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Month: May 2014

Summer Dresses for Every Shape

 

With summer right around the corner it’s time to start thinking about your summer wardrobe. The perfect summer dress should be a staple of every woman’s wardrobe, but it’s crucial to buy what’s best for your shape!

 

1 . Apple

Apple’s carry their weight on their upper half. Apple however is perhaps one of the easiest shapes to dress for. You just need to make sure you show off those slim pins! Dresses that skim over the larger upper body and show off the small lower body are best.

 

2. Hourglass

topshop.co.uk

Hourglass is perhaps the most sought after shape for women. With curves in all the right places, hourglass women should embrace their natural sex appeal and make sure they show them off. This dress by Topshop has the small waist and low neckline that flatters the hourglass figure.

 

3. Boyish/ Slim

ASOS.com

The slim frame can get away with some more daring styles of dresses. At the same time, the small proportions of a boyish shape can get away with effortless class, by wearing floaty dresses such as this one from ASOS. The tribal patterns are also very in this season.

 

4. Pear

topshop.co.uk

Pear shapes know that their best asset is their petit upper body. This dress is perfect for accentuating the elegant shoulders and torso whilst balancing out your figure with a very fashionably straight A-line skirt. The off the shoulder neckline is becoming a big trend this year, and looks great on everyone.

 

5. Petit

urbanoutfitters.com

The petit shape needs to be wary of dresses that will swamp their small frames. Dresses that are fitted but allow movement are perfect. This dress by Urban Outfitters shows a bit of flesh but remains classy. This is a classic 90’s style dress, which is coming back with a vengeance this season.

Nine inch nails

If you’re anything like me, exam stress has taken its toll, and my once long talons have been reduced to sore, bitten stumps. With Pangaea, Parklife and general summer frolicking about to dawn on us, it is definitely worth getting your mitts in tip-top shape.

Not sure where to go? No worries, once again the Mancunion has your back, testing out the salons closest to you. Last week I headed to Hair Lounge in Withington to see whether they could rescue my nails back to their former glory. Don’t be fooled by the name, Hair Lounge don’t just specialise in hair, they offer full beauty treatments whether you’re after a facial, a wax or some shellac, and at the moment they’ve got a summer 15% off deal.

As my nails were not salvageable, I opted to get some gel sculpted extensions. Before, I’ve been to places in the Arndale where they use electric files which really damaged my nails, but Hair Lounge are very professional and did everything by hand.

At first I was a little dubious as they began transforming my nails…

And I looked a bit like a robot:

But then my nails emerged looking a million times better – like a new pair of hands!

(Mind the poor bitten nail beds)

So, if you want your nails done in time for the summer sun I’d definitely recommend Hair Lounge.

Here is a link to their facebook page which has all the details of their address and prices:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hair-Lounge-Withington/133521063334812

Review: National Football Museum

In a modern sporting world full of money grabbing owners, dodgy half and half scarves, and underperforming-overpaid stars, it is easy to fall out of love with the game. However, there is a beacon of light in the ever-darkening world of football, a reminder of why of why we should give the game a second chance.

Based in Manchester City Centre’s impressive Urbis building for just over a year, the National Football Museum has already attracted over 500,000 visitors since its move from Preston, and it isn’t difficult to see why.

The museum prides itself on being the world’s biggest and best football museum, and despite the voice of John Motson commentating your journey in the lift, it is difficult to argue. Containing artefacts from the rare to the obscure, the museum provides a thorough run-through of the development of football from its origins to the present day.

The museum boasts a huge wealth of interactive content, with either touch screens or headphones adorning almost every wall. The focus on interaction can even been seen in the lifts, with John Motson bleeting out which floor number you are on. The biggest talking point is probably the second floor’s penalty shootout challenge. While £5 for three penalties is probably a little steep, the chance to take a spot-kick at the same goal that Gazza famously scored in against Scotland at Euro 96′ is one not to be missed—even if two of our group were denied by the crossbar. There is ever the chance to be part of the Match of the Day team, under the tutelage of Gary Lineker, with a chance to commentate on a Premier League game of your choice.

This year celebrates the 125th anniversary of the foundation of the world’s first Football League in Manchester. The museum explores the changes in the league over the year, and the characters who helped shaped football as we know it, such as Herbert Chapman, Stanley Matthews and George Best.

If you are a long suffering fan, or a new suffering fan in the case of a certain Manchester team, you can relive your team’s glory days on the third floor of the Museum with invaluable trophies from the Football league that are no longer used, Wembley clackers, as well as my personal favourite the old fashioned ribbon badges.

It also offers something for the die hards—the Sunday morning sticker swap. Whether it is for the World Cup, or the Premier League, you can get rid of one of your three Yaya Toure and pick up the Shiny Columbia team badge you have been hunting for.

Well worth a mention is the photography provided by Stuart Roy Clarke, which gives a raw insight into the largely unseen side of football. In his new collection on the museum’s ground floor, Clarke provides 18 photographs taken at the biggest games of the 2012/13 season. Using shots of fans both inside and outside of grounds, Clarke features a wide range of clubs from the Premiership matches at Old Trafford, to Northern League matches in Whitley Bay.

The museum is by no means the glorious ode to the national game which you would perhaps expect. Significant sections of the first floor pay homage to football’s chequered past. There are powerful exhibits dedicated to issues such as crowd trouble, stadium safety, and sexism, all of which to some extent continue to exist in the game to this day. The exhibit on women’s football in particular is a poignant reminder of how far the game has come since women’s teams were eventually allowed to play in FA grounds in 1971.

After the problems experienced with racism, biting, and the likes in recent years, the National Football Museum provides a welcome reminder of why we ought to be proud to be football supporters in the 21st century. In the era of the £83 million transfer, the museum reminds us that football, without fans, is nothing.

The museum is free to enter, although a £4 donation upon entry or exit is recommended. It is open 10am til 5pm Monday-Saturday, and 11am til 5pm on Sundays. For information on upcoming exhibitions go to www.nationalfootballmuseum.com.

The best live music venues in Manchester

Manchester’s live music scene is simply awesome, and the city has some great venues to boot. For many (including myself) it is considered the best place in the country for music fanatics. So without further ado, let me give you a quick tour of Manchester’s musical haunts.

The largest gigs, which albeit are mostly pop groups, take place at the MEN Arena. This venue has the largest capacity, but due to it’s location and high ticket prices I can’t imagine you’ll be coming here much as a student. However, situated in our very own university are Manchester Academy and Academy 2, two of the best venues in the city. Playing host to gigs nearly every night with reasonably priced tickets available from the Students’ Union, this is always a popular choice with students. The venues’ history never ceased to amaze me, with legends such as David Bowie, Nirvana, The White Stripes, and Amy Winehouse (to name only a few) having graced the stage multiple times. The O2 Apollo is only a short walk around the corner, and has played host to established bands like The National and up and coming acts like Disclosure and Jake Bugg in recent months. The Ritz is your fairly run of the mill venue, and while it slightly further away is still only a stones throw from the Oxford Road. While it isn’t the most exciting venue, its claim to fame is that The Smiths played their first concert there.

Perhaps the most exciting music to be heard in the city will be found in some of Manchester’s smaller venues. The super cool Gorilla (across the road from The Ritz) has a knack for booking up-and-coming bands, and the food from the attached restaurant and bar is to die for. Night & Day and the Soup Kitchen are both situated in the edgy Northern Quarter area. The decor in both venues really adds to the atmosphere, and their smaller size combined with the quality of bands playing there will blow you away. Both venues serve delicious food and craft beers in the day. Sound Control also plays host to the occasional gig, and while its size is tiny, it makes up for it in atmosphere.

Moving back towards the University, The Deaf Institute is a perfect place to catch an intimate gig from one of your favourite bands and unwind with a beer downstairs afterwards. The Fallow Cafe is situated in Fallowfield itself, and is seeing and increasing number of gigs played there. It’s proximity to student accommodation (100m from Owens Park and Oak House) means you will never find a more convenient venue.

Trof, the company behind Gorilla and the Deaf Institute recently opened the Albert Hall, a Weslyan church that had remained closed and hidden for 40 years prior to its renovation. The grand and ornate chapel has been restored into a stunning purpose built music hall, and more well known bands are increasingly choosing to play there, with Bombay Bicycle Club, Goldfrapp and Moderat having played there in the last few months. The vibe created by the stained glass windows, ornate roof and tiered balcony really needs to be experienced to be understood.

Perhaps the most famous venue these days amongst students is the Victoria Warehouse. The once disused now converted warehouse is home to TheWarehouse Project (who’s roster of performing electronic, house and techno artists is unrivalled), and recently to the BBC 6 music festival. Slightly further out of town than other venues (the warehouse is next to Old Trafford), you can be guaranteed a good night of music here.

The top night spots in Manchester

Wahlbar, Fallowfield

Opening its doors in 2012, Wahlbar has provided students disposed against leaving the confines of Fallowfield with quality cocktails and beers in a tastefully decorated interior. Happy hours from 6-9pm every day promise a half price drink if you treat yourself to a stone baked pizza from their pizza oven, and on selected nights later in the evening they invite local DJs to play the basement. Whether you’re out to dance, or simply sit around and soak up the atmosphere, Wahlbar ticks both the chill and mingle boxes. Highly recommended.

Indigo, Withington

One borough south of Fallowfield along Wilmslow Road is Withington, a high street suburb with a community-oriented melting pot of creative students and locals alike. Indigo is a gem, easy to miss with the entrance being an unassuming door next to the One Stop. It’s a cosy and atmospheric basement jazz club with a well-rounded drinks menu of rarely seen imported beers and more. Wednesday night is ‘jam night’, for which a jazz band (often from the Royal Northern College of Music) kick off proceedings around 10pm, with the potential for anyone who’s down there to step up and get involved as they please until close at 2am. Arrived early? Check out Solomun Grundy’s and Fuel Veggie Café (next door and opposite respectively) for one or two.

Odder Bar, Oxford Road

The Function Room upstairs at Odder Bar is a wonderful space, working well to host local bands and a strong selection of club nights that tend to stray away from the norm. The house lager and spirits are kind on the pocket, although I suggest you stay away from the rum, responsible for one of the filthier hangovers of my Manchester experience, unless you like that sort of thing. When in club mode, the stage gives another level to the dance floor, the whole dancing area being secluded away from the bar and thoroughfares to keep the lively atmosphere locked in tight.

Hula Bar, Northern Quarter

It’s unusual to go bar-crawling around Manchester’s Northern Quarter and not stumble into at least a couple of Tiki cocktail bars. Cinnamon scented Hula is up amongst the best. With a thrilling drinks menu, the proficient mixologists behind the bar serve up your cocktail of choice with flair, often with fire involved. The soundtrack across the night comprises of a seamless flow of bouncy R’n’B, which keeps the energy up when the wallet runs dry from the young professional drinks prices.

The Roadhouse, Northern Quarter

The Roadhouse, to be found on Newton St. off Piccadilly Gardens, has a long-standing reputation for hosting high quality club nights and gigs. Descending down the stairs into the basement, the unconventional club is split into two halves, consisting of a bar and dance floor/pit area separated by a drape. Monthly club nights bring their characteristic sounds and demographics, making The Roadhouse a favourite amongst music heads, Northern Quarter dwellers, and the more curious student.

Gorilla, Whitworth Street West

Gorilla filled an important gap in Manchester’s venues by providing a 600 capacity gig and club space. The main draw is that the quality of club nights and live music is generally pretty high, booking a lot of artists in-house as well as outsourcing to promoters. The main club has the feel of an aircraft hangar and can certainly provide a good time, though the atmosphere can lack a little when the attendance is low.

Sankeys, Ancoats

Having fallen victim to The Warehouse Project’s rise to prominence, the future ever remains unclear for the 2010 “Best Club in the World according to DJ Mag readers”. As the WHP 2013 season was simmering down, the reopening was announced for December and a rethought basement layout brought in a new era for the club. Student nights run during the week and provide a boisterous fresher experience. Fridays and Saturdays bring in high-calibre DJ line-ups and run through until dawn. The sound system upstairs in Spektrum is arguably the best in the city, perfectly tuned to the acoustics of the room.

Antwerp Mansion, Rusholme

The Antwerp Mansion is an old Belgian embassy tucked away behind the curry mile. After passing down an alley and into the garden, you enter a rough yet ready party space, playing host to a number of well-established Manchester club nights. The downstairs room has a stage for bands or DJs with a meaty sound system and the drinks at the bar are reasonably priced. Moving through to the hall and up the grand (ish) staircase, it’s easy to feel like you’re at a stately yet undeniably mancunian house party. For Fallowfield dwellers, it’s a convenient and fully satisfied ten-minute stumble home.

Manchester student petitions for pregnant Sudanese woman on death row

A University of Manchester student is petitioning the Sudanese government and world leaders to save Mariam Ibrahim – the pregnant Sudanese woman sentenced to death earlier this month for apostasy.

Emily Clarke, 19, studying Law with Politics, started a petition on change.org after hearing news of the sentence. To date, it has over 240,000 signatures, and has been translated into several languages.

Appearing on BBC Radio 5 Live on Wednesday, Clarke outlined her reasons for petitioning for Ibrahim’s release.

“I just couldn’t believe that a woman, no matter where she lives, is going to be executed for what she believes in and for who she married. I’ve spoken to my friends and family and they also feel the same.”

She added, “It’s just a breach of human rights and it’s outrageous.”

Clarke also explained her case online, “People around the world rallied to raise awareness to #bringbackthegirls kidnapped in Nigeria. I hope the world will also stand up for Mariam.

“The fact that a woman could be sentenced to death for her religious choice, and to flogging for being married to a man of an allegedly different religion is abhorrent.

“Call upon the government of Sudan to respect the right to freedom of religion and stop the execution!”

Mariam Ibrahim is the daughter of a Muslim man and Christian woman. After her father left the family at a young age, she was raised as a Christian.

At age 27, she fell in love with a Christian man, who she then married and became pregnant with. She stands accused of apostasy and adultery, despite her defence that she has always been a Christian.

A majority of Sudan’s population is Muslim, and its legal system is governed by Sharia law, under which the punishment for apostasy (leaving the Muslim faith) is death. The children of Muslim fathers are also seen as Muslim in the eyes of the law.

Ibrahim’s sentence has attracted widespread condemnation from organisations and public figures around the world for being a gross violation of religious freedom.

Amnesty International said, “The fact that a woman has been sentenced to death for her religious choice, and to flogging for being married to a man of an allegedly different religion is appalling and abhorrent. Adultery and apostasy are acts which should not be considered crimes at all. It is flagrant breach of international human rights law.”

The Sudanese government has also been accused of using Ibrahim’s case as a distraction from the widespread allegations of corruption that it faces.

The change.org petition can be found here.

Here comes the sun…

Despite the clouds outside my window, the ever-optimistic Brit within me is certain that the sun will be smiling down on us in abundance very shortly. In my fantasy we are all blissfully be gallivanting round Platt Fields, basking in warmth in the beer garden at the Friendship and boogying on down at Parklife. Somehow the attire I quickly shove on first thing in the morning when my eyes are still firmly stuck together in order to get a space at the library doesn’t quite fit the requirements of the post-exams dream.

In order to make sure you are looking your best don’t let something as essential as the right pair of sunglasses bring your outfit down: no summer ensemble is complete without the right pair of shades to seal the deal. It is definitely worth investing in a staple pair that will last you for the season. Here are my top picks for each head shape:

 

Heart Shaped

 For those of you with heart-shaped heads opt for a cat-eyed frame which will accentuate and balance your head shape. 

Dior £160.00

http://www.shadestation.co.uk/Dior-Sunglasses-Mohotani-29A-HA.html

Oval

 If you are lucky enough to be blessed with an oval-shaped head you can pretty much work any frame you fancy. Try some smaller rounded frames like these Persols for a look almost edgy enough for Manchester.

Persol £164.00

http://www.shadestation.co.uk/Persol-Sunglasses-PO2388S-101731-49.html

 

 

Round

The best frames to help a rounder shaped head add definition are angular frames. For a fail-safe option go for Ray Ban Wayfarers. The folding pair are not only more useful to fit in your handbag but also come slightly on the smaller size if you have a more petite head.

Ray Ban £114.75

http://www.shadestation.co.uk/Ray-Ban-Sunglasses-RB4105-710-51.html

 

Square

For squarer shaped heads, try prominent round frames that will work to highlight your best features. This pair from Tom Ford is expensive but the kind of pair that are worth eating baked beans for the next few months for.

Tom Ford £204.00

 http://www.shadestation.co.uk/Tom-Ford-Sunglasses-Carrie-FT0268-52J.html

Feature: Professional Vandalism

It began with avant-garde composers who started working with magnetic tapes to record and manipulate sound in the 1950s. With notable exceptions, such as some of the Beatles’ psychedelic work, it wasn’t until the 80s that sampling became part of the popular musical vocabulary. Following on from underground DJs in Harlem and the Bronx in the 70s, rappers began to record their rhymes over DJs creating break beats from RnB, funk and blues loops. Today, sampling is everywhere. The vast majority of modern songs you hear contain samples. Nearly all pop and hip-hop relies on them, as do most dance producers.

Sampling is obviously very different to playing an instrument and it challenges the core ideas of creativity. It’s not easy either – those who think anyone can make a song from samples should think again. Look at it as the musical equivalent of collage. It’s a hard and incredibly time-consuming process to find multiple pieces of music that work together. If there’s one album that shows the pure virtuosic nature of this sort of music, it’s DJ Shadow’s seminal 1996 album Endtroducing.

That album is one of instrumental hip-hop’s (AKA Trip-Hop) landmark pieces. Even with a strangely eclectic mix of hip-hop, jazz, metal, lounge, and classical music, it might not make a huge impression on first listen. Listen again, but keep in mind that none of this album has been recorded. Every drum fill, every bass line, voice over or organ riff has been delicately lifted from tracks by other musicians and pieced together to create totally new and wildly different songs. There’s a good reason why the album cover shows people browsing vinyl in a record store: DJ Shadow must’ve spent so much time in places like that looking for that perfect sample. And it was worth it.

Whilst DJ Shadow is seen as one of the sampling scene’s greatest pioneers, few can doubt the dominating influence of Daft Punk in taking sampling forward and onto the dance floor. Their 2001 album, Discovery, is also comprised entirely of samples. Not that it really matters, because whenever those songs come on everyone is too busy dancing to care. Classics like ‘Da Funk’, ‘One More Time’ and ‘Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger’ are all just combinations of older tracks sliced up and rearranged to create some of the 90s’ most memorable and upbeat tunes.

Sampling works best when it draws from little known sources and puts a new and interesting spin on them. When it draws upon a well-known song, the effect tends to be underwhelming. Puff Daddy notoriously shelled out vast amounts of money through the 90s to pay for famous tunes and hooks to make his rap songs into pop hits. Yes, it has made him the richest man in hip-hop, but musically he will never be remembered like rap titan Notorious B.I.G. (who P.D. actually made his first mountain of cash from signing in 1993). In Diddy’s defence, Andy Warhol did a similar thing throughout the 60s. He barely lifted a finger, simply having workers make stylised copies of images and making millions of dollars for himself. He’s respected as one of the 20th century’s greatest visual artists, so maybe Diddy deserves some merit.

At least P Diddy gave credit and money to the artists he sampled. Will.I.Am, in contrast, has spent the last decade sampling and outright taking tracks without permission or paying royalties to the original artists. Yet, it would be unfair to blame his actions on sampling. There are plenty of musicians in all areas of music all too keen to take the praise for someone else’s hard work. Queen’s famous bass line to ‘Another One Bites the Dust’ is clearly (and to be fair, openly acknowledged) from Chic’s ‘Good Times’, which you’ll probably know better as the bass line to The Sugar Hill Gang’s ‘Rapper’s Delight’.

Some people prefer ‘original’ music created completely from scratch. That’s fine, but there’s no need to pretend that music has ever truly been about originality. All music recycles old music – every musician has their influences and a combination of sounds that they make their own. But there’s no need to hide those by recording and subtly changing them so they’re somehow your ideas. When you find a funky bass line and think it works well with a majestic, slow choral piece, there’s no need to re-record them both. Why go through all that time, energy and cost when sampling and putting them together creates the song you want to hear and share? It’s a no brainer. And yet there’s still more to it than just a shortcut to making music. Sampling directly celebrates musical heritage. It may scream out a lack of originality, but that has always been a fundamental and essential part of what music is.

Preview: Dekmantel

The first weekend of August sees the mighty Dekmantel Festival take residence in the Amsterdam Bos once again, a forest just outside the city. Highly regarded as one of the top promoters in Europe, Dekmantel certainly know how to throw a party.

This is immediately evident from the line up they have put together. It speaks for itself: essentially reading like a who’s who of the biggest names in house and techno. Detroit super-collective 3 Chairs are present, expect eclecticism from their monumental b2b2b2b set; there’s the three founding members of Hessle Audio, up there as some of the most consistent and exciting DJs in the world; the finest acts in techno will be found at the Ostgut Ton showcase, straight out of the epicentre of Berlin; and Jackmaster & Oneman are bringing their special four deck ‘Can U Dance’ extravanganza, one of only seven international dates this summer.

That’s merely a fraction of what’s on offer. Jamie XX, DJ Koze, Tale Of Us, Levon Vincent, Nina Kraviz – the list goes on.

Live music is also well represented with the likes of Mount Kimbie, Robert Hood and Nicolas Jaar performing across the weekend. A highly exciting prospect considering the strength of each of their recent releases.

Tickets are on sale now at http://www.dekmantelfestival.com/
Priced at only €105 for 3 full days of music, you’ll be hard pushed to find better value anywhere in Europe. There’s also the option to buy single day tickets for €42.
Accommodation information is also available from that link, including onsite camping tickets for the cost of €30.

Mixtape: Bas – Quarter Water Raised Me Vol. II

Released 26th May

Dreamville

6/10

In December 2013 I had the pleasure of witnessing J. Cole perform many of his Born Sinner bangers in the O2 Apollo in Manchester, of which I particularly enjoyed his performance of ‘LAnd of the Snakes’. Supporting him were his fellow Dreamville record label mates Omen and Bas. Bas wore an infamous ‘FIENDS’ hoodie and rocked the Action Bronson beard to the T. As Cole jokingly pushed Bas and joined in on his line “photo finish and fornication” in their song ‘Lit’, I wondered whether this rapper was one to watch. We’d heard of Bas from the ‘Cousins’ track on Cole’s Truly Yours 2 EP and then his feature on the actual Born Sinner album on ‘New York Times’, but what can we expect from this up and coming rapper?

On Quarter Water Raised Me Vol. II most of the content is about being on another level, perhaps in his career “I’m on the verge of greatness, patience is the only virtue” or, perhaps through the use of recreational drugs “Sniffin out a Benjamin, that’s the cleanest bill”. Whatever that feeling is, I’m sure we’ve all experienced it at one time or another, which is what makes this mixtape so laid back. Particularly the reggae-like vibe produced in ‘Dying Fast’ surrounding the issue of focusing on the present – travelling on tour, exploring new cities and spending the money he’s earned by doing what he loves best.

He raps about constantly supplying energy in his trade, hence the title of his debut album Last Winter (29th April), inspired by his recording sessions in non-heated studios with Dreamville producer Ced Brown. These tracks are about the transformation from identifying your dreams to being at the point where they become realised. I don’t doubt that his current residence in Queens, New York and his upbringing in France and Qatar highly influenced his music. The 16-track mixtape offers a variety of different styles, such as ‘Love Souvenir’ produced by our very own Calvin Harris.

On April 15th he unexpectedly dropped the Two Weeks Notice EP in preparation for his debut album. Not to mention the debut single off the album ‘Charles de Gaulle to JFK’ which gives a vibe of the journey before finally getting to where you want to in life – “Guess I’m flawed, that’s the roll, ain’t nobody perfect. Do it all just to ball and the shit is worth it”.

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