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contents
art
EDITORS :
SJR, MM, JF, BW.
8-9
DESIGN :
SJR, MM, JF, BW.
10-11
To Glue
ADVERTISERS :
SJR, MM, JF, BW.
12
Reel Revolution
WEB:
BW, MM.
13 Tom Roberts 14-15 Red Eric Studios
music 21
To Call a Treaty on Graffiti?
16-17
Orca Illustration
18-19
Excess All Areas
style
Bigger Than Barry x Rinse FM
32-34
A Trip into The Bird’s Yard
22-24
T.R.E.
35-37
A Nation of Shopkeepers
26-27
Ivy Beside Me
38-39
The Deep Web
28-29
The Vinyl Revival
40-41
Vida Collective
30-31
Wil Frost
42-43
Beyond The Lens
Billy Watson 21 years old, enjoys mountain biking, music and Yorkshire Tea.
Steve Jones-Robertson
Editors Notes
26 years old, loves the gym and enjoys music and film in his spare time.
Jack Fletcher 23 years old, can be found next to the coffee machine listening to 5Live.
Michael McInerney 23 years old, loves a decent film and a die hard Aston Villa fan.
Fiyah! is a brand new underground arts magazine bringing you the definitive guide to art, music and style in Yorkshire. Our monthly magazine will be available in over 10 city centre bars and stores, with many more copies sent to surrounding areas. A full list of stockists is here. All issues will also be available through the media section in PDF format to view or download.
To be kept up to date with this fast moving publication, sign up on the right hand side, you then can receive a web version of Fiyah! before it hits the shops!
We are currently building great links within Leeds, including a spot at Distrikt Club to give back great parties to our loyal readers. We will be throwing a monthly party to mark the launch of our issue showcasing Yorkshires freshest talent with lots of giveaways included!
Visit our website www.fiyah.co.uk or if you think you have what it takes to join the Fiyah! revolution, either with words or pictures, contact us at info@fiyah.co.uk.
Scan this QR code and visit our mobile application.
Evolution of Animals
Wil Frost Words & Images by Steve Jones-Robertson
W – That would start by getting up far too early, driving over to whatever studio I’ll be working out of for the project. Mainly I work with bands so usually before we’ve started the project in the sessions we will have done pre-production. So we will have sat down and gone through all of the songs, tightened everything up. When we get into the studio you start going through and record each instrument for that song, working on everyone’s individual part and making sure that that song is as tight and as good as it can be. How would you sum up your style musically for Morain in a few words?
Wil Frost: an independent producer, singer and songwriter. Signed to Brightblack Records in 2010, he and his band Morain have never looked back. The release of the 2011 video ‘Animals’ and sell out gigs at the Cockpit and other Leeds based venues has helped establish Morain as one of the most exciting up and coming talents in Yorkshire. The Leeds music scene is one of a mixture of talent and variety. To comprehend and understand the sheer depth of the industry Fiyah! decided to grab an exclusive interview with the busy 22 year old. Can you explain a bit about what you do and more importantly, what got you involved in the industry? Wil – I first got into music when I played the clarinet when I was younger, I did that up until I left college. When I first started at high school there was loads of bands, I used to see them down in the music room rocking out. I used to think, why am I playing the clarinet!? So that Christmas, year 7, “mum I want a guitar.” I started getting into rock music and it just went on from there. I’m the singer and guitar player in a band called Morain; I’m also a record producer and a songwriter. How do you manage your time between Morain and your production work for other acts? W – It can be quite tricky at times, but at the minute the way the bands working we’re trying to get ready to do the proper launch. You have blocks when you’re really busy then you have down time for a few weeks. Because I’m freelance I choose when I work so I just make sure I’m working in that downtime. I try not make things clash. What is your typical day as a producer?
W – I always say we’re an alternative pop band... With an epic twist. What do you prefer, working as a producer or being involved with the band? W – Fully the band. Morain is my life. Is the production just for another source of income then? W – Not at all, look I just love music.. Not only being able to create music with my friends and do my own thing but the idea that I can help other people create music and be involved. You learn so much from working with different people. What can we expect from you and everything you do in 2012? W– This year will be a pretty big one for Morain. We put out a single a year ago, just to kind of put our name out there. We’ve just been constantly working and writing. We’ve got a new single and video ready which is all finished. They’ll be a new release this year, no date set yet, we’re waiting for the right time. Do you have any confirmed gigs or events coming up? W – When we know the release dates for the video and single that will all come. We’ll be doing shows, definitely be playing around Leeds. I think the idea is to get on some tour supports so we’re expecting big shows, should be cool.
“You can’t think that your good, you have to always presume that you’re not good and keep pushing until you get the rewards that you want.” Leeds is a unique city, what can you offer as a band that is different to everyone else out there? W –I think the Leeds scene is huge; you get all these different parts to it, like. You get all the big touring bands coming through that you hear in the charts playing at The Academy. Then you’ve got all these underground rock bands that play at Cockpit , indie bands that play for like Brudenell Social Club and metal bands that play in cellars at student houses. I don’t think there are many bands like Morain in Leeds which is cool because it’s something fresh. I think our music caters for everyone because we can go to any one of those certain type of places that are segregated in certain genres and there is something in the music to appeal to everyone. Do you think artists such as yourself get the exposure you deserve? W – Sometimes, I don’t think in Leeds we get the exposure we should get in a sense. Then again that’s down to what the scene is because it is so divided. We never wanted to be that band that playing gigs every other week because your just gonna die out. We’ve always spaced it out so not as many people do know us in that sense. Say in a year’s time when we’ve released the single and built up a fan base we can come play Cockpit, you have 500 people there for you and that’s kind of the reward you can get from it, and that’s what it’s all about. What tips do you recommend for any new independent music acts trying to get involved in the industry? W – Keep at it, as long as you believe and you don’t give up, you’ll get where you want to be. You’ve got to be very critical of yourself. You can’t think that your good, you have to always presume that you’re not good and keep pushing until you get the rewards that you want.
Who is your favourite artist at the minute? W – Keep listening to a band called Phoneix at the moment...good question (laughs)..erm The Cribs just put a track out from their new album they sound cool. Who is your idol in music? W – I have three absolute icons.. Gary Barlow, absolute genius, Tom Delonge from Blink 182. He’s the reason I started playing music. And then Chris Martin from Coldplay. Is there anyone you’d like to collaborate with? W – If I got the chance to spend the time with Gary Barlow, be in his presence writing a song. Just to see how he works would be really inspirational. I was in London in January working; I spent the day the day writing with Ant West from Futures. They’re a similar band to us, they’ve just signed to Mercury Records. We’ve supported them a few times and you’re always looking up to them thinking “thats where we need to go next.” Where can you see yourself in 5 year’s time? W – In terms of Morain I’d like to think we’re still doing it and still improving. Just keep doing what we’re doing and keep building. In terms of production, you’re always waiting to produce that one big track that kind of gets you noticed as a producer. I just wanna keep helping bands and making things look better.
2012 looks set to be a big year for Morain and Wil. We at Fiyah! are certain that great things are to come from the young prodigy. For any new fans please check out the following links.
www.morainmusic.com www.myspace.com/morainmusic
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A
How would you sum up the style of the business?
Nation of Shopkeepers
Words & Images Steve Jones-Robertson
A Nation of Shopkeepers is an alternative music, art space and food & drink venue in Leeds. Located on Cookridge Street, Nation is one of the most unique establishments in Yorkshire. We wanted to see what all the fuss was about, so we set up a meeting with supervisor Hannah to find out what makes A Nation of Shopkeepers so special. Can you briefly explain the background on ‘A Nation of Shopkeepers’, the name and the brand? It’s part of a chain ‘nb tokyo’ and there are 12 of us round the country. We all have our little quirks. Nation of Shopkeepers is a Napoléon Bonaparte quote, “England is a nation of shopkeepers.” (L’Angleterre est une nation de boutiquiers). We are a nation that embodies everyone, culturally and in the Leeds community. The arts scene is big and the music scene is big, the aim always has been to build a place where everyone can come together and have a good time. We have local brewerys that stock the ale and local bands that play, so it’s just a place for Leeds.
We’re open to everything, for example the music we put on can range between Hip-Hop, Death Metal, Rap anything goes. It’s the same with the drinks. There is so much here, so what ever you’re drinking we are guaranteed to have it, apart from alcopops because we’re not Wetherspoons. It’s different with the clientele, you get older couples wanting a relaxing night on a Monday or like the art students that come in, I think we appeal to everyone on some level. Do you host any nights on a weekly or monthly basis? Yes we have weekly and monthly nights. Wednesdays we always have free bands on: always free entry. It’s either the best of local talent, or bands that are just starting out, or bands that we had a while ago and we bring back because they bring a good crowd in. We’ve got ‘Game Time’, which is a Hip-Hop night. We also serve free fried chicken. There’s ‘Capture the Flag’, which is an alternative to the hip-hop which is massive in Leeds. What separates this bar from others in Leeds, what makes you unique? I think we’re definitely one of a kind, we are a bar, we do a lot of food as well so we could be classed as a restaurant, we get a lot of families here in the day. I think our variety of events: the art stuff we put on and the music, the courtyard. Our outside is so big we have events with DJs and bands outside. We had ‘Hercules and Love Affair’ last summer they played on the balcony, everyone was raving in the courtyard on a beautiful day. I think the staff as well, we’re really friendly and we’re all good
“We do regulars cards so if someone’s come in a lot or been nice at the bar they can save money ” as well, we’re really friendly and we’re all good friends, when you come in here you can see that. It’s a place that you want to be because everyone’s having a good time so its kind of infectious. Stand out drink? We do regulars cards so if someone’s come in a lot or been nice at the bar they can save money on Becks or Redstripe - they’re the main drinks we sell, which is nice because it means they come back. You’ve noticed them and been like, “Hey guys if your coming back have a card.” You know what they want, which works really well. We do so many drinks, we only do a couple of cocktails but when we do them they’re badass. Food specialities? It’s a bit like American diner style, our burgers are famous basically, because they’re fucking sick. We do roast on a Sunday they do really well because they’re enormous and good value for money. We serve everything in baskets so it’s a bit quirky. The food does really well so if we’re not known for the nights we’re known for the burgers. Can we expect anything different in 2012? Yes - it’s our third birthday in a couple of weeks so we’re having a huge Mardi Gras party outside. We’re building better connects with the art college, getting students in here showcasing their work. We’ve got a guy coming who will be doing an exhibition a few weeks. We plan to have bigger, better nights, we’re growing all the time. We have a really good team, there are four of us doing the arts and events, just to make sure it will be a good year for us. We’re doing a project with the Quay brothers; they’ve got a huge theatre piece in Leeds happening in May. We’ll act as a base for them so they can play their films, we’re going to have some live art outside so there is a lot to look forward to.
Strawberry and raspberry mojito cocktail
A Nation of Shopkeepers lives up to all the hype it rightly deserves. We at Fiyah! believe its one of the most unique businesses in Leeds. With free live acts, great drinks and food and an incredible atmosphere you’d be crazy not to pop in. Why not check it out for yourself?! www.anationofshopkeepers.com 27 - 37 Cookridge Street, Leeds, LS2 3AG Tel: 0113 203 1831 Sunday to Thursday 12 - late / Friday and Saturday 12 - 3am
31 37
Terrifically
Rectifying
Entertainment
TRE Words & Images Steve Jones-Robertson
Jason Massiah, better know by his alias ‘Tre’, is a Hip-Hop Rapper, performer, songwriter and producer. Tre has built a loyal and expanding fan base over the years, after focusing primarily on his local scene in Harrogate. After working with a number of different producers and artists he has learnt his trade in the industry and is ready to put all his focus into the great city of Leeds. This year, 2012, is where he believes his destiny will truly lie. For a city with such an expansive taste in genres and styles Fiyah! are keen to sink our teeth into the depths of the independent Hip-Hop world. After making my way to Sponge Studios I was lucky enough to be joined by record producer Jack city and RnB vocalist Soul Deep. Can you tell us a bit about yourself, where you grew up and more importantly what made you take the steps to the career your pursuing? Tre – I grew up in Harrogate, I’ve always loved music. I must have been 17 when someone first challenged me. I went home and wrote my first verse and it went on from there. That’s how I got involved in it, I got side tracked as you do, growing up partying and stuff, I got back into it at 20 and started hitting it hard. Soul Deep – I’m from east London. I’ve kind of dipped in and out of music from the age of 16
really. I’ve steered well clear and then it’s really history in a classic case of nature vs nurture. I did some sale jobs quite well. My mum’s a graphic artist and my dad’s a musician. I was training people to do door sales at the time it just so happened, he passed me on the street and I was training a young lady (Pause.. Laughs). T – Training being the key word. SD– He sort of said “I live down that one, pop in I’m just on some music stuff.” I then didn’t see him for 2 or 3 years. I went to go check out his tunes and I was like “this is ridiculous, how come I haven’t heard this before.” So then I started doing some harmonies, he asked me to feature on three tracks on his album then we did a collab album. Jack City – I started producing when I was 16, I then stopped. I then started up DJing with my mate from Leeds. I did a few nights at Rehab in Harrogate then decided I wanted to get back into producing. I met Tre at college, he was only there for a couple of weeks.. (laughs). T – Months, a couple of months (laughs). JC – I ended up meeting him again on a night out and told him to give me three months to start making you beats. What’s involved in a typical day? T – Once a month we try get a whole track done in a day, that’s a new thing we’ve started to do. We either pick a beat from the library or just a sporadic one and just start. JC – Anything goes really, we come in and try get something done, and we always do. How would you sum up your style in a few words? SD – It would probably be a statement. I’d say it’s bringing the voice back to where Hip-Hop was. Are you working on any new material? T – There’s the EP between me and Soul which is ‘The Love’ album EP. They’ll be a solo project between Soul and Jack. I’ve got a mixtape which I’ve produced which is called ‘Back to Music’ and there’s an idea, we’ve got a couple of tracks laid down for something called “Once Upon a Time it Used to be Called Music.”
E “Start writing, never stop. No one can write your life better than yourself.�
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JC – Leeds is my favorite city in the world - I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else. SD – In terms of culture and being unique, the music we do is that we’re story tellers. People that like life and listen to stories. It’s about finding different angles that you can talk to people in. People from all different walks of life can say, they might not be from where I’m from but I’ve done that. Where can you see yourself in 5 year’s time?
What advice can you give for young artists getting involved in the industry? T – I like that..Never let anyone else’s opinion affect your own. When I started out I met a lot of people that are classed as a higher power than me. It shaped me and I’d act how I wouldn’t normally. I missed a couple of chances just by being a little naïve. Go into every situation with your eyes open and don’t let anyone knock you off your stride.
T – I’m working on my 5 year plan at the minute (laughs). No, in 5 years I can definitely see myself in a position where I could make an impact on the industry. And hopefully be with these boys. Also taking artists on and building them up. SD– Muziks Message to me is a brand not just a few artists getting together. Once we get the people on board that can do different elements it will all work. Music’s in the message and music has a different message for everyone. It will be a movement because it’s not just about lines we write and songs we do. It’s more than that. JC – The idea is to stay independent. We want to build a family rather than trying to hunt down. major labels.
SD – Start writing, never stop, because no one can write your life like you can. JC – Don’t let anyone knock you. I use to get put down when I was DJing at an early age, no one really classes it as a proper job, even though I’d work my arse off. T – If you’re going into music make sure you’ve got something good to say. Can we expect any live performances within the near future? T – Yeah definitely. I’d say we’re attacking the festival scene this year. It will be more focused in Leeds rather than Harrogate. What do you think is unique about Leeds as a culture?
The true concept of a movement is to bring about change. From what we have learnt today, Tre has begun to build his own movement with a distinctive family of talented artists. With a mixture of raw talent and street-smart industry heads, the sky is the limit for this unique group. We expect big things to come this year from Tre and his crew, follow his progress and previous work: trelad1.bandcamp.com Tre on twitter - @trelad1
Reel Revolution Words & Images by Steve Jones-Robertson
Traditional cinema can date back as far as 1895. For over 100 years there have been many developments as technology has advanced. The socalled silent assassination of projectionists seems to be happening at such an alarming rate that no one has seemed to notice. With the introduction of digital cinema projection, days of 35mm projectors will be nothing more than a whisper. Cinema today has many underlying problems. The rise in ticket prices and the re-emergence of 3D have many film lovers questioning the true destiny of the silver screen. While the majority of multiplexes embrace all the decisions by the ‘Big Brother’ there are still a handful of cinemas that adhere to their job role as an art. Cottage Road Cinema is the oldest in Leeds dating back to 1912. Its one of the few lasting independently run cinemas in the country. We dropped in to have a chat with CRC to speak about a few underlying issues with cinema today and what they have in store for the future.
CRC started by expressing their views on projectors and the introduction of new technology: “We still use projectors, but as technology moves on so must we. I’d say the introduction of digital projection is quite scary. They go wrong all the time. If something goes wrong with a 35mm projector you can fix it. We’ve got 2 of them, so if something goes wrong we have a back up. If something goes wrong with the digital equipment we could possible lose a weeks showing. The 35mm films available are getting smaller and smaller. In a way it’s a good thing that we are moving to digital, its better for the environment, it’s cheaper for the film companies, if they pass the costs they are saving to us. It can cost two thousand pounds to make a 35mm print of a film, so there are pros and cons to what will happen. We will be changing to digital this year.”
“We tailor the program around the customers we have at the time.” Even though CRC have adapted to the modern times I think they will stay true to their roots of a traditional cinema. Just because they will be using a modern format does this mean they will lose the magic of the overall experience? I personally think not. “We’re completely the opposite of any of the multiplexes. We’re friendly, we have time for the customers. We don’t always show the latest releases, you get some classics in there as well. If the students are around we may show a student film. We tailor the program around the customers we have at the time. Our ticket prices are dramatically different to anywhere else in Leeds. Ticket prices can range from £4 to £5.50. I think families like the fact that we don’t overcharge for popcorn and drinks.” This year is their centenary year, although they plan to move forward with technology, Cottage road plan to extend and build a bar for customers before they watch a film, this should happen within the next few months. We at Fiyah! believe they have that unique edge over all generic cinemas. They are a traditional cinema even though they are switching to digital their values will remain. www.cottageroad.co.uk
Beyond the Lens
Words & Images by Steve Jones-Robertson
2012 marks the birth of a new era. Fiyah! Magazine will be officially launched on Wednesday the 25th of April at Distrikt in Leeds. We wanted to create a unique front cover that would embody what we are about. Independent acts are what we strive to unearth as we believe some of the greatest talents out there today are yet to be found. Because we are an ‘Arts, Style and Music’ magazine, we can delve into the most unique talents in Leeds. The theme we eventually decided to go forward with was a mix of new media vs old media. We thought it would be great to have a clash of the two medias tangled around a beautiful centerpiece.
www.studio86.co.uk
We trawled through local markets looking for the most obscure and ‘old school’ media we could find. We gathered VHS tapes, preferably something vile and putrid that no one would actually want to watch, and with joy tore it to shreds. We used a mixture of hard drives, vinyl’s, cd’s, music chords and so on. Studio 86 were kind enough to open their doors on their day off to let us shoot for a few hours. Lauren Green, our model for the day, ended up doing a fantastic job for us. In the end we got the shot we were looking for. We never wanted to be confused as another fashion magazine, so to find the correct balance took a lot of methodical planning and preparation but all in all was great fun.
We hope you enjoy the mixture of the three genres we put have together. We believe by doing this there is something for everyone, thankyou.