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All material is copyright. All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or part without the expressed written permission of the publishers. NXGzine is part of the NXG Company Group. • Editor-in-Chief: Jenna Marchant • Contributors: George Nash, Kate Karla, Lauren Chittock, Luna Guthrie, Stuart Robinson • Designer: Nadim Hussain
You can make it now. Article by Boy Nash
In this day and age a lot of people are involved in music, and the internet has made it easy and accessible for everyone to get involved. The UK urban scene has flourished in recent years, especially last year. Drake co-signed Skepta’s shutdown song, not to men�on the fact that he also featured Peckham’s home-grown talent Giggs on his latest album More Life, which is doing very well globally. Listed below are a few steps on how to navigate the music scene if you are a new ar�st.
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Anybody can be a rapper but not anybody can be a classical artist. 4 | NXGZINE
First things first, you have to create content. If you’re an ar�st, you have to have music which is of a good quality that you can present to people and also perform. The second thing you have to do is get out there. As a young ar�st with crea�ve content it is important that you spread your music everywhere you go, and that includes your close friends and family. I would recommend going to open mic shows, where you can perform your music to an audience. Open mic shows can be found online via Google but they are mostly word of mouth. If you sit on your bum, nothing will happen; you have to get up and make it happen. In this day and age you can spread your music via the internet, and that’s a powerful tool. With one click of a bu�on, your music can be accessed by millions of people all over the world. Here are a few places I would recommend: SoundCloud, Audiomack and YouTube. These are all free pla�orms that you can get started on.
The third step is to know what you want: is music just a hobby, or do you want a career out of it? Deciding this will help you make be�er decisions concerning your music. It will also mo�vate you to take relevant ac�on. For example, an ar�st who is content with local success will not push as hard as someone looking for global success. It is perfectly fine to pursue music as a career and also fine to pursue it as a passion; remember, music was around long before the music business. Define your goals and targets. As an ar�st it is essen�al to set goals, and this helps you to stay focused. The main goal for all new ar�sts should be to build a buzz in the music scene; this will bring a�en�on, helping you to grow your fan base. In the crea�ve industry, a fan base is everything. The fans are the people who support your art with their money by buying your music, listening to it and helping you spread it. A fan base is a valuable asset once it’s built. Last but not least, it’s very important that you a�end music networking events and meet fellow ar�sts and execu�ves in the music business. These are people you can learn from and take advice from. Remember the saying ‘your network is your net worth’. Mee�ng the right people can open doors for you and help you elevate your career. Most new ar�sts look for experienced ar�sts in their genre to mentor them, and this can be very helpful. To end the ar�cle I would like to advise young ar�sts or providers of crea�ve content that music is a marathon and not a hundredmetre sprint, so you need to remain pa�ent and commi�ed to the journey. Do not feel disheartened when things don’t go your way. Work hard, do your best and things will fall into place. The journey to musical success is not a straight and narrow road; it’s a weird road full of sharp turns and bends. Twi�er: @BoyNash
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£6.99 from Amazon or fromidea2income.com
The arena of entrepreneurship can be merciless, extremely fast-paced and unforgiving, with nine out of ten new businesses failing and more than a third of current businesses expected to close within the next ten years. Despite this, hundreds of thousands of start-ups are emerging each year. So, with these daunting statistics laid bare, how do you know if you have what it takes to venture out on your own and start your own business? 12 | NXGZINE
“The term ‘entrepreneur’ is not a place you arrive at, it is a state of belief, it is a state of mind. Use the power of your mind to determine whether you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur: Do you have the passion – the fuel that motivates you towards the vision?”
Michael Kosmas, in his thought-provoking new book Idea 2 Income, demonstrates that any ambitious individual can turn their unique ideas into action and create a profitable business. Having made the journey from retail worker to full-time entrepreneur, founder and CEO of NXG Group, Michael gives a unique insight into his own experiences, which he blends with
So whether you already have a great idea, would like to become an entrepreneur in the future or have always wanted to own your own business, Idea 2 Income can help you along the way. Through exploiting all of your attributes, skills and talents and being persistent with your goals, Kosmas demonstrates that anyone can create a successful business.
famous case studies and some basic principles for starting and running your business. The new book educates the reader on some key aspects of becoming an entrepreneur, including the precarious idea generation process that is often the initial starting point of any entrepreneurial journey. Michael highlights the importance of believing in your abilities whilst also having a detailed agenda to create structure and direction for the business. This, combined with a burning passion to pursue an idea, can turn into something great whilst also creating a viable way to earn money. The founder of NXG suggests that learning is a key part of becoming a Youngtrepreneur. He says that it is important to learn from both teachers and mentors and expand your horizons. It is essential for aspiring entrepreneurs to spend more time asking questions and taking notes, rather than wasting time trying to find answers on their own. Entrepreneurship can be a collaborative process rather than an isolating and stressful journey for an individual. Idea 2 Income is a great toolkit for budding entrepreneurs and lays out the steps you can take to pursue your goals and start your dream business. From documentation, to selling, to market research, Kosmas truly captures the relevant issues facing young entrepreneurs today whilst also providing insightful tips to assist ambitious future business owners.
Don’t forget that the opportunity of a lifetime must be seized in the lifetime of that opportunity. Michael’s official book launch will take place at the NXG Experience on 2nd June, and you can get your hands on a copy of his book from www.idea2income.com.
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FASHION FIX
THREADBARE HARRINGTON JACKET: £30
JACK AND JONES BLUE SHIRT: £25
THREADBARE MAGNUM BOMBER JACKET: £40 JACK AND JONES BLUE SHIRT: £25
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FASHION FIX
GYM KINGS SLEEVELESS ZIP HOODED SWEAT - £39.99
FRED PERRY - BRENTHAM JACKET - £109.99
GYM KINGS - PERFORMANCE PANT - £54.99
NIKE - ROSCHE ONE TRIPLE BLACK - £69.99
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Top Tips for Effective Revision Exam season is looming, and it’s a stressful time at best. So make the most of your revision sessions with these top tips to get the best results from the time you put in. Take Care of Yourself A healthy body is the home of a healthy and fully func�oning mind, so take good care of yourself during this �me. Eat well and healthily, stay hydrated and try to do at least 30 minutes of exercise each day to get the blood pumping and oxygenate your brain. Do your best to get enough good-quality sleep and take �me to relax a�er revision sessions too – your body and brain need �me to rest and repair before the next session.
Know the Syllabus Make sure to familiarise yourself with all the topics on the syllabus and the subjects that will come up in the exams. Talk to your teachers and look at past papers to get a good idea of what is worth spending �me on and what isn’t. It can be disheartening to see that topics you’ve spent ages working on don’t even come up in your exams, so save yourself wasted �me and effort by only revising what you need to know.
Be Organised but Flexible Organisa�on is the key to efficient revision, so draw up a detailed �metable of the topics you’ll revise and s�ck to it.
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Make sure to alternate topics and allow
any clu�er, and you can take them out and
yourself a break with a different subject
about with you, or give them to a friend or
before repea�ng material you’ve already
rela�ve to help you go over.
looked at – this way your brain really has the chance to process it. However,
Reward Yourself
if you wake up late and should have
A simple reward system is a great way
already made a start on Chemistry, don’t
of mo�va�ng yourself and punctua�ng
concede defeat and scrap the whole
your �me – it shouldn’t be all work and
day. Work with what you have and use
absolutely no play. So set yourself rewards
your �metable to make the best use of
to enjoy once you’ve completed your day
your �me.
or a par�cularly difficult subject. But be reasonable – don’t decide you’ve earned
Use Past Papers and Notecards
the a�ernoon off a�er every session.
Exam papers from previous years are a
Short, Productive Sessions
great way to get some prac�ce similar to
Many studies have concluded that our
the real thing, and they will enable you
brains work most efficiently when given
to become familiar with the layout and
frequent short breaks, so bear this in mind
sorts of things you can expect from the
when revising. You are far more likely to
papers you sit. When it comes to going
process the informa�on if you do regular
over your notes, old-fashioned address
s�nts of up to an hour, with a five- or ten-
cards are a great tool to use. They make
minute break in between. And when you
for quick, to-the-point revision without
do take these short breaks, use them to rest a li�le and refuel, so have some brain
ORGANISATION IS THE KEY TO EFFICIENT REVISION, SO DRAW UP A DETAILED TIMETABLE OF THE TOPICS YOU’LL REVISE AND STICK TO IT.
food and water at the ready.
Lots of luck to all of you out there sitting exams in the coming months!
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Alien: Covenant May 12th Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated sequel to Prometheus is landing this May. Following on from the blockbusting 2012 movie, Alien: Covenant marks the eighth instalment of the cult classic Alien series, and it has all the marks of being a reimagining of the original doomed Nostromo mission. The crew of the colony ship Covenant is made up of married couples looking to populate their own hidden paradise, heading for a new planet they are sure is their new home, but they soon realise that they are most definitely not alone in this uncharted territory. Michael Fassbender is back for a juicy dual role, while Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup and Danny McBride co-star in what is guaranteed to be one of the biggest movies of the summer.
Baywatch
Despicable Me 3
June 2nd
June 30th
Get ready all you 90s kids – Baywatch is back! High-cut swimsuits and slow-mo runs are all the rage as the cult classic TV show gets the Hollywood treatment, with the likes of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Zac Efron headlining. They play two polar-opposite lifeguards who must eventually join forces to bring down a crime kingpin and stop his drug empire from taking over the Bay, with the help of their sexy Lycraclad colleagues. Given a 15 rating by the BBFC, the movie is a wild, tongue-in-cheek buddy comedy that old-school fans and newcomers alike can enjoy, and it comes complete with highoctane chases, skimpy swimwear...and cameos from Pamela Anderson and the Hoff.
The Minions are back where they belong, in a Despicable Me film. Deadpan master anti-villain Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) is back and better than ever in the latest instalment of the wildly popular franchise. Plucked from his new life as a legitimate businessman, husband and adoptive father, Gru finds himself in the midst of a rivalry with eccentric baddie Balthazar Bratt (voiced by Trey Parker), who is bent on a very 80s-style world domination, complete with mullet and purple shell suit. Meanwhile, Gru’s loyalties are tested when he is reunited with his long-lost twin Dru (also Carell), who wants to recruit his reformed brother into one last jewel heist for the road. Hilarity for all ages, with the voice talents of Steve Coogan, Kristen Wiig and Julie Andrews.
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Resident Evil: The Final Chapter June 12th The sixth chapter in the highest-grossing film series based on video games of all time, ‘The Final Chapter’ sees Milla Jovovich (‘The Fifth Element’, ‘Zoolander’) return as hero Alice to kill yet more zombies and defeat the Umbrella Corporation once and for all. This concluding part of the story takes place soon after ‘Retribution’, with Alice returning to Raccoon City, where the Umbrella Corporation is preparing for a final strike against the last remaining survivors of the apocalypse. Along with the DVD and Blu-Ray release, fans can pick up the ‘Complete Collection’ and binge all six films in one horrifying go!
Moonlight June 19th
Assassin’s Creed May 15th Since the first instalment hit our consoles ten years ago, ‘Assassin’s Creed’ has become one of the most popular video games ever. It was no surprise, then, when Ubisoft announced it would be spawning a film from the franchise. In an original story set inside the expanded ‘Assassin’s Creed’ universe, Michael Fassbender (‘X-Men: First Class’, ‘Steve Jobs’) takes on the role of Cal Lynch, who is transported back to the Spanish Inquisition through the genetic memories of his ancestor Aguilar. This film iteration of the format is just as exciting and exhilarating as the games, providing all the same roof-running, high-jumping action we’ve come to expect. ‘Assassin’s Creed’ is essential viewing for any video game fan.
‘Moonlight’ documents three formative segments of a young black man’s life as he grows up in Miami and comes to terms with his homosexuality – a topic rarely depicted in Hollywood and one definitely not known for raking in the awards in the way ‘Moonlight’ did. While a vital film for the largely ignored black LGBT community, ‘Moonlight’ is also very moving and highly entertaining. Mahershala Ali (‘Luke Cage’, ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay’) provides a brief but stunning performance, Naomi Harris (‘Skyfall’, ‘Southpaw’) is heart-breaking as a struggling mother, and all three actors portraying lead character Chiron are equally fascinating to watch. Backed by an impressive soundtrack, ‘Moonlight’ deserved the mountains of praise it received on release, and no doubt its legacy will be one that impacts on the film industry for years to come. NXGZINE | 27
Master of None
Season 2 (Netflix) - May 12th
The hilarious Aziz Ansari (‘Parks and Recreation’, ‘This is the End’) makes a return in his celebrated comedy about Dev, an actor trying to make a living in New York. The first season saw Dev tackle relationships, elderly family members and the role of Indian actors in film and TV, so the second season is sure to serve up some more weird and wonderful situations for the cast to confront in their own unique way.
Preacher
Orange is the New Black
Dominic Cooper (‘Captain America: The First Avenger’, ‘Need for Speed’) is back in the cult DC Comics adaptation as Jesse Custer, a Texan preacher facing a loss of faith and a drink problem, who, after a supernatural event, enlists the help of vampire Cassidy, played by Joseph Gilgun (‘This is England’, ‘Misfits’), to find God. The first season was dark, bloody and bizarre, so we’ve got high hopes for what will come this time around.
Times have changed at Litchfield, and we have been waiting almost a year for a resolution to one of TV’s biggest cliffhangers in recent memory. Boiling points have been reached and the COs are at the mercy of the prison’s freshly restocked population, with the action picking up exactly where it left off, in the middle of the riot. As ever, everybody has been tight-lipped as to what fans can expect from the new season of OITNB, although we look forward to Sophia’s imminent return and seeing what the future holds for Daya. If the show’s direction towards tense drama and away from comedy is anything to go by, we can expect plenty of shocks, slocks and a few good backstories.
Season 2 – June 26th
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Season 5 – June 9th
Kendrick Lamar – DAMN. April 14th
Leaving behind the experimental jazz and funk sounds of the widely celebrated ‘To Pimp a Butterfly’, ‘DAMN.’ sees Kung Fu Kenny return to his roots, creating a much more traditional hip-hop record closer in style to his earliest work. On lead single ‘Humble’ Kendrick tells other rappers to “sit down/be humble” over a thudding piano melody, while Rihanna and Kendrick get smooth on ‘Loyalty’. The album’s weirdest moment comes in the form of a guest spot from Irish rockers U2 on ‘XXX’, yet somehow the combination of K-Dot’s sharp bars and Bono’s smooth vocals works. Kendrick’s ever-essential examination of race in America is only heightened through takedowns of Donald Trump and clips of Fox News anchors discussing his lyrics, and on this album, his fourth full LP, Kendrick proves that he’s very much at the top of his game.
Faith Evans and The Notorious B.I.G. – The King & I May 19th
Two decades after Biggie’s phenomenal ‘Life After Death’, the legendary rapper is being resurrected thanks to his wife Faith Evans on duet album ‘The King and I’. The album has been created using rare and unheard verses from Biggie, with Faith blending her vocals with the original recordings. Faith said Big Poppa’s spirit was right there in the studio with her while she was recording, and she wasn’t concerned with trying to score a radio hit but wanted to create “timeless music” to extend Biggie’s legacy. The album features collaborations with the likes of Busta Rhymes, Lil’ Kim (who previously had a relationship with Biggie but has since dropped her beef with Faith) and Snoop Dogg, who appears on lead single ‘When We Party’. ‘The King & I’ is essential listening for any Notorious B.I.G. fan, and thanks to Faith, it’s almost as if we never lost him. NXGZINE | 29
Dirt 4 PS4, Xbox One, PC) – June 6
Prey PS4, Xbox One, PC) – May 5 A reimagining of the 2006 game of the same name, ‘Prey’ sees you controlling main character Morgan Yu while exploring space station Talos I, where research is being performed on a hostile alien collective called the Typhon, which, predictably enough, escapes confinement. Players must avoid a gory death by using a variety of weapons and abilities, including the ability to mimic everyday items like chairs or mugs (never has the prospect of being a mug seemed so exciting!). With the prospect of adventuring through the openworld Talos I station and taking advantage of new and unique abilities, ‘Prey’ is a must-play for any sci-fi and horror game fans.
Despite the ‘4’ in the name, this is the sixth title to carry the ‘Dirt’ name, and the twelfth game in the ‘Colin McRae Rally’ series. In ‘Dirt 4’, players must race across tough terrain in five locations: Fitzroy, Australia; Tarragona, Spain; Michigan, United States; Värmland, Sweden; and Powys, Wales. As with previous instalments, a wide range of cars is available from the 1980s right up to the present day. Like each of its predecessors, Codemasters have worked their magic on ‘Dirt 4’ to produce the most realistic and exciting rally experience possible, and despite being the latest in a long line of racing games, ‘Dirt 4’ still manages to provide a fresh and exciting take on the genre.
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy PS4 – June 30 Prepare to relive your childhood as ‘Crash Bandicoot’ returns to PlayStation! The ‘N. Sane Trilogy’ is a collection of remasters of the first three titles in the ‘Crash Bandicoot’ series – ‘Crash Bandicoot’, ‘Cortex Strikes Back’ and ‘Warped’ – each of which were developed by Naughty Dog for the original PlayStation between 1996 and 1998. If you grew up playing the original ‘Crash Bandicoot’ games, the ‘N. Sane Trilogy’ will be a welcome hit of nostalgia; if you missed out first time round, this is the perfect way to experience one of the most loved gaming series of the 90s – if not of all time!
Uber says cars could be flying by 2020
Ride-sharing global phenomenon Uber has unveiled plans to work with plane manufacturers to develop and test a network of flying cars by 2020. According to Uber, it will run trials in Dallas in the United States and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. While the technology is so far untried and untested, Uber believes their flying electric taxi service will eventually cost about the same as its car rides and will create zero emissions and minimal noise. Tests are planned to begin by 2020 and Uber hopes to have its flying taxi service transporting customers as soon as 2023 – just six years from now! 30 | NXGZINE
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