Issue 7 - October 2008

THEMAGDALEN DUNDEE UNIVERSITY STUDENT MAGAZINE

ISSUE 7 FREE

OCTOBER FIRST EDITION OF 2008-2009 TERM

WISE UP PAL Understanding the Credit Crunch

FRESHEN UP with a Guide to your Union

INTERVIEWS

Apple Scruffs, Cut Off Your Hands and Channel 4 Shipwreckers

LOVE MUSIC Latest news on Dundee music scene: Luva Anna split

Are you our Catch of the Day? PHOTO GALLERY

Call us

01382 381064

Pop Round Room 1.01 Microcentre

E-mail

themagdalen@dusa.co.uk

THEMAGDALEN

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CONTENTS

ISSUE 07 info:

Headphone Headcase

What exactly do you need to know? No point boring you with the latest news story which you’ve probably already read in The Courier.

Coming Soon: Rachel Irwin’s take on next month’s News headlines.

ED I TO R IAL First of all, welcome to Issue 7 of The Magdalen, our first edition of the 2008-2009 term! To recap for all the Freshers joining Dundee University, The Magdalen is the only student magazine in Dundee where you can have your say by taking control of our content, design and image. The Magdalen team are chuffed to welcome our new enthusiastic contributors onboard and having secured interviews with Radio 1, Elliot Minor, Cut Off Your Hands and Underground Heroes, we can assure you there will be plenty to get stuck into. For anyone who couldn’t attend our first meeting at the start of October, there will be regular gatherings held in The Meeting Rooms on Level 4 of the Union. Check your emails for details!

Back to Issue 7…This month, delve into the shady antics of past Channel 4 Shipwreckers, acquaint yourself with our President Dave McLeod and catch up with Bishopbriggs boys the Apple Scruffs. Alternatively, start flicking through the pages to discover A Student’s Guide to the Credit Crunch or pick up on Fresher First Impressions.

Lastly, don’t forget to check out Caught, our pick of the best photographs taken over the first few weeks of term. Before long, our Catch of The Day will be THE place to be spotted so get your perfect pose ready.

Have a fantastic first term back in the bosoms of your favourite student magazine; enjoy the warmth and familiarity within our pages.

Remember: If you have even the smidgen of an idea for a feature, get in touch or call round to our Office in the Microcentre, Room 1.01. If you’re lucky, we might even make you a coffee.

Message of the Moment: Stay in touch...with family, friends, flatmates and us!

Lauren Bennie Editor

l.bennie@dundee.ac.uk themagdalen@dusa.co.uk 01382 381064

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Features

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A Student’s Guide to the Credit Crunch - where does it leave us?

Fresher First Impressions D.U.S.A Awards Ceremony 2008 El Presidente McLeod - Dave’s views on The Union’s Future

Essentials

Top Tips to get yourself settled Navigate your way around The Union Coming Soon: Spotlight - A slice of summer project work with Adam McVey

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Reviews

Cut Off Your Hands tell us why we probably shouldn’t cut off our hands and Get one of your 5-a-day with the Apple Scruffs

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Contributors EDITOR Lauren Bennie Assistant Editor: Natalie Coupar CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Entertainment: Gavin McNee, Eoin Boylan, Laurie Cameron, Rosanne Baird Features: Laura Edwards, Adam McVey, Kirsten Drummond, Ting Tung, Catherine MacDonald, Kate Hannet, Sarah Preston, Joan Muszynski.

Photography: Natalie Coupar, Stuart Ferrie, Laura Edwards Graphic Design: Lauren Bennie PUBLISHER: Martin Gribbon

PUBLISHED BY Vice President of Communications D.U.S.A Airlie Place Dundee DD1 4HP vpc@dusa.co.uk

PRINTED BY David Winters & Sons 16 Dunsinane Ave Dunsinane Ind. Est. Dundee DD2 3QT sales@winterspioneers.co.uk

Recycle your copy of The Magdalen 1

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HOME FROM HOME Drop by the Peer Connection office and surround yourself with bright cushions and a friendly face

STRAPPED FOR CASH Visit our lovely receptionist on Level 4 and pick up a Discretional Fund application form today

GET RECOGNISED Register those clocked up volunteering hours and find out about the Millennium Volunteers Award

THROW YOUR OWN PARTY Prepare, plan and pull off the perfect party…speak to our Ents Department on Level 2

VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME Find charity work and placement ideas on the same notice boards as a brand new flat…

SUCKER FOR SOCIETIES Affiliate your clan with D.U.S.A. VPSA Andrew will help you get the paperwork in order

LIVING WITH AN INTOLERABLE FLATMATE Check out the latest accommodation lists on an array of notice boards opposite the iWall

HOLD YOUR OWN Book your group, society or club into The Meeting Rooms via a member of your Student Executive on Level 4

START A CAMPAIGN Visit Anna on your Student Exec to project your voice in a busy world of student campaigning

SEARCHING FOR FREE LEGAL ADVICE Drop in to see VPWelfare Rimple

REPRESENT Grab D.President Cameron for a chat and have your say

TAKE ADVANTAGE The Union is more than just a beer factory...

Fresh Guide to The Union

Give a Sh!t Get involved Always got an opinion on something?

Unhappy with library opening hours?

Would you like to hold your Exec accountable?

Have unanswered questions about The Union?

Want to get involved in student campaigns?

Can you spare some free time on a Monday night?

Need some valuable experience on your CV?

JOIN US On the SRC If you have answered Yes to any of the above questions then the Student Representative Council is the place to get yourself heard. Working with a cross-section of students from 1st year to post graduates, Council Members represent Dundee University’s diverse student body. Meet with enthusiastic, pro-active people who endeavour to address student issues throughout the academic year. Working alongside the Student Executive, members of SRC need to keep our sabbaticals on their toes and press for results. Look out for posters around campus to find out where and when to meet.

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info: > The Union Uncut

This month, info: has focussed on our new D.U.S.A President, David McLeod. Shortly after Fresher’s Week, Lauren Bennie caught up with the Head Boy to ask what students can expect from him, what areas he feels he could improve upon this year and what the future holds for The Union.

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Meeting in the DCA, McLeod looks relaxed in his subtle black Union T-shirt with a not so subtle ‘PRESIDENT’ emblazed across his shoulders. With Dave around, no one was going to forget that he was the boss. Having worked with Dave as The Magdalen’s Publisher last year, it was difficult not to get wrapped up in the friendly chat but with concerns over the Union’s future and certain antics during Fresher’s Week, the dictaphone was switched on and the interview began almost immediately.

Interested to find out what he thought of the long queues and a packed out Mono, I started by asking Dave, Fresher’s Week; What were the highs and lows for you?

Dave: Well there was definitely a buzz about the place. The Union was really busy and most people seemed up for it. Certainly from our point of view the staff really felt that The Union was working much more as a team this year.

The Magdalen: How do you feel about the queuing system which has been in place for Freshers week?

D: I’ll be honest, it was not the best. We did identify that as a problem though and got it sorted out. We got people into the building so they weren’t standing in the rain and we were then able to sell tickets inside. During the year, we don’t have that kind of problem but with the busy nights such as Halloween and St Patrick’s Day, it seems to cause us a problem.

M: How important do you think it is to resolve these issues considering the fact that Fresher’s Week is the time for The Union to make the right first impression with our new students?

D: It is really important. We did realise that it was a big problem. We don’t want people to be outside. Unfortunately, there are rules which must be adhered to such as fire safety regulations. I feel we do have a better way of doing it now though.

M: Ok, so with the re-organised ticket system in place, let’s think about Floor 5. For example when Cut Off Your Hands played, you had poor turn out because the bands were playing so early and because you had 300-400 students queuing around

President Level 4 waiting to purchase tickets.

D: That’s the thing with Fresher’s Week. The clue is in the name, it is first and foremost for Freshers. They buy the passes and we honour that Freshers must get priority for events. We cannot sell tickets until later on.

M: Why is that?

D: Because we must ensure that when a fresher has purchased a pass, we must allow them access to their chosen event.

M: How many fresher passes were sold?

D: I don’t know the exact figure, over 1000. We sold out.

M: What is the overall capacity of the building?

D: Around 2500, depending on how many stages are set up and which acts are playing.

M: Let’s talk about the Fresher’s Team.

What are your feelings on certain criticisms, in particular their behaviour throughout the week? How many students did the Union recruit?

D: I couldn’t give you an exact figure but I can find out for you. We did have a couple of incidents, which occurred as a result of certain individuals, and once we were aware of what happened, the issue was resolved. We want our Fresher’s Team to be themselves and use their initiative to help students settle in. It is inevitable that there will be conflict with individuals who are a little rougher.

The idea is that we want all Freshers to have a good time.

M: How were they vetted?

D: Our marketing department interviews all the team members. I don’t think there was an issue with the vetting. The people, as far as I’m aware, have done the job year after year. It was just a silly situation and maybe a bit of a misjudgement.

M: When Freshers move into Halls, they do so with the help of family and friends. Often the first point of contact is The Fresher’s Team, some of which

Dave Mc Leod could be seen shouting and swearing while waving a bottle of beer in hand.

Not the ideal welcome party is it?

D: That’s another issue that we have as well.

It is common sense. Every student should know that we do not allow them to be drinking outside on campus and that was dealt with straight away. It is not the best but at the end of the day we are dealing with individuals who are students. They’re not always watching their behaviour, that’s not what being a student is about and I don’t think the trainers really can tell

DJ sets “Band are not my cup of tea. ” everyone exactly how to act and what to say. It was an error of judgement on the part of those individuals.

M: How do you intend to resolve that for future Fresher events?

D: I think we will make sure that certain behaviour will not be tolerated and then delve further into their induction training before Freshers arrive.

M: Moving on, you talked about how great it was to see live acts at The Union? What’s your definition of live music?

D: Bands. Local bands more importantly.

Frightened Rabbit were most definitely a highlight.

M: While on stage, it seemed that Frightened Rabbit were a little bit unhappy about their sound and on several occasions and had to ask for the sound technician to sort it out.

Do you think that The Union could

overcome issues like that by taking those events to Mono?

D: It depends who the bands are. Like The View who sold out Mono. It is also completely dependent on the demand from students. We are open to anything. We are targeting students to come up with their very own events that The Union will help to promote and support. Ultimately, student run events have the potential to make clubs and societies money.

M: Lets talk about Band DJ sets.

(Dave takes a long pause).

D: Not my favourite thing but students seem to enjoy them. I don’t know what else I can say. Band DJ sets are not my cup of tea.

Students vote with their feet and we have had success.

M: The Union has recently lost their Events Manager. Essentially, you are now a man down. Are you concerned about this?

D: We have extremely capable individuals within our team. I have every confidence that those involved can do really well. We have yet to make a decision about where The Union goes from here in terms of a replacement. We’ll see what happens.

M: Looking back at your campaign to become President, you talked about establishing a Student Advice Centre to ensure relevant pastoral services which would be fit for purpose. How much further along are you with this project? Is it still going ahead?

D: That’s the end result we are looking for. At the moment, we have a joint group between the Exec and Student Services. The key thing for me is to get student focused services in there. My primary concern is for Level 4 at the moment. I want to make sure we work in conjunction and work well with Student Services. There is a lot to be done with the plans for the Student Advice Centre before a sign goes up advertising

the service.

M: Is that effectively taking over from HELP? D: We’re taking HELP in a different direction this year. We want to get legal professionals in on a regular basis and look at not duplicating any services already on offer.

M: In the past you have said that there are units within Student Services that remain fragmented and do not offer a coordinated service. Do you still feel that is the case? Have you managed to overcome those difficulties?

D: I think by setting up our joint group we will be able to overcome those problems.

M: You have always maintained that the doors to our Student Executive are always open on Level 4. If a student needs to talk casually or raise a quick question, they are able to knock on a door at any time. So with that in mind, what is the role of the receptionist who resides at the entrance to your offices?

(Dave takes another long pause).

D: The receptionist is there for administration purposes and to help Student Services. Pam is an exceptionally nice lady and won’t see anyone left hanging around. But ultimately, that is not her role.

Students should contact Level 2 reception between 10-2 to arrange to see us by talking to Jim down at The Union entrance.

M: Last year we had members of the Exec, including yourself, who were enrolled and studying a full time university course in addition to being a full time paid sabbatical member.

This is not allowed. Who do you think is accountable for this?

D: The individual is accountable for their actions.

M: Yes ok. But whose responsibility is it to ensure that this does not happen?

D: It is mine. It is not allowed anymore. I can’t say how last year’s President should have dealt with it but it will not happen this year. There should never have been a

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conflict of interest.

M: Has a contract been signed by all members of Exec to ensure that each role has been clearly defined and explained to the bearer of that position?

D: They are being drawn up at present. It’s not a job contract as such but lays out the terms and conditions of the post and the paper does require a signature.

M: Looking back on last year, there is no clear indication as to how many days off an Exec member can take.

For example, you took two weeks off in April to study for exams in addition to the time off to campaign for the position of President.

How do you inform students as to when you will be present in your office or when you’re curling your toes in the hot sand on some sunny beach?

D: It hasn’t happened yet this year, but last year we ensured that calls were diverted and that everyone on the Exec was checking their emails. I was instructed by the last President to take the time off around the campaign agenda. I didn’t agree with that and there was nothing I could do about the situation.

M: Finally and somewhat selfishly I have to ask what you think about The Magdalen’s role amongst students this year?

D: I want The Magdalen to become independent of The Union. I’d like The Magdalen to ask questions and be the advocate for student opinion and to do this without fear of being affiliated with any particular body. Student journalism has a large role to play in making students aware of the issues floating around campus. Last year I played a big part in the magazine…

(The Magdalen Editor gasps at the lies flying from McLeod’s mouth).

D: …well at least for the first few issues anyway.

All in all, our President’s answers are nothing short of what we expected. Dave is clearly aware of the highs and lows of Fresher’s Week, he has thought about them and knows which answers he needs to deliver. In a way, we require that quality in a President who is the face and voice of our student’s union. Refreshingly, he is prepared to admit that there have been errors within the Exec he was so much a part of last year. Having now put these problems to print, there is no way out. The Magdalen will be the first to hold the President and his members of Executive accountable if the issues reoccur. In Dave McLeod’s own words, “[I’d like The Magdalen]…to be the advocate for student opinion.” He’ll be eating his words in no time at all.

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2008 fresh impressions “Met heaps of new people and heaps of weirdos.”

“Queuing in the rain, what was that about?!”

“Wicked!”

“I never knew my liver could be so strong!”

“...pure amazing!”

“Concrete streets well impressed me...”

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Ask Around What top tips do you have to help me settle in at Uni?

Enjoy the ride!

Don’t overcook pasta Study and have fun at the same time!

Sounds boring but get a big diary and write everything in it.

Put a reminder for deadlines a week beforehand and get lots of highlighters. Biggest change at uni is the organisation. Means you get your work done and keep academic side in good order so you don’t have to miss out on the social and fun bits!

Get enough sleep.

The reason you came to uni was to get a degree, so still enjoy yourself but make sure you can stay awake in lectures to actually take some of it in.

Take full advantage of Student Services and Peer Connections

Keep an open mind, keep in touch and keep on top of work.

Be prepared to go out in fancy dress!

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You are not expected to come to a completely new place and just roll with it without hiccups along the way. Some people may be able to do this but there are plenty of people and services to help you out with general queries to real problems.

Set yourself goals, expectations and what you hope to achieve - keep this to look back on.

Branch out. University is a chance to meet lots of new people so try not to just stick to people you already know or those in your flat.

Be brave. Talk to and try to meet lots of new people. If you are shy, what about testing out new clubs to meet more friends? Remember the friends you meet at uni are friends for life!

Give yourself time!

You are not going to get everything sorted and feel like you are completely in the know about new university life within 2 days of arriving.

It will take a while before you have settled into your new flat, sussed out My Dundee, know the campus back to front and feel normal going to lectures.

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D.U.S.A pops the cork on student recognition 8

On the 10 May 2008, the 16th Annual President’s Dinner took place at the Bonar Hall. Now renamed as the D.U.S.A Awards Dinner 2008, the occasion kicked off with a champagne reception providing the perfect opportunity for some swift networking between guests.

Once the table plans had been scanned, the guests moved through to the Main Hall. Those who had sat exams the week leading up to the dinner gasped at the transformation of the venue. Mood lighting, floral arrangements and black drapes lit with fairy lights created a fantastic ambience in which to start the celebrations.

Dundee Union’s catering manager, Alison Hyatt and her team of waiters were on hand to deliver a delectable three-course spread. Who knew a citrus, ginger and cream dessert could taste so good when served in a wine glass? Winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Student Life, Martin Nimmo, described the treat as odd yet increasingly more satisfying with each mouthful.

After coffee was served and petit fours polished off, Outgoing Vice President of Services, Adam Patrick took to the stage to harmoniously piece together the ‘keynote’ speeches. No one of great stature took to the stage much to the dismay of the Poker Society diners, although University Principal Sir Alan Langlands

did present the awards. During the President’s speech, Milan Bogunovic shared his love of Winston Churchill quotes with the guests throughout the delivery of his State of the Union address.

Milan chose to highlight the successes of VPS Patrick’s Loyalty Card scheme, the expansion of student media, notably The Magdalen under the watchful eye of Lauren Bennie, and the Student Representative Council’s campaigns highlighting Oral Cancer Awareness Week, Bollocks to Poverty, Fair-trade and Anti-drink spiking themes throughout the Union.

After another effortless interlude by Adam Patrick with his one-liners (literally one line) Outgoing Vice President of Communications, Dave MacLeod as President-Elect strolled into the spotlight to present his thoughts on his year ahead at D.U.S.A. After his ambitions claims were made, Dave launched into the Prizegiving Ceremony. As daylight faded, local band Eat the Peach led the musical festivities. With wine on a constant drip, the jigging and kilt swinging commenced. Later, the young amongst the guests made a sharp exit to dwindle away the rest of the night in The Union. Memory loss occurred, as did loss of wallet, keys and hired kilt jacket…

And the winners are...

The award winners for 2007-2008 were: Journalist of the Year: SRC Councillor of the Year: Society of the Year: Most Active Society: Most Progressive Society of the Year: Society Achievement Award:

Natalie Coupar Lauren Bennie Dare Islamic society Band Society Rachel Irwin for People and Planet

(also nominated; Gavin McNee) (Phillip Englehom) (Islamic society and Band Society) (Band Society and Poker Society) (People and Planet Society) (Rimple Palana for Dare and Arran Keable for Poker)

The award for Outstanding Contribution to Student Life presented by Steven Blane went to Martin Nimmo.

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Love Music > Music News Near and Far

By Natalie Coupar

It’s been a long hot summer full of festivals and as ever, The Magdalen takes its place amongst the crowd to guide you through the fastapproaching gigging season. Here’s our Who’s Hot and well…Who’s Not. Recently it seems that our Dundee bands have taken quite a knocking with the latest split of Luva Anna.

However, the interest lies in waiting to see who can fill the vacuum. On the grapevine, rumour has it that success seems to be edging further away from The Law, the lads having apparently had to return to their old jobs after three successive record deals failing to do the business.

So who’s left to carry the flag for Dundee bands? After Page 6’s

amazing gig at Rockness, they’re due to play their last gig for a while and will hopefully return arms laden with even tighter material. Live venues have increased in numbers across our city and as such, Dundee has also witnessed a swell in bands. This inevitably brings with it newcomers both good and bad so let us know what you think of the scene in the next few months.

Outside of the city boundaries, quite simply Kings of Leon has becomee the soundtrack to our summer by way of presenting the awesome Sex is On Fire. Bargain-bin track for the summer has to most definitely be Kate Perry’s I Kissed a Girl. It’s the biggest insult to music since…actually Hamfatter.

Up and coming vixen Ladyhawke

Got an opinion? Think your music taste is better than ours? Get on the blower: 01382 381064 and hurl some abuse at us if you’ve got the balls.

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promises big things with her latest album release, gorgeous tracks include “Paris is Burning.” A welcome return to our ears this year has been Seasick Steve, currently beginning his tour through Britain. The man is a true legend. Not forgetting of course The Streets with their blinding album entitled Everything is Borrowed.

Our woman of the year so far is still Rhianna with her album Good Girl Gone Bad. She shows true talent, and well, just general hotness with Disturbia giving us many a good opportunity to dance at the Union. We also love the Part of the Weekend Never Dies DVD by Soulwax, shot over the year in some 100 venues.

If you hadn’t heard by the way, the Mercury Music Prize this year went to deserving, yet unexpected, winners Elbow, who pipped Burial and The Last Shadow Puppets to the title.

October is The Magdalen’s favourite month because the gigs start again and we can look forward to an abundance of live music at our union and beyond!

Look out for our interviews with Glasgow heroes the Apple Scruffs and New Zealand boys Cut Off Your Hands as well as the odd splattering of photos from Falkirk’s own reprobates The Ray Summers.

Left: Take your pick, who will you champion? The Ray Summers?

> Albums the world should own

The Record Collection of a Dundee Student Your Name – Your Championed Album’s Name What does your record collection say about you? Too embarrassed to let your mates shuffle through you iPod? Or gagging to bag yourself a set in the local bar?

Some say that the play lists of life suggest a great deal about the individual in question. Keeping this in mind, The Magdalen wants to hear which album’s you think the world should own and in return we’ll give you a psychological break down of your chosen tunes...(or judgement of character shall we say). Think of it a bit like a tarot card reading. If that doesn’t tempt you, then how about your pretty little photograph and choice quote too featuring centre stage on this very page?

Deal? Done.

So in order to get your mug on the page, call us, drop in or send The Magdalen Ents team the following nuggets of delight:

> Myspace of the month Elfred and the Uber Peas

myspace.com/uberpeas Now here is a band that beats the generic piss out of post Brit-Pop Britain. This band of highly trained musical bandits deliver uncompromisingly loud indie-jazz (jindie?) to the masses under the title of Elfred and the Uber Peas. Although they have only ventured as far as Colchester they show great promise. “Painted A Picture” is a tribute to the ineffable “A Picture Of Dorian Gray”

by Oscar Wilde and is as refreshing as it is reaffirming that all has not been lost to The Enemy. Heralding from a little known place called Ardleigh, this band are definitely ones to watch.

1. The title and artist of the album you think the world should own 2. 50-100 words as to why you champion your chosen tracks 3. A quote which sums up the artists to encapsulate your love for them And finally, 4. Include your best mug shot, name, e-mail and contact details, that way we’ll be able to shower you in glory.

So simple eh? What you waiting for? See the inside cover for our contact details.

Get on the bandwagon pronto!

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Cut off YOUR HANDS In the aftermath of Fresher’s Week, Cut Off Your Hands bassist, Philip gives his NZ insight into the British music scene To start with, it’s hard to say who was more nervous about the impending interview; The Magdalen or New Zealand guys Cut Off Your Hands? Having never heard their music before and somewhat daunted by the title of the band, The Magdalen was unsure how exactly the encounter would unravel. Beforehand, The Magdalen read a media release from America describing the guys from COYH as uninteresting, diva-esque and super pissed off…well it’s still ridiculously hard to believe. Meeting Phil after the gig was simple enough. While the band packed up, the COYH bassist sat upright on a leather sofa eager for the first question. Rather stereotypically, The Magdalen approaches the subject of sheep.

After all, New Zealand has more sheep than people and since our Aberdonians don’t handle it particularly well (especially the football supporters), it seemed only fair to ask. And so followed a rather well educated answer on New Zealand’s thriving beef industry and how nearly every New Zealander knows a farmer. Keeping on the home country stream of thought, The Magdalen began to probe the bassist on his band’s cultural influences.

Philip: Well back in the 80’s, there was a big D.I.Y sort of thing happening down in the south islands with one particular label. A lot of bands would like making really good music, and the great thing was that not having enough money to go into a recording studio or be big on radio wouldn’t stop them from recording in small studios themselves. There are so many albums that were done that way which are really amazing and are influencing big bands like Dear Hunter at the moment. I was reading about their influences and they mentioned some Kiwi bands.

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M: How is the British music scene viewed back home?

P: You only really find out about bands who are talked about critically. For example a band like The Wombats who are pretty big and sell out venues here. In NZ you would maybe hear about them like you would maybe hear one song on the radio and you’d just know they were a big British band at the moment. Whereas The Foals might not have sold as many records but are still talked about just as much and you’ll hear about them equally. There is a

M: All kinds of musical genres fly around when critics try to describe your sound. How would you sell it?

P: Tasteful pop. We see bands like Vampire Weekend or the Mystery Jets in a similar vein. They’re pop bands but not a pop band.

You know pop bands all sound the same, they write songs for the sole purpose of getting famous and we hate that. (Philip mentions a few names but is a gentleman and insists that they don’t get published.)

We see music as an art and we would never take it for granted. We think about music a lot, we analyse, we research while looking for new ways of recording and how to play our instruments. When we started we really liked New York hardcore and post punk.

M: So your name…why would you want to cut off your hands?

P: Well it’s a long story. To start with we were called the Shaky Hands. We named our EP Cut Off Your Hands well because we heard about a guy in NZ who killed his girlfriend and I think his mum or something by cutting off their heads with machetes…

(Philip’s response starts to tail off )…It would be easier just to say the NZ Government gave us our name! whole college radio culture there. I sit on the computer looking for sounds and the music blogs etc on college radio help me find out what’s new.

M: There are a few plaid shirts and pointy shoes on the go, is image an important factor?

P: It used to be but not in the way a lot of British people will think about. Like we always used to wear matching t-shirts or something like that because we always wanted to believe that…well sounds stupid to say but we felt more powerful than we actually were. We quickly got over that.

M: But what about making music?

How can you play music if you don’t have your hands?

P: Yeah you are exactly right. Before Shaky Hands we were in another band in NZ and the other guy was the songwriter. We didn’t enjoy and the four of us left. We had to learn how to write songs from scratch, like start from the beginning again. (We think Philip is trying to say that by moving away from their songwriter they felt that they had in some way lost a limb, the hands which bound their music with their ex songwriter).

Legally we still have the rights to Shaky Hands outside the U.S. We like our name.

M: So your not bitter about the circumstances? In one interview, Nick (lead vocals) said he felt a little backed into a corner in that respect.

P: We definitely were forced to change our name. They wouldn’t negotiate with that.

M: Ok so you will be taking on the world as Cut Off Your Hands, when can we expect an album release?

P: We’re releasing the album in NZ in October and maybe a digital release in the U.S, rest of the world January 2009. There’s no point putting a record out if no one has heard of us so we are taking our time over here. We are releasing an EP at the end of October especially for the UK which we are really excited about.

M: So where are you going to be in twelve months time? (Phil has a look of concentration on his face until I tell him that I’m not looking for an exact GPR location) instead where the music might be headed.

P: Well location has got a lot to do with it depending on how many records we sell. I think we’ll just be touring. Response from labels around the world to put the record out has been really good. Warner’s in Germany, France and Japan all want to put it out so they’re going to do that while we finalise the deal with French Kiss in America. We only ever expect to do the best we can. We can never, as a band guarantee, anything.

You are excited right? What I mean is that you seem incredibly grounded considering the interest in COYH and the progress you are making in other countries.

P: Well we are excited and there are definitely times when I love being in a band but we are realistic about it. And that’s the thing I don’t get. Like Pete Doherty and Amy Winehouse are in the papers for taking drugs and we just don’t get that.

Our music is about writing something that is tasteful and that we love. We would never put anything out for the sake of trying to get on a chart. In that way success doesn’t matter, we want to sell records but if we don’t then we don’t really care. The label might not like that but we’ve made a record that they can sell and if they sell it then fine and if they don’t then we’ll continue to make records anyway. We’ve all got recording gear. We all have the ability to make music in our bedrooms. And we can all write songs. I’d love to play in front of 50 000 people who all know our songs but if it doesn’t happen then it doesn’t happen.

Bless. They really are good guys, so what if they’re pushing an 80’s sound. Don’t listen to the media trash from the U.S. Make up your own mind by logging on to MySpace. com/cutoffyourhands LB

M: Your talking about that all quite calmly. Are you excited?

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THE APPLE SCRUFFS

By Natalie Coupar

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From the outset, these four twentysomething’s from Bishopbriggs in Glasgow appear like normal lads trying to make it in a band. The Magdalen sat down for a chat to reveal some business-savvy heads and nonsensical musings from up-and-coming go-getters the Apple Scruffs.

After a game of “three truths, one lie” (pretty self-explanatory), The Magdalen soon finds out some revelatory facts about the Glaswegian four-piece. In the hustle and bustle of touring, apparently Jonny (guitar/vocals) still found time to have sex with a monkey; Jimmy became a “dynamite drummer”; Peter (guitar/vocals) managed to grow size 10 feet and Greg became a philosophical genius.

Greg: “Catholics don’t use contraception so their eggs and their sperms purer! They make better looking girls.” (When asked why they always thought the girls at the Catholic school across the road from their nondenominational school were hotter).

With an aim to get to the nitty-gritty of the interview, the Magdalen decides to scrap the game and moves onto some questioning.

The Magdalen: Do you know there’s a band in Italy with the same name as you?

Band: Aye, it’s a Beatles tribute band!

Peter: See we signed to this record company and it was the first record company we signed to, we’re not with them anymore. We went into our lawyer and he said there are a couple of bands called the Apple Scruffs, and its going to maybe cause you problems.

This Beatles tribute band were called the Apple Scruffs before us, they kind of had to wrangle a few things for us so we’ve got the rights here. I think it was just a scam for the lawyer to get more money off us.

M: The Apple Scruffs is from a Beatles song though isn’t it?

G: George Harrison wrote it about the people who hung about outside the apple building. Cause the Beatles lived in New York at the time.

Jonny: We really like the Beatles and that’s why we went with it.

M: Do you find Glasgow quite competitive?

The Apple Scruffs: (in unison) Nuh. P: Everybody’s shite. We have our own club night in Glasgow called Neverland so we don’t play for other promoters.

M: What would your life-changing gig be (with regards to other bands they’ve seen)?

J: Mine’s would be Oasis ten years ago, it was the hardest thing to get a ticket for. It was at the Barrowlands and people were offering you like three grand for your ticket!

The first five songs were amazing tunes, I couldn’t even breathe, there were like fully-

grown men crying!

M: Do find that in order to get an album deal you have to be portrayed in a certain way?

P: As I said, the record label we were signed to before is the same record that signed Amy MacDonald. They signed her then they signed us after it, so we basically got shelved.

There was so much work going into her and whenever they were working with us they were trying to polish up our sound. We just refused to do it so basically we got put on the shelf. We said this wasn’t working for us so just drop us. We don’t regret it cause we stuck with our guns and what we believed in. There’s a limit to what we want to change about ourselves, we know enough about music and we’re music fans so we know what works and what doesn’t.

“

Catholics dont use contraception so their eggs and sperm are purer!

”

M: What do think of The View with regards to how well they’ve done?

P: We think they’ve maybe had the best year they’re going to have in their lives. I think as a progression they’re not going to have the projection as a band.

J: It’s hard to see them coming out (with a second album) and having the exact same year as they’ve had.

G: We like The View as well, we’ve supported them. Luva Anna should have been huge.

They’re the Scotch Coral.

P: They’re the closest band to being as big as The View. I know there was the whole thing about the “Dundee Scene” but see when I look back I think how much did I actually like any of those bands? The only bands I liked were probably The View and Luva Anna. A lot of people wanted to get close to the whole View thing but if you associate yourself with all that well you’re committing suicide as a band. I mean we deliberately stayed away.

You don’t want to be associated to a band

cause you’re friends with them.

Jimmy: That’s why we put on nights ourselves cause you need to create a buzz for your band.

M: You sound like you know what you’re talking about, like you’ve got a business structure?

P: I’ll describe what we’re doing just now, this is our business plan...

M: Business model?

P: Aye, a business model if you want to look at it like that, it is in a way. It all about the music at the end of the day. We were playing these gigs in Glasgow and playing for promoters. They were giving us like fifty quid a gig and we were turning in like two hundred and fifty people! They’re giving you fifty quid and a case of grolsch! So what we did was we spoke to this pub called The Admiral, it’s a brilliant venue in Glasgow.

Spoke to the managers and asked if we could put on our own night. We actually own this night now its called Neverland after one of our songs. We put on the band, got a mate who DJ’s and everything’s done through us.

We pay the bands at the end of the night and we’re left with a crazy amount of money!

You know what we put the money for? See the Big Heart Single...

M: When’s that out?

P: 6th of October, all the money we get - we don’t spend it on booze - it all goes to band purposes.

G: Some of it goes to booze!

P: Minimum! Absolute minimum! First and foremost our singles got paid for. You need to release stuff or you’re not going to progress. That’s the one basic thing a band should know.

J: Record companies are scared to put money into bands cause of people downloading so you’ve got to put stuff out there that hopefully record companies will notice.

P: It’s something that if we ever get signed and go far I’ll look back and think I’m fucking proud of that!

M: Do you think that magazines like the NME have too much power?

J: They can make or break a band in one review. Pete Docherty and Carl Barat were on the cover more than anybody ever in the space of two years.

M: What’s the single called then?

Band: Big Heart.

J: It’s out on October 6. You can download it on iTunes and there are 500 limited edition vinyls.

Our dalliance with the Apple Scruffs ends there, with The Magdalen worrying about Jimmy’s red nose and a brief photo session. They play to a good crowd and a contingency of loyal supporters who, through a boozy haze, dance to every song.

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Adam with The Magdalen’s Laura Edwards

Having sat in a room for 45 minutes with Channel 4 Shipwreckers Adam, Danny, Kerris and Susan, the real difficulty began when the time came to draft up the interview into comprehendible text for The Magdalen. From the outset, it became apparent that the group had acquired an infinite ability to talk and talk…and talk.

With booze flowing, the whole concept of an interview flew out the window and the guys got into a steady banter between themselves, catching up on life after the show and reminiscing about their crazy antics on the shores of Shipwrecked: The Battle of the Islands. Despite several attempts to hijack the recording equipment, Danny and Adam eventually settle down and allow The Magdalen to record all the dirty details. Here are just a few of those tales.

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c e

The Magdalen begins by asking Adam why his Channel 4 post-programme online blog contains in excess of 40 exclamation marks.

After taking the time to explain to Adam what an exclamation mark is and watching his face contort with confusion, he takes a breath and simply proclaims to be the most excitable person ever while directing his gaze and pointed finger at his crotch.

M: All of you exclaimed that Shipwrecked was not what you had expected at all. What exactly did you expect on a desert island?

Susan (in the strongest Liverpool accent): A hotel.

Mr Liverpool 2007 (Don’t you forget it) Danny: Food. When we arrived we didn’t expect it to be the way it was, like to get kicked off the boat an’ that, thought we’d get a lot more help like. Coz like when I got there on the island, it was just like a load of bush...(had the girls already arrived?)

M: But surely you had watched Shipwrecked before?

Adam: No. Never. I was one of the only ones to never have watched it before.

S: Yeah we had watched it but although what the thing is what you see on TV, although it is how it was, it was so much harder than that. Yeah it looks glamorous but you don’t see the mosquitoes and spiders. (We think what Susan is trying to say is that what you see on TV is not what you get…maybe?)

Mr Lpool07: Wherever I looked there was always a spider or lizard.

M: Why do you think the producers picked the food they did? It is not like you were ever going to find a lamb on the island so why did they provide you with lambs tongue?

Kerris: I really couldn’t have eaten anymore rice in my life. Like lambs tongue

was…(Kerris dry bokes) S: Literally you would open the tin and see a tongue curled up at you.

K: We all thought it was funny and we all tried to buy it for our relatives when we got back. (How thoughtful Kerris!)

S: It honestly takes like spam and you know what if you gave me spam I’d probably eat it now.

While Susan and Kerris hold the fort in the interview, Adam and Danny are attempting to throw darts above Laura Edwards head.

And then Danny perks up while Kerris talks about being the replacement original, stating that he is privy to some gossip which no other magazine has ever printed... then his phone rings and both Laura and I are sitting with baited breath to uncover the scoop of the century to sell to Heat. Finally, Danny ends his call and we get back on track. Wait for it. Wait for it. THE scoop of the century…Danny broke into Crew Camp… yeah that’s it. Closer, Heat and Take a Break will no doubt be calling us tomorrow.

K: Oooh my word. They were tough on us.

M: Really? Do you reckon the production team tried to stir things up?

K: Oooh my word, yeah.

A: Tell you what right. Lauren would go tell me to get some firewood or something and the production team would appear.

Like asking me if I was going to take being bossed around by a girl. And before I know it, I’m like yeah of course I’m fucking pissed off, where is she?!

S: When people say its fake its not fake because you have said that but its totally blown out of proportion.

Mr Lpool07: Yeah they’d be like Barry may have just called you a knob. Do you think

d

you heard him call you that? And like the powdered milk with Tom. It was no big scandal on the island.

S: And the coconut soap – never ever ever ever comes off!

K: And it doesn’t smell of coconut, it smells of shit.

A: I got caught in the water at night time, we weren’t allowed to go in the ocean at night time but I had a perfectly legal reason to….later turns out coz he had shit on his ass.

(At this point Adam picks up the dictaphone and starts talking to the little man he apparently believes is stuck inside the recorder.)

A: Hello, E=mc2. My name is Adam and I am here talking to some beautiful ladies and these beautiful ladies are touching me in naughty places…and basically its over to the scouser now…

Mr Lpool07: (In a panicked voice) Hello we are going to get you out…who ever u are we are going to get you out…

M: So, luxury items. You’re going to a desert island, why would you think that taking an Elvis costume would be at all beneficial?

A: Why not?

S: Twister was mine. The board was a waterproof sheet.

A: So back to the Elvis costume…

S: NO! Back to the twister!

A: Well it cant have been that good because they never showed you playing it, did they?

Jenga was a good one. Vicki brought Jenga.

K: Noooo, that was boring.

A: You know Barry, he brought a snorkel and I lost it like immediately.

Mr Lpool 07: Mine was a water gun.

M: Yes, a super soaker. Why do you

think that’s a good idea? Because there’s plenty of water out there?

Mr Lpool07: Yeah ok I’m sorry I took a super soaker.

A: (still rambling about Elvis) For example people were going to bring diaries, pillows, or games. So what is the point in me taking them, so I bring the Elvis costume because Elvis is a legend and the king is still alive.

Thank you. YEH! (Adam has still yet to touch a drop of alcohol. He then picks up Dictaphone and starts talking again to the ‘wee man’ inside.)

A: Hi , so you’re reporter friend is rather worried about me but I think its because she wants me. She keeps looking towards my crotch. She loves it.

Mr Lpool07: Willy.

A: She loves the willy. She loves it.

(Kerris swoops in and grabs the microphone) K: At the moment, Danny and Adam are now out of control. This is Susan and Kerris.

You haven’t heard us because of the boys.

What you didn’t see or hear on Shipwrecked….and to be honest probably didn’t want to either.

Having established that those writing for The Magdalen love the willy (Thanks Adam).

We decide that neither party is really in control so we to ditch the interview and spend the next half hour joining in with the Ship-wreckers ramblings discovering how lovely Kerris can be and how loud Susan is. Lucky for us we keep the recording equipment switched on to pick up little known facts about certain, both on and off shore... LB

Both Twister and Jenga were taken on as luxury items causing up a storm apparently…such a hoot that the production team didn’t bother to film it?

In an attempt to get drunk off two bottles of Victoria Beer, Susan and Kerris decided to make themselves sick after dinner to ensure a quick hit of alcohol.

According to Danny and Adam, Lara caught Gonnorea whilst on the island.

Adam had to dash to the ocean one evening to wipe his ass after following through on a fart.

Danny broke into Crew Camp and stole plenty of delights without being thrown off the island.

Sunset Rock on Shark Island was in fact where the guys would go to relieve themselves…known to the islanders as wank rock off-camera

Danny will be appearing on the UK Living channel as a judge in a wedding programme…interesting concept really as he continues to consider himself as a ‘serial dater who likes to play the field and hates being tied down.’

Adam can be found across BBC2 and BBC3 as a new presenter for a new reality show while Susan shows signs of settling down as she accepts a job with Virgin Cabin Crew.

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A Student’s Guide to... ...the CREDIT CRUNCH Over the past year, you’ve probably heard the term “Credit Crunch” more than you’ve heard “I’m too drunk” and as much as the term is bewildering and absolutely boring, it’s something you’ must get to grips with. For students, it is hard enough to budget your weekly/monthly food shop, let alone make sure your internet/gas/electricity supplier is as cheap as possible. In the past few months, media reports have escalated into a mad frenzy about our impending decline into mass poverty. More recently, global businesses have taken a massive hit after speculators on the market have been making money off of their likely decline in share prices. It’s a scary time to be thinking about entering into the real world when week after week news of further job losses hit the headlines. In an increasingly international world where every economy is intricately linked, stories about banks failing in America seem not too distant at all. There is little advice given for students beginning university with regards to how to bank efficiently or even how to make sure greedy letting agents are not ripping you off.

CREDIT CRUNCH: an exciting buzzword. Basically everyone’s skint and can’t borrow anymore.

SUBPRIME: American term more to do with housing, nobody really understands.

0% INTEREST: Most Credit card companies offer a 0% interest rate, usually for a period of six months. If you’re smart, moving about from bank to bank could save you a lot of money. But so would not getting a credit card.

RECESSION: When the economy fails for 3 quarters in a row, this is called a recession.

1. Don’t be embarrassed - it’s a simple case of “if you don’t ask, you won’t get.” Just because you’re asking for discount or trying to haggle prices down, it doesn’t mean you’re less classy, luvey.

2. Use your student card! You’d be surprised at how many shops do student discount but don’t advertise it. It’s the biggest advantage of being a student and the next time in your life that you’ll get as much discount is when you’re around 70.

Now who can wait that long to splurge on clothes and CD’s?

3. Quit eating out. Think about it, all those sandwiches at lunchtime and cups of coffee really do add up. By having lunch at home every day for a week, I bet you’ll save at least ten quid!

4. Get on the Internet. Websites like freestuffjunction.co.uk are practically throwing free stuff in your face. Also, this is where your food savings come into play.

Most supermarkets have print out coupons on their websites and allow you to compare prices. Do this before the monthly food shop and really notice the difference.

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5. Compare, compare, compare.

Shopping around is key, as easy as it is to buy on impulse, many shops want your custom. Make shops compete with one another by asking if they’ll lower the price for you, or tell them you’ll go to the cheaper shop.

6. Leave the card at home. So you’ve had a few drinks and the “quiet night out” has quickly turned into all out insanity.

These are the times when the card gets punished the most. Take out what you think you’ll need for the night and make it last.

Once your money’s spent (keep aside a fiver for a kebab) GO HOME!!

7. BOGOF. Go food shopping with a mate and buy only buy one get one free products, but be sensible. You’re male flatmate doesn’t really need the multi-pack of tampons. Also, make sure you get a Boots advantage card and Tesco club card, they save you a mint!

11. Get Your Deposit Back. If you’re lucky, getting the deposit back from your flat should be relatively easy if you haven’t painted all the walls gold and converted the bathroom into a rave-cave. Yet for some students, this can be an absolute nightmare.

Don’t give up. Some Letting Agents will be stubborn, rude and hard to get hold of, but they expect you to forget about it. Don’t.

12. Bank Online. This is the best way to keep an eye on what’s going in and out of your bank at any time of day. It also allows easy transferring of monies so that you can put you’re hard earned cash into a saving account a lot easier.

8. Second Hand. Vintage clothing is in and has been for ages, so where better to shop than charity shops! There are some real hidden gems and Barnados up Reform St have an excellent vintage section.

13. Save. Whether it pennies, pounds or notes, start saving now. Remember that for most of you, leaving Uni doesn’t just mean full-time work; it means paying back that student loan!

9. Recycle. Keep your Irn-Bru bottles, your old mobile phones, tin cans, and old computers. People will actually give YOU money to recycle YOUR old crap.

14. Go Local. That week of sun, sea and sangria in Spain can just as easily be changed for a week in Manchester for about a quarter of the price.

10. Walk. It’s healthy, you get fresh air and guess what? It’s absolutely free!! Do you really need to get a taxi from the Underground to your flat up the Perth Road? Instead of getting your takeaway delivered, go and get it yourself. You’ll be thrifty and a fitty in no time at all!

15. Avoid Store Cards. When the wee lady behind the counter asks if you’d like to have money off by getting a store card, she really means; “ Would you like to get into debt and go on mad shopping sprees even when you know you have no money?” This is the part when you say NO. Store cards are the quickest and easiest way to get into a shit load of debt. Avoid them at all costs.

STUDENT CARD REQUIRED Bank - 10% on full price stock only D2 - 20% on full price stock excluding footwear French Connection - 10% on full price stock only La Senza - 10% on full price stock only New Look - 10% on full price stock Oasis - 10% on full price stock only Warehouse - 10% on full price stock

Office - 10% on full price stock only Free Spirit - 10% on full price stock only Lush - 10% on Tuesday mornings only 9am - 1pm Joy - Student discount Tuesdays Regis - 20% Monday to Wednesday Superdrug - spend over ÂŁ10 to receive 10% discount.

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Get yourself...

u a

h g

C

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! t

ay D he t of h c t a C

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Spend Less. Learn More

Seize the Discount.

Students at Dundee get up to 15% off at the Apple HE online store!

www.apple.com/uk/go/save 0800 039 1010

Any Questions?

Email your Campus Rep at aoc_dundee@mac.com