FREE
ISSUE 11 4 FEBRUARY 2015
Still Dreams of Oscars Glory ALSO INSIDE: FILM SPECIAL | RAE MORRIS | SAINT RAYMOND | JASON MRAZ | 2015 FASHION TRENDS
Contents. 4
FRONT 10
David Oyelowo of Oscarnominated film Selma talks lack of diversity at the awards in our BIG interview.
52
FILM 36
Get your film fix as we explore what’s new in Scottish Film 2015, as well as the best cinematic venues.
STYLE 64
Open the doors to your 2015 wardrobe and discover more than a few stylish treats that won’t break the bank.
ISSUE 114 FEBRUARY 2015
LIFE 80
Travel to LA and back, hear from Author Alan Gibbons and discover a day in the life of a Storyboard and Comic Artist.
MUSIC
Plug in to a bucketload of interviews, epic playlists and Scotland’s most obscure music venues.
BACK
Enter our photography competition, download the best new apps & see what’s in store on Scotcampus.com
H
appy 2015! I hope that you've all had an exciting start to the year. I’m delighted to welcome you to not only the first issue of 2015, but my very first as Editor-in-Chief. And what a page-turner of an issue it is!
EDITOR’S LETTER
We’ve treated ourselves to popcorn the size of our heads and ended up with square eyes to bring you our Film Special, filled to the brim with features on the Glasgow Film Festival, The Oscars, cinema experiences around Scotland and our BIG interview with David Oyelowo, star of Oscar nominated film Selma. After all that blockbuster viewing, you’re going to want to swap your specs for your headphones and listen to this issue’s musical stars as we chat to the talented Jason Mraz, Saint Raymond, Rae Morris and LuvBug. What a playlist. So grab yourself some cinema snacks, choose your favourite spot on the couch and sit back and relax to view a glittering issue (no 3D glasses required) of Scotcampus.
- Laura
Blackhurst
Publishers: Graeme Barratt / Anna Purdie • 0141 249 0901 • graeme@scotcampus.com Editor-In-Chief: Laura Blackhurst • laura.blackhurst@scotcampus.com Content Executive: Michael Edwards • michael.edwards@scotcampus.com Contributors: Amy Anderson, Kym Ballantyne, Rachel Coburn, Lucy Jarman, Erin Kennedy, Holly Lennon, Cassam Looch, Ellen MacAskill, Anna McAlpine, Shauna McGregor, Ross Miller, Danielle Shields, Lauren Simpson, Patricia-Ann Young
Business Development Managers:
Jill Loney • 0141 249 0904 • jill.loney@scotcampus.com
Design: Louise Clifford • www.veriette.com
Kalim Sheppard • 0141 249 0905 • kalim.sheppard@scotcampus.com
General Enquiries info@scotcampus.com Scotcampus.com © Scotcampus
The Measure. Y HIGH SK
ONESIES
NETFLIX
It’s official; onesies are here to stay! Perfect for Netflix lounging, pretending to be an animal and even popping out to get the milk. With options ranging from elephants to foxes to leopards, we’ve been trying to catch them all like really valuable Pokémon.
‘Tis the season to be jolly lazy. The festivities are well over, it’s STILL freezing and money has disappeared. The only answer is Netflix. And no, we don’t want to get dressed and actually go out to face the real world. We’re not even sure we can manage the walk from our room to the kitchen.
GLASGOW FESTIVALS Prepare for the best of the fests; the Glasgow Film Festival AND Comedy Festival are rolling into the city! In this issue’s Film Special, you’ll find out everything you need to know about the Film Festival, which showcases cinema at its finest from 18th February. Next up, lol o’clock; the Comedy Festival adds to Glasgow’s topclass banter from 12th March. We know a few bloomin’ good knock knock jokes ourselves, so it’s only a matter of time before we’re asked to headline…
MONEY We didn’t listen to the partypooper in our head who told us we’d regret all the partying, gift buying and food scoffing come 2015. Two months in and we’re still skint. The only options are relying on a lottery win, wishing on a star or going on The Million Pound Drop.
RESOLUTIONS
VALENTINES DAY
It’s February. The resolution list is already in the bin with the rest of our Christmas cheer. We gave up on cutting down chocolate two days into January by eating three selection boxes in a row. But if you’re still going strong with your own, we salute you. Have a selection box in celebration!
We broke up with Valentine’s Day last year and we couldn’t be happier! Whether in a relationship or riding solo, we don’t want to choose between emptying our piggy bank on a pretentious meal and heart-shaped gift or sitting home alone. We suggest: a night in with pizza, your favourite people and onesies. Now THAT’S romance.
RO
4 FRONT .
CK BOTTOM WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
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THE BIG
INTERVIEW.
DAVI D OYELOWO
6 FRONT .
WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
B
ritish-born star David Oyelowo has appeared in a huge array of blockbusters over the years, from The Last King of Scotland to Interstellar and Rise of the Planet of the Apes. But this year we'll see him in his biggest role yet: playing the iconic political figurehead Martin Luther King in Selma. We caught up with David to find out about the difficulties of the role, and to get his brutally honest opinions about the challenges faced by minority actors in the UK.
PRODUCERS WILL OFTEN LOOK FOR WELL KNOWN FACES TO LEAD A FILM. IN THE SEVEN YEARS SINCE YOU MOVED TO HOLLYWOOD, DID YOU HAVE A STRATEGY TO WIN THAT RECOGNITION? My strategy has always been to work with the best people, on the best projects with the best parts. I don't really think of playing the lead as such. I would go and do one scene for Steven Spielberg, I would go and do one scene for Christopher Nolan, which is what I've done. You become a better actor by doing that. WHY HAS IT TAKEN SO LONG FOR SELMA TO REACH THE BIG SCREEN? A film with black protagonists, with this kind of budget, being made is new. Up until very recently, films of this nature were only being made with a white protagonist. Not until The Butler and 12 Years a Slave did well critically and at the box-office did Hollywood basically run out of excuses to not make a film like Selma. WHAT WAS THE MOST SURPRISING THING YOU LEARNED ABOUT DR. KING WHILE MAKING SELMA? Just how much guilt he carried, in terms of the loss of life and the harm being meted out to people. Bloody Sunday, people were dying. This was the first time in his tenure as the civil rights leader that people were dying directly as a result of his decisions. That was a weight that he carried and that's something we were very keen to depict.
WE STRUGGLE TO THINK OF ANYONE TODAY, ESPECIALLY AT HIS YOUNG AGE AS HE WAS AT SELMA, WHO COULD RISE UP AND FIGHT. WHY DO YOU THINK THAT IS? I think our generation has changed. We are beneficiaries of the freedom that they helped bring in, and as a result there is an apathy that has crept in. You look at how for granted the vote is taken in America, by black people especially. We talk about the parallels between Selma and Ferguson, but the truth of the matter is that even there, clearly a place where injustices have occurred, the community is two-thirds black but only had a 10% voter turn out, maybe even less. That's crazy. The reason that Dr. King and the movement went to Selma was because the community was over 50% black but only 2% were able to vote. They were there to put their lives on the line. That's indicative of us living in a different age in terms of social responsibility. DO YOU FEEL THAT RACE IS STILL AN ISSUE IN THE MOVIE BUSINESS? It's a huge issue because the people who make all the decisions look a certain way. They are white and they are male. The people you see in films are a reflection of that. That's why Oprah Winfrey advocated for this film to be made, she wanted to see a reflection of herself. It's natural, that's what we all do. If the decision makers are all a certain type of person, they are curating culture and feeding us their very narrow world view.
''
I think our generation has changed. We are beneficiaries of the freedom that they helped bring in, and as a result there is an apathy that has crept in.
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@SCOTCAMPUS
7 FRONT
David has gone on record with his support for Benedict Cumberbatch, saying the furore around his use of the word “coloured” in terms of the lack of opportunities in the UK for Black and Asian actors, misses the substance of his statement. We expanded the debate by asking him about Oscar nominees this year. WE KEEP HEARING PEOPLE TALK ABOUT HOW GREAT THE 2015 OSCARS ARE FOR BRITISH CINEMA, DO YOU THINK THAT'S A FAIR COMMENT? It is a great year for Britain, but it’s a great year for white Britain. It is a significant portion of what Britain is, but there is a tradition of that. There is barely a year when we aren't present at the Oscars, because we are brilliant exponents of filmmaking and film acting. What is different and what was new was Chiwetel Ejiofor being nominated last year. That was the first time a British actor of colour was nominated, to my recollection. I should say male, because of course we had Marianne JeanBaptiste and Sophie Okonedo. The nice shift was that Chiwetel's nomination was celebrated here. Both Marianne and Sophie barely made a blip. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE SUGGESTION THAT THE ACADEMY HAVE 'SNUBBED' SELMA, YOURSELF AND AVA? I think the demographic of the directors branch is white, male and old. Ava is the opposite of all of those things. Until you have representative constituencies, it's going to be forever thus. They support themselves. It's what we all do... I've been vocal about black actors and actresses only being celebrated for playing subservient characters. Slaves, maids, singers, sports peoples and criminals. That's what we win for. Literally. Sidney Poitier wasn't even nominated for In the Heat of the Night, but he won for being nice to white nuns.
8 FRONT .
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I've been vocal about black actors and actresses only being celebrated for playing subservient characters
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They [the Academy] haven't succeeded if that's what they aimed for though. Selma is the best reviewed film of the year. It's making tens of millions of dollars at the box office. The last film we made was a $200,000 movie. We barely broke a million. I'm talking to international journalists, to you, that's a big win for this film and for that director. She's [Ava DuVernay] the first African American director to be nominated for a Golden Globe.
WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
IN TERMS OF WHAT YOU DO NEXT, IS IT MORE SERIOUS DRAMAS OR MORE BLOCKBUSTERS AS YOU HAVE DONE IN THE PAST? There really is no game plan for me. Studio movies, independent films... it's about quality and I want to do this until the day I die. I want to defy audiences’ expectations and work with the best people on the best material. Whether it's a play, or TV or a film it doesn't really matter to me as long as I can stand back and say I did the best I could and that is the best film we could make. That, to me, is what gives you a long career and keeps the audience coming back for more... Selma is released in UK cinemas from 6th Feb. To read the extended interview, visit Scotcampus.com @SCOTCAMPUS
9 FRONT
Glasgow Cinema
SPECTACULAR. I
n this issue of Scotcampus, we’re celebrating everything that’s great about the Scottish film scene, from fresh new festivals to the best old cafes to sit and discuss why Michael Bay is such a psychopath. First up: Glasgow.
February and March are set to blow the minds of cinephiles across the city. The Glasgow Youth Film Festival, the Glasgow Film Festival and the Glasgow Short Film Festival are bursting into cinemas and art venues across the city in quick succession, bringing with them a heady mix of high art, big laughs, new talent and amazing events.
GLASGOW YOUTH FILM FESTIVAL 6-8 FEBRUARY The only festival in Europe that’s not just designed for teens and young adults, but actually curated by a team of 15-18 year-olds, the Glasgow Youth Film Festival 2015 is packed with relevant films, fun events and useful workshops. Our hot tips include The Signal, the crazy sci-fi thriller that’s opening the festival on Friday the 6th, scriptwriter Stephen Greenhorn’s free writing workshop on Saturday afternoon at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and the screening of Jumanji at the Barras Art and Design on Sunday mainly because they’re doing the place up like a fantasy wilderness in celebration of Glasgow Green Year 2015. Sounds awesome, right? But there’s loads more amazing events to look out for and, better still, tickets are just £4.50 with a GFT Youth Card (free for 15-21 year-olds). Glasgowfilm.org/gyff
10 FILM
WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
GLASGOW FILM FESTIVAL 18 FEBRUARY – 1 MARCH If you’re in need of some substance from your cinematic fix this February, the Glasgow Film Festival is overflowing with cutting edge cinema, cult classics and special events. The ‘Pioneers’ strand celebrates the best new talent, ‘Cinemasters’ will screen the biggest names on the festival circuit, ‘Crossing the Line’ will share the work of Glasgow’s many celebrated visual artists, and ‘Nerdvana’ is all about giving the geeks of Glesga what they want. Our picks for the festival err on the arty side, starting with Mommy, Xavier Dolan’s captivating, funny and moving look at an intense bond between a mother and her son; moving on to Desiree Akhavan’s Appropriate Behaviour, a hilarious look at the life of a bisexual Brooklynite; and ending with William McIlvanney: Living With Words, a doc profiling McIlvanney, the ‘Godfather of Tartan Noir’ and Glasgow literary icon. And we hear the man himself may even join the audience for that screening. That said, if your inner child is as demanding as ever, you’ve got plenty to consider here too. Brazilian animation The Boy and the World is said to have a hint of Hayao Miyazaki about it; and fans of cult classics can join The Moomins on the Riviera. Even if you’ve an empty wallet and a short attention span, you can still head over to GoMA on the afternoon of the 21st or 22nd for The Internet Cat Video Festival. It’s exactly what it sounds like, and it’s free. Glasgowfilm.org/festival
GLASGOW SHORT FILM FESTIVAL 18 FEBRUARY – 1 MARCH OK, so we’ve waxed lyrical about new and local talent already, so what can we talk about here? LOADS, because short film festivals aren’t just bite-size injections of hot new talent. They’re also about seeing films differently, and the Glasgow Short Film Festival 2015 has plenty to help you do just that.
Don’t forget to check in at Scotcampus. com throughout February and March for the latest news, reviews and behind-thescenes scoops from the festivals. @SCOTCAMPUS
A prime example is Vertical Cinema; a series of ten unique films that mix abstract cinema, structural experiments, found footage remixes, chemical film explorations and live laser action in its enormous, vertically projected (sideways) 35mm films. It’s all combined with a totally unique soundscape, and set in the covered outdoor space of The Briggait on the evening of Wednesday 11th March. Glasgowfilm.org/gsff
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Glasgow. WHERE TO WATCH BY PATRICIA-ANN YOUNG
THE TALL SHIP During the festival, Glasgow’s iconic Tall Ship is transformed into a film venue. The films screened here are usually nautical-themed, so you get to watch the best sea-orientated movies you never knew you needed on the heart of the Clyde. 100 Stobcross Road Glasgow, G3
NICE'N'SLEAZY
O
nce known as The Cinema City, many Glaswegians still have a deep love of all things cinematic today. Since the Glasgow Film Festival is gracing the city with its filmic presence from 18th Feb, we’ve scoped out the best places to catch a movie in town.
Nice'N'Sleazy’s is transformed every Tuesday into a makeshift cinema for their ‘Incredibly Strange Film Night’, an evening dedicated to screenings of the wackiest, most oddball movies for your viewing pleasure. For the best of the bad, Nice'N'Sleazy’s has you covered. 421 Sauchiehall Street Glasgow, G2 3LG
GLASGOW FILM THEATRE
SLOANS
A creative space housing a variety of contemporary art in Glasgow; it’s a venue that will be taking more of a centrestage during the festival. Often showcasing interesting and thought-provoking movies which would usually be hard to find, the CCA gives access to some on the most amazing films outside of the mainstream.
Home of the Glasgow Film Festival and the heart of cinema in Weegieland; the GFT will be spearheading the best movies to see throughout the festival. The GFT’s commitment to showcasing the best of film from yesteryear to the modern day, at affordable prices for punters, makes it the hottest venue during the Glasgow Film Festival.
Every Tuesday Sloans screens a different movie ranging from old classics to new blockbuster hits as part of their EatFilm movie nights. For £13.95, you’ll dine for two, choosing from their delicious menu (which includes their legendary macaroni cheese) AND watch a classic film. It’s certainly an excellent alternative to a runof-the-mill mid-week cinema outing.
350 Sauchiehall Street Glasgow, G2 3JD
12 Rose Street Glasgow, G3 6RB
108 Argyle Street Glasgow, G2 8BG
CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS
@SCOTCAMPUS
13 FILM
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GEORGE SQUARE Birthplace of the zombie apocalypse in World War Z, George Square is now a movie star in its own right. While the famous Glasgow landmark doubled as Philadelphia in the movie, deep down really, we know that scene was set in Glasgow. Poetic license be damned, revisit the place where Brad Pitt valiantly fought off zombie hordes. George Street Glasgow, G2 1DU
STEAK AND CHERRY While it’s not particularly linked to the film scene in Glasgow, late night cafés like the Steak and Cherry are littered throughout the movies. Think the Robert De Niro and Al Pacino showdown in Heat. Find that movie magic in one of Glasgow’s most iconic restaurants. 508 Sauchiehall Street
WHERE TO HANG OUT BY PATRICIA-ANN YOUNG
T
he Glasgow Film Festival is going to have you covered for movies, screening some of the best upcoming films of the year throughout the city. Still, you’re going to need to refuel and get some amazing food and drinks. Scotcampus has you covered for the best movie hangouts around town.
Glasgow, G2 3LG
THE GLAD CAFÉ
LEBOWSKIS
This cool café on Glasgow’s stylish Ashton Lane is part of the Grosvenor Cinema, so the best place for post-film powwow. It has great food and tasty cocktails, and on Thursday nights it holds a ‘Mostly Movie Pub Quiz’ for the real film fanatics amongst you.
The Glad Café is a trendy hangout in Glasgow’s Southside that screens big hitter pictures alongside film gems that often fly under the radar, it’s a cool place for either the hardened cinephile or the casual cinema goer. Excellent movies and great grub will make you glad you visited the café this festival time.
A bar themed around the Coen Brothers classic The Big Lebowski, the Dude is given due homage in Glasgow’s West End. With the food and cocktail menu designed around the film it’s a great nudge-wink to lovers of the iconic film around the city. All food is locally sourced, giving this American-themed bar a Scottish twist. We’re sure the Dude would approve.
24 Ashton Lane, Hillhead
1006A Pollokshaws Road
Glasgow West End, G12 8SJ
Glasgow, G41 2HG
1008 Argyle Street Glasgow, G3 8LX
GROSVENOR CAFÉ
@SCOTCAMPUS
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GROSVENOR CAFÉ 24 Ashton Lane Hillhead, Glasgow West End, G12 8SJ
NEAREST STATION: HILLHEAD
Ashton Lane NEAREST STATION: CHARING CROSS
Sauchiehall Street STEAK AND CHERRY 508 Sauchiehall Street Glasgow, G2 3LG
NEAREST STATION: EXHIBITION CENTRE
NICE N SLEAZY 421 Sauchiehall Street Glasgow, G2 3LG
LEBOWSKIS 1008 Argyle Street Glasgow, G3 8LX
Argyle Street
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THE TALL SHIP 100 Stobcross Road Glasgow, G3
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THE GLAD CAFÉ 1006A Pollokshaws Road Glasgow, G41 2HG
Pollokshaws Road 16 FILM
WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
GLASGOW FILM THEATRE 12 Rose Street Glasgow, G3 6RB
NEAREST STATION: CHARING CROSS
Rose Street
NEAREST STATION: COWCADDENS
CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS 350 Sauchiehall Street Glasgow, G2 3JD
Sauchiehall Street
GEORGE SQUARE George Street Glasgow, G2 1DU
NEAREST STATION: QUEEN STREET
Glasgow.
George Square
Argyle Street NEAREST STATION: ARGYLE STREET SLOANS 108 Argyle Street Glasgow, G2 8BG
Riv er C ly de
Argyle Street
NEAREST STATION: CROSSMYLOOF
@SCOTCAMPUS
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Edinburgh. FILM EVENTS 2015
BY DANIELLE SHIELDS
EDINBURGH MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL 6 - 8 FEBRUARY GEORGE SQUARE AT EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY Are you suffering from winter blues after spending the holidays skiing down the Alps or sledging out the backyard? This festival is the perfect cure for all thrill seekers. With a special focus on adventure filmmakers, this event showcases a variety of sports from BASEjumping to snowboarding and are also special appearances by those in the mountaineering industry. JUST FREE FILM FESTIVAL MARCH VARIOUS VENUES It’s a tough life being a student, what with popcorn costing more than the cinema ticket itself. But for once, you don’t have to spend a lot for a night out at the movies, as these generous folks are providing us with a week of entertainment for free, offering a great range of films from documentaries to thrillers.
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EDINBURGH SHORT FILM FESTIVAL JUNE CAMEO AND SUMMERHALL
EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 17 - 28 JUNE VARIOUS VENUES
Since becoming independent from the Leith Festival in 2009, the ESFF has continued to gather support across the city. Running for two weekends, the festival showcases a wide range of local and international short films under 20 minutes, where there are some themed grouped showings like last year’s ‘China in Short’ as well as movie quiz nights for competitive movie buffs.
hile the west plays host to the prestigious Glasgow Film Festival, there is no need for those in Edinburgh to feel jealous, as the capital has a jam packed calendar of events to keep you truly entertained.
Taking over the city in June, this two-week event is hailed as the world’s longest running film festival. Each year, approximately 150 UK and international films are screened, from big budget premieres to short animations. When it first started in 1947, the festival focused on documentaries and in order to celebrate these roots ‘Doc of the Day’ has been added for 2015. DEAD BY DAWN 23 - 26 APRIL FILMHOUSE If you know your Hitchcock from your Craven then this is the festival for you. The 22nd year of the UK’s longest running horror film festival returns this April. If you’re in it for the long haul, head to Spawn of Dawn, where a selection of films from the main festival will be screened from midnight until 11am. @SCOTCAMPUS
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Edinburgh. WHERE TO WATCH BY LAUREN SIMPSON
THE FILMHOUSE The Filmhouse is the main hub for the Edinburgh International Film Festival each June, but remains popular with film buffs throughout the year. It’s located in the heart of the city and has a fantastic selection of foreign films. It even runs regular mini festivals and hosts special events, so every film lover will be spoilt for choice. 88 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9BZ
SUMMERHALL
W
hen it comes to films, Edinburgh’s not shy of quirky venues. After all, it hosts its very own Film Festival every June, and you only have to watch films such as Hallam Foe, One Day and Filth to see Edinburgh on the big screen. So whether you’re looking for a classic cinema experience or a special screening, Edinburgh has something for everyone. CAMEO CINEMA
DOMINION
Celebrating its 100-year anniversary last year, the Cameo is an Edinburgh institution. It’s had a few paint jobs over the past decades but still boasts the classic Cameo build from its early days. From vintage flicks, current blockbusters through to classic art house cinema, there’s always something worth getting comfy for on the big leather seats.
Nestled over in Morningside, the Dominion creates an intimate and relaxed cinema experience with just four modest screens. It has a vintage feel with large sofas accompanied by tables for all your refreshments; not to mention each screen has a pretty small capacity to create a homely feel for your cinema trip.
38 Home Street Edinburgh, EH3 9LZ
18 Newbattle Terrace Edinburgh, EH10 4RT
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Once the Royal School of Veterinary Studies, Summerhall is fast becoming a quirky creative hub in Edinburgh. It has some of the most interesting arts spaces, from old lecture halls to large auditoriums. It doesn’t follow the mainstream film network and pulls in flicks from rising directors across the globe. Summerhall Place Edinburgh, EH9 1QH
NATIONAL GALLERIES OF SCOTLAND The Galleries aren’t always the first thought for a cinema night, but it hosts some of the most exciting new events. Most recently, it was the home of the Watch & Wolf, where audiences were given special film-related lunch boxes to eat while watching some famous Christmas films including Elf and Gremlins. The Mound Edinburgh, EH2 2EL WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
LEBOWSKIS If you’re a fan of the Coen Brother’s classic, The Big Lebowski, then this is the perfect haunt for you. You’ll find all the classic drinks on the menu - most notably a great White Russian - plus diner food cooked to perfection. It’s the ideal place for a pre-cinema chat, and not to mention it’s just around the corner from the Filmhouse; what more could you want? 18 Morrison Street Edinburgh, EH3 8BJ
BRASS MONKEY Just around the corner from Edinburgh University’s campus, the Brass Monkey is a regular for students. From the outside it looks tiny, but you’ll soon learn it holds a back room made up of beds and comfy sofas where regular film classics are screened. Famous actors cover the walls and often you find popping in for a quick pint soon turns into rousing debates over pop culture before you settle down to watch a film. 14 Drummond Street Edinburgh, EH8 9TU
JEKYLL & HYDE If horror is your thing, then you’ll love nothing more than hanging out in Jekyll and Hyde. Named after the famous novel (turned film, turned musical), this is the best destination for scare lovers. You’ll find horror-full cocktails on the menu and thrillers on repeat in the background to really set the scene for a great evening.
WHERE TO HANG OUT BY LAUREN SIMPSON
T
here’s nothing better than sitting with your friends and having a good natter over the latest films. It’s real dedication then when a pub decides to base itself around a film, from the décor right down to the menu, and Edinburgh has plenty of perfect places to host your chats in 2015. SOFI’S
FRANKENSTEIN
Sofi’s bar is the hidden gem of The Shore in Leith, put plainly by the bar itself as ‘the squeeze in a hug’, it really is a cosy place for film lovers. It’s great for a quiet chat over a pint or the meeting point for a film group. The Monday movie nights are the draw for film lovers providing an intimate viewing experience off the beaten track.
Inspired by the cult thriller, Frankenstein bar is probably the most well-known themed venue in Edinburgh. Housed in a gothic building, the décor inside and out follows the traditions of the film. The cocktails come highly recommended by the friendly bar staff, from Bloody Marys to their own creation, Dr Frankenstein. It’ll have you arguing over the best horror films in no time.
112 Hanover Street
63-65 Henderson Street
Edinburgh, EH2 1DR
Edinburgh, EH6 6ED
@SCOTCAMPUS
26 George IV Bridge Edinburgh, EH1 1EN
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FILMHOUSE 88 Lothian Road Edinburgh, EH3 9BZ
Edinburgh. Queen Street
NEAREST STATION: HAYMARKET
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NEAREST STATION: HAYMARKET
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CAMEO CINEMA 38 Home Street Edinburgh, EH3 9LZ LEBOWSKIS 14 Drummond Street Edinburgh, EH8 9TU
dorws The Mea DOMINION 18 Newbattle Terrace Edinburgh, EH10 4RT
Newbattle Terrace 22 FILM
WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
JEKYLL & HYDE 112 Hanover Street Edinburgh, EH2 1DR SOFI'S BAR 63-65 Henderson Street Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6ED
NATIONAL GALLERIES The Mound Edinburgh, EH2 2EL
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NEAREST STATION: EDINBURGH
NEAREST STATION: EDINBURGH FRANKENSTEIN 26 George IV Bridge Edinburgh, EH1 1EN
The Meadoews
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BRASS MONKEY 14 Drummond Street Edinburgh, EH8 9TU
SUMMERHALL Summerhall Place Edinburgh, EH9 1QH
Summerhall Street @SCOTCAMPUS
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Aberdeen. T
he Granite City may be more renowned for its links to oil than the Oscars but it still has a lot to offer during this season of film festivities and cinematic celebration. Aberdeen is not just the silver city but home to the silver screen.
WHERE TO WATCH BY LUCY JARMAN
THE WOODEND BARN
THE BELMONT FILMHOUSE
CINEWORLD
With its first film premiering in 1898 showing footage of Queen Victoria, The Belmont Filmhouse has long held its reputation as the premier independent cinema in Aberdeen. Now managed by the Centre for the Moving Image, it continues to feature films both past and present as well as hosting events such as Charity Disney sing-a-longs. February’s assortment of mini festivals includes a selection of classic Romances for Valentine’s Day, a celebration of The Marx Brothers and the In Motion Animation Festival.
Although it may not be an independent picture house, Cineworld is keen to broaden the cinematic horizons of its audiences with its annual film festival. In 2014 it showcased a diverse range of films from around the globe, exhibiting the works of local talents from Canada, Japan, the USA and beyond. It has also played host to a 48 hour film festival in which local filmmakers competed to create the best short film in just two days. Forget big budgets and explore the wide world of cinema with Cineworld.
For those of you willing to travel a little further afield for your film fix, Woodend Barn prides itself on showcasing innovative, informative and entertaining artistic work all year round. It not only screens modern cinema for local audiences, but draws in neighboring communities by delivering an outstanding programme of arts events and workshops. Make the most of this idyllic location by enjoying a meander round their wild garden before settling in with your popcorn. Unlike The Cabin in the Woods the only surprise this lodge promises is homemade cake.
49 Belmont Street Aberdeen, AB10 1JS
26 Union Square Shopping Centre Aberdeen, AB11 5RG
Banchory Aberdeenshire, AB31 5QA
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MALONES IRISH BAR No romantic comedy would be complete without an authentically decorated pub in which the protagonist can explore their inner emotions. Enjoy genuine friendly and lively Irish hospitality 'til 1am, at which point you’ll be ushered out to Semisonic’s ‘Closing Time’, a tune now famous thanks to Mila Kunis’ ringtone in Friends with Benefits. 90 Shiprow Aberdeen, AB11 5BZ
THE BELMONT FILMHOUSE CAFÉ BAR
WHERE TO HANG OUT
BY LUCY JARMAN
I
f you’ve ever seen John Favreau’s 2014 hit film Chef then you’ll know how important it is to satisfy the rumble in your stomach that can arise during a film viewing. Some of the best movies are based around food; Mr Depp consistently revels in chocolate, Meg Ryan loves an old school diner and even Audrey Hepburn had breakfast at Tiffany’s. So here’s an insight into what Aberdeen can provide for all your pre and post movie dining.
If you venture into the basement of the building you’ll discover this stylish and relaxed bar providing the ideal location for a casual catch up or an indepth movie analysis. As well as freshly cooked meals and preflick snacks, this underground gem holds regular movie quiz nights, including the upcoming Oscars Quiz to be hosted by Dallas King on Sunday 22nd February.
SLAINS CASTLE
99 BAR AND KITCHEN
Whether a fan of the classic horror Dracula or a Twilight groupie, this Gothic wonder in the heart of the city will delight supernatural movie enthusiasts of all ages. Enter this eerie former church and dare to try one of the Seven Deadly Sins Cocktails. Be afraid, be very afraid!
We could give you 99 reasons to visit this chic and eclectic bar and many of them would be its extensive range of film themed cocktails coolly presented on a retro VHS box. From the Pulp Fiction ‘Five Dollar Shake’ to the ‘Gatsby Julep’ you’ll be spoilt for choice during this quirky dining experience.
49 Belmont Street Aberdeen, AB10 1JS
Belmont Street Aberdeen, AB10 1JH
1 Back Wynd Aberdeen, AB10 1JN
@SCOTCAMPUS
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D u n d e e . D undee knows where it’s at when it comes to cinema, boasting plenty of mammoth screens to make sure the city gets its film fix and lots of eateries to make sure you get your food fix afterwards. But if you want to explore a little further out of the ordinary, snack on these great places to regroup and eat out after some cinematic wanderings.
WHERE TO HANG OUT BY ANNA MCALPINE
JUTE BAR SOUTH TAY SUPERSTORE
Located right beside the Art School, this is the place to show off your knowledge of avant garde, niche cinema with the arty crowd. Low lighting and art school charm make the bar a very atmospheric place to chill out for post-film analysis.
This may not have a direct link to film itself, but it is centrally located and easy to stumble into from any of Dundee’s main cinema screens. Having only recently opened in the latter part of 2014, it has a fresh vibe and student friendly prices. With most main meals on their lunch menu coming in at just £5 it’s just what you need to refuel during a movie break.
Jute Bar is joined onto the Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre, making it the ideal spot for those who don’t want to travel far for a meal and movie combo. Food is served here from morning until night. If you want a pre-cinema munch there’s a set two course and three course menu for that very purpose; guaranteed to be much better than snacking on overpriced (and noisy!) popcorn during the film.
140 Perth Road Dundee, DD1 4JW
10 Tay Square Dundee, DD1 1PB
152 Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4DY
THE ART BAR
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WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
BUSKERS Buskers is well known for its love of live music and local talent. It’s an imposing old church building, with beautiful architecture inside and out. Located at the heart of the city, it’s easy to get to and not a venue to be missed. While film nights at the old church may be rare, you must seek out the opportunity to attend one; if only to watch in such lovely surroundings. 15 Ward Road Dundee, DD1 1ND
MODERN LANGUAGES FILM CLUB Hosted by Dundee University during term time, there are weekly film screenings every Tuesday from six 'til eight. This is great for those who want to experience film culture from from a vast array of countries and languages. Dalhousie Building, Balfour Street Dundee, DD1 4HB
WHERE TO WATCH
BY ANNA MCALPINE
D
undee is an ever-evolving city which is gaining further movement in the art and culture scene. And with this new culture wave comes a host of new artsy venues. Here’s a rundown of the best places to catch a film and your own slice of culture.
GENERATOR PROJECTS
DUKE’S CORNER
Generator Projects has many strings to its bow, proclaiming to, “generate vibrant cultures across Dundee through providing sustained support towards artistic practice in all its diversity and a varied programme of exhibitions and events.” This is a great place to check out for some more off-the-wall viewing, as well as the chance to watch films made by the local talent Dundee has to offer.
Duke’s Corner is a social hub in the centre of Dundee city. It is a reasonably sized bar which comes equipped with more gin, whisky and ale than you could shake a stick at. As if that’s not reason enough to give Duke’s a visit, there’s also a mini theatre stage built into the back of the bar which hosts regular events from open mic nights to indie film screenings!
25/26 Mid Wynd Industrial Estate Dundee, DD1 4JG
13 Brown Street
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Dundee, DD1 5EF
DUNDEE CONTEMPORARY ARTS CENTRE (DCA) Dundee’s answer to Glasgow’s classic GFT! This is a worldclass institute for all your contemporary culture needs. Cinematic delights tend to shy further from the mainstream than anything you are going to find in Cineworld. There’s a wide ranging list of titles shown every day at all hours making the centre the perfect place to pop into when the film bug bites. 152 Nethergate Dundee, DD1 4DY
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Does The Oscars Really Matter? BY MICHAEL EDWARDS
W
e love the glitz and glamour of the Oscars, and having a chance to celebrate films that
Yes .
IT DRAWS ATTENTION TO WORTHY DRAMAS If it wasn’t for the constant media storm around who’ll win what, how much attention (and, more importantly, marketing money) would be devoted to building buzz around films like 12 Years a Slave or The Imitation Game? Big events like the Oscars draw the attention of the mainstream film-going public to creative endeavours they may otherwise miss. IT SPARKS DEBATE Kathryn Bigelow’s Best Director nod in 2010 sparked much-needed debate about the underrepresentation of women in the director’s chair, while Halle Berry’s best actress win in 2001 highlighted how few black women are in the category. And let’s not forget the issues highlighted in all those dramas. IT'S FUN! So maybe less people watch the live telecast nowadays. But the Twittersphere was clogged with gifs of Jennifer Lawrence falling over on her way to collect her Oscar, and we can’t even find accurate stats for the number of times Ellen’s awesome selfie was shared. These moments are all a hugely enjoyable part of the event, and help show that these stars are human. And that’s before we even start on teary acceptance speeches. THE ACADEMY IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION As well as bringing joy, high-fashion and new films to audiences around the world, America’s Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences works to advance the science and technology behind the film industry, funds education programmes and preserves film history. @SCOTCAMPUS
might otherwise fall under the radar. But does one evening of ostentatious pageantry really do anything useful?
No . THE OSCARS BOOST IS A MYTH According to a statistical analysis completed by Reuters a year ago, Oscars glory gives a mere $3m box office boost to winning movies, which is negligible in the grand scheme of Hollywood money. In fact, even the Golden Globes did better, boosting films by an average of $14.2m. THE VOTERS ARE ALL OLD WHITE MEN OK, so it’s great that the Oscars occasionally draws attention the imbalances of Hollywood, or global political and cultural issues; but how much does it really mean when those issues are all dictated by the Academy, which, the LA Times says, is 94% Caucasian, 77% male and has a median age of 62? IT’S A MASSIVE WASTE OF MONEY The envelopes which contains the name of the winner cost $200 each. Seriously. Oh, and the reason Jennifer Lawrence fell was probably her enormous, $2m diamond necklace. It’s not really our place to say, but maybe that money could be better spent, say, on making films. Or helping poor people. THE OSCARS CURSE IS MEAN So many actresses have barely delivered their heart-warming acceptance speeches before *WHAM* the curse destroys their life and/or career. Halle Berry’s reputation was derailed for years by Catwoman, and her marriage to Eric Benét collapsed not long after. And she’s not the only one. Reese Witherspoon, Kate Winslet and Sandra Bullock all divorced after bagging an Oscar; while Mira Sorvino and Renee Zellweger have hardly enjoyed stellar careers since winning their awards.
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There’s Nae Place Like
HAME.
FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE 1963 MOVIES YOU DIDN’T KNOW WERE FILMED IN SCOTLAND. BY ROSS MILLER
S
cotland’s beautiful and diverse locations have provided stunning backdrops for many famous films over the years: from Local Hero to Braveheart to Skyfall. Here are just a few classics that you might not have realised were filmed in bonnie Scotland.
The second film in the long-running spy franchise made use of contrasting locations like England, Italy and Turkey. However, the speedboat chase sequence was actually filmed on Loch Craignish in Argyll, after plans to shoot it in Istanbul were abandoned. We’re sure Sean Connery felt right at home.
MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL 1975 Despite this Monty Python offering being set in England, the film was shot almost entirely in Scotland, specifically at Doune Castle near Stirling wherein different angles and sections of it feature as the likes of Camelot, the Castle of Guy De Lombard and Castle Anthrax. Unsurprisingly it now receives many visitors a year purely because it featured in the hilarious film.
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CHARIOTS OF FIRE 1981 The most famous scene in this multi-Oscar-winning biopic is the opening slow-motion athletes run, set to Vangelis’ instantly recognisable music. But despite the film being set in Broadstairs in Kent, the scene was filmed on the beautiful West Sands beach in St. Andrews. If you visit, you’ll find a plaque commemorating the filming of the iconic sequence that’s often imitated but never bettered. HARRY POTTER FRANCHISE 2001-2011 The highest ever grossing franchise made use of many British locations, but did you know that the most famous part of the Hogwarts Express journey was actually filmed in Scotland? Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets used the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Lochaber for Harry and Ron’s car-flying scene. You can actually travel the very journey (minus the flying car) on the Jacobite Stream Train during the summer season. THE DARK KNIGHT RISES 2012 The conclusion to Christopher Nolan’s epic Batman trilogy starts off with the masked villain Bane escaping from a plane flying over some very picturesque scenery. This was in fact, the Cairngorms, the isolated but beautiful mountain range in the Highlands. It was originally supposed to be filmed in Arizona but the director felt the Cairngorms were “more visually distinct.” Hard to argue with that!
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G.Y.F.F. Comes Of Age.
T
he Glasgow Youth Film Festival has been radically expanded for its seventh year. Its unique team of 15-18 year old programmers have waved goodbye to ‘family friendly films’ and opted for a lineup of edgy new releases, and added a host of events to get Glasgow’s youth engaged with film, and empowered to make their own.
To get the lowdown on these exciting changes, we spoke to festival programmers Christina Milvy (18), Kirsty McKechnie (16), Louise Callaghan (16), Sean McInally (16) and GYFF Marketing and Engagement Officer Adrianne Calgie. HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE FESTIVAL? KM: I’m signed up to the GFT newsletter, so I saw it at the bottom and thought ‘this looks pretty cool!’ and went for it. SM: I applied to become part of the team in 2013. The GFT were just looking for passionate young people, so it didn't require any experience, all I had to do was make a video in which I answered some cinema-related questions… CM: I picked up a leaflet from somewhere, and thought it looked really interesting because I want to be working in media. LC: I found about it from school, through my personal care teacher who asked me about it, and I got the application form and filled it out.
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AND HOW’S THE EXPERIENCE MATCHED YOUR EXPECTATIONS? SM: I was really looking forward to making a witty trailer with a team of other young people… This year, I also got to direct which was an amazing experience! What I hadn't expected was the feeling of empowerment, we all had the feeling that we were influencing the landscape of film for young people in Glasgow. KM: I think it’s given me a wider knowledge of film too. Before this I’d just look at a poster and be like ‘maybe, maybe not’, but here… it was really interesting to hear people talk about what they liked, what they didn’t like. AC: It helps the group think more critically about film as well. There are quite a few groups about filmmaking that’re getting quite popular, but there’s not an awful lot to help them get into distribution, putting a festival together, running events. Whereas everything we do, the youth team have a hand in. WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
HAVE THESE EXPERIENCES CHANGED YOUR IDEAS ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT TO DO IN THE FUTURE?
WERE THERE ANY THINGS YOU WERE KEEN TO GET IN THERE, OR THAT YOU THINK PEOPLE WOULD REALLY ENJOY IN AN UNEXPECTED WAY?
SM: I've always known what I wanted to do – make films. The GYFF gave me an insight into the specifics about distribution (getting your film into cinemas) and festivals. I was in communication with professional filmmakers and cast, taking them out for dinner and conducting Q and As alongside them. I learned about marketing, budgeting and the film industry all over the world.
LC: Class Enemy. We all really wanted that in.
KM: I’m not really interested in directing, so it was interesting having something to organise. I do like film, but I’m not interested in filming, so I think it was perfect for me to plan a festival.
WHAT ONE THING HAVE YOU TAKEN FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE GYFF?
WHICH EVENTS ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT, WHICH DO YOU THINK PEOPLE SHOULD REALLY GO AND SEE?
CM: And workshops as well, will be really useful. AC: There’s a directing and acting masterclass with Tamara van den Dop, writer, director and star of Supernova, a Dutch coming-of-age film we’re showing at the festival, and we’ve also got a panel on writing for film and TV, as well as a filmmaking masterclass with Robert Florence.
CM: Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it. With everything, but especially foreign films! Just have an open mind and go for it.
LC: The Signal, it’s a really good film.
KM: I think I’ve learned a lot more about film processes... I never really appreciated just how many times you have to do the same shot just to get it right!
CM: I’m really excited for the anime film (Time of Eve). I’m a really big anime fan, and it’s kind of like a classic, and it’s on a Sunday evening with a cosplay parade, so that’ll be really fun.
LC: The whole experience was really good! But to get experience of marketing, and how to get films out there, and how much work actually goes into a festival and how many people are involved.
KM: I’m excited for the whole thing to be honest! But I’m particularly excited for the green events, we’ve got a space down in Barras Art and Design studio, we’ve got Jumanji and Labyrinth, and we’re decorating the set and making it into a proper event with food and everything.
SM: As a filmmaker, I got to know more about what the audience wants and what they're going to pay money for. To find out more about the festival, visit Glasgowfilm.org/festival/gyff and for the extended interview see Scotcampus.com.
SCENE FROM THE SIGNAL
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The 10 Cinema Commandments.
W
e’ve been to the top of the Paramount Mountain and received instructions from Bruce Almighty: now behold the definitive laws for every cinema viewer in the land!
1. THOU SHALT NOT USE THY PHONE
6. THOU SHALT NOT KICK
You know those annoying adverts before the film? They’re not nearly as annoying as hearing a phone go off during a film.
Leg-room is always at a premium, so keep to the width of your own seat. Even if you’ve brought your shopping for no reason whatsoever.
2. NOT EVEN ON SILENT, OR FOR TEXTING Your phone is bright. It ruins the effect of a darkened room. Keep it in your pocket. 3. MUNCH NOT, LEST YE BE PUNCHED In cinemas, no-one wants to hear you chew. But if you must snack, try and do it during action sequences so the rest of us don’t miss any dialogue. 4. KNOW THY BLADDER It’s OK, we get that you have a small bladder, we know you can’t change that. What you can do is cut back on the gargantuan colas, get yourself an aisle seat, or plug in a catheter. 5. DO NOT COVET THY NEIGHBOUR’S ARMREST The armrest (and associated cupholder) on the aisle side of the seat is yours. The other isn’t. But it’s nice to share, so if you need to rest an elbow in an available corner, most folks won’t mind. Just no shoving, ok?
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7. KEEP THY FEET OFF SEATS Aside from being disgusting, it wobbles the entire row when you stick your feed up. 8. KEEP THY FEET SHEATHED AT ALL TIMES Eau de fromage should be reserved for the cheesemongers. Leave your shoes on. 9. TALK NOT TO THY FATHER OR THY MOTHER Or anyone else for that matter. If you don’t know what’s going on, or worse, think you have the film sussed, keep it to yourself until the credits roll. We don’t want to hear it. 10. THOU SHALT NOT STEAL OUR SEATS Your ticket says if you’ve been allocated a seat. Stick to it. We came here to sit in silence, not try and negotiate the release of our seat. If seating isn’t allocated, respect personal space. Don’t sit next to someone in a near-empty theatre, it’s creepy.
Breaking these laws is punishable by passive aggression, or disgruntled usher. WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
5 Best...Film BY MICHAEL EDWARDS
P
Apps.
hones might be the final taboo of the cinema, but we can still use them to maximise our movie experience. Whether you're looking for the opportune moment to go to the bathroom, or need to find out if any animals die, try these five apps on for size…
RUNPEE.COM
MOVIE VAULT
If you’re ten minutes in and you’ve already slurped down a large Coke, you’re in trouble. Unless you have the RunPee.com app. It tells you the best times to go pee, vibrates to alert you when they’re coming, and tells you what you’ve missed. Sweet relief.
Some folks subscribe to Netflix, others prefer NOW TV or Love Film. Us? We like the Movie Vault. For a one-off pittance you get unlimited access to a mass of old B-Movies, documentaries and even a few classics like Charlie Chaplin. Wave bye bye to subscriptions and ‘must see’ shows.
Platforms: Android, iOS Price: Free
Platforms: Android, iOS Price: £1.25, £1.49 IMDB You can’t call yourself a film fan unless you have the Internet Movie Database installed on your phone. It contains all you need to know about every film in existence. Perfect when you forget the name of that guy from the film you saw last week. Y’know, the one with the hair.
Movie Vault
IMDb
Platforms: Android, iOS Price: Free DOES THE DOG DIE?
RunPee
Does The Dog Die?
OK, so IMDb contains all the facts. But what if you only need one piece of info: do any animals die? Well, that’s where this app comes in. You’ll never have another Mufasa moment again. Platforms: Android Price: Free MOVIES BY FLIXSTER
Movies By Flixster
The most downloaded movies app of all time thoroughly deserves its accolade. It contains a searchable list of films out in cinemas and on DVD, alongside trailers and reviews from Rotten Tomatoes. You can even find nearby cinemas, check listings and book tickets. Job done. Platforms: Android, iOS Price: Free
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X FACTOR TOUR VARIOUS VENUES, 27TH FEB- 1ST MARCH Ten years on, and we can’t kick the addictive viewing habit. Fall completely off the wagon and see the reality show’s finalists on the UK tour. X marks the spot at Glasgow’s Hydro and Aberdeen’s GE Oil & Gas arena. Don’t be a smug Simon; suck up your pride & go cheer on Stevi like you want to.
Ear Food.
2
015 is well underway, and with it comes a whole new wave of fresh beats, innovative tracks and new songbirds. So let us fill your diaries (and your ears) with the sound of music over the coming months with these melodic events in Scotland and beyond.
Tickets from £19.50, available at Gigsinscotland.com
NME AWARDS TOUR O2 ACADEMY, GLASGOW, 22ND FEB Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the 2015 tour, partnered with Austin, Texas, returns with a whole lotta guitar thrashing, hair whipping and moshing. Rocking this year’s lineup are Parma Voilets, Fat White Family, The Amazing Snakeheads and Slaves. Tickets from £15.60, available at Gigsinscotland.com
ACOUSTIC ISLE FESTIVAL ISLE OF WHITE, 26TH FEB-8TH MARCH Have an island adventure (just like Jack Sparrow) and set sail for new music horizons at this acoustic festival. The unplugged event couples the island's strong musical heritage with hundreds of muscians. Performances take place in bars, cafes and restaurants across the island, matching intimate gigs with stunning locations. Note perfect. Ticket prices vary, Visitisleofwight.co.uk/events/ acoustic-isle
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BIPOLAR SUNSHINE ORAN MOR, GLASGOW, 28TH-29TH MARCH Originally hailing from Mancunian ska band Kid British, Adio Marchant has coined himself a shiny new pseudonym and embarked on his very own solo project. Now he’s ready to take on the atmospheric Òran Mór with his soulful pop and rapping skills. Tickets priced at £12, avaialble at Ticketmaster.co.uk
PALOMA FAITH SSE HYDRO, GLASGOW, 20TH MARCH Everyone’s favourite quirky songstress will be splashing her eccentric charm all over the Glasgow’s mighty Hydro. Performing her ultra catchy chart-topping hits as well as new tracks from her current album, A Perfect Contradiction, the nutty lady will wow you with one heck of an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza. Tickets priced from £31.92, avaialble at Ticketmaster.co.uk WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
10... Anti V-Day Anthems.
W
e’re over V-Day. Big time. Whether coupled up or single and loving it, Valentine’s is increasingly becoming one of the year’s most unpopular (and expensive) holidays. Instead, we’ve decided to dedicate it to some belting anthems. Fall in love with this mixed playlist of cheesy, classic and no-nonsense tunes.
SURVIVOR DESTINY'S CHILD
TAINTED LOVE GLORIA JONES
Way before Beyoncé was Queen Bee, this sassy 2001 anthem showcased the independent trio at their best. Even Michelle sings!
Whether you listen to Gloria’s original, Soft Cell’s cover or Manson’s edgier version, the opening notes are sure to get everyone’s heads bopping.
RESPECT ARETHA FRANKLIN Ain’t no-one gonna mess with your day after you give the feistiest of Aretha’s classics a play. If you listen on the go, prepare to show a brand new strut you never knew you were capable of. YOU OUGHTA KNOW ALANIS MORISSETTE Never one to bottle things up, our girl Alanis gets down to the nitty-gritty of break-ups. Perfect for playing while you throw someone’s possessions out of the window. SHE HATES ME PUDDLE OF MUD With the F word pretty much playing a leading role in every line, this is a smasher for letting out some pent up anger and getting your mosh on. A great alternative to punching someone in the face.
SHAKE IT OFF TAYLOR SWIFT One of 2014’s biggest-selling tracks, Taylor taught us never to let the haters stop you. Great to have a jump around to, both in company and while alone. FUCK YOU CEELO GREEN Betrayal and bitterness epitomised in a catchy, hip hop beat. If you’re feeling less aggressive, take it down a notch with the censored version, ‘Forget You’. BYE, BYE, BYE N SYNC Cheesier than a round of brie, and we’d still eat the whole thing. 15 years on, and we still have no idea what was going on with Justin Timberlake’s hair.
EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU UGLY KID JOE
SOMEBODY THAT I USED TO KNOW GOTYE
If you can remember the line ‘I hate everything about you’, you’ll probably be able to join in with this one. A really cathartic singing experience if you have someone in mind to dedicate it to.
Raw and bass-driven, this captivating duet from Gotye and Kimbra will mellow things down a bit if you’ve managed to listen to the previous nine. Perfect for some reflective silence.
@SCOTCAMPUS
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Catch The
LUVBUG.
INTERVIEW: LUVBUG BY KYM BALLANTYNE
W
hile everybody and their granny seems to be wallowing in the depths of the January blues, it seems necessary to fill yourself up with some musical Vitamin D, and LuvBug delivers just that. Their new track, ‘Revive (Say Something)’, combines dirty beats with beautiful, soulful vocals, reminiscent of long hazy days in the sun. I had a natter with Marvin and JKAY, and while trying not to swoon too much (I mean, it's only Marvin sodding Humes, innit?), we chatted touring, the creative process and why they love coming to Scotland...
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HAPPY 2015 GUYS! CONGRATULATIONS ON THE SUCCESS OF ‘RESONANCE’, ONE OF OUR FAVOURITE TRACKS FROM LAST YEAR. WHATS NEW FOR LUVBUG IN 2015? Marvin: Thanks! 2015 is looking good so far...’Revive’ is available from iTunes from February 8th, and we are enjoying promoting it at the moment. It just hit 100k views on YouTube today, which is great! AMAZING! ABOUT A THOUSAND OF THOSE WAS PROBABLY JUST ME THOUGH... JKAY: Haha! That's fine with us! Thanks very much! HOW DOES ‘REVIVE’ DIFFER FROM ‘RESONANCE’, OR ARE THEY QUITE SIMILAR IN SOUND? J: I would call ‘Revive’ much bloodier and harder as a track, there are definitely more layers to the beats, creating a different vibe from ‘Resonance’. We were lucky enough to be joined on vocals by the talented Joel Compass, and he was just fantastic to work with, a real soulful talent. Our sound is just evolving all the time, and we are really enjoying the process.
AND CAN YOU DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF LUVBUG, WORKING TOGETHER IN THE STUDIO? J: It really always varies, which is probably what makes it so exciting for us. We have been making music together - essentially mucking around with samples and beats - for years, only now we have a bit more structure as we now actually work together, rather than just play. It's such a fun creative process, and because we do have such a similar vision over where we wish the music to go, it’s truly a pleasure to spend some time in the studio together. ANY PLANS FOR A TOUR? PLEASE SAY THERE WILL BE SOME SCOTTISH DATES? M: OF COURSE! We are looking forward to getting into the touring aspect of the whole process, because it isn't something we have experienced together yet. We are hoping to hit a few festivals this summer, and we definitely wouldn't miss out Scotland. You guys are mad! One of the best crowds in the world, whether it be Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen...you guys are always up for a party. ’Revive’ is available from iTunes from February 8th, 2015
MARVIN, YOU HAVE TOURED EXTENSIVELY WITH JLS IN THE PAST, WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS? M: Touring is really the best part of what we do, ask any artist and they will tell you that. During the day you get to explore new places, do a bit of shopping, relax, take it all in, and then at night you get to stand up and perform in front of people who have paid to see you- it's priceless really, a lot of fun. It just turns into a bit of a lads’ holiday after a while; just genuine good times, making memories. SOUNDS AWESOME. AS A TRIO, THERE MUST BE QUITE A COMBINATION OF TASTE AND INFLUENCE. DO YOU GUYS EVER CLASH OVER WHICH KIND OF DIRECTION YOU WANT A TRACK TO TAKE? M: Not really to be honest, we are lucky. We definitely have come together quite organically, pretty much because we have the same taste in music. We are all heavily influenced by garage and grime - this is the genre we grew up with and it's great that we have come to this stage in our lives where we can really use that influence in our own music. @SCOTCAMPUS
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Scotland's Best BY HOLLY LENNON
Alternative Music Venues.
S
cotland’s impeccable live music culture is certainly at the top of the ‘Things To Be Proud Of’ list, alongside Paolo Nutini's face and Irn-Bru. We have more gig venues than you can shake a stick at (but don’t go shaking sticks at them or you won’t get in). Whether you’re looking for a mosh pit, a sweaty rave or just a good old bit of guitar music, we’ve something for you. Here are just some of our favourite alternative gig venues from around the country. KAGE Kage nightclub is the heart of Dundee’s alternative music scene. The minimalist, dimly-lit venue prides itself on giving all types of music a platform. From rock, metal, electro and grunge - Kage has got all the genres covered. Its 200 person capacity means it is the perfect refuge for those who have grown weary of bigger venues and their sky rocketing ticket prices. Acts to have graced the Kage stage include Dundeebased rockers Fat Goth who have been making a name for themselves as one the best Scottish bands around. 4 Saint Andrew's Lane, Dundee
CABARET VOLTAIRE Don’t let the appearance of Edinburgh’s Old Town fool you, hidden in the busy Cowgate and the tourist-laden Royal Mile is Cabaret Voltaire – a safe haven away from the busy city streets. Its underground dark, indie décor creates the perfect gig ambience for up-close and personal encounters with all types of bands, from unsigned acts to chart heavyweights such as Mumford and Sons. Through some kind of magic, there are two floors squeezed into the cave, creating the perfect underground gig atmosphere. 36 Blair Street, Edinburgh
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WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
BLOC Bar Bloc is a metaphorical pillar of Glasgow’s alternative music scene. It prides itself on its forward thinking attitude and dedication to the live music cause, with gigs on seven nights a week and its own label Bloc+Music. Its slight stage and low ceilings make it one of the more intimate venues in Glasgow, perfect for music fans who like to huddle in. Halina Rifai, press manager at Bloc told us all about its live show antics: “The most recent and much talked about frenzy was our secret show with PAWS and special guests We Were Promised Jetpacks. There was plenty of sweat, crotch hugging (due to lack of space obviously) and most importantly a lot of noise. Other highlights have included And So I Watch You From Afar, which caused a few broken bones (literally) due to crowd-surfing antics. There is no forgetting our DJ nights also, with the likes of Enjoyable Moment, it just shows there is something for everyone.”. 117 Bath Street, Glasgow
FLAT 0/1 Are you bored of traipsing into the city to catch a good live band and wish you could just sit on your couch, sip on a cold glass of Frosty Jack's and enjoy a gig from the comfort of your own pad? Well at Flat 0/1 you actually can (kind of). Describing itself as “the flat which is always hoachin wae bevy, always has the decks set up, ready to go and whose neighbours don't complain about the noise”, the club holds its own as one of the most obscure gig venues in the city. David Bell, event manager at A Quiet Night In, tells us why he chooses the venue for his shows: “the atmosphere and unique décor really separates it from most other traditional venues in town. It’s also home to two of my favourite monthly gig/club nights – MILK and Boogaloo. I’ve seen waves of people jumping off the bar counter and crowd surfing at some of the MILK nights, and Boogaloo consistently provides a winning recipe of all-round taps aff and pounding, gut wrenching bass.” PHOTO: FIONA MCKILNAY @SCOTCAMPUS
162 Bath Street, Glasgow
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Musicians Of The
Month. BY RACHEL COBURN
I
s your go-to playlist looking a bit stale? There’s no need to listen on repeat; we’ve kept our ear to the ground to bring you the very best up-and-coming musicians from around the country. Take a look at these fantastic five. BLOOD RELATIVES Having tweaked their sound and name (formerly Kitty the Lion), Glasgow's Blood Relatives have re-invented themselves as a pop trio, self-described as "sunny pop from a rainy city". Vocalist Anna Meldrum's quirky and infectious singing style paired with fun, often cleverly ambiguous lyrics, make for foot-tapping entertainment. Having played the coveted T-Break stage at last year's T in the Park, we're excited to see them come out of hiding with their next big hit in 2015. Bloodrelativesband.tumblr.com
HUXTABLE The recently-formed Ayrshire rock duo had an absolute belter of a 2014. It's not often a band can say they've played a sold out gig in London and supported multi-platinum rock legends Biffy Clyro after only a few months together. There may only be two of them, but their lack in numbers is definitely of no detriment to the noise the boys can make. They play their first Glasgow headline gig in The Admiral on the 28th February, and it's not one to be missed. Wearehuxtable.com @SCOTCAMPUS
RACHEL SERMANNI 23 year-old highlander Rachel Sermanni has a voice so pure and resonant it makes you feel weightless, only brought back to earth by lyrics with a depth comparable to those of Laura Marling's. Backed by just an acoustic guitar and soothing harmonies, the music she creates is otherworldly. Rachel has a much-anticipated album due for release May, aptly entitled Tied To The Moon. Rachelsermanni.net
THISFAMILIARSMILE Another talented Ayrshire outfit, the band have been steadily cementing their place in the local music scene since way back in 2002, and have taken the time to meticulously fine-tune their sound to something undeniably unique. The alternative trio are currently taking time out of their usually packed gigging schedule to record new album Let The Sea Take You, due summer ‘15. Myspace.com/thisfamiliarsmile
GARETH DICKSON We first witnessed guitarist Gareth Dickson at Glasgow’s Nice'N'Sleazy Open Mic night, and we were transfixed. While his lyrics are minimalist, the swells, diminuendos and fragility of his guitar work are all that are required to leave the listener mesmerised. Gareth has just received funding from Creative Scotland and plans to be busy in the studio over the coming weeks, but we’ve a feeling we'll be seeing a lot more of him in 2015. Garethdickson.co.uk
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INTERVIEW: JASON MRAZ BY RACHEL COBURN
I
nternationally renowned musician and man of the people Jason Mraz kicks off his exciting UK tour this month, so I caught up with him to chat all about the new album, breakdancing, and why we should all say thank you.
HOW’RE YOU? ARE YOU AT HOME CHILLING ON THE RANCH? I’m great thank you! I’m actually out watering my trees at the moment. I’m just taking a few days to relax before the tour, although to be honest I actually find touring more relaxing than being at home. Touring is very scheduled, and I’m looking forward to getting into a proper routine again. YOU’RE ABOUT TO EMBARK ON THE UK LEG OF THE YES! TOUR. IT HAS BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE WE’VE SEEN YOU IN GLASGOW. ARE YOU EXCITED TO BE COMING BACK? Very much so, yes - I love Scotland! I have new songs, a new band and am just bringing a whole…newness with me! It’s going to be great.
Just Say
YES. 44 MUSIC .
AND YOU HAVE THE LOVELY LADIES OF RAINING JANE IN TOW. WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO MOVE AWAY FROM THE UPBEAT BIG BAND SOUND AND WRITE AN ACOUSTIC ALBUM? Raining Jane are wonderful women. They bring beauty, tenderness and authenticity to the stage. Total trailblazers! As for the album, I didn’t have an agenda, the songs tell me what to do. The songs that I wrote in 2013 are songs of gratitude and compassion; they could all be expressed simply. I guess I didn’t need a band for that to come across. Life had been a party for a while, and I no longer wanted a party. I wanted peace.
WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
YES! WAS RECORDED ON YOUR FARM. WHAT WAS DIFFERENT ABOUT RECORDING THE ALBUM IN YOUR HOME RATHER THAN IN A STUDIO? It was good to not have to stick to certain timescales, or tiptoe around a studio. I could get everything done in the comfort of my own home, and at my own pace, whenever I felt inspired. I’d spend whole days on the farm soaking up the sunshine before heading in to record, and after that, I felt ready to work. RIGHT BACK FROM YOUR 2002 ALBUM, WAITING FOR MY ROCKET TO COME, YOUR MUSIC HAS BEEN AN EXPRESSION OF JOYOUSNESS. WHERE DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION FROM?
I HAVE ONE LAST QUESTION. ANY REGRETS ABOUT THAT PALE BLUE SUIT FROM THE ‘YOU AND I BOTH’ VIDEO? Hilarious. I loved that suit! I think I still have the hat too… If I could change anything about that video, it’d be a lot less sloppy, and I would’ve been breakdancing. YOU CAN BREAKDANCE?! Sure can! I’ll bet! Well, I’ll let you get back to watering your trees, and we’ll see you in Glasgow! The YES! album is out now, and Jason will be performing at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Feb 11th 2015.
Honestly, the biggest area I draw my inspiration from is the music itself. Music is a joyful, magical, spiritual experience. It’s a tool of transformation and doesn’t feel like homework to me at all. As far back as the first album, there was joy in my work even if I didn’t quite know what I was saying. I’ve spent the years after that fine-tuning that expression into something conversational and simple. I KNOW YOU’RE A BIG BELIEVER IN THE POWER OF YOGA AND MEDITATION. HOW DO YOU FEEL IT AFFECTS YOUR DAY TO DAY LIFE? Meditation is about trying to improve your own life. Everything started making sense when I did it. I think that meditation is anything you really turn your whole attention to, anything that fills your mind and allows your true self to flourish. Even watering my trees or going for a long drive can be meditation to me, as long as I zone out. Being with your mind is a wonderful thing. YOU’RE RECOGNISED FOR YOUR HUMANITARIAN WORK, ESPECIALLY THE PRESERVATION OF OUR PLANET. IF YOU COULD SUGGEST ONE THING WE COULD DO TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Gratitude. Saying please and thank you, especially before we eat. We’re unbelievably lucky. I think if we reprogramme our brains to stop and say thank you, we can get closer to the bigger picture of the earth. We should tread lighter, throw less bombs, and plant more trees.
@SCOTCAMPUS
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SCOTCAMPUS PLAYLIST: MUSIC FROM THE MOVIES BY MICHAEL EDWARDS
A
banging tune can tie itself to a great night out, a nasty break-up or massive road trip. Sometimes, though, savvy directors harness this power to make good scenes great. Here's our list of top music moments in film.
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY QUEEN
TINY DANCER ELTON JOHN
This song is so epic that it could be a film in its own right. But the scene in Wayne's World (1992), with everyone singing along in the car, is surely an experience everyone shares. Go on…admit it.
In the scene from Almost Famous (2000), a group of disgruntled musos sit in angry silence until, through the power of Elton's magical music, they're coaxed back into life. A bit like us with a hangover.
NINE TO FIVE DOLLY PARTON
PRETTY WOMAN ROY ORBISON
We all dread a full day's work occasionally, but this song, and the eponymous film about getting revenge on a lying, sexist, bigoted boss, make everything OK.
We dare anyone to go on a shopping splurge and not think of Roy Orbison's song, and Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman (1990). It's not possible.
EVERYTHING IS AWESOME!!! TEGAN & SARAH (FEAT. THE LONELY ISLAND)
LOSE YOURSELF EMINEM
It's not a classic yet, but we can't be the only ones who had this ironic tune from The Lego Movie (2014) stuck in our head for most of 2014. In a good way, obvs.
The rap God’s track epitomises the power of music to transport us elsewhere; and the scene in his movie 8 Mile (2002) captures the electricity of a live performance perfectly.
MRS ROBINSON SIMON & GARFUNKEL
DANGER ZONE KENNY LOGGINS
The Graduate (1967) is a bona fide classic, and Simon & Garfunkel's specially penned accompaniments play a big part in capturing the feel of the film.
Anyone who's seen the animated comedy series Archer might find this hard to separate from their running gag, but this is still a great cult hit from a heart-pounding '80s action classic.
UNCHAINED MELODY THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS One of the most recorded songs of the twentieth century had to be part of an iconic movie moment eventually, although few could've predicted that would be a romantic pottery scene in supernatural romantic thriller Ghost (1990). @SCOTCAMPUS
LUST FOR LIFE IGGY POP A thumping, life affirming tune is put to stunning effect by director Danny Boyle in the pulsating opening to his adaptation of Irving Welsh's Trainspotting (1996). And we can't think of a better ending to our playlist.
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INTERVIEW: SAINT RAYMOND BY MICHAEL EDWARDS
SAINT RAYMOND'S DAY. 48 MUSIC .
WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
C
allum Burrows, aka Saint Raymond, has exploded since we last spoke to him. He’s toured with Ed Sheeran, his ‘Young Blood’ EP reached number 4 in the charts, and the title track was Zane Lowe's "Hottest Record in the World". Now he’s off on a sold out tour of his own, his new album’s pencilled for a summer release and, somehow, he’s still the same open, down to earth guy we met last year. YOU’VE GOT A SOLD OUT TOUR COMING UP, ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GOING BACK ON THE ROAD? I’ve literally been counting down the days ‘til I get back out on the road. I just love the whole tour experience of getting to travel around places, and it’s kind of cool for me as well because I’m at an age where a lot of my friends have gone to university, so going on the road means I get to see them and hang out, which is cool. Although it still baffles me that I can go to places like Glasgow and people are turning up to see me. It freaks me out a little bit! AND THE NEW ALBUM, WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THAT?
DOES THAT LEARNING CURVE AFFECT HOW YOU SEE OTHER BANDS? It’s really hard as a musician to not become a snob, and not go to a gig and say ‘oh his snares or toms sound rubbish’ kind of thing, but I’ve always made sure I haven’t been that person. It’s weird anyway though, because a lot of people won’t like an artist because they are ‘pop’ or whatever. I’ve always been against that. If a song’s good you should like it, not think ‘oh, that’s good, but it’s tailored to X so I can’t like it’. For me, if a song’s good, it’s good. So I try to avoid all that stuff and just enjoy the music. ARE YOU ENJOYING ANY SPECIFIC BANDS RIGHT NOW? There’s a Scottish band actually, Model Aeroplanes, they’re really exciting. Prides are another one. There’s loads. I think it helps that the mainstream world is taking on guitar music a lot more, so people are feeling a bit encouraged that they’re not going to be pigeon-holed as ‘just another indie band’ kind of thing, so yeah, it’s an exciting time for music! To hear more from Saint Raymond, head over to Scotcampus.com for the extended interview.
I’ve always written about real life. Everything that’s going on, and about friends… anything really. For me it’s about encapsulating an atmosphere. I really love that festival sound, and the experience of going to a festival, where you just have an amazing few days with your mates and forget about everything else. Things like being on Twitter all the time, which I’m a fool with, I think I do it too much, and it’s nice to have those times when you just get away. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER YOUNG MUSICIANS? The thing I always did was social media. Social media really is key these days… but you need to just go out and play gigs too. I spent three or four years gigging in bars where no-one would be there, and those are the gigs where you learn something about yourself, and discover yourself as an artist... There might only be ten people there, but that’s doesn’t mean you should be discouraged, and try and less at the gig.You should play like there’s 10,000: because those ten people still deserve a really good show. @SCOTCAMPUS
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Rae Of
Sunshine. INTERVIEW: RAE MORRIS BY ANNA MCALPINE
A
t just 22, Blackpool’s Rae Morris is shining bright. Not only did the singersongwriter round off an amazing year by appearing on the BBC Sound of 2015 longlist, but she’s kicking off the new one with her debut album, Unguarded. Rae’s music has an effortlessly intimate feel, but with a bite that’s clearly evident from her list of inspirations: PJ Harvey, Kate Bush and Feist. What’s more, she’s been surrounded by a whole load of hype and praise to boot (Chris Martin, Haim and Bombay Bicycle Club are just a few of her fans!). We caught up with the lady of the moment as she embarks on her exciting February tour. YOU’RE SO YOUNG TO BE HAVING SUCH AN IMPACT ON THE MUSIC INDUSTRY. WHAT WAS IT THAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN MUSIC? I was about 17 when I started writing and I was going through those weird feelings that everybody at that age goes through. I found this thing that I didn’t know that I could do through exploring song writing. It was wonderful and I suddenly had this urge to write more and document everything - that’s how it all began. YOU HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED AS PART OF THE LONGLIST FOR THE BBC SOUND OF 2015 AWARDS - CONGRATULATIONS! HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU FOUND OUT? I hadn’t realised it was happening and one day it just got announced and I was like “oh wow that’s crazy”. I didn’t expect it at all! Being highlighted amongst all those amazing musicians is really cool. I am very grateful.
50 MUSIC .
YOUR DEBUT ALBUM DEALS A LOT WITH RELATIONSHIPS BOTH ROMANTICALLY AND PLATONICALLY. DID YOU DRAW ON PERSONAL EXPERIENCES? I think I am definitely inspired by people around me and the people that I meet. Humans generally fascinate me and everything is pretty much based on personal experience. Apart from ‘Cold Feet’ which we sat back from and wrote something less personal to ourselves which was really interesting to do. ONE OF YOUR TRACKS, ‘DO YOU EVEN KNOW’, CONNECTS TO FEARS OF MANIPULATING YOUR WORK TO FIT IN WITH THE EXPECTATIONS OF OTHERS. IS THIS SOMETHING YOU HAVE FACED A LOT AS AN ARTIST? I’ve definitely found it quite difficult and I think that the longer you take over an album, the more you start to overthink it. At the stage of writing ‘Do You Even Know’ I was a bit nervous; I wanted people to understand who I was. This song for me was a way of making sure that everybody knew exactly who I am. YOUR TOUR IS JAM-PACKED - 12 DATES IN 16 DAYS! HOW DOES THAT FEEL? The break I’ve had from touring has been important but I can’t wait and I’m ready to go for it. I’m really excited about the Manchester show as it’s the closest I have to a home town gig; I’ve played there a lot before so it’ll be nice to play it again with my new album. Rae’s debut album, Unguarded is out now. WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
This Month We
LOVE. MISHA HART
ILLUSTRATION: VERIETTE.COM
PHOTO: DENNIS MCINALLY
With an angular face, bushybrows and a super cute bob-do, Glaswegian model Misha Hart has made her way to the top of the modelling mountain at astronomical speed. Currently plastered all over Topshop’s interior, the model adds the likes of Armani, Johnathan Saunders and Burberry to her impressive CV. The 20-yearold newcomer flies the flag for rock-and-roll. She names Kurt Cobain, Iggy Pop and Elvis Presley as her muses and spends her free time drawing and writing her own music. Move over Cara, Misha is this year’s new style icon.
CATS BROTHERS The futuristic knitwear collaboration was conceived by two eccentric designers, Lindsay McKean and Anna Wilkinson. Cats Brothers reinvents traditional knitting methods and upcycles with poms-poms, lace and sequins. Paying homage to artists such as Biggie Smalls and Tupac, they breathe new life into heavilyreproduced iconic images, taking pre-printed t-shirts and adding their own personal touch through stitch and embroidery. Their range including denim shirts, lace dresses and bold woollies - fills the contemporary knitwear gap. Who can resist a hug-worthy knitted number? PRINGLE OF SCOTLAND The iconic knitwear brand, founded in 1815, raises a glass this year to its 200th anniversary. Despite its age, Pringle of Scotland can no longer be dubbed the old-fogey of knitwear as creative director Massimo Nicosia only has eyes for the future. His womenswear collection sees the designer combining traditional prints with 3D printed, sci-fi worthy fabrics and his menswear collection fuses pixelated prints with jumpers and bomber jackets that kill on the catwalk.
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WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
The
VLOGGERATI. BY AMY ANDERSON
B
uying a new lipstick or foundation can be a stressful task. Approaching a sparkling cosmetics counter to ask a perfectly-groomed sales assistant for advice on what colour to choose can seem as intimidating as walking into a job interview. For as lovely and helpful as they tend to be, it’s often hard to distinguish whether they’re gushing about a product because they truly believe in it or if the advice is merely a thinly disguised sales pitch. Herein lies the growing appeal of beauty ‘vloggers’ (video bloggers), the popular pack of passionate makeup junkies who can be trusted to upload unbiased product reviews and easy-to-follow makeup tutorials to YouTube from the comfort of their bedrooms. Creating their own cosmetic lines, partying in Dubai with the rich and famous and sitting front row at New York Fashion Week has become the norm for many of YouTube’s most successful, who have been propelled into the spotlight in real-life, web-based fairy tales.
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WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
ZOELLA One of the internet’s biggest sensations, Zoe Sugg (aka: Zoella) tried her hand at recording a video for the first time five years ago. A twist of fate, several hundred lip glosses and over seven million subscribers later the 24-year-old is now a best-selling author (her debut novel, Girl Online, broke the record for highest first-week sales ever from a new author), entrepreneur (Zoella Beauty, her range of bath and body products are stocked in Superdrug) and bona fide online superstar. Zoe now has more Twitter followers than David Cameron, regularly appears on television and can make thousands from merely mentioning a product on her YouTube channel. Yet, oddly enough, the secret to her success continues to be how well her followers can relate to her as an ordinary girl, just like them. People are drawn to beauty vloggers because they are more accessible than their mainstream counterparts: they get spots (and are not afraid to show them!), skip the gym in favour of a night in front of the telly and complain about products they wish they hadn’t bought. And while they
might be savvy businesswomen, you can’t deny they’d all make great friends. Just like Zoe, former cosmetics counter assistant Tanya Burr has managed to build an empire from her YouTube success. The bubbly 25-year-old, who is engaged to fellow YouTube ‘celebrity’ Jim Chapman, now has her own cosmetics brand and is set to release her first book, Love Tanya Burr, later this year. Not bad for a girl who didn’t know what she wanted to do with her life when she left school! But it’s not just girls next door that are racking up the views. Lisa Eldridge and Charlotte Tilbury are two of the world’s most successful professional makeup artists, having both worked their magic on top models and celebrities such as Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham and Sienna Miller. It’s a testament to YouTube’s growing influence and appeal that both of these beauty powerhouses decided to set up their own channels on which to share their knowledge and skills. While YouTube has already spawned several online celebrities, there’s always room for a new face or two. So we trawled YouTube to bring you the beautyvlogging gurus that we think are set to go viral!
SHARON FARRELL
EM FORD (MY PALE SKIN)
JACKIE WYERS
Sharon is originally from Ireland but now lives in Sydney, Australia. As a professional makeup artist, Sharon creates stunning looks but comes across as incredibly friendly and approachable, making her tutorials really easy to follow.
Em Ford lives in London and started a YouTube channel as a spin-off to her blog, My Pale Skin. Her reviews are honest and varied whilst her tutorials are completely on-point (she’s responsible for teaching us how to rock the Kylie Jenner lip!).
Canadian beauty Jackie Wyers might only be 18, but she already has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to fashion, hair and makeup. The talented teen regularly uses and recommends affordable products from brands such as Revlon and Maybelline.
@SCOTCAMPUS
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TREATS FOR 2015 (That Won’t Break The Bank).
BY SHAUNA MCGREGOR
W
e’ve all made the promise at least once this year to keep a sharper eye on our pennies. Your discipline however will no doubt have been tested with 2015's new collections. But there’s no need to fall off the wagon; glean inspiration from our top treats that will keep your piggy bank one happy ham.
Guys:
Girls: Pay homage to the late '60s while ticking off all your newseason wish list boxes in this cute camel number. Play with your textures and team this up with a ribbed turtleneck or fluffy knit.
RIDE IT T-SHIRT £25 ABANDON SHIP
Deemed as the new black, 2015 forecasts a rise in refreshing bleached-out white. Stay bang on trend and fly the flag for Scottish fashion in this graphic Abandon Ship tee. The New Year calls for a new nail colour. This dreamy matte nail paint by Nails Inc. is mocha-licious and matches absolutely everything.
MILLY'S BEARD OIL £10 APOTHECARY87
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NAIL POLISH IN CAMDEN PASSAGE £7 NAILS INC.
Keep your grooming game strong with Milly’s beard oil, perfect for on-the-go beard maintenance. Packed with divine powers to keep your beard soft and moisturised. Balance out super-bright patterned mini-skirts with this muted black turtleneck. Versatile and minimal, you’ll never have it off.
SATIN BOMBER JACKET £34.99 H&M
A-LINE SKIRT £17.99 NEW LOOK
TURTLE NECK £14 ASOS
The shiny satin and stand up collar gives this piece of outerwear a tasteful twist. Layer this up with a t-shirt and your favourite jeans and you’re good to go. WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
PLUM PRINT POCKET SQUARE £6 TOPMAN
GUITAR PRINT LONG SLEEVE SHIRT £50 RIVER ISLAND
SAUSAGE DOG PRINTED SOCKS £3 TOPMAN
Trend Spotting: Mens Fashion
Prints Charming. B
right florals, subtle detailing and even an animal pattern or two - get ready for a colour splash as prints take over your wardrobe this season. The gloves can finally come off as we say goodbye to a chilly-baltic winter and get ready to give a big hug to a brighter spring. Try these eye-catching items on for size.
GREY FLORAL SKETCH PRINT SWEATSHIRT £28 RIVER ISLAND
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INDIGO FLORAL PRINT SHIRT £60 ASOS
MOUSTACHE PRINT BOXER SHORTS PACK £22 RIVER ISLAND WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
GREY SUEDE SLOUCH BOOTS £140 OFFICE
BURGUNDY BOOTS £125 TOPSHOP
GREY TIE BACK BOOTS £39.99 NEW LOOK
Trend Spotting: Womens Fashion
Bootylicious. F
irst making an appearance in the late sixties with black and gold patent-leather, thigh-highs are this season’s must-have footwear. Offering some serious outfit transforming potential, thigh-highs are currently dominating the runways, so there’s no way that this bad-ass boot trend is going anywhere.
NAVY SUEDE OVER THE KNEE BOOT £95 ASOS
@SCOTCAMPUS
BLACK CLEATED PLATFORM BOOTS £70 RIVER ISLAND
BLACK FAUX LEATHER BOOTS £177 MISTA
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Glasgow Street Style. I
TWEET US YOUR STREET STYLE AND YOU COULD APPEAR IN OUR NEXT FEATURE! @SCOTCAMPUS
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIN KENNEDY: ERINKENNEDY.CO.UK
t’s raining, it’s pouring, and we’d rather stay in bed snoring. Winter won’t seem to unwrap its icy grip and we’re raging that we still have to wear three pairs of socks and have the heating up full blast just to stay warm.
Thankfully, the dip in temperature hasn’t stopped you lot from wrapping up in a few thousands scarves and braving the outside world, and our photographer Erin Kennedy was there to capture your finest street attire for our Glasgow street style showcase!
A bold print black and white scarf paired with square patterned tights? That’s a double win in our eyes.
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A floral print is always destined to brighten things up whatever the weather. Bloomin’ marvellous. WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
Shorter jackets can still do the trick when it comes to keeping warm. These brown, grey and moss winter tones look great and will be sure to banish Jack Frost. @SCOTCAMPUS
We can almost see summer on the horizon! This warm yellow jacket injects some colour to the Glasgow streets. The extra chunky scarf guarantees serious cosiness.
Who doesn’t love a fur-hooded jacket? It’s both super warm and on-trend. And you can pretend to be a lion when it rains.
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Cinema's Most
STRIKING
Looks. BY MICHAEL EDWARDS
RYAN GOSLING DRIVE With his half-zipped bomber jacket and tight trousers, The Driver’s (Gosling) look in Nicholas Winding Refn’s stylish crime flick could quite fairly be described as a contemporary take on James Dean’s look in Rebel Without A Cause, and we love it. The headline piece is that scorpion logoed varsity jacket, but the devil’s in the detail: driving gloves, a classic watch and some killer shades. JEAN SEBERG BREATHLESS The Nouvelle Vague is a treasure trove of Parisian chic, so it’s a little ironic that American Jean Seberg was the one whose look had the greatest impact on the fashion world. The pixie haircut has never gone out of fashion, and her Breton tops, ballet flats and chinos combine comfort and cool in a way that made sure they became wardrobe staples around the world.
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WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
TONY LEUNG IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE If you thought Mad Men brought back stylish, slim fitting suits, you obviously haven’t seen Wong Kar Wai’s sumptuous story of forbidden passion. Tony Leung’s suits are a masterclass in fit and style. Clean, crisp lines, broken only when Wong Kar Wai decides the mood is right. And set against the bright, vibrant prints on Maggie Cheung’s stunning, tight-fitted dresses there’s a real sense of the battle between the oppressive forces of social conformity and the strong emotional bond between the two not-quite-lovers. MICHAEL J. FOX BACK TO THE FUTURE Super-cool nerd Marty McFly (Fox) reclaimed this double denim and sleeveless puffer look from the tough-talking cowboys of old, and passed it on to the little guy. As well as being iconic, the layering is also pretty darn practical and can easily transition from autumn to April. Robert Zemeckis, we salute you. AUDREY HEPBURN BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S You might think that a film about a socialite in high society would deliver ball gowns beyond the reach of most mere mortals. But Holly Golightly’s (Hepburn) main legacy to the world is the LBD, an essential that nobody would dare be without anymore. MOLLY RINGWALD PRETTY IN PINK Andie Walsh (Ringwald) was all about challenging assumptions, and the final blow to the naysayers was delivered by her unique pink prom dress. The iconic creation proved that redheads can wear pink, that vintage is always cool, and that tailoring your own wardrobe is the way to go. Originality rules. (Although costume designer Marilyn Vance deserves most of the credit). @SCOTCAMPUS
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DREAM
(That Don't Exist) H ave you ever envisaged living in your dream home…only the place in question doesn’t actually exist? We knew it wasn’t just us. Who hasn’t spent afternoons daydreaming of spiral staircases, tall turrets, personal butlers and a dusting of magic? The world of film & fiction has given us plenty of food for thought on where would make the ultimate student digs. We’d move into these fictional homes tomorrow!
HOGWARTS
DISNEY CASTLES
THE TARDIS
Since we’re STILL waiting on our Hogwarts letters, we’ve almost accepted that we might be Muggles. That doesn’t stop us hoping that Hagrid will appear to tell us we’re wizards, get us an owl & take us to the castle to learn spells (and be pals with Harry). Just remove Voldy, trolls and the scary battles and you’re left with the best student accommodation of all time.
We’ve tried wishing on a star,
Way more than just a blue telephone box. For starters, it’s bigger on the inside. So big in fact, that the famous Doctor Who spaceship has a swimming pool, library, art gallery and observatory. Not to mention you have all of time and space at your fingertips. We’re waitng to get a call about being the next companion…
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but our fairy godmother has yet to turn our car into a carriage and take us to our very own castle. From a chateau full of talking furniture to palaces complete with pet tiger, there’s a perfect home in the world of Disney for every day of the week.
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HOMES
WAYNE MANOR
UP HOUSE
Na na na na na na na na BAT
A flying house powered by thousands of colourful balloons. 'Nuff said. The tear-jerking animation from Pixar, Up, made the world want to fly away in Carl’s house. The setting of its final landing place at Paradise Falls is the most idyllic place to spend the rest of your days.
HOUSE! Master of the house Bruce Wayne (aka Batman) has it all; countless riches, Michael Caine as a butler and the best garage in the universe; the Batcave. Forget monotonous subway journeys and bring on the Batmobiles. @SCOTCAMPUS
As tempting as it is to hold onto the fantasy, don’t forget to revisit reality every now and then. Because when you do move into your new abode and realise it’s not made out of gingerbread, only has one bedroom instead of 27 and isn’t complete with your very own house-elf, you’ll only have yourself to blame for eternal disappoitnment.
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ALAN GIBBONS ON HATE
A
lan Gibbons is an award-winning author from Liverpool. We sat down to talk about his new novel, Hate, a hardhitting thriller inspired by true events. YOU’VE WRITTEN DOZENS OF SUCCESSFUL BOOKS NOW, BUT HOW DID YOU GET STARTED AS A WRITER? I was a teacher. After reading so many wonderful children’s books to my classes, I found myself wanting to emulate the authors. Before long I was scribbling away. I finally plucked up the courage to send them off. After a number of reactions J.M.Dent, later Orion, signed me up.
HATE IS A DIFFERENT TO MANY OF THE BOOKS YOU’VE WRITTEN BEFORE, CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT WHAT MOVED YOU TO WRITE THIS BOOK? It was shock, simple as that. Sylvia Lancaster, mother of murdered Sophie, was speaking at a conference to which I was also contributing. I listened to her story and instantly knew I had to put the idea I had for my next book to one side and write about hate crime instead. Sophie’s murder is the stimulus for a work of fiction, but I didn’t want to move too far from the source material. Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood provided something of a model for this approach. WHY DO YOU THINK IT’S IMPORTANT TO TELL STORIES LIKE THIS?
WRITING THE BOOK MUST HAVE BEEN AN EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE, HOW DID THE WHOLE PROCESS AFFECT YOU?
The explanation I always use is that you only enter a dark room to find the torch to illuminate your way out. Evil and inhumanity must be faced. One of the most powerful means to counter prejudice and violence is to use art and narrative to create a counter-culture of respect and solidarity.
The most challenging part of writing the book was interviewing Sylvia herself. You almost feel you are exploiting a victim of this awful loss. The way to liberate yourself from the feeling of guilt that you could be using those who have suffered is to tell your story as effectively as you can. While I was writing I was always aware of my responsibility to the family.
AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE TO READ THEM?
WHAT ONE PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING WRITERS OUT THERE?
I don’t believe that novels can change the world. Novels are many things: entertainments, products on a market, educational tools. More than anything, they are a negotiation, a conversation, an exercise of the human spirit. If you can move one soul maybe that is a small step in making the world a better place.
Listen. Share. Never get too up yourself. It is your duty to develop a professional humility. There have been generations of writers before you and never has there been such a wealth of literature. If you want to write well, read as many of these brilliant practitioners as you can and learn from them.
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Scotcampus Bookshelf. BY MICHAEL EDWARDS
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e love curling up with a good book during the cold winter months, so in this issue we’re sharing the page-turners that have taken pride of place in the office bookshelf.
HATE ALAN GIBBONS
THE INVISIBLE LIBRARY GENEVIEVE COGMAN
Inspired by the real life murder of Sophie Lancaster, Gibbons’ hardhitting tale explores the dangers and depths of prejudice through the lives of a girl who lost her sister to a hate crime, and a young man who watched it happen but did nothing to help. A compelling read exploring a painfully relevant subject.
The Invisible Library is the story of a spy on a mission to collect works of fiction from alternate realities. It’s a great premise and a breathlessly chaotic tale, packed with literary references and a subtext that argues passionately for the defence and preservation of the written word. Plus it features a giant robotic centipede. Win.
WHY YOU? 101 INTERVIEW QUESTIONS YOU’LL NEVER FEAR AGAIN JAMES REED James Reed of REED Recruitment compiled this interview bible, which dissects 101 common interview questions to find out what employers really want to know, how to prepare your answers, and why there’s not always a ‘right’ response. Full of real-life examples and practical tips, this is a gem for job-seekers.
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ETTA AND OTTO AND RUSSELL AND JAMES EMMA HOOPER One day, 82-year-old Etta decides she’d like to see the sea before she dies, and that she’ll walk there from her home in Saskatchewan, Canada: 2,000 miles from the coast. Part The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, part Forrest Gump, all heart, Hooper’s novel is a whimsical delight with moving lessons about the development, growth and eventual loss of everything that makes us who we are.
THE MINIATURIST JESSIE BURTON 18-year-old Nella has been married off to an older merchant, and is left lonely and neglected in her new home. Her only entertainment is a miniature replica of the house, but when she commissions a miniaturist to make new items for her toy, strange parallels with real life emerge. A supernatural mystery in 17thcentury Amsterdam might not sound like everyone’s cup of tea, but Burton’s debut novel is grippingly good. WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT: AYDEN MILLAR LITTLE BLOG OF HORRORS
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN BLOGGING AND WHAT MADE YOU START YOUR OWN?
DO YOU THINK THAT BLOGGING IS USEFUL FOR STUDENTS FOR AIDING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES?
I started mine about five years ago while I was at uni. We were encouraged to keep an online journal, however my blog progressed into something a lot more personal when I discovered the ever-growing online community of bloggers that already existed.
I think across most creative industries a blog can act as an excellent platform for your work. Almost like an online portfolio. I know a lot of amazing journalists, photographers, artists, illustrators, food critics, graphic designers etc. whose work and blog go hand-in-hand.
WHAT EXPECTATIONS DID YOU HAVE WHEN SETTING UP YOUR OWN BLOG?
WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST EXCITING ABOUT BLOGGING?
I didn't really know what blogging was all about. I just started to share pictures and stories from my day to day life: food, cats, tattoos, makeup and day trips. Before I knew it I had slotted into the category of 'Lifestyle Blogger'.
The most exciting thing is all the fantastic people I have got to meet over the years and the opportunities I have been exposed to. I also love the fact that I have generated an online diary of memories which I can look back on in years to come.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO JUGGLE A CHALLENGING CAREER AND YOUR BLOG? I work in the TV and Film Industry on a selfemployed basis, which means I often have weeks off between jobs. Working 12-14 hour days mean I don't blog as much when I’m on a job, but then I’m able to focus a lot more time on it when I'm off. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BUILD A SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE TO DEVELOP A BLOG? You could have the best blog in the world but nobody reading it if they don't know you exist! Social media is a great way of communicating with fellow bloggers and readers. If you can send an email and use Facebook, then you can definitely set up a blog! I paid for a graphic designer to make my layout, but this isn't necessary and there are loads of tutorials online if you are looking to jazz yours up. @SCOTCAMPUS
WHAT HAVE YOU NOTICED CHANGING IN THE BLOGOSPHERE OVER THE YEARS? The blogging world is much more saturated today, with millions of people writing blogs. So sometimes it can be hard to stand out. You also get a lot of people blogging thinking they will get 'free stuff' from companies. I have been lucky enough to work with a lot of brands who I have admired for years, but if you are starting a blog just for freebies, then you are doing it for the wrong reasons. DO YOU HAVE ANY EXPERT TIPS? Do it for yourself; no one else. If you invest time in honest writing and taking good quality pictures of whatever subject you are passionate about, along with networking and engaging with your readership, your blog will naturally blossom into something you take pride in. I have stayed true to myself and I have built up a loyal readership of people who will be my friends for life.
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SHONA MCGOWAN, TAKEN IN GLENFINNAN
JOANNA ZUCHOWSA, TAKEN IN PARIS
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SCOTCAMPUS SHOWCASE GET YOUR PHOTOS PUBLISHED: Time for us to stop talking and for you to take over! We’ve been kicking back to flick through the amazing images that you’ve sent us. Scotcampus Showcase is designed give your work the kudos it deserves, and in every issue, we’re publishing the most striking images we receive on a set theme. This issue we asked for Pictures That Tell a Story… ENTER APRIL’S THEME: For our next Showcase, we’re looking for pictures of April Fools, it could be a funny practical joke you caught in action, or a totally new angle on the theme: you can’t go wrong if you make us smile! So if you’re an original prankster or just have a knack for goodtiming, make sure and send us whatever your capture. SENDING YOUR IMAGES Send your 300 dpi image files (at least 6 megapixels) via email or WeTransfer to hello@scotcampus.com with the subject line Reader Gallery, telling us your name, location and Twitter handle if you have one and a little bit about where your photo was taken. We’ll be accepting submissions until 9am, Monday the 23rd of March. Get snap happy! PETER ADAMS, TAKEN IN BISHOPBRIGGS @SCOTCAMPUS
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A Film Guide To
LA LA Land . BY DANIELLE SHIELDS
L
os Angeles: the only city on Earth where you can gaze at the stars with your head glued to the ground. I expected to see nothing but elegant models carrying pooches in their Louis Vuitton handbags, but instead I became caught in the herd of tourists as I dodged wannabe rappers propelling their amateur CDs at my face as soon as I arrived. This was the famous Hollywood Boulevard. It was light-years away from what I imagined. The City of Angels had been singing sweet lullabies to me ever since I began watching The Breakfast Club on repeat. When I was accepted to study abroad as an exchange student at San Diego State University, I knew that this was the perfect opportunity to visit LA – which was a mere two hour Greyhound bus journey away. I decided that I wouldn’t allow my first impressions to tarnish my long LA Bucket List and I was eager to tick off no.1: watch the Oscars. A Mexican TV presenter and her Cinderella-styled ball gown took up three quarters of the bench that I was sitting on by the balcony. The cameraman fidgeted with his equipment taking shots of nothing in particular by the window. They too had discovered that the Hollywood Youth Hostel offers the ideal bird’s eye view to watch guests arriving at the Oscars. After hours in suspense, a dashing black car drew to a stop at the red carpet. A silver stiletto stabbed out. We exchanged raised eyebrows. Who the heck is it? We don’t even get a second look as the solo guest gets lost in a hundred invading bodies. Flash. Our primitive instinct kicked in as we turned into the savage paparazzi, “OMG it is Leo bloody DiCaprio”. Upon gazing at the herd of celebs however, it seemed apparent that glamourous images we see in the magazines are far from the reality of the vision of them entering the security tent, which was more comparable to a pack of commuters on a Tokyo subway. “Who could this be?” we wondered as one final black limo pulls up. Out steps the King and Queen of Hollywood themselves: Brangelina. We scream their names. They notice us, they wave at us!
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The second experience to tick off was to attend a TV taping. Despite the show having since bombed, I attended a taping for a new TVs sitcom, Mulaney. With an entertainer hired to keep us amused in between takes while Reese’s Pieces were thrown to us at every spare moment, it was a pretty luxurious four hours which didn’t cost a dime. Despite the pain of fake laughing after repeated takes, I was hooked and later went on to see Two and a Half Men, America’s Got Talent and American Idol.
Next on my hit list was Paleyfest (think Comic-Con without the convention or the cosplay). Held at the Oscars’ own venue, Dolby Theatre, this week-long event sees stars from the biggest television shows migrate for hour-long interviews which start at $30. I was the weird girl in the University library who cried during procrastination when I found out that Paleyfest was hosting a ‘Lost: Ten Year Reunion’ event. This was the ultimate gift from the city.
THE STARS OF LOST RE-ENACT THE PLANE-CRASH SCENE AS THEY CELEBRATE THE TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE SHOW
LA was a lot like love for me: my expectations were impossibly high before I had even locked eyes on the city and the flawed reality I discovered felt as though my Prince Charming was a little dastardly. Yet, as I gazed at the stars one final time, I was happy to have made friends with the hectic city. @SCOTCAMPUS
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Have Your Say: Register To Vote.
I
t's been a monumental time for Scottish politics, and with a General Election on the horizon in 2015, it’s essential to know what steps you need to take to ensure that you’re eligible to vote when the time comes. As Glasgow has the largest student population in Scotland with over 168,000 students, and figures suggest that 30% of 18-24 year olds are not registered to vote, it’s more important than ever to make sure that more young people have their say. If you were already registered to vote you will have received a letter from the Electoral Registration Office. If you need to provide further information to remain on the register it is important to respond to this request as you may incur a fine if you don’t. There’s no need to worry, registering has never been easier as you can now do so online at Gov.uk/register-to-vote or phone Glasgow City
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Council’s Electoral Registration Office on 0141 287 4444. It should only take about five minutes, but you will need to have your national insurance number to complete your application. Remember that every time you move address you need to register to vote. Students are unique in that they can register at both their term address and home address if they are in different local authorities. Although it is an offence to vote more than once in an election, this arrangement provides students with the flexibility of being able to vote at the address you will be at on Election Day. A General Election will take place on Thursday 7th May 2015. If you are 17 years old but will turn 18 by this date you can register to vote now and vote in this election. The deadline to register to vote for the General Election is Monday 20th April 2015. Don’t delay and apply today.
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HOW DID YOU GET INTO COSTUME? I started out studying Fine Art, specialising in Sculpture, at Edinburgh College of Art. But a lot of my work was constructing garments and disguising or dressing up objects, so I went on to study Theatre Costume Interpretation at Telford College, also in Edinburgh. While I was there I learned about pattern cutting, advanced sewing techniques and fabric manipulation. WAS THE TRANSITION FROM STUDY TO WORKING LIFE AN EASY ONE?
How I Bagged My Dream
Job.
FIONA CROZIER IS A COSTUME MAKER AND EMBROIDERER ON TV SERIES OUTLANDER. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? I enjoy being able to do what I love most every day, and getting paid for it! Being absorbed in period costume and fashion, and actually getting to construct and produce these pieces is really rewarding, especially when you see the garments on screen. AND WHAT'S THE HARDEST PART? The hours and workload can be very intense, especially if there’s a deadline looming. Often you’re working with expensive, large machinery, and you have to stay focused for up to 12 hours a day, which can be difficult. And as the work tends to vary from day to day, you’re constantly learning new skills and coming up against new obstacles… but to me that is part of the fun too. @SCOTCAMPUS
I was always working while I studied, so the transition was pretty straight forward. All that changed was the working hours! When I was at college I worked part time as a seamstress in a bridal shop and did some freelance theatre work. And I did a few work placements while I was at Telford too, which gave me an idea of what the industry’s like. I also started a small fashion label called Tooth Tooth, selling ties and shirts made out of vintage fabrics, and that gave me a different perspective on the industry. I was my own boss and it was a very different line of work to costume making. HOW DID YOU LAND THE JOB AT OUTLANDER? I was recommended for the job by my tutor at Telford, and after an interview they hired me as a trainee for almost a year. Then was asked to stay on as a Costume Maker. But I got that first bit of theatre work from completing work placements. If you do things like that, and show you’re competent and useful while you’re studying, you’re more likely to be asked back for paid work. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANYONE WHO WANTS TO WORK IN COSTUME? Definitely get your name out there while you’re still at college, whether you're lucky enough to get paid work or just doing as many work placements as possible; more often than not this will lead to further work. Networking is extremely important, which means forging relationships with the people you are working with and taking in any advice. Doing as much as you can early on in your career will ensure you have a vast and varied knowledge.
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Back To The
DRAWING BOARD. INTERVIEW: ROB MCCALLUM
I
magine being able to list Marvel, DC, Pacific Rim, Total Recall and Scott Pilgrim as just SOME of the big names you’ve worked with on the old CV. Storyboard and Comic Artist Rob has done just that. We talk to him about his impressive back catalogue, breaking into the industry and his Scottish roots. YOUR COLLECTION OF WORK IS OUTSTANDING. WHEN DID YOU START DRAWING? I've always enjoyed drawing. As a kid I used to get some big sheets of newsprint and cover it with a huge sprawling story of guys on missions fighting monsters and things like that. I drew my own comics too. DID YOU GO INTO FURTHER EDUCATION TO PURSUE YOUR CAREER? I got into Glasgow School of Art and studied Graphics and Illustration. While the late great Bob Godfrey of Rhubarb and Custard and Henry's Cat fame was visiting to do a lecture, he saw some of my ideas and asked me down to London to work for him as a work placement. This was all really encouraging to say the least!
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WHAT AREAS DID YOU FOCUS ON DURING UNIVERSITY? I started drawings for the Glasgow comic Electric Soup. After a while, I moved towards more audio visual, video and animation. I did some animation and made some of my own films with video special effects using a Quantel Paintbox - a computer that had its own room! I also made my own short films and wrote some scripts. HOW DID YOU BREAK INTO THE INDUSTRY AFTER YOUR STUDIES? After leaving art school, I started drawing comics for a living and that led to me making contacts in the industry. I spent a few years drawing for 2000AD, Judge Dredd, DC, Dark Horse and Marvel where I worked for Stan Lee on his "still officially on hold" Excelsior line. Then I got a call from STV - this was the call that gave me my first jump into film and TV world. The first feature release I worked on was The Acid House directed by Paul McGuigan. who has most recently directed Sherlock. I've just worked with Paul on a TV pilot for Dreamworks and on his next feature Victor Frankenstein starring Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy. WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
YOU'VE WORKED ON SOME AMAZING PROJECTS, IS IT EVER HARD-GOING? Every job is hard-going in different ways. The long hours are the toughest as it's 12-hour days at least. I’ve had jobs where I've had to get about two hours sleep a night for a week to get stuff drawn in time. There's pressure and responsibility, but it’s nice when it stops sometimes. WHAT DOES A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A STORYBOARD ARTIST INVOLVE? These days, I get up at 5:30am and drive to the studio for a 7am start. I paint in Photoshop; sometimes you get a rough computer sketch that one of the set designers has done as a basis for the set. Other times, it's all from scratch. For storyboards, you sit down with the director to work through the sequence. Some tell you just what to draw. Most directors are open to ideas if you have any. Storyboards tends to be a job I take home with me; I’m always trying to think of better ways to frame shots and tell the story. HOW DID STUDYING AND GROWING UP IN SCOTLAND SHAPE YOUR CAREER? My Art Teacher, Gordon Wyllie, really encouraged me at high school and was a great inspiration. He encouraged me to put some paintings I did into competitions and I got first place in many of them. I owe a lot to him. He also encouraged me to apply to Glasgow School of Art which was somewhere I wouldn't have thought I could have gotten into. AND WHAT INFORMED THE MOVE TO CANADA? I moved in 2001 because of the girl who is now my wife and mother of my kids! I miss Scotland a lot though. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ANYONE WHO ASPIRES TO MAKE IT IN THE INDUSTRY? Keep at it. Be self-aware. Be your own worst critic. Never delude yourself about your work or your position but be confident in what you can do. If you work hard you will only get better. To hear more from Rob, head over to Scotcampus.com for the extended interview. @SCOTCAMPUS
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W h a t 's H a p p e n i n g O n
Scotcampus.com YOUR PRECIOUS SNAPS HAVE A CHANCE TO SHINE In our brand new Scotcampus Showcase, we’re giving YOU the chance to get your photos published! Whether you’re a photography student, recent graduate or just a snapping enthusiast, you could be seeing your striking images within these very pages. Get snappy & send your photos to hello@ scotcampus.com & keep an eye on the website for our weekly round-up.
WE’RE GLOBETROTTING! Good job Santa brought us boots that are made for walking, because we’re wearing them out with a whole lot of exploring. Get stuck into our beginner’s guide to Berlin, see a winter wonderland in Finland and find out what student life in Canada is all about in our weekly Diary of an Exchanger feature. But where in the world should we go next? Help us decide and tweet us your suggestions!
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WE’RE CREATING THE ULTIMATE SCOTTISH CITY GUIDE Start planning your next meal, activity or night out with our help; we’ve investigated the best pubs, clubs and restaurants (it was terribly tiring work) and plonked them all on Scotcampus.com to bring you the ultimate city guide! Don’t forget our weekly Something for the Weekend features which round up the best events in the country so that you’ll never be stuck indoors twiddling your thumbs. WE’RE SAVING PENNIES FOR A THRIFTY 2015! Let’s face it, we all probably got a bit (ok, a lot) overexcited filling our online shopping carts during the festive season. But if you make the most of our weekly Best Student Deals to save on food, fashion and fun, you can repair the damage and make 2015 a little kinder to your bank balance. OUR INTERNS ARE SPILLING ALL… Want to know what it’s like to work at Scotcampus HQ? Our interns have been writing about their experiences to tell you just what they got up to during their time here. Check out their intern diaries to find out what the inside word is.
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W h a t We L e a r n e d O n l i n e
WE’VE BEEN MAKING INTERNET DISCOVERIES LIKE IT’S GOING OUT OF FASHION…
This Month.
THERE ARE BUNS IN THE OVEN! It’s a Cumberbaby AND a New Girl! Both Benedict Cumberbatch and Zooey Deschanel are expecting bairns (but not with each other) and the Internet exploded with the most hilarious reactions.
TAYLOR SWIFT IS MISS CONGENIALITY Miss Swift wins all the nice points ever as she helps a super fan by paying off $1,989 of her student loan AND making her a load of gifts. We’ve had our eyes on a few things if you’re reading, Taylor?
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WHOOPI GOLDBERG'S AMAZING SHOE DIARIES ON FACEBOOK Sandals with bright yellow socks. White fluffy boots. Gnomes for heels. Seriously, it’s all amazing. Facebook.com/whoopigoldberg
PHOTOBOMBING IS STILL SO THIS SEASON Benedict Cumberbatch is at it again this awards season, topping last year’s U2 photobomb by popping up in Meryl Streep’s shot at the Golden Globes. Who will be next? WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM