Down The Rabbit Hole - Issue 17

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Issue 17 July 2018

Editor’sNotes Hi Everyone, Welcome back to Down The Rabbit Hole!

Unfortunately we had to take a break to find our bearings but now we’re back to bring you more content.

Speaking of content, if any of you lovely readers were interested in writing for our blog or e-magazine then please email Writers@ MadAliceRecords.co.uk with an article or review of your choice.

This month’s issue features a wide variety of articles ranging all the way from music to film and theatre. With exclusive interviews with artists Jack Parker, Martha Hill and Just, we really focused on giving you updates on the music scene. Summer also brings us well into the festival season, so don’t hesitate to read on as we tell you all about the top festivals this year has to offer.

Thank you all for the amazing support and we hope you enjoy the relaunch!

Ashleigh & Sam

C o n t e n t s

Exclusive Interviews Martha Hill (Ashleigh Dean) Pg 12 - 15 Jack Parker (Ashleigh Dean) Pg 28 - 31

Just (Aidan Laycock) Pg 20 - 23

Reviews Foo Fighters (Rachel Colley) Pg 24 - 27 Seaker (Rachel Colley) Pg 18 - 19

Film & TV

Festivals

Theatre

Jurassic World 2: The Fallen Kingdom (Will Hill) Pg 6 - 7

Top 5 Festivals (Rachel Colley) Pg 8- 11

Wicked (Rachel Colley) Pg 32 - 33

The Good Place (Samuel PhebyMcGarvey) Pg 16 - 17

Festival Fouls (Samuel PhebyMcGarvey) Pg 34 - 37

Jurassic World 2 Three years have passed since the reboot of the classic films and, finally, JA Bayona brings us the long-awaited followup, The Fallen Kingdom. In this questionable sequel, Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard return as Owen and Claire, to Isla Nublar, in an attempt to rescue the remaining dinosaurs.

Naturally, not everything goes according to plan.

Unfortunately, the only accurate way of describing this film is that it’s an over-hyped

sequel to a worthy reboot.

This isn’t to say that it’s a bad film; it’s more a regrettable continuation, mirroring the original film’s sequel, Jurassic Park: The Lost World.

Bayona very clearly wanted to add tension but it was an unsuccessful attempt and showed that what you see is what you get. When it comes to the second instalment of the ‘World’ franchise, the film’s trailers were excessive to the point

of essentially showing the entire film. As a consequence, the movie featured far too many unsurprising surprises.

While this film isn’t the best that we’ve seen, it’s not all bad.

It’s a great movie to unwind to and makes for a pretty good cinematic experience, with plenty of explosions, exciting action scenes and, like all of the other Jurassic films, it wouldn’t be complete without an amazing soundtrack.

It can be laughed at and watched eagerly without being taken too seriously. The latter of which is key with this one, especially as dinosaurs becoming the savours seems to be getting a little old. When this surprise featured in the original Jurassic Park, it was an epic moment of film history.

However, what was once legendary has slowly turned into a bit of a cliché that now leaves fans wondering if the franchise will ever be

the nail on the head. After all, there’s only so many times a Sadly, The Fallen Kingdom falls dinosaur can rush in at the short of impressing, despite last second to save the day. the potential to be as great as its prequel. If you want a film Written By that challenges the political Will Hill stance of experimenting on animals and genetic engineering then it’s probably best that you don’t look into this too much. But if you want to sit back and let your brain go numb from mindless explosions and over-used plot points, then the film hits the same as it once was.

Top 5 Festivals

Leeds and R e a d i n g F e s t i v a l Since the festival season has already started and many of the major festivals have already been and gone, there are still a couple of major ones out there that you should check out, including this one. This is always a great festival to go to since it’s one of the last ones of the season. With the dates being on the last summer bank holiday weekend, it’s a great way to say goodbye to the summer with the headliners that the festival is able to get.

This year includes Fall Out Boy, Kings of Leon and Kendrick Lamar. As well as the headline acts most of the smaller acts are bands that you’ve probably heard of, so you’ll be able to plan your day around some of your favourite bands.

has other activities than just hosting your favourite acts, then this festival might be for you. This festival hosts an array of activities such as opera on the lake, film debuts in its outside cinema, dance troupes and so much more. Along with all of this, it also hosts headline acts such as The Killers, Solange and Alt-J. If this sounds more like your kind of festival then make sure you’re free for the dates of 12th – 15th July 2018 to travel to Southwold.

Isle of Wight F e s t i v a l

This maybe slightly late to put this festival in this article since the dates for this were 21st – 24th June 2018.

However, if you’re wanting to plan out your summer next year for festivals to go to, this should be on your list. With headliners such as Kasabian, Depeche Mode, The Killers and Liam Gallagher, it has much L a t i t u d e definitely more indie bands in F e s t i v a l its line-up than most festivals. Along with this, the festival is Another well- set to the backdrop known festival that of lovely countryside is happening this so you’ll get some summer is Latitude. beautiful views too.

If you’re interested in a festival that

Boomtown

festival then sure you the dates of 12th August

If you want a festival that challenges the norm, then this one Written might be your next Rachel favourite festival.

With headliners that consist of Gorillaz, Die Antwood and Limp Bizkit, you can already sense that this festival is a little bit more unique than others. This festival claims that it is a hub of diverse and non-commercialised musical movements, whose roots stretch far and wide. If this is a festival you’d like to check out make sure to stay free for the dates of 9th – 12th August 2018 to go to Winchester.

Broadmasters This festival definitely is one of the most unique in locations.

Since it is hosted in Newquay, it means that the acts have clifftop sessions and surf shack shows – which are definitely unique venues to go and see artists. Along with this, the headliners include Catfish and the Bottlemen, The Chemical Brothers and George Ezra. If going to a festival by the sea sounds like your kind of summer

make mark 8th – 2018. by Colley

MarthaHill

How did you Dragon have been ones lately. get into music big and why?

What was the I started playing i n s p i r a t i o n trombone with behind some the school when I of your was little. I always original songs? sang at church and school, but I got into guitar when I was about 12. There’s a family friend called Franny who taught me my first chords.

I remember thinking how I’d love to be a singer but there was no way that would ever happen. When I left home aged 17, I had to busk to make a living and it snowballed from there.

Most of my inspiration comes from either women, politics or human emotion.

D e s c r i b e your first gig.

My first ever headline show was a year and a half ago in Newcastle’s Jazz Cafe. It’s a 50cap venue and I sold it out, so I was terrified, but everyone sat dead quiet the whole time. It was lush.

How many instruments How has your do you play? music evolved Maybe about since you first four including started playing? singing?

Voice, guitar, trombone, percussion/kit.

A tiny bit of piano and didgeridoo, but not really well.

My voice has changed a lot. I think it’s because of pure time spent singing when I was busking loads.

In terms of style, I What artists went from pop to influence you folk to blues/jazz and back to pop again!

the

most?

I get influenced by individual songs more than entire artists. Mostly by the musicians around me, anything that grabs my stomach.

Sylvan Esso, TuneYards and Little

What has been the most challenging aspect of your music career and how did you overcome it?

There’s constant challenges. A lot of them come from yourself (in my case, overworking and going crazy… either that or smoking and losing my voice). You also have to deal with being ignored a lot. You email people saying “LOVE ME” and they tumbleweed.

What is the ultimate goal for you, as a musician?

You can’t really have a goal because it’s so unpredictable – it’s got to be more journey based I think. I want to be able to make the music I want, and share it with people who get something out of it. And to be the next adele. Obviously.

What are you are working on at the moment?

New songs are in the pipeline and I’m planning a tour. I just started working with a keyboard player so that’s really exciting!

What advice do you have for anyone wanting to get into the music business?

Read all the information out there, network and be lovely

to everyone you meet. Be prepared to work really, really hard for nothing for quite a long time in the hope that one day something will stick.

Written By Ashleigh Dean

MarthaHill

“The Good Place” has just finished its second season, and I, along with many others, am awaiting the third on tender hooks. When I first started watching this show it appeared to be just another American comedy, but after a few episodes I realized it is so much more. Not many comedies are set in the afterlife, and deal with questions like, what does it mean to be a good person?

Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell) wakes up in the Good Place. A heaven like Utopian afterlife split into neighbourhoods tailored to their hundred or so inhabitants.

She meets Michael (Ted Danson) the designer of the neighbourhood, her soul mate Chidi(William Jackson Harper) and fellow good people Tahani (Jameela Jamil) and Jianyu (Manny Jacinto). It all seems perfect, except there is a catch, Eleanor is not a good person.

As Micheal explains to Eleanor on her arrival all religions got it partly right, mostly wrong in their descriptions of the afterlife. The only person who came close was a stoner kid called Doug. This clever move away from religious doctrine and salvation allows the show to focus more on human philosophy and what it means to be good.

Entry to the Good Place is judged on a culmination of your actions while you were alive, opposed to belief in any particular God. Moral philosophy is a key element of the show, and the thinking’s of, Emmanuel Kant, Michel Foucault and Søren Kierkegaard to name a few, are explained and examined as Chidi attempts to teach Eleanor how to be a better person. While she tries to enjoy all the amazing things the Good Place has to offer, including the ability to fly, unlimited flavours

of frozen yogurt and Janet (D’Arcy Carden) an all-knowing Siri like entity who looks after humans in the Good Place.

The Good Place combines moral philosophy with zany set pieces and lovable characters to create something very unique and entertaining, not to mention educational and thought provoking. But don’t take my word for it, the first and second season are available on Netflix, with the third due for release sometime late in 2018.

Written By Samuel P h e b y McGarvey

TheGoodPlace

S e a k e r W o r d s Written By Rachel Colley

North London based female artist Seaker has recently released her latest single ‘Words’.

The artist explains that the single describes ‘the complexities of love… it’s about how emotions fall outside the boxes and also the vast depths of crazy emotion we’re capable of feeling when we’re really connected to someone.’ This message can be heard through the lyrics such as ‘you know that I burn like the fire’ and ‘when it starts and it ends you around me’. This is emphasised by the repetitive lyrics of ‘you around me’ to showcase this message. The instrumentals of this song showcase the talent of the artist’s ability to create a dream pop sound, but for it to be quite catchy in many places of the track.

If you love dream pop tracks with a hint of a mainstream pop sound to them, I would urge you to check out Seaker’s new track. With promising future releases, this artist is truly one to be on your future releases radar playlist.

J

U

First of all, where did the Name come from?

As we know that you used to have a different name not too long ago?

S

T

13 in six matches in 1958. Ben would maybe add Led I mean, none of us are French or Zep/The Clash to that, and owt, he’s just got a good name. Sam probably Biffy/Rush.

What 3 bands you’d You released compare yourselves Benches earlier this and why? year, are there any Just Fontaine (pronounced against [ʒyst fɔ̃.tɛn]; born 18 August interesting stories Right now, I’d go Zappa, 1933) is a retired French you can tell us about professional footballer. A Primus and yeah, probably from that process?

Arctic Monkeys. I reckon prolific forward, he is best known for being the record holder for most goals scored in a single edition of the FIFA World Cup, with

even if it doesn’t come out sounding like those guys, For the first couple of of rehearsals, we probably approach it in months played exclusively similar(ish) ways. I imagine Sam on one of them drum-kits

What’s the best album ever made?

Wesley Willis – Greatest Hits Volume 2 (1999) What genre’s the band’s guilty pleasure?

See above ^^^ Is it a requirement to have a beard to be in Just?

No. What’s the world’s best solo?

Han. What’s the best band to see live?

Just.

from that old Playstation/ Xbox game ‘Rock Band’.

Sam forgot half of his actual drum-kit on the first day of recording (Y).

Dan Webster, who recorded/ mixed/mastered the EP, has a cool little boy, Ben, who must be about 3 or 4 years old these days, and he played the fire-engine on the tune ‘The Big Bald She’ with his toy fire engine, he’s cool.

The Benches in question, are two benches round the back of York Minster, they’re very nice.

What was the best What touring venue you played essentials would on the Benches you recommend? tour? And where do FootGolf you wanting to be Pizza (Jack and Sam are BBQ playing in the future?

I liked The Ferret in Preston, cool place and some good bands on. Worth a listen - SPQR and Chupa Cabra.

And next it’s pretty much straight onto Wembley right?

base-ers) Bob Ross That new Crash Bandicoot remake Spotify Premium Patience Car oil

What 3 albums have had you’re listening to the biggest influence greats or are you on the band and why? listening more to the contemporary bands Can’t really do just three, sorry. that are paying their dues alongside you?

Looking outside of Just, what do you guys get up to in your free time?

Bit of both. Like I mentioned, SPQR and Chupa Cabra are v good, n they’ve got plenty of music out. I like Bull and The Howl and The Hum and I sometimes play a little bit of guitar with Me, Thee and E who Do you all find that are also v good and Sam plays

If you guys could switch out instruments and play a different genre altogether, what genre and instruments would you play?

Humbug, Green Naughahyde, Hot Rats, probably a few Beatles ones, Pet Sounds, In Utero, An Awesome Wave, Weezer (Blue), Grace, Them Crooked Vultures, and plenty more too.

drums in Peach, who are gr8.

Work. Football. Xbox. Pub.

Drums, bass, guitar is cool. the pipeline and when Though I wouldn’t mind my can give it a listen? own orchestra to just whip out every now and again. You’ll have to be patient.

as patient. We’ll be out again in a couple of months I’d guess, few new tunes, new ideas, new guitar pedals… ;)

Genre-wise, it’s all just music int it? I’d like to think we could pull off a Reggae tune with a Doom-Metal chorus and a Pop bridge if we wanted to.

Find Just’s Music and Social media here:

Are you going to be hitting the road again soon, and if so when and where can we see you? And when Looking forward, are you gracing York what’s happening next with your presence? in regards to the band?

Is a new release in You won’t have to be quite

Written By Aidan Laycock

FooFighters

On Tuesday 19th June 2018 The Cribs, Wolf Alice and the Foo Fighters all took to the stage of the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.

First on, were The Cribs originally f r o m

Wakefield. Although I did miss some of the first half of their set I was able to catch most of it and it was filled to the brim with their most popular songs.

Some of these included ‘Mirror Kisses’ and ‘You Were Always the One’.

Even though their sound has not changed since the early 2000’s they are still able to entice a crowd and entertain them. I was right at the back, but I could see that the people standing near the stage seemed to be enjoying the set. The Cribs were able to put on an energetic set while showcasing a number of songs from

their many albums.

They successfully warmed up the crowd for the next support act.

The next band to come on was the London based group Wolf Alice.

In stark contrast to The Cribs, Wolf Alice was a more atmospheric sound.

The front woman’s vocal range was impressive and reached amazing heights.

I don’t know Wolf Alice all too well and cannot comment much on the choice of songs for the set list. They were able to surprise the audience at times since they would be lulled by the soothing sounds of some of the bands’ more calming tracks, but then the band

would decide to put an energetic track into the mix which would add an element of uncertainty to their set. These energetic songs they showcased also allowed the front woman to show her vocal range that impressed quite a lot of the audience. Although Wolf Alice’s set wasn’t full on energetic for the whole of the set they were able to keep the audience interested and present to them the different types of songs that they have in their discography. For some one who’s barely listened to them this set provided me with the ground work in understanding their sound and making me interested in checking out more of their songs in the future.

greatest hit song in their set. Most of the songs that were in the set were definitely well known since the audience sang to most of them.

It was a varied set in that the band were able to keep the audience entertained not just because of their set list choices, although that was a big part of it, but because they changed things up a bit. There were many a drum solo from Taylor Hawkins but he also decided to cover Queen’s ‘Under Pressure’ while Ghrol was on the drums and supplied backing vocals. There were a few more covers but that Queen cover was definitely a highlight.

Before the encore they After Wolf Alice was the teased the audience band that everyone in the by playing a video of audience were anticipating Ghrol and Hawkins to see. The almighty Foo being backstage asking Fighters came onto the how many songs the stage with many screams audience wanted and and whistling. I don’t use making the crowd ‘almighty’ lightly either, scream for them to come when describing the set back on stage. Overall, of the Foo Fighters it was the Foo Fighters were almighty. They were able the ultimate band that to capture everyone’s were remembered that attention from around night when the audience the stadium; even the made their way out of blocks that were right at the stadium singing the back. The block I was chorus’ of their songs. in was still energetic and loved the set from start Written By to finish. It was a very Rachel Colley varied show especially when Dave Ghrol told the audience that ‘we’re going to play a song from every album’. Now I don’t know if they did that exactly but they did have many a

FooFighters

JackParker Written By Ashleigh Dean

How did you get into music and why?

I remember being in a band with my friends at school but no one else wanted to sing or play the guitar. I decided to take a bullet for the team and give it a go – from then I got addicted to playing live and now I can’t stop.

How many instruments I never really took to music do you play? that much when I was little

though; it was only when I heard an Ed Sheeran track on I play guitar, a little piano the radio back in 2011 that I and very, very basic bass. I gave the guitar a go. I kind of can also get a sound out of a thought if I sang and played violin. guitar I’d probably sound a What artists influence bit like that. Through that I discovered the loop pedal you the most? and at the time I was listening to a lot of Mumford and I suppose one of my very first Sons so I guess that explains influences was Paul Simon; a lot of my folk influence! we used to play Graceland all the time on long drives.

What was the Describe your first gig. inspiration behind some of your My first ever gig was very, very weird. When I met the original songs?

I write about all kinds of things but it’s usually relationships; ones I’ve had or someone else has had.

My songs always tend to be a snapshot of how I’m feeling at the time and when I can really get my thoughts on paper it’s such a great feeling!

my worried thirteen-year-old self (with voice breaks every two seconds) my few songs went down really well and I booker, he was wearing remember coming off stage a cowboy hat, completely with such a buzz that I just shirtless except for about 4 wanted to do this every night! burlesque scarves and was holding a curry on a paper How has your music plate. I quickly discovered evolved since you that this wasn’t a normal thing first started playing? and that not everyone in the music industry was like this. When I started, my music was The place was packed and I going down the path of an remember being so nervous Ed Sheeran tribute act. I was that I was almost sick! Despite

JackParker writing teenage love songs and hadn’t really honed in on any genre. I was dabbling around a little in hip-hop and rap (if anyone has any footage of me rapping – it was a weird phase), but it never really grabbed me as much as honest, heartfelt lyrics.

After years of playing shows and writing music, I’ve found myself drawn towards Folk music more and more; it’s such a broad and welcoming genre!

I still love experimenting with different sounds that aren’t

found in traditional folk music in my live show, but the UK Folk music scene has become a big part of my music now.

staying on top of everything can be really tough at times; especially when you’re working on a new track. It’s so easy to self-indulge and What has been the focus completely on one most challenging small thing, ignoring where it fits into the bigger picture. I aspect of your music suppose the way I overcome career and how did it is that I accept that it’s a you overcome it? skill, and the more I work on it the easier it gets over time.

Self-discipline, which is still an aspect I’m working to overcome. Being organised, having a schedule and

What is the What are you the music business? ultimate goal for are working on Get advice from local people you, as a musician? at the moment? who are doing what you want The ultimate goal as a musician would probably be to survive on live performances and music sales alone, but in all honesty I just want to see how far music can take me!

Travelling the world, playing shows and working with other amazing musicians is the real aspiration and a big part of why I make music.

I’m currently writing for a new album and I’m really excited about the new songs!

I’m making sure to take the time to get the songs and feel of the album right – so no release date as of yet!

What advice do you have for anyone wanting to get into

to do. Literally, ring them up and ask to have a coffee and a chat. I’ve done this so many times and I can’t stress how much it has helped me! Musicians love to give advice (probably more than making music) because it’s such a difficult and confusing industry that’s ever changing.

We also love having our egos stroked. And biscuits.

W i c k e d

The Leeds Grand The at re hosted a very exciting event on Saturday 16th June 2018, which was the West End production of the “Wicked” musical. After hearing so much about the musical over the years and hearing nothing but good things, I had to get a ticket with the family, even though we had to purchase them over a year ago.

However, I am glad we had to wait so long as it was worth the wait. Even the setup at the beginning of the show had the props, this included a map that covered the entire curtain of the stage. Above the stage there was a detailed wooden dragon, which was electronically controlled at some points in the show its eyes glowed red!

When the show started I could tell it was going to be a magical experience and not just because of the stories plot. It is set in the same universe as “The Wizard of Oz” but is about the life of the wicked witch of the west and how she became the way she is in

in the film. There were many musical numbers including the hit song ‘Defying Gravity’. One advantage of going to a West End production is that the cerography and music for the set pieces is amazing and you could certainly see this in the two leading female actors of the show.

The story itself is quite heart wrenching as the audience sees the trials and tribulations that Elphaba and the rest of the characters have to go through during the show.

The only thing that irked me was the message that the story seemed to have towards disabled people.

Elphaba’s sister is wheelchair bound and depends a lot on her family.

Throughout the whole show her character is seen as a burden and this only intensifies near the end of the show when Elphaba is able to cast a spell to magically ‘heal’ her sister’s disability. I only mention this because I noticed that there were quite a few disabled users that had gone to see the show and it’s a concern that this message is being displayed to these people and that they would take offense at it. However, this is the only issue that I had with the whole show and I enjoyed everything else about it, from the musical numbers to the storyline and the set design, as well as the costumes.

If you get the chance to see a West End production on tour I’d highly recommend it. Although you may not be able to see this year’s Wicked I’d check out what other shows are on tour near you and make sure your free in about a year’s time. Yes, that was how long ago we booked the tickets. Was the production worth that wait? Definitely.

Written By Rachel Colley

FestivalFouls

With festival season well under way I thought it would be a good idea to take a look at some of the things to avoid if you’re planning on heading out to a field in the UK to drink, listen to music and, inevitably, get rained on. Be it “Leeds”, “T in the Park”, “Boomtown” or “Bestival”, if you’re festivaling this summer follow the guidelines below, to avoid being “that guy” at the festival.

Go

and

See

Bands man at “T in the Park”, who

You’ve paid a lot of money to get in, spent an age finding and setting up a tent, sorted out transportation and hunted high and low for a beer you like in cans, because you can’t bring glass bottles onto the site. After all this effort you would think you might want to see some of the bands you’ve paid £200+ to see, right? Well not everyone, I can remember the immortal words of a very drunk Scottish

proudly proclaimed “I’ve been ta T in the Park for 5 years and seen 4 bands!”. Which means that one year he failed to see any bands! If you want to get drunk in a field there are plenty in the UK, and most don’t charge you £220 for entry.

Always Bring Wellies I’m serious, don’t bring boots, shoes, certainly not sandals, flip flops? Get out of here.

Anyone who has been to a

festival will tell you horror stories about the mud. Not all mud is born equal, and festival mud is something else. A noxious cocktail of rain, mud, booze, plus lord knows what else, trampled and stomped by thousands of feet. Safe to say, it’s not something you want oozing through your nice new pair of converse and taking up home between your toes. Even a pair of Doc Martins would shiver at the sight of it.

don’t need to be worrying about airborne projectiles raining down like its 1066. No one wants a can of Strongbow in the eye, or the dregs splashed over you. So, if you’re drinking in a crowd and you’re finished, just drop it on the floor, or in a bin, don’t throw it.

Honourable M e n t i o n Festival Legend

Some people do it right at festivals the Don’t Bring legend who brought a Guitar a wetsuit to “T in the (Unless your Park” 2015 and wore p e r f o r m i n g ) to the “Vaccines” for their song “Wetsuit”, As I’ve stated festivals that is commitment. cost a lot of money, So, enjoy all the people pay to see great festivals this big famous bands, summer has to offer. and talented up and coming acts. What Written By Samuel people don’t pay to see Pheby-Mcgarvey is Jim from Sheffield struggling his way through Wonderwall.

I say guitars but really this applies to any instrument, especially bongos, unless you’re going to be on stage at some point, don’t bring an instrument.

Don’t Throw Cans I mean seriously who throws a can? When you’re watching your favourite band, you want to enjoy yourself, relax sing along. You

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