Noctis Magazine Issue 4

Noctis Issue 4

Summer Special

Noctis

Welcome to issue four of Noctis magazine.

NOCTIS

It’s time and another issue of Noctis has come of age! This quarter it’s all about Youth and it’s our Summer Special. We have lots of shoots from all over the world and features and our amazing contributors have all managed to divulge the energy and enthusiasm of youth. These pages are full of some of the most exciting and energetic shoots and pieces you are likely to see anywhere and if you know us by now, you will know you are going to love Noctis issue 3.

As always we couldn’t have put the magazine together without the input and creativity of every single person who has helped make this issue so wonderful.

We’ve had some amazing contributions and the opportunity to work with some truly incredible creative teams. The issue is full to bursting with brilliant content including interviews with Orbital, Joe and Will Ask, Holly Walker and Major Look as well as our insightful Greg Swaby taking a look at the festivals you will end up at this year. This issue includes a great shoot by Isaac based around the ideas of summer formals which are beginning to take place all over the world.

Our Beauty section co-ordinated by Marie Isabel is proving to be one of the hot topics this month around the office. have a look for yourself to see why.

This issue really is incredible and we hope you enjoy it as much as we have in the whole 3 months of preparing it for you. Thanks again to everyone involved in Noctis.

Features 6 Bed 10 From The Mind Of Greg 66 Helen Green 70 Sam Gallagher Fashion 14 Trailer Park Girl 24 Whitstable 36 In Bloom 44 Albany 50 Tearaway 58 Les Souers 76 Candy Corn 82 Abstraction of Industry 90 Young Hearts 100 Summer Formal 124 Stillwell Avenue 128 Disquieting Muses 132 It goes so Fast 142 Saturday

Editors In Chief Leoni-Blue leoni@noctismag.com

Fashion Editor

Sophie Monro-Pruett sophie@noctismag.com

Music Editor

Erin Davies erin@noctismag.com

Beauty Editor

Marie Isabel maz@noctismag.com

Features Editor Carl Ellis-Coward carl@noctismag.com

Music 146 Holly Walker 150 Major Look 156 Futurecop 160 Orbital 164 Sugasmak!

170 Joe And Will Ask 174 Tosh Ohta

Graphic Designer Jo Smolaga josmolaga.com

Editorial Assistants Jodie Shepard jodie@noctismag.com

19 20

35 86

Beauty 110 Another Dimension 118 Hazy Days 122 Products 96 101 2 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

CONTIB Imager makers

Illustrators

Leoni-Blue www.noctismag.com

Helen Green www.dollychops.tumblr.com

Alex James Hood http://your-face-photos.tumblr.com/

Stylists

Meg Hutchison www.meghutchison.com

Sophie Monro-Pruett http://www.sophiemonropruett.com/

Naomi Martin www.naomimartin.carbonmade.com

Sophie Gaten http://sophiegaten.tumblr.com/

Tiffany Dawn Nicholson tdn@tdnphoto.com

Marie Isabel http://marieisabe6.wix.com/nailsbychelseadagger

Xanthe Hutchinson xanthehutchinson@me.com

Tandra Russell

Claire Huish www.clairehuish.co.uk Daniela Stevens www.danielastevens.com Igor Termenon http://cargocollective.com/igortermenon Han Lee de Boer www.hanleedeboer.com Daniel Alfonzo Thomas www.10-79.tumblr.com Parisa Walklett www.parisawalklett.com Sam Gallaghar http://samuelgallagher.tumblr.com/ Joe Stephens

4 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Sarah-Jane Cook www.sjstylee.tumblr.com Zoe Hancock www.stylecrumpet.blogspot.com Becksy Lou www.becksyloustyling.co.uk Katherine Whyte http://a-rare-species.blogspot.co.uk/ Rosie Williams www.rosie-williams.com

BUTORS Grooming team

Writers

Marie Isabel http://marieisabe6.wix.com/nailsbychelseadagger

Hayley Meredith

Kismet-Lola Mussa http://beautygeeek.com/ Michael Cartier Onsouvanh http://www.michelledacillo.com/ Siobhan Drew www.siobhandrewmakeup.com

Greg Swaby Steve Hardy Erin Davies Carl Ellis coward Leoni-Blue

Violet Zeng www.violetzeng.4ormat.com

Marie Isabel

Harriet Franklin www.harrietfranklin.co.uk

Special Thanks

Charli Avery www.charliaverymakeup.tumblr.com Atsushi Takita www.atsushitakita.com Debbie Slater Freya Danson-Hatcher www.freyadanson-hatcher.blogspot.co.uk

Alice French, Alice Watson and Jessica Turner at First Model Management Jamie Walker at M and P Models Lottie Richman at Select Caleb Dobie and Jack White at D1 Models AMCK Models Alex Poots at Next Hannah May and Anna Tatton at Nevs Models Rebecca H at Industry People Ellie Marshall at Profile Megan at Model-Union Omar Bhatia at Colours Agency

6 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

D

avid Whitehouse’s debut novel Bed is an inspiring and tragic coming of age story. The story centers around Mal, who on his 25th Birthday makes the curious decision to take to his bed and not get out again. Narrated from the perspective of Mal’s younger brother forever living in Mals shadow. It explores the concept of loyalty with in families, and how the need to care for our loved ones can often have an unconstructive and at times, harmful effect.

Containing wit and heartbreak it is must read for summer, and with Bed being adapted by Wrap (the production company behind This is England and Four Lions) and Film 4, it is fast on its way to becoming a cult classic.

Mal takes a rather drastic and unique stance against the expectations of conventional life. In an act of defiance he takes to his bed on his 25th Birthday and never gets out again.

In his own words not content with a life of ‘ings’ saving, paying, breeding, working. Is this avoidance of the mundane something that resonates with in your own life?

I hope it is. I don’t want to live a mundane life.

Does anyone? The trouble is, much of life is mundane. That’s just the nature of it. We spend most of our time paying the bills, or worrying about not paying them. This is unavoidable. If I’m going to do that, I’d like it be mundane as little as possible. Which is probably why I am unemployable.

I found it extremely frustrating and difficult at times to identify with Lou- Mal’s girlfriend - for refusing to move on, when they seemed so utterly incompatible as a couple anyway. Why did she love Mal so much? Did he love her?

Mal loves Lou. He loves her but realises he can’t give her what she wants, a conventional life spent together. He wants her to be happy. He wants her to be with his brother. He wants her to let go. But she’s in love with Mal. She is frustrating.

But being in love with someone who isn’t really

8 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

reciprocating is like that too.

The female characters in the book all seem to find purpose in obsessively caring for a loved one, often to negative effect. Do you think this is a trait unique to women?

Caring isn’t a trait unique to women, but it’s often more pronounced when it comes from a woman. Women tend to be better at caring than men, more committed to it, often more giving of themselves to another than men are. Love can be a good thing and a bad thing. Falling in it is good. Falling out of it is bad. Giving it is good.

Not giving it back is bad. It’s both redemptive and destructive. Bed is about that whole spectrum of love, I guess. Unfortunately it’s often to negative effect, yes. But men and women alike are capable of that.

The story explores the way in which families revolve around each other, and also how love can often have a disastrous impact on a persons life. What does family and love mean to you?

It means everything to me. Your family are the one thing you can never escape. Even if you hate them, they will always be in your heart or your head. You’ll never forget them. And love is the best thing in the world. The only important thing.

I think that’s a realisation that comes as you get older. It’s an all powerful force. Love is the point.

a t ’ sn to i g ait n i r e tr a “C iqu en” un wom

‘

’

There has been a lot in the news about obesity lately.

Particularly, comparisons can be made between Mal and Georgia Davis, the young British woman, who recently had to have part of her house demolished so she could be removed for medical attention. What made you want to write a story about obesity, have you ever personally known anyone in the same situation as Mal? No, I’ve never known anyone super-obese. I wanted to write a novel about dropping out, like the counter culture novels of the 60s and 70s. Back then those novels had protagonists who took acid, or who went on Harley Davidson road trips across the States. Today we’re more apathetic as a people. We don’t vote. We walk past people fighting in the streets. We fight wars using computers from 1000s of miles away.

Going to bed and getting fat seemed like a much more 21st Century way of dropping out of society.

People do it all the time. Apparently its a massive problem amongst young men in Italy. They return to the maternal home and go to their rooms and their mums feed them. It’ll happen more and more.

The book is currently being made into a movie by film 4. If a movie were to be made of your own life, who would you pick to play the lead role and why?

If a film was made of my life I’d like to be played

by Ben Whishaw, because I look and move a bit like a monkey and I think he could pull it off.

What can we expect from your next novel?

It’s called Mobile Library and is a story about returning to your hometown to visit your ghosts.

There is a lot of fire in it. That’s the plan anyway.

What other projects do you have in the pipeline?

Mobile Library is my main thing, but I wrote a short film script called Ending which should be

shooting this Summer in Scotland directed by a very talented man named James Lees. Everyone should check out his stuff.

What advice can you offer our readers who are aspiring writers?

If you’re not writing, you’re not writing. I hate people who tweet stuff like ‘wrote 3000 words today’ or ‘just working on my novel’. Those people are not writing novels, they are flexing a narcissistic personality disorder in a public forum.

Also, don’t listen to anyones advice. Writing is like real life... ultimately no one knows what the fuck they are talking about. Except David Attenborough.

‘

“Flex ing perso a narcis nality sistic in a d i sorde publi r c for um”

’

Words by Hayley Meredith

SUMMER BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND 100,000 OF YOU ALL PACKED INT feat. THE SMOOTHY JAM & TRIBECity A High Crime – 200 miles from where you live – any other weekend you wouldn’t consider coming here

TRAVERLING

You may well be getting to your chosen festival via rammed coach or train (or both) or a few of you loading up and squeezing into a lego-sized car without air con, on what will turn out to be the only boiling hot day of the whole weekend.

On will come the festival mix tape. You will all share your memories and experiences of past years’ summers spent sleeping in fields – with ample sprinklings of bullshit and hype.

charity record shit Poverty is Lame. But shouting “BOLLOCKS” for three days? Lamer.

Litter

There will be a lot. Which sucks and is gross.

10 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

TICKETS FROM £500 WTF –

THIS YEAR F

CAMPING

Packed with all the items you could possibly require for a weekend’s camping (and far more).

Argos and Blacks tags still hanging off everything.

Your ticket cost 200+ quid and you’ve just spent the same again on a big bag, tent, sleeping bag and Lord knows what else - which probably get torched and/or left behind.

When you arrive the real fun begins: finding a pitch for all your mates. Everyone else already seems to have arrived and pitched days ago. You spend an average of 3 hours trampling through field after field, inevitably tripping over guy lines, whilst carrying all your worldly possessions.

The Trends

Neon body paint? T-shirts with Playboy covers shots on them? “Charlie Sheen Says Relax” T? Deck Shoes? Leather cuffs? Patterned wellies?

Wristbands? Sailor Jerry Tattoo? Well you and a several hundred others, if not thousands, will all be sporting these oh-so-original beauties and you will be seeing a lot of each other for the next three days. YOU. ARE. NOT. SPECIAL.

DER FESTIVAL ACROSS 95 STAGES TO JUST 10 SQ. ACRES THIS YEAR -TECH-OXYGEN BAR BESTIVAL 2012

– LOSS OF DIGNITY FREE !!!

FEATURING…

Town B Butt of Jokes – home to several thousand commuters – claim to fame: being your grandmother’s favourite biscuit

Fd nd Drnks

Booze selection may well be dire depending on a variety of factors - primarily: a) you have sold out and gone to larger, more commercial festival or b) you are a filthy hipster and gone to a small, “obscure” and “boutique” festival. Whatever your choice you are going to spend half of next terms loan going to astranomicalcostfest’ and you’ll end up in the dance tent, after a chance meeting with your new best friends from Glasgow.

Bands & Artists

Arriving with your friends and realising all the bands you wanted to see are not “cool”.

Then you are told they are running a risk of being bottled off stage.

So, instead, you spend three days in the “breakout” tent watching Dutch disco bands and American Tech acts that you pretend to like with Shakespearean acting skills. Turns out your fav acts rocked it and weren’t bottled off stage.

The rest of the line up will be polyfillered with the same old festival regulars and a couple of classic rock bands that your dad likes, or whoever remerged from hiatus before the festival season begun, miraculously with a new album.

Volunteering

Can’t afford to go to the festival of your choice? No worries! Sign up for a charity, festival or concession stand job. Flip burgers, or pour pints of Fosters all day whilst your favourite band is on. Offer to swap shifts with the pretty girl you’re working with (a blogger and jewellery maker with flowers woven into her unwashed barnet), so she can sod off to meet up with her mates and watch her favourite electro-folk band, all in the vain hope of seeing the inside of her tent.

Coverage

The festival will be covered live by the large national media. Your favourite radio personality will be roaming about the festival, mic in hand, asking if you are having an amazing time and blowing hot air up every band’s arsehole their lips can touch. They might even get a little run out on the TV in the evening to by airing daily highlights to the folks at home who had no intention of spaffing 500 quid on a weekend, wearing the same t-shirt for 3 days and sleeping in what is essentially a refugee camp for the party kids.

The festival will receive lots of press about the damage to the environment and bad behaviour of a minority of the people attending.

Presenting for the 8th year across The Jelly Bean Gooch Farm He

This year featuring the new Big Stage, th Tweet-Sheep, Hot Air Balloon rides and a

frequency/ loc@tion/bust

With alarming frequency, there seems to be some new festival popping up every year, but the locations become more obscure, and the bands even more shit. And some never seem to get further than taking your money and then promptly folding a couple of months before the blessed event, leaving you with no refund.

Glastonbury, much like the majority of its festival goes, is now in its late thirties and needs to take every other year off to quell the wife from getting pissy and your friends have invited you to spend a week with them in their a chateau in the south of France.

I mean, yes, you don’t really get on but the kids do.

TICKET PRICES

Tickets themselves have skyrocketed; a day ticket for Reading/Leeds is now in the same price bracket of a weekend ticket from 5 years ago.

To purchase your biodegradable tickets please call us on 0870-LINE-JAMM Or go to our website where further line up and event details with be slowly & painfully released www.festivaldurgesitethatllcrashdayticketsgoupasitdoesevery.co.uk Follows us and Find us @JellyBeanGoochFarmHempCarnival Facebook.com/JellyBeanGoochFarmHempCarnival

12 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

s 2 days that you won’t quite recall emp Carnival Sound Festival

he Crystal Maze Arena, 3G Wi-fi hotspot a relaxed policy to adult outdoor nudity

DRUGZ

They are good. Can be great. Can also be bad. Very bad. I heard someone once pealed themselves ‘cos they thought they was an orange! You may well have had some top nights out – in a safe venue, which you know – not in the countryside, in the dark, where you don’t know the landscape or the person next to you. Buying a 10 bag that has spent a large amount of time up someone’s crack or under their feet is a buzz kill. Also it’s probably Tesco dissolvable aspirin.

Ausland

Do all this and put up with all that, but in a foreign country where the exchange rate will leave you unable to comprehend just how much you’re being ripped off. Meanwhile, the locals will resent you for coming to “their” festival, the drugs will be even dodgier and the local law enforcement will not understand that you’re having a LOL, banter or that “it’s jokes mate”.

Best start learning now the Spanish for “what’s the number of the British consulate?”

S.E.X.

Sex at a festival. In a tent, on a warm summer’s night, after seeing your favourite band, possibly with chemical stimulants coursing through your system. Sounds great. But, more often than not, someone will fall on the tent whilst you’re mid-coitus, or the girl or guy (or both) you having been resoundingly horsing has boshed so much magic chalk and or naughty salt that they are a dripping mess and need to be carried back to their tent.

WORDS BY GREG SWABY

14Moly IssuePolka 4 www.NoctisMag.com Holy dot top and trousers - Fairground, Black cap - stylists own, Leather jacket - vintage, Shoes - Zara

Photographer – Xanthe Hutchinson Stylist – Zoe Hancock Make-up Artist/Hair – Sarah Morten Model – Rebecca H @ industry People Location- Thanks to Lings Residential Site

16 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Gold jacket - H&M, Lilac jumper - Fairground, USA shorts - Newlook, Bag - vintage, hat - Primark, socks & shoes - Topshop

Denim jacket - stylists own

Pink raincoat - Topshop, Jumper - vintage, Pink shorts - Topshop, Shoes & socks - Topshop

left - baseball cap - Footlocker, green t-shirt - vintage, denim waistcoat - stylists own, trousers - Zara right - denim shorts - vintage, crop top - Top shop, shirt

18 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Ana lea-denim jkt bitching and junkfood

20 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Shirt and shorts - All vintage, Crop top, socks and shoes - Topshop, Hoody - H&M

Crop top and pencil skirt - Fairground - Dont tell Mom the Babysitters dead range, Army jacket - vintage, shoes - Topshop, sunglasses - H&M

Yellow tweed jacket - Zara, Blue cat t-shirt - Vintage, Orange sun hat - vintage, Green sequin shorts - Topshop

22 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

denim shorts, army jacket and shirt - all vintage, crop top - Topshop shoes - Topshop

Wrangler baseball jacket - stylists own, Pale blue jumper - River Island, Gold shorts - H&M Lace cycling shorts - Newlook, Denim jacket - stylists own, Baseball cap - Footlocker

WHITS 24 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Photographe Make up and Ha Stylist: Han FEM Jessica Turner @ First MA Jack White @

er Leoni Blue air : Rose Angus nnah Oakley MALE Model Management ALE @ D1 Models

Jack: White vest-American Apparel. Braces-models own. Shorts-Topman. Shoe & Socks-both models own Jessica: Lingerie set- Agent Provocateur

TABLE

26 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Jack: Shirt-Topman. Shorts-Edwin Jessica: Top-Koopoi. Bikini-Vintage from EmporiumOriginals. Ring-Marc Jacobs

28 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Left - Jack: White vest-American Apparel. Sunglasses-Sane Communications Jessica: Dress-18 & East. Flowers-stylist own Above - Jack: T-shirt-Taxonomy. Shorts-Topman Jessica: Top-Koopoi. Trousers-Tara Starlet. Hat-Stylists own

30 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Jack: T-shirt-Taxonomy. Shorts-Topman

Jack: Vest- Pretaportobello. Shorts-Edwin. Shoes & Socks-Models own Jessica: Bikini Top-Swimwear356. Denim Shorts-Wrangler. Cap-Topman

32 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Jessica: Bikini Top-Swimwear356

34 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Jack: Shorts-Urban Outfitters Jessica: Bikini Top-Swimwear356. Denim Shorts-Wrangler

In Bloom Photography & Styling: Claire Huish Hair & Make-Up: Harriet Franklin Model: Ellie Marshall @ Profile

36 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

38 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

40 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

42 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

44 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Photography & Stylist- Tiffany Dawn Nicholson Model- Liz Harvey MUA/HAIR- Michael Cartier Onsouvanh

46 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

48 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

50 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Omar - Fedora: Mr. Ben’s Vintage, Denim ‘Jack’ Jacket: Wilma and Winston, Button down check shirt: H&M, Studded knee skinny: Stylist’s Own

PHOTOGRAPHER: Igor Termenon STYLIST: Katherine Whyte MODELS: Jamie Walker @ THe Model team & MandP Models, Omar Bhatia @ Colours Agency, Mary-Jane Scarlet O’Hara MAKE-UP ARTIST: Debbie Slater using M.A.C Cosmetics With thanks to SWG3, www.swg3.tv

52 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Jamie - Parka, The White Pepper Vintage, Drawing T-shirt, Lazy Oaf, Orange check shirt (tied round waist), The White Pepper Vintage, Ripped Jeans, Mr.Ben’s Vintage Omar - Fedora, Mr.Ben’s Vintage, Polo Shirt, Fred Perry, Braces, Topman, Bleached Jeans, Icon Clothing Mary-Jane - Wooden Plug Earring, Topshop, Sunglasses, Spitfire @ Lazy Oaf, Mohair Stripe Jumper, Des Moines @ The Lazy Ones, Ripped Jeans, Stylist Own

Shoreman Beanie, Urban Outfitters, Tartan Jacket, Beyond Retro, Grey knit jumper, ASOS Black, Wool slouch trouser, Topman, Baseball boot, Lee Cooper

54 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Fedora: Mr.Ben’s Vintage: Stripe Knit, ASOS Black, Safety Pin Leather Jacket: BADLANDS777, Drop Crotch Wool: Trouser, ASOS Black, Necklace: Model’s Own

56 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

W

Photographer - Josh Carroll Fashion direction - Faye HĂŠran Creative director - Bee Wilson Make up artist - Sabina Ventriglia Hair stylist - Amy Hemming Photo assistant - Jordan Collyer Fashion assistant - Camilla Hunt Models - Olga at M&P Models and Jelis at Nevs model magagement Location - 55studios http://www.55studios.co.uk

58 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Photography – Naomi Martin Styling – Sophie Gaten MUA and hair – Violet Zeng using dermalogica skincare Models – Alice Watson and Jessica Turner @ First Model Management

Jess wears – Eugenie Dang dress and shirt, vintage bangle and earrings Alice wears – Eugenie Dang shirt/skirt, Topshop earrings

60 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Alice wears Topshop dress, vintage necklace, Beyond Retro gloves, underwear and shoes same as before

62 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com Jess wears – Eugenie Dang dress and shirt, vintage bangle and earrings Alice wears – Eugenie Dang shirt/skirt, Topshop earrings

Jess wears Kieran Ho skirt and top, Topshop necklace, Topshop shoes

Alice wears Siya Yao dress, Agent Provocateur underwear, Reiss shoes. H&M bangles, stylists own coin headpiece.

.W

64 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Alice wears Agent Provocateur lingerie, Siya Yao jacket dress, Topshop necklace, Reiss shoes Jess wears Siya Tao top and skirt, Eugenie Dang shoes, Kieran Ho headdress

Helen Green dollychops.tumblr.com

H

elen we at Noctis love your drawing style, how did you start?

Thank you! I started my blog during last summer as a project for myself to draw on a daily basis and see if it helps me improve. I've committed to this for nearly a year now, and through that I've developed a natural style which I'm really pleased with! I've always had the interest in drawing, but I feel like that interest has grown even more now.

When you were starting out who and what inspired you?

Danny Roberts inspired me to start my blog.

His style is so fresh, I love his illustrations of fashion models. At the time I started the blog, I was inspired by fashion, and drew my favourite models such as Daphne Groeneveld and Freja Beha Erichsen.

What attracted me to your work was your chosen subjects, what makes you choose a certain personality?

The way I usually decide who I want to draw is if I see something in a person that I feel like I could capture on paper. I can usually tell at first glance if a person would fit my style or not.

66 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

What I like about your images/portraits is the energy and fun you portray, how do you go about choosing which image to draw from?

Thank you! That's exactly what I love capturing in my drawings. I'm not interested in the glamour and perfection that the media portrays, I'm drawn to the more care free, casual sides of these well known celebrities. A lot of my drawings are done from images I see on Tumblr. I follow blogs that post material that's relevant to what I like to draw, so there's always something that catches my eye.

Do you favour drawing either males or females, and why?

I am much more confident with drawing females. I guess I prefer drawing female features and fashion.

You use a lot of colour in your pieces, is colour important in the finial edit?

Definitely, colour brings life to my drawings so it's important that it translates accurately from the sketchbook to the computer. I often have to edit the colours on the computer because the scanner doesn't pick them up very well.

I followed your Tumblr blog where you have many fans, is it important to stay connected with fans of you work in the social media generation?

The fans have really helped me commit to my daily drawings with their support and lovely messages, and it's amazing to have so many people interested in what I do. So I think it is important to stay connected on the social networks, and keep all of them active with my updates!

On the blog you show all your rough workings, such as a before and after image, is this important for you as a artist?

I started doing this last summer when I was away on holiday for a week. I didn't want to break the cycle and have days without posting a drawing at all - so I'd stretch my posts out by using photos of the unfinished piece. When I saw that these unfinished drawings were getting notes and comments I continued with it. It adds something different to my blog, kinda like a behind the scenes - what materials I use, what photo I'm looking at when I draw.. Etc. Lady Gaga seems to be a muse of yours, what do you find so inspiring in her?

I’m inspired by her for a number of reasons. I love her music, especially her album Born This Way, I’ve listened to it so much I never get tired of it.

I love the diversity of her fashion, that in itself is a reason I enjoy drawing her. She doesn’t take herself seriously, she’s fearless, talented and extremely dedicated to her fans.

What do you do in your down time?

When I'm not drawing I like to play the piano.

I'm self taught, playing mainly by ear. I enjoy it just as much as drawing.

I have recently seen Gaga tweet about one of your drawings, how did it feel to be recognised by one of your Idols?

It was such a surreal feeling. I couldn’t take it in for a while, it was almost like she was tweeting about some other Helen Green’s drawings! I never expected something like that would happen to me. It was the biggest confidence boost to say the least! I feel extremely lucky that she’s seen my drawings, let alone tweeted them to millions of fans!

What does the future hold for ms Helen Green?

I'd love to continue my daily drawings and keep my blog growing! I want to create a video that shows my drawing process for all the people that have suggested I do it. For the long term future, I'm staying open minded within the Illustration field. I'd love to work for big name clients, maybe work on some collaborations with other designers / artists.

68 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Where do you see your work being one day?

I'd love to have my work in magazines, or fictional books. Even on fashion. I would love to be able to make clothing with my own designs.

Words by Leoni - Blue Illustrations by Helen Green

70 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Sam gallagher http://samuelgallagher.tumblr.com/

Where abouts did you grow up?

How has your work developed since you began studying? and what direction do you I grew up in Liverpool ,before I moved to see it moving in? manchester when I started uni all my work was black Tell me about where you are studying and white  digital and based in the studio, and why you made the choice to study never used any colour. Since last summer when i moved to london to intern, i started photography? using colour and shooting on film, and I started studying fashion design in college, now its alot of colour and proberly carry on then that developed into styling, I didnt have photographing boys! the patience to make clothes. i just wanted it ther so I could style it and photograph it, Following on from you course do you have then decided design wasnt for me and any plans or ideas for whats next? I know applied to salford university to study this is a horrible question! fashion styling and photography,  was more interested in styling when I first started errr.....should proberly start thinking about uni and has soon developed more into that .lol. hopefully move down to london and see what happens i suppose. photography.

72 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Where do you look for your inspiration?

Hmm I suppose it does to an extent, im What photographers, artists or designers really interest in homotography, thats have helped to inspire and shape your work? always something i look at, the human body and sexuality is something everybody can Photographers i really like are David simms, relate to, to a certain extent Fabien kruszelnicki mel bles. designers i love Katie eary, thomm browne and KTZ Your blog says you work as a stylist as well, do you always style your own shoots or do You always use men as your subject matter you ever work within a team for art direction? in quite an effeminate way, why is this?

Yes i always style my own shoots, i worked I find different beauty in all the models I with a stylst a couple of weeks ago rikki shoot, and I love androgynous males, so i finlay, we worked together which was fun, suppose they both end up working together. and quite easy as I didnt have to worry about I hadnt noticed tbh .lol. clothes etc, i just took pictures. I have a lot of friends who are stylists So I think after Would you say male sexuality plays a part in I finish my degree I will plan a few shoots your work? with friends and they can style etc

How long have you been running your blog and do you think social media sites such as twitter and tumblr have helped you to make contacts and promote your work effectively?

Ive been blogging for about 2 years now, I deffinately think social media has helped, i joined twitter but im still clued up on how it works, but sites such as tumblr has deffinately helped me promote myself.

Hope I dont sound too much like a loser LOL, will send them pics over tomorrow if thats ok, got another shoot which ive done, so can send some of them over if you want aswell, incase you prefer therm ?

Words by Jennifer Geach Photos by Sam Gallagher

74 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

left- top by Jennifer Morris, right- Top Beyond Retro

CANDY CORN

76 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Photographer – Daniela Stevens Photographers Assistant- Mitch Payne Styling- Becksy Lou Hair styling - Atsushi Takita Hair styling assistant - Show Fujimoto MUA- Charli Avery & Liz Sales Models – Megan @ Model-Union

top and dress beyond retro 78 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

top and trousers by Jennifer Morris

top and skirt from Beyond Retro

80 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

dress by Jennifer Morris

Top - Rokit, Trousers - Beyond Retro

82 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Lottie - Shorts: American Apparel, Shoes: Office, Cardigan: Models own, Shirt: American Apparel, Striped top: Beyond Retro Alex - Glasses: American Apparel, Jumper: American Apparel, Jeans: Topman, Boots: Beyond Retro, Shirt: Burton

abstraction of

industry Photographer: Han Lee de Boer Stylist: Sarah-Jane Cook Digital Operator: Lisa Bennett Hair and Makeup: Freya Danson-Hatcher - using EcoTools Makeup & Bumbleandbumble hair product Models:Lottie Richman @ Selet Alex Poots @ Next

84 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Lottie - Jumper: Kristian Steinberg, Shorts: Vintage @ Rokit, Glasses: Rokit, Boots: Beyond Retro, Shirt: Topman Alex - Jumper: Kristian Steinberg, Jeans: Topman, Boots: Beyond Retro, Glasses: American Apparel

Lottie - Military Coat: Kristen Steinberg, Jeans: American Apparel, Shirt: Burton, Shoes: Beyond Retro Alex - Gold threaded coat: Kristian Steinberg, Trousers: Kristian Steinberg, Boots: Beyond Retro

86 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Lottie - Wool Knit Jumper: Kristian Steinberg, Trousers: Topman, Shirt: American Apparel, Shoes: Beyond Retro Alex - Shirt: Topman, Trousers: Kristian Steinberg, Boots: Beyond Retro, Glasses: American Apparel

Lottie - Shirt: Burton, Skirt: American Apparel, Glasses: American Apparel Alex - Shirt: Topman, Trousers: Kristian Steinberg, Boots: Beyond Retro, Glasses: American Apparel

88 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Lottie - Band Jacket: Rokit, Short: American Apparel, Jeans: American Apparel, Boots: Beyond Retro Alex - Shirt: Burton, Jeans: Topman, Boots: Beyond Retro, Glasses: American ApparelBoots: Beyond Retro, Glasses: American Apparel

Lottie - Shirt: Burton, Cheerleader strap vest: Beyond Retro, Shorts: American Apparel, Shoes: Office Alex - Shirt: Burton, Jeans: Topman, Boots: Beyond Retro, Glasses: American Apparel

Photograp her Models: Ca leb Dobie (D : Daniel Alfonzo Tho Stylist Atan mas 1 models) & dra Russell Anna Tatto , Assistant n (Nevs Mo stylist Orn dels) a Lynch, M Photogaph UA + Hair G y assitant R emma Mar avi Chanda tin, ranan

etro Apparel

90 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Her: Levi’s Sleeveless Jacket by Rokit, Jersey Crop Top by American Apparel, Spandex Jersey Leggings by American Apparel Him: Denim stone wash Jacket by American Apparel, Truckers Fitted Baseball Hat by Rokit, Tank Top by Rokit

92 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Male: Stripe Tank Top by American Apparel Female: Sleeveless Denim Gilet by Levi’s

Denim stone wash Jacket by American Apparel

94 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Male: Nike Blazer Hi Suede Vintage by Office Female: Plimsol by Fred Perry

Levi’s Sleeveless Jacket by Rokit, Jersey Crop Top by American Apparel, Spandex Jersey Leggings by American Apparel

96 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Him - Denim long sleeve button-up shirt by American Apparel Her - Levi’s Sleeveless Denim Gilet

98 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Him: Tank Top by Rokit, Lee Denim Shorts by Rokit Her: Lace Crop Top by American Apparel , Drawstring Cuff Shorts by American Apparel, Leather Jacket by Rokit

Him: Stripe Fisherman’s pullover, Dark wash Denim Leisure short, Short sleeve crew neck all by American Apparel Her: Flex Fleece Zip hoodie by American Apparel, Stretch floral lace long sleeve body suit by American Apparel, Denim Shorts by Rokit

SUMMER 100 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Photographer : Make up and Hair Set Designer: Ha Stylist: Si Insistent Productio FEM Charlie Brogan / Nevs Nina/ strike MA Jack/AMCK Joe/Jake/ Str

FORMAL

: Izack Morales r : Michelle Dacillo atty Ellis-Coward ian Miller on: Jodie Shepard MALE e model management Desiree/ First ALE rike model management

102 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Jack - Yellow shirt and grey shorts – Nico Didonna, Maroon bow tie - Velsvoir Joe - Blue blazer and cream trousers - Nico Didonna, Scarf and flower brooch stylists own Jake - Peach broderie anglaise style shirt with white collar and grey trousers - All Nico Didonna

Desiree - Yellow chiffon top - Baum und Pferdgarten, White sequin trousers - Uma Kangai , Teapot necklace – Jewellery by Jaymie Flower brooch stylists own Charlie - Jacket - Kaleidoscope , Skirt - Baum und Pferdgarten, Bow brooch - stylists own , Shoes - Beyond Skin Nina - Blue cropped jacket - Minuet Petite , Dress - Jarlo London , Necklace - stylists own Shoes - Beyond Skin 104 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Jack - Yellow shirt and grey shorts – Nico Didonna, Maroon bow tie - Velsvoir Joe - Blue blazer and cream trousers - Nico Didonna, Scarf and flower brooch stylists own Jake - Peach broderie anglaise style shirt with white collar and grey trousers - All Nico Didonna

Desiree - Yellow chiffon top - Baum und Pferdgarten, White sequin trousers - Uma Kangai , Teapot necklace – Jewellery by Jaymie Flower brooch stylists own Charlie - Jacket - Kaleidoscope , Skirt - Baum und Pferdgarten, Bow brooch - stylists own , Shoes - Beyond Skin Nina - Blue cropped jacket - Minuet Petite , Dress - Jarlo London , Necklace - stylists own Shoes - Beyond Skin 106 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Jack - Yellow shirt and grey shorts – Nico Didonna, Maroon bow tie - Velsvoir Joe - Blue blazer and cream trousers - Nico Didonna, Scarf and flower brooch stylists own Jake - Peach broderie anglaise style shirt with white collar and grey trousers - All Nico Didonna

My body will age but my heart stays young.

This childlike mentality will never be done.

Like cat to kitten and dog to pup.

I'll never take life serious I'll never grow up.

I wanna kiss every girl and climb every tree.

No desk job just wanna be free.

No worries or cares no trouble or strife.

No house no morgage no kids no wife.

But soon I'll wash the mud from my knees and pack away every toy.

But I'll always remember.

Once a man twice a boy. — Jack Royal

108 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

another dimension

Photography: Parisa Walklett Styling: Marie-Isabel Manicurists: Marie-Isabel & Kismet Lola Mussa

Forget the latest nail colours, 110 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

this season more is more as nails go 3D CiatĂŠ nail lacquer in Snow Virgin and Cabaret, Jewellery: Linnie Mclarty

112 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Nail lacquer CiatĂŠ nail lacuqer in Strawberry Milkshake, Jewellery by RP/Encore, Shirt by ivory jar

American apparel nail lacquer in Neon Pink

114 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Fashionista nail lacquer in Mystical Dragon and CiatĂŠ caviar manicure in Mother of Pearl, Bracelet: The Yorkshire Pearl

Sequins from John Lewis haberdashery department, Jewellery: Myia Bonner

116 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

American apparel nail lacquer in Butter and Gold Flash, Rings: Nilplug

Photographer: Calvin Condry Mlilo Make-up artist: Marie-Isabel Hair Stylist: Steph Hayes Stylist: Mariana Mullings Stylist Assistant: Blessing Abdul

Hazy Days This summer is all about glowing skin and undone glamour 118 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Dress, Stylists Own

Great skin is an essential starting point for all your looks.

Exfoliate with St Ives invigorating apricot face scrub (£3.99) to revitalise tired skin.

Our make up artist used Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation (£8.45) with BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector (£33)

For a cute and kooky alternative to eyeliner, cut sequins in half and use the professionals favourite Duo glue (£7) to stick them under each eye. Keep cheeks natural and glossy with a cream blush (£10, Inglot)

Bra: Nicole de Carle

Glitter is always a go to look for summer nights.

To get a look that’s more glitter glam than glitter glue, use a fine glitter dust (4.99, and apply under the eye only.

120 Barry Issue 4M) www.NoctisMag.com

Start with strong glitter on the lower lash line and allow it to sprinkle gently down onto the cheeks.

Liquid liner has stayed a classic look since the 50s.

Make it modern by subtly altering the shape.

A deep, curved flick rather than a straight line is a fun and flirty way to widen the eyes.

Studio MakeUp Line Styler Pen (ÂŁ7) is the best around for simple, precise application.

Benefit coralista blush (£17) and ultra plush lip gloss (£12)

Sleek eye shadow collection, Au Naturel £6

122 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

What’s makeu this se

Makeup Forever loose glitter £13

q Jo uin hn s £ Le 2. wi 75 s

Smash box limitless liquid liner pen, £14

Se

s In our up bag eason?

Illamasqua Naked Strangers collection, Liquid Metal in Electrum £17.50

STILLWELL AVENUE 124 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

C

Shot in Coney Island, New York State

126 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Disquieting Muses Photography: Meg Hutchison Hair & Make – Up : Siobhan Drew 128 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

All clothing: Lucy James . Floral Headpieces: Crown & Glory

130 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

All clothing: Lucy James . Floral Headpieces: Crown & Glory

It goes so fast

Photographer - Alex Hood Styling - Rosie Williams MUA - Charli Avery Hair Stylist - Micky Kastly Production - Jodie Shepard Models: Alice @ First Models Hannah May @ Nevs

132 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Alice - Top – Jezebel & Toff Shoes – Stylist’s Own, Necklace – Maria Piana, Ring – Imogen Belfield, Sunglasses – H&M Hannah - Top – Jezebel & Toff Socks & Boots – Stylist’s Own Necklace – Maria Piana, Hat – Tribes (Www.Tribesband.Com), Sunglasses – Kurt Geiger

Jumper – Ymc, Skirt – Jayne Pierson, Shoes – Underground, Hat – Tribes (Www.Tribesband.Com), Hand Necklace – Stylist’s Own, Star Necklace, Earrings & Bracelet – Laura Gravestock

134 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Top – Migh-­‐T, Trousers – Leutton Postle Shoes – Underground, Hat – Ymc, Necklace – Alex Monroe

136 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Dress & Scarf – Leutton Postle Shoes – Underground, Bracelet – Maria Piana Necklaces – Alex Monroe

Alice - Top – Ymc, Trousers – Migh-­‐T Shoes – Stylist’s Own Necklace – Maria Piana Hannah - Top – Izzue, Skirt – Evmorfia, Socks & Boots – Stylist’s Own Necklace – Alex Monroe, Ring – Laura Gravestock

138 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Jacket – EVMORFIA Jeans – AGI & SAM, Hat – YMC, Sunglasses – H&M, Rings & Earrings – LAURA GRAVESTOCK, Necklaces – ALEX MONROE

140 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Alice - Top – YMC, Trousers – MIGH-­‐T Shoes – STYLIST’S OWN Necklace – MARIA PIANA Hannah - Top – IZZUE, Skirt – EVMORFIA, Socks & Boots – STYLIST’S OWN Necklace – ALEX MONROE, Ring – LAURA GRAVESTOCK

SATUR 142 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

RDAY Photographer – Dalton Lewis Stylist - Saraa Green Make-up Artist/Hair – Neilia Sone Model –Kasia @ Red NYC, Louis Mayhew @ Red NYC, Grant Alexander

144 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

HOLLY WALKER “London girl, play the ivories, sing like a small hungry bird.”

A

t Noctis we have been keeping a close eye on the progress of Holly Walker, a young singer/songwriter making waves in the industry with her spot-on, current views weaved into intelligent pop songs. first being swung by her lead single from her debut E.P entitled Bedroom bangers which she is releasing through her own label called Hungry Bird Records.

Drawing comparison to Holly Walker is hard even in an industry which has an ever growing influx of singer songwriters, it remains hard to find someone who’s lyrics convey a real story, and having been an English Major here in the UK Holly has a way with words.

With Holly Walker’s upcoming E.P she is keen to talk about what she has put on it, being the newest tracks that she has written as she only wanted to release the freshest material although looking to the future may bring back some of her old tracks.

The e.p itself has a wider sound than some of her material that you can find on 146 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

you tube with that step away from folk sound saying she wanted the e.p “to swing a bit more” making the beats herself on a laptop, which is translating to live with a full band including drums, bass and backing vocals, allowing for Holly Walker to play with bigger sounds, saying that she likes to play bigger venues. Even though the drums on the e.p are programmed they are translating this to live using electronic pads.

With plans of tours on the horizon logistics are becoming a bigger issue stepping away from her London fan bass, especially as a pianist Holly has moved onto a Roland stage piano which she has fallen in love with, with an exception of the weight, saying that having a roland is great for her as they are sampled from Steinway’s.

Although when it came to studio time there was always going to be real instruments involved, yet there was no compromise as Holly holds on to full creative control of the sound.

‘

She w anted the e.p “to sw ing a more bit ”

’

148 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

o t on trol s ld con o h ve . y d l i l n t Ho crea sou e l h l t u f of

‘

’

With Holly becoming known for her lyrical content it is easy to say that she is constantly writing and can be found carrying around a book which she writes in before translating ideas back to song form. Saying that her primary influence for her tracks is her general existence and everything going on around her. With every song having a poignance, occasionally sacrificing melody for lyrics, saying there is a fine line between writing tracks and ranting about things.

With the full length video for modern life now out. Holly is open to collaboration with her fans using found footage to create a lo-fi video that is a fair representation of her use of youtube videos and connect her new material to what she is becoming known for.

With shows all throughout the summer and the hopes of sitting down and writing her album.

Words by Erin Davies

MAJOR 150 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

R LOOK

M

ajor Look is a new project from the music duo Crystal Clear & Stapleton, bass heavy music which is ready to take over the airwaves. Having already gained major coverage on the likes of Radio 1 and being heard on the likes of Soccer AM these two remain undiluted from the underground, but with the instantly recognisable vocals of Stapleton, Major Look are blurring genres and pushing bass music even further into the limelight.

As dance music is being pushed to the forefront of our collective listening by as the Americans call it “the surge of EDM” and the likes of Simon Cowell trying to cash in on the market. It is great to see that the underground still exists and that it is pushing through.

We had a chance to catch up with Major look during their busy schedule.

You have both been known on your own as Stapleton and Crystal Clear. How did you meet and decide to collaborate?

Andy – We met when we both worked at a supermarket and we always used to chat about music in the stockroom. We eventually started to send each other music we were working on individually and in various guises. Then Staps put a vocal on a beat which got picked up by Mistajam and we thought ‘this could work’ soon we’ve been properly making music together as Major Look since early this year.

With only a few tracks behind you, you are already receiving major support from the likes of Zane Lowe and Annie Mac. How does it feel to get such major support for a project when it’s early days?

A – It’s really exciting and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes up in the future. If we’re getting this sort of reception in the early days, I can’t wait to see how things are going to develop. I also want to see the reaction to our tracks when we play them live, when people know the tunes really well.

You have already drawn comparisons to the likes of Professor Green and Chase and Status under the tag of Vocal DnB. How do you feel about people having to try and put you in a box 152 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

and draw these comparisons? How would you describe the music that you make?

Rob – I think it’s cool when people compare us, it’s not a bad thing. It’s only the natural reaction when people hear something new. These artists are doing good things and it’s great to be put in the same bracket as them.

Andy – I’d describe our sound as the best parts of historic British music meets present-day bass culture. It has a tough British edge but an accessible modern feel.

Talking of Genres, your Hush ya gums single is supplemented with a club mix and a house mix. Was this a decision for yourselves to produce more versions rather than remixes?

Or is it a look back to vinyl and having dub versions as the b-side?

Andy– We want to get our sound out to as many people as possible. People out there listen to one genre, so if we can cross all of those, that’s the aim.

We cut our teeth in D&B which is a difficult proving ground, and in my opinion, if you can make decent D&B, you can make anything.

h t e te

ut o ut D&B c We in

‘

’

You are currently working under the label Cold Blooded which is your own independent label. which seems to be a current tred with the rise of artists preferring to be on small labels.

Is this something you guys want to maintain?

Andy – The aim is to get our music out to as many people as possible, to a wider audience, so if that means moving onto bigger and better things, then so be it.

Rob – Who doesn’t want that?

Also listening to the lyrics of Hush ya gums, there is obviously a comment on the industry in majors. Is this an important statement to you?

R – No, it’s not an important statement, but it’s what we’re surrounded by and if you’re involved in the industry, no matter at what level, the mechanics of your business filter in. People make music that aren’t necessarily educated in music.

That statement wasn’t on purpose but it fits within our story line.

You have recently uploaded an image from a Live show in Scotland. What can people expect from your live show?

R – We’re experimenting at the moment and learning at the same time.

A- The Major Look live show is different to what we’ve traditionally done before, the DJ and an MC. We’re now looking at things as more of a performance, as more of a concert and less of a club thing. But that’s not to say we won’t be smashing it like we do in the clubs!

Talking of live shows, you have some festivals coming up this summer including Global gathering and Wakestock. what do you think of festivals and the summer in comparison to playing club shows?

R – Clubs are nice and intimate, but I’ve played in loads of clubs, big and small, good and bad. I love festivals though, there’s always a good vibe.

A – At festivals you get the chance to expose people to your music who might not have heard of you before which is great.

As far as your productions go. You show a photo of your studio. Which does show some hardware. Do you produce mostly in the box or on hardware. as vintage synthesizers are

making a large comeback now especially the more modular systems as producers try to distance themselves from cheap sounding VSTs? A – I only ever used to work in the box but I’ve recently started working outside. There’s benefits to working inside and outside. I bought a vintage Moog and some of the sounds you can make with it, you just can’t make with a software synth.

There’s certainly a warmer sound. In terms of getting the hardware to work though, the way that I want it to work, it’s a pain in the ass! In the box is easier and quicker.

‘

Frien ds ca lled me s you’r houting on So c A.M cer

’

As far as producing goes you have now released some singles. Can we be expecting an album from you?

A – Absolutely. At the moment we’re just making as much music as we can which will be pulled together for an album.

One of the first times I heard you was accompanied by your music video for Hush ya Gums. Which is accompanied by illustrations by Tom Hovey. How did that idea come about?

R – In that song, the lyrics really tell the story in that there was already a set narrative there. So when the director and artists came together - big up Will Thorne, and Tom Hovey! - they really contributed to the visuals behind the story and made it what it is.

154 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Major Look is obviously a collaboration between you two but with the current tred on artists collaborating on each others material. Are you looking at collaborating with anyone?

R – We definitely want to collaborate, but at the moment we’re concentrating on our thing.

A – We want to make sure that whoever we do collaborate with, is absolutely right for us.

If so who would you ideally love to work with?

Recently you have had Hush ya gums played on Soccer AM? How did this feel. Are you both big football fans? and did you know about it or wake up one Saturday morning and switch on the TV to hear your track?

R – I’m both a football fan, and a fan of the show.

I found out they used Hush Ya Gums through friends calling me on a Saturday morning shouting, ‘you’re on Soccer Am!’ It is a nice feeling when you don’t expect those things, it’s exciting.

What is next for you Major Look?

A – We’re just concentrating on making as much music as possible, we’ll be releasing more singles, pushing the Major Look brand and really establishing ourselves. We’re also going to be reaching out to people with our live performances over Summer, trying to convert as many new Major Look fans as possible!

Words by Dylan Thomas

156 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

G

ents, take a seat on the Noctis interview couch and prepare yourselves to regress and possibly divulge as in this issue of Noctis we are looking at all things youth.

So our started for ten Futurecop, Manzur and Peter, how are you doing chaps? Everything ok with you guys?

Great thanks, really busy doing a million things at once and getting everything wrong hahaha

How were your respective youths? Class clowns? Slacker?

Cool dudes? Troubled teen? Imaginary best friends?

I was a total emo kid, i didn’t have many friends, i went to an all boys private grammar school, so everyone was a bit boring, they all looked the same, all teacher’s pets and they had really bad taste in music. I was an outsider especially in my primary school, i was the only coloured person in the whole school and got bullied constantly, plus i was really quiet and a daydreamer (i still am actually). Even though i was always quiet; teachers would rather be nicer to class clowns and give me a bad report, which i hated. i hated school with a passion.

Tesla Boy, Alex Metric & Miami Horror are some acts that you chaps have been compared to, do you like having comparisons drawn between Futurecop and other artists?

I don’t mind, quiet flattering actually more than anything. We just want to make music and bring our ideas out. a lot of the time people make comparisons because not many people can think out of the box, so they have to categorize everything they see or hear, otherwise i think their brains would explode lol, thats life i guess.

So back to youth, what was your favourite item growing up?

Game Boy, Nike Airs? Star Wars figures? i always wanted a gameboy but never get one, i used to have dreams about it as a kid. i

158 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

used to play a lot with a raphael ‘tmnt’ figure (i was a massive tmnt fan). i think though the transformers 1986 movie and my sega medadrive was my favourite things as a kid.

e

v i s s a m n” a s T fa a w N I “ TM

‘

’

Talking of favourite games and consoles have the twee bleeps and sounds of these help to inspire your work? i think our childhood as a whole has inspired our work, which is a collection of everything from our youth (from movies to emotions like innocence). so yes it was part of it but there is much much more

There are a few nods to the 80s in your song titles, Transformers, Karate, Class of 1984, 1988 Girls and Thank God its Friday as well. If we popped down to the Futurecop Studio would we find a giant Goonies or Police Academy 2 poster on the wall and a chopper chained up outside?

yeah you would find 80s items, especially dvds but ive noticed over the last 2 years its actually changing to fantasy items and futuristic items, i think its a sign of how our music is evolving.

Who were the bands you looked up to when you were growing up? Who’s names were written your back packs?

weezer, pavement, blink 182, funeral for a friend (i was obsessed with their music), my chemical romance, new found glory, jimmy eat world, the get up kids, saves the day, silverstein, ratm the deftones, at the drive in.

You’ve collected a fair few visa stamps so far, Australia, USA, Sweden, France, Germany & Spain. What’s the best place you’ve been or seen yet? Any real box tickers left, did you dream of traveling the world when you were younger?

i think australia and los angeles. to be honest i just wanted to see america when i was a little, i was really obsessed with it and hated the fact that i lived in the uk. Must be all the movies i watched, and the awful school i went to. It just made me feel high school is so much better in america i guess. im not really a city person, i live in wilmslow now in cheshire ( its like a countryside) - i like quiet and natural places. i dont mind visiting new york and paris etc but can’t live there and make friends with delusional big mouthed city people (not saying everyone in the city is but you know who im talking about), that would really depress me.

The documentary Comic Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope is out soon, were you comic book fans growing up? Would you like to play a gig at a event like that?

i would LOVE to play a gig like that, i think its a perfect gig for futurecop. i was into judge dredd when i was a kid - 2000AD.

Enough of looking at the past, your first full release came out in January this year, The Movie OST and all our readers should go and listen to it, what does the present and future hold for Futurecop? the Movie OST tracks were actually done between 2007 - 2009 it only saw daylight because we realised futurecop was evolving and we had to release it to move forward with our

work. Our music was initally just our nostalgia of 80s, however the more we made music other things started to influence us. we realised futurecop became an escapism for us from the real world. So i think you will see in our next release more influences bought in from our background.

We release our single ‘the only way’ this month which is a real pop dance track (very 80s too), this was made in 2011. However when we went back into the studio from january this year, the new music coming from us is deflinetly sounds more evolved, its much more darker, i think its a reflection of the state of our minds at this point in time.

‘

Futur e becam cop e an escap ism f or us

’

And finally guys the band name is there any connection between your choice and the 1993 Chinese action-comedy of the same name? not at all. its just a name that came up. futurecop is like the rabbit-man from the movie donnie darko however this one is a unicorn.

Words by Greg Swaby

160 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

ORB

BITAL

W

hen you think of british dance music you may be thrown back to the days of the Hacienda or the raves just outside of the M25 but chances are a few names will instantly pop into your head. The likes of Norman Cook, Prodigy, The Chemical Brothers, Underworld and even Orbital. Gaining their name for the afore mentioned M25 orbital motorway around London which was central to the scene in which they began.

Orbital began recording in 89 with ‘Chime’ which on a re-release gained them an appearance on Top of the Pops.

It is hard to continue to list the achievements as the list is almost never ending from NME awards for best dance act and having headlined Glastonbury festival in 1994.

With a career that spans over two decades there have been moments where orbital have taken some breaks along the way but now they are back and in full force and luckily for us we had a chance to talk to them regarding their new album, collaborations and their live show before they played a Dj set in Paris.

The first port of call for the conversation is Orbital’s new album entitled Wonky. This is the first album from the band in 8 years.

Claiming that the album was a pleasure to write and easy, after touring for a couple of years on older material they had a reason to create something new. Saying that they don’t want to be classed as a heritage band.

The album was created specifically for their live set, following a plan. Being allowed to be truly honest with their music creating what they wanted. Especially after the last 2 albums felt forced they decided to take a break which they discuss as being “considered indefinite”.

162 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

ty i s s e c n e o i n s fash a w It t a ice. no cho

‘

’

On reforming they decided to just have fun and play live, then deciding to write their newest album. Which has been a happy move away from the major label attitude of “when’s the next album out.” Although the reformation has been well received they are glad to be back and are grateful for the warm reception they have had. Knowing that now everything is sitting correctly with them so they aren’t heading anywhere soon.

Moving on to the contents of the album one thing Orbital have been known for is their collaborations. With past artists such as Goldfrapp, the new album won’t disappoint including tracks with Lady Leshurr and Zola Jesus. aLthough these were never preplanned. Paul says that “Finding the right vocal is like finding the right synthesizer.”

To find Zola Jesus they were specifically looking for the “brooding goth vocal” although they had never heard her before producing the album.

The album was produced with analog synthesizers that had been collected in the break, setting up just a couple of favorites

and new ones. saying that producing is “a voyage of discovery” it’s like children in a toy shop. Although their is always the daunting task for a band like Orbital to take their equipment on the road with them. But they do take new pieces on the road to learn them which does lead to what they are known for, their improvisations yet sometimes it does go wrong.

With Orbital having been around for over 20 years one of the things they are known for is their iconic look, both wearing glasses with torches on. allowing them to see what they were doing in a mess of electronics and wires. Paul quickly says that they were a necessity not a fashion choice having originally started in 1992 having scene them in the film Brazil (one of their favorite films) and a friend suggesting them for a tour of the America which they were to head out on with meat beat manifesto As a support act they were never given much lighting thus the glasses became essential, and after a month of touring the states the press had picked up on it and they have never taken them off since.

When asked about the political emphasis which is regularly discussed when journalists talk about Orbital due to their appearance on TOTP in the UK. Paul quickly replies that he believes his ideas of politics to be fairly ham fisted, saying he daren’t pretend that he understands the depths of politics. Yet he tries to create music that provokes thought.

Even when they look back to industrial music, punk and even Kraftwerk. He says he just wants to lead people in a direction rather than tell them what to think and he doesn’t

like the idea of one clear message in this album.

Finally talking about music nowadays it seems that Orbital seem inspired by everything around them mostly listening to folk music. saying that to them every pice of dance music is still house to them coming from their past. Saying Minimal techno is the most bollocks name he has ever heard, and that pigeon holing electronic music is just plain stupid.

‘

Mini mal t is the echno most bollo cks n ame

’

Look forward to seeing Orbital live around the world and hearing new material from them as this is just the start of a new phase of Orbital.

Words by Erin Davies

N

ate James is sat upon an immaculate Victorian vintage green couch. He sits in front of a MacBook which rests upon an oak coffee table and we can only assume he is catching up with his daily correspondents. Dressed in a smart black open buttoned shirt and sporting a trilby hat, Nate could be mistaken for a young office professional working a 9-5 day. He greets us with a smile and a warm open hug. We are in the decadent Soho House on Greek Street and the room is a quiet hub of conservative business types, enjoying their Friday ‘lunch meetings’.

“You know, I’m not a member of the houses but I always seem to be in them. I was here last night and I’m here again today. It’s a nice place to just kinda hang out, doing music meetings and stuff like this, it’s a bit decadent, a bit quirky”. Nate has been a resident of London for most of his adult life. Nurtured in rural Suffolk, back in 1997 164 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

when most teenagers were enjoying the benefits of their first week at University, Nate James was making his way to the capital.

“I didn’t come all starry eyed. I moved down ‘cause I was signed to Universal as a writer. It was a great community of artists, just being here, you bounce off people, both in your industry and other creative industries, all being together in one bubble of London”. In those 15 years, Nate has seen the music scene dramatically change throughout West, North and now East London.

“When I first moved down here it was Portobello, West London was the place to be, then music and fashion moved East, and I think East will have the hub for a while. Camden’s always been cool, but it’s a bit dirtier. Not grubbiness, more like mischievous. I just despise going to Camden on a Friday, you’re on your way to a meeting and there’s tourists there taking pictures of the Camden sign.

Seriously, there are better things to do!”.

Indeed, for Nate James there have certainly been

NATE JAMES some better things to do. In those 15 years he’s sold half a million records. He’s released three solo albums, worked on a plethora of collaboration projects, has been nominated for three MOBOs and won Italy’s prestigious FestivalBar Award.

He’s recognised as one of the most successful independent soul artists of all time. And now, after more than a decade of music industry acclaim, Nate James has joined Noctis Mag for a quick get to know you chat.

With an ever friendly yet almost regal presence, Nate personifies the modern metro-sexual man.

Perfectly groomed, with a soft speaking voice and a well moisturised youthful face, one may wonder whether Nate prefers the company of Chelsea girls or poster pin-up boys. Either way, as a man who always looks his best, he would be appealing to both. “I was with a modelling agency when I was 15, I did some bit parts in Eastenders and the Bill.

Commercial shoots and catalogue stuff. Training videos for BurgerKing, that was fun! When I was 18, I was too tall for the teen’s catalogue and I was too short for the men’s catalogue, so people starting saying you can sing, you should do something about it”.

An incredible voice that was made for soul music and influenced by all the great Motown classics, Nate was aware of his unique talent from the very beginning. Yet, his first break was not to utilise his powerful vocals but to sell his image on a musical platform. Initially involved in manufactured boy band ‘Notorious’, Nate quickly learnt how cutthroat the music industry can be. “We were the biggest signing Warner Bros did that year. Blue were the squeaky clean good boys, and we were the bad boys! Financially it was a huge deal. We had a TV show with Endemol, kind of like S Club 7 were doing. We were shooting a video in Oslo and we got the call that some guy in America at Def Jam records was dropping everyone. Our MD was sacked, our Head of A&R was sacked, literally, the whole thing fell apart in front of me. So I got a job

as a waiter”.

Being young and rejected is not an easy time for any young artist and for many that first taste of success is as much as one can hope for. But fate had other plans for Nate and after several years of wilderness, tending bars and hosting restaurants, that life changing phone call eventually came.

“Me and David Brant hooked up and wrote my first single. I wrote 80 songs, a lot of b-sides, bonus tracks, and then we chose the final 12 and by this point I’d been spotted by someone at Universal.

Then I went to LA, shot a video, then came home and played my first gig. It was sold out and everything spiralled from there”. At a time in the mid-noughties, when the British soul pop scene exploded, Nate was caught up in the whirlwind of over night success. His first album ‘Set The Tone’ provided an ever flooding market with soulful pop renditions and catchy love songs. Although at the time, many other artists such as Craig David and Lemar jumped a similar band wagon, there was something very unique genuine in the nature of Nate’s work.

A product of the celebrity global endorsement boom, Nate was quickly elevated onto a star plateau and enjoyed screen recognition including an invitation to the BBC’s Never Mind The Buzzcocks. But it was the opportunity to prove himself as a live artist that mattered most to Nate and the hype that followed his debut album led to his chance to perform some on London’s most distinguished venues.

“I performed at the Jazz Café and I remember going to see Angie Stone, Raphael Saadiq, Lucy Pearl, and I remember I was in the dressing room and I was just shaking like a leaf and was looking at all the posters on the wall of people who’d performed there. This was the Jazz Café, it’s world renowned for it’s music!”. Of course, the fame monster only grew in stature and by now Nate was truly experiencing his wildest of dreams. It was then in 2005 that Nate earned his first MOBO

nominations. “I turned up at the awards at the Albert Hall in a frickin’ green Lamborghini! Just to see my video up there with Kelly Rowland, and Rihanna, and Mario and I couldn’t believe it was me up there! That’s why I gotta get a new album out there and get things rolling again!’

Indeed, Nate looks back on the highs of his career with a certain uncomfortable nostalgia. Almost as if that part of his youth has been and gone, never to return again. It was a lifestyle of parties and celebrity friends. He shares fond memories of a close friend, the late great Amy Winehouse.

“When I first came to London she was one of the first people I met. We met at a place called the Rex Bar, Rupert Street. We got up and sang and we started chatting and we were like ‘I love you babe’. We just clicked, hung out more and more often. I was nervous around her at times ‘cause I was just astounded by her voice and the kind of character she was. And of course then all the crap happened. I was away in Japan and she called from Vegas and said ‘Nate, I just got married’ and I said ‘To who?’ And she said ‘Blake, innit’ and I was like ‘Here we go, this is gonna end in tears’.

Then I came back and she moved into the same apartment block as me, and we had some great times there. Me, her, Adele, Daniel Merriweather, Mark Ronson, all drinking Jack Daniels till 3am. It was a lot of fun. And I miss her lot. She’d sit there with my first guitar, Bluey, sit there strumming, singing some Nina Simone or Ella Fitzgerald.

Hammered but note perfect. She’d make the songs her own and she was just outstanding. So much talent”.

No doubt for many young musicians, entwined in the surreal world of London’s eclectic music scene, such a lifestyle could lead to ruin. Constant recognition is a sure track way of becoming the self-involved ego-musician we see all too often on our infinite music channels. Yet, at the time, Nate was using his status to do a lot more than just glitzing up for the camera. “At one of my Jazz gigs, a woman came up to me after the show and said ‘Do you support any charities because I work for a charity that helps survivors of the genocide, would you like to come to Africa?’. At first I was like ‘is this for real?’ So I went out there 166 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

[Rwanda] in 2007. Just to be there and see what happened. It was just such a massive culling of mankind, by mankind. It was beyond me. That trip was just heartbreaking. Crying myself to sleep most nights after what I’d seen that night, listening to people, going to testimonies of people who’d been attacked, been raped, given aids deliberately.

So while I was there I wrote Kingdom Falls. It was about how our lives were complete polar opposites”.

‘

Home is wh ere my h at is

’

Kingdom Falls, a matured and more sensual record than his previous work, would become the title track to Nate’s second album. By now, Nate had developed a business acumen few pop stars can boast of. Maintaining all the copyright to his music, his success as an independent artist has been for the most part due to his unwillingness to sell his music to the labels, like so many young artists in the wake of immediate fame. With the profits from debut album Set The Tone, Nate‘s second outing was predominately self-financed.

“There’s a real sense of togetherness within the independent music scene. People will do you special rates if they know you are competing with the major labels. Doing it my way I knew I couldn’t afford to do it without Universal Publishing and the license deals that I did. I’m a bit crap with money to be fair, so I had a business manager and a lawyer to tell me off, not spending too much money, but the Kingdom Falls video cost me £25k!

That’s like a car, a really nice car, not a Jag, but a frickin’ nice car”.

By Feb’ 2008, Nate James had become a big and colourful name in the British live music scene. At the height of his zenith, he was welcomed on to the most revered of the British music institutes, the Jools Holland Show. “For me, Top Of The Pops and Jules Holland will always be at the top of the British live music scene. Jools is just so good at what he does. He came running over to me when I got there and he was like ‘Your album has been in my car for the last few weeks!’. I was shitting bricks, literally. But yeah, Jools Holland was a pivotal time for me”. After all the hype and excitement of his success thus far, the hard work was still ahead. Nate embarked on a three month tour of North America, peaking in front of a 95,000 strong audience at Montreal’s Jazz Festival, where his name sat top of the billboard, above industry greats like Aretha Franklin. He played further dates in South America and across Europe and gained a huge following in Japan and then Italy where he was awarded the esteemed FestivalBar. “I had just finished performing and I didn’t know I’d won till they walked up with this wapping great award and I just broke down in tears. I was in this Roman Amphitheatre, it’s like 3000 years old and I thought, this is just perfect”.

As all but the most flourishing of musicians will tell you, life at the top doesn’t last forever. The next few years would see Nate’s popularity decline, as he settled back into a quiet life in Britain. After all the studio time, the touring and the endless partying, what is a pop star to do? Surely you do what everyone else does, you turn to reality TV. “Big Brother called, I said no!”. Indeed, by the turn of a new decade, manufactured pop artists’ creditability were no longer questioned and the great British public were breaking audience viewing records with TV reality music shows Pop-Idol and X-Factor. “The scene has changed dramatically. When I made my first album it was about music, real artists and musicians and I’m not saying they don’t exist anymore ‘cause they do; people who write their own music and not just a face for a product, churning the same stuff over again. Not much excites me anymore. When you listen to ‘What’s Going On?’, or ‘I Heard It Through The Grapevine’, or ‘Let’s Stay Together’, they are

timeless classics and they do things to you. There were babies made to those songs! Now, it’s all about TV shows. Artists get signed, they get worked to the bone and they get spat out again.’

Yet despite his distaste towards celebrity wish-wash, Nate has embraced a new social phenomenon. With 5,000 friends on Facebook and an ever growing Twitter following, Nate James is by all accounts a social media junkie. ‘I’ve got a PR guy, but everything on Facebook is me. Social media is massively important. I can’t imagine what life was like before laptops and the internet.

As a fan of someone’s work you feel like you’re involved, you’re immersed in their life. I love that someone is sat at a desk in South America or Japan saying have a great day mate. I reached you all the way over there and you replied to me! It’s just outstanding me. It’s fun!’.

Having spent most of his heyday years residing in East London as the new urban youth culture exploded on Shoreditch and Old Street, Nate now seeks an easier life South of the River.

“It’s different, me being from the countryside.

Living in Waterloo has a similar peacefulness.

Everything shuts down at 12, so when I get home it’ll just be complete silence. I just love it, I love being able to come down out my front door and I can be on the South Bank in ten minutes. When the sun comes out, the South Bank just comes alive and I just love being a part of it. I’m an SE1 boy now. I’m one of these people whose home is where my hat is”.

Now predominately working the London members club scene as performer / DJ, Nate has recently worked on several collaborations including a recent single, thumping dance track ‘Back Foot’ with Manchester duo Heavy Feet. He’s very much still a working musician, engrained into the underground London music scene and although he may no longer suffer illusions of grandeur, he has a confidence in himself that boasts a passion to rediscover that spark again, the spark that will ignite the flame of Nate James and burn deep into the history of British Pop Culture.

The key to new success is in his next step and that step involves a new image, a new sound and a new kind of energy. His next step is SugaSmak!

Words By Steve Hardy

168 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

SUGASMAK! A

s the city of London waits in eager anticipation of the monumental Jubilee Weekend, the bunting is up, the flags are out and everyone is excited to get out of work to enjoy the festivities.

Nate James, however, is in no hurry to get finished.

He’s having too much fun. Noctis Mag have been invited along to Roger Spy’s video shoot of the debut single ‘Bad Ass’, from Nate’s new group project, SugaSmak!

We are taken up to a guest suite of the lethargic Portobello House on London’s affluent Ladbroke Grove. It’s a small intimate crew on set and the band are preparing for their first take.

Nate James, styled in a white printed t-shirt and trucker cap, lies on the bed deep in thought, a subtle smile upon his unperturbed face. His iconic disco-afro image is very much thing of the past, his new look gives him a youthful radiance and a boyish charm. Jody Lei is in the bathroom, in front of the mirror discussing her make-up application with her stylist. In an era when superstars like Rihanna and Rita Ora are pushing the trend of style over beauty, Jody glimmers with a natural beauty worthy of even the most prestigious red carpets. Today, in her short denim jacket and very short denim pants, she is every man’s fantasy. Mr Drew is fiddling with the music speaker system, being the technical expert in the crew. With his roguish good looks, tight white shirt and sleeve tattoos, Mr Drew is a fine-looking blend of a young Sean Connery and a mature David Beckham. First impressions would lead you to believe that as a group, Nate is ‘the brains’, Jody ‘the beauty’ and Mr Drew ‘the brawn’. Together, they are the perfect package.

The track for which they are shooting is a catchy mix of 80’s electro, with a contemporary beat and styled vocals that you can imagine really getting the crowd dancing in any hip London nightclub. The excitement amongst in the band is infectious.

Noctis: So how’s the shoot going?

Nate: Very well.

Mr Drew: I’ve just had all my clothes off, covered in kisses!

Jody: I just woke up in a hallway, half naked.

Mr Drew: We’re aiming for the younger cliental.

Nate: Yeah, we wanna come across as quite cool and fashionable and at the same time we’re quite humorous, fun characters and we want to show that in this video.

Jody: It’s reflecting us very well because we do love to get glammed up and we do occasional have a crazy night out.

Mr Drew: It’s fun, we’re fun people!

Noctis: The theme of the video is nightclubs and hangovers, is that reflective of your lifestyle?

Nate: Well it’s loosely based on the Hangover movie. Waking up with random faces, not remembering where you’ve been or who you were with. So yeah, it’s very true to life.

Noctis: Are you aiming for a specific demographic?

Nate: No, to be fair I think it’s very generic, it leans towards an 80s / 90s electro pop sound but still very current, very fresh, very young.

Jody: It’s very friendly, it’s not too childish and it’s

not too grown up.

to have a bit of cheeky fun so we get around any disagreements that way.

Noctis: So you guys have been friends for years, was this collaboration an obvious choice?

Noctis: So are you a vocal led group?

Jody: Well we were all doing different things.

Mr Drew: It felt natural to come together, we complement each other creatively.

Jody: From the first gig I knew it was going to work.

Nate: Yeah, totally. I think I’m from a soul background, Jody is more from a pop / R&B background and Daniel [Mr Drew] is sort of a guitar, bassy folky pop, did I say that right?

Mr Drew: [Laughs] Yeah, close enough.

Nate: There’s a bit of all of us in each of the songs and that’s why it works so well.

Noctis: Is there a shared common influence you put into your music?

Mr Drew: I think we like a lot of the retro, old kinda hip hop.

Nate: We like Erasure, Go West, Pet Shop Boys.

Mr Drew: I like a little more masculine bands.

[The whole band breaks into fits of laughter] Jody: What I like about our band is we have a classic song structure, we’re trying to bring something of the old school back.

Nate: Everyone that has heard us so far have said it’s a very fresh sound and it’s different, there’s no one else doing what we’re doing right now.

Noctis: So how is the writing process going?

Jody: It’s really easy. It’s been so easy, I think when we go back in [to the studio] next week we’ll try to spend a bit longer cause so far it’s been too easy.

Mr Drew: We spent 3 days in the studio and came out with 3 songs. It’s quite remarkable given that it’s three people, different directions, conflicts and clashes but we just all fell upon the same ideas.

Jody: I think it comes from being in the industry a long time, taking each others ideas on board.

Mr Drew: That’s it, we massively respect each other and being friends as well we’re not afraid 170 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Jody: Well Nate has one of the best voices I’ve ever heard.

Nate: Awwwww Jody: He’s all soulful and smooth and sexy.

Nate: The first time I heard Jody she was 15 years old and I was in the studio and I just heard this girl upstairs blasting out Whitney Houston like you wouldn’t believe and she was this tiny little thing with braces!

Noctis: What is it about the dynamics of two guys and a girl that works so well?

Nate: I just said to these guys lets get together and make a band. Just because I love their company, love their friendship and love their artistry. The fact that we’ve got a hot chick in the band and two mildly good looking lads, it just works. We’re not trying to model ourselves on anyone else. We’re just three mates.

Jody: For me it was very important to have boys in the group, I’ve never been in a band, I’ve always been a solo artist and I don’t want to be in a girl group!

Nate: We’re very protective of each other, we’re like a family unit. I just can’t wait to get on tour with these guys. It’ll be a lot of fun. Delightful carnage.

Jody: I like that, ‘delightful carnage’, that’ll be on the side of our bus!

Noctis: So where are SugaSmak! going next?

Jody: Big massive things!

Nate: The world! We’re booked for a festival in Barcelona in September. Some gigs in and around London during the summer. Get the album done.

Mr Drew: Well we’ve gotta wrap the music video first. It’ll finish the package. Bring it all together.

Jody: I’m just so excited.

Nate: It’s just something so different. It’s American but not like anything America is producing.

Jody: You know what? This band just excites the shit out of me!

BadAss will be released summer 2012.

Words By Steve Hardy

JOE AND WILL

172 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

J

oe and Will Ask are two young musicians making dance music. They having collected the reputation as one of London’s most respected DJ duos and they’ve recently pieced together a debut album which looks set to be one of 2012’s finest electronic records.

Combining this with that fact that Will is an up and coming fashion designer it seemed only right that Noctis found out what went on behind the scenes and where this duo took their inspiration from.

to their tastes without being caught up in a moment. It’s based on their underlying taste in music.

With the albums percussion being recorded from scratch it started to take the old in the box methodology out the window. Although the album was worked on over a number of years. Pulling old songs from their hard drive. They were happy with taking their time so that it wasn’t biased by current trends.

With a residency at ministry of sound. and new live sets their set has now With youth on the cards.. Joe and will ask come back to what they initially started instantly claim they feel old. Will saying doing, saying their live set kept them he only used to be into clubbing, heading afloat for a while. Avoiding being big up to Birmingham from the countryside. performers as it’s not in their nature so Only really starting to make music in turning to lighting as a solution. Especially London with Joe, forming Joe and Will with Ministry of Sound backing them ask? the aesthetic came to the forefront. They created a whole new sound and set that With the two studying at university they worked well together. Claiming they started to try make the tracks the they “defiantly don’t want to be pop stars”. heard out in east london although they felt they were parodying the scene.

With their new big live show Joe and Will Saying their new album is a step back ask are being very selective of venues for from that making an album which is true their live set. Saying that most clubs can

fit with the way that they want it to look trying to maintain consistency.

When talking to Joe and Will about their separation of time. Will is finally getting stuck between both. As in the past he was lucky due to the timing of the seasons. But now he is working more on his fashion with Joe working on the music. Luckily having had time to put the album together.

with a main Uk retailer.

Look out for Vikings club night run by Joe and Will Ask in London, their new album and William Green’s new collection.

Will is working to a very forced timetable on his fashion. Although he enjoys the consistency working as a menswear designer. Choosing to keep it solely British although claims that there is more thought behind the music due to the organic process and lack of deadlines.

With Joe taking on a lot of music for fashion shows they are both working heavily on fashion at the moment but with the album Vikings just out. Will is now working towards his current menswear collection and a presentation with fashion east. Saying that the most important date on his calendar is “Going to a party with Prince Charles”. But with upcoming collaborations and working Words by Erin Davies Images by Leoni-Blue 174 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

TOSH OHTA W

here are you currently based Tosh?

I’ve been living in Bournemouth for the past 12 years.

Tell us about Sporting Life at Bournemouth’s 60 Million Postcards. What’s the premise of the night and what does it involve?

This Sporting Life is my residency I have had at Postcards for coming up to 6 years. I have had so much fun and had some great guests – Olugbenga from Metronomy played a couple of weeks ago, past guests have included Jack from Friendly Fires, Lovefoxxx from CSS, Jon Carter, Rev Milo Speedwagon, Legendary Children, Justin Harris from The Freaks as well as most of my friends who play records – That’s been the most enjoyable aspect of it – playing records with friends .. I don’t think I have missed a single month in 6 years.

I’ve done most of the 6 hour sets on my own though - I’d start off with background music (around 20:30) whilst people are still eating and then it drifts off on all sorts of tangents - The venue is a pub with a Funktion1 sound system, a dance floor and a mirror ball – I’ve been really surprised at what’s worked.. in the last 3 months – February – the last hour was a straight set of Miami bass and ghetto tech – posh white girls and guys with ironic haircuts and tight pants dancing to the 145 bpm misogyny (think DJ Funk / Assault).. March – The last hour was a straight jungle and 1992 hardcore - Records like Deep Blue – Helicopter, Euphony by Bodysnatch and Conquering Lion - Code Red (I spent from 1992

176 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

to 1998 with my head buried in hardcore / jungle tape packs and travelling to raves in warehouses, aircraft hangers and Laserquest (really) venues all over the country).. April – The last hour was early 60s doo-wop, motown and psychedelic rock.. So basically it’s anything goes.

I have quite a varied taste in music so I like to make the most of it once a month. Before I used to do all of that on vinyl but now I generally use CDs – The turntables are a bit knackered.

Can you explain your involvement with Kill Em All and what can we expect from the project over the coming months?

I first met Tim and Olly from Kill em All when he was programming Postcards. I also met Dan Avery back then as well – I guess Im kind of a floating resident for them and where they think I’d do a good job they wheel me in.

I love playing for them – I always have a great night and the line ups they program are always spot on. It was a long time before I knew them but I went to their first night at Fabric (July 2006) Chemical Brothers, Digitalism, Micronauts, Simian Mobile Disco, Metronomy and of course the Filthy Dukes…

I have the BEST gig for them in my diary for next year – I have had the huge honour of being asked to DJ at Olly’s wedding!

That said is Fabric the best club you’ve played in? Have you put your tunes through a sound system that tops that?

Yes it is and no I haven’t.

Alongside playing in some of the country’s best clubs you’ve played at Glastonbury, Bestival and The Big Chill. How does the experience of playing at a festival compare to or differ from playing in clubs?

Festivals have their pros and cons – First of all at festivals generally everyone’s got their fun out – but as they have such a massive choice to go and see / hear / do at festivals, I have to compete to try and keep people where you’re playing - But if I’ve done my job properly and I have a captive audience, it’s generally more fun than playing in a club. Saying that it’s harder to build that momentum up in the first place.

I work with an incredible experiential marketing company called Amplify - I am a kind of resident DJ for them – ie they book headline acts for certain stages at festival and I support them (like Converse tent at Bestival last year where the likes of Julio Bashmore, Joy Orbison, and Ghost Poet played), or I do long sets on my own in one of their areas (like the Red Bull tent at Hydro Connect and Big Chill ) where I’m initially providing background music with the ability create an impromptu rave given the chance – Almost all of my festival gigs have been through them – They are the best at what they do and I’m really lucky to be working with them.

I think my festival highlights have to be the 12 hour set I played for Red Bull at Hydro Connect Fesitval in Scotland – Torrential rain meant that everyone wanted to be inside – I played to about 2/300 people in a packed tent for the whole day with a really short break in the middle – It was really wild in there.

Another highlight for me was Camp Bestival in 2010 – I played in The Bollywood and Red Bull tent on Friday, and on the Saturday, through someone being ill, Ste from WAYF and I ended up manning the Silent Disco in the big top – It was rave legend Reverend Milo Speedwagon on the other sound system – we managed to get over 2500 people singing Talking Heads Once In A

178 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Lifetime. And I was dressed in a panda suit.

I totally idolise your approach to DJing, recording from your 1210’s with a minidisc player is admirable and rare. Obviously you’re a strong advocate of vinyl, what’s the appeal for you?

I started buying vinyl because there used to be a time when you could only buy certain music on vinyl only and it would never get released as a CD (before mp3’s existed).. I used to go and buy these records and just play them on a crap record player at home. I never had the intention of becoming a DJ at all.

And then all of a sudden, I had about 50 records.

I then thought “Well, f*ck it, I might as well buy some turntables and try and mix these records and record it onto minidisc so I can listen to it..” and then I started DJing.

I like the whole process of buying records – the amount of thought that goes into spending £X on a record, receiving post at work, bringing it home and having a quick mix. There’s some records that I was so excited about listening to I’ve accidentally torn the sleeve trying to get it out of the cardboard..

I also mix much better with vinyl than I do with CDs as well – When I mix I do all of the adjustment with the pitch control – I can’t do that on CDJs. Another thing as well is that I like flicking through my record bag when I am playing out rather than a CD wallet..

There’s two things I don’t enjoy about vinyl – One is the weight. Two is the fact that most turntables in clubs have just been used as a laptop stand or a place to put the drinks for too long and they don’t work properly. I hate taking the time and effort to pick records, carrying them to wherever and find the turntables don’t work (despite me checking in advance) The changes that have happened during the time I have been DJing is incredible (and I haven’t even been playing for very long considering how old I

am) Before, a DJ would pack 60 records into his record box – he / she has committed to those records for the night – once they have left their house and headed off to the club with those 60 records, there is no going back. Now, a DJ can turn up with his entire mp3 library on a memory stick in his pocket… or I know of DJs that have had a request during a set, got Wifi access, downloaded it, dragged it straight into their Traktor crate and played it within 5 minutes of being requested it..

The length, diversity and depth of your sets has me imagining an inordinate collection. How many records would you estimate you have?

Phonica in Poland Street London. My friend Sam works there so I always have a quick beer / coffee / tea with him. The staff that work there make really good recommendations and I always generally buy more than what I intended as they’ve recommended something.

When I buy records it tends to be online – new ones from Juno or Phonica and the second hand from Discogs – which is like a market place – It totally dominates the second hand vinyl market and is really dangerous if you’re trying to watch your spending. I got a statement from Juno on how much I spent with them over the last 7 years.

It was actually enough to buy a nice car.

Probably around the 1500 mark – no where near some of my friends but I haven’t been collecting for that long. Where did all these deep house records come from btw?!

Where do you pick up the majority of these records, do you have a favourite shop?

I miss record shopping (as in physically going to a shop) so much. Bournemouth used to have an incredible second hand record shop called AVID Records – it shut about 3 or 4 years ago – It had everything from a comprehensive selection of 4AD’s back catalogue to the darkest hardcore from the early 90s and a great selection of the first wave of Chicago house. I used to spend hours and hours in there listening to records, picking some up because they had a good cover (general rule – if you see a record sleeve with a group of African dudes standing in front of a spaceship / wearing moon boots or space suits, at least give it a listen as it’s likely to contain at least one track that’s great. ) Since it shut down, it stayed vacant for ages, it’s now a really tasty curry house called Mint Leaf where I have been a few times. I have eaten in what used to be the deep house section and folk section.

My favourite record shop to go to in the UK is

Could you extract from that your cardinal 3 records, new or old? Records perhaps that consistently burn a hole in your bag when you’re DJing...

Dinosaur – Kiss Me Again I first heard this record about 12 years ago, when I bought a compilation called “Disco Not Disco” at great shop called Bus Stop records in my first week of living in Bournemouth – This record was released the same month / year I was born.

Arthur Russell produced it with Nicky Siano.

David Byrne plays guitar on it. It’s the perfect disco record.

Charles B – Lack of Love / Guy Called Gerald Voodoo Ray Yes I know It’s 2 records… so acid house purists probably think that Lack of Love has cheesy vocals (I don’t) and Voodoo Ray was number 12 in the charts when I was 10 but to me these two records are timeless and I have so much pleasure from playing - Both released in 88 - This is the year that there was an explosion of dance music both sides of the Atlantic.

Padded Cell – Signal Failure (GTA version) This never leaves my record box.

Your sets continually look back as well as forwards, can you pin-point an artist (or artists) that has/have most inspired your passion for DJing and record collecting?

You’re right about my sets looking back – I used to make a note of what year the records I put on there were produced, and some mixes cover every decade since the 70s. Im completely against the principle of creating a mix of just new records that everyone else is playing out at the moment – To me that’s just another disposable mix- anyone can do a mix with the latest Hot Creations records or an Eats Everything remix .– There are so many over looked classics out there, they are just hard to find..

There are so many DJs and producers that have inspired me but pin pointing a few – Andrew Weatherall, Optimo and The Glimmers. Why? Because ALL of them have very varied and impeccable tastes in music – whether it’s Andrew Weatherall’s Rockabilly Set of Sci-Fi Lo-Fi (Soma Records) and Back to Basics dub mix, Optimo’s Bleeps and Bass or 92 - 96 Hardcore + Jungle set or The Glimmers’ Eskimo Recording Volume 1 or Serie Noire New Beat set. I like to cross genres when I play – those 3 do this seamlessly. There is a recording of a live Weatherall set from Land of Oz in 1988 – He plays everything from industrial (Nitzer Ebb), latin free style (Company B) Chicago house (Black Riot), The Cure, The Clash and so on – listening to that set for the first time blew my mind – that was at a rave..

What can we expect from you over the next couple of months? Any new projects or mixes on the horizon?

I generally do about 2 mixes a year. I need to try and improve this.. There are some new mixes in the pipeline. My favourite project is my mix for the fantastic label How The Other Half Live. I was asked to do this over a year ago, but there’s so much I want to include on it – It’s a running joke between me and ZNTN who runs the label about

180 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

how long it’s taking. – It’s a mix of non-club music that I listen to. The track list has changed so many times – and I have realised it is dependent on my mood. There was one stage when most of the mix consisted of music I’d like played at my funeral (not sure why I was being so morbid!) HTOHL is an amazing label and their next release is going to be massive… look out for it. .

Finally, can we ever expect to hear your wealth of knowledge channeled into some production?

Not planned but Dan Avery and I will be going into a studio to make what Dan calls “Tosh music” at some stage hopefully.

Words by Chris Newman Image by Joe Stephens

182 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com

Thank you from Everyone here at Noctis Magazine.

The Summer issue has been great fun to put together and we have enjoyed working with all of our contributors and staff on this project.

If you would like to contribute or work with Noctis Magazine our upcoming Autumn issue is based around the theme Obsession. We would love to hear from you. Please email the appropriate editor.

Overall Editor: Leoni@noctismag.com For Fashion: Sophie@noctismag.com For Features: Carl@noctismag.com For Beauty: Maz@noctismag.com For Music: Erin@noctismag.com Love the Noctis Staff

184 Issue 4 www.NoctisMag.com