The Great Gatsby (12A)- Warner Bros. Pictures (17/05/2013)

     Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s infamous 1925 novel, ‘The Great Gatsby’ is a sparkling, signature Baz Luhrmann production about a mystery millionare who harbours a romantic obsession for stunning socialite Daisy Buchanan. It boasts a stellar cast showcasing the talents of Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey McGuire, Carey Mulligan, Isla Fisher and Al Pacino and is from the perspective of wide-eyed Yale graduate Nick Carraway who happens to become Jay Gatsby’s neighbour.

    The New York City based filming began back in September 2011, most likely due to Luhrmann’s want for precision and utter elegance in his work. His adaptation is spectacular yet lovingly loyal to Fitzgerald’s novel and truly showcases the extravagance and moral decay of the upper classes in America in the early 1920s. From the costumes, to lighting to special effects, setting and soundtracks, ‘The Great Gatsby’ certainly doesn’t do things by halves.

   Behind the lavish sets and mis-en-scene, the film tells the timeless, heart-rending tale of doomed love and being unable to change the past. Philandering Gatsby surrounds himself with hoards of extravagance but seeks the one thing that would make his life complete- his one true love (of course!) The incredible luxury showcased on screen is truly indulgent and depicts enviable wealth, particularly with Gatsby’s swish cars and stunningly over-the-top parties. There’s a flurry of rapid editing that fans of Luhrmann’s will be familiar with from ‘Moulin Rouge!’ (2001) and refuses to let you lull into contentment with the character’s paths. The most captivating aspect of Australian-born Lurhmann’s work is consistently his eye for detail combined with tragedy.

    Baz also reintroduced Leonardo DiCaprio as his leading man after the two worked together on ‘Romeo + Juliet’ (1996), proving that he recognises a good thing when he sees it. DiCaprio illustrates his astounding emotional capabilities as an actor, as well as undefinable on-screen presence. Even Tobey McGuire’s acting efforts don’t fail to disappoint, despite his bland performances in the Spiderman films. He conveys all the innocence, intrigue and compassion that the narrating character of Nick Carraway requires and Carey Mulligan has a wonderful vulnerability and sense of pain behind her eyes.

    Each indulgent frame of the 142-minite spectacle is saturated in glorious colour, opulence and striking scenery. One notable location is included the International College of Management in Sydney, which was used for the exterior of Gatsby’s Disney-worthy mansion, but many of the vast settings were enhanced in post-production. These occasional style-over-substance flairs have already seeped into our lives, through an invasion of 1920s-inspired fashion, increased sales of the original novel and a charming, varied soundtrack produced by Jay-Z (who is also an executive producer) and The Bullits.

    Released on 7^th May, the Jazz-era soundtrack with a Hip-Hop twist features the likes of Beyoncé, Florence and the Machine, Andre 3000 and of course, Lana Del Ray’s haunting ‘Young and Beautiful’, that showcases the story’s underlying heartbreak. It’s also the ‘The Great Gatsby’s’ buzz single appeared on the film’s original trailer. Luhrmann’s unusual blend of noteworthy historical eras and cultures and modern soundtracks has worked seamlessly in the past, and doesn’t fail to disappoint on this occasion. Del Ray’s haunting track features several times in various styles and does exactly what a film score should- highlights the on-screen emotion and exciting escapades of the characters.

    The frenzied, artistic polish of the film is emphasised by features such as a billboard featuring a pair of poignant eyes that reoccurs several times in the story, particularly during crucial scenes. The image merges effortlessly into the concoction of editing styles and perspectives and is similar in many ways to ‘Moulin Rouge’ in terms of editing style and retrospective under layer. Even Nick Carraway’s interwoven retrospective elements, revealing his depressed, alcoholic future is flawlessly edited with bleak shades and plenty of woeful expressions. The epic sweeping shots that seem to have become something of habit for Luhrmann show his desire as a director to keep his audience intrigued, along with the fact that ‘The Great Gatsby’ is drowning in CGI.

   It’s clear from start to finish that Baz Luhrmann does extravagance and simplicity equally well and his all-star cast have helped create an energetic, sumptuous piece of cinema that portrays the materialism and booze rages of the early 1920s. This concluding chapter to the so-called Red Curtain Trilogy is glamorous and fizzes with melodrama in all the right places.

    It’s an all-singing, all-dancing flick that has breathed life into a classic and latches onto the curiosity of modern culture into the immensely wealthy. Think ‘Made in Chelsea’ with real pain, overindulgence and vibrancy and an $120 million price tag.

4/5

Bournemouth- Life’s A Beach and So Much More

 I’m currently a third year student at Bournemouth University studying English within the Media School.  There’re so many things about Bournemouth to love and it’s not just the uni’s fantastic reputation with many professional industries, a lively night out and the best beach in the UK. 

Bournemouth is well-known as one of the South coast’s hottest tourist hotspots and buzzes with tourism throughout the summer months. But as a permanent resident, you’ll want to know more about what goes on here all year round, and I’m here to tell you that Bournemouth has everything you want and need in a home away from home.

Bournemouth Pier

If you’re up for splashing out on some new clothes, posters for your room or some CDs or DVDs to pass the time between endless hours studying, then look no further than the Bournemouth town centre. It’s got everything you could want from big high street names such as Topshop and Cath Kidston, to local shops from places for piercing and tattoos to homeware essentials. It is also home to supermarkets such as Tesco, Co-Op and a huge Asda conveniently placed next to the train station. There are a fantastic range of restaurants to try whatever your budget, from your fast food favourites to more up-market places for a classy evening out. Whether home is a large city or a remote village, it’s stress-free to settle into Bournemouth- it’s got the best of both worlds with the feel of a small town on a large scale.

Cath Kidston in Bournemouth

The world-famous Bournemouth Gardens are situated directly in front of the spectacular beach and make for a stunning view on a sunny day for a picnic. It also plays host to favourites with tourists and locals alike like crazy golf and the Bournemouth Eye- a hug tethered hot air balloon (which costs just over £10 for a student).

Bournemouth’s night scene is both vibrant and diverse and caters to all your wants and needs. Whether you love a quiet chat in a cosy pub, a bustling night out or a cocktail or two at a bar, Bournemouth has everything your heart desires for a perfect night out. Namely, Vodka Revolution, BU’s own The Old Fire Station and Aruba set right on the beach front. There’s even a Night Bus service, which is a really affordable way to get home after a night out as they cost just £3 for a single fare.

If you’re more into entertainment, both the Pavillion Theatre and the Bournemouth International Centre (B.I.C.) hold concerts on a regular basis, along with comedy performances, theatre productions and musicals. Music fanatic? Gigs take place all over the town, from the Bournemouth O2 Academy, to The Old Fire Station and even the B.I.C. for the world-famous names.

And that’s just the start. Whatever you’re into and whatever your budget, Bournemouth, the most stunning, friendly and varied town on the South coast has it all.

10 Stress-Busting, Memory Boosting Tips

Exam season has once again dawned upon us like an inevitable speeding train, but there are a number of simple tips and tricks you can take note of to make it that little bit more bearable. From diet to memory-enhancing exercises and simply relaxing have been proven to help enhance brain power and can have a knock-on positive effect on exams and assignments.

1. Chill Out

Funny as it sounds just taking it easy for a few hours has been proven to make your brain hunger for more exercise. Although it may be difficult to find time in your day to kick-back, a physiologist at the University of Kent, Samuele M. Marcora said “When you are mentally tired, intense exercise adds to the stress you are feeling…It won't improve your fitness level, but it is good for the mood.” A more positive outlook on your studies will allow you to return to them with a fresh, more optimistic pair of eyes. After a particularly stressful day, Macora suggests moderate excersise such as walking or light jogging.

2.  Talk and Be Honest

We’ve all heard the phrase ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’ but during exams, it couldn’t be more accurate. By speaking to your friends or family about how you’re feeling, your anxiety is out in the open and you’re able to take the advice of others on board during your revision. More importantly, by talking to your coursemates, you’ll get a better idea of their study habits, be able to help each other brush up on your facts and collaborate ideas. The relaxed atmosphere of group study sessions will motivate your mind to grasp and retain more information and teaching someone else by reading material aloud could also be beneficial. It has been shown to significantly improve memory of the material.

Dropping the odd F-bomb or being honest about your feelings has its academic advantages. After observing groups in various workplaces, Yehuda Baruch, a professor of management at Rouen Business School in France, found that people swear as a coping mechanism to release stress. When annoyed with a difficult customer, one test subject pretended to carry on a conversation as if the client were still on the phone, but used profanity to describe exactly how she felt.

3.   Sleep

New research has revealed that lie-ins can actually help boost memory and concentration. According to the study from the Division of Sleep and Chronobiology at the University of Pennsylvania, you can help yourself recover from all those late nights studying by turning off your alarm clock for a couple of days a week. The study has also found that sleeping longer can make you a better employee or student, boost your energy, attention span and alertness.

4. Listen to Music

Certain types of music can be helpful in recalling memories and facts, according to research. Information that’s studied or learnt whilst listening to a particular track, album or collection of songs can be recalled by recalling the song(s) or artist(s) in your mind. Just as music can serve as an tool to remembering painful or unwanted memories, it can also provide a positive purpose of triggering your memory and help sharpen your skills academically and otherwise.

5. Be Positive

Sounds easy enough, but simply being grateful for the little things in life can help negativity distracting you from your studies. If you have time, writing down a few blessings in your life every day and why you’re grateful for them can help you de-stress. A health expert from the University of Lancaster, Professor Cary Cooper said, “People don’t always appreciate what they have…Try to be glass half full instead of glass half empty.” Even if you’re naturally a pessimistic person, it is possible to change your thought process and patterns, “By making a conscious effort you can train yourself to be more positive about life. Problems are often a question of perspective. If you change your perspective, you may see your situation from a more positive point of view.” said Cooper.

6.   Write It Down

If there’s something particular you need to recall at the drop of a hat for an exam or essay, writing it down will create oxygenated blood flow to areas of your brain that a responsible for your memories and literally exercise those parts of it.  So re-writing your notes, however tedious, not only gives you material to read from but helps boost your memory.

7. Feed Your Mind

By avoiding unhealthy, fatty foods, you can help enhance your brain power and improve your performance in exams and for assignments.  But consider the fact that 50-60% of the brain’s overall weight is pure fat, which is used to insulate our nerve cells and the better insulation you have, the faster you are capable of thinking. This is why parents are advised to feed their young children food and drink high in healthy types of fat such as whole milk and is vital for long-term memory.  

Foods such in Omega-3 such as oily fish and eggs have been proven to help the human brain. According to Larry McCleary, M.D., author of  The ‘Brain Trust Program’, an eggs are the ideal breakfast as they contain B vitamins, which help nerve cells to burn glucose, antioxidants that protect neurons against damage, and omega-3 fatty acids that keep nerve cells firing at optimal speed. By eating a healthy balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables as well as plenty of protein provides the nutrients your brain and other organs need to function as well as possible.

8. Caffeine:

Caffeine has both good and bad effects on the human body, but you can use it to your advantage during exams. Although caffeine highly-addictive, long-time coffee drinkers reduce their odds of developing Alzheimer’s disease by 65% compared to those who drink less according to a Finnish study of 1,400 long-term coffee drinkers. Caffeine’s stimulating effect increases activity in the brain, blocking the development of proteins associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and whether you’re a fan of caffeine or not, it can help improve your concentration and make you more alert for your studies in the short term.

9. Watch a Tear-Jerker

Take some time to yourself in front of your T.V. to think positively about someone other than yourself. It sounds an odd way to stress-bust, but a recent study by the University of Denver suggests that thinking positively while watching a sad movie may help you cope with setbacks in the real world. The study focused on women who had experienced stress were shown sad scenes from movies. The majority of the women in the study distracted themselves from their anxieties by coming up with more positive endings to the films and good advice for the characters in them.

10. Walk

“Exposing your retina to sunlight resets your circadian rhythm so your brain is on a schedule.” Says Julie Holland, an assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at New York University School of Medicine. So going for a walk and experiencing nature is something psychologists are only recently taking note of. One of nature's beneficial effects is improving memory. In one study people who walked around an arboretum did 20% better on a memory test than those who went for a walk around busy streets. Looking at your revision or work in natural light can also be beneficial.

Plus Size Problems

    From H&M to New Look, so many high street stores now have a plus-size range suitable for shapelier shoppers. Although the majority of catwalk, and high street, models tend to be incredibly slim, is the fashion industry really changing its attitude towards body shape, and embracing the real woman?

Diversity at Debenhams

    Debenhams are leading the way with their diversity campaign which showcases a plus-size model along with a paralympian and 69-year-old. They’ve really broken the fashion mould, but the real questions are; why is there a mould in the first place? Why are plus-size models labelled as a sub-category in the modelling industry? Surely women’s clothing is best promoted on real, everyday women? Of course, it’s understandable that models are conventionally striking looking so that the clothes fall well on their bodies, but it cannot be denied that size zero models have a negative effect on the self-esteem of so many women young and old.

    The ‘Summer Look Book’, Debenhams’ summer campaign this year, really highlights a healthy body image and self-confidence no matter what your shape. “To showcase the range of sizes and labels at Debenhams this season, we chose models to inspire us with their own unique looks and personalities,” said fashion commentator Caryn Franklin. She worked on the project with the high-street department store chain and said in a statement, “I loved seeing the way that clothes emboldened each woman and man and being on a shoot where no two models were the same.”

    In 2010, Debenhams were bold enough to ban airbrushing in one of their swimwear campaigns, and included a wheelchair user in another campaign, proving that they are no stranger to portraying diversity in the fashion world.  The store’s director of PR Ed Watson said “Our customers are not all the same shape or size so our latest look-book celebrates this diversity.”

Abercrombie & Titch

     There is no need to alienate customers and make them feel unworthy to purchase and wear clothes from a particular store, whether financially or based upon appearance. But it seems not everyone shares this mind-set. In an interview in 2006, Abercrombie & Fitch’s CEO Mike Jefferies stated that; “A lot of people don’t belong [in our clothes], and they can’t belong. Are we exclusionary? Absolutely.” Well there’s a controversial marketing campaign if ever I saw one.

    In fact, Jefferies was attempting to justify why the store does not stock XL or XXL for womenswear despite the fact that their closest competitor American Eagle, stocks larger sizes. Clearly Jefferies is unaware that 67% of his market are plus size. But Robin Lewis, co-author of ‘The New Rules of Retail’ and CEO of newsletter, ‘The Robin Report’, said that “He [Jefferies] doesn’t want larger people shopping in his store, he wants thin and beautiful people. That’s why we hire good-looking people in our stores. Because good-looking people attract other good-looking people, and we want to market to cool, good-looking people. We don’t market to anyone other than that”. Yet the fact is “larger people” do purchase Abercrombie & Fitch attire, and the definition of beautiful is not utterly dependent on weight. Margaret Bogenrief from ACM Partners added that “Ignoring this ‘revolution’ could be costly for businesses.”

H&M Whodunit

     With over 2,600 stores in 43 countries, Swedish owned H&M seemed to be taking the real approach to marketing by using size 12 model Jennie Runk and similar-sized mannequins in some branches for this year’s swimwear campaign. But Runk mysteriously could not be found on the website or on posters in store windows. How odd. It appears the store opted to pull out of the campaign at the last minute and make use of their abundance of super-skinny model stock instead.

     The average British woman is a size 14-16 according to a recent survey by the London College of Fashion and despite negative connotations due to exposure to slim models the fact is, it’s reality. Surely if fashion’s big-shots aim to retain their target market’s interest, they need to embrace this reality and make sure their products are suitable for as large a market as possible? Both individually and with respect to numbers.

     As harmless as employing conventionally good-looking, light-weight models can seem, 1.1 million people in the UK are affected directly by an eating disorder, and images projected in the fashion industry are having a negative, knock-on effects on this figure. Models are essentially clothes horses, granted if the clothes are made to look good on somebody else a consumer may be more likely to purchase, but there’s no reason why they can’t mirror the buying public a little more closely.

Watsky- Cardboard Castles (12/03/2013- Watsky/Steel Wool Media)

   ‘Cardboard Castles’ is the third studio album from Slam Poetry king George Watsky who shot into the public eye after appearing on HBO’s ‘Russell Simmons Presents Def Poet’. He shot to internet fame through his breakout viral YouTube video ‘Pale Kid Raps Fast’ His album was released on 12^th March 2013 and topped the iTunes Hip-Hop charts in the UK and Canada and the mainstream US chart.

   The California born rapper has clearly taken production value and commercial potential into account when producing ‘Cardboard Castles’. He’s collaborated with five other producers including Daniel J. W!shington and Aaron Carmack and ‘Fireworks’ is proof that he’s so much more than a poet.

    The quirky, innovative use of rhythms and backbeats merged with firework sound effects illustrate his unique flair as a rapper. His comedic streak proves his intelligence and distinctive lyrical charm “Tell me that I’m not a rapper. Tell Rudolph he can’t pull sleighs”. The simplistic instrumentation allows his rapping to take its rightful place at the forefront of his music. But even when ‘Strong as an Oak’ makes use brass instruments, an acoustic guitar and other instruments rarely used in the rapping world, Watky’s zany, metaphorical lyrics are never overshadowed.

    His clever plays on words “`Cause I’m strong as an O-A-K…everything is A-OK.” reflect his passion for music and want to show his individuality as a Hip-Hop artist. The bright, laidback style of ‘Strong as an Oak’ makes Watksy’s work shine with all the charisma, humour and charm of a Gym Glass Heroes track as he tells the truth about what it’s like to be broke. George’s speedy skill is captivating and as catchy as a common cold and his range of influences becomes clear as the track is completed with a jazz section.

 ‘Moral of the Story’ follows the overriding theme of ‘Cardboard Castles’; building and maintaining your own world despite the hardships life throws at you when perusing your passion.  No Hip-Hop album would be complete without a track about the artist’s success and struggles. Watsky’s artistic determination is obvious and this dirty club Hip-Hop style song is dramatic and pounding; “I’m gonna get there if it takes a day or fifty years…even with the Himalyas in my way…”. It proves how fluid his imagination is and how much his music is a heartfelt, honest testimonial.

    The contrast between ‘Ugly Faces’ and some of Watsky’s more serious material is astounding and his use of wit is on par with some of the world’s biggest stand-up acts. His flawless blend of sound effects, rhythmic changes and the stand-offish spoken word shows how much he has focused on production. George’s ability to tell a compelling narrative cannot be faked and ‘Skit #1’ is an alternative example of this ability through a comedic conversation between George and an 8-year-old boy about a bully in his class and acts as an interlude.

   Watsky’s musical talent as a slam poet, artist, rapper and storyteller is clear throughout ‘Kill a Hipster (Save Your Hood!)’ which features Chinaka Hodge. The narrative utilises several elements of Pop culture including cyberspace and a new branch of Starbucks and invasion of hipsters destroying a neighbourhood.

   Kate Nash’s sultry, bitter vocals in ‘Hey, Asshole’ may come as a collaborative surprise, but the blunt, ironic backbone of this track makes its wonderfully commercial and perfect to be released as a single, which it was on 19^th February. It’s a real standout song with a string hook from two equally unique artists and makes use of Watky’s mile-a-minute pace as well as ‘All I Need is One’. It’s a Pop-influenced melody and flows perfectly into a snippet of an exchange with the young boy again. And if there was ever something that’s naturally amusing without a social filter it’s children.

      ‘Tiny Glowing Screens, Pt. 1’ and ‘Tiny Glowing Screens, Part 2’ are lyrically candid “When the sun burns out, we’ll light the world with tiny glowing screens.” and confront the issue of technological advancements. George has made use of his fame to take a stand and make a point about something he feels passionate about; a fear of the future. The 26-year-old has thrown his opinion into the public eye but with his eccentric edge, “I’ve seen a person go to shows and raise a lighter app. But if you’re at my concert don’t ever try that crap.”

    Part 1 starts in a very minimalistic fashion with just an acoustic guitar until it dives head-first into an end that mirrors a fuzzy T.V. But Part 2 is so haunting and emotional and conveys that you can’t underestimate the power of a voice and single instrument. It still makes use of tongue-twisting lyrics, a rapid flow and takes the listener on a skimmed narrative journey through the modern world and proves Watky’s diversity of material.

   Energetic and innovative, ‘Sloppy Seconds’ reflects George’s wisdom beyond his years and the novelty of an everyman character and his reasonable normal life in the music industry; “Cold pizza. Tie die shirts. Broken hearts.” It also demonstrates his dedication to his craft. His wise-crack lyrics in this track are refreshingly honest and show that he’s really breaking barriers and sobering ‘Dedicated to Christina Li’ paints a picture of George’s High School days. It’s a heartfelt reflection of his regrets from the past and the concept of death, “The lights that burn shortest are the lights that burn brightest”.

    ‘Skit #2’ is another spoken exchange between George and the young boy and it indicates the completive, unapologetic sincerity that children have, “You might not like the things you used to like”. The down-to-Earth use of narrative humour in ‘The Legend of Hardhead Ned’ featuring Dylan Saunders expresses the power of gang vocals, along with Watky’s raw talent and imagination.

    Title track ‘Cardboard Castles’ begins as an acapella, harmonic masterpiece and highlights the importance of persevering with what you love, having no regrets and dreaming big. The steady tempo and optimism of ‘Send in the Sun’ couldn’t be more different to ‘Dent in the Moon’, which begins with another random, entertaining anecdote from the 8-year-old boy “I kicked a ball and my shoe flew off…and somebody kicked the ball and it hit me in the face.” It also features the silky-smooth tones of Rozzi Crane, Rock influences and has all the swagger of a Justin Timberlake track.

   George Watsky presents his listeners with a genuine enthusiasm for what he does despite the constraints of his awkard appearance. He really breaks the chains of the rap and Hip-Hop industry in an incredibly intelligent way and has an instinct to spot the extraordinary in the ordinary. ‘Cardboard Castles’ is versatile, playful and undoubtedly inventive.

4/5

Are Costly Gig Tickets Damaging the Music Industry?

    What can you buy that lasts two hours and costs more than a week’s holiday in the sun? Watching your favourite band or artist perform live in a clammy arena could set you back a small fortune.

   Ticket prices have been rapidly escalating for the past few years and it’s having a knock-on effect on the number of tickets getting sold. In the USA, the average price of a concert ticket during the first six months of last year was $46.69 which was over 4% higher than the average cost of a ticket for the same period last year, according to the latest figures from music industry magazine Pollstar.

   Krueger, a professor of Economics and Public Policy in Princeton, New Jersey found that “The top 5 per cent of artists in 1982 generated 62 per cent of the revenue. Today, they're generating 84 per cent of the revenue. More people are paying more to see the best.” The reason the world’s most successful artists and bands can opt to charge so much is because their music reaches fans all over the world. But interestingly, Krueger said he was interested to learn that Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band has the same price range wherever he performs, and that this year his concert tour ticket price is $75. "That's kind of a throwback to the days when high and low prices were the same," he said.

   He also discovered that genre played a part in hefty price tags for gigs and festivals; Jazz and Pop tickets tended to cost more than Reggae or Folk events. The four main reasons he found that may be behind the rapidly rising costs of tickets could be in increase in production charges, consolidation and job loss in the industry, the effects of digital and illegal music or even that tickets were too cheap to begin with. However, these prices don’t even take into account the fee that ticket touts or sites such as SeatWave or Viagogo may charge fans.

    The Rolling Stones released tickets for their 50th anniversary tour last October, and outraged fans by making them fork out as much as £375 to see the Rock legends live. The band are said to be facing empty seats at many venues as their tour kicks off this month. Perhaps it was simply an overestimation of how eager Stones’ fans and how willing they are to fork out so much cash in such desperate economic times.

    According to the Daily Mail, the band are set to rake in £15.7 million from their four gigs in the UK this year. The Editor in Chief of Classic Rock magazine, Scott Rowley calculated that the four original members of the band could earn an extortionate hourly rate of $781,250, which is approximately half a million pounds an hour.  “The thing is that people will pay it. The Stones don't tour that often so it's still a special event, there's the suggestion that this really could be the last time…” he said. “These ticket prices are like a tax on people who haven't seen them yet.”

   But perhaps Mr. Rowley doesn’t know his music fans as well as he thinks he does. More £55 tickets have been released on the band’s site Rollingstones.com to try and fill as many seats as possible. It appears the tour’s organisers and promoters have recognised the unjustified price tag was simply unaffordable for so many.

    Cut backs in the music industry, just like so many other sectors today, mean that events such as festivals are suffering substantially too. Both last year and this, Sonisphere festival was cancelled in the UK due to lack of interest. However, Sonisphere 2013 will visit mainland Europe. Hop Farm festival has also been cancelled this year because of poor ticket sales despite the fact that it was due to be headlined by My Bloody Valentine and Rodriguez. Ten thousand tickets were released for this year’s Kent based festival in spite of its organisers making a loss in 2012.

    The turmoil in the economy can be seen on a daily basis and has cast its dark shadow over the entire consumer industry including the music sector. Those cagey booking and transaction fees often reach 20% to the ticket’s original face value. Perhaps it’s to cover the intense competition in the musical marketplace where it is perfectly acceptable for the world’s biggest stars to request extravagant wages to perform.

     Over the past twenty years, festivals in particular have undergone a startling transformation, becoming less disordered awash with phone-charging points, gourmet food options and even plumbing, which makes use of much of the festival organisers’ income. Along with fire safety, policing, general security, health and safety maintenance and sanitation, festivals are far less chaotic and far more systematic than ever before.

     Concerts and festivals, which were once fairly-priced treats, have now become exclusive luxuries reserved for those with the highest incomes. As the world’s economy keeps struggling, the music industry is bound to do the same in tandem and everyone involved with the organisation and maintenance of festivals, events and concerts from roadies, to lighting technicians, artists and security needs to be paid for their services. Unfortunately, those who compensate for this are those who are music lovers who are willing to financially sacrifice for seeing their favourite artists live.

The Importance and Danger of Investigative Journalism

     Investigative journalism is a significant component of the profession that delves into some of the darkest and most hazardous issues in the world that we live in. Most recently, for example, the BBC attempted to gain unforeseen insight into the policies of North Korea by posing as university students from King’s College London for an episode of ‘Panorama’. However, genuine students from the university were oblivious to the undercover filming and therefore, in mortal jeopardy. But who was at fault? Is watchdog journalism an invaluable education tool or simply an unnecessary and hazardous occupation?

   Although the locations for undercover journalism can be questionable, its practice uncovers topics in the public interest and can be a means of standing out in the overly-populated world of reporters. If a journalist has been struggling to make their name known, unveiling a ground-breaking insight into, or proof of an issue of public concern is sure to enhance their reputation in the blink of an eye. Aside from individual personal gain for correspondents, this type of work can also reveal intimate aspects of secretive cultures, alternative lifestyles and illegal behaviour.

    According to ‘The Elements of Journalism’ by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel, journalism’s primary obligation is to tell the truth and divulge it to the public.  Despite the fact that watchdog reporting can crossover ethical and moral qualities, their text indicates a duty to the common man. For instance, in 2011, ‘Panorama’ revealed the horrifying truth behind severe mistreatment of care home patients at a facility near Bristol, through secret filming following an anonymous tip-off. The clips unveiled the vile abuse of young, and vulnerable, patients at the private hospital, and also highlighted the necessity for this kind of proof in legal proceedings.

      Investigative journalism tends to be a last resort; when all other avenues of revealing the truth have been attempted. As well as educating viewers it can often be extremely entertaining as well as cost effective in terms of generating revenue. Additionally, there is an excess of negative press for journalists, therefore depicting the good the profession can expose is imperative. Yet some members of the public maintain the mind-set that local news should take precedence over any revelation from abroad.

   

     However, going against this point is the fact a primary prerogative of reporting is to educate readers; illustrate the facts to them and allow them to learn more about the world that they live in and others who live in it with them. Journalistic legends such as Hunter S. Thompson have proved that intimate, and often secret, reporting can allow you to learn more about your subject matter than you ever expected. Thompson is well known for his investigative piece revealing the truth behind the Hell’s Angels- a motorcycle gang from California. He lived with the gang for over a year and truly got to grips with their lifestyle, divulging intimate secrets such as mass drug intake and orgies. Although he has been accused by some of being initiated into becoming an ‘Angel’ himself, his book ‘Hell’s Angels: The Strange and Terrible Saga of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs’ uncovers the day to day life of the gang ,and consequentially illustrates that you can’t underestimate the strength of human curiosity.

     Also, Gunter Wallraff exposed the horrific and oppressive conditions faced by hundreds of immigrant workers in Germany. Being German himself, he was able to occupy jobs at German factories and pharmaceutical companies and document certain working environments that so many faced and so few investigated. However dangerous investigative journalism can be, it is utterly imperative for legal proceedings and historical accuracy. Yet it cannot be denied that death, or harm, seems an astoundingly sizeable price to pay for any kind of revelation, whatever its importance.

     ITN’s Terry Lloyd was killed in 2003 in Basra, Iraq as he was covering a report into the British invasion of Iraq. He also broke the news that that Saddam Hussein had used chemical weapons that killed 5000 people in 1988, and in 1999 he became the first journalist to enter Kosovo, Serbia during an inter-ethnic war between Serbian and Albanian citizens. In fact, on average one journalist a week will lose his or her life doing their job.

    There is no doubting the dangers that come with such investigation, however, it is also one of the most integral for enlightening the public about the rest of the world and even saving innocent lives along the way.

Disclosure- You & Me ft. Eliza Doolittle (28/04/2013 –PMR Records)

   Being only teens when they hit the underground garage scene, Surrey boys Disclosure have been active in the industry for over three years already. The duo, made up of brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence have already toured with the likes of Hot Chip, remixed the music of Crystal Fighters and Everything Everything and are set to release their debut album ‘Settle’ on 3^rd June. Fusing together garage, House and electropop, the twosome have teamed up with London-born singer songwriter Eliza Doolittle for their latest single ‘You & Me’.

    Having already reached number 10 in the UK Single’s Chart this chilled, typically garage track immediately sets itself apart from Disclosure’s original work, reflecting a shift in their intentions as a band. Although they’ve enjoyed moderate success with their earlier work, the brothers have clearly noted the current popularity of Drum ‘N’ Bass as well as making use of a mainstream vocalist for extra publicity. It’s heavily produced but very polished and irresistibly Old School.

    The collaboration is full of Pop style hooks, syths, two-step garage beats and lyrical content that proves Disclosure are making attempts to invade the mainstream Dance world. ‘You & Me’ is driven by the distinctive, sultry tones of Doolittle and the motif of love, “So please don’t let go, ‘cause you know exactly what we found. So please don’t let go my darling.” Although the laid-back track fails to ripen into a culmination and becomes rather cyclic and monotonous, it would be ideal for unwinding on warm summer evenings and is ideal for heavier, club-friendly and more commercial remixes.

    Disclosure have embraced a throwback garage style and produced a light, summery track that’s perfect for the festival stint in the coming months. Despite the fact that the duo have embraced intricate layering techniques, ‘You & Me’ is held together by Eliza Doolittle’s lyrics rather than their mingling of delicate sound effects and rhythms.

2/5