March 2013£1.80

FLA IR

Interview with Karen

“I’d like to be as big as Rihanna” What’s on at the

ROYAL & DERNGATE?

Flair gets to know...

WILLIAM TEMPEST

Find out who’s #trending this month!

FLAIR 4 News Round-up.8 On Twitter? Meet and Tweet.

MUSIC6 This month’s music feature includes an interview with singer songwriter Karen.

ART9 Check our this month’s Career Profile with fashion designer, William Tempest.

PERFORMANCE10 What’s On at the Royal & Derngate? Get planning your summer with our guide. 11 See what we thought about the Circus of Horrors performance at Royal & Derngate.

CONTENTS

Welcome to the first ever issue of Flair Magazine! (cue round of applause and cheers). This month I met up with cover star Karen to talk about her music career which was really fun! We braved the strong winds to take pictures in the freezing cold, and then warmed up by chatting and sipping on a Costa coffee. And thanks to the Royal and Derngate this issue includes two performance reviews and a what’s on guide.

Hope you enjoy the issue.

Kanem Hutchinson, Editor

@KanemH@FlairMagUK

3

The Editor

COVER MODEL: KARENPREET KAURPHOTOGRAPHER: KANEM HUTCHINSON

4 NEWS

BOUTIQUE CINEMA SET TO OPEN IN SPRINGNorthampton’s Royal and Derngate theatre have teamed up with the UK’s leading boutique cinema operator, City Screen, to produce a new state of the art 90-seat cinema. The new project will be named after Holly wood legend, Errol Flynn Filmhouse, after spending his early career working with Northampton’ Repertory Company. The project which is due to be complete in Spring has promised to stand out from other independent cinemas in the region. It will allow audiences to sip wine and enjoy luxury seating as they view some of the best movies the British film industry has to offer. The new cinema will host events such as film festivals and sessions where members of the public will be able to get involved. The development of the Errol Flynn Filmhouse is part of a Northampton Alive scheme, which involves various projects around Northampton such as the development of the new bus station in the town centre. Its aim is to regenerate and modernise Northampton in order to attract more people to the town.

The development of the Errol Flynn Filmhouse is currently underway and prices of tickets and events will become known closer to Spring.

NEWS

CHINA’S FORGOTTEN KINGDOMThe University of Northampton’s School of Arts will be displaying pieces of Chinese art at the university’s Avenue gallery from Monday 18 March- Friday 12 April. The exhibition named ‘China’s Forgotten Kingdom’ is based on the work of the Naxi people, a ethnic minority form South West China. The pieces include carvings, paintings. drawings and contemporary art. Once the exhibition is displayed at Northampton, it will then move to London’s Bankside Gallery and then to Birmingham’ s RBSA. See the unique pieces for yourself at Avenue Gallery, Avenue Campus between 10am and 4pm.

NEWS 5

ROUNDUP

DO YOU HAVE SWEET DREAMS? Students from the University of Northampton have got together to present ‘Sweet Dreams’, a fashion show based on Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. The show will take place on Tuesday 26 March at Balestra in the town centre and will display clothes that have been sourced from charities such as Oxfam. In order to make the clothes suit their candy theme, students have been busy re-creating and dying pieces using pastel colours. Sian Parker, the team’s PR and Marketing manager says:“People should come to the event because they are supporting a great charity and they get to see our imaginations come to life in the clothes.”The proceedings of the event will go towards supporting third year fashion students to attend Graduate Fashion Week. To raise awareness for the event, students have been holding stalls and pop-up shops. Posters have also been distributed across both university campuses and in the Grosenvor shopping centre in the town centre. The show will include a catwalk to display the clothes, followed by an auction, which will help raise money for

their cause.

Tickets for the show start from £5 and will include the after party.

Tickects are available online from www.SweetDreamsUON.co.uk@SweetDreamsUON

to

MUSIC6

One

She’s local, she’s fresh and she’s got one heck of a voice! Not only has she studied music but she’s currently in the progress of polishing up her first mixtape.I met up with 21 year old Karen to talk

music, university and of course...Usher.

Watch

Not many people can boast about meeting an artist before they became famous, but after interviewing Karen (Karenpreet) I’m confident that one day I’ll be papped

eating lunch with the rising star. Raised in Northampton, 21 year old Karen didn’t waste time in pursuing her dream career. “I studied Music Management and Artist Development at Bucks New University in High Wycombe. It gave me an idea of what the music business is about: behind the scenes, the management, marketing and branding.” And just when I thought she had mentioned everything she remembers “Contracts! Contracts was good because when you don’t know the music industry you assume the artist just signs the contract and gets the money, but it’s really not like that.”

Having always been interested in music, Karen couldn’t see herself working in any other business. “Everyone says you need a back up plan, but if I couldn’t be a singer I’d still want to be in the business, even if that means having to learn the

management side.” When I asked her if she’d ever consider working behind he scenes for other artists she replies

with “Yeah, I’d definitely consider that. That way you build more contacts, work with artists and then with that experience, you’ll be able to appreciate your own success.”

Every artist has there own style and for Karen hers is RnB. Influenced by singers such as Keri Hilson, Tank and Jojo Karen says she wouldn’t rule out singing in other styles. “I’m working on rnb music but obviously we’re still finding out what sounds right. Rnb is what I want to do but I wouldn’t say no to exploring other genres.” So we know which artists influence her but when quizzing her on who her favourite artist was, it proved to be a difficult question.

7

Who would you say’s your all time favourite artist?Vocally I would say Christina Aguillera, shes my number one. Hmm...but then there’s Usher, because of his career and the way he carries himself. Actually Angel! OMG I’d love to work with Angel! His music group are so talented.So do you write your own music?Yeah I do. Earlier I was working in my parents’ shop and I was just writing lyrics on my phone. For me now its instant, I’ll just be sitting there and I’ll start singing. It may not make sense but I’ll write it down anyway. Now that I’m working with a producer, he’s helped me build my strength in writing. I’ve written a song in the space of three and a half minutes. But the longest it’s taken me is a couple of days. How is it working on your music in the studio?I love it so much!! It is amazing, I could live there. My producer pushes and challenges me. He’ll be like ‘Karen, don’t come studio if you haven’t written anything.’ So I’Il go in with something and we’ll take it apart. Once you’ve completed a song, who’s the first person you show?I’ll show my sisters, and I’ll share it with a couple of my music friends that I know in London just to get some feedback. I also share them via Twitter and Facebook.You did a cover of Drake Trust Issues...Yeah, that was really good, people were telling me that they could hear the emotion. Rihanna Diamonds was a good one as well. I let out my vocals in that one a lot. Any idea what your next cover will be?I have no idea. Actually I’m doing a cover with a guy that plays the guitar and we’re gonna do Rihanna Stay. I’d like to do an Michael Jackson cover, but that would be so hard.

What made you want to make these videos?I want people to know that I sing. Especially producers, so that they can hear my voice and get in touch with me. The first covers that I did were at uni, my friends encouraged me to do it. But now I have to be careful with what songs I choose. Some songs that I like might not suit my voice.So you do covers but what about live performances?I performed a lot at uni. I headlined events and it was nice to see so much people come out to support me. When I get on stage I get so scared! I haven’t performed live for a while though. It’s hard being back in Northampton and getting gigs but when I do I have find the right song, rehearse and get people’s opinions. Where would be your dream place to perform?I would love to sell out Madisson Sqaure Gardens in America. That would just be the icing on top of the cake. In the UK, it would be the o2 arena…every arena, everywhere! Very ambitious! Yeah my dream is massive.Who would you love to be as big as? I’d like to be as big as Rihanna one day.Would you ever consider going on the Xfactor to make that happen? It’s just an easier way to get noticed, but personally I wouldn’t do it because for me it comes across as fake. I would rather work ten years to get to where I want to be. I’d rather work that hard to say ‘look I’ve worked my ass off and I’ve done it!’ Okay so random question! Who’s the coolest person following you on Twitter?Tank! And Angel! They both follow me.Hmm...JEL!

“Talent TV comes across as fake. I’d rather work ten years to get

to where I want to be.”

www.youtube.com: karenpreet Facebook: Karenpreet Twitter. @Karenpreet

Who’s on Karen’s playlist? Tank: Don’t Give Up, Angel: Popstar, Miguel: Buy you a Drink, Omarion: MRA

MUSIC

8

#Meet and Tweet

KpreetMusic@Karenpreet

If you loved the interview with singer songwriter Karen, follow her on Twitter for the latest updates on her music,

BBC Radio 1@BBCR1

If you love music (and I’m sure you do!) then you need to be following BBC Radio1. Number one for radio banter and music from all genres.

The Uni of Northampton@UniNorthants

Currently number one for social enterprise, the University of Northampton provides a range of courses, from the creative to business studies.

Jo Whiley@jowhiley

Presenter and DJ Jo Whiley, is another local lady *cheers*. And when she’s not visiting students @UniNorthants you can catch her doing what she does best on Radio 2.

#DoyouhaveSweetDreams?Yep, that’s right! Fashion Marketing students from the University of Northampton want to know if you have sweet dreams. Tweet them @SweetDreamsUON for the latest info on their Sweet Dreams fashion show.

#TheWanted The Wanted have been the final act announced to be performing at Alive@Delapre, Friday19 July- Sunday 21 July. Tickets to see Paul Weller have now sold out but tickets for The Wanted and James Morrison are still available. Get yours from www.aliveatdelapre.co.uk/tickets.

If like FLAIR you check your Twitter account every minutes then we’ve got some fresh faces for you to get stalking following!

What’s Trending?

TheBlok@Theblokshop

With there mantra as ‘where music meets fashion’ The Blok Shop provides the best in street wear and music.

Royal & Derngate@RoyalDerngate

If you’re bored of the Northampton night life then why not book tickets with a mate to see a show at the Royal & Derngate! Check our What’s On for upcoming shows.

VV Brown@VVbrown

Originally from Northampton, the stunning singer regularly updates fans on her latest ventures and developments in her music career.

Images from Twitter

ART 9

Profile: William Tempest“It was around the age of fourteen when I became interested

in fashion, art and graphics.” Inspired by the biography of controversial designer John Galliano, William decided in

school that his dream career would be one spent designing and travelling the world.

Described as an ‘academic’, William decided to go against his parents’ wishes and instead of doing his A Levels went on to study a BTEC in Fashion Design at Mid Cheshire College. With the support of his tutor who he says ‘inspired him,’ the budding designer then went on to study at London College of Fashion.

It was whilst studying at university where William was first given the opportunity to intern for designer Giles Deacon. The opportunity came about after he was recommended to work for Giles by one of his tutors. He ended up interning for two years with the designer whilst studying at university, but decided to leave in order to pursue his own range.

Since creating his own label at the age of twenty-two, William Tempest has designed products for major brands such as Olay and has had his work displayed at New York and London Fashion Week. Besides working a lot with private clients, he has also collaborated with high street brand River Island and had his pieces worn by the likes of Nicole Scherzinger, Emma Watson and Kate Moss. When talking about the business side of his range he explained that “celebs keep the dress and I gain exposure”.

His personal designs focus on elegance, glamour and red carpets looks. This would explain why he would one day like to dress actress, Angelina Jolie, “She seems very mysterious and her red carpet looks are already quite similar to my designs.”

William intends to keep working with private clients and developing his high street collection. He’s also set himself the goal of making his own range more “accessible and wearable”, whilst maintaining its elegant style.

• ‘You need to have a variety of skills so apply for internships and be prepared to travel. Treat them as if you are being paid.’• ‘A CV should be no more than two pages. Include references or a paragraph from someone you’ve worked with at the end.’

• Have a clean online presence. ‘Don’t have an email address like iamsexy@hotmail.com’

• Use things like Dropbox and Issuu’

Career Tips from the man himself...

10 PERFORMANCE

It’s not every day you get to see a dwarf walk around a stage with a hoover attached to his private region. But on Monday 4 March that’s

exactly what I had the pleasure of viewing. The Circus of Horrors stopped by in Northampton as part of their UK tour and unsurprisingly had audiences amazed and shocked by their dare devil acts. The gang returned to the Royal & Derngate with a new show ‘The Curse of the Devil Doll’, a follow up from their previous show ‘The Ventriloquist’. Having toured the world after their success on Britain’s Got Talent they certainly didn’t disappoint with bringing us both humour and shock.Among the cast was the sword swallowing Hannibal Helmurto who had members of the audience squirming as he entered a 16inch blade past his throat and down to his stomach. The audience was also amazed by the haunting acrobat sisters who keept us entertained with their trapeze talent. But one act that defineately stood out was master of magic, Dandini, the cheeky dwarf who humoured us with his naughty tricks.

http://www.circusofhorrors.co.uk/home.html

ROYAL & Circus of Horrors

Images courtesy of Royal & Derngate

PERFORMANCE 11

What’s On?

LEE NELSONSat 18 MayVenue: Derngate, 7.30pm

Familiar with his well funny shows? Then we’ve got a treat for you. Funny guy Lee Nelson will be at the Royal & Derngate on Saturday 18 May to entertain along with special guests Dr Bob, Jason Bent and more.Qwaliteeee!!

http://www.royalandderngate.co.uk/en/Home

DERREN BROWNMon 15 April - Sat 20 AprilVenue: Derngate, 8pm

Everyone’s favourite illusionist is back in Northampton for an evening of unpredictable and mind boggling tricks. You’ll be able to catch all his action first hand without TV editing...be prepared to be amazed!

http://www.royalandderngate.co.uk/en/Home

BILL BAILEY: QUALMPEDDLER Wed 22 MayVenue: Derngate, 8pm

Comedian, Bill Bailey’s coming to Northampton to perform his new show live. Not only will you be in for laughs but Baileys’ musical talent too!

http://www.royalandderngate.co.uk/en/Home

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAMFri 19 Apr - Sat 11 MayVenue: Royal, various times

Under the direction of Gary Sefton, who brought you the amazing ‘A Christmas Carol’, The Royal & Derngate present a Shakespeare comedy for you all to enjoy.

http://www.royalandderngate.co.uk/en/Home

CELEBRITIES ON ICEFri 07 Jun - Sun 09 JunVenue: Derngate, 7.30pm

Join host Christopher Biggins for a night filled with fancy foot...oh and of course the celebrities! You’ll recognise faces like Gareth Thomas and Matt Lapinskas from the current series of Dancing On Ice. More guests to be announced. http://www.royalandderngate.co.uk/en/Home

OLIVER!Wed 29 May - Sat 01 JunVenue: The Core, Corby Cube, 7.30pm

Oom Pah Pah, Oom Pah Pah...Corby Amateur Theatrical Society bring you the classic musical Oliver Twist. So for all your favourite songs and naughty antics from Artful Dodger, get your tickets now.

http://www.royalandderngate.co.uk/en/Home

DERNGATE