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NOVEMBER 2016
ISSUE 267
MENTAL HEALTH // BLIND DATE // SCAN & SIT // VINTAGE FASHION // RISE OF THE MASTERS
YOU, ME AT SIX
EATS EVERYTHING
WINTER WARMER
Declan Murphy chats with Josh Franceschi
Harry Ballmann speaks to the dance music heavyweight
Roasted parsnip and brown mustard soup
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OCTOBER 2016
swanseastudentmedia.com
from the editor Declan Murphy
So we’re already into
Anyhow, enough about that.
November. That’s mad. Feels
This issue we’ve got a great
like a week or two ago I
batch of articles for you guys
was unpacking and getting
to read through. From Faye
settled into my room.
and Shannon re-debuting their
In fact, if you’re reading this
blind date section to myself
in the later part of November
catching up with You Me At
we’re already over halfway
Six, it’s all pretty exciting stuff!
through the term. Also massive shout out to Well, regardless time moves on
my deputy, Hilary. There’s no
with or without us as most of
underestimating the amount of
us will find out in the coming
effort that goes into doing this
weeks once the deadlines
paper and she’s there all the
start rolling in. From essays to
way through to make sure it’s
exam preparation, November
plain sailing for myself and the
is where the ball starts rolling.
rest of the team.
My only advice is to make
Remember, if you guys
sure you don’t let things get
ever want to get involved
on top of you; that deadline
or raise our attention to
will be here quicker than you
something, I can be contacted
thought and preparing for
at waterfronteditor@
it well in advance is key. If
swanseastudentmedia.com.
Ph o t o : D e cla n M u pr h y
you ever feel like it’s getting too much or you need some
We are currently working
helpful knowledge, contact
on moving to our new office
your personal tutor or the SU’s
space in the Digital Technium.
advice and support centre at S in ge lton Park
advice@swansea-union.co.uk.
We should be in by
I’ve had to use them in the
December, but until then
past and honestly it saved my
you can find us on the third
degree, there’s no shame to it.
floor of Union house.
Editor
Film
Declan Murphy
Rachel Sanders
waterfronteditor@swanseastudentmedia.com
waterfrontfilm@swanseastudentmedia.com
Deputy editor
Food
Hilary Webb
Heather Wood & Nathan Lloyd
waterfrontdeputy@swanseastudentmedia.com
waterfrontfood@swanseastudentmedia.com
Design
Liberation
Hazel Stabler
Akosua Darko
waterfrontdesign@swanseastudentmedia.com
waterfrontliberation@swanseastudentmedia.com
News
Music
Rhydian Morris
Harry Ballmann
waterfrontnews@swanseastudentmedia.com
waterfrontmusic@swanseastudentmedia.com
Sport
Relationships
Kristina Marsh & John Fanning
Shannon Jones & Faye Vlietstra
waterfrontsport@swanseastudentmedia.com
waterfrontrelationships@swanseastudentmedia.com
Creative writing
Societies
Zoe Stabler
Zoe Stabler & Caitlin Jones
waterfrontcreativewriting@swanseastudentmedia.com
waterfrontsocieties@swanseastudentmedia.com
Culture
Tech
Sarah Harris
Declan Murphy
waterfrontculture@swanseastudentmedia.com
waterfronttech@swanseastudentmedia.com
Fashion
Student media coordinator
Ellie Thompson
Iain Fisher
waterfrontfashion@swanseastudentmedia.com
iain.fisher@swansea-union.co.uk
Features
waterfront is a free print and online
Shona Johnson
publication from swansea student media
waterfrontfeatures@swanseastudentmedia.com
and the students’ union.
features
06
relationships
20
creative writing
23
fashion
25
film
30
tech
34
music
36
food
44
6
ISSUE 267
by Rhydian Morris
marathon woman A Swansea University Masters student has been working towards the goal of
She has run the equivalent of a marathon
Laura recently graduated this year from
every week this year, placing considerable
Swansea University with a degree in
emphasis on running in her free time to
History and Welsh. While graduating with
ensure her goal. Next month she will
a strong academic performance, fitness
utilise this year long training with her
has transformed into her greater passion.
first full 26.2 mile endurance marathon.
one marathon a week or 52 marathons this
“A lot of people I knew thought I Laura, a committed martial artist, decided
would take the more academic route
year. Laura Fiteni, a
to set herself this challenge as a way
in life as I loved studying in school,
former member of
of working towards her fitness for her
but nothing challenges me in the
goal of a third degree black belt.
same way fitness does,” said Laura.
“It was a New Year’s challenge,” she
Laura is raising money for two charities,
explained. “I wanted to do something
including Cancer Research UK, and
to challenge myself that would also
is accepting donations at justgiving.
help to improve my fitness, strength
com/crowdfunding/laura-fiteni
Swansea Student Media took on the challenge as a new year’s resolution to herself in January.
and speed. You need to be really fit to be awarded the belt. The grading is very intense and running will really help to build my muscle endurance.”
NOVEMBER 2016
swanseastudentmedia.com
It was a New Year’s challenge. I wanted to do something to challenge myself that would also help to improve my fitness, strength and speed.
8
ISSUE 267
by Hilary Webb
scan & sit: far from perfect My first day back in a lecture hall after
The arrival of Scan and Sit was
a year and a half away from Swansea
inevitable as the UK’s obsession with
and my lecturer promptly announces,
immigration increases, meaning that
“Big Brother has arrived”.
universities are required to provide evidence of those in the country on
Staring from the side of each of the doors
student VISAs actually attending
of the lecture theatre were these mystery
lectures. Yet as a result, it is apparently
black boxes with glaring white eyes. My
necessary that we all now be tracked.
next lecturer jokingly (I hope) suggests; “they’ll be micro chipping you all next!”
There is no denying, especially as the University and the Union have been
It was true; we must now scan our student
shoving it down our throats since the
ID cards before the first ten minutes of
arrival of Scan and Sit, attendance
our lecture in order to be marked
correlates with performance. The more
as present.
lectures, seminars, tutorials and labs
ISSUE 267
I l l us tra t i on: I a i n Fi s her
9
students attend, the higher their chances
Now however, when I show up to
alter or correct their students attendance.
of success. But was the attendance
every lecture early but on one occasion
Lecturers have lost part of their direct
monitoring system ever really broken
innocently forget my purse and therefore
involvement with their students and I fear
to begin with? When my housemate
my student ID (because I am not a perfect
that in the long term, the disappearance
ended up in hospital in my first year,
human) it doesn’t matter if my lecturer
of interactions between lecturers and
a quick email to my lecturer meant
says “afternoon, Hilary,” or whether or
students about attendance might be
she knew why I wouldn’t be attending
not I participate in the class, as far as
detrimental to all. It is early days though,
and that I wouldn’t be penalised for
the system is aware I was a no show.
and hopefully there will be opportunities
being an unmotivated student. When
The system also is only supposed to
for this imperfect system to evolve,
I ran the London Marathon and didn’t
flag up absences if we fail to attend two
returning some power to the people.
fancy getting the train back to Swansea
consecutive weeks of classes, but does
The university have already announced
immediately after, my lecturers knew and
that mean missing a week or ten days of
several changes to the system including
understood why I would be absent and
lectures shouldn’t concern our lecturers?
the introduction of an Mobile App next
we were able to communicate about how I would catch up.
semester that will allow students to Here is where the problem with the Scan
view their attendance. In the meantime
and Sit system lies. That lecturers no
though I like to think that the Scan and
longer have the power to view, influence,
Sit system would at least make George Orwell laugh, or say “I told you so!”
10
ISSUE 267
united societies Swansea University’s Photography and Skate societies recently met up to capture the first
Ph o t o : I n ê s Tei xe ir a-D ia s
skate social of the year. President of the photography society, Princess, and member Inês went along to take some snaps. You can find our more about each of the societies on their Facebook pages.
P h o t o : I n ês Te ix e ir a- Di as
P h o t o : I n ês Te ix e ir a- Di as
P hoto: P ri nc es s Oy eb a nj o
NOVEMBER 2016 swanseastudentmedia.com
12
ISSUE 267
by Charlotte Barnfather
rise of the masters When enrollment finishes and figures
Business student Martha Pugh found it
can begin to be analysed it is expected
incredibly challenging to gain a position
that the numbers of students staying
at these companies when she wanted
on at Swansea to do a masters will
to specialise in Human Resources.
have increased this year. After speaking
‘Although I knew that finding a job in
to many postgraduate students there
HR would be challenging, I thought that
seems to be a wide variety of reasons
having a first class degree would give
that encouraged them to apply
me an advantage. However because of
summer exams, why
for a fourth year at Swansea, now
the competitive industry, I have had to
are so many students
ranked the top university in Wales.
return to university at a great financial
Do students really need a higher
expense. My masters is essential in
qualification to reach their dream
order for me to gain the professional
jobs? Or are students today simply
qualifications that are required to help
too afraid to enter the real world?
me achieve my dream career.’ Despite
After already completing three years of studying, meeting deadlines and endless stress over January and
coming back?
being predicted a First Class Honors in One of the most common factors for
a very recognised and valued Business
students returning to university is due
Management degree, there was no
to the difficulty and struggles of getting
success for Martha or other students
onto a graduate scheme. Postgraduate
applying for similar positions.
NOVEMBER 2016
waterfrontonline.co.uk
One of the biggest reasons for students facing rejection
such generous scholarships, would so many students choose
from graduate schemes is the very high level of competition.
to complete their masters? Is this huge saving just an excuse
Thousands of graduates are applying for the same schemes,
for students to extend their studies? Or are students seeing
which can only take on a small percentage of applicants every
this as a promising opportunity to further develop their
year. It is becoming increasingly more competitive; therefore
qualifications, making them more employable for the future?
graduates need to stand out. They can do this by ensuring they have both sufficient and relevant work experience, an impressive
Unfortunately undergraduate degrees are becoming increasingly
and well-structured CV and most importantly an evident passion
common and are often not enough for some employers.
and ambition to work for the company. Postgraduate Sam
Employers today are searching for something more, which
Dyke made the decision to return to Swansea to complete
highlights a candidates enthusiasm and passion for their
his masters in International Security and Development. Sam
specialised subject. Returning to Swansea University is not
describes his reasons behind this decision. ‘The reasons for me
about avoiding the ‘real world’ of work. A Masters takes
returning to do a masters was two fold: I needed to be more
time, dedication and hours of research to achieve this highly
qualified for the jobs I was applying for in a competitive market
recognised qualification.
and I enjoyed the intellectual challenges university presents. Swansea University’s centenary programme of offering students discounted masters for a good result in their undergraduate programme, was simply an added bonus. This will improve their employability, as this additional qualification will stand out from other graduates.’ After completing his first week on the MA programme Sam has already found it more than satisfactory, ‘the masters programme seems to be everything I hoped. Hopefully it will allow me to enter my chosen industry with the necessary skills and qualifications required, giving us the thing we all want from university; a good career’. As Sam has highlighted a big incentive for students to return to
Martha Pugh Charlotte Bar nfather & Sam Dyke
Swansea are the opportunities available for scholarships. English literature postgraduate student Claire Cuddihy describes her decision to return to Swansea. ‘Having accepted a graduate job in Accountancy starting in July this year, I never saw myself returning to Swansea (as much as I would have loved to!) However, upon starting my job I realised how unsuitable it was for an English Literature graduate like myself. After learning more about the Fast Track scholarship programme I decided it would be silly not to apply for an MA especially given the range of scholarships on offer.’ Claire like many other students have benefitted from the scholarship programme. However, the question remains, If the university did not offer
Completing a Masters is not the easy option; it is quite literally the harder option. Students are dedicating an extra twelve months of their time in education, to ensure that they are efficiently prepared for the real world. Masters students do not want to settle for an unsatisfactory job, just because they need one. They want to strive for their dream career, where they are able to fulfill all of their ambitions, which one more year in education will most certainly make possible.
NOVEMBER 2016
waterfrontonline.co.uk
by Shona Johnson
mental health check-up Making the move to university isn’t an easy undertaking, even for the most prepared of students. Pair that stress with mental illness and it might seem like you’ve got quite the fight on your hands.
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ISSUE 267
‘THE STATE OF YOUR BED IS THE STATE OF YOUR HEAD’ This may seem like a slightly juvenile suggestion, but hear me out. For most students moving away from home to university is the first time they have ever lived by themselves. There are no parents around to pick up after you, if your
A
n
NUS
survey
conducted
get washed unless you do it yourself. The same goes for keeping your space tidy and clean. You alone are the one that has the responsibility of looking after yourself. If your surroundings are a mess, your clothes and linens are dirty and you can’t find anything in the morning, you’re not going to feel like you are in control which for many people has a detrimental effect on their mental health. You owe it to yourself to keep on top of things. Let’s be real here - it’s great getting out of bed in the morning without tripping over crap on the floor.
GET TO KNOW THE SERVICES AVAILABLE TO YOU It is crucial that you know what help is there for you when you are experiencing any kind of mental health problem. Here at Swansea University, we have the lovely people at the Advice & Support Centre (situated behind Costcutter in Fulton House) as well as Wellbeing Services (although they are not currently taking on any new students due to a full waiting list). We also have a Mental Health Awareness Officer (yours truly), as well as a Welfare Officer - these roles are in place for your well being, so do
2014
not be afraid to fire off an email if you are
found that 78% of the 1,093 students
struggling. It is also very important that you
surveyed
experiencing
register with the GP on campus (situated
mental health issues in the last year.
in the Penmaen building on Singleton
admitted
to
in
bedclothes are dirty they will not magically
Campus), make sure you speak to them if
That is an astoundingly large number
at any point you are finding it difficult to
of students, which only goes to show
cope. Even though we offer lots of support
just how important mental wellbeing
as a Students’ Union the advice of your
and mindfulness is in an environment
doctor is invaluable. Your personal tutor
as stressful as that of university life.
should also be one of your first ports of call
All this being said, there are many simple
when it comes to mental health issues, it is
things we can do to stay on top of our
their job to ensure your well being - both
mental health as students.
academically and mentally.
NOVEMBER 2016
waterfrontonline.co.uk
GO EASY WITH ALCOHOL I shouldn’t be lecturing anyone on this topic, but learn from my mistakes! It goes without saying that going out and getting drunk comes hand-in-hand with most people’s uni experience, but it’s really important that you’re safe. Alcohol is a depressant, that is a fact. So if like me you suffer from ungodly hangovers, you’re not only going to feel like shit physically, but mentally as well. If you take this into account when drinking, that’s fine - but you really have to ask yourself if a couple of nights out on the town are worth getting ‘black dog’ over.
U
DON’T ISOLATE YOURSELF This point kind of carries on from my last one, but it’s very important too. Not everyone likes drinking and clubbing, thusly a lot of people fall off of the social radar. Crowded bars can be overwhelming for some people, and it’s important to know that they are not the only place to unwind when you are at university. We have over 120 societies that offer fantastic socials that aren’t all alcohol-based, you will find one that is right for you - I promise. If you didn’t make it to Freshers’ Fayre, take a look on the union’s website - every single society and sports club is listed there for you to join.
MAKE THE MOST OF IT The most important thing you can do for your mental health while at university is to enjoy yourself. Take the opportunities that are given to you, go on one of our trips with the Travel Shop (Fulton House, Singleton Campus), run for a committee position, take a day out to explore the Gower. You’re here to get a degree primarily, but don’t worry too much. These are your formative years and you’ve got a unique opportunity here to be exactly the person that you want to be, grab the bull by its horns and have some fun - you’re going to be absolutely fine.
SEFUL LINKS Welfare Officer welfare@swansea-union.co.uk Mental Health Awareness Officer:
Samaritans
mentalhealthofficer@swansea-union.co.uk
samaritans.org
Advice & Support Centre
Mental Health Foundation
advice@swansea-union.co.uk
mentalhealth.org.uk
Students’ Union
Mind
swansea-union.co.uk
mind.org.uk
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ISSUE 267
by Roberta Attuquayefio
advice for your final year ‘Record numbers of students are beginning university this term,
‘But there are warnings of rising numbers
First of all you start to think how you’re
of students struggling to cope with
going to move all your things back
life on campus, with sharp rises in the
home if you live away from home where
demand for counselling… A report from
your family live and near the university,
the Higher Education Funding Council
then you think ‘how will I get on course
making the big
for England, using anonymised data,
wise? Will I get the grade I want or set
emotional step of a
found a rapid increase in demand for
myself to achieve?’ The last thing that
new independent life,
counselling, with one institution seeing
goes through a final year student’s mind
with many living away
an annual increase of more than 50%.’
is ‘will I find a job straight away?’
first time.’ according
Many things go through a person’s
Don’t worry, whether you believe it
to a September 2015
mind as they go into their last
or not these are completely normal
report from BBC news
year of university, everyone has
thoughts to have and everyone else
those thoughts and it’s OK to have
in your shoes is guilty of having those
them. After all we’re all human.
same exact thoughts. It’s not just you!
from home for the
education correspondent Sean Coughlan.
NOVEMBER 2016
waterfrontonline.co.uk
Once you start the semester again you’ll realise that you worried for nothing and you will find the answers to all the questions you asked yourself as you go along. The final year should be easier in terms of fitting back in because you’ve done it all before two years
Even though it’s good to keep in mind
prior, so therefore you know the drill.
that the idea of going to university for the first time might trigger mental health
This article is not focusing on mental
issues such as depression and anxiety
health and the negatives of university,
or even self-harm, my aim is to bring
however it should be recognised that
to attention to the students and the
some students go through some form
public that there is help out there. Most
of mental health whether it’s serious or
universities have a mental well-being
for example gospel choir society and
not. The first solution to the problem
building department which is there
choral society really help me to release
is to acknowledge it because the
to help when the need arises. Make
my tensions, yet create a great social and
more authorities and the universities
sure you make use of these facilities it
safe environment for me. Try and find a
ignore it, the more it increases across
can really help. Even if you just book
society to join too and hopefully being
more students and escalates.
a session to find out what services
a part of these societies will help you
they offer it can really change the way
mingle with other students and make
you approach and handle final year.
friends who will encourage you. Yes it is easier said than done but it’s worth a try.
How I personally deal with stress or worry for my final year at university is
The main advice is whenever you feel
to think positively, and keep myself
stressed or worried about final year
occupied doing things that are positive,
of university, take deep breaths in and out and try to distract yourself
I keep myself occupied doing things that are positive. Gospel choir society and Choral society really help me to release my tensions, yet create a great social and safe environment.
from it by thinking of all the positive things about university. Remember this is your final year. After this you’re never coming back. Enjoy it before you enter the working world. Finally surround yourself with likeminded people who want the same things as you do which helps a lot. Whatever you do, don’t keep the fears in your mind!
20
ISSUE 267
by Shannon Jones & Faye Vlietstra
agony aunts Hi Shannon and Faye, I’ve just found out through a friend that the guy I was previously seeing still has some raunchy pictures of me on his phone which he still uses to get off with, what should I do? Rachel, Second Year.
Hey girls, I’ve just moved back to university for my third year living with a group of female friends, everything was going well until we got an unwanted extra housemate. My housemate’s boyfriend is at our house 24/7 and it’s becoming an issue. I don’t want to lose our friendship, but what should I do? Charlotte, Third Year.
Well Damn! Full disclosure, we almost experienced something like this, and definitely know how crap the situation must be for you. The best thing to do would be to talk to the other housemates and see if you’re all on the same page. If you are, bring it up to the girl, but keep it cool to start with, and don’t attack her. If she doesn’t listen and refuses to
First of all girl, you need to rethink who
Shannon and Faye are Waterfront’s very own agony aunts and matchmakers.
you send these sorts of pictures to. We’re not saying that you shouldn’t, we’re just saying take caution, as some people can’t be trusted. Maybe save it for the
If you’re interested in going
real deal. As for the guy, he’s clearly
on a Blind Date or have a
an asshole, with a side of creep, who
question you want to put
doesn’t deserve to have your photos.
simmer it down, then we say you and the other housemates have every right to request that he starts contributing to bills. If not then they’re obviously taking the piss, in that case tell the homegirl that it’s illegal for him to be living there like he’s another housemate, and we bet that will change her mind. Best of luck, go forth and reclaim your house!
to the aunts, contact them
Our best advice we can give, would be
at waterfrontrelationships@
to tell him to delete all copies of the
swanseastudentmedia.com.
pictures, and if he refuses, get people
While very knowledgeable Shannon
you can trust and call in reinforcements
and Faye are not qualified to give out
to help make him see reason. Now
expert advice. Waterfront suggests
remember, if you really want to send
that you take their advice with a pinch
saucy photos, be wary of who you send
of salt and use the Students’ Union’s
them to and never include your face!
support services for serious guidance.
NOVEMBER 2016
blind date
waterfrontonline.co.uk
Emily 21, level three American Studies and English Literature and Josh 22, level one Chemical Engineering, met at JCs for a free drink on a Friday in October for their first date. Here’s what they had to say afterwards.
We send our blind date
Why did you agree to go on a
What was your favourite thing about
couples to JC’s bar and
blind date?
the person?
coffee shop, which serves a
E: For the bants!!
E: How easy he was to talk too.
range of alcoholic and non-
J: Never been on one before and wanted
J: She was a laugh.
alcoholic drinks, speciality
to give it a try.
coffees, pub meals, panini and homemade cakes. All of our blind date couples
Were there any turnoffs? What were your first impressions?
E: No turn offs!
E: Pleasantly surprised!
J: None that I can think of.
J: Friendly if not a little nervous.
receive a complimentary drink courtesy of JC’s. If you would like to take part in a blind date, please
Out of ten, how would you rate Were you attracted to the person?
the date?
E: HELL YES
E: 9/10
J: Somewhat, she did seem like a really
J: It went quite well, so about a 7.
nice girl.
contact Shannon and Faye on waterfrontrelationships@ swanseastudentmedia.com
Any chance of seeing each other again? Were there any awkward moments
E: Hope so!
or silences?
J: Maybe.
E: Not really… J: One or two but they didn’t last long.
FRESH
9.30AM - 11PM
PANINI
TAKE 'EM OR LEAVE 'EM
FRESH
COFFEE
OPENING HOURS ORIAU AGOR
NOVEMBER 2016
swanseastudentmedia.com
home by Nezeré Parkin
The rain is beating against the window pane So much force My heart is racing as I receive another blow to my face, my stomach, my chest thundering down on me just like the rain to the ground both relentless, as if they’re competing with one another The sound of the rain is weakening and so is he... now I’m sprawled across the floor; unable to move. Left in the dark like a forgotten children’s doll The pain is unbearable There’s a spider in the corner of the room She’s spinning her web Making a home This is her safe place, She will be ok here I think it’s finally stopped raining A new light shines through the window and onto her web; she is resting At least one of us will survive tonight
NOVEMBER 2016
waterfrontonline.co.uk
by Ellie Thompson
vintage vibes Aztec, plaid, cord, denim and all sorts of clothing were seen at the
You may have seen or been to the vintage fair that was in university recently, the ‘one stop pop up shop for all your vintage needs.’ The event was hosted by University Vintage Fairs, an organisation that travels across the UK to bring students vintage clothing at an affordable price.
fair, ranging from coats and cutoffs to sportswear and shirts. So now you’ve bought your vintage items, the question is how to style them? Let me show you…
Denim This material is probably the most versatile of them all and can be styled and worn in so many different ways. ‘Mom’ jeans are very popular at the moment and look great with a colourful retro shirt (depending on how loud you want your look to be) or just a logo t-shirt. Wear with trainers, a chunky belt and even a cap depending on how you want your outfit to look! A denim jacket is always a good investment as it can be worn with so many different pieces and even looks great on a night out. The question is, are you daring enough to embrace double denim?
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ISSUE 267
Streetwear
Vintage street-wear, such as a colourblock fleece, can be thrown over anything and instantly brightens up an outfit. Look out for brands such as Adidas, Fila and Nike and invest in baggy t-shirts, track jackets and oversized sweatshirts.
Plaid
In the form of a shirt, skirt or scarf, vintage plaid is one of the easiest patterns to style. Wear a mid-length checked skirt with a cosy knitted jumper, woolly tights and knee-high boots for when it gets cold or wear an oversized plaid shirt over a simple black t-shirt and skinny jeans for the autumnal months. A style not just for girls, a checked scarf can look great with a colourful pair of trousers for the boys, worn with tan shoes and a matching belt for a more formal approach.
NOVEMBER 2016
waterfrontonline.co.uk
Tips to check it’s vintage... Lot numbers which gave each item a number to keep track of the where it was distributed and sorted.
Cord
A tag that states “one size fits all”. This was a phase in the 1980s where the style was oversized everything!
Cord is everywhere this season and the best way to style it is to pair some cute cord dungarees with a patterned
Labels that state “made in the USA” or
(or plain depending on how daring
similar. Brands would proudly say that
you want to go) turtle-neck top and
clothing was made in the country it was
ankle boots. If dresses aren’t your
sold in as a patriotic statement, standing
forte, try a pair of cord trousers with
for higher wages for employees.
a chunky sweater and a scarf. Decorative labels. During the 60s, 70s and 80s, labels were anything but simple like they are today. Look out for flowers,
Accessories
Caps are huge at the moment and look great with mom jeans, a floral tie-at-thewaist top or a bomber jacket. Better still, they cover up bad hair days and look great with your hair loose or in a ponytail. Vintage belts are so versatile as they’re usually made out of soft leather so have a lovely worn-in look, which looks great paired with some Levi high-waist shorts or mom jeans.
symbols and unusual typography on the brand label.
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ISSUE 267
by Ellie Thompson
fulton outfitters It is almost a tradition to have an item of
Stocking everything from hoodies,
a Fulton Outfitters shop is also on
t-shirts, sportswear and socks to snap-
campus, within the Students’ Union
backs, rucksacks, cards and stationery,
building, near the launderette.
you won’t have to shop anywhere else!
clothing with your
Both shops are open Monday-Friday from The store sold over a thousand
10am until 5pm.
on, and we all love a
hoodies over fresher’s fortnight which
This October, Fulton Outfitters celebrates
keepsake to remind
shows that their jumpers alone are
its 4th birthday, so make sure that you
us of the fun years
a comfy and stylish way to dress on
pop in and buy an item of clothing or
a day-to-day basis and also perfect
accessory to support them! They also
for throwing on with jeans.
sell gifts which is ideal, especially with
university’s name
we’ve spent there. Fulton Outfitters is your one stop shop to pick up these and lots of other cool mementos.
Christmas coming up – get your friend a The wide variety of sizes stocked, from
keepsake which they’ll treasure forever!
XS to XXXL means that you can get the perfect fit or even go a size up for an
The Fultoneers, the brand ambassadors
extra comfy and snuggly feel.
of Fulton Outfitters, will also be around both Singleton and Bay campus
Fulton Outfitters is in Fulton House
displaying some of the clothing items
on Singleton Campus, just opposite
for sale. Staff at Fulton Outfitters will
Costcutter.
be recruiting other students to be part of their team so if you think you’d
For all you Bay Campus students,
be interested then let them know!
NOVEMBER 2016
swanseastudentmedia.com
The shops on both campuses are open Monday-Friday from 10am until 5pm.
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ISSUE 267
by Hazel Stabler
scary stories Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is a film centred around Jake,
The narrative of the film is closely
for Peculiar Children, and later, Hollow
knit to the original story, in which
City, as Riggs first wanted to produce
Jake’s grandfather, Abraham, tells
a picture book gone wildly and weirdly
Jake stories about his childhood
wrong. As a collector of photographs,
growing up in Nazi- ridden Poland.
he knew that he needed more in order
Jake assumes that these stories of
to build the story into what it is today,
a young man who,
monsters and peculiar children are
and so he contacted collector Leonard
after a tragic family
fabricated lies in order to cover up
Lightfoot and built the story from there.
incident, follows
the horrors of war, but is confronted
a trail of photos
by their tragic reality as he witnesses
The film adaptation also uses these
his grandfather’s death first hand.
photos, and while the visual aid isn’t
to the abandoned
necessary, it is certainly welcomed by
children’s home in a Welsh island
The original novel, written by Ransom
fans of the book. Some of these photos
Riggs, inherits its characters and
have been re-created in order to match
plot points from an array of peculiar
the characters on screen, however many
photographs. These photos inhabit the
elements have stayed true to the original
children from the story, featuring floating
story, giving a rustic and mysterious feel
children, a grinning boy with a mouth full
to an already weird and wonderful tale.
of bees, masked twins posed in front of the camera, and a full collection of many
However, there are elements of this
more. It was these photos which drove
film that drastically turned it from a Tim
Riggs to write Miss Peregrine’s Home
Burton classic, to a classic book versus
NOVEMBER 2016
swanseastudentmedia.com
by Becky Elms
netflix binge watch: stranger things If you haven’t already got on board with this hype, I highly recommend that you do! This Netflix Original aired the entirety of its eight episode series on the 15th July and just over a month later Netflix confirmed that it would produce a second season. The instant success of this show is all film critique. If you enter the home
those under-bed monsters you thought
too apparent - once you watch the
of peculiar children straight from the
you’d left at your Mum and Dad’s
first episode, you become hooked.
words of Riggs’ novel, you are greeted
house when you were little. In fact,
The story begins with the mysterious
by a rich explanation of the weird and
where characterisation lacks, adventure
disappearance of Will Byers. As the story
fantastical, understanding the gap
certainly provides insulation, and you
continues it is clear that supernatural
between Jake and his father, and the
do feel transported to 1943 as Jake
events are occurring - mainly the
even further gap between Abraham and
is, in the cusp of war and turmoil both
appearance of a faceless monster,
his family. What follows when the book
with real threats and hidden ones.
nicknamed the ‘Demogorgon’ by
becomes a film is muddled explanation,
Will’s nerdy but loveable friends. The
and an awful lot of confusion. The film
The question remains; should you go
Sci-fi theme continues when Eleven
feels rushed and all together messy,
out and watch this film? The decision is
(El as she is affectionately named by
mistreating the relationship between
up to you. Shabby story telling aside, it
Mike Wheeler) makes an appearance.
Jake and his family for the thrill of wild
is certainly something worth watching,
Capturing the affections of the audience,
adventures that are never explained.
opening the doors to a new kind of story
she discovers the world for the first
about a bereted young man and a home
time after a life trapped as a science
One thing the film does managed to
of strange and peculiar children. At the
experiment guinea-pig at a nearby
convey, however, is fear, as the Hollows
very least, the characters and locations
‘Area 51’ type lab. This slightly spooky,
are truly the stuff of nightmares. Tall
will at least inspire you to head out
exciting and heart-breaking show is a
dark and covered in teeth, they cater to
and buy the book the very next day.
must watch for the month of November.
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the only obvious plot development)
cult classic: house of flying daggers
and things get really complicated. This film is true breath-taking beauty in every sense of the word. Both sound and colour are used to stimulate the senses so they seem to almost ooze out of the screen. The fight sequence in the bamboo forest
by Rachel Sanders
Zh an g Ziyi plays Xiao M e i
is one so spectacular that is has gone down in history along with the drum sequence near the beginning of the
A 2004 martial arts masterpiece,
than Hero (and most martial arts films)
film and the spectacular final sequence
this is one of my favourite films of
but this only adds to its allure. Writers
(filmed in the snow because the winter
all time. Fresh off the back of ‘Hero’
Feng Li, Bin Wang and Yimou Zhang have
came early). It is just another testament
(another masterpiece), director Yimou
constructed a complex interwoven tale of
to Yimou Zhang’s mastery that instead
Zhang created a sensory feast like
honour, love, death, intrigue and betrayal
of cancelling and delaying filming due to
nothing I had ever experienced before.
which only serves to fuel the emotion
the change in weather (it was originally
So powerful were the images he
behind the incredible fight sequences
meant to be filmed in the leafy Autumn),
created they still send a thrill through
further. Jin (Takeshi Kaneshiro) and Leo
he adapted the film to integrate the snow
me every time I watch the film.
(Andy Lau) are two police officers who
with spectacular results.
have been tasked with finding and killing For those of you not particularly
the leader of the notorious ‘House of
So, if you have never seen this wonder of
interested in the martial-art genre, the
Flying Daggers’ rebel group. Leo tells Jin
Chinese film-making, I implore you, do
film is an explosion of imagery and story-
that a local blind girl, Mei (Ziyi Zhang),
so, now. I promise you will not regret it.
telling with plot twists and characters that
is suspected of being the late leader’s
will keep you guessing and gasping in
daughter. Jin proceeds to win over
shock. For those of you who are seasoned
her trust in the hope that she will lead
martial-arts enthusiasts, the wuxia style
him to the rebel group’s headquarters.
film features incredible fight sequences
Naturally, they fall in love (probably
mixed with the dancing prowess of Ziyi Zhang (also known for Hero, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Memoirs of a Geisha) which will leave you breathless. The plot is a little more romance oriented
The c ol ours a re often hea vi l y sa tura ted
NOVEMBER 2016
swanseastudentmedia.com
why i won’t be watching doctor strange
MARVEL makes large amounts of money from China’s massive movie market (as an example, Avengers: Age of Ultron made more than 600 million dollars from China alone). China is renowned for having a difficult political situation with Tibet. To this day, it is claimed that Tibet remains one of the most oppressed countries
by Michael Fraser
Be n e dict C u mbe rbatc h a s Doctor S tr a ng e
in the world. It is well known that the Dalai Lama operates in exile and, along with an Indian based group commonly
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has
‘Doctor Strange’ has the potential to
known as ‘the Tibetan Government
grown from the humble beginnings
be a great movie; the special effects
in Exile’, has repeatedly brought the
of the first Iron Man film into one
will be fantastic, the reality-bending
issue of Tibet to the United Nations.
of the most famous, and profitable,
sequences could have the same
China’s film censors, who decide
film franchises on the planet, with
magic as The Matrix and Inception,
on the foreign films to be shown
immensely successfully merchandise,
and the cast is a list of fantastically
in the massively profitable movie
tie-in comics and forays into both
talented actors who I am sure will play
market, denied entry to The Last
online and cable television.
their roles with their usual magic.
Airbender in 2010. Several theories have emerged as to the reasoning
The exponential success of the fan-
However, allow me to draw your
of this, including one postulating
dubbed MCU has led to massive
attention to one particular character
that it was the result of similarities
growth in the character roster. It has
- The Ancient One, Doctor Strange’s
between the titular character’s and
grown from the team of six at the
mentor in the mystic arts.
Tibetan culture. In the film version
heart of Avengers Assemble to include
of Doctor Strange, the Ancient One
comic-fan favourites like Daredevil,
For those of you who haven’t read
Quake, and Spider-Man, and this rapid
the comic, Doctor Steven Strange is
expansion shows no signs of stopping.
a world famous gifted surgeon who,
2016 has been an especially big
one day, is involved in a car accident
year for the character roster and this
that severely injures his hands. Lost,
But the spineless pursuit of money
November promises further additions
unable to perform operations, he
by MARVEL (and their ongoing non-
to round it off with ‘Doctor Strange’;
travels the world to try and find a
diversity) is hardly surprising. I, for
bringing the MARVEL magician and
way to repair them. On his travels,
one, shall not be watching Doctor
several of the characters from his
he meets a Tibetan monk called ‘the
Strange when it is released in cinemas.
comics into the world of the MCU.
Ancient One’, who teaches him the mystic arts and he becomes ‘Doctor Strange, Sorcerer Supreme’.
is no longer from Tibet but Nepal. And here we hit the issue.
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ISSUE 267
by Declan Murphy
nintendo switch it up After multiple leaks, hints and speculation over the last year, Nintendo have
The main premise seems to be that the
This means it is possible for two Switch
console is both a stationary unit as well
units to play in the same game, perfect
as a handheld and can switch on the go.
for games like Mario Kart and Super
With the use of a docking station the
Smash, where too many people on the
console can switch from a stationary TV
one screen can be crowded or mean
output to a portable tablet complete
the size of the split-screen is tiny.
finally announced
with two detachable components which
their new console.
function as a controller when put either
Talking about the screen; it is rumoured
side of the tablet.
to have a roughly 900p resolution. However, as that was from previous
They can also be used for multiplayer
leaks and not confirmed from Nintendo
functionality as when detached they
we will have to wait and see exactly
work as a two separate controllers.
what it will be. That being said when
The console also seems to have local
it is in its docking station broadcasting
multiplayer external to a single unit.
to a TV it’s safe to assume it’ll be at
NOVEMBER 2016
waterfrontonline.co.uk
battle for the mountain returns Last April, Swansea Gaming Society and Arrow hosted the first of this gaming extravaganza at Bay Campus’ School of Management.
“By simply lifting the Nintendo Switch console from the dock, it will instantly transition to handheld mode, and the same great
With a fresh academic year the event is
gaming experience that was being enjoyed at home now travels
back and bigger than ever, now with five
with you.” - Nintendo
university gaming societies competing, with SGS joined by CGS from Cardiff, USWGES from South Wales, BUGL from Bangor and ACOG from Aberystwyth.
least 1080p. Anything lower would be
to developing games for it, as a result
Not only is the list of Universities
a backwards step in terms of graphics.
it looks like Nintendo have learnt from
expanding, so too is the game list. DotA 2,
their mistakes. Activision, Bethesda
League of Legends, Counter Strike: Global
Unlike all recent Nintendo consoles, the
and EA have all listed their names in
Offensive, Street Fighter, Rocket League,
console doesn’t have a touchscreen,
support of the console. Also released
Smash 4, Smash Melee, Hearthstone, FIFA
breaking the trend pioneered by the
was an accompanying image showing
and of course Overwatch.
DS, Wii and Wii U. The motion control
just how many developers were backing
system from the Wii also seems to have
the console as well as showing Skyrim
If you’re interested in coming to watch or
been ditched in favour of joystick-only
playing on the console in the trailer.
take part then tickets are for sale on the
controls. Discs also seem to be off the menu with Nintendo opting for Flash
Biletto site. The event is brimming up to A couple of questions do remain though.
based cartridges. This could be to
be amazing and if successful it would be the biggest LAN ever held in Swansea.
increase storage capacity without the
For instance, will the unit have a
need for an included disc drive as well as
sustainable battery life? It only looks like
Battle For The Mountain takes
saving games directly onto the cartridge,
a small tablet so it’d be interesting to see
place on 5th & 6th November.
something they’ve done before.
the specs. As a follow-up, how expensive is it going to be? With such a small
The list of developers backing the
case it’s fair to assume they’re packing
console seems to be a lot more extensive
some punch in whatever components
than the Wii U. One of the issues of the
they’re using. Will we be looking at the
Wii U was its hard nature when it came
£400 price bracket, or maybe higher?
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music reviews
in association with
by Harry Ballmann
Regina Spektor
6
Remember Us To Life
Local Natives Mac Miller
9
The Divine Feminine The Divine Feminine will certainly help to establish Mac Miller as an intelligent and popular musician. Already, the likes of Kendrick Lamar and CeeLo Green have collaborated with Miller, illustrating his growing prowess. Miller shapes The Divine Feminine by bringing a cruder-style of R&B, keeping glimpses of hip-hop, in an attempt to keep this album as versatile as possible whilst maintaining rigidity. Perhaps most fantastically illustrated by sampling a Robin Williams speech from Good Will Hunting (1997) in his track Soulmate, Miller manages to capture the nostalgia perfectly; a testimonial song to mark a culturally broad album.
Standout track: Soulmate
8
Sunlit Youth A sophisticated return from the L.A based indie band, boasting an album which shows a more defined sound and musical direction. Adequately placed vocals plus an array of instruments characterises Sunlit Youth as an archetypal indie album. This album should be wagered as one which will transcend well onto the stage, and even better come next year’s festival season. Local Natives strike a balance between the melancholy and the upbeat, a demonstration of their sophistication making Sunlit Youth an album marking the band’s coming of age.
Standout track: Psycho Lovers
Kaiser Chiefs
7
Stay together Probably the most used pun when reviewing Kaiser Chiefs, but with their expressive sixth album, we should certainly predict a riot. Stay Together poses an interesting mix of a hearty guitar sound and estranged 80s synth brought into 2016, ultimately creating a tastefully bizarre new breed of indie. Frontman Ricky Wilson will have no trouble in converting the seemingly reserved (in Kaiser Chiefs terms, anyway) album into pure live energy when they embark on their Stay Together tour. In short, simplistic yet striking album cover contrasts the complexity of their latest album; a band once defined by its ability to create indie anthem after anthem now demonstrates its ability to succeed in something different.
Standout track: Good Clean Fun
Soulful piano and an impressive vocal range are continuing features amongst Regina Spektor’s albums. An underrated artist stepping out of the prominent New York music scene, inspired by the likes of Paul Simon and Kate Nash, Regina Spektor holds onto her light-hearted tendencies through relaxed melody. However, that is not to say that she has failed to demonstrate her surprising poignancy through intricate piano accompanied by story-telling lyrics.
Standout track: Grand Hotel
NOVEMBER 2016
swanseastudentmedia.com
Bon Iver
6
22, A Million
Fleetwoood Mac
There is certainly evidence of the Bon Iver brilliance of the past, but it should be overlooked by the conceptual nature of their third studio album, 22, A Million.
5
Mirage (Remastered) A band which really needs no introduction, Fleetwood Mac define rock n’ roll, with a whole culture surrounding their existence. The re-release of Mirage follows chronologically from a remastered edition of Tusk. The usual Fleetwood Mac guitar twang creates a solid state of nostalgia from a band which has been around for literally, a number of generations. The defining voices of Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie add to the nostalgia. Overall, Mirage has a welcoming sound but lacks the Fleetwood Mac edge to christen them one of the world’s best bands
Standout track: Gypsy
The Head & The Heart
8
Sings Of Light Far removed from the Seattle scene of the past boasting grunge throughout the Washington State as well as being the birthplace of the one and only Jimmy Hendrix with Nirvana and Pearl Jam taking the world by storm in the 90s, The Head and the Heart are about as far apart from Seattle’s musical routes as would be deemed possible. However, the largely pretty album boasts light-hearted folk tones, making the listener succumb to a Sunday afternoon mellow. It may never be in your top 10, maybe even top 50 albums, yet at the right time and in the right environment, Sings of Light possess that perfect mellow and serene listening you require.
Standout track: I Don’t Mind
Whilst the songs show much promise, entwining Justin Vernon’s tuneful high notes and tasteful piano, one cannot overlook the disappointing synthetic vocals. As with many bands, a change in direction can create a new dynamic, often resulting in a positive progression of style. Yet, whilst there are glimpses of greatness, shown in raw tracks like 33 “GOD” where the Bon Iver of old is put together brilliantly with their new direction, songs such as 715 CR∑∑KS prove to make the album an extremely challenging listen.
Standout track:
Karl Jenkins
33 “GOD”
Cantata Memoria; For the Children
10
Welsh composer Karl Jenkins’ profound cantata commemorates 50 years since the Aberfan Disaster.116 children and 28 adults died in the landslide, reflected by the solemnness of Jenkins’ work. The choir is particularly haunting, a reminder of the bleakness the event imposed upon the area. Jenkins himself wrote in ‘The Guardian’ that the disaster was his ‘second JFK moment’; it had an impact upon his soul with an equally colossal impact upon his musical talent.
Standout track: Lament for the Valley
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in association with by Harry Ballmann
eats every thing Growing up in Bristol must have been a
What made you want to become a DJ?
quality musical experience, what music
Eats has established himself as one of the most professional and internationally accepted DJs to rise from the UK, arguably since Fatboy Slim and Groove Armada. A conversation with Waterfront’s Harry Ballmann sees him open up about his rise to fame and his current experiences as a DJ.
were you inspired by during your youth?
The minute I heard dance music I was totally hooked – I looked up to my mates’
I actually grew up in a small town just
brothers and got my first pair of decks
outside of Bristol. I wasn’t really brought
aged 12. I haven’t looked back since!
up in a musical family, so all of my influences come from dance music that I
Did you go to any festivals for
found myself more or less. The first time
pleasure over summer? What are
I ever heard electronic music was via the
your favourite festivals to go to?
Pet Shop Boys’ Radio One show that was on once a month, and then being around
My summer touring schedule is so
mates’s older brothers who had decks
hectic that if I get a weekend off, I’m
and used to DJ rave music. Later on when
more likely to want to spend it with my
I was old enough to go to raves in and
family than go to a festival as a punter.
around Bristol, I was influenced by the
Having said that, I played every day at
incredible DJs who used to play there; Ellis
Glastonbury this year and blocked the
Dee, Easygroove, Trevor Rockliffe and Carl
whole weekend off for it. I’ve been going
Cox to name just a few.
there ever since I was a young raver
NOVEMBER 2016
swanseastudentmedia.com
Highlights from this summer would definitely include Bestival and lots of the all night terrace shows at Elrow at Space Ibiza
and it’s definitely one of my favourite
I felt honoured to be able to release
or playing at fabric and I feel honoured
places in the world. I had an amazing
two tracks featuring Green Velvet this
to have been able to do so. The club had
time playing Bestival too, it’s a great way
year – firstly ‘The Duster’ and secondly
some of the strictest searches I’ve ever
to round off the UK festival season.
my remix of ‘Flash’. He played with me
experienced so it’s fairly obvious this isn’t
at fabric’s Room 1 for the launch party
just about drugs – it feels like our whole
What’s the most memorable gig that
of my fabric mix, it was an incredible
culture is in jeopardy. I fully back their
you’ve performed?
night. He is a one of a kind human being,
decision to appeal and hopefully this isn’t
an absolute dude, mega wise & has
the end of the club or the conversation.
It’s hard to pick just one out of my whole
stories for days. He also happens to be
lifetime as there’s so many that have been
one of the best & one of my favourite
Is there anybody within the DJ scene
good for different reasons, but highlights
producers to have walked the earth.
who is up and coming, you think people should keep an eye out for?
from this summer would definitely include Bestival and lots of the all night terrace
You’ve recently curated a fabric DJ Mix,
shows at Elrow at Space Ibiza – I feel
what’re your opinions on the club’s
Elliot Adamson is an incredible
very privileged to have been able to
closure for the music industry?
young producer and DJ who recently
play there so much in its last season.
released on my Edible label, there’ll I’ve been fairly outspoken about how I
Is there anybody you really enjoyed
feel about fabric’s closure. Doing a fabric
collaborating with, or performing with?
CD was so exciting, as was going to fabric
definitely be lots more from him.
Shoreline Theatre presents:
Waiters Needed. Three one act plays. All By Myself by Robert Scott.
Hello Darkness, My Old Friend by Sue Wilding.
The Dumbwaiter by Harold Pinter.
9 & 10 November 9 & 10 Tachwedd
6:30pm for a 7pm start.
Divas. Members ÂŁ5 Non-Members ÂŁ6.50
NOVEMBER 2016
swanseastudentmedia.com
in association with by Declan Murphy
you me at six Waterfront editor Declan Murphy sat down with Josh Franceschi from You Me At Six ahead of their Swansea gig in Brangwyn Hall. Here’s what he had to say.
So, you’ve been in the studio working
Do you think it’s right to have terms
on new content. How would you
like pop-punk, or would you rather
say this content differs from your
they be something more fluid?
previous stuff? Or would you say it’s relatively on the same track?
That’s a good question. Honestly I’ve never looked at music and tried to
The album? I’d say it’s different in the
categorize artists. For me a song is either
sense that we’ve never made a record in
good and it resonates with me, or it is
this manner – like recording it live. Rather
bad and it doesn’t resonate with me. It’s
than before we’ve had Dan recording to
always pissed me off when people go
a click track, Matt recording to a click,
“Oh, YMAS, I preferred them when they
so on so forth. So it’s nice to record as a
were a pop-punk band”, verses now. Or
live band. We made it Nashville whereas
it’s like ”Oh, why did you turn your back
the last two we’ve made in California
on pop-punk”. And the reason I find it
so it’s a different pace – different sort
ridiculous is because, you know, I’m not
of tempo and vibe to the record so
comparing us to them obviously, but
that’s cool. This is an album where
no one ever tried to box in a band like
YMAS have really found their sound.
The Beatles. No one said “what are they doing with Sargent Pepper, what the fuck
Billy Joe Armstrong recently came out
is going on there?”. Know what I mean?
about his dislike of the word “pop-
They’re making music, and we either
punk”. I was wondering what your
like it and embrace it and enjoy it, or we
thoughts where on genres in general.
pass on it. I think streaming platforms
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ISSUE 267
such as Spotify are actually changing
come to the for-front of that: Green Day,
afternoon, hungover all day, roll yourself
music and they’re blurring the lines.
blink-182, a handful of others, sum 41.
onto stage and play a show. Love that
And that has almost in the past, and
and that’s all great but I want to go and
So would you say things like Spotify
even now as 40-year-old men, they’re still
explore and I want to right the next
are good for the industry in that sense?
labelled as Green Day, the pop-punkers.
record on this tour – not this exact tour
They’ve been writing songs like – what’s
but next cycle, 24, 36 months. It’s all
In that sense, they’re not good for the
that song on American Idiot? I don’t
about the mind set you have. If the mind-
industry overall. Actually, nah that’s
actually like Green Day that much but I
set you have is just to solely exist on tour
unkind. They have their benefits and
like that record… “I walk a lonely road”.
then I don’t think you’re doing it right.
they’ve engaged people. They’ve given the power back to the people, in terms
We’ve only done two shows [this tour] so Boulevard of Broken Dreams.
of people can go and discover any artist they want. It’s a new way for artists to
told I’m singing the best I have ever sung Mate, is that a pop-punk song?
come up and develop. It’s a new set of statistics that you can give labels or
far but already I’m singing better – being on stage. I’m feeling good, I’m feeling healthy, and I’m feeling baggage-free.
God no. Where are you most looking forward to
agents or whatever to try and create
playing? Apart from Swansea of course.
tours or opportunities and in that there is
No. It’s a fucking epic Aerosmith-
lots of benefits. But the main thing that
like rock ballad in a sense. So
I found is that I don’t believe- maybe a
yeah, that’d piss me off. Fair play
I was going to say Swansea. Well the
few years ago, there felt like a time you
to the lad, saying what’s right.
beautiful thing about this tour is that we
were either an emo band, a pop band, a
really wanted to play [smaller venues].
punk band, a rock band, a metal band,
So, you’ve got a long tour ahead.
In fact when I look at the list I only
a scar band or an indie band, dance,
Few different cities – few different
see one place that a promoter would
R&B… And it was all like you’re either
countries even. How do you stay
call the “A-market”, the Londons, the
like that one thing and you were a part
sane with all that travelling?
Birminghams, the Manchesters, and the
of that clique; if that makes sense, or
Glasgows. When overseas bands come
you weren’t. I remember the backlash
Well Dan and I, have made an agreement
over they play five or six arenas. I’m
we got when we did a song with a Hip
of sorts, that we’re not going to tour
enjoying going to places like Folkestone,
Hop artist, Chiddy Bang. And at the
anymore unless we do it a different way.
yesterday was beautiful; today in Swansea,
time I couldn’t believe it, I was like,
I mean that in the sense that I want to
went for a nice walk along the beach,
I don’t understand how people can
get up in the morning and want to go
all that sort of shit. Nottingham, Oxford
get that wound-up over something.
and truly embrace my day. So, the way
and Cambridge, we’ve never been to
What’s the point in being involved in
we’re trying to keep it interesting and
Cambridge. Iverness, we haven’t been
something creative if you don’t have
not mundane is that we start of we go to
there in close to nine years. Places we’re
the licence to do something creative?
the gym or health club and we work-out,
not going to go again for another few
go for a swim. Maybe try and find a nice
years. It’s nice for us, we know these
I can see why Mr. Billy Joe Armstrong
restaurant and have a nice lunch. And it
people; we know the fans that come to
would say something like that because
sounds stupid but coming from a place
the shows. This is our first time in Swansea
when you think of the pop-punk world
where we never used to do that. We’d
by the way. It’s nice that they don’t have to
right, there’s a few bands that really
get up and roll out of bed at 3 in the
travel forty miles up to Cardiff for a show.
swanseastudentmedia.com
P hoto: Meg Mc Na b
NOVEMBER 2016
Going on from that, big venue or
a sense but playing these smaller shows
even as a fan of music I used to turn being
small venue?
is completely different success for me.
like “right, got the snacks? In your seat?
When you go to an arena show, when
We got the drinks?” We will be sitting
I think they’re different animals entirely
I’ve gone to them in the past it is very
there planning our night around our food
to be honest. This is the smallest stuff
much that we’re trying to put on a
and drinks. You’ll be waiting for the artist
we’ve done in England [and Wales] for
show, show, a spectacle. Big screens,
to come on and people behind you are
a long time. The energy in the room –
big lights, flames or whatever the cheap
like “sit down, I can’t see” and you’re like
these are died hard fans that are coming
thrills are. Whereas this is like can five
“what’re you doing?”. It’s a whole different
to see the show. They’re also fans that
guys go on stage and have you like
sort of show. Not every artist, but a few
are on board with this album campaign
that, based on just their instruments. I
experiences I’ve had, especially when I’ve
way before the album has even come
like that challenge, I like that the show
gone to pop shows because they’re only
out. Their like “they haven’t released
relies purely on how good we are.
five minutes across the road sort of thing.
any new music since 2014, I want to go
You get a slight advantage when you play
So yeah, I like the smaller shows currently.
and listen to their new stuff”. The last
arenas. People are set up to go to a big
I’m sure if you interview me on an arena
two shows have just been silly- silly, silly.
show. When you go in there you’re already
show I’m going to be getting paid a lot
The reaction is just mental. I just think
feeling a different sort of vibe. Also I think
of money and there will be ten-thousand
that arenas are good for the artist cause
people that go to arena shows - I used
people there and it’ll be massive, and
it’s a milestone and you want to keep
to live opposite the O2 for a few years.
I’ll think that is what it is all about but
seeing that progression and success in
I used to go once or twice a month and
right now this is what it is about.
44
ISSUE 267
P hoto: Tri p A d v i s or
P hoto: Gourmet Gorro/Ed G il be rt
places to take your parents
by Nathan Lloyd
Slice fine dining
£££
A relative newbie, Slice offers fine dining Sketty style. Owned and run by Adam That inevitable phone call comes -
Bannister and Chris Harris they’ve already
“We’ll come and see you! Just before
garnered the attention of the Michelin
Christmas, we’ll pop down to bring your
Guide and the Good Food Guide (your
things home. You can show us around!”
mother may even have seen Adam on the Great British Menu). With the lunchtime
At which point you’ll be regretting
3 course menu starting at £30 a head
spending most of your first term in the Tav,
you’ll be eating well but not bankrupting
the Mill or the Brunnie. Except of course,
them before Christmas. Expect mackerel,
YOU have read this article, in which case
bass, pigeon and steak to be on the
you’ll be able to comfortably come back
menu, cooked with a local flair. It’s a
to mother and father dearest with a handy
small restaurant so you’ll need to book in
list of places to stop by with a rough price
advance and make sure your party is on the
guide in tow! Tidy, as the locals say.
intimate side.
Fairy Hill fine dining
£££
Make sure they’ve brought a car for this one as it’s at the other end of the Gower near Bury Green. Fairy Hill offers some of the best dining in Swansea and is situated in one of the most scenic areas of South Wales. After you’ve taken them to Rhossili to see Worm’s Head, remind them that their faith in you is not misplaced by booking a table. With AA and Good Food Guide recommendations, this one is simmering under Michelin Star so won’t totally break the bank but will mightily impress. Courses are exceptional and quite generous for fine dining - tell dad “no jackets required” but don’t rock up looking like you’re recovering from the night before.
swanseastudentmedia.com
Restaurant & bar
££
What trip to Swansea would be complete without a jaunt up the Meridian tower to soak up the view from the tallest building
The King Arthur Pub lunch
P hoto: Tri p A d v i s or
The Grape & Olive
P hoto: Tri p A dvisor
P h oto: Trip Advisor
NOVEMBER 2016
££
in Wales? That might not sound like much
This is a real gem, nestled in the heart of
but given the expanse of Swansea Bay
the Gower and very, very popular with
and the surrounding hills the sight is one
locals for everything from Saturday lunch
to experience and savour. Owned and
to full blown weddings. The King Arthur
If you don’t take them anywhere else,
run by SA Brain’s, the G&O offers a large
is a proper old fashioned country pub
make sure you stop by Joe’s Ice Cream
menu of upmarket pub food - so expect
that does great food and has a brilliant
parlour at the bottom of St Helen’s road
fish, pasta and steaks etcetera. The food
atmosphere. Curl up in the front bar next
to sample a true Swansea treat. South
is a little pricey for pub food, but that’s to
to the log fire and soak up the Swansea
Wales has a long history with Italy as
be expected considering you are paying
atmosphere or chat to the staff about
thousands of Italians flocked to the region
in part for the view. I would personally
King Arthur’s stone (a local legend)
during the Industrial Revolution to start a
take them up to the top for coffee, regale
or about that time Elijah Wood came
new life. They opened cafes, chip shops
them with stories of long hours spent
there to drink, while you’re waiting for
and ice cream parlours, many of which are
in the library, beavering away at your
some reasonably priced pub grub. The
still around today. You could try Verdi’s or
assignments and use the view to avoid
menu is stocked with some corkers - the
Fulgoni’s ice cream, but show your true
awkward conversations about overdrafts
bangers and mash is always made with
Swansea affinity and take them to the
and how the shadow of the tower is
local sausages while the lamb burgers
best. Joe’s is a rich and creamy ice cream
decidedly phallic in nature.
are worth the drive by themselves - go
that comes in a variety of traditional
off piste with the specials menu if you
sundaes and cones, best eaten on a warm
want a wider range of fish or meat dishes.
summer’s walk along Oystermouth road,
Beloved by TripAdvisor and anyone with
but blustery autumn strolls are good too.
any sense, you’ll leave with smiles on your
Make sure you warn them not to be too
faces and the belt knocked down a notch
ambitious - it’s so creamy you may want
or two.
to book a coronary bypass in advance.
Joe’s Ice Cream Dessert
£
46
ISSUE 267
P hoto: Na t ha n L l oy d
roasted parsnip & brown mustard soup by Nathan Lloyd
So, the evenings are starting to draw in and we’re nearly ready for scarves and mittens. What better way to see in the Autumn than with a hearty soup to
Method:
warm the cockles of the soul?
The real trick with this soup is the roasting
parsnips and leave to one side for the
of the parsnips. You can bung them in the
garnish). Pour over the water, stir in the
You’ll need:
oven and let them do their thing while
mustards, a handful of parsley and season
4-5 medium parsnips (roasted)
you’re catching up with some reading.
generously with salt and black pepper.
1 onion
Put the lid on and let it simmer for a
1tbsp German mustard (use wholegrain
Pre-heat your oven to 180° with your
mustard as an alternative)
baking tray loaded with a generous glug
1tbsp Dijon mustard
or two of rapeseed oil, then peel and
When the soup’s done its thing, take a
Parsley (fresh, naturally)
parboil the parsnips. Toss the parsnips in
hand blender and blitz the whole thing
1 pint of water
the hot oil and roast for 25 minutes or so.
into a thick, creamy soup. For the topping,
Rapeseed oil
further thirty minutes.
chop and toast the hazelnuts in a dry While they’re cooking, chop and fry the
frying pan. Keep an eye on them as they
Garnish:
onion in a Le Creuset style deep pan with
cook very quickly and burned hazelnuts
A handful Hazelnuts, chopped and
a little oil until they’re soft and mellow.
aren’t nice! Sprinkle a little fresh, chopped
toasted
When the parsnips are done, remove
parsley, the hazelnuts and the whole
Chopped fresh parsley
from the oven and snip into the pot with
roasted parsnips you kept from earlier.
1-2 small golden roasted parsnips
a pair of scissors (keep one or two smaller
Serve with rye bread or sourdough.
NOVEMBER 2016
swanseastudentmedia.com
butternut squash & thyme frikadeller P hoto: Na t ha n L l oy d
by Nathan Lloyd
A simple twist on the classic dish, made with squash and herbs. You’ll need: Half a roasted butternut squash, deskinned 1 onion, chopped finely
oven when your housemate is heating up
too big. You can freeze whatever mix you
1 tsp garlic paste/1 clove of garlic, minced
a pasta bake - basically, roasted squash
don’t use or otherwise allow to rest in the
1 tsp dried thyme
is a really versatile ingredient, especially
fridge for a day or two. Form the mix into
20g rye bread crumbs
in the Autumn, so bung one when it’s
round, meatball sized balls and shallow fry
1 tin of butter beans, drained
convenient.
in a little vegan butter until browned on
1tbsp dried parsley
all sides.
1tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Check when they’re done by poking with a
Pinch of salt
fork - they should be really soft. Take them
Serve with some boiled potatoes and
Generous amount of cracked, black
out and allow them to cool (so they’re
a simple cucumber salad/pickle (half a
pepper
okay to handle) and save half the squash
cucumber, sliced finely; 4tbsp sugar; 4tbsp
for a future recipe (soup is good). When
white wine vinegar; some mustard seeds;
Method:
they’re cool, scoop out the flesh of the
some black peppercorns; dill, chopped
Quarter and deseed the butternut squash
other half and add to a mixing bowl.
finely; a few bay leaves and a splash of
then place in a deep baking tray. Drizzle
water. Make sure the cucumber is covered
with vegetable oil, sprinkle with salt and
Soften the chopped onion in a little oil
and leave to do its thing for at least an
cover with foil and bake in the oven at
and add to the mix. Combine the rest of
hour or two, longer if possible - it’ll keep in
180° for around forty minutes. You can
the ingredients and mash with a masher
the fridge for AGES).
roast the squash in the bottom of the
until the beans are broken up and not