Issue 6 of NE Magazine by Wayne Groves

anyone famous; I think h u m a n s a s a ra c e a r e a l l so unique and individual t h a t i t ’s a l m o s t irrelevant whether t h e y ’r e i n t h e p u b l i c a d e g r e e p o r t fo l i o 2013 eye or not. Having said tISSUE h a t w a s#6 c e l e MARCH brity that, I would have loved c a r i c a t u r e b a s e d fo r t o h a v e h a d a c ra c k the most part. Upon at Steve Irwin when completing my degree he was still around; I I was at something of a fo u n d – a n d s t i l l f i n d – crossroads, not really h i s e n t h u s i a s m fo r l i fe knowing what to do; u t t e r l y i n fe c t i o u s . C o m e then one day a noticed t o t h i n k o f i t , I ’d l o v e a n ‘A R T I S T S WA N T E D ’ a d to spend ten minutes online, posted by a guy in the presence of the c a l l e d N i g e l C o o ke w h o Dalai Lama too. owned a stand at Alton To w e r s R e s o r t . ( N i g e l ’s What has been your since become a good m o s t m e m o ra b l e friend.) One thing led to moment so far? a n o t h e r, a n d I s p e n t t h e D ra w i n g A l a n S h e a r e r n e x t fo u r y e a r s s o a k i n g fo r a c h a r i t y a u c t i o n up the summer season ra n k s p r e t t y h i g h , b u t and learning the ropes just getting the inside as a caricaturist into t ra c k i s w h e n I w o n the bargain. m y a w a r d s fo r ‘ B e s t L i ke n e s s ’ a n d ‘ B e s t Is that the only kind of Pa r t y C a r i c a t u r e s ’ a t t h e i l l u s t ra t i o n / d ra w i n g International Society you do? of Caricature Artists’ In a word, yes. I’ve annual convention in dabbled in other related L a s Ve g a s i n 2 0 0 5 . I t fields over the years, at was my first year in various times exploring attendance (with my c h a ra c t e r d e s i g n , l o g o g o o d p a l a n d fe l l o w design, and realistic a r t i s t M i ke C a r l o n ) a n d d ra w i n g . H o w e v e r I it was a blast. Hanging ke e p c o m i n g b a c k t o out and mingling with the fact that I am a my artistic heroes caricaturist at heart, left me tongue-tied at a n d t h i s i s h o w I ’d l i ke times, and I spent most to be remembered when of the week artistically I’ve gone (hopefully crippled by being in m a n y, m a n y y e a r s f r o m the presence of such now). I love the notion caricature royalty; of looking at the world however I seemed to i n a s l i g h t l y s ke w e d , overcome that, going on e x a g g e ra t e d w a y, w h i c h to have a fantastic time I find only in caricature. and creating a gallery This is why I intend to of pieces ultimately s t i c k w i t h i t fo r t h e deemed worthy by my long haul. peers.

o f To m R i c h m o n d d u r i n g THE FREE t h e l a tBIGGEST e nineties. A r e g u l a r s l o t d ra wFOR i n g fo r MAGAZINE tTHE he stu d e n t m a g a zine NORTH EAST ensued, alongside

Featuring

would frequently c o c k u p a d ra w i n g i n s o m e ra n d o m w a y o r a n o t h e r, a n d h a v e t o surreptitiously place a t h u m b o r s u c h l i ke a c r o s s t h e o f fe n d i n g p a r t o f t h e d ra w i n g when presenting the art t o t h e c u s t o m e r. T h i s happened more times than I care to recall! On another occasion, I reduced a lady to t e a r s a f t e r d ra w i n g h e r with, in her own words, a “ m a s s i v e n o s e ”. ( I must admit, it doesn’t fe e l p a r t i c u l a r l y g o o d to elicit this reaction from someone; but at the same time, I often wonder why she was s i t t i n g fo r a c a r i c a t u r e in the first place, if she was that sensitive about h e r fe a t u r e s . ) T h e s e d a y s , I ’m s o e x p e r i e n c e d in what I do the humour and funny moments g e n e ra l l y c o m e a b o u t t h r o u g h w h a t I ’m putting down on paper – and the reactions of the crowd watching. Te l l u s 3 ra n d o m f a c t s about yourself? 1.I love listening to C h r i s t m a s m u s i c y e a rround. Sad but true! 2.I have a full-on o b s e s s i o n w i t h N e w Yo r k C i t y : c u l t u r e , h i s t o r y, architecture... smitten with the place. 3 . I w a s o n ‘ T h e Pa u l O ’G ra d y S h o w ’ i n 2 0 0 8 , presenting a customised c a r i c a t u r e p o r t ra i t t o t h e m a n h i m s e l f. To p fe l l a ! W h e n y o u ’r e n o t d ra w i n g h o w d o y o u l i ke to spend your time? The usual, really: chilling out with my fiancée and some good T V, r e a d i n g , c i n e m a , running, drinking, gym (not necessarily in that order). Nothing too

D E E R R E T E P R E H PHOTOGRAP

Plus

SAGE Jazz Festival Hiccups Festival Food For Thoughts Music From Rayne And More I f y o u c o u l d d ra w anyone famous past or present who would it be and why? I don’t really have a m a s s i v e u r g e t o d ra w

Have you had any f u n n y / e m b a r ra s s i n g i n c i d e n t s w h i l s t d ra w i n g someone? To o m a n y t o m e n t i o n ! In the early days o f A l t o n To w e r s I

to ening yer t s i l r ng youGAZINE Pla is o s e h T e A r N E M a d t h i s i s s um a k e u o n o YNE, you re while allen by RA ut their F o called you check info on a sure r more d. o f e r featu great ban

We l c o m e N o t e . We l c o m e t o a n o t h e r g r e a t I s s u e o f N E Magazine. Its been a very busy month fo r u s p l a n n i n g l o a d s o f g r e a t c o n t e n t c o m i n g y o u r w a y s o o n s o m a ke s u r e y o u ke e p u p w i t h u s o n o u r Fa c e b o o k page, if you haven’t already then this month you have missed out on s e v e ra l a m a z i n g c o m p e t i t i o n s , s o g o l i ke u s n o w s o y o u d o n ’ t m i s s o u t o n any more…because we’ve got some c ra c k i n g o n e s c o m i n g y o u r w a y ! ! !

Website Greg Wyllie BA (Hons) www.evocreative.co.uk info@evocreative.co.uk SPONSORS Cineworld Boldon www.cineworld.co.uk The Sage Gateshead www.thesagegateshead.org

h t t p : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / p a g e s / N - E Online-Magazine/248245728604190?re f=ts&fref=ts

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D o n ’ t fo r g e t i f y o u w a n t t o a p p e a r i n a future issue then please get in touch as we can’t help you if you don’t tell us, we really need you to help us to showcase how fantastic the North East a n d i t ’s p e o p l e a r e

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U n t i l n e x t m o n t h , t a ke i t e a s y Wa y n e

EDITOR Wayne Groves wayne@neonlinemagazine.com DESIGNER Joseph Archer www.josephphilliparcher.co.uk archer.joe@neonlinemagazine.com CONTRIBUTORS Ian Berry Photographer www.ianberry.co.uk info@ianberry.co.uk

For all queries or if you would like to feature or advertise in NE Magazine email contact@neonlinemagazine.com Unless stated otherwise all competition entries should be sent to win@ neonlinemagazine.com Plus you can catch up with us online for news, events, blogs, competitions and more at www.neonlinemagazine.com Follow us on Facebook - http://www. facebook.com/pages/N-E-OnlineMagazine/248245728604190 join us on twitter @NEOnlineMag

Greame Baty Photographer www.facebook.com/ GJBPerformancePhotography g.j.baty@gmail.com Ant Clennan http://www.facebook.com/ant.clennan http://wwwsouthtynesidekettlebells. co.uk

o f To m R i c h m o n d d u r i n g the late nineties. A r e g u l a r s l o t d ra w i n g fo r the student magazine ensued, alongside a d e g r e e p o r t fo l i o that was celebrity c a r i c a t u r e b a s e d fo r the most part. Upon completing my degree I was at something of a crossroads, not really knowing what to do; then one day a noticed a n ‘A R T I S T S WA N T E D ’ a d online, posted by a guy c a l l e d N i g e l C o o ke w h o owned a stand at Alton To w e r s R e s o r t . ( N i g e l ’s since become a good friend.) One thing led to a n o t h e r, a n d I s p e n t t h e n e x t fo u r y e a r s s o a k i n g up the summer season and learning the ropes as a caricaturist into the bargain. Is that the only kind of i l l u s t ra t i o n / d ra w i n g you do? In a word, yes. I’ve dabbled in other related fields over the years, at various times exploring c h a ra c t e r d e s i g n , l o g o design, and realistic d ra w i n g . H o w e v e r I ke e p c o m i n g b a c k t o the fact that I am a caricaturist at heart, a n d t h i s i s h o w I ’d l i ke to be remembered when I’ve gone (hopefully m a n y, m a n y y e a r s f r o m now). I love the notion of looking at the world i n a s l i g h t l y s ke w e d , e x a g g e ra t e d w a y, w h i c h I find only in caricature. This is why I intend to s t i c k w i t h i t fo r t h e long haul.

What has been your m o s t m e m o ra b l e moment so far? D ra w i n g A l a n S h e a r e r fo r a c h a r i t y a u c t i o n ra n k s p r e t t y h i g h , b u t just getting the inside t ra c k i s w h e n I w o n m y a w a r d s fo r ‘ B e s t L i ke n e s s ’ a n d ‘ B e s t Pa r t y C a r i c a t u r e s ’ a t t h e International Society of Caricature Artists’ annual convention in L a s Ve g a s i n 2 0 0 5 . I t was my first year in attendance (with my g o o d p a l a n d fe l l o w a r t i s t M i ke C a r l o n ) a n d it was a blast. Hanging out and mingling with my artistic heroes left me tongue-tied at times, and I spent most of the week artistically crippled by being in the presence of such caricature royalty; however I seemed to overcome that, going on to have a fantastic time and creating a gallery of pieces ultimately deemed worthy by my peers.

DEATH TO INDIE

TRIP

I f y o u c o u l d d ra w anyone famous past or present who would it be and why? I don’t really have a m a s s i v e u r g e t o d ra w

Have you had any f u n n y / e m b a r ra s s i n g i n c i d e n t s w h i l s t d ra w i n g someone? To o m a n y t o m e n t i o n ! In the early days o f A l t o n To w e r s I

PETER REED

THE SAGE JAZZ FESTIVAL

anyone famous; I think h u m a n s a s a ra c e a r e a l l so unique and individual t h a t i t ’s a l m o s t irrelevant whether t h e y ’r e i n t h e p u b l i c eye or not. Having said that, I would have loved t o h a v e h a d a c ra c k at Steve Irwin when he was still around; I fo u n d – a n d s t i l l f i n d – h i s e n t h u s i a s m fo r l i fe u t t e r l y i n fe c t i o u s . C o m e t o t h i n k o f i t , I ’d l o v e to spend ten minutes in the presence of the Dalai Lama too. What has been your m o s t m e m o ra b l e moment so far? D ra w i n g A l a n S h e a r e r fo r a c h a r i t y a u c t i o n ra n k s p r e t t y h i g h , b u t just getting the inside t ra c k i s w h e n I w o n m y a w a r d s fo r ‘ B e s t L i ke n e s s ’ a n d ‘ B e s t Pa r t y C a r i c a t u r e s ’ a t t h e International Society of Caricature Artists’ annual convention in L a s Ve g a s i n 2 0 0 5 . I t was my first year in attendance (with my g o o d p a l a n d fe l l o w a r t i s t M i ke C a r l o n ) a n d it was a blast. Hanging out and mingling with my artistic heroes left me tongue-tied at times, and I spent most of the week artistically crippled by being in the presence of such caricature royalty; however I seemed to overcome that, going on to have a fantastic time and creating a gallery of pieces ultimately deemed worthy by my peers.

20 FOOD FOR THOUGHTS 23 RAYNE

I f y o u c o u l d d ra w anyone famous past or present who would it be and why? I don’t really have a m a s s i v e u r g e t o d ra w

Have you had any f u n n y / e m b a r ra s s i n g i n c i d e n t s w h i l s t d ra w i n g someone? To o m a n y t o m e n t i o n ! In the early days o f A l t o n To w e r s I

THE HICCUPS FESTIVAL

INTERVIEW WITH D E AT H T O I N D I E Who are you? We a r e D e a t h t o I n d i e , a 4 p i e c e p o p - p u n k / p u n krock outfit. Where are you from? Based in Newcastle Who does what in the band? M i c h a e l J a x – L e a d Vo x and Guitar Nik Bloomfield – Lead Guitar Mark Rayner – Bass and G e n e ra l M a n a g e r M i ke R e n w i c k - D r u m s Where did the name come from? We fe l t t h a t “ I n d i e C u l t u r e ” h a s t a ke n o v e r. T h e o r i g i n a l i d e a of Indie (Independent) Music was originality and developing s o m e t h i n g n e w. T h i s h a s b e e n s a t u ra t e d a n d it seems that popular m u s i c i s a l l s o s i m i l a r.

W h e n d i d y o u fo r m a n d how did it come about? Mark and Jax have been f r i e n d s fo r y e a r s a n d have been in previous b a n d s t o g e t h e r, t h e s a m e fo r N i k a n d M i ke . M i ke a n d M a r k s t a r t e d working together and t h e r e s t i s h i s t o r y. Are you a covers band or do you do your own material? We w r i t e o u r o w n material and will continue to develop our own style and sound, h o w e v e r, w e d o h a v e a s o f t s p o t fo r “ p u n k i n g u p ” c h e e s y 8 0 ’s a n d 9 0 ’s pop hits. A Random fact about each band member? (3 fo r a s o l o a r t i s t e ) Micheal Jax is 1/16 Mexican M i ke R e n w i c k h a t e s cheese Nik Bloomfield is a f ra i d o f s t a i n e d g l a s s

windows Mark Rayner is a part time stand up comedian What has been your m o s t m e m o ra b l e moment to date so far? Each member has their o w n , M a r k ’s i s p l a y i n g Legends Nightclub in front of a crowd of over 2 0 0 , N i k ’s w a s s i g n i n g w i t h T h e A n i m a l Fa r m r e c o r d l a b e l , M i ke ’s was playing Nambucca in London and Jax ’ was reading our first review on GIG-IT website. Who inspires you? As we are a band, we are all influenced by d i f fe r e n t p e o p l e t h r o u g h d i f fe r e n t g e n r e s . F o r o l d s c h o o l p u n k b a n d s l i ke The Outcasts and The Ramones, right through t o n e w r o c k b a n d s l i ke The Foo fighter and The Offspring.

I f y o u c o u l d m a ke 1 p e r s o n d i s a p p e a r fo r good who would it be and why? (famous) Simon Cowell, he is the reason why the music industry is more interested in a pretty face and the almighty b u c k t h a n ra w t a l e n t . Real songwriters with stories to tell are being shunned in favour of some two-bit, auto tuned, fashion label p l u c ke d s t ra i g h t o u t o f middle school to be a record label puppet. What would your rider be if you were playing a huge gig? Jelly Beans, Newcastle Brown Ale and Pringles. W h e r e w o u l d y o u l i ke t o gig the most? Va n s Wa r p e d To u r, Ro u n d h o u s e i n L o n d o n or Download Festival. I f y o u c o u l d t ra v e l b a c k in time when would you t ra v e l b a c k t o a n d w h y ? L a t e 6 0 ’s e a r l y 7 0 ’s . S o m u c h w a s h a p p e n i n g m u s i c a l l y. A lot of musician were experimenting with d i f fe r e n t s o u n d s a n d instruments and carving

out new genres. There was a lot more freedom of expression back then, n o w, i t s a l l j u s t b u i l d i n g on what the artists back then started. If you could play with anyone in the world, past or present who would it be and why? The Who, The Foo Fighters, The Clash. All G i a n t s o f Ro c k / P u n k . W h a t ’s t h e m o s t e m b a r ra s s i n g t h i n g y o u have ever done at a gig? At o u r f i r s t L e g e n d s g i g we all wore dresses, Nik has fallen off the s t a g e b e fo r e . What advice would you give to anyone wanting to start a band up? Be prepared to play empty rooms, work with 2 bit useless promoters and bands who think they are bigger than they actually are. If you were not playing in a band what would you be doing instead? We w o u l d s t i l l b e involved with music, either as session musicians, solo artists or production.

Where is your favourite place in the North east? Whitley Bay coast/ St J a m e s Pa r k W h a t ’s y o u r a i m s fo r 2 0 1 3 ? Get the EP done, promote the album and g e t o n a fe w fe s t i v a l s . To u r a s m u c h a s possible too. Why should people come and listen to you? The one thing we are w e l l k n o w n fo r i s t h e energy and enjoyment we put into our live shows. For us, being in a band isn’t just about the music, its about making sure the audience have fun, enjoy the show as w e l l a s t h e n o i s e . Where can people fo l l o w y o u / ke e p u p t o date with you? Fa c e b o o k . c o m / deathtoindieuk Yo u t u b e . c o m / deathtoindieuk Tw i t t e r @ d e a t h t o i n d i e

www.cineworld.com

P I R T H T I W W E I AN INTERV H i Tr i p ! We l c o m e t o N E Magazine, so tell us a bit about yourself and w h a t y o u d o ? I ’m 2 7 , m a r r i e d w i t h 2 gorgeous children a n d I ’m a l s o a H i p H o p artist from Consett Co. Durham going by the a l i a s E g o Tr i p . I come from a Salvation Army background as m y p a r e n t s w o r k fo r them and during my younger years we moved around a lot with their job, meaning I was constantly trying to fit in with new people and new schools. Although that was a pain I learned how to read m u s i c s c r i p t s , p l a y b ra s s instruments and how to sing - well hold a note lol. It wasn’t until I was about 15 that I first started writing lyrics a n d s o n g s . At f i r s t I guess it was just a phase but as the years went on it became a p a r t o f m y l i fe . H o w h a r d w a s i t fo r you starting out as a ra p a r t i s t f r o m t h e North East? I t ’s p r o b a b l y t h e h a r d e s t place to come out of as a ra p p e r j u s t b e c a u s e of the accent alone. Not many people can understand it over songs i f I ’m b e i n g b r u t a l l y h o n e s t . I ’m l u c k y I d o n ’ t have a strong Geordie accent so people can understand what I s a y. I t ’s n o t t h e b e s t k n o w n p l a c e fo r H i p Hop either especially when people mainly listen to people from London, Birmingham and M a n c h e s t e r. B u t t h a t ’s

c h a n g i n g , p e o p l e l i ke Rex Regis, Suus, Skrufz, Militantz and Darksyde are all making a lot of noise through the North East and beyond Have you always done your own material? Ye a h , I l o v e w r i t i n g lyrics. I think I actually enjoy writing more than the actual recording even though both of those can be really f r u s t ra t i n g . T h e r e ’s t i m e s w h e n I ’m i n t h e s t u d i o w i t h Po e t i k s when we help each o t h e r t o m a ke t h e o v e r all song sound better but apart from that everything you hear is my own. Te l l u s a b o u t y o u r albums and how you started out releasing them? I started working on a

free album series called D E M O ( D a m n E g o ’s Mashing Out) back in 2009. I released 5 in all from then until 2011 via various Hip Hop and downloadable sites. I guess you can call them a journey of progression because listening back over them each one b e t t e r e d t h e l a s t e f fo r t . In all honesty none of them could be played start to finish as the over all project wasn’t tight enough. Each one had gems though w i t h t h e l i ke s o f D o r m Ro o m , To y B o x a n d S o Fa r S o S o w h i c h I s t i l l p e r fo r m t o d a y. I t ’s o n l y now after releasing the Po e t i k s s t u f f t h a t I fe e l l i ke I ’m r e a d y t o r e l e a s e a solid solo album.

What has been your m o s t m e m o ra b l e moment to date so far? It was probably meeting O b i e Tr i c e o n a s t r e e t corner in Manchester j u s t b e fo r e h i s g i g . At t h e t i m e h e was signed to E m i n e m ’s S h a d y Records Imprint and had just released his debut album ‘ C h e e r s ’. I remember being with my girlfriend ( n o w w i fe ) G e m m a and a friend of mine Rimm. A week b e fo r e , m e a n d R i m m had recorded about 4 o r 5 t ra c k s a n d t h r o w n t h e m o n C D ’s u n d e r the name Lost Soulz. Looking back now the music was horrendous but at the time we were t h e b e s t ra p p e r s i n t h e UK - in our heads lol. Rimm remembered we h a d o n e o f o u r C D ’s i n t h e c a r s o w e ra n p i c ke d i t u p a n d h e a d e d fo r Obie, who was with these 2 HUGE body guards. Obie slapped hands with us and took the CD saying he would check it out. Thinking about it we probably made his ears bleed and the CD got snapped in half but him just taking t h e t i m e t o t a ke i t o f f u s a n d t a l k t o u s fo r 5 minutes was all the motivation I needed t o m a ke i t i n m u s i c . Who inspires you? A lot of people inspire me from my w i fe a n d k i d s t o friends to other artists. I hear a lot of music and I think about trying similar things. Places a l s o i n s p i r e m e , l i ke w h e n I ’m d r i v i n g h o m e to see my parents and I

see boarded up houses, b u r n t g a ra g e s a n d g a n g s of teenagers standing around street corners. I t m a ke s m e g ra t e f u l fo r what I have.

If you could m a ke 1 person disappear fo r g o o d w h o would it be and why? L i l Wa y n e l o l a l t h o u g h

I a d m i r e h i s w o r k ra t e , his music is horrible and his dress sense of leopard skin leggings m a ke H i p H o p a l a u g h i n g stock to the masses.

If you could play with anyone in the world, past or present who would it be and why? At t h e m i n u t e i t w o u l d be Joe Budden. The guy has become my f a v o u r i t e ra p p e r o v e r the last couple of years, His lyrics are so thought provoking which is how I try to write mine, and he doesn’t care what people think he just goes out and does it and it seems to be paying off at long last. W h a t ’s t h e m o s t e m b a r ra s s i n g t h i n g you have ever done at a gig? lol! It has to b e fo r g e t t i n g my lyrics at my first gig in Wa l e s . I w a s drunk on stage with Prospekt and one of my favourite songs of mine hit so I s t a r t e d ra p p i n g a l o n g then all of a sudden fo r a n u n k n o w n reason I wanted to change the lyrics and messed it up lol! I f r o ze , b u t P r o s p e k t being a quality ra p p e r j u s t s t a r t e d freestyling the rest off the verse with lyrics off the top o f h i s h e a d . Pe r fe c t cover up we got away w i t h i t - w e l l t h a t ’s what Prospekt and o u r D J t h o u g h t b e fo r e I started laughing and s a i d ‘ G e m I fo r g o t my lyrics’ down the m i c l o l . We a l l m a ke m i n o r m i s t a ke s l o l ! I ’d l i ke t o t a ke t h i s time to thank Prospekt by the way so ... Thank Yo u l o l ! !

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to get started in Rap? B e y o u r s e l f. T h e r e ’s n o point being someone your not or coming across as something that has nothing to do with your situation. Believe in yourself and you’ll achieve anything. D o n ’ t b e a f ra i d o f y o u r dreams no matter how c ra z y t h e y m a y s e e m . Share a secret with us? Hmmm it wouldn’t be a secret if I told you would it? Nice try though lol Where is your favourite place in the North east? C o n s e t t . l o l ! I t ’s a s simple as that. Stop turning your noses up l o l . I t ’s m y h o m e , t h e place where I grew up. I learned a lot from my time living there. I have great memories and some amazing friends from there. Why else would I have ‘DH8’ t a t t o o ’d o n m y a r m ? Seriously lol! W h o a r e P o e t i k s ? Po e t i k s i s a n a m e m e and Prospekt had back in 2006 when we started working as a duo on a fe w s o n g s . N o t h i n g came of it back then to be honest. After me naming Prospekt and bringing him into the game back in 2005 we had a minor falling out in 2008 and didn’t talk again until the summer of 2010, in which time I had started my DEMO series and Prospekt had started working with C e e J a y. T h e f i r s t t i m e all of us were in the studio together was mid 2010. I remember it well because I thought it was a plan by Prospekt to j u m p m e l o l n o j o ke ! !

I was nervous, I didn’t know what to expect. From then until early 2012 we jumped on each others songs and p e r fo r m e d t o g e t h e r. It was in June of last year me and Prospekt d e c i d e d t o b r i n g Po e t i k s b a c k t o l i fe a n d w o r k o n a j o i n t E P t o g e t h e r. That same night we r e c o r d e d ‘ Wa r M u s i c ’ and ‘Spittin & Rhymin’ which can be heard on the Retribution a l b u m ( w w w. p o e t i k s . bandcamp.com). It wasn’t until a week later Pe k t c a m e u p w i t h t h e idea of adding CeeJay to the group giving us more depth with him b e i n g a n a m a z i n g s i n g e r. Our first port of call was a t ra c k c a l l e d ‘ S n i t c h ’ aimed at North East g r o u p To p B o y Ro u n d Here. The response w a s u n r e a l ! We h a d t h e North patiently waiting fo r R e t r i b u t i o n w h i c h dropped last August. Along side that we dropped another EP in December called Funs Over which carried on the hype from Retribution. It all happened so fast from fo r m i n g t o b e i n g c a l l e d the ‘Super Group of the North’ as Prospekt and CeeJay are from the N o r t h We s t . Are you signed? I ’m n o t s i g n e d a s s u c h . My close friend Stu runs a local Hip Hop record label called Hi Risk Records and I’ve been putting my music out v i a t h e m fo r n e a r l y 1 0 years. I owe a lot to Stu fo r t h e a m o u n t o f w o r k he puts in and the belief he has had over the last decade or so. W h a t ’s y o u r f a v o u r i t e lyrics from one of

your songs? Wo w ! e r r r m ! ! P r o b a b l y these lines from a free style me and Prospekt d i d b e fo r e R e t r i b u t i o n came out “Developed hearing ‘a i d s ’ f r o m p h o n e ‘s e x ’. T h a t ’s a ‘ p u n c h ’ l i n e a c c o r d i n g t o m y w i fe l o c ke d o u t o n t h e d o o r s t e p ” lol don’t ask! She’ll knock me out if she ever reads this. W h a t ’s y o u r a i m s fo r 2 0 1 3 ? My first aim is to get Speak of the Devil done r e a d y fo r t h e e n d o f April. And also start on my first official solo album. As well as all o f t h e Po e t i k s i d e a ’s from our next promo release ‘Boxing With God’ to our first official album, Hopefully the fan base grows through out the year and I get to p e r fo r m i n m o r e p l a c e s across the country Why should people come and listen to you? I come with a lot of energy on stage, I love p u t t i n g o n a s h o w. N o t just turn up on stage ra p a b i t a n d t h e n l e a v e ! I want to be the guy who gets stuck in your h e a d fo r d a y s . Where can people fo l l o w y o u / ke e p u p t o date with you? w w w. p o e t i k s . b a n d c a m p . com w w w.t h i s i s e g o . c o m w w w. h i r i s k r e c o r d s . c o m @thisisego @officialpoetiks @hiriskrecords w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / thisisego w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / poetiks w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / hiriskrecords

AN INTERVIEW WITH PETER REED So how about you tell us a bit about yourself? I am a middle aged Bedlington lad. I went to college and studied g ra p h i c d e s i g n t h e n p h o t o g ra p h y. I a m a father of three (two boys and one girl) and g ra n d f a t h e r o f t w o b o y s . I l i ke t o v i s i t g a l l e r i e s , m u s e u m s a n d g o fo r drives in the country but sitting down on the beach in the sun is also good. Yo u r w i n n i n g p h o t o b l e w o u r j u d g e s a w a y, it really is an incredible

image, how hard was it to get that shot, what w a s y o u r p r o c e s s fo r catching it? It was around 5 in the morning, I was in Newcastle to pick up my s o n w h o w a s t ra v e l l i n g up from London and I had half an hour spare so took a walk around the quayside took a fe w s h o t s o n t r i p o d fo r slow exposures. I saw that some of the lights were coming on at the Sage so went onto the Millennium bridge. While walking along the Quayside I experimented

with exposures so I knew what to set my c a m e ra o n a n d fo c u s e d m a n u a l l y. Are you a full t i m e p r o fe s s i o n a l p h o t o g ra p h e r o r i s p h o t o g ra p h y a b i t of a hobby? P h o t o g ra p h y i s a l o t o f a h o b b y, I t a ke m y c a m e ra w i t h m e w h e n e v e r w e g o fo r a d r i v e a n d ke e p s t o p p i n g t o t a ke p h o t o s . I s u b m i t some of my photos to p h o t o l i b ra r i e s , I u s e d t o p h o t o g ra p h e v e n t s

a t Wa l l i n g t o n fo r t h e N a t i o n a l Tr u s t a n d recently have been covering the Alternate Model contest. And what kind of p h o t o g ra p h y d o y o u d o ? I l i ke t o p h o t o g ra p h concerts, people, l a n d s c a p e s , a b s t ra c t images. I don’t stick to a single subject. Anything c a n m a ke a g o o d i m a g e If you could shoot anyone/any place who/ where would it be and why? It would be a concert but who depends on w h a t c d I ’m l i s t e n i n g t o a t t h e t i m e . I l i ke g o i n g

t o s e e p e r fo r m a n c e s , watching people do something that they love and doing it well plus you also get to listen to music or w a t c h a p l a y. What inspires you with y o u r p h o t o g ra p h y ? I try to get the viewer to l o o k a t m y p h o t o g ra p h s and think, “I want to go there” or “that looks nice” or just “what is that ” as long they find them interesting. Do you have a facebook or a website where people can see your work? h t t p : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k .

c o m / p e t e r. r e e d . 3 9 http://peterreedemail. w i x . c o m / t h e - l i g h t- w a s right Te l l u s 3 ra n d o m f a c t s about yourself? I ’m l e f t- h a n d e d I o n c e b r o ke m y l e g in a bad landing on a p a ra c h u t e j u m p I a s ke d t h e g u i t a r i s t Johnny Winter what is his best side (he wasn’t amused) A n y t h i n g y o u w o u l d l i ke to add? Has anybody got any j o b s fo r a p h o t o g ra p h e r, no job too easy no pay too large.

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Gateshead International Jazz Festival, the l a r g e s t U K fe s t i v a l h e l d u n d e r o n e r o o f, h a s announced its headline a c t s a n d t h e m e s fo r 2013 including the N a t i o n a l Yo u t h J a z z O r c h e s t ra , L i g h t h o u s e , Phronesis, Christine To b i n , R u b y Tu r n e r a n d T h e B ra n d N e w H e a v i e s . T h e fe s t i v a l w i l l t a ke place in the spectacular surroundings of The Sage Gateshead on Friday 5th - Sunday 7th A p r i l 2 0 1 3 a n d t i c ke t s go on sale on Friday 7 t h D e c e m b e r. T h e fe s t i v a l k i c k s o f f i n Hall One with the first ever visit to the venue f r o m t h e N a t i o n a l Yo u t h J a z z O r c h e s t ra ( N YJ O ) – now enjoying a new and higher profile with some special jazz guests, plus an opening set from the The Sage G a t e s h e a d ’s o w n y o u t h jazz ensemble, Jambone. I n H a l l Tw o t h a t e v e n i n g the genre-busting Soweto Kinch presents material from his new double album ‘ The L e g e n d o f M i ke S m i t h ’ with his new trio. T h e N o r t h i s a ke y t h e m e fo r t h e fe s t i v a l , interpreted in various w a y s . S a t u r d a y n i g h t ’s Hall One concert presents two jazz suites inspired by the North East of England – ‘Northumbrian S ke t c h e s ’, w r i t t e n i n t h e 1 9 8 0 ’s b y N e w c a s t l e jazz musician/composer Ian Carr in its first ever N o r t h E a s t p e r fo r m a n c e , and ‘Songs to the North S k y ’, w r i t t e n i n 2 0 1 2 b y Tim Garland, resident in the region. Both will be

p e r fo r m e d b y N o r t h e r n S i n fo n i a , o r c h e s t ra o f The Sage Gateshead, with jazz soloists Tim Whitehead and Henry Lowther plus award winning trio Lighthouse, fe a t u r i n g t h e a w a r d winning pianist Gwilym S i m c o c k . T h e v e n u e ’s intimate Jazz Lounge, c r e a t e d fo r t h e fe s t i v a l , will host two afternoons o f ‘J a z z f r o m t h e N o r t h ’ on the Saturday and the S u n d a y, w i t h b a n d s f r o m the North of England, Scotland and also from the far North with the Ve r n e r i Po h j o l a Tr i o a n d O d d a r ra n g , b o t h from Finland and who have recently received a warm reception at the London Jazz Festival. The connection with Nordic jazz goes further welcoming back Danish bass player Jasper Høiby and his band Phronesis on the Sunday who, since t h e i r 2 0 1 0 a p p e a ra n c e a t t h e fe s t i v a l a s p a r t of a Loop Collective s h o w c a s e , h a v e t a ke n Europe by storm. They are supported by the unique duo Little Radio (Iain Ballamy and Norwegian Stian Carstensen). A sideways North East connection comes with the unique concert ‘ S p e e d o f G ra c e – a tribute to AC/DC ’ by German jazz singer Jens T h o m a s w i t h Ve r n e r i Po h j o l a w h e r e b y t h e music of AC/DC becomes late night chamber jazz. T h e fe s t i v a l i s a l w a y s delighted to work with broadcaster/musician Alyn Shipton and this

I f y o u c o u l d d ra w anyone famous past or present who would it be and why? I don’t really have a m a s s i v e u r g e t o d ra w

ay n am u so;r kI twhiitnhk e ya o r nhee fw i l low h uu sm t oa ndse vaes l a o praJcaez za r e a l l sWo o ur d n si q-u ae na e n xdpilnodrai vti douna l tohf atth iet ’s s ts h i p r eal al m tion ibrer et w l eeveann tj awz h z eatnhde r tphoeeyt’r e inno t a hb e l yp ut b r y, h lei c ewyoer ko ro fn oPth.i lHi pa vLianrgk isna i d tahnadt ,W. I w oua l dt sh; a‘ vL e B .Ye a rlkoi vne’sd tJ o e vhoal vdeas cbra a zhz a’ vi n o tchk j a z z as e t tStti e I rfwhi ins w n vg es o ph oen ms h og u sn do;f I b eu twaal s os triel la adri n fo – awnrdi t isnt igl lafbi n L aur knidn ’s od u t– h j ai sz ze annt hd utshi a e spml afo y i rn gl i fe of u rlo y riknsfehcet idoeussc. rCi boems e t ht tee w . tToh et hei n v ek not f ailts, oI ’d i n cl ol uvde e s tI roi sshp es n t er nC m i ndg e h riins u t itnees iTo n bt hi ne’sp h r ei gs h en he d l yc er eogfa rt d D ‘ Saal ial i nLga m t oa Btyozoa.n t i u m ’ - h e r b a n d ’s s e t t i n g s W a taht sa sp b ou o fhYe oee mns .y A l yrn m miol lraabl sl o e present S hoi sptt omne w m a o l im v ee ne td istoi ofna ro?f R a d i o D ra w S hReeaqr u e re s t s 3 ’s J ai znzg RAel caonr d fo a ct h e a rfe i t ys tai vuaclt. i o n f r or m ra n k s p r e t t y h i g h , b u t jGuus itt ag reitsttisn gw itlhl eb e inside t ra s w h rci lkl ei d t oh ehne aI r wt o hn at m s eymai w n aalr dF sr efo n cr h‘ Bgeusi t a r i s t LBiike ’ raennde ‘ m B easke t s a r enl ieLsas g Pa atn u cr e so’ uatts ti d he ra rret ya C p apreiac ra ILnotnedr n o nhai l sSt osct i el lt ya oa n t; i w o a ft utrhee ARret i n s thsa’ r d t mfaCs a t er irc o al engnaucay,l choi sn vceunr rt e i onnt i n Lbaasn d Vei gs aas firne e 2 -0w 0h 5e . eI tl i n g w y ei sacre innt q ua as rm t eyt frier smt i n aotft 1 en d0 an e l (uw 96 ’sc B e i tNho tmey, gwoi o l apnhdo nfei sl tl o w t hd spaaxo aF rra t ins ct kMWo i kel f,C adrrluom n )maenrd iJte a wna sMaa rbcl aRo s t .b iHna anng d ing o n rggl ianngi sw Huatmamn od nm d io t iJteha n m Yvye sa rJtui sntgi cphr oe vr o i deisn g t h e lteefxtt u mree taonndg u g reo- toiveed. a t times, and I spent most o f ut h l yi l l So l ea nwde feuknakr ltoi svtei cr sa lw cbrei puppl eodn btyh ebier i n fegeitnfo r tahsee p n rseast e i onncael odfo suubcl h e cbai lrli ci n a tH ua r el l rOony e a l toyn; t h e h eh r tI os e mee d l aosw t envi g f et h fe tsot i v a l o wvi e t hr cJoom oe l s tHh oa ltl,agnodi n g o n tr o a ufba yn tTu a srtni ce rt i m e e ghual vaer R a n d c9r0e’sa tsi u np g ear sgtaalrl se rTyh e o ee sw u lH t iemaavti e lsy, w h o B frapni e d cN d d w y tbiyn gmay ae r ee m n oe w c eolretbhra p n e ewr sa.l b u m r e l e a s e . H v eS u y on ud ahya a df a T ha e t enryn o o n fwuinl lnay l/seomsbeaer ra ne gar a nsds i h itnhcei dCeonntcsow u rhsi el s to fd ra T hw eing sSoa m g ee o Gnaet e? s h e a d f i l l e d To o m a n y t o m e n t i o n ! In the early days o f A l t o n To w e r s I

would frequently c o c k u p a d ra w i n g i n s o m e ra n d o m w a y o r a n o t h e r, a n d h a v e t o st o u rirtes pitciot inoi u c srloy opf l a wci et h s uf cohvlei ke tahteh u s omubn dosr o r a c0r0o s a s xo t hpehoofnfe 1 e npdl ianyge r s e idnra ipna rt th eo fc tuhl m a tw i oi n go f n oprrtehs eE n h en a r t twhhee N a ts itn’sg ot w t oe rtshi o e nc uosf tSoamxo e r. s v p hTohni e h aapsps ei vnee, dt hmeonr eo w times M t healnl eI sctaarbel i tsoh erde cm a lal s! s w Oanr tainc o p i pt ahtei ro no cpcraosjieocnt, fo r og e s sI ar xe dpul ac yeedr sa ol af dayl l t a t enadr sa ba ifltiet ireds ra a p lw a yi ni ng gh e r wni tdhe,r i n wann w u t hheegr uoi d c eo rodf s , n oos rei”. tah“emparsosjievcet ’s g i n( Ia t o r mnuds tGaadt emsiht e , ai td d o e s n ’ t a Ife n teel rpnaartti iocnual al rJlayz g z ood t oe set li ivcai tl ’st hr iesg ruel a rc tAi onnd y F f rhoem S p psaorm d eaonnde ;g ubiut ta rai ts t t hher i s aSmhea rtke i my.e , I o f t e n C wonder why she was s i t st i n r i rcm a taunrcee Ro R gi g fo b y,r aPecrafo i nr ot ghra e m f i rm s te pDl a i fr s h e P i rceec,t o wta Ts hteh aSta sge nGs iattiev sehaebaodu t a r e sr .e)aTl lhye s e shaeird fe : “aI t aum ldoaoyks i,nIg’mfosrow e a xr dp et roi e n c e d i new h ee hnuem w l choamt i In gd os ot m wo u r a rntdi sftus ntnoy om u ro m feesnt itvsa l e cnhe ra sg u a sl l tyhceoFmi ne nai sbho u t t hr tr iosut sg ha sww h ae tl l I a’m a s t tei nog f dtohw o inr kpi ae p spoum e nq u r er – an e a tcht ieo n e v edntths el irke AsC /oDf Ct h e t ci chhi nIg’m . sure tcr iobwudt ewwah G a t e s h e a d ’s o w n B r i a n l lnus so n3 w raonudl o JTe oh d me nf jaocyt !s” about yourself? 1 .aI tleosvhee al ids tIenntienrgn at o G tional JCahzrzi sFtemsat isv m a l ui s i cp ryoedaur-c e d r oyuTnhde. S a d u ta tter suhee! a d b g eb G a ra f utlilo- n o nw i t h i2n. I choal lvaeb o o EbRs eI O s sUi So .n w i t h N e w Yo r k S C i t y : c u l t u r e , h i s t o r y, a ri ccke h i t es cctaunr eb. e . . bs m t edn T o oi tke wiitthhe tr hbey pclaalcl ei n. g 0 1 9 1 e 34 . I3w4a6s6o1n, o‘ Tnhl ien ePaaut l 4 O ’G ra dhye Ss a h goewg’a itne s2h0e0a8d, . w w w.t pre e inj tf 1 i n3g oar ci n ustomised o g s/ g c aerriscoant ufrreo m p oTrht ra p e iSta tgoe t haet em ae n ahdi’s m sTei cl f. G sh keTo t p feflfl iac!e f r o m t h e 7 t h O Wehceenmyboeur ’r( e D p rneo- st a l e d ra y obue rl i ke o n twhien g6 thho w D edcoe m sp n dS uy p op uo r rtti emr es .? to S ae ge To h re m u sour ae l ,i nrfo e arlm l ya: t i o n F ch a b iol lui tn gj ooi nuitn w g iSt ahgm ey f iuapnpc o é ret ea rnsd vsi o g ow. od S s im t ew w n ae d m. a tThV,e sraegaedgi n a tge, schi e o ,r g / sr u n pn p ionrgt-, udsr i)n k i n g , g y m (not necessarily in that order). Nothing too

Northern Spirits – Jazz F e s t i v a l c e l e b ra t e s North East Landscape Saturday 6 April 2013 The music of two of the U K ’s m o s t d i s t i n c t i v e l y original jazz composers – Tim Garland and n a t i v e Ty n e s i d e r Ian Carr – will be fe a t u r e d a t G a t e s h e a d International Jazz Festival, inspired by the landscapes of the North East of England. The Northern Spirits concert will include the world premiere p e r fo r m a n c e o f ‘ S o n g s to the North Sky ’ composed by Tim Garland. In addition to this new suite will be t h e f i r s t p e r fo r m a n c e in the North East of ‘ N o r t h u m b r i a n S ke t c h e s ’ (both to be conducted by Clark Rundell) which was composed by the l a t e m u s i c i a n I a n C a r r. Featuring Northern S i n fo n i a , o r c h e s t ra o f The Sage Gateshead,

b o t h p e r fo r m a n c e s w i l l o f fe r t h e c o m b i n e d fo r c e s o f j a z z m u s i c i a n s and classical, appealing t o a w i d e ra n g e o f music lovers. Composer Tim Garland was inspired by the North East to create the approachable, melodic and cinematic piece ‘Songs to The N o r t h S k y ’. M o v e m e n t s within the piece include ‘ Ty n e S o n g ’, ‘ S h a p e s O v e r N o r t h u m b e r l a n d ’, ‘Storm Over Kielder ’ and ‘Little Bay Blue’ (dedicated to the beach n e a r T i m ’s h o m e i n Whitley Bay). T i m G a r l a n d s a i d : “ T h e suite was inspired by the big skylines of the North East and m y t i m e t ra v e l l i n g t o a n d f r o m t h e r e , i t ’s the most cinematic a n d a u t o b i o g ra p h i c a l work I’ve written with a particular emphasis o n m e l o d i e s f i t t i n g fo r t h e s e b i g s k y s c a p e s ”.

T h e o r c h e s t ra t e d w o r k of ‘Northumbrian S ke t c h e s ’ b y t r u m p e t e r / composer Ian Carr was c o m m i s s i o n e d fo r t h e B ra c k n e l l J a z z F e s t i v a l in 1986. The piece is i n fo u r m o v e m e n t s and was a tribute to the Northumbrian a u t h o r, S i d C h a p l i n , a North Eastern writer fo r n o v e l s , s c r e e n p l a y s and poems often set i n C o u n t y D u r h a m ’s p i t villages in the 1940s and ‘50s. The piece uses the landscape which Chaplin had known and loved and combines classical s t r i n g o r c h e s t ra t i o n w i t h v i b ra n t j a z z improvisation. John Cumming , from Serious said of the piece: “I was privileged to work with Ian Carr on many occasions over the years, including co-commissioning ‘Northumbrian S ke t c h e s ’, w h i c h received its premiere at

o b fo tTo hm j a zRzi cahnm d ocnl a d sds iucrai ln g tmhues li ac t fe e snti inveatl ise as .t AS o u t h rHei gl luPa l a rr ks lBora t dc ra k nw e li ln ign fo t hr e t1h9e8 0s ts u . dIe rnetmmeamgb ae z irnIea n edne s u c reidb,i nagl otnhges icdhea l l e n g e ao fdw e gr irtei en gp o for rt fo s tlri ion g s twhiat th w g raes act eel excbirtiet ym e n t , caanrdi cw a thuerne Gbea o s er gdefo r tFhoes tm e ro satn d p aSret r. i U ou p so nr e cdoi smc o p vl eetriendg tm h ye dpei egcr e e Ifowr aIsa na ’s t sm om em e tohra i nbgl eo f a cmr e om s sor o r iaadl sc, onnocte r te ai nl l y k2n0o1 w 0 ,i ni tg rw eh mai tn dt oe dd o m; e tj u h setn hoonwe adcacyo am n po l i tsihceedd a n d‘AaRbTsIoSrTbSi nWA g tNhTi sE D ’ a d o mnul si ni ce ,r epm o satiends . b yI t awgi lul y cbael lreeda lNpi gl eeal sCuoroe ke t o whheoa r o i twonnecde amsot raen da nadt IA’m lton To s uw r ee rI as nR’se scor reta. t(i N v ei gsepl ’s irit swi n i lcl ewba e t ccho m o veear g ao no dd fi n r isepni d r e. ) tO hn i se f ti rhsitn g N ol er tdht-o aE n ao s ttehrenr,paenr d foIr m s paenncte .” the n e x t fo u r y e a r s s o a k i n g u Tp h et hc eo nscuemr tmaelrs os e a s o n ai nncdl ul e d ae rsnai nfo g rtthye mr oi npuetse as e s ta bcya rt h i cea tauwr a i srtd i n t o twhien nbianrgg at ri ni o. L i g h t h o u s e , which includes Tim Is that the only kind of i l l u s t ra t i o n / d ra w i n g you do? In a word, yes. I’ve dabbled in other related fields over the years, at various times exploring c h a ra c t e r d e s i g n , l o g o design, and realistic d ra w i n g . H o w e v e r I ke e p c o m i n g b a c k t o the fact that I am a caricaturist at heart, a n d t h i s i s h o w I ’d l i ke to be remembered when I’ve gone (hopefully m a n y, m a n y y e a r s f r o m now). I love the notion of looking at the world i n a s l i g h t l y s ke w e d , e x a g g e ra t e d w a y, w h i c h I find only in caricature. This is why I intend to s t i c k w i t h i t fo r t h e long haul.

aGnayrol anned f a m ; iI t thh i n k l o on ug sw h s ial y ra a rceo cakl l pu i amn ai snts Gaw m cSei m saon du npieqruceu sasni o d niinsdt iA v isdauf a l tShi rakti si t. ’sL i a lm t se gh t hoos u itrhreem l esvealnvte sw w h eetrheear l s o ti n h sepy i’r r eedi nb yt hae Npourbt lhi cE a s t el aynedomr anr o vin k t-. SHta M a rgys’sa i d tLhi gaht ,t hI owuos u a vhei t l o eld i n hW e vy e d tBoa yh a- vaen h k d ahda a v ec ra n ocw aptl aSyteedv ea lIlr w o vi n e rw h e n h t heewwaos rsl tdi.l l a r o u n d ; I fo und – and still find – h i ss eRnitghbuys isaasi m Ro d : fo “ Trhliisfe u i nufe i st tae rulny i q e cetvi o eu n st . C o m e tcoe ltehbi ra n kt ionfg i t ,wIo’d l o v e taomsbpi teinodu st ecno m mpi nous ittei so n s ifo n rt hj aez zp reensseenm c eb loef atnhde D m a- toonoe. f r o m o racl a h ie sL tara the last century and one W w rhi at ttehnaisn bteheenl ay sotu yr e a rm b ootsht im n sepmi roera d bbl ye t h e m N oormt he nEta s o t e franr ?l a n d s c a p e D S h eaarree r a nradwciunlgt uArlea.nWe fo a uacke t i oint d erl iag hctheadr ittoy m ra e tet yh ihgihglhi g, hbtus t o nnek so fp tr h joufs t hgee t2t0i n s iedaed 1 g3 tGhaet ei n sh tI n rat ce kr ni as tw i ohneanl JI awz zo n m d s fo r ‘ B e s t F eys taiw v aalr.” L i ke n e s s ’ a n d ‘ B e s t Pa r t y C a r i c a t u r e s ’ a t t h e International Society o f Cwww.cineworld.com aricature Artists’ annual convention in L a s Ve g a s i n 2 0 0 5 . I t was my first year in attendance (with my g o o d p a l a n d fe l l o w a r t i s t M i ke C a r l o n ) a n d it was a blast. Hanging out and mingling with my artistic heroes left me tongue-tied at times, and I spent most of the week artistically crippled by being in the presence of such caricature royalty; however I seemed to overcome that, going on to have a fantastic time and creating a gallery of pieces ultimately deemed worthy by my peers. Have you had any f u n n y / e m b a r ra s s i n g i n c i d e n t s w h i l s t d ra w i n g someone? To o m a n y t o m e n t i o n ! In the early days o f A l t o n To w e r s I *

would frequently c o c k u p a d ra w i n g i n s o m e ra n d o m w a y o r a n o t h e r, a n d h a v e t o surreptitiously place a t h u m b o r s u c h l i ke a c r o s s t h e o f fe n d i n g Naorrtt hoef rtnh e S pdi ra r i tw s iinsga t p T hhee nS apgree sGeanttei snhgetahde oanr t w p reir.l 2T0h1i s3 , tSoa ttuhred acyu s6t oAm a sa pppaer n t eodf G ds h maotrees ht iema e l Jraezcza l l ! tI nhtaenr nI actai roen at o F ens tainv o a lt hwehr i cohc ctaaske O i osn , Ip lraecdeu coendt h a el a5d y– t7o i cw kei n t sg h e r tAeparri sl 2a0f t1e3r. dTra a riet h£, 1i 9n. 5h 0e ra o nw d nc awno r d s , w b e“ m b oaos ske r b( yI a i vde eniot h s e ”. c aul lsitn ga d0m 19 m i t1, i4t4d3o e s n ’ t 4 6e6l1p, aornt il ci nuel aar tl ywgw fe o w. od h eeslai cgiet gtahtiess rheeaacdt.ioorng o r to n efor o fi nr opme rssoom nm e ; Tbhuet a t a tee tsihmeea,d I’soTf ti ceke tSha eg es aGm n t O fofni cdee.r Awjhayz zs hfees w t i va as l w a vra a i l acbalrei c. a t u r e spiat st isnigs fo in the first place, if she was that sensitive about h e r fe a t u r e s . ) T h e s e d a y s , I ’m s o e x p e r i e n c e d in what I do the humour and funny moments g e n e ra l l y c o m e a b o u t t h r o u g h w h a t I ’m putting down on paper – and the reactions of the crowd watching. Te l l u s 3 ra n d o m f a c t s about yourself? 1.I love listening to C h r i s t m a s m u s i c y e a rround. Sad but true! 2.I have a full-on o b s e s s i o n w i t h N e w Yo r k C i t y : c u l t u r e , h i s t o r y, architecture... smitten with the place. 3 . I w a s o n ‘ T h e Pa u l O ’G ra d y S h o w ’ i n 2 0 0 8 , presenting a customised c a r i c a t u r e p o r t ra i t t o t h e m a n h i m s e l f. To p fe l l a ! W h e n y o u ’r e n o t d ra w i n g h o w d o y o u l i ke to spend your time? The usual, really: chilling out with my fiancée and some good T V, r e a d i n g , c i n e m a , running, drinking, gym (not necessarily in that order). Nothing too

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Sage Wisdom When you get older other people, in my case kids, move around y o u r p r i o r i t i e s fo r y o u u s u a l l y. Yo u c a n ’ t just walk out of the h o u s e fo r a n i g h t o u t , everything has to be organised. Thus I never usually c e l e b ra t e t h i n g s l i ke b i r t h d a y s a n d a n n i v e r s a r i e s , i t ’s t o o much hassle. This year someone mentioned the Sage had a B ra s s i e r e , a f a c t t h a t I w a s n ’ t a w a r e o f, a f t e r a little investigation I decided to treat my other half to a c e l e b ra t o r y m e a l fo r o u r w e d d i n g a n n i v e r s a r y. I must admit that t h i s m a ke s m e s o u n d very romantic, until you realise that I am actually quite cheap. After 7pm you can get t w o c o u r s e s fo r £ 1 2 o r t h r e e fo r £ 1 5 . The Sage in case you have been living in a c a v e fo r t h e l a s t t e n or so years in about a ten minute walk from Gateshead Metro or a very short taxi ride. Yo u c a n a l s o g e t t h e

Quayside bendy bus which drops you pretty m u c h o u t s i d e t h e d o o r. The building itself has become one of the N o r t h E a s t ’s m o s t i c o n i c landmarks, at night it g l o w s l i ke a m a g i c a l creature that you might find while adventuring with Dr Doolittle. We m a d e o u r w a y through the crowds to t h e B ra s s i e r e w h i c h only had two other customers. Normally this would be a cause fo r c o n c e r n b u t I t h i n k a f t e r a q u i c k s t ra w p o l l o f m y fo o d i e f r i e n d s i t ’s b e c a u s e n o t m a n y people know about t h e B ra s s i e r e . T h e a f t e r 7 p m S o p ra n o menu has three choices fo r e a c h c o u r s e , including a vegetarian o p t i o n . I l o v e d t h i s neat concise menu, I am not a huge fan of large menus, I personally fe e l t h a t b i g m e n u s can cause confusion in k i t c h e n l e a v i n g t h e fo o d on the plate quite not as it should be. For starters I choose the pork and pistachio terrine with piccalilli and croutons, Mr Johnson choose a c a ra m e l i s e d o n i o n ,

Goats cheese and olive tart with a herb salad and balsamic dressing. M y s t a r t e r w a s l o v e l y, the terrine was nicely flavoured and moist a n d t h e s a l a d p e r fe c t l y dressed. I did think that there was a little too much piccalilli but it was easy to leave it and better to have too much than too little. Mr Johnson loved his tart, beautifully crisp short pastry with no soggy bottom and again a well dressed salad. The mains were also e xc e l l e n t , m y C o l e y fillet was beautifully c o o ke d a n d t h e s a l a d of beans and peas was l o v e l y. I w o u l d h a v e l i ke d m y f i s h t o h a v e a little more seasoning, as there was salt and pepper on the table this w a s e a s y t o r e c t i f y. M r J o h n s o n h a d t h e c h i c ke n with black pudding and white onion puree which was fabulous. I helped myself substantial m o u t h f u l . T h e c h i c ke n was moist and the puree w a s s m o o t h a n d c r e a m y. I could have and did try to steal the plate. The pudding selection was as concise as the

rest of the menu, I went fo r t h e ra s p b e r r y p a n n a cotta with lemon curd and Mr Johnson went fo r t h e c h e e s e b o a r d . My panna cotta had the appropriate jig gle factor and the flavour was reminiscent of the blue ra s p b e r r y w h i c h i s n o t b a d t h i n g . I t s u i t e d m y c u r r e n t o b s e s s i o n fo r pudding that requires no chewing. I was however devastated that it was served with c h o c o l a t e s a u c e ra t h e r than the advertised lemon curd. I could have complained and I am sure the staff would have rectified this with no problems but in a mature fashion I choose t o s u l k l i ke a p e t u l a n t child instead. The cheese board when it arrived was i m p r e s s i v e e v e n fo r n o n - c h e e s e l o v e r, w i t h substantial portions of locally sourced cheeses. The wine selection was also good and reasonably priced, we w e n t fo r a n A r g e n t i n e a n Malbec, my favourite wine priced at a reasonable £19.95. The service was also fantastic and although we were the only two customers in the B ra s s i e r e t h e s t a f f w e r e not intrusive at all, they were polite and helpful. T h e fo o d i s u n b e l i e v a b l e good especially when you consider that it i s o n l y £ 1 5 fo r t h r e e courses. All the romance went out of the evening w h e n I ke p t r e p e a t i n g can you believe this is only £15. I have no idea h o w s u c h g r e a t fo o d i s so reasonable and all locally sourced.

t w o s i d e s , t h a t ’s £ 2 7 a head. T h e o v e ra l l e x p e r i e n c e w a s l o v e l y t h e B ra s s i e s is understated and full of clean lines. My only major complaint is that at the back of the B ra s s i e r e a r e t h e m o s t hideous cheap red vases full of twigs. Once I had spotted them they annoyed me and should be r e m o v e d i m m e d i a t e l y. In all this is one of the best meals I have ever eaten, the whole experience was very v e r y g o o d . T h e fo o d i s definitely a 8.9 out of ten, the service would be a 9 out of 10, but v a l u e fo r m o n e y i s a 1 0 o u t o f 1 0 . I s t i l l c a n ’ t believe it was so cheap and so good. My final test is usually would I eat there again? I h a v e a l r e a d y b o o ke d t o go back. By Elizabeth Johnson

The whole meal with wine cost £54 including

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H T I W W I N T E R VAI EY N E R An alternative-rock band from Sunderland Ben Potts, lead singer and bass. Adam Dagg, lead guitar a n d ke y s . Steven ‘Nez’ Naisbet on drums and samples. Why Rayne? ( B e n ) We t o o k a g e s d e c i d i n g o n a n a m e . We went with Rayne when

we discovered a bit g ra f f i t i t h a t s a i d R a y n e . We s t o l e t h a t , a n d fo r a short while, even the way it was written was u s e d fo r p r o m o w o r k . Describe yourself in 5 words or less? (Ben) This is hard, errr . . . A m a z i n g ! LO L How long have you been p e r fo r m i n g ? ( B e n ) We h a v e b e e n p e r fo r m i n g s i n c e s c h o o l 1 6 y e a r s a g o . I t ’s t a ke n us ages to develop a sound that we are happy with, as recent as last year haha. Covers or own material? ( B e n ) We p r e fe r t o play original gigs but have to play the odd stinking sweaty pub full o f d e m a n d i n g d r u n ke n people who shout, ‘Play t h i s p l a y t h a t ! ’ We d o these gigs to fund g i g s a w a y.

Te l l u s a R a n d o m f a c t about each band member? (Ben) I had a testicle removed due to Cancer last year 2012. I r e c e n t l y fe a t u r e d i n t h e Nuts magazine because o f i t . E xc u s e t h e p u n ! Adam is a weirdo, he has never tried eating a sandwich because he d o e s n ’ t l i ke t h e l o o k of them. Nez currently owns Katy Pe r r y ’s d r u m k i t . What has been your m o s t m e m o ra b l e moment to date so far? (Ben) This might sound a b i t c ra p b u t fo r m e it was playing one of the Stanhope shows maybe 2007. It was in a marquee of around 2000 people and they all went mental when we came on. I loved that and didn’t want it to e n d . M e m o ra b l e s t o r i e s h a p p e n e d a f t e r, b u t t h a t w o u l d b e fo r a n o t h e r time lol. ( A d a m ) fo r m e i t ’s a l l the battle of bands we have won and the amount of money w e h a v e ra i s e d fo r n u m e r o u s c h a r i t i e s . I t ’s nearly £20,000. (Nez) My most m e m o ra b l e m o m e n t would be the launch of our current album ‘ The New Enlightenment ’ that is available on i Tu n e s ( s h a m e l e s s p l u g ) . This was a brilliant night. I could of stayed t h e r e fo r e v e r. Who inspires you? ( B e n ) M y i n s p i ra t i o n s are not from musicians or bands, I find i n s p i ra t i o n f r o m r e a l people and stories of t h e m . To b e h o n e s t , I d o n ’ t r e a l l y l i ke m u s i c LO L . I j u s t l i ke playing it. (Adam) I

haven’t really got any i n s p i ra t i o n s , I d o n ’ t l o o k and someone and think I w a n t t o b e l i ke t h a t . I n the beginning I used to look up to guitarists but I’ve been playing that l o n g n o w t h a t I j u s t l i ke t o d o t h i n g s m y w a y. ( N e z ) I ’m i n s p i r e d b y Tra v i s B a r ke r. W h a t h e h a s d o n e fo r d r u m s i s a m a z i n g , t h e fe l l a c a n play any style whilst making it look good. I f y o u c o u l d m a ke 1 p e r s o n d i s a p p e a r fo r good who would it be and why? (Ben) Mine would be Olly Murs, I can’t stand him or his music. Just pathetic, I don’t even want to go into it because I might smash this ipad! (Adam) Whoever gave Mcfly a record deal. That band really annoy me. (Nez) Not so much one person but I hate it when people have made it because they have a sob s t o r y. ‘ M y h a m s t e r d i e d so can I have a deal? What would your rider be if you were playing a huge gig? ( B e n ) Wy n o n a LO L . I wouldn’t have a mental one, just something s m a l l l i ke ke b a b s a n d maybe an Earl Grey! Seriously though, just some beers would do. (Adam) A van that works because we have been jump starting o u r s fo r 1 0 y e a r s a n d my calves are shot to b i t s . ( N e z ) Tu n a a n d cucumber sandwiches cut into triangles and t h e c r u s t s c u t o f f. I ’m w i t h B e n , j u s t a fe w beers would do me also.

All time no 1 Musician/ Singer from past or present? (Ben) I have 2. The best vocals that have ever b e e n a r e Ro y O r b i s o n a n d F r e d d i e M e r c u r y. N o one comes close to that. ( A d a m ) S t e v e Va i , a l l r o u n d e r, c a n p l a y a n y t h i n g . To o k g u i t a r t h e f u r t h e s t a n d I l i ke that. (Nez) Michael Jackson, ya don’t really need to know anything about Michael Jackson, you already know it. W h a t ’s t h e m o s t e m b a r ra s s i n g t h i n g y o u have ever done at a gig? (Ben) Where to start with me?. Mine is trying to throw a guitar round my neck and it came off t h e s t ra p a n d i t s m a s h e d the neck. It was a G i b s o n L e s Pa u l a s well. I was gutted and r e a l l y e m b a r ra s s e d as everyone started l a u g h i n g . ( A d a m ) At t h e same gig Ben smashed h i s g u i t a r h e a l s o k i c ke d the mic stand whilst I was rocking out a lead break and the mic span r o u n d a n d s m a c ke d m e in the chops. Finished the solo with a burst

lip! (Nez) I went to sit on my drum stool after a s o n g a n d fe l l f l a t o n my backside. I went very r e d , s o e m b a r ra s s i n g . What advice would you give to anyone wanting to start a band up? (Ben) Give up please s o i t w i l l b e e a s i e r fo r u s LO L . B e s t a d v i c e would be, if possible, s t a r t w h e n y o u ’r e r e a l l y young so you can write all the rubbish music out of you. When you first start, anything you p l a y w i l l a m a ze y o u s o i t ’s b e s t t o g e t a l l t h e c ra p o u t o f y o u a n d mature into something g r e a t . Yo u n e e d t o be young. Where is your favourite place in the North east? ( B e n ) We a l l l i ke t o b e i n t h e p ra c t i c e r o o m . Just the three of us messing around coming up with new ideas a n d s o n g s , t a ke s y o u back to being a kid, no problems, no worries when that door shuts. Have you had any funny/ weird fan incidents? (Ben) I once got into a fight on stage because someone was adamant that I was miming and s l a g g i n g m e o f f fo r i t . I h a d t o t a ke h i m o n t o the stage in front of everyone and give it the old 1-2 down the mic, to prove the mic was live! He was still saying quite aggressively that I was still miming, so I hit him, which is a s h a m e r e a l l y c o s I l i ke d playing there and we got barred. I wasn’t miming!

W h a t ’s y o u r a i m s fo r t h e rest of 2013? ( B e n ) We w o u l d d i e h a p p y i f w e c o u l d p l a y, just even once, in front of thousands of p e o p l e , l i ke a s t a d i u m , supporting someone m a y b e . T h a t ’s a l l w e want to do. I need to know what this fe e l s l i ke . I c a n o n l y imagine and be very jealous of bands that have. I can’t even go to watch gigs because I get to jealous and want t o d o i t . We w o u l d l i ke t o b e s u c c e s s f u l a s p o s s i b l e , l i ke a n y o t h e r b a n d r e a l l y, I w i s h t h e y ’d a l l q u i t s o i t would be easier haha.

think you’ll s u r p r i s e y o u r s e l f. Where can people fo l l o w y o u / ke e p u p t o date with you? w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / ra y n e o f f i c i a l w w w.t w i t t e r. c o m / o f f i c i a l ra y n e w w w. s o u n d c l o u d . c o m / ra y n e m u s i c Rayne are represented by Ambicon Music Group w w w. a m b i c o n r e c o r d s . co.uk ‘ Fa l l e n ’ t h e f r e e download single released on 5th March i s t a ke n f r o m t h e i r T h e New Enlightenment debut album

Why should people come and listen to you? ( B e n ) Ev e r y g i g i s m e m o ra b l e - i t r e a l l y i s ! Come and see us live, I

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with stomach cancer a couple of years ago. She got through her first round of chemo, and things were going great. Her and Dad moved away from the North E a s t , f i r s t t o C a r d i f f, and then to their Dutch b a r g e , S a ra , d o w n in Slimbridge near Cheltenham.

Hi Jen, welcome to NE Magazine. So fo r t h e fe w r e a d e r s w h o don’t know you how about you tell us a bit about yourself? H i ! T h a n k s fo r h a v i n g m e ! I ’m a s i n g e r / songwriter and pianist from South Shields. I play with Jen Stevens & the Hiccups predominantly original music (and covers gigs to pay the bills!), influenced by Fleetwood Mac, Skunk Anansie, Beautiful South, and lots of singer/ songwriter types! We ’ v e r e c e n t l y r e l e a s e d our second album, ‘ B e t t e r F ra m e o f M i n d ,’ a n d w e ’r e c u r r e n t l y recording a new EP and single, which we hope to release in May 2013. I ’m a l s o h a l f o f T h e Te a L a r k s , a d u o I ’m i n w i t h K a t e G o r m l e y, w h o plays guitar and sings. We p l a y l o t s o f l o v e l y covers, and sing lots of lovely harmonies! Both acts have facebook pages and youtube videos - do check us out! We h e a r y o u ’r e t h e b ra i n s b e h i n d a b i g m u s i c fe s t i v a l t h a t ’s

about to hit South Shields, so tell us all about it? T h e fe s t i v a l i s i n memory of my Mum, Anne Stevens, who was also known as ‘Mama H i c c u p .’ Mum was diagnosed

Ve r y s o o n a f t e r t h e y moved there, Mum started going down hill again. She came up to visit my brother and I in March, and we had a great week with her shopping , crocheting , walking and just e n j o y i n g e a c h o t h e r ’s c o m p a n y. S h e g o t v e r y ill very quickly after that, and started having to spend more and more time in hospital, and

then the hospice. I don’t really want to talk about the ins and outs of it. Most people know how horrifying cancer is. M y b r o t h e r, Ro b , and I, went down to Cheltenham to see Mum at the Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice the second w e e k o f J u l y. We said our goodbyes on Saturday 14th July 2012. The Hiccups and I supported Scouting fo r G i r l s a t B e n t s Pa r k o n 1 5 t h J u l y, a n d I h a d the support of all my dearest friends, all willing me on. The only people missing from that crowd were my f a m i l y. O n S u n d a y 2 2 n d J u l y, at 3pm, whilst Aaron (my guitarist) and I w e r e s e t t i n g u p fo r o u r regular Sunday gig , A a r o n ’s p h o n e ra n g . I t was my Dad. Mum was g o n e . To n y ( m y h u s b a n d and bassist) and my wonderful friends got there as soon as possible, and Aaron and I p l a y e d t h e g i g . L e t ’s face it – Mama Hiccup w o u l d h a v e k i c ke d m y arse if I had cancelled!

H e r f u n e ra l w a s o n Friday 3rd August. She h a d a n a t u ra l b u r i a l , i t w a s a b e a u t i f u l d a y. Ro b a n d I c o m p o s e d the service, which was mainly made up of songs a n d p o e m s , b u t w e ke p t things fairly short, then went and got on with the bit Mum would have approved of in the pub. One of the songs, which A a r o n a n d I p e r fo r m e d , w a s ‘A n n i e ’s S o n g ,’

b y J o h n D e n v e r, o n e of her favourites, and Annie being a childhood nickname. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to sing it again…. Not that I did a particularly good job on the day! I can’t describe how m u c h I m i s s h e r. H o w e v e r, s i n c e s h e l e f t u s , I ’ v e fe l t s t r o n g e r s o m e h o w. I d o n ’ t

s u f fe r fo o l s a n y m o r e , a n d I fe e l l i ke s h e ’s right beside me at every single gig. Egging m e o n , t e l l i n g m e o f f, s h o u t i n g fo r m o r e , a n d i n s t i l l i n g t h e c o u ra g e and determination in me t o ke e p g o i n g . My Mum was one of the m o s t v i b ra n t , c a r i n g , interesting people you could have known. If you were lucky enough t o m e e t h e r, y o u ’ l l know what I mean. The staff at Leckhampton Court Hospice seemed to understand that and were so good to us all in M u m ’s l a s t w e e k s , a n d we want to give them something back. Mum took a huge interest in the local music scene when living in South Shields, and was always at Hiccups and Beatles fo r S a l e g i g s w h e n s h e fe l t w e l l e n o u g h , s o a m u s i c fe s t i v a l s e e m e d t h e b e s t p l a n o f a c t i o n ! All of the profits from t h e fe s t i v a l a r e g o i n g t o t h e S u e R y d e r C h a r i t y. I t ’s g o i n g t o b e a t Hedworth Hall in South Shields on Saturday 23rd March 2013, from 2 p m ‘ t i l l a t e . We ’ v e got some really great acts and entertainment - bands, acoustic

acts, two stages, two bars, auctions, ra f f l e s , c u p c a ke s t a l l s , afternoon tea, face painting, balloon modelling, burlesque, fire breathing, vintage s t a l l s , c ra f t a n d j e w e l l e r y s t a l l s . . . I t ’s going to be a really great day! Who have you got lined up to play? To n a m e j u s t a fe w. . .T h e Karma Heart, Beatles fo r S a l e , T h e m O O b s , The Understudies, The M a v e r i c k R e j e c t s , To o S p i c y, a n d J e n S t e v e n s & t h e H i c c u p s , a n d t h e Te a Larks, obviously! The m u s i c w i l l r u n fo r t h e w h o l e d a y, f r o m 2 p m ‘ t i l late, and there really is s o m e t h i n g fo r e v e r y o n e , whatever type of music y o u ’r e i n t o ! How hard has it been o r g a n i s i n g t h e fe s t i v a l ? I t ’s b e e n p r e t t y t a x i n g , on both a physical and an emotional level...but

I’ve had so many kind o f fe r s o f h e l p , t h a t ’s m a d e i t m u c h e a s i e r. Pe o p l e f r o m t h e N o r t h East really are one of a kind - always willing to p i t c h i n a n d h e l p . I t ’s been a bit overwhelming to be honest! And what has the r e s p o n s e b e e n l i ke s o far? We ’ v e h a d a h u g e amount of interest and s u p p o r t , a n d t i c ke t s a r e selling really fast! So will this be a regular event or just a one off? I ’d l i ke t o t h i n k w e ’d d o it again in the future. I ’m s u r e M u m w o u l d approve! Ask me at the e n d o f t h e d a y w h e n i t ’s all over though haha! Where can people get h o l d o f t i c ke t s ? T i c ke t s a r e a v a i l a b l e from Hedworth Hall, and from myself and band members. Contact details are on the

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facebook page. Is there any way people c a n fo l l o w y o u a n d ke e p up to date with whats happening? I’ve set up a facebook page and event - check o u t w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / MamaHiccupMusic F e s t i v a l a n d w w w. j e n s t e v e n s . c o . u k fo r m o r e i n fo r m a t i o n . Is there anything you w o u l d l i ke t o a d d ? Just some shameless plugging! Both of the Jen Stevens & the Hiccups albums are a v a i l a b l e o n i Tu n e s , o r fo r a p h y s i c a l c o p y, o r d e r o n e f r o m w w w. jenstevens.co.uk or get yourself along to a gig! Follow me on twitter @jenfahiccups, and fo r u p d a t e s o n m y b a n d s , c h e c k o u t w w w. facebook.com/jensteven sandthehiccups and w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / thetealarks

I f y o u c o u l d d ra w anyone famous past or present who would it be and why? I don’t really have a m a s s i v e u r g e t o d ra w

www.cineworld.com o f To m R i c h m o n d d u r i n g the late nineties. A r e g u l a r s l o t d ra w i n g fo r the student magazine ensued, alongside a d e g r e e p o r t fo l i o that was celebrity c a r i c a t u r e b a s e d fo r the most part. Upon completing my degree I was at something of a crossroads, not really knowing what to do; then one day a noticed a n ‘A R T I S T S WA N T E D ’ a d online, posted by a guy c a l l e d N i g e l C o o ke w h o owned a stand at Alton To w e r s R e s o r t . ( N i g e l ’s since become a good friend.) One thing led to a n o t h e r, a n d I s p e n t t h e n e x t fo u r y e a r s s o a k i n g up the summer season and learning the ropes as a caricaturist into the bargain. Is that the only kind of i l l u s t ra t i o n / d ra w i n g you do? In a word, yes. I’ve dabbled in other related fields over the years, at various times exploring c h a ra c t e r d e s i g n , l o g o design, and realistic d ra w i n g . H o w e v e r I ke e p c o m i n g b a c k t o the fact that I am a caricaturist at heart, a n d t h i s i s h o w I ’d l i ke to be remembered when I’ve gone (hopefully m a n y, m a n y y e a r s f r o m now). I love the notion of looking at the world i n a s l i g h t l y s ke w e d , e x a g g e ra t e d w a y, w h i c h I find only in caricature. This is why I intend to s t i c k w i t h i t fo r t h e long haul.

I f y o u c o u l d d ra w anyone famous past or present who would it be and why? I don’t really have a m a s s i v e u r g e t o d ra w