Is the album soon to be six feet under?

I would probably best describe the music my 19 year old brother blasts from his bedroom as, at the risk of sounding very old, "just noise".  Never an ideal supplement for a headache, a hundred times worse in the case of a hangover.  Very rarely are there any lyrics - the occasional yell, I suppose, but nothing really ever worth mentioning.

travelingsoutheastasia.com

We speak often about our differing musical tastes, what is good, what is not, where the industry is heading and what we can expect to see or hear in the near future. My inability to face facts about the relevancy of albums has been the core of many an argument, and I am reminded on an almost daily basis that my frequent purchasing of said item will inevitably become no longer possible in years to come.

In my dismissal of this sad reality, I have attempted to ignore reports of dilapidating album sales and the rise of a growing single-based culture, but there is no denying the fact that soon albums will indeed meet a sorry end, and unfortunately there is little we can do to stop it.

The Guardian reported on Tuesday that "30 million fewer albums were sold in the UK last year than there were in 2009",  with music lovers instead streaming an estimated 7.4 billion songs in 2013 on services like Spotify.  Head of Music at BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra, George Ergatoudis comments that "in terms of creativity and musical statement, albums still have relevance and merit", but making a living out of music is far more difficult in an age where streaming has become the mass market.

The death of the album has been developing gradually "over about 10 years", according to music industry analyst Mark Mulligan, yet the birth of online services like Napster has instead allowed people to enjoy tracks "on their own terms".

Rather, we have entered into a playlist-dominated era with consumers "cherry-picking" their own musical selections and grouping them together under umbrellas of genre, mood or popularity.  People are granted the power of song choice and order of play depending on what they may be doing at that particular time.  Guardian journalist Harriet Walker argues that we are a part of the generation where you don't have to wade through the drudge to hear the good bits - "you are in charge, you decide exactly how much dross is in there," she says.

As an audience, we can break free from our role as spectators and creatively formulate, in one respect, our own piece of art inspired by the palette of the musicians we love the most.

With this in mind, if music is indeed a piece of 'art', it is also just as important that we are able to enjoy it in its intended, original condition. A painting does not offer onlookers the option of choosing a favourite 'chunk' to then disregard what is left over. Would it be normal for an audience to exclusively watch the best scenes of a film without seeing the rest?

Streaming services and playlists are and will continue to grow as dominant aspects of the music industry; to deny it would be a waste of your time. If you can embrace such a change, I applaud you.  But its contagious appeal won't stop me buying albums, not until they're officially six feet under. And even then, I'll be dancing to the best ones at the wake.

So, you've finished University. What now?

If you've just completed your degree – congratulations! Not everybody that started managed to finish, so count yourself as part of the special club that did.

There are few sensations in life that I can compare to typing the last word of my dissertation or completing my final exam. As peculiar as it sounds, they are challenges I would be more than willing to undertake again purely for the unique feeling that washes over you as you compose that final sentence.

I recall whinging at the prospect of waking up each morning and trudging to the library rain or shine to endure an eight-or-nine hour day staring into my laptop screen, and hoping in one way or another it would prove beneficial in my quest to seem smart. Two months on and I actually miss it – strange, don’t you think?

This entire academic year in actual fact undertook an odd countdown-like structure as a result of an underlying yet constant fear of finishing University and wondering what in the hell would come afterwards. Back at home that fear has worsened, amplified by friends' parents and parents' friends who ask the infamous question of "what are you going to do now?"

It is nearly always the same questions which are asked, with nearly always the same answers which are given as a reply - a conversation I almost have rehearsed. Its de ja vu nature is often enough to make you want to shoot yourself in the face, and the response of "I'm not sure just yet" is also guaranteed to raise a few eyebrows.

It's a scary old place to be, and right now I feel like I'm in the thick of it. But there is light at the end of the tunnel, and I know I'll find my feet one way or another.

I'll continue to live the façade with my student discount in Topshop, but University life is finished, and like a tragic break-up we've somehow got to get over it.

Tissue, anyone?

What the BBC can learn from the Brits

Today the BBC announced the launch of the BBC Music Awards which will take place at Earls Court in London. The show will hit our screens on BBC One on 11 December, plugged as a "prime time event" with Chris Evans and Fearne Cotton hosting at the helm. 

BBC Controller, Charlotte Moore has acclaimed the ceremony as a "unique celebration of music in the UK" and awards will be given in three categories, namely British Artist of the Year, International Artist of the Year and Song of the Year. The latter will be decided by a public vote, while the two former prizes will be judged by a panel of broadcasters and producers from the Corporation.

Executives have insisted the BBC Music Awards will in no way rival or attempt to trump the Brits, which have been hosted annually at the beginning of each year since 1977. Guy Freeman, producer of the show, said "Just because it happens to be a music show on the television does not in any way mean it's the Brits. There are a million music shows on television that aren't the Brits."

In haste, the BBC has been totally dismissive of any comparisons made between their own new show and the ITV alternative. Indeed, with an audience loss of 6.2 million in the last decade and a half, it is hardly likely that the Beeb will be taking any tips from the commonly-controversial music show, which this year suffered heavy criticism for being, well, generally crap.

It is the painfully corporate approach of the Awards which has seen the show slated in recent years, with as many ad breaks as there are guests in the audience. Tolerance levels of James Corden’s arse-licking ran dry in 2012, and a growing investment in acts like One Direction and Justin Bieber and a lack of lesser-known British artists leaves many with a mere blemish of screen time. The Brits have lost their rock n roll edge – they have become tiresome, mediocre, predictable, and boring.

If the BBC are going to make this work, they're going to have to offer something unique and almost totally different. The event has already promised to focus on "music lovers of all ages who enjoy listening to music from across the BBC", rather than the "younger end of the market", and brands like BBC Introducing have already shown that the Corporation can and do appreciate the less commercial aspects of the music industry. 

For the sake of my music adoration, I would love to see this show succeed. But if "different" goes as far as the contrast between The Voice and The X Factor, I fear it won't be long before the same trap snaps shut.

Seven ways to save money as a graduate

University is finally coming to a climactic end for students up and down the country, but a fundamental reliance upon student loans during the past three or four years may also leave many recent graduates feeling lost and financially helpless.

It’s fathomable to feel the doom and gloom of those post-Uni blues, especially where money is concerned, so what actions can you take to get back on your feet?

        1. Get a Graduate Bank Account

Take advantage of those graduate-exclusive deals by switching from your student account to a graduate one. Certain banks can even offer overdrafts with 0% interest for up for three years.

Comparison sites like Which? and Money Saving Expert will also help you find the best deal to suit you and your spending habits – don’t opt for the largest overdraft option if you don’t really need to.

It’s important to never think of it as “free money”, and instead you should use it as a chance to clear any debt if you have already overdrawn your student account.

        2. Student loan stress

Don’t let the burden of repaying your student loan keep you awake at night. You will not be expected to make any repayments until you are earning over £15,000 a year, at which point it will be simply deducted from your payslip with 0% interest.

        3. Settle your bills

Ensure you have paid all your bills in your student accommodation before you have moved out, and inform utility companies that you are leaving. By not doing so, you risk being charged for gas, electricity or water used by the property’s succeeding tenants. It’s also recommended that you provide a forwarding address to your previous landlord in case you receive any important bills or letters after you have left.

        4. Property deposit

Get your deposit back from your landlord when you have moved out of your student accommodation – it’s best to do this as soon as possible.

        5. Fly back to the nest

The prospect of living with parents again may horrify you but it is far more cost effective and will allow you to save up for a deposit for your own place in the future.

        6. Budget carefully

Set up a spending plan to establish what you really need, and stick to it. Using cash rather than card when purchasing items will also make you more aware of what you are spending.

        7. Graduate discounts

You can still enjoy the student life a little with discounts and deals from a range of websites and apps – take a look at Graduate Extra on the NUS website for offers on everything from driving lessons to fashion.

Vouchercloud are ideal for fashion, electronics and mobile deals, while Groupon have great discounts on hotels, restaurants and days out in London.

You can even gain cash back on items by buying through Quidco from a variety of retailers, including Tesco, Amazon, M&S and Boots.

City Sound Project - Review

Exams loomed at the start of May but revision came to a brief pause for the return of the city’s biggest music festival City.Sound.Project, which saw the likes of George Ezra, Gorgon City and Blood Red Shoes storm stages all across Canterbury.

Coco and The Butterfields 

The weekend was kicked off by “colourful, energetic and crowd-stamping” Coco and the Butterfields at The Jolly Sailor, who describe themselves as “pioneers of a newly found musical genre, ‘Fip Fok’”. The Canterbury act, unique in their blending of folk and hip hop, were truly fantastic in creating a lively and colourful vibe, playing covers of Flo Rida’s ‘Low’ and House of Pain’s ‘Jump’  with their own impressive material, their track ‘Five Bells’ being a particular highlight. Check them out on SoundCloud here:  www.soundcloud.com/cocoandthebutterfields

bbc.co.uk

Alphabetic 

The crowd for four-piece act Alphabetic in Bramley’s was much smaller but the band certainly held their own, blending synth riffs with the gorgeous resonance of female vocalist Rebecca and lead guitarist Walter. They could be compared to Two Door Cinema Club in their happy, upbeat indie vibe with an added similarity to Foals in the gradual build-up of each track. www.alphabeticband.com.

Mas Agua

Canterbury and London-based Mas Agua, also featured on the line up of this year’s Christ Church Summer Ball, is a contemporary music project offering a unique mix of looping vocal harmonies and synth sounds. The project, founded by singer-songwriter David Ellis, were impressive in giving a truly captivating performance in cocktail bar Bramley’s on the second day of the festival, an almost ideal choice of act to match the mood of the very hungover 50 or so music fans in the audience. www.soundcloud.com/masagua.

Light Tone Studios

George Ezra

George Ezra, the up-and-coming King of Cool accompanied by a trusty guitar and a vocal range to make you melt, was a top choice of headline act as he took to the stage of the Christ Church Student’s Union on the Sunday. Performing his already well-known hits ‘Budapest’, ‘Did You Hear the Rain’ and ‘Cassy O’’, the crowd fell in love with Ezra’s charming stage presence, that winning smile and sexy, deep vocals (I won't deny the crush while it remains overtly obvious). His debut studio album Wanted on Voyage will be out June 30^th and I speculate it will be a big hit. www.georgeezra.com

culturefly.co.uk

Happily ever after?

(A little piece I submitted for my Creative Writing module at Uni.)

Once upon a time in a land far, far away lived an assortment of famous fairytale characters each battling with a bout of almighty dilemmas. Fortunately help is at hand with the swish of her wand and some mighty sound advice from the one and only Fairy Godmother and her fairytale problem page.

Living in Patriarchal Hell

Fairy Godmother, please, do help if you will,

Seven men and myself in our house on the hill.

I work hard all day to make our home glitter,

But lack of assistance has turned me so bitter.

The misogynist nitwits, they never give thanks.

They never say “cheers” when I scrub clean their pants.

I trek down to Tesco and stock up on tissues

On behalf of the one who has sneezing issues.

I’m always exhausted and feeling so rough,

How can I tell them I’ve had quite enough?

Snow White

For goodness sake, girl, you need to be stronger,

This homemaker’s hell can go on for no longer.

I’d get yourself out if they can’t lift a finger,

The plates won’t stay clean and the dust will then linger.

These men will soon realise how much they did slack,

And pleading and begging they’ll want you straight back.

Down in the Mouth

Help Fairy Godmother, I feel so distressed,

My ugly appearance just leaves me depressed.

I must be adopted, my brothers they tease,

They mock me and tell me I must be diseased.

Their feathers so golden, their bodies much smaller,

Adorned in dark grey, I’m an inch or so taller.

I yearn for self-worth but without friends to care,

I remain so despondent, knee deep in despair.

‘The inside counts more than the out’, people say,

But how can I stop myself feeling this way?

The Ugly Duckling

Those brothers of yours seem unwise and vindictive,

And duck ‘nip and tuck’ I am told is restrictive.

You’re right when you say that the inside’s worth more,

So hold your head high like a swan, I implore.

Don’t duck that head down with such low self-esteem

For your future is bright if you follow upstream.

Breathing’s a bother

Fairy Godmother, please do ease my health fears,

I have been a chain smoker for about thirty years.

My coughing just worsens, I can’t catch my breath.

My lungs, they are throbbing and I’m feeling like death.

I huff and I puff and while gasping and wheezing,

My pains never show any instance of easing.

Perhaps it is cancer, perhaps I will die

Regardless I fear that my chances aren’t high

How can I keep myself feeling alive?

And what must I do to ensure I survive?

The Big Bad Wolf

It sounds as though asthma is causing your pain,

Though thirty years smoking is no doubt to blame.

Nicotine patches will aid you in quitting,

The use of inhalers will keep you committing.

Make an appointment to visit the nurse,

Before it’s too late and your symptoms get worse.

Happy International Women's Day

Today is International Women's Day - a day to celebrate and embrace femininity, acknowledge our greatest female role models from the past to the present day, and recognise the challenges and tribulations women have faced throughout history and are still facing in the 21st century.

International Women's Day goes as far back as the early 1900s, before women could vote, legally terminate pregnancy and possessed rights to their own financial income. In the UK, women had only just earned the right to their own property and Marie Curie was yet to become the first female Nobel Prize winner. Today, International Women's Day is recognised all over the world and pays tribute to the vast developments put into place to promote feminism, gender equality and women's rights across the globe.

I for one am not ashamed to admit I am proud to be a woman, and I am not ashamed to admit I am a feminist.

"A feminist?!" you cry in horror. The kind of madwoman who, while swirling a burning bra through the air, protests against misogyny from the rooftops with a photograph of Andrea Dworkin adorned proudly on the over-sized dress she patched together that morning. Indeed, the prospect of it is appealing, but underwear nowadays is too expensive to sacrifice for these particular circumstances.

In reality, "feminism is simply being equal to men", says Caitlin Moran, author of best-seller How To Be a Woman. "I was astonished that the word "feminist" and "feminism" had become unused or even a bad word. If you ask most women if they're feminist, they would say, 'no'. So, you don't want to vote? And you don't want to be able to own property? And you don't want to be in charge of your life? And you don't want to be in control of your sexuality and your reproductive rights? They say, 'yes, of course'. Well that's feminism, it doesn't mean anything other than that."

On the contrary, Lily Allen's comments on disbanding of feminism as an ideology caused something of a ruckus this week. Speaking in her role as guest editor of Shortlist, she said "it shouldn't still be a thing", protesting that "everyone is equal in the modern world" and that women "are their own worst enemy".

She justified her opinion with personal experience, arguing that "I know that when I'm sitting in a restaurant and a really beautiful woman walks in, who's skinny, I instinctively think, 'Oh she's really skinny and beautiful and I'm really fat and ugly.'"

I agree in that women are instinctively competitive with one another, but aren't men exactly the same? Isn't competitiveness simply a part of human nature? Isn't feminism more than just female appearance, female interaction and female mentality?

It is without question that the life of the average woman has improved since the first International Women's Day way back when. However, the fact it is still being recognised and celebrated in 2014 demonstrates that everything is certainly not, as Lily Allen puts it, "equal in the modern world".

Globally, women are still facing the challenge of oppression in all walks of life, and the following statistics underline a few of the many core problems women are dealing with today.

• 1 in 3 women will be beaten or raped during their lifetime.

• 44% of all UK women have experienced either physical or sexual violence since they were 15, and the UK ranks among the worst countries in Europe in relation to violent abuse.

• 99.3% of women and girls in Egypt had been subjected to sexual harassment.

• Over 130 million women living in the world today have undergone female genital mutilation - in one Birmingham hospital as many as 40 to 50 women every month are treated after having undergone this awful procedure.

• Around 14 million girls, some as young as 8 years old, will be married in 2014.

• An estimated 1.2 million children are trafficked into slavery each year, and 80% of these are girls.

• 1% of the titled land in the world is owned by women.

• 21% of the world's managers are female.

• 67% of all illiterate adults are women.

• The gender pay gap stands at 15% in the UK, with women on average earning £5,000 less a year than their male colleagues, increasing to 35% with part time jobs. 

International Women's Day is still important, and feminism is still "a thing". Our gender is enormous part of who we are as human beings and we should embrace our femininity and be proud of what women have achieved on our behalf throughout history.

Be proud to be a feminist, and be proud to be a woman!