AMAZE MAY
3
MAGAZINE
THE TECHNICAL ISSUE
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Magazine Editor: Tim Knight Magazine Design: Tim Knight Website Development: Alan Preece Contributors: David Jacks/Daniel Morrow Russell Payne Edition 3 has been produced for the ISSUU platform and released worldwide via the Fivewaysjunction website. For all advertising enquiries please email: timknight81@gmail.com
EDITION 3
04 Make A Star We learn more about some previous winners.
06 Xtra Mile Recordings We speak to some of the artists signed to Xtra Mile.
06 Will’s Art Warehouse! Will’s Art Warehouse gives us some inspiring advice.
08 Open Mic UK We introduce a brand new music competition.
09 Mini-Mags! We showcase our new Mini-Mag service!
09 David Whitehead Film We introduce you to David Whitehead’s film articles.
11 We Love Your Songs Tim Knight reviews Sherlock’s Dead for WLYS.
11 The Creative Pioneers! We have some special guests including Tom Pellereau and guides to other organisations.
11 Ralph Ewig Interview We introduce to the author and space guy Ralph Ewig.
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ake A Sta
akeAStar.com has its origins in the early days of the web as a site for new artists to help build their careers by connecting with new fans and the music industry. Founded on a mission to provide artists with a platform to help grow their musical careers though monthly music competitions, Make A Star is a place where quality talent can gain large scale exposure - regardless of location or musical genre. MakeAStar holds monthly music and music video contests in bracket formats with $100 (£63) cash prizes given to the winners in several categories, totaling over $32,000 (£20,159) awarded. Current monthly categories are Music Video, Song by a Duo or Band, Song by Male or Female Solo Artist, Instrumental, Sing in 30 Seconds (a cappella), Rap Battle and Stand Up comedy.
Artists first upload their performances to contender rounds where 100% fan votes determines who qualifies for each monthly bracket. At the start of each month, the songs and videos with the most votes advance to the bracket, where a mix of fan votes and the discerning scores of music industry judges determines who wins. music video for The Disablists featuring Foreign Beggars. Other recent winners of note with great potential for success include LA rapper Dayda Bass, female vocalist Melissa VanFleet and South African rock band Chasing Friday. In 2008 Make A Star TV launched a weekly half-hour show in the states on Fuse. Make A Star TV ran for 13 episodes gaining thousands of fans and new artists culminating in a $10,000 (£6,300) grand prize on the final episode of the series. http:// www.makeastar.com/MakeAStarTV.asp To earn a spot on the show, performers uploaded their music video directly to MakeAStar.com and competed in bracket style matches with a mixture of fan votes and judge scores. Each week, MAS TV highlighted the best videos from the web competition, giving many artists an instant rise from web obscurity to national TV stardom. 29 artists advanced to the final phase of the contest, and included several names that have gone on to achieve measureable success: Authority Zero, Sick of Sarah and Friends For Hire to name a few. The final match featured Fools & Horses vs Zen Vendetta, and with a strong fan voting score, Zen Vendetta won the $10,000 (£6,300) grand prize. Recent winners include Turkish rock singer Aydilge, Canadian electro act Connekt, Brooklyn’s Dinosaur Feathers, Chilean singer Yael Meyer and young pop-country singer Killian – all of whom have large online followings on Facebook, Twitter,YouTube and/or Last.fm. MakeAStar is currently preparing for a second season of TV in 2012 which will prove to be another exciting contest with prize limits exceeding the first season’s grand prize of $10,000 (£6,300). You can enter your audio or video performances and be competing on MakeAStar.com today!
Maggy Adeleye calls Houston, Texas her home, and we’re proud to have this bright young talent as our newest Female Solo Artist winner. Playing a slick acoustic guitar, Maggy is a classic singer/songwriter who describes her music as “soulful, pop rock reminiscent of Juliana Hatfield, Lauryn Hll and Jenny Lewis”. That’s esteemed company, but one listen to her winning song ‘The City’ and you’ll believe as much as we do. Other similar artists she mentions are Taylor Swift, Kate Voegele and One Republic. Tracy Chapman might be one more name we’d add to that list. A singer to remember.
E Y E L E D A Y G G A M
Niella D speaks to Make A Star! The hip-hop star making a wave thanks to Make A Star has agreed to give them an exclusive interview and we have got our hands on it ;)
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AS: The Make A Star Rap Battle showcased great new talents in April and none better than Niella D. Our first female Rap Battle champion, the Philadelphia girl joins us now for her Make A Star interview to share some of her life story and what hiphop music means to her. First off, tell us how it feels to have won. Are you happy, surprised, relieved? Niella D: It feels great that I have so much support and that the voters felt I was talented! MAS: Tell us how you got started as a singer and how you developed your sound.. Niella D: Well I have been a fan of hip hop music since I was about 9yrs old and started emulating artists I liked until my teens when I developed my own sound.
Niella D: I would like to put out music that people can relate to and to inspire someone. MAS: What are your musical plans for the year ahead? Niella D: I am working on a mixtape and my own album as well as videos that will be on youtube. MAS: Can’t wait to hear and see your new work! Perhaps some of them will be entries in the Female Solo Artist and Music Video contests here on MakeAStar. Who were your favorite musicians as a child? What was your first album or concert? Niella D: As a child I love Michael Jackson, Beastie Boyz, Queen Latifah and Monie Love. MAS: What is the best and worst part about being a musician?
MAS: What’s the story behind the song "Femme Boss Freestlyle" you entered in the Make A Star Rap Battle contest?
Niella D: The best part is being able to express myself and do what I love and the worst would be not having enough promotion.
Niella D: Well it started off as a poem and just progressed from there into a freestyle.
MAS: What is the best and worst part about the music industry today?
MAS: Which musical influences have other people compared you to? Niella D: I would say I've been compared to artist Jean Grae who rapped on The Roots track "You Got Me", EVE and Salt n Pepa.
Niella D: I would say the best part is it has become more eclectic with the collaborations today that opens doors for people like me and the worst is the more unique artist are not selling as much.
MAS: What sets you apart from other artists in your genre?
MAS: How does MakeAStar.com compare with other websites for music fans and musicians?
Niella D: Well my sound although similar to certain said artist is unique combined with the things I rap about I just stay true to myself when I write, I write for expression not impression.
Niella D: I believe it is a very good site for exposure more than some other websites!
MAS: Who do you get inspiration from or wish to emulate in music and life?
MAS: Thank you Niella D for a great interview from a very talented Rap Battle champion! Before we go, tell us something completely random.
Andrew Kelly speaks to Amaze Magazine Andrew Kelly winner of April 2012 Stand up comedy competition and he has agreed to speak to Amaze Magazine about his experience with Make A Star!
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maze Magazine: Tell us a joke!
Andrew: Did the Mayans take into account Leap Years when prophesying our annihilation? Amaze Magazine: What do you think of Make A Star? Andrew: I really like the MakeaStar system because if you get into the Quarterfinal round it's like March Madness (college basketball hoops) where u win or go home. Also it's 25% judged by fan votes and 75% by a panel of judges. I also like the fact that I won a hundred bucks! Amaze Magazine: How do you come up with your routine? Andrew: The routine comes up in different ways. One example is I had a Punch line that I loved first then I formed the story around that. Amaze Magazine: What advice would you give to someone looking to break into the industry?
Andrew: For someone breaking into the industry you really must take charge! I spoke with a comedian at a club and told him I was performing at a well-respected club in New York City. He asked me how did you get that? I replied that I called them up... Amaze Magazine: What are the negatives of the industry? Andrew: There's definitely a lot of favoritism where it might not really be earned. I've seen comedians who I thought were not as funny as me get preferential treatment. But in the end I do believe the work wins out! Amaze Magazine: How do you adjust your act depending on the audience? Andrew: I did a St. Patrick's Day show and noticed the other comedians were doing well with a, well, dirtier presentation so i adjusted my act and Rocked the house! Amaze Magazine: What has been you’re career highlight so far? Andrew: I guess my career highlight has been that infamous show (still don't know why they laughed so hard?) on St. Patrick's Day but just recently I was on a radio show that was grand fun and the intelligent, creative community I'm involved with is a source of daily laughter...and weekly Therapy!
Introducing: Singing Competition
Singing Competition Open Mic UK is the biggest music competition in the UK for singers, songwriters, rappers and solo artists to showcase their music and get signed.
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Thousands of acts audition from throughout the UK ..... Are you good enough TO AUDITION?
Open Mic UK gives you plenty of opportunities including the chance to perform live in front of industry Judges from National Radio, BBC Introducing, Regional Press Celebrity Judges and of course an audience of your fans! Make it through the audition stage of the competition and YOU COULD BE PLAYING IN THE NATIONAL GRAND FINAL at The O2 in London! Over £50,000 in prizes are up for grabs along the way, with the winner netting £5,000 cash, the runner up receiving £2,500 and the remaining age category winners receiving £1,000! So, what are you waiting for? Enter Open Mic UK Now! Singing Auditions Auditions are held all over the UK, where you will get to perform in front of our prestigious judging panel. Should you be successful, you will be put through to the Open Mic UK showcase Regional finals, where you’ll battle it out for a place at the National Grand Final. With the Live stages being filmed for Sky TV. We have limited places, so please register early! Auditions begin in August.
The Showcase Regional FInals
If you’re successful in your audition you will be given a place in the showcase Regional Finals which will be at the most prestigious venues throughout the UK. The Regional Finals will include all the best unsigned acts in your region in a showcase to Judges from National Radio, BBC Introducing, Regional Press & record labels, as well as a huge live crowd! You will be battling for a place in the National Grand Final taking place at Indigo at The O2 in London, where you will perform in front of over 2,000 people. Open Mic UK National Showcase Grand Final
This is it, the climax of the competition! You could be performing live on stage at the National Grand Final of Open Mic UK in front of a packed audience and professional judging panel! All in a bid to become the UK’s best on the mic. The winners will be crowned in front of a capacity crowd and celebrity judges, as well as a host of media and music industry specialists! Audition for Open Mic UK Now The judges will be looking primarily at musical ability and performance capability. The act’s image must be one that’s distinctively individual and original, and they must retain an air of professionalism on and off stage. The judges will be seeking an act that has the potential to be successfully launched in the UK as a major recording artist.
Open Mic UK
So, what are you waiting for? Enter Singing Competition Open Mic UK Now!
What style of music are you and who are your influences? My style of music is hip-hop. I have so many influences because I’m a fan of many genre’s of music. My main hip-hop influences are, Mac Miller, A tribe called quest, Logic and Kixxie Siete, Rizzle Kicks and Odd Future. I’m mainly into old skool classic hip-hop. What equipment do you use to record your music? I haven’t recorded any music yet, but I will be getting into the studio this week. Who do you promote yourself? I promote myself using the social network (Facebook, Twitter) doing local gigs any by letting people know about my positive thinking really. I represent an ideology called B.R.O.S which stands for Bringing Real Optimistic Sound. That’s the movement I’m representing in my music. B.R.O.S is a way of life. What are the positives of you’re industry? The positives are that you get to be in a position to influence people with your music, also that you get to perform for a living. What are the negatives? The negatives are that a lot of artists are money orientated and don’t make music for the love of it. Basically selling out. What do you think of Open Mic? Open Mic was a great experience and it help me develop a lot as an artist. I’m humbled by the fact that I won it. People should because it enabled you to develop a lot as an artist. You really learn a lot about who you are during the journey. What is it like to be signed to BGM? It’s still early day’s, but I know that a lot of great thing’s are going to come out of this opportunity. What advice could you give to someone? Advice I would give is to work extremely hard, but most importantly always remember who you are and who you want to be. Don’t let other’s sway you from your dream.
HATTY KEANE What is your style of music?
Urban Pop, catchy with big beats behind it. Who are your influences? Blondie, Rihanna, Beyonce, Pink. How do you promote yourself? I have a team of people at BGM (my label) who promote me, and I do as much as possible to keep up the profile, performances, magazine shoots, recording and keeping my fanpage constantly updated! What are the positives of your industry? It’s different everyday, vibrant and full of interesting people! And the music obviously is what I live for so! What are the negatives? It’s a hard industry and it can knock you but its all about hard work! What fo you think of Open Mic UK? Why should people enter? I think it’s a brilliant platform, and people should enter to gain exposure and experience! What advice would you give to someone looking to break into the industry? Work hard and get up when you fall. What are your favourite experiences of the industry so far? Performing for 20,000 was insane and this year Ive started working with big producers and I'm finally hearing my own sound and I love it!
What is your style of music? I play acoustic, folky, hip-hop. A woman told me my style should be called 'A-FLOP', and that is what it has become! I tell stories with my songs; some of them are funny, some are sad and some are just about things that inspire me. There's a link to all my music on www.lucyspraggan.com Who are your influences? My Mum raised me on Don Maclean, Joni Mitchell and Eva Cassidy, so I feel like their song-writing had a huge influence on the way I write. We also used to listen to a lot of Dolly Parton, I think she is brilliant and is such a huge inspiration. As I got a little older I started listening to rap music; my ipod is full of Big Pun, Biggie and Tupac's greatest tracks. Sometimes I pick up the speed of the lyrics in some of my songs and fit as many syllables in one line as I can, I first wanted to do this after hearing It's so Hard - Big Pun. What equipment do you use to record your music? I recorded my first album with Will Farley, a good friend of mine who has a set up in his living room. We made the most out of the equipment he had and it made making the album so fun. We used a pair of tights on a coat-hanger as a pop-shield.
How do you promote yourself?
What fo you think of Live & Unsigned UK? Why should people enter?
I use Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites to promote online, as well as keeping in contact with local radio as much as I I think L&U is a great stepping stone for those performers that are can. I gig a lot too, I think it helps to be seen as many people as pos- trying to get that little more exposure or to build up their confidence. sible. You get feedback from the judges, the chance to win great festival slots and the opportunity to meet lots of new faces. It's an easy way Tweet me @lspraggan! to network with people that can help you switch your hobby into a career. What are the positives of your industry? What advice would you give to someone looking to break into In 2012 I managed to tour 23 of the United States in 3 months, just the industry? playing my guitar in different bars and staying with people I met on the road. Keep at it and stay positive. Gig as much as you can and make lots For me there are so many positives - I love seeing the reaction of a of contacts. Take in the criticism, but don't let it upset you, trust your crowd when I play, there's nothing better than seeing that people can instincts and make sure what you are doing makes you happy. relate to the stories I'm telling. It's great to get a really positive email, or a tweet from someone who has heard my music, that is a real What do you have coming up? confidence boost. I love meeting new people and other musicians and the travelling that comes hand in hand with doing so many gigs. Lots and lots! I'm writing for my new album at the moment, as well as touring the UK. There are a list of up and coming gigs on my What are the negatives? website, here's a few you can catch me at this Summer; Y-Not, Strawberry Fields Festival, Osfest, L fest, Manc Pride, Sheffield The negatives are that it is very hard work, it's easy to get tired and Pride, Beatherder, Wow Festival, Taunton Academy and many more! lose spirit a little bit, but the previous positives keep me going!
MEMBERS: Maisie Brizzolara vocals/guitar/synth Henry Louis Ogilvi Dabrowski - lead guitar Jakei 'Marmiyte' Marmot - Drums Alex Montgomerie-Corcoran-bass LINKS: http://sherlocksdead.tumblr.com/ http://twitter.com/sherlocksdead http://www.myspace.com/sherlocksdead http://www.sherlocksdead.bandcamp.com
The band started in late 2010 and has had various members passing through before the present line up stuck. They have played shows at Stoke Newington Town Hall, Shoreditch Festival and have played regular shows at the Bridgehouse too. The band have also just released their first self recorded EP Indigo Sea which is available through Band Camp.
INDIGO SEA Review by Tim Knight
DOWNLOAD FREE
Sherlock’s Dead debut ep ‘Indigo Sea’ is a bold attempt at trying to create a sound that is different to the current crop of manufactured bands churning out the usual drippy pop rubbish. The vocals are catchy and the singer has her own unique style that makes me think she will be set for big things, whilst the musical arrangement is quirky and when it all comes together you have a very promising band that people should look out for, best of all the ep is free to download, so don’t just take my word for it, go download it for yourself and make your own mind up. One of the things about this band that really highlighted to me their dedication was the fact that they have stuck to their own style and haven’t tried to copy anyone else, you can view their videos on Youtube where they have posted their first music video which is a clever little stop/start animation feature, as well as videos showing their ‘Almost Acoustic’ recording sessions. In fact I would suggest checking these out first, before listening to the album because you can really soak up their style and so when you listen to their ep, you can connect with them in a more meaningful manner. I’ve written a few notes about the band’s ep ‘Indigo Sea’ to give you an idea on what your letting yourself in for when you download it, but just bear in mind, music is a very personal thing, so you may take away a totally different feeling from it. Indigo Sea Track Listing: 01. Cinema of the Mind. A decent opening track which instantly highlights how quirky they are and sets you up for the rest of the ep. 02. Moonstroke. I imagine listening to this song in a smoked filled room at a house party towards the end of the night when your between that period of still enjoying the party, but feeling the effects of partying all night, and wanting to go home. I could imagine it being that type of song that just keeps you chilled and happy whilst you discuss the finer points of the evening. 03. Run Like Clockwork. Another solid effort by the band, I think this is probably the least quirky song of the ep, but instead that quirkiness is replaced by a catchy melody and I found it an easy to listen too enjoyable song which is perfect to listen too on those ‘long nights’ when your up trying to get work done or just want to chill out. 04: The End of Tomorrow. Kicks off straight into that quirky sound again, and you find yourself bubbling along with the band, which seems to be a theme for the whole release, as the song progresses it picks up a bit and gets more intense giving you high expectations of what the band could achieve as they release more material. You can see why they made this song into a video. I can actually hear a little of ‘The Doors’ in there with some of their sound too. 05: Losing You, Losing Me. It starts off pretty slow and chilled and pretty much stays in that vibe the whole song, but you find yourself bubbling along with the song and just enjoying the chilled atmosphere of it.
Q&A
The band provide us with some Q&A thanks to We Love Your Songs who put us in contact with them, find out more about them below.
Can you tell us a little about the band, who are you, why have you become a band? Jake: I remember our first “jam.” Me and Henry on the upper deck of a bus with a stylophone were feeling incredibly cool because we had learnt 12:51 by The Strokes, and we had just got exactly the right sound. We even managed to get our first fans on that journey. It was from that point on we realised how much we loved playing music together and so formed Sherlock’s Dead, albeit with a different line-up. Henry: It took us a while to realise that we couldn’t play all the instruments and realise that we needed to have other people, and a while longer after that to
realise that they needed to be the right people Alex: yeah, I wasn’t in the band from the start, and wasn’t even a bassist when I joined the band. I play a lot of jazz guitar and also saxophone in various bands. I’d played in crappy rock band for a competition, but it was nothing compared to when I joined Sherlock’s dead. The sound that we made when we first jammed was awesome. I just wanted to share that awesome sound with the world. Maisie: I think I had sort of the same sort of entrance into the band as Alex, I’d been in a band in the U.S before here which helped What equipment do you use to produce
your music? Jake: it’s…um…highly sophisticated. Henry: Oh, yeah, we’re strong believers of using what we’ve got instead of going out and buying the newest expensive devices and gizmos so we went through Jake’s attic and dragged out this 80’s mixing board, bought a few cheap mics and set up with a mac and logic in the living room. Alex: For the whole thing I used my £40 bass Maisie: …and I throw in some other instruments sometimes Listening to your music it seems to be very alternative, not what I was expecting,
but it fits your image, why did you choose this direction?
Henry: That’s still a difficult one, we love so much music.
Alex: It’s the music we want to play. It isn’t any exact style of music, it is just music that we enjoy and we hope that other people will enjoy it too.
Maisie: I love the 80’s stuff like the smiths, acdc and led zep.
Henry: Yeah, i mean our songs didn’t really get made with any template in mind; they were all created around whatever we were listening to at the time and whatever mood we were in. I also think that London played a big part in the writing process; people always think that cities can’t be beautiful, but they’re wrong, I’ve drawn much inspiration from London. Who are your influences?
Jake: We’re all so different with our influences. Mitch Mitchell is my main influence on drums for his almost jazz-like influence on Jimi Hendrix, showing you can take components from completely different genres, and not only will they work, but they will add a whole new dimension to the music. Alex: Yeah, I’m also influenced by jazz. Bands like the brecker brothers and the average white band are a big inspiration. With a lot of new bands which are similar to us, you
find most bass lines tend to be straight and continuous, but adding some funk in with the shoegaze feel of some of our songs gives them a much more interesting rhythm. Henry: I would be committing a crime if I didn’t mention either Joshua Hayward (The Horrors) or Kevin Shields (My Bloody Valentine) somewhere here for the guitar influence. I mean there’s other more unlikely ones too such as Jim Root (Slipknot) but that’s more for technical stuff. What advice could you give to aspiring musicians wanting to do something in a similar style? Jake: I know this sounds monumentally clichéd,
recorded with the band and so far loads of people have watched and liked it.
but enjoying it is the key component to making great music. Find people you like to play with, and eventually something will click. I feel like giving advice beyond here would be meaningless, as we have barely reached this stage, but if you have fun playing music, then even if you never hit the big time, it will always be worth it. Henry: Don’t force anything. If you force yourself to write music it comes out like someone else’s music whereas if you just wait until you have a brilliant idea then although it might have been inspired by someone else it’s completely you. Maisie: oh and play at every chance you get, try things out and don’t
rely on covers How have you found the process of marketing yourselves? Alex: Quite easy, since Henry and Jake do most of it. Jake: Yeah, without putting people off, it is a bit of a bore. I’m the one in the band lumbered with the task of emailing record companies, venues, anywhere that will get some attention. It can be tedious, but it is worth it! Maisie: Well’ it’s not all us, we have great fans as well. We were recently shared by Alex Turner and that wasn’t us, that was the fans. Henry: At least it looks like whatever we’re doing is working
Have you ever thought about using platforms like Kickstarter.com to pay for recording your ep’s? Henry: Not as yet but maybe we will. Jake: Although, there is something cool about recording in Henry’s living room. The xx used a bathtub to create reverb, proving you don’t need to be high-tech to be successful. Maisie: We feel like we’ve achieved something quite big by doing this all on our own. What is the song The End of Tomorrow all about? Can you explain it to us? Maisie: This song was actually the first song I
Henry: Aaah yes, that one. The meaning of that song has been the centre of many questions. Well the lyrics we’re written at 4 in the morning and just came to me pretty quickly and easily. To me they really represent what I felt at that particular time because I was just not feeling in touch with anything at all. I mean I don’t like to give too much away about any of the lyrics really because to everyone they could have a complete different meaning and I don’t want to spoil their angle by telling them what I think it should mean. Jake: The song in my
head is about losing hope, perhaps with society. The character is frustrated, and at first calmly questions the world around it. However, frustration builds and the song reaches a climax, before dying again, showing the loss of hope. I find that is too much analysis for a song, though, and should be interpreted however one feels is right in their heads. Henry: …Well that’s taken an emotional turn What would be your dream gig? Alex: Glastonbury! Henry: Glastonbury! Jake: The Glastonbury of the 90’s.
Henry: You had to be different. Jake: What? Since it is a dream, I am allowed to go back in time, right? Maisie: Well mine’s Madison Square Gardens It’s big! and cool, and really represents the successful people out there, I mean right now even a funky festival or a support slot for a known band is good for me Henry: Fine, I’m changing mine then Reading, crowding surfing in a rubber dingy with a guitar as a paddle and a tent made of the people on each others shoulders, that’s good enough for me
About Xtra Mile Recordings are an independent record label based in London, United Kingdom. It was founded in 2003 by Charlie Caplowe and they release rock albums and singles. They signed the artists Reuben and Million Dead. On 8 August 2011 Xtra Mile were badly affected by the 2011 England riots, when the Sony Music warehouse that stored their records was set on fire, but this hasn’t stopped them from producing some great bands and we are proud to highlight some of them to you. This month we will be looking at Straight Lines, Crazy Arm, Fighting Fiction, & Jim Lockey & The Solemn Sun.
Straight Lines - Out now... Tom Jenkins (vocals/guitar) for the band gives us some straight answers! What style of music is your band? Straight Lines are a rock a band, heavily influenced by punk, indie, hardcore and pop.
What do you think of the current music scene? The current music is very strong in this country, we just played hit the deck festival and that really justified how strong the scene is. What did you have to do to get
signed?
Just cause a bit of a buzz, get out tour and work hard. Make people notice you. Who are your favourite bands atm? Haven't really been listening to a
lot of new stuff lately, just a lot of silverchair atm. Looking forward to the new mystery jets album. What advice could you give to any aspiring band? Just work hard and set yourself small goals to achieve and just work on them at the start.
How long does it take to record an ep?
Do you look at the band like a business or a passion?
It took us 3 weeks to record our album.
Bit of both really, the passion for it has taken us up to be a touring band and when you get to that level you need to make money to keep your hopes alive.
What equipment do you use? I use a marshall bluesbreaker and fender guitars.
Jim Lockey & The Solemm Sun ‘Death’ ‘Death’ – released on 9th April 2012 through Xtra Mile Recordings – is a passionate, poetic and engaging album making them one of the most exciting new bands in British music. Produced by Peter Miles (King Blues, Crazy Arm, Futures) ‘Death’ encapsulates the band’s vast sound as the young quartet draw from a plethora of influences including alt.country folk and hardcore punk. Showcasing their incredible storytelling talent ‘Death’ takes listeners on a journey with soaring tracks such as ‘Everything And The Heart’ and ‘New Natives’ sitting elegantly with more stark songs like ‘Our Fathers’ which bring Jim’s incredible voice and lyrics to the fore. Glorious album opener, ‘England’s Dead’ – with its spiralling song structure – will follow the album and be released as a single on 2nd May 2012. In two short years these anarcho-anglo rockers have incessantly toured the country, including as main support on Frank Turner’s February 2011 UK Tour plus shows alongside the likes of Mumford & Sons, Dry the River, Johnny Flynn, Alessi’s Ark and Pete Doherty. In the 2011 they also performed at numerous festivals such as the Big Chill, Beautiful Days, Wychwood and Y-Not, including a packed performance as headliners on the second stage at 2000trees. Having played an incredible solo set at SXSW, the band will be back in force at the Xtra Mile label night ‘T’was The Night Before Wembley’ on 12th April along with Crazy Arm, Dave Hause, Ben Marwood and some very special guests. Full headline tour this May: Thur 3rd The Soundhouse, Leicester Fri 4th 1 in 12, Bradford Sat 5th Royal Park Cellars, Leeds Sun 6th Stereo, York Tue 8th 93ft East, London Wed 9th Louisiana, Bristol Thur 10th The Venue, Derby Fri 11th Brighton, Volts (Great Escape) Sat 12th Guildhall, Gloucester Thur 17th The Garratt, Manchester Fri 18th The Flapper, Birmingham Fri 25th Wilmington Arms, London Sat 26th Whelan's, Dublin Sun 27th Kelly’s, Galway PRESS "Never has music been so relevant" - BBC Introducing “...one of, if not the best, singer-songwriters I've met... they're gonna smash it in 2012." - Frank Turner "Lockey& Co... definitely ones to watch" - The Fly "Jim Lockey& the Solemn Sun could be the British Bright Eyes" is this music?
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS! SEE OUR SPECIAL Q&A WITH THE BAND...
Jim Lockey & The Solemm Sun
JIM LOCKEY ANSWERS SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MUSIC INDUSTRY What style of music is your band? Somewhere between folk-rock and punk with a pinch of country. What do you think of the current music scene? The mainstream music scene is as bland as ever but underground there's a lot going on and a seemingly very strong community of musicians creating their own paths which is great.
What did you have to do to get signed?
Andy Oliveri, The Xcerts, The Menzingers and Manchester Orchestra
We didn't really do just one thing but it involves an absolute dedication to the band, tonnes of touring and meeting people alongside creating something you believe in enough to travel around playing to anyone who'll listen.
What advice could you give to any aspiring band?
Who are your favourite bands atm?
How long does it take to record an ep?
Believe in what you're doing, even if its not cool or people don't understand it, because if you don't believe in it no one else will.
As long as it takes to make something you're proud of I guess, we don't normally go for EP's so I'm not sure.
make money I'd quit.
What equipment do you use?
Usually built out of themes of artwork we have at the time we do all our own artwork etc and take a great pride it making it.
Standard rock setup with an acoustic up front. Do you look at the band like a business or a passion? A passion, always. If I ever looked at the band purely as a way to
How do you create your promotional material?
What do you think about crowdfunding websites to get your music paid for? I think they're ok as a way to
invest in the music you adore but without a decent cause behind the campaign I fear they could be overused. What would be your dream gig? Right now. Brixton Academy Any other advice? Don't believe anything until its in writing.
New single ‘Little Boats / ‘All Butchers Are Men’ was released 21st April 2012 (to coincide with Record Store Day) Devonian roots-punk ensemble, Crazy Arm, release their new single ‘Little Boats / ‘All Butchers Are Men’ digitally through Xtra Mile Recordings in April, to coincide with Record Store Day (21st April). The song is the second to be released from their sophomore album ‘Union City Breath’. The single will also be released on limited edition 7” vinyl via Household Name Records. ‘Little Boats’ is a paean to everyday survival. Featuring Vicky Butterfield on joint vocals, it’s a confession of hopelessness with a belief in redemption, maybe even revolution. It also posits the idea that there is most probably no God but most definitely each other. The b-side, ‘All Butchers Are Men’, is one of the band’s earliest unreleased songs: a pro-feminist missive that balks at outdated symbols of male identity. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------'Union City Breath', was released in October last year. Much like its predecessor, 'Born To Ruin', it has been very well received nationwide and throughout mainland Europe by fans and critics alike. Produced and engineered by Peter Miles (The King Blues, The Computers, Sonic Boom Six), the album is a triumph of punk rock energy, alt. country vitality and rabble-rousing honesty. Not easy to categorise, and all the better for it, Crazy Arm's sound is an accumulation of decades of influence and inspiration: rooted in hardcore/punk, ‘60s protest folk/country and Springsteen-esque classic rock’n’roll. They combine this with a grass-roots political overview that embraces anti-war, anti- fascist and pro-community activism. Reviews for 'Union City Breath': 'Blisters with energy' – KKKK Kerrang! 'You need Crazy Arm' – 5/5 Big Cheese 'A triumph from start to finish' – 9/10 Punktastic 'Delivered with a fired-up passion' – Rock Sound 'Never faltering from the pinnacle it attains from the off' – Punk News 'A patchwork blanket of musical bliss' – Room Thirteen 'This is the band to watch at the moment' – Rhythm Circus 'Supremely confident' – Sputnik Music 36 'Album of choice to represent Britain on the punk scene' – Alter The Press
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS! SEE OUR SPECIAL Q&A WITH THE BAND...
What style of music is your band? Punk rock for the most part. But we have a lot of folk-roots and classic rock influences which tend to confuse people. Personally, I don't see how the visceral power of Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull or Woody Guthrie is any less valid than that of Minor Threat or The Clash. What do you think of the current music scene? Well 'the scene' is a vague term but, as I understand it, it's the same as it always has been. The surface is mainly full of shit, the underground is mainly innovative and vibrant. But there is a worrying tendency for decent bands to fall foul to conditional endorsements and corporate co-opting. There's a lot of branding going on and it fucking
stinks. What did you have to do to get signed? Send out lots of demos, invite lots of label people to shows, persevere, and be able to write some fairly decent songs. Despite the advent of online multi-iedia, it still comes down to the same bare facts: if you can prove your worth in three songs, labels will be interested. But, for a lot of bands, labels are obsolete. It's not hard to work out how to put records and CDs in the public `omain, especially with the internet as your main tool.
few years there's been Baroness, Austin Lucas, Midlake, Bon Iver, Murder By Death, Nick Cave, Fleet Foxes and countless others, making amazing music. More recently, the new Torche and Apologies I Have None albums are pretty fucking great. What advice could you give to any aspiring band? Don't play it safe. Don't sound like every other band in your social circle. Don't try to be something you're not. Don't settle for the first singer who comes along. And do practise more than you think you should.
Who are your favourite bands atm?
How long does it take to record an EP?
My favourite bands have been the same for decades: X, The Clash, Dead Kennedys, Crass, Joni Mitchell, Fugazi. But over the past
Depends on the band. It would take us about four days to do four songs. It would take Mars Volta about three weeks and The
Computers about eight hours! And they'd all sound just right. Nobody should cut corners in the pursuit of good music. What equipment do you use? Electric and acoustic guitars, bass, drums, fiddle, banjo, amps, microphones, computers, splitter vans and pens. Do you look at the band like a business or a passion? Passion, of course. But business needs to be taken care of. I don't know of any band that has survived on passion alone. Even Fugazi and Crass had to crunch the numbers and keep the sales invoices up to date, regardless of their admirable anarchist ethos. How do you create your promotional material?
At home on computer, via social networking sites, and with help from our record labels. I think we're long overdue for a return to old-fashioned modes of promotion: posters, flyers, newspaper interviews, word-ofmouth. The internet is turning us into a nation of clickers but not necessarily doers.
never existed and all our favourite bands had to struggle alone to stay afloat. What would be your dream gig?
One where I didn't sweat or lose my voice. We've had a few dream gigs actually: those amazing shows, big or small, where everything falls into place perfectly, certain festivals, What do you think about crowd- touring with Against Me! and funding websites to get your having Chuck Ragan sing music paid for? 'International Front' with us for a few nights. We don't think about it at all. There are too many other things Any other advice? to worry about. But it's a good idea in principle. Pledge seems If you want fame and riches, stick to offer something that fans and to robbing banks. And be sure bands can benefit from but it's to run the BNP, the EDL and the something we've never thought British Freedom Party out of your about doing. Again, we're pretty town. old-fashioned about these things. I guess it comes from growing up in an age when computers
Fighting Fiction’s Jacob Glew talks to Amaze Magazine. What style of music is your band? Loosely we would call it punk rock, I don't like it when bands think they are really hard to categorise, we wear our influences on our sleeves pretty proudly and there are elements of punk, rock, hardcore (a little) reggae, ska and folk. I think its important to take inspiration as much from your childhood heroes as your peers so we are always mixing different ideas and sounds into our music, from the bands we've looked up to since being kids to the bands we look up to we get to play with
regularly. What do you think of the current music scene?
signed?
Make a record ourselves that a great label were excited to put out. It was a long way to get to At an underground level its that point though, from writing vibrant but divided, bands fall our first songs to booking our to easily into their comfortable first tour; eventually getting to cliques and groups and seem the point of signing to Xtra Mile satisfied with playing to the same was something that took us crowds and keep their music years of hard work, discipline to their own little scene. It'd be and building relationships with more exciting to see a band's people; from bands to that bridge these gaps between promoters to DJs, our manager, audiences and build a scene and the guys at Xtra Mile. I firmly more inclusive and exciting for believe you can't really work everyone. seriously with anyone until you get the measure of them in what What did you have to do to get they care about and how hard
they work. That's something I think applies both sides of a label/artist relationship. Who are your favourite bands atm? As We Sink, our friends from Plymouth, a hard rocking melodic hardcore three piece with an emo'y tinge, for fans of Make do and Mend, A Wilhelm Scream and Rise Against. their new EP 'Ventures' is out on Moshtache Records now. Gnarwolves, our new friends in Brighton, another three piece, hardcore influenced hooky pop
punk for fans of Title Fight, Bangers, Latterman, and - I keep saying it though no one else seems to agree - Weezer. they're a more experimental and interesting than all of the above though, their songs hurtle then cruise then float then bounce! All the while held together seamlessly like a band plays as if they have been doing it for years when in reality they have been formed a mere six months maximum. Laden with hooks, attitude and references to Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World' (one of my favourite books) they are pretty much the most exciting band in the UK right now. Listen
Fighting Fiction
to their first release ‘Fun Club’ at their Bandcamp page, and get ready for their new release coming out on Tangled Talk Records hopefully sooner rather than later. Muncie Girls, Exeter based three piece, husky voiced female fronted hooky bittersweet, punk rock for people with a love of excellent use of simile and metaphor, ‘sometimes I feel a body lying next to me, like an amputee feels a phantom limb’ just, brilliant! one EP on their Bandcamp and available on cassette at gigs, another to come! hopefully soon.
What advice could you give to any aspiring band? Treat everyone you meet with respect, you never know where a chance encounter may lead or who in 5 years time may be one of your closest friends. How long does it take to record an ep? Depends on how fussy and rehearsed you are, recording doesn't usually take too long for us its the pernickety mixing and mastering after-bits that take the longest.
What equipment do you use? Reecording or playing? we like to use both analogue and digital recording equipment to achieve the best of both worlds, in terms of capture and manipulation, live we love cranked valve amplifiers and weighty sounding snares. We don't actively endorse any musical instrument brands really. Do you look at the band like a business or a passion? It’s a Passion, a labour of love for all of us, funded by our day jobs and taking up all of our time, that's not supposed to sound
like a compliant by the way, we love it, that's why we commit so hard. In the long term we hope to be able to make a living from our band, but there are plenty of ways to make money and I expect we'd do that faster and easier in a different industry or focusing on our day jobs as a career. How do you create your promotional material? Matt (guitar backing vox) does most of it, he's a photoshop wizard, a fantastic chap called Daniel Mackie does all our art work for releases. the album
cover is his creation it influenced us into making the record into a self titled. What do you think about crowdfunding websites to get your music paid for? I think its a good idea, but it doesn't eliminate the fact you have to get heard by those people who care enough to donate in the first place. What would be your dream gig? The best gigs for us are usually the ones we get to play with our
friends, if I could line up all the bands we've toured with and keep in touch with whenever we come to each others cities that'd be amazing. Any other advice? When touring, bring plenty of socks.
Introducing the brand new Mini-Mag service. Read the Mini-Mag’s by Sherlock’s Dead & Fikay Fashion and if you like what you see you can order one for the special price of just £49.99 for one month only.
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INTRODUCING
BIOGRAPHY MEMBERS:
HISTORY:
Maisie Brizzolara - vocals/guitar/synth
The band started in late 2010 and has had various members passing through before the present line up stuck.
Henry Louis Ogilvi Dabrowski - lead guitar Jakei 'Marmiyte' Marmot - Drums Alex Montgomerie-Corcoran-bass INFLUENCES: Influences Sonic Youth, Best Coast, The Horrors, The Cure, Ratatat, Bloc Party, My Bloody Valentine, The Clash, The Dandy Warhols, Nirvana, Wavves, Chapel Club, The Pixies, Blur, Crystal Castles, Stone Roses, Dandy Warhols, The Strokes...
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They have played shows at Stoke Newington Town Hall, Shoreditch Festival and have played regular shows at Bridgehouse too. The band have also just released their first self recorded EP Indigo Sea which is available through Band Camp.
CONTACT INFORMATION: http://sherlocksdead.tumblr.com/ http://twitter.com/sherlocksdead http://www.myspace.com/sherlocksdead http://www.sherlocksdead.bandcamp.com The band is currently available for booking and are looking forward to hearing from you soon.
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INTRODUCING
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FIKAY FASHION
INTRODUCING FIKAY FASHION
Fikay is an ethical fashion label for people who want to do life good, not just good but well, for those who want to Finish first fairly. We are so busy doing life, we often let moments of beauty pass us by, never noticing their true value. Its only when we look outside, ourselves and see the lives of others, that we can truly value our own lives. Fikay opens the windows of our hearts and eyes and brings us the untold stories of the world to our lives. Fikay connects us to something far, bigger and greater than our individual lives alone. Fikay brings unification through individuality, giving you snapshots of adventure, moments of inspiration, peace and calm. Fikays products have inspirational stories behind them that you can now carry on your shoulder, in your bag or in your pocket everywhere you go. Fikay not only enriches our lives but the lives of the unheard story tellers who make our products. Fikay is for people who want to do life well We are about successful living without screwing everyone over. We help provide education and healthcare in some of the poorest parts of Cambodia to the neediest families.
This mini-magazine has been created by CVN Media and will guide you through some of the great products on offer by Fikay Fashion, but remember there are plenty more to enjoy and purchase, ask a member of staff for more details. www.fikay.co.uk www.cvnmedia.co.uk
FIKAY FASHION COLOURS
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Men’s Sport Holdall 54x28x29 V005-RL Price: £27.99 Available to order online www.fikayfashion.co.uk This really cool bag is perfect for your surf gear, swim wear or as a travel bag. Here at Fikay we love to use it as a travel bag and also for skiing due to it’s water resistance and thoughtful mobile phone pocket inside.
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Ladies Fashion Clutch Purse W006-M Price: ÂŁ19.99 Available to order online www.fikayfashion.co.uk These ladies purses not only look fantastic, but they are also lined with specially selected ethically produced Cambodian silk/cotton. They come in a variety of colours and patterns too.
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Ac-125 Mums Bag with 2 bottle pockets on either side 43x32x10 £24.99 The mums bags is stylish, sleek and strong. It is the perfect family bag. The mums bag has two fast easy access bottle pockets at each end of the bag. The bag is big enough for a family pick nik,a beach kit, or even a gym bag for more active mums. The pockets could used for water bottles or what ever you like. We know you will love the mums bag, its been designed with busy women in mind just like you. SL016 Round side lady bag 38x25x14 £24.99 This sleek fashionable summer ladies bag Is sure to grab everyone’s attention. Its unique patterns and clever design is a great talking point for while shopping, out for dinner, at dance classes or in fact anywhere, maybe even the tube.
There are plenty more products in the Elephant Brand range to purchase and enjoy and remember that all Fikay products are unique and ethically hand made using recycled materials - no two are exactly the same and all are made with love.
Created by 5ways Media for Fikay Fashion Order your own Mini-Mag by visiting www.fivewaysjunction.co.uk
The Creative Pioneers! Get inspired by our special guests! By Tim Knight
Amaze Magazine is proud to present a selection of special interviews with industry professionals and celebrities who talk about their experiences in the hope we can inspire you to follow in their footsteps or learn from their pearls of wisdom. Find out what Tom really thinks of Lord Sugar, learn what is on offer at Channel 4, find out about the best new gaming community and how you can get involved, and much more including learning about Kickstarter and Bloom. The team at Amaze Magazine are very interested in hearing what you think about these interviews because if you like them we can source even more when the brand re-launches in August 2012 with our brand new name!
Illustration by Emma Wallis.
TOM PELLEREAU EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Tom Pellerau was the 2011 UK Apprentice Winner thanks to his inventive nature and since then has enjoyed a great career as Lord Sugar’s business partner with products such as his Stylfile idea which has won awards and been a huge success. He has agreed to give us an exclusive interview to ensure that others can benefit from his experiences.
What was it like to win the Apprentice? It was brilliant, just a dream come true. Since winning I’ve been busy working with Lord Sugar on the development of my product. It’s so exciting to walk into Sainsbury’s and see it on shelf, less than a year since I won the programme. How is Lord Sugar to work with/for? Working for Lord Sugar is a fantastic opportunity. He is a genius! He is insightful, has great experience and has helped to guide me in the right direction. What you see is most definitely what you get with Lord Sugar. Of course he can be a little demanding at times and he definitely keeps me in check, but that is all part of the experience
What was the process you used to come up with the Stylfile idea? One day, whilst watching my sister file her nails, I realised that using a ‘regular’ nail file seemed illogical, given that nails are naturally curved. Therefore, I decided to create a unique product that would make filing nails a much easier task, especially when filing your ‘other’/ non-dominant hand. My company, Aventom, is all about creating simple solutions to everyday problems, and the Stylfile is the perfect example of this. What are the drawbacks to being famous compared to the old days before the Apprentice?
None really. I very fortunate people are really nice to me when we meet. Sometimes it's a little funny watching people trying to subtly take a photo on their camera phone. What would you say to someone thinking of becoming an inventor? Become really good at watching and listening to people. It's not about what we say, more often than not what we don't say or do that matters. Possibly the biggest advice is to keep on pushing, it takes a long time to get a product to market, at least 3 years, sometimes 10 years! You have to be both impatient and very patient and concentrate on cash flow.
Have you ever had any disasters and how did you bounce back? Plenty. The week before a very big licensing pitch I discovered the key patent had failed. I had just 5 days to completely refocus the invention and find a hidden new invention. That was a tough week, however 5 days later the pitch was a massive hit and they loved my developed idea even more than the original. It's amazing what great things come out of disaster and pressure. How difficult did you find it to try and finance old products? And how has winning the Apprentice opened doors in terms of trying to look at funding for new projects? Finding funding for new inventions
is incredibly difficult. For my first project I knew my bank wouldn't lend me required capital I needed. But they were only too happy to lend me the cash to buy a car. I still don’t understand why borrowing money for a car is better than to start a business. However I simply pretended I needed the cash for a car, got the loan and bought an injection mould tool instead! Things are very different now for which I'm very grateful. You appeared with Darra a few times now, is he funny off camera? We want to interview him and Lord Sugar for future editions, do you fancy helping us contact them? (Always ask, you never know where it will lead?!)
Dara is incredibly funny off camera and one of the most intelligent people on this planet ! Not only is he a genius comedian and entertainer but he is also a Maths scholar. What do you have coming up? I have plenty of ideas up my sleeve! There are plenty of inventions that I would love to work on and have the opportunity to bring them to market like I have done with Stylfile. Watch this space for the time being and follow me on Twitter @inventor_Tom for all the latest news on my inventions!
A Blooming Revolution! Bloom VC (Venture Catalyst) provides alternative access to funding for startups, businesses, community projects and social enterprises. Bloom is the first crowdfunding platform of its kind in the UK, enabling anyone with an idea, anywhere in the world, to reach out and receive donations from across the globe, using their social networks. The platform was designed and created not only to offer fledgling entrepreneurs with a business idea the opportunity to secure start-up funds but to provide the necessary ongoing support to ensure the idea becomes a success. The brainchild of entrepreneur Amanda Boyle, portfolio entrepreneur, Bloom was born in 2011 after Boyle realised that securing funding to start or grow a business was becoming increasingly difficult for the seasoned entrepreneur, and that for a young person or someone starting a business for the first time, it must be well nigh impossible. She believed that startups and young entrepreneurs were being let down by the system, unable to start, or indeed grow, a business due to lack of available funding on fair and reasonable terms.
world, and decided to bring the model to the UK.
Boyle became passionate about finding a way to solve the problem, not just for business but for social enterprises as well. She discovered the American crowdfunding platform Kickstarter, now the most successful in the
Created to offer fledgling entrepreneurs with a business idea the opportunity to secure start-up funds, Bloom also provides ongoing support to ensure the idea becomes a success.
“There is enormous competition for funding from banks and private equity for early stage startup companies and for budding entrepreneurs to initially seed their business concepts,” says Boyle. “There is an urgent need to provide a new source of funding to meet this demand. “Individuals and early stage startups have always sought support from family and friends. The explosion of social media has simply extended their reach.”
What makes Bloom unique on a global scale is that it offers the same opportunity to community projects, third sector organisations and social enterprises. The Bloom reward model enables individuals or startups to create an online elevator pitch for their idea, detailing what it is, why it’s important, how much money is needed and for what. Using video and images to create a compelling story and offering exciting and attractive treats in return for donations, the pitch is uploaded onto the crowdfunding platform, where the project owners share it with their social networks both online, using Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, and offline among friends, family, neighbours and colleagues. But it’s all or nothing; if project
owners don’t reach their target by the deadline (30,45 or 60 days) they don’t get a penny, and the donors don’t pay. It’s important to note that in the reward model, there is no investment and it isn’t a loan project owners retain 100 per cent of their business and don’t have to repay any money. While still in the beta (site testing) stage, Bloom successfully funded a movie project – Wake Up Call – and since coming out of beta in early April has funded more. In addition to the projects live on the platform – games, film, Internet TV, jewellery - there are more than 50 new projects in the pipeline, ranging from technology to games, apps, cosmetics, music and another two movies.
How it Works A great idea needs nurturing. It needs cultivating and supporting, it needs loving care and attention. A great idea needs to flourish. But great ideas often get left wilting in the shade because there’s no money to support the nurturing and growing process, and limited support for growth. Crowdfunding allows great ideas to bloom. It’s an inclusive way for anyone with an idea to reach out for financial support without having to give up equity or control of his or her business. It’s not a loan, so it doesn’t need to be paid back, and it’s not an investment so you’re not selling shares. You simply describe your idea – which can be for anything, such as a business startup, a product
prototype, a theatre or film production, a social enterprise or fundraising for a local community project - explain how much money you need, what you’ll do with the money, and what you’re offering as a reward for those who promise to help you, then reach out to the crowd and ask. There are three steps but each takes time and effort. You need to spend time planning your project before you launch it, reaching out to your networks before you launch, and then repeat steps two and three, keeping in touch with everyone with regular updates, throughout the duration of your campaign and beyond.
STEP 1
STEP 2
STEP 3
POST YOUR PROJECT
ASK FOR SUPPORT
SPREAD THE WORD
FACE TO FACE
DIRECT
EMAIL MOBILE WIDGETS
INDIRECT YOUR PAGE ON WWW.BLOOMVC.COM
FACEBOOK SOCIAL NETWORKS
Winning examples Student Kev Pickering became the first person in Scotland to successfully crowdfund a project. He reached his target to fund his new movie, Wake Up Call, in just four days, but went on to raise 46 per cent more than his target by the end of the 30-day crowdfunding campaign. A student at Edinburgh College of Arts, Pickering is passionate about film. Wake Up Call is a loose sequel to his first short film, Wake Me Up, 2002, a characterdriven short crime film, based in the Edinburgh underworld. Says Pickering: “Approaching the tenth anniversary of that film seemed like a good time to re-visit some old characters to see where they are now and how they’ve grown, or not.” The film follows the characters of Mr Fraser, an ageing gangster and Duncan, an up–and-coming criminal, and what happens when their paths cross. It is an observation of modern violent culture and the mindless brutality that surrounds it. “I want to treat the subject matter with respect, being honest and
not glamourising a criminal lifestyle,” says Pickering. “We didn’t need a huge amount of money, but I want to take the film to the level it deserves and do justice to the idea.
destined to win from outset.
This is a very important and exciting project for me.”
“Wake Up Call was a great film script told well, and Kev put the effort in to make his crowdfunding campaign a success. He reached out to his friends and family first to ask for their support and he created a series of exciting rewards. Who wouldn’t want to be credited as Executive Producer on a film?
As a student at Edinburgh College of Art, money is tight and when Pickering came across Bloom online it gave him the opportunity to raise the money he needed while raising awareness of his film to the widest audience possible. Kev explains in his crowdfunding pitch why this film is so important to him, and he details what he plans to spend the money on; expenses, make-up effects, costumes, catering, music rights, transport, locations, equipment hire and film festival entry fees. His quick win is down to a number of key factors: he told a good story, showed a great promo video, and he reached out to his friends and family first to ask for their support. Add to that a series of compelling rewards – donors could choose to go to a movie premiere or have their name on the credits as Executive Producer – and this project was one
Bloom CEO Amanda Boyle said Pickering’s project was a perfect example of how to pitch and run a crowdfunding campaign.
“Kev made the connections, put the effort in and reaped the rewards. This project was one destined to win from the outset.” Pickering said: “Crowdfunding has been brilliant for me. Raising money for a student film is not easy and asking friends and family for money is never easy either, so being able to point friends and family to a page where they can easily read about the project and see what their money will be used for was really helpful. “I will definitely crowdfund my next film.”
Michelle Rodger, journalist, entrepreneur, co-founder and COO of Bloom
Amanda Boyle, portfolio entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Bloom Amanda has vast experience in dealing with startup companies, business growth and entrepreneurs; her experience to date includes being the co-founder of Caledonia Contracts Limited, one of the UK’s leading fit out contractors for retail shops, former winner of the Female Director of the Year at the prestigious Institute of Directors Scotland awards and chairperson of Scottish Enterprise Tayside. This career path, and the connections and experiences gained along the way, has given Amanda invaluable insight and education, which has led to Bloom – Amanda’s goal to provide potential entrepreneurs with the chance to not only raise the money they need, but to stick with them and help them succeed through the collated expertise and networks brought together as Bloom.
Co-founder of an award winning tech company in the ‘90s, Michelle now uses the knowledge and experience this gave her to deliver guest lectures in entrepreneurship at various universities as well as talks on entrepreneurship, social media, communications and crowdfunding at numerous corporate events throughout the country. As founder and Top Cat at Tartan Cat Communications she delivers business, communications and social media strategies to dynamic, growth businesses and also writes a weekly business column for one of the country’s leading national newspapers. At Bloom Michelle is Chief Communications Officer, working with project owners to help them create successful campaigns and spreading the word about crowdfunding at events, exhibitions, workshops and startup clinics. She is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and helping them create successful businesses of scale and ambition.
MIKE BAGGZ EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Describe your music to us? My music describes my struggle, my ups and my downs, my music describes many different lifestyles and many different adventures, and my music can also describe stories many can relate too, for example if you Google: [Mike Baggz- Love Me or Hate Me] I touch on varies issues yet unspoken many people deal with in there relationships on a regular basis. Growing up I was influenced by Jay-z and Nas whose story telling abilities inspired me. What equipment do you use? Like most professionals I use pro-tools which is great, but for my personal sessions I use mixcraft which is better for me when I do my personal sessions because it give me more control over the overall outcome of my project. When you have photos taken for your promotional material, how do you go about it? I hit up the best graphic designer I know of which right now is Mark Anthony of macpco.com and send him all the material and info he needs to make a masterpiece. A lot of artists use contraversial lyrics in their music, and there is a growing movement of people stating that it can affect the people that listen to it in terms of their attitude and
lifestyle choices? What is your view on this? I feel music is the most powerful weapon on earth, music can make you laugh, cry, love, hate, reminisce , lust, indulge ect. music touches every emotion depending on what you listen to too, so depending on a persons guidance and mind state music can effect there lifestyle. The N word is often used in musical tracks by hip-hop music, but technically it is a racist term, why do you feel it is acceptable in music to use the word, do you feel it is still a 'racist' term, or is it more socially acceptable to use it? The N word is a racist term depending on how you use it, and depending on who uses it, the N word doesn't have the same power it did have 30 or so years ago, I use it in my music all the time, but coming up where I came up at (NYC) its a word that really has no power to it negatively, if you use it in a racist way you'll just sound ignorant. but words always change meaning as time goes on, for example the word GAY was a positive word and through time it became a negative term use to classify a certain group of people. What advice would you give to others about trying to break into the industry?
Invest time in yourself , and don't let nobody tell you, you can't accomplish anything, success is measured by how much effort is put in to achieving it. What has been your biggest success so far? Everyday is a new success for me, by the time someone reads this interview I would already have reached something new in my career, not even to sound boastful or too proud but working hard pays off, if you checkout www.MIKEBAGGZ.com it will update you on everything as i do it. What do you think of platforms like Kickstarter.com have you ever considered using them? I actually did my research on them and as soon as I develop a basic understanding of the site i will sign up, but from what I've seen it looks like a great opportunity for artist like me. hopefully i can get a project on there and see where it goes. What are your plans for the future? I plan to be successful and live life to the fullest and provide my audience with great music and great projects. For anybody who wants to work with me artist, directors, producers ect... email me: BookingMikeBaggz@gmail.com or go to www.MIKEBAGGZ.com
Since launching in April 2009: $200 million pledged to projects 1.8 million people have backed a project 20,000 projects successfully funded
At this very second, thousands of people are checking out projects on Kickstarter. They're rallying around their friends' ideas, backing projects from people they've long admired, and discovering things that make them laugh and smile. Every project is independently crafted, put to all-or-nothing funding, and supported by friends, fans, and the public in return for rewards. The filmmakers, musicians, artists, and designers you see on Kickstarter have complete control and responsibility over their own projects. They spend weeks building their own project pages, shooting their own videos, and brainstorming what to offer as rewards. Rewards are things like a copy of what’s being made, a limited edition, or a custom experience related to the project. This isn’t Best Buy – rewards aren’t shrink-wrapped and ready to ship. Once the project is funded, the journey to bring them to life begins.
Every project creator sets their project’s funding goal and deadline. If the project succeeds in reaching its funding goal all backers’ credit cards are charged when time expires. If the project falls short no one is charged. Since our launch in April 2009, more than 20,000 creative projects have been successfully funded by awesome people from around the world. But Kickstarter is about much more than money... People come to Kickstarter to build community around their projects. It’s inspiring to be supported by people you know, and amazing to connect with strangers who are discovering your ideas for the first time. The feedback, press, and love that can come with a Kickstarter project are just as valuable as the money raised. Ask anyone who’s done it before. There’s nothing like it.
COLIN CAMPBELL-AUSTIN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Colin Campbell-Austin is the Channel 4 People Development Manager and he has agreed to give us an interview about the different avenues you can explore with Channel 4 too enhance your career and become ‘the next big thing’. Don’t forget you can read our previous editions of Amaze Magazine to see even more great interviews about careers in the television industry. Tell us a bit about Channel 4? Channel 4 is a unique organisation: a public service broadcaster with a distinctive creative remit, funded within the marketplace, existing to provide a range of distinctive, challenging and thought provoking content. Our network of channels is available on all digital platforms. Our portfolio includes Channel 4 and E4 (which are also available in HD)More4, Film4, 4Music and soon 4Seven. Channel 4 has used interactive platforms to help extend the depth and impact of its programming output for more than a decade which includes channel4.com, E4.com, 4oD (our bespoke video-on-demand service for current and archive content) and a large social media presence. As a publisher-broadcaster, Channel 4 is required to commission UK content from the independent production sector. We are a major investor in the UK's creative economy, working
with around 300 creative companies from across the UK every year and investing significantly in training and talent development throughout the industry. What is your role at Channel 4? I’m the People Development Manager and I am responsible for ensuring that we make the most of the fantastic people that we have at the Channel in terms of their personal development. The team also manages a number of Channel 4 schemes including the Production Trainee Scheme which is aimed at people interested in developing their media career and networking opportunities for potential future employees. Channel 4 has a reputation for championing diversity. How does this extend to its recruitment? We pride ourselves on the wide range of passionate and talented people that we employ. It’s well
known that a diverse workforce promotes creativity, which for us is the life blood of what we do. We strongly believe that our creative thinking both on and off screen is significantly better by embracing diversity in its widest sense. By attracting people from all backgrounds and walks of life, we have created an environment in which everyone feels free to be who they are at work. Diversity of thought and opinion helps us to innovate, be distinctive and encourage people to think in different ways. Can you give us an idea of the range of vacancies within an organisation such as Channel 4? Within the creative arena, roles range from Commissioning Editors to the Head Film Development. However, Channel 4 is a business, so just like any other company we have departments including Human Resources, Sales, IT and Finance. If you want to be an accountant or sales exec, we
have a place for you here at Channel 4.
is a security pass with your name on it. Plus you get paid!
You mentioned that the organisation runs schemes for people interested in developing their media career. Can you tell us a little about these schemes?
Apprenticeships – We’re looking for people who want to learn on the job and develop the skills and knowledge to get ahead in the creative industries all whilst getting paid. Our apprenticeships are an excellent way of gaining both a NVQ Level 2 and/or Level 3 qualification and workplace experience.
Production Trainee Scheme – Want a career in the media, but not sure how to get your foot in the door? This scheme, which celebrates its 10 year anniversary this year, is open anyone of any age from any background who is passionate about television. This year trainees will be placed in production companies in London, Cardiff, Glasgow and Belfast. The roles are fully paid; receive full time mentoring, and training at Channel 4. Internships – You’ll spend the best 12 months of your life working in one specific area of Channel 4. A mix of office and production-based internships are up for grabs. Whatever your media ambitions might be, there
Investigative Journalism Scheme – This scheme is open to people with at least 2 years’ experience in journalism that are ready to move on to the next stage of their career. Positions are in London, Manchester and Glasgow based production companies who work on our award winning investigative current affairs programme Dispatches. 4Screenwriting – Every year we look for 12 talented, original and diverse writers who currently have no broadcast credit but wish to write for television drama. The
course is designed so that writers should be able to take part even if in full-time employment. Writers will be paid a small fee for attending the course. Coming Up – Russell Tovey, Ashley Walters and Yasmin Paige are amongst the actors starring in Channel 4's Coming Up 2012 - the annual talent initiative which offers up-and-coming writers and directors the unique opportunity to showcase their work on national TV. For anyone interested in Channel 4 schemes, what's the next step? Check out channel4.com, follow the team on Twitter and join our Facebook and Linkedin pages. To keep up to date with opportunities as they arise. Twitter: @ColinC4People, @DianeC4People, @SimonC4People, @EvaC4People, @ShelleyC4People
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Check out our 4 Talent on and off screen
Want to further your media career?
want to go in the media industry, start here.
proframmes, which give you the opportunity to
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gain credits as directors, writers and producers for Channel 4
GAMING FOR THE NEXT GENERATION Angel Munoz is known for being one of the founding fathers of professional gaming, i.e. e-sports. He also launched one of the first videogame websites back in 1995. After selling his gaming venture to a Singaporean company and taking a few years to rest, he’s recently returned to video games with a new mission: build an online global community just for gamers. His popular ‘Mass Luminosity’ Facebook page grows by over 1,000 new fans a day, and his new social network, ‘Gaming Tribe’ (currently in beta testing) has over 16,000 gamers as members. Can you explain a little about your career so far? I’ve done a bit of everything, worked at restaurants and hotels for a few years, was a stockbroker and investment banker for ten years, owned an art gallery, but it wasn’t until I joined the video game industry that I truly felt my creativity had found full expression. This industry is full of forward thinkers who appreciate new ideas and support daring new projects. I’ve been fortunate to be at the launching pad for a couple of great concepts in our industry, and believe there are a lot more opportunities for success. At our new company, Mass Luminosity, I’ve surrounded myself with a phenomenal team of professionals, and we are proposing that the time for niche social-media networks has arrived. Our initial project is Gaming Tribe, the world’s first massive social network for gamers. What has been your career highlight to date? I am enjoying the process of building Mass Luminosity more than anything I have ever done in the past. I really don’t dwell much in the past. For me, there’s only ‘now and next.’ I definitely enjoy being part of a team that can build new ventures from the ground up. The risk, uncertainty, and stress associated with start-ups are exhilarating. It’s kind of hard to explain, but, in essence, I’m energized by the adrenaline rush of being part of a team that dares to take chances based on our own vision and strategy.
What would you say to any budding stars looking to follow in your footsteps?
When it comes to working with larger organizations what tips can you give to people?
I would say: don’t! Choose your own path, trust your own instinct, and follow your own dream. There’s only one person who can help you achieve your full potential, and that’s you. Leave your own mark on the world. Don’t dwell in the shadows of others. And beyond anything else, do not measure life through the narrow view of success versus failure, as there is no failure in life - only lessons.
It’s crucial to understand the corporate culture of a large company before attempting to provide them with solutions. I have found that many large companies like being part of exciting new projects, but they also value clear and honest communication beyond anything else. If you are wrong, admit it quickly, but if you believe you are right, be prepared to defend it with passion, conviction, and knowledge. Once you are on their budget, and they see progress and benefit, they will be your partners for years to come.
What is your day-to-day like?
How do you build a powerful community like yours?
Extremely busy! We are a small team and we all wear multiple hats, therefore our days are packed with diverse activities. We seriously take multitasking to an entire new level. Let’s see... we manage social branding and promotions for large corporations. We have an active Facebook page (facebook.com/MassLuminosity) that has literally exploded in popularity.
Start by communicating at the same level and to the interest of your audience. Do not simply disseminate information, but engage your audience by soliciting constant and personal interactive communication.
We are building our own social network for gamers called Gaming Tribe (www.gamingtribe.com), and we manage online rebranding for smaller corporations. Not sure how we get it all done but somehow we do. The pace is intense, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Also, eliminate your corporate hierarchy during online interactions. Matt Fornito, Graduate Teaching Assistant at Virginia Tech, had this to say about Mass Luminosity “Consumers have essentially become part of the Mass Luminosity organizational structure, which seems both flat (non-hierarchical) and open to communication (both giving and receiving).” His analysis sums it up pretty well.
Can you explain more about Gaming Tribe? Gaming Tribe is a social media experience for hardcore gamers and technology enthusiasts. It’s currently in early beta testing. At its very essence, it’s our response to the current diaspora of video gamers, and the vast fragmentation of video game culture. We believe gamers worldwide need a home, and we intend to build it. What do you think about gaming platforms like Xbox and PS3’s compared to PC’s?
A current generation gaming PC is the absolute pinnacle of gaming experiences. Immediate. In your face, and powerful. Xbox and PS3 need a serious reboot; it’s become old technology. What can someone do to get more involved with Mass Luminosity? Joining our community is as simple as liking us on Facebook (facebook.com/MassLuminosity), signing up for Gaming Tribe (www. gamingtribe.com) and following us on Twitter (twitter.com/MassLuminosity), but those are just the entry points to a vibrant and engaged community. As a member of
our community, you will have the opportunity to connect with fellow gaming enthusiasts around the world, view and upload photos of your gaming rig, design your own Mass Luminosity and Gaming Tribe wallpapers to be featured in our gallery, and, of course, register for our global giveaways and promotions, sponsored by our partners AMD Gaming, Cooler Master, ORIGIN PC, Patriot Memory and others. We are also working on some exciting new initiatives that we will be announcing soon!
LEARN ABOUT VIRGIN MEDIA PIONEERS!
About Virgin Media Pioneers
By: Erica 2 years ago
Click the video to watch! Posted in the Meet the Experts channel About this video:
Find out how you can get involved in the Virgn Media Pioneers website! Share this video
Tim Knight was made the May 2012 Virgin Media Pioneer of the Week on the Virgin Media Pioneer’s website and to celebrate he wants to highlight some of the other pioneers to inspire you!
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On the 16th May Studiopops CIC & Trading was awarded the Social Enterprise Mark which is a mark that highlights the great work produced and the commitment to improving people’s lives and the planet that Social Enterprise Companies have. It requires a company to work to a high standard and it recognises those companies for the effort they put into supporting our people and planet.
I then looked into Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the meaning of it, armed with this new found knowledge and my desire to support people and create great ideas. I developed a range of services that I could approach companies with that supported them in delivering projects that helped to further develop relationships with the communities they all served. After a lot of “firmly” closed doors, I managed to engage with some great companies that wanted to give something back = this was the start of Studiopops CIC & Trading. So what type of services do Studiopops offer?
We caught up with Wesley, founding Director of Studiopops, to find out more about his organisation. So Wesley, how did it all start? I started out running my own projects with partner organisations from the public sector as a freelance project coordinator. During this time, I initiated and managed about nine projects that supported young people in gaining employment, training and generally improving their social skills. I can remember one specific project that I think changed my thinking about the services I offered. The particular project that I am referring to was called ‘Music Works Plus’ and was run in collaboration with the NHS and myself. I managed to secure funding through The University of Birmingham with support from my partner organisation. The course offered 10 young people with living experience of mental health issues, in Birmingham, the chance to attend the University of Birmingham on a 6 week course which allowed them to produce and perform their own music using the latest technology and by visiting some excellent organisations across Birmingham. We had the Birmingham Mail newspaper down to report on what we were doing and to help with promoting our work, and got other Film/media companies in to spread the word. We had professional artists and radio stations such as Galaxy FM and music studios including Rich Bitch all offering support to further develop the learning. This made me think “if all these organisations actively want to be involved in this project without charging me, then why? “ I was used to businesses charging for services!
Well, we offer Advice & Guidance and Project Creation and Implementation. We provide training in CSR and conduct research on behalf of our clients. We love creating and will try ideas that most would consider bold and daring, but we’ve not got it wrong yet! And what can we look out for in the near future? We have an application for funding in at the moment, that if successful, will see the development of a great innovation and bold move that aims to tackle stigma related to mental health issues. Also, we are providing consultancy services to a business in Birmingham that is keen on developing a state of the art private academy. We have the launch of our very own podcast that is aimed at providing people with the skills to obtain work, improve their social skills and plenty more. It’s pretty much all go at the moment, but our door is always open to new opportunities from businesses nationwide. Examples of our work can be viewed on our website. http://www.Studiopops.com Finally Wesley, what’s your twitter name? Ha, Albert_WT (AlbertunderscoreWT) Thank you for taking the time to speak to us Wesley and we’ll keep our eyes open for exciting future projects from your company!
INTRODUCING FIKAY FASHION
Fikay is an ethical fashion label for people who want to do life good, not just good but well, for those who want to Finish first fairly. We are so busy doing life, we often let moments of beauty pass us by, never noticing their true value. Its only when we look outside, ourselves and see the lives of others, that we can truly value our own lives. Fikay opens the windows of our hearts and eyes and brings us the untold stories of the world to our lives. Fikay connects us to something far, bigger and greater than our individual lives alone. Fikay brings unification through individuality, giving you snapshots of adventure, moments of inspiration, peace and calm. Fikays products have inspirational stories behind them that you can now carry on your shoulder, in your bag or in your pocket everywhere you go. Fikay not only enriches our lives but the lives of the unheard story tellers who make our products. Fikay is for people who want to do life well We are about successful living without screwing everyone over. We help provide education and healthcare in some of the poorest parts of Cambodia to the neediest families.
Aaron is the founder of Fikay Fashion and is a perfect example of how you can use your creative talents to do much more then just design a nice logo, or create a decent video. Aaron has taken the initiative and used his creative mind to solve a problem that needed to be addressed, and thanks to this he has reaped the rewards of doing such good work. You can support Aaron by purchasing his products and helping him to develop his business even further, visit his website - www.fikay.co.uk. Whilst you are at it why not join Virgin Media Pioneers and showcase your talents to the world? Visit www.virginmediapioneers.com
Fast 5 Interview: Yakes Dawriter!
Tell us a little about yourself?!
I'm a musical theatre writer/producer. Studied musical composition at Middlesex Uni whilst writing musicals which played at Theatre 503 & Jermayn Street theatre. Currently EDEM the musical is playing at the Spring in Vauxhall until the 3rd of September. Tell us about your theatre production EDEM is bassed on a mythical kingdom deep in the rainforest where locals say, in the beginning two humans once lived but were banished. The Creator seeing how gracious the trees were decided not to destroy the Earth but to make his trees in his own image, They begged for forgiveness but the Creator declined Adam in anger but took pity on Eve. The Creator offered Eve an alternative, sacrifice her humanity and become one with the world of Edem or follow Adam to eternal exile. Eve chose to re-enter the Kingdom and so became Emem – mother earth. And so the world of Edem was created with Edem being the natural source to life on earth. However this world is in grave danger, as the oils spills are destroying its very infrastructure. The prophecy of the Son of Adam returning to save the kingdom comes to light as Andrew; the son of an oil rig owner get lost in the rainforest and finds his way at Edem's doorstep. As the oils destruction spreads Andrew accepts his calling and has to return to earth and to stop the drilling. What has been your biggest challenge so far? Working with no budget what so ever, having to beg borrow and acquire things from all sorts of places. What help do you need? We could do with a lot more promotion and letting the public know we're showing.
What has been the best part of the experiencs so far?
Seeing the production come to life from me fiddling about on the piano to full chorus numbers is an amazing experience for any writer. Tell us about the others involved in the production? We have a cast of 13 working hard week in week out performing for the audience. behind we have out costume designer who composed all the costumes form recycled materials and bags. Also we have our light and sound designers as well as the PR team working during the week to push the musical and organize events/showcases. What does the story mean to you? The theme of the story is sung in the opening number " there comes a time in our lifes where we must walk alone and leave our footprints in the earth for other to see" and I feel at no matter what age you are there will come that point where every action you chose to take will of course have a consequence and so its about choosing not only what is right for yourself at any one given time; but to also this of others who will be following shortly behind. What else are you doing? I'm also currently directing a web-series called the Unfamous bassed on the online book the Unfamous which had over 87,000 reads. What do you think about Virgin Media Pioneers? VMP is a wonderful network to be apart of but like any thing in life you need know how to use it - and its simple, talk to me people. There's a wealth of knowledge/experience and people who are in the same position waiting to collaborate.
Aileen Wiswell from the Newton-le-Wil ows Amateur Dramatics and Operatic Society (NADOS) speaks to Amaze Magazine. Can you give an overview of some of your different activities that you have completed to bring our readers up to date on what you offer? We assisted 2 groups to bring children over from Chernobyl. We were challenged to entertain them over a month free of charge. We organised a party in the park with traditional games – rounders, egg & spoon and a treasure hunt. We bag packed at Sainsburys to raise funds, invited them to a rehearsal and threw a party afterwards. We provided each child (thanks to Boots the chemist who allowed us to raise funds with them) a set of toiletries and we collected new clothes for each child. In addition friends of mine ( who own sweets shops in Wales) provided each child with sweets. Another friend helped us to get the children to free concerts at the Halle in Manchester and I managed to get them days in our local school where they were introduced to drama, performing arts and arts & crafts. We then presented each group with a cheque to assist them in 2012.
In addition to this we work with local schools to provided them with costumes and sound equipment free of charge for their productions. You have recently won some awards at the Blackpool NODA can you tell our readers what it was like to be rewarded for your efforts and how it has impacted on your future productions? We were delighted to win best musical review for our production “40 years and beyond” – celebrating what the society has done in the last 40 years and what we may do in the future and the Outstanding Achievement award - the first North West NODA award for recognition of our charity work. We were very humbled and it certainly gave us the desire to do more and do better in the community especially for those children less fortunate than our own. What advice would you give to other amateur dramatic groups that are perhaps just forming or looking to step up
their productions a little?
effort and without everyone encouraging each other it Run your group like a business wouldn’t happen. All our group and remember you may be was involved from the 7yr old to amateur but your productions the old timers like me. It must be professional. If people invigorated us and certainly pay to see a good performance made us aware of just how lucky that’s what they should get. Don’t we are to live in a country where be frightened to watch other the air is safe to breath. Also we amateur groups and steal their realised that we can do more so ideas with pride – always tell we’ve set ourselves the them why you thought their ideas challenge for 2012. are great and that you will steal them – they are usually very Who has inspired you to be so flattered. successful?
raise money. I basically have no shame when it comes to asking for something for nothing so we can continue to produce shows for the public and provide support to charity groups. I also volunteer for Macmillan and most charities if asked will help support another’s event if they can share some of the profits or get some well needed publicity.
What would you tell them to avoid doing?
I find most of my friends to be inspirational – if I had to name one person it would be my mum – she always said “do your best” and encouraged us to make a difference - if everyone just did one thing differently it would soon add up to a major change.
We ask for suggestions from the membership and then at the AGM each year we ask them to vote.
How do you fund your group, what advice would you give to people looking at ways to raise funding?
Check some other group in a local town is not putting the show on at the same time as you – as you will lose seats. Check your licences carefully to ensure a professional group has not applied for it at the same time- you won’t get a license if they have. Don’t be insular - go watch other groups – it’s a good way to
Using old productions – go for known shows but with new scripts. Encourage your children to get involved – it’s a great experience for them and it guarantees “bums on seats” for you. How does it feel to win an award for your charitable contributions? Can you explain what you did in more detail? It was amazing – certainly in terms of Chernobyl - it’s a team
We apply for grants, approach companies to sponsor us, ask companies to provide gifts for raffle prizes, hold quiz and race nights and social events to
How do you choose the productions you become involved in?
What would you tell people to avoid when looking at what productions to do?
network; see other directors interpretation of the piece and think about how you could produce it. Don’t pick vague shows if you need money - do traditional pantomimes – anything with a princess in will guarantee lots of little girls attending. Involve your junior members – “bums on seats” as aunts/uncles and grandparents will come and watch. Most importantly don’t be frightened to try. Any other advice? It’s great fun and it gives the junior members lots of confidence - I feel very proud to be Chair of NADOS (Newtonle-Willows Amateur Dramatics & Operatic society) and hope we can continue to provide good professional shows that the public want to watch. NADOS was built on the shoulders of giants. One such giant was our late chair John Barham. Our continued success is seen as the continuation of all the hard work and love he put into NADOS.
Artistic flair? Read this! You should
Will’s Art Warehouse were happy to pass on their tips for students & creative types when we had a little chat to them about their work. It’s amazing how just a small statement could potentially change someones future.
“For students wishing to enter into the art world - strive to understand what area’s you want to aim for; marketing, design, gallery management etc.” What advice would you give to students? For students wishing to enter into the art world strive to understand what area you want to aim for; marketing, design, gallery management etc. Your creativity is unique to you yet subjective to others so use challenges and criticism to tune your practice but maintain the creative flair that is true to you.
Inspiration can be drawn from all aspects of life, so ensure you keep an open mind and be fearless of trying something new or explore the use of different mediums. Seek out new experiences and learn new techniques through work experience or mentor programmes.
As a thank you for their advice Amaze Magazine wants to let you know a little more about Will’s Art Warehouse so we contacted the owner to ask them a few questions about their business. Who are you?
The gallery is open seven days a week and we have thematic Wills Art Warehouse - a exhibitions that change every contemporary art gallery that start- six weeks. We also maintain a ed the Affordable Art Fair; now changing collection of artworks in the biggest art fair in the world. our storeroom, print browsers and Both were founded by William on our website. Ramsey. We have revolutionised the way What do you do? art is sold by making it more accessible, approachable and Will's Art Warehouse exhibits a affordable. changing collection of affordable, original, accessible artwork from We offer a wide range of ways in over 75 artists which people can own art. We like to be accommodating and
understand what suits our customers best. We offer instalment plans, gift vouchers, wedding lists, work on approval and art consultancy. What sets you apart from other galleries? Will’s Art Warehouse was founded by Will Ramsay in 1996. He realised the need for a gallery that makes art more: Affordable- All our artworks are priced under £4,000. We have a
large selection in particular, priced between £40 and £4,000. Friendly - We do not hassle or hard sell to our customers. All visitors are welcome to browse and explore our collection in peace. We are on hand to answer any questions or to chat about what you might be looking for. Diverse-Will wanted his gallery to be ‘The Oddbins of the Art World’. Our diverse and intriguing collection enables the chance
for anyone to wander in and find something to fall for and take away. Whats your current exhibition about? Our much loved current exhibition is ‘Four Legs Good’ and shows artwork of animals and wildlife from a collection of our artists inspired by the natural world. ‘Four Legs Good’ is open until the 23rd of May but the artwork can also be viewed online at www.wills-art.com.
In this exhibition you can expect to find the humorous but lovable mono-prints by Adam Oliver, the exquisite but powerful oil paintings by Joanne Cope, and also the lifelike bronze sculptures by Clare Trenchard among a variety of other artists. If you have a love for animals and wildlife this exhibition is for you. Please visit our website or pop into our gallery on Lower Richmond Road and if you have any interest in the artworks do not hesitate to contact us
David Whitehead Presents:
David Whitehead introduces the Sight & Sound Top Ten from 2002 and reflects on what it has to offer for the modern cinema goer. 2002 Sight and Sound Top Ten 1) Citizen Kane (1941) 2) Vertigo (1958) 3) La Regle du jeu (1939) 4) The Godfather & The Godfather Part II (1972 & 1974) 5) Tokyo Story (1953) 6) 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) =7) Battleship Potemkin (1925) =7) Sunrise (1927) 9) 8 ½ (1963) 10) Singin’ in the Rain (1952) This summer, something
momentous is happening in the world of film. For the first time in ten years Sight and Sound Magazine will publish the results of its critics' poll otherwise known as The Ten Greatest Films of All Time. The first Sight & Sound poll took place in 1952, when the world’s leading critics were asked to compile a list of the best films ever made. Bicycle Thieves (1948) by Italian director Vittorio De Sica was declared the greatest of all. The magazine has repeated the poll every ten years
since and each time Citizen Kane has taken top spot. For 50 years Sight and Sound has told the world that Orson Welles’ directorial debut is the finest film ever produced. The 2002 poll was the biggest yet with 145 critics, writers and academics from across the world contributing. Citizen Kane beat Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo by just five votes. Film aficionados everywhere are eagerly awaiting the 2012 Top Ten and the possibility of a new number one. This is one movie list which has
real impact.
10. Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
watch.
But beyond the headlines and history books, is the Sight and Sound Top Ten - which currently includes nothing produced after 1974 - relevant to ordinary film fans? Is it a must-see list or just an intellectual curiosity? Over the next few months we’re going to look at the 2002 Top Ten and and see what it has to offer a modern audience.
The only musical and perhaps the most popular film on the list. Generation after generation have fallen in love with Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen’s feel-good classic and deservedly so.
For all its brilliance Singin’ in the Rain is far from the perfect movie and regularly feels like a collection of scenes rather than a coherent whole. Fortunately, any flaws are completely overridden by the pure genius of its lead actor, choreographer and co-director, Gene Kelly.
We begin with the first four films on the list.
The script about two rival movie stars trying to survive the move to talking pictures superbly captures the comic reality of that famously difficult transition. Combined with several of the 20th Century’s most iconic musical numbers, it’s a joyous
Verdict: Woody Allen once said that Singin’ in the Rain would be as fresh in 500 years as it was on the day it was released. He might just be right.
7. Battleship Potemkin (1925)
9. 8 ½ (1963) Italian director Federico Fellini’s self-referential film is about the filmmaking process itself. Marcello Mastroianni plays an acclaimed, visionary director who gets lost in fantasy and memory whilst trying to craft his next masterpiece. It’s not surprising that the only group
who like 8 ½ more than the critics are directors. The film explores the tensions between art and industry, between real life and creative work. It’s a picture full of style, beauty, humour and intelligence. It’s also ponderous, indulgent and distancing. The characters are so loaded with symbolism
and ambiguity that it’s impossible to care about them. 8 ½ offers an intellectual rather than emotional experience. Verdict: This film is close to a piece of art and so is far more demanding than your average film. Your average film fan, however, won’t get back what they put in.
Sergei Eisenstein’s Soviet propaganda film is the oldest film on the list. This silent film dramatises the mutiny which occurred on the Russian battleship Potemkin in 1905. Eisenstein manipulatively pits a pure working class against the uncaring ruling elite. World politics may have changed a lot since 1925 but the underlying message about class and inequality still resonates today. Beyond the politics Battleship Potemkin is simply an outstanding action film. The groundbreaking quick-cut editing, use of violence and unforgettable sequence on the steps of Odessa continue to influence filmmakers today. Made with considerable help from the Soviet Navy, the visuals are so strong that words are completely unnecessary. Verdict: Forceful, efficient and provocative, Battleship Potemkin retains its power almost 90 years on. A perfect first silent film.
7. Sunrise (1927) Epic melodrama Sunrise is one of the most celebrated films from the silent era. German director F.W Murnau’s film is bold and ambitious in every way. The story is simply miraculous; it begins with a husband planning to kill his wife but somehow becomes one of Hollywood’s most romantic and moving stories. Actors George O’Brien and Janet Gaynor pull this off with
two of the most complex and subtle silent performances ever recorded. Technically, Sunrise is impressive even by today’s standards and pushed the boundaries of the time with its magnificent sets and never-ending tracking shots. Murnau was able to tell this story using very few title cards to explain the action. This makes Sunrise an immersive experience and also a challenge
of concentration and imagination. Verdict: A stunning achievement. Essential viewing for those with some silent film experience. Next month we look at how the list has changed over the decades and the next three films from the 2002 Top Ten 2001: A Space Odyssey, Tokyo Story and The Godfather Part I and II.
Ralph Ewig Interview Born and raised in Western Europe, Ralph Ewig immigrated to the US in 1992 at the age of twenty. He has lived in both the Seattle and Los Angeles metropolitan areas, and holds three degrees in the field of aeronautics and astronautics. To date, he has worked as a musician, a roadie, a lumberjack, a vineyard apprentice, and with many space organizations across the globe. He is currently a Mission Operations Engineer at Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) and lives in California, continuing his pursuits of space exploration, creative writing, motorsports, martial arts, and sailing. Web Address: http://www.onehandpublishing.com/blog/ralphewig
Can you introduce yourself to people who may not know you? First let me thank you for this opportunity to introduce myself to you readers; it's always great to reach out to a new audience! I've had a pretty colorful life so far and have been fortunate to experience a wide variety of cultures. My family background is very international, spread over 6 countries and 3 continents. After growing up in Europe and finishing high school, I started my first career as a musician
training for 2 years as a guitarist at the Musician's Institute in Hollywood. As much fun as that was, I eventually found myself looking for new challenges and returned to Germany to study physics. Understanding science is like having x-ray vision, it allows you to perceive so many wonders all around you which otherwise go unnoticed. However, being purely an observer didn't really suit my creative side either. Eventually, I remembered my love of everything "space" and switched to studying aerospace engineering, which is really a
combination of both scientific and creative thinking. I returned to the US to study and lived in Seattle for many years. Nowadays, working as an engineer provides me a great source of technical material for my writing, while my mixed cultural background gives me a broad palette to build my characters from. How does your writing impact on your personal life? Literature has certainly been a great influence on me, but probably more from the
perspective of reading than that of writing. I've always been a voracious reader, especially of scifi. On the other hand, being a writer did cause me to develop new habits too; it made me pay more attention to the details around me. When I find myself in an interesting situation or place, I often ask myself how I would capture it in words – what makes the location special, what are people wearing, how are they acting, and what motivates them? I see something interesting and find myself thinking that would
be the perfect setting for that key scene in the story I've been working on. What was the journey to getting published? Was it tough? Since writing isn't my primary occupation, I really didn't lose much sleep over getting published for the purpose of making a living. On the other hand, putting your work in public view is always a bit stressful after all you have a lot invested in it and do hope it will be well received. And then there are also
the pure mechanics of publication itself to deal with. When I finished the first draft of my debut novel, the internet was just getting started and I tried to publish it as a web page - all 300+ pages of it. Needless to say that didn't work out all that well. Some five years later, somebody else coined the term ebook, and as I remembered my old experiment in online publishing I thought to myself “hey, I wrote this thing, might as well make it available and maybe someone will enjoy reading it�. However, as
more than light editing would be needed to make it catch up with the growth of my personal experiences. The story was still loaded with that rebellious spirit when everything in the world is a new discovery, and a year is a really long time. But in addition, I now had all the complexity of my life-experiences to draw from, the many cultures I had immersed myself in, the colorful characters I had met along the way, and the depth of my technical knowledge accumulated through three university degrees and fifteen years of busting knuckles working on some of the most advanced engineering projects on the planet. As I kept working on it, the scope of the story grew almost exponentially, and quickly burst out of the confines for a single book - and thus the “Lucid Space” series was born. Now the first book “Eleuthera” is available both in print and e-ink, and the second one in the series “Sadaka” is going through editing for publication later this year. What is your favourite genre of writing? (We take it, it is
sci-fi?) I really haven't written anything that wasn't scifi in one way or another. In terms of sub-genres, my work has been called a mixture somewhere between space opera and hard science fiction. What fascinates me about the genre is that it gives me the opportunity to explore the wildest "what if" scenarios. I can take elements of my daily experiences (technology, people, places, etc.) and extrapolate them into the future or combine them in novel ways, and then let the story evolve to see where it takes me. In some ways, writing a story is as much a journey of discovery for me as it is for my readers. Who influences you as a writer? Growing up I read a lot of the classics like Asimov and Heinlein. As I ran out of mainstream material and broadened my horizons, I discovered both old and new books which had a lasting influence on me. Norman Spinrad is one of my early favorites, together with Edgar
Rice Burroughs. Vintage scifi often has a depth of imagination which far exceeds contemporary books; so little was known then about the realities and technology of our modern world that authors just had to make it up, and the line between scifi and fantasy gets very blurry. More recently there were William Gibson with Neuromancer, Richard K. Morgan’s Altered Carbon, and Peter F. Hamilton’s Reality Dysfunction series. All of these books project not just a technological future, but also new forms of society and human interaction. Last but not least, I’m also a huge fan of Neal Stephenson, whom I had the honor of meeting at Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin space company once. His books are awesome fun to read and usually depict mind-bendingly bizarre (yet fully believable) societies; Snow Crash and Anathem are two of my favorites. Have you ever had to deal with rejection and how did you handle it? Whenever you put yourself on the line, you have to be prepared
for rejection. It doesn't matter if the context is voicing your opinion, suggesting a course of action, or publishing a book. There will always be some people with a negative view of what you are offering - the key is to do your best. In my view, the value of anything is directly proportional to how much effort went into creating it. If the opinion of the person matters to you, learn from it and try again – never give up! What advice would you give to aspiring writers? I think the key is to look at writing as a journey rather than an event. Don’t expect to wow thousands of readers with your first story when it finally hits the shelves. There are millions of books for people to choose from, and with the availability of ebooks (which never go out of print) that number continuous to sky-rocket. Even if you’ve written the most brilliant book since “The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy”, it won’t matter unless people know it exists and have a way to get their hands on it. After you’re done writing, you need to
introduce yourself to your potential readers (marketing), then the presentation of your story needs to convince them to start reading (cover design), and lastly you need to encourage them to share what they thought with as many people as possible (reviews). What would you tell them to avoid? Lack of editing is the biggest mistake any new author can make. As an unpublished author, it’s really hard to find someone to edit your story. Online services charge four digit numbers, and asking friends or family can be emotionally challenging. My mother once came across a draft for a story I had typed up with some pretty explicit content, awkward to say the least! On the other hand, one of my professors in college told me: “A bad idea presented well will fail eventually. A good idea presented poorly will fail immediately.” Be a perfectionist, details matter. No story should ever see the public eye on the first draft, keep editing, polishing, chipping away at it until
it is perfect; and then have someone else copyedit it for good measure. What has been your biggest career success so far? As a writer, seeing my debut novel Eleuthera in print for the first time was definitely a special moment. There is something about a physical book that no ebook will ever achieve. I sent out a stack of early prints for review to several people, and asked them to return their copy afterwards so I could keep the costs low. One of them added a note saying "it's hard to part" - people can forge emotional bonds with a book, because it reminds them of a particular time in their own life; try getting that out of a file on your ebook reader. I think eBooks are great for giving both readers and authors more ways to find each other than ever before, but there are a couple of books on my shelf which have themselves a story (aside from the one written in them), and they will always keep a place of honor in my collection.