing like that has happened in over five years, so I’m living proof that it doesn’t always have to be like that.”

Which also brings up the topic of why people follow these genres of music, if they know that the assumption is made and they have these stereotypes and are portrayed badly? “I believe people follow these genres of music, because the big corporations brainwash people into thinking that it’s all well and good. I’m not going to go into all of that rubbish, but most artists nowadays are just byproducts of multi-billion dollar companies that are just full of greed.” He ranted, ending with a sigh.

Producers are becoming just as successful as actual singing artists in today’s time. They also have inspirations, “I was inspired by Skeamz, one of the biggest producers of Grime back in the day, with tracks from Chipmunk, and Wiley, produced by him.

Luckily for me, he wasn’t one of those self-centred producers that don’t pay attention to his fans. He gave me a lot of advice, and basically told me to just do what I do, and try as hard as I could not to sound like everyone else.” He said.

When you are involved in the music industry, whether you are a solo artist, in a group, play musical instruments, DJ or produce music, if you don’t feel anything like satisfaction after you have

heck out his latest beats online...

Follow Twitter: KING_NiLZz Facebook: nilzzmuzik123 and Youtube: NiLZz Muzik made something, you are doing it wrong. Luke explained how he feels when he produces music: “My feelings are all positive. I have had a fair few artists use my instrumentals, and it makes me feel good, and as if in some way, I’m proving to myself, and to others, that it doesn’t take loads of money and a good education to do things that you’re genuinely passionate about.”

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Picture credits:

NEWS

2

www.mic-online.co.uk

OUK

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RWAY V.S

The music culture in Norway and UK. The differences and other fun stuff. BAWS guys and an English dude.

By Camilla Jorddal 33

A

FEATURES everyone in the crew has his or her own way of being the most creative people Aon knows.

“We share a vision, a passion and values of good and bad work. We are quite coherent and we, or B.A.W.S, could actually be just one person. But it could be difficult if we were just one, since we do so many things. Imagine one person doing text, producing, music, network operations, promotion, concerts, fashion, movie making, photography, administration and guidance, it is more than a fulltime job,” Aon laughs.

He goes on to explain that this is becoming a trend in Norway.

Young people getting together to create groups of individuals with different talents, pushing themselves into the creative music industry.

“It’s just a coincidence that I’m here actually. I got to know Phil T Rich out and about in Oslo, ended up at an after party with him,

Picture credits: Michael Ray Vera Cruz Angeles, Tom Øverlie

on Raza Naqvi is a Norwegian artist and a member of B.A.W.S, Being Artful With Style.

This is a creative group of 13 different professions and talents creating way to dominate the music business. It’s a crew of new up-and-coming artists, producers, photographers, movie directors and writers. They do everything on their own, which is a new trend among young musicians in Norway – especially in Oslo’s underground environment. They are not just people with passion they have real talent, Phil T Rich, a musician and member won one of the biggest music contests in Norway last February.

“Even though it’s all about music, we’re a large group of friends and a company at the same time. Our vision is to conquer the music industry.” Aon shares.

He claims that B.A.W.S is like his family and that they run a household together. That

which led to friendship. We could feel our talents, and after a while I got to meet the other guys – Sam, Emilio, and so on. So all of us did a track together, called ‘Game Over’ and then it all began.”

The guys from B.A.W.S make music in both Norwegian and English, and feature each other on tracks all the time. Aon says that he thinks fame has a lot to do with how music is dealt with in different countries.

“I don’t know how it works out in the world. But money and fame are much more exclusive in countries with more people.

I mean, happy and up-beat music sells. But in Norway there has been a change lately. For example, Norwegian rap was looked at as crap a couple of years ago, now everybody takes it more serious. Just the fact that Phil T Rich won one of the biggest music contests in Norway says a lot. Especially when you think about the lyrics, ‘den bitchen er gal’ - translated to ‘That bitch is crazy’. We are more open to rap and vulgar language now,” The unique thing about the music culture in Norway is the young age at which people get drawn into it.

“If rap was the figure of 70’s-80’s in New York, when do you think it was common in Norway? What is the most unique thing about this is that the environment is anything but finished formed and established. it lets down the potential of the country.”

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“

Even though it’s all about music, we’re a large group of friends and a company at the same time. Our vision is to conquer the music industry.

”

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Picture credits: Hanne Erøy, Michael Ray Vera Cruz Angeles, album art

FEATURES He is right; it is small, both the urban culture in Norway and Norway itself. But the Norwegian music and artists really stand out.

Aon explains that Norwegians give out more music now than before, especially hip hop.

Musicians in Norway rarely get superstar-salary, as Aon calls it.

But he thinks they have more passion than anyone, because they have to do everything right, and really good, to make a living out of it. He also says that the industry itself helps a lot: “They’re good pushers, if I can call them that. They create contests and festivals, which are great platforms for young up and coming artists and bands.”

Aon says that new artists today should be thankful for being here today trying to reach their goal and to not be stuck in the past.

“Today we can make an album in our bedroom, on our own, with cheap tools. They should thank technology and the digital revolution. Much is done through social media, so everybody can start on their own. But in bigger countries I get why they would need a record deal to get out there. It’s harder to reach out to 10 millions, than 5 millions.”

Even though Aon knows that he could reach a bigger audience doing his music in English, he doesn’t care.

“If you asked me to explain a picture in English versus Norwegian, I would explain it better in Norwegian, since

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my vocabulary allows me to reflect and think about details.

I read books in Norwegian, watch Norwegian TV and speak Norwegian, and unnatural pronunciation wins no credibility.

So for me it’s just best in Norwegian. In theory you might say that English would be better, since we’re more used to rap in English. But for me it’s quality over quantity.

Christopher Lavender is a member of the British band Skies

about the music industry as I should, most of what I would say would be based on assumption.

I assume that my bands type of music isn’t really favored by the main bulk of the industry. I don’t think there are many unique things about the music culture in Britain anymore. Obviously we had the British punk era that was a big thing. We’re actually not here to be different. We just want to go out, make music and have as much fun doing it as possible.”

of Titan, he’s a big fan of foreign music and would love to get signed in China but can’t since he’s British. He loves the rush of being on stage.

“Music moves people. I’m not too ashamed to admit I almost teared up when I saw the Sussex Symphony Orchestra perform.”

There’s a lot of good music out there, and for some it works to be different. It might not be the easiest thing in a big country like Britain, Norway is in some way easier. But Christopher says that the British music industry do open doors for new artists.

“There are a lot of music

The band writes their own material, play and record it all themselves. But when it comes to their first music video they’ll be getting outside help from a friend.

“I really don’t know as much

competitions you can enter, not just the big ones on TV. Plus magazines are usually really good when it comes to featuring new up-and-coming ones.

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Q&A

Name: Emilio Larrain Artist name: Emilio Age: 23 Residence: Oslo, Norway How would you describe the Norwegian music culture?

I would say that accept the fact that it is all about music, the Norwegian music culture is Norwegian.

Norway is a small country and there are not a lot of Norwegians in the world compared to other nationalities. You get to know the environment really fast, and the people in it. It quickly becomes like everyone knows everybody, and that is special.

Why have you chosen to sing in the language you do?

I felt it was right for me. My mum introduced me to music, and there was not a lot of Norwegian rap at home. So I started with English. I have always had this thing for music being cooler when more people understand what you’re saying.

What distinguishes a Norwegian artist from any other?

A lot of cool people. We might be a bit weirder in our own way up here, and that creates a special vibe to Norwegian music.

How does the Norwegian music industry welcome fresh faces?

They will always give you a chance to be heard when you’re new in the game. Just look at what Urørt did for us!

What is BAWS? And what does it mean to you?

B.A.W.S is my home away from home.

How did you become a member of B.A.W.S, and why?

I don’t feel like I became a member in one way. It didn’t happen over night, it became more evident over time. And it all began with a group of friends, my guys, and that is what made us. So it happened naturally.

What is the most unique thing about B.A.W.S? First of all I don’t feel like anyone like us exsists, and what we do. The best thing is that we do what we love, support each other and we understand what it means to have loyalty to someone.

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FEATURES Name: Sam Egthedari Artist name: Sam. Age: 21 Residence: Oslo, Norway Why have you chosen to sing in the language you do?

I speak and write Norwegian in my daily life, so it’s just natural for me to use this language in my music.

It’s important to express yourself, and I feel I do it best in Norwegian.

What is BAWS? And what does it mean to you?

Almost everybody in B.A.W.S are friends I knew back in the days. We love the same stuff, but we all have different talents. There’s a few years since we ran around screaming B.A.W.S to show ourselves off, but I would say that 2011 was when it really hit us: This could be something big. For me it’s an honor to do this and be a part of it. Not to mention a great pleasure to be in my team.

What is the most unique thing about B.A.W.S? We have a really strong community in our group that not many other music groups or collective might have. There are somany roles in B.A.W.S. We have members in everything fro music, photography, film and clothing, to mention some. The best thing is that we do it (almost) all on our own.

How will you describe the Norwegian music culture?

It’s evolving, and always is. It’s a lot of exciting things happening with music in Norway. And it’s always fun to see new faces who brings something new, which I think we are going to see a lot of.

What distinguishes a Norwegian artist any other?

I think it’s important to be original. One must be able to stand for what you make. Whether it’s rap or in a different genre. I think the most important thing is just to be honest with yourself.

Picture credits: Kenneth Fossheim, album art

How does the Norwegian music industry welcome fresh faces?

I don’t know if I’m the person to talk so much about the industry, since I don’t feel like I’m a part of it yet. Even though I kind of am, but it’s weird to think about. But I will say that it’s a very mixed group of people. Personally I think it’s too small to hold someone else back, but unfortunately people love to see others fail. Especially in this business, because they want the spotlight on themselves and no one else. I have tremendous respect for anyone who does what they’re passionate about. And on one should stand in the way if you want to do that.

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Happy, Fashiontoast, Style Bubble, Iwantyoutoknow, Man repeller, Tofftumbles, Kate Loves me, 5inanduped, Jerri Mokgofe

Picture credits: Le

FEATURES

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Music is taking over the fashion world...

Fashion blogger’s show us how to truely follow in the style footsteps of music artists.

E

ver since before anyone can really remember, music and fashion have walked hand in hand. Now the majority of the fashion entourage are led by both pop stars and pop culture aficionados. Fashion, music, it’s all becoming the same thing.

You have Jessie J doing her “thang”, repping the quirky crew, but then you have artists like Mumford & Sons who bring chivalry (aesthetically) back into fashion. Women now expect their husbands and boyfriends to wear waistcoats and bowties or have banjos slung around their necks. And men just think women who dress like Nicki Minaj are weird.

Music is no longer a separate entity, it is now merely an accessory to accompany what mainstreamers are wearing and to show what personalities they have.

Oh, you’re wearing vans and a “GEEK” t-shirt?

You probably listen to Ed Sheeran. These days people even use musical instruments as accessories, you could see a guy walk down the road with messy hair, a guitar and jeans so tight that surely things are tucked where they shouldn’t be, and you think to yourself “Does he even play that?” This must be leaving the music industry in tatters because everyone seems more concerned with image rather than actual talent or maybe people just don’t care anymore.

And even if people did care, there is no turning back, not with devout Tumblrites and Instagrammers constantly shoving this pop fashion down our throats and don’t forget the sudden appearance of half-hearted fashion bloggers who will eventually rise up and take over the internet.

As cynical as it sounds maybe we should just embrace this new union of music and fashion, as they are very similar in a lot of senses. As much as you have artists like Britney (still) encouraging young girls to dress very unmodestly you have the artists that empower both women and men and let them know it’s ok to be them.

As long as we have the Lady Gaga’s and Justin Vernon’s to counteract the Chris Brown’s and Miley Cyrus’s then there is still hope for fashion and music to live together happily ever after.

Check out Le Happy’s blog for Rock ‘n’ Roll style, Man Repeller shows you how to stay classy but still rock out. Bloggers like Style bubble show you the true hipster style, along with Jerri Mokgofe. For a classier look try Kate loves me and 5inchandup, I want you to know, shows you a much more relaxed style whereas Fashion Toast styles everything with her killer heels. And finally Toff Tumbles has a casual but strong style for the men.

By Becki Jenkins

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Music genre stereotypes broken down...

Country -Pale colours -Feminine style -Cowboy boots -Cutsie hairstyles -Innocent look Think Taylor Swift before she went hardcore. Pale soft style with cowboy accessories.

Dance Bright coloursExciting patternsSkyhigh hairstylesSome sort of neon make-upAlways excitable and hyperThink David Guetta with a bit more colour.

Whack out some sunglasses and you are ready to go.

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FEATURES

Emo Metal -Dark colours -Lots of rips and holes -A hoodie is essential -Big side fringe -Moody disposition This is Fall Out Boy in a bad mood. All dark and disgruntled.

Pop Pretty patternsMainstream styleFairly conservativeFan of the topshop latestPleasant manners and happy smile-

Picture credits: Sarah Rhodes photography

Think Miley Cyrus before she got the haircut. Tends to be the younger generations

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R ‘n’ B -Bold colours -A lot of attitude -Boyish jackets -Croyden Facelift (serious high bun) -Of course some huge earring Channel Cher Lloyd and Jessie J, lots of attitude and mad style.

Rock Lots of blackConverse alwaysLeather Jacket and black skinnysDark eyes, red lipsA lot of punky attitudeTaylor Momsen, minus the stripper heels. Got attitude and style.

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REVIEWS

aking Hayley review One dark room, four talented musicians, and the rum is flowing.

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his was one hell of a gig. The venue, Joiners in Southampton, is a small but intimate venue with amazing acoustics, which led to a great gig. The band came out to a very warmed up audience after the Scottish band Fluorescent Hearts played a fantastic supporting set to really liven the crowd.

of the audience was right there singing along word for word, sending a tingle down my spine at how capturing these lyrics seemed to be. Many of the audience had brought out the lighters, or iPhone lights, as this generation seems to prefer, to sway along to these acoustic masterpieces.

The band came on and with some shouts of encouragement jumped straight into their first song, playing a really upbeat song making the crowd jump around screaming in no time. And what a track it was. Not one person stood still during the blasting first half

The band really work together, you can see how they bounce off eachother and really prove they are a cohesive and well put together group. They even look like they fit together, mimicking eachother in style and movements.

of thrashing dance tracks.

The second half saw us mellow out a bit, where the band really showed off their musical abilities with some stunningly composed acoustic tracks. The singer used this opportunity to demonstrate the incredible vocal talents he has, adding true emotion to the lyrics so we really felt his pain and movement throughout the song.

Then of course came the fake exit and insistence of an encore from the audience to which they came bouncing back in and played an incredible medley for an encore. Forcing the audience to bounce around like mad until they couldn’t breathe for screaming. What a show, if these guys are ever in your area: get to the show you will not regret it.

Picture credits: Robyn Lockton photography

At this point I felt like an extreme rookie, as every other member

By Lizzy Freeman

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hil T Rich Serving crude jokes to the kids, this is why Phil T Rich is going to rock your socks off this summer.

Phil T Rich is this years Urørt-winner; A Norwegian music contest for unsigned artists.

The contest gave him a record deal with EMI Norway. The victory was undoubtedly the main reason there was a queue outside

by Larm’s little tent, called Wimp Annex, at Youngstorget in Oslo. Possibly also the reason why some left before the concert ended.

Phil T Rich is partly hype. But with that being said, so shall it be said – when the summer festivals start, it is likely to find him at most of them. Especially the ones aimed at party animals.

Picture credits: Kim Erlandsen, Erlend Lånke Solbu, Rashid Akrim

Phil T Rich’s talent knows no limits. He works the stage like he has done it for years, and hits the beat every time; this will hype the kids every time. Just like it did for the industry idiots, they gave each other high five’s like never before, and let’s face it; they are not always acting like the adults of this world.

Rich is not particularly revolutionary, but he captivates you and keeps the party going.

In addition to his androgynous, white strict men in white shirts and ties, Phil T Rich also brought another Bylarm-artist with him, Truls Heggero. With his unmistakable bright vocals Heggero introduced us to a new feel of Phil T Rich’s music. And that is exactly what he is about, a lot of weird things thrown together.

Mind-blowingly multilayered, but successful for party purposes.

And then the lyrics, a chapter of its own, get the kids to cover their ears, because this is far above their age. At times it is flat out sexual, “Analkuler og dildo/Anal beads and vibrators.” Or “Chicken her er en nympho/ This chick here is a nympho” even “Bitchen er alltid horny/This bitch is always horny” And the industry idiots sang along. Danced too.

Guitars, drums, beats, techno, strobe and anything else that can keep your dancing feet going. Phil T

By Camilla Jorddal

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REVIEWS

Beautiful creatures

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ased around supernatural beings it is a one to watch for Twilight and Vampire Diaries fans, based on the book ‘Beautiful Creatures’. Ethan Wate (Alden Ehrenreich) awakens from a recurring dream of a girl he doesn’t know. In voice-over narration, his despair of his small-town existence, and his dreams of leaving for college.

Arriving for his first day of junior year, Ethan notices newcomer Lena Duchannes (Alice Englert). The other students start spreading gossip and suggest that her family includes devil worshippers. Overhearing these whispers, Lena tenses and the classroom windows shatter, amplifying the fears and suspicions.

This film will take you on a rollercoaster adventure that will include some supernatural fantasy, laughs, romance and most importantly that happy ending we all want from a romantic comedy.

H

By Katie Dyba

Hansel & Gretel

ansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters, the spin on the fairy tale of Hansel & Gretel has been a huge hit and topped the lists of most seen movies in 18 of 19 countries when it came out.

11th June it’s out on DVD so you can watch as the siblings encounter a new form of evil 15 years after they were released from the house in the wood. We follow them as they track down and kill witches all over the world. It’s a huge contrast to the gingerbread house kids we know from the fairy tale.

After the massive criticism it got from the North American film critics I didn’t expect much. But fairy tale characters with weapons are a true joy.

By Camilla Jorddal

Oz the great and powerful

Picture credits: Films poster

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his film is tough, part of me wants to love it and another part just hates it.

The filmography and acting is incredible, as would be expected with a starstudded cast including James Franco and the beauty that is Mila Kunis. But the film itself felt childish, a remake like this should bring it to an older audience, like in Snow white and the Huntsman and Hansel and Gretel. The story line was flat and somewhat didn’t make sense.

After this grueling critic though I will say it was a fun film to watch, I laughed a lot and was captured by the bright colours of Oz, the use of 3D accentuated by flying monkeys jumping out the screen. The costumes defined characters personalities and helped form our emotions towards them.

All in all it was a good film, enjoyable to watch but I think it was somewhat lacking in that pizazz I want and expect from films such as this, when a fairy tale has become real life.

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By Lizzy Freeman

REVIEWS

30 Seconds to Mars

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p in the Air is, for lack of a better word, repetitive. The song imitates that of all other 30 Seconds to Mars song and doesn’t build to anything. This song has been sent to space, let’s hope this isn’t what extra-terrestrials think we enjoy, because if that were the case we certainly wouldn’t get a visit from our little green pals. I really tried to enjoy this track but it just didn’t happen, the track wasn’t creative.

I didn’t want to dance or sing, I didn’t get goose bumps and I have no inclination to listen to it again.

30 seconds to mars are an old favourite of mine. They created some amazing albums in the past, spine tinglingly good instrumentals and moving lyrics. This album has just fallen flat in contest with these great albums. I feel they are stuck in a rut with their music and need to revamp how they create it, because it isn’t working anymore with the current music market being at such a high standard. Sorry to slate it, but listen for yourselves and you will see what I mean.

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Picture credits: Album art from Itunes

By Camilla Jorddal

By Lizzy Freeman

Eve

he Grammy Award winning rapper is back after 11 years. Lip Lock is her fourth studio album, including guest appearances from Missy Elliott, Pusha T, Snoop Lion (formally Snoop Dogg….go figure) and Gabe Saporta.

Her first single of the album ‘She Bad Bad’ has been a hit and her fans from back in the days are applauding her comeback. And so are we at MIC! Eve is back in her true colours. Lyrics with edge, an up to date beat and a hot feature in Pusha T. The remix of the song, with both Pusha T and Juicy J, isn’t bad either.

Eve might be bad, but she’s back, and we’re loving it.

Eve herself thinks she has taken lyrical inspiration from when she was with Ruff Ryders and renewed it to where she is now. Welcome back Eve, even though it took you ages.

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Paramore

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aramore are back and better than ever with their new single; ‘Still Into You’ which is out right now.

This single has more of a pop/rock vibe to it, rather than other songs the band have released previously. Nothing wrong with it obviously, but fans who have been following the band for some time may feel that this is not what the band are about, and should go back to making music with their old rock vibe.

The storyline of the song is obvious, but it isn’t like a typical ‘love song’, with a cheesy and obvious ‘declaration of love’. But it may be suggesting about being ‘into’ someone.

Paramore still have vibes of its ‘old school’ style that their previous songs have, but putting a twist on typical commercial music, and it has been successful.

By Katie Dyba

Speaking in Shadows

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By Katie Dyba

his band has a similar vibe to bands such as All Time Low, You Me at Six, and Kids In Glass Houses. So if you like these bands, you’ll love Speaking in Shadows. The band’s music has an edgy rocky vibe to it, which will have you jumping around playing the air guitar. Every instrument that is played on each track go really well together, the vocalist reminds us of the vocalist from Kids in Glass Houses. Adam, SIS’s vocalist uses the same technique of putting extra meaning on specific words with longer notes and more expression to really demonstrate the emotion.

‘A Place to Hide Away’ featuring Kayleigh Kendall is a song you would not expect from a rock/alternative band. When everything is stripped back, it is just guitar and vocals, you can still feel that there is a rocky vibe, from the way the guitar is being played, the harmonizing throughout with the different vocals. But then you get caught off guard by the acoustics and the drums kick in, the guitars get more noticeable, and then this means you can start jumping around like a mad thing, until the acoustics come back again, to calm the listener down…

Loving the CD guys can’t wait to hear more from you!

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Up and coming gigs Lana Del Rey, at the Hammersmith Apollo, 19-20 May. Eric Clapton, at the Royal Albert Hall, 17-26 May. Alicia Keys, at the O2 Arena, 30 May

Kings of Leon, at The O2, 12-13 June

Maroon 5, at The O2, 23-24 June

Roger Hodgson, The Bridgewater Hall, 29 May

The Killers, at Wembley Stadium, 22 June

Picture credits: Advertisement for gig

Muse, Etihad Stadium, 1 June Bon Jovi, Etihad Stadium, 8 June

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Rihanna, Manchester Arena, 12-13 June

all over England...

Josh Groban, O2 Apollo Manchester, 16 June

Robbie Williams, Etihad Stadium, 18-22 June

The Who, Manchester Arena, 23 June Jack Jones, Liverpool Philharmonic, 29 May Blondie, O2 Academy 2 Liverpool, 18 June

Leona Lewis, Plymouth Pavilions, 18 May

Craig David, Southampton Guildhall, 21 May Pierce the Veil, Mandela Hall, 22 May Sleeping With Sirens, O2 ABC, 22 May

Meat Loaf, The O2, 17 May 57

T X E N E U S IS LATEST news on festivals, strange ’s decisions and what number 1.

NEXT month we will be filling you in on all the latest MUSIC&CULTURE news.

Chasing artists for indepth interviews and reviewing the latest films, gigs and music.

ijhideiehfhb J u ne 15t h 2013

£3.50

Latest summer festival news and line-ups

EXCLUSIVE interview with JaDee: a rapp er breaking into the idustry with his refreshing lyrics .

be will we ALSO ups reviewing the line at from the festivals h the end of the mont

Picture credits: JaDee’s own

AND of course we will give you the la test low down on all up-and-coming gigs

Indepth interview with JaDee a exciting new hiphop rapper

Release date: 15th June 2013, DON’T MISS OUT ! !

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