PREVIEW
A Mind Full Of Nothing But Continue, artwork by Paul Smith
MUSIC
PAUL SMITH: A MIND FULL OF NOTHING BUT CONTINUE ALBUM RELEASE
Words: Claire Dupree If there’s ever been a time for music which gives a sense of place, it’s right now. If you’re looking for something to take you back to Tyneside’s glorious streets without actually having to set foot outside, look no further than Paul Smith’s album A Mind Full of Nothing But Continue, recently made available via Bandcamp. The Maximo Park frontman was originally commissioned to write the largely a capella album in response to the route of the Great North Run. It’s a wonderfully evocative album which reflects on the landscape of the race, from Cowgate on the edge of the city to the coast where the race finishes, as well as the actions and feelings of the runners, while also managing to be lightly humorous (and possibly contains the first Brockley Whins pun in musical history). The album’s variety of voices (and occasional synth) is laid out in one continuous track, providing an undulating rhythm and culminating in a mesmerising listen. “I was inspired by Meredith Monk and Björk’s Medulla album, along with doo-wop music, which I’ve always loved.” Paul explains. “However, I didn’t want to process or interfere with the voices too much, so it hopefully has a raw quality that marks it out.” A Mind Full Of Nothing But Continue is available to buy and stream via Paul Smith’s Bandcamp page www.paulsmithmusic.bandcamp.com
ART & LIT
ART & LIT
STAY HOME, STAY QUEER EVERYDAY ART FOR EXTRAORDINARY TIMES Words: Claire Dupree Ouseburn Valley’s Cobalt Studios are appealing to the creative community to submit artwork created in isolation and in response to Covid-19, which they will collate into a limited edition riso printed publication once lockdown is over. It’s a typically open-ended project from the organisers; Cobalt as a venue has become known for its forward-thinking and supportive policy. “One of our first personal responses to this unexpected and challenging time was a kind of inherent understanding that creativity would have a key role to play during this pandemic.” Explains Cobalt’s Kathryn Hodgkinson. “Behind the front lines culture of all types offers unique opportunities for political comment, personal reflections, escapism, solace, connection and much more beyond. Also, this enforced time locked away from our usual lives and many of our everyday pressures and time constraints is a unique opportunity for a more creative existence. We see the project as a kind of collective archive, a chance to gather a breadth of glimpses into internal and external Covid-19 worlds at the moment, a chance to convey a political message or simply a documentation of an extraordinary time.” Work can be submitted via email to hello@ cobaltstudios.co.uk, and must be a jpg suitable for Facebook or Instagram. Artwork can take any form and can be a work in progress, sketches or fully finished work. Find out more about Cobalt’s Everyday Art for Extraordinary Times project on their social media pages www.facebook.com/cobaltstudioscic
Words: Claire Dupree Self-proclaimed ‘cabaret maker and binary breaker’ Melody Sproates is hoping to keep spirits up in the LGBTQIA+ community with their new project entitled Stay Home, Stay Queer. As much a project to keep Melody’s own spirits up as to support their community, Stay Home, Stay Queer is a free downloadable resource pack in zine format featuring positive art, creative activities, inspiring quotes, identity celebrating tips, mental health advice and wisdom from Melody and other North East queer icons. Lovingly designed in a colourful ‘zine style by Newcastlebased illustrators and designers iAMi Creative, it’s a beautiful and positive representation of the region’s LGBTQIA+ community. “I wanted to create something that I felt I needed during this time – a little queer pick me up and helping hand to feel connected.” Melody explains. “The idea started after I was thinking of ways I could still reach out to LGBTQIA+ young people – plus Trans day of Visibility (31st March) passed during lockdown and I needed something to happen so I didn’t feel alone; I ran an online craft day on my social media and I was really buzzing as it had a really positive response. LGBTQIA+ people are at home right now wanting to connect, share things creatively and chase away the quarantine blues! I hope folks enjoy Stay Home, Stay Queer and find it helpful and inspiring as they navigate their queer identity during this period of social distancing.” Melody’s encouraging people to get interactive on social media using the hashtag #stayhomestayqueer. To get hold of a copy of Stay Home, Stay Queer visit Melody Sproats’ social media pages on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram www.facebook.com/melodysproatesperformer www.twitter.com/grohllikeatroll www.instagram.com/melodygroovysproates
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