College Tribune Entertainment Supplement 14.09.2010
the Siren
They wish they were on the N17
The siren meets the Sawdotors Ryan Tubridy The Guillemots Heaton hogan Campus Style
Music
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Music
The Siren 14.09.10
Imelda May Mayhem Brian Walsh It has been two years since Imelda May released her critically acclaimed album Love Tattoo. Since then her rise to fame has been truly remarkable. She has performed with guitar guru Jeff Beck at this year’s grammys, while she has also received tumultuous receptions from fans at festivals right across the world, most notably at this year’s Glastonbury festival. So it is only natural for us to assume her second album “Mayhem” will live up to the expectations of Love tattoo. The opening song pulling the rug opens with the distinguished sound of the double bass, an instrument that has always been associated with the Rockabilly genre. Mayhem and Eternity contain slick and energetic guitar riffs that are inspired by rock ‘n’ roll pioneers Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly. Despite many of the fourteen tracks being pulsating and uplifting, slow tempo and more poignant songs also feature on the album. ”Kentish town Waltz” is a deep and personal expression of the Liberties singer’s frustration to the tougher times in her life while trying to make a living playing music.
Colman Hanley meets Irish rockers The Saw Doctors
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Arts
Colman Hanley catches up with Irish Presenter Ryan Tubridy Page 10-11
Fashion
The Thermals Personal Life Jim Scully
Kellie Nwaokorie checks out Campus style
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From the very outset of their existence, The Thermals laid all their cards out on the table. As a band, simplicity is at their core, both lyrically and musically. But they make it work. Fresh faced, straight forward and energetic, the music this trio produce appears almost as an aural representation of the people behind it. It’s personal and honest, it’s young and as this release proves, consistently developing. Pop hooks and refined punk structures shape the Thermals sound. But a level of maturity and youthful wisdom prevail, earning them loving reviews and recommendations, sometimes to levels the band themselves might not even be comfortable with. That said, recognition also emerged from the most important of places. Fugazis Brendan Canty taking up production duties on 2006’s somewhat conceptual “The Body, The blood, The Machine.” On this latest instalment, Isaac Brock of Modest mouse fame lends a hand, as does Riot Grrrl figurehead Carrie Brownstein – a long and hard earned nod of approval, which bassist Kathy Foster will most appreci-
ate no doubt. Back stories and backslapping aside, Personal Life is another trophy on the shelf for The Thermals. While not quite the energetic, catchy handclap affair that was ‘Now We Can See’, the band have relaxed a little and become a little more organised and appropriately more melodic. That’s not to say that the band have lost their balls, so to speak. The kick is still there when it’s needed, as is the intensity of Hutch Harris’s vocals thankfully, because that contrast is needed against the fragility of his vulnerable lyrics, which would otherwise tire. This may be, as the title suggests, the bands most personal release to date, which is always dangerous territory for any artist. While Ezra pound would maybe not approve of such ‘emotional slither’, indie kids who like their emotional outpourings with buzzing guitars and melodic vocals certainly will.
Apart from the track ‘Psycho’ which contains distorted guitar and delayed vocal effects, May fails to experiment or breakaway from the style of her first album. I am also ambivalent about her obscure choice to place a cover of ‘Tainted Love’ in the album, a song that has been covered to saturation point since its original release by Gloria Jones in 1965 and a subsequent cover by Soft Cell in 1981. Surely the Dubliner must have had another song in her catalogue that would have slotted nicely into the album. Nevertheless May has enhanced her vocal ability since her first album and many of the songs in ‘Mayhem’ are as memorable and captivating as any album I have listened to this year. The future looks bright and optimistic for the so-called ‘Irish Amy Winehouse’ from the city centre of Dublin. If she keeps producing albums of this quality she will go into the Irish Music history books, and may well go on to achieve so much more. Key track: ‘Psycho’ (Track Two)
Music
The Siren 14.09.10
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The Scoop
Tune This Out
With the validity of voice enhancing equipment being discussed as of late, Conor McKenna questions whether we are listening to music or just computer generated material There was a much needed debate in the media recently over the use of Auto-Tune in the popular reality television series X-Factor. Although the argument surrounded the contestants’ voices and the problem with providing a false image of a singer’s potential, it does raise some interesting questions about the music we buy into. Auto-Tune itself is technology that is designed to correct pitch and is used in studios to cover up minor mistakes. It irons out the creases so to speak. However it can also be used as an instrument to change vocal pitch patterns and has been used by many artists in this manner most notably Daft Punk in their hit “One More Time”. Although Auto-Tune is predominantly associated with R&B artists (such as T-Pain) and electro acts, it has found its way into the guitar bashing indie alternative world and is used by bands such as Vampire Weekend on their new album Contra. X-Factor is what brought world-wide attention to the use of Auto-Tune, however it is more common in what we listen to than most people realise. Emmy Award winning television series Glee became popular thanks to its talented singers. For most of the viewers, the great voices of the actors and their renditions of great hits is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the show. However Glee has come under criticism from many because of the use of Auto-Tune to enhance the singers’ vocal lines. It is difficult for the average viewer to notice that the vocals have been altered in quite a significant way. In many ways this is a shame because using this technology says nothing about the skill of the singers or the strength of their voices.
Conversely, the performance of Taylor Swift at the Grammies earlier this year caused a stir because of the off-key and seemingly weak nature of her voice. This gave rise to an opposing argument to the one arising from the X-Factor fiasco: AutoTune should be used in performances to disguise bad singing. Differences in sound between record and concert (except where the artist lip-syncs) can be explained away but the use of Auto-Tune becomes clear in many cases. If this is anything to go by, it would seem as though music labels need only find attractive men and women regardless of singing ability because Auto-Tune can change the sound to such a degree that it sounds perfect. The reality is a sad one: that this art form sells. Among music consumers there is a decision being made both consciously and subconsciously whether or not to buy into the use of Auto-Tune. Music critics tend to complain about the lack of rawness in modern vocalists’ voices because of the over-production of their records. There is also the aspect to which people want to know that what they’re buying is real, not something which is computer-generated. The arguments put forward against Auto-Tune are perhaps unfair and are somewhat reminiscent of arguments relating to the early keyboard synthesisers. It will be the pioneers of Auto-Tune that are likely to be remembered years from now when this debate is looked back upon. It will then be for us, the consumers, to decide whether they are remembered favourably or not.
New noise Hogan “Our unique thing is to write songs that don’t fit into any genre.” – A mission statement from Irish band HOGAN who have just released their first album BOOM! Their varied musical influences certainly fit that bill as lead singer and guitarist Mark Hogan explains, “Musically it’s all over the place: Ray Charles and Nine Inch Nails would be the two extremes. I used to be influenced by John Mayer but not so much now because I met him and he’s a bit of a twat to be honest.” HOGAN have been working musically in one form or another since 2004 when Mark started out as a singer-songwriter: “I think I’m a bit of a hippie at heart. Once we had no gigs for three weeks and I thought that was a bit long to be doing nothing so I went to Barcelona and lived off busking for three weeks.” There is no denying that HOGAN are hard-working, having spent the last two years recording the album with producer Greg Haver (Manic Street Preachers). It’s not an easy road as he advises young bands that “there’s so much negativity in this industry and if you’re not in with the right crowds it can be very hard. It’s the good things you have to live for.” While it was Mark who began writing material, the floor has opened and the band now takes a very active role in the writing process. Explaining how ‘Jealousy’ was written Mark says that he’s not the jealous type and that it sometimes causes problems because the girl may not feel the same way about a situation. On gigging in Ireland Mark speaks warm-
Win a copy of the album ly about UCD and the reception that the band has always received while playing there: “I love UCD; it’s always been one of my favourite places to play.” The appreciation and the honesty in his voice as he talks about everything that UCD Ents have done to help HOGAN is quite striking. It’s not just the Irish crowds that HOGAN have been wooing with their firestorm of tracks: the English crowd have started to sit up and take notice too. In England, “people were very easy show your music to. Ireland is small, but there’s so much talent here that it’s great that there’s competition. In England they have talent too but I think it’s more spread out.” Mark muses that it’s difficult to try and live up
to the expectations because we’re so used to Ireland producing big bands like U2 and The Script. Like most bands, HOGAN have developed a pre-gig ritual. “Every band has to have one of those band huddles,” the lead singer comments. “We all put our hands in the middle and we sing a song that my Dad played to me years ago. It’s a country and western song about a guy singing about a girl who loves him for his Willy, but it actually means Willy Nelson impersonation. It’s the funniest song we’ve ever heard so we sing a chorus of that before we go on.” Mark admits being a little worried about how the critics would receive their album. “The one thing I was sceptical about it be-
cause as music critics go if they can’t pigeonhole you to one genre that’s going to be a problem. I was thinking that they just won’t get this.” However with the lowest review rating of 3/5 stars HOGAN can’t complain. Mark proudly mentions that every review has noted that their live performance has translated well onto record which is something that bands often miss. HOGAN seem like a band with much to prove and yet grateful for every inch that they have gained. With praise from critics and fans alike there is little doubt that we will hear more from HOGAN in the future. HOGAN are playing the UCD student bar on Arthur’s Day 23rd September 2010.
Just anwser the following question; When will Hogan be playing the student bar? Email your answers to competition.tribune@ gmail.com
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The Siren 14.09.10
The Heat is on
Just before the release of his new album ‘Acid Country,’ former Housemartins and Beautfiful South singer Paul Heaton chats to Colman Hanley about his new record and recent cycling trip around Britain
e d i u G GIG Ross O’Carroll Kelly - Between Foxrock and a Hard Place/ October 15th – November 14th/ Olympia Theatre / €25 - €49.50 The Rossmeister is back. It’s 2010, and the world as Ross knows it is coming to an end. Renard’s has closed, foie gras is half-price in Lidl, and now they tell him that Foxrock is about to be rezoned as – wait for it – Sandyford East. Following the success of his first sell-out play - The Last Days of the Celtic Tiger, which was acclaimed as ‘a triumph’ and ‘a wickedly funny play’ - Ross O’Carroll Kelly returns to the Olympia this October for a strictly limited four-week run. Directed by multiple Irish Times Theatre award nominee Jimmy Fay, Between Foxrock and a Hard Place sees the return of Rory Nolan as Ross. Paramore and B.o.B/ November 6th/ The O2, Dublin /€38 (Standing) and €41 (Seated) Paramore have confirmed B.o.B. as their special guest for their Irish date at the O2 on Saturday 6th November. Tickets are on sale now from Ticketmaster outlets and online at ticketmaster.ie B.o.B. is currently enjoying success with his debut album B.o.B. Presents: The Ad-
ventures of Bobby Ray which features two UK number 1 singles Nothin On You and Airplanes, featuring Paramore’s own Hayley Williams. His current single Magic features Weezer Frontman Rivers Cuomo.
For the students left in UCD born in the 1980’s, Paul Heaton’s music is likely to have caught your attention at least one time in your life. A member of the Housemartins along with Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim) and a former member of the Beautiful South, Heaton has proven his musical talent for almost 30 years. ‘Happy Hour’ and ‘Caravan of Love’ were huge hits with the Housemartins that are still played, while ‘Rotterdam’ and ‘Perfect 10’ were 90’s hits for the Beautiful South that most people remember. However despite these hits, Heaton admitted though that a degree of luck played a part in his success with the Beautiful South. Continuing to be brutally honest, he was hesitant in praising his new album, ‘Acid Country’. “I’m not one for promoting myself musically, but I think it’s a good piece of work lyrically, musically it’s more of the same stuff. I don’t think I’m going anywhere musically, but maybe that will happen next year. It has a bit of country and soul but it’s not far from the stuff I’ve done from the past.” The honesty which Heaton spoke with is refreshing and shows that he is a dying breed in the musical industry as he gigs across Britain and Ireland for the enjoyment of it more than anything. Talking about one of his eleven new tracks, ‘The Old Radio,’ Heaton provided an insight into the sort of work he has put together on this latest album. “The old radio is about an imaginary radio that has seen all the changes that America has gone through over the past 50 years, the deaths of Martin Luther King and John F. Kennedy, boxing events and sports personalities for example. It’s an affectionate view of America as opposed to the anti-America stuff I’ve written in the past.” Heaton embarked upon a huge physical challenge at the start of the summer by
taking part in a 1,000 mile cycle across the UK as he went from pub to pub to perform and to attempt to promote the British pub industry. “It was actually really pleasurable, if you ever do exercise for that the first time, you feel rotten. After that though, it always feels much better. The cycle was like that. “The people we met on the way were fantastic, the people from the pubs we met were regulars and they didn’t regularly go to gigs so it was an experience. Plus, there were many times when I got a few particular strange smells and country smells while cycling and I found myself really interested by it. I’d recommend it to other artists, but I doubt they’d do it!” Heaton’s passion for soccer and his local team Sheffield United is something that is close to heart. However Heaton revealed a fondness to support Ireland due to his nickname ‘Trapper’ which he received because of his support of Giovanni Trapattoni in the late 1980’s. “He looks like a womble, an Italian womble,” chirped Heaton. The singer’s interest in Ireland goes further though as Heaton is set for a six concerts all across Ireland. “The travelling for the tour is a bit mad, we start in Kilkenny, and Kilkenny is ac-
Imelda May/ December 15th/The Olympia Theatre /€32.50 Imelda May has added a fourth and final December date at The Olympia Theatre due to phenomenal demand for tickets. The Dublin queen of rockabilly will play four intimate live shows at The Olympia Theatre on Wednesday December 15th, Thursday December 16th, Friday December 17th & Saturday December 18th. Imelda Mays new album ‘Mayhem’ has entered the Irish Album Charts at #1 and her first album Love Tattoo has moved up the charts to #4, making her the first Irish Female Artists to have two albums in the top 5. “The problem with an artist like Imelda May is that she’s so good, it makes a critiWhere? cal review almost impossible to write; her performance is flawless.” Clash Magazine BaseBar, Wicklow St.
tually mentioned in our new track ‘Bottom Rung’. We travel across to Castlebar after that, and I had to ask the tour manager if he is mad with the way the tour is planned as we’re going across the country, up, down and then back down again! But I see it as a positive thing as it gives me a chance to visit as many Irish pubs as possible.” Performing in Cork, Belfast, Dublin and Wexford, one thing is certain, Heaton will get his wish of visiting a fair few Irish pubs. Paul Heaton performs live in Dublin at the Academy on the 6th of October
CLub Night
When? Paramores third album brand new eyes went straight to the top of the Irish charts on its release last September. The record also went to number one in the UK and Australia and topped the US Billboard Alternative and Rock Albums charts reaching Gold status.
Every Thursday night, 10:30pm 2:45am Why? With €2 shots, €3 pints and €5 cocktails, the real question is, why not? PrHomo is a gay and lesbian night in Dublin’s city centre. The crowd is young, fun and snazzily dressed. There is no shortage of attitude and everyone has
excellent hair. DJ Ruth belts out all that is cheesy, charty and cool, filling the dance floor to all hours. The atmosphere is fabulously homosexual. Prizes, competitions and theme nights often feature. It’s surprising that in a city with so few lesbian and gay nights, this one is so competitive. PrHomo is the place to be scene. Price: €5 with Student ID / €7 W/O
Music
The Siren 14.09.10
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Danger’s coming
Coming to Ireland on the back of his successful solo album, Guillemots frontman Fyfe Dangerfield talks to Colman Hanley about music, his former teaching job and his infamous appearance Never Mind the Buzzcocks Fyfe Dangerfield has had an enjoyable 2010. Not only has the release of his album ‘Fly Yellow Moon’ been a success, he’s received great success after a cover of Billy Joel’s ‘She Always a Woman’ became a hit thanks to its use in an advert for British department store John Lewis. Reflecting on the success of his album, Dangerfield expressed great modesty. “I’m really happy that it’s out, once I have a record out I know I can move on to the next thing. I’m delighted with it and things have been going really well.” The solo career is something that will be short lived for the Guillemots man as he plans to get back to the band and release a new album in March 2011. However, he admitted he has enjoyed his time touring and performing alone, and has not found the adjustment to going solo too difficult. “To be honest I don’t feel a hell of a lot of a difference. If you’re singing and the main writer in the band, I think you feel that pressure. But I think when you’re fronting something that the attention’s on you. I think fewer things can go wrong when I’m on my own.” On the success of his covering of Billy Joel and the resultant success on television, Dangerfield admitted it was hard to feel overly happy. “It’s been really exciting to see it bring new people in to hear the record. I’d turned down doing adverts before, but in this instance, I loved the song and in terms of the company, I’d no problem with them. They wanted the song to be like the original and didn’t really want anything different. “Even though it did very well in the charts, I didn’t feel like I could take credit for that. But without that, the album
wouldn’t have had the coverage it had. I think on the whole it’s been great, but I’m just very conscious that I don’t want to become the guy with the nice voice
“I think when you’re fronting something that the attention’s on you”
that sings ballads. When the Guillemots record comes out, I know that will be dispelled quickly.” It could’ve been so different for Dangerfield though after he was offered a fulltime job by an independent boys school, Cranbrook College. After stepping in to cover someone on sick leave, the singer filled in for a few terms, though not as a fully qualified teacher. “I was kind of enjoying it as when you had a good lesson, it was really rewarding. They offered me the job full-time, but it was literally about a year before the Guillemots got going and I told them that I was getting a band togeth-
“ I think in London there’s a slight sense of people don’t go out to gig’s so much and they’re just tied up with drinking”
er.” Fyfe was a part of a must see television moment following his appearance on Never Mind the Buzzcocks, all thanks to Ordinary Boys singer Preston after he walked off in the middle of the recording of the show after receiving persistent attention from host Simon Amstel. Dangerfield recollects the day perfectly. “Yeah it was pretty surreal. I’d met Preston beforehand and he seemed really nervous anyway, and in the end, the whole thing went a bit too far. I did feel really bad for him, but on the other hand I think Simon Amstel was amazing, just generally very funny. I think that if you go on Big Brother, you’ve got to accept you’ll get flack. I did have to sit there and look really awkward but it was a great experience, even though it did go on for hours. It was good fun.” Finally, Dangerfield spoke of his upcoming Irish concerts and his previous gigs with the Guillemots in Ireland. “It’s all clichés really, but I’m really looking forward to the tour and getting over in again to play live. I played played in Cork once with the Guillemots and then in Whelan’s before in Dublin. “I remember the crowd being really amazing and slightly attentive more to the music. I think in London there’s a slight sense of people don’t go out to gig’s so much and they’re just tied up with drinking, so I’m looking forward to it.” Fyfe Dangerfield plays the Odyssey in Belfast on October 2nd and October 3rd in the Academy in Dublin
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Music
The Siren 14.09.10
New adventure awaits Leo and the Sawdoctors
Ahead of the release of their new album, Sawdoctors lead singer Leo Moran talks to Colman Hanley about the anticipated record, Glastonbury 2010 and much more
Twenty years on from the release of their first album, the Sawdoctors continue to go from strength to strength and are set to embark upon a new tour of Ireland and Britain with their new album ‘The adventures of the Sawdoctors.’ Set for release this Friday, lead singer Leo Moran revealed the extent of work that had gone into their seventh album, almost five years on from their last album, ‘The Cure.’ However after all the hard hours perfecting each track, Moran declared that the band was delighted with the final outcome. “We recorded the first half of the new album in the legendary Rockfield studios, and then we finished it off in Grasslodge in Westmeath, another legendary studio. “We think this is our best and most consistent collection of songs that we’ve put out as an album. So we’re very hopeful that it will make friends for us, and that’s all that an album can do. If people enjoy it and they tell their friends about it, the name of the band spreads and people like the songs. Then the songs hopefully make their way to the set and become songs that people want to hear in the future.” The album re-unites the Galweigans with former producer Phil Tennant. Tennant was responsible for the production of the bands first three albums in the early 90’s, and resultingly was part of the success the band had with hits such as ‘That’s what she said last night,’ ‘Hay Wrap’ and ‘Pied Piper’, and the famous Sawdoctor anthems ‘N17’ and ‘I useta Lover.’ There was no doubting that the foursome has the uptmost respect for Tennant. “We had great craic working with him and he had a great determination to make sure that we got something a little bit extra out of this album and finish it off in a really polished way. He wanted us to make sure that we dressed up the songs in the proper clothes for the era that we are in. So we just kind of tried to make sure that we put out some modern type sounds on the record. That’s what we’ve ended up with and we’re very happy with it so far.” Since their arrival onto the scene in the late 1980’s, the Sawdoctors have remained successful despite the huge changes that have been seen in the music industry. However according to the frontman, the western band were not hugely affected any of the modern changes. “We are kind of peripheral to it all, we’re like a cottage industry in the west of Ireland. We’re not fully tied in with how things are as we’re a totally independent
band and we only put out our records in three territories, Ireland, Britain and the States. “Basically, our record company is our manager Ollie Jennings in a small office in Galway! It’s technically called a record company, but that’s what it is. I don’t keep an eye on the industry other than the way people are
“We think this is our best and most consistent collection of songs that we’ve put out as an album” buying stuff and obviously the downloading thing is huge. I mean I think it’s great because people don’t have to buy things they don’t like anymore.” And the proof can be seen in the gigging that the Sawdoctors do as they play in front packed out croweds night after night. There was no bigger audience for the Sawdoctors over the summer than their apperaance after Imelda May at Glastonbury. “For anybody that hasn’t been at Glastonbury, it’s like a different planet,” the lead singer quipped. “I think it’s about the same population as Cork. So it’s like arriving down to Cork on a Friday evening, but there are no buildings anywhere and everyone lives in a tent. That’s the first kind of description I could give of it, and then you have to take it from there as there’s stuff going on in Glastonbury that doesn’t normally go on in your average high street or average housing estate. It has to be seen to be believed.” Appearing on stage directly after Ireland’s current hit artist Imelda May is always tough for any band or artist. However the Sawdoctors recent gigs has seen the band solely play their new material, rather than just the songs the crowd want to see. Moran admitted that the band were not entirely familiar with this way of doing things. “Doing the new album
Music
from start to finish, eleven songs in a row that people are unfamiliar with, is kind of a brave thing to do and it’s not something we’ve done before. “But we’ve done it this time, probably seven or eight times now, and it’s really worked and people have understood that that’s what they’re coming to see and they like the songs. It’s funny because there’s a great spread of favourites, like every song has been picked as someone’s favourite. I mean that’s what you’re always hoping for when you’re putting out an album.” A thin line seperates what is essentially a successful album or one that gets quickly forgotten. Moran was quick to recognise this, though he did so with his usual down to earth style and great light heartedness.
“An awful lot of albums have one song that people like and nine songs that people are not that interested in. Unfortunately they’re the albums that sell millions! The albums that have ten decent songs that people like and don’t hate, generally sell at a minority rate. We’re just delighted with the collection that we have and hopefully it will last the test of time.” As well as the launch of the album, the Sawdoctors are set to tour the country. An imminent stop off for the band is a gig in the Olympia. Moran spoke fondly of the Dublin venue and expressed great excitement of returning to the ‘the best venue in the country’. “You’re just so in touch with everyone in the room, and even way up on top down to the front row, everyone
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“An awful lot of albums have one song that people like and nine songs that people are not that interested in. Unfortunately they’re the albums that sell millions!” is able to see you and hear you comfortably,” he said. “It’s just one of those places that is an amazing privilege to play in. We never
forget that everytime we play there, and you have to appreciate that an awful lot of bands start off and do stuff but they don’t get to play in the Olympia. So like I said, it’s a privilege.”
“it’s lovely to be in contact with an audience of that age and it’s always a bonus for us at this stage to be having such a great following of students in Ireland”
On a possible return to the UCD campus and the student bar, Moran recollected his memories of gigs from the past in UCD and expressed a desire to quickly return to the Dublin four venue. “I hope so because it’s lovely to be in contact with an audience of that age and it’s always a bonus for us at this stage to be having such a great following of students in Ireland. It’s really rejuvenated the energy in gigs and it’s just great for us and it’s a real delight so we must make sure we keep visiting the colleges.” A regular sell-out in the UCD student bar, Moran and the Sawdoctors hope that their new record will achieve similar success. The Sawdoctors new album ‘The adventure of the Sawdoctors’ is to be released nationwide on Friday 17th of September
fashion
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Be the Belle of the Ball
With debs season in full swing, Kellie Nwaokorie lends us her tips on how to look fabulous on a budget
So you’ve finished the dreaded Leaving Cert, it turned out to be not at all as bad as anticipated and now with results, the C.A.O and starting college almost out of the way, there is only one thing left to think about – The Debs. It is my personal belief that some people can get a little crazy with preparing for the Debs. But, in reality, it is one night of fun with school friends whom we may not see again for a long time. With this and the obvious lack of moolah in mind, a reasonable budget is needed when planning. It is easy to book makeup and hair appointments, and to tell the stylists exactly what you want, but I find both these things can be done yourself, all with a little direction. So I’ve put together a D.I.Y guide to looking your absolute best and taking the credit yourself for doing it. False Tans – Now, false tan is one of the things that, if applied wrongly, which it often is, can have disastrous and orange effects. If you know that applying your
own fake tan will result in this Oompa loompa skin tone, then I suggest getting a spray tan. From half body to full body, they ranging from €25 - €50. But, if you think you have the wits about you to D.I.Y it, then follow these simple, yet effective rules. Scrub - Exfoliate for up to a week before the tan but not the day of the false tan application. Shave or Wax it - The day before the tan. Outfit Check - Wear Dark clothing and loose fitting shoes the day of the application. Moisturise - after each shower to keep up the tan, but not before or the day of the tan application. Pat Dry - after each shower and do not rub the skin Sweating - is a big no after the tan application. Do not carry out any exercise until after your first shower after the application Note – If you have sensitive skin do a patch test before tanning.
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You must remember that there are different shades of false tans, so if you have a pale complexion it is better to use a lighter colour tan. It is always possible to add more tan if desired, but not so easy to take it off. If you are unsure about tan, it is advisable to do a trial a few weeks in advance and not the week of the event. There are many different shades of tan that can be applied according to your skin tone and preference. Remember the tan application should be carried
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The Siren 14.09.10 out the day before your big night. Foundation - You should try and get the nearest colour foundation to your own skin tone. An off colour base will make every other cosmetic you apply look not quite right. Mixing f o u n d at i o n and moisturiser can give a good tinted moisturiser. If you have discolouration or spots on your skin apply concealer to the problem areas before applying your foundation. Apply foundation with a makeup brush or sponge. You can set your foundation with loose powder applied with a big
fluffy brush. Pick a loose powder with a yellow undertone to make sure that it works with your skin tone. Also deposit extra powder under the eyes to catch any eye make-up fallout. Then brush away. Cheeks - Sweeping on cheek colour in strips in an effort to create cheekbones only succeeds in making you look like a happy clown. For a more classic attractive look, apply blush to the apples of your cheeks. Before applying, smile and apply in a circular sweeping motion for an instant fresh look. Avoid swiping the blusher towards your hairline. Hair – Hair straighteners, curlers and rollers are all there to let you do your hair yourself and exactly how you want. Sometimes less is more. Soft curls can easily be done with a G.H.D, while a low side plait, or ponytail are equally as effective. Simply adding a decorative hair clip accessory can transform a plain hair style. Using these easy to follow guides should be enough to get you through that stressful time before the big night. Most importantly though, remember to have fun!
Hair and beauty:
The Fishtail Plait
By Kellie Nwaokorie
James Kilkenny 1st Science Shop – Penneys
Laura McNally tells us exactly why there’s nothing fishy about this adorable plait
Simon Mulcahy 1st English Harlequin
Naomi Kilroy 1st Science Shop – Topshop
Fancy adding a twist to your standard everyday plait? Feel like giving the straighteners a miss for the day? Then you should try the fishtail plait, also known as the herringbone. While this hairstyle may look difficult to achieve, it’s actually quite easy to master. It may be a good idea to practice this look on somebody else before trying it on your own hair, so you can become familiar with the styling technique. The fishtail plait is versatile, and can be worn to college or work as well as on a night out or to a family event. Celebrities snapped sporting the fishtail plait on the red carpet include Leona Lewis, Fearne Cotton and Amanda Seyfried, while Blake Lively was photographed wearing her herringbone during a stroll through the city. You can wear it high or low, to the side or even in pigtail style. This look works best on medium length to long hair and can be slightly more difficult for those of us who have layered hairstyles. Before you begin, you will need some elastic hair bands, some bobby pins, a hair-
brush and a small extra mirror so you can check the back of your style. Brush your hair through to remove any knots or tangles and you’re ready to begin. If you wish, you can tie the hair back in a low, high or to-the-side ponytail, depending on your preference. Divide the hair into two equal sections. Starting with the left section, take a small, skinny piece of hair from the back, wrap around the front of the left section, and then add to the right section of hair. Make sure to keep a firm grip on the hair, so it doesn’t slip out of your fingers. Repeat this step on the right half, wrapping it around the front and gathering it together with the left half. Continue these steps going from left to right, moving down the length of your hair, until you get to the bottom, and secure the hair with an elastic hair band. If you have any short layers or loose strands of hair, pull them back and fasten with a bobby pin, or alternatively, leave them down for a loose, casual effect. To spice up your style even more, backcomb the plait gently to achieve a more voluminous, messy look.
fashion
The Siren 14.09.10
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Back to basics, college style Chic
Lady-like dressing
As the summer finally draws to a close, Aoifa Smyth guides you through building up a student friendly, autumn wardrobe. Whether it’s your first week in university, or your final year of your masters; the last thing you want to have to worry about after the books and pens are purchased is what you’re going to wear each day. If you buy the basics in the first couple of weeks in September, you can merely add to them as time goes on and save much stress in the dark mornings. Comfort and practicality in college are obviously the most important elements, no one wants to tottle to the library in sky high wedges on a Monday morning. That being said, being stylish is also a desirable factor in your college uniform. One should want to be happy in what they are wearing and feel good while they wear it. Before you venture on this shopping adventure, make a little list of your desired purchases. This will give you a clearer head before you hit the high streets. Start out with some jeans. If you invest in a good pair of jeans, costing between 60-100 euro, they will last you a good few years. Topshop do great jeans, in all ranges of
styles, for super reasonable prices. Urban Outfitters also stock the ‘Cheap Monday’ range, which specialises in stylish skinnies. The beauty of jeans is that you can wear them during the day to college with a blouse or band t-shirt, yet dress them up for partying with a longer tunic and platforms. Jeans also don’t need much T.L.C and can be thrown in the wash every week or so; perfect for the lazy student, no? Next, grab some basic tees to wear around college. American Apparel are the connoisseurs in the basic tee, with every colour you could imagine in luxurious jersey fabric. Pick up some vintage rock t-shirts either in charity or vintage shops, for next to nothing. An autumn essential for the student has to be a warm jacket and/or coat. This will be your best friend over the coming months and make that the shuffle to college is a tiny bit cosier. Zara stocks beautifully tailored jackets and coats for less than 150 euro. But, if you see coats as merely functional rather than a fashion statement, Pennies,
Dunnes and H and M stock cheap and cheerful coats to do the job. A leather bomber jacket is also a great investment for the coming months. This is an item which you can wear during the day, with a hoody for warmth, or at night to complete a glam outfit. Beautiful leather jackets can be picked up for a fraction of retail prices if you go vintage. In terms of dresses, the student on a budget is always wise to purchase dresses which are multifunctional. Buy dresses which you can visualise yourself in, whether it’s during the day or at night. A party dress can be toned down with leggings and a cardi during the day and spiced up with wedges and a blazer after dark. H and M, Topshop, and Urban Outfitters always stock gorgeous dresses which are in style and on budget. Don’t forget though, many high street shops offer student discounts so
Autumn catwalk shows, such as Louis Vuitton and Dries Van oten, give a nod to all that is lady-like, prim and proper, and for lack of a better word, just darn lovely! Waists are emphasised and pastel and jewel tones feature throughout.
Animal
never be afraid to ask! Print In the next few months, one of your best buys will be a pair of ankle boots. These That’s right, scary spice keep your tootsies safe from Jack Frost, is back! This Autumn, whether it comes in yet manage to look darling. Office do long the form of tights, faux lasting, super fashionable boots and as of fur or a full print dress, recent pennies have started selling them, limit an outfit to which save you a buck and a half. Grab up item, as over-kill print animal one some alpine style ski socks and have them brings Ms. Pat Butcher to coming out the top of the boot for a heart mind. warming autumnal look. Don’t forget that your summer wardrobe Shearling can be updated to adapt to the season; maxi If you buy one thing this dresses can be worn with tights, boots and coming season, buy shearling. chunky knits and play suits and summer This trend is aviator meets minis can be teamed with leggings and a Indiana Jones, in the chicest way leather jacket. possible. Whether it’s
Don’t Change the Chanel She may not have been front row, or even at the show, but Roisin Sweeney reflects on her experience outside Chanel’s fall/winter fashion show On a beautiful July afternoon in Paris, amongst the bored paparazzi, the hysterical young fashionistas, and the curious American tourists, I stood outside the Grand Palais on the afternoon of the Chanel Couture show. The sense of anticipation was palpable, and made for a weird and tense atmosphere as we waited for the fashion stars and big shots to arrive. The first to appear was Carine Roitfeld, editor of Vogue Paris. The paparazzi and tourists largely ignored her, but a buzz went through the young fashion crowd. They acted quite strangely in her presence; crowds parted and people began to stare with their mouths wide open, yet no one got up the courage to ask for a picture or an autograph. After this I assumed that this reaction would be the norm, but oddly it was only Roitfeld who seemed to be revered like this by the fashionable French teens. When the Gossip Girls arrived, after having sent a decoy Mercedes up another lane, the crowd went nuts. With cameras flailing, a herd of photographers raced to get the picture, not caring who they knocked down in the process. It was a surreal moment seeing them go by, followed by boys in heels and capes, and girls with short dresses and Chloe handbags. After this, a steady stream of fashion’s biggest names arrived without much fuss. Mario Testino and model Freja Beha Erichsen both stopped to talk to me when I asked them for a photo. When Grace Coddington of American Vogue walked past I overheard her say,
“Wanna ride with me?” down the phone and then cackle for about five minutes. A few of the young french crowd attempted to get into the show without tickets, some of them psychotic in their efforts. I saw one girl in a massively wide brimmed hat offer five different security guards 100 euros, then steal the catalogue from an old woman’s gift bag to use as proof that she had already been inside. The fashion and elegance at the show was unbelievable. There was a very clear divide between the style of the people who work in fashion and the Couture clients. The millionaires and billionaires who could actually afford the Couture looks on show stuck to Chanel from head to toe. The prevalent theme was white lace; the most intricately detailed and ruffled lace possible. The fashion writers and stylists attending the show had a much more varied and colourful approach, and made more use of accessories. The most dazzling offering for me however, was when these two approaches to clothing were fused, by Daphne Guinness and Lady Amanda Harlech. Both these women can afford all the couture they could want, but have immense creativity and a huge love for fashion. Lady Amanda chose a simple, buttoned up dark blue dress, made brilliant by a huge collar of Chanel’s signature camellias, crafted in frayed silk. Daphne also amazed in silver couture, a structured jacket completely laden with crystals and a delicate lace slip. The perfect ensemble for the most extravagant house in fashion, Chanel. An experience to remember.
a leather jacket with a sheepskin collar, ankle boots with shearling lining or even a handbag with fake sheepskin fur on it, nab it up.
Eek Being in between seasons
Too warm for a coat, yet too cold for a blazer. Make up your mind, all powerful beings. Plus, this light rain does nothing for frizz prone hair.
Ankle grazing skirts Let’s be honest, unless you’re a six foot stunner or over 70, this trend makes you resemble a pregnant Oompa Loompa.
O’Neills tracksuit bottoms These were barely acceptable in primary school for P.E. They’re wrong on too many levels. They manage to make fat man pants look good! by Aoifa Smyth
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Arts
The Siren 14.09.10
Time of his life for Tubridy
On his return to campus, Ryan Tubridy chatted to Colman Hanley about his hectic radio and television schedule in RTÉ, his upcoming publication and memories of UCD
The most watched and listened broadcaster in Ireland, Ryan Tubridy, returned to campus last week to support the Law society. In a week which Ryan Tubridy was in every newspaper over his handling of the high profile interview with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair on the Late Late Show, the UCD alumni took time out to preside over the debate ‘Dubs vs Culchies.’ A complete contrast to the most talked about event of the week. In the aftermath and hullabaloo that surrounded Blair’s appearance on the longest running chat show in the world, Tubridy was in reflective mood when talking about the tough interview. “It’s hard when you’re doing it, it was one of the biggest interviews I’ve ever done, one I’d always wanted to do, it was an ambition that came true. I’m glad to say that for all the critics, and there was a lot of them and there always will be, but we got the viewership figures and to me that’s the critics, the people with the remote control at home. In the digital age, to pull in as we did 1.15 million viewers on a Friday night in September, that’s the answer to the critics. It endorses the work that went on to get the guest, the work that went on to brief the guest, and then people’s generosity to watch it, put that all together and then suddenly the critic looks like somebody with a laptop sitting in a bedsit writing their reviews in between watching Stargate episodes.” Chairing an entertaining and comical debate, signing autographs for fans and posing for photos, Tubridy gave out an impression of someone at complete ease to be back in UCD and particularly the venue of the debate, Theatre L. “I do like coming back, Theatre L used to be like a looming shadow in one’s world, ‘got a lecture in theatre L, I’m so nervous’. But now it’s less daunting, it’s lovely. Theatre L is very empty now, like the Americans after leaving Baghdad, with the same amount of messing going on. I’m an alumnus of the college so it’s always nice to be back.” The broadcaster completed his Arts degree by studying both History and Greek and Roman. Recounting his years in the arts block and particularly the Classical department situated in K, Tubridy spoke of his passion for his old
subject. “I met a couple of girls here doing Greek and Roman and the future is bright for Greek and Romans. It’s one of those under-estimated subjects, but beautiful subjects, so the more people that have the sense to take it up, the better. So let’s get that campaign going to get people speaking Latin and studying
“I do like coming back, Theatre L used to be like a looming shadow in one’s world” Greek and Roman. We’ve lots to learn from them.” As well as launching a campaign which Alexander would be proud of, and speaking like a great orator such as Julius Caesar, the Dubliner recounted his fresher days and emotions that he had back in 1991. “It was a nervous time, but I came from a big school and most of my class came here. I was a typical middle class horror show. There was none of the nervousness that unfortunately a lot the current fresher’s from other parts of the country will feel, so I was very lucky that way. Also I was comfortable in my skin so I wasn’t hiding behind or in the shadows.” The UCD Alumni was quick to give pointers to the current crop of young students entering into the abyss of UCD. “I never got into debating; I got involved in the Students’ Union a little bit, the History society, things that interested me,” he advised. “I loved the Students’ Bar. I also enjoyed the library. I had my own kind of section as I used to sit around the history section. I was
Arts
The Siren 14.09.10
involved in Belfield FM, it was in the fishbowl thing (back then a small caravan) just by the lake and we had a show called Belfield at five which reported on things like the progress of the ducks crossing the
“I always knew that if you talk as much guff as I do, I’d end up in law or in media” water and the occasional political debate.” By the time he had become a star broadcaster of UCD, Tubridy had was certain where his future would lie claiming, “I always knew that if you talk as much guff as I do, I’d end up in law or in media.” Tubridy’s rise to stardom was initially through radio, and his stardom seemed to
rise even more again during the summer when he completed the move from RTÉ Radio 1 to 2fm to take over the time slot from the late Gerry Ryan. The move was something which Tubridy admitted was both a good move but also a tough challenge. In order to make things easier, Tubridy chose to start in his new time slot earlier than expected and surprise his listeners. “We just felt that it’s going to be different; I’m different to Gerry my old pal. The show’s going to be different, the sound is going to be different, and people should expect different. And to do that we said well let’s get it started from the get go differently so let’s do it on the Friday. “It was a bit of a stunt but when you’re on Friday and you’ve got Bono on the show, you’re thinking suddenly I can sleep on Sunday night and it’s not so much ‘going back to school’ anymore. So in that sense it worked a treat and now we’re just a work in progress. It’s not right, it’s not ready,
but it’s on the road. We’ll get there.” Radio and television committments aside, Tubridy’s biggest project of all, his first ever book will be released next month, The History of John F. Kennedy in Ireland. The broadcaster, a man used to talking and appearing in front of hundreds of thousands of people for the past decade, expressed a nervous excitement about the ‘very, very, very important date coming up in my life.’ “Eighteen months of research in the National Library and the National Archives as well. But it’s a labour of love, with the emphasis on labour. I’m very happy with the book. I’ve looked at the manuscript, it’s good. I’m happy with it, and then it goes out into the bookshops, and people can put it in the bin, or the bargain bin, or in their basket so we’ll see how it goes. But I’m proud of it and I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone.” Busy times await RTÉ’s number one broadcaster, but even so, he concluded in
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his normal well spoken, composed and admirable manner by giving one last message to the students of UCD. “Good look with your studies and don’t forget to a have the odd jar and enjoy yourselves while you’re having it. The three years in college I had were some of the happiest years of my life. No question about it, it’s a cliché to say that, but a genuinely heartfelt emotion.” The arts graduate has become such a success in a tough and competitive industry, it gives great hope to the current crop of UCD students that they too can strive for success. Next time you hear the RTÉ broadcaster or see him on RTÉ1, take note that perhaps it was that ‘odd jar’ from the Students’ Bar that was the key to success.
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Flair for the dramatic
UCD is no stranger to hidden gems; the secret lakes, the temple, and the fact that Elements café serve Starbucks coffee. However down in the basement of the Arts block is another jewel of the college, a small black-painted theatre space. This is home to one of the college’s oldest societies, UCD Dramsoc. What may on first glance appear as no more than a storage room soon changes into something more enchanting, or more loathsome depending on the week or time of the show or production taking place. Lights and drapes are hung, sets are constructed, and actors are rehearsed; all turning this blank black canvas of a room into a spectacle for students, staff, family, friends or anyone who stumbles into the theatre looking for the Trap. The sheer volume of work done is enough to give anyone looking in from the outside
a headache. By comparison, it also gives inside a free drink at the gala nights. Some 1500 members contribute to the society as Directors, Producers, Actors, Stage Managers, Costume/Make-up Artists, Lighting/Sound Managers, Set Designers/ Builders, Publicists, Event Organisers, and of course Audience Members (arguably the most important job). Hundreds of big names have come through UCD over the years, and many of these came through the Drama Society; Dermot Morgan, Neil Jordan, Jim Sheridan, Conor McPherson, John O’Connor, Brenda Fricker, Barry McGovern, Gerry Stembridge, Willie White and many more. Many even go on to work in non-theatrical fields, such as numerous Chief Justices, a President of Ireland, countless lecturers, teachers and more. The society doesn’t even limit itself to
Arts
UCD; every year Dramsoc competes against other student drama societies from all over Ireland in the Irish Student Drama Association Festival (ISDA). In recent years Dramsoc has been one of the strongest competitors at the awards (helping UCD’s rivalry with Trinity to expand somewhat), and will head to Galway this Easter to take them all on again. Dramsoc is renowned mostly for its contributions to fostering rising Irish talent, however in recent years the direction of the society has expanded to allow Dramsoc to contribute to Irish society at large, through charitable donations or through performances of communityminded productions such as our Leaving Cert. Show, which will be entering its 5th year in this next session and won Event of the Year in the session just gone. Last year Dramsoc collaborated with An
The Siren 14.09.10
Cumann Dramaíochta to produce ‘An Triail’ by Máiréad Ní Ghráda, a drama which attracted several hundred people over a week long showing including many Leaving Cert students from secondary schools across Dublin. The drama’s success was recognised after it was awarded with the Bord na Gaeilge Award for contributions to the Irish language. The society’s contribution to the college’s social scene cannot be ignored ignored. For example in 2001, Dramsoc’s annual Black-Tie event ‘The Swing Ball’ was founded and it is hosted each year in a top Dublin hotel. In such extravagant settings as The Shelbourne and Gresham Hotels, the Swing Ball is a must for any student with an interest in drama. With a three-course meal and an excuse to dress up in a suit or dress of your choice, who wouldn’t want to at-
tend. Other events such as the Halloween and Christmas Parties are no less fantastical, though much more in keeping with student lifestyle, and that’s to say nothing of the weekly cast parties each Friday. Without failing, Dramsoc does this every week, producing a staggering number of shows each year (every lunchtime at 1pm and later at 7pm) and hosting plenty more workshops and social events to boot. Eighty-four years, three different venues, and two fires later have made Dramsoc a veritable institution in the college, a place for the creative talents of its students to come alive, and also to have a bit of crack in the process. Dram Soc hold regular shows in their theatre in the basement of the Newman Building (Arts block). The College Tribune will review Dramsoc reviews over the course of the year.
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