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Exploring Arts / Culture / Music / Film within Bristol
WESTWORLD
INCLUDING
Shopping guide Event Listings Venue Guide St Vincent Review Shrek Musical SHAKE Bristol FEATURED ARTIST
Joe Munro Gemma Stephens
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Editors Letter & Ellice Weaver Comic
Welcome to the freshers’ edition of WestWorld! This year we have decided to go back to our roots as WesternEye’s artier, sexier sister publication by inviting the music and entertainment section to join us and help us cover all cultural bases. Whether you’re new to the cultural hub that is Bristol or not, this first issue aims to be your guide to everything from freshers’ nights and the best gig venues to alternative shopping destinations and this
Editors Arts & Fashion Dulcie Horn westworld@westerneye.net Music & Entertainement Christian Northwood music@westerneye.net Contributors Gemma Stephens Joe Munro Molly Ricard Milly Tillson Izzee Raynsford Tom Carter James White Ruby Cross Creative Direction & Graphic Designer James Barrett jamesbarrett1990@hotmail.co.uk behance.net/j23rd @J23rd issuu.com/jamesbarrett1
Let us know what you think online at westerneye.net
Editors letter Dulcie Horn & Christian Northwood
Twitter @WestWorld_UWE
month’s art exhibitions. This year we want to get bigger, better and more inclusive, and making our website bigger, better and more inclusive seems the best way to do that. Make sure you check out westerneye.net to see even more features and reviews.
We hope you find this to be a veritable handbook of arts and entertainment within Bristol and the wider world. As ever we aim to be a platform for your work so if you are an artist, writer, photographer, critic, fashionista, linguist, designer or general culture vulture then please get in touch on our contributors group on facebook facebook.com/groups/592153100869829/. We need your help to turn WestWorld into a go to source for culture in Bristol.
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JOE MUNRO I’m the youngest in a family who are all interested in art in some way or another.Therefore my future was always destined to end up somewhere in the art world. My outgoing personality has pushed the way I like to work. I usually start any project filling sketchbooks first hand; making quick drawings, recording overheard conversations and spontaneous marks to get a true reflection of my subject matter. Working face to face with moving objects and people forces me to draw at the pace of the forms movement in front of me. This technique encourages instantaneous marks and lines that correlate with the subject matter of the artwork. It is within these elements of my work that I am able to capture more than a camera could or an illustration done from my bedroom. Engaging with my audience allows me to get behind doors that at first may seem closed.
Featured Artist – Joe Munro & Gemma Stephens
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Featured artists
the middle of winter at 2 o’clock in the morning. This is when I learned that drawing with gloves is a lot harder than I imagined. Going to new places excites me. I think I’m inspired by all kinds of art. But, its in those times of panic coming up to a deadline I always return back to the works of artists such as of Franz Kline, Ronald Searle, John Virtue, Ralph Steadman and George Grosz. These guys get me through. This summer I’ve been working on an animation focusing on the recent floods in Somerset. I volunteered for several days building flood defences in Bridgewater and used this experience to push my most recent project. Introducing a journalism student and a film-maker into my project proved to be a rewarding experience. The project highlights the severity of the flooding but also the positives of a strong community collectively helping each other rebuild their homes. In the future I hope to continue working in a journalistic format; visiting new locations to create work and make a living from it.
I love people watching, chanting “Play Up Pompey” on a Saturday, early morning kebab haggling and meeting new and interesting people. Getting out of the house when starting a project is key for me. The sense of adventure or discovering something new is what pushes my work, even if it is sitting in kebab vans in
See more of Joe’s work on his website joemunro.com.
GEMMA STEPHENS I think I started to become more creative during the end of my school years, I originally wanted to be a Hotel Manager (some crazy idea my auntie got me into) but then I just suddenly had the urge to study art so instead of staying on at school and doing rubbish subjects in sixth form like all my friends I went to college and studied Art and Design for three years. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. My favourite medium to work with is photography. I have the best camera that my girl Heather told me to get (it’s a 35mm Pentax MZ-50). I tend to buy my film from Poundland and off I go, taking these candid shots of people. I have also started getting into making little zines, and getting prints printed, it feels nicer having an actual thing rather then something on a screen I guess. So many things inspire me; my biggest inspirations are my best friends, I have so many,
but my girl Heather is the one. She is always encouraging me, I am the number one fan of her work and you should check it out on heatheriris.tumblr.com/. I recently collaborated with one of my best friends Jessie Rich and this is what gave me inspiration for girls and their pink! Friends are very important to me when it comes to being inspired and influenced. This summer I have kept quite busy and continued to take photos that I love. I met this really cool girl at Secret Garden Party; she’s called Olivia and she’s now one of my muses. I have also been styling my friends and doing lots of test shoots, scouting for models and sick locations. As well as this I have been looking for magazines to submit work to and just trying to get my name out there. I collaborated with my friend Jessie and got our picture published by Urban Outfitters Europe. I am really proud of this as it got blown up and put all round the stores on the walls and printed in their in store zine. I also got some work in a zine called Trip Magazine; this was all about lad culture and I took some photos of my cousin Jake. It’s great to not just make work for my course; I make it because it’s what I love to do and that’s what it should be all about!
Visit Gemma’s blog at gemma-stephens.tumblr.com to see what she’s up to.
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A Fresher’s Guide
You’ve just arrived in Bristol, said ciao to mum and dad; time to go into town and checkout the live music. That is, when your hangover from last night’s freshers party shifts. From electronic to jazz, and everything in between, Bristol offers everything from multi-level venues, to concert halls, to small intimate stages, and a boat.
By James White
A fresher’s guide
to Bristol’s gig venues
You read right, a boat, but more on that later. All you have to remember is our golden rule: Park Street and the Hippodrome are your best friends. Get lost, head there and you’ll be reunited with your allies faster than Bear Grylls through Millets with an endless cash supply.
The Fleece A bit of a hidden gem. Much like The Louisiana, the Fleece represents the Bristol music scene nicely - a great venue with a lot of character. Sure, it’s seen bands like Oasis, Amy Winehouse, and Queens of the Stone Age through it’s doors, but the Fleece breathes new music. It may not be the biggest venue, but it does have some great events; their regular all-dayers are not to be missed!
PEACE TEARING THE FLEECE APART LAST YEAR - RHYS BUCHANAN, CHARMING MAN BLOG
The Louisiana Despite not being as sizeable as bigger venues like the O2 or Colston Hall, The Louisiana still put on one hell of a show. With a main stage and cellar venue for acoustic sessions, there’s a lot to be discovered here. Bands such as The White Stripes, Muse and Kings of Leon have all played here, and there’s plenty of up and coming acts passing regularly through. Found in the heart of the waterfront, this is a great location for great music. Just please don’t go yelling about how you knew these guys before they were mainstream.Please.
Start the Bus Housing possibly the smallest stage I’ve ever played on (although a 7 piece band rarely finds a truly accommodating stage) this charming diner has a fantastic atmosphere on any night of the week. It’s usually packed to the rafters with interesting people of some sort and puts on a great variety of acts. This is a great venue to go if you’re up for a nice drink and maybe a dance later on in the evening. It pretty much backs onto Mr Wolfs, so there’s plenty to get involved with in all directions!
Mr Wolf’s DJ’s rejoice, or whoop, or whatever people much cooler than myself do - Wolfs is one of the top places in Bristol for DJ’s. Open 7 days a week, they typically start the night with some good ol’ live music, but this is the place to be if you’re looking to discover new DJ’s on your night out. Tuesday is 2-4-1 day on their famous noodles. Forget Wagamamas!
The Exchange Bristol’s newest venue that punches well up there; in their short history (opening early 2013) The Exchange has hosted The 1975, Four Tet and Bristol’s own The Brilliant Corners. With two floors, live music basically ever weekday night and weekend club nights, there’s always something going on at The Exchange. Although a fair distance from trusted old Park Street, it’s close to Cabot Circus, so there’s still plenty of reference points to help get you around.
Thekla The famous Thekla has appeared in Skins, and was voted NME’s ‘Best Small Venue’ 2011 AND 2012. Oh, and IT’S A BOAT! A gig or club night on a boat may not seem all that big a deal, but once you get to Thekla, you’re hooked and anchored, captaining your own quest for new music. Ok, so boat puns aside, this place rocks - it’s the boat...that rocks. Right seriously, boat puns aside, this is no Ibiza boat party where the music is typical rubbish. It’s gritty, intense, packed and flat out. The list of bands that have played here goes on forever, but Jake Bugg, Florence and the Machine, and Kula Shaker (to name a few) have all played in the hull. They’ve also got some of the best club nights that Bristol has to offer, including the famous Thursday night indie-fest Pressure. Oh, and yes, they do play ‘I’m on a boat’ on a regular basis.
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Shopping Guide – Top of the Shops & St Vincent Review
One of the first things most people fall in love with in Bristol is the quirky, unique local shops situated absolutely everywhere you look. Although Bristol has a great high street and Cabot Circus as an extensive shopping centre, there is lots to be found if you look further afield.
Stokes Croft
Top of the shops
Gloucester Road
By Milly Tillson
For example Gloucester Road has the largest number of independent shops on any road in the UK; you can’t miss the community vibe there. As well as this, North Street in Bedminster is a real up and coming place for excellent second hand shops and Cotham Hill is another area to keep an eye on. Here is a short selection of our go-to shops:
RePsycho 85, Gloucester Road Another great place on Gloucester Road for one off vintage items, RePsycho also has a record shop in the basement and a home ware section on the top level. Fix Up Look Sharp 97, Gloucester Road @FULSclothing Starting with ‘Treasure’ situated in the heart of Stokes Croft you can work your way up and discover the many charity shops on Gloucester Road. ‘Fix Up Look Sharp’ is on of the best; CLIC sargents very own upcycled fashion line. They use donated fabrics to create one of pieces that are to die for!
Park St
Shop Dutty 116, Gloucester Road @shopdutty A quirky shop showcasing many local designers; combining music, art and fashion all under the same roof. They rep the 90’s style and take inspiration from old school hip hop and garage, as well as this they also sell tickets for Bristol nights out.
Centre
Urban Fox 58, Corn Street Sister company to RePsycho, this is the place for quality handpicked vintage items from the 1980’s and 1990’s. Amidst all the usual high street shops in the centre this is a real gem.
Fifty Fifty @FIFTYFIFTY 8, Park Street Independent skater owned store since 1997; this is Bristol’s finest for skate and street wear. They also sell Bristol born company Skateboard Café; head here for the freshest boards and garms.
By Tom Carter
La Belle Boutique 47, Picton Street Antique, vintage home & clothing shop selling unique items lovingly foraged around the globe. This shop is always full of delightful pieces!
St Vincent storms Bristol
St. Vincent at O2 Bristol Academy: Thursday 21st August 2014. What’s not to love? The lights are down and from the darkness St Vincent breezes onto stage in ghostly, ethereal fashion. Whilst adjusting her guitar, Clark’s mouth cracks into a wide and almost manic grin.
CLARK HOLDS COURT - CHUFF MEDIA
The fact that this Thursday night gig is a complete sell-out speaks volumes for the enigmatic Annie Erin Clark - AKA St Vincent. The venue has a real buzz reverberating around its space. People really are waiting with bated-breath, struck with anticipation. I have to say that I am not shocked by this, for the music world really has fallen in love with St Vincent. And why not? A singer and a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist, a portrait, a dream-weaver, an avant-garde artist, made of porcelain, adorned with a electric shock of silver hair that would make Einstein himself shudder with envy.
the moment. She laughs and smiles, and looks like she is enjoying herself, enjoying the gig, enjoying life!
In true theatrical fashion, a fade-to-black follows each song, during which instruments and microphones are swapped and rearranged. Songs such “I want to give a warm welcome to all the freaks as ‘Digital Witness’, ‘Birth in Reverse’, and ‘Every Tear Disappears’, offer an eclectic array of themes of Bristol. You’re in good company tonight.” and musical styles, foot-tapping indie pop, open mouthed emotion, unsettling guitar wails and They open the set with ‘Rattlesnake’, the first spine-tingling solos. Older songs, such as ‘Cruel’ track from the new album. The electronic buzz and ‘Surgeon’, from the 2011 album ‘Strange Mercy’, of the intro focuses the crowd’s attention. Clark are absorbed into the set. “They could take you morphs instantly into a deranged robotic chinaor leave you, so they took you then they left you”, doll, all jerky hand movements and choreoClark sings in ‘Cruel’, the lyrics create a darker tone graphed artistry. With its heavy post-punk riffs as they twist between the strings, woodwinds, and and slithering synth-lines, it’s a great opening to the set. The fact that this song composes through scuzzy guitar chords. its lyrics the apparently true story of a naked women running in terror from the threat of an in- The encore culminates with a moody, thrashing truding rattlesnake, makes it even more fantastic. rendition of ‘Your Lips Are Red’. St Vincent works hard to encourage a connection with her crowd, to unleash an inner-demon that blows your mind, The show feels extremely intimate. Between songs Clark addresses the crowd confidently with leaving you unsure of what you have witnessed but sure enough to recognise greatness. Clark radiates abstract banter and whatever is on her mind in genius.
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SHAKE Bristol & Shrek the musical
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Bristol is, without question, the home of quirky and original art; it draws artists from all over the country to try and make a name for themselves. So it comes as no surprise that up and coming comic art convention, SHAKE Bristol, held their second event on our doorstep at Start the Bus. I was welcomed by the artists and their unique art as soon as I walked through the doors. If you have a fondness of the contemporary humour and graphic designs that modern day comic illustrators offer, then this event will undoubtedly make you feel at home. Whether you have just come to browse and to appreciate the work on display, there is nothing stopping you purchasing and taking your own treasure home either. Cards, t-shirts, original designs and so much more are available at every stall. Third year UWE illustration student, Ellice Weaver (who was the brains behind our own comic this month), had the opportunity to exhibit an array of
Shake Bristol
By Izzee Raynsford her own personal style comics, depicting situational humour in an extremely clever way. Organiser, Max Kemp, encourages any rising artist to get in touch with him so that next month their work can showcased at the next exhibition, a Halloween themed event on the 30th October at The Stag and Hound. This will be an exciting opportunity to network and maybe make some extra money for something you like to do best, this is definitely one for your diaries. Even if you’re not an artist yourself, the exhibition is still something different to pop along to. You can even enjoy a pint whilst you’re there! Max has many ideas for the future, including workshops, where
JACK TYLER- FACEBOOK.COM/FLANEURARTS
again, anyone can get involved - “We’re not stopping anytime soon - this is just the beginning!” Like ‘SHAKE Bristol’ on Facebook to keep up with upcoming events and if you are interested in showing off your work at the next event email maxkdraws@gmail.com with some designs attached, you may just bag yourself a stall! Illustrators at the event: MAX K, DOMINIC MAYER, AIDAN COOK, LIZE MEDDINGS, ELLICE WEAVER, EMMA CARLISLE, BENJAMIN WRIGHT, ISAAC LENKLEWICZ, COMIC BOOK SLUMBER PARTY, JACK TEAGLE, DONYA TODD, JAMHACC, THOMAS FRANCES APPAREL, LONG FOX, ROSIE LEA, SNAKE HANDS, NO GUTS NO GLORY.
JACK TYLER- FACEBOOK.COM/FLANEURARTS
Shrek the musical not quite prince charming By Ruby Cross
seriously when they’re all focusing on the hilarious manner in which his ‘legs’ are flailing about.
SHREK (DEAN CHRISNALL) & FIONA(FAYE BROOKS) SHARE AN INTIMATE MOMENT - IMAGE BY HELEN MAYBANKS
As we mill about outside the Hippodrome, cheesy ogre themed theatrical anthems filling St Augustine’s Parade with a sense of childish wonder, the anticipation of the crowd could have been cut with Pinocchio’s nose. As we enter we are immediately aware of Hatley’s set designing prowess. Leaf-like lighted reflections immerse not only the stage but the boxes and grand upper circle in a forest like image, the stage itself donned in an impressive wood like scene, surely fit for any fairytale production. As the show, we immediately find ourselves questioning DreamWorks as our protagonist presents us with the story of his childhood, Chisnall (Shrek) effortlessly conveying an emotive speech depicting how his parents had left him to fend for
himself at the youthful age of 7. Aside from the melancholic persona of our hero, the humour of the musical soon shows us why this production is not just aimed at children, as we are introduced to the villain, Lord Farquaad. Contrary to the DreamWorks portrayal of our villain, Carey (Farquaad) after a mere 5 minutes into his introduction is easily already my favourite character and the only comedic value throughout the production. We know from the film that Farquaad is rather small in stature. However, the costume design team have not failed to impress with a devised costume that could only be considered comedic genius. As Carey emerges the audience notice that his legs are moving in a disjointed motion. It suddenly hits us that Carey is actually crawling around the stage with material legs that have obviously been pinned to his thigh area in order to create the correct height ratio. No one is able to take him
Anyone who has seen the film will know that any musical number other than ‘I’m a Believer’ is rather of a limited courtesy. However, the musical lives up to its nature and we are faced with a number at least every 10 minutes. One number that did seem completely unnecessary was ‘I Got You Beat’ in which Shrek and Fiona rant on and on to each other about how their upbringing was worse than the other’s. This is all well and good, and there’s actually a rather catchy tune to go along with the lyrics, but then, out of nowhere, we are made to sit through a 5 minute ‘farting’ contest. I’d consider myself to be quite childish, but even after the 30 seconds I spent giggling to myself it seemed to become rather juvenile. Although the younger spectators in the crowd seemed to love it, there was a collective of rolled eyes and shrugs throughout the audience. Overall, although some of the character depiction and set choices proved to be a huge success, the musical itself didn’t seem to be much more than a standard family night out; definitely not worthy of a serious west end production or its 5 star reviews.
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The Promise 19th July – 9th November 2014 The Arnolfini This exhibition promises to be one of the most exciting projects of the year, exploring the relationship between a city and its residents and taking place in the city of Bristol itself as well as the Arnolfini. The exhibition will encourage us to embrace our imaginations in how we have constructed for ourselves an image of the city that we occupy and identify with. Includes off site commissions by international artists and opportunities for participation for all ages. arnolfini.org.uk
Event listings By Molly Ricard
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Events Listings
Encounters Short Film and Animation Festival 16th - 21st September 2014 If film and animation is your thing, be sure not to miss out on Europe’s leading short film festival. Spanning over six days, The Harbourside plays host to the screenings of over 400 films from around the world. The festival works hard to promote the creative talent that is short form by providing master classes from major organisations and intimate talks from special guests. This festival is a must for anyone studying film and related courses! encounters-festival.org.uk Bristol Alternative & Burlesque Fair 11am-5pm 20th September 2014 Bierkeller This Heresy & Heels production offers over 25 stalls and 2 themed shopping areas to provide the alternative shoppers of Bristol a unique retail experience. Rummage through rail after rail of gems including vintage, rockabilly, gothic and neo-punk clothing & accessories before enjoying a drink at one of the bars. Also includes a vintage hair and makeup lounge and performances throughout the day. facebook.com/events/338205693011220
Lewis Watson 22nd September 2014 Trinity Centre Oxfordshire born singer-songwriter Lewis Watson returns to Bristol to tour his hotly anticipated debut album ‘The Morning’. Watson is no stranger to Bristol after having already played the o2 as support for Lianne La Havas as well as both rooms in Thekla on his own tours. This gig at the Trinity Centre will be part of his largest UK tour to date, with support by Amber Run and Andreas Moe. lewiswatsonmusic.com/gigs/
Tokyo Dub 27th September 2014 Eastville Park Tokyo Dub has grown from a sound system event that started at Motion in 2011 to one-day festival; now returning for its second year. It aims to showcase Bristol acts alongside other artists who have been influenced by the Bristol sound and culture. Acts this year include The Skints, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Mungo’s Hi-fi and many more spread across eight different stages. Tickets are on sale now, but be quick, last year was a sell-out! tokyodub.org
Jeremy Deller- English Magic 12th April – 21st September 2014 Bristol Museum & Art Gallery This is your last chance to visit English Magic, an exhibition exploring the diverse nature of British society and its varied cultural, economic and socio-political history. The exhibition, which we reviewed in the April issue of WestWorld, draws on particular events from the past, present and imagined future, with references ranging from Iraq war to Ziggy Stardust using photography, painting and film to name a few. Supported by the national fundraising charity for art, this exhibition will not fail to impress. www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/bristol-museum-and-art-gallery/
Bristol Fashion Week 24th - 28th September 2014 The Mall, Cribbs Causeway Calling all fashionistas! Bristol fashion week returns with 18 catwalk shows previewing the new seasons must haves and offering professional style advice. The five day event will be presented by TV fashion stylist Mark Heyes and celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton, who will be sharing their knowledge of the business. Guests will be showered with freebies, including M&S refreshments, limited edition goody bags and discount vouchers. mallcribbs.com/ Hammer & Tongue 1st October 2014 The Birdcage An open mic night of amazing performance poetry headlined by Ross Sutherland (winner of Time Out’s Critics choice 2010) and supported by the brilliant festival favourite Jessie Durrant. This evening of social exploration will be sure to please so come down and take a comfy seat, or even the mic at this adorable venue full of vintage charm! facebook.com/events/498529456909835
Moved by conflict 11th October 2014 – 1st March 2015 M Shed The First World War changed Bristol and the people who occupied it profoundly. This exhibition explores the local consequences of war from the 1900’s, to present day global conflict, using original objects and accounts from people who have been affected both socially, physically and personally. bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed
Cary Grant Festival 11th -12th October 2014 The Hippodrome/Watershed This two-day festival celebrates the Bristol born international film star Cary Grant. The festival includes tours, talks and parties, focusing on what brought Grant back to Bristol time and time again. The event will play host to a film-making challenge, so for all budding film makers, this would be a fantastic opportunity to get to know Bristol’s rich film heritage and meet some like minded people. The film can be up to 90 seconds long and shortlisted films will be screened on the big screen at At-Bristol Millennium Square. Deadline is October 1st. carycomeshome.co.uk
Bristol Co-LAB 51-53 Merchant Street, Broadmead Bristol Co-LAB is a space for local independent artists and designers to showcase and sell their art, records, clothing and much more. Co-LAB recently held an art weekender, encouraging all creatives to come and show what they’re made of. See their Facebook page for future events. facebook.com/BristolCoLAB Vintage Kilo Sale 28th September 2014 Paintworks, Bath Road The Vintage Kilo sale returns with bulks upon bulks of pre-loved clothing to satisfy your vintage needs. Clothing costs £15 a kilo, which works out around 4 or 5 items! Stock is refreshed throughout the day with the sale starting at 10am. It is a ten-minute walk from Temple Meads and entry is just £1. facebook.com/events/408080105990003/