Skip to main content

Day: 2 May 2014

The Benefits of Boutiques

Sometimes it can be hard to bring yourself to fork out just that little bit extra for great clothes, even when you love them. Particularly as students, it feels wrong to spend £20 on a shirt when you refuse to buy anything other than basics for your weekly food shop. However, perhaps it’s actually more economical to splash out on a ‘piece’ rather than eternally buying duller replicas of the style your searching for from the high street. After all, how many pairs of cheap jeans do we go through before we realise it’s time to get the real deal?

We are lucky here in Manchester; we have all the big shops in the centre, which is perfect for the efficient bulk-buyer, but many of us never dare to venture out in search for unique and great quality clothes. We have them on our doorstep! In Didsbury and Withington boutiques are really the only clothes shops on the whole street, which gives the shopper a chance to see what many independent brands have to offer.

Aside from the fact that buying one beautiful dress over several almost right look-a-likes, is probably better value for money – boutique shopping is great for many reasons. Not least of which, is the likelihood that you won’t find someone else turning up to the pub in the same Topshop blouse that you just bought! Because of the small production, boutiques often stock some interesting pieces; which are unique and maybe a bit more daring. And university is the perfect time to experiment with your style!

Although you pay a little more, this also means that you will only buy clothes you truly love. How many of us have drawers full to the brim with clothes we seemed to buy almost solely based on the fact that they were cheap? And with spring almost here, perhaps you can restock your wardrobe with items that you simply can’t wait to wear – and more importantly, wear again. You can rid your wardrobe of the clutter that you know deep down you never quite liked, and start again with unique, great quality and beautiful boutique attire.

For 20% off Mockingbirds boutique in Withington, all you have to do is answer this question:

‘Max Azria designed the fashion label BCBG, but what do the initials BCBG stand for?’

Please email your answer to: [email protected] and we’ll send you the discount!

But HURYY because the discount only last between Mon 5th- Fri 9th May!

Interview: Carl Cox

Don’t be fooled by the wide-toothed smile, Techno giant Carl Cox has a formidable reputation as one of the most respected pioneers of the genre. I spoke with the loveable legend to discuss risqué track titles, Vegas residencies and how what he only really cares about is what’s happening on the dance floor.

His new EP See You Next Tuesday is another collaboration with the afro-doning Mood Records boss, Nicole Moudaber. Cox is quick to praise her work. “What was really amazing about Nicole was that she was able to do a remix of my track ‘Chemistry’, and since Chemistry was the only Drum and Bass orientated track on my last album she took up the opportunity, or rather the challenge, to make a Techno record out of it.”

Ask any Techno fan and they’ll remember the remix that quickly became an anthem of last summer. This in mind, I was shocked to discover that the whole track came from just four seconds of the original bass line. “To me what was amazing was that Nicole took the bass line, slowed it down and cut it in half to make an initial bass line. From that, she created all the rhythms, drops and sounds for the new track.” It quickly became one of the most popular tracks of the year. “It was amazing to have that kind of accolade, so I thought ok, this is good”.

That’s how the See You Next Tuesday EP came about. Carl tells me “one day I’m having dinner somewhere with Nicole and she says I’d like to do another track so send me the parts to something that you’re working on. I said “ok, but why don’t I give you only a four second bass line based on what you’ve done before?”. She said “is that it?”  and I said “…yeahh!”. So when you’re hearing ‘See You Next Tuesday’ today, the bass line that you hear when it breaks down is all that she was given for inspiration”. Meanwhile, Carl reveals that the seemingly risqué title is actually the result of an in-joke between him and Moudaber. “The title actually came from when Nicole would come to Ibiza to play with me at Space and it was great to see her command the room. There was one day where she was going to come back two weeks in a row so I just said “I’ll see you next Tuesday” and that’s how the title was born.”

However, the collaborative process isn’t always so smooth for Cox, who describes difficulties in the studio that often makes collaboration over email an easier process. “Sometimes the process of sitting side by side in the studio can be a little daunting when you’re sitting there flashing out ideas. Around half of your ideas won’t work and it can be difficult to get what you really want from a track. That’s why collaborating over some distance can be useful. You can get mutual respect between each other without being forced into the situation.” Late night moments of inspiration also help to play a key part. “If you’re making music in a studio and someone goes “alright, go and make a hit record in the studio”, it never happens. But you’re kind of just messing around and you stumble across  something and you think I may as well just put it out, that could become the biggest thing that you’ve ever done in your life and it’s because if you’re forced to do something, you can over think things. Inspiration can come at 4 or 5 o’clock in the morning and then you wake up and think “oh my god! I’ve got it!” . You go to your computer, lay something down, think “there you go!” and then go back to sleep. That’s the best way to create music.”

Production aside however, Cox’s charismatic performance style that saw him named the “three deck wizard” in the late 1980s will be returning to Vegas as Carl undertakes a new DJ residency at Light Nightclub this year. Whilst it’s no secret that EDM and commercial house music has dominated the music there thus far, Cox comments on his hopes to bring credibility back to Vegas. “Before the EDM wave, all the Vegas clubs were playing Hip-Hop which when it first started was very underground, very credible. Now Vegas has become poptastic and the same records are getting played. Often in the same order as the DJs are just doing it because they’re getting paid.” He hopes this residency is perfectly timed to change that. “People are starting to find out that there’s more water in the well of Dance music. In Vegas, they don’t really care too much about the music because there are so many distractions – the casinos, drugs and shows. Music is the least paramount of what you’re going to Vegas for but it should be the most important. Everything around it should be a bonus. If this kind of music is going to become big in Vegas then I want to be part of the growth and the rise of something that is credible enough to sustain itself because the music is good and if it doesn’t work then it wasn’t for the want of not trying. That’s what’s in my head. I haven’t taken this residency on lightly but I hope that the timing is now right for me and my music to go in there and make a difference in Vegas. That is the only reason why I am doing it.”

To Cox, this problem is linked with the new obsession around the cult of the DJ. He reflects “many years ago, we didn’t have any big screens or production so if anyone wanted to see how talented you were, they would come down to the front to have a look at what you were doing. The problem is that now commercial interests have confused stage presence with an ‘act’ so if I do have a big screen production behind me, I make sure that there’s a camera showing my mixer and my hands so that the crowd can see that I’m sweating, I’m working. I’m choosing records, I’m putting them in and out and finding the right record for the time. For me, the most important is what is coming out of the speakers and happening on the dance floor, but the full performance is about what you can do as a talented artist and how you approach the task of producing music live.”

For any aspiring producers Cox thus advises “ at the end of the day, you’re seen as a performing artist and behind all of the machines, there has to be some sort of personality and passion that people can see. You have to be doing what you’re doing because you love it. If you really do believe in what you’re doing and you’re not following any fashion, then you’ll be successful. I’m testament to that. I’ve not really followed anything, in fact all I’ve done is share the music that I love and that I believe in. I enjoy that.” The artists he pushes on Global Radio reflects that ethos. “At the moment I’m loving a guy called Chris Count” Cox comments. “I’ve been following his music for the last two or three years and it’s absolutely unbelievable. He’s been very consistent in his sound and has had a few releases out on Intec already. I love that he moves from different genres into tech-house and that he’s always changing his style.”

Carl Cox will be heading the ‘Bugged Out! stage’ on the Sunday of Parklife festival alongside Nina Kraviz, Skream, Scuba and many more. Cox comments “expect the unexpected as I haven’t played in Manchester for quite a while. The last time I played in Manchester was Sankeys, which was great as I played after David Rodigan and people lost their minds. If people know my music then they’re in for a good time as I’m going to collate the very best of what I’ve been playing recently to make sure that Manchester gets the very best of what I have to offer.  I was born in Oldham so it feels like coming home.”

See Carl Cox at the Parklife Weekender in Manchester 7th – 8th June. For more information please see www.parklife.uk.com

Festival Guide: UK (July – September)

WIRELESS
4th – 6th July

The UK’s two biggest cities play host to some of the world’s biggest acts on the weekend of 4th-6th July at this year’s Wireless. Now in its 10th year, Wireless has established itself as one of the main events of the UK music calendar with its consistently strong bookings. The line up reads like a who’s who of hip-hop, rnb and pop: headlined by the godlike Kanye West, emotive superstar Drake and slick showman Bruno Mars.

The festival takes places in both London and Birmingham, with both sites sharing the same line up across different days. The quality continues right down the bill: there’s Pharrell Williams; Rudimental; Ellie Goulding; Basement Jaxx; a rare opportunity to see reformed hip hop legends Outkast, and much more on top of that.

3 day passes cost £210 whilst single day tickets are available at £70 – a price less than you would pay to see many of these acts alone on an arena tour. Varying levels of VIP tickets are also available. All line up, ticket and general information can be found at http://www.wirelessfestival.co.uk/ Patrick Hinton

 

HOP FARM
4th – 6th July

After the Vince Power’s event of the same name was cancelled in 2013, a new team of promoters have taken over the Hop Farm Festival for 2014, and this coming summer seems set to be the Kent-based extravaganza’s best year yet.

Having seen appearances from icons such as Bob Dylan, Prince and Morrissey in previous years, headlining performances for this edition are already planned from Ray Davies of The Kinks and The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, with a third special guest of similar stature yet to be announced. Elsewhere, the festival will feature a strong supporting lineup, with legends such as Echo & The Bunnymen, Squeezed and Billy Ocean sharing a bill with modern favourites including Maximo Park and Caro Emerald.

Fans of Comedy will also welcome the additions of a comedy tent, which will play host to the likes of Rich Hall, Jo Brand and Seann Walsh across the weekend alongside other big names from the stand up circuit.  Meanwhile, classic acts such as Chas & Dave will share a stage with up and coming acts like The Royal Southern Brotherhood in The Jazz & Blues Lounge.

With many more acts to be announced across multiple stages, and taking place against a back drop of the idyllic Kent countryside, Hop Farm Festival promises something for everyone. Since its inception in 2008, the event has quickly established itself as one of the UK’s premier mid-size festivals, and the 2014 edition is set to continue this trend. This is one weekender not to be missed! Dan Whiteley

 

SONISPHERE
4th – 6th July

 

After a two year absence, Sonisphere is aiming to come back with a bang with festival favourites The Prodigy, Iron Maiden and Metallica all headlining Knebworth this year. Metallica have decided to allow fans to vote on which songs will make it onto the setlist, making for a unique set that may never be repeated.

Along with Metallica, two of the other big four of thrash will be playing in Knebworth this year; Slayer and Anthrax. Other acts to look out for this weekend include: Mastodon, Protest the Hero, Carnifex and everyone’s go-to nu metal band Limp Bizkit.
James Birtles

 

HIGH DEFINITION
5th July

This year High Definition Festival takes residence in Tunbridge Wells, boasting a stellar line up. The bill is topped by none other than international superstar and Space Ibiza resident Carl Cox. Aus music host a stage featuring the likes of student favourites Dusky, Bicep and Huxley. Deep house masters The Martinez Brothers are performing a full 6 hour set. Some of the biggest names in bass and grime appear with Zinc, Artwork and Ms Dynamite. Ticket tiers start at the incredibly reasonable £20 and peak at £59.50. Don’t miss out. Patrick Hinton

 

LATITUDE
17th – 20th July

Despite what some festivals claim, hiring the local home grown comedian, holding a late-night showing of ‘The Other Guys’ (don’t look it up, it’s shit) and setting up a weekend-long silent disco does NOT constitute ‘more than a music festival’. Latitude, on the other hand, does it properly. Where else can you can see the RSC (Shakespeare innit), watch the English National Ballet AND hear a poetry reading from Scroobius Pip all in one day? Capped off with headliners The Black Keys and you’ve got a magnificent trip to the East coast which won’t disappoint. It has multi-coloured sheep, for god’s sake. Get down there. Alex Daniel

 

BEATHERDER
18th – 20th July

Beatherder’s not your average festival.  Described as “three days of beats and barminess”, it certainly delivers. By the way of beats, expect a rare live performance from Manchester legends Happy Mondays. If Bez isn’t your thing, why not check out the fine selection of house DJs. Ranging from the jackin’ Eats Everything to deep house warrior Hot Since 82, Beatherder have really upped their ante on the bookings front to match current trends. For something a bit more leftfield check out Bristol’s finest funkystep duo Koan Sound or festival favourite Mr Scruff.

And for the barminess? The now-legendary Toiltrees doesn’t disappoint. Expect to find yourself raving amongst hundreds of towering pine trees as the sun rises. Truly unforgettable. Last year’s venue addition the Fortress- think medieval castle on acid- makes what was a fantastic arena even better. There’s a Working Men’s Social Club, a Hotel California…the list goes on.  And to top off a cracking lineup and mindblowing stages, Beatherder operates strictly outside the“corporate world of cock”. Expect fair prices and a refreshing absence of advertising guff. Giving  Beatherder that special edge, it’s no wonder so many devoted fans never miss a year. Herd em up!

BOOMTOWN
7th – 10th August

At £150 BoomTown, a “pop up city where anything is possible” seems like a steal. Near Winchester, BoomTown is a city that has been purposely built to amaze. What other festival do you know of that has a giant mechanical spider stage? A quick look on the website will show you how much effort is put into the aesthetic of the place, and also make you wonder why other festivals don’t try as hard. A definite for those tired of some of the more ‘normal’ festivals, expect to hear plenty of dub, reggae, jungle and house. Isaac Atwal

 

BEACONS
7th-10th August

The charming Yorkshire countryside will surely provide a kind backdrop to an eclectic range of music and arts at Beacons Festival. Jon Hopkins’ Immunity was voted the Mancuion’s album of last year and his presence draws attention immediately. With Jackmaster and Darkside also present, the electronic genres are well represented. Daughter’s addition makes a stark contrast, but a welcomed one. Last year their heart-wrenching folk album If You Leave was well received and the genre seems appropriate to the setting. With local pale ales by the barrel, this has the makings of a sublime weekend, as scale and quality appear impeccably balanced. Alex Fenton

 

JABBERWOCKY
15th – 16th August

 

This summer marks the inception of Jabberwocky. The holy trinity of alternative music festivals, the event sees All Tomorrow’s Parties, Pitchfork and Primavera Sound joining forces to bring two days of music, art and film to the ExCel Centre in London. And considering the track record of each of the promoters, it’s hardly surprising that the line-up is amazing.

Lo-fi legends, Neutral Milk Hotel, headline on Saturday night. Having recently reformed after a fifteen year hiatus, the band are back on the road and will no doubt be providing a healthy dose of their Anne Frank-inspired cult classic, In the Aeroplane Over the Sea.

The festival also marks the welcome return of Caribou. While Dan Snaith has been focusing on his Daphni side-project over the past couple of years, his Caribou moniker is being resurrected for a run of festivals this summer. With his reputation for playing euphoric sets, not to mention the prospect of hearing new material, this should be one of the highlights of the weekend.

Also making a comeback is Panda Bear, the solo project of Animal Collective’s Noah Lennox. His set will presumably be used to air new tracks from his upcoming album, tentatively named Panda Bear Meets the Grim Reaper, and if the title is anything to go by, we might be in for a darker sound than the sun-soaked psychedelia of his last two albums.

Kurt Vile is also making an appearance. Last year’s Wakin On a Pretty Daze, a collection of bleary-eyed odes to repose, was Vile’s best release to date. Known for his varied performances that combine feedback-laden guitar solos with solitary renditions of finger-picked folk songs, Vile’s set promises to be a standout moment.

And with psychedelic oddity Connan Mockasin, genre-bending producer Forest Swords and Nico Jaar side-project Darkside also on the bill, Jabberwocky’s inaugural year is shaping up to be to the highpoint of the summer. Michael Crick

 

READING & LEEDS
22nd – 24th August

Festival Republic’s annual summer attractions are once again on the horizon and will soon be welcoming revelers to bask in the sounds of Britain’s most treasured rock festivals. The simultaneous weekends boast headline appearances from alternative rock veterans Queens of the Stone Age in addition to returning performances from Sheffield’s Arctic Monkeys on the back of their acclaimed Glastonbury set last summer. For connoisseurs, the event also looks set to deliver in bringing audiences closer to exciting new music such as the pulsating grooves of much-hyped duo Jungle and the visceral modern incarnation of Punk, Drenge. The wait begins. George Scrafton

 

END OF THE ROAD
29th – 31st August

Set in the sumptuous Larmer Tree Gardens located in North Dorset, EOTR possesses one of the most picturesque settings for a festival. This year’s line up certainly holds true to the vibrant blend of music that EOTR is known for. Headliners The Flaming Lips will be sure to dazzle with their gift for magical live performances whilst the quaint setting will provide the perfect place for Wild Beasts’ wistful art rock. At the other end of the scale, post hardcore outfit EAGULLS will be sure to scare away all the free roaming peacocks with their bludgeoning sound. Matthew Byrne

 

BESTIVAL
4th – 7th September

 

Bestival has been on a meteoric rise in recent years, increasing in size and reputation but losing none of its wonderful eccentricities. It’s almost too much wacky entertainment to handle in one weekend. I’d break out the classic “it’s not just about the music” line but I don’t need to – rare UK shows from Beck and Outkast are topping a juicy looking line-up. New features this year include BBC 6Music commandeering the Big Top, and for those who didn’t experience the HMS Bestival stage last year, well, you really should this year. Go on. I’ll be damned if there’s a better way to end the festival season. http://www.bestival.net/
Red Funnel also have an offer on currently for free ferry travel from Southampton for students, further info available at http://www.redfunnel.co.uk/bestivalstudent Henry Scanlan

 

ZOO PROJECT
12th – 14th September

Following in the great tradition of The Second Summer of Love of 1989, when British dance music enthusiasts spread the sound and spirit they’d encountered in the Ibiza club scene across raves and warehouse parties in the UK, renowned Ibiza open air club The Zoo Project has been bringing Balearic beats back home for two years now. From 12th – 14th September, Zoo Project Festival UK returns to the forests of Donington Park in Leicestershire, the venue it moved to at the last minute in 2013.

Zoo Project take their name seriously, so expect a colourful woodland menagerie of music and the odd acrobat in a panda suit. Last year’s event hosted big names from a wide variety of genres – from Bonobo to Grandmaster Flash – and 2014 will be no different.

The top of the bill is dominated by some of the very biggest names in dance music, including Groove Armada, Breach, Shy FX and Sasha. Look a little further down and you’ll find a selection of the finest underground House and Techno producers and DJs the world has to offer: Ben UFO, Tama Sumo, Special Request and Ten Walls (Live), to name just a handful. Acid House pioneer A Guy Called Gerald deserves a sentence all to himself.

Zoo are widening their appeal as well, offering fans of UK Garage, Hip Hop, Breakbeat, Downtempo and Drum ‘n’ Bass plenty to look forward to; have a look out for Nightmares on Wax, Mike Skinner or Jonny Dub, for example. As everyone knows though, genre distinctions only matter in the pages of magazines and YouTube comment threads. A forest in the Midlands is neither and thankfully Zoo seem to understand that. Mark Wood