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That awful “C” word has negatively impacted lives on a global scale. It’s been spoken about daily for the past 6 months whilst the world has been closed and we’ve lived in lockdown and self-isolation. Like many of you, I’ve found myself watching Nettix shows faster than they could produce them and each day felt like a blurry, muddled zombie movie. In true spirit, we have seen people across the UK rise to help beat this pandemi and I would like to give a massive shout out to the NHS and pandemic, emergency services, delivery workers, volunteers and all the key workers who have helped keep the country going. You are an inspiration. The government furlough and job retention scheme has helped to save thousands of jobs and businesses. Unfortunately, some companies have not survived, but many are thriving, and others are adapting to new ways, trying their best to operate under the strict guidelines. So, if you are considering treating yourself remember that the UK is starting to open again, and local businesses need your support now more than ever! Take a ick through our magazine for student discounts and read our 'Inside Info' article to nd out how you can earn yourself some decent money by becoming an SPG Student Ambassador! You can also enter competitions to win a Human Food giveaway worth £250 and an Animal Crossing Nintendo Switch bundle! As usual, we caught up with some inspirational and high-proole people including British actor, Ashley Walters, best known for his lead role in Top Boy and who also produced Bullet Proof, the biggest show on Sky, wis EVER! TikTok star Jayde Vincent talks about her rise to fame numbers wise, and how she aims to have 3 million followers before 2021. Beatboxer Beardyman talks about the apocalypse, dwarves, backstage parties and jumping off cliffs and on a more serious note, Mystery Jets talk about their career, all things music and their new album 'A Billion Heartbeats'. Stay safe, and subscribe to our website for more local discounts and offers.
BFarrin Ben Farrin | Founder
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ARE YOU Outgoing, reliable and organised? DO YOU WANT TO Earn extra money? Go to festivals for free? Eat for free? Receive free gadgets? YOU WILL BE Representing SPG in your local area. Introducing SPG to local businesses. Distributing SPG marketing material. Attending Zoom meetings. Regis your interest by sending us a Register message on Facebook and telling us why you should become an SPG Brand Ambassador!
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As this tragic pandemic swept across the land all we heard, and continue to hear about, are the losses we are facing. It’s been a struggle for so many people, and this level of disruption has never been seen in our lifetimes. But we must stay positive. We must focus on the future and not just hope but adapt, and plan for when things return to normal. One day, we will be able to look back at these times as a distant past event. It will become history. Things will get better. It’s not been easy, but here at SPG, we have remained as positive as possible. Rather than letting a situation (which we have no control over) bring us down, we have been re-evaluating, planning and improving so that when things do start to settle, we will bounce back stronger...
We have introduced a new login portal on our website for students and businesses. You can register for free as a student and take advantage of exclusive deals, competitions, as well as being able to submit content as a student contributor. Businesses can register and upload their local student deals directly to our website which you, as a student can redeem. Win, win! So, we are on the lookout for outgoing, reliable and organised ‘go-getters’ who are interested in representing us in your local area, and becoming an SPG student brand ambassador you will have the opportunity to earn money by introducing Student Pocket Guide to local businesses and selling deal listings, taking a nice slice of the fee for yourself. Think of it like your very own mini business without all the hassle. You will also gain access to our exclusive brand ambassadors’ network, which includes extra perks such as free festival tickets, meals, gifts, gadgets and your own branded SPG hoody. Of course, with the situation as it is, we will not be rolling this out until it is safe to do so, but we are opening the applications now for people who are keen to register their interest. If this is something that you like the sound of, simply drop us a message on Facebook, and tell us why you should become an SPG brand ambassador!
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PRESTIGE
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I spent a few months as an HR intern helping to hire a fresh bunch of graduates for telesales. The results were… a mixed bag – put it that way. So anyway, without further ado, here are my 12 favourites from my time there. Dates have been omitted and I’ve used different names because come on; I’m not that cruel.
I have a great attention to detail.
This would perhaps have been more convincing if “Brian” didn’t have nine spelling mistakes in his covering letter. Always punctual with superb timekeeping.
“Jessica” was half an hour late for her interview. But don’t worry, she had a good excuse: her housemate was upset, so she was cooking her pancakes to cheer her up and lost track of time. A professional and well-presented young graduate looking to move into media.
He turned up wearing gym gear and was annoyed when I asked him to take his headphones out.
I am looking for an exciting job. This wouldn’t be a bad thing to put on a CV, if it wasn’t the WHOLE CV. Seriously, seven words not including her email address.
Personal interests include viewing documentaries about the economics of different countries and their financial position.
SUUUUURRRE YOU DO. Right alongside “Socialising with friends” and “watching volleyball” I’m sure you managed to squeeze in a quick bit of Panorama. Just to let you know, I don‛t want this job, but I am applying because my dad is making me.
Shockingly, I genuinely had to argue with the HR manager that we should NOT invite “Simon” to an interview. My best quality is that I always give 110%, 100% of the time. I just OD’d on cliché from reading this line.
I‛m looking at using this role to act as a springboard. I fully expect to be made CEO within a year.
Uh-huh…. One of my biggest achievements was arriving into work every day, despite the unreasonable manager I had.
Wait, so the best thing you achieved was actually turning up to work? I possess incredible leadership skills and inspire everyone around me.
Unless you’re Captain America, I would quite like some evidence to back up that claim there skippy. Honest, I‛m not afraid to speak my mind. If you‛re wrong, then I‛ll tell you. Oh will you now? My number 1 priority will be my music/acting career, so I will expect any employer to respect that.
CUT! And that’s a wrap.
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HI BEARDYMAN, WHAT ARE YOU UP TO AT THE MOMENT? I’m in Costco having a fight.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO TO SOMEONE WHO DOESN’T KNOW YOU?
I am a music being, techno-technologist, data-eater, destroyer of computers, content-producing human person from the centre universe.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE AND LEAST FAVOURITE THING ABOUT TOURING AND WHY?
My favourite thing about touring is the fact that you can pick any stranger out of the crowd and demand that they have sex with you and they literally HAVE to, it’s the LAW! The worst thing is that there’s so much cocaine and women and dwarves at the backstage parties it can be hard to get through it all, it’s a waste of cocaine, and women and high-quality dwarves, the dwarves are the most expensive outlay, and you can’t claim them against tax.
HAVE YOU HAD ANY STRANGE FAN ENCOUNTERS? WHAT’S BEEN THE STRANGEST?
There was this guy who had my face tattooed on his arm, that was weird. He probably still has it. Good for him I say. Smashed it. I should get one of his face on my arse.
HAVE YOU SEEN THE FILM ‘BABY DRIVER’? THE MAIN CHARACTER MAKES TRACKS OUT OF VOICE CLIPS HE RECORDS. IS THERE A BIG BEARDYMAN CONSPIRACY AT PLAY HERE? Yes. I successfully sued Edgar Wright for 12 million dollars and won the movie rights to the biopic of Kevin Spacey’s sexual history.
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT?
This one… here goes. My balls are drastically different sizes. One is a slightly different shape to the other too. Also one is slightly hairier than the other. It’s weird. My balls are weird. I have weird balls. You know once I’d got it out of the way, that wasn’t that embarrassing after all. Actually seeing as it’s the apocalypse who the f*ck cares.
WHICH CELEBRITY REALLY ANNOYS YOU AND WHY?
Beardyman. He’s a f*cking prick.
WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST DIFFICULT TRACK FOR YOU TO CREATE AND WHY?
My next one will be my most challenging yet. As it’s now the actual apocalypse and art seems simultaneously more redundant and yet more vital than ever. I don’t like to deliberate too much when I’m making music, I deliberate when building systems to make music with, I like music making to be swift and instinctual.
YOU EVEN MADE A TRACK OUT OF YOUR WIFE SCREAMING AS SHE JUMPED OFF OF A CLIFF! WHAT’S HER OPINION OF IT? She loves it, we were glad to be able to share her bungee jump shriek with the world. Happier times. Before the great destruction. Oh well... Remember when jumping off cliffs was mainly for fun?
HOW DO YOU COME UP WITH IDEAS FOR NEW TRACKS?
I cry until my soul is vomited up through my music equipment and into the internet. It’s a lot of crying. Crying is good, especially now it’s the apocalypse. I try to cry at least once every couple of hours these days, it’s really good for the libido, means I can c*m direct from my 7th shakra, straight into the world wide web.
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It’s a question we have all asked ourselves. Lying awake at night, wondering if he’s “the one.” BJ is 245lbs of red-hot-lovin’ topped with a mop of radiant, lustrous blonde locks. Like a sexy bouncy castle topped with a haystack. But could you ever hope to tame a beast such as Boris Johnson? No. No-one could. But like a wild stallion, you can always jump on for a ride.
Your look? A leggy blonde, slightly glazed expression. Typical girl/boy next door. Bald. With cold, sinister reptilian eyes.
What is your ideal night out? Larks and japes, what!? I don’t know. A film or something? Visiting a historic building. Maybe a castle.
What kind of commitment do you have with BOJO? Keep it cas’ darling. Maybe a few illegitimate children, but nothing serious. Maybe friends first, then take it easy? I hold numerous black-mailable secrets that could bring down the government.
Boris suggests smashing up a restaurant and then burning a £50 note in front of a beggar while shouting “BULLER! BULLER! BULLER!” Your response? RATHER! What jolly fun! What? NO! What’s wrong with you, you absolute sociopath! We never did anything of the sort! What a silly suggestion! Ignore the photos...
You sound like a smashing bit of totty! Just the type of girl/boy for Boris! But don’t expect a long-term commitment. Or child maintenance payments.
Oh dear. I don’t think you’re the one for BJ. You’re probably one of those loony-lefty PC Romoaner types who get offended by the odd hilarious gaffe. PASS!
You are Dominic Cummings. Your love for Boris burns brighter than a thousand stars and together you will rule this pathetic planet before ushering in a new age of blood and darkness. Good luck and remember to invite me to the wedding.
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HOW ARE YOU KEEPING?
Everything is at a standstill at the minute, just trying to take care of the kids, doing a lot of home schooling and spending a lot of time with my Mrs. Other than that, all good, man. We had the success of Bullet Proof the other day, the numbers are gonna be published soon, but I think we’ve done extremely well with those. Top Boy has been put on hold. We were meant to start filming this year but I can’t see that happening now, but who knows. No one really knows what the future holds right now, do they? I KNOW, IT’S CRAZY TIMES, HOW ARE YOU COPING WITH THE SELF-ISOLATION AND LOCKDOWN?
I think it’s just routine. I’m kind of a routine type of guy. We’re a family that loves a bit of routine so we’re pretty much doing the same thing every day and going around in the motions. I’m writing scripts, working on my laptop, answering emails, having Zoom meetings with the other producers of Top Boy, and Bullet Proof. We’ve got writing sessions coming up as well so that side of my work hasn’t stopped. I’VE RECENTLY FINISHED WATCHING TOP BOY (2019), YOUR PERFORMANCE WAS AMAZING. WHAT WAS THE AUDITION PROCESS FOR LANDING THE LEAD ROLE AS DUSHANE?
I was called in by Dez Hamilton, who I already had a good relationship with and who was a casting Director. I didn’t know Yann (Demange), who was a first time Director at that time. I was called in by Dez – I went in, read, the usual procedure. I think I did about three auditions before I got it. The rest is history really. At that point everything was quite setup for me to get that role because I had already just done Bullet Boy, that was a huge success, I just won the Most Promising New Comer Award at the BIFAs so I was a name that was in everyone’s mind.
CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPENED WHEN IT GOT CANCELLED AND THEN PICKED UP BY DRAKE?
It wasn’t commissioned again by Channel 4. We had two seasons with C4 and then they didn’t wanna go for the third. So that was it, it was a done deal. Drake, while he was making one of his albums managed to stumble across it on YouTube and watched the whole thing. Then he got in contact with me and asked “what’s happening with the show, why’s it not coming back?”, so we had a discussion about that which led to him making some enquiries, and then cut-to, we were basically getting a call from Netflix saying they wanna buy the show. I HEARD RUMOURS DRAKE MIGHT PLAY AN ACTING ROLE, IS THIS TRUE?
He was possibly gonna do something in Season one, I’m not sure how true that is now. I might be the first to know, but I don’t think so. I think his main thing (and he’s always maintained it throughout which is why he never took the role that we were offering him anyway), was that he’s a fan of the show and wants to stay a fan of the show. He doesn’t want to distract from what the show is about. I think it would be really hard for people to see Drake in a show like that. The example I always use is (and this is no offence to this guy or to Drake), just imagine Adam Woodyatt in Top Boy, it’s Ian Beale innit. You’re never going to get away from the fact that’s Ian Beale. Your mind is never going to be able to see past that, unless he does amazingly well as playing an East End London gangster, but I doubt it. It’s just one of those things, I think it just wasn’t right but none of us were against the idea, I think Drake is an amazing actor in his own right. He was acting before he made music. I’ve seen some of his old stuff and he can definitely pull off a role but I just don’t know if Top Boy is the show that he should be in.
PREVIOUSLY TO THIS LOCKDOWN, I WAS SURPRISED TO READ HOW MUCH YOU HAD GOING ON AND I DON’T KNOW HOW ANYONE COULD HUMANLY DO THAT. HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO JUGGLE SO MUCH?
Mate, if I’m honest with you I haven’t got a clue. It gets to the point where you wake up, your car’s outside, you get in and you go. What I do is I make sure I know my words, know my lines and do all the prep that I need to do on that side of things and the rest is in the hands of production, and whoever else, so I just go with the flow. But I get what you’re saying, between my wife, eight kids, the drama school (Kingdom Drama), all the production company (SLNda) and then Bullet Proof and Top Boy, and just keeping myself mentally well and physically well, there is not a lot of time in a day. IT’S VERY INSPIRING, WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR DRIVE AND CREATIVITY FROM?
100% from my mum. I grew up watching my mum work so many jobs as a single mum, struggling to put food on the table and make sure I had clothes and shoes on my feet. Just that alone – I have always had great work ethic when it comes to understanding that nothing is just gonna land on my lap. I’ve always been taught to work hard for it. That’s my first example and then I suppose as a man growing older, you just get a taste for it. I really get a taste for success. I like to win. I like to achieve. I get a buzz from seeing something through to the end, finishing and completing. And I love money as well. I love being able to take care of my kids and give them a different life. So all of those things I suppose are huge motivations when it comes to the trajectory that I am on and where I wanna be at the end of it.
BRILLIANT! WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING ACTORS?
What I always say, and I like to be consistent - the job isn’t for you if you are one of those people that are going to give up. You have to be persistent and determined. In the time that you are not working, in the time that it’s not happening for you in the way you want it to happen, you should be sharpening your knife, honing your craft and preparing yourself for when that opportunity comes, but you have to be in it to win it. 90% of the time people are going to tell you “no”, “it can’t happen”, “we don’t want you”, and you have to still walk out of those rooms believing that you are special and you deserve it. When someone’s always telling you “you’re sh*t” or “you’re no good”, or “it’s not working”, it can kind of get people depressed but you have to hit that wall and go through it and the other side is great. The darkest point of the night comes just before dawn – it’s the ones that last that test of time, that seem to get the success in the end.
SO BE TENACIOUS AND JUST KEEP GOING…
Yeah 100%. I mean, not blindly. There are a lot of people that haven’t got the talent. You can have the idea, you can be tenacious and want it, but you also have to come with the foundation. If you don’t you should have your eyes open enough to see what you need to develop or get better at. You shouldn’t be blind in your bullishness and your persistence. IS IT FAIR TO SAY THAT YOUR LIFE COULD HAVE EASILY GONE A DIFFERENT WAY FROM BACK IN THE SO SOLID CREW DAYS?
Yeah and it nearly did a few times. Obviously, I did a bit of time for the firearm possession. I had a moment where I was around the wrong people. Sometimes the littlest things save you, or the biggest things. For me, my kids saved me. I was lucky I had children at that point because when I first went to prison, I realised that I was creating the same environment for them that my dad created for me which I hated, because he wasn’t in my life, he was in prison most of the time. That was enough of a deterrent for me to change my ways and break some of the friendships that I had that were no good for me. AT WHAT POINT IN YOUR LIFE DID YOU SEE ACTING AND MUSIC AS A FINANCIALLY SECURE CAREER?
Probably after I did Bullet Boy. When I won the award. I think that’s when I saw that this could actually be a job. Before that I didn’t get it – it clicked for me when I made that film, the whole process of filming and production and doing the press for it after, and the work that you have to put in to make a quality product. I enjoyed it and I understood it at that point so I think from there.
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT SO FAR?
Career-wise I would say Bullet Proof and I say that because I produced the show, I write on the show, and I created it with Noel (Clarke). We’re the biggest show on Sky, numbers wise, ever! That was all from us sitting in a café in the West End and coming up with this idea and to see it come to fruition like this is amazing for me. Also being behind it is really cool. I suppose in life in general my babies, man, my kids are everything to me. WHAT POSITIVES CAN WE TAKE FROM THE LOCKDOWN?
I suppose if we are gonna take any positives from this, it’s how we relate with one another. After this scenario we are gonna realise just how much we take for granted just from being in each other’s space and presence. Because of the stuff that’s been going on over the past few years the world has become disconnected, especially because of social media. This is a reminder that we are all human and we all need to love each other a bit more. I feel like it probably won’t last for long and we will come out of this and people will have kinder spirits. At least for maybe two to three weeks [laughs]. I KNOW, GET US OUT OF THIS APOCALYPSE! COULD YOU EVER SEE YOURSELF PLAYING A ROLE IN AN APOCALYPSE OR ZOMBIE MOVIE?
Yeah, I could! I do everything based on the script. I’m not one of those people that focuses on genre, I just have to like the story and feel like there’s something I can do to bring out that character. If anything like that came around, it hasn’t yet, it would have to come and it would have to be good, because I think there’s a lot of them and a lot of the story lines are a bit dead. But if it was a good script, I’d be up for it. CAN YOU TELL US SOMETHING FUNNY OR SHARE A SECRET ABOUT YOURSELF?
Something most people don’t know is that when I do have off-time, I spend a lot of my time watching Judge Judy. I’m obsessed with that show. Ask my wife, I have got all the re-runs. Any half an hour or 15 minutes I get, between meetings or whatever, I’m watching Judge Judy.
SO YOU’RE A POPULAR CREATOR ON TIKTOK… FOR THOSE THAT DON’T KNOW, PLEASE CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE PLATFORM AND WHY IT’S SO POPULAR?
The reason why it is so popular is the fact that the app is designed around short-form videos. You can post videos anywhere from 15 seconds to a minute, and the best part is you can create videos to music or fun sounds. The app is filled with awesome challenges to new songs every day. Challenges can include dance, makeup, cosplay, comedy, art, and so much more. The app is all about showing off your creative side by being organic, authentic, and real. DO YOU THINK ITS POPULARITY WILL STAY AT SUCH HIGH LEVELS AND DO YOU THINK IT’S A SERIOUS CONTENDER AGAINST INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK AND TWITTER?
I believe that TikTok will continue to climb in 2020. Facebook already released a TikTok clone called Lasso in 2018, but the app flopped with an average of 100,000 active users since the app launch. I know that Instagram is on the rise of creating a TikTok clone called Reels. This app might be one to have a chance at competing with TikTok, but I do believe TikTok will soar high and far making it a top platform for the years to come.
HOW LONG AGO DID YOU JOIN TIKTOK?
I joined TikTok over a year ago, but my videos did not start taking off and reaching millions of views until March 2019. DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST VIDEO?
My first video was posted right after I moved to Canada in July of 2018. HOW HAS YOUR CONTENT CHANGED, IF AT ALL, SINCE YOU FIRST STARTED POSTING ON TIKTOK?
When I first started TikTok I had no idea what I was doing, so I started creating a load of comedy videos for about six months. I finally posted a dance video, and that is when my account started going viral, and where I changed my username to “Jayde Can Dance”. WHAT WERE THE MAIN FACTORS BEHIND YOU GROWING SUCH A HUGE FOLLOWING IN A RELATIVELY SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME?
My account started growing when I finally shared my passion, and my real talents. That is the key to the app – to find your passion, and stick with that theme. I have been dancing my whole life, so it has been easy for me to continue that niche on my account. DO YOU FEEL PART OF YOUR SUCCESS WAS DUE TO YOU BEING AN EARLY ADOPTER OF THE PLATFORM (AND DO YOU THINK OTHERS CAN BUILD A 1M+ FOLLOWING AS FAST AS YOU)?
I do believe that being an early adopter has had its advantages, but I see a load of new creators coming to the platform and growing quickly. I think anyone still has the opportunity; you just have to be creative, and stay consistent. WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU OFFER TO SOMEONE NEW JOINING?
Make sure you consume content and really understand the app before jumping into posting. Once you have consumed enough and get the concept of what videos do well, then start posting. Once you get posting, stay consistent. You must post daily. I aim for 2-4 times per day. Engage with your followers, and try and create a few trending videos but make them your own. Also, use the trending sounds; they get pushed out more onto the For You page.
YOU OFFER ADVICE TO BRANDS WANTING TO USE THE PLATFORM – WHAT ARE THE MAIN DIFFERENCES WHEN COMPARING PERSONAL ACCOUNTS TO BRANDS THAT USE TIKTOK?
There is no difference in how the account looks on TikTok whether it is a brand account or a personal account. If you are a brand using TikTok please make your account personal versus commercial. We want to see the people of your company, or real people enjoying your products or services. TikTok is anti commercial ads, and your account will get hate if you do so, so stay organic and you can really grow and reach a whole new consumer base. WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR SUCCESS SO FAR?
Oh my, there honestly has been so many amazing highlights over this last year. I would say being on Famous Birthdays is an absolute dream, and when I hit one million was incredible. That feeling was out of this world. But my biggest success was when I held my first meet and greet at my local mall and was able to meet over 2,000 fans who came to see me. Making my fans happy is why I continue to keep making good content, and wanting to do better. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR?
2020 is going to be a huge year of growth for me. If things go right , and as planned, I will be partnering with a huge mentor of mine to help really set a new tone for my personal brand, and help me grow to new lengths. I want to be at around 3 million followers by the end of 2020. I may have plans for a book release, a possible music album, and traveling the world speaking at conferences.
WHAT ARE YOUR LONG TERM PLANS AS A CONTENT CREATOR?
I plan on continuing to inspire and help educate people along my journey as a content creator. I hope to grow and collaborate with so many people over the years on my creator journey. HOW WOULD DESCRIBE TIKTOK TO AN OLD PERSON WHO DOESN’T UNDERSTAND TECHNOLOGY?
It is a place that you get to be your inner child. A place you get to have fun and be authentic. A place you get to make real organic relationships. A place you get to show off your creative passions. TELL US SOMETHING YOUR FANS WOULD NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU…
My mum was crazy enough to give me and my three younger siblings the exact same initials. All our names start with J, and our middle names all start with L. So we are all JLV. It is a pain if we get mail that is addressed to J Vincent as we never know who it truly is for.
2020 sees the PlayStation 2 celebrate its 20th Birthday! Whilst it canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t yet drink in some states in America, two decades of the system is still something to cheer about. To commemorate one of gamingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best ever consoles, here are the best five games that the system has to offer.
Although Sam Fisher started life on the Xbox, he subsequently made the jump to PlayStation. The first entry revolutionised stealth action gameplay, and on the third attempt Chaos Theory perfected the formula. Sam had to hide in the shadows waiting to pounce on his prey. Standing in the light made him visible to his enemies, but concealing himself in the darkness made him invisible. The player also had to take into account the amount of sound that they made, as running around would alert guards to Samâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presence, so a slower more methodical approach was required. The gameplay loop of watching enemiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; patrol patterns, avoiding detection and taking out guards after meticulous planning never felt so good. It also helped that Chaos Theory looked fantastic, but regardless, Chaos Theory is still a game that can easily be enjoyed today thanks to the way that it plays.
GTA 3 took a 2D game and created the blueprint for 3D open world games going forward, and GTA San Andreas made everything bigger and better. Either one of these games could have been on this list. Whilst GTA Vice City was not as revolutionary as 3 or as comprehensive as San Andreas, it deserves to be remembered as one of the greatest games of the era. What sets Vice City apart from other GTA entries and many other games is its 80s aesthetic. Vice City is a colourful, sunny, and neon soaked playground, complete with sandy beaches and palm trees. The game evokes massive nostalgia for the 80s and perfectly taps into the culture of the era, which is overtly apparent in the local radio stations that blast out a fantastic soundtrack of 80s hits.
Resident Evil 4 was originally a timed GameCube exclusive, but eventually came to the PS2. For PlayStation fans it was well worth the wait. RE4 took the survival horror roots of its predecessors and injected it with a massive dose of action. The slow movement and fixed camera angle were replaced by an over the shoulder view, and the ability to aim more precisely. Gone too were the zombies, replaced with infected villagers in a creepy Eastern European setting. Whilst RE4 dialled back the survival aspect of the series somewhat, it still made for a tense playthrough, perfectly blending a more action approach with that feeling of being overwhelmed. RE4 remains the pinnacle of all of the entries to attempt this style, and still holds up very well even today - a true mark of a great game.
Shadow of the Colossus is a breathtaking game which is almost completely devoid of story in its traditional form. You play as Wander, and atop your trusty steed must traverse a land bereft of human life or civilisation in order to hunt down 16 colossi. These Gargantuan creatures serve as boss battles and are a puzzle in their own right. The player must find their weak spot in order to defeat these giant foes. Colossus feels light on content on the surface, but the lack of interaction with others leaves a powerful mark as players are left to reflect on their actions and wonder about the world they are exploring. In a medium that is constantly feeding the player exposition, from cut scenes to diary entries left by NPCs, the gameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to allow the player to think for themselves is a welcome change. Even back on the PS2 the controls were deemed cumbersome, taking a shine off this masterpiece, however, there is a full remake on the PS4 that allows new players to experience this classic in a more modern aesthetic.
After fan backlash against Metal Gear Solid 2, and the game’s switch from Snake to Raiden, MGS3 set about doing everything right. Snake wasn’t technically back, as the game saw the player take control of Big Boss, from whom Snake is a clone of, but his name is still Snake as his code name is Naked Snake instead of the well-known Solid Snake. Phew. As you may have guessed, the story in Metal Gear can often at times be confusing and convoluted. MGS3, however, stands as one of the best examples of a story in a Metal Gear game, and one that manages to thread an emotional through-line about Snake and his mission to possibly have to tackle his mentor and potential defector Big Boss (yes ANOTHER Big Boss, don’t get me started again). The personal stakes help ground this grandiose story, but as is usually the case, it is the gameplay of MGS3 that truly makes this game remarkable. Set in a back-drop to the cold war, Snake must sneak his way through vast jungles, camouflaging himself in the process, all whilst taking on soldiers, the local wildlife and some of the best bosses the series has ever had.
MAX M IS RECOGNISED AS ONE OF THE FEW FRENCH EXPERTS IN HIS IT FIELD, AND NOW LEADS A DOUBLE CAREER. COMPOSER AND PRODUCER OF ELECTRONIC MUSIC WHILE HOLDING A HIGH POSITION IN AN AMERICAN MULTINATIONAL. MAX M LAUNCHED HIS NEW SINGLE IMAGINARY PROBLEMS, THE FIRST POP DANCE SONG AFTER THE SUCCESSES OF NEVER WANNA LEAVE AND UNDER WATER, RANKED FIRST AND FIFTH ON THE AMERICAN DJ SITE DIGITAL DJ POOL. PASSIONATE ABOUT MUSIC SINCE HIS ADOLESCENCE, MAX M STARTED MIXING AND COMPOSING AT THE AGE OF FOURTEEN BEFORE DEVOTING HIMSELF ENTIRELY TO HIS OTHER PASSION, COMPUTER STUDIES. AFTER A VERY GOOD PROFESSIONAL CAREER, HE DECIDED, AT FORTY, TO TAKE PIANO LESSONS, AND FOCUS ON COMPOSITION AND PRODUCTION. WE CAUGHT UP WITH THE ELECTRONIC PRODUCER TO TALK ABOUT HIS SOUND, NEW MUSIC, CAREER AND FUTURE PLANS...
HELLO PIERRE, FIRSTLY THANK YOU FOR GIVING US YOUR TIME TODAY. CAN WE START BY YOU LETTING US KNOW HOW YOU CAME UP WITH THE ARTIST NAME MAX M?
Hello Ben, many thanks for the interview opportunity! I’m afraid I’ve not been very original on that one Ben! Max is my middle-name and M is the first letter of my last name. I liked how it sounded! IT’S A REALLY CATCHY NAME! PLEASE CAN YOU EXPLAIN HOW YOU FOUND YOURSELF GETTING INTO THE ELECTRONIC MUSIC PRODUCER SCENE?
I have quite an unusual story. I began DJing and composing when I was a teenager but my studies soon took over leaving little time for music. I then went on to concentrate on my other passion: computer science, which I studied at university. Through this I embarked on a really nice worldwide career. When I reached the age of 40, I decided to rekindle with my first love, took piano lessons and trained in production in order to get back behind the synthesizers. Actually, it all started with my girlfriend and a good friend challenging me to do it!
THAT’S REALLY INTERESTING! HOW HAS YOUR MUSIC TASTE CHANGED OVER THE YEARS SINCE YOU FIRST STARTED DJING?
Although my music gravitates towards electronic pop music, I always had very eclectic tastes. I appreciate all kinds of styles like American Jazz, Rap or even Symphonic Metal. I can’t say that DJing or producing did change my tastes over the years however it really pushed me to listen to more and more music. CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SOUND?
I love making “secretly complex” tunes. I appreciate complex harmonies and strive to include them in my compositions. I’m doing my best to hide them though as I feel it’s important for them not to be obvious upon first listen. I like to see music as a game with questions and answers between the elements, ultimately like a discussion. I hate repetitiveness and to me it’s all about playing with subtle variations.
THE FIRST TRACK I LISTENED TO WAS UNDER WATER, AND THEN I FOUND NEVER WANNA LEAVE, AND IT’S ANOTHER AMAZING TRACK! YOU’VE CERTAINLY GOT SOMETHING VERY SPECIAL HERE, AS I AM SURE YOU’RE AWARE. WHICH OF THE TWO TRACKS DO YOU LIKE THE MOST, AND WHY?
Thank you very much Ben! I’m really excited to hear that you love both tracks. I also love the two of them but if I had to pick one it’d be ‘Never Wanna Leave’, for the groove and the dance vibes. HOW MUCH INPUT DO YOU HAVE IN THE VIDEOS?
For the ‘Under Water’ and ‘Never Wanna Leave’ I was able to decide globally about the story and refine the post production. For the next video it’ll be a little bit different as it will be a bigger project and I should have more input. WOW, EXCITING! WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN AIMS AS A PRODUCER?
Produce good music that will (hopefully) speak to people and make them want to dance. WHAT’S YOUR STUDIO SETUP LIKE?
A big desk in a treated room hosting Focal monitors, Universal Audio interfaces, an API preamp, several midi controllers including an 88 keys keyboard and a Mac Pro 2019. A Moog One sits next to the desk. On the other side of the room there is another desk with all the DJ equipment.
I HAVE A LOAD OF VINYL AND SOME PRETTY WORN-OUT TECHNIC 1210S, I WAS LOOKING ONLINE RECENTLY AND HADN’T REALISED THERE’S NOW MK7S!! I AM HOPING TO UPGRADE SOON. DO YOU HAVE ANY VINYL AND WHAT’S YOUR MOST PRECIOUS RECORD?
I love vinyl! I actually have a vintage Technics SL1700 I got from my father that I upgraded with a Nagaoka cell. I have a decent amount of vinyls but actually find the vintage ones to have the best sound. One of my favourites is Simon & Garfunkel live in Central Park. I’VE NEVER HEARD ABOUT TECHNICS SL1700S SO I’LL BE CHECKING THOSE OUT! YOU’RE CLEARLY AT THE BEGINNING OF A VERY EXCITING CAREER, WHAT ELSE HAVE YOU GOT PLANNED FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR?
Fingers crossed! I love making music and the most important to me is to keep having fun! I’ve just released a remix of ‘Never Wanna Leave’ performed by the German DJ Klaas and I’m now working on two singles and one EP to be released before the end of the year. I’ve also started some really interesting collaboration discussions SUPERB. WHO INSPIRES YOU MUSICALLY?
My main influences range from Jean-Michel Jarre to David Guetta whilst including Max Martin, Calvin Harris and Zedd. WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT IN THE INDUSTRY TO DATE?
Well, to be honest I don’t think I’ve had any big achievements yet. I’m just moving forward step-by-step and really happy with the results so far as it seems my music speaks to some people!
IMAGINARY PROBLEMS OUT NOW!
MUSIC MATTERS Subscribe
Beardyman | Who Ate The Cheese Beardyman has one serious question to ask you: Who Ate the Cheese? Just go check out this drum and bass, beatboxing/looping craziness, it’s awesome!
Wilstar | Ghost
This hip hop/rap/grime track has eerie sounds, big beats, catchy hooks and distinctive lyrics. The video is really impressive, shot mostly in the forest with an edgy vibe to suit its sound. This is certainly one to add to your playlist!
Brotherhood | Breaking News
Menace from Brotherhood raps over a clip from Trizzy Tracks and hits hard with some deep words about the world. His flow, speed and delivery are superb. No wonder Brotherhood are gaining serious attention!
ONE TO WATCH!
Max M Never Wanna Leave Our ‘One to Watch’ was certainly a tough choice but this edition, goes to Max M who is releasing superb, world class electro music, who loves making “secretly complex” tunes – this subtle complexity really polishes his tunes off perfectly! TURN. IIT. UP!
Email music submissions to: info@pocketmediagroup.co.uk
HOW ARE YOU FEELING BLAINE, AFTER HAVING RELEASED A BILLION HEARTBEATS, AND WHAT MUST HAVE BEEN SOME DIFFICULT TIMES LEADING UP TO IT?
I’m ok actually, thanks for asking. I think the lockdown has been testing on everyone’s mental health but must be hardest for people with frail relatives or who’s jobs would have required them to travel. Although artists are unable to travel at the moment and make our living through live shows, many of us are able to work from home so in some ways, life is not that different. The band’s studio is in the basement of the building I live in, which is a bit of a saving grace for me at the moment. If I find myself going a bit crazy, I can just go down there and have a little scream into the microphone or a bash on the drums. It usually helps.
WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND THE ALBUM, AND WHAT MESSAGES DOES A BILLION HEARTBEATS SEND OUT?
The songs on ‘A Billion Heartbeats’ were inspired by my experiences attending marches which took place outside my front window during an 18-month period, whilst I was living as a property guardian in an abandoned office building opposite Trafalgar Square, between 2017-2019. The atmosphere in the city during that post-referendum era felt the most hostile time I can remember as a native Londoner, and yet attending marches gave me hope and a different perspective on the depressing political narratives of the mainstream media. From ‘Save our NHS’ to ‘Refugees welcome here’ to ‘International Women’s Day’ to ‘Dump Trump’ to ‘Extinction Rebellion’s takeover of the city, I found myself in situations where I had the rare chance to listen to other people’s stories and experiences, which both educated and filled me with a sense of hope for the future. I wanted to put that feeling into our music.
DO YOU FIND IT EASIER TO WRITE WHILST TRAVELLING AND IN GOOD SPIRITS, OR DOES THE PRESSURE OF POLITICS AND PROTESTS MAKE FOR AN EASIER SCENARIO TO BE ABLE TO FIND INSPIRATION TO WRITE?
Previously, I’ve always sought isolation in my creative process, whether it’s been renting houseboats in the countryside or beach cabins on deserted beaches in the middle of winter - and actually this record started this way too. I booked a month-long writing trip to Iceland in January of 2017, intending to dig up some new songs that way - but when I was out there It dawned on me that the record I needed to write could only be penned from being in the thick of it. I took inspiration from the great war poets and Magnum Photo-Journalists like Henri Cartier Bresson - artists who captured candid glimpses of troubled times. One could perhaps rightly argue that journalism has no place in songwriting, but what music can do is act like a mirror reflecting back the feelings of the era in which it was written. I had never looked at Mystery Jets’ music in that way so it was a whole new way of writing for me.
WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL FAVOURITE TRACK FROM THE ALBUM AND WHY?
Our songs are essentially like our children, which makes it very hard to pick a favourite. Essentially it comes down to who has been behaving themselves that week. At the moment Campfire Song is a bit of a favourite. It almost didn’t make the cut but was saved from the scrapheap by myself and Matt Twaites (Jets co-producer), so we probably feel a heightened sense of responsibility for that one. I’m enjoying Endless City a lot at the moment too, in a way it’s William’s parting gift to the band.
AS AN ARTIST, WHAT GIVES YOU THE MOST AMOUNT OF SATISFACTION?
The most satisfaction always comes from seeing ways in which our music can help other people’s lives, in however small a way. People have been married to our songs and people have been laid to rest to our songs. I used to share the ‘stay-in-your-lane’ attitude when it came to critiquing artists trying to attach their names to worthy causes, but in time my feelings toward that have changed. Cynicism is for people who think they know the price of everything but in truth know the value of nothing.
All of us on this planet are only here for a finite period of time and are ultimately all faced with the same question - how can we be more useful? How can we help change the world for the better? That could be lobbying gun manufacturers, campaigning for trans rights, or in the words of the American poet Elizabeth Acevedo, raising your daughter to be a sword, a spear. I use my platform to fight to make live music accessible to all audiences. Forcing venues, festivals and the British music industry to recognise the needs of deaf and disabled audiences. Music is the most powerful medicine we have; it should be for everyone.Â
IT’S DIFFICULT NOT TO MENTION COVID-19 AS IT’S HAD SUCH A LARGE IMPACT ON THE WORLD. HOW HAS IT AFFECTED YOU PERSONALLY, AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ADAPT IN THESE CHALLENGING TIMES?
COVID-19 has been described as the universe’s way of sending us all to our bedrooms to think of what we have done. A huge amount of people have fallen victim to this terrible disease and I would never want to trivialise it, but it seems very clear to me that we cannot - and will not walk back into the same world we came from. We’ve been granted a rare glimpse into our dependency on all these systems which govern us consumerism, globalisation, the toxic popularity contest of social media. For the first time in recent history, the world is united against a common enemy and this is a chance to recognise the divisions which have come to polarise our society. A window of opportunity has opened up and only if we all take the time to look through it will we have the chance to see ourselves as a whole again. AS A BAND THAT’S BEEN AROUND FOR 17 YEARS, WHAT, IN YOUR OPINION, SEPARATES GOOD BANDS, FROM GREAT BANDS?
Don’t water yourself down, or shape yourself to be more palpable to what you think other people want you to be. Let the world come to you. Don’t try to be the next Sonic Youth, Foals, Coldplay, Lizzo or Adele. Those are all great artists because they followed their own calling. Sing in your own voice, because everyone else is taken. Believe in yourself and before you know it, other people will too. It’s the law of the universe. And be humble. WHAT’S THE BIGGEST RISK YOU’VE TAKEN AS A BAND?
Putting out our sixth record during a global pandemic. WHICH VENUE ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO PLAYING AT THE END OF THE YEAR, FOR YOUR TOUR?
Ultimately, we will only play venues who have actively taken an interest in going out of their way to be more inclusive to diverse audiences. Pretty lights and decorative balconies and a crystal clear 5000W soundsystems are all lovely but if you can’t get in the door to appreciate them what’s the point? Some of my favourite smaller venues are rooms like Norwich’s Waterfront, the Wedgewood Rooms in Portsmouth, or larger venues like The Roundhouse in London or The Ritz in Manchester.
CAN YOU TELL US A FUNNY STORY FROM YOUR TIMES ON THE ROAD, TOURING?
Around three years ago we were invited by an esteemed college at Cambridge University to come and play the summer ball. After the show, a couple of the students found their way back to our dressing room to bring us an offering in the form of “jazz cigarettes”. Before we’d barely had time to get to know our guests, the venue security burst into the room and ordered us to leave the campus immediately. Carrying on the celebrations back at our hotel,
we awoke the next morning to news that one of the student reps had attempted to sell the story to The Mail on Sunday in efforts to make a quick buck. Although our manager was quick to quash the story as mere Chinese whispers, it was a sterling effort on their behalf to garner us a little bit of rock and roll kudos with the British media. It’s perhaps needless to say that we haven’t been invited back since.
...and track your progress. 100 push ups a day? No problem. You don’t need to do them all in one go - you could do it in sets of 10, or even 5, throughout the day. You’ll be amazed how quickly you get stronger!
There are some great playlists already made on apps like Spotify you can also make your own. Whatever gets you up and moving will work - never underestimate the power of an absolute banger.
If you usually have healthier meals in the week and then treat yourself a bit more at weekends, then make an effort to keep to it even if every day feels like a Saturday.
We’re lucky enough to live in an era where we can do a lot virtually. There are multiple classes and events you can join via social platforms. Need a bit of 1-2-1 motivation? Find out if classes or people you’ve worked with before have offered their services remotely - I have started coaching my clients via video calling and, although it took some clients a while to get used to it, it’s working brilliantly!
We don’t know what the future looks like, but we do know that we’ll come out the other side of this. This is an opportunity to take some time (something we all usually have too little of) to focus on ourselves. And when we start to settle into a new normal, we’ll have all done it together.
Imagine a life where you never have to work. Most people would be lying if they said they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to be financially independent, but very few people successfully manage it. If you dream of a life without labour, the following advice suggests some habits and tips that will set you on the right path...
Being financially independent means that you have enough money to comfortably pay your living expenses and enjoy a good quality of life without having to work a full-time job. There are several ways people can achieve this. Ignoring the unlikely possibility of receiving a vast inheritance from a long-lost relative, people manage to reach financial independence through methods such as investing, saving, and generating passive income. Although it is an extremely challenging objective to reach, the tips outlined here are proven ways that people have managed to achieve financial independence.
It sounds obvious, but to make money, you must spend less than you earn. When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just starting on the road to financial independence, this is the best time to begin building money-saving habits that will set you up for future success. Create a budget of your incomings and outgoings and continuously strive to increase the former while cutting back on the latter. Where can you make cost-savings in your daily life? A materialist mindset of always needing the latest and most expensive things will set you back considerably. Once you realise a high-powered sports car is not essential, you will be in a better position to amass wealth.
A crucial step to achieving financial independence is to rid yourself of any debt. Make your money work for you rather than for the bank. Credit cards and loans are all common ways people get themselves into debt. Avoiding high-interest repayments in your life will set you in good stead.
One way to generate passive income is to multiply your savings. Putting aside your hard-earned money into a savings account or bonds that will produce high interest is a brilliant way to see more money trickle in. Do some research on the available options.
For those wondering how to build wealth without working, investing in property is your answer. If you have amassed enough money to do so, buying a property can provide you with an extremely lucrative revenue stream that requires very little work in the long run. A well-managed property portfolio can allow you to earn income through rental payments and capital appreciation. You can hire a property management company to take care of all the maintenance and management so you can enjoy the profit without spending a lot of time. Art and collectibles are also great investments to put your money into, as these often massively appreciate in value over time. Many investors also choose to build wealth through the stock market. Reaching financial independence takes a lot of hard work and careful strategy in the initial stages, but once you get there, you can sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labour. And you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need millions in the bank to get started. With the right combination of hard work, motivation, and opportunity, anyone can become financially independent.
Everyone always says Fresherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is the best time at university. Everything is new and exciting and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re away from home for the very first time! But it is the unique charm of the second year of university, sandwiched between the wide-eyed wonder of the first year and the panic inducing OH-GOD-I-HAVE-TO-FIND-A- JOB-ness of the third year that makes it the best. A lot of the time, the middle film in a trilogy gets a lot of flack. But just look at The Dark Knight. I rest my case.
The first year of any undergraduate course is getting everyone up to speed. Getting everyone used to independent learning, the structure of lectures and seminars and how to write a university standard essay. It’s the tutorial level. That’s why it doesn’t count against your high score (degree classification). This is the year that you can really get to grips with the subject you chose to study. You finally have a chance to learn from some of the best minds in your field and are able to express yourself properly. Also you now know how to work the library photocopiers.
In the first year, you were most likely thrown in with a random assortment of other teenagers, similar to when your mum said “don’t worry, there will be other little boys there to play with!”. After discovering that A) you had nothing in common and B) you hated each other, you can now live with people you are actually friends with.
The second year of university is a great learning time for doing grown-up stuff. Stuff that isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fun or sexy, but that needs doing. Like occasionally cleaning the oven, or paying bills. Yes, you will be late with a few gas bills. Yes, at one time the house WILL be an absolute pig sty. But the point is that in your second year you get the chance to grow and learn as a person and make the odd mistake to help round yourself off.
And that ladies and gentlemen, is why the second-year rocks harder than any other. At the end of this year you have freedom, time to chill out with friends and relax in general. The third years will have a sweaty panic about not having anyone to clear their massive overdraft and having to move back in with mum and dad. Schadenfreude at its finest.
No one particularly enjoys talking about “safe sex” and no one wants to be preached to. But it’s something we should all be clued up on. No sex is 100% safe regardless of the precautions you take – but there are ways you can be confident of being safe if you follow some simple guidelines…
Simple to do and top of our list – prevention is better than cure! Don’t forget to check the expiry date!
Experimenting, one-night stands, curiosity – they are all part of growing up and becoming sexually active. It’s completely normal to have more than one sexual partner in your lifetime, but the more you have, the more you are putting yourself at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Some STI symptoms are obvious, some not so much. Chlamydia is just one of the many sexually transmitted infections that usually goes unnoticed and leaving it untreated can lead to serious fertility problems. So even if you “think” you are fine – sometimes it pays to just go and get checked out!
And any other substance abuse for that matter! When your senses are dull due to alcohol or being high, your mind isn’t going to be thinking about being “safe”. You are more likely to take unnecessary risks while under the influence of alcohol and one night of bad choices could affect you for life.
I don’t mean get married and have kids. Just get to know someone before you jump into bed with them – even if it will only be a one-time thing. Not only will it make sex more comfortable, it will make communication easier therefore discussing safe sex beforehand shouldn’t be an issue.
You might want it, but it doesn’t mean you should have it! Especially if you know both of you are unprepared. It might seem like the wrong decision at the time, but you won’t be thinking this way if you have to get yourself to a clinic for the wrong reasons!
Editor in Chief: Ben Farrin Content Manager: Elliot Norman Graphic Design: Make North Contributors: Ben Coleman, Billy Clarke, Jack Shannon, Lucy Drinkwater
Advertising Enquiries: Email: info@pocketmediagroup.co.uk
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