FREE
INTERVIEW This Calamity / Stonewall Toda
ARTICLES Give Up Your Day Job Art Fair /
FASHION Street Style /
RS HE S UC O' VO IN 0 OM £5 D N M WI FRO
5 January 2013
editor’s letter
Contact PS: 07811 343335 hello@ps-zine.com Published by Us As One Many thanks to all who’ve supported and contributed to PS Issue 05. Editor, Designer & Writer Naomi Girdler naomi@ps-zine.com Contributors Chris Girdler, Martin Crocker, Stephen Witty, Lucy Dearn, James Palace, Ben Challen, Sam O’Hara Childs, Tom Mack, Chris Muirhead, Tom Thrasher, Lola Webster, Paul Buckingham, Ashley Attwood, Chris Southern, Seth Haney, Ross Bennellick, Dom Moore, Lucien Harris, Dan Hamlyn, Rachael Hipkin, Poppy Lane,
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Hello! So it’s 2013 and the world didn’t end, hurrah! So us guys at PS have been working hard over the holiday/apocolypse season to bring you a sweet 32 page issue. Featuring some local beautys such as Stonewall Toda, a two man production company machine as well as This Calamity, a lovely four piece alternative acoustic band fronted by Martin Crocker. All that plus articles, fashion, sports and of course, agony uncle Ross is sending his advice all the way from Thailand. We’ve also got another great opportunity for you to win £50 worth of Domino’s vouchers; congratulations to the five winners from the last issue! Anyway, it’s time to wave goodbye to 2012 and make way for 2013, which I vow to make an excellent one. I hope yours will be awesome too!
Naomi Girdler Editor
Advertising: If you are interested in advertising in PS, please contact us at debbie@ps-zine.com or call 07989 301331 Printed by Newsquest Weymouth The views expressed in PS are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every effort is taken to ensure the accuracy of all information contained in this publication. However, the publishers do not accept any liability for any advice or information included in this publication. Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ PSzineplymouth
This Calamity (L-R) Lucy Dearn, Martin Crocker, James Palace & Stephen Witty Photographer: Dom Moore
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C O N T E N T S 08/09
04/05/06: The Big List: A what's on guide to Plymouth 08/09: PS speaks to Stonewall Toda, the brainchild venture of Ben Challen and Sam O’Hara Childs 10/11: Our front cover stars, This Calamity talks to PS about their music, gigging and the local music scene
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12: Want a traditional tattoo right here in Plymouth? We spoke to Sailor’s Grave about their trade 14: Poppy Lane speaks out about victim shaming, safety late at night and other important issues
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16: Plymouth University illustration student Tom Mack talks to PS about his work 17: Well, the world didn’t end, however it was still an interesting day for local art student, Isabella Kavanagh
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18: Student finance is always going to be a ball ache - but we hope we can help break down the mammoth task with our informative article on page 18! 20: We go back to The Last Shop Standing and speak to Chris Muirhead about the opening of the record store
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22: Lola Webster is back and giving you the latest tips on street fashion 24: Local rollerblader Paul Buckingham gives us an insight into his life and love of extreme sports 26: The latest film and game reviews, as standard!
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27: And of course, the same goes for music! 28: Digging DIY crafts? Wanna know where to get some in Plymouth? We talk to organisers of local craft fair Give Up Your Day Job, Dan Hamlyn and Rachael Hipkin
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29: Warm up this winter with a sweet chilli con carne dish! 30: Agony Uncle Ross is in Thailand, but he hasn’t forgotten about you guys! Read his responses to your problems on page 30
contents
THE BIG LIST
what’s on
2013 is upon us and we’ve got a lot to offer to you guys this year. Following is THE BIG LIST, where we do the hard work for you and gather all of the most exciting upcoming events for you to check out!
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Paloma Faith
We’ve got big names hitting the big and small stages, with music, comedy, theatre and club nights to suit all. So get ready to spend your student loans on some fun stuff, just don’t come crying to us when you run out of dosh!
JANUARY Plymouth Knitters Social Every Tuesday, 7.30pm The Fortescue Pub We’re open to all crafts and abilities, and emphasis is on the ‘social’. Find us in Facebook at ‘Plymouth Knitters Social’ Open Mic Night Every Wednesday James Street Vaults The only pub on the campus. Kicking off at 9.30pm with All Folked Up and Blue, hosted by Welshy, sit down and enjoy four and a half hours of talented performers and bands. Details 01752 267799 Crisis Every Friday White Rabbit Danceable and exciting tunes of every genre from rock, punk, pop, indie, funk, retro, electro & hip-hop, and everything in between. Details 01752 227522 Comedy Night 09 Jan, 06 Feb and 06 Mar B-Bar Plymouth Some light relief with the best stand-ups on the UK circuit. Details 01752 242021 www.b-bar.co.uk Jack Tucker 10 Jan B-Bar Plymouth Talented soulful solo singersongwriter from Plymouth. 01752 242021 www.b-bar.co.uk
Fluke 11 Jan Millbridge Inn Dynamic four-piece Plymouth band playing classics from the sixties and seventies. Details 01752 563056 Nemo Jones 11 Jan B-Bar Plymouth A thought provoking lyricist, Nemo Jones has a passionately funky and assured performance style and a unique guitar approach honed in studios and venues across the world. Details 01752 242021 www.b-bar.co.uk
Anthems with Danny Howard’ which broadcasts every Saturday from 4pm-7pm. Details 0845 293 2864 The Rich 18 Jan Kitty O’Hanlon’s Plymouth If you’re fed up with ‘classic rock’ and fancy something a bit different, come and have a listen to one of the most original covers bands on the circuit! Details 01752 661624
Skool Daze 12 Jan Black Jacks, The Barbican Five piece male vocals, guitar pop/rock band, noted for its diverse range of musical styles and a fun packed performance. Details 07999 685064
Paul Carrack 18 Jan Plymouth Pavilions Legendary Sheffield born singer, songwriter and former frontman of Ace, Squeeze and Mike & The Mechanics; Paul Carrack returns to the road. As his devoted fans know all too well, a Paul Carrack show is always something very special! Details 0845 146 1460 www.plymouthpavilions.com
ReZonance 13 Jan and 23 Feb The Live Lounge Plymouth A tight, powerful and exciting, female fronted rock indie band, based in Plymouth. Details 01752 672127
Stockwood 18 Jan B-Bar Plymouth Andy Leigh’s new band present an individual collection of folk, blues, jazz and Latin material. Details 01752 242021 www.b-bar.co.uk
Radio 1’s Danny Howard 17 Jan Oceana Danny Howard was discovered through a Radio 1 talent search, which led him to open the legendary Radio 1 Ibiza Weekend in 2011. He went on to land a brand show called ‘Radio 1 Dance
Extractor 18 Jan Millbridge Inn Plymouth Three-piece rock/blues band from Exmouth. Details 01752 563056 Plymouth Comedy Club 19 Jan Derriford Health and Leisure Centre
Three of the finest stand-up comedians from the UK and international comedy circuit – Sully O’Sullivan, Ruth E Cockburn and Andrew Watts appear at the Plymouth Comedy Club. Details www.plymouthcomedyclub.co.uk Jaguar Skills 19 Jan Main Hall UPSU The legend that is Jaguar Skills will be returning for a huge Main Hall show on the new 25K sound system! With support from UPbeat, DJ Jonzey and Freejak Details 01752 588388 www.upsu.com
London Elektricity
BarraCoodas 19 Jan Thistle Park Tavern Plymouth Classic and contemporary rock and punk covers, from the late 1960s through to the current day. Details 01752 204890 The Lipsinkers 19 Jan
B-Bar Plymouth London’s East End finest, The LipSinkers, bring the noble art of lip-synching and the chaos of 21st century camp cabaret together in a drag act of disturbing brilliance. Details 01752 242021 www.b-bar.co.uk London Elektricity + Scratch Peverts 19 Jan White Rabbit Plymouth Tony Colman and his crew bring distinctive drum and bass, liquid funk, jazzstep, breakbeat and acid jazz sounds. Details 07916 127298 The Railway Children 22 Jan to 26 Jan Drum Theatre This wonderful Edwardian family classic has never ‘run out of steam’ and Western College Players will soon bring it vividly to life on the Drum stage - with all its humour, tenderness and the exhilarations of childhood. Details 01752 267222 www.theatreroyal.com Dirty Dancing 22 Jan to 09 Feb Theatre Royal Dirty Dancing is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensationally sexy dancing. Details 01752 267222 www.theatreroyal.com Café Acoustica 23 Jan, 13 Feb, 27 Feb B-Bar Plymouth Fortnightly showcase of unplugged talent, hosted by singer-songwriter
five Jessie Mullen. Details 01752 242021 www.b-bar.co.uk ReFreshers Fayre 24 Jan Roland Levinsky Building Missed out on the fun of Freshers’ Fayre? Well, ReFreshers’ Fayre is your opportunity to rekindle your love for UPSU and all the activities on offer. Details 01752 588388 Funeral for a Friend
Jeff Horsey 24 Jan B-Bar Plymouth Superb South-West bluesman who’s toured The Delta (and we ain’t talking the Tamar). Enjoy his solo blues musings. Details 01752 242021 www.b-bar.co.uk Elithia and Athura 25 Jan White Rabbit Plymouth For one night only, a refined selection of some of the finest bands in the South West! Also featuring Condemned, Cheating Jack Ketch and Now We Burn. Details 07916 127298 Hamer & Isaacs 25 Jan B-Bar Plymouth Hamer & Isaacs play swinging gypsy jazz under the influence of Django Reinhardt and The Hot Club Of France. Details 01752 242021 www.b-bar.co.uk Joker 25 Jan The Walrus Plymouth Four piece Indie/rock covers band based in Plymouth. Details 07576 728065 XLR 26 Jan Thistle Park Tavern Plymouth Five piece Plymouth based rock covers band, who enjoy playing both classic rock from the last 30 years and many tracks from the more recent guitar based bands. Details 01752 204890
School Ties is a project that encourages young people to explore what really goes into a production from page to stage. Details 01752 267222 www. theatreroyal.com
Presented by the Tamaritans Theatre Company. Based on the true story of the WI members who posed nude for a calendar. Details 01752 267222 www. theatreroyal.com
Funeral For a Friend 30 Jan White Rabbit Welsh post-hardcore giants visit the White Rabbit with support from Such Gold and more. Details 01752 227522
Rumours of Fleetwood Mac 06 Feb Plymouth Pavilions Rumours of Fleetwood Mac replicate perfectly the power, subtlety and lush, hypnotic emotion of Fleetwood Mac at their breathtaking best. Details 0845 146 1460 www. plymouthpavilions.com
Thomas Ford 31 Jan and 28 Feb B-Bar Plymouth Electrifying blues talent in the form of this harp-playing, hard blues singing solo performer. Details 01752 242021 www.b-bar.co.uk
FEBRUARY Facemelter 01 Feb Voodoo Lounge Plymouth High-energy, theatricallyfronted band paying tribute to the 70’s and 80’s classic rock era. Details 01752 262288 Becky Brine and Julian Isaacs 01 Feb B-Bar Plymouth A unique musical evening in the company of famed local Devon swing-singing diva Ms Becky Brine and hot rhythm rocker (Auntie) Julian Isaacs featuring special guests. Details 01752 242021 www.b-bar.co.uk Orange Goblin 02 Feb White Rabbit Plymouth Although London institution Orange Goblin has been kicking ass consistently for fifteen years, it is somewhat recently that the band has really perfected the blend of Black Sabbath, Motorhead, and Down. Details 07916 127298 Lower Than Atlantis 04 Feb White Rabbit Plymouth British rock band with roots in the punk scene. Details 07916 127298 Lower than Atlantis
Mercedes 27 Jan and 01 Mar Raffles, Mutley Plain Three-piece rock band playing original songs. Details 01752 660581 School Ties 30 Jan to 01 Feb Drum Theatre
Calendar Girls 05 Feb to 09 Feb Drum Theatre
Jim Lockey and the Solemn Sun 07 Feb White Rabbit Plymouth Anarcho-anglo storytellers JL & tSS deliver their blend of country-folk/punk with Plymouth included in the band’s 30 date tour of the UK. Also featuring Ellen Cox. Details 07916 127298 Ladykillaz 07 Feb B-Bar Plymouth A strand of programming with a women-only, monthly (of course) session called Ladykillaz. Featuring Lena Smith - a local piano-based singer-songwriter, with a distinct and original style. She performs her own songs as a solo artist and with her band. Details 01752 242021 www.b-bar.co.uk Feed The Rhino 08 Feb White Rabbit Plymouth Day 2 of the band’s UK February tour, also featuring Marmozets and Steak Number Eight. Details 07916 127298 Claude Bourbon 08 Feb B-Bar Plymouth This finger picking guitarist has performed and studied all over the world; he has crafted an unbelievable fusion of classical and jazz, with ethereal Eastern influences, Spanish and Latin elements with strains of western folk. Details 01752 242021 www.b-bar.co.uk Banana Thieves 08 Feb Thistle Park Tavern Plymouth Five/six piece band playing an eclectic range of songs and styles.. Details 01752 204890 Fujalada 08 Feb Annabel’s Cabaret & Disco High-energy funk band with a tropical flavour. Details 01752 260555
what’s on Your Demise 09 Feb White Rabbit Plymouth Five piece hardcore punk band who have shared stages and tours with some of the UK’s biggest names. Details 07916 127298 BarraCoodas 09 Feb Black Jacks, The Barbican BarraCoodas play classic and contemporary rock and punk covers, from the late 1960s through to the current day. Details 07999 685064 The Heist 09 Feb Kitty O’Hanlon’s Plymouth Four piece rock/indie/funk covers band, playing a mix of sounds. Details 01752 661624 Funky Munks 09 Feb The Junction Mutley Plain Red Hot Chilli Peppers tribute band. Details 01752 665895 Little Mix 11 Feb Plymouth Pavilions First tour for the X Factor winners. Details 0845 146 1460 www.plymouthpavilions.com Plan B 12 Feb Plymouth Pavilions English rapper/singer/songwriter visits Plymouth. Details 0845 146 1460 www.plymouthpavilions.com The Taming of the Shrew Propeller 12 Feb to 16 Feb Theatre Royal The internationally acclaimed all-male Propeller make a triumphant return to the Theatre Royal Plymouth. Details 01752 267222 www. theatreroyal.com My Perfect Mind 14 Feb to 02 Mar Drum Theatre Acclaimed classical actor Edward Petherbridge rehearsed for the role of King Lear - then a major stroke left him barely able to move. As he struggled to recover, he made a discovery: the entire role of Lear still existed word for word in his mind. Details 01752 267222 www.theatreroyal.com Curacao Trio 15 Feb B-Bar Plymouth Tight arrangements around exciting rhythms such as Mambo, Songo, ChaChaCha and Samba. Details 01752 242021 www.b-bar.co.uk
what’s on
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 > Paloma Faith 15 Feb Plymouth Pavilions Hackney born babe supports her second album on UK tour. Details 0845 146 1460 www.plymouthpavilions.com Fluke 16 Feb and 09 Mar The Woodside Plymouth Dynamic four-piece Plymouth band playing classics from the sixties and seventies. Details 01752 226056 High Society 19 Feb to 23 Feb Theatre Royal Get ready for the musical event of the season as Cole Porter’s timeless classic, High Society, skips into town in a dazzling new production from the award winning producers of The King and I. Details 01752 267222 www.theatreroyal.com The Australian Pink Floyd 21 Feb Plymouth Pavilions The Australian Pink Floyd Show are much more than a tribute to the great music of Pink Floyd, and were described by The Times as ‘the gold standard’. Details 0845 146 1460 www. plymouthpavilions.com Jason Baxter 22 Feb B-Bar Plymouth Jason Baxter mixes virtuoso driving barrelhouse boogie woogie with an authentic down-home blues piano style, reflecting influences from Albert Ammons, Memphis Slim and Otis Spann through to Jools Holland. Details 01752 242021 www.b-bar.co.uk Don Broco 23 Feb White Rabbit Plymouth Four-piece alternative rock band who released their debut album Priorities in August, leading to them being labelled as ‘Best New Rock Artist of 2012’ by iTunes. Details 07916 127298 v8 23 Feb Black Jacks, The Barbican High powered three piece playing high standard, uber
Plan B
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energy covers from the best of today and yesterday. Details 07999 685064
six Milton Jones
Ruff Cutz 23 Feb The Walrus Plymouth Five-piece band who perform a range of music mostly indierock. Details 07576 728065 Driving Miss Daisy 25 Feb to 02 Mar Theatre Royal Having broken records on Broadway and played to sold out audiences in London’s West End, David Esbjornson’s award winning, smash hit production has dazzled audiences and critics alike. Details 01752 267222 www.theatreroyal.com
MARCH Ophelia 02 Mar James Street Vaults Versatile and experienced girl fronted six piece Band, performing their own original material as well as rock/blues/ pop/indie covers. Details 01752 267799 The Sound 02 Mar The Walrus Plymouth Popular five piece Plymouthbased indie band. Details 07576 728065 Aladdin – Birmingham Royal Ballet 06 Mar to 09 Mar Theatre Royal A run-in with palace guards leads young tearaway Aladdin into a whirlwind of adventure and romance, involving unbelievable riches, love at first sight, treachery and of course a magic lamp, and all that it contains... Details 01752 267222 www.theatreroyal.com Micky Flanagan 06 Mar to 08 Mar Plymouth Pavilions Micky Flanagan ‚‘one of British comedy’s biggest stars’ will travel the length and breadth of the UK & Ireland for what will be the most anticipated comedy tour of 2013, taking in 57 shows on the way. Details 0845 146 1460 www.plymouthpavilions.com
Milton Jones – On The Road 09 Mar Plymouth Pavilions If you like your comedy clever and surreal, then this is the show for you! Milton has been a panelist many times on Mock the Week (BBC2), and was recently to be seen on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (BBC1). Details 0845 146 1460 www.plymouthpavilions.com Revolvin Door 09 Mar The Walrus Plymouth Five piece Devon band playing covers from 60s to present day. Details 07576 728065 Chinese State Circus 11 Mar and 12 Mar Plymouth Pavilions 2000 years of tradition explode on stage with a spectacular 2 hour extravaganza with 30 Chinese artists who perform remarkable acrobatics, martial arts and live musicians. Details 0845 146 1460 www. plymouthpavilions.com Facemelter 15 Mar Thistle Park Tavern Plymouth High-energy, theatricallyfronted band paying tribute to the 70’s and 80’s classic rock era. Details 01752 204890
Micky Flanagan
Forever House 21 Mar to 06 Apr Drum Theatre A story of buried secrets and new beginnings, Forever House is the debut play of Westcountryborn writer Glenn Waldron. It’s a pitch-black comedy drama that asks the question: can you ever really start again? Details 01752 267222 www. theatreroyal.com The Jefferson Archive 22 Mar The Junction Mutley Plain One of Devon’s finest authentic classic rock bands. Details 01752 665895 The Heist 23 Mar The Walrus Plymouth Four piece rock/indie/funk covers band. Details 07576 728065
Rockafella 15 Mar The Live Lounge Plymouth Energetic Plymouth based four piece covers band playing storming rock tunes from the 90s through to today. Details 01752 672127.
XLR 30 Mar Voodoo Lounge Plymouth Five piece Plymouth based rock covers band, who enjoy playing both classic rock from the last 30 years and many tracks from the more recent guitar based bands. Details 01752 262288
Fluke 16 Mar James Street Vaults Dynamic four-piece Plymouth band playing classics from the sixties and seventies. Details 01752 267799.
Code Red 30 Mar The Walrus Plymouth Rock covers band playing classic rock through to modern classic crowd pleasers. Details 07576 728065
Rockafella 16 Mar The Brass Monkey Royal Parade Energetic Plymouth based four piece covers band playing storming rock tunes from the 90s through to today. Details www.brass-monkeyplymouth. co.uk
Hot Candy 31 Mar Voodoo Lounge Plymouth Funky pop rock band with sassy female vocals. Details 01752 262288
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Sam as Hector Voyd (left) & Ben as Sergeant Loin PS talks to Ben Challen and Sam O’Hara Childs of Stonewall Toda, a small local production company run by the two creative post-grads. To those who don’t know who you are and what you do, can you lay it down for us? S: We are Stonewall Toda, and we call ourselves a production company. We specialise in three areas, film, design and performance. We do commercial work and creative work, so we do stuff for ourselves and for other people. In terms of film and design, we make promotional videos, wedding videos, music videos, logos, posters, things like that. In terms of performance, we do comedy (such as our online comedy show, Voyd) and stand up. How did you guys meet? B: We both went to Ridgeway Secondary School in Plympton and we became close friends around the age of 14. During our A-levels, Sam got a video camera and we began a series called ‘The OC’, which was basically a rip off of the Young Ones. S: We kind of just went from there really, learning, bettering our skills, making it more professional and then took a business course together and it just grew. B: And we’ve been going for two years now! S: We’ve always enjoyed working and performing together which led us to combine our skills and resources. Ben, you went to PCA, and Sam, you went to Plymouth University - what sold those places to you over the other? B: Before I went to PCA, I was at the uni for two years, studying civil engineering. However, I felt that wasn’t for me, so decided to do a foundation course in Illustration at the art college. Through that I just felt really at home there, and it felt like a really nice environment, with a real family atmosphere. It’s not so small that you don’t feel like you’ve got enough space to learn, but not too big so that you feel isolated. I also liked the fact that it’s core is in the arts and creativity. It gave me the feeling that I could accomplish anything and learn without a lot of restrictions and I’m grateful for that.
S: I experienced something similar to Ben, we both didn’t really know what to do, so like Ben and his civil engineering, I did English at Exeter University. I didn’t enjoy it however, and it felt too conservative and straight laced, so I left. I tried to get into Dartington after that, but ended up taking another gap year, when Stonewall Toda was beginning to emerge. Then after a while, my parents started saying I needed a degree, and I was quite keen to work with Ben and he was in Plymouth, so I applied for the uni. It’s not pretentious or up itself, it felt grounded. I felt like I could just get on with my own thing and learn at my own pace. Where does the name Stonewall Toda come from? S: There was a time where me and Ben weren’t working together for a bit, and during that, I lived near the moors, and I kept seeing these old stone walls. One day, I was typing on the computer and stone wall came out as one word, stonewall, and it looked and sounded like a good strong word. Then Toda is the surname of a famous Buddhist, who was in prison during the Second World War for his beliefs, considered quite a wise and rebellious figure. And then it was a case of combining the two words, and voila, Stonewall Toda. You also have a string of comedy videos called Voyd, could you tell us more about that? B: In a nutshell, it’s a film noir cop show piss take. Think Sherlock Holmes, think old school film noir type films with a comedy edge. Sam plays Hector Voyd, a badass detective who’s gritty and edgy, lots of tales from his past, quite a complex character. He’s quite different to my character. S: Ben plays Sergeant Loin, who’s a massive Andy McNab fanatic with an ongoing joke that he’s basically no better than a dog. They’re policemen who are part of a special unit that solve extraordinary crimes, basically normal crimes but with a twist. Lots of fantastical stuff such as vampires and werewolves and shape shifters and cigarettes that make you breathe fire, all sorts. What advice would you give other students wanting to set up their own media based company? S: Utilise your skills and find a way to balance all your interests. Take your creative passions and apply that in a way to develop an
income. Definitely reserve a space for being creative, there’s always time for that. B: There’s always a way to carve your own path. If there’s not a job out there for you, make your own! You recently had a new member join the Stonewall Toda team, tell us about that. S: One of our goals is always to help other people where we can and in the creative industry it can be pretty difficult to get started, and we wanted to see people’s potential fulfilled. It sounds pretty airy fairy, but our motto is ‘No Stone Unturned’ which, amongst other interpretations, means that we want to make the most of opportunities presented. B: Working with the 1000 Club, a campaign aimed to help support young people in employment in Plymouth, Plymouth City Council and the Job Centre, it allowed us to take on an intern, Daniel Ham, who graduated from Marjons with a degree in media. He wanted to do stuff in film and editing, which is what he’s passionate about, but there isn’t really a job out there. We put in an advertisement with the Job Centre explaining what we do, we interviewed him and now he’s doing work experience with us. It’s really good, he can grow and learn with us and it allows us more time to do other things such as new projects. What are your plans for the future? S: Well, we’ve finished Voyd, and we aired the last episode recently. It means that we’ve got a lot more time for other commitments. We’re planning to keep building on the business, and focus on the commercial side of things. We also want to do more live stuff, for example radio and some more sketch shows. How can people get in touch with you? S: You can find us at www.stonewalltoda.com as well as on Facebook. We’re always looking for artists, performers and creative people across all mediums to collaborate with, so please get in touch! To view Voyd, you can find us on YouTube at www.youtube. com/stonewalltoda!
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“ There’s always a way to carve your own path. If there’s not a job out there for you, make your own!”
Sam and Ben
Sam and Ben, with new recruit Daniel Ham
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/ Naomi Girdler interviews This Calamity, alternative acoustic 4 piece from the South West /
C A L A M I T Y Images by Dom Moore
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For everyone Calamity?
who
doesn’t
know,
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This
This Calamity was one that I really liked. I like the way the words look and it doesn’t do my head in!
Martin: Well, myself, Martin sings and plays guitar, Stephen plays drums, Lucy plays piano and James plays bass and sings too. We’re a four piece indie alternative acoustic band, and a bit folky. We’re constantly changing our sound though and morphing and developing.
What do you think of the Plymouth music scene?
How did This Calamity come to be?
little bit strange, they’re mixing it up. With an acoustic guitar and a piano, we could be seen to be different, but I like that.
Martin: I started a solo recording project when I was at Plymouth University in my last year, because mine and Steve’s band broke up. I wasn’t in any bands at the time so I recorded like 10 songs. Lucy played piano and James played bass on that recording and once that was done, we kinda just turned it into a real band, and we’re planning to record as a full band in April. Stephen: I was the last to join, so I think that’s why we’re still coming into our own right now. I’ve got my input going in as well as the others, so when it comes to future releases, it’ll be quite different in comparison to the releases before. Everyone’s got the chance to put their own style in it.
this calamity
and everyone’s like ‘umm, what should we do then?’ and no-one has any ideas. It’s a lot easier for us to have a bit more focus and then everyone can work on it. What have you got in store for the future?
Martin: I think there’s a really healthy community in Plymouth and it’s great that there’s so many good bands that I want to listen to coming out of the area. What’s really good at the moment is that there’s lots of different bands, some that are doing things that are a
“ There are some really great bands down here and it’s frustrating that no-one’s gotten to the big time yet! ”
Martin: We only had our first gig in June this year, and we put out a free EP called Animals for people to download a year ago, as well as an album called I’ll Paint You A Picture If You Promise To Put It Up, which is available on iTunes for £2.49.
The only thing that confuses me though is that no band from Plymouth has gone on to be really really massive, not from lack of talent at all, but more due to the fact there’s not a big industry down here, there’s a lack of agents and record labels, which is a shame. There are some really great bands down here and it’s frustrating that no-one’s gotten to the big time yet!
How did you come up with the name?
What’s the creative process behind your music?
Martin: I basically asked a friend, who’s quite creative, to come up with 20 or so names for me to play around with. Some were really good, some were a bit naff, but
Martin: Well, I usually write a song on the acoustic guitar and then everyone tends to write their own parts. That works for us, there’s no fun in going to a practice
Martin: The plan is to record in April and we’re doing some videos this month, which will be live videos from the studio. We did some before and it’s nice to have them to mark where you are as a band and allows people to see what you’re like live. All the videos will be available on our youtube channel - thiscalamityofficial. I’ve been working my ass off trying to get gigs, but because we’re all from different places throughout the South West, with Lucy from Newquay, James from Exeter, Steve’s from Taunton and I’m in Plymouth, it can be quite expensive to get around to places. So at the moment, we’re just concentrating on developing, so we don’t feel the need to play all the time yet. We’d rather play on occasion, but play really well. How can people get in touch with you, hear your music and see your videos? Martin: We’ve got our ‘Animals’ EP for free download at www.thiscalamity.co.uk, along with the album ‘I’ll Paint You A Picture If You Promise To Put It Up’ available to download on iTunes for £2.49 We also have our blog over at www.thiscalamity.com as well as youtube, facebook and twitter, all linked too. Any bands that wanna play with us, we just wanna get playing and gigging, so get in touch!
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/ PS talks to the boys at Sailor’s Grave about tattoos, pugs and Sailor Jerry /
T A T T O O Sailor’s Grave is a popular tattoo studio in the heart of student land at the top end of Mutley Plain.
S T U D I O
Colin and Lee pictured with Simon (left) and Ashley
Plymouth-born Colin Wilkinson opened the studio four years ago, naming it Sailor’s Grave which reflects his passion for traditional styles made famous by prominent American tattoo artist Norman Collins - who you might better know as ‘Sailor Jerry’.
Last but by no means least is Colin’s pet pug Frank who was just a few weeks old when Colin opened the studio and spends most of his time curled up on one of the studio’s comfortable sofas. Colin said: “We’re a very friendly shop and welcome all types of custom work. Although primarily a custom shop we welcome walk-ins for flash and have many books and designs for clients to look through.
A Sailor Jerry tattoo is characterised by bold unwavering lines with a refined use of colour and amazing detail, something which Colin admires and practices at Sailor’s Grave.
“We already have plenty of students as clients and look forward to welcoming new customers in 2013,” added Colin.
He has been a tattoo artist for seven years and specialises in old school and traditional and Japanese designs, but is equally at home with all styles. He also has a keen eye for cover ups.
Sailor’s Grave is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm and also in the evening by appointment. 14 Mutley Plain Plymouth 01752 221 772 www.sailorsgrave.co.uk
Colin previously gained experience working at another city tattoo studio before deciding to open up his own business in Mutley. He converted the former video shop into a studio and has gradually extended the premises to provide plenty of space for the tattoo artists as well as featuring a range of clothing at the front of the shop. “Starting my own studio was a natural progression for me,” said Colin, “and enabled me to develop my passion in the traditional styles.” Colin’s partner in the business is Lee Harris who tattooed in the UK before spending two years in Thailand, returning
to Plymouth to join Colin at Sailor’s Grave. An all-round tattooist Lee specialises in black and grey and Polynesian designs. His black and grey work with bold colours creates a style that won’t be found in many other places. The other members of the Sailor’s Grave team are Colin’s brother Ashley who doubles up as shop manager when not tattooing. Ashley is now in the latter stages of his apprenticeship as a tattoo artist - as is Kyle Harrison, another follower of traditional styles who has already built up a growing following. Latest recruit is Simon Thomas, who moved to Plymouth last year to join the Sailor’s Grave crew. He previously worked at a studio in Cornwall, but has made a new home for himself in Plymouth.
Lee Harris. who spent two years in Thailand before joining Colin at Sailor’s Grave
personal safety
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/ Poppy Lane talks about how you can stay safer at night /
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I’m sure every girl recognises the paranoia that goes along with walking home on your own after dark. Sometimes you might be that little bit too drunk and wandered off, maybe you’re on your way home from work or maybe you just didn’t notice the time and decided to brave it. Whatever situation, walking home at night can be nerve wracking. And the feeling of paranoia isn’t helped by the recent rise in sexual assaults in the North Hill and Greenbank areas, and it’s keeping us looking over our shoulders. I work and live in the city centre, and finishing shifts at 2am often means you can find me wandering home headed up North Hill, a sober mind amongst so many inebriated. However, that doesn’t make me any less of a target, as I experienced earlier this year. Sexual assault is a very broad term, and to break it down for you, it’s when two people come into contact of a sexual nature, where one of the two is un-consenting. In my case, it was several unwanted grabs during a conversation with a drunken man that had approached me on my walk home from work. I already know what you’re thinking, so what? He was just being a little over-friendly and being drunk can do that to you. Even I normally wouldn’t have reacted by turning to the boys in blue, but it was when I read the man I had encountered matched the description of a sexual predator wanted for assaults in the North Hill area that I decided to get the police involved. However, this kind of incident isn’t something that women should
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Det Insp Mike Cooper said: “We have had cases where they are just about to get into a taxi and the man offers to share it with them, or they offer to walk them home, buy them some food. And because the man seems like a nice guy they’ve accepted. They go home with them, invite them in. “In the cold light of day, when sober, a woman would probably politely rebuff them. Also in the cold light of day, when sober and with a girl who was sober, a man would probably not force himself on a woman if he
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This event is just one way Plymouth is trying to make more people aware of the dangers of walking home alone, and the police have also been sharing information of changes you can make to lower the risks when a 3am walk is on the cards.
“...you might be that little bit too drunk and wandered off, maybe you’re on your way home from work or maybe you just didn’t notice the time and decided to brave it. Whatever situation, walking home at night can be nerve wracking.”
The police have been encouraging women to avoid walking home alone, but if necessary then stick to main roads as much as possible and avoid short cuts and dimly lit areas. Always let someone know that you’re leaving and try and avoid leaving friends to go home on their own. If you’re travelling by taxi, you are only insured if you’ve phoned and booked a taxi (or private hire vehicle) or if the taxi is an old style hackney ‘black cab’. Remember, you can only flag down black cabs. If you have to travel by bus, sit close to the driver where possible, or in view of the CCTV if there is any. Avoid sitting upstairs if you’re by yourself. Another good idea is to check service times before leaving to avoid waiting at bus stops for long periods.
Stoke Ward Councillor Philippa Davey organised a ‘slutwalk’ in Plymouth’s City Centre, on December 23rd, where she and a group of supporters walked from Union Street to North Hill, handing out literature. Slutwalks is a movement against rape culture’s victim blaming and slut-shaming, and originated in Toronto when an officer advised women to ‘stop dressing like sluts in order to not be victimised.’
These are just a few of the ways you can help lower the risks when travelling home alone, but keep aware and use your common sense. Keep your eyes and ears open, and be safe, guys.
Since then, enraged activists have taken to the streets to declare that they are fed up with blaming the victim rather than the perpetrator. It is a march against rape culture and exposes the fact that the word
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If you have any concerns, Plymouth’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) can be reached on 08458 121212.
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was invited in for a coffee. Everything is common sense – when you’re sober.” Police carried out a profile of sexual assault and rape cases from April 2012 following a string of attacks on young women in the North Hill area of the city. “What we are warning is don’t put yourself at risk of being a victim of a sexual assault, or of being accused of committing a sexual assault, because of alcohol, “ said Det Insp Cooper. He added: “We don’t want to scare people from enjoying themeselves, but we want people to be vigilant, to be aware of who they’re going home with. We don’t want men or women to regret their actions because they misread or misjudged the other person because they were so drunk. Alcohol makes you vulnerable and far less capable of making an accurate risk assessment.”
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‘slut’ and a woman’s attire are used as weapons to demean a woman’s sexuality and make rape justifiable.
be tolerating, regardless of whether she’s drunk, wearing a short skirt or smiled at you. Victim shaming is when the victim is blamed or partially blamed for the crime committed against them, and this is often seen in cases of rape and sexual assault.
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Police have warned women to avoid getting separated from friends or walking home late at night alone after a series of sexual assaults in the city. Nearly nine out of ten women in clubland alleging rape had become separated from friends and had tried to walk home alone or were waiting for a taxi when they met the offender.
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Police launched Operation Kingsand after a string of sexual assaults on young women in the North Hill area of the city. The police noted how a number of the victims had been drinking at the time of the assaults and appeared to have been specifically targeted by the suspects. Det Insp Cooper, who is tasked with combating sexual assaults in the city, said: “Since we highlighted the issue and our investigations, the number of such incidents have dramatically reduced. We’ve done a lot of work in the North Hill area and with the university and people are being more vigilant. We have also had more people come forward regarding historical offences over the past six months and we’ve numerous lines of inquiries about the suspects.” Anyone with information should contact DI Cooper by phoning 101 and asking to be put through to Operation Kingsand at Charles Cross CID.
submissions
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After a chance meeting with Naomi Girdler on a night
clear that their student’s successes were through hard work
probably that. But I’d also be happy making comics or band
out in Plymouth, Tom Mack, a Plymouth University
and professionalism, rather than talent alone.
merchandise, the latter of which I’ve been doing for a few
Illustration student has decided to talk to PS about his
years now.
life, his work and his plans for the future.
How would you describe your style of work?
How’s life? Who are you and where do you come from?
I feel my style’s currently in a transitional period, so it’s
Got any advice for anyone thinking of going into illustration?
hard to say for sure at the moment because by this time next I’m Tom, I’m 22 and I’m from Crewe in Cheshire. Or “up
year, it might be totally inaccurate. But usually between
To paraphrase my head tutor, effort is more important than
North” as my friends prefer to describe it.
style changes the work I do is always laborious and intense;
talent when .getting into the business. This was made very
I’m a fan of detail. Thematically I’m more predictable,
clear to all of us at the start of the first year and it really
What course are you studying and how are you finding
I usually draw people, demons, robots and mutants etc.
helps to put you in the right frame of mind for working like
it?
from imagination and they’re all at various points between
a professional. If you have talent and put the effort in then
cartoons and realism. I’m also a sucker for symbolism and
you’re golden!
I’m in my second year of Illustration at Plymouth
subtext.
University. It’s pretty intense, but the tutors have to push us hard because Illustration is such a competitive
What are your plans for the future? Who/what inspires you?
career choice. So far I’ve found no matter how heavy the
I have a few ideas for some short graphic novels or comics,
workload is I still always enjoy the course. Which is handy
Jamie Hewlett, McBess and Ralph Steadman inspire my
but I’m looking into putting more into the merchandise area
considering the amount of all-nighters I find myself in.
more cartoonish art, whereas the more traditional realist
of my work this year. University work’s always a priority,
and fantasy/sci-fi art I sometimes draw is inspired by
but so is getting yourself out there.
What made you choose Plymouth Uni?
painters such as Brom and Giger, and surrealists like Robert Venosa and Zdzislaw Beksinski. Thematically
I didn’t originally consider the university as somewhere
however I’m more inspired by music and literature than by
I wanted to go, but when I visited on an open day I was
visual art.
blown away, mostly by the facilities and the modernity of the workspaces. Finding out that you get your own desk
Where can we find your work/how can we get in touch? I’m in the process of setting up a blog, but you can get hold of me by email at darksypherx@msn.com, or check out the
What would be your ideal job?
The Dead Collective on Facebook.
rather than sitting wherever you could was a big advantage over other universities. Additionally, the tutors made it
I’ve wanted to be a concept artist since I was about ten, so
Would you like to see your work featured in Plymouth Student? Email us at hello@ps-zine.com with your details for more info!
Image by Tom Mack
student finance
eighteen
(how not to) blow your load PS explores the current hot topic of student finances and what you can do to better prepare yourself for when university’s over and the loans stops coming in...
It’s easy to stick your latest grant payment into the bank and shred that bad boy in a couple of weeks – but that could leave you facing a long term ahead of eating beans and feeling sad, according to charity Credit Action.
Then add in all your outgoings – over-estimating and rounding up your spending is a good habit to get into, as you’ll have more leeway for cut-backs later on. Once you’ve added up all your totals, subtract your total spend from your total income.
To help students manage their finances Credit Action have produced the Student Moneymanual which puts the focus on the art of budgeting.
How was it for you? If your balance comes out in the black (you’ve got more money left over than you need to spend) – brilliant. Lend us a tenner? If you find you’re in the red – don’t panic.
HOW IT WORKS Credit Action recommend that students have a crack at their budget at least a couple of times over the year. They recommend everyone should spend at least a week or two keeping a money diary – find out exactly what their Starbucks addiction costs. The budget planner can be as simple as a piece of paper, or a spreadsheet programme or app – or you can make and save a budget for free at www. creditaction.org.uk/budgetbuilder. Keep all your receipts and use them to re-do your budget based on real spending every six months – think of it as a financial MOT. How to work it Start by listing your income. This can be from your job, student loans, grants or your folks. Don’t count credit cards and other loans (regularly living on borrowed money can come back to bite. Hard.) Stick the amounts into your budget planner.
1. Prioritise your spending. Your rent is non-negotiable, but if you find you blow £50 a week on cosmetics you may to have to experiment with the ‘natural look’ – or find cheaper brands. 2. Get more income. Have you checked you’re getting every grant, benefit and bursary you’re entitled to? Could you cope with a part-time job? Could you wangle a six-figure book deal? How do you stick to a budget? It’s ultimately down to sheer will power: learn to say no to one more drink when you know you’ve maxed out your weekly allowance, or knock back designer labels in favour of some jumper your nan knitted. In the long run, you’ll be able to save for what you really want, whether it’s financial solvency after you graduate, a meal out with friends next week, or a designer outfit next season. Got a smartphone? Download the free
Spendometer app from www.spendometer. co.uk to keep track of your spending on the go. Meanwhile, new research has revealed that students contribute more than £200 million to Plymouth’s economy. An estimated 36,000 city students spend an average of £184 a week, compared with a national average of £175.20, according to Santander UK. A little over half of that goes on rent. The figures do not take into account tuition fees. Rent is the biggest portion of students’ outgoings, accounting for 52 per cent. This is followed by groceries at 17 per cent; going out 9 per cent; and transport 7 per cent. When asked how their overall spending had changed since the previous academic year, 36 per cent of students said it had gone up, with rises in groceries, transport and rent the most commonly cited reasons for this increase. Fewer than one in six students said that they had managed to reduce their overall expenditure since the previous academic year, although a quarter have cut their spending on going out and retail. Luis Juste, director of Santander Universities, UK said: “It’s clear from the research that students play a major role, making a key contribution to the local economy.”
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last shop standing
THE LAST SHOP STANDING
Plymouth Student first featured ‘The Last Shop Standing Record Store’ back in our Fresher’s issue in September. Since that chat with Tom Thrasher and Chris Muirhead, they’ve opened the shop, complete with an incredible range of records, CD’s, DVD’s, original screen prints and zines to choose from. The boys have worked hard since the beginning of their record store adventure back in March 2012 and it wasn’t going to be easy. From emptying and gutting out the shop floor, to building and decorating, followed by the influx of admin work with organising orders and marketing the place, it was always going to have its ups and downs. But they’ve knuckled down and got on with it, with an honest and welcoming hub of musical enlightenment as a result. December 1st marked the doors opening for the first time at the shop, situated at Bretonside Bus Station, with live music acts featuring two incredibly talented dudes, Patrick James Pearson and Martin Crocker of This Calamity (featured on pages 10 and 11!).
twenty
Words by Naomi Girdler and Chris Muirhead Images by Naomi Girdler
“ I can attest to the owners’ willingness to sit around and talk about records or films rather than doing any work! ” Since then, they have opened every day and chatted with music lovers of all ages - sharing stories and exchanging knowledge about a wide range of genres and releases - which has already seen their selection begin to broaden and morph from what started as basically an extended record collection of their own favourites to include everything from reggae to thrash metal. With another pair of fine performances from local hero’s Vince Lee & ‘Head of Programmes’ under their belt, they are looking forward to welcoming a poetry reading for Richard Thomas’s book launch on Saturday 9th February. This is as well as many other musical performances in the pipeline, hanging local artists work, hosting listening orates and anything else they can come up with! (All and any suggestions are encouraged to be emailed to the address below!) The store is welcoming, with a great atmosphere and stylish decor. You can get gift vouchers or place orders as well as browse with a cup of (very nice!) coffee, and I can attest to the owners willingness to sit around and talk about records or films rather than doing any work! So if you’re interested in physical formats, or just intrigued at why they are seeing a comeback after the Digital Revolution - get down to Last Shop Standing and get involved in the discussion! If you’d like to get in touch with The Last Shop Standing, you can call them on 01752 651109 or email chris@thelastshop.co.uk/tom@thelastshop.co.uk They’re open from 10am to 7pm, Monday to Sunday!
fashion
twenty two
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The streets of Plymouth are infamously not an inspirational palette for the fashion-curious. But, despite being crowned ‘the worst dressed city’ in the UK, if you look past the abyss of tracksuits, sparks of hope can be found. We discovered some gems in Drake Circus – staple catwalkinspired pieces, purchased for high street prices that inject personality into the city centre.
Glen, 31 Coat – River Island Jumper – Topman Trousers – Topman Shoes - Wellies
Tabitha, 15 Coat: Topshop Jumper: H&M Disco pants: American Apparel Shoes: Topshop Glen wears his River Island duffle coat – a timeless British classic. Cosy, practical, stylish, and again, a unisex coat style - you can never go wrong in a duffle coat. Made famous by the likes of Paddington Bear, the duffle coat is now one of the most popular coats, synonymous with traditional British style, yet still modern and adaptable. Coats and jackets with duffle features are everywhere this season – River Island, H&M, Urban Outfitters. As a versatile garment, they are flattering on any body shape, go with every style, and are best worn in muted, rich colours, like the classic navy blue, as well as burgundy, grey and red. The winter jumper – no wardrobe is complete without a cosy, chunky knit jumper to basically live in throughout the cold season. Aside from garish yet fabulous festive jumpers, there are a huge variety of prints that can be worn all year round, especially in Plymouth where the climatic situation makes for about one day a year that a jumper isn’t needed! Urban Outfitters is definitely the first stop for quirky jumpers, but Topshop’s selection is far more reasonably priced. For guys, River Island and Topman always have gorgeous chunky-knit jumpers in bold Aztec-style prints or wintery patterns. A plain cable knit jumper in a subtle colour is an essential item in my opinion.
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Another woolly jumper alternative are vintage jumpers. Shamefully, I own over 15, which I have collected and are the best things ever, and the benefits are endless. 1. Vintage means unique – no one else is going to own the same jumper, however garish and gaudy you want to go, it’ll be a piece that only you will have the delight of wearing
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Tabitha wears her authentically-styled Topshop Parka with her high-waisted American Apparel disco pants and Mary-Jane style Topshop shoes for a 60’s inspired look, on trend for the cooler seasons this year. The Parka (especially this Topshop one with a removable lining) is a perfect coat for the transition between winter and spring, and is completely unisex. The disco pant; another staple for spring 2013 – have had a drastic revival in recent months, being stocked notably in Topshop and New Look; they are sure to be massive this coming season. Halfway between leggings and trousers, the sheen on them makes them flattering to wear, silhouette enhancing and look great worn dressed up or down. They share the attractive, slimming qualities of leather trousers, but more low-key and wearable, with the comfort and security of leggings. For the more intrepid, they are available in almost every colour.
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2. Economical - ‘vintage’ sounds uppity, but I’d say that if you shop in the right places, clothes are a lot cheaper than high street shops. 3. Lastly, the designs on vintage clothes are like nothing you will find on the high street, you can always tell new from retro, and they just don’t make them like they used to any more.
Lola is a 1 6 yea r old aspi r ing Fashion Jour nalist. She likes glitte r , r ed lipstick and Vogue. Twitter: @lola_webster
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extreme sports
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/ Naomi Girdler talks to Levi supported local blader, Paul Buckingham /
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Image by Ashley Attwood
How long have you been rollerblading for? Since I was nine years old, making that about 20 years now. It all began with a friend of mine swapping something for a pair of skates, and we just used to bomb down hills in them. Before that it was all about skateboarding, but then I was given a pair of skates by my Mum. I didn’t really know what I was doing, just skating around until it became more serious at the age of 13. There weren’t any contests down here at the time, only in London, so I just did my thing, without really knowing what I was doing half the time! I was doing grinds, without knowing what they were called. Just skated. A lot of people talk about skateboarding and BMX’ing, and they seem to be the more popular sports, what attracted you to rollerblading over them? I didn’t really choose one over the other, I just saw the creativity potential of rollerblading. I started seeing videos come out and that inspired me. When I first saw the video Minegame when I was around 17, it opened my eyes to a lot of things that I didn’t know were possible. Where are your favourite spots to rollerblade in Plymouth? TR2 in Cattedown used to be a secret spot, but everyone knows about it now. The back of Theatre Royal is good for hand rails. There are lots of kerbs and stuff like that out there, such as a spot called Rounded and a hand rail called Bottoms Up that’s just off Ebrington Street. I used to go to Bretonside Bus Station when I was a kid to gap off stairs. You were recently supported by Levi’s, have you got any advice for people who would like to take their rollerblading that step further?
“...you don’t need to get
sponsered. Just do it to have fun. If someone picks you up, then you get picked up, awesome. Do it for the fun of it.” I’ve been Levi’s guinea pig more than anything. They give me products and I test how long it takes for me to wear them out! I constantly get messages from kids though, asking me how do they get sponsored, and I think you don’t need to get sponsored. Just do it to have fun. If someone picks you up then you get picked up, awesome. Do it for the fun of it. I’ve helped myself by knowing people and networking, and that can get you support from companies. I always seem to see you with a new cast, or a new injury! What’s the worst injury you’ve had? Definitely the dislocated elbow. Being pissed and trying to do a back flip didn’t work out. I’ve had to have reconstructive surgery on it but it’s still f**ked. I recently fractured my wrist, and when I had the x-ray done, they told me that I’d already fractured it twice and I didn’t know. I did that at Capital Clash in London, at the Bay Sixty6 skatepark in the warm up. I bailed pretty hard off a grind box and couldn’t skate. So I just got drunk. Overall, I’ve had a few fractures and sprains, and I’m pretty sure I’ve got a broken finger at the moment.
What do you think of the blading scene in Plymouth? What could you change if you could? Blading is pretty low key, but there are some serious rollerbladers in Plymouth. I also sorted out a rollerblading school with a couple of guys, Ashley Attwood and Shige Kunimaru at a local skatepark. If I could change anything, it would be more kids getting into rollerblading and knowing more about the sport. There’s not a lot of advertising in magazines and the media with regards to blading and it’s kind of under a rock in a way. It could use being showcased in the right way and rollerblading companies could do more with getting the youth of today involved and generally making the whole thing more accessible. Who are your favourite bladers? Dustin Latimer, Josh Petty, Dominic Sagona and Matt Smith. Dustin Latimer and Josh Petty changed the world of rollerblading in my eyes, and changed the way of thinking surrounding the sport. Matt Smith’s a local guy, I just wanted to mention him because I thought it’d be funny. What are your plans for the future? Have a poo, eat some food, go to sleep. Anything else you’d like to mention? I’d like to thank some people. Alexandra Hull, Alliance Media, Levi Jeans and The Conference.
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twenty six
film reviews
film reviews
by Chris Southern This issue’s film reviews begins with a blast from the past. Starting with the re-issue of Roman Polanski’s Chinatown to Chris’ breakdown of his favourite films from 2012. Read them, watch them, enjoy and be enlightened. Cheers Chris!
RE-ISSUE
2012 MINI REVIEW
CHINATOWN
/ YOUNG ADULT / SEEKING A FRIEND FOR THE END OF THE WORLD / GOD BLESS AMERICA / BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD
/ Roman POLANSKI
Roman Polanski’s wife, Sharon Tate had been brutally murdered by the Manson family in her mansion at Los Angeles in 1969. Her death, according to Polanski, changed him irrevocably. He became hopeless and introvert, he seldom worked in the USA again. His parting shot was Chinatown. A film so full of Los Angeles detritus it could almost pass as a warped love letter of the festering city he was about to leave forever. Set in 1935, Chinatown follows JJ Gittes (Jack Nicholson) as he uncovers a plot by LA’s powerful business oligarchs to ransom the city’s water supply. Gittes is a rat; a resourceful survivor. He is a man that lives and dies on his wits. However, thrust into a world far outside of his usual philandering husband cases, he is set to flounder. John Huston’s ‘Noah Cross’ is the face of this shady underworld of power and corruption. Cross is a man who revels and delights in the mud of his own amorality. He is a man prepared to do unspeakable things in order to maintain his power, influence and control.
There are so many films from 2012 that I could talk about here. There was the frankly disappointing, final instalment of Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy, ‘The Dark Knight Rises’. There was the colossal return to form for Bond that was ‘Skyfall’. There was the much-anticipated Prometheus, and the cartoon exuberance of Avengers Assemble. The hugely overhyped middle-Earth cash-raking epic, ‘The Hobbit’, and the conclusion of the Goth Hollyoaks inspired Twilight Saga. Boo-f**kinghoo. But as is always the case, for the tent pole movies, the crowds, the money, the popcorn and the reviews are inevitable. Here are a few films from this year that caught my attention. It’s by no means an exhaustive list; in fact it’s a short list, but they are nonetheless, films. Young Adult
The fact that half way through the film my almost wife turned to me and said, completely straight-faced, “What would you do if you knew the world was going to end?” means to me, that this was a really good original spin on both the road movie and the disaster movie.
God Bless America God Bless America. Bill Murray’s brother and a sixteen-year-old girl go on a highly fantastical Natural Born Killers inspired murderous rampage. Bobcat Goldthwaite – the mental one from the Police Academy films – directs this slice of pure fantasia. I hate everything he hates about the western fall from grace: the disgusting talent shows, the nonsense celebrity, the desire to be famous without the slightest interest in being good at anything, and just the incessant right wing propagandist bullshit from the Fox News types. Forget ‘The Hobbit’ if you’re looking for fantasy, then this is it. Beasts of the Southern Wild
Webs are spun and flies caught within the intricacies of Robert Towne’s snare-drum tight, Oscar winning script. As the tension mounts and innocents are torn asunder in the crossfire of political conflicts, the sorrow of Polanski’s loss comes through in subtle waves. The grossness of the acts slowly overshadowing the hurt and sorrow until all that is left is Chinatown: the place even the cops left well alone. Chinatown is a film full of bristling tension and pure vitriol hidden beneath a shimmering layer of deception, sex and restrained aggression. It’s a film that explores the underbelly of a city so corrupt and so beyond redemption that the inevitable winners are the biggest and nastiest sharks. The film was re-released on January 4th 2013 by the BFI as part of a retrospective on Polanski’s career. Chinatown feels even more important and even more dirty in a climate where we are witnessing the repercussions of the dirtiest and most powerful business people in the western world involving themselves in the politics of state and nation. Perhaps Murdoch is our Noah Cross; perhaps Leveson is the tenacious JJ Gittes. Perhaps Cameron is the man telling JJ to forget about it; after all, this is Chinatown. Chinatown was re-released at selected cinemas nationwide on 4 January 2013. Go and see it. Or buy the DVD.
Young Adult. It’s a f**king weird film that really does manage to sum up the inadequacies of growing up physically whilst refusing to upgrade your brain from ‘teenager’ to ‘adult’. Most of you reading this are probably just embarking on adulthood having realised that uni is not quite the doss you were expecting after A-Levels. Realistically, you’ve got at least a decade before this kind of malaise hits. However there are plenty of us who are still chasing dreams that should by all rights have either materialised by now or f**ked off long ago. Charlize Theron manages to bristle her way through this almost non-sequitur story by doing both and being happy about neither. In fact, she’s a total dick, but for some reason this makes the film all the more enigmatic and interesting. Check it out.
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World. “Put on some Radiohead. I want to do heroin to Radiohead.” Now that’s a pretty good line from a very middle class American party. The fact that the party is celebrating the impending end of the world is just a backdrop really. Steve Carell and Keira Knightley pair up as unlikely road trip buddies searching for lost love and a flight back to England in this surreal, dark, and quite beautiful comedy about the obliteration of Earth.
Beasts Of The Southern Wild. From the opening shots of Quvenzhané Wallis’ ‘Hushpuppy’ playing in the wasteland of ‘The Bathtub’ this is so obviously an incredibly special experience. Cinematically it sparkles and fizzes with life and energy. Hushpuppy commands the screen as the toughest six-year-old you ever saw on film and the interplay with Wink, her dying father, forced me to check more than once they were not father and daughter in real life. Wink’s tough love is preparing her for the harsh life she faces ahead without him in The Bathtub, a fictional abandoned swampland in a perceived post-Katrina Louisiana. The hardships don’t stop there, the storms are coming, the ice caps are melting and the universe is unravelling and as all this goes on, it’s up to Hushpuppy to not pussy out. A pretty tall order for a six-year-old girl. But never do you doubt her ability to do so, and her resolve to be the toughest of all the animals left roaming the Southern Wilds. Wallis’ performance is phenomenally strong, and the warmth generated by the supporting cast creates a mood so full of joyful abandon at living outside of the mainstream that when they are all forcibly rescued to civilisation, you cannot help but feel trapped with them. This is the best film of 2012 make no mistake about it.
MUSIC REVIEWS
twenty seven
hazy
already heading for burnout. Mired by
opening of ‘Losing You’ to the slinky funk
a fog of heroin and alcohol, Iggy & The
of ‘Locked In Closets’, it’s exciting to think
Stooges had officially split when celebrity
how far the musical divide is between the
fan, David Bowie approached Iggy to
two sisters. My only fault is that the record
record
is really wanting of a big dance floor filler.
became
There’s a full album due in 2013, can’t wait
record
to hear more.
swansong but also their career high.
this
release.
From
the
by Seth Hanney
a
solo a
that
Opening
album. full
not
with
Incredibly,
blown only
the
it
Stooges
become
ferocious
their
salvo
of
‘Search and Destroy’, the record is one of a
CURRENT
handful of early 70’s records that predicts the
TRUE EP
oncoming
riot
of
punk.
It’s
a
glimpse into year zero and it doesn’t let
/ SOLANGE KNOWLES Terrible Records
up
for
40
glorious
minutes.
Raw Power is an album that really stands
Musical families aren’t unusual. From the Corrs, to the Jacksons, to the Bee Gees – the list of sibling stars is pretty extensive. With a few exclusions, any solo excursion is just the sum of its parts. With the Knowles sisters, it’s different. Sure, we’re probably
CLASSIC
up to the classic album mantle, it’s
RAW POWER
been recorded yesterday and still provide
/ IGgy POP & THE STOOGES Columbia Records
but it’s hard not to make the comparisons between Solange and Beyonce.
timeless – there’s no doubt that it could’ve the aural thrill that it does. The freshness of this nearly 40 year old record is a big part of it’s charm. There’s a lot of bands that would kill to sound this glorious and
a few years off a career resurrecting duet You may know Iggy Pop as the loose
urgent.
as happy to sell car insurance as he is to
LOCAL
One thing is clear whilst listening to
play shirtless to thousands. The Iggy of
this record: that if there is a formula for
1973 was very different. He was 26 and
FOMA
vein
running
deep
in
out
of
everyone’s
favourite
anarcho-punk, country bumpkins : Crazy Arm – Woahnows bring tight 90 degree angled punk that’s easy to get wrong. But it’s all right. Every track is a catchy nugget
of
finely
mined
gold.
It’s
obvious that the influence of Darren John’s masterful
songwriting
prowess
has
inflicted the band, they benefit well from it. Standout
tracks
People’
with
are it’s
‘Packets dizzying
of time
damnation from
of
the a
‘Collective songs
slightly
Aspiration.’
could
higher
benefit
production
It’s a great credit to Tim that his hard
to knock out standard R&B bangers,
sophisticated
Spinning
budget, the songs still shine through.
of it. Where Beyonce is quite happy
Pharrell Williams. There’s a mature and
Woahnows steer the path with great skill.
Whilst
/ WOAHNOWS
perfect pop; the Knowles DNA is part
beats with the mighty Dev Hynes and
the motorway of music. Rest assured,
signature and strong vocals and the angry
skinned, embarrassing old man who’s
Solange is far more comfortable making
music reviews
work as part of Crazy Arm has sharpened become
his own playing and writing to such
the folly of the aspiring band member.
heady levels. I’m expecting big things of
For
every
Woahnows in 2013. Don’t disappoint me,
are
a
Side
projects
can
great
thousand
so side
car
easily project, wrecks
there
littering
lads
give up your day job art fair
twenty eight
GIVE UP YOUR DAY JOB / PS talks to the Give Up Your Day Job organizers about their local craft fair / Give Up Your Day Job is the brain child of
A strong sense of community is present
This is all done for you for free and gives you
Dan Hamlyn and Rachael Hipkin, two DIY
at Give Up Your Day Job with DIY’ers of
the chance to get a taste of the art fair spirit.
fanatics that want to bring the home made
all types getting together to support one
magic to you. It all kicks off in Jack Chams
another in this harsh economic climate,
There’s also a great range of activities where
on Ebrington Street where you can browse to
and you can get involved too. Get in touch
you can get down and dirty with the DIY lot.
your own leisure at the hand made goodies on
with Dan Hamlyn, Rachael Hipkin or Lize
There’s been live screen printing, live tie
offer, whilst having a bevvy or two.
Meddings through Facebook to book a stall,
dying, raffles, 24 hour comic book drawing,
or if you only have a few bits and pieces, the
a BBQ when the sun was out for once, zine
The art fair began in May and has been a
PS editor, Naomi Girdler runs a small stall for
swaps, goodie bags and even vegan cakes and
hit ever since. With more and more local
people to donate items for her to sell for you.
treats to suit anyone’s palette!
businesses getting involved, Give Up Your Day Job has gone from strength to strength
The next Give Up Your Day Job fair is
with a whole array of products on offer.
on the 14th February, so grab that special person in your life and treat them to some great
Heartstitch is a small craft business with hand-
handcrafted goodies for Valentine’s Day. Or
made vintage inspired crafty goodies on offer.
embrace your singleness, get a bit drunk with
Parisian Sweets Vintage Clothing is another
the Chams lot and gorge on some vegan treats,
regular, offering unique vintage and designer
whatever takes your fancy!
clothing. No Guts No Glory, based in Exeter, is a community based network of artists
You can find more information on Facebook
all over the UK, offering Give Up Your Day
at www.facebook.com/giveupyourdayjob
Job arts, zines and clothing for you to choose
and if you’d like to know more about
from. Alt Street is another regular name at the
Jack Chams, visit them on Facebook at
craft fair, which is an independently owned
www.facebook.com/jackchamsuk
collective that along with their strong punk ethos, specialises in organic and sweatshop free clothing.
twenty nine
food
WARM UP WITH A CHILLI Christmas is out of the way, but winter is still in full swing. This versatile recipe, that we all know and love is a great way to keep the
blood pumping and your belly full. By replacing any meat products with soya products, this can be a great dish for meat eaters and vegetarians alike!
By Naomi Girdler
C H I L L i 2 tbsp olive oil 2 onions, chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1kg lean minced beef 2 glasses red wine 1 x 400g can red kidney beans 2 x 400g can chopped tomatoes 1 green pepper, roughly
C O N
chopped 3 tbsp tomato puree 2 red chillies, thinly sliced 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp ground coriander 1 stick cinnamon 1 beef stock cube Salt and black pepper 1 large bunch coriander,
Method – 1. Fry the onion and garlic in a large, heavy saucepan until softened.Turn up the heat and add the mince, cooking quickly until browned and breaking down any chunks with a wooden spoon. Pour in the wine and boil for 2-3 mins. 2. Add the tomatoes, green pepper, tomato puree, ground coriander, chilli, cumin and cinnamon and crumble in the stock cube. Add salt and pepper to taste. 3.Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid and
OH YEAH, AND...
For extra kick, you can add 3tsp of finely-chopped jalapeno pepper to the onion and beef when you fry them. For more flavour, you can add a dash of cayenne pepper
C A R N E roughly chopped Plain yoghurt, sour cream or creme fraiche Serves 4 Difficulty: Easy Prep time: 10 mins Cooking time: 1 hr 30 mins
cook over a low heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally until the mixture is thick. 4. Add the kidney beans and fresh coriander. Cook for a further 10 mins, uncovered, before removing from the heat. 5.Top each portion of chill con carne with a dollap of plain yoghurt, sour cream or creme fraiche and serve with rice, baked potatoes, or crusty bread and a green salad.
and a small amount of dried cloves to the seasoning. To get the most taste from your chilli, let it cool, then leave it in the fridge for a day or two so the flavours intensify.
chips chips with dip cod haddock hake plaice hoki china sole lemon sole scampi
1.70 2.15 3.50 3.30 3.50 3.30 2.70 2.70 3.60
2.40 2.85 4.10 3.90 4.10 3.90 3.30 3.30 4.20 3.30
sausage jumbo sausage fish cake
0.75 1.50 1.00
burger in bun cheese burger 1/4 burger 1/4 cheese 6oz burger 6oz cheese burger chicken burger veggie burger
1.40 1.60 2.40 2.60 2.90 3.10 2.30 1.70
1/2 chicken chicken nuggets veggie fritter pea fritter onion rings
2.80 2.10 1.30 1.10 1.30
baked beans curry sauce mushy peas faggot gravy dips for chips roll & butter pineapple fritter banana fritter can of drink
0.70 0.85 0.85 1.10 0.55 0.50 0.50 1.30 1.30 From 0.70
All prices correct at time of going to press
A G O N Y U N C L E R O S S
agony uncle ross
thirty
Agony Uncle Ross has entered the New Year in Thailand, where he’s had his ups and downs. For example, taking a ladyboy to the cinema on a sweet date wasn’t one of the highlights. He’s here to help you with all your problemos, so read on and don’t feel too bad if he calls you a whiny b*tch. If you would like Ross to help you with your problems, email them to us at hello@ps-zine.com! Dear Ross, I have an issue that I need your help with. I’m currently in my second year of uni and I’m beginning to really loathe one of my tutors, who just happens to teach most of the modules on my course. I don’t think he likes me and seems to not like any of the work I submit for modules, despite getting good feedback from other tutors. He also never answers my emails, is pretty rude and seems to inundate us with useless information constantly. What is this douche’s problem? Sawadee-Krap. The most important thing we can all do right now is double check, nay, triple check that the girl we are taking to the cinema to watch Sinister with, is definitely a girl! That’s the most crucial piece of advice I will give you all this month. Now then, your tutor is an asshole you say? It certainly seems like he doesn’t dig your style. Are you in any way, or could you be considered by anyone to be, an irritating, unlikeable person? If so perhaps he has cottoned on to this and is merely acting towards you accordingly? On the other hand, assuming you are a dude or indeed, somebodies ‘bottom-ho’ (that’s a compliment in Compton, LA) I would go with one of these two explanations for his irritating behaviour: 1) The guy has just had enough of dealing with, smelling, listening to, helping and generally being around students. After 20 years service he has decided to just sit back, be himself (aka ‘douche’) and take the pay cheque without giving a toss if any members of his class like him or not; you included. Or, 2) He is putting a brave face on it because he doesn’t want to disturb your ‘oh so important’ studies but, he is secretly dying. Each day he becomes weaker and weaker as the cancer spreads throughout his lungs. He has to support his family still though and so he hasn’t even told his employers at the University about his current predicament. Instead he just dries his eyes every morning, hobbles in to work, and gives it his best shot. Only to be greeted by the discontent of a freshmen girl; upset because sexy Steve from the rugby team didn’t give her new, puke-tastic Instagram photo a cheeky comment after the Newquay beach party last weekend, that was like, so AWESOME! Give the dude a break, teaching is hard - learning is easy!
Dear Ross, I’ve done it, I’ve finished my university degree! And now I have no f*cking clue what to do with myself. I’m also really nervous about going home, I’ve not been there properly in three years, what if everyone’s different? What if I don’t get a job? I’m going to have to pay bills and earn my own money. I don’t want to pay council tax! I’m freaking out. Help me, Ross. Sawadee-Krap. Congratulations on finishing your degree. My best friend is studying his degree at the moment and I owe him an apology for something I said in this column last month. And so to make it up to him, I wish to proclaim to the masses that I touched a dude’s dick in an inappropriate manner when I was ten years old... I was a horny kid. Anyways, where was I? Oh yeah. Post-University blues are fairly common. You have a couple choices really; you can move to Bristol and pretend you’re ‘on the ladder’ when secretly you work part-time at your Dad’s friend’s graphic design ‘company,’ spending the rest of your time in the pub, wearing a scarf and lensless glasses - we’ve all done it. Or, you can sign on to the old dole for a bit, pretend you are working on some master plan; utilising the full capabilities of your Apple Mac to create new wonders of the media-age, and then just lay about on your settee, downloading torrents, jerking-off and getting high for a few years like the rest of us did after finishing uni.
Going to work all the time is crap really, I think I speak for most of the world when I say I get very little satisfaction from being at work. I get far more satisfaction eating a bag of pickled onion monster munch to be perfectly honest, so don’t hurry yourself, chill out, buy a PS3 with your last student loan and just wait for true, unadulterated, inspiration to come a’knocking. You have the next 40 years to work for people who secretly hate you almost as much as you hate them - so what’s the rush? Plus, you won’t have to pay council tax if you’re on the dole AND you can tell your friends (who have changed beyond recognition during your absence) that you are too depressed to see them because you feel worthless without a job (even though, secretly, you are living the dream!). In every way, you win. Be one with the dole.
Dear Ross, I’ve recently met a guy who is so awesome! He seems pretty keen on me and I’m pretty keen on him and it’s all going really well. I’m super happy! However, my problem is, my ex boyfriend won’t leave me alone asking to get back with me, despite me being pretty consistent with my ‘no, piss off’ responses. He’s even suggested seeing him and my new man at the same time! What should I do? Or should I just let my new dude beat the shit out of him? Oh no, you have one of THOSE ex-boyfriends. We’ve all done it right lads? You are the girl we hate but can’t help cracking one out over, thinking about you with your new man getting destroyed – it’s a weird place to be. I think the best thing to do here is to get your fit, slutty mate to sleep with your ex boyfriend. Make it seem like its her own choice and have her pretend to really like him for one night only; perhaps buy her a kebab as payment for her debauchery. Then, once he has slipped in the jammy and you have a text message from said amigo, cataloguing the event, you can produce it next time he attempts to serenade you at your window with his tone-deaf, ukulele rendition of ‘Umbrella’ by Rhianna. “You don’t love me! You shagged my mate Kate!” You can say with an onion clasped below your eyes, sounding like that miserable Tiffany character off of ‘Enders. Is she still in ‘Enders? The dude will have no leg to stand on and off he will f*ck in to the night - forever. Sorted. And then you can crack on with breaking your new man’s heart, stranded in a doomed, turbulent, romantic ouroboros for all eternity; punished by God for breaking a young man’s spirit and crushing his dreams. Have fun with that... I gave a short answer here because I wanted to save a bit of space to wish all our readers and all my friends and family back home (The Clique, Chams Crew, White-Rabbit massive, Prime locals, The 3 generations of Furzehill Road crews, Punk Palace Wreckheadz, Valentes bedroom massive, DHS for girls ex alumni, Bassfunk Massive, Stover Beyz, Civic Crew, PMC vets, Dust and Bones crew, Tothill boys, Lost Boys, The Highangle and anyone I missed) a very Happy new year. I miss you guys. Peace and F*cking in 2013. P.S. I appreciate this is not my best column to date but basically, it’s Christmas time in Bangkok and I haven’t got time for your shit right now!