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NERVE
DECEMBER14
WHO’S ON BOARD? Editor Wil Oxford editor@nervemedia.org.uk
Design Editor Zennen Thomas design@nervemedia.org.uk
Features Editor Kassia-Hope Wordley Molly Mileham-Chappell Astrid Wood features@nervemedia.org.uk
Fashion Editor Scarlett Dixon Sofie Boyland Rebecca Burgess fashion@nervemedia.org.uk
Sport Editor Will Kent Chris Marshall-Bell sport@nervemedia.org.uk
Entertainment Editor Laura Geall Charlie Souter-Phillips ents@nervemedia.org.uk
Got it COVERED P14
Check what we’ve got for you this month...
AMERICAN AUTHORS As an amazing year for the band draws to a close, we catch up with the boys to get the lowdown on what it’s like to go double platinum.
Comment Editor Casey Farr Aliyah Allen comment@nervemedia.org.uk
Chief Sub-Editor Madeleine Supple sub@nervemedia.org.uk
Online Editor Claire Creagh online@nervemedia.org.uk
Advertising Andy Elsey susales@bournemouth.ac.uk 01202 961461
P22
PETS AT UNI
Missing your furry friend from back home? Nerve looks at the pros and cons of keeping animal company while at university, and gives you tips on the best way to curb those pet cravings.
P16
STYLE FOCUS
We focus on the style of BA Photography student Holly Holston, getting the lowdown on her look and just where she draws her style inspiration from.
Media Coordinator Joe Tattersall sunerve@bournemouth.ac.uk 01202 961681
Wanna Join?
For opportunities to get involved, whether it be writing, design, illustration, photography or even a spot of photobombing, email editor@nervemedia.org.uk for details.
P34
THE TECH GENERATION
Just how much are we obsessed with technology and how worried should we be about it? Our writer comments on ‘generation tech.’
P49
KAL YAFAI
He’s already reached the status of boxing royalty - but he’s not peaked just yet. Nerve’s Will Kent caught up with the boxer to chat about his achievements and future in the sport.
NERVE | 3
NERVE
DECEMBER14
Contributors
Writers Joe Hopkins Hannah Dix Joanna Bowden Danielle Cardy Laura Mckenna Anna Pujol-Mazzini Olivia Osmond Katie Pathiaki Tom Beasley Rebecca Miller Jason Lewis Daisy Carling-Rose Lois Shearing Imogen Cork Laura Rogers Ben Fisher Luke Kenton Heidi Teague Design Team Zennen Thomas Jack Mullen Illustrators Grant Cortlett Nathan Hackett Meg James Becca Paterson Laurence Thomas
Word From Your Editor
The first term of the year is almost over and we can’t believe how the time has flown! It only seems like yesterday that we were out partying for fresher’s fortnight and now Christmas and New Year is almost upon us. In our final issue of 2014 we’ve got tonnes to keep you occupied as end of term deadlines loom and the Christmas jumpers come out of the wardrobe. A hugely successful year for the boys, we chat to American Authors about their long road to success. We also got the opportunity to chat to boxing legend Kal Yafai about his bright future in the sport. In fashion, we spotlight on the style choices of photography student Hannah Holston in our
Keep Up facebook.com/nervemagazine twitter.com/nervemagazine www.nervemedia.org.uk
Important Stuff Here at SUBU, when we print Nerve Magazine, we print on 100% recycled paper using vegetable - based inks by Indigo Press Limited. You’ve got to start somewhere.
Style Focus and delve into the infamous world of Fashion Internships, as well as discussing what’s hot in the fashion world in our regular Fashion Debate. Missing your pet from home? We look at whether keeping furry friends at uni is a viable option in our Pets at Uni feature, and get the lowdown on how best to professionally network online in our spotlight on LinkedIn. Not forgetting comment, our writer discusses our obsession with technology in The Tech Generation, and remember you can still find all your regular favourites including Through the lens, Mixtape and our Old Firestation Highlights - you may even spot yourself on there. Wil Oxford
The Full Line Up
REGULARS
SPORT
06 Mix tape
49 Kal Yafai
08 Heads up
52 Back to the top
09 Winners/losers
55 Varsity
32 Through the lens
57 Snooker
63 Top 5
58 AFC Bournemouth
60 Old Fire station highlights
FASHION
ENTERTAINMENT
10 Fashion debate
Nerve Magazine is produced by SUBU (the Students Union @ Bournemouth University). Information correct at time of publication (November 2014). The views expressed are not necessarily those of Nerve Media, SUBU or the Editor.
14 American Authors
16 Style focus
19 Hudson Taylor
18 The student wears prada
26 Christmas films
37 Fashion on Instagram
28 Vance Joy
40 Fashion files
43 Southern
46 Fashion entrepreneurs
44 Reviewed
Nerve Magazine is usually printed on 200 gsm silk cover and 115gsm body provided by Indigo Printing Press.
FEATURES
COMMENT 34 Tech generation
13 Making a change
53 Drive your political revolution
20 Linkedin 22 Pets at uni 38 50 Shades of domestic abuse NERVE | 5
Essential TRACKS we’ve been listening to this MONTH
ARIANA GRANDE LOVE ME HARDER Taking a more demure approach to her next single than in her previous work is Ariana Grande with ‘Love Me Harder’. She teams up with The Weeknd in a sensual music love affair between electro-pop and soulful R&B. The duo blend sublimely into one, in a track so intimate, you feel as if you’re eavesdropping into their bedroom antics.
ONE DIRECTION STEAL MY GIRL
KASABIAN GHOSTBUSTERS For Halloween, Kasabian released an acoustic version of the Ghostbusters theme song. You realise what an unforgettable song it is when they sing the classic line ‘Who you gonna call?’ The stripped back version works surprisingly well, and there is a comical element at the end.
The first single to be released from their new album, Four, ‘Steal My Girl’ is unmistakably 1D. With lyrics that talk about love and relationships, you can’t beat their classic sound. If you’re not a fan, you may want to give this one a miss. You never know though, the catchy chorus, booming introduction and lovely harmonies may change your mind.
PVRIS MY HOUSE This fresh new band is turning heads across the pond in America with their debut album ‘White Noise’. Whilst already gaining a cult following here in England with their newest single ‘My House’, the trio’s dark yet upbeat sound has bled new life into female-led groups. With a planned debut tour in England in early 2015, we expect to be left wanting more and see big things ahead for this group - definitely one to bookmark.
WAZE & ODYSSEY FT. R.KELLY BUMP & GRIND 2014 This is a house remix of R.Kelly’s classic song ‘Bump and Grind’. With a great base beat that continues throughout the song. Just watching people sing along in a group, waiting for the next line of the infamoussong (and all of them getting it wrong) is always funny to watch.
RIXTON WAIT ON ME
TAKE THAT THESE DAYS They may have been going since the 1990s, but Take That are proving they still have it with their latest single ‘These Days’. Now working as a trio, without Jason Orange and Robbie Williams (two down, three to go), their first release in over three years is a fun disco-pop track full of strong synths and rhythm guitar riffs, proving that these boys have still very much got it.
NERVE | 6
British boy band Rixton have already made an impact in the US and made a name for themselves with their first single ‘Me and My Broken Heart’. They are back on home soil with the release of second single ‘Wait On Me’. If you like bands that have a similar sound to Maroon 5, give this group a listen. Their tune incorporates pop, R’n’B, reggae and is both infectious and catchy.
TOM ODELL REAL LOVE Tom Odell has landed the prestigious role of voicing the soundtrack for this year’s John Lewis advert with his cover of John Lennon’s ‘Real Love’. Alongside the gentle piano and strings, Tom’s crystal clear voice has a soothing effect before crescendoing into a mighty epic. Possibly our favourite cover of the year.
How will you replace your phone if it gets damaged, lost or stolen?
Your tech is a link to your whole way of life, so what would you do if it gets lost, damaged or stolen? Luckily you can insure your stuff, including your bike, from £10.77 a month.** And, we’ll even replace them in just 24 hours of your claim being approved.* Now there’s something no student should be without. For lifestyle tips and tricks from the No. 1 student insurance provider visit hub.endsleigh.co.uk/security
Insurance recommended by
Protect your possessions and always remember to Check, Lock, Leave.
*If your item is lost, stolen or unrepairable we’ll replace it within 24 hours – 1 working day of your claim being approved. **Price based on insuring a laptop up to the value of £500, an iPhone 4s and a bike up to £200 for a student living on campus. Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. This can be checked on the Financial Services Register by visiting their website at www.fca.org.uk/register. Endsleigh Insurance Services Limited, Company No. 856706 registered in England at Shurdington Road, Cheltenham Spa, Gloucestershire GL51 4UE.
HEADS UP!
YOUR MONTH IN BOURNEMOUTH
PROFESSOR GREEN @O2 Academy 10 December CLUBBING
GIGS
EVENTS
Bonus - House Music Party
Annie Mac
Robin Hood
O2 Academy 5 December
Poole Lighthouse 5 December - 5 January
Old Fire Station 6 December
Saints and Sinners with Scotty T Halo 8 December
Guilty: Xmas Ball with Zane Lowe Cameo 10 December
Bombay Bicycle Club BIC 5 December
Alfie Boe
BIC 8 December
The Enemy
Susan Calman Poole Lighthouse 6 December
4x4
Poole Lighthouse 8 January
Cool Coast Ice Rink
O2 Academy 9 December
BIC 13 December 22 February
Halo 12 December
O2 Academy 10 December
Bournemouth Pavilion 16 January
Old Fire Station 20 December
O2 Academy 14 December
O2 Academy 31 December
BIC 7 January
Somerley Tea Party Xmas do Soundwave One Nation
NERVE | 8
Professor Green Deaf Havana
We love her on Radio 1 - now in Bournemouth Annie Mac @ O2 Academy, 5 December
Omid Djalili
Royal Blood Bringing his stand-up to Bournemouth. Omid Djalili @ Bournemouth Pavilion, 16 December
Nerve Radio
Pope Francis
It seems our friends at Nerve Radio have been pretty successful lately. Not only did they win four Student Radio Association awards last month, but also successfully argued their case at the recent Student Shout to have Nerve played in both the SUBU shop and Dylans! So keep an ear out for your award winning student radio station next time you go to refresh yourselves between lectures.
s club 7 A wave of nostalgia passed through everyone aged 17-23 when all of the members of S Club 7 reunited for Children in Need on our TV screens last month. They later announced that they would be going on tour together in 2015 for their Reunion Tour which will be over twelve years since they originally split. We’ll be booking our tickets in advance
STarbucks The corporate giant may be in a grey area when it comes to paying tax, but has won over our hearts with the news that they will be introducing a coffee delivery service from 2015. Is there anything better than the thought of fresh coffee on your doorstep to start your day?
Continuing to surprise us as a modern thinking pope, Pope Francis has recently shocked us all by saying that Evolution may in fact be true. Francis claims that the idea of God and Evolution come hand in hand and that God shouldn’t just be thought of as a magician who sparked life into being. Coupled with his modern views on gay people, Pope Francis may in fact be our favourite Pope.
WINNERS
TH ON M S R E S LO OF THIS
DAPPER LAUGHS Controversial comedian Daniel O’Reilly has put his alter ego Dapper Laughs to rest after a prolonged media uproar that essentially crapped all over his dire comedy. With catchphrases such as ‘she knows’ and ‘propa moist’ we didn’t exactly forsee him reaching the comedy hall of fame - and telling a girl she was gagging for a rape was really just the final nail in the coffin.
Eastenders
ED Milliband Oh Ed - can you ever do anything right? The Labour leader has recently been voted the least popular British leader ever in a recent poll which put his net satisfaction to -44% - to put that in perspective, that’s 28% more unpopular than Thatcher with only six months to go until the General Election.
After the TV soap received over 280 complaints for its recent rape storyline an investigation has been launched by Ofcom as to whether certain scenes should have been shown before the watershed. It’s arguable that some of the scenes may have been too graphic, but surely trying to bring the issue into the public eye as something to be discussed should be applauded, right?
NERVE | 9
THE GREAT FASHION DEBATE Every month, we tackle a fashion issue
YES
S
ceptical to join the blogging community myself, I sat and wondered who would want to sit and read about my life when they could just open a glossy magazine with style tips from some of the top fashion fanatics in the world. With little thought, I realised that I actually spend more time gaining style advice and inspiration from fashion bloggers than I spend reading a fashion magazine like Look and Vogue. So, like many others, I started my own blog to write about my own personal style tips and beauty reviews. Hearing the news of Company magazine going online, initially I was shocked. One of the top selling magazines was not going to be published anymore and I would honestly put it down to the blogging community taking over. We only need to look at Zoella’s Twitter following (2.45 million as we went to print) to see how popular the blogging industry really is these days. The majority of people - whether they enjoy fashion, beauty, fitness or food – can find a blog niche or mass market enough to interest them, and a quick Google search will reveal their URLs. But what makes blogging so appealing? Blogs are far more relatable NERVE | 10
than magazines, if you want some outfit inspiration you can look on your favourite fashion blog to see real girls modelling the clothes.
“
blogs are far less intimidating whereas glossy magazines strive for perfection
“
Q
Have fashion bloggers taken over from established fashion magazines?
Glossy fashion magazines like Vogue are full of airbrushed models who have had their hair and makeup done by professionals and their outfits have been put together by some of the top stylists in the world. A fashion blog seems far less intimidating and in a world where so many people feel they should strive for perfection it’s no wonder blogs are more popular. Digital is the future and people don’t want to pay £3 monthly to read through Vogue when they can visit fashion blogs to read similar information online for free. There once was a time when readers may
have trusted established fashion magazines over blogs but with many fashion bloggers taking the front row seats at LFW, you can see how bloggers are now on the same ranking as some of the most prestigious fashion publications. Unlike fashion magazines, blogs have no time limit. You don’t have to wait for the weekly or monthly issue, because they are constantly being updated – especially now full time bloggers update their websites on a daily basis. With people leading such busy lives, not many people have time to sit down and flick through a magazine, they would rather flick through their phone whilst waiting for the bus. Of course, print publications have started turning a lot of content online, but usually offer only a snippet of what is to come in the next issue of the magazine. So, is it really the end of the line for fashion magazines? I would say so. Give it five years and the majority of them will probably be online, in an attempt to compete with the bloggers that we all know and love.
Words Joanna Bowden Illustration Meg James Design Jack Mullen
FASHION
NO
in this field throughout the magazines. The Editors, writers, designers, and producers of the magazine have all been trained, and will work with the right people in order to accumulate the right information to publish regarding trends and fashion which makes the content reliable and credible. Big magazines work closely alongside trustworthy PR’s and have a good relationship with them, allowing the magazines to acquire the correct fashion content for
“
restricted to the clothing suitable for their shape and style and perhaps not your own build - which acts as a barrier when you are looking for something to wear because it may not look like how it does on the blogger as it would yourself. In magazines, you will have a choice and you will also have an array of clothes published by the professionals offering advice on what is best for your shape. As much as I love the blogging
“
A
s an avid blogger, I absolutely love submerging myself in the blogging community every now and again. However, with the blogging world accumulating a vast new assemblage of bloggers every day I feel the market itself is becoming far too saturated and repetitive; and I feel as if fashion as a whole is losing its professional trade mark. I still like the idea of resorting to a magazine to acquire accurate information on this season’s trends and all things fashion related. Despite having the option to resort to ‘What I wore’ blog posts to help me seek that all important cocktail dress or help me catch up on the latest trends, I can’t help but feel a little overwhelmed at times. With the blogosphere showcasing a variety of trends and styles for all personalities and interests, I come away confused. I’m none the wiser over what to buy as I have been bombarded with so much information and so many options to choose by so many bloggers. Established magazines such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan and Elle are devised by professionals of the fashion trade; emblazoning their knowledge
the blogging world is growing but is now too saturated and repetitve
their readers. Therefore the fashion spreads and features published in the magazines is trustworthy, reliable and true. Furthermore, the budgets for magazines compared to bloggers are much greater - allowing magazines to showcase a greater variety of clothing from various brands. The magazines will contain features throughout the magazine exploring a range of styles suitable for a range of sizes; however with blogs, if you find one blogger that you are an avid reader of and one in which you love their style and clothes, you are
world, I feel we will always resort to magazines to gain reliable and accurate information on all things fashion related. Although the blogging world is open to anyone – expert or beginner - we should leave the real fashion advice to the professionals.
Words Danielle Cardy
What do you think? Are fashion blogs really the future of the industry or do you think magazines are here to stay?
Tweet us: @NerveMagazine
NERVE | 11
MA K ING A CHANGE
FEATURES
Last month, young people from 120 different student groups gathered in Shoreditch for Amnesty International’s annual Student Conference. President of BU’s new Amnesty International Society, Laura McKenna and member Anna Pujol-Mazzini, gave us the lowdown on the weekend and how BU students took action on the streets of London
I
t’s fair to say that a lot of journalists have something of a hero complex, envisioning themselves as the beacons of truth and the voice of the masses - the only mavericks capable of waging a war against injustice and truly sticking it to the man. So, true to form, Laura Mckenna set up Bournemouth University’s very own Amnesty International Society. "Before I decided to set up an Amnesty International Society at our university, I didn’t know, or perhaps didn’t address what it was that compelled me to take an interest in human rights. But after attending Amnesty International’s Student Conference weekend at the start of November, I was surprised by how many young people were just like me." At the 48-hour AI conference were countless politically engaged youngsters – a bunch of switched on activists who wanted to make a change. On the first day of the conference, guests arrived at the Human Rights Action Centre in Shoreditch to a barrage of neon goodybags packed with luminous stickers, information packs, and – of course – chocolate. The first task on the agenda was signing up for workshops – but there was a catch, attendees could ONLY pick two. With so many worthy causes to choose from, each person selected their workshops with an unsteady stroke of the pen. The chosen sessions revealed
themselves to be very informative, worthwhile endeavours – but Laura explains that a workshop about ending sexual violence "resonated with me most profoundly." Adding: "The best thing that came out of this session was the discovery of a new movement called Youth to End Sexual Violence." This movement began off the back of a global summit hosted by William Hague and Angelina Jolie earlier this year. Though it is only in the early stages
“ ”
I was surprised by how many young people were just like me of its conception, Laura emphasises the importance of this cause. A diverse range of speakers gave accounts at the event, from journalist and doctor Saleyha Ahsan who worked and documented conflict in Syria, to Ellie Drake, the NUS Women’s Officer in Northern Ireland who reiterates just how draconian abortion legislation across Ireland remains. However, Laura had some other favourite moments. "The absolute highlight of the weekend was taking action on the streets of London in a newly launched petition under the Stop Torture campaign," she explains. Stop Torture, which has been going on for months, aims to expose and fight torture around the world, with five particular individuals
in different countries at the heart of it. Claudia Medina Tamariz in Mexico, Ali Aarrass in Morocco, Moses Akatugba in Nigeria, Alfreda Disbarro in the Philippines and Dilorom Abdukadirova in Uzbekistan were all detained after unfair trials or no trial at all, beaten up and are all victims of torture. Moses Akatugba was only sixteen when he was arrested. On the streets, over 200 students were split into 15 groups to petition members of the public to close loopholes in EU legislation about torture. Although the buying and selling of torture equipment is illegal across the EU, ropey legislation means that the brokering and advertising of torture equipment is still fully legal in the EU, provided that it does not enter EU territory. Without changing this legislation, torture continues to perpetuate in countries where it is not criminalised, and European companies continue to profit from the trade. Altogether, students gathered two thousand signatures over the course of an hour, walking around and talking to passers-by. More importantly, making an impression and raising awareness on the issue. The public’s initial reaction was – predictably enough – one of disinterest. But needless to say, every time a person took some time to stop and hear about the cause, the general consensus was that of stark realisation of this dramatic reality.
NERVE | 13
Design: Zennen Thomas
American Authors
After a hugely successful year, Nerve’s Joe Hopkins caught up with the boys of American Authors to chat about going double platinum and their long road to success
NERVE | 14
ENTS
S
truggling to make ends meet, with temporary jobs and living in a confined city apartment, the boys of American Authors never expected to tour the US with OneRepublic, see a single from their album become certified double platinum or even hit up major UK festivals Reading and Leeds - and that’s all in this year alone. "It has been mind blowing! Maybe it’s a little cliché but it’s a dream come true for all of us. We’ve all been working for it for the majority of our lives, so to see it start to happen is so surreal." Much of the group’s success comes down to the global hit that is ‘Best Day of My Life’, selling over two million copies in the US alone. If you haven’t heard it on the radio, then you’ve probably seen it on the screen somewhere. It appeared in the trailer for Delivery Man and in television series such as The Vampire Diaries and Glee. "It’s so exciting and such an honour to be a part of those moments. Without realising it, it’s partly your music that’s getting the message or feeling across in the film." Despite the optimism in the song’s message, the Brooklyn-based group were living together for seven years with limited opportunity. This struggle fuelled the writing behind their debut album ‘Oh, What A Life’ where the boys not only took inspiration from what was around them, but also from a range of several acts, "Oh, What A Life was a big exploratory period for us. You can hear our influences ranging from Irish folk songs, to Queen, Fun, The National and Arcade Fire." Their debut effort hosts a diverse range of tracks, whether it’s the uplifting anthem ‘Believer’ or the
breezy ‘Trouble’ where vocalist Zac Barnett’s polished vocals shine on a track that could easily be mistaken for something that is produced by Mumford & Sons. "If there’s one thing we’ve never argued about as a band, it’s music. We’ve all been doing it for so long and know when it comes down to it, no matter the personal attachment we may have, we will always do what’s best for the band. We take a vote usually." Whilst on the road with OneRepublic they tried to take on as many pointers as they could, ready for their Headline Tour in the UK." Keeping a family environment was important to them so most nights there would be after-show activities like a BBQ, or a food truck would come out to the venue for the bands and crew. They set such a good example as headliners, and we try to model ourselves after them." The ‘Counting Stars’ hit makers were not afraid to get involved in a few shenanigans though, "On the last show of the tour during the last song on stage, they came out and started taking away all of our equipment. By the last chorus, all Matt had was a kick drum and snare. We did get them back by stripping in our underwear and giving them all big sweaty hugs in the middle of their set; maybe the joke was on us?" If you’re an avid festival-goer you may have caught the indierockers when they played at the Reading and Leeds festivals, where they were lucky to avoid a typical English downpour. "Believe it or not, when we played, it never rained! It was so humbling to play both festivals since they are so legendary, but the best part was getting to hang out with our peers in all the other bands." This lead the band to networking and discussing many possible collaborations, two of their ideal being Paul McCartney and Chris Martin. Amidst all this, the guys have been heavily dedicated to writing and recording - and even have a personal recording studio at the back of their tour bus, particularly handy for when inspiration strikes spontaneously. "Our studio on the bus is super makeshift, but it works! It’s pretty great because as songwriters we are writing constantly. We could be walking down the street and at any given time, we’re thinking of lyrics or melodies. Having that on the bus is a great way to get it out of our heads!" You can’t help but question whether the boys even know what it’s like to relax with all their commitment, but it also means they’re eyeing up a sophomore album – and we can’t wait.
“If there’s one
thing we’ve never argued about as a band, it’s music
”
NERVE | 15
Fur Coat: Vintage Bag: ebay
A subheading goes here. A subheading goes here. A subheading goes here. A subheading goes here. A subheading goes here. A subheading goes here. A subheading goes here. A subheading goes here. A subheading goes here. A subheading goes here.
We are focusing on the style of BA Photography student Holly Holston. Holly buys 90% of her fashion finds on eBay and describes her style as ‘Baby Spice meets Occult’ Words Scarlett Dixon NERVE | 16
Design Jack Mullen
Photography Rebecca Elizabeth Tate
Styling Holly Holston
FASHION
Long zodiac dress: Out From Under @ Urban Outfitters Top: O-MIGHTY.com Leggings: Topshop
Shoes: BUFFALO Boots Tights: Primark
Socks: Cath Kidston, Nike dress: (Vintage) urban renewal @ Urban Outfitters
NERVE | 17
FASHION
The Student Wears
prada
Is the reality of working in the fashion world as ruthless as the media suggests? Olivia Osmond investigates the infamous world of fashion internships
W
hen I received my first ever confirmation of a work experience placement in the fashion industry, like many, my immediate excitement was soon matched by a feeling of trepidation. Why you might ask? Because my favourite film happens to be ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, a story which bases its premise on the ruthless, catty world of fashion magazines. The films we grow up watching portray the fashion industry as one that is notoriously difficult to get into, conveying their stereotypical reputation as being cold, tough and judging. It’s not just ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, the hit series ‘Ugly Betty’ too portrays this intimidating side of the business; and let’s be honest, we don’t want to be seen as the Betty or Andy on our first day in the office. However, are we in fact judging the industry and not vice versa? Is the fashion industry’s apparent intimidating nature merely a carefully crafted facade by Hollywood producers, or is there any truth to these accusations? ‘The September Issue’, a documentary giving us a behind the scenes tour of Vogue, opens with the illustrious Anna Wintour talking about this particular topic, in an unsettlingly calm voice she says "There is something about fashion that can make a person very nervous"; she doesn’t rush to reassure us that we have nothing to fear. So what’s it really like working in the fashion business? Working as a dresser at a London fashion show, NERVE | 18
these stereotypical fears were never realised. Everyone was welcoming and professional: the other interns, the stylists, the designer, the PR team and especially the models. Certain expectations and clichés were true: it was a manic, fast paced environment, there were half naked models running around backstage, and when I wasn’t squeezing size nine feet into size seven shoes I was frantically steaming garments. I recently spoke to BU students who had worked in the fashion industry and to my surprise their opinions and reflections were
divided. Multimedia Journalism student Fern Balch completed a work placement in the Beauty and Fashion department of Heat Magazine, and didn’t quite have the dreamy experience she expected: "I was referred to as a ‘workie’ despite the girl knowing my name and speaking to me all day... if you take offence too easily then it’s probably not worth it as you need quite a strong backbone to take the criticism." Like many popular industries, interning in the fashion sector is usually unpaid, and one may question that when you are not being compensated financially do you expect to be valued better in other areas?
Bournemouth University English student, Georgina Deen, completed a placement in, the luxury brand, Burberry’s buying team opens up about her feelings going into the experience: "I was so nervous, all I had in my head was designer clad girls who would probably laugh at my attempts to dress ‘fashionably’". What she found instead was a dedicated team and an unprecedented opportunity to gain a unique insight, having ultimately a great experience. Reflecting on the facade the media construct around the fashion world Georgina makes a valid point that has been echoed by many, "the idea of it being so bitchy has been mistaken, many of the colleagues are just very hard working". Similarly, Imogen Cork had a very positive experience whilst interning for a wellrespected art director having the opportunity to work on projects for Phoebe English and Alexander McQueen, amongst others. Receiving opportunity after opportunity, and being warmly welcomed into her new working environment the experience was overwhelming good, although she is aware that not everyone can relate to this: "I think at times it can be accurate but also very misleading. I mean I had a great experience but I know many people that haven’t, they’ve been taken advantage of". In short, maybe the fashion industry’s bark is worse than its bite. Arguably, for it to stay an exclusive world it’s stereotypically tough reputation must remain, and even be protected; but at least we can take comfort in the knowledge that in reality it’s not always as ruthless as it seems. Straight talking, confident and blunt the fashion world may be, but isn’t the business world the same?
ENTS
HUDSON TAYLOR
Ahead of the release of their new Album, Katie Pathiaki caught up with the Irish folk-duo to chat about making it on Radio 1 and working together as brothers
F
or a band that started by busking on the street, Hudson Taylor are taking to the airwaves like a storm with their latest single, ‘Chasing Rubies’ recently being selected for BBC Radio 1’s playlist. The duo is made up of brothers Alfie and Harry. They were raised in a creative family, with their mother being a dancer and their father coming from a musical background. They brought the boys up on music from across the board, listening to bands like AC/DC and The Beatles to The Beach Boys and Eminem. "I was in school and I didn’t enjoy it. I’m very happy I found music I enjoy and I think Harry is too. We were put on some great music when we were kids and it made such a difference." Unashamedly, Alfie also admitted that Katy Perry is one of his guilty pleasures. "I can appreciate her older songs, like ‘Hot and Cold’, because I’m interested in how it was written. Someone might have sat there for hours or even weeks just thinking about it." Their musical influences have helped them come further since their first EP, Battles, which landed in August 2012 before the band had been signed. "The first EP was a learning curve for us. Putting it out and promoting it ourselves was a
struggle. After that we got signed, so we learnt quickly." Shortly after being signed, Hudson Taylor were given the chance to tour with Jake Bugg and Kodaline, and this is where the band learnt the most about their sound. "Going to loads of gigs and learning from other artists, working with different producers has helped us
“
We ended up opening for the Rolling Stones in front of 50,000 people
”
grow as a band." After only being the support for these bands, it was very exciting for them when they recently announced their first headline tour. "We can’t believe the venues! We’ve been very fortunate, and I don’t know what it is. Luck, I think." The band has since released two more EPs, Cinematic Lifestyle and Osea. With every progression, Hudson Taylor has been able to reach incredible heights. "We were playing a gig one day in Hyde Park for The British Summer Time. We played on one of the small stages to about
300 people. Then our manager got a call from our booking agent who said ‘Tom Odell is sick, and the boys are going on and taking his slot’ so we had 20 minutes to get on stage. We ended up opening for The Rolling Stones in front of 50,000 people, it was absolutely mad." Although brothers often argue, Alfie thinks that having Harry beside him in the band helps with the song writing process. "We’re so close and play together so much we are used to each other. At this point if I start singing, he would start singing, it’s quite weird. We’re working on the telepathy!" Their new album, Singing For Strangers is due for release in February, featuring five new songs and brand new recordings of existing tracks. "The album is just a range of me and Harry playing a song, then me, Harry and our drummer playing a song, until it adds up to a full band arrangement. We have recorded stuff over the years’ that has been put out, and we have developed them and suited them to our sound, and that’s what our album is." Hudson Taylor have a sound like no other, one moment vivacious and vibrant, acoustic harmonies the next. It’s clear that this band has real passion, and they’ve only just begun. NERVE | 19
N I D E LINK
FEATURES
Words: Olivia Osmond Design: Zennen Thomas Illustration: Becca Paterson NERVE | 20
D WITH NGLY DIGITALISE SI EA R C IN G IN COM PLOYMENT IS BE WING – BUT HOW O R G IN D KE N THE FACE OF EM LI AS ETWORKS SUCH LINE? PROFESSIONAL N UR NETWORK ON YO P U D IL BU TO IMPORTANT IS IT
A
rguably, having a LinkedIn profile has become an expectation, and in the professional world it is rapidly becoming more surprising if you don’t have one than if you do. For this reason alone it is imperative that students use this valuable platform. Starting from a small living room in 2002, LinkedIn now has upwards of sixteen million registered members in the UK alone. With over three hundred and thirteen million registered members worldwide users have the freedom to access the global jobs market, whenever and wherever they wish. However, LinkedIn has far more to offer students and professionals than just job opportunities. LinkedIn is the modern day address book – a place to store and make note of your business contacts in an appropriately professional setting, whilst acting as a venue to archive your accomplishments to be seen by potential employers. In addition to this, LinkedIn is a virtual learning environment, with blog posts and articles found via pulse, tailored to your interests and sector. In regards to job opportunities, LinkedIn is unique; becoming an environment where both candidates can seek out job opportunities and listings direct from companies, and one where candidates can attract recruiters and companies through conveying their skills and experience. Will Alner is a business student at Bournemouth University, seeing first hand how important it is for students to sign up to LinkedIn. Currently spending his placement year at Kingsgate Recruitment working as a Marketing Executive, he advocates the use of LinkedIn for students: "It’s important to maintain contact with any business partners, clients and associates that they meet, because in the future this may present great opportunities for them. Especially for students that undertake placements and internships - it’s not what you know, its who you know". Will also comments on common mistakes made by young professionals: "People tend to write down their experiences without adding what value they brought to those projects or job roles. It’s vital to include metrics such as sales, reach, engagement, brand awareness etc.". LinkedIn has undoubtedly revolutionised both the face and pace of the recruitment industry, with some questioning whether this has in fact been a negative evolution. Will however reflects on this progression positively: "Digital platforms such as LinkedIn have become a key tool to recruiters making it easier to locate quality candidates for their jobs. "It makes the whole recruitment process a lot quicker than it used to be." Thus, if you’re not on LinkedIn you’re missing out on
potentially lucrative opportunities. This is certainly true. Making sure your profile is effectively thorough and up-to-date helps ensure the quantity and calibre of recruitment professionals who will be viewing your profile. Yes, this is an aspect of LinkedIn that many are unaware of; unlike many other social media sites, LinkedIn allows you to see who is viewing your profile and when, providing you with a good indication of your reach and engagement.
TOP TIPS FOR LINKEDIN SUCCESS Kingsgate Recruitment INTERN and BU STUDENT Will Alner gives you the Lowdown on how to network successfully 1. Make sure your profiFIle is complete Don’t have any gaps in your profile and make sure all the sections you’ve chosen are complete with the appropriate information. This includes a profile picture, contact information, skills, accomplishments and experiences.
2. Keep it up to date Your LinkedIn profile needs to have the most recent experiences and job roles on it. Simply showing you have no gaps in your career and show off your recent accomplishments.
3. Don’t be afraid to engage Joining relevant groups that you’re interested in and contributing to them can get you more attention from recruiters and make LinkedIn more enjoyable too.
4. Make the most of any useful articles you come across On Pulse there are lots of great contributors and articles, which can inspire your work and career. Make a note of these, learn from them and share them with others.
5. Connect Feel confident connecting with others; this can help build great working relationships with business associates and colleagues. It may also in the future present you with great opportunities. NERVE | 21
y r r u F r u O s d n e Fri
FEATURES
Many of us will have a furry friend waiting for us when we go back home – but some students are satisfying their need for animal comfort by getting a pet whilst at university. Kassia Wordley investigates the issue of university pets and asks; should we do it?
B
ritain; a nation of animal lovers. On our little island, we’ve made our home to a staggering 9 million dogs, 8 million cats and 1 million rabbits - just to name a few friends of the critter variety. With almost half of all young Brits attending university when their time comes, it’s easily assumed that more than a few of them will be taking their four legged friends along. Animals provide companionship, unconditional love and teach
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responsibility among other things. Studies have found that sharing your life with a pet can bring huge health benefits. Did you know that playing with a pet can elevate levels of serotonin? That heart attack patients with pets survive longer than those without? Dog owners experience the greatest health benefits, but surprisingly, even watching a fish bob around can help reduce muscle tension and lower your pulse rate. In fact, some universities throughout the UK have recognised our innate need for critter companionship. Pets are proven to help lower blood pressure in stressful situations - so with that notion in mind – establishments such as Bath Spa and Leicester University opted to set up petting zoos during the high pressure exam period to help students alleviate stress levels. But while we prioritise our own happiness, there can
be devastating welfare issues all throughout the country associated with the availability and easy access for potential pet owners. Every 30 seconds, the RSPCA receives a call to their 24-hour cruelty line. Meanwhile, many students take on animals in a bid to mark their new found freedom or as company during a potentially lonely period. So how does this young generation of pet owners affect the rescue organisations and animal welfare? Most students quickly identify that keeping a large pet, such as a cat or dog, can be unrealistic when playing ‘hide the evidence’ with the landlord. On top of this, there’s the late nights, erratic lifestyle and boxlike bedrooms. So, those of us who choose to take
on a four (or more) legged friend will often go for one of the smaller variety such as a hamster, fish or rabbit. Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the UK but have recently been identified as the most commonly neglected. In fact, six to seven thousand rabbits go into rescue centres every year in Britain alone. Caroline Collings, founder of rabbit shelter, Rabbit Residence, suggests that students are all too frequently contributing to this surprising number. She said: "When you go to university, you feel liberated – free – so you make stupid decisions. The problem is pet shops don’t question how old the buyer is and what the living situation of the pet will be – more often than not, they’re not taken proper care of. Most students aren’t even allowed pets in rented accommodation." Caroline’s main concern is that students aren’t aware that even small animals need significant care. And this care doesn’t come cheap. "Rabbits cost £50-£100 to be neutered – they need insurance and if the rabbit gets sick, they need expensive veterinary care as they’re classified as exotic pets. You’re talking £30 for the consultation alone." Finally, she notes that rabbits live up to 10 years, "Come on guys, do you really know what you’ll be doing in 10 years time?" Caroline makes a valid point that is firmly backed by the views of the small animal expert team at the RSPCA, who focus their concerns on animal’s welfare during their lives in a student household. They said: "Owning and caring for a pet is great fun and is very rewarding, but it’s a huge responsibility and a
long-term commitment in terms of care and finance." Unfortunately, the lifestyle of students is not always conducive
“ ”
I keep them happy and they do the same for me
to pet ownership. By the nature of halls of residence, the small space compared to the number of tenants can lead to high noise levels or sudden bursts of noise that many animals find frightening. On top of this, the RSPCA expressed their concern that, "students tend to have
busy lifestyles and there may be lots of comings and goings in properties. Pets may find the unexpected exposure to different people frightening." And of course, there is the holiday period to be considered. Most students relocate during these times and most small animals find transportation stressful. While rescue organisations advocate the proper care of animals and warn against ownership at this stage in life, some people do successfully keep happy, healthy pets. One student explained that having her rabbits at university with her has been life changing: "I’ve always had pets and the thought of living without any was horrible. They’re someone to come home to, always happy and welcoming and so therapeutic during stressful periods." But their friendship hasn’t come without its challenges: "Keeping them calm when travelling home is tricky, and then I spend my money on their vet costs, not clothes. I always have to prioritise them. I keep them happy and they do the same for me in return." So if you’re considering adopting a furry friend, take the time to consider whether or not it’s a viable reality. And always remember, their welfare comes first.
Design: Zennen Thomas NERVE | 23
top 5 ways to satisfy your Critter companion Cravings I know I couldn’t make it through university without spending at least some time with animals. Holiday breaks to see the family dogs just aren’t enough! So, when pets aren’t an option, here are the top five: Design: Zennen Thomas
1.
Borrowmydoggy.com It does what it says on the tin. It’s sort of a matchmaking website for dog lovers of all shapes and sizes. Sign up, make a profile, clarify what sort of thing you’re looking for (weekly walks, weekend holidays or daily visits, for example) and choose your favourite local pups. If the owners like the look of you, you’ll quickly find yourself in a convenient relationship with a four legged fluff ball!
2.
Be a spectator Easy enough – as we’ve said, just watching animals can be therapeutic so take a trip to the local Aquarium, Monkey World, or if you fancy going further-a-
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field, somewhere like the Donkey sanctuary in Devon. Most places offer a loyalty scheme if you’d like to do on a regular basis!
3.
Do a good deed Pop along to a dog shelter. There are plenty in Bournemouth – some privately owned, some council run. Though it’s sometimes an emotional endeavour to see dogs in concrete cells, if you become a regular volunteer dog walker, you won’t just be cheering yourself up but really improving the quality of life for a dog that doesn’t deserve to be cooped up all day.
4.
Gumtree for everything! Advertise yourself on Gumtree
as a pet sitter – particularly if it’s smaller animals you like to spend time with. A 3 day hamster care stint is far more realistic and less risky when it comes to the landlord – plenty of people take weekend breaks and look for cheap/free alternatives to pet boarding.
5.
Take up horse riding For the braver among us – perhaps horses are the answer. BU has a fantastic equestrian society that welcomes people with all levels of ability. With discounted hacks, polo lessons and horsey-trips, it could be a good opportunity to spend time with animals and get firm thighs.
That festive feeling The holidays are coming - and it’ll soon be time to dig out your ugliest christmas jumper and put on your favourite seasonal film. But what is it about the draw of Christmas films that makes them so popular? Tom Beasley writes
Illustration: Laurence Thomas
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ENTS
T
he movies will always be a huge part of the Christmas period. The holiday season feels incomplete without spending the evening of Christmas Day watching whatever festive film ITV has decided to sling on late in the evening. It’s almost impossible to keep count of how many times you’ve seen The Great Escape and The Wizard of Oz over the Christmas period. These are films that don’t have any real thematic connection to Christmas, but really come into their own on TV schedules around the final week of December. There is, of course, also a selection of films themed around Christmas that are always staples of the festive period. Everyone has their own list of films that they watch and enjoy every Christmas, without fail, regardless of how many times they have seen them before. A quick question on Facebook revealed an enormous list of films that are a huge part of Christmas for students in Bournemouth, from Home Alone and It’s a Wonderful Life to Die Hard and Lethal Weapon. "The Grinch is my favourite," says AUB student James O’Connell. "I just love Jim Carrey’s over-the-top character and his sarcastic comments. It’s the film that I’ve been able to watch and still love as an adult." Richard Curtis’ sweet season schmaltz-fest Love Actually remains a real favourite too. Curtis’ movie, with its myriad story threads and bawdy laughs, is beloved by TV programmers and fans alike. It is a bona fide British hit, packing in tonnes of memorable moments involving some of the best British talent of this era. BU student Ashley Chalmers notes that "there are so many brilliant actors and actresses in it, the humour is bang on point and I think it just has that warm nostalgic feeling to it." Christmas does seem to be unique as a period of time given that it’s perfectly acceptable – and even usual – to watch the same handful of movies at the same time, every year. Could it be that repetition and routine are simply part and parcel of the festive experience? "I think tradition is a big part of Christmas," says Guardian entertainment writer Stuart Heritage. "We eat the same food every year, decorate our homes in the same way every year and watching films is probably an extension of that. Plus, you can watch something like Ghostbusters or Jurassic Park any point during the year, but you only get a three-week window to watch Muppet Christmas Carol. You’ve really got to seize the moment." For Stuart, there’s one Christmas film that stands above the rest. Last year, he wrote an article for the Guardian in which he expressed shock and disappointment at Channel 4 scrapping its hugely popular
“
annual showing of Will Ferrell comedy Elf. He soon organised an ‘Elfalong’ on Twitter, in which people could still watch their film together in the first week of December via their DVD players. The Elfalong gained a huge amount of traction, including with the film’s director, Jon Favreau, who regularly tweeted his support of the hashtag in the lead-up to the event. It’d be easier to ask what I don’t like about it," says Stuart. "I love Buddy’s general naivety and the brilliant decision to cast James Caan and Bob Newhart as Buddy’s father figures. I love the narwhal, the whole ‘Pennies From Heaven’ montage, the singalong climax and the weird improvised bit with the news reporter. It’s silly and sweet and nostalgic, and you can quote the hell out of it." Comedy is a common theme that runs throughout the most popular Christmas films. The hilarious slapstick fun of Home Alone took it to the top spot in my Facebook poll, where it was closely followed by Elf in second, with Love Actually and The Grinch tying for third place. There are, of course, other ingredients that need to be thrown into the mix in order to concoct the perfect festive film. Stuart believes that "absolute unswerving sincerity." alongside comedy, is the key to getting Christmas right. He says: "A Christmas film can go a bit off-piste and stray into darker territory, but that’s usually just a mechanism to make the big soppy ending kick harder. There’s an attempted suicide in It’s a Wonderful Life. Even something like Bad Santa, in its own weird way, has an ending sweet enough to melt hearts." Whatever it is that makes Christmas films so special and so prime for rewatching, it’s clear that the current clutch of seasonal movies is not going anywhere soon. We love sitting in front of our televisions during the festive period and watching the same films that we’ve enjoyed year after year for as long as we can remember. But Stuart thinks there could be a handful of new additions to the Christmas canon in the years to come: "Although I hated it when it came out, I’m starting to warm to Fred Claus. But even that’s seven years old now. Perhaps Iron Man 3? I have a feeling that’ll start coming into its own in the next few years." Could there even be a new Christmas classic amongst this year’s cinema releases? It doesn’t seem likely that a film with the subtitle Dude Where’s My Donkey? has much of a chance, so that leaves Get Santa, in which Jim Broadbent plays the bearded figure on the run from the police. That’s got Christmas Eve written all over it.
We love watching the same films we’ve enjoyed year after year for as long as we can remember
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ENTS
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Vance Joy After touring the world there’s still no place like home for Australian singer Vance Joy. The songwriter spoke to Nerve about his biggest hits and how the magic of his music is pieced together "It’s like when archaeologists use little brushes to uncover things. That’s usually the way songs come to me, like little pieces that you are uncovering and going the way they should go." Out of all the jobs in the world not many musicians will compare music to archaeology – but Vance Joy is no average musician. An Australian singer/songwriter who defines his music as folk, he is also a former student, having graduated from Monash University, and a former Australian Rules player. Despite all this, he still chose the path of a singer/songwriter, and has become an international rising star in the music industry. This is how he describes his wellknown song, ‘Riptide’. "I think it’s just one of those good songs that you don’t have to push too hard. It’s like, you pull something out, it’s always there intact, but you’ve got to be sensitive to it." However, it still seems like it was a long process to write. "I uncovered just a little bit in 2008 and then it wasn’t until four years later that the song actually came out, with the chorus, and it kind of became whole." I imagine his fans are glad he eventually uncovered it, because its massive success, not only in Australia, but also in the UK where it got to Number 10 in the Charts, helped Vance Joy make his name internationally. Speaking of names, the talented singer is actually called James Keogh and Vance Joy is only his musical name. The idea came from one of Peter Carey’s novels, Bliss, where one of the characters is called Vance Joy. James liked the name, and took it for himself. "I haven’t asked permission. I think it should be ok!" He says that the name works, so luckily it’s alright for him to use it. It did make me laugh when he quickly added, "There’s no copyright! There’s no copyright!"
Vance Joy is such a nice guy to talk to, and not just because of his lovely Australian accent. He is incredibly passionate about his music, so much so that he chose it over his other great skill, football. He won an award for Australian Rules in 2008, being voted the Best First Year Player, but ultimately his passion lay in writing and performing. "I never had that killer instinct that you see in people’s eyes when they are playing sport. I think really it came down to the fact that my heart or my passion was always in music." Vance Joy kicked off the new album with a long tour starting in his home town. "I did one show in Melbourne. It was a special, intimate show. I have a loyal fanbase there, and it means I can hang out with friends and family before and after the show." He spent October and November 2014 in America, where he was most excited to play in LA. "I think it’s a cool place. It’s kind of weird and wonderful." Unfortunately there is no tour planned for England yet, so Bournemouth won’t be one of his stops along the way! Vance Joy’s favourite song on the album is ‘Georgia’. "I wrote it on New Year’s Day. I hadn’t found the pace for it in 2006 or 2007, I was digging in the soul, and then it came along. I finally cracked it." Personally, my favourite song is ‘Riptide’, it’s well known because it has appeared in films and also in a GoPro advert. Having music in adverts is a good promotional platform, which Vance Joy agrees with, saying "I think it gave it a little kick along the way". The album has had great success already, and Vance Joy’s excitement in it finally being released was apparent. "It’s nice having an album. I feel like, all of the people I like have albums, so it’s nice to join them."
“my heart and my passion was always in music
”
Words: Laura Geall Design: Zennen Thomas
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THIS CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS
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28th Nov – 5th Jan makeitbournemouth.co.uk
LOLLIPOP O
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Ice skating & Lollipop D Js
Fri 5th Dec
the h g u o r h T
lens
SEND YOUR PHOTOS TO editor@nervemedia.org.uk NERVE | 32
Lost in Amsterdam Justina Daračiūtė BA Multimedia Journalism
"I took this image in the early morning in Amsterdam. It was foggy that day and some would feel disappointed having weather like this on holiday, but to me it meant taking pictures of every single bridge in Amsterdam until I felt satisfied. This one is my favourite, maybe because I can see a lonely person on the bridge. Somehow it makes the image warmer" NERVE | 33
COMMENT
Is our generation becoming too obessesed with technology? We may always be online and connected, but our mobiles and tablets are isolating us
T
he average person will spend four years of their life looking down at their phone. How did we become a generation addicted to scrolling, liking and tweeting, and what are the repercussions of our obsession? Last week I smashed the screen of my phone and decided it was time for it to be fixed. For five days I was without constant contact to all social networks. It was a strange concept to adapt to, but nevertheless, I relished in the fact that I was free from conforming to the everyday social networking norms. However, the effect of my five day absence on my friends was deeper than I had imagined. There were two immediate reactions, my friends thought they had either done something wrong for me to ignore them or that something had happened to me. But what they couldn’t comprehend was that I had made the choice to not get a replacement phone and to stay disconnected. Technology has made us become impatient. One in four people will check their phones every 30 minutes, with 84% of people worldwide unable to go a day without a mobile device. So called ‘social-networks’ have made
us become anti-social, we relentlessly check emails; listen to music, call, text, Google and scroll. Even our chats are being reduced to 10-second snaps. I am guilty too, for partaking in this disconnected generation of media overstimulation. With the young generation growing up exposed to new and innovative technology such as smart phones, ipads and laptops, how is our dependence going to affect their future? Nowadays children think it’s the norm to be handed a tablet or screen as soon as they are taught how to use one. What happened to playing outside, making dens and tree houses? Instead so many young people rely on electronic devices as if they were a body part. Not having a phone for five days opened my eyes to how much I, like many others, personally depend on technology. But I’ve decided that technology isn’t the actual problem. It’s the people who use it and how they use it that affects the overall negative and positives of technological advances. We all have a choice, to take control or be controlled. It’s time for us to disconnect our phones, and make some real connections with the people around us who matter. Life is too short not to.
Words: Rebecca Miller Illustration: Nathan Hackett AUCB Illustration Graduate
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TECHNOLOGY ISN’T THE PROBLEM - IT’S THE PEOPLE WHO USE IT AND HOW THEY USE IT
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Something
to say?
Get your opinions published by sending your thoughts to comment@ nervemedia.org.uk NERVE | 35
Nerve looks at some of the hottest fashion news trending on instagram this month
#Nervefashion
Beyoncé recently debuted her daring new bangs which took the instagram world by surprise to say the least. Bye-bye middle parting and famous curls; hello miniature fringe! Beyonce is well known for her ever-evolving hair transformations but we’re not too sure about this one. Love or loathe? We’ll leave it for you to decide.
Slip on pumps are a must have this season, which means fashion at its comfiest – what’s better?! Get the look with these Asos ‘Dreamer’ plimsolls for £20: and don’t forget the student discount to get them at an even lower price - what are you waiting for?
@fearnecotton4 has been getting festive early by donning the crimbo knitwear in November - but we don’t mind. Get the look for less with some great items from Boohoo.com, and spread the Christmas spirit. campus.
Selena Gomez has been all over Instagram recently, wearing this stunning crimson Dior gown at the Rudderless premier. To copy Selena’s look, make sure to make a bold statement with colour as the focus of your outfit rather than the design and keep your hair and accessories minimal - instant red carpet chic.
Winter is most definitely on its way and a pair of knee highs is a MUST for AW14/15. Check out @zara_worldwide for the perfect pair of thigh high boots to see you through the cold, wet and windy winter days. Alternatively, put them on your Christmas list.
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The 50 Shades of Dom estic Abuse campaign was set up to highlight the belief that the best-se lling novel normalises abu sive relationships.
I changed my hair colour and wore certain things for him. He would make me take drugs and do sexual things I didn’t really want to do
50 SHADES OF DOMESTIC ABUSE Not so long ago it was the book on everyone’s lips. With the film adaption on the Horizon, Lois Shearing discovered that a new found interest in adult fiction isn’t all the 50 Shades series may be responsible for
Y
ou’ll have undoutedly heard of 50 Shades of Grey; the highest selling book of all time. With over 100 million copies sold worldwide – it tells the erotic tale of quiet, reserved Ana Steel, who finds herself fully immersed in a BDSM relationship with Christian Grey. For the majority of readers, Christian’s power and seriousness is an appealing fantasy. But when BDSM relationships are characterized by dominant-submissive roles, the erotic practice can reflect a disturbing reality about abusive relationships. Christian controls most aspects of Ana’s life. But whilst this fictional character revels in the experience, there’s a very fine line between BDSM and abuse. So as the release date for the 50 Shades movie looms ever closer, it’s important to ask whether the relationship portrayed gives young men and women insight into healthy BDSM, or glamorizes abuse. For one young woman, Kelly*, relationship abuse is all too relevant. Kelly was abused by her partner for several years, an ordeal that left her feeling "broken". Like protagonist Ana, Kelly says she had low confidence before the relationship began, and by the end of the relationship "he left me with none," she said. Control is a pivotal aspect of a healthy BDSM relationship, but for Kelly and her (then) partner Mark*, the control became manipulation. Whilst Kelly says "I felt like I’d found my soul mate," time
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went on and she found it progressively more difficult to please her partner. If she couldn’t, she faced punishment. "I changed my hair colour and wore certain things for him. He would make me take drugs and do sexual things I didn’t really want to do." Unfortunately there’s a stark similarity to note here. In 50 Shades, Christian pushes Ana’s sexual boundaries, and insists she wears certain clothes. And if she didn’t comply? Punishment. Of course the book portrays erotically enjoyable consequences. In Kelly’s case, the punishments came in the form of beatings. Mark was a heavy drinker, and with heavy drinking and drug abuse to act as a catalyst – the abuse eventually cumulated into a violent attack. Mark used his problems with drugs and alcohol to convince Kelly into moving up to Leeds with him. When in Leeds, he rapidly became more and more demanding and unpredictable. After Kelly discovered he was cheating on her, she attempted to cut him out of her life. Unfortunately, a well-meaning friend gave Mark her new number and after luring her to meet him, he violently attacked her. "He went crazy. He was ringing me every five minutes. I knew something was brewing. I was frightened so I turned my phone off for two hours. Stupidly, I turned my phone back on around 4am, and then when he rang again I picked up. He said he was outside my flat. When I told him
FEATURES
Words: Lois Shearing I wasn’t going to go down he changed tact and spoke to me softly and kindly, convincing me to come downstairs. I opened the door a tiny crack to shove his hoody through but he swung it open violently, grabbing the fob out of my hand and flinging it to the other side of the foyer. I prayed that one of my neighbors would hear but they didn’t. He punched me repeatedly until I crumbled to the floor. He was clearly under the influence of something - he wildly kept trying to kick me in the face, managing to catch my lip. Thankfully I only got a fat lip and didn’t lose any teeth." Emma Tofi, co-moderator of the campaign website ‘50 Shades of Domestic Abuse’ believes 50 Shades of Grey normalizes this kind of behavior. "We shouldn’t be romanticizing stalking, manipulation, threats, unwanted control and coercion. Those things are abuse, not love." Emma became involved in the start up of the campaign after reading 50 Shades during the counseling that followed her escape from an abusive relationship. She says the novel set her recovery back several months. "Many women have actually told me that if my abuser was like Christian, then I was lucky." Emma says one of her chief issues with the novel is lack of consent: "Ana does not know what BDSM is, yet Christian uses his tragic childhood past to manipulate her into agreeing to it, telling her ‘I need this’." Kelly has since moved in with her current partner and is
working to recover from the abuse she suffered. "I think a true sub-dom relationship is about equal control. You feel safe. With an abusive relationship only one person holds the control with manipulation. There are no ‘rewards’ in abuse." Says Kelly. "It’s taken me until now, with my current boyfriend to actually feel safe and happier about myself." Emma and the team at 50 Shades of Domestic Abuse plan to continue campaigning. "We have appallingly high abuse statistics in this country as it is and we need to be educating young people on the signs to look out for," says Emma, "when we romanticise those signs in literature or films, we blur the signs in reality and that could be horrendously dangerous." "If anyone finds themselves questioning themselves because of their partner’s comments, withholding information so as not to anger their partner, doing things they are uncomfortable with because their partner has manipulated or coerced them into it, feeling threatened or stalked or being isolated from friends and family by their partner - then there is a strong chance that they are in an abusive relationship," says Emma, pointing out that Ana does all these things in the novel. She urges anyone in this situation to tell someone they trust, if it is safe for them to do so. *The names in this article have been changed.
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FASHION
FILES:
April Sevieri
April Sevieni loves shoes so much that she decided to make them for a living. Nerve caught up with her to chat about working in the fashion industry
I
’m sat in a cozy but cramped bedroom in North London, across from me perching on the side of her immaculate bed is aspiring Shoe Designer, April Sevieri. I can’t help but feel in awe of her. Surrounding us on the walls are magazine cutouts, photos of friends and family and perfectly written notes. The side-tables are lined with trinkets and souvenirs from abroad. Not to mention the hundreds of pairs of shoes that are stuffed into every crevice of her small bedroom. In her final year at London College of Fashion studying shoe design and accessories, April has to juggle the demands of breaking into the industry whilst living the student life.
doing something that really challenges me and allows me to be the best version of myself. Shoes? Because everyone has to wear shoes so it’s a nice market to go into; I had previously studied fashion so I wanted to stay in that field but try something new and exciting and push myself."
Describe yourself in three words. Passionate, silly and animated.
How do you manage to juggle the demands of the fashion industry with being a student? That’s a tough one; this industry does pull you from all corners because it’s so demanding. What I learnt early on is to be organised, organised, organised! Also be one step ahead; take a productive interest in the industry. Definitely you have to substitute hanging out with friends, watching hours of TV for working really hard but the more you put in, the more you get back!
What made you want to be in fashion and specifically shoe design? "It’s something that I just really enjoy, I love being a creative person. I would definitely want to do this for the rest of my life, and waking up knowing that I’m
Tell me about your latest collection and where you get your inspiration? My latest collection was called WWW, The main inspiration behind this was the Wild West, Cowgirls etc. but taking that stereotype and bringing it into
NERVE | 40
FASHION
an urban atmosphere. I focused on cowboy boots and their structure but transported it into a unique modern design by adapting it to trainers. An updated approach! What I like to pride myself on. What has been your favourite collection to date? I would have to say it was the WWW collection. We were given the brief of ‘absolutely anything’ which meant all my ideas I had been saving for years could finally come out and be explored; without having to try fit it to a closed assignment. It was extremely demanding but it taught me so much and allowed me to believe I could juggle everything and still achieve. When I started it I honestly thought it wouldn’t be possible to do in such a short amount of time but I did and I’m so happy with the outcome. Never give up! Working in the industry I can imagine there is pressure to stay on trend. How do you keep up on a student budget? I would just say look around, look online, look in different areas to what your used to, living in London is perfect because it’s a fashion capital; everything is here. It’s amazing to gather inspiration, walking down the street you might see someone rocking a scarf as a top and that doesn’t cost much so take that inventiveness home and adapt it to yourself. Re-invent
things! I also sell a lot of my old clothes to buy new clothes, the circle of life. What advice would you give to students who want to move away from the mainstream and start designing their own garments? Do it! It’s a really exciting and exhilarating thing to do. If you have the love and passion, it doesn’t matter if you’re trained just take the leap! Do it whilst you’re young and whilst you can, start small and get feedback. There’s nothing like making your own garment, posting it on Instagram and people loving it. What are your plans after you finish your degree and where do you see yourself heading? Hopefully, fingers crossed I go into industry. I want to get as much experience as possible, continue growing as a designer and as a person. There are so many designers/labels that I admire and want to work with. Definitely have my own label; SEVIERI. Another avenue I want to explore is accessories. So just going to keep working hard and hopefully it will all pay off. On a personal note I want to travel more; see the world. Life is about self-development and the journey and I want to continue on that. Words Imogen Cork Design Jack Mullen NERVE | 41
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Southern
ENTS
With a non-stop tour – it’s all go for brother-sister duo Southern. Joanna Bowden caught up with the pair at 60 Million Postcards to chat about where it all started and breaking into the industry
I
t’s a Thursday evening and Lucie and Thom are preparing to do another gig. Originally from Belfast, the siblings now live in Liverpool and it seems their career has been going from strength to strength. The pair struggles to categorise their music into one genre. "If I describe the album that’s coming out, it’s a mixture of blues, hip-hop, kind of alternative, acoustic and grunge nineties sounding". The pair has obviously got their music style right, with Gerry Anderson from BBC Radio Ulster describing them as "the most promising singer/songwriters in Ireland today". Although the pairing works well, Lucie explains that it wasn’t an official plan to start playing music together. "I was 15 and he was 16 when we first started playing together, so we’ve been making music for about six years. We played at family events and it was just a natural thing that came about". The brother-sister act has now signed to Marathon, a new independent music label. But where did it all start? Their love for music stems from their parents. "They would always introduce different types of music to us, so we were
always in that element. I guess that’s what inspired us to do it, just the love for music". From the age of 17, Thom Southern was busking around Belfast and Dublin; he even won the Belfast Busker of the Year award which gave him a slot at the Belfast Nashville Festival. The duo describes their career as a journey, each gig brings them tighter together and that’s the best part of it for them. "I love the experience of it. It’s all character building. We aren’t expecting to be a massive band at the end of it." Southern were thrilled when their record label told them Mark Rankin would be helping to produce their upcoming album. "I’ve always wanted to work with him so it was a dream come true," Thom explains, before adding "I would love to jam with Neil Young - that would be an even bigger dream come true." The pair played festivals all summer including: Reading and Leeds, Great Escape, Secret Garden Party and Festival Number 6. "The crowd at Reading was insane, we didn’t want it to end. You only get 30 minutes at a festival but you wish you could stay there forever." Lucie admits that it’s not the big gigs that make them
nervous, but it’s when not many show up. "I would definitely describe the tour as hit and miss, but you just have to keep pushing yourself." Supporting Jake Bugg on one of his tour dates is just one sign that they’re being noticed. "The excitement you get when your manager calls you up and tells you about it is great." To keep in this competitive business, they need to keep pushing themselves. "You never reach the goal, you always want more and that’s what keeps you going. It keeps you in the job." It’s obvious that this passion for music has got them where they are today. Obviously, working in the music industry has its perks – playing to crowds, writing your own music and travelling, but it’s making the music come to life that stands out for Southern. "Recording in your bedroom and playing a song on your acoustic guitar, to then taking it into the rehearsal studio with the band. You discover something that you didn’t know was there and that’s the best part of all of this." NERVE | 43
R E V I E W E D Example
O2 Academy, Bournemouth 27/10/14, By Aliyah Allen
Credit: Harry Hitch
Benjamin Please, Delta Heavy and DJ Wire opened the show and got the crowd warmed up, but when Example came on, he brought that unparalleled ‘Friday feeling’ to the standard Monday night. From the front to the back, people seemed to be having the time of their lives dancing and singing, keeping the upbeat vibes going throughout the evening. The fans varied in age, so it was interesting to see how Example adapts his music to please such a broad group. Crowd favourites were ‘Stay With Me’ and ‘Kids Again’, as it got everyone singing each word. The classics like ‘Won’t Go Quietly’ and ‘We’ll Be Coming Back’ also brought a nostalgic feeling to the gig. These were fairly tame though compared to ‘Natural Disaster’ which had an impressive accompanying mosh pit. If you get an opportunity to see Example live, make sure you go along!
Credit: Robert Blackman
Taylor Swift
George Ezra
Formerly the queen of country, should we now be calling Taylor Swift the queen of pop? The new album is a stunning insight into a world of change. Singing about thoughts of the past and hopes for the future, Swift has found a new style and sound. Her previous album, Red, teased us with several ventures into the pop genre, with unforgettable hits such as 22 and We Are Never Getting Back Together. The creative groundwork was already there, it was just a question of when and how. Though many fans may prefer her earlier work, the words and themes still have that signature Swift style. The overall inspiration for the album is said to be the idea that we wake up different each day and choose who we want to be - and this is pretty evident in Swift’s now ever-changing musical genre.
George Ezra wowed the crowd with tracks from his debut album Wanted on Voyage and the bottomless selection of vocals that naturally comes with it. It was a courageous and confident performance from Ezra, who only turned 21 over the summer. Though some members of the audience were particularly excited for a live version of ‘Budapest’, a song that has been continually playing on the airwaves for months, they would have enjoyed the rest of the set. ‘Listen to the Man’ was meticulously fine while upbeat ‘Stand by your Gun’ made the crowd sway. His performance felt experimental, but in a hugely rewarding manner for everybody who was able to witness it. It was just another tour date ticked off the list for the singer before he embarks on a headline tour next autumn - something we’re undoubtedly looking forward to.
1989 27/10/14, By Laura Rogers
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Portsmouth Pyramids 27/10/14 By Ben Fisher
ENTS
The Babadook
Jamie T
It’s not often nowadays that we see a horror film that stands a real chance of becoming a genuine classic. Aussie horror, The Babadook, has a serious claim to that accolade. The film follows a mother and child who are tormented by the loss of husband and father after a car accident. Then one day, a mysterious pop-up book is found in their home and the spirit within begins to wreak havoc on the family. Rather than focusing on jump scares, director Jennifer Kent slowly builds a sense of extreme dread that only increases as the film progresses towards its climax. In an era when most of the horror genre is content to only blast its audience with loud noises, The Babadook shines as a film with a brain, as well as a tonne of terror.
Jamie T, ‘Back in the game’ after half a decade away from the spotlight, stunned a sold-out Southampton Guildhall. The audience was in full voice throughout, bellowing wordfor-word the nostalgic anthems, such as ‘The Man’s Machine’ and joining in on the newer additions to the Jamie T back-catalogue. He represented each album equally across the 21-track set-list, playing his former hits Louder and faster than ever before. With a final nod of appreciation to the crowd, Treays’ really came into his own, emulating his former ‘Yob-pop’ persona, as he thrashed out his signature, career defining song ‘Sticks ‘n’ Stones’. Jamie T is an incredibly unique artist with an unprecedented ability to excite on a live platform. Let’s just hope that this time, he’s back for good.
In Cinemas 24/10/14 By Tom Beasley
Southampton Guildhall, Southampton 31/10/14 By Luke Kenton
Fury
The Drop
David Ayer is the master of hyper-realistic, brutal cinema. He follows up cop thriller End of Watch with a WW2 drama film, set primarily within the claustrophobic confines of a tank during the dying weeks of the war. Brad Pitt plays veteran Wardaddy, who is forced to take on weedy newcomer Logan Lerman as part of his crew. Ayer’s film unflinchingly follows Lerman as he develops into a true soldier, due to the aggressive but paternal influence of Wardaddy. Pitt and Lerman both put in solid performances, with the film benefiting greatly from its stripped-back approach to the story. Ayer never shies away from the brutality of war, depicting violence in all of its horrific detail without the Hollywood gloss and glamour. Fury is a film about the bond between men desperate to survive in the face of huge adversity.
The work of Dennis Lehane has been adapted for film many times, with examples like Shutter Island and Mystic River. Belgian filmmaker Michaël Roskam is the latest to step up to the plate with The Drop, starring Tom Hardy and the final performance from the late James Gandolfini. Roskam weaves an intense, twisting tale of betrayal, brutality and dirty money. Hardy delivers a performance that balances steely defiance and vulnerability perfectly. There’s also an intriguing subplot involving Noomi Rapace, as a woman who befriends Hardy’s character after he finds a stray dog in her trash. Rapace and Hardy have interesting chemistry that the film probably should’ve taken the time to explore further. It’s worthy farewell to Gandolfini and another interesting entry in Tom Hardy’s increasingly illustrious career.
In Cinemas 14/11/14 By Tom Beasley
In Cinemas 14/11/14 By Tom Beasley
NERVE | 45
TheFashion
Entrepreneurs
B
ournemouth University has a reputation as a world class hub for creativity and innovation, but also for business and entrepreneurship. This precedent for success means that students past and present are given the tools they need to find success in their chosen field. This is certainly true for those who are making a name for themselves in the notoriously impenetrable fashion industry. Do you dream of turning your passion into a successful business? Well, these BU students, both past and present, have taken the leap and set up their own companies, crafting their own unique brands, turning their fashion aspirations into reality.
Company: Le Lapin Founder: Claudia Barnett Studying: BA Public Relations Price Range: £2 - £20 "I learnt so much at Bournemouth- being surrounded by creative, imaginative people seriously helped my ideas develop and my business flourish"” Claudia Barnett started Le Lapin as a creative outlet to feed her passion. Meticulously hand picking each unique item, Claudia sells an eclectic mix of both vintage and modern jewellery from her website. Using naturally occurring stones and precious metals, these beautifully crafted pieces are both high quality and fashion forward. And what’s the story behind this brand’s unique name? ‘Le Lapin’ or ‘The Rabbit’ was named after her beloved childhood toy. Speaking of her inspiration and the ethos behind her brand Claudia says: "All my jewellery is inspired by nature, bohemia and spirit." After conceptualising her brand in late 2013, Le Lapin has been trading since May this year and has been welcomed with open arms by the online community. Claudia currently juggles her business with her studies whilst on her placement year in London, attributing much of her success to being at BU: "Doing a degree in Public Relations has also helped me massively in publicising Le Lapin, which goes without saying! I can’t wait to return to BU after my placement year and get stuck back into life there. Website: www.lelapinuk.com
dha Clothing Company: Bud Founder: Nicholas White
Studying: Sports Management Price Range: £10-£18
"My course in management made me far more confident when dealing with the business aspects of the company, such as book keeping and marketing my products" Spurred on by a desire to be his own boss, along with a love of fashion, Nicholas White set up his company ‘Buddha Clothing’ in May this year with one goal; to create quality garments at student friendly prices. Design is firmly at the forefront of what Buddha do, and this is never compromised, with Nicholas commenting: "we vow to try and support local talent by giving as many amateur artists a chance to design for us whenever possible." This unique design led style is evident in the brand’s signature graphic t-shirts and vests with striking mandala prints, which evolved from the entrepreneur’s experiments with tie dyes and wash designs. Importantly, Buddha Clothing has a clear ethos, making themselves known as a brand whose products are made ethically and to a high standard. "The future goal is that all products are made in Britain." Buddha Clothing is slowly but surely taking strides towards this goal, with, at present, all garments being printed and labelled in Britain with the t-shirts themselves being approved by the FairWear foundation. NERVE | 46
Website: www.buddhaclothing.bigcartel.com
FASHION
Meet the Bournemouth University students who have turned their fashion enterprise dreams into reality. Company: KUDU Clothing
Head of Sales and Marketing: Todd McCann Studied: Events Management Price Range: £34.99-£39.99 "One of the most valuable assets to come out of my time at BU was the extensive list of contacts that I made that I can now use to develop the business and push it forward" The development of the energetic and visual brand that is Kudu Clothing, provided BU graduate, Todd McCann, with the opportunity to take the career change he had been searching for. A friend, Robert Reid, had been researching his innovative concept for this local start-up for a year before approaching Todd to come on board and take control of the sales and marketing: "I loved the concept and the clothes he was designing so decided to take up the opportunity to join him on the Kudu Adventure." Kudu summarise their philosophy simply as ‘Living’, or as Todd’s says: "We believe that living your life, is to soak up your natural surroundings and make the most of what you have. We put this into practise with the design and sourcing of every Kudu product." This distinct message is evident when looking at their garments, with the product’s premium quality ensuring their sharp and crisp photographic designs are as vibrant as their consumers. With a strong local following you may have seen their clothes when out and about in Bournemouth, but Kudu are quickly making an impact further afield, recently securing a contract with a well-known high-street brand who will be stocking their product around the country; a positive start and great achievement for this relatively small company. Previously finding success in the events industry Todd has seamlessly made the transition into the fashion and lifestyle market, accrediting much of his success to his time at BU: "without attending BU I would not have been able to jump into the working atmosphere as easily and effectively as I did."
Website: www.kuduclothing.com
Company: el RHEY
Founder and Managing Director: Kaisa Studied: Business Studies Price Range: £25-£35
Kangro
"Because my course was Business Studies with Entrepreneurship, I wrote a business plan as part of the course, and after graduation started the same business" You could say BU graduate Kaisa Kangro was destined to be an entrepreneur: "My parents are both entrepreneurs and I think I must have learned a lot from them when I was growing up. So I have always wanted to have my own business, create something new and also have fun." With a shared love of fashion and footwear, Kaisa and her graphic designer sister, Heleliis, quickly set up their company after graduation. In a nutshell, el RHEY believe in following their passion; aspiring to be fun, fresh and creative in everything they do. It was this outlook that inspired their first product ColourMe Wellies, which allow children to personalise and design their own unique pair of wellington boots. "ColourMe Wellies allow children to be artists, explorers and fashion designers." Aimed at children between five to nine years these original and inventive wellies come in two designs, Moth and Zebra, giving children a base to express themselves and let their creativity run wild. Kaisa reflects on her time at BU positively, being involved in the Business Society, Student Incubaton and The Institute Directors helped set her up for success: "when it came to graduation and starting my business, I was already in a good place with my network of business contacts in the local area."
Website: www.elrhey.com
NERVE | 47
KAL YAFAI
SPORT
His progression from a nervy 2008 Team GB Olympic boxer to a confident, undefeated and Commonwealth super flyweight champion boxer in 2014 is astounding. How far can Kal Yafai go in the sport of boxing?
NERVE | 49
A
special talent. There is no better description which suits this Birmingham-born boxer better. Khalid Yafai – also more commonly known as Kal – means serious business in this sport. After 13 professional fights, winning them all, he already has his eyes set on the world title. After making the switch from an amateur fighter to a pro in 2012, Kal puts his success so far down to his family. "My perseverance to succeed comes from being at home with my family, with all my brothers and sisters. My Mum had a struggle bringing us up on her own, she really pushed us hard to train and be the we best can be. She’s been a huge influence in all the success I’ve had – she’s been my inspiration." Kal’s younger brother, Gamal, is also doing an impressive job enhancing his own name in boxing after turning professional himself back in May 2014.
NERVE | 50
Like all sports, you need to lose sometimes to make victory that much sweeter. This is no different in boxing. Would you rather destroy your opponent in a matter of seconds, after months and months of gruelling early starts and knackering training, or fight them until the end knowing those late nights in the gym were all worth it? It’s a tough decision. "If I can them out early, I will. I don’t get paid for overtime. If I can get them out in a round or two, come out of the ring injury free having had a tough fight, I’ll be back out fighting again sooner. " The quicker the world title fight comes Yafai’s way, the better. And it won’t be too much longer until it does at this rate. "My promoter will get me back fighting quickly. I know the harder fights will come down the line when I’ll have to go the full distance, so I might as well enjoy the early nights while I can." However, as seen previously in the sport, rushing fights can shatter the long term dream of a
world title shot. The anticipation and impatience sometimes draws fighters in too early, blowing their chance of leaving their name in the history book, and Yafai knows this. Not only does he have a dangerous punch, but also has a wise head on his shoulders – proving he’s got the complete package to go right to the very top. "The way I look at it is progressing slowly, getting the right fights at the right time. It’s all about timing in boxing. I’m still young, only 25, pro for two years now and I’ve spent seven months of it out injured. I think I’m in a good place, where I should be at this time." This bicep injury which put Kal out the ring for a long stint has done nothing but make his record even more impressive. Quite commonly with any athlete, a lengthy injury such as the one he suffered usually has career long effects - not with Kal, though. As they often say in any sport, what doesn’t kill makes you stronger.
Casting back to Yafai’s earlier years, he even made his mark during his amateur boxing tenure. In June 2005, he won a silver medal in the European Cadet Championships held in Hungary, recording four wins before he lost in the final to Farid Aleshkin – a Russia fighter. He also became England’s first ever U17 World Boxing Champion when he won the World Cadet title beating Luis Yáñez from the United States. As the years progressed, the maturity of Kal’s boxing followed, acquiring even more success such as managing to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. "Fighting at the Olympics was mentally challenging. As a young kid, to walk out in front of thousands of people when you haven’t done it before. It was a big moment for me." He was defeated in the sixteenth round by Cuban veteran Andry Laffita, who eventually went on to claim the silver medal. He unfortunately didn’t manage to qualify for the 2012 Olympics in London, but that
didn’t hinder his progression. Kal opted to go pro and try his luck at this much higher level. "My pro debut was also massive for me. Not everyone got to see me fight before, because you’re fighting all over the world as an amateur no-one gets to travel and see you fight. When I made my debut it was good to see familiar faces at the arena." After winning his debut pro fight against fellow Brit Delroy Spencer in July 2012, Yafai didn’t look back and he notched up six wins from six fights before the end of the year and was named "Young Boxer of the Year" by the British website BoxRec. Since then, he’s enhanced to an even greater undefeated record of 13-0, winning the Commonwealth Super Flyweight title earlier in 2014 before adding the IBF InterContinential Super Flyweight belt to his collection after dismantling Nicaraguan Herald Molina in less than two rounds. "I’d probably say my Commonwealth title was my most memorable fight so far. It was huge." Kal said after debating to
himself for a couple of moments over which fight he would classify as his most memorable to this day. Having recently only beaten former two-time World title challenger Everth Briceno, we fast forward to the future, eager to watch Kal continue his route to the top of the sport. How long before he has a shot at the world title himself? As he’s said, it’s all about timing in boxing. The key is to avoid rushing things, continuing to train hard and most importantly, to still enjoy it. However, it’s hard not to ponder how many times we should expect to see this undefeated boxer in the ring in 2015. "It’s hard to say but as often as I can, I will fight. Hopefully four to five fights, hopefully five times." It’ll be a fascinating watch, especially as the quality of opponent will undoubtedly increase. It’ll be a huge year, one of which that will really display his true quality inside the ring.
Words Design
Will Kent Jack Mullen
AN INSIGHT INTO YAFAI’S TRAINING... MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
Morning: Five mile run early in the day. Afternoon: Hits the gym. Some boxing work on the pads and bag along with some strength and conditioning training afterwards.
Morning: A faster, sharper run than Monday’s session, circuits are also involved this time round. Afternoon: Similar to the previous day – boxing work, Tuesday also more than likely includes sparring.
Morning: Some track work. This involves six three minute runs on the running track at a continuously fast pace with a minute rest in between each one – one can assume this sort of cardio training is to adapt the body to a similar tempo of that of a boxing fight. Afternoon: Back in the gym with some more boxing and circuit work.
Morning: Switching it up again. Kal includes hill sprinting in a Friday mornings fitness work. Sprinting up a hill instead of a normal run, with a couple of circuits Afternoon: Boxing work, on the pads and bag – even some sparring. Friday afternoons also includes a much heavier weights session.
Yafai says: "If we can, I’ll get three days sparring on the bounce during some weeks. The main goal is to get all the runs in. Usually I get a day off running, usually mid week. Circuits along with strength and conditioning training are usually all week, too."
NERVE | 51
BACK TO THE TOP
SPORT
F
ollowing the Wimbledon success of last year, it was always going to be difficult for Murray and the back surgery from the autumn of 2013 has clearly had an effect on the Scot’s game this season. A grand slam record of three quarter-finals and just one semi-final, surprisingly at the French Open, is his worst on paper since 2010. His defeat to Grigor Dimitrov in the Wimbledon quarter-finals meant Murray dropped to 10th in the world rankings, his lowest since 2008. New coach Amelie Mauresmo was a surprise appointment, although that could have been expected from Murray who was the first of the big players to appoint a “super-coach. At first there seemed a split in Murray’s camp, however in the second half of the year the camp became more harmonious. Nevertheless, Murray fell further down the rankings, out of the top ten after defeat in the US Open quarter-finals to Novak Djokovic. Coming into the final run of tournaments Murray was still cast adrift of the Race for London, a rankings system based on results in the calendar year that determine who plays in the ATP Tour Finals at the o2 Arena. He began his fight to make the finals and climb back up the rankings with the inaugural Sjenzhen Open in China. Murray looked in fine form making his was to the final, his first since the 2013 Wimbledon final. He met Spaniard
Words Design
Jason Lewis Jack Mullen
NERVE | 52
After a far from successful year, Andy Murray’s recent form has given him some silverware from a mediocre calendar year as he plots his way back to the top four
Tommy Robredo in what turned out to be a classic that was played out over two and half hours. Murray looked defeated, trailing by a set and 6-2 down in the second set tie-break. However, the British number one ground his opponent down, saving a total of five match points to win the breaker 11-9. His superior physical condition then took over and he raced away with the third set, 6-1, to win his first title of the year. Into the China Open, in Beijing, and Murray continued where he left off the previous week making it to the semi-finals. Unfortunately he met Djokovic who was at his attacking best and he defeated Murray in straight sets. A disappointing week followed in Shanghai, losing in the third round to David Ferrer after being a set up against the Spaniard. This forced Murray to take a wildcard for the Vienna Open, where he found his game again making it to the final, facing off against Ferrer once more. This time the two-time grand slam winner controlled the match winning in three sets. The title was Murray’s second of the season to come within a matter of weeks and the 30th of his career. Still the work was not done, Valencia and Paris lay ahead if Murray was going to make the season closer in London. Another win against Ferrer, gave Murray another final, and a familiar face in Robredo. Staggeringly the match was another three set epic. Robrebdo must have thought he had the beating of Murray this time as he had two match points in the second set. Murray dug in again and took it to a third and Robredo had another three match points, but it just wasn’t to be for the 32-yearold, and Murray won the final set tiebreak 10-8. A further title for the Scot, however one last event to go for the former world number two if he was going to qualify for the o2. The equation was simple for Murray: Make it to the quarter-finals. He did this with relative ease, although his tournament ended there in Paris as he lost again to Djockovic, but Murray’s work was done. Playing an incredible 23 matches in just 37 days was what it took from Murray to make the tour finals. The recent form has provided some much needed success for Murray and his team after fears that he would never get back to the level of previous years. The three titles have helped him back up to 6th in the rankings. Now over 12 months after his surgery, 2015 could be a big year for Murray as he looks to make it back into the top four and perhaps a route to a 3rd grand slam.
COMMENT
Drive the political revolution you want to see You might feel disengaged from politics - but there is an alternative to the age-old three party system
P
olitics is an issue for our generation. Before you get bored, or turn away scowling as you think about the £9,000 you’re paying to be at university, stop and think. Will ignoring it do any good? Will British politics right itself if we have no active involvement with it? Change is in the works with regards to the British political system. Since the economic downturn and 2010’s election resulting in a coalition government between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats, voters have been increasingly vocal in their criticism of three main political parties and the inherent flaws in the system. This disenchantment seems to generally be expressed inone of two ways. Many people chose to show their support for UKIP, a far right party, whereas many others decided to not act; they refused to vote or spoiled their ballot paper. Some justify this by saying that all the parties are so similar it was pointless, with others claiming that their vote ‘didn’t count’. However, there is a another alternative which is arising out of the controversy surrounding the political debates broadcast on TV, and which your support can help revolutionise British politics. #GreenSurge has marked a huge social media campaign to allow the Green Party leader to participate in the TV debates, broadcast by the BBC. Traditionally the three major parties,
Labour, Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have been involved in these debates; however UKIP, leading on from their rise in support, will now also partake. The Green Party however, which is beating Lib Dems in opinion polls, as well as enjoying a 80% increase in their membership, has so far been refused a space in these debates. - and it’s hard to understand why. They have joined with other strongly supported ‘minority’ parties in other areas of the UK (the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru for Wales) to write an open letter to the BBC calling for a fairer debate. With over 250,000 signatures. You don’t have to support the Greens to support this move towards multi-party politics. This should help reduce tactical voting; people can vote on policies rather than just trying to vote against the party they don’t want in. Politics at its best should be all about policies not about petty feuds. What can they do for us in order to improve and sort out any problems? Instead of falling into the trap of making old, stereotypical assumptions about what each party is, and who is ‘supposed’ to vote for them - be guided by the policies you actually care about. The multi-party revolution is happening. This change won’t happen overnight, but in our lifetimes we could see government become more accountable if we’re prepared to take an active role in making this happen.
Words: Heidi Teague Illustration: Nathan Hackett AUCB Illustration Graduate
“
Politics at its best should be all about policies, not about petty feuds
”
Something
to say?
Get your opinions published by sending your thoughts to comment@ nervemedia.org.uk NERVE | 53
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SPORT
Men’s Rugby O
ut with the old and in with the new. The BU rugby team has lost its senior players due to graduation but have gained a fresh batch of first years to help form the squad for the season ahead. They’ve collected a couple of encouraging victories so far, but how far can the Uni side go this campaign? Sam Benjamin – BURFC 1XV captain – feels they are in for competitive and successful season.
Season expectations...
After an arguably disappointing season last year where the side won just four games, the team look to make that step up and challenge for promotion. "We’ve set the bar high. We want promotion and after having played three of the six teams in the league I still believe that the team can do it. If we keep improving at the rate we are we’ll be in 1st position by the end of the season."
Training...
Whether you’re playing amateur, semi-pro or professional sport, training is vital to any success and rugby’s no different. Fitness levels and nutrition are a key aspect to an athlete’s performance but so are the team training sessions. "A basic training session starts with around 1520 minutes warming up with varying touch rugby games to get the heart rate up and then move onto some quick stretches before going into some skilled based activities. We would then split backs and forwards and run through our set pieces. Once we’re happy with this, we plat some unopposed run throughs to get ready for Wednesday (when fixtures usually take place). Finally, we hit up some tough fitness organised by the SNC team at Sport BU."
Sessions seem to include a lot of fitness-based activities which one would assume – maybe wrongly – to try and burn off those pints from the night before.
Results so far...
The side won both their opening fixtures, beating Bath (away) 18-7 and then followed this fixture up with another dominant win over Bath again, with this time the scoreline reading 39-27 with this particular game having taken place at Chapel Gate playing fields in Bournemouth. "The season has started very positively, we’re trying to take a far more professional approach to the 14/15 season and we won our first 2 games, unfortunately we lost away to Exeter but we’ve learnt from our mistakes and still all believe we can reach promotion." It’s undoubtedly difficult to remain consistent when players come and go due to graduations and placements, but Benjamin feels they’re in for an enjoyable season with a good crop of new players joining up this year. "We’ve had some great freshers come to build on our already strong team so we’re just going to work as hard as we can."
Competitions for places...
Compared to the 13/14 season, this time around there’s only the one team as opposed to the two sides last year, making competition for places that much more intense. "Competition is tough, especially in certain positions such as back row and scrum half. Competition is definitely at an all time high, but that’s good for us as it is pushing us harder." With limited places in the side, players will no doubt be pushing through those hangover barriers to ensure they’re in the starting line up for game day.
Competition is good for us because it is pushing us harder NERVE | 55
SNOOKER:
SPORT
CANCER, COCAINE AND COMPETITIONS FINALS
As the players start to find their feet and potting rhythm, Nerve takes a look at everything surrounding the world of Snooker and previews upcoming events Words Will Kent Design Jack Mullen
W
hether you’re a snooker addict or not, every sport fan can find something to enjoy about watching a game ball potting. Viewing the sport is like a form of escapism; diving away from the field of football and racing away from the adrenaline-packed F1 season that we’ve just witnessed, snooker supplies a form of relaxation that other sports generally don’t offer. It’s a fascinating game, a tactical one, one which offers pathways for all avid sport fans to enjoy some part of. Despite the somewhat relaxed environment which usually surrounds the game, some of the topics which have recently arisen both on and off the table this year make this game even more intriguing than usual to the casual fan. The news surrounding Jimmy White’s previous crack cocaine habit raised eyebrows, whilst other stories include Ali Carter’s struggles with cancer yet he still continues to win competitions, such as the General Cup earlier this year. Carter’s story and White’s confession, confined with previous topics such as match fixing, all collect together to form this peculiar yet addictive and entertaining Snooker environment. The popularity of the sport is definitely increasing especially as television broadcasting now allows it to reach world wide audiences. One of the more recent ranking tournaments – the International Championship – was held in
Chengdu and these Chinese audiences watched world number 11, Ricky Walden, slot Mark Allen aside to claim a substantial prize of £125,000. These large prize funds - albeit not on par with a footballer’s weekly wages - only help but highlight the growing nature of the sport. The final of this particular competition saw Walden beat Northern Ireland’s Allen after 17 sets, with Walden taking 10 and ultimately the match. Allen, one of the more controversial and out spoken players in the modern game, suffered his third defeat out of the four finals he’s reached so far this season and whilst he’s clearly disappointed at being unable to overcome that final hurdle, he’s had a great start to the season and is looking a firm favourite for upcoming competitions. Looking ahead to the remainder of the season, with the more immediate tournaments including the prestigious Masters tournament in January and the currently ongoing UK Championship, bookies, players and fans are starting to get a clear idea of how this season’s going to fall. The top three ranked players – Mark Selby, Neil Roberston and Ding Junhui – are obviously amongst the favourites for every competition they enter, despite the latter two having a fairly slow start so far. Ronnie O’Sullivan is always a threat and seems to be scoring well considering the lack of snooker that he’s played so far this season. Another challenger
for the UK Championship and Masters is Stuart Bingham, full of confidence after tournament victories in Shanghai and Haining already this campaign, along with over 30 individual match wins. Further afield includes the outside contenders, such as Mark Allen, Barry Hawkins, Judd Trump - I can go on. It’s highly competitive and classifying these stars as ‘outsiders’ almost feels wrong. All these competitions will undoubtedly prove to be a mouth watering taster for the end of the season finale at the Crucible Theatre when Sheffield hosts the World Championship over the course of two weeks. All the season’s hard work securing ranking positions ultimately boil down to this one competition which everyone is desperate to win. But until then, we have a lot of snooker left to be played. Besides the previously mentioned tournaments, other noteworthy events include the World Open ranking event towards the back end of January along with the Indian and Welsh Open. The sport is flooded with talent and the competitive nature and controversy which is often associated within the game will ensure the remaining five or so months of this year’s snooker calender will be intriguing to say the least. If you’re inspired to watch more snooker, there’s a lot broadcast on Eurosport with the odd event such as the Masters event broadcast on the BBC, and even ITV are starting to NERVE | 57
AFC BOURMOUTH NERVE
AFC BOURNEMOUTH: A LOOK BACK ON 2014
The year has progressively got better for AFC Bournemouth; from a sticky start to a blitzing end, the improvement in form has been outstanding. Will Kent reflects upon a roller coaster 2014 on the south coast January
League form: 1W 2D 1L FA Cup: Victory over Burton followed by defeat to Liverpool in the fourth round. Mediocre. A win, a couple of draws and a loss, along with another defeat to Suarez’s Liverpool in the FA Cup. Not exactly the ideal start to the New Year, but hardly catastrophic. Relegation was still hanging over the shoulder at this point, and good form was still hard to find despite a lot of positives from team performances. The loss to Liverpool was in fact a very impressive showing, however, Eddie Howe’s side needed to turn these good performances into good results if they wanted to look back on the 2013/14 season as a good one.
February
League form: 0W 2D 2L The worst month of the calendar year for AFC Bournemouth. No victories, with two points from a possible twelve and in hindsight makes the March turn around even more impressive. Albeit with these four fixtures against the two eventually promoted sides – Leicester and Burnley – along with one other against another play-off side in Derby County. This two point return still can’t be looked back upon as a good one, but you can’t win them all, they say.
March
League form: 6W 1D 1L A fantastic month. 19 points for a possible 24 is a return that will do nothing but please fans at any club. These points turned out to be crucial, not only did they 100% secure safety from relegation but also helped mount NERVE | 58
a late charge for play-off place. As we know, a play-off wasn’t to be, but the turn around in form from the previous winter months not only supplied a lot of confidence which has evidently trickled down into the current season, but it also supplied some entertaining football. Lewis Grabben scored six times during March, increasing his profile in the transfer market, along with Steve Cook, who scored a crucial last minute winner against Barnsley. The highlight of the month’s fixtures included the 5-0 destruction of Doncaster, a game which featured Kermorgant’s debut hat-trick.
April
League form: 3W 2D 1L Bournemouth beat Nottingham Forest 4-1, with Lewis Grabban scoring another two goals in this particular fixture and started to really attract interest from a lot of other clubs. This sort of form ultimately saw him move onto Cardiff in the summer, which in hindsight, isn’t looking like a wise move for the Englishman. Strikers aside, after a fantastic March, 11 points from 18 isn’t a bad return either, helping to make the Cherrie’s promotion threat even more of a realistic possibility.
May
League form: 0W 0D 1L Just one game – a loss away to Ian Holloway’s Millwall side. Effectively a dead game for Howe’s side, however three points is always a nice way to send out the season. This game saw just the one Millwall goal, which secured their status as a Championship club for at least one more year.
SPORT
August
League form: 2W 2L 1D League Cup: Two wins over Exeter and Northampton There’s not a lot more you can ask for really – new signings, new season and new beginnings. Two league wins and a draw mask the two losses, helping the Cherries sit comfortably away from the relegation zone to begin with, accumulating seven points. Bournemouth also put in the building blocks for a league cup run with successive first and second round wins against Exeter and Northampton.
September
League form: 1W 2D 2L League Cup: Victory over Cardiff in third round A somewhat unsatisfying month with regards to league progress, taking just five points from a possible fifteen. However, an impressive 3-0 League Cup third round victory away to Cardiff disguised some of the league struggles for this particular month. Summer signing Dan Gosling showed signs of life with a couple of goals whilst a draw away to Watford can hardly be regarded as a poor result either.
October
League form: 4W 0D 0L League Cup: Defeated West Bronwich Albion in the fourth round A faultless month for Eddie Howe’s men, beating West Bromwich Albion to reach the last eight of the League Cup for the first time. Summer signing Junior Stanislas supplied Eunan O’Kane with the assist for his first goal of the campaign whilst other signing, Callum Wilson, scored the winner. Cup run aside, the Cherries scored 14 goals and conceded just one in
October along with an emphatic 8-0 away win against Birmingham dictating the headlines. 28 shots lead to eight goals, three of which came from Marc Pugh – a great victory.
November
League form: 2W 0D 0L Bournemouth secured a 3-2 win against Brighton early in the month, lifting them up to second place in the league table, two points off leaders Watford before they in fact took up first position themselves with a 2-0 victory against Sheffield Wednesday in their next fixture. The south coast derby against the Sami Hyypia’s side was supposedly one of the toughest games Bournemouth have had so far according to Howe and the match required a penalty and own goal in the Cherries favour to secure these valuable three points. Marc Pugh impressed again, netting his fifth goal of the campaign.
At the time of writing, AFC Bournemouth are looking very tasty. At the right end of the league table as well as having defeated Premier League opposition to still remain in the League Cup – would it be too soon to tip Bournemouth for a promotion and cup double? On recent form, especially from March onwards, it wouldn’t be laughable to suggest they could do it. Eddie Howe’s side has consistency, one of the most valuable thing a football side can possess apart from the ball. The summer signings look to be successful additions, especially Callum Wilson coming in to replace the departed Lewis Grabban, whilst clean sheets are becoming more and more common for the Cherries. The future looks bright for Eddie Howe and his Bournemouth side and we await the return of Liverpool later this month to see if the Cherries can make a semi-final. Up the Cherries! NERVE | 59
Come, mingle with a mulled wine, buy your gifts and join in the Christmas spirit!
SUBU
TUESDAY 2 DECEMBER
TALBOT CAMPUS, 11AM - 4PM DOTTIES VINTAGE CRAFT GIFTS / JULES’ JEWELS RICHMOND CLASSICS CLOTHING / VINTAGE FAIR
PONDHEAD FARM MEAT & PIE STALL CARDS & TOFFEE / CIDER, PICKLES & JAMS PAWS DELI PETFOOD GIFTS
FESTIVE MUSIC THROUGHOUT
& BU CHOIR HOST A SING-ALONG 12-2PM
See you there!
/SUBUBOURNEMOUTH
TOP
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It’s the biggest night of the year - but there’s many more ways to spend it than just drinking your body weight in wine
ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO SPENT NEW YEARS EVE
Eat twelve grapes
With every chime of the midnight countdown Spaniards traditionally eat a grape whilst making a wish. Whilst symbolic, be warned shoveling twelve grapes in your mouth in this span of time is easier said than done! If you want to go all out, and why not it’s NYE after all - eat twelve meals. In Estonia, people believe that by eating twelve meals you will obtain the strength of that many men for the following year. Don’t worry if you cant finish every plate you can leave it for the spirits of your ancestors.
3 Swing a fireball
We’ve all heard about Hogmanay in Edinburgh, but a lesser-known Scottish NYE ceremony takes place in Stonehaven. Watch as local people of all ages swing flaming wire cages around their heads process through the streets. Starting at midnight and lasting 25 minutes, join the crowds of thousands of spectators mesmerized by these magical fireballs. Probably best not to wear hairspray.
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Ice skating
Skate at Somerset House in partnership with Fortnum & Mason, throw a fun filled upmarket NYE experience. With previous years including champagne receptions, ice skating and festive snacks ticket prices are tiered to suit every budget. Keep an eye out on their website for news of this year’s shindig. Oh, and did I mention Somerset House possess the best views of the London fireworks?
FEATURES
Words: Olivia Osmond Illustrations: Laurence Thomas
you’ve ordered your outfit and bought over priced tickets; when you finally get to the nightclub (no matter where in the country), it doesn’t live up to expectations...in fact it seems like an average night out. With that being said, maybe it’s better to save the disappointment and spare your bank balance a blow, and just have a good old-fashioned night in. Watch Jools Holland’s ‘Hootenanny’ with people you will actually know in the morning, sipping a celebratory drink on the couch.
Celebrate it twice
Thanks to the Gregorian calendar we commonly celebrate New Years Eve on December 31st in the western hemisphere. Yet residents of Macedonia seem to have a better deal, celebrating both on December 31st and January 14th according to Macedonian Orthodox. With fireworks throughout the day on the 31st, Macedonian children then receive gifts from relatives on the 14th…anyone feeling jealous?
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KEEP IN TOUCH ‘Nerve Magazine’ @nervemagazine
Don’t go out
Lets face it New Years Eve is more often than not, over hyped. You’ve been talking about it for weeks,
www.nervemedia.org.uk
NERVE | 63