Student Pocket Guide Summer 2023 #52 | Belfast

Summer BABY, YEAHHOOO! Lucky people will be going to festivals, on road trips, or on holiday. Those not able to (because you’re skint), fear not - we’ve got some big discounts in this issue! You might just save enough money for a festival ticket, or get lucky winning a pair - read on to fi nd out more ;)

Now that you’re in good spirits, you share that feeling with cover star Beabadoobee who’s “in a good spot in life”, and “feeling good all round”. With new music, a European tour and upcoming US tour supporting Taylor Swift, it’s no wonder! We caught up to talk about major successes and all things music, during a massive moment in her career.

If you’re attending a festival this year, look out for Rudimental who are absolutely smashing it. Signed to a new label the band enter a new era, releasing new music, and celebrate 10 years since the release of their fi rst album. Are they recording a new album? Read on to fi nd out!...

Darude is back releasing bangers and talks to us about his incredible career, new record label and reminices about his chart-topping hit Sandstorm, which still gives him goosebumps!

Content creator, comedian, and actor, Sophie Craig shares her story, experiences, and offers words of wisdom to aspiring actors. Grafting her way to success, Sophie’s hilarious sketches are gaining huge traction on socials and she’s just about to star in her own debut play “I Love You, Now What”.

There’s so much love going on right now, and it’s time for me to love you and leave you to get stuck into the treats we’ve prepared for you in the pages ahead. Enjoy the read, save lots of money, have an amazing summer and we’ll see you soon...

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Deadline for applications: 22 September 2023

HEY BEA, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME. WE’RE EXCITED TO TALK WITH YOU AGAIN, THIS TIME AS OUR COVER STAR! CAN WE GO BACK IN TIME FOR A MOMENT... AS A SCHOOL STUDENT, YOU GOT INTO TROUBLE FOR YOUR DRAWINGS OF BEATOPIAIT’S SAD TO HEAR HOW YOUR TEACHER TREATED YOU, BUT AMAZING TO SEE HOW YOU DIDN’T GIVE UP ON YOUR IMAGINATION AND YOUR DREAMS. HOW DID YOU FEEL EMOTIONALLY WHEN YOU RELEASED THE ALBUM, ESPECIALLY AS BEATOPIA WAS LOCKED AWAY FOR SO MANY YEARS? (AND WE ASSUME YOUR TEACHER NOW KNOWS WHAT A SUPERSTAR YOU ARE!?)

It was amazing to release the album. It was like writing the ending to a story I started and had left un nished for years. A full circle going back to that moment but nally putting it all into words, sounds and visuals. It was therapeutic but more than anything it was fun! Beatopia is a special record for me, it’s the exact album I wanted to make, so I’m proud and just want people to hear it and enjoy it with me. My old teacher can hear it too, haha.

SUNNY DAY - IT’S THE PERFECT SONG TO LIFT THE MOOD AND PUT A SMILE ON ANYONE’S FACE. CAN YOU LET US KNOW, WHAT IS THE PERFECT DAY FOR YOU, TO LIFT YOUR MOOD AND MAKE YOU SMILE?

A perfect day for me would be a waking up with my boyfriend with a nice blue-sky day, we’d be travelling and doing something cute together, maybe guring out plans later in the evening with our friends. Either that or a day where I’m with family. I had some perfect days recently when travelling to Iloilo where I’m from and it was like a little paradise.

THE PERFECT PAIR IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SONGS, THE VIBE IS JUST INCREDIBLE. TRULY STUNNING. POWERFUL BUT GENTLE, CREATIVE, AND BEAUTIFULLY MATURE. HOW DO YOU FEEL YOUR MUSIC HAS DEVELOPED SINCE YOUR EARLIER BEDROOM SESSION DAYS?

Thank you! I feel like I’ve just been able to experiment more and be free to try things and go in directions where it’s new. That’s the most important thing for me. When I was starting, I did acoustic bedroom out of necessity, it was just me and my acoustic in my room. Then I was able to try new things with a full band and able to grow the sound. I’ve almost come full circle again re-falling in love with the acoustic side but now able to be more lush and grand with strings quartets or other instruments like trumpets or, like on Perfect Pair, add something like a Bossa nova beat. It’s about trying new things but still being true to you and what you like. I’m excited for people to hear where I go next. There’s lots of ideas already!

A LOT OF PEOPLE COMMENT ON YOUR MUSIC VIDEOS ABOUT HOW WELL YOU CAPTURE THE NOSTALGIC SOUND. IT MAKES MANY PEOPLE FEEL LIKE THEY ARE TEENAGERS AGAIN. I ALSO COULDN’T HELP BUT NOTICE THE POSTER OF TOM HANKS FROM BIG IN YOUR 2019 BEDROOM SESSION VIDEOS. WHAT ARE YOUR FONDEST MEMORIES OR THINGS THAT MAKE YOU FEEL NOSTALGIC?

I spent some time in my old room recently, which is where I wrote all my music so far, and it’s probably the most nostalgic place ever for me. That and going back home to the Philippines where I saw family. There’s so many memories to those two places, especially now that I’m there less and less.

KNOWING THAT YOU ARE CONNECTING WITH MILLIONS OF PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD MUST FEEL AMAZING. HAVE YOU FOUND THAT RELEASING MUSIC HELPS BUILD INNER CONFIDENCE WITHIN YOURSELF?

It’s something I’m still working on and always will but I’m feeling very grateful for where I am and how I’ve been able to make music my life. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and it’s a real blessing people connect with what I’m saying through my music. I’m just being honest and writing from the heart, so it’s a good feeling people resonate. My fans are the coolest and it all means so much to me.

GLUE SONG IS YOUR FIRST RELEASE SINCE YOUR ACCLAIMED ALBUM BEATOPIA WAS RELEASED LAST YEAR. CAN YOU TELL US IN YOUR OWN WORDS WHAT THIS SONG REPRESENTS?

Glue is a funny term and it’s such a great way to look at something –we use it to x things and to stick to things. This song represents being in a good spot in life. I’m happy and turned a new leaf and feeling good all round with things. This is a happy song. A true feel-good song written in that mind set.

YOU HAVE A HUGE EUROPEAN TOUR COMING UP. ARE THERE ANY STAND OUT VENUES FOR YOU AND PLACES YOU ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO VISITING AND PERFORMING AT?

Yes, all of them. I haven’t spent enough time in Europe, and it’s my rst headlines there, so I’m very excited. I can’t wait to do Paris, Milan, and Amsterdam but there are so many great spots I’m looking forward to from Copenhagen and Munich. There will be lots of rst times for me to fall in love with and want to come back to. I hope Europe is ready for the extra special show we have set up for them!

BEABADOOBEE SUPPORTING TAYLOR

SWIFT!! PLEASE CAN YOU TELL US AS MUCH AS YOU CAN ABOUT THIS? HOW DOES IT FEEL, HOW DID IT HAPPEN, WHEN DID YOU LAST SPEAK? WE WANT TO KNOW ALL THE GOSSIP!

Taylor and I met a few times at awards shows and she’s been so, so sweet supporting me when I release a song by sharing it or adding it to her playlists. Little things like that. I think she is a God and one of the best in the game, representing female musicians to the highest level. She is a boss and joining her on tour is going to be super fun! Ages ago I said it would be a dream to support her so this is extra special that it’s happening now.

THIS IS HUGE NEWS. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR SUCH AN INCREDIBLE TOUR EXPERIENCE?

Thankfully we’ve had lots of time on the road to be ready and did some big arena shows with The 1975 but other than that we’ll make a new set for the show and then just go for it. It’s going to be amazing, and we’ll just jump right in and soak it all up. We can’t wait to see her show every night.

WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE YOUR ONGOING MAJOR SUCCESS TO?

That’s a good question, there’s a bit of luck and fate in life for everyone. I’ve written a lot and released a lot of music for a start, and I’ve got a great team I work with and throughout I’ve been 100% me and honest in my music and art. I think people can feel that and that’s what clicks but, who knows, it’s all crazy and I’m still trying to gure it all out! Someone tell me if you know!

2022 WAS A HUGE YEAR FOR YOU AND 2023 IS SHOWING NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN. AS A MUSICIAN THAT’S ALREADY ACHIEVED SO MUCH, WHAT GOALS, DREAMS AND AMBITIONS WILL YOU PURSUE IN THE FUTURE AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR FOCUS?

Just to keep going and enjoying it all. Having fun and staying happy and in the spot I’m in right now. Finding a good balance of life and work and continuing to grow musically with what I make and release. I’d like to make sure I can help people too along the journey, whether that’s through the music or other new ventures coming up in life. I’m excited to collaborate with more people in the future on new music and projects. Thanks for having me : )

(FOREIGN BEGGARS) (LIVE) (EX PRODIGY)

Now that the summer months are coming around you should try and take advantage of the good weather and move your studying outside while you can. Research has shown that there are bene ts to both learning and studying outside amongst nature, but as the weather is constantly uctuating you’ll need to move quick. If you’re not convinced yet, check out these 5 bene ts of studying outside.

When you’re feeling lethargic studying outside can be a great way to refresh yourself and give you the energy you need to keep going. Not only are you giving yourself a change of scene and some fresh air, but studies have shown that spending 20 minutes outside can have the same e ects as drinking a cup of co ee. Studying outside can revitalise you so you are able to continue working with the same level of enthusiasm you had when you started, rather than gradually teetering o until you run out of energy.

It has been shown that being out in nature can reduce cortisol levels by up to 12%. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that helps regulate our bodies’ stress levels (which is why it is known as the Stress Hormone). High levels of cortisol can increase feelings of stress and anxiety as well as cause other medical problems. Studying can obviously be very stressful, so you want to do everything you can to create a relaxing and calm environment for you to work in, so you aren’t needlessly increasing your stress levels. Studying outside is a great start to creating the perfect environment, being surrounded by the quiet sounds of nature and the feeling of the sun’s rays or a summer breeze exudes calm.

The sun is a crucial natural source of vitamin D for our bodies, by studying outside you increase your exposure to the sun and increase your vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is known to improve people’s moods, making studying more enjoyable and therefore easier. According to studies, people’s moods improved by 20% after going for a walk or being in nature, so even if you can’t or don’t want to do your studying outside use your study breaks to go on a quick walk and absorb all that precious vitamin D and make yourself feel better.

Studies have shown that being in nature can make you up to 60% more creative and improve your problem-solving skills. This is thought to be because the natural environment allows you to think outside the box, so you are able to come up with more creative solutions. This is particularly useful when you are studying creative or subjective subjects that have no clear answer and instead revolve around your interpretation of the topic.

This may not be the case for everyone, but for those of you who live with your families or have housemates studying outside can be really helpful. It’s a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the house and have some time to yourself, so you can give your undivided attention to your work. Being able to focus better will improve the quality of your work and should help you improve your grades, as your work re ects your full ability rather than what you are able to do when you are surrounded by distractions.

As soon as we get any decent weather there is one thing we always do.  That’s right it’s time to get the grill out. Now, considering we don’t get this chance very often, we can be a bit all over the place when it comes to organising BBQs. That won’t be a problem anymore. There’s a BBQ hack for almost anything to help make your lives easier, so you can enjoy a BBQ as much as anyone else.

Fruits and vegetables are essential sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are crucial for good health. Aim to include a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables in your diet. This will ensure you’re getting a range of nutrients.

Tin foil is a really useful tool to have when you have a BBQ. It can be used while cooking food on the grill or to keep it warm for your guests. There’s a tin foil BBQ hack for both vegetables and meat. If you or some of your guests are vegetarian or vegan it can be hard to make sure their food doesn’t get contaminated by any meat products or come into contact with meat juices. A quick and easy way to cater to people who don’t eat meat is to get their favourite vegetables together, add a splash of oil and season with herbs.  Then simply wrap the vegetables in a tin foil parcel and voila, you can cook the meal without fear of contamination. Plus, the tin foil helps the vegetables cook evenly.

There’s also a brilliant tin foil BBQ hack for meat. After you’ve taken the meat o the grill, create a loose tent over it with tin foil. This helps to prevent the meat drying out, retaining the moisture and allowing the meat juices to meld together.

Onions aren’t just limited to cooking. This next BBQ hack might sound strange, but you should de nitely give it a go.  Cleaning the grill before a BBQ can turn into a real chore and put you o the whole idea. The easy solution is to take half an onion and wipe it along each rung of the grill. The acidity of the onion helps break down any dirt and grease, leaving you with a clean grill. Plus, it adds a little extra onion avour to whatever you cook, making it even tastier.

People who love kebabs will want to know about this BBQ hack. To prevent the skewers for kebabs burning, drying out and breaking, or starting to smoke, soak them in water for a couple of hours before making the kebabs and putting them on the grill. Keeping the skewers submerged in water until you’re ready to use them stops them getting scorched.

Speaking of kebabs, if you’ve run out of skewers or want to try something di erent you should give herbs a try. Another  BBQ hack that you might not know is using herbs as skewers. Instead of a boring wooden skewer try threading your vegetables or meat etc. on to herbs like rosemary. Not only does this make the kebabs look more interesting but it makes them more avoursome as the herbs impart avour to the kebab while its cooking on the grill.

If you want to increase the avour of your food even more you can also spread herbs directly into the charcoal of your BBQ. This enhances the taste of your food as it cooks on the grill. Happy grilling : )

HEY RUDIMENTAL, WE’RE VERY EXCITED TO CATCH UP! SO, YOU RECENTLY SIGNED TO ROOM TWO (PART OF COLUMBIA RECORDS) AND RELEASED “BREAK MY HEART”. WHAT A TUNE! DOES THIS ERA MARK A NEW CHAPTER FOR THE BAND?

Yeah, it de nitely feels like a new era for us. I think with being stuck at home for the last few years due to the pandemic we’ve found our London roots again and are excited about all the new upcoming British artists and sounds. This almost feels like we are going full circle and coming back to our rst album type of vibes, and we are super excited for the next set of releases.

“BREAK MY HEART”, DESERVEDLY SO, MADE CLARA AMFO’S HOTTEST RECORD IN THE WORLD ON RADIO 1CONGRATULATIONS! HOW DOES IT FEEL TO STILL HAVE THE BEST SOUND IN THE WORLD AFTER ALL THESE YEARS OF MAKING MUSIC?

It was amazing to have Clara Amfo’s hottest record, we’re so grateful for Radio 1’s support over the years. It feels real good to still be relevant and playing on radio after all these years.

AS YOU’RE SIGNED TO A NEW LABEL, ARE YOU TAKING THINGS IN A NEW DIRECTION, WHAT CAN FANS EXPECT?

We have signed to Room Two at Columbia Records. It feels really exciting, they are giving us the creative freedom we need and really understand our sound. We’ve been making lots of dnb vibes and dance vibes, big festival moments you can rave out to. We are also going back to working with exciting new artists and hopefully break the next phase of Britain’s vocalists that you will hear about for the next 10 years!

WHEN ARE WE GOING TO SEE A NEW ALBUM, AND WHAT CREATIVE DIRECTION DO YOU ENVISAGE IT TAKING?

We are mainly releasing singles this year but are putting together an album in the background ready for 2024. It’s hard to give a creative direction just yet as we are just getting started on it but can de nitely say there will be plenty of upbeat moments you can rave to.

DO YOU HAVE ANY UPCOMING COLLABORATIONS PLANNED OR ANY ARTISTS ON YOUR RADAR?

We are working with a lot of new exciting artists and hopefully break the next phase of British talent you will hear from over the next 10 years!

Peter Xan, Eliza Legzdina, Venbee, Charlotte Plank, Morgan are some of the new super talented artists we have been working with.

IS THERE ANY SCIENCE BEHIND THE TIME TRACKS TAKE YOU TO FINISH? AND ARE YOU SITTING ON MUCH MATERIAL, MAYBE PARTIALLY COMPLETE THAT MIGHT OR MIGHT NOT OFFICIALLY EVER BE RELEASED?

There’s no science to us nishing a track really. Just when we feel it’s right otherwise the nishing process can go on forever. There’s loads of music we make that might not see the light of day but we are thinking of new ways to give fans an insight to this catalogue.

WITH FESTIVAL SEASON UPON US, WE’RE SO EXCITED TO HEAR ABOUT “RUDIMENTAL LIVE”, A MASSIVE OPEN-AIR SHOW COMING UP THIS SUMMER AT SOUTH FACING FESTIVAL CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF YOUR 2013 SEMINAL ALBUM “HOME”. WE CAN’T QUITE BELIEVE IT’S BEEN 10 YEARS! WHAT TRACK ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO PERFORM LIVE?

It’s crazy that it’s been 10 years since our rst album Home. We are gassed to have our own show celebrating 10 years of the album. It’s very hard to choose a favourite song to perform from that album as they were all bangers.

ARE YOU GOING TO BE PLAYING AT OTHER FESTIVALS THIS SUMMER, AND DO YOU EVER GET INVOLVED AND HANG AROUND AFTER YOUR GIGS?

We’ve got a few other festivals Parklife being one of them. The others we can’t announce just yet. Yeah, we love festivals so might stay for the weekend at Parklife and have some fun!

WHAT’S RUDIMENTAL’S TOP FESTIVAL TIP?

Drink more water.

YOUR SOUND GETS PEOPLE SO PUMPED UP. WHAT’S THE MOST HYPED SHOW YOU CAN REMEMBER PERFORMING AND CAN YOU DESCRIBE IT FOR US PLEASE...

One of the most pumped up shows we done has to be at The Warehouse Project in Manchester. It got so hot and hype in there that all the sound got locked o as moisture was dripping from the ceilings! We had to let it cool down for a bit before going back on stage.

WHAT INGREDIENTS MAKE A RUDIMENTAL STYLE RAVE?

Expect the unexpected, good music and let yourself be free. Also leave the phone at home, enjoy the moment, make new friends!

THERE’S SO MUCH GOING ON IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW, WE WOULDN’T BE SURPRISED TO HEAR ABOUT ALIENS LANDING ON EARTH. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE RUDIMENTAL AND YOUR MUSIC TO… AN ALIEN?

I would explain Rudimental to an alien by playing them Alien Bashment o our rst album. Let the music do the talking.

IF YOU COULD TAKE CONTROL OF THE WORLD FOR A DAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

Have a rave.

CAN YOU TELL US ONE SECRET ABOUT THE BAND THAT FANS LIKELY WON’T KNOW?

When we tour, we often play 5-a-side football matches against locals. We are yet to be beaten!

HEY DARUDE, IT’S BEEN A WHILE! HOW ARE YOU KEEPING, AND FEELING TO BE BACK RELEASING YOUR OWN NEW MUSIC?

All is good, and yeah, it’s great to be releasing new music again!

YOUR NEW SINGLE OUTLAWS IS A DIFFERENT STYLE OF SOUND TO WHAT MANY WILL ASSOCIATE WITH DARUDE. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE ROUTE YOU ARE TAKING WITH YOUR MUSIC NOW?

Well, while some people only associate the Sandstorm sound with me, I have released 4 albums each of which have been more and more varied in the dance music realm, and using the signature #dududu very sparingly.

‘Outlaws’ is not necessarily ‘a route’, but just a track I’m releasing now and the next one might be a little di erent from it again. I’ve decided to make music rst – plan strategies, release orders and marketing after the music is done.

YOUR NEW SINGLE ALSO MARKS THE LAUNCH OF YOUR NEW RECORD LABEL – VIBING OUT, CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT THIS EXCITING VENTURE?

The music industry and the commercialism of it tends to skew how and why you make music and with my own label I’m taking some of the power back. I want to make music purely for me – for the enjoyment of the creation and the tinkering. That said, I’m not saying there aren’t some business realities in play when making music, and touring is a full-time job.

YOU’VE PROBABLY NEVER BEEN INTERVIEWED WITHOUT BEING ASKED ABOUT SANDSTORM. WHILST WE LIKE TO BE DIFFERENT, WE SIMPLY MUST ASK ABOUT IT – SANDSTORM IS ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC DANCE SONGS EVER CREATED! IT STILL SOUNDS AMAZING TODAY. HOW DID LIFE CHANGE FOR YOU AFTER RELEASING THIS BACK IN 1999?

It did a full 180° I guess is fair to say. I was a student and a part-time worker at a computer store and in a couple of months I found myself being a touring artist with a track out that started climbing the charts rst in Finland, then everywhere else and it just kept on snowballing from there.

HOW DOES IT MAKE YOU FEEL LISTENING BACK TO THE SONG, 24 YEARS AFTER RELEASING IT?

I love every single millisecond of the track. Even if I hear it by myself somewhere, I’ll probably listen to it till the end as the build-ups still get me going, the opening lter on the Nord Rack 2 arp bass still gives me goosebumps and the onwards-forcing rhythm still automatically makes me try/run/drive faster. On top of that, and I know I’m being a bit sel sh and big-headed here, but imagine playing it live for a crowd that goes mental pretty much every time! Can’t hate that!

YOU’RE IN A ROOM WITH TWO DOORS, ONE LEADS TO A DREAM STUDIO SETUP, THE OTHER TO THE MAIN STAGE OF THE BIGGEST PARTY ON EARTH WITH FANS GOING MENTAL, WHICH DOOR DO YOU OPEN?

Easy. I’ve got access to my dream studio every day I’m home, so I’d rip the main stage door open and go rock the party with the stu I just made in my dream studio!

WHEN I ASK ABOUT DARUDE CAREER HIGHLIGHTS AND BEST MOMENTS, WHAT SPRINGS TO MIND?

I’ve got so many great memories, but I’ll pick two very signi cant ones:

1) MTV Ibiza 2000 party, my rst time in Ibiza and I was in the crowd half an hour before my own set listening to Underworld, laughing, excited about hearing them, being in the moment, then sort of fast-forwarded to being on that stage myself, dropping Sandstorm and the crowd went crazy. It was very surreal.

2) December 31st, 2016, I played a New Year’s Eve set in the middle of Helsinki, Finland, for 100k people. I timed Sandstorm so that it’d drop exactly at midnight, there were huge reworks, it was absolute mayhem as a gig, but possibly even bigger in signi cance was that it was my track that started Finland’s 100 years of independence year celebrations, which I couldn’t have been prouder of!

WHAT HAS THIS SUMMER GOT IN STORE FOR DARUDE?

I’ll be touring and promoting my new music and label, likely wearing Vibing Out logos with a smile everywhere. I’ll be playing in the UK along with other places, so I won’t be bored, that’s for sure!

TO WRAP THINGS UP, WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEND TO YOUR FANS, OLD AND NEW?

I’ve always said the same: Come see me live if you can, don’t be a stranger, tell me face to face or on the socials if I sucked or rocked! Also, if you like what you see and hear of me, the biggest thing you can do for me is to just simply tell a friend or your social circles to check me out, too! When I’m not on the road, I’ll be streaming on twitch.tv on Fridays starting at 6 PM EET / 4 PM UK.

Travelling in your twenties is a unique opportunity to explore the world and learn more about yourself. It’s a time when you have fewer responsibilities and more exibility, which makes it an ideal time to go on a trip. We’ll discuss the bene ts of travelling in your twenties, o er tips on how to plan a trip, highlight popular travel destinations, and o er advice on how to overcome common challenges while travelling.

Exploring the world during your twenties is an experience like no other for many reasons.

You may have fewer responsibilities than you will have later in life. You probably do not have a full-time job, a family to support, or a mortgage to pay, which means you have more exibility in terms of time and money.

It is an excellent way to learn more about yourself. You’re still guring out who you are and what you want out of life, and travelling can help you discover your passions and shape your future goals.

Travelling can broaden your horizons and give you a new perspective on life. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about di erent cultures, taste new foods, and experience things you never thought possible. Travelling can also help you develop new skills, such as communication and problem-solving, that can bene t you in your personal and professional life.

In addition, it can be an excellent way to build your network and make connections with people from all over the world. You never know who you’ll meet on your travels, and those connections could prove valuable in the future.

Planning a trip in your twenties can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.

Set a budget and start saving money. You may need to adjust your lifestyle to save money, but it will be worth it in the end.

Once you have a budget in place, start researching travel destinations and nd one that ts within your budget.

Consider travelling during the o -season to save money on ights and accommodation.

Be sure to do your research.

Learn about the local customs and cultural norms to avoid o ending anyone.

Safeguard yourself from unexpected situations when you’re overseas and invest in travel insurance.

And most importantly, be open-minded and exible. Things don’t always go as planned when travelling, and it’s essential to be able to adapt and go with the ow.

There are many popular travel destinations for young people, and the choice depends on your interests and preferences.

Backpacking through Europe is a popular option, as it o ers a chance to explore multiple countries and cultures.

Southeast Asia is also a popular destination, as it’s a ordable and has a rich cultural history.

Australia and New Zealand are also popular destinations, as they o er adventure sports and stunning landscapes.

Travelling can be challenging at times, especially when you’re in a foreign country. One of the most intimidating obstacles to overcome is the language barrier. If you’re travelling to a country where you don’t speak the language, consider learning some basic phrases before you go. This can help you navigate public transportation, order food, and ask for help if needed.

Travelling in your twenties is a unique opportunity to explore the world, learn about di erent cultures, and discover yourself. By following the tips and advice we’ve discussed, you can make the most of your travels and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re backpacking through Europe, exploring Southeast Asia, or relaxing on a beach in Australia, travelling in your twenties is an experience like no other. It’s a time to step out of your comfort zone, take risks, and embrace new opportunities.

So, start planning your journey now and get ready to embark on an experience of a lifetime!

Have a safe and enjoyable journey!

TAKE FLIGHT AND EXPLORE

STUDENT DISCOUNTS on day trips, regular travel & groups available

WHEN AND WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A CONTENT CREATOR, AND CAN YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST “OFFICIAL” VIDEO?

It actually was all a bit of an accident to be honest! I never set out to do it! I have been an actor for a long time now and always adored comedy. I was working as a production runner a few years ago, driving cast around in a massive van and the girl (who is now one of my closest friends, Jahannah) who was a content creator said, ‘Hey you’re funny’ and I jumped in a sketch with her. She showed me the ropes! It was great fun and had a good response. I have always been a rm believer in ‘making your own work’ - I saw the opportunity this had and I started making a few more and BBC 3 reached out to me and asked me to write and create some sketches for their online commissions called ‘Quickies’ - I brought my friend Jahannah in and we ended up making 8 for them as the rst one hit over 20 million views. My platforms then grew from there and I thought, ah, I’ll keep doing this! I stopped for a while but picked it back up again in the pandemic when acting and writing work had gone quiet, and from there it’s grown massively!

YOUR VIDEOS RESONATE WITH SO MANY PEOPLE - IT’S AS IF YOU SAY WHAT SO MANY PEOPLE ARE THINKING. WHO, OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU WHEN CREATING CONTENT?

Honestly, just humans. People watching and just picking up on certain behaviours. I call the sketches ‘observations of the human condition’ because that’s all they really are. We are so brilliantly weird and wonder -ful and unique, yet we all are so similar in so many ways and quirks.

DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR PERSON WHO A LOT OF YOUR CONTENT IS BASED ON?

No, I don’t haha! A lot of people think they are based on people, or on myself, (I’d like to think I’m a little more chill! haha!) but they are just genuine observations, and then just exaggerated a little. Sometimes I’ll catch myself doing something and I’ll think ‘I wonder if other people do that’ and sometimes that inspires a sketch but the sketches are based on everyone and anyone.

WHICH CHARACTER HAVE YOU MOST ENJOYED ACTING?

I played an alcoholic who shoots her husband. I was covered head to toe in tattoos and that was really fun! I loved playing Marian because it was so physical and I love ght scenes. I got to use tonnes of weapons and also portray her as the hero she was! She was an outlaw and it was nice to show that side of her!

WHAT WOULD BE THE PERFECT CHARACTER OR MOVIE YOU’D WANT TO STAR IN?

I have been really lucky over the last couple of years and had some great roles in lms and TV. In terms of my dream movie to star in, I honestly couldn’t say! I adore acting and am grateful for any character I get to play. I’d love something gritty to really sink my teeth into. My debut play - ‘I Love You, Now What?’ has a run in The Pleasance Theatre, London, April 25th-29th, and that is a dream come true.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR DEBUT PLAY ‘I LOVE YOU, NOW WHAT’ AND HOW IT FEELS TO HAVE REACHED THIS HUGE CAREER MILESTONE?

‘I love you, now what?’ was written after my Dad passed away. It’s about the e ect grief has on relationships. Can love survive when someone dies? Grief is something that has been covered before but not like this (to my knowledge) and I wanted to bring honest human humour into it and real truth. It really is a powerful play. It’s funny, heart-breaking and raw. I have quite bad imposter syndrome and I’m so nervous about it! My career is something I have to ght for every day. It’s a really tough industry and coming from a working class home, you have to work twice as hard. I wrote this after obviously losing my Dad and I was feeling really frustrated that I wasn’t being seen in this industry. It sounds crazy, but when my Dad passed there was this huge rainbow right over us. Two years later I was ready to quit the industry and I had this series, (ILYNW) that had been stuck in development with a production company. I literally said to my Dad as I was driving, ‘What do I do? Should I give up? Should I make this into a play and do it myself?’ and three rainbows appeared in the sky. So I was like, ‘right, ok! I can take a hint!’ So for me, it’s just been a labour of pure love and wanting to create something that was ultimately massively cathartic for me and hopefully others too. I’m just really excited and feel really proud... and very very nervous!

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU OFFER SOMEONE WANTING TO GET INTO ACTING?

Put yourself out there and make your own stu . Trust your gut and don’t give up! Create :) We have an amazing platform now on the internet so use it to show your work. You’ll always be working if you’re working on your own stu .

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST PERK OF YOUR “JOB” SO FAR?

There are so many. Just doing what I love and working for myself is one of the best perks. The travelling around the world (sometimes) and meeting new people. I got to go to Budapest once with Jahannah and we interviewed Will Smith dressed as some of our comedy characters. That has to be up there!

I have written a few series and my goal is to get my own TV show made. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS AS A CONTENT CREATOR AND COMEDIAN?

IN TERMS OF COMEDY, WHO MAKES YOU LAUGH THE MOST?

Mellissa McCarthy, Dawn French, Peter Kay, Jim Carrey, Sacha Baron Cohen, Diane Morgan, Will Ferrell. There are too many!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND EFFORT!

Thank you so much for having me. It means a tonne. :) xxx

Launching April 2023

Open to all undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate art and design disciplines for those that have graduated between September 2022 - August 2023

Global Design Graduate Show

and Google Arts and Culture

As a rising actor, I have been fortunate enough to gain a level of visibility and recognition that has allowed me to connect with a wide range of people. I feel extremely blessed. It is through this exposure that I have come to realise the immense responsibility that comes with being a public gure. While I appreciate the attention and admiration that comes with the territory, I also recognise that there is a deeper purpose to my platform.

As I interact with more fans and followers from around the world, I am often approached with a wide range of questions. These questions can range from inquiries about my personal life and career to deeper topics such as mental health and wellbeing. What I have noticed is that while the subjects may vary, the theme of mental health is one that continues to pop up time and time again.

As someone who has personally struggled with nding their place in the world, I understand the value of having a support system and the impact it can have on one’s mental wellbeing. This is why I nd it particularly meaningful when young people approach me with their questions about mental health. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of sparking conversation and o ering encouragement to those who are still trying to make sense of the world around them.

Whether it’s navigating relationships, dealing with stress, or overcoming mental health challenges, there is no denying the importance of seeking support and guidance. We all need help in hand, no matter one’s status in life!

Through this article, my goal is to address some of the questions I have received about mental health and o er my perspective on navigating life’s challenges. I hope to inspire and empower others on their own journeys, while continuing to navigate my own. So, join me as we explore the importance of mental health and the impact it can have on our lives.

Taking care of your mental health is a vital component in nding your purpose in life. It is important to nd a balance between self-care and motivation, especially when facing obstacles in pursuit of your dreams. As a rising actor who has experienced the challenges of the industry, I know rst-hand how crucial these practices are. Despite facing rejection, type casting, industry drama, and a lack of support, I remain committed to my mission of using my work to entertain, empower, inspire, and spark change.

To nd your purpose in life, it is essential to listen to yourself and understand the root of why you are doing something and what you hope to gain from it. Whether it is through education, personal development, or seeking the necessary support, nding courage and discipline to stay on track is crucial. It is also important to cultivate meaningful connections and relationships that matter. While chasing dreams and being productive is important, it’s equally essential not to forget to take a breath and appreciate the people and things that truly matter in life. This is especially true for young people in their twenties and beyond who are just starting out on their journeys of self-discovery and personal growth.

In conclusion, taking care of your mental health, nding balance, and seeking the necessary support are vital components in discovering your purpose in life. With courage and discipline, you can achieve your goals and make meaningful connections that will help you along the way. So, stay true to yourself, stay motivated, and stay focused on the things that matter most. Take care of you!

Hydrate all day. So simple, but so e ective, particularly while abroad in the sun. Sweating, sunbathing, drinking more alcohol, consuming more sugar than normal can all dehydrate the body. Carrying water with you all day and consuming an absolute minimum of 2.5 litres a day is the easiest way to prioritise your health while your routine is upside down.

Stock up on fruit and veg. The best part of a holiday abroad is the delicious fresh fruit and veg from the local supermarket. Stock up your villa or hotel fridge with plenty of goodness to fuel your body alongside the ice creams and pool side cocktails!

Working out on holiday is a complete personal preference. You may be a complete gym/run bunny whilst abroad or you may want a complete break from your exercise routine. Both are ne and completely your choice. It is however a good idea (if you are not exercising on holiday) to stay active in other ways. Get involved with the pool or beach games, take the stairs where possible, walk where you can and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. If you are looking to workout, opt for the morning where possible and listen to your body. Sometimes you might be able to nail a 45 minute workout, others you might just fancy a gentle walk or stretch. Move your body because it makes you feel good and energises and not as a punishment for what you have eaten.

For those that don’t know, please describe your sound…

Back in the 90s, I was a fan of big beat sound from the Chemical Brothers, Junkie XL and the Prodigy, house music from Daft Punk and trance from Armin van Buuren and Tiësto; I would say that is the foundation of my sound. Later in the 00s, all the way to the 20s. I picked up things from producers such as Camel Phat, Disclosure, Calvin Harris and MK (Marc Kinchen). I love discovering new music and getting inspired to try di erent sounds and approaches to making music. I am heavily in uenced by the big beat and trance sound of the 90s; I would say that is the foundation of my music.

How long have you been producing tunes?

Back in the early 00s, I started to make breaking music with a friend of mine under the pseudonym of Smoke Keepers. In 2006 we participated in a worldwide music contest sponsored by Diesel, and we ew to London for the nal: we scored #2, right behind Duke Dumont. After that experience, I decided to pause making music to resume it a few years later under the name of Paul Farrin: a pure trance sound. As time passed, my day job took more and more of my time, and Paul Farrin had to retire. Then in 2020, when COVID happened, I suddenly had some time to resume the Paul Farrin project, this time with a house / progressive house in uence.

You release music regularly and consistently, how do you manage to juggle your time and t everything in?

When I started in 2020, I was releasing a song every week, but a new baby and a more demanding day-today job made that release schedule really challenging. Nowadays, I release new music once every two months: that gives me enough time to build something I can be proud of and allows me to focus also on the commitment I now have in my day-to-day life.

What’s your setup like? Favourite bit of equipment?

When I started with that friend of mine as the Smoke Keepers, we dreamed of a large studio lled with all kinds of synthesisers and lters. Nowadays, I love the convenience of having a laptop fully loaded with plugins that I can carry anywhere I go!

In terms of your music, you create your own tracks, including really cool bootleg remixes. How do you go about deciding what bootleg to remix or vocalist to feature?

Usually, I decide to make a bootleg when I like the original song: I like it so much that I want to give it...

...my touch, my interpretation. When deciding on vocals, I always try to source the voice that best suits the song I have in mind. In general, I prefer female vocalists with soul/R’n’B feelings. But again, this may change according to the type of feelings I want to convey with a particular song.

What are your favourite top 3, self-produced tunes? Feeling Good because it is with the great Aretha Franklin vocals and was one of the rst songs I made when I resumed Paul Farrin back in 2020. Movin’ Too Fast, because I love the original from Artful Dodger. Hypnotrip, because it is built for the dance oor and has a techno feeling to it.

As an artist, what is your aim? I want to make music the way I feel and enjoy it. No categorisation or second agendas attached.

Who inspires you musically?

I really like the rst acid sound of the Chemical Brothers, the innovation and energy of Calvin Harris, the passion and determination of David Guetta and the sound engineering of Daft Punk. But for me, every good song can become a source for inspiration.

We can’t wait to hear more! Thanks for your time. If we could maybe end the interview by asking you what your plans are for the next few months ahead? The pleasure was all mine! My plans are straightforward: to keep making music.

Exercise is a fab way to beat stress; not only does exercise actively lower your stress hormones, but it also helps the release of endorphins. Endorphins act as natural painkillers, and they are a good mood booster, too. Also, exercise can improve your quality of sleep, increase con dence, and promote mental wellbeing. Don’t worry if you’re not into jogging or intense gym sessions, because other types of exercise are just as good, such as walking, dancing and yoga!

Listening to music can have some fantastic e ects on the body, like inducing a relaxation response. This helps to reduce stress hormones, as well as heart rate and blood pressure. While slow-paced, instrumental music such as classical is the best at this, simply putting on music that you like can be just as e ective. Who knew that listening to music could be so powerful?

The bene ts of herbal tea are endless, and there are di erent types to suit every need, including stress. Chamomile is one such tea that reduces anxiety, as it contains both antioxidant and anti-in ammatory properties. It’s long been used as a drink to help improve sleep because it’s said to have a calming e ect. Countless studies have been conducted on chamomile extract. It has been found that people who consumed chamomile regularly saw reduced symptoms of anxiety. Plus, it’s pretty tasty.

Sometimes, simply creating a safe area that increases focus and reduces stress is the best way to tackle exam stress. Mood lighting, aromatherapy and the right temperature can all play a part in reducing stress. Light your favourite candle, put your favourite essential oil in your di user and improve your lighting. Whatever you need to do to create a calming environment is purely down to personal preference. So, make your space more comfortable for you; you’ll feel much better for it!

Exams are never fun for anyone. The tedious hours of revision, those terrifying last-minute panics and the anxiety surrounding post-exam convos with your friends are enough to ll anyone with dread. Hopefully, though, these tips will help you breathe a little easier and allow you to get some much-needed rest.

It has almost become a tradition to avoid getting help for things wrong with us. “I’m ne!” and “I’d be wasting the doctors time!” are common utterances. But when it comes to more intimate problems (STI’s, malformations etc), we practically shut down. Many not even talking to people we’re close with. This must stop. Before these problems become too developed, talk to a friend, and ask them for support. This will make it much easier to speak to a professional about any problem you may have. Plus, you’ll be more physically comfortable for it!

On a similar note, sex has been the pinnacle of taboo subjects for millennia. In the modern era, sex has become a much more casual a air. With couples not worrying about pregnancy due to contraception, and less stigma around sex before marriage, intercourse is a regular part of a lot of peoples lives. So, with this growing comfort around sex, why aren’t we talking about it more!? Discussing what feels good, what doesn’t feel good, insecurities, and con dences can make having sex even more pleasurable. Along with this, a more open attitude towards sex would make it a lot easier for sexual assault victims to stand up and seek support. It would make them feel less shameful, and hopefully proud of themselves for showing their strength.

A more controversial topic, drugs and alcohol are something we all have a tale about. Whether it’s someone you know making a fool of themselves, or something more sinister altogether, substance use is a main stay in our world. But, when we’re struggling with an addiction, or a situation intensi ed by the substances, it can be hard to bring up. Admitting you have a problem is the rst step. But with the cruel labels and assumptions people make about addicts, it is hardly surprising that many su er in silence. So, keep your mind open, and talk about drugs and alcohol.

With the recent rise in sexuality and gender studies, this topic is getting more attention than it has in generations. But we still have a way to go. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are becoming more vocal as time goes on. But, cis-gender (those who identify with the gender assigned to them at birth) straight people still struggle with talking about it. Men may feel emasculated, and women may feel weak or judged if they discuss these things. But the only way we can normalise people living their truth, is by talking about it! Doing so may just make someone struggling feel better!

If you’ve got a pot of solid coconut oil, running it under a warm tap for a few minutes will leave you with a runny and natural hair conditioner. Simply wash and shampoo your hair as normal before taking roughly a handful of the oil and running it through your wet hair from root to ends. Twist your hair into a bun and leave for a few minutes before thoroughly rinsing it out leaving your hair shiny, soft, and hydrated.

Cleaning makeup brushes is a tedious task that needs performing frequently. But you don’t need an expensive brush cleaner spray! Simply mix one part coconut oil with two parts antibacterial soap - this will easily separate dirt from the bristles of your brushes making cleaning them a real breeze!

Instead of drying and damaging your skin with harsh chemicals found in shaving foam, use your coconut oil for a softer, gentle shaving experience. The shave is closer and leaves your skin feeling moisturised and less irritated.

One of my favourite uses of coconut oil is using it for “oil pulling” which is a method of cleaning and whitening your teeth. Take two teaspoons of coconut oil and swish it around your mouth pulling it in between your teeth for 20 minutes. This eliminates bad bacteria from your mouth and helps to remove stains and tartar build up. It’s not the best tasting, but it really works!

Tired of those straggly bits of skin hanging from the end of your ngers around your nails? Apply a pea-sized amount of coconut oil to the a ected area and it will soften the damaged skin there and prevent cracks and tears. It also encourages the growth of healthy, strong nails! Coconut oil isn’t just for cooking! It also works as a moisturiser. Use the oil as a solid balm and apply a thin layer to your skin after showering to allow your skin to really absorb it. It leaves skin feeling soft and nourished. (And smelling great!)