Amelia’s Magazine | London Fashion Week S/S 2011 Catwalk Review: David Koma (Reprise)

Illustration by Andrea Peterson

Only two seasons ago David Koma presented his – Niki de Saint Phalle inspired – collection of dresses off schedule headlining Freemasons as the winner of Fashion Scout’s Merit Award. The garments were tight, clinic bright and fun – body-con for the Sci-Fi (think The Jetsons crossed with Barberella) obsessives! In contrast Koma’s S/S 2011 collection combined his tightly constructed silhouette with a welcome relax in the hemlines.

All photographs by Amelia Gregory

This season Koma experimented with the essence of ballet, dosage hardening the oh-so-familiar shape of the tutu with bold geometric shapes. The fabric of the dresses constricted around the chest before dropping softly into swishing pleats.

Illustration by Andrea Peterson

During the course of LFW, approved Satu Fox, my fellow Amelia’s Magazine correspondence and I discussed which designers Cheryl Cole might wear later this year on X Factor. As a rule I often avoid X-Factor but remain aware of the concentrated gaze directed towards the sartorial choices of the female presenters, where as Simon and Louie appear to skate through the entire series in identical tatty threads.

As if answering Satu’s and I’s musings, David Koma’s produced a series of (ignoring the questionable use of snake) python adorned Egypitan column dresses in two alternatives: either ever so slightly garish gold or a dramatic black. Both looks which would definately wow on the X-Factor.

Illustration by Gareth A Hopkins

The use of python was upsetting, one can just about understand the development of fur coats, when the material was a hunting by-product in sub-zero weather conditions. It still remains harder to justify the use of fur as a luxurious adornment. Subsequently how does one justify the use of Python? It has no qualities, I am aware of other than the scream of wealth. Is python skin sourced via a farm? Or is the skin obtained after an animal dies of natural causes?

llustration by Gareth A Hopkins

Amelia had the good fortune to ask this outstandingly young designer (24!) about his decision to use Python Skin, you can read the intriguing outcome to their conversation here.

Designers take a leaf out of Stella McCartney’s book and research luxury alternatives to animal products!

llustration by Gareth A Hopkins

It’s been intriguing to see numerous designers plundering the back catalogues of Abstract Artists, from Cooperative Design’s wonderful reinvention of the Bauhaus through their use of Memphis School of Furniture Design (who also popped up in Holly Fulton’s press release) to David Koma’s application of bold abstract inspired shape from Fernand Leger.

Categories ,Artist Andrea, ,BFC, ,BFC Tent, ,Cheryl Cole, ,David Koma, ,Farmed, ,Gareth A Hopkins, ,grthink, ,Holly Fulton, ,London Fashion Week, ,Python, ,Satu Fox, ,X Factor

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Amelia’s Magazine | London Fashion Week S/S 2011 Catwalk Review: David Koma

LFW David Koma Maria del Carmen Smith
David Koma by Maria del Carmen Smith.

Last Monday’s shows opened with a double whammy from David Koma and Holly Fulton, illness which I shall review in separate blogs.

LFW David Koma by Maria del Carmen Smith
David Koma by Maria del Carmen Smith.

We wrote about David Koma as far back as his longer named incarnation when he graduated from his Central Saint Martins BA way back in 2007. His rise in popularity since then has been unstoppable, clothing many high profile celebrities including modern day sweetheart Cheryl Cole – in a heavily embellished dress for the X Factor. It was an instant talking point.

His modern take on glamour owes much to an eclectic life, equally split between three countries where David has spent appreciable amounts of time and of which this 24 year old regards himself as equal citizen. He was born and spent his early years in Georgia before moving to St Petersburg to study classical drawing (and which is where he presumably met his Russian wife). He then relocated again to the UK, where he studied at Saint Martins under the expert tutelage of Louise Wilson, who he idolises.

LFW David Koma by Maria del Carmen Smith
David Koma by Maria del Carmen Smith.

For S/S 2011 his collection was inspired by The Mariinsky Theatre of Saint Petersburg, and memories of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. A series of pleated skater dresses in sugary colours moved swiftly through abstract monochrome tailoring, shades of lemony yellow and onto gold party pieces, all accessorised by sky high platforms and big metal knuckledusters courtesy of a collaboration with Mawi.

David Koma SS2011 photo by Amelia Gregory
David Koma SS2011 photo by Amelia Gregory
All photography by Amelia Gregory.

In official parlance this translates pretty much thus: Ballet silhouettes were combined with the more graphic shapes of cubist artist Fernand Leger to explore contradictions of fragility with physical and emotional strength.

David Koma SS2011 photo by Amelia Gregory
One cleverly cut dress even had me fooled that a model’s waist could be smaller than seems physically possible: I did an instant double take when I looked back at this photo.

David Koma SS2011 photo by Amelia Gregory
David Koma SS2011 photo by Amelia Gregory
David Koma SS2011 photo by Amelia Gregory

I loved this collection, so was a bit discombobulated when I discovered that David had used copious python skin in his show. Where does python come from? Were they caught in the wild or farmed? It’s not an industry I know much about, so when I ran into David at his New Gen stand I decided to give him a bit of a grilling.

David Koma SS2011 photo by Amelia Gregory
David Koma SS2011 photo by Amelia Gregory
David Koma SS2011 photo by Amelia Gregory

A quick question turned into a half an hour chat during which David was utterly charming the entire time. He’s determinedly upbeat about life and feels blessed to do what he loves the most; his precocious rise surely the result of much hard work as well as obvious talent.

David Koma SS2011 photo by Amelia Gregory
David Koma SS2011 photo by Amelia Gregory

So, back to that python skin. It comes from an accredited factory farm – for pythons and crocodiles are farmed much as mink is. I feel quite uncomfortable about this – I am okay with the use of leather for outer clothing and shoes, safe in the knowledge that it is very much the waste product of a meat industry that is unlikely to go anywhere anytime soon.

Somerset House SS2011 David Koma
David Koma at Somerset House.

But I don’t buy into the idea that it’s ethically okay to farm animals purely to provide us with luxury goods – and no matter how accredited a farm might be on paper there are always going to be corners cut in reality on the factory floor. David’s take on it is that he is against fast consumerism, and therefore wants to create luxury garments that will be treasured for a long time. For this to be possible he wants to chose the best possible materials available – and if that means stripping a snake then so be it – that they will live on in a beautiful garment is enough for him. And he does not feel that fake fur or leather is a particularly ethical substitute, a fact with which I tend to agree. Another fair point he makes is that he would rather buy from a reputable farm than encourage any kind of black market. But this surely begs the question, how is a black market encouraged – except by the use of python leather in luxury must-have items? If you are able to remove questions of provenance from your mind all that gold python is very very beautiful.

David Koma SS2011 photo by Amelia Gregory
Knuckledusters from Mawi.

David also admitted that he is considering the use of fur in his next collection, but as we parted he said I had made him think a bit more about this. Whether my words have had any effect remains to be seen but I really appreciate that he didn’t balk under my questioning and seems genuinely to be interested in engaging in the origin of his materials: he’s a very talented and increasingly influential designer and I hope he’ll make educated decisions in the future. In the meantime enjoy our pictures… and forget about any real live snakes in cages if you can.

David Koma SS2011 photo by Amelia Gregory
David Koma SS2011 photo by Amelia Gregory
David Koma Gold Python on White By Fiona M Chapelle
David Koma “Gold Python on White” by Fiona M Chapelle.

Categories ,ballet, ,Central Saint Martins, ,Cheryl Cole, ,David Koma, ,Fernand Leger, ,Fiona M Chapelle, ,Fur, ,georgia, ,lfw, ,London Fashion Week, ,Louise Wilson, ,Maria del Carmen Smith, ,Mawi, ,New Gen, ,Python skin, ,Russia!, ,Somerset House, ,St Petersburg, ,Swan Lake, ,The Mariinsky Theatre, ,X Factor

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Amelia’s Magazine | Introducing AOFM: the Academy of Freelance Make Up

AOFM by YesGo!
AOFM by YesGo!

AOFM or the Academy of Freelance Make Up (artists) is the brainchild of New Zealander Jana Ririnui and Englishman Jason Mallet, discount who met, viagra like, mere months before they started up in business together – Jason bringing the business nous and Jana the creative spark. I’ve already had a chance to peruse their gorgeous coffee table book Make Up is Art at the Forward PR press day, and last week I had a chance to actually take a look around their Soho studios and learn a bit more about what AOFM does.

AOFM-Jana and Jason
AOFM’s Jana and Jason. All photography by Amelia Gregory.

Gathered in one of their airy studios on Dean Street the pair explained to us how they give students the opportunity to work in a real fashion environment backstage at Vauxhall Fashion Scout at LFW. AOFM was set up because Jana was frustrated that fellow make up artists weren’t being trained in the realities of working in the fast paced and often brutal fashion world, so it’s a place where not only do you get a brilliant make up artist training but also real hands on experience of working in the industry.

AOFM Jana and Jason by Jenny Robins
Jana and Jason with their chihuahuas. By Jenny Robins.

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory
AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory

Despite having been going for under five years AOFM has already garnered huge acclaim and is all set to open up their New York wing this May. In that time Jana’s students have done everything “from X Factor to Italian Vogue” so they are highly rated in the industry, and Lauren Amps (who did my make up again) won make up artist of the year only two years after she left the college.

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory
AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory Lauren Amps
AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory Lauren Amps
Lauren Amps at work. Yes, there is make up in those drawers, there’s a reason why she’s on the floor!

Students are given a realistic view of what to expect if they work in the industry, which Jana says weeds a great deal of them out straight away because they simply aren’t willing to put the hard graft in to get where they want. There is a generation coming up now who expect things to fall into their lap, something I have noticed as well… the me me me middle class generation who’ve never experienced any hardships and are somewhat flummoxed by the cruel workings of the real world. Some students arrive with false expectations of what AOFM can do for them, but if they can’t “do a good smokey eye and a red lip” then they won’t be recommended for shows. I do love a strong look and the classic smokey eyes and red lips are clearly a crucial basis for many other looks.

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory bespoke make up brush set
AOFM bespoke make up brush set.

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory Make Up is Art
The AOFM bible: Make Up is Art. An inspiring collection of ideas intended for both professionals and beginners.

According to AOFM it usually takes about five years to get an agent, something which can be much quicker depending on a make up artist’s financial position. The sad truth is that like so many jobs it really does depend on whether you are secure, and in the case of make up artists it sounds like lots of people have hubbies who are willing to support them whilst they test and build up their portfolios.

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory
Another AOFM make up artist with a fabulous tattoo.

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory

After our chat Jana and Jason lead us to their stunning top floor where we were able to enjoy the new pot plants on the balcony far above the bustle of Soho, whilst nibbling on tasty goodies and having our make up done professionally (though a bad idea at the same time, as I discovered) as their two delightful chihuahuas Lily and Lula raced around our feet in an attempt to feed off the canape scraps. Although Jana is keen to add to the chihuahua pack it doesn’t sound like this will be happening any time soon, what with the new concession opening in New York and exciting plans for an even bigger project which I am absolutely not allowed to mention. Watch this space folks…

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory chihuahua
AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory chihuahua
AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory chihuahua
AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory chihuahua
CHIHUAHUAS!

Categories ,AOFM, ,Chihuahua, ,Dean Street, ,Forward PR, ,Jana Ririnui, ,Jason Mallet, ,Jenny Robins, ,Lauren, ,Lauren Amps, ,Make Up is Art, ,new york, ,Soho, ,Studios, ,Vauxhall Fashion Scout, ,vogue, ,X Factor, ,YesGo!

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Amelia’s Magazine | Introducing AOFM: the Academy of Freelance Make Up

AOFM by YesGo!
AOFM by YesGo!

AOFM or the Academy of Freelance Make Up (artists) is the brainchild of New Zealander Jana Ririnui and Englishman Jason Mallet, who met, like, mere months before they started up in business together – Jason bringing the business nous and Jana the creative spark. I’ve already had a chance to peruse their gorgeous coffee table book Make Up is Art at the Forward PR press day, and last week I had a chance to actually take a look around their Soho studios and learn a bit more about what AOFM does.

AOFM-Jana and Jason
AOFM’s Jana and Jason. All photography by Amelia Gregory.

Gathered in one of their airy studios on Dean Street the pair explained to us how they give students the opportunity to work in a real fashion environment backstage at Vauxhall Fashion Scout at LFW. AOFM was set up because Jana was frustrated that fellow make up artists weren’t being trained in the realities of working in the fast paced and often brutal fashion world, so it’s a place where not only do you get a brilliant make up artist training but also real hands on experience of working in the industry.

AOFM Jana and Jason by Jenny Robins
Jana and Jason with their chihuahuas. By Jenny Robins.

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory
AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory

Despite having been going for under five years AOFM has already garnered huge acclaim and is all set to open up their New York wing this May. In that time Jana’s students have done everything “from X Factor to Italian Vogue” so they are highly rated in the industry, and Lauren Amps (who did my make up again) won make up artist of the year only two years after she left the college.

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory
AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory Lauren Amps
AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory Lauren Amps
Lauren Amps at work. Yes, there is make up in those drawers, there’s a reason why she’s on the floor!

Students are given a realistic view of what to expect if they work in the industry, which Jana says weeds a great deal of them out straight away because they simply aren’t willing to put the hard graft in to get where they want. There is a generation coming up now who expect things to fall into their lap, something I have noticed as well… the me me me middle class generation who’ve never experienced any hardships and are somewhat flummoxed by the cruel workings of the real world. Some students arrive with false expectations of what AOFM can do for them, but if they can’t “do a good smokey eye and a red lip” then they won’t be recommended for shows. I do love a strong look and the classic smokey eyes and red lips are clearly a crucial basis for many other looks.

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory bespoke make up brush set
AOFM bespoke make up brush set.

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory Make Up is Art
The AOFM bible: Make Up is Art. An inspiring collection of ideas intended for both professionals and beginners.

According to AOFM it usually takes about five years to get an agent, something which can be much quicker depending on a make up artist’s financial position. The sad truth is that like so many jobs it really does depend on whether you are secure, and in the case of make up artists it sounds like lots of people have hubbies who are willing to support them whilst they test and build up their portfolios.

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory
Another AOFM make up artist with a fabulous tattoo.

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory

After our chat Jana and Jason lead us to their stunning top floor where we were able to enjoy the new pot plants on the balcony far above the bustle of Soho, whilst nibbling on tasty goodies and having our make up done professionally (though a bad idea at the same time, as I discovered) as their two delightful chihuahuas Lily and Lula raced around our feet in an attempt to feed off the canape scraps. Although Jana is keen to add to the chihuahua pack it doesn’t sound like this will be happening any time soon, what with the new concession opening in New York and exciting plans for an even bigger project which I am absolutely not allowed to mention. Watch this space folks…

AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory chihuahua
AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory chihuahua
AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory chihuahua
AOFM-photography by Amelia Gregory chihuahua
CHIHUAHUAS!

Categories ,AOFM, ,Chihuahua, ,Dean Street, ,Forward PR, ,Jana Ririnui, ,Jason Mallet, ,Jenny Robins, ,Lauren, ,Lauren Amps, ,Make Up is Art, ,new york, ,Soho, ,Studios, ,Vauxhall Fashion Scout, ,vogue, ,X Factor, ,YesGo!

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Amelia’s Magazine | X Factor 2010: An Illustrated Retrospective

Illustration by Gareth A Hopkins

Walking into Sue Timney’s retrospective at the Fashion and Textile Museum, visit this site the viewer is greeted by the almost blinding black and white pattern that the company, Timney-Fowler, is known for. The relationship between Timney’s application of pattern and Op art are undeniable, the entire exhibition acts as an homage to one of the most vibrant elements of painting in Modern Art’s history.

The main room of the exhibition is dominated by an explosion of chairs, reminiscent of what Alice’s fall through the rabbit hole would have looked like if crossed with Beetlejuice. The ideas, sketches and prints of Timney-Fowler adorn the walls and the products the company produced (everything from pencil cases to china).

The vibrancy of Pop Art’s interpretation of household objects inspired the reoccurring motif of everyday objects, with some of the prints being described as “A design stream of consciousness” and “an extension of the sketchbook into an individualist statement.”

Upstairs, the exhibition wonderfully included Timney’s sketchbooks, personally nothing is more insightful than a glimpse into an artist’s sketches. Timney’s interpretation of the history of modern art within her designs preempts the recent revival of designers using specific artists within their catwalk collections.

Timney’s incredible application of print to all objects belies Timney’s background in sculpture and printmaking, which was in fact the rather wonderful sounding Interdisciplinary Tapestry Course, sadly as the Government’s proposed cuts land on Universities doorsteps, technicians and idiosyncratic courses will be one of the first things cut by Art departments.

Illustration by Avril Kelly

This exhibition is a wonderful insight into the progress of Sue Timney from artist to product design to interior designer and for anyone intrigued by the process of artistic design.

Illustration by Alia Gargum

My visit last week to the Fashion and Textile Museum compounded my sense of Governmental shortsightedness with regards to Higher Education and the humanities in particular. To compound the rise in tuition fees, the Coalition are suggesting the removal of up to 80% of the State funding Universities receive to subsidise the teaching of Humanities.

It over a month ago now that the first students protest took to the street, in the weeks since students and UK Uncut have taken their opposition to the Government’s austerity drive onto to the pavement. and occupied (most of the occupations have now ended) rooms within their University in protest against the Coalition’s Government’s motion to rise tuition fees. Sadly the motion was passed last week in the Commons and yesterday in the House of Lords.

Illustration by Gareth A Hopkins

Walking into Sue Timney’s retrospective at the Fashion and Textile Museum, viagra sale the viewer is greeted by the almost blinding black and white pattern that the company, Timney-Fowler, is known for. The relationship between Timney’s application of pattern and Op art are undeniable, the entire exhibition acts as an homage to one of the most vibrant elements of painting in Modern Art’s history.

The main room of the exhibition is dominated by an explosion of chairs, reminiscent of what Alice’s fall through the rabbit hole would have looked like if crossed with Beetlejuice. The ideas, sketches and prints of Timney-Fowler adorn the walls and the products the company produced (everything from pencil cases to china).

The vibrancy of Pop Art’s interpretation of household objects inspired the reoccurring motif of everyday objects, with some of the prints being described as “A design stream of consciousness” and “an extension of the sketchbook into an individualist statement.”

Upstairs, the exhibition wonderfully included Timney’s sketchbooks, personally nothing is more insightful than a glimpse into an artist’s sketches. Timney’s interpretation of the history of modern art within her designs preempts the recent revival of designers using specific artists within their catwalk collections.

Timney’s incredible application of print to all objects belies Timney’s background in sculpture and printmaking, which was in fact the rather wonderful sounding Interdisciplinary Tapestry Course, sadly as the Government’s proposed cuts land on Universities doorsteps, technicians and idiosyncratic courses will be one of the first things cut by Art departments.

Illustration by Avril Kelly

This exhibition is a wonderful insight into the progress of Sue Timney from artist to product design to interior designer and for anyone intrigued by the process of artistic design.

Illustration by Alia Gargum

My visit last week to the Fashion and Textile Museum compounded my sense of Governmental shortsightedness with regards to Higher Education and the humanities in particular. To compound the rise in tuition fees, the Coalition are suggesting the removal of up to 80% of the State funding Universities receive to subsidise the teaching of Humanities.

It over a month ago now that the first students protest took to the street, in the weeks since students and UK Uncut have taken their opposition to the Government’s austerity drive onto to the pavement. and occupied (most of the occupations have now ended) rooms within their University in protest against the Coalition’s Government’s motion to rise tuition fees. Sadly the motion was passed last week in the Commons and yesterday in the House of Lords.

Illustration by Gareth A Hopkins

Upon walking into Sue Timney’s retrospective at the Fashion and Textile Museum, sales the viewer is greeted by the almost blinding black and white pattern that Sue’s company in collaboration with Grahame Fowler; Timney-Fowler, cialis 40mg is best known for. The relationship between Timney’s application of pattern and Op art are undeniable, online the entire exhibition acts as an homage to one of the most vibrant elements of painting in Modern Art’s history.

The main room of the exhibition is dominated by an explosion of chairs, reminiscent of what Alice’s fall through the rabbit hole would have looked like if crossed with Beetlejuice. The ideas, sketches and prints of Timney-Fowler adorn both the walls of the Fashion and Textile Museum as well as the products produced by the company (everything from pencil cases to china).

The vibrancy of Pop Art’s interpretation of household objects inspired the reoccurring motif of everyday objects, with some of the prints being described as “A design stream of consciousness” and “an extension of the sketchbook into an individualist statement.”

Upstairs, the exhibition wonderfully included Timney’s sketchbooks, personally nothing is more insightful than a glimpse into an artist’s sketches. Timney’s interpretation of the history of modern art within her designs preempts the recent revival of designers using specific artists within their catwalk collections.

Timney’s incredible application of print to all objects belies Timney’s background in sculpture and printmaking, which was in fact the rather wonderful sounding Interdisciplinary Tapestry Course, sadly as the Government’s proposed cuts land on Universities doorsteps, technicians and idiosyncratic courses will be one of the first things cut by Art departments.

Illustration by Avril Kelly

This exhibition is a wonderful insight into the progress of Sue Timney from artist to product design to interior designer and for anyone intrigued by the process of artistic design.

Illustration by Alia Gargum

My visit last week to the vibrant and incredibly innovative Sue Tinmey exhibition at Fashion and Textile Museum compounded my sense of the cuts to Higher Education teaching -the Humanities in particular- the Government intend to make are incredibly shortsighted, for they fail not only to take into account the continual impact these graduates have on the economy, but they appear to place all importance on quick money making results rather than on a through education.

Sue Tinmey and the design of Timney-Fowler is at the Fashion and Textile Museum until 25th April 2011.

Illustration by Gareth A Hopkins

Upon walking into Sue Timney’s retrospective at the Fashion and Textile Museum, buy the viewer is greeted by the almost blinding black and white pattern that Sue’s company in collaboration with Grahame Fowler; Timney-Fowler, website like this is best known for. The relationship between Timney’s application of pattern and Op art are undeniable, information pills the entire exhibition acts as an homage to one of the most vibrant elements of painting in Modern Art’s history.

The main room of the exhibition is dominated by an explosion of chairs, reminiscent of what Alice’s fall through the rabbit hole would have looked like if crossed with Beetlejuice. The ideas, sketches and prints of Timney-Fowler adorn both the walls of the Fashion and Textile Museum as well as the products produced by the company (everything from pencil cases to china).

Illustration by Avril Kelly

The vibrancy of Pop Art’s interpretation of household objects inspired the reoccurring motif of everyday objects, with some of the prints being described as “A design stream of consciousness” and “an extension of the sketchbook into an individualist statement.”

Upstairs, the exhibition wonderfully included Timney’s sketchbooks, personally nothing is more insightful than a glimpse into an artist’s sketches. Timney’s interpretation of the history of modern art within her designs preempts the recent revival of designers using specific artists within their catwalk collections.

Timney’s incredible application of print to all objects belies her background in sculpture and printmaking, which was in fact the rather wonderful sounding Interdisciplinary Tapestry Course, sadly as the Government’s proposed cuts land on Universities doorsteps, technicians and idiosyncratic courses will be one of the first things cut by Art departments.

Illustration by Alia Gargum

This exhibition is a wonderful insight into the progress of Sue Timney from artist to product design to interior designer and for anyone intrigued by the process of artistic design.

My visit last week to the vibrant and incredibly innovative Sue Tinmey exhibition at Fashion and Textile Museum compounded my sense of the cuts to Higher Education teaching -the Humanities in particular- the Government intend to make are incredibly shortsighted, for they fail not only to take into account the continual impact these graduates have on the economy, but they appear to place all importance on quick money making results rather than on a through education.

Sue Tinmey and the design of Timney-Fowler is at the Fashion and Textile Museum until 25th April 2011.

Illustration by Gareth A Hopkins

Upon walking into Sue Timney’s retrospective at the Fashion and Textile Museum, page the viewer is greeted by the almost blinding black and white pattern that Sue’s company in collaboration with Grahame Fowler; Timney-Fowler, is best known for. The relationship between Timney’s application of pattern and Op art are undeniable, the entire exhibition acts as an homage to one of the most vibrant elements of painting in Modern Art’s history.

The main room of the exhibition is dominated by an explosion of chairs, reminiscent of what Alice’s fall through the rabbit hole would have looked like if crossed with Beetlejuice. The ideas, sketches and prints of Timney-Fowler adorn both the walls of the Fashion and Textile Museum as well as the products produced by the company (everything from pencil cases to china).

Illustration by Avril Kelly

The vibrancy of Pop Art’s interpretation of household objects inspired the reoccurring motif of everyday objects, with some of the prints being described as “a design stream of consciousness” and “an extension of the sketchbook into an individualist statement.”

Upstairs, the exhibition wonderfully included Timney’s sketchbooks, personally nothing is more insightful than a glimpse into an artist’s sketches. Timney’s interpretation of the history of modern art within her designs preempts the recent revival of designers using specific artists within their catwalk collections.

Timney’s incredible application of print to all objects belies her background in sculpture and printmaking, which was in fact the rather wonderful sounding Interdisciplinary Tapestry Course, sadly as the Government’s proposed cuts land on Universities doorsteps, technicians and idiosyncratic courses will be one of the first things cut by Art departments.

Illustration by Alia Gargum

This exhibition is a wonderful insight into the progress of Sue Timney from artist to product design to interior designer and for anyone intrigued by the process of artistic design.

My visit last week to the vibrant and incredibly innovative Sue Tinmey exhibition at Fashion and Textile Museum compounded my sense of the cuts to Higher Education teaching -the Humanities in particular- the Government intend to make are incredibly shortsighted, for they fail not only to take into account the continual impact these graduates have on the economy, but they appear to place all importance on quick money making results rather than on a through education.

Sue Tinmey and the design of Timney-Fowler is at the Fashion and Textile Museum until 25th April 2011.

Illustration by Gareth A Hopkins

Upon walking into Sue Timney’s retrospective at the Fashion and Textile Museum, sildenafil the viewer is greeted by the almost blinding black and white pattern that Sue’s company in collaboration with Grahame Fowler; Timney-Fowler, is best known for. The relationship between Timney’s application of pattern and Op art are undeniable, the entire exhibition acts as an homage to one of the most vibrant elements of painting in Modern Art’s history.

The main room of the exhibition is dominated by an explosion of chairs, reminiscent of what Alice’s fall through the rabbit hole would have looked like if crossed with Beetlejuice. The ideas, sketches and prints of Timney-Fowler adorn both the walls of the Fashion and Textile Museum as well as the products produced by the company (everything from pencil cases to china).

Illustration by Avril Kelly

The vibrancy of Pop Art’s interpretation of household objects inspired the reoccurring motif of everyday objects, with some of the prints being described as “a design stream of consciousness” and “an extension of the sketchbook into an individualist statement.”

Upstairs, the exhibition wonderfully included Timney’s sketchbooks, personally nothing is more insightful than a glimpse into an artist’s sketches. Timney’s interpretation of the history of modern art within her designs preempts the recent revival of designers using specific artists within their catwalk collections.

Timney’s incredible application of print to all objects belies her background in sculpture and printmaking, which was in fact the rather wonderful sounding Interdisciplinary Tapestry Course, sadly as the Government’s proposed cuts land on Universities doorsteps, technicians and idiosyncratic courses will be one of the first things cut by Art departments.

Illustration by Alia Gargum

This exhibition is a wonderful insight into the progress of Sue Timney from artist to product design to interior designer and for anyone intrigued by the process of artistic design.

My visit last week to the vibrant and incredibly innovative Sue Tinmey exhibition at Fashion and Textile Museum compounded my sense of the cuts to Higher Education teaching -the Humanities in particular- the Government intend to make are incredibly shortsighted, for they fail not only to take into account the continual impact these graduates have on the economy, but they appear to place all importance on quick money making results rather than on a through education.

Sue Tinmey and the design of Timney-Fowler is at the Fashion and Textile Museum until 25th April 2011.

Illustration by Gareth A Hopkins

Upon walking into Sue Timney’s retrospective at the Fashion and Textile Museum, pilule the viewer is greeted by the almost blinding black and white pattern that Sue’s company in collaboration with Grahame Fowler; Timney-Fowler, more about is best known for. The relationship between Timney’s application of pattern and Op art are undeniable, the entire exhibition acts as an homage to one of the most vibrant elements of painting in Modern Art’s history.

The main room of the exhibition is dominated by an explosion of chairs, reminiscent of what Alice’s fall through the rabbit hole would have looked like if crossed with Beetlejuice. The ideas, sketches and prints of Timney-Fowler adorn both the walls of the Fashion and Textile Museum as well as the products produced by the company (everything from pencil cases to china).

Illustration by Avril Kelly

The vibrancy of Pop Art’s interpretation of household objects inspired the reoccurring motif of everyday objects, with some of the prints being described as “a design stream of consciousness” and “an extension of the sketchbook into an individualist statement.”

Upstairs, the exhibition wonderfully included Timney’s sketchbooks, personally nothing is more insightful than a glimpse into an artist’s sketches. Timney’s interpretation of the history of modern art within her designs preempts the recent revival of designers using specific artists within their catwalk collections.

Timney’s incredible application of print to all objects belies her background in sculpture and printmaking, which was in fact the rather wonderful sounding Interdisciplinary Tapestry Course, sadly as the Government’s proposed cuts land on Universities doorsteps, technicians and idiosyncratic courses will be one of the first things cut by Art departments.

Illustration by Alia Gargum

This exhibition is a wonderful insight into the progress of Sue Timney from artist to product design to interior designer and for anyone intrigued by the process of artistic design.

My visit last week to the vibrant and incredibly innovative Sue Timney exhibition at Fashion and Textile Museum compounded my sense of the cuts to Higher Education teaching -the Humanities in particular- the Government intend to make are incredibly shortsighted, for they fail not only to take into account the continual impact these graduates have on the economy, but they appear to place all importance on quick money making results rather than on a through education.

Sue Timney and the design of Timney-Fowler is at the Fashion and Textile Museum until 25th April 2011.

Illustration by Gareth A Hopkins

Upon walking into Sue Timney’s retrospective at the Fashion and Textile Museum, what is ed the viewer is greeted by the almost blinding black and white pattern that Sue’s company in collaboration with Grahame Fowler; Timney-Fowler, is best known for. The relationship between Timney’s application of pattern and Op art are undeniable, the entire exhibition acts as an homage to one of the most vibrant elements of painting in Modern Art’s history.

The main room of the exhibition is dominated by an explosion of chairs, reminiscent of what Alice’s fall through the rabbit hole would have looked like if crossed with Beetlejuice. The ideas, sketches and prints of Timney-Fowler adorn both the walls of the Fashion and Textile Museum as well as the products produced by the company (everything from pencil cases to china).

Illustration by Avril Kelly

The vibrancy of Pop Art’s interpretation of household objects inspired the reoccurring motif of everyday objects, with some of the prints being described as “a design stream of consciousness” and “an extension of the sketchbook into an individualist statement.”

Upstairs, the exhibition wonderfully included Timney’s sketchbooks, personally nothing is more insightful than a glimpse into an artist’s sketches. Timney’s interpretation of the history of modern art within her designs preempts the recent revival of designers using specific artists within their catwalk collections.

Timney’s incredible application of print to all objects belies her background in sculpture and printmaking, which was in fact the rather wonderful sounding Interdisciplinary Tapestry Course, sadly as the Government’s proposed cuts land on Universities doorsteps, technicians and idiosyncratic courses will be one of the first things cut by Art departments.

Illustration by Alia Gargum

This exhibition is a wonderful insight into the progress of Sue Timney from artist to product design to interior designer and for anyone intrigued by the process of artistic design.

My visit last week to the vibrant and incredibly innovative Sue Tinmey exhibition at Fashion and Textile Museum compounded my sense of the cuts to Higher Education teaching -the Humanities in particular- the Government intend to make are incredibly shortsighted, for they fail not only to take into account the continual impact these graduates have on the economy, but they appear to place all importance on quick money making results rather than on a through education.

Sue Tinmey and the design of Timney-Fowler is at the Fashion and Textile Museum until 25th April 2011.

Illustration by Gareth A Hopkins

Upon walking into Sue Timney’s retrospective at the Fashion and Textile Museum, viagra 100mg the viewer is greeted by the almost blinding black and white pattern that Sue’s company in collaboration with Grahame Fowler; Timney-Fowler, is best known for. The relationship between Timney’s application of pattern and Op art are undeniable, the entire exhibition acts as an homage to one of the most vibrant elements of painting in Modern Art’s history.

The main room of the exhibition is dominated by an explosion of chairs, reminiscent of what Alice’s fall through the rabbit hole would have looked like if crossed with Beetlejuice. The ideas, sketches and prints of Timney-Fowler adorn both the walls of the Fashion and Textile Museum as well as the products produced by the company (everything from pencil cases to china).

Illustration by Avril Kelly

The vibrancy of Pop Art’s interpretation of household objects inspired the reoccurring motif of everyday objects, with some of the prints being described as “a design stream of consciousness” and “an extension of the sketchbook into an individualist statement.”

Upstairs, the exhibition wonderfully included Timney’s sketchbooks, personally nothing is more insightful than a glimpse into an artist’s sketches. Timney’s interpretation of the history of modern art within her designs preempts the recent revival of designers using specific artists within their catwalk collections.

Timney’s incredible application of print to all objects belies her background in sculpture and printmaking, which was in fact the rather wonderful sounding Interdisciplinary Tapestry Course, sadly as the Government’s proposed cuts land on Universities doorsteps, technicians and idiosyncratic courses will be one of the first things cut by Art departments.

Illustration by Alia Gargum

This exhibition is a wonderful insight into the progress of Sue Timney from artist to product design to interior designer and for anyone intrigued by the process of artistic design.

My visit last week to the vibrant and incredibly innovative Sue Tinmey exhibition at Fashion and Textile Museum compounded my sense of the cuts to Higher Education teaching -the Humanities in particular- the Government intend to make are incredibly shortsighted, for they fail not only to take into account the continual impact these graduates have on the economy, but they appear to place all importance on quick money making results rather than on a through education.

Sue Tinmey and the design of Timney-Fowler is at the Fashion and Textile Museum until 25th April 2011.

Illustration by Gareth A Hopkins

Upon walking into Sue Timney’s retrospective at the Fashion and Textile Museum, pills the viewer is greeted by the almost blinding black and white pattern that Sue’s company in collaboration with Grahame Fowler; Timney-Fowler, ambulance is best known for. The relationship between Timney’s application of pattern and Op art are undeniable, the entire exhibition acts as an homage to one of the most vibrant elements of painting in Modern Art’s history.

The main room of the exhibition is dominated by an explosion of chairs, reminiscent of what Alice’s fall through the rabbit hole would have looked like if crossed with Beetlejuice. The ideas, sketches and prints of Timney-Fowler adorn both the walls of the Fashion and Textile Museum as well as the products produced by the company (everything from pencil cases to china).

Illustration by Avril Kelly

The vibrancy of Pop Art’s interpretation of household objects inspired the reoccurring motif of everyday objects, with some of the prints being described as “a design stream of consciousness” and “an extension of the sketchbook into an individualist statement.”

Upstairs, the exhibition wonderfully included Timney’s sketchbooks, personally nothing is more insightful than a glimpse into an artist’s sketches. Timney’s interpretation of the history of modern art within her designs preempts the recent revival of designers using specific artists within their catwalk collections.

Timney’s incredible application of print to all objects belies her background in sculpture and printmaking, which was in fact the rather wonderful sounding Interdisciplinary Tapestry Course, sadly as the Government’s proposed cuts land on Universities doorsteps, technicians and idiosyncratic courses will be one of the first things cut by Art departments.

Illustration by Alia Gargum

This exhibition is a wonderful insight into the progress of Sue Timney from artist to product design to interior designer and for anyone intrigued by the process of artistic design.

My visit last week to the vibrant and incredibly innovative Sue Tinmey exhibition at Fashion and Textile Museum compounded my sense of the cuts to Higher Education teaching -the Humanities in particular- the Government intend to make are incredibly shortsighted, for they fail not only to take into account the continual impact these graduates have on the economy, but they appear to place all importance on quick money making results rather than on a through education.

Sue Tinmey and the design of Timney-Fowler is at the Fashion and Textile Museum until 25th April 2011.

Wagner by Karina Yarv
Wagner by Karina Yarv.

Another year, pills another X Factor out of the way. I went through a period of not watching any telly at all, advice and oh how I used to poo poo this show, buy but then, in 2009 I got sucked in. It was the only break I used to allow myself as I was creating my first book Amelia’s Anthology of Illustration – a bit of enjoyably vacuous pop culture on a plate. And it was then that I discovered the joy of X Factor watched with my twitter stream open. Trying to think of the bitchiest tweets as fast as possible has now become a something of a national sport, and I thoroughly recommend you do both at the same time once the whole bloody thing rolls around again next year.

X-Factor_Dannii Minogue wearing J'Aton Couture by Krister Selin
X-Factor_Dannii Minogue wearing J’Aton Couture by Krister Selin

As for the final outcome? I couldn’t stand Cher Lloyd’s sneery face but thought her final effort was at least IN TUNE, whilst even on the same note the One Direction cuties struggled (harmonies, what are they?)

Dee-Andrews-Cher-Lloyd-X-Factor1
Cher Lloyd by Dee Andrews.

I loved Rebecca Ferguson’s voice until it started to grate on my nerves, as did the fact that she could not move, even singing the danciest of songs. I quite enjoyed some of Matt Cardle’s songs, but he was clearly not on form during the last few weeks. All in all, as could be predicted, I’ve heard better singers at small indie gigs.

Matt Cardle by Karina Yarv
Matt Cardle by Karina Yarv

My fave live performance by Matt:
YouTube Preview Image

What really grabs the audience is of course the whole spectacle – the cliched dramatisations of the contestant’s back stories, the ridiculously over the top stage effects and the outrageously expensive outfits and stupendous styling choices of the judges and contestants. Here, then, is a chance to revel in the sheer glory of the X Factor experience, as seen through illustrators’ eyes.

Abi Daker Cher Lloyd
The Lovechild of Jordan, Minnie Mouse and Jimmy Saville. Illustration by Abigail Daker.

Gareth A Hopkins Cher Lloyd
Cher Lloyd by Gareth A Hopkins.

jenny robins - amelias magazine -  x factor
Illustration by Jenny Robins.

Katie Waissel by Karina Yarv
Katie Waissel by Karina Yarv

Cher Lloyd by Antaya Lendore
Cher Lloyd by Antaya Lendore

GarethAHopkins Wagbo
Wagbo (a character from Harry Hill’s TV Burp that was supposedly the love child of Wagner and Tesco Mary) by Gareth A Hopkins

X-Factor_Rebecca Ferguson wearing Lisa Marie Fernandez by Krister Selin
X-Factor_Rebecca Ferguson wearing Lisa Marie Fernandez by Krister Selin

xfactor wagner by elliott quince
Wagner by Elliott Quince.

katie waissel and rebecca ferguson by ellie sutton
Katie Waissel and Rebecca Ferguson by Ellie Sutton

Cheryl Cole by Antaya Lendore
Cheryl Cole by Antaya Lendore.

Cher Lloyd by Gemma Pharo
Cher Lloyd by Gemma Pharo

Categories ,Abigail Daker, ,Antaya Lendore, ,Cher Lloyd, ,Dee Andrews, ,Ellie Sutton, ,Elliott Quince, ,Gareth A H, ,Gareth A Hopkins, ,Gemma Pharo, ,J’Aton Couture, ,Jenny Robins, ,Karina Yarv, ,Katie Waissel, ,Krister Selin, ,Lisa Marie Fernandez, ,Matt Cardle, ,One Direction, ,Rebecca Ferguson, ,Tesco Mary, ,Wagner, ,X Factor

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Amelia’s Magazine | X Factor 2011: An Illustrated Retrospective

XFactor_LittleMix_by_AlisonDay
Little Mix by Alison Day.

Every year X Factor is my guilty pleasure, something to look forward to as the weather draws in – a comforting combination of manufactured spats, OTT styling and dance routines and rubbish songs. And it may be over for 2011, but I couldn’t resist seeing what my trusty twitter followers could come up with by way of illustrations…. was Amelia Lily so popular to draw because of all that pink, and what to make of the fact that runner up cutie-pie Marcus is totally unrepresented? Who knows: it’s never quite obvious who will do well out of the X Factor: scroll on and enjoy!

Amelia Lily by Karina Jarv
Amelia Lily by Karina Jarv.

Misha B by Karolina Burdon
Misha B by Karolina Burdon.

Kitty Brucknell by Stephanie Brown (FAIIINT)
Kitty Brucknell by Stephanie Brown (FAIIINT)

X Factor's Johnny by Ashley Fauguel
X Factor’s Johnny by Ashley Fauguel.

Amelia Lily by sarahjaynedraws
Amelia Lily by sarahjaynedraws.

Pick n Little Mix by Rhea Babla
Pick n Little Mix by Rhea Babla.

Amelia Lily by Veronica Rowlands
Amelia Lily by Veronica Rowlands.

pic n mix by Chris Sav
pic n mix by Chris Sav.

Categories ,Alison Day, ,Amelia Lily, ,Ashley Fauguel, ,Chris Sav, ,FAIIINT, ,illustration, ,Johnny, ,Karina Jarv, ,Karolina Burdon, ,Little Mix, ,Marcus, ,music, ,Rhea Babla, ,Sarah Jayne Morris, ,SarahJayneDraws, ,Stephanie Brown, ,Veronica Rowlands, ,X Factor

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Amelia’s Magazine | Joe Worricker at XOYO: Live Review

Joe Worricker by Karina Yarv
Joe Worricker by Karina Yarv.

Joe Worricker was indeed wearing stars on his face, generic as declared on twitter twenty minutes before I arrived at his gig. I could hear Joe’s idiosyncratic voice even as I raced into this industry thick showcase at new venue XOYO, buy located just behind the main Old Street thoroughfare. He was also wearing the same clothes that he sports in his Finger-Waggers video (digital download out this week, sales though as Joe was only too happy to admit, easily downloadable somewhere online for free.)

Joe Worricker-XOYO-Photo by Amelia Gregory
Joe Worricker at XOYO. All photography by Amelia Gregory.

Joe Worricker by Sarah Ushurhe
Joe Worricker by Sarah Ushurhe.

A whole 45 minutes later I was still somewhat struggling to describe Joe, who sings with a session-type band that wouldn’t look out of place on the X Factor – but then this is the lad who auditioned for that very show… and was turned down. “I think they were scared of my voice” he told me in our earlier interview. And he does indeed have an almighty set of curiously old-fashioned lungs, somewhat at odds with his outwardly trendy demeanour.

Joe Worricker by Fay Morrow
Joe Worricker by Fay Morrow.

He swung through a set which included some slow tempo tales of weddings and fairytales, before returning to his trademark upbeat tracks. “We’ve got two fun ones now, don’t worry,” he told his many friends in the audience, including what I can only presume was his granny sat pride of place in the front row, and another relative who was doing his best impression of the funky chicken.

Joe Worricker at XOYO. All photography by Amelia Gregory.
Joe Worriker by Sarah Ushurhe
Joe Worricker by Sarah Ushurhe.

Joe Worricker is an intriguing proposition for Rough Trade. He’s poppy – he fronts a band without an instrument – dance-y, and a whole lot of soulful. Who knows where he fits into the current market place, but that distinctive voice paired with some jaunty tunes could well make him the next big thing. One thing’s for sure, anyone who puts their granny in the front row at their debut gig gets my vote. And bless, being the polite lad he is, he even thanked me on twitter.

Joe Worricker XOXO granny

Go check him out. And read my interview with him here.

Categories ,Fay Morrow, ,Finger-Waggers, ,Joe Worricker, ,Karina Yarv, ,Live Review, ,pop, ,Rough Trade, ,Sarah Ushurhe, ,Session band, ,Showcase, ,soul, ,X Factor, ,XOYO

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Amelia’s Magazine | Joe Worricker and his Finger-Waggers

Joe Worricker_by_Renato Pequito
Joe Worricker by Renato Pequito.

Joe Worricker was turned away from X Factor but that didn’t prevent him from being snapped up by the coolest of labels Rough Trade. He’s just released single Finger Waggers so I thought I’d catch up with him on twitter and find out what gets Joe ticking…

You’ve just released Finger Waggers. What’s this song about and why the name?
I wrote Finger Waggers when my hair was so shockingly large people used to pull at it in clubs and take the piss. It’s about the importance of self-love and not letting people tell you how to be. Each of us are only here for a short time and we should be whatever we want to be

What’s the idea behind the video?
It’s set at a tupperware party with posh ladies who are the finger-waggers. The director Lily Smith did a fantastic job, viagra order she has made it look amazing.

YouTube Preview Image

Your sound is a pretty unique combination of pop, indie and soul. How would you describe it and why?
The songs are Beatles, The Marvelettes, Debussy and Kate Bush mixed and the vocal is a weird soul voice I suppose. 

You’ve already been hailed as a new soul sensation – how does this feel? What do your mates mates say to you on the subject?
It’s an amazing feeling when someone appreciates your work. What’s important is how you feel about it. For my first album I’m proud and think I’ve set good starting ground for future things to come. My friends are really supportive and always come to my gigs.

When did you start singing, and how did you end up signed to Rough Trade?
I started singing to Disney songs when I was a baby and haven’t stopped since. When I was gigging round London some music peeps got talking, Rough Trade heard about me and came to watch me in Soho. They then invited me in and offered me a deal

What was it like growing up in Essex – did you live the life of a typical “essex boy”? PS what do you think of the new real life soap The Only Way is Essex – is this the Essex you knew? is it an apt representation of life in Essex?! or not at all….
I probably lived the Essex girl life more. Went out every weekend to binge drink underage with my girl mates and wore and still wear excessive amounts of fake tan. Although I get St Tropez now which is the best in the business, where then it was very cheap rub on tan; I’ve matured. I haven’t seen the show yet, but everyone has been banging on about it. Yes, there are people like the people you see on the programme for sure

X Factor: what’s your opinion? Did you ever enter any talent competitions as a teenager?
Talent competitions can be amazing platforms for people. Jennifer Hudson being the best example, who is totally sensational and may have never been discovered otherwise. I entered the X-Factor when I was 18. I didn’t get through though, I think they were scared of my voice.

Where are you living at the moment and why? 
Fitzrovia. I only live in areas where I can walk to Soho in 5 minutes or less.
 
JoeWorricker_by_Sandra Dufour
Joe Worricker by Sandra Dufour.

You’re a proactive twitter user – what do you use twitter for?
It’s good for letting people who are interested in your music know about gigs, singles and the generally rubbish you are getting up to. Perfect for potential stalkers.

When can people catch you live? What can they expect from a Joe Worricker live performance and why should they come to see you?
My London headline show at XOYO on 16th November in Old Street. They should come see me coz I’m better live and i’m extra gifted at talking rubbish between the songs.

What makes the best kind of party?
Vodka, hilarious music, getting naked in the early hours…

When can we expect a debut album, and have you got a name for it yet? go on… give us a bit of a clue…
It is released in the new year. It is the title of the 1st song I wrote for the album. The song is about a moment of profound beauty and clarity when every fear and worry about life fell out of my head and I could see the world clearly.

Catch Joe soon before he goes massive: X Factor be damned, this Debussy loving Essex boy is going places. Read our gig listing here.

Categories ,Beatles, ,Debussy, ,Disney, ,Essex, ,Finger-Waggers, ,Jennifer Hudson, ,Joe Worricker, ,Kate Bush, ,Old Street, ,Renato Pequito, ,Rough Trade, ,Sandra Dufour, ,Soho, ,soul, ,The Marvelettes, ,The Only Way is Essex, ,Tupperware, ,X Factor, ,XOYO

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Amelia’s Magazine | An interview with CocknBullKid on the release of new album Adulthood

Cocknbullkid by Laura Warecki
CocknBullKid by Laura Warecki.

When Amelia’s Magazine first met CocknBullkid she stood out as a unique singer, purchase flying far from any obvious pigeon hole. I was impressed. Now, case a couple of years later, ambulance Anita Blay is back with a much bigger anthemic sound on second album Adulthood, confidence emanating from every danceable tune. Anita may now be ready to embrace the life of a grown up, yet Adulthood still retains a good dose of the individualistic charm that appealed to me in the first place, all sung in the honeyed vocals that attracted industry attention when as a teenager she took part in Hackney youth music project Tribal Tree. I caught up with the inimitable East Londoner on the release of her album, which came out today.

cocknbullkid_cover

Firstly, hello, how are you, it’s been awhile! What have you been up to since you were last featured in Amelia’s Magazine.
Learning loads, writing loads and the obligatory bit of soul searching, of course.

Why the name change? I’m getting a wee bit confused…
I just wanted to make it more concise really. Nothing more elaborate than that. I didn’t even think anyone would notice!

cocknbullkid by daria hlazatova
CocknBullKid by Daria Hlazatova.

I love your voice, what was your training? Did you sing as a little girl, and do you think your voice has changed over the years and if so how?
Thank you. I think it takes most singers years to find their true voice. We are all influenced by our surroundings and what we hear so it’s easy to start singing in an affected voice. I hear so many singers do it and they don’t even realise. Part of my going away was to really scratch away at all the affectations. And hopefully I’ve done that. As for training – I haven’t had a singing lesson in a years. Which I’m not proud of. Even if you can sing you still need to learn how to improve and protect your voice.

YouTube Preview ImageHold on to your Misery.

How was Tribal Tree formative in your development as a musician and a person? What did being part of it give to you?
It was great in terms of learning how to use software and discipline yourself into writing all the time. We also used to do X Factor style showcases every month. We’d play to a bunch of A&Rs in a room the size of a shoe box and listen to their criticism of the performance. It helped in growing thick skin.

CocknBullKid Papercut by Lou Taylor
CocknBullKid Papercut by Lou Taylor.

You are influenced by The Knife and Morrissey. How would you say these most diverse of influences feeds into your current songwriting process?
Morrissey has influenced my lyrical approach massively. I’d always been into lyrics foremost but it wasn’t until I discovered him that I understood that I had the freedom I had to write about anything I wanted. Regardless of how dark it was. The Knife were quite an early influence for me in terms of their experimental style. When I first started trying to make music on my laptop I was fascinated with how they played with vocals and sonics. 

YouTube Preview ImageOne Eye Closed.

Your music is much bigger now, why did you feel it was important to get away from minimal home grown electro? How did you ensure you retained that personal charm?
I’ve always believed that I’m not an artist that will be a slave to a genre. Hopefully, my appeal comes from who I am and my lyrics. So even if I decided to make a country record ,as long as the lyrics were still ‘me’ then  people shouldn’t feel too alienated. Also, when you listen to a lot of the earlier stuff, you’re actually listening to me trying t figure out how to write a song. I had a lot of things I wanted to say but didn’t know how to get it out in the most coherent way. I hope I’ve achieved that on this album. I think that is what pop music is and does.

CocknBullKid-by-Victoria-Haynes
CocknBullKid by Victoria Haynes.

Asthma Attack is quite a party tune, who do you hope will listen to it, and in what situation?
Anyone. It’s for anyone in any situation.

Asthma Attack.

Why are you anti Diva?
Most of the time it’s unnecessary BUT there are times when you need to get a message across and if no one is listening to you you may have to make a noise. I wouldn’t say that’s being a diva though. If it was a man he would be called ‘assertive’. 

CocknBullKid by Alison Day
CocknBullKid by Alison Day.

Your live shows sound exciting, can you tell us a little bit about what we might expect from these?
I’ve been told by people that the live show is completely different to what you hear on the record and I think it is. It takes me a while to  really connect in a vocal booth. I’m a quite visual person so when I’m on stage it’s a completely different experience. It’s visual, it’s adrenaline fuelled. I come alive.

I did in fact see CocknBullKid live at the end of last week – read my review of her performance at Stag and Dagger, and listen to a special Soundcloud remix stream of CocknBullKid songs by Metronomy’s Olugbenga. Adulthood is out today on Moshi Moshi / Island Records.

Categories ,Adulthood, ,album, ,Alison Day, ,Anita Blay, ,Asthma Attack, ,CocknBullKid, ,Daria Hlazatova, ,hackney, ,Hold on to your Misery, ,Island Records, ,Laura Warecki, ,Lou Taylor, ,metronomy, ,morrissey, ,Moshi Moshi, ,Olugbenga, ,One Eye Closed, ,Stag and Dagger, ,The Knife, ,Tribal Tree, ,Victoria Haynes, ,X Factor

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