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ISSUE 3 APRIL 2017
ART, FASHION, MUSIC & CULTURE
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EDITOR’S LETTER
EDITORS FOLLOW US Westworld Editor: Portia Lyons westworld@westerneye.net
Hello,
As we all venture into the turmoil of the final months of the university year, many of us are hiding away in the library cramming for exams and deadlines. Our old friend the sun is finally making an appearance, begging for our companionship with a drink in hand. We can sense that summer is almost around the corner, just one last push. This month we have some amazing things for you including exclusive interviews with UWE’s own Illustration student Will Cross and fashion student Kimberly Ruiz, a variety of theatre reviews and an inside on this years LSTD line-up. We are always looking for new writers to cover Bristol’s amazing array of events from music festivals, art exhibitions, gigs, and fashions shoots. Lastly we are recruiting for next year’s committee and editorial roles check over the page for details of the available roles and how to apply. Good luck with deadlines Portia x
Music Editor: Olly Evans music@westerneye.net Fashion Editor: Daisy Lucker assistantwestworld@westerneye.net Arts Editor: Rhiannon Thomas assistantwestworld@westerneye.net Entertainment Editor: Anya Keiller assistantmusic@westerneye.net Creative Directors/Designers: Megan Grindle & Danielle Vincent CONTRIBUTORS April 2017:
This months’ edition of Westworld is pretty exciting for arts, we have all of the fine art, illustration and drawing and print third year degree shows coming up in June. We also have plenty of fine art exhibitions and fundraisers coming up the next few weeks so keep your eyes peeled. The artists on the front cover are Anika Deb and Olivia Parr at the ‘1 step forward 2 steps back’ exhibition at Bower Ashton.
Portia Lyons Olly Evans Daisy Lucker Rhiannon Thomas Anya Keiller Kimball Wynn Will Cross
WSTWRLD.WORDPRESS.COM FACEBOOK.COM/WSTWRLD INSTAGRAM.COM/WSTWRLD TWITTER.COM/WSTWRLD
WE ARE RECRUITING
Westworld are looking for a brand new team of editors: - Westworld Editor (committee member) - Music Editor - Fashion Editor - Arts Editor - Entertainment Editor Fancy any of these roles send a 200 word manifesto via email to: westworld@westerneye.net Just fancy contributing? We need writers, illustrators and poets. If you have an idea for a story, comic or poem email us or ask to join our closed Facebook group: Westworld Contributers.
FEATURED ARTIST: WILL CROSS
Will Cross is a 22 year old illustration student in the process. This is due to the intense strain on the eyesight of artists who have found the overuse of at UWE. He comes from nearby Bath where he also studied art at college and is one of the intense close up to work can cause sight loss. most multi-talented students in Bristol. Will is an elusive and mysterious guy, but I have the Not only is he a talented illustrator, but he also plays pleasure of knowing him as a friend. I sat him down for a quick fire Q&A. the bass in pop-punk band Vidorra. He combines his two talents by providing the cover art and WHEN WERE YOU FIRST INTERESTED IN ART? illustrations for album covers, posters and events I’ve always been interested in art since I was very young flyers. ( 2 or 3) been drawing since as long as I can remember Will uses fine lines, black, white and grey and dot HOW DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR YOUR work to portray his visually striking and dramatic WORK? illustrations. Dot work is a very difficult skill to I find most of my inspiration from old traditional styles manage, as rather than with fine strokes of a brush of art and woodcuts or a pen, the artists needs to ensure that they know exactly what they intend to create before they set out to do it. They need to be sure that the work they are HOW DO YOU FIND THE PATIENCE TO CREATE SUCH INTRICATE PIECES? creating fits within the restraints of their materials, I find it therapeutic to draw intricately, I’m trying to get and they need to be sure not to harm themselves faster at drawing. DO YOU FIND IT HARD TO BALANCE ART AND MUSIC?
It isn’t too bad trying to balance both, I seem to have time to do both art and band related stuff. Thanks Will. If you wanna check out any of Will’s work, he appears alongside other artists in Bristol at Shake Bristol, an event for illustration artists and students. You can also check him out in Vidorra around some of Bristol’s top music venues, including the Stag and Hounds later this month. Words & Images by Rhiannon Thomas
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GREEN LIGHT - LORDE Ushering into 2017 with her first promising cut from upcoming second album ‘Melodrama’ Lorde is mixing bombastic ballad with spiralling piano plinks wrapped up in a neat danceable single. The pop landscape has changed since minimalistic hit ‘Royals’, but this new offering cements her place in pop history.
MINI SINGLES
I love you Axwell /\ Ingrosso Starting with a traditional sound of violins this EDM number starts as it means to go on. Different to most tracks of this genre it’s never too heavy, it almost reminisces pop music. This song makes me want to dance and its great song to get ready for a night out to. Think of being sat on a beach with friends and a cocktail in hand, this songs paints that picture and sets the scene.
REVIEWS
CHAINED TO THE RHYTHM – KATY PERRY Katy Perry broke her music silence on the 10th of February with this new tune featuring Skip Marley (Bob Marleys maternal grandson). ‘Turn it up, its your favourite song’ is the catchiest line of a song in 2017. And followed with a great beat, this sound is both uplifting and thought provoking. The mixed-tempo song actually holds a significant amount of politics. The lyrics are suggesting we need to wake up and make a difference after listening to this song.
CASTLE ON THE HILL – ED SHEERAN After a year’s hiatus from music Ed Sheeran has graced us with two new singles including; ‘Castle on the hill’- a song that talks about returning to your hometown. His high notes and gritty tone are the key features to this single’s success, it’s the rawness that makes the song so great. With lyrics that everyone, everywhere, can relate to.
By Olly Evans, Rhiannon Thomas, Daisy Lucker & Anya Keiller
GLASS ANIMALS @ Bristol o2 Academy
to Netflix and chill, but an accurate illustration of a familiar character in everyone’s lives with lyrics like “she’s broken but she’s fun/ my girl eats mayonnaise/ from the jar while she’s getting blazed”. And from some of the appreciate nods and sideways looks the audience shared with friends, we all know her.
If any band is a shining example of the good impact the internet has on artists, then it is Glass Animals. While not a household name, they sold out the O2 Academy tonight and their biggest song on Spotify ‘Gooey’ stands at a tall number of 68 million streams. Yet despite the rapid swelling of online plays, it certainly hasn’t overinflated their egos. Welcomed with a rapturous cheer, ‘Life Itself ’ twisted and turned like a belly dancer twirling a hula hoop with a snake on it - hollow thuds and ice cold guitar strums. It’s a wonder how they can sound so relaxed, and yet so relentlessly upbeat. The dynamic moment came when they glided into ‘The Other Side of Paradise’ with effortless ease, one of the best tracks from their debut album. Lest we forget ‘Season 2 Episode 3’ which isn’t in fact an ode
But not all of the people they paint so vividly in performance are as nonchalant. Dave Bayleys self-confessed favourite song of latest album ‘How to be a Human Being’, the beautiful ‘Agnes’ bemoans a girl losing her way in life. Bayley’s silky vocal spins the story into action questioning “where went that cheeky friend of mine? Where went that billion-dollar smile?”. It was simultaneously uplifting and openly sentimental, leaving many wildly dancing in the joy of it, or many looking on reflective in the sadness. After an evening of confident and assured pop rock with a creative flair for the dramatic, I got the inescapable feeling Glass Animals threatened to smash their way into the wider public eye. But for now, they remain Oxfords best (or worst) kept secret. Words by Olly Evans Photo Credit Rhiannon Thomas
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NO ORDINARY PERFORMANCE FROM TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB
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Following an almost instant sell out it came as no surprise to see a full house at Two Door Cinema Club’s eccentric performance at the O2 academy Bristol. “In pursuit of looking good” the indie band returned to Bristol for the tour of their latest album Gameshow.
In the wait of the much-anticipated headliners the crowd full of avid Two Door fans enjoyed the supporting of Sundara Karma. A band from Reading made up of four longhaired males. The audience enjoyed the flourishing of the new and upcoming indie rock band, a perfect choice to set the tone. Playing from their debut album – Youth is Only Ever Fun in Retrospect. I was delighted to be greeted by the recognisable and personal favourite track, ‘Flame’. From the moment Sundara Karma exited the stage to make way for the main act the venue became tight and impacted as the late comers frantically tried to force their way to the front. In what seemed like a split second the crowd suddenly appeared to be full of the youthful generation of first time gig goers. I was living my 17 year old self ’s dream surrounded by exactly that. Despite the rowdy crowd and being continuously shoved into the person in-front, my excitement overcame the surroundings. First up was a few classics from Tourist History, taking me back to the youthful days of college when Two Door were simply an upcoming indie band. Without a doubt the highlight for me was the fun and upbeat ‘Undercover Martyn’. The lyrics to this song are so catchy I couldn’t help but sing along “To the basement people, to the basement”. Followed by several other golden oldies bringing us update with ‘Bad Decision’ from their current album Gameshow. Although I wasn’t too familiar with the lyrics of the new music, it was refreshing to hear something new. The feeling you get from hearing something for the first time is always good. ‘Are we ready?’ was one that stuck in my head and I have been listening to it ever since. Such a great song. Touching on a important aspect of society, in an interview with NME in relation to consumerism Sam said “The lyrics play on that and hating how the world is going in terms of commercialism and how people are addicted to social media and living on their phones.” Scary thought.
NIKE PRO HIJAB
On that note the show finished on high following the bands return for an arguably planned encore. “What you know”, easily their most recognisable track, which saw the crowd as energetic as ever. What a blast from the past and thoroughly enjoyable experience for all fans. Words & Image by Portia Lyons
Sports fashion outlet ‘Nike’ allies with Muslim athletes Ever since the announcement last week about Nike launching the “Pro Hijab” the company have been receiving many mixed messages. The item is a head covering made of stretchy polyester designed for Muslim women whilst exercising. Great, I would have thought, for those top athletes who were previously restricted due to their attire. Several athletes have already been lucky in some peoples eyes, to trial the product including Olympic hopeful Zahara Lain, a figure skater from the United Arab Emirates. Although the Nike “Pro Hijab” will not go on sale until next spring – Nike have received a significant amount of both positive and negative criticism. Negative criticism includes political arguments suggesting Nike are normalising the oppression of women by creating such a product. While other members of the public have threatened to boycott the brand with the release of this product. Amna Al Hadad, Nike sponsored Olympic weight lifter is another individual who have trialled the product. After she had been struggling to find a head covering both comfortable and appropriate for competitions – Hadad inspired Nike to produce the item. The athlete featured in the Nike 2016 April advertisement wearing this product but without the logo – suggesting that the brand has been conscientious about its release. The head covering, formerly known as the Hijab is a veil traditionally worn by Muslim women in the presence of adult males, excluding their immediate family. Conventionally the veil covers the women’s head and chest worn by most, as a symbol of modesty and privacy. In response to the criticism, Nike has responded
by saying: “When we spoke to athletes in the region they told us this is what they wanted and needed ... We worked with a variety of hijabi athletes to test and provide feedback on this product and sought the expert opinion of advocates and the local community to advise on the design and needs of the region.” This is what student’s at UWE thought about the new product: Phoebe Somers, 2nd year Marketing student – “When I read about this new product, I was thinking more along the lines of ‘Oh that’s such good news that someone like Nike has taken the initiative to design something specifically for the comfort of Muslim Women. Thinking this would finally allow these women to be apart of sports without feeling uncomfortable or restricted by their head wear.’ But I feel like now I feel like that’s quite a naïve way of looking at it and maybe Nike are just exploring new ways of making money…” Charlie Gordon, 3rd year International Relations and Politics student – “I think the whole idea is very clever on Nikes part with finding a gap in the market. Nike is a huge American company and can be seen to support and promote wearing the Hijab – which is currently a very controversial topic in the states. But personally I think it is making sport more inclusive for Muslim women. This item may even encourage young Muslim girls to take up sport – knowing a company like Nike wants to support them.” Words by Daisy Lucker
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KIMBERLY RUIZ Third year fashion student profile
So I understand that you’re studying fashion at UWE. How have your last, nearly three years been? Any highlights or real big downers…
heavy weight and idealism of the stereo type of what fashion student should be, that supresses creativity which was not what expected from uni.
Hard work. Completely overwhelming exciting and new but undeniably... hard work. Fortunately, I can very easily find myself completely obsessed with the subject matter behind my collections, if you aren’t hard working and obsessive with what you’re doing you quite literally won’t survive in fashion. This degree has taken me on exchange to Hong Kong, back stage dressing 6ft models for London fashion week (I’m 5ft1 so that was tricky ha-ha) and making a dress out of my hair. It’s been amazing and defiantly makes you a lot surer of yourself... it’s the only way to get through it.
Im pretty bogged down with deadlines at the moment, As for the future… fuck knows how I feel where I’ll be.
What first made you decide you wanted to study fashion? And has studying it for the last three years filled all your expectations? Are you going away with an even bigger passion for fashion or feeling like maybe this isn’t the career for you? I actually didn’t think I wanted to do fashion in foundation I focused on Graphics and for a little bit of time sat in the corridors rather the class room because I didn’t know where I fit. I also dabbled in the idea of outdoor sports. I don’t stop moving so in that sense fashion perfect for keeping me on my toes however with social media and the internet I think there’s a
If you think this is still the career for you, do you have any after Uni plans? Will you be the newest designer for Acne studios? Haha I hope so. I sent a plaque of wood with my CV pasted to it to their studios in Sweden so I can only hope they’ll reply HA. To be honest I don’t know. I’d love to be involved with Fashion east, the too-good sister and finally come, before being independent. I think the weird, wonderful and creative needs to edge back in to what fashion really is. Unfortunately its all got a bit lost in celebrity culture and fast fashion. What would be the dream for you? Creating art alongside fashion whilst canoeing every Sunday…very romantic I know. The final year project is what everyone is looking forward to. Can you reveal anything, tell us a little bit about what to expect?
Chaos. We’re planning a live event on the 3nd June Location 51.4506° N, 2.5973° W It will reflect the deep thinking and innovative attitude of this generation. Imagine, stumbling across an abandoned theatre and inside you find 30 creatives quite literally wearing their heart on their sleeve and it’s your job to step inside and discover it. Words by Daisy Lucker
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THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW
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@ Bristol Hippodrome
This Wardrobe theatre original play brings together all things Brawl, alongside all things drag and beautiful is exactly what Rocky: A Horror Show does. To the audience, it is an entertaining extravaganza that takes you on an whirlwind, defying the musical genre. However it still succeeds to be one hell of a musical. Within its comedic pastiche of the Rocky films, the narrative surrounds Rocky Balboa as he prepares to fight against Apollo Creed, who is in love with his best friend’s sister and whose best friend is in turn in love with him. In true Rocky Horror style every character is gender bending. In a show that is “Not Suitable For Work”, it’s filled with taboo language, sexual innuendos and every twist is funnier than the next. Singing Italian ghosts and aliens are brought into the narrative, complementing its unusual nature. There is truly nothing that is off limits within the show. Some of the highlights, include Apollo Creed singing through the crowds wearing just an American themed corset and suspenders and of course the final fight scene that turned out to be truly out of this world. The use of unusual narrative devices and the fact that the show truly didn’t take itself serious made it one of the funniest show that I have ever watched. Words by Anya Keiller Photo credit Paul Blakem
THERE WILL BE BLOOD “There was lots of Blood live”
“There Will Be Blood: Live” was a unique experience, halfway between a cinema screening and a classical concert. The atmosphere of the live orchestra is best suited for films with varied scores. This is why it worked so well with there will be blood, as its music is both complex and varied. The film’s most dramatic scenes include its most impressive music and seeing them with live instruments was a treat. I had seen the film before, but connecting the sounds corresponding to the instruments in front of you was a unique experience and gave a better appreciation of the film’s musical elements. The score uses impressively creative methods to produce sounds out of instruments that you would not expect. An example would be the use of violins as percussion instruments, plucking and knocking to produce more interesting pieces of music. The more tense and eerie scenes of the film are heightened by the live musicians. This creative use of orchestral instruments highlights the eerie and tense scenes in the film, as the musicians all ominously play the songs without reaction to the film, a reserved accompaniment to the movie. The Film itself is a masterpiece with impressive visuals, perfect for a big screen and a cinematic environment. The performances are all stellar, revolving around the stunning acting of Daniel Day Lewis (His Oscar for this was well deserved). It was a treat to see such a great film that I had only seen one a small screen, enhanced and produced on such an extravagant scale and Colston Hall is, as always, a great place to experience live music acts, with a unique spin of a Film being played simultaneously. Words by Anya Keiller
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Before the iPad, before Xbox, even before the internet, kids were expected to go outside and find fun amongst themselves. Directed by Jeremy Herrin, Junkyard is a musical inspired by true events set around the building of ‘The Vench’ playground in 1979, Lockleaze. My first impressions involved being woken up by beams of concentrated light, and the squawking but adorable dialogue of the main character Fiz (Erin Doherty), who grew to be one of my favourites.
JUNKYARD AT BRISTOL OLD VIC
bored they were (dangly arms and all). The child characters of ‘Junkyard’ fitted perfectly into their surroundings, each displaying their unique personality traits through informal, but fitting dialogue and expressive body language. The actors portrayed largely varied attitudes, adding massive comical effect and character development throughout the story.
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was lead to empathise with the younger characters, concluding that this method of language eventually made sense, as they are all in a way frustrated and outspoken. The story captured a warm, nostalgic feeling in my gut that had me longing for membership into this gang of teenager-troublemakers.
Even with their rough exteriors, each The chemistry between the heavy-handed character expressed a warm impression to‘Ginger’ (Josef Davies) and timid ‘Talc’ wards the audience, talking to us as if they (Enyi Okoronkwo) especially had me both were old friends instead of new acquaintThe title refers to the playground itself, balling with laughter and uttering ‘awws’ ances. This shined most during the scenes and is made from cluttered wood, rope, in their scene together. Talc’s reaction of between Fiz and her Mum (Lisa Palfrey) as tiers etc. The rough exterior and dangerimmense disbelief from Ginger’s opening they filled the audience in on their personous components grew on me, and as it approach alone, had me and the rest of the al lives; “Just like her mum”. became apparent how much the kids cher- audience surprised; “that’s the last time I’ll All in all I would rate ‘Junkyard’ as a sucished this hunk of mess, the more I also ever talk to you!”. cess. It is must see that I would recomfelt attached. The playground developed mend to anyone who has the chance to go. and was a part of every character’s lives, I must also mention the sweet, wide-eyed Words by Kimball Wynn almost becoming a character within itself. Nick (Calum Callaghan), and without Photo Credit Manuel Harlan The music in Junkyard (directed by Akspoiling it too much, his relationship with intayo Akinbode) was upbeat and funky, the children provides the backbone of this capturing the theme of the performance performance. The chemistry moves from to perfection. Having the musicians also the unmotivated kids clashing with Nick, visible to the audience added heavily to the growing into one of the most touching, craziness of the performance. three-dimensional connections between characters. Nick definitely held more of Certain songs incorporated into this mua ‘big brother’ vibe than a teacher, and I sical were stimulating contrasts to your left the theatre in love with him. Everyone typical love ballads. My personal favourite needs a Nick in their lives. was simply a reminder that even in the late seventies, every awkward, early teenager The frequent use of explicit language in just relished in complaining about how Junkyard at first put me off. However, I
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SUMMER EVENTS DIARY 2017
Idris Elba – Motion - £11+ 8th April 2017 Idris Elba makes his DJ debute at Motion this April. If you want they guy known for playing drug lord Stringer in the wire then you can’t miss this event, check out for yourself if his DJ talents are as good as his acting. First release is already sold out so look into it now!
MAY
Whether you are going home or staying for the entire of summer, we have you covered with a few suggestions of what you could do this month. It is no wonder the city has been named best place to live in the UK
Words by Anya Keiller
Love Saves the Day – Ticket price ranges 27th - 28th May 2017 For anyone whose just finished their university year, we know how we wanna kick of the year. Head down to Eastville Park to celebrate some of Bristol’s born and bred artists and some of the most listened to music of 2017. With artists including Fat Freddy’s Drop, Shy FX, Toddla T and many more you will regret not going to this two day festival.
JUNE Bristol Tattoo Convention - £10 11th – 12th June 2017 To change things up a bit. If you are interested in tattoos or are just thinking of getting one. Head on down to Brunels old station to as Bristol see some of the UK’s best tattoo artists return for the third year old Bristols Tattoo convention. See their work in person, and have the chance to go to a select few vendors
JULY Celebration of Sound System Culture: The Outlook Orchestra and Roots Manuva ft. Congo Natty, Dawn Penn, Horace Andy and many more - £19.50 21st July 2017 Celebrating both Outlook Festivals 10th anniversary and Colston Hall’s 150th year as a music venue in Bristol, Colston Hall presents a very special outdoor performance that features some of the UK’s best musicians and a string of special guest’s. The event has been described in the media as a ‘glorious symphonic sound clash’ that celebrates some of the most played dance tracks worldwide.
AUGUST Hot Air Balloon Fiesta - Free 10 - 13 August 2017 In an event that is pretty unique to Brisol, head on over to the Hot Air Balloon fiesta that is free to go to and amazing to see. With over 150 balloons it will be one of the biggest celebrations of its kind. In true Bristolian style there is hot food, entertainment in the arena, fairground rides and a fire work display to end the festival with.
So it’s the end of Exam season, coursework is in and you need to find a way to let off some steam - luckily you’re in Bristol, home to Love Saves the Day. This year some of the artist playing include, Little Dragon, Mura Masa, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Shy FX, Kano, Toddla T and DJ Hype to name a few people to be excited about. Just like every year, this two day shindig is a non-camping festival that takes place at Eastville Park which means you can head home or out to an incredible after party after curfew. LSTD aims to combine the talent of upcoming Bristol artists with those who are already dominating the music industry. So if you want a way kickoff your summer and festival season, Love Saves the Day’s the one not to miss. Celebrate the stress free times after finishing university deadlines. Get yourself and your friends down to Love Saves the Day and enjoy music, dance and lots of glitter. Weekend tickets are available for around the £80 mark.
SEPTEMBER Tokyo World – Ticket Price TBA 23rd September 2017 Although we don’t know much about Tokyo World 2017, after how great it was last year. It is bound to be a good way to end your summer and kick of the new student year. So put the 23rd of September in your diaries and look out for the line up. Photo credit Hannah Rooke