EXCLUSIVE - INTERVIEW W/CLEAN BANDIT

This is a recent '13 interview I did in collaboration with UPRAW Magazine with up & coming orchestrated phenomenon Clean Bandit. Here they talk Concepts, Peckham and late night Duck Waffles.

TSL: It's nice to see such a niche take on music for 2013! Can you tell us a little of the origin of the band? How did you guys team up together?  

CB: We started as a string quartet and then Jack made recordings of us playing Dvorak and Shostakovich. He secretly began writing some beats and bass lines around the little snippets he took from these recordings and so Clean Bandit was born. We were at University together at the time and our college friend Ssegawa laid down the vocals for Mozar'ts House. We put on a club night and started to play this stuff live. 

TSL: Last year, artist and producer Benji B and The Deviation String Quartet played on the London Eye for The Red Bull Revolutions in Sound which was a pretty nice idea! Would you guys consider doing something like this? 

CB: Yes! That sounds amazing. Would love to go on The London Eye and play our tunes! 

TSL: You're well known for your live performances with people stating how refreshing it is to witness a visual performance in contrast to the overwhelming scene of DJ's at the moment. What has been your favourite show and memory of performing so far?

CB: Probably on the opening of Frank's cafe on the roof of a 10 storey car park in Peckham. You could see the whole of London behind us and then the sun went down during our set-it was amazing.  

 TSL: Your videos are also very innovative and hold a fresh concept. Can you talk us through a little of the inspiration that goes into creating them? 

CB: Well we think of the visuals as one with the music: both are equally as important to us, so the ideas of the music videos tend to come at the same time as writing the music. Sometimes we think of a visual concept before writing the song: this happened with our video UK Shanty.

 TSL: You also recently did a BBCR1 Live lounge session. Are you set to be collaborating with any major artists coming up? 

CB: That was really fun. We're doing a lot of collaborations and there are some major artists that we love ( of course!) so possibly. 

 TSL: Here in London we've got some hints of sunshine creeping through the clouds and it's getting us excited for summer! Can you tell us what festivals we can find you at this summer?

CB: Glastonbury, Beatherder, Blissfields, Secret Garden, Reading & Leeds, Creamfields, Wireless and many more! And we have our own show at XOYO in London on July 7th! 

TSL: And lastly, we see you guys are London based, any hot spots in the city we should know about? Where can we find you guys when you're not on tour?

CB: We like Duck & Waffle a 24 hour restaurant on the 48th floor of the Heron Tower, Liverpool St. It's nice to enjoy a leg of duck on a waffle with syrup at 5am after a long night in the studio! We think the best club is Plastic People.  

TSL // UPRAW MAGAZINE

GNARWOLVES X UPRAW MAGAZINE

So I have just started my new position for being a co Music Editor for Upraw Magazine ( As well as Teenbook and all my other projects!) This is really exciting. Upraw Magazine was created by a few Bournemouth heads and the magazine is now on Issue 4! I will be interviewing bands each month to introduce you to new sounds and artists circulating the scene. This month I interviewed Gnarwolves, a Punk band based in Brighton. This was really good for me as it got me listening to loads of nostalgic sounds again. Growing up I surrounded myself with Bouncing Souls, Against Me! and some Tom Delonge, post Hardcore influences and my sixteen year old road trips to Winter Gardens in Blackpool for Rebellion Festival in the old summers. Gnarwolves immediately took me back and I'll never grow too old for true Punk and skater culture vibes. To read the whole magazine ( and a little interview with myself, pulling faces) click here: http://issuu.com/uprawmagazine/docs/uprawmag_print_issuu_res

Upraw is published and distributed to small businesses on the south coast and is set to head to mainland cities such as Brighton, Bristol & London this year. The magazine has received outstanding recognition in such a small amount of time that it's growing to attract thousands, so keep your eyes peeled for more each month from the team!

MUSIC & CULTURE EDITOR FOR TEENBOOK MAGAZINE

  

So I am now the new official Music & Culture Editor for Teenbook magazine which I'm pretty stoked about. I'm seriously looking forward to getting involved. Teenbook was created by Editor-In-Chief Sara Quaddoura and has released x3 successful issues over the last year and half. The magazine is aimed at an age bracket of around 13-19  but the motive of the publication is that it's not like any other teenage girl magazine and it highlights a range of interests, digging deeper into an alternative world of Current trends, Musicians, Beauty and Culture. Previous issues have had the likes of Lauren Conrad gracing the cover as well as interviews with Louise Roe and Gemma Cairney. 

When I met Sara in London the other day we were discussing that there is a lack of magazines that circulate for today's teenage generation. I used to subscribe to American publications such as Seventeen and in the UK, Shout and would read them over and over again, in awe of Freddie Prinze Junior and Ryan Phillipe pull-outs. However, other than One Direction fanatics there does seem to be a huge gap for younger girls in fascination with  non-mainstream cultures as proved by the increased interest in blogs. 

Tavi Gevinson, founder of Style Rookie( when she was 13 years old!) Is a great example of what, globally, the adolescent world of media was missing. Nylon is a huge inspiration for me too ( I still buy it when I can find it in WHS - with it's NYC HQ it's hard to find here in the UK) however even that is aimed at a much older audience but with such a broad consumer friendly target they have achieved successful recognition of holding an independent yet youthful title. 

We are in the process of our January Launch with a fresh re-brand so keep a look out!

http://www.teenbookmag.com/

Follow us on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/teenbookmag

Like our Facebook page here

To have a read and buy previous issues click here:

Issue 1- http://issuu.com/teenbook/docs/issue3

Issue 2- http://issuu.com/teenbook/docs/teenbook_issue_2

Issue 3- http://issuu.com/teenbook/docs/issue3

CLINICAL LONDON FOR 2012

IMG- From Monorex

CLINICAL LONDON FOR 2012.

Here was my competition entry for a brief to be a columnist for Ideastap. ( Submitted in July)  We had to explain a little bit about ourselves and write around 500 words on any current topic ( supposedly with a creative outlook.) I chose to  write a short study on the recent carnage of arrests from the British Transport Police in relation to past and current graffiti artists who may or may not have received criminal offences for their crimes over the years. This was due to London 'cleaning up' the city for this years 2012 Olympics. Recent reports of renown artists being arrested for no reason, angered the writing communities which have not only supported the games this year ( many providing artistic endorsements for sporting giants such as Adidas) but questioned the lack able trust and money wasting efforts of the authorities for the sake of sanitising our capital for 2 weeks.

Clinical London for 2012

The street art community has been shaken by allegations of the authorities pressing down on any ‘future’ activity involving graffiti around the Olympics games in the Big Smoke this summer. When the reports of a number of arrests of renowned and entrepreneurial graffiti artists emerged, we have to ask ourselves, are we making London something it isn’t to provide a “respectable” face for the Olympic Games?

The city over the last 18 months has had its’ fair share of attentive events and celebrations. From the Royal Wedding to Her Majesty’s Jubilee, it’s clear to see our capital’s recognition for nostalgic tea parties and patriotic celebrations. London has been portrayed as liberal yet traditional, a ploy to show off to the other capitals our kingdoms culture through the monarchy and our expanding skyline through this grey summer season. Like many cities in the spotlight however, we have sugarcoated the strong elements that make up our communities and the growing popularity in street art being one of them.

Since Bristol’s Banksy and his balloon girl went global, stencilling and live graffiti art has emerged from the underground and is no longer being trumpeted as youthful crimes, but the innovation of modern art. Crews from all around the Kingdom and the main city neighborhoods have dismissed the culture being mainstreamed, keeping the art true to its roots and staying out of the media and spotlight that artists such as Banksy are creating. Intentionally or not, many renowned and represented graffiti writers have brought the level of art into the public with council perspex, framing the art which to some attract interest and appraisal, however, many still believe it’s a criminal offence. With London sanitizing and cleaning up its act, adding dedicated Olympic traffic lanes and managing to annoy every M4 commuter whether on a temporary basis or not, we are welcoming the rest of our world into our city with a clouded coat. A cover of hidden creativity, our guests will come and go, recommend to their friends and post rave reviews on our beautiful city, oblivious to the obstacles and special treatment.

Custom London Olympic cab created by Darren Cullen's company Graffiti Kings- www.graffitikings.co.uk

Sure, London is a cultural, historical and fun city however the UK authorities and Metropolitan Police are securing our city from potential terrorism and Foot Locker looters who are hell-bent on disrupting and protesting at this rare event. It’s a fair that we want to present our kingdom at its best and banish all obstructions but how can we overcome the street art arrests that are supposedly for our own good?

Darren Cullen made the papers this week for being arrested for having strong links to a graffiti background (despite having commissioned work for Adidas and Microsoft to name a few) and is now banned from using public transport and being in possession of any art equipment, even though he has never been prosecuted with any other graffiti activity. British Transport Police have come clean in the arrests of several other graffiti artists within the professional industry in relation to any potential crimes.

‘Metropolitan police's strategy of halting potential disruptive action in advance of major public events was given high court endorsement.’

Should we be cleaning up our city or should we embrace our culture and communities? Do we want London to look sterile to the rest of the world? These are questions that should have been considered when our name was called out in 2005. The authorities are sweeping away concepts of our colourful city and the corporate king is coming to town. World’s largest McDonalds in Hackney anybody?

MINKPINK ROADTRIP AW'12 LOOKBOOK

So I have just taken a look at the latest lookbook for Minkpink who will be showcasing the collection for AW'12. This is the latest campaign from Australia ( my soon to be possible home!) and it features fresh prints, baroque denim and bright knits for the young blood. A favourite of mine has to be the horsetooth style knit in the top photo, though my jumper collection is getting pretty ridiculous. The campaign was shot on a road trip round Australia, highlighting some of the countries cutest landmarks, making me want to visit even more. This collection will be hitting ASOS and Urban Outfitters very soon, so keep a look out for this fresh brand, hailed under OUT + ABOUT Showrooms ( which also host Bitching & Junkfood- an increasingly favourite brand of mine) Rihanna's a fan and they have just done a collaborative pop-up nail bar with WAH nails, literally all my favourites.

You can also check out the video for the campaign here. 

Or check the FB page here

MARIBOU STATE INTERVIEW

MARIBOU STATE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW.

 Side project w/ Maxumi. ( www.maxumi.co.uk)
Words : Anna Jenkins

Maxumi would like to introduce duo Maribou State. From bass to tropical beats, Maribou State’s noise is fastly erupting onto our playlists. Set to delight the crowds this summer, their garage undertones and eerie, playful vibes are taking the underground by storm. Having already received recognition from the likes of Norman Cook, these boys are ones to watch out for this year. Anna Jenkins caught up with the boys to talk Lana, Mr Cook and the influences behind their latest video for EP ‘Olivia’.

AJ:First of all, really like the name. Can you explain?

MS: Thank you. There isn’t really too much of a story behind it to be honest. I happened to be a reading a book called ‘Marabou Stork Nightmares’ at the time, kind of just stemmed from that. We were stuck at the time for a name and simply liked the sound of it, so we adapted it

When did you start to produce together and start working as a duo? When did you recognise each others similar tastes?

MS: We started working together as a duo just before last summer because we both lived together in Leeds. So we would be going out to all the same nights and sharing the same music etc. So i guess it just came from there.

You have recently just joined Southern Fried and are set to release some new E.P’s, What is the rest of 2012 looking like for Maribou State?

MS: Yep. Got 2 E.P’s set for release with Southern over the summer. Then we have a project on the go with a producer called Pedesterian which we have a few vocalists featuring on. Really excited about that project, as it’s veering away from our usual sound. by bringing in a lot more organic elements and creating a more ‘home listening’ vibe. 

So we hear you have received support from the likes of MJ Cole and Cook! Exciting stuff. What was it like to receive such great recognition from such a reputable names within the industry?

MS: Yep its really great. I mean its a great feeling when anyone says they are into your music, so getting support from big names in the industry is extremely flattering.

Really liking the video for your EP Olivia. What inspired the darkness of it? 

MS: Well we teamed up with some good friends of ours from a theatre company called Lissom Lilt, and a production company called AMP Films. Lissom Lilt developed the narrative that was kind of connected to a play they had previously written, then pretty much winged the rest of it on the day – which was amazingly impressive. We never really planned for it to look that dark, but as we carried on filming it just sort of went in that direction

I’ve also had a listen to your remix of Lana Del Ray’s Blue Jeans and fell in love with the sound. Would you guys ever float towards collaboration with any major artists possibly on Southern Fried? Who would you love to produce with or do you guys like to stick to your own roots?

MS: Yeah, we actually have a collaboration on one of the next Southern Fried E.P’s with Groove Armada’s vocalist Becky Jones, who is now writing some amazing music as a solo artist called Saint Saviour. There are a lot of people out there we would like to work with. We are always keen to branch out, as you learn so much from working with other people. I’m sure there will be a lot of collaborations still to come.

What other outside interests influence your particular style of music?
 
MS: Being at festivals, out with friends, summertime, anything mood lifting really influences the music we make. 

You most recently played XOYO with Deadboy in London last weekend, any other hot spots you guys like to play in London? Any secret locations?

MS: We always love playing at Corsica Studio’s. Cable is also a good club to play.

Where would be your dream place to play?

MS: Burning man. Or the Arcadia Stage at Glastonbury just for the surreal experience.

Maxumi is based in Brighton, have you guys played here before? If so, where? and what do you think of the city?

MS: We have actually, but not as Maribou State. We played at Audio but the night was so empty that it was shut down! Aside from that, I absolutely love Brighton. Would love to move down there one day.

What are your top 3 favourite records circulating right now?

• Hint – Aliens Feat T Fly
• Shlohmo – Rained the whole time (Nicolas Jaar remix)
• Polica – Lay Your Cards Out

We see you're playing a few festivals this summer like Farr and Glade. Any in particular you’re looking forward to?

MS: Really exited for Secret Garden Party. We have never been before but have heard so many good things. Plus we are hopefully going to have a few live featuring performances for that show.

Any great festival memories you guys fancy sharing?

MS: Glastonbury 2010 was pretty nuts. We got snuck in, in the back of some Irish man’s van. Then Half way through our set the generator blew up and all the guys that were running the tent we far to mashed on Acid to deal with the situation. The rest of the festival was unbelievably hot which resulted in one serious case of sun stroke but some of the best memories to date.

Thanks boys!

Check out one of Maribou States latest mixes here:   

And their video for 'Olivia' here:

CREATORS PROJECT

OFF THE HOOK.

I Love CSS! Check out this video from CSS on the Creators Project Page in which they talk about the history of Cansei De Ser Sexy, their opinions on music downloading and the background footage behind the interview and the recording of their past albums.

http://www.thecreatorsproject.com/en-uk/creators/css

The Creators Project is a network in partnership with Intel and Vice Magazine and is dedicated:

' To the celebration of creativity and culture across media, and around the world'

To find out more on the Creators Project see here >> http://www.thecreatorsproject.com/en-uk/

GIMMEE MORE.

So I won a competition with UK favourite 'More Magazine' to blog for them at Graduate Fashion Week next week in Earls Court! I never win anything, so this is too good to be true. The brief was to write up to 500 words on a current trend, so I kinda chose denim. Sweet. Check it out >>


Fashion Blog// More Magazine
Anna Jenkins

Summer 2010 Trend: Denim

Following House Of Holland’s bad boy S/S 2010 Collection, the streets are washed with denim for the summer season. Holland has inspired a liberal, younger and fresh look within the fashion scene from eccentric, fine prints to varsity school-prep style pleats and overalls. Inspired for the likes of Leigh Lezark and Atlanta De Cadenet Taylor, old school denim teamed with the likes of floral and buckles can creates a feminine look to dress up or down. The new denim collections are said to be inspired by 80’s New York cultural street clothing and can look effortlessly chic from European beach and boutique festivals to the dance floors in the club’s in the capital.

L-R House Of Holland’s S/S 2010 Collection at LFW & Model/DJ Leigh Lezark modelling HOH’s Levi Collection
A while ago Double Denim may have seemed like a definite no no for our wardrobes but now, thanks to flattering cuts, easy and applicable accessories; an overload of denim couldn’t look any cooler. From the Hollywood Hills to the British streets, this look is being customised from every angle. Jacket shirts, hot pants, corsets, crop tops, biker jackets and now even dungarees!

How to Do Denim

· Customise! There’s no better way to create your own unique denim than to involve badges, brooches, corsages you name it! And there’s no limit, think vintage meets Westwood (Vivienne, not Tim)

· Try and stick on one wash of denim, a patchwork of colour may seem too much

· Stick casual with pastel floral pumps or dress up with wooden 70s style clogs

· Venture out, explore the different styles out there, there’s so many to choose from!
Model and Cobrasnake Muse Atlanta De Cadenet Taylor teams a waistcoat with bright & bold florals to create a cute yet casual look.
www.thecobrasnake.com

As Denims taking over the streets of the Kingdom, look at some of the other trends to collaborate and work with your chosen style. Polka dot crop tops and high waisted denim shorts can pull off a 50’s pin up attire, while studded Holland inspired Biker jackets can team up with innocent, pastel floral jumpsuits and satchel’s. Time to hit the stores.