Vol. 1. Issue 7. 21st Vol. 1. Issue 10.February 4th April 2018 2018
Music
George Ezra: Staying at Tamara’s Béibhinn Thorsch reviews the English singer’s second album
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nglish singer George Ezra released his first album in 2014, immediately receiving highpraise and reaching number one in the UK charts. Though he’s 24, his deep and rich voice makes it hard to believe he is anything but sage and mature. “Staying at Tamara’s” is Ezra’s second studio album in signature folkpop style. Second track “Don’t Matter Now” was released as the lead single from the new album. There is a clear message which Ezra spoke of in an interview, saying he wrote the song to remind himself to step outside of situations from time to time. It is clear coming to the third track that this album is about dealing with anxiety. The third song ‘Get Away’ sings: “It’s never been this way before / shut down by anxiety.” It is a short, heartracing type of tune that matches the anxiety it speaks of. The fourth track is set to be the most popular coming into summer
The Wombats at the Academy Emer Handly discusses the indie rock band whose albums have sold over 1 million copies worldwide
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ast month, the Wombats took to The Academy to give Irish fans a night to remember. The band’s long awaited show was extremely well received, an obvious fact made clear by the large audience that filled the venue to near capacity Wombats are an indie rock band from England. They formed in 2003 and consist of of lead vocalist and guitarist Matthew Murphy drummer Dan Haggis and bassist Tord Øverland Knudsen. They kicked off with ‘Cheetah Tongue’ from their newest album ‘Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life’, which immediately got the crowd moving to their funky beat. ‘Give me a try’ had everyone who’s every really wanted a relationship to work singing the lyrics “We could be gigantic, everything I need / Vicodin on Sunday nights / This could be
2018, ‘Shotgun’ is the kind of song that you would play in the car with all the windows down when you’re on the way to the beach, and the lyrics depict just that. Coming to the middle of the album, the more upbeat and snaredriven tracks come into play. Ezra’s current popular single ‘Paradise’ brings relationships back into the theme. It’s the first track you can imagine really dancing to, and is currently in the top 20 of the Irish singles chart. ‘All my Love’ is like a recess between songs; more of lying-by-the-beach slowly drinking something with ice in it. Full of romance, this two-minutes and forty-seconds track seems like it fell from Ezra’s mind fully-formed. The song ‘Sugarcoat’ seems like the artist’s take on the electro-pop love song, taking the concept and adapting it to his own style. The whole idea of having someone “by my side” worth the risk, worth the guarantee / This could be the drug that never bites / Just give me a try”/ The guys were very interactive with the crowd and told them they were so glad to be in Dublin, especially a few days before St. Patrick’s Day. Songs from the new album such as ‘Black Flamingo’ and ‘White Eyes’ gave newer fans exactly what they wanted, while ‘1996’, ‘Emoticons’ and ‘Techno Fan’ pleased fans who have been around for years. ‘Kill The Director’ and ‘Lemon
is the focal point of the song. Meanwhile, ‘Hold My Girl’ is more reminiscent of the Jason Mraz brand of love song. It is well-bodied and truly romantic instead of just repeated lines that all say the same thing about casual love and being afraid to be alone. Ezra’s collaboration with First Aid Kit for the song ‘Saviour’ adds more dimensions to the singer’s style and creates a dark love song that feels too short. The song feels as if it could go further, but instead falls off a cliff. The album closes with a personal and emotional ballad, longer than the other songs on the album at four and a half minutes. to a Knife Fight’ were two standout performances, with the entire audience singing in unison. “If this is a rom com, kill the director”. The stage set-up was plain and nothing special, but it really didn’t need to be. The band’s stage presence is more impressive than any light show. It was evident throughout the entire show that the band were having just as much fun as the crowd. ‘I Don’t Know Why I Like You But I Do’, ‘Pink Lemonade’ and ‘Moving to New York’ all had energetic
There is a female voice featured, background singer Florrie, and stands out from the rest. The slow rhythm and mystical lyrics complete the album nicely. This album takes three or four songs to feel like it’s begun, and while the middle is very enjoyable and the album, when listened to in its entirety, it isn’t distasteful but it isn’t particularly special. For anyone who is not a big George Ezra fan, this album would be worth going through and picking out a few singles you enjoy.
performances that had the crowd jumping around with their hands in the air. ‘Lethal Combination’ was another crowd pleaser. The band have to be commended for their relatable lyrics. “Say it’s all over, unleash the hounds / Every silver lining has a cloud.” The band teased the crowd as they knew the next song was what everyone had been waiting for and then burst into an unbelievable performance of ‘Let’s Dance to Joy Division’. The crowd was in a frenzy from start to finish. As the members exited the stage, fans took a few minutes to regain their breath. Then, The Wombats returned for an encore that would make an amazing end to an amazing night. ‘Tokyo’ and ‘Greek Tragedy’ are upbeat indie tunes that send shivers down your spine. The highlight of the encore was definitely ‘Turn’, which is one of the band’s most played songs from their new album. The entire Academy was singing and swaying in harmony. “Baby, it’s the crazy I like / I think I saw the world turn in your eyes / Baby, it’s the crazy I like.” The Wombats put on an incredible show that is all about letting the fans have the time of their lives listening to phenomenal music.
Rap can express deep and introspective thoughts
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Music
Michelle Townsend discusses the genre that gets a lot of backlash
ap is undoubtedly one of the most popular genres of music these days, either on it’s own or as a complement to hiphop or R’n’B. Since the nineties the charts have been awash with rappers such as Eminem, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, T.I and in recent years additions such as Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole and Macklemore have been added to the mix. For fans of rap, there has been no shortage of artists or records to invest themselves in. However, despite the genre retaining its popularity over the years and continuing to do so, there are also negative connotations attached to rap - many people argue that it is violent, aggressive and casts a bad influence over those who listen to it. A survey conducted by Survelum shows evidence to suggest that these negative connotations associated with rap music exist, albeit being a hugely popular genre of music. 71 per cent of people surveyed believe rap music does not have a massive negative effect on its listeners overall, however, 43 per cent believe that rap lyrics contribute to corrupting the minds of young people. 86 per cent of those surveyed agreed that rap music is unsuitable for children to listen to, and when asked “when you think of a rapper, what do you think of?”, 71 per cent answered gangster and 57 per cent said a hoodlum. Statistics such as these make it hard for rappers and their fans to
shake off negative stigmas associated with the genre. However, upon closer inspection it is clear to see that topics which are rapped about - sex, drugs, alcohol, abusive relationships, to name but a few - are only done so as a means of release for the artist rapping about it, and the fan listening to it. Therefore it can be argued that the negative stigma arises from
rap artists in modern music. Both artists are equally liked and disliked for their honest and open lyrics. They draw upon their experiences of troublesome times, much like other rappers, to create songs which are music to some people’s ears, but unsettling and uncomfortable to others. Two of Kanye’s songs which
people who are unable to relate to such topics, and do not care enough to delve deeper into the meaning behind an artist’s lyrics. Take for example the lyrics of Eminem and Kanye West, two of the most successful yet controversial
most notably highlight problems he has had with poor mental health are “Through The Wire” and “I Feel Like That”. “Through The Wire” details the hopelessness he felt in the aftermath of a car accident where his jaw was wired shut. “I Feel Like That” is an honest and open account of how consuming depression and anxiety is and how lonely and helpless it can make one feel. Eminem’s lyrics tie in more with dealing with bad relationships. Although he is also known for his rather humorous songs, his heavier material goes much deeper. “Mockingbird” deals with how fragmented his relationship is with his daughters, and
“Like any other artist, they just need an outlet to express their emotions
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“Love The Way You Lie” is embedded with lyrics relating to abusive and controlling relationships. Looking a little closer to home, we can see how important and meaningful lyrics can be to an artist through the work of upcoming rapper Aaron J Hart. Aaron, who recently competed in the final of Ireland’s Got Talent, was praised throughout the entirety of the competition for his painfully raw and honest lyrics about battling poor mental health and the struggles he faced being brought up by a mother addicted to drugs. Aaron’s song “Show Pain” struck a chord with viewers due to the lyrics leaving him completely exposed as a person who has faced his fair share of tough times. Both the judging panel and viewers, despite not having gone through the exact same problems, were able to see just how much rapping about such struggles worked as a healing factor. He explained to the judges, “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for that song”, and judge Denise Van Outen praised him for it, saying “you just made me fall in love with rap. I understood your story, it really moved me.” Like any other music genre or art form, rap music is a means of expression. If people are uncomfortable listening to music which tackles with controversial issues and dark themes, that is completely justifiable. However, they should not hold the opinion that these rap artists are using these lyrics to be purposefully negative or to cast a bad influence over impressionable listeners. Like any other artist, they just need an outlet to express their emotions. People can argue that dark lyrics always gravitate toward rap music, but the fact of the matter is that a precedent has been set for aspiring rappers to release their thoughts and feelings through this style - to suggest the lyrics are too negative and hold no value is ignorance to recognise honest music.
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Film Kyle Ewald
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Fall in love with this Netflix series
ost real-life love stories don’t have the fairytale ending often portrayed in television, which is why it’s probably a good thing Netflix’s Love has concluded after only three seasons. The first two seasons focused on Mickey (Gillian Jacobs) and Gus’s (Paul Rust) individual struggles— Mickey’s battle with alcoholism and sex addiction and Gus’s irritating inability to be anything but the “nice guy”. In season three, viewers finally get to see the two attempt a normal, mature relationship while also trying to navigate adulthood. Jacobs does an incredible job of being chaotic yet charming and while Gus’s lack of confidence and victim playing can be tiring, Rust’s performance is convincing and even painfully relatable at times. Through a series of awkward relationship firsts, including road-trips, friends’ weddings, couple getaways and meeting families, executive-producer Judd Apatow delivers a serious, almost cynical take on modern love. Apatow still provides laugh-out-loud moments similar to his other works such as Knocked Up and Trainwreck, while also identifying some of the darkest parts of a relationship. Season three’s utilisation of supporting characters is the best in the show’s history, especially in the case of Claudia O’Doherty’s character Bertie. Mickey’s delightfully awkward Australian roommate was long-overdue for more screen-time, and watch-
ing her finally find the confidence to ditch a comfortable, but very unhealthy relationship with Randy (Mike Mitchell) is the perfect way to conclude her character’s story. One of the most powerful episodes of the season focuses just on Bertie and her connection with Randy’s friend Chris (Chris Witaske). When everyone else is unable to make time for her birthday celebrations, Chris takes Bertie on a birthday adventure where she realises that her fear of hurting Randy’s feelings is impeding on her own chances to be happy with Chris. It is simultaneously the purest and most heartbreaking situation to observe play out. Vanessa Bayer also gueststars as Gus’s recently divorced ex-girlfriend and delivers a hilarious yet crushing performance that differs greatly from her goofy, slap-stick comedy niche. Outside of the romantic realm, the final season provides a realistic glimpse into friendships as well. Mickey has an eye-opening experience while trying to convince an old college pal she is sober and stable now. Following a disastrous evening trying to reconnect with her old friend, Mickey finally comes to
the conclusion that people grow apart, and the only person she needs to prove her changes to is herself. Messy family dynamics are represented in the episode “Anniversary Party” where Mickey accompanies Gus to his parent’s 40th anniversary celebration in South Dakota. Gus’s inevitable breakdown in front of his entire family following a week of trying to convince them he’s killing it in adulthood, while very uncomfortable, is the most honest and likable his character has ever been. One thing that remained constant throughout the entire series and continued into the finale, was the sweet, indie-inspired soundtrack featuring nostalgic ballads from the likes of The Velvet Underground and Fleetwood Mac paired with more recent folk releases such as the Avett Brothers and Jakob Dylan. While there are still cracks and faults in Mickey and Gus’s relationship, season three ends in a defining, transcendent moment between the two that leaves the viewer with a sense of comfort and hope for whatever the rest of their lives hold.
targets, Dominika, the most successful sparrow, rarely sleeps with them. She gets what she wants by teasing her targets, creating the illusion of the possibility of sex, providing a compelling argument that women can use their sex appeal without giving men the right to sleep with them.
insecurities over her 2014 photo hack. The film does however, lose some of its credibility due to the stark amount of sexual violence depicted throughout. While this violence is used to alarm rather than to titillate it changes the tone of the story from one of empowerment in defiance of psychological perversion to humiliation in the face of physical abuse. Red Sparrow fails to commit to the dehumanising effects of the training school and instead by emphasising the sexual violence, gives the appearance that directors believed the actual humiliation that took place was not good enough, not serious enough to captivate audiences. Lawrence is undoubtedly the star of the film and her performance is at its most powerful when we actually get to see her training put into action. Her exchange with chief of staff to the United States senator, played by Mary-Louise Parker is a particular highlight. Parker, who is far too drunk to realise she is not as slick as she thinks breathes some much needed humour into the film, while we finally get to see Lawrence, who has been so often victimised throughout the movie, in action as the Sparrow she is heralded to be. While Red Sparrow certainly won’t appeal to everyone’s tastes, it is significantly different to other films in the spy genre, focusing on a single characters personal struggle rather than on politics or an action based plot. This unique concept and original story line make Red Sparrow well worth a watch.
Red Sparrow falls short on female empowerment
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O’Brien
he release of Francis Lawrence’s film, Red Sparrow has received a series of mixed reviews since its initial release on February 28, 2018. While some have hailed the film as a daring tale of female empowerment in the face of oppression, others have criticised it as an exploitative reinforcement of misogynistic stereotypes masquerading as feminism. Adapted from a novel by ex-CIA agent Jason Matthews, this spy thriller starring Jennifer Lawrence, tells the story of Dominika Egorova, a prima ballerina who suffers a career ending injury and is forced to enlist into a state-run school for spies and assassins who specialise in seducing their targets. This training program for ‘sparrows’ which is based on a Sparrow School in Kazan during the Cold War, is where the film is at its most sensational. The assassins are stripped of everything and taught to use their bodies which “belong to the state” as weapons. H o w e v e r , while sparrows are trained to use 4sex to exploit their
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significantly different to other films in the spy genre
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In one of the most empowering scenes in the film, Dominka is asked to strip in front of the class. Here we see Lawrence command control of her naked image, something she said was “incredibly important” in changing her mentality, following her
The rise of tv dating shows
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Television
Emer Handly asks why we fall in love with the idea of finding love on screen
ove is something we all want to find. It is also something we want to watch people find. We love a good love story. This, perhaps, is one of the fundamental reasons for the huge rise in tv dating shows in recent years. Take Me Out, The Bachelor, Beauty and The Geek, Paradise Hotel, Dinner Date, Love Island and, of course, First Dates have become our guilty pleasures. Whether you like them or not, you cannot deny that these kinds of shows are extremely popular. But why? The main reason is simple, it is entertainment. Dating shows are lighthearted, funny and easy to watch. T h e viewer enjoys watching two people meet for the first time and seeing if they click with each other or not. Their hearts melt when they see people getting along so naturally, and they cringe when the people people awkwardly sitting there clearly not connecting at all. “Once upon a time, if you used a dating service, you were considered a bit of a loser. Now they’re mainstream and have lost that stigma,” Dr. Rebecca Huntley, social researcher said. “As such, I think we’re interested in seeing what happens when two people are forced into intimacy really quickly,” she said in an interview. Another reason is that it is a reflection of the modern era. The dating scene is no longer private. Technology has changed how we date. Apps like Tinder, Plenty of Fish and Bumble have made dating quick and easy, and (arguably) less genuine. Like tv dating shows, they are a portrayal of how times are changing. “The thing that makes it good is its chance reflection of current romantic reality. Both audience and participants are aware of, if not directly engaged with, an emerged dating culture whose inhabitants careen from hope to disappointment, sometimes in a matter of minutes,” wrote journalist Helen Razer. Producers like creating dating shows because they are cheap to make and still get large viewer ratings. However, dating shows need a couple of key ingredients to be successful. There has to be a degree of sincerity in at least some of the contestants. There also needs to be a reason for the audience to invest in the contestants. This often means telling the viewers about vulnerable parts of their history. Humour is yet another reason people love dating shows.
People love to see other people make fools out of themselves. Popular dating shows have the right balance of humour and sincerity. “An important part of any dating show are the clowns – the sort of witless morons who you can’t believe are even allowed on TV, let alone allowed on TV to ask people to love them – but i f they’re not balanced out with a dose of genuine feeling, the whole enterprise runs the risk of collapsing,” said Stuart Heritage in an article. Drama is also a vital aspect. These shows have more drama than Shakespeare – slightly unhinged, lovehungry women; slightly unhinged, lovehungry men; cocktail-fuelled feuds; raunchy moments; distraught break-ups. It’s the guilty pleasure viewers want without the drama being directly related to their own lives. Social analyst David Chalke explained to news. com the reasons people get so invested in these shows. “Because you go to your Twitter feed and you join in. It’s just like watching you or your friends date, break up, romance and all the rest of it. It’s getting closer to virtual reality” “You could say as a society possibly we’re going back to old fashioned values because of terrorism and all of that kind of stuff.
We want heartfelt, we want light, we just want to be entertained. We want to look at other people and liken — or not liken — them to us.” In all honesty, once the cameras are switched off the success of tv show relationships is very low, with the rare exception or two. Viewers know this, but it makes little difference. From the comfort of o u r own couches viewers get to relate to the men and women who put themselves out there in an attempt to find love, all the while being entertained. They don’t dabble in serious issues and provide a Friday night escape from more heavy matters. That’s exactly what people want; entertaining, relatable, heartfelt, sometimes awkward experiences. And that’s exactly what tv dating shows are. Viewers can’t seem to get enough of dating shows at the moment. By assembling a group of characters who you either root for or against, in a situation viewers can relate to, dating shows are a shoe-in for being popular. Whether done well – or even occasionally done badly – dating shows are irresistible for people in this day and age. Dating well and truly has become a spectator sport.
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Books & Poetry
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Ready Player One novel falls flat
Ally Daly reviews the book that has become Spielberg’s latest project
ou could debate for days about book to movie adaptations. Ernest Cline’s ‘Ready Player One’ leaps from pages to the silver screen in Ireland on March 30th, a release that is highly anticipated due to the success of the quirky book and the fact that Steven Spielberg directed it. However, we’re here to take a look at the book, which was released way back in 2011. Set in 2044, Ready Player One tells the story of highschooler Wade Watts, a kid who comes from a bad background and finds his escape through a virtual reality life simulator called Oasis. Wade befriends an array of people through Oasis, and uses it to get away from his difficult life. There are endless references to the 80s, the era that Oasis creator James Halliday grew up in. After Halliday passes away, he leaves his fortune to whoever can solve his riddles that have to be worked out through Easter eggs that he has hidden throughout Oasis. While the references themselves are very well thought out and written, it doesn’t forgive the lackluster story that runs throughout. There are some moments that will genuinely provoke a groan or a face-palm and rightly so. The storytelling is lazy and uninventive, and instead relies on countless references to try and salvage some sort
of a story. For the first while, Ready Player One is genuinely entertaining and enjoyable. You want to learn more about Wade, you feel for his poor background and you really do hope that he succeeds in his mission. But then the horrific clichés begin and you discover that not only is it a book that uses more references than original sentences, even the story is rehashed from every other mediocre Young Adult book. By the time you’re half way through the book, you know where it’s going. A love interest that is teased from the very start becomes more prominent, there’s a ‘plot twist’ and a whole load of clichés thrown throughout and after a while, it just becomes
boring. Initially, Wade and his buddies slinging insults at each other from 80s games is entertaining, especially when you recognise them. By the end of it you’re hoping there’s actually going to be some sort of plot development that you haven’t expected and that the references will somehow simmer down, even a little. While the text of this story is far from inspiring, the trailers for the movie adaptation seem to rely on Michael Bay-esque levels of random explosions to cover up the terrible story. Wade is portrayed as overweight and unattractive in the novel but the fact that Tye Sheridan will play him on the big screen completely flips that on its head. Critics have quoted the movie as being “loyal to the book, but also its own story” so who knows what kind of car crash it’s been turned into. But hey, at least Wade’s parents had the foresight to give him the alliterative name of a superhero before he was orphaned. That’s something.
The dramatic poetry of award-winning Leonita Flynn
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Emer Handly discusses the poet who is not afraid to say it as it is
ast month, poet Leonita Flynn won the Irish Times Poetry Now award for her collection ‘The Radio’. Previous winners such as Seamus Heaney, Derek Mahon, Sinéad Morrissey and Caitríona O’Reilly show that she is up there with the greats. Flynn is a poet and writer from Country Down in Northern Ireland. She has published numerous books of poetry, including ‘These Days’, ‘Drive’ and ‘Profit and Loss’. Her poems are dramatic, brazen, conflicted and often very funny. They explore everything from parenthood to marriage to friendship and professional life. ‘The radio’ is a portal from the outside world, giving “explosive news” of the Northern Irish Troubles into the poet’s childhood home, where her mother turns to “field the blow” from her children’s ears. She recalls how she feels after overhearing the radio talking about the atrocities.
why she became a mother and why she had five kids.
‘and afterwards … nothing. All the stars come out like sparkling glitter in a magic globe that ends beyond the dunes fringing the fields – and because I’m still a child and understand nothing at all, I simply fall asleep.’
She also discusses how technology has intruded into our lives and remembers what life was like before it took over.
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She discusses how her mother often wonders
‘Since my mother sailed down the Mekong river at nightfall to the Heart of Darkness that is motherhood, her mind’s been an assemblage of wounds. She thinks about Gerard McKinney, Jean McConville – later the eyes of Madeleine McCann will level their gaze from every pleading poster and pierce her heart like a rapier’ One of Flynn’s most striking poems is the one in which she talks about her father’s Alzheimer’s. There is a strong sense of frustrationand despair. ‘Imagine a train… delayed… delayed… delayed that pulls up without a passenger or driver I wish he’d had a heart attack instead.’
‘What we required in those days was no less than an eternal, stereophonic present immured from time: replete and frictionless with all the outside’s sturm und drang – that wasn’t
yet streaming and all-pervasive – kept at bay obsessively, for love and poetry; for love and terror’ ‘The Radio’, published by Cape Poetry, was one of five books shortlisted by the judges. “[With] the variance and voracious excellence of new Irish poetry, in books which experimented with long poems, prose poems, biography and translation, Leontia Flynn’s The Radio stood out for its bracing clarity, and its commitment to testing every syllable and line for its truth,” said the judges of the award. Leontia Flynn is a poet who understands poetry. She writes things as they are. She is blunt and honest yet witty, which is what makes her poetry so great to read.
Theatre & Art
Leigh McGowran
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DCU Glee dazzle at the Helix
he Helix hosted incredible singing and dance routines as DCU’s Glee performed on Monday 26th March. Their yearly showcase featured a live band, dramatic lighting and a variety of songs. The show included both group and solo performances. The Glee performance kicked off this year with some great songs, such as ‘Jackie and Wilson’ by Hozier and a brilliant performance of ‘Human’ by Rag’n’Bone Man. The show changed tone throughout, with dance heavy upbeat performances like ‘So What’ by Pink, to more dramatic, slow performances like ‘Open Your Eyes’ by Snow Patrol. That performance featured clips of the Glee group practicing throughout the year, which allowed the audience to see the bond that the group have developed throughout the year, and the hard work the cast put into preparing for the big night. While the show mainly consisted of group performances, there were also a few powerful solo acts spread throughout the show. Rachel Walker sang ‘I Am Changing’, from Jennifer Hudson in the film Dreamgirls. All of the cast were excellent singers, but Rachel had a truly powerful voice and left the crowd in awe. Jack Anthony O’Connor and Kealan Forristal,
by Aine
O’Boyle
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two veterans of Glee who have been in it for three years, had their own solos. Kealan performed ‘Feeling Good’ by Nina Simone, and dominated the stage with his fluid dance moves and strong singing. Jack sang ‘The Cure’ by Lady Gaga. Backed by four of the girls from Glee, Jack wowed the audience
with his singing talent and charismatic performance. “I fought three years to get a solo and I finally got one. And now after performing it in the show as well as everything else, I wouldn’t have changed a thing” Jack said. The Glee performance was supported by DCU’s Gospel Choir Group, who performed their own ballad in the first half of the show, and performed
‘The Circle of Life’ from The Lion King with the Glee cast at the start of the second half. The show ran like clockwork, with no clear mistakes or issues. The songs passed with very little delay between them, and generally required the performers to quickly change outfits and reenter the stage with no break. The supporting band was incredible and never missed a beat. The show ended with a two powerful performances. ‘This is Me’ from The Greatest Showman brought out the best in the Glee group, with intense dancing combined with amazing singing performances. After the song, Glee Director Aislin Reid thanked the audience and all of the people who helped to make the show possible. DCU Glee then ended the show with a bang, performing ‘You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile’ by Sia. Overall the show was a huge success, showcasing the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. “There was a mixture of excitement and nervousness throughout the day but it all paid off when the curtain went up and we had a full house”, Reid said.
Is Ballet an under appreciated art?
allet itself is an artform, with the human body being used in a similar manner to that of the paintbrush of an artist or the voice of a singer; conveying passion, grace, elegance and physical strength. Despite recognising this style of dance as an artform, it is true to say that it is greatly underappreciated. Often people look at petite dancers who perform with such ease and so naturally and pay little attention to the physical and mental strength that ballet requires. In itself, ballet is unnatural for the human body, with full body weight solely resting on one’s toes along with the unnatural extension of the hips and pelvis in many turns and positions, requiring a dancer to go through a certain extent of pain. Ballet dancer and chairperson of DCU Dance, Amy O’Reilly, spoke about how ballet “looks easy, but little consideration goes into the bloody toes”. “I definitely believe that ballet is a sport” said Amy, referring to the physicality of the dance. 6 The physical pain of ballet will rarely translate onto the faces and expressions
of dancers. Instead they dance with seeming ease, deceiving the eye into believing that ballet may not be so difficult after all. Looks are deceiving though, as ballet requires extreme focus, dedication and passion. Like any art form, ballet dancers face constant rejection and are in an extremely competitive business, with the likelihood of a professional career rare for many. Yet, you don’t have to be a professional to do ballet. The motto of DCU Dance is that ‘dance is for everyone’ and Amy believes this rings true to ballet in particular. Those who appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into ballet will “walk a little taller”, said Amy. Amy has trained as a ballet dancer since the age of three with the Royal Academy of Dance and in recent years has set up her own dance school with up to 90 students. “In transition year I started training with Youth Ballet West, training four times a week and for seven hours on a Sunday”, she said. “Kids as young as three are gaining
confidence from doing ballet”, said Amy. The art itself is greatly underappreciated, with many people considering it an overly strict and outdated style of dance that has little relevance in today’s world. The truth is that ballet should be appreciated more, as those who do ballet find it benefitting so many other aspects of their lives. Ballet is the basis of all dance. Once one has mastered the techniques of ballet they will be well set up for performing any other style of dance.
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Health & Beauty
Helen O’Neill
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The severity of period pains
or most girls, their period can be a bit of a hindrance, making them cramp up, break out or bloat. But for some, it can have a negative effect on their everyday life. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS which often causes debilitating symptoms for women with the disorder. Symptoms of PMDD are extreme in both the emotional and physical sense. In Ireland, PMDD is a widely unknown disorder. There is no government organisation for it or much medical information which you can get about it, even from medical professionals. One of the few acknowledgements of the disorder in Ireland is through a Facebook support group called PMDD Awareness Ireland. This group was set up by Clare Connolly, a sufferer of the disorder. “I set up the group to help support other people suffering from PMDD. I didn’t know anyone else at the time who had the same thing as me. It began with just a five people following and now it has 88. It began as more of a way to support Irish women as I had never heard of it before. I wanted to hear from people who had the same thing as me and allow them to share information.” Emotional symptoms of the disorder can include depression or extreme sadness, anxiety, severe mood swings, fatigue, loss in interest in everyday activities, changes in sleep 8patterns and changes in appetite.
Physically, the disorder can cause extreme cramping, nausea, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, joint and muscle pain. For a lot of women, PMDD can be hard to diagnose as the cause of it is relatively unknown. Experts think that it’s a result of the way your hormones interact with chemicals called neurotransmitters in the brain, according to WebMd. The levels of hormones produced by women with PMDD aren’t any different to women who don’t have the condition, but their brain reacts differently to normally-fluctuating hormones. While some women with PMDD can experience extreme stress, it’s likely that the PMDD is the cause of the stress, rather than the stress causing the condition. For some women in Ireland, the hardest part of living with PMDD is getting diagnosed in the first place. “Not a lot of people know about it at all. And there’s a real reluctance amongst Irish medical professionals to call it PMDD and many said it was just an American thing. It was very hard to get it taken seriously in the beginning,” said Connolly. For hairdresser Hannah Abuzenen, periods used to dictate her life as a young adult. “I started getting really bad symptoms from the age 13/14. My physical symptoms were severe cramps to the point I felt like I couldn’t move, back pain, bloating, bad headaches and a lot of the time I would start to vomit when the pain got really bad. Mentally, I felt depressed and drained because I would be in so much pain and I felt like people
weren’t taking me seriously. Lots of people just said it’s just cramps you’ll be fine which was just so frustrating.” For Abuzenen, she feels she was never taken seriously about possibly having PMDD. “I was never told about PMDD by my doctor even though I had explained my symptoms to him many times, he would just say to use a hot water bottle and maybe take a painkiller. I don’t think he took me seriously when I told him how much pain I was in. I actually only found out about PMDD of few months ago and I can’t believe I was never told it was a possibility.” PMDD affects 3 to 8 per cent of women all over the world and for some women it can get worse with age as they approach the menopause, according to Connolly. “I’m 40 now and thank god I’ve gotten some control over it and have the support but for some people it’s still a huge problem and it gets way way worse with age and with menopause. It can absolutely destroy some women.” Countless studies have gone into the causes, effects and different ways to treat PMS. But for sufferers of PMDD, information can be a lot harder to find. Research from studies such as one from the Journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology promote aerobic exercise and yoga as a pain reliever to PMS, as well as herbal remedies to cure symptoms of PMS and PMDD. But for women suffering with the severity of PMDD, strong medication and lifestyle changes are necessary to get through their day. “I’ve been put on almost
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PMDD affects 3 to 8 per cent of women all over the world and for some women it can get worse with age as they approach the menopause, according to Connolly.
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everything for it, I’ve tried it all to try and relieve the pain. Every painkiller, every supplement you can think of, I’ve been put on. Mine definitely have gotten better. I know now when I have my period I just have to go home and get into bed right after work. I have a whole different lifestyle now because of it,” said Connolly. The reality for PMDD sufferers in Ireland is that awareness of the disorder is minimal. For a lot of women debilitated by it, diagnosis can be hard to achieve as even medical professionals are unaware or reluctant to treat the disorder.
Nailing the business
Health & Beauty
Rachel Farrell explores how a subscription nail art salon is taking Dublin by storm.
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ou can buy subscriptions for music, movies, magazines and now nails, thanks to Chipped. Chipped nail salon opened its doors in Powerscourt Centre in January, and has already become a favourite among Irish bloggers and celebrities. After living abroad in London, Milan and Paris, founder and creative director Roisin became frustrated with the lack of creative nail businesses in Ireland. “It has never been done before here, and I wanted to bring something new to the beauty market. It’s all about being a market leader,” she explained. Chipped’s launch was much anticipated, with cryptic photos posted on its Instagram in the lead up to it. For Roisin, it’s a passion for nail art that keeps her going. “The best part of what I do is working in an
industry I love and have a huge passion for. Every single day is different for me, and no one task is the same. This really keeps me motivated.” Customers can choose from different subscription levels, or book in for a single manicure. After paying a one-time €30 joining fee, the basic package includes four file and paint treatments for hands, one free gift and a free manicure for a friend annually - priced at €29 per month. Chipped couldn’t have come at a better time for the booming Irish beauty business. The skin care and cosmetic sales industry in Ireland was valued at over €200 million in 2016, according to Euro Monitor. Across the pond, WAH Nails started a nail art revolution in London nine years ago. Sharmadean Reid opened her first salon in Dalston, and their flagship location now resides in the busy area of Soho. Boasting over 470,000 Instagram followers, they’ve painted talons at London Fashion Week, The Brits, and even at the Grand Prix. They’ve had pop up shops in Topshop Oxford Circus, and even in Harvey Nichols here in Dublin. “Not only does WAH promise to ‘translate fashion trends into fingertip art’, but having a WAH manicure is the most delightful experience,” according to Grazia magazine. Known for
their intricate designs and attention to detail, WAH Nails paved the way for nail salons of the future. There’s no denying that Irish girls love getting their nails done. Whether it’s shellac, gel, or simply falsies, drugstore brands are constantly coming out with imitation of salon quality products. “I think Irish girls take care of themselves, and I just wanted to find a way to make it easier for them to do this,” Roisin said. “When you pay a monthly subscription, taking care of yourself becomes hassle free. I think it is
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Chipped couldn’t have come at a better time for the booming Irish beauty business.
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important to keep a little aside for pampering each month, isn’t it?” Also in Dublin is the popular salon Tropical Popical, a self-described “soundtrack of pop via a love affair with Dublin.” Colourful nails and a dash of kitsch are what Tropical Popical is all about. “We went out of our way to find some outrageously talented
nail artists... and threw as many pineapples, flamingos, parrots, palm trees, neon signs and anything gold we could find into the mix,” the salon says on its website. “If you’re looking for whale music and rose petals, we’re not for you. But if you want some cracking tunes, a tropical drink in a coconut, some gorgio giorgio nails and a little LOL, get yourself in gear.” In recent years, the nail industry has forged links with fashion. Nail artists are constantly looking to the runway for inspiration, with many designers creating nail looks to match the models’ makeup and outfits. Likewise, designer fashion is taking a leaf out of the world of nails. Vogue named the ‘logo manicure’ the trend of the season at the start of March, after Balenciaga models walked the runway with the brand’s ‘B’ logo painted on their fingertips. Japanese-born nail artist Mei Kawajiri took the social media world by storm with her technicolor interpretation of Louis Vuitton’s classic monogram print. For Roisin, it’s the hottest nail trend of the season. “I love that the fashion industry has really fused with the beauty industry. I love seeing colours taken from the catwalk available as gel polish colours in the same season. I also love having my nails match with the handbag I am wearing,” she said. There’s never been a better time to be a nail art lover in Dublin. Whether it’s a simple mani-pedi or long stylish talons you’re after, the options are 9 endless.
Food
Grub Guide: Dolce Sicily
Aakanksha Surve tells us about the sweet taste of Sicily that is available from the coffee shop, Dolce Sicily, hidden just off Grafton street.
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ocated on the lower ground floor of Dawson Street, Dolce Sicily is easy to miss. The worn down staircase leads you to a small door with a faded ‘Come in, We’re open’ sign on it. Dolce Sicily (or “Sweet Sicily”) offers a variety of drinks and desserts from the Mediterranean island of Sicily. This Sicilian café is a hipster heaven (especially for any Italians feeling particularly homesick). The main door opens into a maze of little rooms with low-ceilings filled with the aroma of strong coffee, freshly baked cakes and loud Italian conversations. The counter has a vibrant display of homemade tarts, cakes, pies, and sandwiches. It is a busy Sunday afternoon and we squeeze into a tiny corner as we wait for a table. The café is incredibly small, and the servers move past us quickly with trays of steaming cups of coffee and plates piled with scrumptious looking Italian pastries. Luckily, the wait is short and our smiling Italian server leads us into a tiny room tightly packed with patrons. The pastel green colour scheme and the rustic wooden furniture reminds you of a charming 1950s tea shop. “We call it Tiffany green in Italy,” my Italian friend, Benedetta, says referring to the colour of the chairs. The walls have a charming butterfly wallpaper that ties in nicely with the butterfly motifs on the menus. Although there isn’t much light coming in through the windows because we are below street level,
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the lighting inside is bright enough to add another layer of cheeriness to the interior. Our server, a lovely Italian girl from Sicily, takes our order. Two espressos and a pistachio cannolo, cannoli if plural, is a typical Sicilian dessert. The name means ‘little tube’ referring to its shape. The dough is fried into the shape of a tube and filled with sweet fillings, usually made of ricotta. Service is fast and the presentation is Instagram-worthy. The espresso is bitter and rich in flavour. “Just like home,” Benedetta says as she takes another sip. The cannolo is fresh and delicious. So delicious that I often found myself craving another one several days after the visit. This ricotta-filled delight is flavoured with a generous dusting of chopped pistachios and powdered sugar. The sweetness of the filling makes it the perfect complement to the bitterness of the espresso. I am not usually a fan of black coffee, but the sweetness of the cannolo helps cut through the bitter bite of the espresso. The servers were chatty and welcoming, but because it is a Sunday and the café is full, we were rushed through our meal. As soon as we finish, our plates and espresso cups disappear and we’re presented with the bill. €9 for two espressos and a pistachio cannolo, which I find to be a reasonable amount for an authentic Italian experience. Overall, it was a good experience and I am already planning my next trip there. While it’s not immediately notice-
able because it sits right below the Design House, Dolce Sicily is just a short walk from Grafton Street, making it a great place for a quick midafternoon coffee break to refuel after hours of shopping. The best way to find it is to keep an eye out for a decorative lime green chair and table that sits right next to the staircase. Dolce Sicily is owned by a Sicilian couple and most of the staff is Italian, making it an authentic Italian experience. The atmosphere is friendly and the service is quick. The café and the food are both photo worthy if you’re looking to up your Instagram game.
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Dolce Sicily is owned by a Sicilian couple and most of the staff is Italian making it an authentic Italian experience.
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The interiors are pretty and homely, but the size of the café is small. The tiny rooms are packed with so many tables and chairs that it can get
slightly claustrophobic. It was difficult to sit down and have a leisurely conversation because there were so many people squeezed into one tiny room and the conversations were very loud. Plus we were presented with the bill as soon as we finished our meals, but that could be because it was around lunchtime on a Sunday. In an initiative to go green, the café has started offering 10 per cent off on coffee if you bring your own reusable cup. Apart from the variety of desserts, Dolce Sicily also offers breakfast, lunch, salad, all day paninis and various types of coffee and tea to choose from. Dolce Sicily is open from 7:30am to 8:30pm Sundays to Wednesdays, 7:30am to 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and 9:00am to 9:00pm on Saturdays.
Ratings Location: 7/10 Venue: 8/10 Atmosphere: 6/10 Value for Money: 7.5/10 Food: 10/10
Ireland’s gin revolution
Food
As one of the most popular drinks of the moment with trendy fruit concoctions, mixers and balloons glasses to accompany it, gin has become the drink of the year with exports seeing a massive growth in Ireland recently.
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By Rachael Martin
he ever growing market for gin means that there are now over 30 gins being produced in Ireland. Distilleries in Ireland are traditionally famed for producing Irish Whiskey, so the recent popularity of gin production and consumption is relatively new. Gin has grown by 31.6 per cent year-on-year in on-trade value, reaching €74 million, according to recent figures from the Irish Spirits Association (ISA). Last year, figures from the CSO suggested that 2017 would likely see a significant and unprecedented increase in exports of gin from Ireland and it has done just that. The value of Irish gin exports more than trebled from €306,000 to €1.02m during the first 10 months of 2018, according to the CSO. “Recent years have seen a resurgence in the market for gin as consumer seek to try out different brands. Consumers are looking at new combinations for which this ageold product can complement modern tastes”the Head of the Irish Spirits Association, William Lavelle said in a press release. “In Ireland, this resurgence in interest has been matched by an explosion in the number of brands of Irish gin producers with over 30 Irish brands now on the market” he said. With over 30 Irish gins now
produced in Ireland, there is a wide variety to choose from. Here are some of the best. Ha’penny Pot Still Gin Drawing inspiration from Victorian Dublin and the flora found in the walled gardens within Phoenix Park, Ha’penny Pot Still Gin’s botanicals include blackberries, lavender, geranium and dandelion flowers. Concullen Gin The gin contains a variety of Irish botanicals including elderberry flower and hawthorn berry. It was produced by award-winning gin maker Robert Castell and is also the first gin released from The Connacht Whiskey Company. Shortcross Gin Made at Northern Ireland’s first award-winning craft distillery ‘The Rademon Estate Distillery’ in County Down, Shortcross Gin has been developed to tastefully represent the location where it was created, the historic Rademon Estate. The craft gin is made with local apples as well as traditional botanicals and water drawn from the estate’s well. Thin Gin If you’re looking to try a new Irish dry gin, then look no further than ‘Thin Gin’ from Blackwater Spirits which features a distinctive citrus fragrance
of orange, lemon and lime. It uses all Irish grown botanicals such as apple, wild thyme, elderflowers, white clover and tansy.
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Consumers are looking at new combinations for which this age-old product can complement modern tastes.
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Bertha’s Revenge Using ‘whey alcohol’ as their base spirit, Ballyvolane House Spirits Company established in 2015 and has made a truly unique premium quality Irish gin. Most spirits are made using barley or wheat grain spirit, but ‘Bertha’s Revenge’ is essentially made using dairy. Milk from Irish dairy farmers is separated into curds and whey, the curds go on to make cheese and the whey has traditionally been regarded as a waste product is used to make the spirit. It is distilled by hand with 18 different botanicals.
Mór Irish Gin Coming from the town of Tullamore, Mor Gin contains traditional gin botanicals plus some floral honeysuckle and Slieve Bloom mountain water giving it a refreshingly sweet flavour. Gunpowder Gin The distinctive blue bottle contains oriental botanicals including cardamom, Juniper berries, coriander seed, Angelica root, Orris root, caraway seed, star anise and locally foraged meadowsweet are added before being left to rest and mature. The bottles are then filled, labelled and packed by hand within ‘The Shed Distillery’. Speaking on behalf on the Irish Spirits Association (ISA), the trade association that represents brewers, distillers, brand owners and distributors in Ireland, William Lavelle spoke about the increased popularity of gin and the increase in exports. “While the domestic market has been key for to this growth, competition and innovation in the sector is also leading to export growth opportunities,” Lavelle said. “Many Irish gin producers are working with Bord Bia to enter new markets and increase their exports. The Irish Spirits Association is working to support the continued growth of Irish spirits exports in line with the FoodWise 2025 strategy.” 11
Travel
The journey to the J1
As J1 season rolls around again, Ashleigh Nolan told her tale of how she organised, funded and prepared for her trip to America last summer.
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oing on a J1 has become a staple of the college experience. The excitement of heading across the Atlantic to spend a summer broadening your horizons is a wonderful experience. It’s that excitement that makes you scrounge together the money for the flight, telling your Mammy for the billionth time that you’ll be safe and, is ultimately what makes you say goodbye to your family and board the plane. However, while you will always hear about the amazing adventures, the absurd amount of donuts and the hostel horror stories that seems to happen to everyone, not many will tell you exactly how they made their dreams of heading stateside a reality. The truth is heading to the U.S. takes a lot of work. With visas and job hunting to factor in, it isn’t all sunshine and roses. In the end, the neverending pile of paper work and the hidden costs are worth it. People talk about doing a lot of things. Going on a J1 is one of them. The reality is that when it comes down to handing over the cash to do it, you’ll find a lot less people willing to pay up. This was the case for me. Myself and some friends had discussed going abroad for the summer but when it came down to actually booking, the eagerness they had once shared with me was somewhat diminished. For some people, going with friends is all part of the adventure but I decided not to let it stop me. I had heard about working as a camp counsellor through various agencies around DCU. When I looked into it further, it sounded ideal for me. As I was going alone, having the support of an agency, of people who did this all the time, definitely eased my nerves and, after doing some research, Camp Leaders seemed like the right agency for me. They offered a higher wage bracket, had a good reputation and were reasonably priced. Research is essential for having the smoothest possible experience. There will always be some hidden costs or bumps
along the road that you didn’t factor in but being as knowledgeable as possible will never go against you. Money is also a huge element of going on a J1. Depending on where in the U.S you are going, flights can quickly add up to almost a thousand euro. This is where working as a camp counsellor became an added bonus. As I would live at the camp, they would feed and house me. This took a huge pressure off. I knew all the money I earned would be spent on my 30 days travel at the end, rather than spending it on food and accommodation while I worked. I interviewed via skype for my job as a dance teacher at an allgirls camp in Maine. The day after my 20th birthday I chatted to a woman who
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The reality is that when it comes down to handing over the cash to do it, you’ll find a lot less people willing to pay up.
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would become my boss and then the matriarch of my summer family. I had signed up to Camp Leaders in the December and as January and February passed, I became more and more nervous that my dream summer would remain simply a dream. But when I took that call in March, the day after my birthday, I knew it was worth the wait and that I had found the place for me.
I only had 12 weeks to get all of my relevant documentation organised. A trip to the American Embassy to get my visa, a trip to the doctor to confirm that I had received my vaccines as an infant, a trip to the Gardai to confirm that I had no criminal record. These are the elements of the J1 that no one talks about. The annoyance of paperwork and the costs that go with it. These nuisances that can, if you let it, taint the experience. However, when I left camp on August 16th 2017 to travel around the east coast with my new camp friends, I knew I would do it all again. Sobbing as you say goodbye to your boss pretty much confirms that camp has become a part of you. Yes, a J1 is exciting and wonderful but it is getting through the scary moment of pressing book on the plane ticket, knowing the time and effort you put into being there, the tearful goodbye to your loved ones, that makes you appreciate every second of the experience.
Tony Cantwell: a comedian’s guide to online influencing
Life
Comedian Tony Cantwell spoke with our deputy lifestyle editor Adam Daly about the success of his videos, his new podcast Sexy Beast and two sell out shows at the Sugar Club.
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rom ‘The Dublin Frenchman’ to ‘Your Ma’s Mate’, Tony Cantwell’s characters have generated over four million views for him on his social platforms. Since Cantwell posted his ‘Meanwhile in Clongowes’ sketch in December 2016, his audience has continued to grow. But long before his sketch of the thirsty Iasc, Neen and Ploon in Clongowes and their need for a soft drink, before the memes and merchandise the video spawned, making videos was something Tony had been doing from a young age. ‘’I’d been making silly short videos for years. Had a mini-DV camera when I was (15 or 16) and me and my mates used to just make shitty remakes of Good Will Hunting and The Matrix. We actually made a flick about a passport we found that turned out to be Dublin GAA player Bernard Brogan’s.’’ ‘’But it really changed when Instagram let you upload videos, couldn’t stop after that. It was just so easy to do, it was fairly disposable in that it would disappear from everyone’s feed in a matter of hours. YouTube, even though I love it, always seemed so daunting, like you had to have some finished quality piece and if you’ve seen my videos you’ll know they look like complete dog sh*t.’’ Cantwell said. After not making Goss. ie’s top 500 social influencers, Tony posts on his social media regularly to say he loves free swag, but as he’s a comedian and not an ‘influencer’ he can’t guarantee a positive review, except when he’s supporting a friend. ‘’It’s a fairly on-the-nose term isn’t it? INFLUENCER! I don’t begrudge anyone who can make a living for being sent free swag and chatting about it,
fair f*cks to them. But it’s really just some girl or guy with a phone chatting the same shite you do except loads of people are watching.’ “The lighters (featured on Cantwells Snapchat) were a collab between my friend Kathi Burke aka Fatti Burke and BIC, so I got sent them and was happy to throw a video up about it. She’s a talented lady with her pics on a lighter like! I steal complimentary napkins from posh jacks when they’re really nice so I love free swag. But I’m not guaranteeing any positive review as a result.’’ ‘’As for sponsored
content I don’t begrudge anyone getting paid for making comedy when it’s so difficult, but sponsored videos aren’t ever going to be conducive to the best videos you can make and you can only do so many ads before you stop being a conduit for the truth. But I wouldn’t be surprised if in the future, the majority of our online content is consumed through sponsored content. Sponsored web channels by brands looking to align with a lifestyle, who may even give full creative control, I wouldn’t rule it out.’’ Cantwell said. Tony’s latest project is the podcast Sexy Beast, with Marc Jago on The HeadStuff P o d c a s t Network. T h e weekly
podcast sees the pair discuss and compare the flaws and merits of creatures from all across the ‘cryptid spectrum’, this week looking at the Kappa from Japan, an aquatic wrestling deviant. ‘’We wanted to do a podcast on something that we’d enjoy learning about each week but also something vague enough that we wouldn’t get in trouble for being ignorant. Jago I’ve known for years, is a gas chap, has an in-depth knowledge of the maddest sh*t, and there’s been many a drunken party where we’ve been talking about the Reptilian Illuminati, Aliens or the different choirs of Angels.’ ‘’You may notice that we keep the synopsis of the creature quite short and spend most of the show talking about how good we think it can fight, so we never have to give any solid facts, just what we think.’’ Tony is now moving into live comedy and has two sell out shows in the Sugar Club this month and looking forward to announcing a few more soon. ‘’Nothing gives you such instant gratification as a live laugh so I’m taking any chance I can to get up on stage.’’ Despite the sell out shows and the number one podcast, Tony never expected the response he’s received, in particular to his ‘Meanwhile in Clongowes’ video. “Sure, I thought it was funny and didn’t quite know why, and I wasn’t even going to put it out but I thought there’s enough laughs in there for me that I just will. But Jesus, I didn’t expect how people responded. Delighted they did of course, and off the back of it really spurred me on to do something with the videos and the page and that. “Also to have entered meme culture, that’s peak for me like. I’ve had like seven or eight people order me cans of coke at the bar, and it’s class. Free can of coke like, y’messin? Laughin’’’
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Fashion
Naomi Campbell honoured as Fashion Icon of the Year
Fashion Show in 2003 and 2005 too. When Campbell was keeping her bad girl status out of headlines and trying to stay out of trouble, she was dabbling in other ventures. She wrote her first book “Swan,” and in the same year she released a hip-hop album As the Council of Fashion Designers of America honour Naomi Campbell with “babywoman.” However, both venthis year’s fashion Icon Award, Katie Gallagher took a look back at her iconic tures were unsuccessful and were the career. last time she tried music. Never one to fully disappear from the limelight or orld renowned stacles are in my pathway to success Crawford, Claudia Schiffer and consider retirement, Campbell soon supermodel Naomi I have got one obligation; to bulldoze Kate Moss, formed an elite group of returned to modeling after a brief Campbell, a fashion my way through it,” she continued, models later declared “supermodels.” hiatus and again the international icon and superstar highlighting the hard work and lasting They were also known as the “Big supermodel was in high demand. persona in the fashion world for three legacy the supermodel has acclaimed Six” and the most in-demand models However, with international icon decades now, has been accredited for over the past thirty years. of their generation. status and young fame often comes her contribution and legacy in fashion In the early Campbell, personal strain and struggle and not history recently. days, a young who participated everything in Campbell’s life proved The Council of Fashion Designers Campbell was in some of the quite as successful. In 1999, she of America announced that Naomi entered rehab after a five-year addicscouted by the best and most Campbell will be this year’s Fashion tion to cocaine. In the early 2000’s, head of a model renowned work Icon Award recipient, an honour that news about Campbell’s drug problem agency when that fashion puts her amongst the ranks of her she was still only was splashed all over the news as the history will ever friends and famous faces that have “Daily Mirror” published a report of her fifteen, and within remember, received the same honor. addiction and a photo of her leaving a a few months she became a fullyRihanna, Beyoncé, David Narcotics Anonymous meeting, which was on the cover fledged internaBowie, Pharrell Williams led on to the infamous legal battle. of British Elle. tional superstar and Kate Moss have all Her career both through her However, the model overcame the been declared CFDA struggle and remains a coveted supertook off from larger than life “icons” in years past. model with superstar status today. there, personality and Osarenomase Odigie, In more recent years, Campbell has and iconic status in AKA Amy, a 20 year over the next few years the fashion world. By the late nineties, performed in the closing ceremony of old from Nigeria who she represented top she even bagged her own Barbie Doll the 2012 Olympic Games, served as a is working and studyjudge and coach on “The Face”, Oxydesigners like Versace replica. ing in Dublin described gen’s modeling show, and became the while strutting down However, the supermodel turned Campbell as an inspiraface of Burberry’s 2015 collection. the runway. By the end superstar was no stranger to controtion and as the most In 2016, she released her new of the eighties, Campversy and trouble with a few brushes successful black model Taschen tome, a massive two-part bell along with model of scandal. Yet, despite being fired alive. friends Linda Evangefrom Elite Model Management in 1993 book that provides an extensive and “She has empowcandid overview of her life and career, lista and Christy Turldue to her “manipulative, schemered black up- comfrom her early beginnings in London ington who were known ing, rude and impossible” behavior, ing models in the to the height of the ’90s supermodel in the industry as the Campbell continued to forge her own world, she is an acmania to the present day. ‘trinity, became the most modeling career. tivist, a philanthro“The book is a culmination of my life’s recognisable sought-after “She taught me not to dwell on pist, an inspiration work. It includes all that I’ve done in models of their time. acute turmoils, always stand up with to every melanin the fashion business for the past 29 As the years went on, your head up high and have a strong youngsters out and a half years. The book is a timeCampbell landed herself will over your mission and vision in there in the fashion line of my career, and has allowed me on the runway of multiple life,” Amy said. world. Her drive, to remember and give credit to all the fashion shows. By 1990, By 1999, Campbell released her spirit, power, beauty, wonderful people I’ve had the pleathe now supermodel first fragrance called “Naomi Campstrength, courage is sure of working with over the years,” was declared “the bell,” and went on to release another everything to me. If reigning megamodel of 15 fragrances. Campbell told Garage magazine. Naomi Campbell can them all” by Interview Fast forward three years to 2002 “Campbell has built the kind of do it, you and I can magazine. when the supermodel was back strut- persona that warrants a two-volume make headlines,” Campbell, alongting down the runway as a Victoria coffee-table book by tempering her she said. side fellow models secret model. One of the most wanted out-of-this-world looks with a heavy “I have learned Christy Turlington, and coveted shows in the fashion indose of realness,” New York Magazine from her that Linda Evandustry, Campbell was living the model said, summing up this supermodel’s whatever obgelista, Cindy dream and walked the Victoria Secret iconic legacy status.
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By 1990, the now supermodel was declared “the reigning megamodel of them all” by Interview magazine
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Stylists in the Spotlight
Fashion
Sarah Murphy spoke with two famous stylists of Instagram and asked them what advice they had for anyone considering getting involved with styling and how to best to style your own look.
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he fashion industry can be quite daunting for anyone looking to enter, but with the right skills, attitude, flair for design and style anyone can succeed in it. We spoke with some famous stylists of Instagram and asked them what advice they had for anyone considering getting involved with styling and how to best to style your own look.
Natalie Svikle: A personal stylist based in Dublin “The number one advice I would give to anyone who is looking at the fashion industry as a potential career is explore the industry, just simply because there is so many different niches within the industry. The fashion industry is a huge industry so there is personal styling, personal shopping, fashion design, fashion styling, visual
merchandising, there is buying, there are so many different aspects within the industry, there are so many avenues you can take. “My personal style is very much purpose driven, it really depends on where the day is taking me and what I am doing. I try to make sure my wardrobe suits my lifestyle. “Whatever size, whatever shape, whatever budget it is they have, the number one thing I always say to my clients is that fit is the key to looking well. If something doesn’t fit right, it doesn’t matter how good of a quality it is, it doesn’t matter how expensive it is, if it doesn’t sit right it’s not going to do much justice to your overall look. “For one, make sure the sleeve is at the right length, the length of the trousers is the right length. So if it takes a trip to the alterations place or trip to the dressmaker just to make something fit that much better, by all means do invest that bit more so that it fits your proportions and silhouette perfectly.”
Cathy O’Connor: Stylist and broadcaster “Fashion wasn’t my thing, television was. I was producing television and it was through that, that I got into fashion. I had already been a fashion editor in U magazine for about a year and a half. “I don’t think style is necessarily identified by country because so much of fashion is trend based that I don’t think it’s necessarily about Irish or English style. I think the trends very often can dictate because you are working with an available product, so whatever is in the shop and there are certain kinds of key interpretations of that. “It’s such a broad industry and I think people can often think ‘oh well I’d like to work in the fashion business’ and I think you should always recognise your strengths and weaknesses as it’s a really broad industry. It’s about whatever aspect of it that you might like. You’re working on a lot of excel sheets, it’s not quite what it is. It’s about what works for you in terms of your skill set and in terms of your personality and seeing where in the industry you can fit in best. “In styling it’s really great to get together with a core team, like a makeup artist, photographer, teams of people who work together and produce really good work. It’s about doing it and not talking about it. If you want to be a stylist you need to get out there and style some sh*t. There’s
huge learning in it.” “As long as you’re there thinking ‘oh this is going to look great on the model’, then you see it on the model and it’s not as nice as you thought it would be, there’s always great learning in everything and the more you do the more you learn, It’s about doing so you learn about yourself and enhance your strengths. “Styling actually has nothing to do with the person who is styling, I think that what (happens) very often is that... what you turn out is mini me’s. At the very core of things, style is about expressing the individual; it’s all about that so there’s no point in turning out mini-me’s. ‘’In order to style someone else you have to step back and listen to them and listen to how they want to express themselves. When you’re styling someone else, they never really know so it’s about listening and experimenting to an extent, but with an expert eye, because it’s about bringing out the best in someone else. Ideally what you want is for someone to look and feel so natural and confident. “I suppose for me, personal styling is about the marriage of things that say something about who you are along with clothes that really work for your body shape. So more than anything it is about individuality, it is not about copying trends and there’s a real difference between fashion and style.”
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EXPOSURE
Here Comes The Sun: The sun breaks through the skyline. Image Credit: Amy Donohoe
Waves Don’t Die: The waves on Shelly Beach, Sydney Australia prove they are worthy of infamous Kanye West lyrics. Image Credit: Kyle Ewald
Revolution: “If you want money for people with minds that hate, all I can tell you is brother you’ll have to wait”. Image Credit: Mark Carroll
Star on the Rise: Evan Carroll of Rogue Opinions takes the stage at the Button Factory. Image Credit: Andrew McConnell
New York, New York: “If I can make it there, I’m gonna make it anywhere.” Image Credit: Rachel Farrell
Image Credit:
Page 1: Love; Page 2: George Ezra, The Wombats; Page 3: Megan Hannan; Page 4: Love, Red Sparrow; Page 5: Pinterest; Page 6: Ready Player One, Leonita Flynn; Page 7:DCU Glee, Pinterest; Page 8: Getty Images; Page 9: LoveinDublin.ie; Page 10: Dolce Sicily, LoveinDublin. ie; Page 11:Sarah O’Neill; Page 12: USI; Page 13: Tony Cantwell; Page 14: Telegraph.co.uk; Page 15: Natalie Svikle, Cathy O’Connor.
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