SIXTYNINE Degrees Issue 77 Autumn 2014

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THE BIRTHDAY EDIT

WE ARE FIFTEEN FREEMASONS AW2014 TRENDS NICK MULVEY WIN! WITH CLOTHES SHOW LIVE QUEBEC

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NO. 77

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26... STYLE 42... TRAVEL 46... CRITICAL LIST 58... MUSIC 62... SOCIAL Next Edition is out:

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NOVEMBER 2014

Call us to be a part of it MANAGING DIRECTOR Kevin Urquhart Kevin@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk 07713 740 272 GROUP EDITOR IN CHIEF Jonathan Fraser Jon@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk 07725 809 654 MARKETING Caroline Spence Caroline@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk 07587 056 969 ADVERTISING SALES Lilith Hunt-Sheppard Lilith@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk 07975 970 711

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Disclaimer: No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the publishers. Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy in compiling this publication, the Publisher cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies, omissions, breach of copyright or otherwise since compilation. The Publisher cannot be held responsible for any material submitted to the publication, not excluding advertisements.

The views expressed within this title are not necessarily the views of the Publisher. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply recommendation by the Publisher. Š 69 Magazine Ltd 2014.

NO. 77

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES:

6...

UPFRONT

22... FREEMASONS

69 MAGAZINE LTD

LCB DEPOT,LEICESTER LE1 1RE INFO@SIXTYNINE-LTD.CO.UK 0116 262 0728 WWW.69-DEGREES.CO.UK

26... STYLE 42... TRAVEL 46... CRITICAL LIST 58... MUSIC 62... SOCIAL Next Edition is out:

74... LAST WORD

NOVEMBER 2014

Call us to be a part of it MANAGING DIRECTOR Kevin Urquhart Kevin@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk 07713 740 272 GROUP EDITOR IN CHIEF Jonathan Fraser Jon@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk 07725 809 654 MARKETING Caroline Spence Caroline@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk 07587 056 969 ADVERTISING SALES Lilith Hunt-Sheppard Lilith@sixtynine-ltd.co.uk 07975 970 711

www.69-degrees.co.uk

COVER IMAGE: BANG & OLUFSEN

THE BIRTHDAY EDIT

4

Disclaimer: No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the publishers. Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure accuracy in compiling this publication, the Publisher cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies, omissions, breach of copyright or otherwise since compilation. The Publisher cannot be held responsible for any material submitted to the publication, not excluding advertisements.

The views expressed within this title are not necessarily the views of the Publisher. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply recommendation by the Publisher. Š 69 Magazine Ltd 2014.

Issue 65 / Spring/Summer 2012

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Can you believe it? We’re actually 15 years old so expect us to start slamming doors, drink cider on the swings and experiment with fingering - I mean, what teenager doesn’t try and play the electric SIXTYNINE guitar?

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For the past fifteen years we’ve been bringing you, our lovely readers, the very best of what the midlands has to offer. From fashion to theatre, clubbing to cultural events everything we’ve talked about has been based on the here, the now and what’s on your doorstep. We’ve done it all for you for free as well, no other free magazine gives you more.

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Like all of us over the years we’ve been fat, we’ve been thin, we’ve sometimes been a bit pretentious, sometimes a little bit smutty and sometimes just all a little bit too much. One thing we have always been though is for everyone. Male, female, black, white, gay, straight we don’t differentiate - that’s actually where the 69 name comes from, the yin and yang symbol of balance, interconnection and interdependence; everybody needs somebody.

degrees

THE BIRTHDAY EDIT WE ARE FIFTEEN FREEMASONS AW2014 TRENDS NICK MULVEY WIN! WITH CLOTHES SHOW LIVE QUEBEC

NEW GRAB SIZE mag free

It’s not just the magazine we’ve been beavering away on, we’ve also expanded everything we do to give you much more online. The website and blog also features a full tablet version of the magazine with extended and exclusive content.

We’ve also launched an amazing free subscription e -zine - basically a mini SIXTYNINE degrees that’ll pop up in your inbox just when you need it. Full of exclusive offers, competitions and discounts all you need to do to register for your copy is enter one of our competitions on www.69-degrees.co.uk Enjoy this issue, it’s crammed full of tasty treats including interviews with Freemasons and Nick Mulvey alongside all of Autumn Winter 2014’s hottest trends and events.

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SIXTYNINE SEE YOU IN WINTER! DEGREES

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8

T N O R UPF THE BLOOD IS THE LIFE! Bram Stoker’s haunting and erotic tale is brought to life in this heart wrenching and magical piece of dance theatre, starring Jonathan Goddard as the infamous Vampire Count whose sinister and ruthless ambitions challenge the very fabric of Victorian society.

Winner of the South Bank Sky Arts award for Dance in 2014 this fantastic production by the Mark Bruce company is performing at both Birmingham’s Patrick Centre and Leicester’s Curve and we’ve got tickets for you to win for both venues!

WIN!

For your chance to win tickets to see this groundbreaking work at either The Patrick Centre or Curve visit www. 69-degrees. co.uk and click on competitions.

Dracula runs at The Patrick Centre Birmingham from the 1518 October and Curve, Leicester from 21-22 October. For tickets visit www.dancexchange.org.uk or www.curveonline.co.uk www.69-degrees.co.uk

9 LAUGHING TACKLE This year’s Birmingham Comedy Festival is stuffed to the brim with top notch comedy acts from the midlands and afar.

Among those taking part in the 10 day festival that runs from the 3rd to the 12th October, are Tommy Tiernan, James Acaster, Doc Brown and Mark Watson.

Those looking to enjoy some local laughs won’t be disappointed thanks to appearances from Foghorn Improv, Mickey Sharma, and the wonderful Mrs Barbara Nice.

For full listings visit www.bhamcomfest.co.uk

LASS CARDS_x2:Layout 1 26/10/2012 16:08 Page 1

FHOOKIT

FASHION

Conceived by a cautious sphinx and a silly camel (apparently), Fhookit is a range of fair trade and ethical clothing inspired by old school bold prints that are designed in the midlands.

Best worn layered so expect a fit as relaxed as the designs.

T’s start from £18.99 at fhookitclothing.com

Book a test today - Call 0116 255 9995 Or visit www.lass.org.uk Come in any weekday 9.30 – 4.30, Fridays until 11.30 The Michael Wood Centre 53 Regent Road, Leicester, LE1 6YF. Charity Number: 1023914

www.69-degrees.co.uk

Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th September The fashion event of autumn. Get a seat, get your friends a seat. Do whatever you have to.

Just don’t miss it.

Presented by celebrity hosts Sam and Billie Faiers at Bullring Birmingham, and Cosmopolitan’s Catwalk to Curvy columnist Laura Puddy at Highcross Leicester.

For free tickets and showtimes visit: bullring.co.uk highcrossleicester.com

12

AW2014 ESSENTIAL

We absolutely LOVE this gorgeous tweed cape; an AW 2014 essential from local designer Helen Howe Atelier.

Made from 100% British wool Tweed, the cape is french seamed and finished with vintage style leather buttons. All Helen’s pieces are limited editions and made to order.

Available from www.brilliantlybritish.com

N

I

N

J

A

Embrace your inner Shinobi warrior, with the mother of all multi tools that sits snug inside your wallet waiting for an everyday emergency.

Light-weight, strong, powerful and thin this tiny gadget disguises itself as a credit card, slipped into your wallet and includes 3 screwdrivers, 6 hex head nuts and bolts, a bottle, letter, box and can opener, a peeler, ruler and phone stand all at your fingertips- in yer face Bear Grylls!

Available to buy now from prezzybox.com for only £8.95

CAPTURE YOUR BIG DAY WITH CONFIDENCE With weddings being such special, significant and once-in-a-lifetime occasions, you need to make sure that you capture every minute of it and capture it well; who wants to try and frame a picture of the back of the grooms head or that one where your aunties thumb is in the middle of lens?

So avoid post marital maladies by speaking to Craig of Skrinkle Studios, a professional videographer who has took his passion for film making all the way to the church aisle.

This is the perfect way to capture utterly captivating and unforgettable films you’ll want to watch forever thanks to the use of cutting-edge technology and skilful video editing.

Without invading your big day, Craig can capture up to 12 hours of footage, including the full ceremony, speeches, the cutting of the cake and of course the first dance.

What’s more, besides this tailor-made movie, you’ll also receive a short trailer and highlights montage- perfect for sharing on facebook so all those not invited can see just how fabulous you looked! Receive £100 off your booking using code SkrinkleMAG. To find out more, visit SkrinkleStudios.co.uk or call 07900 518096 www.69-degrees.co.uk

13

CRUISE www.cruisefashion.com

AW14 COLLECTIONS NOW AVAILABLE AT

www.69-degrees.co.uk

14 SELFRIDGES

UNVEILS MENSWEAR

DEPARTMENT Selfridges Birmingham has unveiled a new exclusive Menswear destination that combines the very best in highend fashion, contemporary clothing, streetwear, accessories and denim.

With over 100 labels, the newly renovated Menswear department features a big hitting brand list that includes the likes of Burberry, Michael Kors, Giuseppe Zanotti, Valentino, DSquared, Belstaff, A Bathing Ape, Off-White, Hunter, Canada Goose, Zegna, Tiger of Sweden, Trapstar, Hood By Air, J Brand and Evisu - all of which are exclusive to the store.

Now taking up the whole of Level 2, the menswear department also features a dedicated Denim Studio, which holds more than 150 denim styles, priced between £65 and £350.

FESTIVAL2FUNKY Now in its second year, Festival2Funky returns to the live venues and bars across Leicester’s Braunstone Gate. The daytime will see free masterclasses with artists such as Terri Walker (R n' B singer-songwriter) and John Berkavitch (hip-hop poet) alongside performances by the UK's best b-boys & b-girls in a '3 vs 3' battle, with a £1000 cash prize!

In the evening, venues will be hosting different genres of music of Black origin. Be sure to check out the Music Café, for a strong dose of hip-hop with headliner Klashnekoff, which will be followed by a late night drum n' bass party with Grooverider.

Down at Sumo, Radio2funky will take over the ground floor, while its basement will play host to a variety of live bands and acoustic artists.

Venues will include The Music Café, Sumo, Mobius, The Font and Sugar Loaf. Most events are free, but some require a festival wristband, priced at just £5.

More info from 2funkyarts.co.uk. www.69-degrees.co.uk

15

& Fashion THE WORLD’S LARGEST

BEAUTY

The Ultimate Fashion Experience

Discover independent labels, hair & beauty demonstrations, catwalk shows, celebrities and next generation talent.

#clothesshowlive

EVENT

Book Now 0844 581

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16

INDIANA NO ROMEO “I’m going to make you wish you were never born,” Nottingham singer Indiana intones on the opening track of her debut album No Romeo released on the 13th October – this clearly is not pop for the faint hearted writes Marie Wood.

Like her breakthrough single - the subtly sensuous dance anthem ‘Solo dancing’ - the record races down a minimalist highway of big bassy beats and disembodied atmospherics. The candescent ‘New Heart’ and ‘Play Dead’ have the gleaming gloss of lost tracks from the Drive soundtrack, whilst the euphoria of ‘Heart On Fire’ and ‘Calibrated Love’ hustle for space on Robyn’s dance floor. Indiana’s voice (reminiscent of Chvrches’ Laura Mayberry and London Grammar’s Hannah Reid) gives the muscle to the body of the tracks as it effortlessly transports you from fragile emotion in the sweet ode to bad romance of ‘Bound’ then to snarled Expect a magical mix of Noel’s unique brand distain in the murder ballad, ‘Jack’. No Romeo is of stand up comedy, live animation, music a thrilling flirtation with pop’s dark side. and some of his best known TV characters, such as The Moon and Fantasy Man, in this, his first tour in five years.

NOEL FIELDING @ DMH

There will also be muscular support from the loose stylings of Mike Fielding (Naboo/ Smooth) and the physical lunacy of Tom Meeten (The Might Boosh Oram & Meeten)

25 November @ De Montfort Hall, Leicester www.demontforthall.co.uk www.69-degrees.co.uk

OUTFIT

LAUNCHES

BRAND NEW STORE

AT FOSSE

SHOPPING PARK

OUTFIT - The one stop shop - opens a new 15,000 ft² store in Fosse Shopping Park offering all your high street favourites under one roof.

Well-known brands, including Topshop, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins, Evans and Wallis offer trend led fashions at affordable prices in our new shopping space.

The new store also houses menswear collections from Burton and Topman, as well as a specific accessories, footwear and jewellery space, adding everything you need to finish the look.

Fosse Shopping Park also offers free car parking spaces allowing customers to utilise services like Click and Collect. This service is run by all the Arcadia brands and allows customers to shop the best of the high street online and collect in their local OUTFIT. The new concept store has been designed to showcase each brand within the overall OUTFIT space, making it even easier to raid those rails! The new look OUTFIT will open to a hive of activity on Friday 19th September, with the first 100 customers receiving a ÂŁ10 Gift Card, a free Topshop nail bar, DJ, hundreds of gift card giveaways and more!

HAPPY SHOPPING!

facebook.com/outfitfashionuk @outfitfashionuk www.69-degrees.co.uk

17

18

GET READY FOR A 5-DAY

FASHION FESTIVAL!

It’s the hottest ticket in the fashion calendar, Clothes Show Live in association with ALCATEL ONETOUCH returns to the NEC Birmingham from 5-9 December! With over 500 leading fashion and beauty brands, non-stop catwalk shows, makeovers, manicures, beauty demonstrations and style advice, it’s the ultimate girls day out!

Take your seat in the award-winning ALCATEL ONETOUCH Fashion Theatre for a catwalk spectacular featuring over 40 international models and dancers, celebrity presenters and top music acts. Already confirmed for this year’s show: hot new girl band Neon Jungle, British music talent Jetta, onscreen favourite Rick Edwards, fashion designer Henry Holland and the cheekiest chap in Chelsea Jamie Laing!

So, whether you’re looking to update your wardrobe, fuel inspiration for a career in fashion, or meet your favourite celebrities, prepare to immerse yourself in the world’s largest fashion festival!

WIN!

69 MAGAZINE HAS TEAMED UP WITH CLOTHES SHOW LIVE TO OFFER ONE LUCKY READER AND THEIR ‘PLUS ONE’ THE CHANCE TO ATTEND THIS YEAR’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS FASHION EVENT, ABSOLUTELY FREE! To be in with a chance of winning these fabulous tickets, visit www.69-degrees.co.uk and click on competitions. If you are picked you will receive a FREE pair of tickets. Tickets are valid across all days of the show excluding Saturday 6 December

Tickets for the show start from just £29, to get yours visit www.clothesshowlive.com or call 0844 581 1256 or find them at facebook.com/clothesshow or on twitter: @clothesshow www.69-degrees.co.uk

19

CASUAL DINING

and

DRINKING

OPENING FRIDAY 17TH OCTOBER 62-68 Highcross Street, Leicester Sun - Weds: 9am - 11.30pm Thurs - Sat: 9am - 1am Food served from 9am - 10pm

leicester @cosyclub.co.uk www.cosyclub.co.uk www.69-degrees.co.uk

20

STAR

STYLIST Passion, artistic style and unparalleled technique are just some of the qualities that stylist, Neil Smith from Barrie Stephen Hair, boasts. SIXTYNINE degrees caught up with this award winning, rising star of the hairdressing world to find out what drives him and what the world of high fashion hair has to look forward to.

Whilst working on events ranging from highend fashion shoots, to catwalk shows, Neil, has slowly but surely made a name for himself in the British hairdressing scene- and boy, does he have a profile to be envious of.

Regularly called upon to conceptualise and masterfully create the hair for events ranging from high end fashion shoots to catwalk shows. Neil has developed a fantastic profile at the heart of the hair and fashion industries. From Vogue, to Glamour, Marie Claire and OK, this style enthusiast is in constant demand for his imagery, predictions and his mane masterpieces have graced the pages of numerous international and national titles- showing just how far Neil’s talents stretch.

With years of experience in precision cutting and eclectic styling, it’s no wonder Neil has numerous awards under his belt- and deservedly so.

Young Stylist of the Year and Women’s Stylist of the Year are just two of the titles the likeable Leicester lad has been honoured with but, as Neil explains, there’s one award that he’s especially happy to have been nominated for; “My proudest moment is, without a doubt, being a three-time finalist for the British Hairdressing Awards. To be recognised as one of the top six hairdressers in the whole of the Eastern UK is an amazing achievement. We’ve got the 2014 ceremony in late November, and I have www.69-degrees.co.uk

everything crossed for the win!”

Other highlights of his successful career include styling models for Schwarzkopf Professional, assisting backstage at Fashion Weeks and presenting the first ever show at Eufora’s ‘Global Connections’ event in LA- in front of a mammoth 2,000 people!

Like a true ambassador, Neil hopes to not only educate himself, but also to pass his electric knowledge onto others whom, like him, have a keen eye for fashion, along with indomitable enthusiasm.

“I’d love to open a centre of excellence to train young stylists and the upcoming stars of hairdressing. Upskilling and learning is essential for any stylist, and I’ve picked up so much from working at Barrie Stephen Hair; styling work and entering competitions that I want to pass this on.”

From talking to him it is easy to see Neil’s passion and love for his career shines through. “That’s the joy; my career is full of opportunity to run with your creativity and imagination whilst making people feel amazing too.”

Neil Smith is based at Barrie Stephen Hair which has four salons across Leicestershire.

Tel. 0844 445 2888 for an appointment or visit www.barriestephenhair.co.uk

21

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37a - 41 Silver Street, Leicetser, LE1 5EU - Tel: 0116 262 1568 BODY JEWELLERY | LIGHTING | INCENSE | CRYSTALS | TEXTILES

Weddings at Mal showcase

Sunday 19 October 2014 12 - 4pm Free entry Stunning catwalk show featuring one of the most exclusive bridal boutiques in the UK, The Wedding Club, including the latest Berta Bridal collection.

Alongside a host of luxury exhibitors including Make My Day, terryterry, Benjamin Ryan Hair, Love2Travel, Yipsy Macarons and many more.

Exclusive tour of the venue and a chance to WIN YOUR WEDDING AT MAL. Malmaison Birmingham The Mailbox 1 Wharfside Street B1 1RS

www.69-degrees.co.uk

22

TRUE LOVE SUR ONE OF THE MOST ENDURING GENRES IN DANCE MUSIC IS BACK AND WITH IT COMES TWO OF ITS FOUNDING FATHERS, THE DADDIES OF HOUSE, FREEMASONS. SIXTYNINE DEGREES’ JON FRASER CAUGHT UP WITH ONE HALF OF THIS PHENOMENALLY SUCCESSFUL DUO, JAMES WILTSHIRE, AS THEY RELEASE THEIR EPIC NEW ALBUM, SHAKEDOWN 3, WHICH IS SURE TO BECOME AN ESSENTIAL DOWNLOAD FOR ANY DANCE MUSIC AFICIONADO. www.69-degrees.co.uk

23 long at the heart of an industry that is constantly craving creativity, how have Freemasons changed over the last ten years?

“Well we’re a hell of a lot older” laughs James the studio based half of the duo, “to be honest though, we’ve both been in the music business quite a while; Russell was one half of Phats and Small and had massive worldwide success for about 4 or 5 years before we’d even started working together, so we didn’t come into this ‘young’.

It does mean together we have an encyclopaedic knowledge of music and how it’s made. I think what we’ve now done, especially with this new album, is kind of spread our wings a little bit musically. We’re capable of an awful lot more than the big club numbers we’re most well-known for and I think we try to show that more now.”

RVIVORS

For ten years now Freemasons have sat at the top of their tree.

Purveyors of the perfect vocal house tune and remixers extraordinaire, they have worked with a list of industry heavyweights such as Beyoncé, Luther Vandross, Fatboy Slim, Kylie Minogue, Moby, Whitney Houston, Hurts, Katy Perry and most recently lent their remixing skills to London Grammar’s sublime ‘Nightcall’. So after spending so

Those big club numbers James refer to are some of the biggest tunes in dance music. Tracks such as ‘Believer’, ‘When you touch me’, ‘Uninvited’ and ‘Watchin’ all feature the powerful vocals, soaring synths and killer hooks that have become intrinsic to the Freemasons sound. “We tend to be a lot more musical than other producers and in certain circles that has probably worked against us. Let’s face it, a lot of dance music engineered for festivals and big, big club systems focus on power, energy and noise whereas we’re much more interested in the chords, the chord structure and most importantly we’re interested in that moment when a really good vocal note hits across a chord change, it’s that amazing moment when everything just goes a bit funny.”

It’s that point when the high notes work with the major chords that make the Freemasons sound so euphoric www.69-degrees.co.uk

24 and irresistible to anyone on the side-lines of the dance floor; as a dedicated wall shuffler it’s always a Freemasons track that will make me move.

example, ‘Paradise’ and ‘The End’ that clearly drop in tempo as well as more Balearic style stuff; Russell and I love that end of house music as well so we really wanted to express a bit of that. We had great success on SoundCloud with a series of poolside mixes at the beginning of the Deep House revolution in this country. We collected a few tracks and put them together and it was an instant reaction, not just from our fans but from people all over the world, you know!”

But can having such a recognised sound be stifling creatively? “Yeah sort of. You always want to make it a Freemasons’ record and yes you are always expected to do a certain thing. If we, for example, suddenly went and made a record that had about one or two – two or three notes on the bass line – it wouldn’t really work- I mean there was one stage This goes a long way to explain the when you listen to three disc breakdown an average dance of the new albumshow and it sounded THERE WAS ONE Poolside, Night and like someone was Unmixed.

STAGE WHEN YOU reversing over a bag of rabbits “It was kind of an LISTEN TO AN repeatedly.

The easy choice to make a trouble is I’m Poolside Mix and look, AVERAGE DANCE principally a we’re both 40 as well, programmer, a so, let’s face it, you TRACK AND IT musician, and I find don’t wanna listen to it very difficult to loud music all the time SOUNDED LIKE get excited about so we made something SOMEONE WAS a track with one nice and chilled. note in it. We’ve Then with Night we REVERSING OVER were able to stretch always been known for complex music, A BAG OF RABBITS forward into the more and will continue full on stuff and the to be. Don’t get me third CD is really REPEATEDLY wrong there are so just a collection of many bands that are brilliant at all edits of material that hasn’t been of that, we’ll just do our heavily out before”. musical stuff and they can get on with the rest of it.”

With a remix back catalogue that, in essence, made Beyoncé in the UK, And they can indeed get on with it. how come tracks like “De Ja Vu” and With the recent resurgence in house “Beautiful Liar” failed to make the music the new album ‘Shakedown 3’ cut? revisits and reinvents triumphs of the past and places them firmly “There was no deliberate strategy beside classics of the future. “We in not including them, it’s just wanted to make a variety of music down to the fact that if you go to this time, not just everything being a major record label and say we’d on one type of tempo and one speed like to re-license this for our and one attitude, and obviously we compilation, they ask for a huge had a whole collection of stuff amount of money. In today’s market, forming that linked everything when with the likes of Spotify together. There are two tracks for and YouTube, buying a record is

“

”

www.69-degrees.co.uk

25 completely optional, there’s just not the money to do that. I’d have loved to have remixed some of the later Beyoncé stuff, the problem was we were getting sent a whole bunch of tracks that were completely the wrong tempo so had to pass on it.”

Beyoncé’s absence has little impact on the playability of Shakedown 3 thanks to some amazing vocalists from artists who may have less of a profile but just as big a voice such as HANA, Emma Rohan, Amanda Wilson and Bailey Tsuke.

“Well a lot of them have become our friends so when we come to record you’re obviously going to work with those people again. Emma is a professional songwriter and came to do the demo for ‘In The Blue’ and we just fell in love with it. It was originally for someone else but we could not take that vocal off it. Also, we’ve always kept an eye on HANA, she’s a young writer from Brighton. She came to see us with ‘True Love Survivor’ as an unfinished project as we were like ‘yeah we really need to get this finished’, it’s such a great record.”

So outside of the established Freemason’s ‘family’ of supersonic, singing talent who would be their dream vocalist?

“At the moment, I’m really not sure as there are so many new amazing artists coming through. I absolutely adore Ella Eyre. I haven’t heard a voice like that for God knows how many years. We first came across her before the big Rudimental record; she’d done backing vocals for a John Newman track that we’d remixed, so I’ve heard her individual vocal and it’s incredible. I’m really excited to hear how she’s going to develop as an artist because voices like that you just don’t come across very often.”

So what’s to follow for Freemasons post album launch? Can they see a return to the road, some live gigs or a few festival appearances?

“Well Russell’s incredibly busy over the summer already DJing so, there’s always that side of it.

Gigs can be quite complicated for us because of the style of music, it kind of works for some areas of dance music but we’d have to put on quite a show to do it. We’d have to work it out. It’s our ten year anniversary next year so we’ll be doing something special.”

Shakedown 3 is released now.

www.69-degrees.co.uk

STYL

Romantic Lace Top £155, Mongolia Fur Vest £170, Brentwood Leather Mini G Black £110, Super Soft Black Skinny £110, Juicy Couture @ Harvey Nichols

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AUTUMN WINTER BRINGS WITH IT AN EVOLUTION OF EXISTING THEMES. THE ADDED EFFECTS OF LAYERING ENSURES YOU KEEP YOUR FASHION COOL ONCE THE HEAT’S TURNED UP.

STREET STYLE

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GROOMING

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THE SIXTYNINE DEGREES STYLE POLICE WERE ON PATROL AT THE EXCLUSIVE VIP LAUNCH OF URBAN OUTFITTERS IN LEICESTER, CHECKING OUT THE LATEST AUTUMN WINTER LOOKS AND HOW TO WEAR THEM. TO CELEBRATE THE STORE’S OPENING WE’VE GOT AN AMAZING SHOPPING SPREE AT URBAN OUTFITTERS TO GIVE AWAY!

StreetStyle

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Hat: Magic Toast Jacket: Urban Outfitters Renewal Tshirt: Worland at Urban Outiftters Jeans: H&M Trainers: Vans

Addie

Matt

Jacket: Vintage Shirt: Vintage Skirt: H&M Boots: Dr Martens Bag: eBay

Ellie

Ethan Tee: Cheap Monday Jeans: River Island Boots: Clarks Melody: Jacket: Topshop Dress: ASOS Bag: Vivienne Westwood Boots: New Look Dress: Vintage Coat: Topshop Boots: Dr Martens

Melody and Ethan

in association with

Alicia

LOVE DRESS!

Shirt: Pink Pigeon Vintage Jeans: Primark Boots: Dr Martens

THIS

Dress: Pippa Lynn at Urban Outfitters Bag: Mulberry Shoes: Nike

Sam

Krupa Top: Vintage Trousers: Forever 21 Shoes: Primark Necklace: Urban Outfitters

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AND EVERY WEEK, FOR 4 WEEKS, ONE GIRL AND ONE GUY WILL WIN A £150 SHOPPING SPREE.

AT THE END OF THE 4 WEEKS, THE MOST STYLISH GIRL AND GUY WILL WIN £500 TO SPEND!

Jacket: Wardrobe Shirt: Topman Jeans: Topman Shoes: Magic Toast

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S H O P P I N G S P R E E

SIMPLY TAKE A PHOTO OF YOURSELF TRYING ON YOUR FAVOURITE UO GARMS FROM THE CHANGING ROOMS IN THE NEW URBAN OUTFITTERS STORE AT HIGHCROSS, LEICESTER

Top: Hollister Skirt: Topshop Trainers: Vans

Georgina Top: Vintage Jeans: Dorothy Perkins Trainers: Vans Bag: Fiorella Demi Scarf: Primark Jacket: H&M Top: River Island Jeans: Vintage Shoes: Converse

WIN AN URBAN OUTFITTERS

Keep up with all the #UOLeicester action as it happens at @ UOEurope For the full Ts & Cs head to www. urbanoutfitters.com Upload your photo before midnight on 2nd October 2014.

Cap: New Era Tee: Palace Trousers: Nike Shoes: Nike

Top: H&M Jeans: Dr Denim at Urban Outfitters Shoes: Dr Martens

GOOD

LUCK

www.69-degrees.co.uk

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UFO

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Who said sci-fi was for geeks?

Keep your mickey metal with added glitter, shimmer and sheen for a look that’s out of this world.

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1. Jimmy Choo Charm Glitter Clutch Bag £298 Cruise Fashion, 2. Marks and Spencer Limited Edition Yes No Clutch £25, 3. Alice + Olivia Lizzie Silver Silk Blend Midi Skirt £345 Harvey Nichols, 4. Bank Fashion Vero Moda Shimmer Hotpant £26, 5. Michael Kors Blue Sequinned Cotton Blend Top £145.00 Harvey Nichols, 6. Jimmy Choo Ava Shimmer Suede and Lame Glitter Clutch Bag £750 Cruise Fashion, 7. Victoria Beckham Two-tone Belted Lamé Dress £685 Harvey Nichols, 8. Kujishop.co.uk Melting Tights With Metallic Glitter £35, 9. Gucci Nouveau Leather Clutch Bag £785 Cruise Fashion, 10. Selfridges Kurt Geiger Shadow Glitter Detail Ankle Boots £150, 11. Jimmy Choo Evelyn Glitter Peep Toe Heels £375 Cruise Fashion

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7 1. J Lindeber Jumper House of Fraser £85, 2. Topman Jacket, 3. Moncler Hymalay Printed Jacket £899 Cruise Fashion, 4. Giacomorelli Blue Glittered Hi-top Trainers £375 Harvey Nichols, 5. Spaceboy Mini Backpack £9.95 www.10littlebirds 6. Diesel Black Gold Metallic Cotton Sweatshirt £230 Harvey Nichols, 7. DKNY Patterned Baseball Jacket £535 Cruise Fashion

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8 CeLeBrity inspired CoLLeCtions Visit our flagship store in Derby to view our stylish Contemporary, glamorous Hollywood and beautiful Bridal collections, inspired by the likes of: Kate Middleton, Angelina Jolie, Jacqueline Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Vivien Leigh and many more….

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www.filthyrichinternational.com Filthy Rich Derby I 32 Cornmarket I Derby I DE1 2DG

32 TREND REPORT:

HER HAIR It’s time to ditch the beach blonde locks and the festivalinspired colourful braids for something a little more autumnal.

But what are the key trends this Fall? We talk to Ricky Northey of TONI&GUY Leicester about AW2014’s key looks.

“Colour is key” says Ricky, “this year the traditional warmer tones are joined by gold, amber and bronze; Light and dark is combined to create super 3D effects; making your hair appear more voluminous, look glossy and nourished.”

FAIRY Grab a cape and look to your favourite childhood fairy-tale for style inspiration this season.

Appliquéd animals, lace, fur, capes, jewels, hooded coats and capes, who’s afraid of the big bad wolf?

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For the more adventurous, Ricky recommends trying the new Wella Professionals Instamatic colours, available in salon this Fall. “This look is very hot right now – it’s the continuation of funky festival colour but with a faded tone.”

The semi-permanent colour range has been formulated to fade gradually and washes out easily. Perfect for those who want to switch up their look with something new on a regular basis.

It’s great for quick changes – just five minutes is all it takes for a new ‘hue and transformed ‘do.

There are six Instamatic shades, each of which achieves a diffused colour finish with muted shine.

Pick from Pink Dream for a pastel feminine blush, Muted Mauve for a hint of violet colour, Jaded Mint for a fresh hue, Ocean Storm for a sultry haze and Smokey Amethyst for a smouldering tonal effect.

TONI&GUY can be found at 15 Market St,Leicester LE1 6DN. Tel 0116 249 5790, @TONIandGUY_Leicester on Twitter, search TONI&GUY Leicester on Facebook. www.69-degrees.co.uk

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1. Jon Forster Fox Ring £299 at www.britainsmakers.co.uk, 2. Michael Kors Checked Wool Poncho £250 Cruise Fashion, 3. Accessorize Luxe Faux Fur Tippet £25, 4. Blake Lively inspired Emerald Studs Filthy Rich £30, 5. Saint Laurent Fuchsia Glittered Pumps £440 Harvey Nichols, 6. Red Valentino Snow White Disney clutch £295 Harvey Nichols, 7. Accessorize Queeny Crystal Ring £5, 8. Tba Hat Westley Richards £398, 9. River Island Grey Floral Print Shirt Dress £45, 10. yumidirect.co.uk Starlight Trees Skirt £48, 11. littlewoods. com Coleen Rooney Jacquard Prom Dress £82, 12. Miss Selfridge Fawn Faux Fur Coat £99, 13. Kate Middleton inspired Canary Drops Earrings Filthy Rich £24, 14. Jacqueline Kennedy Double Strand Necklace Filthy Rich £76

YTALE

TRENDING

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It seems we've fallen so in love with the spring/summer trends this year we’re not quite ready to let them go, with layering, artistic influences, metallic and military just some of the trends making a reappearance on the autumn/winter catwalks.

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SIXTYNINE degrees Fashion Editor Sy Anne Taylor offers some transitional style tricks so that when the temperature drops your style and bank balance don’t have to:

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Don’t pack away your holiday gear yet! Those aviators you purchased are perfect for sunny winter days. Team with a military theme for a spot of dictator chic! Save the sarong from a season in the attic, as they are so incredibly versatile as an all year round piece. My favourite way to wear them this season would be the ‘open coverup’ over a dress. To create the look pull your sarong around your body at chest level and tie the ends it in a knot away from your body. Lift the knotted end over your head and you’ve created the “Bloomsbury set" look of Burberry's bookish chic autumn/winter collection. Adding a thin belt around the waist will really pull this look together and place you firmly at the front of the fashion pack.

To master the many ways you can style your scarves and sarongs visit my favourite online tutorial ‘4 scarves, 16 ways at youtu.be/le5_ Y3GBqGk. www.69-degrees.co.uk

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BEAUTY 4

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POST-SUMMER RESCUE Once the tan fades it’s time to call in the hardest working beauty products to restore, refresh and rejuvenate. We asked HELEN GOUGH, from Harvey Nichols Birmingham, to reveal this season's big hitting beauty must-haves.

Your summer holiday may well have left you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, but chances are that gorgeous summer glow hides a multitude of sins. Too much sun, sea and soaring temperartures can have quite a drying effect on our skin and hair. So once the colour starts to fade, it’s time to pull out beauty’s big guns to tackle those post-holiday issues from top to toe. Here’s my pick of the best lotions and potions for the perfect post-holiday pamper.

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All products are available in Beyond Beauty and the Space.NK Apothecary at Harvey Nichols Birmingham or can be ordered at harveynichols.com 12

www.69-degrees.co.uk

.1: Benefit Instant Comeback Serum, £36. 2: Bliss Daily Detox Facial Toner, £21. 3: Dr Pawpaw Original Balm, £6.95. 4: Elemis Cellutox Active Body Oil £33 5: Elemis Advanced Brightening serum, £59. 6: Ole Henriksen Ultimate Eye gel, £39. 7: Electric Hairdressing Intensive Rescue Kit, £60 . 8: Eve Lom Rescue Mask, £55. 9: SHOW Beauty thermal protect, £35. 10: Benefit Dr Feelgood complexion balm, £23.50. 11: Santaverde Xingu high antioxidant cream, £78. 12: Elemis Soothing Eye Rescue, £15.

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Junction 28, M1 EastMidlandsDesignerOutlet.com www.69-degrees.co.uk

36 COMMANDER

For a look that’s way past basic training mix khaki with nautical and fisherman knits with utility style leather. Structured forms are the keys to this trend.

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DSQUARED² Distressed Cotton Twill Cap £125 Harvey Nichols, 3. Converse CT Men's Timber £64.99, 4. Howick Olive Quilted Gillet £85, 5. Paul Smith Camo Print Socks £17 Cruise Fashion, 6. Versus Black Embellished Skinny Jeans £230 Harvey Nichols, 7. Stutterheim Stockholm Dark Green Rubberised Raincoat £200 Harvey Nichols, 8. Michael Kors Camo Print Shirt £105, 9. Barbour Olive Waxed Holdall £220 www.69-degrees.co.uk

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AUTUMN FASHION FIX

ARRIVES IN THE MIDLANDS A WEEKEND OF FASHION AWAITS YOU AT BULLRING AND HIGHCROSS THIS SEPTEMBER WITH AUTUMN FASHION FIX

h Watc nds tre on 4 1 AW o life t During 27th – 28th September see some of the key trends for the come catwalk season brought to life with the Autumn Fashion Fix: Runway Show. the And don’t miss a very special appearance from fashionistas Sam and Billie Faiers at Bullring on Saturday 27th September as they take a turn at hosting the show, which takes place on the Lower West Mall (just outside of Debenhams). Whilst Cosmopolitan’s Catwalk to Curvy Columnist Laura Puddy will be hosting the Saturday shows at Highcross Leicester on the Lower Mall (outside of Debenhams).

Find out all you need to know about AW14 with our whistle stop tour through our five favourite trends of the season – a return to folklore with the Tapestry trend, dramatic Faux Fur, trafficstopping Shades of Red, sweet sugary tones of Pastels and the glitz and glamour of Metallics – all showcased in a 30-minute industry-standard runway show.

See looks from some of your favourite stores including Reiss, River Island and many more all showcased on-stage. And here’s the best news… straight after you’ve watched the show you’ll be able to shop the looks.

So put the date in your diary, cancel all of your plans and make a big space in the wardrobe. It’s time for Autumn Fashion Fix.

To find out more about the trends and showtimes visit www.bullring.co.uk and www.highcrossleicester.com www.69-degrees.co.uk

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Deep electric, royal and navy a statement when worn with a ochrome palette. Mix it up oversized accessories or go bold with boots.

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8 1. Topshop, 2. Diane Von Furstenberg Bevin Ruched Stretched Jersey Sheath Dress £315 Cruise Fashion, 3. Kate Middleton Classic Round Diana Ring Filthy Rich £26, 4. MCM Bright Blue Printed Cross-body Bag £295 Harvey Nichols, 5. Topman Bomber Jacket £50, 6. Topman Brogues £55, 7. Puma x Brooklyn We Go Hard 850 Trainers Cruise £170, 8. Matthew Miller Black Degrade Cotton Sweatshirt £210 Harvey Nichols, 9. American Apparel Exclusive Contrast Sleeve Sweatshirt £40

www.69-degrees.co.uk

39 Award-winning stylist Emma Brown, founder and owner of Emma Brown Hair, says “It’s time to get your styling products out – the retro 50s look is back.”

Whether it’s a rock-a-billy quiff, a blocky Mod style or a sleek bootpolish shine, get ready to rock 50s-style. For fans of a high quiff the secret to good height is all in the cut, the right styling products and a great hair dryer; Emma recommends the Kevin Murphy range of styling products for ultimate sculpting and hold.

TREND REPORT:

HIS HAIR

The oiled and greased look is all about a smooth and glossed back style, so use a lot of product to get that high-polished shine that will last from 9am in the office ‘til gone midnight in the bars.

What better way to show off your new found quiffdom than with some bang on trend beardage? A cool quiff and a beard is this season’s key look explains Emma. “Beards can completely change the appearance of any man. A wild, bohemian-style, full beard suggests a certain cool, rough-and-tumble nature, whilst conspicuous and unusual beards can easily become the defining feature of a man.”

Emma Brown can be found at 140 Clarendon Park Road, Leicester, LE2 3AE. Email salon@emmabrownhair.co.uk for an appointment, or visit www.emmabrownhair.co.uk

3 Royal Arcade High Street Leicester LE1 5YW 0116 262 2612

29-31 Francis St. Leicester LE2 “2BE 0116 270 1155

www.tinfishshoes.co.uk www.69-degrees.co.uk

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GROOMING THE GENTLE-MAN POMEGRANATE FACE WASH £15 Using naturally-derived foaming agents, the pomegranate extract cleanses, adds moisture and unclogs the pores. It’s suitable for all skin types, especially those with dry skin.

OLE HENRIKSEN GREASE RELIEF FACE TONIC £23.50

A FRESH START

Over the summer your face accumulates a build-up of grime from suntan oil and sweat, so investing in a great cleanser is a must. JOHN PAUL MCGUIRK, Private Shopper at Harvey Nichols, gets deep down and dirty to reveal his essentials for squeaky clean skin.

FOREO LUNA PREMIUM FOR MEN £219 Love your gadgets? Then this beauty’s for you! This hightech device drives out daily dirt and instantly refreshes the look and feel of the skin. The reverse side channels lower-frequency pulsations that reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful appearance.

Win win! www.69-degrees.co.uk

P r e v e n t breakouts and refine pores with this extra strength toner.

Its active ingredients help to disinfect and renew the skin, while calming and balancing it.

ELEMIS DEEP CLEANSE FACIAL WASH £19.50 This fast-acting gel contains spearmint, peppermint and oak bark to remove grime and leave your skin feeling fully refreshed and cleansed.

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Emma Brown Hair salon, based in the heart of Leicester offers a premium service at affordable prices (including NUS student discount).

We have award-winning stylists trained in the latest trends, cutting techniques and colouring skills in order to help you create a new image or simply give you a refresh. We offer free consultations, which are totally without obligation and an unrivalled reputation for innovation, quality and the very best in hair care and advice.

We were recent finalists in the British Hairdresser of the Year Awards and were also voted the second best salon in Leicester by the readers of the Leicester Mercury.

MAKE A RESERVATION 0116 270 4374 salon@emmabrownhair.co.uk emmabrownhair.co.uk

EMMA BROWN HAIR 140 Clarendon Park Road Leicester LE2 3AE (Opposite the library)

www.69-degrees.co.uk

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OH CANADA! THE LAND OF MAPLE SYRUP; BUSTLING METROPOLISES, RURAL RETREATS, ELEGANT EUROPEAN ARCHITECTURE, ACTION AND ADVENTURE. WHO KNEW THAT I WOULD FIND ALL OF THAT AND MORE WITHIN THE QUEBEC PROVINCE OF CANADA WRITES JON FRASER.

www.69-degrees.co.uk

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Getting to Quebec is easy.

There really is no longer the need to drive halfway across the country to find a direct flight when both East Midlands and Birmingham International Airport operate such frequent shuttle flights to Amsterdam Schipol and Paris Charles De Galle. In under an hour, and for less than a train fare, travel to anywhere in the world is truly at your fingertips. What’s more, checking in your luggage at your local airport means you don’t need to worry about lugging your cases around your route. All you need do is enjoy the journey, something I found incredibly easy en route my Air France flight to Montreal.

With a flight time from Paris of under 8 hours, the journey to Montreal is nowhere near as daunting as many other destinations.

The daily Air France is a busy one which means they use a large plane so even if you don’t turn left when you enter cabin, there’s plenty of room to spread out and relax. I

opted to travel Premium Economy which gave me a wider seat with more legroom. A great place to sit and do some research into the part of Canada my travels were taking me to; the Province of Quebec.

Founded in 1608 by French explorer Samuel de Champlain, the City of Quebec become the scene of war between the French, British and North Americans before official recognition of the French culture and language, which is still used today within the province.

The historic influences of all of these cultures are in full evidence in the Victorian houses that line the streets of Quebec City, the Art Deco skyscrapers of downtown Montreal, and the general European feel whilst maintaining a character that is all of its own.

In between these two big cities however lies mile upon mile of prairie and parkland meaning that wherever you are in the province, the great outdoors are not far away.

La Mauricie National Park is made up of almost fifteen thousand square miles of forest, lakes, hills, valleys and everything else including Bears and Beavers...

www.69-degrees.co.uk

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MONTREAL

GOTTA SEE: All of Montreal! The huge amount of public art turns the city into a vast open air gallery. The streets around the Quartier des Spectacles feature a diverse array of cultural activities as well as bustling bars and restaurants. Make sure you visit Crescent Street.

GOTTA STAY: The Queen Elizabeth Hotel. Located directly above the train station in the centre of Montreal’s cultural and commercial district. Make sure you ask to see the John and Yoko room – the couple occupied the hotel during their infamous bed protest and the original version of ‘Give Peace a Chance’ was recorded right here in the hotel! www.fairmont.com

GOTTA EAT: Boris Bistro, 465 McGill Street,www.borisbistro. com A contemporary bistro with amazing terrace.

www.tourisme-montreal.org

GOTTA SEE:

QUEBEC CITY

GOTTA STAY:

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. A Fairy tale Castle that overlooks the beautiful city of Quebec, a place itself which looks like it has stepped out of the pages of Cinderella. Le Château Frontenac has just been refubished to luxury standards and offers guests a truly magical experience. www.fairmont.com

GOTTA EAT:

Toast, 17, Sault-au-Matelot, Quebec City. www. restauranttoast.com A menu inspired by the flavours and fragrances from around the world and a great wine list.

www.69-degrees. co.uk

www.quebecregion.com

The streets and stairways around the Royal Square.

Historically the slum of the city where visiting Sailors would carouse away their time in the city, the Royal Square has been renovated to become the jewel of this beautiful city. Make sure you take the charming funicular back up the hill though!

Whilst in Quebec take a trip to the stunning Montmorency Falls- a natural waterfall that is actually bigger than Niagra Falls at 275 ft high and 50 ft wide. (Niagra Falls is just 170ft, geeks)

HOW TO GET THERE

MAURICIE REGION GOTTA STAY: Sacacomie Hotel. Nestled in the heart of the forest and overlooking the majestic Sacacomie Lake, this stunning log cabin hotel and geospa offers guests the perfect blend of comfort, rustic charm, relaxation and activity. Go Bear and Beaver tracking with one of the hotel’s experienced guides or spend the day fishing on one of the idyllic lakes. www.sacacomie.com

Air France has three daily flights to Montreal from £494 and KLM flies daily to Montreal and Vancouver from £494 and £623 respectively. Air France and KLM fly to the world from 18 departure points in the UK and Ireland via their Paris and Amsterdam hubs.

www.airfrance.co.uk www.klm.co.uk Flights from Birmingham International Airport to both Paris and Amsterdam are available throughout the day. To find out more visit www.birminghamairport.co.uk

STOP PRESS

GOTTA EAT: At the hotel. Due to its location there are not really that many alternate choices but that has not stopped the Sacacomie kitchen spoiling its guests with a fantastic selection of dishes with inspiration from all around the world.

GOTTA SEE: Sacacomie offers so many different experiences so you really must spend enough time here to experience it fully- who knew I was so good at archery! Other places to visit in the Mauricie Region include horseriding at the Baluchon Inn and the sugary sweet madness that is Chez Dany’s Sugar Shack – trust me this place is just bonkers and offers epic entertainment- you’ve got to try the snow frozen maple taffy!

www.tourismemauricie.com

YOU GOTTA TRY Poutine

The Canadian equivalent to our 4am kebab, Pouttin is basically chips and gravy with the added weirdness of cheese curd.

IT’S AMAZING!!!

www.69-degrees.co.uk

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CRITICAL LI www.69-degrees.co.uk

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FROM THE SMALL SCREEN TO THE BIG STAGE, CONSOLE TO CLUB. IF IT’S WORTH SEEING,HEARING OR DOING, THEN IT’S HERE...

THE REVIEW

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THE A LIST

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GET YOUR XMAS ON

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CINEMA: BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP

Before I go to Sleep follows the story of a woman who wakes up everyday remembering nothing – a bizarre side effect of some unknown trauma from her past. As each day passes, fragments of memory begin to return and we begin to piece the story together – but who is responsible?

BOOK: THE WALLED CITY RYAN GRAUDIN

and powered by a brutal regime. Based on a real city, this book forces us to consider a society that is alarmingly closer to our own than we’d like to think…

GAME: CALL OF DUTY

Ryan Graudin’s chilling new novel follows the separate stories of three teenagers who grow up in a volatile and lawless Walled City - a province ruled by drug dealers

The latest edition to the Call of Duty Franchise, Advanced Warfare is set in the not so distant future of 2054 under a global nuclear terrorist attack.

In response to this threat, a privatised military, tooled up to the eyeballs with an arsenal of advanced, rechargeable weaponry, geared up to restore order…lock and load.

DVD: ROAD Irish feature-film documentary, ‘Road’ explores the dangerous life of street motorbike racing.

Narrated by Liam Neeson, ‘Road’ captures the lives of those in the sport with jaw-dropping shots, thanks to helmet cameras, bike cameras, and slow motion sequencing, in a staggering portrayal of savage speed and pure love of the sport – whatever the costs.

by Indiana Smith

AMERICAN HORROR STORY: FREAKSHOW Probably the most talked about TV show in the SIXTYNINE degrees office returns this season with a trip to the creepy carnival. AHS, the twisted sister from the same televisual production company behind GLEE, has, over its 3 seasons so far, shocked and delighted us all with its stylish take on the traditional gothic horror tropes of the haunted house, demonic possession and witches. Due to air on FX this October, season 4 brings with it the delights of the circus; we’re bricking it already. www.69-degrees.co.uk

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rocks neat? on the

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01455 234 342

LEIC

LE10 2EF

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www.69-degrees.co.uk

51 BLIND HAMLET 09-10 September @ Curve, Leicester

allows volunteers from the audience to become a player in the timeless Renaissance tragedy as they compete through intelligence and deception to provide an alternative ending to Shakespeare’s classic. www.curveonline.co.uk CATS 09-27 September @ Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham

F o l l o w i n g international success with his original play White Rabbit Red Rabbit, Iran’s leading playwright, Nassim Soleimanpour, brings his adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet to the Curve Leicester.

Exposing the way in which individuals can easily betray one another, this interactive drama

The Midlands warmly welcomes Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smashhit musical to the

Birmingham Hippodrome this September. This legendary musical, renowned for its stunning choreography and striking costumes, is full of enthralling magic, inspiring dance and enchanting music including classics such as ‘Mr Mistoffeelees’ and ‘Memories’.

A frequent favourite on the West End as well as a Laurence Olivier Award winner, Cats is a musical you need to see at least once. www. birminghamhippodrome. com LEE EVANS 17-21 September @ The NIA, Birmingham Britain’s favourite funny man is back for another recordbreaking stand up show, playing to more people than he ever has before.

Lee Evans latest tour,

WIN!

We have a pair of tickets to see Curve’s new production of Abigail’s Party. For your chance to win visit www.69-degrees.co.uk That’s what my parents are for! They lived It, so all I have to do is ask them just how awkward those dinner parties could get.

Do you prefer the stage to the small screen?

I've always liked working in both theatre and television as much as I can; they're completely different, and require a different way of working.

The great thing about theatre is that you get the chance to explore things over a longer period of time. In television, you always figure out the best way to say a line right at the end of the day; usually when you're on your way home.

Abigail’s Party is at Curve, Leicester from the 17th October to 8th November. curveonline.co.uk www.69-degrees.co.uk

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FRANK TURNER AND THE SLEEPING SOULS 12 September @ De Montfort Hall, Leicester With his most recent album reaching number two on the official chart and number one on the ITunes chart in its first week of release, Frank Turner is one of Britain’s most accomplished musicians in the genre of folk/punk music. With continuous impressive performances, including a headline performance at Wembley Arena as well as the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympics, Turner’s tour offers boisterous yet emotional music at it’s best. www.demontforthall.co.uk Monsters, is almost guaranteed to deliver a side-splittingly funny performance packed with frantic gestures, endless energy and of course a towel on stand by to mop up the sweat.

The comedy legend has a stunning reputation within the world of comedy, and this tour will prove exactly why. www.thenia.co.uk LEE MACK 19-22 September @ De Montfort Hall, Leicester.

8,9,10 & 12 September @ The Symphony Hall, Birmingham For the first time in four years, funny man Lee Mack is going on tour with ‘Hit the Road Mack’, his sidesplittingly funny contribution to the world of comedy. Full of one liners and cutting www.69-degrees.co.uk

remarks, Lee Mack is sure to live up to his previous tours and his huge following’s expectations.

www.demontforthall. co.uk THE KITE RUNNER 22 September-04 October @ Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Birmingham Based on Khaled Hosseini’s best selling novel, The Kite Runner follows one man’s road to redemption

after he witnesses an unfortunate event on the day of the kite flying competition as a child. Set in a conflictridden Afghanistan, the drama reveals the limits of friendship in the face of crisis.

Recognised on an international scale, Hosseini’s disturbing but important tale is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. www.birmingham-rep. co.uk STONES IN HIS POCKETS 22-23 September @ Curve, Leicester

Moving, yet full of wit, Marie Jones’ multi-award winning Irish comedy follows the disintegration of a small rural village when a multi-million dollar Hollywood film crew arrives, casting locals as extras, with only two actors playing all 15 roles. Following four and a half years of success on the West End, Stones in his Pockets will be coming to Leicester for a twoday period towards the end of September and is for those who enjoy a good laugh. www.curveonline.co.uk FAULTY TOWERS: THE DINING EXPERIENCE 24-28 September @ Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Birmingham A permanent feature on the West End, this interactive,

53

De Montfort Hall Leicester’s leading live entertainment venue

THE FULL MONTY Monday 2 to Saturday 7 March // £10 - £32 GROUPS OF 10+ £3 OFF // GROUPS OF 20+ £4 OFF NOT AVAILABLE ON RESTRICTED VIEW SEATS OR FRIDAY AND SATURDAY EVENING PERFORMANCES

£3 transaction fee payable per booking // Box Office 0116 233 3111 Web demontforthall.co.uk // Twitter @demontforthall

www.69-degrees.co.uk

www.visitleicester.info

54 improvised comedy is a show you are highly unlikely to have experienced before. Set in the notorious hotel, this unique two-hour play gives the audience the opportunity to be served a three-course meal by Fawlty Towers very own Basil, Sybil and Manuel. Promising laughter and chaos, this adaptation of the infamous British sitcom will be a memorable dining experience.

www.birmingham-rep. co.uk COUNTING CROWS 8 November @ De Montfort Hall, Leicester

Visiting as part of their all new album tour, Somewhere Under Wonderland; their first in seven years.

Featuring songs from the album, as well as their extensive collection of hits, the band are known for creating unique and innovative concerts and are consistently ranked as one of the top live bands performing www.69-degrees.co.uk

today. www.demontforthall. co.uk MIRANDA HART 16th Oct. @ Capital Arena FM Nottingham Nottingham’s Capital Arena hosts TV funnygirl Miranda Hart as her TV show hits the stage in an ensemble of cheeky humour and desperately funny awkwardness. Miranda’s comedy translates perfectly to a live audience ensuring the laughs arrive just as well and twice as fast as the TV show. www.capitalfmarena.com AGNIESZKA POLSKA 18th Oct – 4th Jan @ Nottingham Contemporary

Polish artist Agnieszka Polska delivers a mature body of work concerned with how things become forgotten or lost. This cutting edge exhibition at Nottingham Contemporary explores delicate works that provide much food for thought.

KATY B 19th Oct @ Nottingham,

Rock

City,

Following the breakout success of her debut album, Katy B embarks on her UK tour with a one-off gig at Rock JOHN LEGEND 10 October @ Theatre Royal, Nottingham.12 October @ The NIA, Birmingham Nominated for a Grammy this year thanks to his new album, Love in the Future, American R & B singer-songwriter John Legend promises a magnificent performance filled with his usual smooth soulful vocals this October.

After ten impressive years in the music industry, as well as an astounding 3 million copies of his current album sold in the US alone, the evening is guaranteed to be full of wellknown hits including Ordinary People, Everybody Knows and Save Room. www.trch.co.uk www.thenia.co.uk

55 DIRECT FROM LONDON’S WEST END

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD Adapted for the stage by Christopher Sergel Based on the novel by Harper Lee

MON 6 – SAT 11 OCT

MON 13 – SAT 18 OCT

FRI 17 OCT – SAT 8 NOV

HICCUP THEATRE PRESENT

PINOCCHIO

CIRCA: WUNDERKAMMER

A new version by Michael Rosen

MUSIC BY

RICHARD RODGERS OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN II LINDSAY AND RUSSEL CROUSE LYRICS BY

BOOK BY HOWARD

Suggested by ‘The Trapp Family Singers’

By Maria Augusta Trapp

DIRECTED BY PAUL

WED 5 – SAT 8 NOV

KERRYSON

FRI 28 NOV – SAT 17 JAN

WED 10 DEC – SAT 3 JAN

www.69-degrees.co.uk

56 ALIEN ENCOUNTER 31st Oct/1st Nov @ National Space Centre, Leicester

Halloween hits the National Space Centre in a terrifying frenzy of classic science fiction this year as they host a dramatic 18+ live action experience that has its visitors hunted by the highly evolved killer, The Alien. As you undergo an evening of pyrotechnics, strobe lighting, and very real fear, visitors experience pursuit by a life-sized alien prop in a bid to survive. The National Space Centre’s Halloween event hosts an impressive array of science-fiction movie props, films, and activities that makes this event a sci-fi fan must! www.spacecentre.co.uk City.

Katy’s fresh new sound enters her amongst such pop stars as Rita Ora and Jesse J and her energetic live shows are complimenting the young artists’ storming success. www.rock-city.co.uk ED SHEERAN 19-20 October @ LG Arena, Birmingham

in the industry, the British singersongwriter has become an international success, with a Grammy nomination and two number one selling albums under his belt, to name just a couple of his achievements so far. If you’re a fan of Sheeran’s unique blend of soft, soulful vocals alongside an urban style and hip hop beats, Sheeran’s most recent tour offers it all and more. www.lgarena.co.uk LADEDA BURLESQUE CABARET 25th Oct @ Derby Dance

Multi-platinum selling artist, Ed Sheeran, is a musical sensation.

After only 3 years www.69-degrees.co.uk

Derby’s Dance Academy provides a naughty night of burlesque dancing that is sure to leave you hot under the collar. Rock ‘n’ roll routines and sensuous dancing,knifethrowing, puppetry, and comedy ensue – a true night of entertainment and style.

www.deda.uk.com JON RICHARDSON 12 October @ De Montfort Hall, Leicester. 31 October @ Theatre Royal, Nottingham.

As part of his brand new tour, Nidiot, English comedian Jon Richardson will be coming to the Birmingham Hippodrome with his unique stand up performance. The 2013 British Comedy Awards Nominee, best known for his appearances on TV shows such as Have I Got News For You, is on a mission to become more tolerant in life and abandon his rather irritable attitude…but can he do it?

ARCADIA 31st Oct-15th @ Nov Nottingham Playhouse,

57 The Nottingham Playhouse hosts a grownup stage production that combines a humorous and fusty Victorian environment with modern ideas about sexuality, science, and the home. Arcadia explores the comedy behind dry humour and deadpan delivery making this a unique production.

ROSS NOBLE 31 October- 01 November @ New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham 8 October @ Theatre Royal, Nottingham 20 November @ De Montfort Hall, Leicester

the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Ross Noble has become one of Britain’s favourite comedians. The English comedian, who has already hosted 14 sell out tours, offers an interactive stand up show with Tangentlemen frequently encourages heckling from the audience to stay true to his improvisational style of comedy.

Set in the Deep South Christopher Sergel’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s timeless novel, To Kill a Mockingbird explores the affects of courage, compassion, prejudice and injustice through Scout, a feisty young girl trying to understand the world. www.curveonline.co.uk www.atgtickets.com

A G

E

15

+

Winning many awards throughout his career so far, including a 2000 Time Out Award for his performance in Chickenmaster at

JETHRO

MERCURY

JOE LONGTHORNE TUE 9 DEC - SUN 4 JAN

THU 22 JAN

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD 25 -29November @ New Alexandra Theatre 13-18 October @ Curve, Leicester

FRI 23 JAN

THE ULTIMATE QUEEN TRIBUTE

EXPLODING WITH ROCK ‘N’ ROLL COSMIC CLASSICS

SAT 24 JAN

MON 26 - SAT 31 JAN

0844 871 3011 GROUPS 10+ 0844 871 3031 (bkg fee)

www.atgtickets.com/ birmingham (bkg fee) MON 2 - SAT 7 FEB

MON 9 - SAT 14 FEB

TUE 17 - SAT 21 FEB

MON 23 - SAT 28 FEB

www.69-degrees.co.uk

BEATS & TREATS by 2FunkyArts, Disgraceland & Marie Wood

nick mulvey

58

Singer-songwriter Nick Mulvey has had to put it mildly one helluva year. He was shortlisted for BBC Sound Of 2014, released his debut solo album First Mind to howling critical acclaim and has a headline UK tour just on the horizon. It’s been the year when as Nicks says, “All the hard work has really become something”.

With the release of his stunning first EP, Marie Wood caught up with Nick to talk about his ‘whirlwind’ journey, sublime debut album First Mind and going it alone on the road this October.

www.69-degrees.co.uk

You’ve had a stunning year you were shortlisted for BBC Sound of 2014 and your debut album First Mind was released to critical acclaim. What’s it been like for you?

I’m in a whirlwind this year, it’s been pretty non-stop, but I’m very touched by how the record’s been received that way. All the hard work has really become something.

What’s been a key moment for you?

Playing the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury …We were waiting in the wings at the and I suddenly saw there

59 was huge crowd, much bigger than I daren’t to hope, I think all of us relaxed in a really nice way and remembered what we were in it for. It was a very sweet moment, it made me take stock in a really busy year.

You’ve supported London Grammar, Laura Marling and Ben Howard. What’s it like to now play shows on your own?

On a practical note, I’ve put together a band around me so actually on a day-to-day level I’ve got a lot of friends on board. The other things is after a long time honing my craft and working out how I want the performances to go in front of other people’s audiences it’s been really great to take it back to my own audiences and watch them grow.

We’re getting to know each other, basically, me and my audience and now the record’s out there everyone’s that coming to the gigs (it’s a really obvious thing to say) they all know the music before you start playing. The point at which you start the gig and play the first note is already a loaded point, therefore how far you can go in the gig and the depths you can go in the music is even greater.

You started out your career in the Portico Quartet and you left to go solo. What was the final straw to make you go out on your own?

There wasn’t really a final straw so much as in a slow realisation, because I realised that I could be brave and do what my gut was telling me as I didn’t need to worry about security or the idea of security as it wasn’t really there anyway. It doesn’t matter how sorted your situation is or

secure the income is or secure your set-up is if you’ve run out of creative ideas.

How did you go about writing the songs?

Just working on sounds and stuff until an idea grabs you and then going with it really and always trying not to think too much. If that’s one my aims then I routinely fail as I couldn’t help but interfere with it and overthink it. I think, as I look towards the second album, I’ve redoubled my commitment to that same principle to not to think about it and to just be musical than too intellectual.

Your song ‘House of Saint Give Me’ is about your father’s retirement work tending his local cemetery and ‘Cucurucu’ is an interpretation of DH Lawrence’s poem. Where do you think you get your inspiration?

I’ve always read a lot and loved poetry, like Elizabeth Bishop; I love the economy of good poetry and the precision of good writing. That was in my world and I had some guitar patterns and I wasn’t feeling that creative that day, so I looked at it almost as an exercise to keep me going and keep me writing.

Then on the other side I mumble the music or sounds and then they become words and I’m surprised at what I write, it’s very much a form of therapy. As a writer releasing and performing is a vulnerable place to be as it’s really allowing your insides to take expression without much editing or censorship. I always try to find the inner personal rather than confessional as I don’t think songwriter has to be confessional, literary naming things in your life, I don’t find

that necessarily very useful…

I always leave it open enough so that anyone can apply their own experience.

You mentioned a second album, have you started it?

In a way it’s kind of happening all the time. I think I’ve started songs, it’s something I’m always doing, I’ve always got my ear open for phrases or words I like. Actually finishing songs and creating a batch that will become an album?

That’s not happening at the moment, that’ll happen later on. It tends to take a bit of time and I’m touring and it doesn’t just happen in five minutes between soundchecks. I’m not going to rush that process.

You’re heading out on your own UK headline tour this October. What do you want people to go away with when they see you?

I want people to be completely inspired. I’m really excited to take this band to my audience, because we’ve really met and played to a lot of people at festivals this summer but it’s a different vibe…

At the beginning of summer we did one London show and one Manchester show with the band, so I had a little taste of what it’s going to be like to take this band to my own audience and I’m really excited. I’m really excited for the songs to have that support around them, it’s going to be great.

You can see Nick live on the 23 October at the Institute, Birmingham and 29 October at the Rescue Rooms, Nottingham www.69-degrees.co.uk

60

BEATS & TREATS by 2FunkyArts, Disgraceland & Marie Wood PERFUME GENIUS-TOO BRIGHT

musicianship - bass, piano, sax and drums - the album has a soulful, electro feel with heavy melodies and harmonies.

Mellow Baku’s smooth vocals help her tell the story of personal relationships.

2FunkyArts

NADASTROM - FALLEN DOWN

Perfume Genius abandons the introversion of his earlier releases for his third album, Too Bright.

It’s a record that stands tall and fixes you straight in the eye: ‘Queen’ stomps to a glam beat ‘“no family is safe, when I sashay” and ‘My Body’ jutters with Lynchian sex. The sparse piano epics that first made us fall in love with Perfume Genius still feature (like the haunting ‘No Good’), but Too Bright is a proud sonic baptism in Perfume Genius’ darker side.

Marie Wood

MELLOW BAKU & THE FRIDAY PEOPLE - CHILDREN OF A GREATER LOVE

one of the originators of the scene as a whole and it’s great to see that he still has the knack of creating new & innovative drum & bass. Higher, the title track from his forthcoming EP, is a rowdy electro inspired, slice of peak time jungle that pulls you into a dark club corner, sticks it’s hands down your trousers and leaves you feeling happy and dirty all at the same time.

Disgraceland

GOAT – COMMUNE

A beautiful blend of house, techno, club & moombahton, it showcases the incredible talent that Dave Nada and Matt Nordstrom posses. Justin Martin & Switch provide superb remix support, however for me it’s ‘Shelly’ that is the killer tune of the EP. Forget squealing lazers and and dubstep bass this is the soundtrack to my life. https://soundcloud.com/ nadastrom/fallen-downclub-mix Disgraceland

MAMPI SWIFT – HIGHER

Goat’s follow-up to their critically-acclaimed debut marches to the same rapturous, ritualistic rhythm as its predecessor.

Opener ‘Talk To God’ with its repetitive baroque riff is hypnotic, ‘Words’ menaces with stripped-back tribal krautrock and ‘Hide From The Sun’ enchants with choral summer psych.

The record may retread familial themes, but Goat is still ahead of the herd.

Marie Wood

A nice blend of soulful and jazz melodies - the perfect Sunday chill-out album.

With the help of The Friday People’s live www.69-degrees.co.uk

VISIT Any original drum & bass heads out there will recognise Mampi Swift as

www.69-degrees.co.uk for up to date reviews,

interviews and news.

61 THE GRANDMASTER COLLECTION

FLASH

SOULS OF MISCHIEF - THERE IS ONLY NOW

GINGER SHINOBI - YOU ARE (HARIKIRI REMIX)

A 4-CD collection including a rare Grandmaster mix as hip-hop compilations go it doesn’t get better.

Featuring classics from Black Sheep, Nice & Smooth, Chubb Rock and Black Moon, you won’t be missing out if you miss out on picking this up but it’sgreat to have them all in one place.

Returning with their first album for five years, Souls of Mischief bring with them Al Shaheed, Busta and Snoop for a truly hiphop/soul album. Produced

by Adrian Younge, it’s described as a 90s crime tale of love, loss and revenge.

You get old school production, Stevie and Curtis influences and the album is reminiscent of their classic ’93 ’til Infinity’.

2FunkyArts

Brum born, now London based, Harikari flips Ginger Shinobi’s ‘You Are’ which results in a mind blowing piece of audio entertainment. As Future Bass matures and starts to move out of London into the shires, it’s tracks like this that are going to help the scene cross over to the mainstream. https://soundcloud.com/ doandroidsdance/gingershinobi-you-are-harikiriremix

AND YOU WILL KNOW US BY THE TRAIL OF DEAD – IX

ZOLA JESUS – TAIGA

2FunkyArts

PIXIE TRACE - RAINFOREST (ORIGINAL MIX)

Deep, slick and emotive moombahton from Mexican producer Pixie Trace, Rainforest combines pulsing drums, a deep grooving bassline and rainforest samples to give it that ‘oh shit, I’ve just come too and I’m in the middle of the jungle’ feeling. Just what you need at 4am. https://soundcloud.com/ officialdjtrace/pixietrace-rainforest Disgraceland

For their aptly titled ninth album, IX, Trail Of Dead promise to “transport and ruin you”, however the result is much less threatening. IX cruises from bittersweet anthems (‘Lie Without A Liar’), to dreamy acoustics (‘Bus Lines’) to percussive epics (‘Sound Of The Silk’) for an eclectic if uneventful journey.

Marie Wood

Disgraceland

Coming back with a barrage of beats and a killer pop hook. ‘Go (Blank Sea)’ is fantastically boisterously bassy and ‘Dangerous’ has an infectious singa-long chorus that could easily be hollered by Charli XCX. Sometimes the obsession with multitracked pummeling drums can overshadow the actual tracks but overall Taiga is euphorically refreshing electronica.

Marie Wood

www.69-degrees.co.uk

62

SOCIAL

ACES @ THE BOWERY Established 4 years ago with the mission of delivering Nottingham the finest in chic nightlife, ACES delivers the goods and then some. With a weekly rotation of top class DJ talent with residencies in London, Manchester, Dubai & Marbella and a clientele made up of local fashionistas, this is the place to see and be seen. Upcoming highlights include 27th September; DJ David Venn - (London, 4th October; DJ Russke - (Birmingham, Dubai, Manchester & Marbella),11th October; DJ Ginge & The Sax Man. www.69-degrees.co.uk

63 LOVE FOR ALL BALL Former West Bromwich Albion footballer, Rob Davies, and celebrity friends including stars of TOWIE, Ex On The Beach and The Valleys raised over £3,000 for children at an African Orphanage during the glamorous and heartfelt ‘Love For All Ball.’

The star-studded bash, which took place at Birmingham’s Marco Pierre White’s on Thursday, September 4, was organised in a bid to improve living conditions and provide food and shelter for the 170 children in the Love For All Orphanage in Nankuru, Africa.

MIDLANDS’ FASHION AWARDS LAUNCH The biggest and best celebration of the Midlands’ fashion design creatives, or in other words, The Midlands Fashion Awards 2014, officially launched at Fazely Studios, Birmingham last month.

Designers from across the UK showcased their latest innovative collections on the catwalk, while finalists in the Best Accessory Designer of the Year, Best Make-Up Artist of the Year, and Best Stylist of the Year categories were judged ahead of the main show, set to grace the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra on Friday, October 24. Now in its sixth consecutive year, the Midlands Fashion Awards 2014 will play host to a fashionista-fanatical showcase, fit with the hottest talents and trends to hit 2015.

Find out more at midlandsfashionawards.co.uk

www.69-degrees.co.uk

64 ENTER THE MAGIC DOOR Another frenzied, fantastical and utterly magical popup club night is making its way to a secret location in Birmingham. On Friday, September 26, the one of a kind ‘Magic Door’ will be swinging wide open to reveal sprinklings of glitter, lashings of face paint and of course, feathers to adorn yourself with whilst losing yourself in the sounds of deep, disco, house music. From 9pm to way past your bedtime… it’s a one-off night, not to be missed.

Find out more at www.alfiebirds.co.uk

KNOW YOUR STATUS We all need to know our HIV status. No matter how often you do it, how often you don’t, who you do it with or how many people you’re doing it with we’re all at risk of HIV infection, a fact that seems to be getting forgotten about.

With World AIDS Day coming up on 1st December, Leicester based charity LASS is asking people to take control of their sexual health and take advantage of their free rapid HIV Testing service at their offices on Regent Road, Leicester.

LASS have been offering the rapid fire testing for five years now and continue to offer support to those living with HIV, letting them know the facts and enabling them to move on with their lives, after all knowledge is power.

To find out more visit www.lass.org.uk or drop in for a test at LASS, Regent Road, Leicester.

www.69-degrees.co.uk

With 19 Pitcher & Piano bars across the UK we are very proud of our beautifully designed venues and you’ll never see two quite the same. Many of our bars are situated within listed buildings, each one having its own unique character where you can enjoy tasty, fresh food and a premium range of spirits, wines, beers and soft drinks – all served by the brilliant people that work for us.

P I T C H E R & P I A N O | NOTTINGHAM THE UNITARIAN CHURCH|HIGH PAVEMENT|NG1 1HN T: 0115 958 608 | E: nottingham@pitcherandpiano.com

P I T C H E R & P I A N O | BIRMINGHAM THE WATER'S EDGE | BRINDLEY PLACE| B1 2HP T: 0121 643 0214 | E: birmingham@pitcherandpiano.com

P I T C H E R & P I A N O|DERBY 19-20 FRIAR GATE | DE1 1BX T: 01332 206 790 | E: derby@pitcherandpiano.com

HARBORNE

A la Carte Cantonese Award-winning Restaurant LuNcH : DAi Ly: 12pm - 2pm D iNNER: mO ND Ay - S At u R DAy: 6pm - 11pm (Su N DAy c L OS ED) 283 H igH S t R EEt, H A R B OR N E BiRmi Ng HA m , B 17 9QH 0121 427 7666, iNfO @HEN RywON gHA R B OR N E.c O.u k

www.69-degrees.co.uk

66 DAS KINO

Breathing new life into one of the city’s most iconic buildings, Nottingham’s newest venue, Das Kino has transformed what was once The Old Vic on Fletcher Gate into an incredible new space offering premium cocktails, handmade pizza, pingpong and live music all under one roof.

Drawing influences from iconic German Cinema, the venue features reclaimed wood flooring sourced from a local church, bespoke industrial lighting, as well as cinema seating and classic pop art.

Spread over 3000 sq feet there are also five ping-pong tables and two large bars visitors to use and enjoy a relaxed and fun night out. There’s even an old 1950s photo booth if you need help remembering what happened the day after.

Das Kino, Fletcher Gate, Nottingham.

Visit Das Kino on Facebook or follow on Twitter @daskinonotts.

www.69-degrees.co.uk

GOURMET E A T S , B E A T S & FESTIVE T R E AT S Alfie Birds is one damn fine establishment situated in the heart of Digbeth, Birmingham inside the creative hub that is The Custard Factory. With four floors including a pizzeria, cocktail bar, loft space and more this unique venue’s tagline of ‘gourmet eats & beats’ seems very fitting. With Christmas fast approaching their quirky twist on gourmet food could be the refreshing change from overcooked sprouts that you were looking for!

Alfie’s Christmas buffet options range from a simple, yet still delicious & quirky; £10 per head menu which features items such drool-worthy bites as chorizo & cheddar sausage rolls and mini Christmas puds with brandy sauce; to the sublime £20 per head menu which also includes luxury buffet items such as bacon wrapped black pudding, roast beef & horseradish gravy Yorkshire puddings and a profiterole tower.

Christmas meal options include the mouth-watering Christmas Dinner (yes it’s really all on there!), and ‘Walnuts on an Open Fire’ pizzas and a range of festive burgers including the giant Pigs In Blanket burger. We could go on but for more details please refer to alfiebirds.co.uk Whether you want to chat amongst friends whilst you scoff or book one of our resident DJs to dance your pants off too Alfie Birds has got it all under one roof.

With countless excellent reviews from the likes of The Times, Brum Notes, Birmingham Living, The Mail, Veggiefoodie.com, iChoose, Shortlist Magazine - and of course SIXTYNINE DEGREES - you can expect high quality food served and an amazing relaxed friendly atmosphere.

Do something different this christmas and book your meal or party with alfie birds now by emailing andrew@alfiebirds.co.uk and QUOTE 69MAG TO RECEIVE A FREE BOTTLE OF WINE FOR THE TABLE!

Alfie Birds The Custard Factory, Birmingham, B9 4AA Tel. 0121 270 6665 www.alfiebirds.co.uk

68

GET YOUR

COSY ON

Something very special is happening to the food and drink scene in Leicester. Behind the doors of the old Veejay knitwear factory on Highcross Street a revolution is taking place. The Cosy Club is shaping up and will fling open its doors on Thursday 16th October 2014 thanks to the Loungers Group.

Quirky, eccentric and playful the Cosy Club offers informal casual dining, drinking and lounging in a homely and family friendly environment. ‘Think gents club meets village hall meets cricket pavilion.’

The Cosy Club's menu majors on comfort food classics as well as offering an extensive brunch menu, a decent variety of sandwiches, and a great selection of tapas.

There are no rules when it comes to a Cosy Club interior. The Loungers Group love nothing more than working with the features of the each of the buildings they inhabit - there may be some exposed brick, some wooden panelling, and some bare concrete all complemented by contemporary glass and chrome (not to mention dark, heavy drapes and net curtains). Mix matched tables and dining chairs, battered old cocktail armchairs, sleek 1930’s sofas and mid-century sideboards make you feel immediately at home.

The walls are adorned with enormous rousing Soviet-era masterpieces, family portraits, flags, banners and iconic 50’s artwork peppered with the odd piece of taxidermy thrown in for good measure! Vast chandeliers hang dramatically next to industrial steel lamps and chintzy shades throwing light that is soft, sumptuous and elegant.

The venue will consist of a bar and restaurant area, which will seat more than 100 people, on the ground floor and an external terrace to the rear.

There will also be a private room in the basement (complete with its own bar), which will be available to hire for special occasions.

Whatever your tipple the Cosy Club aims to please. You can expect excellent coffee and cake, an imaginative choice of soft drinks, a great selection of draught beers, cider and ale, an enviable wine list and, to top it off, a nicely proportioned list of classic cocktails.

For reservations, menus and further details log on to www.cosyclub.co.uk The Cosy Club, 62-68 Highcross Street, Leicester LE1 4NN leicester@cosyclub.co.uk www.69-degrees.co.uk

EAT, DRINK

69

AND BE MERRY! WITH THE CLOCKS ABOUT TO GO BACK AND THE SHOPS ALREADY GROANING WITH TINSEL, IT’S TIME TO GET YOUR PARTY ON AND HERE AT THE SIXTYNINE PENTHOUSE WE CANNOT WAIT. BUT WITH SO MANY CELEBRATIONS TO PLAN WHERE DO YOU BEGIN? FEAR NOT, WE’VE BEEN OUT SAMPLING MORE CHRISTMAS MENU’S AND COCKTAILS THAN SANTA’S HAD MINCE PIES!

HERE’S TO EVERYTHING IN EXCESS! 34 windsor st

Why not let the fabulous 34 Windsor St take the festive strain? The premium restaurant in Burbage is there to help you relax and enjoy the holiday season.

Fed up of cooking on Christmas day? Then why not celebrate with 34’s take on the classic turkey dinner as well as a few creations of their own. Or why not chill out on Boxing Day with alighter menu for those who have over-indulged, Boxing Day is all about simple hearty flavours.

For those extra social events, try the Christmas Cocktail Classes – a great alternative work’s party – or Festive Afternoon Tea or choose from the Christmas Party Menu (25th Nov – 30th Dec), After Christmas how about the Black Tie & Diamonds New Year’s Eve Celebrations – ideal for those who love to dress up!

For more information visit www.34windsorst. com, or call 01455 234342 for a reservation.

NUVO

The champagne is on order, the cocktails are being created at Nuvo as bookings for everything from small parties to big corporate companies are now being taken.

Whether you’re booking a booth or the whole club, the team can cater for your every entertainment need from live music to DJs. There’s also a tantalising tapas menu, buffet, party platters or canapes to choose from.

To ensure you get the date you want, an early bird booking discount is available for firms or organisations who book before the end of September.

Book before September 30th and save ten per cent on your party if booking for 12 people or more. This could be a substantial saving if you are catering for parties of 100 or more.

To view the new Christmas menus visit www.nuvobar.com Tel. 0121 631 1600. www.69-degrees.co.uk

MALMAISON This year, Malmaison is hosting some of Birmingham’s biggest parties that are sure to get your senses going! Mal’s Mezzanine Floor will be transformed into a world of Fire & Ice and whether your party is big or small, you can get involved in what is sure to be a night of festive fun. Your journey will begin with a ‘warm’ welcome from fire jugglers, devil cocktail hosts, and flames before ‘cooling down’ to a winter wonderland including snowflakes, crystals and a vodka luge.

With 11 parties being hosted from 28 November until 20 December from just £29.95 per person, all parties include Mal’s signature celebration menu, a glass of bubbly and a live DJ into the early hours.

If you’re also looking ahead to NYE, Malmaison has a great party planned to see you through to 2015. For just £85 per person you can enjoy a four-course meal, live band and a disco.

To find out more and book your parties, call 0844 693 0651 or visit www.malmaison.com

RED HOT BUFFET

It can be really difficult finding a restaurant or food type that everyone can agree on when organising a big get together so a buffet style restaurant could be just the job to keep everyone pleased. With venues in both Leicester and Nottingham, Red Hot World Buffet offer a selection of world cuisine served from live cooking stations so that everyone has the opportunity to find something they like to eat.

Well suited to cater for big groups of office parties with even a private dining area that can be hired out for groups of 50 people or more, it’s a busy time of year for both venues so it’s best to book early for the most popular dates. Alongside the regular selections of world cuisines, there will be some special festive dishes, including turkey with all the trimmings, pigs in blankets, nut roast and a selection of Christmas desserts. With prices starting at £9.99 for lunch and £14.99 in the evening, it’s great value for money at what can be an expensive time of the year.

Red Hot Buffet, 87 - 91 High Street, Leicester LE1 4JB , Tel 0116 216 9660, and Trinity Square, Corner House, Nottingham, NG14DB, Tel 0115 9589 899

www.69-degrees.co.uk

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71 bossa

nirvana

It’s starting to feel a lot like Christmas in Leicester.

If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy the 12 cocktails of Christmas or maybe just a delicious winter warming coffee, then make your way to Bossa. Here you can appreciate a fantastic new cocktail menu, boasting fifty two different cocktails and 8 brand new pitchers.

Showcasing the latest sound & lighting technology, Nirvana hosts the finest events featuring all genres of music to cater for all people – hence its tag ‘exclusively for everyone,’ 7 days a week.

This winter, explore their enchanting seasonal hot drinks menu. With Barista style, locally roasted coffee available all day every day, Bossa provides the perfect excuse to take a break from the Christmas shopping and treat yourself to a little indulgence. We recommend the White Chocolate Mocha and the Amaretto Latte! Open until 1am every night, Bossa is definitely not just for daytimes. Live DJ’s at the weekends and special events throughout the seasonal period; there is always something happening so make sure you keep up to date on Facebook/bossabarandcafe or drop them a tweet @bossacafebar.

Bossa, Granby St, Leicester. Tel 0116 255 8730

Christmas parties are custom-made – there are no pre-written packages and they pledge to work closely with the organiser to ensure every detail is covered no matter if there is 2 or 200 of you. “This is more than a function room, this is a functional room with all the options to make your party stand out from the rest and never disappoint”, they promise.

With a wide range of drinks from boutique beers, premium spirits to lush cocktails from around the world, you could always simply bring your party to their party with hostess service in a VIP area, Bed or Booth. Now that would be our idea of Nirvana this Christmas.

Nirvana is @ 20 Victoria Street, Nottingham, NG1 2EX.Tel 0115 985 9955 nirvananottingham.co.uk

pilot Yet more proof that Nottingham’s bar and restaurant scene is undergoing something of a renaissance - big style - is the launch of Pilot, Poultry & Prosecco. This new independent restaurant has taken over the former NASH Interiors building on Hockley’s much-coveted Carlton Street. Promising ‘exeptional service’ from their team of highly-trained staff, this casual dining concept boasts a cool open kitchen, in which the crowning glory has to be the open-mouthed, hand-built wood-fired oven - check it out! - which sits proudly alongside a 6-spit Rotisserie oven (hence the name).

Chicken dishes make up half of the menu and the local, Free Range birds, chosen specifically by the Head Chef, Simon Sharer are cooked in the Rotisserie Oven then glazed and finished in the Wood Oven. These are served alongside a range of mouthwatering sides and specials.

The other half of the menu is made up of a great selection of Sourdough Pizzas. We’re big fans of Sourdough pizza bases as they are less stodgy than normal pizzas, meaning more room for a glass of two of something fizzy. Speaking of which, the bar offers something truly unique: draught Prosecco. This can be enjoyed by the glass, carafe or mixed into one of their exquisite cocktails.

Pilot is @ 17 Carlton Street, Nottingham, NG1.

Tel 0115 947 3123 www.69-degrees.co.uk

72 ISAACS

If contemporary Indian dining sounds like your ideal festive merrymaking- look no further than Isaacs, Birmingham’s answer to stunning, stylish and sumptuous Indian cuisine. The restaurant, which can accommodate up to 200 standing, or 100 for a seated dinner, boasts dazzling, calm surroundings, an elegant bar and lounge, as well as semi-private areas- perfect for catering that bursting Christmas calendar.

From sharing menus to bespoke evenings, Isaacs will endeavour to your every wish. Whether you’re looking for a merry lunch, dinner with friends and family, or an impressive corporate get-together to celebrate the end of 2014, treat your taste-buds and book ahead now for the spice of your life.

Dinner costs £28.95 per person and parties of 6 people or more will receive a complimentary bottle of bubbly to celebrate the season in style.

Isaacs can be found @ 7 Bennetts Hill, Birmingham B2 58T Tel 0121 212 1020 www.isaacsrestaurant.co.uk

CANDYSTRIPE Boasting a prime location, Leicester’s CandyStripe club and restaurant offers the perfect place for an out-of-this-world Christmas party, fit with four different areas offering tasty cocktails, a colossal sound system and a menu bursting with fresh ingredients.

Wether you’re planning a small seasonal get together, or a huge corporate end of year bash, CandyStripe can accommodate as many as 10-1100 people on any given night, meaning there’s plenty of space for whatever entertainment you fancy.

Host your event on the Candy Landing and sample some speciality cocktails in a relaxed environment; enter the Club Room for the most epic of epic shindigs; choose the Main Room, which holds up to 500 partygoers; or indulge in ultimate luxury in the VIP Room, which, may we add, offers full bottle-to-table service, and the option to store your drinks in a secure locker whilst you dance the festive night away.

Neat.

CandyStripe is @ 5 – 11 Belvoir Street, Leicester, LE1 6SL. Visit www.candystripebars.co.uk or call 0116 2546190 to start planning your perfect Christmas party www.69-degrees.co.uk

73 hilton garden inn

Christmas is a busy time for everyone and with all the Hilton Garden Inn has to offer this year, there’s no excuse not to celebrate in style. With festive Afternoon Teas and Lunches, Christmas Party Nights and a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner to name but a few, there’s something for all to enjoy

The Festive Lunch Menu is great for a seasonal get together, and great value at £16.50 per person for a two-course lunch.

A delicious menu fuses seasonal favourites including Traditional Roast Turkey with modern European classics such as Braised Feather Blade of British Beef. To start with choose from the Signature Prawn and Crayfish Cocktail, Velvet Roasted Parsnip Soup and Chicken and Wild Mushroom Terrine, and round it all off with the delicious Raspberry Crème Brulee, Rich Chocolate Cheesecake or Sweet & Sticky Treacle Tart with Chantilly Cream.

Running from 28th November to the 21st December, there is time to squeeze in those all-important occasions. Located in the city’s prestigious Brindleyplace, just off Broad Street, the Hilton Garden Inn is quickly becoming the destination of choice for colleagues wanting a quick working lunch or a cocktail after work.

Want to meet a friend but haven’t got time for lunch or dinner? Then try their Festive Afternoon Tea – a great way to catch up over finger sandwiches and delicious mini sweets. At £14.95 per person or £19.95 if you fancy splashing out on a glass of prosecco or a Christmas Cocktail, it is also a

perfect way to break up the Christmas shopping.

For those wanting to experience all that the city has to offer including the nearby National Indoor Arena, International Convention Centre, Symphony Hall, the Bullring shopping centre as well as cool and quirky mixture of bars and galleries which surround it, the Hilton Garden Inn is a perfect venue to relax after a busy day’s Christmas shopping or before a concert or panto.

To make a reservation, please contact the Hilton Garden Inn, 1 Brunswick Square, Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2HW, tel: 0121 6431003, search Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham Brindleyplace on Facebook. www.birminghambrindleyplace.hgi.com

WIN!

The Hilton Garden Inn is offering a Festive twocourse lunch for six people to one lucky winner.

With a glass of fizz on arrival and glass of wine per person, this is the perfect way to celebrate with your department, team or close friends.

To enter visit www.69-degrees.co.uk

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LAST WORD KNITTING NOTTINGHAM

NTU knitwear images top to bottom: Ria Thomas GFW knitwear winner 2008; 1980's knitwear shoot; Rebecca Swann GFW knitwear winner 2014; 1980's mens knitwear shoot; Thea Sanders GFW winner 2013; 1970's space-age knits; Adele Parker 2011

The city of Nottingham has textile manufacturing well and truly in its roots so it comes as no surprise that Nottingham Trent University is carrying the mantle with design-focused, industry-aligned knitwear degree courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

As part of the 170 years of Art & Design education celebrations at Nottingham Trent University, the innovative knitwear department will be hosting Knitting Nottingham, an exhibition featuring a selection of work past, present and future, designed to celebrate Nottingham’s knitting heritage as well as the University’s specialist skills in knitwear design.

We talk to Juliana Sissons, Senior Lecturer In Fashion Knitwear Design and Knitted Textiles at NTU, and previous Fashion Designer in residence at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, and also to course leader, Ian McInnes.

Final-year work by 2011 Graduate Fashion Week Gold Award winner Rory Longdon, NTU BA (Hons) Fashion Knitwear Design.

Tell us about the inspirations and influences behind the exhibition.

We’ve invited alumni and leading creatives to look outwards and forwards, using the past traditions as inspiration and influences whilst acknowledging the importance of the industry and its support in developing the original art school. (Ian) Do you feel the exhibition will encourage more people to look at knitwear?

It will definitely open people’s eyes to what is possible with knit. People tend to think that knitting is just for jumpers, but it’s used within engineering, architecture and even in the medical arena.

The career opportunities are hugely varied and this exhibition highlights this. (Juliana) Who will be exhibiting their work in the exhibition, existing students, graduates?

We have invited a broad range of established and emerging practitioners with a global presence, as well as the work of recent MA students, researchers and alumni. With this breadth we aim to represent a diversity of approach to capture the imagination of the visitors to the exhibition. (Ian) Do you feel knitwear has changed a lot over the years?

It could not be more exciting and alive than it is today. Designers are capitalising on the unique qualities that knit has to offer, pushing boundaries with unusual materials and playing with scale.

There is a natural interplay between design and new technology providing an astounding range of possibilities for art, interior design and architecture. (Juliana) NTU has an exceptional reputation and heritage in knitwear design. Do you believe it helps students in their future careers?

Yes absolutely! ‘Fashion knitwear Design and knitted Textiles’ at Nottingham Trent University is a unique degree offering an exciting fusion of fashion and fabric design; this is the only undergraduate course in the UK which focuses solely upon fashion knitwear design.

Which shows (international and national) have the students exhibited at?

We regularly showcase student work in New York and Shanghai, in addition, at Graduate Fashion Week London, where we have had fantastic success. The benefits of GFW means that students are invited to participate in other exhibitions which aim to promote new design talent. (Ian) The exhibition is being held at the Bonington Gallery, Dryden Street, Nottingham NG1 4GG from Thursday the 6th of Nov until Friday the 28th of November 2014. For more information visit www.boningtongallery.co.uk. All course information at www.ntu.ac.uk/art www.69-degrees.co.uk

COMEDY AT THE CONCERT HALL

Box Office

0115 989 5555

Book Online

www.trch.co.uk

Congratulations to all our recent Art and Design graduates!