Amie Rhone

Wednesday, 1 February 2017

What will 2017 bring?

Image from nstpictures.com

For me, the new year doesn't mean resolutions and becoming a 'better person', it's all about reflecting on good times and trying your best to make this year just as good as the last.

2016 was a brilliant year, full of personal achievements, holidays and realisations. I finally figured out what it is I want to do and how I want to do it, along with my plans for the end of 2017. Now that we're fully immersed into the new year, I thought I'd let you know what my plans are for this year, and why, for me, 2017 is going to be big.

So far, plans include:

Final Semester - I want to finish my final year at UoG proud of what I have achieved and knowing that I have put 100% into every piece of work.

21st Birthday - Although I'll still be focusing on grades and my final assignment, my 21st in May kick starts the summer nicely and I'm sure to be celebrating in style.

Mexico - A country I've always wanted and now I finally get to; I'm so glad we booked this last year. I can't wait to spend 2 weeks soaking up the sun and sipping on cocktails!

Graduation - I can't wait for graduation. After 3 years of hard work and deadlines, graduating will definitely be my biggest achievement to date.

Postgraduate course - I decided last year to apply for a postgraduate PGCE, and have since placed my firm choice with a lovely school in Pershore. The beginning of a new journey.

Film Review: La La Land

Image from film premiere

With 2016 leaving our hearts heavy, the new year has just been made a lot more uplifting with "La La Land" gracing our screens.

I'm not sure what I was expecting from the film as I hadn't seen the trailer, but I absolutely loved it. The first 10 minutes of "La La Land" were very cheesy, almost cringe-worthy, however, the storyline picked up instantly, with Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling taking centre stage as LA dreamers for two hours of warm, musically spirited, feel-good cinema.

The storyline is very typical; two people, lots of parties, love, fun and laughter. It is however, unique in the way that there are hardly any other characters. I mean, we see and listen to other people throughout the film, but they're never introduced. That's what makes it so good. You are fully immersed into the lives of Sebastian, a jazz musican who's making his way through small gigs and backyard parties, and Mia, an aspiring actress and playwright, in their journey together.

Sebastian wants to open a jazz club and Mia is desperate to make it on the big screen which is where their relationship falls complicated; How will they both reach their ambitions? It’s not until Sebastian lands a gig with his old musician colleague, played by a charmingly no-nonsense John Legend, that his priorities and paths take a turn. Mia is keen to keep things working, but with both her career and relationship weakening, she finds herself with no option other than to decide what's best for her.

There isn't too much to give away from the film and I'm sure that most of you have it on your 'to do' list anyway, but I personally believe that "La La Land" is a wonderful piece of retro cinema, with a twinkle of contemporary LA. One which leaves you beaming from ear-to-ear. One that will most definitely go down in history.

2017 looks bright for this future star

Image from Facebook

Since house and electronic music has been making its way back onto the mainstream scene, producer and musician Callum Stubbs has been more confident than ever in getting his music noticed. As we sit in a warm Gloucestershire pub, located in the village he was bought up in, he sips his Minchew's cider and talks to me about opportunities, touring Europe and breaking the London music scene. By Amie Rhone.

Callum's passion and enthusiasm for music is evident, from his music production to band practice, songwriting to soundcloud; his efforts are faultless. Graduating from the Leeds College of Music with a first class degree in Music Production, Callum believes that the opportunities he's been presented with at uni are what's helped his career blossom: “I wouldn't have met any of the professionals that I now speak to if it wasn't for uni, they've helped me find a way into the industry.

"I am lucky enough to be working alongside MOBO award-winner Steve Chrisanthou, who's enjoyed success with Eliza Doolittle, Newton Faulkner and Corinne Bailey Rae (just to name a few!). It has been great to gain an insight into how he works and the standard of work I need to be producing and the experience has been centred around producing and writing for up-and-coming electronic artists. I’m currently in talks with other well respected industry professionals, which I hope will open up other doors into a successful music career."

Another platform that he has seen progress is social media. Recently, more and more artists have been announcing albums, new singles and tours through the media, with examples being Adele's 2017 tour advertised on the television and Beyoncé releasing her latest album, Lemonade, on all of her social media accounts. Callum tells me how social media has gained him access to feedback from industry professionals: "Social media has played a big part in my online presence, due to others being able to listen to my work quickly and easily. It can be a great way to share ideas and new music with others, which is something I'd always recommend to up-and-coming musicians."

"being a nice guy can definitely get you a long way"

Although this producer has his sights set on London and other big cities, Ashton-Under-Hill in Gloucestershire will always be his home: "My fondest musical memories have to be playing in bands as I was growing up. There was no pressure and was just loads of fun; learning how to play instruments and messing about with songwriting, surrounded by my close friends. The gigs we played around Gloucestershire gave me a taste for what it was like to play on stage."

This producer is definitely country through-and-through, with a part time job on a farm earning money, helping fund his music and producing ambitions. Through building industry contacts, playing gigs and producing music, Callum's knowledge for music and the industry has progressed over the years, and one important piece of advice that he would give to younger musicians is knowing your theory: "Musical knowledge has got to be key. This could include playing an instrument well, knowing music theory and understanding what makes a good song. Developing technical skills in the studio has played a big part, due to the way this is influencing how the industry works."

However, simple advice will always be key: "Along with the specific musical skills perseverance, communication and being a nice guy can definitely get you a long way."

With 2017 looking to be a huge year for this 21-year-old producer, his aspirations are high. "I would be happy if I could songwrite and produce full time in London, building contacts and making a name for myself. In 5 years time, it would be my aim to have success in the industry, travelling around and hopefully, working with top 50 chart artists.

"It’s been a fun few months touring within the UK and Europe. I'm looking forward to playing festivals and bigger venues in 2017, with my one aim being to break into the London scene and meet lots of new people, who I can hopefully work with in the future."

For now, Callum's off to pack for a music inspired trip to Holland; there's simply no stopping him. With touring, producing and building his contacts and image taking over, 2017 is certainly going to hold some big opportunities and projects, creating memories that will stick with him for the rest of his producing career. Turn on, tune in and sit back to the slick style and catchy beats from Callum Stubbs.

https://soundcloud.com/callum-stubbs-music/

New Year ideas

Image from Pixabay

For me, last minute New Years plans are normal. It gets past Christmas and suddenly everyone is asking: "What are you doing for New Years?" and "Got any plans?" and I realise... I haven't even thought about it.

I love going out on New Years Eve but everywhere is so busy and pretty expensive and I definitely don't want to end up in Marilyns, (we're talking sticky dance floors and underage girls dancing to Nicki Minaj!), but I can never think of any alternatives!

So, for all of you in the same position as me, here's 8 ideas of how you can start 2017 with a bang...

1. Head to the Capital...

If you get the chance, head to London for a night of fun with so many events to choose from. My pick would be Kensington Roof Gardens, which host a circus themed evening; drinks, live entertainment, a huge fireworks display and plenty of surprises along the way.

https://www.designmynight.com/london/bars/kensington/the-roof-gardens/new-years-eve-at-the-roof-gardens-2016

2. Game on!

Grab all of your friends and have a night in. Lots of alcohol, drinking games and takeout food makes for the perfect New Years, with no worries about finding a taxi or spending it alone!

3. Go to the Races

Going to Cheltenham Races is one of the highlights of my year and their New Years Day event makes for the perfect excuse to go! Wrap up warm and grab yourself a few drinks while you're there... carrying on the party from NYE.

http://cheltenham.thejockeyclub.co.uk/

4. Host your own

Host your own New Years party with a fancy-dress event. Casino night, Hawaiian Luau or an 80's themed party will make the evening more fun, not that you'll be able to remember it the next morning!

5. Drink in Dublin

Dublin's New Years Festival last 3 days and has pretty much everything you can imagine; a light extravaganza, sky dance, poetry slam and not to mention their concert, which this year sees Walking on Cars headlining! All of this and plenty of drinking will make for a New Years to remember.

http://nyfdublin.com/

6. Or head further...

NYE is the perfect time to take a holiday. Expensive, yes, but the atmosphere that you'll experience in cities such as New York, Hong Kong, Berlin or Rio will make it completely worthwhile.

7. A girly evening

If you like a more laid-back evening, grab your girlfriends and set up camp in your garden. Plenty of blankets, fairy lights, projector films and bottles of Prosecco will make your New Years unique.

8. Just enjoy it.

No matter where you're off to this New Years, make sure that you're spending it with your faves. And really, as long as plenty of food and drink is consumed, you're sure to have a good one!

24 hours in...

Bath is one of my favourite places to visit. It boasts great shopping and fun restaurants, while still being a historical and beautiful place to visit.

This weekend, I headed to Bath to check out their famous Christmas markets and inspire myself for a the festive season (less than 2 weeks to go!).

The spa town was just as busy as I was expecting, even in the pouring rain, but that didn't stop me! After a quick stop for lunch, we headed for cover in the usual high-street stores; Topshop, Urban Outfitters, Jack Wills and All Saints.

We were pretty unsuccessful in our Christmas shopping trip and ended up buying for ourselves but that's what sales are for right?!

The Christmas markets in Bath certainly didn't disappoint, with mulled wine, traditional German food and hot chocolate flowing, the atmosphere was brilliant. We didn't have time to check out the ice rink but by what I'be heard, it's pretty impressive!

Bath has always been one of my favourite places to visit and certainly is beautiful, even in the rain. I can't wait to visit the markets again next year and hopefully have a spin on the ice rink! Hopefully next time the sun will shine.

My top 5 stalls:

FELT SO GOOD : such a cute stall with everything felt; stockings, Christmas decorations and Pom Pom's just to name a few! Such a unique way to decorate your home at Christmastime.

THE GREAT STONE BAKER: The perfect place to grab a bite to eat as you wonder around the wooden huts. Top tip: go for the pulled pork on a bed of chips - you won't be disappointed!

POLLYFIELDS: Get into the Christmas spirit with door wreaths, scented candles and oils and the prettiest pot pourri!

THE BATH GIN COMPANY: Sample lots of different flavours of local gin. It'll definitely get you into that Christmas spirit!

JACKDAW: This stall will definitely catch your eye among the Christmas decs and food stalls! Beautiful Moroccan design and colourful glass brings a taste of the Medina to Bath.

Winter, it's a love hate thing...

Image fom Pexels

It's that time of the year again. Leaves are falling off trees, you're trying to find the perfect winter coat and everybody is suddenly talking about Christmas!

Personally, I have a massive love/hate relationship with winter. Hopefully, you'll be able to see why I have such a dilemma...

LOVE

1. Cosy winter nights

The most appealing thing about winter is curling up in front of the fire with a hot chocolate. There's something appealing about the idea of staying in, lighting lots of candles and watching a classic Christmas film.

2. Christmas adverts

I absolutely love watching Christmas adverts and I think they get better every year. The biggest high-street stores competing for the best storyline and song makes the build-up to Christmas just that little bit more exciting. And FYI, my faves this year have to be Marks and Spencer, Heathrow and Sainsbury's.

3. Festive spirit

The build-up to Christmas may outweigh all of my winter 'hates', as nothing makes me happier than walking down the high-street and seeing all of the Christmas lights. Christmas is such a brilliant excuse for a night out, shopping dates and a trip to the races.

4. Christmas music

I'm not talking about the latest cheesy pop song that arrives every December. I mean traditional Christmas songs; The Pogues, Wham! and Mariah... just to name a few. If they don't get you in the Christmas spirit, then I don't know what will.

5. Food

Winter is the best time to indulge in all your favourite food, especially when pigs in blankets are on offer. A Sunday in winter is not complete without sleeping until you're hungry, and then eating until you're sleepy.

HATE

1. It's freezing

I am the worst when it comes to feeling the cold; my dressing gown is my best friend. The idea of going out and having fun is brilliant and, don't get me wrong, I love Christmas dinners and late-night shopping, but I can never, ever, no matter how many layers I put on, keep warm.

2. And not just that...

THE RAIN. I'm writing this during a washout, one that has lasted around 4 days. It makes my bed seem more appealing than ever and the idea of walking into town or going on a night out in a dress seem awful.

3. Layers

I love buying a winter coat every year and always spend quite a lot on the right one. For one reason only; it's all you ever see. The 4 layers I have on underneath, however nice they may be, will never appear in daylight. Layering is such a waste of clothes!

5. Mince pies

Ewwwwwww. Stollen, mince pies and Christmas pudding. Probably my three least favourite puddings ever all come at once! Just pass me some chocolate and I'll be on my way...