TLG Magazine is hosting a stage at the electronic music festival Signals in Sheffield this summer, on July 21^st. They’re now running a competition for up and coming female DJs and producers to win a 30 minute slot at the festival.

We at GUM know Glasgow is full of talented ladies and we’d like to promote this competition to you all! More details on how to enter can be found here:

http://tlgmagazine.com/competition-win-a-live-set-at-signals-festival/

Good luck!

I think James’ connection between these people’s statements and pornography is baseless, but I don’t really care, it is this pop with which I take umbrage. Firstly, pornography being laughable isn’t a sensible criticism. Sex is funny and if you don’t have the occasional chortle (most likely amidst your clumsiness when you’ve had a few too many to retain any of the prowess you were boasting about to your new friend in the queue for the kebab you’re now wearing) then you’re doing it wrong. Secondly, guess what? Some people have the kind of sex depicted in pornography in their private lives. From the most vanilla to the most extreme, including those unthinkable cum-shots. And it’s not just rock stars with happy-to-oblige groupies. It’s normal folks. Sure, it’s not the narrative of every sexual encounter, but I reckon most people are bright enough to understand that. Realism is not the goal (at least most of the time). Nobody thinks every voyage across the sea ends like Titanic and likewise nobody thinks every romantic endeavour ends with Princess Donna, Chloe Camilla, a magic wand and a dungeon. But it might do once…

I pick those particular names for a reason. And not just that reason. They mainly appear within the fetish genre and I imagine many people would view the work they do in front of cameras as amongst the most degrading, humiliating and exploitative you’re likely to find. However, both are intelligent women, sex-educators as well as performers, operate in both submissive and dominant roles and at least one is a director and producer. More importantly, they’re women who are doing something they enjoy. Something that they do in their private lives and find both fun and sexually gratifying. Is watching people do something everyone involved is enjoying really creating a problem for society? Isn’t it doing the opposite?

An accusation could be made that I’m talking about fetish pornography whereas James was likely thinking of more mainstream material which doesn’t have the intrinsic caveat that this it is not depicting ‘normal’ sex. In case of such a potentially valid criticism, let’s note that I dislike the terms fetish and kink, though they are unavoidable as descriptors, exactly because they imply abnormality. If any porn is fetishist then it all is and it must all be viewed in the same regard. It all portrays acts which someone is sexually drawn to, be it an amateur couple amidst candles and rose petals, or the extreme dominance of one gender. It makes no odds whether it’s in a warehouse with everyone in latex or in a supposedly-genuine student-halls in Nebraska.

I resent the implication that any brand of pornography not approved and rubber stamped by an arbitrary authority (in this case James) is having an adverse impact on society and I reserve my right to view anything which exclusively contains consenting adults, however disgusting or unrealistic it might appear to others.

Neil Erskine

Designer: Hannah Mitchell, Model: Madeline Harvey-Brown

Creativity and community are two buzz words on the Glasgow fashion scene; bursting at the seams with up-and-coming talent, the city boasts a colourful network of designers, models, make-up artists and hair stylists. With independent events forming a strong backbone, nothing gives fashion a bigger sense of community than a vibrant catwalk event to bring  together people from all ends of the fashion spectrum.

 This is where Nightwalk comes in: an independent fashion show which provides a platform for Glasgow’s bold designers, beautiful models and all manner of hair and make-up wizardry. The event was created in 2010 by Angie Koorbanally, who drew upon her previous experience as an events management student, and 6 years spent working in The Arches, to turn her dream into reality. She explains the reason behind it’s conception: “It was created because I saw a gap in the market for a large scale fashion show, which showcased local fashion talent but is also open to general public (without invitation or paying a hefty ticket price) in Scotland. I also knew a few up-and-coming designers and models who were looking for a place to showcase their work.” With an invaluable network of contacts in the fashion, media, PR and music industries, lashings of creativity and a lot of hard work Nightwalk was born, and has since worked us into a fashion frenzy over the innovative talent our city beholds. Last year saw the likes of womenswear brand Ten30 and lingerie designer Lilly Wiggler showcase their designs, and the Nightwalk SS2012 show promises to be just as exciting with the return of explosive design duo Obscure Couture, the unique designs of Jennie Lööf and director Angie’s very own headwear label Fair Feathered Friend. We will also be welcoming Nightwalk newcomers Claudette, Isolated Heroes and Bonnie Bling to the forefront, along with other exciting names.

Designer: HandmadeInPartick, Model: Declan

As Angie explains, the importance of these events in Glasgow is second to none: “There are so many designers out there who are looking for exposure and experience from a large-scale fashion show, without having to go to London. Events like this also help boost Scotland’s cultural ecology and puts us on the fashion and events map.” Independent fashion events like Nightwalk are essential to feed the city’s thriving creativity, offering up-and-coming talent the coverage and experience they need right on their doorstep. And with the driven, dedicated Angie at the helm there is much room for expansion; she sees a bright future for the project: “I would like Nightwalk to become a regular feature (bi-annual fashion show) in Scotland’s event calendar and for it to be the leading independent fashion event in Scotland which is accessible by, and open to the public without invitation. And for it to continue launching new names in fashion into the industry marketplace.”
Undoubtedly, Nightwalk has achieved what it set out to do in creating an event which showcases a diverse and dynamic range of talent which rivals that of fashion’s most illustrious capitals. Indeed, Angie sees the future of Nightwalk as one which could expand into other cities, telling us: “One day I would like to take Nightwalk to other cities in the UK and Europe.” But for now, step aside London and move over Milan, wee Glasgow is bringing out the big guns and is ready to take a Nightwalk on the wild side.

Nightwalk (18+): Tue 1st May, The Arches, Glasgow. 8pm-11.30pm. £10. Tickets can be purchased from The Arches website

Words by Rose Henderson

Tucked down an alleyway just off the busy Shoreditch high street, The Hoxton Pony was the ideal venue for the launch of one of London’s finest 3 piece electro outfits Belleruche. By 7.30 the basement- which boasts a Funktion One soundsystem was packed out with mostly 20something hipsters cradling complimentary champagne. Whilst we were waiting the resident Dj kept everyone entertained with laid back house and techno.

When the band eventually took to the stage they were met with a warm reception, having yet to see Belleruche live I was intrigued to see what their performance would involve. There’s no other way of saying it, but the make-up of the group is weird. Picture a sultry female solo singer clad in a glitzy black dress, a geeky Dj glued to his synthesiser and a stereotypical bassist hidden behind a shaggy mop of hair. Undoubtedly a strange mix, but for some reason – much like a bloody mary – it just works. Kathrin DeBoer introduced the set with details of their up and coming European Tour before announcing that the crowd had made her feel ‘nervous enough’ and launching straight into a haunting vocal accompanied by rivets of bass and off kilter synths. She may have felt nervous, but she certainly didn’t sound it. Moloko-esque DeBeor has a unique stage presence, at times eclipsing her fellow band members which makes it seem as if all three are engaged in separate performances yet just happen to be on stage together. However, later on in the set when they dropped their single ‘Stormbird’ they really came together as a group and got the crowd moving.

By 9pm the audience were no longer cool and composed, they clamoured for an encore which Belleruche gladly obliged to, playing out 2 more tracks. The first of which had an oriental electro vibe and the latter reminded me of Donna Summer’s ‘Funky Town’ with a modern twist.

Overall, Belleruche get a 6/10.

Detail’s of their up and coming tour can be found here: http://www.belleruche.com/#/show-dates/4530132134

Listen up here: www.soundcloud.com/Belleruche

Text: Lucy Molloy

Thursday the 22^nd of March saw the launch of a new club night at Sub Club. The name of the night is Rubix and the organisers are Joshua Plotnek, Abraham Parker-Clare, David Shields, Daniel Bartling, James Oglethorpe and Calum Lindsay. All are second year students at the university of Glasgow and this is there first ever night.

For a bunch of relative newcomers to the booking and promotion business, a night at the legendary Sub Club sounds like an extremely tall order and that is why it’s so impressive that these boys managed to do it. The first Rubix night managed to attract over 300 people and the atmosphere was incredible as everybody danced the night away to the music of the four acts that the Rubix boys brought in, namely Mandeep from Leeds, Glasgow’s very own Point To C (Mixed business), Lancaster’s Bondax (Forty40 records) and Arkist from Bristol (Hotflush, Applepips). All four acts provided a different kind of set and all managed to create and maintain an excellent vibe in the club, one which even an impromptu interruption to the night that came in the form of a fire alarm couldn’t quash.

Tom Clarke caught up with the Rubix team (minus James and Calum who unfortunately couldn’t attend the interview) to find out how they felt the night went, how the creation of Rubix Glasgow came about and what their plans for the future are:

How did all you get to know each other?

Daniel: just through mutual friends really
Abe: And a bit of appreciation for music as well

What got you onto the idea of starting a club night?

Joshua: I think the idea came about at a Halloween party, Abe, Dan, Calum and me were there and we spent the whole night just talking about music. We came onto talking about garage music and how it’s had a revival since 2009. It’s gotten quite popular recently with bands like Joy Orbison bringing it into the mainstream in terms of dance music and there isn’t much of a scene of it up here. Saying that, there are nights like Bad News and I Am and Vitamins that play some of that stuff but they’ re not completely dedicated to it so we wanted to create something that was.

Abraham: Also, we were given the chance to put on a night at 520 at the end of last semester and then that totally fell through. That would have been a weekly night and it would have been a big commitment that we probably wouldn’t have been able to maintain, especially with their set up. But then, just from getting excited about that, we took it upon ourselves to contact Sub Club and they gave us what we wanted in terms of having a monthly night and running it ourselves.

Daniel: so we get to decide everything basically.

How did you find the processes of booking the artists, managing a budget, and dealing with the venue etc?

David: the venue were all dead keen for it to happen and they were all really easy to work with.

Josh: yeah they’re very friendly and very flexible; very laid back. It’s been really easy working with them.

Daniel: They were really helpful as well. If you every needed any advice, then they were always there to help.

Abraham: But they were also sort of “hands-off” and let us do it. They didn’t set any barriers in our way.

Daniel: Things were quite stressful though, with it being our first night that we’ve done. We were quite inexperienced and there were certain things that we didn’t know how to do. But you learn.

Sub club is a legendary venue and quite an ambitious choice for your first club night. Were you determined to hit that kind of level from the beginning or was it something that just kind of happened?

Joshua: Sub Club was definitely our first choice

Daniel: We always wanted to do it at Sub Club but we just didn’t think there was a place available and when 520 came up, we were like “well we can do it there” but when that fell through, we thought we might as well email sub club, we had nothing to lose.

Abraham: Yeah, we all enjoy Sub Club but we had a feeling that we could make it even better and so we wanted to take our favourite club in Glasgow and give it something that we hoped people might like.

What do you think of Glasgow’s nightlife and the clubbing scene in general?

Joshua: It’s good.

Daniel: The music scene is really good if you know where to look.

Abraham: Definitely, places like LaCheetah and Chambre 69 as well as Sub Club are always providing really good nights. Its quite nice to have it on a small scale though so you can keep it all under your belt.

Daniel: It’s good but it’s not too big, what with the city being reasonable sized and the city centre being quite small as well. There’s only four or five clubs that our kind of scene revolves around.

Abraham: But there are some really nice intimate venues as well that really help the scene.

How did the name Rubix come about?

Daniel: There’s a Rubix that runs in Newcastle as well. James is a good friend with the guy who runs that. So Rubix Glasgow is essentially a sister night to the Rubix in Newcastle. But we’re in control of the Glasgow night. We just used the name and design and contacts of the other night essentially.

Abraham: But we did find that by securing the name, we also secured the promoter contacts that would help us to get bigger artists. But in terms of what we did ourselves, we found that is wasn’t actually too difficult to approach artists that we really wanted to play, ourselves, without having to go through the promoter.

How did you go about choosing artists? What made you choose the one’s played?

Daniel: Every Monday we have a meeting and we were all throwing names around for a couple of weeks and we all love music so we all had a good idea of who would be good. We emailed a lot of people and it came down to just who was available, the price range and who we fancied really.

David: Obviously, these artists were available but we wanted the best of who was available. I think the standard of acts that we managed to secure were definitely of the high end of what was available.

Abraham: They were also of minimal cost actually. I think we expected to be paying a bit more for the artists. But it was really lovely last night to have four different DJ’s that played very different sets but were all appreciated in different ways.

So the first night is over. How do you guys think it went?

Dave: Personally I feel like there were a lot more people in there than I was expecting. There were different levels of expectation throughout the group but the amount of people that were there last night was more than any of us were expecting.

Abraham: we sort of had the idea in our head that around 200 people would show up but we managed to get 335 people through the door so it was a massive success. Also, people seemed to be having a really good time. It was a really nice atmosphere. It felt like a different night at Sub Club

Joshua: I liked how at twelve o’clock when Point To C was playing, people weren’t only dancing on the dance floor but over by the bar as well which doesn’t really happen till later in the night usually.

What kind of feedback did you get from the Artists? How did they feel the night went?

David: None of them had played in Glasgow or Scotland before. They were all really impressed with the club and the crowd.

Daniel: If you check out Arkist and Bondax’ Twitter, they’ve both said things like “Big up Scotland, Fantastic night at Sub Club”.

Well the first night is done, so what comes next? Do you have plans for future nights in the pipeline?

Daniel: there are a few ideas going round.

David: It would be good to be able to relax a bit after this one but we’re definitely looking into another night.

Daniel: When it will be isn’t decided yet.

Abraham: Possibly before the summer but we’ll have to see.

So the Rubix boys are leaving it mysterious as to when their next night will be but one things for sure; it will be eagerly anticipated by all of those who made it down to Sub Club on Friday and probably more after the hype that’s going to come off of this first night. With Rubix Glasgow, these young promoters seem to have found a comfortable and exciting place in the Glasgow club scene and it will be exciting to see what comes next for them.

18th March: The Affordable Vintage Fair – a vintage-break from Uni-work? Yes please –  a browse never goes amiss, especially when such a short stagger away from the library. From 12 until 5pm at the GUU. £1 (students).

25th March: Granny Would be Proud – do you really need a reminder when & where this takes place? Once again the Sunday fair returns to the Hillhead Bookclub from 12 until 5pm. So if you missed the Affordable Vintage Fair, head down for yet more perusing.

31st March: Byres Road Maker’s Market – a chance to inspect (and buy, if you so wish) the designs and crafts of local talent. A bit late for Mother’s Day shopping, but why not just splash out on yourself? Hillhead Library, free entry.

Ginger Clark

Admittedly, I did emerge from the show with something similar to information overload, and am consequently unable to name those whose designs I liked the best. However, I can nevertheless state, with confidence, that the show was proof of fresh vision, creativity and individuality. You’re definitely not forced to like everything – I certainly didn’t – but I’d recommend wandering down to have a look for yourselves, even if only out of sheer curiosity.

The show opened with monochrome looks by 2^nd year Fashion Design students (a course which has only been running since 2010), with some very flattering shapes and many-a-play on texture (lace and wool combined? Yes please). It didn’t take long, however, for blacks, whites and greys to be supplanted by bright and show-stopping colours which came as a result of the third year Textile Design’s theme of “Shaping Journeys”. Obviously, some colour schemes were more subtle or muted than others but there was a general pattern of using contrasting colours (particularly primary ones, or turquoises paired with warmer shades of reds or oranges) and a great love of the pastel trend that is proving to be so popular for SS12. In this colourful display there was a definite nostalgia for summer with stripy weaves reminiscent of deckchairs, prints that oozed journeys to distant (and warm) locations or light, flowing fabrics that shouted summer.

With colour came a plethora of geometric shapes, whether printed triangles, accumulations of diamond-shaped segments, or the softer, more intricate lines of knitwear. Considering the show as a whole, there was an overall effect of garments being very sculptured or architectural which came as a complimentary contrast to the summer-holiday vibe – the likes of weave, print, knit or embroidery, combined with GSA flair are certainly enough to make visually strong pieces.

In terms of silhouette pretty much anything worked – from cinched waists, floor length skirts to cape-like garments, the students showed that they know what works best with their textile designs. And whilst I am mainly speaking about women’s wear, it should also be said that men’s wear had a turn in the spotlight too with some vibrant knits and prints which were enough to get anyone excited about the ever-recurring problem of finding adventurous male garments.

I shall stop there though – after all, we’re talking beautiful GSA designs here, and the words of a GU English Literature student by no means do them justice, so go feast your eyes and whilst you’re at it, bridge the GU-GSA divide!

The three shows this evening are at 5pm, 7pm and 9pm @ SWG3, 100 Eastvale Place.

Words by Ginger Clark

To make this happen, we suggest that you start off with taking a look at the following pages:

The Art School Union website: http://theartschool.co.uk/, here you will find exciting events and information about what’s going on at the new (temporary) Art School Union.

FOLD – GSA Student Magazine: http://www.facebook.com/pages/FOLD-GSA-Student-Magazine/229732270414538?ref=ts&sk=wall, FOLD is GUM’s new best friend and brings you some inspiring content in an interesting format.

Next, GSA student Sophie Nicoll shares her thoughts on this could-be love story:

Prior to my first week as a fresher at Glasgow School of Art, I expected the stereotypical university experience – fancy dress, pub crawls, student events, drinking games – everything other universities offer. But, while GSA had a few social events within the art school in Freshers week, there were none that mixed with Glasgow University. While GU students were at the Pendulum DJ set, GSA Freshers were experiencing their first ‘Strip the Willow’ – a contrast indeed. To me, it was university life but with the sound turned down. The art school is a very small community and when I applied I didn’t quite realise how insular it really is. I assumed that the university and the art school were more connected than they actually are, but in actual fact each has a very separate social scene.

Moving so far from home can be even more intimidating when you’re put in a small community such as the art school. The art school social circle is exciting and constantly creative of course, but I would like the opportunity to meet people doing subjects completely different to mine, who share interests other than art with me. I feel cheated out of knowing these people. I strongly feel that establishing a real link between the two schools would be beneficial for both GU and GSA. I’ve spoken to GU students who would love to come to exhibitions at GSA, and I know many GSA students want to become part of societies at GU but aren’t sure how to go about it.

I think lack of communication is one of the main problems. I know that when I was a Fresher I had no clue about anything that went on in the university, and I would’ve loved more information about the Hive, societies and GUU events at the time. I think it’s particularly important for first years to know that they have the option to join GU clubs and societies, as when you’re in second or third year the focus is more on work and maintaining friendships than making new friends. And maybe it would be useful to GU students to have updates on when the next exhibitions at the art school are so that if they’re feeling arty they can come and see what GSA is all about.

I’m not sure whether it’s sheer lack of interest in the other that causes the two schools to remain separate or just student laziness. To be fair, GU is at least a twenty-minute walk from GSA and most students won’t stray that far if they’re busy. The area surrounding GU is beautiful and I know if I went to GU I’d spend all my time there rather than on Sauchiehall Street. The distance between the two means it’s more of an effort to advertise events to one another and as a result most students remain oblivious of the other school’s goings on. I’ve noticed that students who lived in halls shared with GU students in first year (such as Unite) have found it easier to get involved with he university from the offset, whereas the students who lived in halls for the art school missed out on lots of events just because they had no idea they were happening.

I find it strange that despite the fact that GSA students receive their degrees from GU and are welcome to join the clubs and societies at GU, there’s still such a wide divide between the two schools. When the Vic was still around as the art school union, there was a place that both groups gathered to socialise, but now that it’s under construction there isn’t really a common ground for everyone to meet on a regular basis. The only time I’ve actually spent time with GU students (excluding sweating beside them at the gym) was on Thursday nights at the old art school union. I’ve been to the Hive a few times and enjoyed myself, so maybe spending more time there is the key to meeting new people, but I couldn’t help feeling a little out of place there as I’m more of a pub kind of girl, and I felt a bit like a granny at a festival. However, the new temporary art school union is finally starting to take off as the year wears on and hopefully it will once again be somewhere that everyone wants to go.

In lots of ways I’m quite jealous of the social scene at GU, and that’s probably why I’m so keen to join in. The university is so vast in comparison to our little art school and it seems like there is always so much going on. Maybe all that’s needed is a few socials and a lot of alcohol for everyone to mix together. I think that with some liaising between the schools we could become more integrated. I don’t think I’m the only person who wants us all to get along – after all what’s wrong with meeting new people that you normally wouldn’t? Most of the people I have spoken to would love to have GU/GSA pub nights and nights out, but no one knows how to go about it. I think communication and distance are the main problems, but these are problems that could easily be overcome with the creation of a joint Facebook page and some well promoted nights out. At the end of it all we’re all just students in a small city, roughly the same age, trying to get a degree and have a good time. Art students are nice, I promise, come see for yourself!

Everyone likes to get treated on their birthdays, and the Glasgow International Comedy Festival is no different. Between the 15^th March – 1^st April, GCIF turns ten and we are getting spoilt rotten. This year is set to be bigger than ever, and with over 330 comedians coming to town, just picking a show seems like a daunting task. To make things a little easier I give you my 5 must see shows of the GICF: 

1. Simon Munnery: Hats off to the 101ers & Other Material

The Stand, 20^th March

Alternative comedy at its finest, Munnery returns to Glasgow with a show which he describes as “an extravagant mess of foaming bubble hats, superlative jokes, bad guitar riffs, delightful monologues, hand-made engineering feats and an overly ambitious one-man punk musical about the R101 airship of the 1930s.”

2. Late Night Gimp Fight

The Tron Theatre, 30^th/31^st March

The Gimps bring their own brand of sketch comedy to the Tron Theatre after a successful Edinburgh Fringe. With the artistic director of the Soho Theatre directing this show, it promises to deliver the most flamboyant and creative knob-gags anyone will ever see.

3. Mark Nelson: Live and Unleashed

Oran Mor, 30^th March

A complete sell-out in the last few CGIFs, this festival favorite is back after swiftly becoming a regular on the U.K circuit. Support Scottish comedy and go see Mark Nelson.

4. Tony Law: Go Mr. Tony, Go!

The Stand, 28^th March

Nominated for ‘Best Breakthrough Act’ in the 2012 Chortle Awards and winner of the 2011 Amused Moose Laughter Award, Tony Law is a very funny man and a must see of the GICF.

5. Doug Stanhope

The Kings Theatre, 30^th March.

Doug Stanhope returns to Glasgow after storming the Comedy Festival last year. Seen recently on Charlie Brooker’s Screewipe, this no-holds-barred comic is definitely no stranger to controversy. Those easily offended may want to stay away!

If there’s one thing Glasgow’s missing, it’s the call of the wild. Drum and bass and jungle are rarities up here so it’s with relief that we can finally unleash a monthly night of tasty beats at Sub Club. Frogbeats has just started up, but is already pulling in the native tribe with resident and guest DJ’s showcasing some classic tunes from the old and new. So put on your war face and head down this Thursday, you’re in for a treat this week as the Beast is let loose. Expect some massive tunes to move yo’ feet.

Check out their facebook page for more information on up and coming events: http://www.facebook.com/events/347512171955415/