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ISSUE 120 february/march 2016
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WOLF ALICE THE PASSION ISSUE CONTAINS: BANDS | OPINIONS | TIPS | TRENDS
IN THIS ISSUE ISSUE 120 february/march 2016
LIFE 6. THE BIG INTERVIEW Hunter becomes hunted as we chase down inside info from Wolf Alice lead singer Ellie Rowsell.
8. VALENTINE’S DAY: LOVE OR LOATHE? OK, we had to address it, but in the best way possible: debate!
MUSIC 18. ENTER SHIKARI Frontman Rou Reynolds tells us what gets him fired up, and why awards aren’t important.
26. THE CORAL James Skelly’s back with the old band and a new dream, plus Scottish tour dates.
6. 8.
18. 26.
STYLE 36. VALENTINE’S MAKE UNDER We’re ditching heavy makeup. Join us and be confident and comfortable this V-Day.
38. FASHION SPOTLIGHT From the red carpet to red hot dates, we’ve got your look sorted.
ENTERTAINMENT 42. DOUGLAS BOOTH
36. 38.
42. 48.
53. 58.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies…. whaaat? Hollywood
48. IS IT TIME TO DUMP YOUTUBE VLOGGERS? Are they your friends, or are they after your cash? Gemma Clark discusses.
CAREERS 53. DON’T CHOKE ON THE BIG SMOKE Ex-Edinburgher Dayna offers advice to those of you looking to London for a job.
58. ALL ABOUT EXPERIENCE A degree isn’t enough any more, but we don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing.
Editor's
Letter I
t’s February, and that means it’s time for us all to see red, literally and figuratively, as retailers across the country load their window displays with all sorts of paraphernalia prompting us to say ‘I wuv you’ to our nearest and dearest.
Personally, I have mixed feelings about the Valentine’s Day and its meaning, which is why this issue neatly sidesteps a head-on confrontation with V-Day by adopting the guise of ‘The Passion Issue’. Inside you’ll find a cavalcade of ideas and opinions from musicians, film stars, employees and writers who are fired up by the love of their craft and everything that comes with it. And yes, you’ll find the odd nod to Cupid day, plus plenty of content about the annual luvvie love-in that is Awards Season. It also seems fitting that The Passion Issue is the one in which I must share a piece of important news with you all: Scotcampus is going on hiatus for a while. Don’t worry, it’s not you, it’s us. The publishing industry has changed enormously since we started out more than 10 years ago, and we’re taking time out to see where we fit in. Over the years, this magazine and its online twin have hosted thousands of wonderful articles written by you, your peers and your predecessors. Fuelled by the passion of our in-house staff, past and present, we built something we’re all very proud of, and we hope to be back again soon. It really has been a labour of love, and I know I speak for everyone at Scotcampus HQ when I say it’s been an honour working with and for you all. I hope the passion on show in these pages has helped inspire, excite and entertain you during this important part of your life. Because that’s why we do this. You’re our Valentine, and we love you guys. ‘til we meet again,
- Michael Edwards Publishers: Graeme Barratt / Anna Purdie • 0141 249 0901 • graeme@scotcampus.com Editor: Michael Edwards • michael.edwardst@scotcampus.com Assistant Editor: Amy Johnston • amy.johnston@scotcampus.com Contributors: Tatiana Aldana, Gemma Clark, Linda Clark, Jenny Constable, Anne Devlin, Kirsty Feerick, Rhiann Fowlds, Mikhaila Friel, Lorne Gillies, Claire Godfrey, Erin Kennedy, Dayna McAlpine, Shauna McGregor, Ross Miller, Cameron Paterson, Emma Tomlinson
Design: Louise Clifford • www.veriette.com General Enquiries info@scotcampus.com Scotcampus.com © Scotcampus
The Big Interview BY CLAIRE GODFREY
BY MICHAEL EDWARDS
INTERVIEW: WOLF ALICE
I
t’s been a big year for Wolf Alice. Their lyrical music, which spans genres and beckons listeners to give it the attention it deserves, has captured hearts across the alternative scene and is now being celebrated in some of the industry’s biggest awards. We spoke to lead singer and guitarist Ellie Rowsell to find out more about their rise to fame. SINCE THIS IS OUR PASSION ISSUE, CAN YOU TELL US WHERE YOUR PASSION FOR MUSIC COMES FROM?
I really don’t know the answer to that. I just think I always enjoyed listening to music, so it seemed natural to try making it as well. And then I guess the enjoyment you get listening to your music, which is very personal and internal, is 10 times stronger because it’s specific to you, to your experiences and your mind so it’s overwhelming in that sense. 6 LIFE .
LAST YEAR YOU WERE ITUNES’ BEST NEW ARTIST AND A MERCURY MUSIC PRIZE ALBUM OF THE YEAR, THIS YEAR YOU’RE UP FOR A GRAMMY AND A BRIT. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT AWARDS? I don’t have a problem with giving someone an award, because I think it’s quite a natural thing to round up your favourite things of a year and give them a nod, congratulate them for making something great, but I think it’s probably not such a great thing to make it a competition. To have nominees so there’s four people that lose and one person that wins. But, y’know, that’s just looking at a broad spectrum. If it’s a means of exposing something we worked hard at to a wider audience, and an opportunity to go to a fun party, then it’s a great thing. You’ve just got to take it lightly, and obviously be very excited and flattered. W W W. S C O T C A M P U S .C O M
WHAT DO YOU HOPE OTHER PEOPLE GET FROM YOUR MUSIC? I don’t know. Just enjoy yourself. I want it to, for want of a less wanky term, speak to people, but I also remember that I don’t really know what I’m doing so, obviously, some people aren’t going to like it or sometimes it’s not going to be amazing but, like everyone who does things, we’re all learning along the way. DO YOU FEEL THERE’S ADDED PRESSURE NOW YOU’RE BECOMING SUCCESSFUL? OR DOESN’T IT BOTHER YOU? Yeah, of course you’re conscious about it. I’m interested to meet someone who doesn’t give a shit about what anyone says, because I’m interested to see how people perceive my work. Why else would people make it public? But you just have to remember that you can’t make something that everyone in the whole world’s going to like, and there’s nothing wrong with that. If people want to express their opinions either way, then fine. ROU REYNOLDS, WHO’S ALSO IN THIS ISSUE, SAYS THE STAGE IS THE PLACE HE CONNECTS WITH FANS DIRECTLY. IS THAT SOMETHING YOU’D AGREE WITH? I think it should be, yeah. But I think that I would find it more rewarding if I could connect with people through them listening to the songs without me being there. I think that’s more powerful. Of course on the stage you should connect with your fans, but it’s less about the song and maybe more about the performance. To connect with someone through a song alone is more of an achievement and maybe more powerful thing.
WHAT NEW MUSIC OUT THERE AT THE MOMENT ARE YOU INTO? ARE ANY NEW BANDS EXCITING YOU? I feel there’s a whole new bunch of bands coming through and taking the place of all the bands I was sharing a billing with a year ago, so I’m a tiny bit out of touch, but I saw a really cool band the other day who are just starting out and don’t have an album or anything. They’re called FISH and they make proper grunge music. I also like the sound of Alex G, he’s this American who has a few albums but is still fresh over here, he makes similar sounding music, soft, grungy. LAST QUESTION, OUR DESIGNER LOVES THE PINK, FLORAL DRESS YOU’RE WEARING IN THE PRESS IMAGE WE WERE SENT, WHERE DID YOU GET THAT? You know that dress is the bane of my life because I wore it for our first professional press shoot and I guess it’s now the thing that comes up on Google Images if you Google us, so every time I go to a photo shoot which is styled the only thing people bring me to wear is pink floral dresses: and I hate pink and I hate floral and I hate dresses! So I’m there in jeans and a t-shirt and have to put this on because they’re like, ‘oh, but that’s what you wear’, so I hate that dress now! But I got it from a really cool vintage, second hand shop in Holloway Road called Blue 77 and it’s run by a really cool man and woman. They look incredible and it’s quite cheap for London standard vintage clothes, so if you’re looking for a cheap outfit, that’s where to go! Wolf Alice play Glasgow’s Barrowlands on Wednesday 16th March.
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You can’t make something that everyone in the whole world’s going to like, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
@SCOTCAMPUS
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LIFE 7
I
t’s a date that can spill tears of joy or heartache. Should we be crossing off the X’s on our calendars until the big day, or deliberately turning our backs on the 14th Feb?
Breaking Up With BY JENNY CONSTABLE
LOVE IT GROWING UP It was bad times at school giving cards to people and not knowing who it was from. Or it’s quite hard if it’s just after a break-up and all your closest pals are coupled. But you’ve just got to find other ways of expressing the love. Or love yourself! You can have a total treat day because you should love yourself the most. GIFTS It doesn’t have to be extravagant, if you have somebody it can be quite an intimate personal affair. It doesn’t need to be this commercialised, money-making display of affection with big flowers and the Pandora rings. You can make it your own day. For me, it’s always been about the love. ROMANTIC DINNER Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about romantic love. In the past when I’ve not been with somebody I’ve done things with my friends or we’ve gone to the cinema or for a meal. 8 LIFE .
That’s a sort of love you still need to celebrate. That’s worth more than a showy meal squashed together with other people you don’t know in a restaurant. GOING OUT I was out a couple of years ago on Valentine’s Day, very, very briefly. I think it draws out all the lonely hearts because if you’re with somebody, you’re not going to be like, “Okay, let’s go to a club!” It’s a lot of single people sort of desperately winching each other. I wouldn’t do it again… I think I’m too old for that now. VALENTINE’S DAY 2017? A lot of people say you shouldn’t need one day to say “I love you” to somebody but we’ve got very busy lives. Some people need that little pocket of time to say to the people they care about, “By the way, you mean a lot to me”. If you’ve got this one day set aside purposefully for the celebration of love, why take that away? I’d 100% keep Valentine’s Day next year. The world needs more love, even if it’s one day out of the year that’s solely focused on it. I don’t see how anyone can argue against it. W W W. S C O T C A M P U S .C O M
Valentine's Day? AND BY EMMA TOMLINSON
LEAVE IT GROWING UP In high school, when you had a crush on a boy and you didn’t want to say anything, the school would have little red roses you could send to people you fancied and you’d get the “Go on, Emma. Give him the rose”. Go away. I’m a very socially awkward, uncomfortable person and I’m not changing that for the 14th of February. GIFTS Whenever it comes around, I just tend to sigh loudly and go “Ah, again”. The hearts are nice and there’s some nice bears in the shops but it feels like you’re scheduling in just one day to say “I love you, by the way” instead of just saying it on any other day. I don’t see why you need a certain day on a calendar to say “Yes, love your partner now”. ROMANTIC DINNER I feel like you have to do something or you’re just kind of sad. Sometimes dinner is a lot of hassle - even trying to book the thing. Although the few @SCOTCAMPUS
times I’ve been with people, we just went out and got Mexican food, which is a wonderful sign of love. Feed me, and I’m very happy. GOING OUT I went out with my friend to a comedy bar and I thought, there’s not gonna be any creeps, we’ll get pissed, it’ll be fun. But no. Turns out everywhere is just filled with people being like “Oh hey…” and they give you the side eye and you’re just like “I don’t care. I’m trying to play bingo, go away”. And they’re all “Come on, you need a Valentine” and it’s like “Yeahhhhh, but just, not you”. Awkward. VALENTINE’S DAY 2017? I’d get rid of it next year, it holds no purpose! I think love should be all days of the year, busy or not busy. If you’re close with someone and can’t factor in time to say you love them, you’ve got a bit of an issue that needs resolved. I’m probably just told to stop being such a misery about it. No! I like to complain about all these mushy couples driving me mental, smooching outside everywhere. I have to go through this ordeal, EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR. And I hate it. LIFE 9
5 Apps To Bring Love Into Your Life BY MICHAEL EDWARDS
I
f you’ve got the passion, but not got the purpose, these apps can help you find your true love: whether that means the perfect partner, a dream job or just a happier you. They’re like little digital cupids without the idealisation of romantic love. Which is awesome.
TASTEBUDS
ZOEK
If music is your first love, use it to find your second. This new app uses your playlist to match you with a perfect partner: or at least your next gig buddy. It works by scanning your playlists and comparing the tracks against other users, before giving you the option to strike up a conversation.
Do you get anxiety pangs when you press pause on the hunt for your dream job? Zoek’s the app for you. Incorporating a ridiculously simple job search tool and handy application shortcuts, it’s a pocket career boost that could keep you a step ahead when the fight for employment gets real.
Platforms: iOS Price: Free
Platforms: Android, iOS Price: Free MOODNOTES A digital diary for your mood, this lets you log how you feel: along with handy notes to remind yourself what pushes your buttons, for better or worse. A surprisingly useful tool to help give yourself the love you deserve. Platforms: iOS Price: £2.99
Tastebuds
Zoek
Moodnotes
Twindog
TWINDOG Dog lovers rejoice! There’s an app to match you with other canine fanatics using the tried-andtested format of Tinder. You’ll never have to walk your pet pal in the dreich alone again, swipe right and you might just find puppy love. (Sorry, not sorry). Platforms: Android, iOS Price: Free HOPPER
Hopper
This ‘airfare predictor’ is the perfect tool for travel lovers who don’t know whether to buy early or go last minute. It tracks airline prices and indicates whether they’re moving up or down, helping you pick the perfect moment to bag a cheap flight. Platforms: Android, iOS Price: Free
10 L I F E .
W W W. S C O T C A M P U S .C O M
Super Seasonal
Snacks.
BY CLAIRE GODFREY
W
hether you're planning on having a classy night in to watch the Oscars, or a wee singletons partaaay, we’ve got four healthy snacks that you can gorge on (pretty much) guilt free!
SALT AND VINEGAR KALE CHIPS Very LA, we know, but kale chips are super-dooper quick to make and taste so good. Chuck some kale onto a baking tray, add a little bit of oil, vinegar (whatever one you fancy) and some salt. Toss the kale, shove in the oven for five minutes and that’s you. Top tip: keep an eye on the kale, it might need a wee bit longer, but take out before it turns too dark. BAKED CHICKPEAS A healthy and delicious alternative to peanuts. Drain a can of chickpeas and dab dry with kitchen towel. Add some oil, loads of garam masala (or a spice of your choice) and chuck em in the oven for 25 minutes at 230 degrees. Be warned: these are very addictive. Although if you happen to scran the whole lot like we do, have no fear: they’re 100% healthy! It’s scientifically proven. Probably. RASPBERRY AND COCONUT MUFFINS How can something be so braw with so few ingredients? Just mix together 1 cup oats, ¾ cup of desiccated coconut, ¼ cup milk, ¾ cup Greek yoghurt, 1 tbsp baking powder and some raspberries. Place in cupcake tins and cook for 20 minutes at 180. Voila, a tasty wee treat that you can scran until your heart’s content. CHOCOLATE COVERED BANANA BITES
@SCOTCAMPUS
These bad boys are the messiest to make but OMG are they yummy. Slice up yer banana, and pop a wee bit of peanut butter in the middle of one slice, then sandwich two pieces of banana together. Freeze them for about two hours, then melt some dark chocolate and cover the frozen banana, once that’s done, put them on a wee plate and freeze until the chocolate has set. L I F E 11
What Happened Last Night...? BY LORNE GILLIES
I
t was a moment of the right place at the right time as I returned to our empty table to collect my drink during New Year celebrations catching a man putting an unknown substance into my wine and stirring it – we can only assume this was a spiking attempt.
I’m not the only one with a story like this either. A survey in several universities revealed that 60% of respondents knew someone who had been spiked, and around a quarter of people reported being spiked themselves. But what can we do about it? Let’s start by arming ourselves with the facts. Spiking is when a person adds extra alcohol or benzodiazepines like Valium and rohypnol, GHB or ketamine to a drink without the person knowing. The symptoms of these drugs leave victims in danger due to reduced inhibitions, delirium, the appearance of someone who has had one too many or even unconsciousness so malicious acts, most commonly sexual assault, can take place. 12 L I F E .
Journalist Steph Telfer recalled the night she was spiked at a birthday party in a social club at the age of 19. She told me, “we were doing rounds of drinks, everyone was drinking the same sort of thing and all I remember is probably about half way through the night, maybe about nine, going to the toilet. The story that I’ve been told was of [my friends] coming into the toilet to see where I was and I was slumped in a cubical”. After being taken home and an ambulance called, Steph got taken for tests and it was discovered she had a drug in her system, although not completely sure she believes it to have been GHB. W W W. S C O T C A M P U S .C O M
Although it’s estimated that one in ten of us will be spiked on a night out you must keep in mind that we can all work to prevent spiking. They say mum’s are always right and maybe there is a reason they keep giving us subtle, or not so subtle, warnings before we head out on our big nights out. It may sound obvious but the key way to prevent spiking is to simply never leave your drink alone or with people you’ve just met, as this is the prime time for spiking to occur. My most recent spiking experience happened after, yes I know, leaving my drink unattended at our table to visit the ladies. Some bars even provide plastic toppers for drinks to reduce the risk of spiking. There have also been advances in drink testing, and there’s now a cheap tool on the market to check your drink if you suspect it’s been spiked. Check Your Drink provides testing strips that can identify all major recreational drugs, including GHB and ketamine. But if the worst happens, and you suspect you’ve been spiked, there is a 72 hour window to go to your GP or hospital to get blood tests taken. Effects of spiking start within the first 15 to 30 minutes and can last several hours so if you believe you have been spiked it is important to find a trusted person be it a friend, bar staff or police to ensure nothing sinister takes place. I am forever grateful to the bouncer who realised I had been spiked and aided me so the next morning I woke up in a safe place.
@SCOTCAMPUS
Legally, spiking can still be seen as a grey area, with many cases going unreported, but you should know that being caught and convicted of spiking carries a ten-year prison sentence; if more victims came forward awareness of the issue would be raised and more might be done by the police, bars and clubs. It shouldn’t be our responsibility, but the truth is that we need to put pressure on these bodies to give spiking the attention it requires, treat it as the serious crime it is, and work harder to prevent a rise in future cases. Steph explained that her spiking experience left her on the outskirts and there was never a real thought about going to the police. However, having thought about it more she believed that now she would have reported the crime, she said: “it wasn’t something that crossed my mind at the time. Now? Yes I would go to the police, but at the time I never really thought of it as something that was a risk”. Being young is all about going out and having the best time ever, but it is important to acknowledge that spiking is a very real problem. Looking after your drink is key to staying safe in preventing spiking, and going to the police if you have been spiked is also important. It is now time to start the much needed discussion on how to stop drink spiking.
L I F E 13
Stay In Shape, Stay On Budget.
BY LINDA CLARK
A
t the beginning of every New Year, millions of us have a checklist of things to change in the impending year. 30,000 extra calories are consumed over the festive period, specifically between 16-29 year olds, so it’s no surprise that the most common of all resolutions is to lose weight or get into shape. But if, like me, you tend to have broken your resolutions by February, then the best way of achieving your resolutions is by taking small steps on a regular basis. I spoke with Linda Tolland, bodybuilder and personal trainer, who shows us certain techniques that will get us in shape without forking out the costs of a gym membership. Now that sounds good! CONGRATULATIONS ON BECOMING UKBFF, SCOTTISH BIKINI MASTERS CHAMPION 2015! BODYBUILDING IS PRIMARILY A MALE DOMINATED SPORT, DID YOU FEEL YOU HAD TO OVERCOME STEREOTYPES THROUGHOUT YOUR COMPETITIONS?
Thank you. No I didn’t necessarily feel that I had to overcome any stereotypes. As soon as I started training and competing I found everyone to be so welcoming. The atmosphere was electric and it actually encouraged me to return and become more determined on winning a title. I have realised not to judge people on the way they look, and I found out bodybuilders are very kind and helpful. In all of my competitions, I never felt uncomfortable, always welcome! We all nurture each other and want the best for everyone. 14 L I F E .
WOW, THAT SOUNDS REALLY EMPOWERING. WHAT SORT OF REGIME DO YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW IN ORDER TO GET IN SHAPE FOR COMPETITIONS? Well it is a challenging regime! But in all seriousness I really love what I do. It took me 12 weeks for my first competition, and a further 18 months to win my title on my fourth competition. Of course it is gruelling and requires lots of hard work and dedication. I found myself working out 3 times each day, specifically 1 weight training and 2 cardio sessions for 6 days per week. I also went from eating up to 3000kcals per day and gradually cutting down to 1800 kcal, all during a 12 week cutting cycle!! SOUNDS SO INTENSE! YOU MUST BE EXTREMELY DEDICATED. HOW HAS BODYBUILDING AND PERSONAL TRAINING CHANGED YOUR WAY OF LIVING? It has changed my life so much. I've not only achieved what I set out to achieve, a trophy!! But I have gained so much confidence in such a short space of time. In only 2 years my life has totally changed! My mission is to help people realise how amazing they can feel through changing habits. I nurture my clients, guiding them and helping push towards their goals, focusing on fitness, nutrition and wellbeing. W W W. S C O T C A M P U S .C O M
Linda was kind enough to give us a few exercises we can do at home without the cost of the gym. Known as ‘Bodyweight Exercises’, they’re very effective at home and great if you can’t afford gym membership or equipment. It takes a bit of commitment, as you’ll want to take them on five days per week to push your fitness levels higher, gain confidence, feel and look better.
PLANKS 60 SECONDS
45
30
SQUATS
SECONDS SECONDS
REVERSE CURLS
PLANKS 1-4 WEEKS: Five days a week: do as many of each exercise as you can in 30 seconds. Once you’ve done all five exercises, have a short break then repeat the cycle until you’ve completed five rotations. 4-8 WEEKS: Increase the exercise time to 45 seconds.
PRESS UPS
8-12 WEEKS: Increase the exercise time to 60 seconds.
The good news is that you should see results after 4 weeks, if not, keep consistent and everyone will start seeing results after 8-12 weeks. You will need to have some discipline with your eating habits or the changes with your exercising will take a whole lot longer. @SCOTCAMPUS
L I F E 15
BY KIRSTY FEERICK
Scotcampus Playlist: An Emotional Journey
F
ebruary feelings of infatuation are on the menu in this Scotcampus issue as we approach Valentine’s Day! Here we have the perfect playlist of passion to have us all feeling the love this cupid season.
FREAK OLIVVER THE KID
KISS YOU ONE DIRECTION
This indie tune has an uplifting beat and reminds us of young love and the journey it can take us on!
This happy, cheery song by One Direction keeps our hips moving and feet tapping as its catchy melody has us falling in love all over again.
HEROES DAVID BOWIE
TEAR US APART PALOMA FAITH
A classic love song by a truly iconic artist. A hero to the music industry, David Bowie created this song all about living in the moment making us all feel inspired, empowered, and definitely feeling the love.
An anthemic tune that’s impossible not to sing along to. We pour our heart out every time as it shows the passion, beauty, and rawness love can have!
THERE IS A LIGHT THAT NEVER GOES OUT THE SMITHS
PHOTOGRAPH ED SHEERAN
Ever heard a more intense song about love? Thought not. So shut up, stick on some Morrissey melodrama, and soak up the vibes.
What kind of love playlist would this be without one of Ed Sheeran’s songs kicking us all right in the feels? Answer: a much less emotional one.
MOUNTAINS BIFFY CLYRO
STYLE TAYLOR SWIFT
Scottish rock icons Biffy Clyro remind us that, even when things get tough and we have our differences, love always finds a way. Because, let’s be honest, no Valentine’s Day ever goes smoothly.
Taylor Swift has us staying chic with her song Style, which reminds us of the couples who stay cool, passionate, and in love who no matter what.
YOUR SONG ELLIE GOULDING
MAKE YOU FEEL MY LOVE ADELE
A classic song given a modern twist by the inimitable Ellie Goulding, this is a simple, sweet song that’s guaranteed to get anyone in the mood.
In the end, that’s what this playlist is about: making you feel the love. And if anybody can do that, it’s Queen of Soul, Adele.
16 M U S I C .
W W W. S C O T C A M P U S .C O M
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INTERVIEW: ROU REYNOLDS, ENTER SHIKARI
Rou-d
Awakening. BY MICHAEL EDWARDS
I
t’s been almost 10 years since Enter Shikari’s debut album, Take To The Skies, exploded onto the alternative music scene, but they’ve lost none of their impact and edge. We caught up with frontman and electronicore innovator Rou Reynolds to find out about his work, the evils of ‘meet and greets’ and their incredible live presence.
YOU HAVE A REPUTATION FOR PUSHING BOUNDARIES. HAS IT GOTTEN EASIER OR HARDER TO EXPERIMENT AS YOU’VE GONE ON? We’ve definitely become more confident, which enables us to venture down routes that maybe we wouldn’t have dared to before. The more we’ve gone on, the more we’ve really just had complete faith that genres are just there to make a conversation easier: and that’s it… Often musicians, and artists of all forms, can find themselves confined to a specific little niche, a corner of the spectrum, and that’s something we’ve really shied away from. 18 M U S I C .
HAS YOUR LOYAL FAN BASE FREED YOU TO EXPERIMENT MORE OR CAN THE EXPECTATION WEIGH ON YOU? I definitely see it as freedom but, really, we try and take the Oscar Wilde route. He famously said that ‘a true artist ignores his audience, he pays no attention to the audience’. It sounds kind of harsh at first but, in a way, I think it’s far better like that – you get a better outcome. As soon as you start trying to second guess what they expect, the music will immediately become dishonest. So it’s important for us just to focus on the music that we’re making and if we enjoy it, that’s great, and hopefully other people will enjoy it too. W W W. S C O T C A M P U S .C O M
AND I SUPPOSE YOU HAVE THE STAGE TO REALLY MAKE THAT CONNECTION WITH FANS. Absolutely. On a very sort of direct, visceral level when you’re making eye contact and they’re singing back the lyrics with the kind of passion you put into writing them it’s very visible, it really is quite a beautiful connection. It’s something we cherish. SOCIAL MEDIA IS ANOTHER DIRECT WAY OF CONNECTING WITH FANS, HAS IT CHANGED YOUR INTERACTIONS WITH YOUR FOLLOWING? Now we’re a band that’s lucky enough to be so big, we can’t really stand on the merch table and speak to everyone. Gone are the days when we could literally have a conversation with every single person in the venue, which is really sad, but obviously social media can replace that to a certain extent. I’m on Twitter practically 24 hours a day, so that at least keeps you feeling connected to the audience. It doesn’t replace physically speaking to someone and shaking their hand but, unfortunately, now in the rock world you’re seeing the paid meet-and-greet thing, which we’ve rallied against a lot, although I think it’s important to keep that side of it very real and possible. DO YOU THINK IT’S GETTING HARDER TO KEEP IT REAL IN THAT SENSE? It’s just frustrating that even bands from the ‘alternative scene’, that all-encompassing genre of punk, rock, metal, whatever, they’re not looking for an alternative. They’re looking at the pop world and going ‘oh look, they make people pay just to shake their hand! Let’s get in on that!’ It feels like they’re measuring success in the same way that the narcissistic pop culture measures success, and that’s not what the alternative is supposed to be offering. And now new bands are seeing the bands that they looked up to doing it, they start doing it, and it becomes something that’s quite hard to fight against.
SPEAKING OF NEW MUSIC, WHO’S REALLY EXCITING YOU AT THE MOMENT? I’ve bigged these guys up quite a lot, Baby Godzilla is what they used to be called but they’ve just had to change their name after a run-in with Hollywood, now they’re called Heck. They’re absolutely ruthless, just crazy live performances, but the music is really interesting as well. It’s for people who like heavy music, but it’s incredibly technical as well. YOU’VE GOT A BIG TOUR COMING UP, WHAT CAN OUR AUDIENCE EXPECT FROM YOUR LIVE SHOWS? These shows in February are going to be the biggest headline shows we’ve ever done, so we’re literally throwing everything at it. It’s a bit of a contradiction really, but we try and make a live show that isn’t just one-way entertainment. It’s not sitting and watching something, you’re very much immersed in it. As a band, we thrive on energy from the audience, we encourage movement, we encourage people to dance and have a good time, so hopefully it becomes a two-way thing. That being said, we’re still putting so much into the production! There’s going to be so much lighting and things that will be heavily in sync with the music, so it’s like this uniformed assault on all the senses hopefully. Enter Shikari play Glasgow’s O2 Academy on Thursday 18th February and the Edinburgh Corn Exchange on Friday 19th.
As a band, we thrive on energy from the audience, we encourage movement
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@SCOTCAMPUS
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M U S I C 19
Ear Food. BY MIKHAILA FRIEL
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ith a brand new year comes brand new tunes to match. With everyone from Jess Glynne to Walk The Moon setting sail to Scotland in 2016, this is the place to be. So what are you waiting for? Get your tickets now!
X FACTOR LIVE AECC GE OIL & GAS ARENA, 12TH FEBRUARY
WALK THE MOON THE QUEENS HALL, 19TH FEBRUARY
This year's X Factor was an emotional series full of cheers and tears - and you can relive it all over again at the live tour! Whether Che Chestermen tantalized your ears, or girl group 4th Impact stole your heart, you'll be reunited with your favourite act once again. We’re expecting big things from this lot, if the success of Louisa’s winner's single is anything to go by.
Shut up and dance with Walk The Moon at what is bound to be a magical performance. They've done everything; from perform with pop royalty Taylor Swift, to featuring on a blockbuster film trailer (shout out to all the Paper Towns fans). Now there's the chance to hear the music behind the Hollywood. Their songs have been everywhere lately - but will they live up to expectations in real life? There's only one way to find out.
£19.50, Ticketmaster.co.uk JESS GLYNNE USHER HALL, 17TH FEBRUARY She may be relatively new to the music industry, but she's no stranger to success. Her hit songs range from upbeat pop like Rather Be, to the more emotional ballads like Take Me Home. She clearly knows how to keep her fans on their toes. She'll be performing songs from her number one debut album, I Cry When I Laugh. We never know what to expect with this one - and we're sure her gig will be filled with just as many surprises.
£18.50, Ticketmaster.co.uk 20 M U S I C .
£19.00, Ticketmaster.co.uk FOXES USHER HALL, 17TH FEBRUARY “Scotland is one of my fave places to play”, the star told Scotcampus back in October. So it’s no surprise that she’s back, and better than ever before. Just off the heels of her new album release, be prepared for a bunch of new material from the songstress. With her angelic vocals and astonishing song writing, what’s not to love? This is one to look forward to.
£16.00, Ticketmaster.co.uk W W W. S C O T C A M P U S .C O M
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Watch INTERVIEW: ROCKY NTI
BY DAYNA MCALPINE
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ith a unique blend of uplifting, guitar driven melodies and smooth vocals, Rocky Nti is taking London by storm. Having previously collaborated with artists such as Jakwob, Ghostpoet and Nina Nesbitt (to name but a few), 2015 was a huge year for Rocky. With an infectious personality that shines through into his music, it was no surprise that Rocky Nti’s debut EP Ride On was an instant hit, going on to have airplay on BBC Radio 1 and be featured on Made In Chelsea. TELL US A WEE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF I’m a city boy at heart. I grew up in a strange utopia called Milton Keynes, but London feels like home, I don’t drink but you’ll always find me in the middle of the dance floor. I’ve been playing songs (or making noise) since I was a teenager and I wouldn’t really mind if all food except for cereal and pizza disappeared. DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC IN 5 WORDS Indie Rock with a soul. WHAT WAS THE PROCESS OF FINDING YOUR SOUND?
Turning the mess in my head into audible sound. My brain is like a radio station that plays songs, then when I realise those songs don’t exist yet I write them down. I always knew what I wanted to sound like, it just took a while to be able to create and release that sound. 22 M U S I C .
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Right now I’m jamming to Tobais Jesso Jr, a lot of Hillsong Worship songs and Ra Ra Riot, their song Water is a banger. WHAT WERE YOUR HIGHLIGHTS OF 2015? The Ride On release party was the best gig. It was a room full of my mates losing their heads and dancing, plus someone proposed to their girlfriend in the crowd mid set, which was a first and probably a last for me! Mental vibes. Being played on Radio 1 was sweet, also playing in New York was craaazy. WHAT CAN WE EXPECT IN 2016? Expect lots of new music, more videos with my face and dance moves in, hopefully Donald Trump will cease to exist and Chelsea FC will win the Champions League again. I’m excited about this year, it feels like it’s going to be one to remember. ANY TIPS FOR ANYONE STARTING OUT IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY? Be a nice human. The industry is full of lame people, we don’t need any more. Like any industry try to be your own anchor and don’t compromise your morals/vision to fit in. Also if you want to be an artist allow yourself time to find your own voice, don’t rush yourself. W W W. S C O T C A M P U S .C O M
Musicians Of The Month
BY CLAIRE GODFREY
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hether you’re looking for something cheery to lighten up the winter months or in need of some dark music to go with the equally dark weather before we bounce into spring, we’ve got new music coming oot our ears for you!
EVA STONE
PEACE
I fell in love with Eva after seeing her live last year. Hailing from Newcastle, Eva Stone brings bluesy soul to the table in spades. She is currently building up a wee fan base touring her Live EP, released back in December, and if you’re looking for something fresh, and Laura Marling-esque she is definitely a winner.
I’ve been a fan of Peace forever! Bros Harry and Sam Koisser along with other bandmates Doug Castle and Dom Boyce have been on the scene since 2009 and have been making steady progress ever since. Their chilled California-esque vibe is something which can chill anyone out and brings a smile to even the sourest of faces.
GABRIELLE APLIN Gabrielle Aplin found fame via YouTube and some of you may even remember her from the John Lewis snowman advert in 2012. If not, suffice to say that her music can always be relied on to nail any mood you’re in, whether that’s unbelievably happy or heartbroken, Aplin has a song for every occasion. With new album Light Up the Dark, released late last year, it looks like 2016 may be the year for her. @SCOTCAMPUS
SECRET COMPANY Secret Company are a four-piece indie rock band hailing from Chelmsford. Their EP The Saviour came out at the end of last year, and they’re still finding their feet, but their music stands out from the crowd, and is something I’m tipping to get better and better with time. Check them out if you’re looking for some indie rock with a twist! M U S I C 23
Chip Off The
Old Bloc. INTERVIEW: BLOC PARTY
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ith Justin and Louise shaking up Bloc Party’s line-up 16 years on, founding member and lead guitarist Russell Lissack is determined to give fans a show with latest record HYMNS after an uncertain two years out… DID YOU FEEL A BUILD-UP COMING OUT WITH NEW MUSIC AFTER YOUR HIATUS? There’s always a case of absence making the heart grow fonder - if you kind of go away for a little while and come back, people are usually excited to see you and hear from you again. ARE THERE ANY LESSONS BROUGHT INTO MAKING THE NEW RECORD? Even with the old and new line up, creating music has never been a problem for us. The plan for this album going forwards is to try and find a better balance between the time spent touring and the time spent at home. When you spend so much time together with people, it’s kind of natural that you end up having issues. WHAT’S GOT YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT SHARING HYMNS? I think how the songs sound on record is quite, not necessarily misleading, but I think people will be pleasantly surprised about how we perform using our traditional guitar set up. For me, the influences have been more sonic and listening to a lot of electronic music. I really like the Major Lazer record - it’s exciting to hear something like that and trying to reinterpret it.
24 M U S I C .
BY AMY JOHNSTON
HOW DO YOU THINK THE NEW LINE UP WORKS? The four of us have a good chemistry together and everyone’s visibly enjoying themselves. It’s great that people are responding to it. I’ve known Kele since we were 16 or something - it’s nice to have someone that’s pushing you to experiment and think about things in a way that you might not have previously. WHICH SONGS STILL GET THE BEST REACTION LIVE? The best reactions are towards the songs that people know, especially the singles like Banquet and Flux. It’s exciting when a new record comes out and you can play those songs to people and they do know them. WHENEVER I’M ON THE DANCE FLOOR IN GLASGOW, THE NIGHT ALMOST ALWAYS ENDS ON BANQUET. HOW WOULD YOU REACT IF YOU HEARD THAT SONG COME ON? That’s happened! All of us went to the club in Italy and the DJ played Banquet so me and Kele decided that the best course of action would be to run over and grab the microphone and sing along to our own song. IT’S GOT TO BE DONE, THAT’S WHAT THE CROWD DOES ANYWAY! (Laughs) Yeah I think it went down quite well… Bloc Party play at Barrowlands, Glasgow on the 5th February. W W W. S C O T C A M P U S .C O M
MEETING NEW PEOPLE
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Download ChatZooMe now and you’ll be meeting new people and making friends in no time.
Dreaming Of You INTERVIEW: THE CORAL
BY AMY JOHNSTON
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ith their new album Distance Inbetween drawing cassette-loving legends The Coral back onto our playlists after five years, lead singer James Skelly tells us how he found inspiration in dreams for a new and hypnotising sound.
WHAT MADE THE BAND DECIDE TO COME BACK AFTER YOUR HIATUS? It’s kind of like we made a promise and we have to stick to it. You can’t work that hard for something and then just give it up. I knew it wasn’t the end but it kind of felt like it was, but we had to do it to start again and have something to say. I was rehearsing my stuff with The Intenders, and learning blues stuff and riffs so I could write over faster tunes. When I woke up and wrote Chasing The Tail Of A Dream and rehearsed with The Intenders I thought, this could be a Coral track. 26 M U S I C .
THAT TRACK IS PRETTY MESMERISING – HOW DID YOUR DREAM INFLUENCE THE SONG? I woke up and I started playing the riff but I was bending the strings down. Then ‘Right in the burning light, your spirit flies around me like a bird in flight’ just came out. When I write a tune, I get this feeling that wells up inside me, and then I just grab a guitar and a tune comes out. THERE’S ELEMENTS OF A DARKER SIDE TO THE CORAL NOWADAYS - HAS YOUR SOUND DEVELOPED OVER THE YEARS? Well, it should do. It would be a bit contrived otherwise because it has to be natural. In a way I’ve always had a mistrust of bands where it’s all too perfect. It’s about personality. Across the whole board every album is different. The new album is something like some kind of rhythmical fuzz dream… W W W. S C O T C A M P U S .C O M
We’re sort of caught in between the two different eras and we’re trying to embrace that a bit more.
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WAS THAT WHY YOU CHOSE TO RECORD DISTANCE INBETWEEN MORE OR LESS IN ONE TAKE?
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE CLASSIC TRACK, DREAMING OF YOU, REACHING NEW AUDIENCES?
It was time itself, and we didn’t have loads of money (laughs), so I think it was economical! We didn’t want it to be too slick so we’d just play, and then chop it up and edit the best bits. We treated it the way you'd sample an old soul thing. A lot of peoples’ records, although they sound good, kind of sound the same because everyone’s got access to the same plug-ins. At the stage we’re at, we’re almost starting to stand out and we might use a tape cassette player to get a sound that anyone can get access to.
There’s songs that you don’t own anymore, they're in the public domain: that’s one of them. The crowd have to wait for it in the set. It’s like that thing on Sky Sports where they’re like ‘We’ll have an interview with one of the top people’ and then you have to watch the cricket and all that first to get to it!
HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR FOLLOWING ARE RESPONDING TO YOUR NEW MUSIC? I don’t know. It’s hard to tell because we never caught onto social media. I always think it’s like when Robbie Fowler got caught up between the old and the new premier football league and he was still having chip butties while Arsène Wenger and everyone else are eating health pulses or whatever. We’re sort of caught in between the two different eras and we’re trying to embrace that a bit more.
IT’S AWARD SEASON RIGHT NOW, HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT AWARDS CEREMONIES – ARE THEY STILL RELEVANT? We’ve never really been one of those bands. I’m not one of those people who gets bothered. I used to be, but you see other people who concentrate more on what they don’t like rather than what they like. It’s not the way I think of music. IF YOU HAD TO MAKE UP AN AWARD FOR THE CORAL, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Stubborn Bastards. The Coral play at O2 ABC, Glasgow on the 5th March.
DO YOU THINK THAT USING SOCIAL MEDIA WOULD HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED OUT? I’m glad I didn’t have access to any of that when I was younger. I would’ve been arrested! THE CORAL KICKED OFF 2016 AT THE TOP OF THE UK VINYL SINGLES CHART – WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT LISTENING ON VINYL? My Dad bought a really good stereo and he played Neil Young on it on vinyl and it was like you were in the room with him. It was a whole other experience. Vinyl is the closest thing to how we hear our music coming back to us in the studio. @SCOTCAMPUS
M U S I C 27
Discover/Uncover BY SHAUNA MCGREGOR
TITI FINLAY
M
y dearest friend and incredible artist Titi Finlay nabs the hotspot in Discover/Uncover. Since gaining an art scholarship at the prestigious Strathallan boarding school near Perth, Titi has relocated to Putney, a charming London suburb. Loud and melodramatic, her mild private school girl debauchery follows her around to this day. Titi's art centers around the civil rights movement, protests and a sense of freedom. She poses naked with slogans emblazoned across her body including the like of 'Jesus died for somebody's sins but not mine'. She also works on commission, painting photographic portraits of musicians such as Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix. On the horizon, Titi is going to be organizing her own photoshoot where she is standing naked with body paint saying "This is what an artist's body really looks like". So, Titi is bad ass. She even goes all out diva when taking out her trash in oversized sunnies and fur jackets from her extensive collection. Titi and her flatmate Caitlin's high street flat is to die for too, like an artful embodiment of heaven and earth. The place is so dreamy, it’s an Instagram/Tumblr/ Scandi haven, with an array of succulents, plants, up-cycled bench chairs sprayed black and gold and Titi's photographic paintings, vinyls and punk-rock imagery carefully placed around the room. The gals also plan to make a zine in the future, combining interior design, art and feminism. Watch this space.
28 S T Y L E .
RUADHAN SCANLAN
Talking of zines, GIRLS BY GIRLS has just launched in Dundee, UNESCO's first UK City of Design, which celebrates female creatives from across the UK and all over the world. The zine is the brainchild of illustrator, vintage-guru, Blondie's spirit and all round fashion-icon, Ruadhan Scanlan. Having been surrounded by creativity her whole life, notably by two of her sisters, two times Scottish Designer of the Year Hayley Scanlan, (who has just dropped her new collection 'Cherry Lips' online btw) and writer and hairdresser Holly Scanlan, the birth of this zine has come as no surprise. With an abundance of contributors including exciting artists, photographers and writers such as Monica Gowans, Kerrie Aldo and an interview with author of Ponytail Journal, Lauren Yates, GIRLS BY GIRLS proves that sisters are truly doing it for themselves. Keep an eye out for the second issue of GIRLS BY GIRLS over at http:// girlsbygirls.bigcartel.com/ W W W. S C O T C A M P U S .C O M
How To Wear...
Stripes BY TATIANA ALDANA
F
rom Stella McCartney to Prada, graphic lines and stripes took over the SS16 runways, firmly securing their position as one of the key trends for this year. Luckily, the high street was quick to take the hint, so you can get the look without the hefty price tag. Need some inspiration? Read these simple tips on how to wear the trend of the season and you’ll have an outfit nailed in no time.
BLOCK STRIPE TROUSERS £65 ASOS WHITE
2. FIX UP LOOK SHARP
STRIPE DRESS £15 MISSGUIDED
Want something smart but not boring? These foolproof trousers from ASOS WHITE are the perfect example of a staple piece that nods to the trend, but fits with the rest of your wardrobe. Have a go at matching these with some fun slogan t-shirts and trainers for a casual vibe at uni or pair with a classic white shirt/ polo neck, add a blazer and you’re good to go. Not a trouser person? Try these skirts from Topshop and New Look instead.
1. LESS IS MORE If you’re like me and prefer your outfits to look effortless yet stylish, there’s no harm in keeping it simple when tackling a graphic trend. A versatile stripe dress like this one from Missguided is a great way to incorporate the look into your wardrobe without looking like a try-hard. Pair it with some thigh high boots and a faux-fur coat for drinks with the girls, or dress it down with some black tights and your favourite trainers for a daytime look. 30 S T Y L E .
NAVY STRIPE SKIRT £36 TOPSHOP
MONOCHROME SKIRT £14.99 NEW LOOK W W W. S C O T C A M P U S .C O M
3. MATCH AND MATCH
BLACK AND WHITE JACKET £58 TOPSHOP
4. MIX AND MATCH
BLACK AND WHITE SKIRT £35 TOPSHOP
Co-ords are the perfect way to nod to the trend and look amazing, especially paired together with some killer shoes (flats or heels alike). Try coordinating this monochrome wool-mix jacket from Topshop with the matching skirt, just add a black crop top and be ready to turn heads on a night out.
PIN STRIPE MOM JEANS £42 TOPSHOP
If you’re a ‘go bold or go home’ kind of girl, clashing prints bring a refreshing and lively take to this trend. Try wearing this top from River Island with these mom jeans from Topshop for a playful take on the trend. Still too tame? Vintage shirts with clashing prints are great fun to wear with these jeans, and that little bit more daring.
5. ACCESSORIZE When in doubt, you can never go wrong with a good accessory. Perk up your outfit with a handbag like this one from ASOS, or slip your feet into these leather boots from River Island and prepare to put your best foot forward. RAINBOW SEQUIN CLUTCH BAG £11 ASOS
BLOCK HEEL BOOT £85 RIVER ISLAND
HIGH NECK TUNIC £24 RIVER ISLAND @SCOTCAMPUS
S T Y L E 31
Scot Street Style.
INSPIRED BY THE #SCOTSTREETSTYLE COMMUNITY ON INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIN KENNEDY: ERINKENNEDY.CO.UK
I
f there’s one thing that makes getting up in the morning that bit easier, it’s the chance to layer on the accessories that make you look really put together - whatever the weather. These guys have done so well that we're considering buying a fifth tartan scarf. Sadly our photographer Erin’s phone had a meltdown, so we’re looking for the names behind this month's stylish faces. If you spot yourself, or your pal, let us know on Twitter. We're @Scotcampus (as if you didn't know).
Mixing up eras and textures, the striking Victoriana pendant clashes with some tough black boots. We’re loving the historical edge! 32 S T Y L E .
There’s something about zipping your top all the way up that smartens any look. Or maybe that’s just because it’s cold – we feel you.
Setting off a flushed natural look, the soft pink jacket and floral shirt gives us some hope. Spring is on its way! Hopefully. Please, Glasgow. W W W. S C O T C A M P U S .C O M
Monochrome and stripes go together like Greggs and sausage rolls. If in doubt, embrace the black and white and reserve the splash of colour for some bright footwear. @SCOTCAMPUS
Rocking some indie pieces influenced by mod-culture, the faux fur collar breaks up the tartan for a unique take on a classic look. Must. Find. This. Jacket.
Bold dark lips, statement brows and some classic Black Watch tartan. Kudos for making the most of the colder weather while you can with these striking trends. S T Y L E 33
ne To
Watch BY SHAUNA MCGREGOR
'
Feeling It' is the partnership of Beth and Irene, two students from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design in Dundee. Currently in their final year, the design-duo are launching their edu-fashion line.
Deciding it was about time the rest of their female peers got clued up on spotting the early signs of breast cancer, 'Feeling It' was born. Introducing a fresh new take on current breast cancer awareness apparel, the pair created a range of t-shirts with vital medical information inscribed on the inside, acting as a daily reminder and subtle guide to check for symptoms when the t-shirt is taken on and off. Genius, eh? 'Feeling It' has collaborated with Kirsty Marshall from Lime Blonde Clothing, providing the brand with striking geometric prints for its limited edition, debut collection which will be hand printed by the girls themselves. Keep your eye out for the Kickstarter campaign to help the duo raise enough funds to lift the project off the ground. HI GIRLS, SO WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 'FEELING IT'? At the moment we’re working on getting the t-shirts exactly how we have envisioned them to be. We’re also getting a Kickstarter ready to launch with prizes such as tote bags and badges, in order to raise funds that will help go towards the making of the garments. We’ve been busy getting everything ready to launch so when the t-shirts are ready to go, we can do it with impact! WHERE WILL WE BE ABLE TO GET OUR HANDS ON A TEE? T-shirts will be available to buy on our online store and while you’re there you can have a look at our blog and keep up to date with what ‘Feeling It’ have been up to. We hope to be selling at a few local pop up stores too! 34 S T Y L E .
W W W. S C O T C A M P U S .C O M
"WANT YOUR WORK PUBLISHED?"
I
I
"...YES!" EMAIL HELLO@SCOTCAMPUS.COM
Join the conversation...
SCOTCAMPUSGROUP SCOTCAMPUS SCOTCAMPUS SCOTCAMPUS.COM HELLO@SCOTCAMPUS.COM
BY AMY JOHNSTON
Valentines Make Under
T
he annual Valentine’s Day Build Up...it doesn’t always have to be about some sort of glam transformation. We don’t really need to spend two hours attempting a complicated glittery eyeshadow tutorial. It’s probably better to avoid the red lipstick too (especially if you don’t want to have it smeared all over a delicious burger. That’s just a waste of good food). While some of us can easily brush off the day (we’ll leave eating dinner practically in the laps of 12 other couples for another year, thank you sir), it might be worth using the calendar reminder as a little nudge to take on the day differently. This year, we’re carving out some downtime to re-group after a dull January and top up the good vibes. After all, it makes all of that sharing love and joy business that bit easier once the day comes around.
36 S T Y L E .
W W W. S C O T C A M P U S .C O M
MASQUE BAR BRIGHTENING SHEET MASK £6.66 BOOTS
SPA HYDRATING 5 MINUTE SHEET MASK £1.29 SUPERDRUG
PIXI GLOW TONIC £18 MARKS & SPENCER
Instead of layering on the make-up, we’re starting from the beginning by cleansing off January and slathering over the good stuff. From having a restful night’s sleep to starting Valentine’s Day glowing, now is the time to show yourself a little love too.
THIS WORKS DEEP SLEEP PILLOW SPRAY £16 BOOTS
BLEACH REINCARNATION HAIR MASK £6 BOOTS
FRESH FARMACY FACIAL SOAP £5.25 LUSH
CLARINS INSTANT LIGHT NATURAL LIP PERFECTOR £18 JOHN LEWIS
BENEFIT DR. FEELGOOD VELVETY COMPLEXION BALM £23.50 HOUSE OF FRASER
Adding to your postpampering sheen, these picks will keep you looking all natural and lovely – and that burger safe from lipstick smudges. With a focus on soft shimmery skin and a boosted complexion, we’re letting go of the expectation to doll up with a new take on paring back. Hello mood-enhancing hues, you can stay all year round.
SOAP & GLORY LOVE AT FIRST BLUSH £11 BOOTS
GLOW HIGHLIGHTER £9 TOPSHOP
RIMMEL WONDER’FULL WAKE ME UP MASCARA £7.99 SUPERDRUG
MAYBELLINE BABY LIPS £2.99 SUPERDRUG @SCOTCAMPUS
BOURJOIS 123 COLOUR CORRECTING CREAM £9.99 BOOTS
S T Y L E 37
ROSE GOLD MIRROR SANDALS £22.40 OFFICE
CRYSTAL OPEN LEAF BANGLE £15 TOPSHOP
ROSE GOLD RIDGE COLLAR £12.50 TOPSHOP
MESH PANEL CRUSHED VELVET SKATER DRESS £20 PILOT FASHION ROSE HEXAGON SHORT DROP EARRINGS £6 ACCESSORIZE
W
BOXY CLUTCH BAG £24 NEXT
ith Valentine’s Day and Awards Season on the horizon, it’s time to indulge in excess and get dressed up for a special night.
Why not slip into luxurious velvets? You'll be as soft as one of those oversized Valentine's teddy bears that everybody wants to hug! With our favourite celebrities also gracing the red carpet to receive their awards, the rose gold detailing on these delicate accessories will have you feeling like a winner.
38 S T Y L E .
Fashion: W W W. S C O T C A M P U S .C O M
SILK READY TIED BOW TIE £12.60 BURTON
WHITE JACQUARD PAISLEY SHIRT £10 RIVER ISLAND NAVY SUIT JACKET £59.99 NEW LOOK
5 PACK SOCKS £10 JACK JONES
NAVY SUIT TROUSERS £19.99 NEW LOOK LEATHER DERBY SHOES £49.99 H&M
BLACK GUNMETAL BUCKLE BELT £10 BURTON
F
or the plush date, or an awards night, a dark navy suit will impress with a fresher take on a stark black ensemble. Add in a suave bow tie and you'll be able to stride past security on any red carpet. By investing in some classic black shoes and a white shirt, you're halfway there if you ever need to become 007's backup.
Spotlight.
@SCOTCAMPUS
S T Y L E 39
Awards That Really Matter BY ROSS MILLER
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e’re now firmly into awards season, the months where the industry gives itself a big old pat on the back, but with so many ceremonies happening all over the shop, which ones really matter? Well, grab a glass of bubbly, put on your best outfit and join as we take a trip down the red carpet because, trust us, there’s an awards show for everyone!
OSCARS DATE: 28TH FEBRUARY
GOLDEN GLOBES DATE: EARLY 2017
WHO CARES…? Those who want to enjoy real red carpet glamour, and see some of the most critically acclaimed films of the year rewarded.
WHO CARES…? Film and TV fans who want something more fun and laid back.
Ahh, the Oscars, where would we be without them? Well, the people of Scotland would probably be asleep… but we love it anyway! You can always trust the Academy Awards to be a classy affair, awash with the biggest names, the most upmarket outfits and those drawn out speeches where the stars and filmmakers thank everyone including their pet hamster. Self-important they may be, but this is still the biggest, most lauded and most talked about film awards ceremony of them all. Miss it at your peril.
The Golden Globes are more of a party than anything else; the HFPA (Hollywood Foreign Press Association) more often than not just nominates stuff so that big names will attend (we’re looking at you, The Tourist). Still, it’s easily the most enjoyable show to watch because, (a) the attendees can drink alcohol and (b) the host usually says some pretty out-there things. Ricky Gervais certainly hasn’t held back in recent years.
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DIRECTORS GUILD OF AMERICA AWARDS DATE: 6TH FEBRUARY WHO CARES…? Cinephiles who are all about celebrating the great work of directors.
BAFTAS DATE: 14TH FEBRUARY WHO CARES…? Those who want a fun but still glamorous award show with a British flavour. Hollywood isn’t the only place that can throw a good awards bash, you know! The annual BAFTAs are generally all about celebrating British talent, but they’re not afraid to chuck in international nominees, too. It’s a slightly more laid-back affair but still very much prim and proper with stars from near and far turning up suited and booted in the hope of getting one of those bronze masks. The hosts are always a hoot, too, but extra entertaining and professional if it’s Stephen Fry. SCOTTISH BAFTAS DATE: LATE 2016 WHO CARES…? Those who want to support home-grown Scottish talent.
gaming. There’s also the New Talent Awards, which is a separate ceremony honouring those starting out in their industry. CANNES FILM FESTIVAL DATE: 11TH – 22ND MAY WHO CARES…? Fans of challenging, nonHollywood cinema. The glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s big awards can arguably be matched by that of the Cannes Film Festival, but this ceremony rocks a distinctly European arthouse flavour. It gives out eight main “In Competition” awards, but the biggie is the prestigious Palme d’Or, seen by many as the ultimate Best Film award. Previous winners include French drama Amour and Romanian drama 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days.
While most awards honour a range of contributions to films in that particular year, the Directors Guild of America focus in on the all-important Big Kahuna behind the lens. They have awarded some of the greatest names in the industry over the years from Billy Wilder (for The Apartment) to Steven Spielberg (for Schindler’s List). Plus, it’s often an indicator of what might win at the Oscars: so you can brag to your mates about that “insider knowledge.” RAZZIES DATE: 27TH FEBRUARY WHO CARES…? Those who think award ceremonies are a bit of a joke and/or want to poke fun at bad movies. The Razzies (AKA the Golden Raspberries) are basically the anti-Oscars, “honouring” the worst in films of the last year. Normally it’s the same bunch of films nominated in lots of different categories (just like the Oscars!) It’s all done in jest, of course, but sometimes it’s fun to sit back and poke fun at those terrible movies that thought they could steal our time and get away with it.
We’re all about championing local talent, and so is the always awesome Scottish BAFTA. Started in 1989 and an offshoot of the main BAFTAs, this honours the talented by actors and behind-the-scenes production staff in everything from film to TV and even @SCOTCAMPUS
E N T E R T A I N M E N T 41
Undying Love. INTERVIEW: DOUGLAS BOOTH
BY AMY JOHNSTON
R
elationships are tough. What happens if you add a burst of zombie plague into the mix? We find out with The Riot Club and Romeo & Juliet actor and model, Douglas Booth, as Pride and Prejudice and Zombies tackles social class drama and the undead in a new take on Jane Austen’s 19th century classic.
WHAT WAS IT ABOUT THE STORY THAT MADE YOU THINK, ‘I NEED TO BE A PART OF THIS?’ It felt different. It was lovely to see a movie that was centered around a bunch of amazing kick ass women looking after all the men, rather than the other way around!
WHAT WAS YOUR INITIAL REACTION WHEN YOU FIRST READ THE SCRIPT?
HOW DOES YOUR ROLE AS MR. BINGLEY COME INTO PLAY, ARE YOU FIGHTING THE ZOMBIES OR ARE YOU TUCKED AWAY?
I’d heard of the book on the New York Times Bestseller List and I was like ‘What is this?’ Especially here in the UK where we’re so precious over source material, it made me go ‘Hmm’… but I saw it had been co-written by David O. Russell who’d done The Fighter and Silver Linings Playbook, so I read it and it was just brilliant. There’s a great cast attached and a wonderful director so it was like, ‘Yeah, let’s go for it!’
Not tucked away! He’s a captain in the story but most of the great zombie slaying is reserved for the women. I still fall in love with Jane, Darcy still meddles in all the affairs, and there’s still all the tensions between Liz and Darcy. The great thing is that in our story, all the wealthy families live in their big houses with their big defences around them and try to continue their lives. How can the upper classes be trying to continue their lives while there’s chaos at their gate?
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WHAT MOMENTS IN THE FILM SHOULD WE LOOK OUT FOR? Matt Smith is so funny as Parson Collins, I didn’t realise he was such a comedian! Look out for Darcy’s proposal scene with Liz Bennett, it’s the best proposal scene I’ve ever seen in my life – it’s hilarious and unexpected. With this movie, it’s so hard to explain what it’s like until you see it. Tonally, it’s so hard to bend your mind around what it is until you see the film. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE MASHING OF THE GENRES? The director would say ‘Just play it straight’. Play it as if you are Bingley in Pride and Prejudice but there is a zombie plague that has come out of the Black Plague and you’re dealing with the scenario. DO YOU HAVE A TECHNIQUE TO APPROACHING THESE DIFFERENT GENRES? No, not really. It’s the same, people’s brains in my opinion were completely the same whether they were there or then. Obviously the genre affects the situation and the scenarios you’re in, and the way you’re expected to behave. WHAT DO YOU THINK THE AUDIENCE WOULD MAKE OF IT IF THEY HAPPENED TO STUMBLE INTO THE THEATRE EXPECTING TO SEE A CLASSIC? Well, I mean they’d have to get glasses! I think if people love classics, they’ll really enjoy it. Zombie fans will love it because it’s something that they’ll never have seen before, and people who love the original book will find it a hilarious, brilliant fun twist on a classic story.
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It’s not like there’s just been movie producers sitting around a table in LA going ‘Oh my god, it’s really hot right now, zombies!’. Some people go ‘Oh, Hollywood have run out of ideas’. This is turning a book that’s been really successful into a movie - hopefully there’s something for everyone. TELL US ABOUT ANOTHER FILM ADAPTATION OF A CLASSIC YOU’D LIKE TO SEE? PERHAPS GREAT EXPECTATIONS AND VAMPIRES… The film would have to be for something, rather than for the sake of it. In this, the zombies accentuate the themes of the original book and when you actually see it, it all makes sense. I think it would need to be something that takes an older great book that has really important themes. Like in this one with the freedom of women and women in society at the time, it kind of shines a new light on that in a fun way to a new audience. THANKS DOUGLAS! SO WOULD YOU RATHER TRY AND SURVIVE A ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE BACK IN THE TIMES OF PRIDE AND PREJUDICE OR IN THE MODERN DAY? Sure, I’d presume it would be easier to survive it now? But who knows. It could spread really quickly in the over-populated world that we live in now… Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is released in UK cinemas from 11th February.
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BY RHIANN FOWLDS
Adaptations, Anger Acceptance I
’m a massive book worm. I spend each morning on the train with my head immersed in a book before realising I’m at my stop a moment too late and jumping through the already closing train doors – this is honestly my morning routine.
I read anything I can get my hands on and I never leave a friend’s house without stealing everything on their bookshelf that I haven’t read, which is mostly because my spending habit on books is spiralling quickly out of control. So, because of this it comes as little surprise when I find out that something I have read has been adapted into a movie. Usually, the trailer alone is enough to put me off. Seeing these characters, that spent around a week of my life capturing me into their world with the author’s beautifully written words, badly cast and looking nothing like I had imagined gets very frustrating. 44 E N T E R T A I N M E N T
Nicholas Sparks’ films are the worst. The most famous, and the only one that was actually well cast, was The Notebook, which has been ruining boyfriends’ lives since 2004. All the rest have been terrible. Why? Well, although none of the Nicholas Sparks books are the most technical in the world, he is a beautiful writer whose words manage to bring out emotion even from cold hearted people like myself. However, as soon as they try and convey this on screen, all we get is two actors with such little chemistry and such forced emotional lines that it couldn’t even make a thirteen-year-old girl on her period cry. W W W. S C O T C A M P U S .C O M
I started to learn I was never going to be happy when I watched the Harry Potter films. I almost obsessively loved them, but still left moaning that so much of the books were left out – like it was ever going to be possible to condense that much content into a two-and-a-half-hour long movie. It has become almost compulsory for fans to pick a preference between the books and movies, even if they enjoy both. Since they’re different adaptations of the same concept we’ve somehow convinced ourselves that we have to like one better. So I had an idea: what if we thought of them as completely separate entities? What if we took away the element of ‘compare and contrast’ and allowed them to complement each other? Could we cut all of the pointless heartache, debate and despair? After all, there are clear reasons that book and movies are different. Let’s go back to the Nicholas Sparks films. While they’re not really my thing, I have watched them all and they have proved popular as nice, unoffensive, easy watching chick flicks. I think this is important because one of the main differences between movies and books is that movies take control away from you, you don’t need to imagine the world and the characters in it, they are all given to you and you can just sit back and enjoy the story. While the control freak inside me has heart palpitations at this realisation, I can’t help but think it can only be a good thing. The cinema
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has a history of being a leisure activity so why am I overthinking it so much? I need to learn to relax and let the movie take me on a journey, rather than thinking I am in a media analysis lecture wondering if that particular camera angle enhanced that particular scene in any way. The point is to be immersed in the world that has been created for you, rather than creating the world yourself through your own imagination like you do with the book. When you think in this way, it’s possible to see how the Harry Potter books and movies don’t just work well independently, they enhance each other. You never get a fully rounded experience of that world unless you both read the books and watch the movies because the books add characters and plot lines that you never find out about in the movies, and the movies bring this complex world filled with fictional items and animals vividly to life. With all the power of Hollywood behind them, the filmmakers create a world that we could barely dream of, and drop us right in the middle of it. So, why would I want to pick a side when the book and movie can provide me with completely different experiences? From now on I’m going to enjoy each as a separate experience in its own right. If those experiences complement each other, great; if not, it doesn’t matter. This also means we can hate 50 Shades of Grey twice over, and you can’t get much more of an incentive than that.
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Scott
Graham Comes Out Of His
Shell INTERVIEW: SCOTT GRAHAM BY ROSS MILLER
A
fter his startling, award-winning debut feature Shell, Scottish director Scott Graham is back with Iona, a potent story about a woman (Ruth Negga) who escapes tragedy with her teenage son and returns to the remote island in which she grew up. Once there, she’s forced to confront a past that still haunts her. I spoke to director Scott Graham about his influences, shooting on a remote location and working in the Scottish film industry… THE FILM HAS THIS KIND OF STARK SENSE OF REALISM ABOUT IT. DID THE IDEA COME FROM REAL LIFE?
BOTH IONA AND SHELL HAVE THIS REALLY ISOLATED SETTING. WHAT IS IT THAT DRAWS YOU TO MAKE FILMS THERE?
I think lots of different things fed into it. I went to the island when I was a little boy and it sort of never really left me. I think when I was finishing Shell, I knew that I was going to write about a conflict between a parent and child again, and also about a conflict with the place they’re living in. I think having done a film about two people kind of stuck in one place, I wanted to have some movement, at least at the beginning. In Iona we end up staying on the island but I like the idea of beginning with a journey. 46 E N T E R T A I N M E N T
I think it’s a really good way of exposing people. You can focus on what really matters; the raw emotions and the little things that can get drowned out otherwise. And it’s not just through location that I do that, it’s also through story. I would hate to say I have an absence of story, but certainly a minimal sense of it so that you’re focusing more on things like emotion and old pain in Iona’s history with the family that she left behind on the island. So I think it’s to give a sense of place and space to explore important things, and even what’s not being said. W W W. S C O T C A M P U S .C O M
THE LOCATION IS LIKE A CHARACTER IN ITSELF. WHAT WAS THE EXPERIENCE LIKE FILMING THERE IN TERMS OF LOGISTICS? It was tricky. We had a scaled down crew for the island part of the shoot. We had two weeks solid shooting there with no wet weather cover but thankfully the weather really held up for us. We didn’t choose locations that were easier to get to or anything, we just chose the ones that we really wanted to film in and just had to figure out how to get the crew and the equipment up there to do it. We were all quite fit by the end of the fortnight! [laughs] I’M CURIOUS AT THE LACK OF MUSIC IN YOUR FILMS. WHEN YOU’RE WRITING, IS THAT A CONSCIOUS DECISION NOT TO HAVE A MUSICAL SCORE AS ACCOMPANIMENT TO THE STORY? It’s funny because I really love music and even make mix tapes for inspiration when I’m writing. But when it comes to putting the film together I’d just rather create a soundscape of its own and treat that like music. I’m not saying that I would never have music in my films but just with the kinds of locations that I’ve been working in, they’re so rich in terms of what you can hear naturally and in the silences. There’s something inherently lyrical about that.
YOU’RE WORKING WITH A FANTASTIC CAST INCLUDING RUTH NEGGA IN THE LEAD ROLE. WHAT WAS IT ABOUT HER THAT MADE YOU THINK SHE WAS PERFECT FOR THIS CHARACTER? When Ruth came in to read for it she clearly had an emotional connection to the words that she was speaking, to the character and the toughness that she has about her. But at the same time she had almost a childlike quality. That was important for the character because she’s sort of picking up where she left off, she’s going back to a place that she hasn’t been since she was a teenager and so I needed the audience to see her as a child at times. ARE YOU LOOKING TO CONTINUE MAKING LOCAL AND HOME GROWN FILMS? WOULD YOU BE INTERESTED IF HOLLYWOOD COMES KNOCKING? At the moment I’ve got at least two or three more that I’d like to do in Scotland. If I keep writing where I’m from and locations where I’ve been, it’s a source of inspiration. And I don’t think that’s at all a bad thing. I think Scotland has got a really rich source of not just place but also story. Obviously I would love to work somewhere warm at some point! [laughs] I would love to go to some of the cinematic locations that have influenced me growing up but at the moment I’ve got a few more Scottish stories I’d like to tell. Iona is out in cinemas on March 25th.
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E N T E R T A I N M E N T 47
Is It Time
To Dump YouTube Vloggers? BY GEMMA CLARK
V
loggers. Are we in love with them? Or do we love the idea of them? Gone are the days when YouTube was simply a place to watch cute cat videos or kids getting hit in the face. Now, it’s a place where regular uploaders can become internet stars with millions of followers.
But has all this success and adoration come at a cost? Are YouTube celebrities now moving into the realms of exploitation, or are they simply capitalising on their new-found fame, as anyone might? Here’s what I think... Six years ago no-one had heard of Zoella (Zoe Sugg) Marcus Butler or PewDiePie (Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg). But a lot has changed from their innocent beginnings making videos in their bedrooms. A lot. These bedroom vloggers have started to live a life we’re more likely to associate with movie stars. Zoella has her own cosmetics range and best-selling book series, her brother Joe has the fastest selling Graphic Novel of all time and the most pre-ordered DVD of all time (this, from a guy that does “challenges” like sticky taping his own face), Dan and Phil have a regular show on BBC Radio 1, and Tanya Burr has a front cover on Glamour under her designer belt. 48 E N T E R T A I N M E N T
On one hand this is fantastic. It’s great that a new brand of celebrity is on the rise, one with organic roots and a more relatable background that provide a stark contrast to the media trained, overly polished Hollywood types that are shoved down our throats. These YouTube stars can come from any background, they’re just like us, and that’s what makes them appealing. But have these super sweet stars of the ultrasmall screen started to leave a bad taste in our mouths? Now YouTube is their main means of income, some YouTubers are selling everything from t-shirts and posters, to books, make-up lines and even sell-out tours – that’s right, sell out! What’s wrong with making a living, you might ask? Well for starters, the majority of these fans are under 25, meaning that viewers are funding the often relatively lavish lifestyle W W W. S C O T C A M P U S .C O M
(Zoe Sugg and fellow YouTuber boyfriend Alfie Deyes reportedly moved into a house worth £1m) out of, essentially, their pocket money!
ZOELLA
Now, you might think this all sounds rather judgemental, but I’m not suggesting that they don’t work hard for their money. Daily vloggers are often on the job 7 days a week and product development and book writing is a long, arduous process. Editing and filming high quality videos is time consuming and costs a lot of money. What’s more, YouTubers are putting their personal lives out there for millions of people to pore over. Marcus Butler and (now ex) girlfriend Naomi Smart recently made a video confirming their split. Who knows if this split will have repercussions for either of them in terms of popularity, but internet forums are already abuzz with people taking sides and defending their favourite. At just 21 years of age, having young girls arguing over whether you were a good enough partner or whether your ex-partner was good enough to you can’t be easy.
By treating their audiences like money trees, ready for shaking and taking, vloggers are losing the two things that made them popular However, it’s precisely this intimacy that makes in the first place: accessibility and honesty. some YouTubers’ hard-selling tactics so sour. They become corporate, greedy, fake. Who If your pal tried to flog you a t-shirt mid convo, knows if what they are saying is genuinely their wouldn’t you be kind of taken aback? Sure, you opinion, or just another way to extort money want to support a mate in a business venture, from you? How can we trust them? The bond but should that be your responsibility to fund is broken. their lifestyle? PEWDIEPIE
In many ways, it’s like this generation of YouTubers are graduating. They are going from being our mates to moguls, out-growing their young audiences’ interests, and then, in some causes, using and abusing them for their own gain, which could spell their downfall… Or launch them to new levels of celebrity. Most big YouTubers have management representatives now, career advisors, people to help them generate content. This could be a great tool in keeping them at the height of fame, but personal is becoming impersonal and they’re increasingly losing touch. As the quality increases, so do the fans, but this mass market appeal is simply becoming… mass market.
@SCOTCAMPUS
The idea of YouTube celebrities is great. They are an innocent alternative in a dirty industry, but if they are to avoid being overshadowed by the bright lights of celebrity, they must tread carefully to avoid going from stars to scammers. E N T E R T A I N M E N T 49
INTERVIEW: SCOTT QUINN
Passion Personified BY RHIANN FOWLDS
BY CAMERON PATERSON
R
ollerblades have taken Scott Quinn around the world. America, Russia and Scandinavia are just some of the locations he's visited, most recently at the Red Bull Crashed Ice tournament: an insane downhill ice-skating race in which dozens of competitors speed skate along a course littered with obstacles, jumps and treacherous turns. “I've been wanting to do it for years, but when I was thrown in there to get a shot, actually it was totally different”. Scott finished 64th on his debut in Munich on 9 January, but he’s not been deterred. He’s just returned to Unit 23 to refresh and retrain, and that’s where we caught up with him. Speaking in the gym hall of the Dumbarton skate park, he’s quick to credit Unit 23 for his success.
“This park's pretty much perfect if this is the type of sport you want to get into. It's got all obstacles, you've got areas from nice ramps to professional quarter pipes. You've got everything you want here at Unit 23.” It’s not just the venue that excites Quinn either, it’s the enthusiasm of 50 E N T E R T A I N M E N T
its young skaters, and he relishes telling us about the positive future of the sport: “We have loads of kids here. We actually run the coaching camps and stuff. At weekends we have tuition for the younger kids to come and give it a try, and there's normally a coach at hand there to give pointers and help them with going down ramps and stuff that might scare them the first time…. But we've got a couple of guys that have stuck to it and we've managed to get them hooked up with sponsorship deals that will eventually help them to travel and enter competitions, the same way they did with me when I was younger.” And what about people who are yet to be convinced about a life on blades? W W W. S C O T C A M P U S .C O M
“Normally I’d try and show them a previous edit of mine. A video or something. Because when I say 'rollerblader' people don't really understand whether I’m skating down a hill in lycra or racing people or what. But what I do, it's an expressive sport. You can be creative, you can go big and be dangerous, whatever you want to do. It's like a complete expression of your own art, if you want to call it that.” It’s clear that’s exactly what he wants to call it. “For me it's totally [about] the expression value. When I was younger, I was playing ice hockey and it was all about working in a team. You've got a coach telling you what to do and where to go. When I’m skating I'm thinking that I can throw myself over there if I want to, I can grind this. It's just total freedom. That's what stuck for me and I think that's why so many people get hooked. I threw my whole life into it and I'm lucky now that I've managed to make a living from it.” Quinn’s also keen to emphasise that extreme sports aren’t always extreme. “Street skating is just using whatever obstacles you can find, that you think are going to relate to what you want to do. You've maybe seen videos of us grinding down rails and such. I've been lucky to be sent to many park events through my sponsorships and they're usually the ones where kids will get noticed and start getting support. There'll be some scouts there and they can help push them to the next level.” However, Scott argues that it's hard to coach aspiring bladers with the finances they have.
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“This type of sport needs to get pushed a lot more for sure. It needs to get a lot more recognition. I would like to see more support from the councils and the government. There's loads of skate parks, which is awesome, but there's nothing really secure. It's more like 'there you go, we've built you a skate-park, go for it.' If we had more support from councils etc that would help set rankings, have more events going on and maybe even a league.” However, Quinn quickly dismisses the idea that winning competitions is all that matters. “I like it more because we go to these events and everyone meets up again. It's like a big family. We're from all different parts of the world and we're together again. You don't get many guys that are like, 'we're here to win'. It's more like 'we're going to have a good time and something amazing is going to happen'.” Leaving Unit 23 infected by his enthusiasm, we can only hope that something amazing will happen in Scott’s Crashed Ice career, and that he’ll continue putting Scotland on the rollerblading map.
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Don't ChokeOn The
Big Smoke BY DAYNA MCALPINE
S
o you’ve done your time at uni, gotten the degree and you fancy heading to the bright lights of London town. No matter how ready you feel, it’s going to be one helluva change. Fortunately, as a Scot who has successfully survived their first year living in London (just), I’ve got some advice for aspiring Londoners. IT’S A BIG OL’ PLACE…
TRAVEL IS A WHOLE DIFFERENT BALL GAME…
Living in a capital city? Been there done that. I’d lived in Edinburgh for four years. Well, I certainly got a shock. The sheer amount of people can be overwhelming. First off, the population of London is more than the whole of Scotland. Eek. And in a place that’s so full of people, it’s easy to feel lonely. The good news? There’s thousands of people in the same boat as you. No matter how tempting it is to go home and binge watch Still Game on Netflix and moan to your pals back home: GO OUT AND MEET PEOPLE. There’s whole Facebook groups dedicated to new people in London looking to make friends. 52 C A R E E R S
Whereas you might have found yourself sitting on your tod on the top deck of a Lothian bus on more than one occasion back home, chances are if you’re travelling on the tube at rush hour you’ll find yourself in the armpit of a fellow commuter. The Oyster Card is a piece of magic that you’ll use for all forms of transport, and while it may have taken you longer to take the bus along Princes St than walk it, transport in London is FAST. And if you can’t be bothered with the commuter rush on the tube or buses, you can even take a boat along the Thames or tap out a Boris Bike. The best advice I’ve ever been given is to download the Citymapper app, you’ll never get lost again. W W W. S C O T C A M P U S .C O M
IT CAN BE EXPENSIVE… I’m not going to beat around the bush, London living isn’t cheap. At first you’ll cry into the £8 double vodka and coke you bought at the club you heard was the best and biggest in London and panic at the crazy amounts of rent fleeing out of your account, but do not despair. Soon you’ll become the ultimate budgeting master: capable of balancing everything out. If there’s hope for me, and some of my ex-landlords back home would probably never believe that I’m a budgeting mastermind, there’s hope for anyone. You’ll figure out your own ‘cheap’ places to shop, to eat and to go to which leads onto… THERE’S SOMETHING TO DO ALL THE TIME… Once you’ve gotten the touristy stuff out of the way, you’ll be amazed at how much stuff there is to do. Whether it’s heading to a bar that’s a converted London underground station or public loo, going to some of London’s favourite markets (Borough for food, Spitalfields for vintage fashion) or going to one of the never ending shows or exhibitions, you’ll never be bored.
PEOPLE WILL HAVE A MILLION QUESTIONS FOR YOU… “What did you vote in the referendum?” “Do you know this Scottish person?” “Can you say curly wurly for me?” And the best question I’ve ever been asked since moving… “So are you like Scottish Scottish?” IT WILL BECOME HOME… As you’ve probably guessed by now, I didn’t find the move all that easy. I got homesick, I missed the familiarity of a smaller city and it took me a while to adjust and I’m not embarrassed to admit it. But the second I went ‘RIGHT THAT’S IT I’M HERE AND I’M JUST GOING TO HAVE TO GET ON WITH IT’ I found that it wasn’t all that bad. Make the most of every day, take advantage of living in one of the biggest cities in the world and that next time you head back home to visit? You’ll be surprised to find that you miss it already. AND WHEN ONE OF YOUR FRIENDS MOVES DOWN… You’ll feel the need to instantly shelter and care for them, giving them all the advice you have, because you were once a new Scot in London too.
THERE’S BAD NEWS WHEN IT COMES TO FOOD… You’ve never known sadness like crawling to Greggs on a hungover morning to find out there’s no such thing as macaroni pies. Oh and while we’re at it, there’s also no such thing as chippy sauce, empire biscuits, potato scones and square sausage. And the only thing that comes battered in the chip shops is fish. I’m sorry, I truly am. @SCOTCAMPUS
C A R E E R S 53
Graduate Profile: CHRIS FORSTER, CHEMISTRY GRADUATE
T
he learning doesn’t have to stop once you’ve been handed your degree. Chris Forster, Assistant Health, Safety and Environment Consultant at Stansted Environmental Services, explains how you can always brush up on your employability. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO STUDY CHEMISTRY?
WHERE DO YOU HOPE TO BE IN TWO YEARS?
I was always interested at school and had a really inspiring teacher. I then ran the Chemistry Club in sixth form, which was pretty fun and led me to apply at Glasgow University.
Working towards chartered status and doing a part-time PHD. I don’t want to stop learning or developing so the right training is vital.
WHAT LED YOU TO YOUR CURRENT JOB?
WHAT IS IT LIKE MOVING FROM GLASGOW TO LONDON FOR A JOB?
I was a part-time student during my final year and had 3 part-time jobs including Environmental Assistant at UWS and Environmental Intern at Strathclyde Uni. It gave me a focus on environmentalism and sustainability which was already a small part of my degree. WHAT’S A TYPICAL DAY AT WORK LIKE? I work in Sustainability Energy Assessment and Environmental Consultancy. As a consultant, I work on construction projects for the domestic housing sector and have regular contact with clients ranging from builder architects to planning professionals. It’s a lot of hard work, but at the start of your career it’s important to learn as much as possible. HOW DOES TRAINING PLAY A PART IN YOUR ROLE? I have to be certified to carry out elements of my role and it’s important professionally to keep up to date within my field. I’m currently doing a part-time Masters in Sustainability in the Built Environment by distance learning, I’m starting an LLM in Environmental Law later this year and hope to complete my IEMA associate certificate. @SCOTCAMPUS
The pull of the capital is at an all-time high. I don’t think I would’ve had as much responsibility or as much exposure to the business if I was further north as the construction industry is booming in London and there is always demand for skills. ANY ADVICE FOR CURRENT CHEMISTRY STUDENTS? By my final year I’d started up my LinkedIn and added my professors, joined student and professional networks and connected with contacts I’d made at conferences rather than just my mates. Sign up to seminars, training courses and go to networking events, as the more exposure you can get to commercial environments, the better. Getting an internship is hard for STEM students, so ask your professor if they could offer an internship or a few hours in the labs over the summer or if any PHD students need help. A degree might get you an interview but showing an awareness of your sector academically and commercially makes a bigger impression. C A R E E R S 55
LIAM RAFFERTY, HELLCAT CEO BY KIRSTY FEERICK
How I Bagged My Dream Job
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hat do you get when you take a passionate 26-year-old, add determination, strong work ethic, and a talent for graphic design? That would be Liam Rafferty, CEO of his own sticker and logo graphic design company, Hellcat. After taking a risk to find out what he wanted to do with his life he hasn’t looked back since... HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
ANY CHALLENGES?
I was studying Forensics & Microbiology at university, but dropped out when I realised it wasn't for me. I did work experience at a graphic design place and ended up going into the industry just until I found out what I wanted to do with my life. I never left!
The lack of organisation and time management. Other industries don't quite appreciate the time required for production in our industry and think that all we do is push a button and have a sticker one minute later. It's not like that at all, so it can be very frustrating. There is constant pressure to produce the graphics quickly.
HOW DID YOU START A BUSINESS? I worked alongside my former boss for 7 years, learning everything I could. When I decided that it was time to go off and have a go at my own thing, he was very supportive. I also had a few financial lifelines that I could have used if the risk proved too great. It's paid off pretty well. WHAT’S AN AVERAGE DAY AT WORK LIKE? Pretty frantic. My main role is organising the jobs, scheduling them into the diary, preparing the graphics and setting the guys up with each job so there's no time wasted. I put the guys onto any job that we have sitting ready. While they do that, I go through new jobs and begin to cut and print the vinyl for jobs that we already have the artwork for. I'll pass that onto the apprentices who prep the graphics and then pass it to the fitting team for the last stage. It's a hectic industry, we usually bounce between each stage quite frequently throughout the day! 56 C A R E E R S
YOUR ADVICE FOR ASPIRING GRAPHIC DESIGNERS? The industry can be fun and rewarding as you get to take an idea from the concept stage straight through to a finished product. The best thing you can do is have a good grasp of your creative side. Observe logos and brands around you on a daily basis. If you see a van go by and its logo is horrific, try thinking of how you would have done it better. Even draw your own version of it. Keep your creative juices flowing!
W W W. S C O T C A M P U S .C O M
BY MICHAEL EDWARDS
All About Experience
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cottish Apprenticeship Week 2016 runs from the 29th February to the 4th March and, as you heard in our Meet the Manager article, more and more employers are looking to bring in employees at a younger age and train them up. But does this really mark a shift that students should be scared of, or is there something in it for everyone? PEOPLE OVER PAPER
MORE WORK, LESS PAY
According to a recent study commissioned by the UK government, 58% of graduate employers rated work experience as “the most popular qualification” and 48% said that the student’s personality was number one on their list. In contrast, just 16% cared most about a good degree from a ‘prestigious’ university.
Like everything, however, there’s a downside. Getting a degree isn’t enough anymore, your potential employers want more: and with the graduate jobs market becoming ever more competitive, you need to make sure you deliver.
For anyone who cares more about landing a job they love than the nuts and bolts of exams, essays and academia, this is excellent news. Gone are the days of arbitrary selection based on a combination of grades and networking, and in come genuine attempts to employ people who have worked hard for a specific role, and whose personality fits the business. 58 C A R E E R S
For many of us, that means unpaid internships. Working for free, to learn the skills you thought your uni would teach you, or to build those networks that just a few lucky students are born into. It’s a big drain, and can turn life into a tough juggling act. That’s one view, anyway. W W W. S C O T C A M P U S .C O M
HIDDEN BENEFITS
REAL WORK, REAL LIFE
Finding experience isn’t just about appeasing employers. It’s not another qualification, a badge that shows you’re a ‘more rounded person’, it’s evidence that you can put your knowledge into practice, and a sign that you’ve got more in your armoury than the dozens of students who were taught exactly the same thing you were. In other words, it’s an indication of who you are and what you can do.
At this point, I’m anticipating a fair few of you will be downhearted because you don’t have the time or, more importantly, financial flexibility, to take on unpaid internships. If that’s the case, don’t worry. It’s not all doom and gloom.
At least, that’s what it is for employers. For you guys, it’s a reason to get out there and experience what the working world’s like. Work experience and internships aren’t just a box to tick, they’re an opportunity to find out what your chosen industry is really all about, and whether you really do want to be there. That means getting a glimpse behind the scenes of a working business, testing your skills and ideas in real life situations, and getting to know the people you’ll come into contact with on a regular basis. If the company you’re interning at doesn’t offer this stuff, you don’t want to work for them in the future, because they don’t value their staff.
For starters, many companies offer flexible work experience, so there’s always time to squeeze it in if you really want to. Others might offer paid internships, though, in truth, these are few and far between. More important than this, though, is the fact that most employers aren’t set on you getting work experience from a relevant industry. We’ve heard it from Hazel at KPMG and from dozens of other recruiters. If you’re struggling for cash and working weekends as a barista, barman or in retail, you’re getting real life experience. All you need to do is brush up on competencybased interviews (using Amy’s excellent tips in our Dec/Jan issue) and you can quickly turn your weekend job experiences into strong arguments for you landing your dream job. THE BEST OF BOTH? Still not buying into my take on the situation? Then it’s time for me to remind you of where we started: modern apprenticeships. Everyone we’re talking to, but especially large national and international companies, are increasingly turning to modern apprenticeships to recruit, train and retain their workforce. Whether you’re about to leave school, you’re still at uni or about to graduate, you might find this a more fair and reliable route to your career. You work with a company to combine education and on-the-job training, building your experience, learning the business in real life and cementing a relationship with an employer who needs new recruits. There are modern apprenticeships across all sectors, it’s not just men who want to work in engineering anymore, so if you’re really not keen on gathering your own experience independently, it’s worth investigating. You can find out more about Scottish Apprenticeship Week at scottishapprenticeshipweek.com
@SCOTCAMPUS
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Meet The
Manager HAZEL BIRD, KPMG
BY MICHAEL EDWARDS
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azel Bird is KPMG’s Attraction and Outreach Officer for Scotland, meaning she works with Scottish universities and schools to show them the range of positions available at KPMG, and help them develop the skills they need to land their dream job. WHAT SORT OF PEOPLE DO KPMG LOOK FOR? There’s not a set mould. We want a diverse range of people, a varied and diverse talent pool in the business. So we’re looking to see who you are as an individual, what you do outside of university and school life. It doesn’t have to be related to the work you’re going into, but any other work - a summer job, or charity and volunteering work - can be important. We want to see what personality you can bring to the business. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO PEOPLE WHO HADN’T THOUGHT OF WORKING FOR KPMG BEFORE? WHAT SURPRISES PEOPLE ABOUT THE BUSINESS?
A lot of people are surprised to learn that the average age at KPMG is 27! And a lot of feedback we get from graduates and interns is that they’re never in the office, and no day is the same as the last, and certainly they’re always out and about learning, working on client sites. We have an online portal where all new starts develop their skills at an early stage, so there’s always an opportunity to do something different. The sky’s the limit. 60 C A R E E R S
WHAT’S A TYPICAL DAY LIKE FOR YOU? I’ve been in the job for about 18 months and I’ve yet to have a typical day! One day could consist of going to a university and running a skills session on interview skills, or a presentation on behavioural capabilities and key competencies that might come up in interviews, the next day I could be at a school, running an assembly with a teacher, doing speed networking with other employers, speaking to students about alternative opportunities like apprenticeships. I could find myself in Glasgow one day, Edinburgh the next, Aberdeen the next … occasionally I get back to the office and answer my emails! WHAT SORT OF OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE FOR STUDENTS TO GET STARTED AT KPMG? We’ve got two programmes for school leavers, an audit school leaver programme for students who are really keen on getting into accountancy; and an apprenticeship programme called KPMG 360° for ambitious students who want to get into the world of business but are not quite sure where. We also have a huge number of graduate programmes in audit, tax and advisory across our 22 offices in the UK. You can find them all at www.kpmgcareers.co.uk. It’s a fantastic portal with a breakdown of all graduate, undergraduate and school leaver opportunities, including internships. There’s also case studies, interviews and profiles of graduates, so plenty of opportunity to do your research before applying! For more information about working at KPMG, visit www.kpmgcareers.co.uk. W W W. S C O T C A M P U S .C O M