‘How can we not sort these things out in 2018?’ I am sat, phone in hand, chatting to Dan Haggis, drummer of Liverpool indie-rock band The Wombats, about all things music, politics and the power of the internet age.
Interview / The Wombats
Opinion / Crossing the Line? Sexual Assault on Trial
Last month the world watched as one of the largest sexual abuse scandals in sporting history finally came to a dramatic end. Since 2016, former Team USA gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar has been publicly accused by over 150 women and girls of sexual assault. The use and abuse of his position that would allow him to come into close contact with so many of these young women turned stomachs the world over, including that of judge Rosalie Aquilina. The final hearing created further headlines, with Aquilina sentencing the disgraced doctor to a minimum of 40 years and a maximum of 175 years in prison for his crimes. She emphatically addressed him following this announcement: ‘I just signed your death warrant’.
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Opinion / Zoella’s 12 Days of Extortion
Christmas – a joyous time spent with family and friends, being thankful for the time we have with said loved ones. However, given the consumerist society in which we live, it perhaps comes as no surprise to learn that exploitation is the dish being served for many this festive season. Facing particular backlash in this regard is the ‘Queen’ of YouTube, Zoella.
Single Review / Golden Slumbers – Elbow
It is that time of year again, folks. Yes, the festive season means only one thing: Christmas adverts. In particular, the nation waits in anticipation for the unveiling of the new John Lewis advert each and every year, in the past helping artists to achieve number one singles and simultaneously causing the British public to cry into their cups of tea. This year the department store has chosen a Beatles cover for their latest tear-jerking instalment, with Bury boys Elbow taking on the Abbey Road track, ‘Golden Slumbers’.
Live Review / Wolf Alice
Wolf Alice are soaring at the moment, and judging by their live tour, they show no sign of slowing down.Celebrating the release of their sophomore album, Visions of a Life, Birmingham’s O2 Academy saw the enigmatic band take to the stage for an evening of chaotic fun aboard an emotional rollercoaster.
Live Review / Craig David’s TS5
Having listened to Craig David as a child and watched his career fade into the abyss, it is a surprise to both you and I that I found myself attending his most recent tour at the O2 Academy. Who would have thought we would see the return of Craig David? In his own words, ‘that Miami thing was long, but I came back to the UK and everything changed’.
Interview / Ady Suleiman
I’m sat at my desk on a rainy Friday afternoon, my conversation counterpart waiting for a lift to a studio in Staines. This time at the other end of the phone is Nottingham-born singer-songwriter Ady Suleiman, who is on the cusp of releasing his long-awaited debut album next year. Having previously won the ‘Breakthrough Act of the Year’ award at Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Awards and gaining a legion of fans from the likes of Chance the Rapper to Michael Kiwanuka, Ady is set for even higher heights than he’s experienced thus far.
Single Review / Look What You Made Me Do – Taylor Swift
The old Taylor Swift is dead. At least, that’s what she’s telling herself and above all, wants you to believe. In reality, the country-turned-pop star is the same as she ever was – even if she doesn’t realise it – only this time with a new addition: her most controversial single to date, ‘Look What You Made Me Do’. Despite collaborating with Jack Antonoff, a producer on 1989 who has most recently worked with Lorde on Melodrama, the track is a comeback that has truly divided fans and listeners alike.
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