NERVE
MARCH15
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
Got it COVERED P14
Check what we’ve got for you this month...
LOWER THAN ATLANTIS As they embark on tour, Nerve caught up with the boys from Lower than Atlantis ahead of their visit to Bournemouth next month.
ents@nervemedia.org.uk
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
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We delve into the world of sugar dating, and why so many students are signing up to sugar dating websites to reap the cash benefits that come with being a sugar baby.
This issue we spotlight on the style of Film Production student Callum Howat-Maxted, who gives us the lowdown on his smart-casual meets tailored style.
SUGAR DADDIES
STYLE FOCUS
Communication Manager Joe Tattersall jtattersall@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.
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YOU NEED TO VOTE
The general election is fast approaching with your time to vote drawing closer. We comment on why throwing away your vote is the biggest fallacy you can commit against democracy.
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SNOOKER
With the world championships being held in April, Nerve makes its predictions as to who will be the main players this year.
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NERVE
MARCH15
Contributors
Writers Joe Hopkins Olivia Cadby Grant Hilborne Sian Cooper Amy-Lauren Watson Elly Rewcastle Daisy Carling-Rose Tom Beasley Erica Adams Lauren Chassebi Shaquira Jeyasingh Katie Mallalieu Hannah Trinder Natalie Whitmore Jess Cunliffe Luke Kenton Imogen Cork Charlie Slawson Design Team Jack Mullen Zennen Thomas Illustrators Grant Cortlett Laurence Thomas Nathan Hackett
Word From Your Editor
Easter is drawing near and the prospect of eating tonnes of chocolate is already exciting - almost as exciting as the new issue of Nerve Magazine on campus! This issue we have an exclusive interview with Lower than Atlantis for you, in addition to spotlighting on one of BU’s newer societies, the BU Wine Society. Missed the opportunity to see the Kerrang tour 2015? Not to worry, as we bring you the lowdown of when the event came to Southampton. Additionally we had the chance to speak to Lucy Rose ahead of her visit to Bournemouth later this month. If you’re looking to get fit for summer, you’ll
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.
want to look the part, so make sure you read our essential guide to Fitness Fashion, and check out what our writers have to say about black as a wardrobe staple in our regular Fashion Debate. With the Snooker World Championships on the horizon, we preview the potential competitors to look out for this year, as well as looking ahead to the upcoming Formula 1 season where we make our predictions. It will soon be the general election, and we comment on why You Need to Vote, in addition to delving into the mysterious world of Sugar Daddies for students. All this and your favourite regulars. Wil Oxford
The Full Line Up
REGULARS
26 Let’s talk about sex
06 Mix tape
SPORT
08 Heads up 09 Winners/losers 30 Through the lens 56 Old Fire Station highlights 59 Top 5
ENTERTAINMENT
Nerve Magazine is produced by SUBU (the Students Union @ Bournemouth University). Information correct at time of publication (March 2015). The views expressed are not necessarily those of Nerve Media, SUBU or the Editor.
14 Lower than Atlantis
Nerve Magazine is usually printed on 200 gsm silk cover and 115gsm body provided by Indigo Printing Press.
43 Griever
18 The Veronicas 23 Laura Welsh 24 Kerrang Tour 2015 28 Sunset Sons 38 Lucy Rose
46 Snooker world championships 48 Mayweather vs. Pacquiao 50 AFC Bournemouth/Poole 53 BU varsity 54 Formula 1 preview
FASHION 10 Fashion debate 16 Style focus 33 Fitness fashion 37 Fashion on Instagram 40 Fashion files
COMMENT
44 Reviewed
34 You need to vote
FEATURES
crime
13 BU Wine Society
49 Rape isn’t a black and white
19 Easter around the world 20 Sugar daddies
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Essential TRACKS we’ve been listening to this MONTH
IGGY AZALEA TROUBLE Iggy Azalea’s track takes her down a new route of piano driven-pop, but it’s the powerful soul voice of feature artist Jennifer Hudson that distinguishes it from the rest of her discography. Their voices blend surprisingly well, with Iggy’s rhymic rapping creating a fast-paced energy that Jennifer thrives off, definitely a collaboration to watch out for.
THE VERONICAS IF YOU LOVE SOMEONE
YOUNG GUNS SPEAKING IN TONGUES ‘Speaking in Tongues’ is Young Guns’ second song from their third album ‘Ones and Zeros’ due for release this June. This catchy tune captures the familiar sound of the band alongside the release of the dramatic video, featuring photographers and lots of dramatic cuts.
Though they’re known for their darker, more rock-oriented pop, The Veronicas’ latest single ‘If You Love Someone’ chooses a more positive approach by taking a stand and freely showing affection with its compelling guitar-driven melody. However, it’s also a piece of social commentary for animal rights, a different and refreshing take in modern music.
HOZIER SOMEONE NEW Taken from his debut self-titled album, which also features the big hit ‘Take Me to Church’, Hozier’s track ‘Someone New’ has recently unveiled an interesting new music video. The song has an old-fashioned sound that shows off Hozier’s smooth vocals excellently, giving us a new perspective on the artist. It also features a catchy tune that may be stuck in your head all day after just one listen! Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
YEARS & YEARS KING Years & Years are a refreshing up-and-coming band from London. After being awarded BBC’s Sound of 2015, ‘King’ is their latest single; a catchy dance track full of synths and feel-good beats. Singer Olly’s vocals are simply amazing alongside the composition. The band is definitely destined for great things.
THE WOMBATS GIVE ME A TRY
JACK Ü FT JUSTIN BIEBER WHERE ARE YOU NOW? Dare we say that Justin Bieber is back? Whether you like him or not, he is featuring on a track called ‘Where Are You Now’ by the dashing duo Diplo and Skrillex, who have joined forces under the name ‘Jack Ü’. It’s undoubtedly catchy and a good song to sing-along to; they’ve done a good job of making this one a foreseeable hit.
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There is no denying that The Wombats are back and better than ever, with the indie rock band hinting a sweet taste to their third coming album, Glitterbug. This irresistible, alternative dance tune gives clever lyrics, a catchy chorus and a fun synth melody, overall providing us with the classic Wombats sound of Teenage Heartbreak.
ALL TIME LOW KIDS IN THE DARK The second release from Baltimore based four piece All Time Low’s upcoming sixth album Future Hearts has a familiar upbeat tune and melancholy lyrics that help them maintain their new poprock style. This is a great follow up track to ‘Something’s Gotta Give’, and definitely a track to look out for.
HEADS UP! YOUR MONTH IN BOURNEMOUTH
CLUBBING
GIGS
EVENTS
Halo Sessions Annie Mac, Jay Welch, Tom Green
The Enemy and the Twang
Jo Caulfield
Halo
27 March Priority - Dan Osbourne Cameo 27 March Fusion
Old Fire Station 26 March
Bournemouth Beer Festival
BIC 27 March
BIC 3-5 April
Old Fire Station 27 March
BIC 17-18 April
Old Fire Station 15 March
BIC 14 April
Pyramids Plaza 3 April
Bournemouth Pavilion 8 May
BIC 13 April
Poole Lighthouse 9 May
Old Firestation 28 March
Wolf Alice
Old Fire Station 4 April
The Vaccines
02 Academy 4 April
McBusted
Old Fire Station 25 April
Lower Than Atlantis
Various venues 2 May
DUB FX
LightworQ
Garage Nation Enter & Drumfunk The Block Party
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Poole Lighthouse 28 March
Blue
Lucy Rose
Old Fire Station 21 April Old Fire Station 6 May
WOLF ALICE @TOFS 8 APRIL
Derren Brown WWE Live 2015
The Chatty Man comes to Bournemouth. Alan Carr @ Poole Lighthouse, 9 May
Jethro Alan Carr
The boys return to Bournemouth. McBusted @ BIC, 13 April
the economy We may be pretty much on the road to recovery when it comes to the nation’s finances, but things may look more hopeful than we think after it was recently predicted that Britain could become the largest economy in Europe within 20 years. If this turns out to be true, let’s hope all the profits don’t just go into the pockets of a privileged few.
ed sheeran Our favourite British artist Ed Sheeran was sucessful at the Brits last month, scooping the award for Best British Male Solo Artist for a second time, after also claiming the title back in 2012. He just seems to keep on getting better, doesn’t he?
Krispy Kreme We all love doughnuts, and we all love American food, so what’s better than putting them together? Krispy Kreme has launched their new Reese’s Peanut Butter flavoured doughnut in the UK. It’s filled with peanut butter, and has peanut butter chips and peanut shavings sprinkled on top. We’re nutty about this new one!
comic relief The nation’s favourite charity fundraiser not only raised a huge £78 million for those in need at this year’s event, but this year has tipped the total amount raised by Comic Relief over the last 30 years to more than £1 billion. This is reported to have helped over 50 million people worldwide, who are undoubtedly the real winners here.
WINNERS
TH ON M S R E S LO OF THIS
Robin Thicke & Pharrell The naughty "Blurred Lines" singers lost their court case against Marvin Gaye’s family in a copyright battle. The song was found by a jury to have copied parts of Marvin Gaye’s 1997 hit song "Got to Give It Up." Williams and Thicke were ordered to pay $7.3 million to the Gaye family, although the song has reportedly made over $16 million in profit in total.
Selfie Sticks Oh how the mighty have fallen. One of the most visited tourist attractions in France, Versailles has joined other worldwide attractions in banning visitors from using selfie sticks. Some think they are the best inventions ever and can get the perfect group shot but a large majority hate the annoying poles - is it too late to return the one we got for christmas?
jeremy Clarkson The Top Gear presenter was involved in yet another scandal, although this time it was with his producer. The story was broken by The Telegraph and said that Clarkson would not be presenting the next show after ‘ a fracas’ with his BBC boss. A petition was immediately set up to to get him back to work, but we think it might finally be time for Mr Clarkson to call time on presenting.
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THE GREAT FASHION DEBATE Every month, we tackle a fashion issue
YES
J
“
ust how many times have you heard the phrase ‘Orange is the new black’ thrown around? I’m guessing a lot. Navy, red, white and yellow - every colour under the sun has claimed to be the newest and most important staple in every wardrobe. So why can’t we face the facts? We’re all guilty of desperately trying to shake off the idea that black is the only trusted colour out there. We just need to accept that it’s not the be all and end all. Pantone, the global colour authority, have recently revealed the much anticipated colour for 2015, labeling it as the year of Marsala, better described as a wine colour. Now it’s certain that the media will have clocked on to this and will be reminding us that life just isn’t complete without a touch of it in our wardrobes. We’ll all buy into it and this is a prime example of why black items of clothing now have no more power over us than any other. Whatever season, it is fashionistas who set colour trends in an attempt to ignore the existence of black clothing. Until, of course, it gets to Halloween when we exploit the idea of dressing up as all things dark and twisted to suit its gothic nature - definitely not a style all of us NERVE | 10
it’s just become something we hang on to because we convince ourselves colour is far too risky
“
Q
Will any other colour ever be the new black?
want to be rocking on a daily basis. Not only does black spring to mind to so many as a dark and drab colour, just think of the times when you’re discussing what to wear out on Friday night. Fast-forward a few days after all that deciphering and you end up sticking with ‘oh, just a black dress’. ‘Just’ being the killer word. If black was still such a phenomenon like so many are making it out to be, it wouldn’t be described as ‘just’. According to most, black is the safe option flattering everyone, but it’s really just become an idea that we hang onto to convince ourselves that colour is far too risky. Yet, if colour was so risky, why are there so many fashion experts out there telling us what tones best suit us
individually to show of our best assets!? There is no such thing as black being a universal staple when there is whole colour wheel for us to pick and choose from. Labeling black as the staple colour stops us expressing what we really want to. We’re in an age now where flattering is not just about the colour of clothing but its shape, style, material and most importantly, the confidence wearing it. So next time you go into a shop, stop and think before you run to the first black thing you see trying to play it ‘safe’, because in actual fact, orange may just be your new black and it only takes a short trip to the changing room to realise the colour you’ve been depriving yourself of for so many years, is in fact the greatest thing you have ever come across.
Words Amy-Lauren Watson Design Jack Mullen Illustration Nathan Hackett
FASHION
three quarters of my wardrobe, which is something that I cannot afford to do. Planning an outfit for a girl’s night out or a birthday bash can be a stressful task to say the least; we have all been there. Not only is it the outfit, but you’ve also got to consider the accessories,
“
it is a timeless, classic colour that refuses to go away
“
T
NO
rends come and go within a blink of an eye, leaving us to ponder what the next new craze is going to be. However, change can be a daunting experience so it’s a good job that there is some continuity in the wonderful world of fashion - the colour black. Whether it is your LBD or your trusty black leather jacket, you can fling it on with out a care in the world because you know that this versatile colour will never let you down. Each season the fashion world is bombarded with an array of colours; last year throughout spring, pastel colours were flying off the rails; a blur of lilacs, baby blues and powder pinks. Following shortly behind in autumn, orange was seen to be the new black, but was it? Where have all these colours gone? I know that my orange outfits are shoved at the back of my wardrobe, probably gathering dust due to their lack of outings. Colours come in and out of fashion but black is here to stay. Trying to compare or push a colour ahead of black is like fighting a losing battle; black is going to be victorious every time. It is a timeless, classic colour that refuses to fade into the background and rightly so! It deserves to be celebrated. Which is a good job really, otherwise I would have to succumb to losing around
the bag AND the shoes. ‘What shall I wear tonight?’ ‘What about your little black number, you can’t go wrong with that’. My friend is right. This doesn’t mean to say that you can’t add a pop of colour with bold black statement pieces. However, it does relieve a little stress, you don’t need to worry if this colour will go with that or if that’s the right shade for that texture, it comes together harmoniously all by itself – bliss! So if you’re feeling a little lazy and don’t fancy the usual style stresses then just stick with black and all your
troubles will slowly fade away. And what’s more, you can wear black all year round, for the majority of occasions - weddings being an exception, maybe. Want to look smart? Wear black. Want to look sophisticated? Wear black. Want to look sexy? Wear black. Need I go on? Granted, there have been some strong colour contenders in the past but each and every time they are pipped at the post. No other colour can compete.
Words Sofie Boyland What do you think? Will there ever be a colour as classic as black? Or will it always remain one of our favourite wardrobe staples?
Tweet us: @NerveMagazine
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BU Wine Society FEATURES
Natalie Whitmore caught up with Bournemouth University’s Wine Society founder, Oliver Constant, to find out what inspired him to start up the society, and learn more about the fun-finesse of wine tasting.
O
n a quiet Wednesday evening, The Loft packed with students chatting and laughing over a few glasses of wine at the latest event for BU’s new Wine Society. The friendly atmosphere is palpable as strangers bond over their appreciation of wine. There’s a real mix of people, from those who can pair wines with a quick sip to those who can scarcely distinguish between red, white and rosé. "One of our main focuses is to create a welcoming environment with approachable people. You could come and not know anyone but still be likely to have a good time." Oliver, fourth year International Hospitality Management student, understands that there is a negative image attached to wine from the younger generation. "There’s a massive negative image that includes things like snobbery, intimidation, and exclusivity to the upper class; and we try to change this within the society by making it more of an accessible, fun thing to try." The latest event for the society included a talk from Erica Dent, a teacher for the WSET qualification, a course that helps students become sommeliers, teaching them about food and wine pairing. Like Oliver, Erica initially thought wine was for the elite, but has since rediscovered its accessibility: "Food and wine pairing seemed like this big mystery, but its really not". She explains that one of the best things about societies like this is that people have the opportunity to discover their tastes and use this knowledge in the future. "The best thing is people exploring things they hadn’t considered before, often surprising themselves." While Erica’s passion for wine was inspired by living in New Zealand, Oliver’s started when he was on placement in Dubai for a food and beverage internship. He explains: "We had a great team out there consisting of some of the most experienced people within the food and beverage workforce; some of them never stop talking about wine, but it’s great – you learn so much," adding, "their passion really inspired me to pursue learning about wine. I was taking wine courses out there; then I was training on my own while studying during my second placement - now here I am." Our generation is roundly known for not truly appreciating the value of good alcohol. However, Oliver describes the drinking of wine as a unique experience, "It’s emerging more and more in our culture; wine can be used as a refreshing appetiser when catching up with an old friend, or at important business meals." He adds that, "Drinking
moderately is a good way of connecting with people, and I think wine is great thing for everyone to have a basic understanding of." The wine society has been running for five months now and has helped bring students together. "For our first event we had about 35 people down in the Retreat with 7 wines - 3 whites, 3 reds and a rosé. Everyone meets up, pays a little, and we go around the tables with tokens trying the wine. Everyone gets a bit merry and has a good time." Although the society has proven to be a success it has been shadowed by the negative views on alcohol consumption. Oliver promotes safe drinking and keeps it as one of his top priorities for the society. "If someone is starting to have a bit of problem we like to think that we are very approachable people, so anyone can talk to us about it and we can help them deal with it." Oliver explains that, "The society is naturally made up of people who enjoy drinking occasionally like once or twice a week, and won’t have an alcohol dependency." Bournemouth University’s Wine Society aims to be around for a long time and create its own legacy. "Overall we want to achieve a well-established, responsible society, and we want it to expand and join people together." Oliver adds, "It’s a friendly and easy way into trying and enjoying wine!"
From the left: Jonathan Leung, Oliver Constant, Erica Dent, Emily Evans and Thomas Holden.
Words: Natalie Whitmore & Rebecca Pates NERVE | 13
ENTS
L
ower Than Atlantis are heading out on a Headline Tour across England, with Bournemouth’s Old Fire Station being one of the stops along the way. When I spoke to lead singer, Mike Duce, he had twelve interviews before chatting to Nerve and still more to go - so to say he is tired is an understatement. Life on the road sounds more tiring, as all they seem to do is sleep, sound, gig, repeat. "We’ll just get there, wake up, sound check and then get back on the bus and go. We’ll have a few drinks afterwards though I’m sure." Who knows, on the night of the gig you may see the band afterwards at the Old Fire Station bar, drinking some VKs. Playing at our SU means the crowd will probably be filled with students,
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but this doesn’t faze Mike as he is used to having a varied audience. "We’ve been a band for seven or eight years now and our musical style has changed. We have a pretty varied fan base so it wouldn’t be out of the ordinary for someone’s Nan to come to the show." Lower Than Atlantis will have support from English rock band We Are The Ocean and American rock band PVRIS. "We’ve been friends with We Are the Ocean since we started the band pretty much. They were nice enough to take us on tour in early 2011, so we’re taking them out. I’ve never met PVRIS, but they’re a good band and yeah it should be fun, I’m sure we’ll all become best mates. We spend a lot of time with American bands anyway so I’m sure we’ll get
on great." Though Lower Than Atlantis is mainly associated with the alternative rock genre, Mike has been known to venture over to the pop side of the tracks, with the work he did for the Australian pop boy band 5 Seconds of Summer. "I did a lot of pop song writing when I went on tour. I’m kind of used to it now but that was the first thing I did. It was kind of strange at first, but they’re just nice young lads." Mike said himself that their music has changed over the years - but why? "People grow, people change. It’s more for ourselves and more for the people who have followed the band, as it would be boring if we just released the same album over and over again, so it’s just fun
“ ” It was like an all-expenses paid lads’ trip to Miami
Nerve’s Laura Geall caught up with Lower Than Atlantis ahead of their gig in Bournemouth to chat about their plans for the upcoming tour, their new album and just why their musical direction is constantly changing to mix it up a bit. We all listen to everything really, we’ve got quite an eclectic music taste." This range of taste influences their music. "I guess any artists’ music is just an amalgamation of stuff they’re listening to. You kind of just subconsciously take it in and then regurgitate it in your own way and put your own spin on it." Having watched their video for ‘English Kids in America’, where the band feature in lots of tourist sites in the USA, how did they manage to swing getting so much time in America to shoot the video? "It wasn’t for a tour, we managed to con our label into flying us over there to shoot the video. It was like an allexpenses paid lads’ trip to Miami, with a sick apartment on the beach.
We got to do all of that cool stuff; we went to Universal studios, hired a boat and went to the beach. It was like a jolly up, a massive piss up for free basically." I compliment the band’s cover of ‘Am I Wrong’, as it’s one of those songs that they have changed musically, but it sounds just as good as the original. "Oh, we’ve done that, have we?" Mike responds, surprised. "A lot of bands don’t do it, but it’s cool that you can pick something you like and put your own spin on it. You can make it your own and at the same time introduce people to your band that might not have heard the artist that you are covering and just enjoy it. We just pick whatever we think we can do justice." Asking Mike which song is his
favourite from the new album, Lower Than Atlantis, it seemed like the most difficult question he had to answer. "It would be hard to pick one because they were all so meticulously thought out and we spent so long on each individual one. If one wasn’t good enough, it didn’t make the cut." This is their fourth album, and is self-titled. "With our previous releases it would be more like, ‘quick, we’ve got two weeks off so let’s write an album so we can tour again’. With this one we took two years off and spent a lot of time writing it and recording it. We just thought if this is our last album, we want this to be the one that people check out." Design: Zennen Thomas NERVE | 15
Jeans: Levis 511’s Shoes: Desert boots from Tk Maxx
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21-year-old BA Film Production Student Callum Howat-Maxted mixes tailored formal pieces with high street hoodies for a totally unique take on the concept of smart-casual Words Scarlett Dixon
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Design Jack Mullen Photography Rebecca Elizabeth Tate Styling Callum Howat-Maxted
FASHION
Shirt: Fred Perry
Shirt: Vintage shop Tie: Knitted Burgundy tie from Jump the Gun Jeans: Lee’s
Shoes: Desert Boots from Tk Maxx Jacket: Aertex Bomber Jacket from Jump The Gun
Shirt: Clobber Jeans: Levis 511’s Sunlasses: Ray Bans NERVE | 17
ENTS
The Veronicas The Veronicas chat to Nerve’s Joe Hopkins about their revolutionary new single and the heartening inspiration behind their new music
W
hen time came for the interview, I initially expected to chat with Jessica Origliasso, one half of poprock duo The Veronicas. However, the first thing she says is: "I have a surprise for you, I invited someone in for our interview." An enthusiastic "Hey!" jumps into the conversation, the voice of Lisa Origliasso, an added bonus to what already seemed like a catch-up between old friends. Jessica then adds with a chuckle, "No one else got the both of us, we had to do individual interviews but she finished hers in time to do yours with me. She’s also got a mouthful of chips." Considering their hectic schedule of press, it’s refreshing to see the duo so chirpy. Despite braving the bitter English weather, the girls can’t help but feel like they’ve returned to a sense of belonging here, "We love it, it feels like a home away from home for us," says Jessica. "We were here five years ago and we absolutely loved it then and so to be back here, it feels incredible". Though their visit marks the beginning of the UK leg of their Sanctified Tour, they are also promoting their next single ‘If You Love Someone’ and to have it released is an award in itself to Jessica. "We wrote it after a challenging period of time and the song itself talks about when you’re at your darkest times - that’s when
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the stars shine the brightest. At the end of the day, love is the thing that prevails." She speaks with force and honesty as their latest album release hasn’t been the easiest ride. After the release of sophomore album Hook Me Up, the songstresses found themselves in limbo, with their previous record label contacts having found other work. That was until Sony Music snapped up the duo. Relishing in the chance to release new material, latest single ‘If
“
the UK feels like a home away from home for us
”
You Love Someone’ is more than just a celebratory pop-folk anthem - it’s also a critique. "We sort of touched on the fact that in Australia it’s still not legal to marry same sex couples, we’re living in the twentieth century, what is going on?! It blows my mind that so many places in the world are so backwards and closed minded when it comes to love and it’s disheartening - it’s an injustice." The statement-making video also sees clips of the work of the Sea Shepherds, an organisation that the Veronicas can’t back enough. "We got the Sea Shepherds Conservation Society involved. We’re massive fans and supporters and we’ve got all
them coming out to our shows here in the UK and setting up little booths. These people are so brave - they’re donating their time, their lives to go out and fight this fight and to us they’re just absolute heroes and people we admire more than we can possibly say." The anthem follows the flourishing success of tear-jearker ‘You Ruin Me’ which recently attained 3x Platinum status in the duo’s homeground of Australia. When asked if the song is difficult to perform live, Jessica says, "It does take us back to that place every time we perform it, it can get intense. When we start the piano part of the song, a huge wave rushes over the entire crowd. It’s beautiful that the crowd is willing to go there with us, it’s hard not to smile when you’re up there". Lisa then interjects, "It’s heartbreaking but it’s also healing at the same time, the healing is empowering." Both songs appear on The Veronicas new self-titled album, an eclectic record, "We were being influenced by trip hop and hip hop which you can hear on ‘Did You Miss Me’ and ‘Line of Fire’. Then we did the country-pop thing with ‘Born Bob Dylan’ and then moved to the straight up pop, eighties throwback with ‘Cruel’ - we were just having fun!" By saying the word "fun", Jessica summarises the entire interview in one word. Photo: Russell James
FEATURES
EASTER AROUND THE WORLD
Whilst we’re all stuffing our faces with chocolate eggs this Easter, Nerve asked international BU students what they’ll be doing to celebrate when they go home. From weird to wonderful – here’s how some countries mark their Easter.
SWEDEN
Henrik Bronnegard: The Swedish Easter is a holiday that almost every Swede celebrates. This is because Easter is one of few occasions where Swedes are able to eat our traditional foods like pickled herring, smoked meat and smoked fish. The food is always served alongside traditional Scandinavian vodka and accompanied by drunken singing. Meanwhile, the houses are decorated with feathers, eggs and chickens – much like the British celebrations but with one twist - the children dress up as old ladies before they go on their egg hunt!
LITHUANIA
Justina Daracuite The oldest and probably most interesting tradition we have in Lithuania is painting eggs using only natural resources. My grandparents taught me that you can get the most beautiful golden brown colours from onion peel and you can create the most fascinating shapes on eggs using little flowers and leaves. We never use any artificial colorants. Easter in Lithuania is also all about celebrating the beginnings of Spring by getting outside, having picnics in parks, playing loads of games involving eggs and just generally enjoying time together with your family.
CHINA
Vicki Wang There aren’t many Christians in China so it’s not our traditional festival. Nevertheless, there are some who celebrate by going to church and singing religious songs where the priest also illustrates chapters of the bible to attendees and makes sure there is fun to be had with parties and different Easter themed programmes.
BULGARIA
Bogomila Bozhkova Easter in Bulgaria is the brightest spring celebration. Customs encourage people to ignore the materialistic world around them and look inwards at real human values. It’s all about the family getting together and painting the eggs. The first egg is painted in red and the eldest woman in the family draws a cross on the foreheads of the children – a tradition thought to ensure good health throughout the year. This egg is kept safe in the house for the whole year and is only broken when the next Easter comes around. Looking at the inside of this egg, we believe it will ‘set the tone’ for the year to come. If it is well preserved and the shell cracks in half, the coming months will be good. If the egg shatters.. the year will be less fortunate.
CATALONIA
Ramon Blanquer In Catalonia, everyone has godparents. Normally the Godfather gives their Godchild a Mona meaning ‘monkey’ in English. The Mona is like a baked cake and traditionally we put eggs on top of it but many godparents like to adorn it with small toys – things like small plastic figures of Disney characters, heroes and, of course, chicks. This baby chicken is so popular that you will see it on every cake in Catalonia. The godmother also gives their godchild a fancy palm leaf that is left on the balcony for a few days.
CORFU
John Cottrell We have a unique tradition in Corfu. It takes places on holy Sunday - the day after the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. On that day, the whole island begins to throw ceramic pots of all shapes and sizes out from their windows, down onto the streets. This is because back in the day, ceramic pots were used to store wheat. Throwing them out marks the beginning of a new harvesting season! Usually nobody gets hurt..
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Student Loan or
Sugar Baby?
Rising student debts in the UK have left many young women seeking alternative means of income, with a reported 2,000 becoming full-time ‘Sugar Babies’ and meeting up with older millionaires in return for financial support. However is this new trend really as platonically innocent as it seems – or does it have the potential to destroy ‘real’ relationships in the future?
A
lice*, 19 looks like your typical student from the outset, with long blonde hair, ripped black jeans and a pair of well-worn Converse and her head buried in a pile of text books. But we’re not here to talk about her studies, instead we’re going to discuss the rather unusual way she funds them – by dating men twice her age in return for lavish gifts and help with bills. It all started rather innocently, she recalls: "I don’t get much in the way of a student loan and I’m attracted to older guys. They pay me for my time but I’d never have sex with them. I’ve only kissed one." "It’s easy money, I’d hate to work in a coffee shop or a pub. This way is far more glamorous and enjoyable." But does she ever think of the potential future repercussions of what she’s doing? "I’ve never really thought about it. I’m not interested in the guys I
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hang around with - they’re immature. I don’t think I’ll meet my future husband doing this but I have become accustomed to being treated nicely." And Alice isn’t the only one who relishes this unconventional way of funding her studies. According to SeekingArrangement.com, the primary site when it comes to Sugar Daddy matchmaking, 42% of their ‘Sugar Baby’ population is made up of students. Angela Bermudo from Seeking Arrangement UK says: "Since the rise in tuition fees in 2012, we have experienced a large surge in students turning to our website to find wealthy benefactors. Many students view this as a viable option to find a supportive figure who can not only ease the burden financially, but also provide valuable mentorship and access to professional networks. It’s a low commitment, high value alternative to taking on student
loans or a part-time job." Although Alice claims not to have had any bad experiences, surely this set up seems a little too good to be true. To find out, I set up a profile on Seeking Arrangement to find out more. Are any men really interested in funding a student’s education in return for a platonic relationship? After specifying my ‘sugar’ expectations, which range from ‘Minimal’ (up to £600 a month) or ‘High’ (up to £6,000 a month), the next page allows me to upload profile pictures and set my username, which I’m advised keep fictitious for safety reasons. Following an approval period, the messages begin to pour in. Steven*, 56, gets straight to the point, asking for a ‘sensual massage’ in return for £200. ‘No sex’ he assures me. I enquire whether he would consider a platonic date like the ones I’ve been told about but it falls on
FEATURES
“
Many students view this as a viable option to find a supportive figure who can ease the burden financially
”
deaf ears. George*, 54, lives in California and is willing to fly me on an all expenses paid trip to see him if I agree to a Skype date beforehand while Paul*, 28, wants a ‘fake girlfriend’ for business dinners in return for a £3,000 a month allowance and designer dresses to ‘look the part’. Neither specify ‘intimate relations’ as part of the package but when I enquire further, both agree they would expect to go ‘all the way’ for the money exchanged. Helen Croydon, 29 and author of ‘Sugar Daddy Diaries’ is all too familiar with the dating for cash arrangement that such sites offer; as she once indulged in the privileges such a ‘relationship’ gave. After being overwhelmed with expensive gifts and financial help she now believes that young girls who become involved with Sugar Daddies risk damaging psychological consequences.
She told the Daily Mail: "The flattery I felt was an illusion. The men were generous and respectful, but there was no love or understanding, nothing I could rely on or count as real. What once seemed a fascinating youthful adventure was, in the end, bleak, unsatisfying and desperately depressing." However, Seeking Arrangement deny the claim that unfulfilling relationships are formed through their site, despite their CEO, Brandon Wade once professing that "love is a concept for poor people." When asked about this infamous quote, Seeking Arrangement replied: "What he meant is that this concept of love just being a chemical reaction that sustains on its own is not true. To have love, you have to not only provide for the other person, but also be invested in fulfilling their needs— the main one of which is financial stability. These are real relationships, albeit controlled ones that rely upon
the agreement set by both parties." Online relationship expert Arica Angelo disagrees: "This kind of dating is undoubtedly detrimental to future relationships, denting a young girl’s confidence and self worth. If she’s not cautious enough, this could cultivate a sense of cynicism about romance that could restrict her ever truly falling in love with someone for their personal qualities rather than their wealth attributes." Whether or not such relationships should be deemed ‘real’ is questionable but with University fees a hot topic of debate at the upcoming election, perhaps we’re likely to see a further surge of student sign ups? "I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon," says Alice*, "I’m saving for a flat in London when I graduate. That’s not going to be cheap!" *Names have been changed Words: Scarlett Dixon NERVE | 21
ENTS
LAURA WELSH
Since her single with Gorgon City, Laura Welsh has been busy in the studio creating her album. Nerve’s Hannah Trinder caught up with the singer to find out about eager fans and just how cool John Legend really is
T
he name Laura Welsh may ring a bell, as she is the 27-year-old whose soulful vocals starred on Gorgon City’s track ‘Here for You’ back in 2014. She has now released her debut album, Soft Control, with one of the tracks featuring in the film 50 Shades of Grey. She was pretty surprised when Gorgon City told her they wanted to release ‘Here for You’. "I vocalled the song, then left the studio and didn’t think too much of it. Then a few months later they came back and said we want it to be our next single." She tells me they wrote the song within a day alongside the help of British singer songwriter MNEK. "They’re really cool guys to work with," Laura tells me, "and it was cool playing a lot of festivals with them over the summer as well. It was a different world for me musically but it was a lot of fun to do." Music has always been a big part of Laura’s life: "I grew up around music and my mum was a musician." Laura herself started singing at the age of 10, and then went on to study music in Birmingham, where she bought herself a guitar and started writing her own music. Laura then moved to London later on and toured with her band across the country. "Music’s always been in my blood and the forefront of what I wanted to do." She recalls a time at a gig when she had just starting touring in Ireland. "We were on the bus with the band, and there was a bus in front of us and they saw the name on our
parking pass, which had my name on it." She explains how a young lad then jumped on to her bus and asked her for a picture. "I was like, do I know you? It totally threw me!" she laughs, "that was pretty funny." Speaking to her about her album Soft Control, she picks out the songs ‘Hardest Part’ and ‘Soft Control’ as her favourites. However, ‘Ghost’ is the most personal song to her on the album. "I wrote it during a period of
“
I’m drawn to raw emotion in songs that you can hear on the vocals
”
the year when I kind of took a step back and I wasn’t playing live shows. I was previously in a band and that kind of fell apart to be honest so I was in a place where I just had the freedom to write and do exactly what I wanted to." ‘Hardest Part’ features musician John Legend, and was written in only four hours. "I love the way he writes and approaches music," Laura recalls, "I was a massive fan of his work before, so it was incredible to go in a room and write with him." Laura explains that the experience was amazing and having him duet on the song was insane. "We just sat round the piano, demoed it there with just keys and vocals. It was nice and relaxed."
Her music is inspired by soul records which she regularly listened to while growing up. The likes of Carole King and her album ‘Tapestry’ have influenced her musically along the way. She also loves artists like D’Angelo, Otis Redding and tells me Prince is her dream artist to work with. "I think for me it’s regardless of genre, I’m drawn to raw emotion in songs that you hear on the vocals. Those soul records you put on late at night are always what I go back to." Aside from singing, Laura has a passion for photography. "I love photography, it’s just a hobby but I have a canon film camera so I shoot film in my spare time." She explains that if she hadn’t ventured along the music pathway she would have studied something to do with photography. She has a real love for photography and insists she’s getting better, despite the tons of film she has wasted, she laughingly admits. So what does the rest of the year have in store for Laura? She tells me that she’s venturing back to the states to do some shows and is hopeful that there will be lots more gigs lined up as well. Laura also shared advice for anyone who is trying to break in to the music industry, things that she has learnt on her own journey. "I would personally say trust your instincts and make the music you want to make, I think that’s really important to do. Don’t be swayed by opinions and don’t do anything you don’t want to do." NERVE | 23
Tour 2015
Southampton O2 Guildhall
Beartooth, Bury Tomorrow, Young Guns, We Are The In Crowd & Don Broco.
I
t’s the third day of the Kerrang! Tour and Don Broco and co have arrived for an almost sold-out show at Southampton O2 Guildhall. The roars of Beartooth could be heard from outside the venue, their loud fast and aggressive riffs ripping through the speakers. Frontman Caleb Shomo’s has a powerful air about him as he darts about the stage, banging his head. I got the chance to speak with Caleb on the day, and he gave me some advice about song writing, "If you’re going to write music, write music that you enjoy playing because if it gets big you’ll be playing it for the next twenty years". After finishing the build on his own studio, Caleb intends to write like crazy, "I just like to write music and play music. I’ll keep writing until we have
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enough to fill a record and then we’ll put it out. I don’t sit down and write a particular song that would be for radio, I write them because I want to." Beartooth has played alongside legendary bands like Slipknot, Korn and Silverstein. "It’s rad to be out here and seeing people singing along and enjoying the music, that’s why I do what I do". Bury Tomorrow were next on, "If anyone knows our band, you’ll know we’re from ten minutes down the road!" hails vocalist Daniel WinterBates. They begin with ‘Man on Fire’ and the deep screams rile up the crowd, who part to form a circle pit. Midway through their set, Daniel stopped to thank everyone for supporting metal, and metalcore, which was answered by an outbreak of devil horns as the crowd are reminded wherever they are, they’re there to have fun
and Bury Tomorrow will help them do that. Young Guns joined the tour just days before lift-off, as a teaser for their third full length album Ones and Zeros. Playing only a short set, fans were treated to two new singles, ‘I Want Out’ and ‘Speaking in Tongues’, and singer Gustav Wood ended the set by throwing himself into the crowd whilst singing the song that brought Young Guns into the limelight, ‘Bones’. I had the chance to sit down with Gustav Wood along with guitarist John Taylor ahead of their guest appearance on this years’ Kerrang Tour. Young Guns have played sold out shows across the world and have an army of adoring fans, some of whom have waited outside venues for over 24 hours just to make sure they’re right at the front. "It’s an honour when fans do that but we really don’t want people catching colds." With the music industry rapidly changing, it’s easy for bands to slip off the radar, "I think it’s a dangerous thing to keep wishing for a long and fruitful career, so we tend to live and focus on the present". Kerrang’s tour is a way the band are reconnecting with their roots, playing short sets with no staging and taking time to meet everyone that they can, "It’s a renowned tour and we look back fondly on the time we had playing back in 2010. It’s great to be back, it’s almost like being back where we started." We Are The In Crowd opened
ENTS Nerve’s Elly Rewcastle got the chance to head down to Southampton to see 2015’s Kerrang Tour, as well as getting to catch up with Beartooth and Young Guns on the day.
with bouncy track ‘Best Thing (That Never Happened)’ as Tay Jardine jumped around the stage. They’re one of the most energetic pop-punk bands around as they dive through a series of tracks from their latest album Weird Kids, such as ‘Come Back Home’ and ‘Manners’, as well as a collection of fan favourite oldies. Jardine takes a moment to thank the audience before storming into ‘Kiss Me Again’. It’s not long before Jardine is throwing herself into the crowd, dishing out fist bumps and high fives to every fan she comes close to. We Are The In Crowd are one of the most pleasurable bands to watch live, with their catchy riffs and killer hooks even if pop-punk isn’t your thing, these guys will be. It is of course the headlining band, Don Brocco, that most of this crowd have come to see. They’re a strange band, one of the few on this tour that has more male fans than they do female, but that doesn’t stop these lads from bringing it and showing Southampton how to put on an amazing show. Opening with single ‘Money, Power, Fame’ the Bedford four piece own the stage as they jump and dive about. Fronted by vocalist Rob ‘Bobby’ Damiani, Don Broco proves exactly why they deserve to be at the top of tonight’s bill. After throwing around
some tracks from their debut album Priorities, the band move onto some of their older, lesser known tracks such as ‘Beautiful Morning’ from their debut EP Big Fat Smile and of course, ultimate favourite ‘Thug Workout’, which brings the push-up crew out in full force and is followed by the craziest mosh pit of the night. The lads put on such an insane show that everyone in the first 20 rows of the crowd is sweating like crazy. There’s so much passion and energy radiating from this band that it’s impossible not to see how they’re the next big thing.
Words:Elly Rewcastle Design: Zennen Thomas
NERVE | 25
S
exual Education has been commonplace in schools for almost 20 years. Most of us will have been taught these lessons at the end of key stage 3 and despite the awkwardness, we generally accept it as a mandatory passage in life. But do you remember feeling like you’d learnt enough to move into those lethal teenage years? Or maybe you felt that you simply knew it all already, and a tutorial with a banana was unrealistic and cringe worthy. A survey published in 2010 showed that one in four teachers will present abstinence as the preferred way to avoid unintended pregnancy and STD’s. Teachers are in fact less likely to discuss more "controversial" subjects such as birth control, abortion and sexual orientation. MPs have been told that it is now in fact "normal" for 14-year olds to pose in bras for social media photos and one in three 15-year olds have sent someone else a naked photo of themselves. Yet MPs were also notified that many children were unable to name body parts or properly understand what giving consent meant. The rise in under16s using the Internet is ever increasing, yet they are still taught a curriculum of censored, out-dated information, with little notice of what it is like to be a teen in the 21st century. Liberal Democrats have recently pioneered a campaign to tackle the way sexual education is taught in the UK. They believe that all children from the age of seven should be taught these classes to help them make "informed decisions". Whilst this may seem a little brutal, a considerable number of leading sexual health groups and educational establishments support this crusade. The theory that lowering the age of these classes will only promote sexual promiscuity presents itself now to be largely an invalid argument. The majority believe that as long as these classes are taught correctly, then this will only benefit children in later life. However, under the Coalition, even making sex education compulsory has been ruled out, let alone lowering the age. Ministers have previously argued that teachers should be given the choice to teach what they deem necessary without having to deliver a standardised programme of study. Moreover, UKIP’s website states that its policy is to: "Scrap sex and relationship education for children under the age of 11", which completely denies accurate research found by sexual health experts. Lynette Smith founded Big Talk Education in 2005. The
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independent business was one of the first to teach sex and relationship classes to children as young as four. Lynette explained that all classes are age appropriate and tailored to ensure that only relevant information is taught to each year group. "Many people assume that we‘re talking about reproduction, that’s a tiny part of it". Lynette believes there is a negative stigma involved in teaching sexual education to young children. She realises that educational transformation could be a daunting prospect for many parents, but also thinks that it is vital in todays society. "Knowledge is power, so it does actually help keep children and young people safe, now more than ever, because when they go looking for information on the Internet, they can get things that are totally inappropriate." You may have noticed a stand in Poole House and in several club toilets promoting sexual health. The service, F-risky, is provided by Dorset Health Care and encourages students to widen their understanding of safe sex. Whilst this group largely focuses their work towards teenagers and young adults, the dedicated team visit schools and teach children from the age of 11 by carrying out workshops and informative lessons. Alison, a health professional from the group explains, "A lot of people have said to us that they think by talking to young people about it, then we are encouraging them to have sex, which is clearly not what we are trying to do." Alison however believes that whilst young people should be taught these vital classes, it’s not necessarily about lowering the age of sexual education classes, but instead teaching those who don’t always have the accessibility to learn about such information. "We are trying to do more work with targeted groups, such as those with learning disabilities and people who wouldn’t normally be in mainstream school, and might have been excluded." Alison explained that she didn’t oppose to lowering the age limit, but suggested that perhaps the political campaign should be targeted towards children that aren’t exposed to sexual educational lessons at all, rather than those who will eventually be part of these classes. It’s clear that those who have followed the campaign set by Liberal Democrats have based their decisions on research but also what has shown to be best for children, a vital element of this plan is to encourage parents, teachers and the public to look into the way sexual education is taught, before they plague the theory with the opinion that this will only encourage children to have sex younger. More importantly, all interviewees have explained that in no such way will children be forced to be taught such things at a young age if their guardians do not consent, but advise that they should gain an insight into the benefits before shunning the idea altogether.
FEATURES
Amidst an era where sex, consent and STIs are hot topics of debate – Liv Campbell explores what the government wants to do in order to increase knowledge and reduce our risks of getting physically and emotionally hurt.
NERVE | 27
ENTS
I
t’s a remarkable feeling when you come across a band you’ve never really heard of before, hearing the intro to a song to be hooked so quickly was inspiring. Described as a band that is brought together through their love of surfing and snowboarding, Sunset Sons are a rock band, who recently performed in lead vocalist, Rory’s, home town in Nerve’s very own Bournemouth. I was thrilled to get the chance to talk to Rory whilst he and the band were in Nashville. Being the band’s biggest venue of the tour, along with being in Rory’s hometown, Rory, Jed, Rob and Pete were all excited about the gig at the Old Fire Station. Rory tells me how his family and friends kept messaging him before the gig to tell him they
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were coming along, which he found flattering. Before the band were known as Sunset Sons, they used to be called the Cheerleaders and played to seasonaires in ski resorts such as Val-d’Isère in France. Even though the band’s name has changed, along with a raised profile, they are still happy. "It doesn’t feel like it has changed too much, we love playing live even more now. We get a good buzz out of playing our own songs, but in our mind it’s still us four having a good time. Travelling to gigs has changed with our raised profile, we now
“
definitely fly a lot more.’’ The band appreciates every moment they have whilst they are together and notice the little things changing. "Anything could happen next week, so we’re just enjoying it whilst we can." When the band did their first tour, it was funded by themselves as they didn’t have a label, you fast forward a year and the gigs are getting bigger and selling out. The main track ‘Medicine’ from the new album The Fall Line EP has been getting a lot of play on Radio 1 from DJ’s such as Fearne Cotton and Zane Lowe. The band has also made it to Radio 1’s prestigious C list. "It’s a big
If it ends now I can say, yeah it was fun
”
They’ve come a long way from playing in French ski resorts under the name Cheerleaders. Sunset Sons spoke to Jess Cunliffe about their raised profile and making it on to Radio 1
deal, the back-up from MTV, BBC and XFM has been awesome, those guys have definitely boosted us, and social media and TV have definitely been a new impact." With their single being heard all over, it’s been a boost for their confidence. "It’s really exciting, definitely a change from writing your song to having it played on the radio, I don’t think you can describe it." It seems like people are really enjoying the band’s new material and the boys loved the response to their new single, with ‘Medicine’ reaching Number Four in the iTunes rock chart. Even though the band is enjoying their music, I’m keen to find out if Rory ever considered going to university. "That’s a hard question, part of me wishes I had gone for the social aspect, but then again
I probably wouldn’t be doing this." He carries on saying how he signed up for a music course at college but the class was full. If he was to have gone to university he would have inevitably studied music but decided to do it all himself which is incredible. "I like art or something creative, the whole video editing side of things is fun, it’s not the best but it’s fun." It’s clear that Rory’s passion lies in making the music. Rory reflects back to a favourite show they played back in October 2014: Halloween night at Camden’s most popular music venue in Koko, London. Having attended the gig myself, I can honestly say it was awesome. Rory describes it as epic, "Koko was the best thing we’ve ever done, 2,000 people there and they
were all drunk for Halloween, it was just amazing. We’re pleased everyone enjoyed it." I ask Rory where he’d like the band to be in five years’ time. "If we could bring a greatest hits out in five years, ha-ha no I think it’s got to be ten years for a greatest hits. I want to be selling out stadiums. We are super excited about the new album and if you interview us in five years’ time then we are doing ok. We want to be on our third album and keep doing what we are doing." The boys started their biggest UK tour to date at the beginning of March, and are also excited for the summer ahead, playing at festivals and gigs. "If it ends now I can say, yeah it was fun."
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the h g u o r h T
lens
SEND YOUR PHOTOS TO editor@nervemedia.org.uk NERVE | 30
Lake Geneva, Switzerland Kassia-Hope Wordley BA Multimedia Journalism "This iphone snap was taken on a frosty afternoon from the carriage of a rickety train. Whilst the photo certainly isn’t a piece of artwork, the view was! The clouds were so low you can just about make out how they’re touching the water and completely concealing the snowcapped mountains behind. Pretty magical!"
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FASHION We’re starting to say goodbye to our coats and hello to crops, as we prepare our summer wardrobe. As the spring seasons loom ahead, are you one of the many who are finding motivation to exercise a LOT harder than anticipated? Well fear not, Daisy Carling-Rose is bringing you the latest and most fashion-forward fitness wear, to make those daunting trips to the gym more exciting.
FITNESS FASHION
1Blue Sports Abstract Print Vest £12.99, New Look
Infinite Series Techfit Capris £25, Adidas
410 Print Trainers £44, New Balance.
FITNESS TIPS
1.
Take a look at sportBU’s fitness classes. With a huge range from martial arts and dance, to spinning and combat classes, you can get involved in fun and cost-friendly classes.
Calvin Klein Cotton Bralet £28, ASOS
Words Daisy Carling-Rose
2.
Expendable Lean Running Waist Pack, £15, Nike
After a Friday night at Lollipop, avoid getting a greasy kebab at 3am. Sounds impossible, right? But once accomplishing this, you’ll be able to tackle any other healthy eating.
Design Jack Mullen
3.
Give yourself an allocated ‘cheat day’. This will make you less inclined to snack but will also give you a little treat to look forward to; something we all need once in a while! NERVE | 33
COMMENT
Don’t listen to Russell Brand, you need to vote The greatest fallacy we can commit against democracy is throwing away our opportunity to make a difference
R
ussell Brand has been subject to heavy criticism for advocating political abstinence to a politically disenfranchised citizenry. He says he wants a revolution to restore the power to the people and reinstate true democracy. Maybe he’s right, but until his wise words evolve to form an actual plan we need to work within the framework in place; and that means voting. Have you ever wondered why policies such as winter fuel allowance, and free bus passes for the over 65’s have survived the recession? It’s because they affect the people that are actually voting; if we start making our vote count we can start to make sure the policies being debated work for us. The next election is months away and current figures show that only 56% of the UK’s under-25s are registered to vote in May, compared with 96% of over sixty-five year olds. It is being left to the retired pensioners of our society, those who lived in time before the Internet, to decide the policies that will dictate our futures. These people, though rich in life experience, are often entrenched in tradition and resistant to innovation. In order to have a truly democratic government there needs to be a representative electorate; so if we don’t vote we are actively impeding democracy. We are allowing ourselves to be lead by a few specific groups within society. We are spitting on the graves of those who fought valiantly for our right to vote and to control our fate. A recent study conducted by Professor Stephen Fisher at Trinity College, Oxford, revealed that many students believe that the policies discussed don’t affect
them, which leads them to feel like there’s no need to vote. Perhaps those students need to be reminded that the reason we will be graduating with a debt upwards of 30K is because we failed to make our vote count in the last election. Policies such as student loans, tuition fees and gateways into employment are issues that will have a direct impact on our lives over the next term. For those who believe their vote doesn’t matter because it can’t change things for the better, the fee hike serves as a sore reminder that it can certainly change things for the worse. The really interesting thing about this election is that the general feeling of unrest that pervades the electorate in times of financial hardship, and against a backdrop of political scandal, has lead the rise of alternative voices. Less traditional parties like the Green Party and UKIP now have a real chance of gaining political traction and ultimately a voice in parliament. This has not only served to rivitalise the political landscape, but also to introduce some radical policy reforms that offer voters real choice. Some of the ideas being discussed concerning immigration, drugs and the environment have the potential to dramatically change our daily lives. While the policies being discussed may not seem important to you now, in five years time you might be kicking yourself when you’re stuck on a 0 hour contract wondering why you have to pay to pay to see your GP. Political apathy isn’t a practical solution, so get educated, get registered and get involved - what have you got to lose?
Words: Casey Farr Illustration: Nathan Hackett AUCB Illustration Graduate
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political apathy isn’t a solution. get educated, get registered and get involved
”
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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
Kim Kardashian‘s new platinum blonde hair caused a slight reaction from fans, to say the least, when she revealed her latest look on Instagram. The blonde bombshell changed up her hairstyle ready for Paris Fashion Week; captioning the image ‘Blonde hair don’t care!’ We’re not sure about the look, but we doubt Kim is one to care.
It’s time to ditch the dark winter tips and dig out your bright nail varnishes! Follow @nailsinc for some spring-styled mani inspiration – these mix and match Victoria Beckham colours are perfect to brighten up your nails and get you in the mood for summer.
TOWIE’s @billiefaiersofficial showed off her gorgeous post-baby figure on Instagram recently. Keeping it simple with her blonde slick back hair, we love Billie’s combination of a winter cream knit on a short, summery style dress.
We fashion lovers at Nerve most certainly miss seeing snaps from the A/W’ 15 fashion weeks. Last up for this season was Paris, and if you missed out on any looks, then catch up on Instagram to take a peek at upcoming winter styles to include in your wardrobe.
Heel the deal with @missguided’s latest shoe range. A pretty pastel shoe is the perfect way to make a fashion statement for a casual student night out or to smarten up a casual day look.
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ENTS
LucyRose NERVE | 38
After her breakout in 2012, the past couple of years have seen Lucy Rose drop off the radar; but she’s back. Luke Kenton caught up with the artist ahead of her gig at the Old Fire Station in Bournemouth.
I
t’s been sometime since the angelic voice of Lucy Rose last resonated in our ears. The singersongwriter rose to prominence three years ago, after successfully navigating her way through the bloody battlefield that is the London open-mic scene. Lucy’s debut album ‘Like I Used To’ was released in September 2012 and was met with huge critical acclaim. It peaked at Number Thirteen in the UK charts and Vogue magazine cited Lucy as ‘Indie’s number one breakthrough artist of 2012’. Such acclaim propelled the pint-sized songbird into the spotlight of British music, leaving her days as a Bombay Bicycle Club back-up vocalist behind her; establishing her as an artist in her own right. However, nearly three years have passed since Lucy’s first studio instalment and it has left many wondering where the 21st century trobairitz has disappeared to. "Where have I been? I don’t even know where I’ve been," jokes Lucy, as she sits editing the final cut of the video for her new single ‘Our Eyes’. "I’ve been on tour a lot! We toured the first album quite extensively, I went to America a few times, but I’ve honestly just been off having the time of my life and seeing the world." America wasn’t the only foreign stop on Lucy’s busy tour schedule and she is quick to recall what she describes as the ‘best week ever’. Lucy and her five piece band played a series of intimate gigs in Singapore, Manila and the Philippines. The once home-oriented Indie protégé is now a well-travelled professional, with a global palette of influence to draw from - such a wealth of influence is most evident in her song ‘Cover Up’. Originally released in June last year as a taster for her forthcoming album, ‘Cover Up’ see’s Lucy take a step-away from her influences of old, such as Neil Young and Joni Mitchell
and instead harbour a far more contemporary, experimental style. Her once plucky, folky musings have been side-lined for a more refined and seductive, electric sound. "I have no idea what made me write that song, but that’s the case with most of mine. It’s quite oriental sounding I suppose, but it wasn’t a conscious decision to make it sound that way. I’m always writing on the road and I guess I’m very influenced by what’s around me." This drastic shift in style arouses suspicion that the warmth and sincerity of Rose’s 1960 Greenwich Village-sounding debut would be lost
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way more than half the time I finish a song I think ‘this is rubbish’
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in search of pastures new - an idea that she herself was eager to quash: "It’s still me, it’s still my song-writing completely. I put it out as its biggest departure from my music on the second record, but a lot of my new album still fits in with the music on Like I Used To. I guess I’m just trying out new things and pushing myself to write music that I wouldn’t have necessarily written on the first album." With the infamous ‘second album syndrome’ in mind, Lucy has seemingly adopted a cautious approach to compiling her next studio instalment. "An album is only finished when it’s finished, and this album has to be great", she
resolutely states. "There are parts of song writing that come easy to me, but at the same time I write a lot of rubbish songs. Way more than half the time I finish a song and think ‘this is rubbish’, which can be hard to take. But at the same time, sometimes I write something and can’t quite believe I have, as I don’t think I’m super talented. I think for this album I wrote like 50 songs, but we only recorded 17. It’s all a very long-winded process," she laughs. With her second album ‘Work It Out’ set to be released on July 13th, her hopes and aims for her return to the spotlight remain as humble and sincere as the down-to-earth personality she exudes: "I don’t really mind about chart positioning, that’s not the reason I do it." Lucy Rose offers a refreshing new presence in today’s music industry, making music not for mainstream recognition or monetary gain, but simply because of her love of the art itself. "I think I’d just love for people to love this record, even if it’s just a few people that really treasure it and think ‘this album connects with me’. I wouldn’t want it to chart and then everyone forget about it without it making a lasting impression." March 2015 has seen the return of Lucy Rose to the UK touring scene and she is even stopping at Bournemouth’s Old Fire Station. "I’m so excited about getting back on the road. There’s nothing I’m more excited about than sleeping in a travel lodge! I know it sounds weird but it’s true," she laughs. But it’s not only cheap roadside hotels that excite the young musician: "I even just love travelling up and down the M6, I get a kick from that as well! Seriously though, I honestly can’t wait to get out there and play the new material to everyone." Lucy Rose will be playing at The Old Fire Station on the 27th March NERVE | 39
FASHION
FILES:
Reuben Green
Local fashionista Reuben Green caught up with Nerve’s Imogen Cork to chat all things music and clothes NERVE | 40
FASHION
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he first thing you notice about Reuben Green is his smile. It’s infectious. We quickly settle into conversation, so much so I completely forget why I’m here. He’s too busy offering me cups of tea and biscuits. There is plenty of laughter and inappropriate jokes but that’s part of his charm, his cheeky cheerful charm. Once settled I quickly learn there is a lot more than meets the eye with this handsome boy wonder. Describe yourself in three words? Happy, creative and musical. DJ, fashion king, events connoisseur, semi pro footballer and all this whilst you’re still studying. Is there anything you can’t do? I don’t know, I think you’ve got everything down there. That’s all I do. (He says as if it isn’t enough) The main one for me at the moment is music; DJing. I’m definitely enjoying that a lot. Thing is I still don’t see myself in the future settling for that. I think the next 5 years are focused on music but who knows where I’ll end up. I want it to lead to bigger things in terms of presenting radio and TV.
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big hoodies and tracksuits, very urban and HipHop. Whereas now my style has developed to be more tailored, a reflection of the music that inspires me today. I dress accordingly to the moment, that’s very me. Dressing how I feel on the day, expressing that through what I’m wearing. What are the key trends boys should be looking out for at the moment for a quick fashion fix? I’m a major fan of boots at the moment. Ripped jeans, really loving the whole ripped jeans thing. I think men are scared maybe of going for the ripped jeans look because it’s been kinda taken over by women. However I’m one of those people that look to the opposite sex for inspiration in how to twist up my style. But yeah boots, big thing right now! Chelsea boots, shiny patent boots, stand out boots. BOOTS BOOTS BOOTS. Oh and a bowler hat, get a hat.
I’m one of those people who look to the opposite sex for inspiration
Now lets talk fashion! We can’t ignore your crazy, colourful creative style and I hear you’ve finally given in to your adoring fans and started a fashion blog? A friend and I are starting a blog-esque thing yes! I’ve wanted to start something along these lines for a while, but I’ve never found the right partner and now I have. Even though I like being individual, I do love working in a team and that’s what I was holding out for, someone to share this amazing Journey with. So it’s called STAFDON and it’s going to be a mixture of fashion, art, music etc. Joining all these amazing forces together to create a place of influence and creativity. How would describe your style? Who inspires you? It’s a bit crazy. My Mum and Dad are very into fashion, and of course like every parent they dressed me as a child. So at the beginning your ‘first style’ is what they do to you. Which was this wacky experimental style, I have a lot of influences, the main one being music. I feel like music and fashion go hand in hand and growing up I was really into GRIME. I felt GRIME as a genre is very dark so I grew up wearing
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What if you’re too scared to wear a bowler hat and shiny boots, what then? Do you know what is great, a haircut. They can instantly take your outfit from 5 to 10. If you’ve got a banging haircut then you already look good. So invest in a good short back and sides, big quaff, slick back. Either way a haircut can count a lot towards an outfit.
On struggling student budget, how can you keep your wardrobe current? What do I do? I pretty much spend all my money on clothes; obviously first thing first pay your rent. Then look at your account and say to yourself right this is how much I have left lets go shopping! I would rather go for statement clothes than basics, which I know seems silly on a student budget but having a loud crazy shirt that’s going to get you noticed is much more my style. Finally, what’s your top tip on life? Nothing is as bad as you think and be happy. Make every situation into a good one. Listen to Reuben&co. on Nerve Radio Thursdays at 7-8pm. Also keep your peepers peeled for his new Fashion Blog; STAFDON. Words Imogen Cork Design Jack Mullen
NERVE | 41
ENTS
Griever Local metal band Griever love nothing more than coming back home to play to a familiar crowd. Nerve caught up with the boys for a chat
A
fter recently coming to Bournemouth University to shoot their third music video, it must have brought back memories for guitarist Johnny, who graduated in Bsc Exercise Science at BU in 2013. Though this doesn’t link entirely with the metal music career he has chosen. "It comes in handy when we’re all suffering from post-show muscle soreness! I loved my time at Bournemouth University, and was so happy to move away from hectic London life to enjoy a more chilled way of life in sunny Bournemouth." The music video went well, and it was great for Johnny to be able to come back. "We shot the music video in one of their huge media halls, complete with smoke machines, green screens, you name it! A Second Year animation student (and also a big fan) contacted us a while back and asked could he shoot us for a project he was working on, and naturally we jumped at the chance for a free professional music video!" Speaking of big fans, when checking out the band’s Facebook page before the interview, I noticed a picture of a fan that has a tattoo of Griever’s logo. "It’s pretty cool to see your first band tattoo on a fan! Our logo has never looked so good." Griever has a busy rest of the year, soon to be going on tour with The Deafening Whisper. "This is our
first big UK/EU tour, so we’re beyond psyched for it. Germany is going to be awesome, they have a tight metal scene out there. Netherlands should be cool too as we have some friends out there, plus a day off in Amsterdam won’t go amiss!" Along with touring, they also plan to bring out some new material. "We are booked into a music studio in York where we will be recording our next release in May. You can expect brand
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We’ve been threatened by an axe-wielding nutcase
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new Griever material summer 2015, and we honestly think it’s our best yet!" As Bournemouth is their local town, is there any more pressure when the boys play gigs here? "We try to keep Bournemouth shows to a minimum as it’s our hometown, and we want to sell the shows out each time we play. We like to think we’re a firm favourite in the Bournemouth metal scene, so would rather play shows further afield and boost our
name there." Speaking of Bournemouth, I want to know what the band gets up to when they are not just chilling in the town they call home. "Aside from writing new material, we like to chill out in some of the local rock bars such as Anvil or Smokin’ Aces, or enjoy a nice band meal in Chicken Shack." As Johnny was a student himself, I’m interested to know where his favourite club nights are. "It used to be Milk at Old Firestation (RIP), but Sound Circus is always a fun night. Other than that, we usually stick to bars." Johnny has some crazy memories from his time at university, but as a band the boys have also been able to make some pretty amazing new ones. "We would need a mile long sheet to list all the funny times in Griever so far. We’ve been threatened by an axe-wielding nutcase in Portsmouth, camped out for a week having a blast in Surrey whilst recording our ‘Rebirthing’ EP, stupid photoshoots, just general in-band banter taken to the extreme. We don’t take ourselves seriously aside from our music and passion; most people who know us will tell you how bloody crazy we are!" Words: Laura Geall Design: Zennen Thomas NERVE | 43
R E V I E W E D Blackhat
In Cinemas 20/2/15 By Tom Beasley
Credit: Harry Hitch
Chris Hemsworth plays the world’s most photogenic computer hacker in Michael Mann’s techno-thriller Blackhat. The film has Hemsworth’s hacker released from prison in exchange for helping the authorities catch up with a coder who is using malicious cybercrime to play global markets and earn himself a fortune. Unfortunately, in the wake of last year’s flop Transcendence, this is another film that takes a thoroughly old-fashioned approach to using technology on screen. Mann is obsessed with plunging his camera down cables and inside machines in a desperate attempt to add a stylistic flourish to the spectacle of people furiously tapping at keyboards. The problem, though, is that Blackhat is a thoroughly boring film. The script is completely free of wit, spark or invention and Hemsworth’s performance is the very definition of phoned-in. Mann may have been one of cinema’s great action directors not long ago, but Blackhat is nothing more than a techno-turd.
Imagine Dragons
Little Comets
Imagine Dragons’ second album, Smoke + Mirrors, has seen the return of the group’s iconic pop-rock sound, with a gritty twist. The opening track, ‘Shots’, exemplifies the band’s known ability to shroud self-reflective, cynical lyrics in an optimistic, glittery beat. However, songs such as ‘I’m So Sorry’ and ‘Gold’ indicate a change in direction. They embrace aggressive, guitar-led melodies, demonstrating the band’s progression to heavier rock. Still, Imagine Dragons have not ignored that their success stems from their talent in churning out pop hits. Lead single ‘I Bet My Life’ preserves their penchant for loud, anthem choruses, similar to their 2012 triumph ‘Demons.’ Whilst the album may swing between hard rock and pop rock, Smoke + Mirrors introduces a grainier and rougher style.
Little Comets’ third album boasts an even more personal and political vibe to their sound. The North East trio successfully show that a severance from a record label doesn’t inhibit true music. The band’s honest lyrics accompany everything from subtle drumming and a cappella, to danceable and catchy tunes. It seems that Little Comets are not afraid to be outspoken and create a pause for thought in the record-buying public. The tight harmonies of ‘B&B’ are a reaction to a Conservative patronising the working classes, whereas domestic violence towards women is addressed in the guitar riff filled ‘Effetism’. Some of these issues were previously confronted in the previous album, Life is Elsewhere. However, the band still maintain the cool funk tracks such as ‘Formula’ and ‘Don’t Fool Yourself’ that got themselves noticed on the indie scene.
Smoke + Mirrors 17/02/15, By Shaquira Jeyasingh
NERVE | 44
Hope is just a state of mind 16/2/15, By Erica Adams
ENTS
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds
It Follows
Noel Gallagher returns with his second coming LP, Chasing Yesterday. Gallagher has taken a similar approach from the first, perhaps still riding on the success of the Number One album, with any song from Chasing Yesterday fitting perfectly into the first album, and vice-versa. However, it hasn’t seen the same success as the first. Stand-out songs such as ‘In the Heat of the Moment’ and ‘Ballad of the Mighty I’ are the obvious singles with a familiar, ‘Little by Little’ sound of Oasis imbedded within. There feels a lack of personality and heart to the album, perhaps it was just put out because it was ‘time for another’. Overall, a lack of experimentation from the first album means that whilst it is a good listen, you shouldn’t expect fireworks, or even a Champagne Supernova from the former Oasis man.
From writer-director David Robert Mitchell comes a woozy, dream-like horror movie that works as 80s nostalgia without the high camp. Maika Monroe – last seen in Adam Wingard’s The Guest – stars as a teenage girl who is followed by a malevolent being after losing her virginity in the back of a car. The story can be unpicked as an allegory for the spread of STIs, but even at face value, it’s a terrific horror movie conceit. The being can take the form of any person, which trains the audience to be alert to the entire frame. It’s refreshing to see that It Follows is entirely unreliant on jump scares. They are used occasionally, but work as a payoff to the creeping dread generated by the premise. Mitchell’s direction is stylish and holds the film together, even as the third act plot begins to fall apart.
Chasing Yesterday 2/3/15, By Grant Hilborne
In Cinemas 27/2/15 By Tom Beasley
The Boy Next Door
Sunset Sons
If you’ve ever come across a film seemingly at random on television late at night, you’ll know exactly what to expect from The Boy Next Door. Jennifer Lopez stars as a teacher who, on a lonely night, sleeps with the hunky next door neighbour. The next day, she rebuffs his advances and discovers that there’s a dark side to the guy, who soon turns into a terrifying stalker. From the perspective of criticism, The Boy Next Door is awful. However, it’s a delightfully trashy piece of entertainment with a dark edge. There are laughs aplenty and campy fun to be had from the performances. At one point, Lopez – an English Lit professor – is handed a “first edition” copy of Homer’s Iliad and no one bats an eyelid. The Boy Next Door is a film so ridiculous that it defies criticism. As long as you don’t go in looking for sophistication, you’ll come out satisfied.
Shortly after the release of their most recent EP The Fall Line, Sunset Sons returned to frontman Rory’s hometown of Bournemouth to perform at The Old Firestation. The gig was an intimate one, and the relationship between band and crowd was amazing from the start. It was easy to appreciate the talent on stage throughout the show, with Rory showcasing his effortlessly brilliant vocals, as well as playing multiple instruments. The band has a very relaxed beach vibe, with their merchandise stand even selling ‘Sunset Sons Surf Wax’, and their care free nature definitely came through in their performance. The highlight of the show for most seemed to come in the form of the band’s encore. The audience were keen to call them back on stage, leading to the band singing an excellent cover of Jamie T’s Sticks n’ Stones.
In Cinemas 27/2/15 By Tom Beasley
Old Fire Station 13/3/15 By Lauren Chassebi
NERVE | 45
LEAVING THE BEST TILL LAST,
THE SNOOKER WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ARE BACK! T The pinnacle event of any Snooker players’ career is back in April and with the tournament looking as unpredictable as ever, we take a look at the potential competitors set to claim all the glory.
he Crucible Theatre, Sheffield – the venue for the most prestigious Snooker event of the season. It’s the last tournament of the current calendar, with players from all around the world battling it out to claim their share of the £1.2 million prize fund. This particular 17-day event which breaks off on the 18th April is the final piece to the ‘BBC’s big three’ – a phrase used to describe BBC’s televised snooker
events along with the Masters and the UK Championships. So far this season there have been 15 winners from 23 different events – proving that predicting the winner of the forthcoming World Championship’s is in fact extremely difficult. The standard of snooker in the modern day is very high and anyone can beat anyone on their day. However, the extremely competitive nature of the sport will ensure that this edition
MARK SELBY
NOT THE BEST SEASON FOR HIS STANDARDS BUT SUPER SELBY IS STILL A STRONG THREAT
Reigning World Champion and current world number one – this Englishman comes in as the fourth favorite to win this year’s edition after a fairly low key season to date. Very few final appearances and he’s won just two events this year, with his most notable victory coming at the German Masters
JOHN HIGGINS
in early February, defeating Shaun Murphy 9-7 and claiming the 80,000 euro winners share. Despite dropping to as low as fourth in the rankings this season, it’s impossible to write off Selby and it will require an extremely talented player and a bit of luck to put Selby to one side and out of this year’s tournament.
RECENT WIN WILL UNDOUBTEDLY BOOST CONFIDENCE; IS HE A POTENTIAL DARK HORSE?
Higgins – a four-time World Champion – has really struggled in recent times but his triumph defeating Ben Woollaston 9-3 in the Welsh Open Final, his first ranking event title since the 2012 Shanghai Masters, may be indicating this is all about to change. This victory can only bring about confidence for the rest of the season, pointing at none more so than the World Championships, a particular NERVE | 46
of the biggest event on the snooker calendar will be contested right until the very last pot. We’ve dug out a few of our picks to keep an eye on, some obvious, some not so much, but each have their own reason to be an intriguing watch. Can Junhui win it for Asia, or will O’Sullivan claim his sixth title after missing out last year? We look forward to the 18th to find out who will be crowned champion this time round.
tournament he thrives in. He’s made 20 appearances at the Crucible Theatre, making the semi-final or better on seven occasions – who’s to say he can’t make that eight this time around? Everything’s starting to point in the right direction for the Scotsman at the minute, and he’s currently the eighth favorite to claim victory. I wouldn’t be totally surprised if he put a decent run together here.
DING JUNHUI
SPORT
ASIA’S HIGHEST RANKED PLAYER BUT INCONSISTENT FORM COULD BE HIS DOWNFALL HERE
It’s been a bit of rollercoaster of a season for the Chinese number one. After failing to qualify for the televised stages of the 2014 Wuxi Classic after being eliminated by Oliver Brown 5 sets to none in the qualifiers, he resurrected himself when he won the Yixing Open 4-2, slotting aside Michael Holt for this particular tournament win. He also put in a couple of other respectable runs, losing in the Shanghai Masters semi-final to Stuart Bingham and also losing in the Champion of Champions semi-final to
SHAUN MURPHY
SOME DECENT FORM AND A PREVIOUS WINNER – A LIKELY CHALLENGER
One of season’s standout players from my perspective. Having reached five finals this campaign, of which the Englishman has won three, Murphy is looking quite a tasty prospect for this upcoming tournament and with odds of 9/1 to win; a few pennies could be made. His resounding 10-2 victory over one of the best players
RONNIE O’SULLIVAN
snooker great Ronnie O’Sullivan. However, these more positive moments only just about mask his UK Championship loss to world number 100 James Cahill; a match of which he arguably handed to Cahill in the deciding frame by missing a red on a break of 32. Despite this, he’s still currently at number four in the world rankings so is still obviously a huge threat, but some of his inconsistent form he’s shown so far this season don’t bode well.
in the game in Neil Robertson during the Masters final sent shockwaves through the sport, reminding everyone he’s a serious challenger. He’s previously won the tournament, too, back in 2004/05, so his know-how from this previous experience could prove to be vital in gaining his second title here. Watch out.
TOURNAMENT FAVOURITE WILL BE SEEKING REDEMPTION AFTER LAST YEAR’S DEFEAT
Well, well, well. One of snooker’s greatest players who is always a threat. He will definitely challenge at the Crucible once again. His record is astonishing; he’s played in six finals and has won five of these. Mark Selby denied him in the final last year which meant he was not to win three World Championships on the bounce, but that’ll only spur him on even more this year to reclaim his crown. Previous years aside, he’s shown some decent form
recently, most notably having won the UK Championships and Champion of Champions event. He also made the semifinal of the Masters, too. It’s just impossible cast Ronnie aside here, and he’s deservedly the tournament favourite with the Australian Neil Robertson second to him. It’ll take something special to stop the Rocket – he thrives in the Crucible environment.
Words Will Kent Design Jack Mullen NERVE | 47
SPORT
The two best fighters of their generation have finally agreed to go head-to-head on May 2nd. Will Kent previews the encounter which is set to make boxing history.
MAYWEATHER
T
here is no better way than to describe this match up than mouth-watering. After years and years of torturous negotiations, the two have finally agreed on a deal and are set to fight this May. Floyd Mayweather has won all 47 of his professional fights and a victory against the Manny Pacquiao is certain to engrave his name in the boxing hall of fame, whilst Pacquiao himself also boasts an impressive 57 wins and five losses from 64 contests. If he were to defeat his American opponent, he really would further plant his name amongst the greats of the sport, too. Whilst all boxing fans can finally give out a sigh of relief that this fight actually will happen, it’s a shame it’s taken so long for the pair to finally reach an agreement. Both fighters – whilst similar age to one another– have obviously declined as athletes and are no longer at their true best. At the peak, Mayweather was the best pure boxer who ever lived, whilst Pacquiao was the best pressure fighter who ever lived and they both resided in the same weight category; the pair had contrasting styles with Manny being the southpaw fighter, and it was impossible to imagine either one losing. The duos were the best pound-for-pound fighters a few years ago and it was destined to be the biggest fight since Fraser vs Ali. However, Pacquiao is now 36 and Mayweather is 37 – both of whom are reaching the end of their careers. The saving grace is that they’ve both NERVE | 48
Words Will Kent Design Jack Mullen
V PACQUIAO
arguably declined in sync with each other, ensuring the fight is still on a level playing field. Both fighters also come into the fight off the back of an impressive performance in their last outing making this even fight more competitive again. Floyd beat Marcos Maidana for a second consecutive time by unanimous decision, whilst Manny defeated the up and coming Chris Algeri via unanimous decision in November, recording six knock downs in the process. Both have proved they’re still forces to be reckoned with despite their age and this fight is still guaranteed to momentarily stop the sporting world whilst everyone watches these 36 minutes of boxing. From a financial perspective, the most lucrative fight in boxing history to date was in 2013 when Mayweather defeated Saul Alvarez which made £97m. This fight is expected to generate £162m – an indication to just how big this fight really is from an economic view point. It’s rumoured that 60% of the money is to go to Mayweather’s camp with the other 40% to Pacquiao. Putting this is sporting perspective, Bubba Watson claimed $1.6m for winning the Masters last year – a four day event – whilst Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid earns £13m a year. The money involved for both parties is staggering considering the fight consists of just 12 three minute rounds, at most. It’s also set to break the pay-per-view record in the US which currently stands at 2.4 million which was set
when Mayweather defeated Oscar de la Hoya in 2007. With regards to the actual boxing, the American is the favourite not only due to his extensive undefeated record, but his Filipino opponent suffered an unprecedented complete knock out in 2012 when he entered the ring with Juan Manuel Marquez for a fourth time – the first real indicator of Manny’s decline. However, Maidana also managed to expose Floyd in their two recent fights – more so in the first than second -reinforcing that Manny’s quick feet will definitely supply him with chances. Arguably neither fighter is seen as invincible as they once were years ago, making this fight still extremely intriguing. Whilst this battle will never be what it once could’ve been in many minds, it’s still without question guaranteed to be one of the biggest events in recent sporting history. It’s set to break all records and we will finally see two of the greatest fighters battle it out against one another. In what was a slow year for boxing last year, this is exactly what the sport needs. Pacquiao will be defending his WBO welterweight title whilst Mayweather will be offering up his own belts and his undefeated record, but this fight is about much, much more than that. It’s about creating history, a legacy and we eagerly await the 2nd May to finally find out who’s the better fighter between these two. Don’t miss it.
COMMENT
Rape isn’t always a black and white crime New legal guidelines on the issue of rape could threaten the prospect of sex under the influence, and leave us all open to being accused
N
ew rape guidelines mean that accused rapists will now have to prove that consent was given, as well as specifying that it cannot be given when under the influence of drink or drugs. Not only does this turn the premise of the British justice system’s ‘innocent until proven guilty’ precept on it’s head, but has the potential to turn a drunken one night stand into a serious crime. The new guidelines are intended to make the investigation process easier for rape victims, and to clear up any grey areas in the law on sexual assault. In reality, the new guidance creates a whole new list of questions. When is someone too drunk to consent? How are we supposed to prove that consent was given? Are we going to have to start signing sex contracts? At university the idea of being sober during a sexual encounter is utterly inconceivable for many. Maybe that’s a little hyperbolic, but nevertheless those drunken fumbles are far from scarce in an environment where young adults are free to explore their sexuality while drinking as much as they please. I can’t help but think that these new guidelines pose a problem for the carefree fun loving students of this generation, who last year would have been high-fived for their conquests and this year may be locked up for them. Now that’s not to say all drunken one night stands are going to end in rape claims, but surely these
new guidelines are open to abuse? I’m not defending the misogynistic creeps that seek out the drunkest girl at the party to goad into bed; I’m merely wondering where the line will be drawn. I mean there’s a difference between taking advantage of somebody who is too intoxicated to know where they are and drunkenly ending up in bed with someone you didn’t intend to. How are we supposed to know when drunk is too drunk? I can’t help but wonder how I would fare if I were a man left to work out when yes actually means yes. At risk of sounding like a victim-blamer, surely victims have to take some responsibility for getting themselves into a state where they are no longer able to consent? In cases where a man has used drink or drugs to coerce a woman into bed, then obviously that is in every way a sex crime, but what about when a woman gets herself too drunk to consent? And what exactly is too drunk? Are we going to have to start carrying around breathalisers to test if our prospective sexual partners have the capacity to consent? Regardless of your own view, you have to agree the new guidelines pose more questions than they solve. It remains to be seen how the recommendations will be imposed, and whether alcohol will continue to fuel terrible sexual decisions for the generations to come.
Words: Casey Farr Illustration: Nathan Hackett AUCB Illustration Graduate
“
the law turns the premise of of innocent until proven guilty on its head
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Something
to say?
Get your opinions published by sending your thoughts to comment@ nervemedia.org.uk NERVE | 49
AFC BOURMOUTH
FIGHT FOR PROMOTION AFC BOURNEMOUTH
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ddie Howe has seen his Bournemouth side’s Championship promotion campaign hit a little blip of late after a quite remarkable season for the Cherries. They were hardly tipped by many as potential promotion candidates but have been in the top four for some time now. However, their form has been inconsistent since the turn of the year with two draws, four losses and just three wins, which has seen them drop from top of the table and down to fourth place – four points off an automatic spot. Howe will be eager to add some consistency to his team and with the majority of their fixtures against bottom half sides, they’ll surely be aiming for the full available
PREDICTION
3rd
NERVE | 50
points. The South coast club come up against Fulham, Blackpool, Birmingham, Brighton, Bolton and Charlton – all of whom are still faced with the possibility of a relegation scrap down at the bottom of the league. From the top end of the league, Howe’s side has to play Middlesbrough, Ipswich, Sheffield Wednesday along with Blackburn and Wolves. The standout games include fellow promotion rivals Middlesbrough and Ipswich. There’s no question of whether Bournemouth have the firepower in the side to gain promotion as they’re the top scorers in the division with 67 goals. The main question mark of late is do they have the experience in the squad to deal with the pressure of the
I can see Bournemouth just missing out on the automatic places and finishing up in third spot. Derby have the experience and depth in their side that should see them finish in top spot in the league whilst Middlesbrough have been on great form and have numerous options in the
promotion run in – can they handle the nerves? Only a handful of the players have Premier League experience, whilst some have not been involved in a Championship promotion campaign before. It’ll be a fascinating watch no doubt. Promotion to the Premier League has never been more appealing for Championship clubs after the new £5billion TV deal was announced recently, which will begin from the start of next season. The money that can be gained from promotion is a huge factor in why teams need to reach the top flight, not to mention the excitement of facing the likes of Chelsea, Man City and Arsenal, as well as the possibility of a south coast derby against Southampton.
squad which I think will secure them the second automatic place. Most Bournemouth fans would have dreamt of a top six spot if you asked them at the start of the season and Howe’s side will fancy themselves against anyone in the playoffs if they are to feature in them come May.
POOLE TOWN
SPORT
As the football season reaches its climax, we’re beginning to see how the tables will shape up come May with teams currently scrapping to stay up, go up, or finish comfortably in the mid table. For AFC Bournemouth and Poole Town it is all about the battle for promotion in their divisions, and whether they have enough in their locker to get over the line.
POOLE TOWN
I
t has been an outstanding season so far for Poole Town as they sit three points clear at the top of the Evo-Stik Southern Premier League with three games in hand on third placed Weymouth. Manager Tom Killick is now in his eleventh year as boss of the Dolphins and the change in fortunes for the club has been remarkable since his appointment in 2004. They have risen from the Wessex second division to the top of the Southern Prem under Killick’s guidance and promotion this season looks inevitable. Last season saw Poole finish in
PREDICTION
1st
their highest ever position as they ended up seventh in the Southern Prem, so there was reason for fans of the Dolphins to be optimistic this time round. Killick’s side have suffered just four losses so far this season and have managed to secure 22 wins, scoring 60 goals and conceding a mere 18 along the way. Notable victories for Poole have been the 7-0 thrashing at home to Frome Town and the 6-0 away demolishing of Bideford. The Dolphins have lost just one home game all season and face St Neots, Bideford, Cambridge City, Hitchin, Banbury and Corby at the
It would take something dramatic to happen for Poole to somehow not gain promotion to the Conference South. They have shown this season, and over Killick’s eleven years in charge, that they have the experience and bottle to sustain a promotion challenge and get over the line. In
Tatnam Ground before the season finishes. Poole have nine away games still to play, with difficult matches against third placed Weymouth and seventh placed Cirencester Town. The games in hand over their promotion rivals are key for Poole in the hunt for promotion, but if they can manage to not lose in any of them then they should have promotion secured before the final few games of the season. Words Charlie Slawson Design Jack Mullen
Killick they have a manager who knows exactly what it takes to win as he has guided the club up through the leagues and possesses a 68% win percentage in charge of the side, and it is for this reason why I can only see one outcome and that is the league title for the Dolphins. NERVE | 51
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Recent Results Results for 25/02/2015 Check out some of the more recent results from the BU Varsity teams – it’s looking good! The golfers carried on their impressive form, winning both their games, albeit one of which was by walkover. The men’s footballers were involved in a couple of high scoring victories; the women’s team were even getting their slice of the glory by seeing off Exeter Uni 4 goals to 1. The biggest blow of the week was the men’s tennis team losing 12-0, but the women made up for this disappointment by winning 10-2 themselves.
Sport
Team
Opposing Team
Score
Basketball
Men 2nd
University of Bristol 2nd
57-73
Football
Men 1st
University of Essex 1st
3-2
Football
Men 2nd
Southampton Solent University 1st
4-2
Football
Men 3rd
University of St. Mark & St. Johns 1st
0-1
Football
Women 1st
University of Exeter 2nd
4-1
Golf
Mixed 2nd
London School of Economics 1st
Walkover
Golf
Mixed 3rd
University of Surrey 1st
4-2
Hockey
Men 1st
University of Exeter 4th
0-4
Hockey
Women 2nd
Southampton University 3rd
0-6
Lacrosse
Women 1st
Plymouth University 1st
27-15
Netball
Women 1st
University of Exeter 2nd
57-34
Netball
Women 2nd
University of West of England 2nd
37-43
Rugby
Men 1st
University of Gloucestershire 1st
15-15
Rugby
Women 1st
University of Exeter 2nd
19-0
Squash
Men 1st
University of Bristol 2nd
3-2
Tennis
Men 1st
Leeds Beckett Carnegie 1st
0-12
Tennis
Women 2nd
Plymouth University 1st
10-2
Volleyball
Men 2nd
USW Pontypridd and Cardiff 1st
3-0
Volleyball
Women 1st
Kings College London 1st
3-1
Win 63%
Draw 5%
Win/Loss
Loss Win Win Loss Win Win Win Loss Loss Win Win Loss Draw Win Win Loss Win Win Win Loss 32% NERVE | 53
2015 SEASON PREVIEW After an exhilarating year of racing last year, we’re already back for another go round the track. Will Kent previews the upcoming F1 season – ready, set, go!
L
ewis Hamilton’s epic battle with his teammate Nico Rosberg last year will remain in the memory of British F1 fans for years to come, supplying some much needed revitalisation to a sport that was becoming accustomed to seeing the same people win over and over again in Sebastian Vettel and his Red Bull team. Last year’s change-up not only saw Red Bull’s domination crumble, but we witnessed the intriguing issue of Mercedes having to handle two drivers fighting for the championship whilst not compromising their own Constructors title. It was a fascinating watch, which at first look, is set to follow over into this year’s drive, too. From a British perspective, Hamilton’s victory was a truly euphoric high which lead to him winning the Sports Personality of the Year. But, with these highs, come truly horrible lows. Not only did we see smaller teams struggle financially and end up in administration, but we
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witnessed the truly horrific crash involving Jules Bianchi at the Japanese GP in October. He remains in hospital to this day, making everyone sit up and question whether high speed motorsport racing is actually worth it. However, the show does go on, and we look forward to the new season. This year’s calendar will equal the longest ever with a total of 20 races after the return of the Mexican GP, which is set to be the weekend after the US GP in Austin, Texas. These two races pair up to make the final set of four ‘back-to-back’ weekend races. The track being used is the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez which is situated in Mexico City and was last used for F1 in 1992 so it will help refresh this year’s line-up. Besides from this new inclusion, the calendar stays the same and will finish in Abu Dhabi on the 29th November, albeit without the double points ruling for the last race of the season which was present last time round.
From a racing stand point, one of the more intriguing stories will be how Red Bull deal without their fourtime World Champion winner Sebastian Vettel. Daniel Ricciardo seriously impressed in Red Bull’s other driving seat last year, beating Vettel on more occasions in fact, but rather than carrying the ‘new boy’ title this year, he’ll have much more expectation after seeing what he was capable of last time. Vettel’s seat is filled by Daniil Kyvat, another export from the Toro Rosso team. It’ll be interesting to see how the pair race together with most bookies backing Red Bull as third favourites with odds of 14/1 – a price which really does not only indicate that the Mercedes dominance is widely expected to continue, but Red Bull really have dropped down the pecking order.
SPORT
Second favourites for the Constructors championship are McClaren. This is hard to comprehend due to their fairly poor practice sessions in terms of reliability, with Jenson Button often having to come in. Once it took just a single lap and on another occasion just seven due to the discovery of a hydraulic leak. Adding to their problems was Fernando Alonso’s 134mph crash. Thankfully the Spaniard suffered minimal injuries but it obviously affected the team’s preparations. Overall, we’re set for yet another enjoyable year of Formula 1. The pace of Mercedes is streets ahead of anyone else, much like last year, indicating we could be on for Hamilton-Rosberg round two, but Ferrari, Red Bull, Williams and McClaren aren’t too far off one another in terms of pace so we’re in for a tasty Constructors battle as well. From a British view point, we can only hope Hamilton can retain his driver’s crown, whilst watching Jenson Button impress for McClaren would be nice to see too. The home GP at Silverstone is on the 5th July which is always a highlight, whilst the switch around of drivers such as Vettel to Ferrari and Alonso to McClaren adds a bit of needed variation. Kimi Raikkonen – who suffered his worst ever F1 season in 2014 – is also supposedly much happier this time and along with Vettal, the Ferrari duo combined well and were quickest on three of the four days during the first test in Jerez in early Feb. While no miracles are expected, it’d be nice to see Ferrari be a bit more competitive again, especially not winning a single race last year. So, take it all in, Formula 1 is back!
Words Will Kent Design Jack Mullen
CALENDAR SCHEDULE Mar 15
Australian Grand Prix
05:00
Mar 29
Malaysia Grand Prix
08:00
Apr 12
Chinese Grand Prix
07:00
Apr 19
Bahrain Grand Prix
16:00
May 10
Spanish Grand Prix
13:00
May 24
Monaco Grand Prix
13:00
Jun 7
Canadian Grand Prix
19:00
Jun 21
Austrian Grand Prix
13:00
Jul 5
British Grand Prix
13:00
Jul 19
German Grand Prix
13:00
Jul 26
Hungarian Grand Prix
13:00
Aug 23
Belgian Grand Prix
13:00
Sep 6
Italian Grand Prix
13:00
Sep 20
Singapore Grand Prix
13:00
Sep 27
Japanese Grand Prix
06:00
Oct 11
Russian Grand Prix
11:00
Oct 25
United States Grand Prix
19:00
Nov 1
Mexican Grand Prix
19:00
Nov 15
Brazilian Grand Prix
16:00
Nov 29
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
13:00
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PHOTOS: Sam Baggette
www.sambphoto.co.uk
Mia Lainchbury www.flikr.com/mialainchbury
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TOP
5
5 The easter bunny
As a child it was really a time for eating chocolate and egg hunts around the garden – and they were great! But did a giant bunny really hop down the road to deliver a Cadburys Easter egg to your house? Can we really picture this happening? Not now, maybe. But as a child it was certainly true and the most exciting part of the whole Easter weekend. Either way, when you think of it now, it was all a massive lie. But the thought of chocolate for breakfast, delivered by a real –life bunny was always exciting for a Sunday morning.
and 4 frown the wind If you
changes, your face will stay like that
This one was always one for the risk takers and the little rebels among us. Do you take that risk of the wind changing? Or do you brighten up and put on a smile for once? You really wanted that Freddo, or Leo wasn’t allowed to come and play, sulking was the only option, but what if the wind changes? Imagine having permanent wrinkles on your forehead? Botox would be the only option, but you’re only 7!
Because it wouldn’t be childhood without a healthy dose of lying and deception. Here’s our top five lies.
LIES YOU WERE TOLD BY YOUR PARENTS good - Santa is 3 Be watching
Every year, it’s always the same, Santa is always watching you. Will you make the good list this year? Or will Santa put you on the naughty list? Thinking about it now, our parents played their cards right with this one. Threatening a young child with coal for Christmas just so they would behave is somewhat genius – but not when you’re the child! Making your bed every morning, trying your hardest not to argue with your brother or sister (or doing it secretly so that your parents wouldn’t see), all in the name of Santa. Now look at us, we pretty much play the role of Santa ourselves!
you 2 give the Carrots
ability to see in the dark
Even just reading this now, being older, it becomes quite comical how we believed that a vegetable could help you find your way to the bathroom at night. “Make sure you eat your carrots,”Mum would say little did we know that all they really wanted to do was make us finish our food. But what if it was
FEATURES
Words: Katie Mallalieu Illustration: Laurence Thomas
true? There were definitely nights when walking across the landing became a whole lot more visible.
1 The tooth fairy
It was always a bitter sweet situation, losing a tooth. The pain of having to pull it out, but knowing that you would wake up in the morning with money under your pillow gave an incentive to power on through. Usually a considerable amount more for you first tooth, a whole pound if you were lucky. But we never clicked, did we? We really believed that there would be a tiny fairy that flew in through the window at night and took your tooth to add to her (I always assumed it was a ‘her’) fairy kingdom made solely of children’s teeth. Even when she ‘forgot’, we still believed. Children can be so naive!
KEEP IN TOUCH ‘Nerve Magazine’ @nervemagazine www.nervemedia.org.uk
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