Meet KEG: Your New Favourite Seven-Piece Noise Rock Band with a Trombonist

KEG’s latest music video involves bald wigs and spaghetti hair. I caught up with frontman Albert and drummer Johnny to ask, why?

“We’re trying to make jazz history,” declared Johnny. If originality counts for anything, it seems they’re well on their way.

Their Fantastic Bastards tour saw them take tracks from EP Girders across the UK. Although based in Brighton, they agreed Leeds had the best crowd because it’s closest to home - at least until their explosive London gig.

The 100 Club has hosted the biggest names in rock: the Sex Pistols, Siouxsie Sioux, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney…and now enter: KEG.

They’re far from the first band to rock the stage, but might just be the first to feature lyrics about dried apricots, a barefoot guitarist, a trombone and a musical conch shell. Their raucousness isn’t confined to the stage, with tales from the road almost as entertaining as their performance - many of which “probably shouldn’t be printed.” Albert described their tour van, so filthy it grew its own ecosystem - but I insisted he spared me any further details for the sake of my stomach. Fans hoping for a meet-and-greet in the van on their next tour: you have been warned.

I was dying to know just WTF the meaning was behind that video, for their single Kids. Unfortunately, they knew little more than I did!

“It just symbolises a good time,” shrugged Albert. “We’d always wanted bald wigs.” He explained that their makeup artist, Sophie, rustled up pretty convincing ones mere hours before filming. “Our director suggested adding noodles as the cherry on top.”

Unsurprisingly, with chaos comes tribulations. KEG has been through countless lineup changes; in fact, a past member came up with their band name, because it “looked funny written down.” Of course, it’s also slang for trousers in their native Yorkshire, and links to their undying love of beer.

Like most musicians, they struggled through the pandemic - but it’s safe to say they’ve come out stronger. Albert insisted there is no drama amongst the current seven members (“except that we’re expensive to transport!”) and they balance each other out: “There’s always someone who wants to go out and someone who wants to sleep.”

Their success may be edging towards a debut album, but KEG remain admirably humble: Albert even says their best lyric is “all of them!” (it’s definitely “Daniel watches repeat editions of Michael McIntyre's Roadshow on repeat.”)

Exmouth Market: London’s Cosiest Street?

It may not be as famous as Camden or Borough, but Exmouth Market is the perfect peaceful spot for authentic, well-priced street food. Every weekday, the vibrant market brings cuisines from all over the world to the leafy side street. There’s Thai curries, wood-fired pizza, and even the humble jacket potato, with an extensive choice of toppings. As you can imagine, the aroma is mouth-watering.

Take it from Alice, who has worked on Exmouth Market for eight years as the owner of Botanique Workshop, and says her favourite thing about it is the wonderful food. More a museum than a shop, Botanique offers fabulous artisan crafts, plants and books. You can even watch the florist at work (while listening to D’n’B!). It smells like summer but is perfect for Christmas shopping.

“Mikkeller is also great for beer as they brew their own in-house,” Alice adds, referring to the neighbouring Danish micro-pub.

Also on the menu is good conversation with friendly locals - something of a rarity in central London. Merchants will happily stop for the kind of chat that leaves you both smiling, even if it is about the Great British weather!

A stroll through the market is as pleasant in crisp December as in the height of summer, although it may need following up with a winter warmer. What better excuse to sample one of the street’s permanent fixtures, in the shape of a pub of course! The Exmouth Arms is a proper traditional green-and-gold saloon serving local beers and posh pub grub. If a livelier bar is more your style, hit up the Craft House where you’ll find pizza, pool and cocktails. There’s also cosy bakeries aplenty, including Cafe Maya, Sweet Patisserie and Pearl & Groove. Most have European-style outdoor seating, so if you want to sip espresso pretending you’re in Paris, they’ve got you covered. For an intriguing twist, try London’s first Korean teahouse, Be-oom. It promises a mindful tea-drinking experience in its secluded garden, the ideal place to rejuvenate away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Look up and you’ll notice Notting Hill-esque pastels juxtaposed against Victorian townhouses, and signs denoting the now-defunct Borough of Finsbury - a delightful remnant of traditional London. Quaint independent businesses bring an old-timey charm, from Marby & Elm Letterpress to EC One Jewellers and, bizarrely, The Family Business Tattoo Parlour. Don’t be fooled by appearances, though; Marby & Elm is chock-full of sweary cards and NSFW gifts!

Leave time to see the magnificent Diocese of London, the capital’s only basilica-style church. End your trip on a classy note with Belle Ame’s beauty treatments and complimentary champagne - how could you refuse?

Dispelling the Myth About Hospices

The idea of sending your loved one to a hospice can be daunting. Hospices are often thought of as dark, isolating places – but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Abbie Osguthorpe discovered this for herself last year when she joined the communications team at St Oswald’s Hospice in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

“When I applied for the job, my friends asked me: ‘Do you really want to work there?’ They thought it would be depressing and horrible, but really it’s the complete opposite.”

Abbie produces online content for St Oswald’s, as well as meeting people involved with the hospice community. She gave me a tour of the site, starting with the stunning gardens.

“It’s great having all this green space,” said Abbie, showing me a pond full of koi carp surrounded by sculptures and greenery (kept immaculate by the gardening team). She explained that the inpatients’ beds are on wheels so they can be taken outside to enjoy the scenery and fresh air, or into the cinema room to watch films with loved ones. “It’s so peaceful, just as the architect, Jane Darbyshire, envisioned.”

Contrary to popular belief, hospices are not only for people with terminal illnesses. As well as caring for patients, St Oswald’s provides support for their loved ones, and those who have previously lost someone to illness. Bereavement counselling is available at any time, whether it has been five days or five years since the loss.

St Oswald’s also cares for people with chronic conditions such as lymphoedema. These patients are not necessarily at the end of their life – they simply require support to live their lives to the fullest. Part of the unit is dedicated to children and young people. It offers fantastic resources adapted for those who may otherwise be unable to enjoy certain aspects of childhood.

“We have rooms for young inpatients to stay, where they can add personal touches and bring belongings to feel more at home,” Abbie told me as we passed a child’s room with a Disney poster and customised night lights. There is also a sensory room for non-verbal children, an outdoor play area with an accessible swing, and a lounge for young adults.

“Here, patients aged 19 to 25 can hang out, play games, and make friends – just like typical young people.”

St Oswald’s regularly takes young patients on day trips; recent highlights include a night out for the young adults at Newcastle’s Ice Bar, and a surfing trip with accessible boards. Ozzy Fest takes place in the gardens every summer, with live music, a barbecue, and a model VW camper van serving cocktails!

It’s clear that St Oswald’s has a huge impact on these youngsters; a collage of post-it notes on the wall speaks for itself, compiling all the things they love about it: “Stopping up late,” “Music therapy,” and “Having a big bath – with LOTS of bubbles!”

St Oswald’s receives some funding, but relies heavily on fundraising, donations, and volunteers to provide such a wonderful service to the community.

“We have a fundraising team of twenty-five people; lots of our money comes from those avenues,” said Abbie. “Sometimes it’s from events like the Great North Run and London Marathon, other times patients leave donations in their will. One woman left us a million pounds, and we couldn’t believe it. Some of the fundraisers were crying; they were overjoyed by the generosity.

“We have over one thousand volunteers across the hospice, from gardening to lymphoedema to inpatients. I see a pattern of people with personal connections coming back to work with us; one of the women on reception lost her husband here last year.”

Rose Hunter, a former volunteer at the inpatient unit, said working at St Oswald’s changed her view of hospices.

“I anticipated that every resident would be elderly. When I saw the first resident who could only have been in their late twenties or early thirties, it was unexpected.”

Of course, volunteering came with challenges, particularly as Rose began when she was just sixteen.

“As I worked just one day a week [alongside school], I only ever got a snapshot of it. It was a new experience, which I frankly felt unprepared for. When a resident who I had built a rapport with passed, or I had been affected by something, I found it helpful to talk to my parents for support.”

Rose assured me that despite facing these challenges, the role was highly rewarding.

“St.Oswalds had a very welcoming, attentive and patient environment. The most rewarding part was having proper conversations with residents. Some people enjoyed talking about their families or would ask lots of questions about myself. Leaving the room after establishing in-jokes with someone was wonderful and I would think about it for the rest of the evening, even at home. One day I stayed with a gentleman watching Lord of the Rings so we could chat about the movie. I felt that interesting little conversations here and there made some difference to how they felt that day.”

Hospices are commonly seen as synonymous with hospitals, but it’s clear they are far more homely thanks to the community feel, freedom and comfort for residents. “Here, our patients are treated as individuals,” said Abbie.

Ties, Travel and Tigers: The World According to Leyla Espinosa

What do you do in your free time? Leyla Espinosa spends hers petting tigers and holding bald eagles - and that’s all before breakfast!

The eighteen-year-old student’s Spanish-Filipino heritage leads to her spending summers in the Philippines, getting up-close-and-personal with nature’s most exotic wildlife (however, she insists catching up with her family is the best part!). An animal lover at heart, she even considered studying ornithology - until her grandmother inspired her otherwise. “Stereotypically, my family wanted me to be a doctor - except my grandma, who worked for a magazine. She encouraged me to get creative.”

For Leyla, London is a place to call home. She was raised in Walthamstow but still can’t get enough of the Big Smoke, choosing to study at UAL. She knows the city still has much to offer her, exclaiming: “I want to be a tourist in my own city! I want to show people around and try new things.”

Her family home remains her base from which to explore. After long days of studying, she loves nothing more than returning to her bed, her teddy, and her sister Ella, who she proudly states is her best friend: “She’s five years younger than me but we agree on everything!”

They may be close, but the sisters have completely opposite talents. Leyla claims that while Ella inherited her mum’s mathematical mind, she took after her right-brained dad, adopting his love of drawing. The two have an unbreakable father-daughter bond - and share more than just hobbies. Leyla confesses that her vast collection of ties are her dad’s cast-offs. “I like to switch between femme and masc styles,” she explains. “I often feel isolated by groups of girls, so adding a masculine touch helps me fit in with my guy friends. Plus, I love that everyone comments on my tie-wearing.” Admittedly, it’s a great conversation starter!

Her sophistication doesn’t end with formal dress. She is classy by nature, preferring cheese and wine tasting to a messy night out. Family is so important to Leyla that she even plays the “mum” role in her friendship group. She may be fearless where dangerous beasts are concerned, but takes serious convincing to get on the dancefloor. “I have two left feet!” she cries. “And I never get drunk enough. Alcohol doesn’t affect me.”

Leyla admits she has no idea what her future holds. “I want to go to Japan,” she says. “That’s top of my bucket list. But career-wise, I’m just going to see what happens.”

Whatever it is, it’s clear she’ll go on to great things. Watch this space!

Castle Cinema and CINE-REAL Present 16mm Screenings of Cult Classics

Homerton’s Castle Cinema will be showing a series of classic films in their original 16mm formats, kicking off with The Godfather on Sunday 17th November. The screenings will be hosted by CINE-REAL, the only film club in the UK that plays films exclusively from celluloid for a truly authentic experience.

Film buffs of London will be able to enjoy a wide selection of favourites, from Alphaville to Ken Loach’s Cathy Come Home. The event will draw to a close on Thursday 15th December with 1970s satirical comedy Being There.

CINE-REAL founder Liam Saint-Pierre says The Castle is “a perfect match” for his film club, which has been based there for three years. The cinema first opened on Brooksby’s Walk over one hundred years ago, and remains an independent crowd-funded picturehouse, now with two screens and daily film listings.

Saint-Pierre is a film director based in East London. He launched CINE-REAL alongside projectionist Umit Mesut in 2011. The idea was conceived when Saint-Pierre came across an old super-8 projector in a rubbish bin while walking home through Hackney. He retrieved the projector and took it to a local film shop, Umit & Son, and had it fixed up by Mesut. The two then bonded and launched the film club, which has since gone on to grow exponentially, now selling out film nights every month and even launching a podcast.

Saint-Pierre went on to explain his love of traditional cinema: “There is something about the feel of analog that you just don’t get with digital. It’s like the difference between sitting in front of an open fire compared to a radiator.”

Tickets for the screenings are available to book at the Castle Cinema box office, or online at thecastlecinema.com.

Gig Review: Mayfare at Tynemouth Surf Cafe

With a small but loyal fanbase and an addictive summer vibe, Newcastle four-piece Mayfare are one to watch. Selling out weeks in advance, their most recent gig on Saturday 31st August proved a smash hit success.

Surf Café’s vibrant character more than compensates for what it lacks in size. Located just a stone’s throw from the stunning Tynemouth coastline, the 50-capacity venue is packed with enough surfing memorabilia to fill a museum. Full-sized surfboards and nets are suspended from the ceiling, while Billabong stickers are plastered all over the rustic wooden bar. But the humble beach-themed diner transforms into an eccentric live music hub by night, hosting performances from the latest up-and-coming-talent multiple times a week. Each band or artist leaves their mark on the venue in the form of a personalised T-shirt; the ever-growing collection can be seen adorning the four walls of the café. Among the alumni are local cult favourites The Pale White and Otherkin, as well as North Shields' own Brit Award-winning soloist Sam Fender, who credits Surf Café as the starting point of his whirlwind career.

Opening for Mayfare are Teesside-based trio Mosaic Sun. The band are no strangers to the North East music scene, having previously played at Think Tank, Head of Steam, Riverside and even the O2 Academy. Their singles Recover, Jack Kerouac and Castles have been featured on the Introducing segment of BBC Radio Tees, and their upbeat indie-pop charm has been likened to that of Sea Girls and King No-One. It’s safe to say they set the tone for the night perfectly, warming up the early arrivals with feel-good rhythms and punchy vocals.

Fans continue to pour in as the second support act take to the stage. Tranqua Lite deliver a stimulating eclectic mix of sound: heavy bass and synth topped off with quirky lyrics, conjuring up a psychedelic atmosphere. Already popular in their hometown of Leeds, the highly experimental band are beginning to branch out further afield – and if first impressions are anything to go by, they’re sure to take Newcastle by storm. It’s clear the band know how to put on a show; they hold the audience captive from the first note to their last, with everyone in the room instantly enthralled by their innovative form of art-rock.

Finally, it’s time for the eagerly anticipated main event. Mayfare are greeted with a roar of support from the buzzing crowd as fans zealously race to secure a prime position at the front of the stage. But in spite of the attention, the young band remain admirably down-to-earth, letting their amateurish charm shine through (their setlist is scrawled on the back of a Papa Johns box, and lead singer Adam makes no secret of forgetting the words to his own songs - several times!). It’s easy to see why the crowd are so ecstatic; Mayfare’s music is nothing short of phenomenal. Their unique style seamlessly juxtaposes indie rock with chilled-out melodies, creating a vibe that is fresh and modern yet classic. Subtly drawing inspiration from the likes of The Smiths and The Stone Roses, everything they play has an original and exciting twist. Despite having been together for less than two years, their stage presence is remarkable. The set begins with an abundance of new material – it has more of a rock-and-roll kick than their previous singles, but is carried off brilliantly with the crowd headbanging in approval – proving that the band is far from a one-trick pony. This is followed by their best-loved hit, melodic ballad Petty Thoughts. The audience sway in perfect time with the rhythm, belting out every lyric off by heart. The lads appear overwhelmed by this immense response, taking a heartfelt moment between songs to thank their loyal fans for the support. It’s clear their gratitude is genuine. They continue with their debut single Dawn and latest release Better Days, both of which elicit an equally astounding reaction. Wrapping up their set with Fields, a currently unreleased track, their devoted following becomes apparent; the vast majority of the crowd know all the lyrics purely from hearing the song at previous gigs. It’s like an inside joke shared amongst them, a hidden gem only uncovered by die-hard supporters. In some ways, it’s endearing that the fanbase is so small and close-knit. But the sheer talent and quality of Mayfare is too great to go undiscovered. This is only the beginning of their journey, which will undoubtedly be filled with success.

Film Review: Bohemian Rhapsody

Get ready to stomp - stomp - clap along to all your favourite Queen hits, because Bohemian Rhapsody is about to rock your world. Since its initial announcement in 2010, the film has been eagerly anticipated by excited fans from all over the world, and it will not fail to exceed your expectations. Following the incredible story of the late and much lamented Freddie Mercury, the multi-award-winning biopic takes the viewer on an awe-inspiring journey, as emotional as it is uplifting. This long awaited feel-good film is sure to have you dancing in your seat from start to finish.

As a whole, the cast is relatively unknown in comparison to most Hollywood films (bar an amusing cameo from Mike Myers), allowing a plethora of thrilling new talent to burst onto the acting scene. Casting director Susie Figgis has found a hidden gem in previously unsung actor Rami Malek, who is triumphant in his stunningly convincing portrayal of Mercury. Malek effortlessly captures the charming quirks and mannerisms that made Freddie such a lovable icon, conveying every emotion with an astounding degree of earnest compassion; a challenging feat for such a complex, intriguing and largely misunderstood character. He is supported by equally talented bandmates Joe Mazzello, Gwilym Lee and Ben Hardy, who play John Deacon, Brian May and Roger Taylor respectively – the latter two of whom worked as consultants on the film, and who could possibly know the story of Queen better than its founding members? Thanks to this, the superfans amongst you can rest assured that all of the information in the film is both truthful and genuine.

Slight historical inaccuracies and timeline errors are excused by highly laudable cinematography. It is safe to say the spectacular final scene elevates the film to new heights, in the form of a twenty minute long, almost frame-by-frame replica of Queen’s iconic Live Aid performance. Every last detail is recreated faultlessly, from the striking 80s-style costumes to the 72,000-strong crowd of roaring fans. Malek’s exceptional stage presence seems to come naturally, as he conjures up a showstopping performance that would be certain to gain Freddie’s seal of approval. As a member of the audience, you will feel like you’re there in the flesh, experiencing the world-renowned set first-hand. The scene holds a particularly special nostalgic value for those of us old enough to remember the original Live Aid concert – such a massively ground-breaking event could never truly be recreated, and is courageous to even attempt, but Bohemian Rhapsody gives it an excellent shot and the results are undeniably impressive.

Perhaps most insightful of all is the film’s representation of the hardships Mercury faced due to his ethnic background and bisexuality. Both are handled with poise and diplomacy in a variety of poignant scenes, including Freddie’s rebellion against his traditional Parsi family, the breakdown of his long-term relationship with companion Mary Austin (portrayed excellently by Lucy Boynton) due to his secret sexual encounters with men, and the heart-wrenching announcement that he has contracted AIDS. We see Freddie’s astonishing character development and growth in confidence from a shy, lone-spirited teenager attending Smile gigs and dreaming of joining them on stage, to the eccentric avant-garde superstar we all know and adore.

The film is hugely rewatchable thanks to its fine detail – it will have you queuing at the cinema for a second (or third) time to ensure you haven’t missed out on a second of the astute plot. Also contributing to its addictive je ne sais quoi is its head-banging soundtrack, featuring (but not limited to) such beloved hits as Killer Queen, I Want to Break Free, Radio Ga Ga and of course its namesake Bohemian Rhapsody. The legendary music complements the visuals perfectly, and serves as a delightful accompaniment to the storyline.

Bohemian Rhapsody is an absolute essential for cinema enthusiasts and Queen fans alike. It is sure to be remembered as one of the greatest music biopics of the 21st century – so don’t miss out.

Student Survival Guide

No matter how confident you are, starting university is bound to be a daunting experience. A brand new city, people you’ve never met, and worst of all, cleaning your own bathroom. But you’re in luck: here you’ll find the ultimate survival guide on how to deal with whatever obstacles may come your way - be it the struggles of independent living, course blunders, or flatmates from hell.

1. A Fan AND A Thermal Blanket

It’s an age-old truth that student halls of residence are either Sahara Desert stifling, or cold enough to shock a polar bear - there’s no in-between. If your new home-away-from-home happens to be the former, an electric fan will be a godsend. Just be prepared for all your flatmates begging to borrow it. Or if it’s Arctic, you’ll be thankful for a cosy blanket - it’ll double up as a decorative throw!

2. Cheap Alcohol

Did someone say pre-drinks? Everyone knows drinks in bars and clubs can be staggeringly overpriced, hence the student tradition of drinking before a night out. Find your nearest off-license and stock up on beer and spirits. Because nothing says ‘housewarming’ like downing own-brand vodka with people you’ve just met.

3. Cooking Skills

We’re not saying you need to become the next Gordon Ramsay, but ordering Domino’s every night will get expensive. Invest in some basic cooking equipment and brush up on a few simple, cheap recipes (you’ll probably end up living off pot noodles anyway, but it’s the thought that counts).

4. Fancy Dress

Freshers will be packed full of fancy dress events, from ‘80s to Disney. Whether you love dressing up or it’s your idea of hell, it’s a good idea to put in at least a little effort. Nothing shows you’re up for a laugh quite like a ridiculous costume; it’s guaranteed to earn you legend status. When it comes to assembling the perfect look, Primark and Magic Box will be your best friends. As an added bonus, you can reuse it for Halloween.

5. Lose the FOMO

Going out every night of Freshers week may seem like a must, but if you’re tired, anxious or simply don’t feel like it, have a night in - no matter how much your flatmates egg you on. There’ll be plenty more opportunities to make friends and socialise. Realistically, how much are you going to bond on a sweaty dance floor, where the only method of communication is yelling in each other’s ears?

6. Packing Checklist

You’ll have limited storage space, so don’t go wild and start shoving the entire contents of your bedroom into boxes. Be mindful that you’ll have to cart it all home at Christmas! Only take what you’re likely to need - and no, that doesn’t include the stuffed toys you’ve had since you were six.

7. Railcard

With visits to friends and trips home to fund, your student loan is going to wear thin. It’s definitely worth weighing up your travel options, and a Railcard is likely to save you some precious pennies in the long run. Some banks even offer them for free when you open a student account. Read: more money to spend on nights out!

8. Reading List

Believe it or not, uni isn’t all drinking games and chunder charts. You’ll have to put in at least some graft to make your nine grand worthwhile. If you’ve received a list of recommended reading materials to prep for your course, head down to your local library (yes, they exist) or have a scour on Amazon, and try to at least skim through a few of them. Alternatively, check out the university shop once you arrive for second-hand copies from previous students. After all, you don’t want to be That Person.

9. Room Decor

If you want your room to look slightly less like a prison cell, a few decorations here and there can work wonders. It doesn’t have to be anything OTT - think fairy lights, mini pot plants (providing you remember to water them), and photos of friends and family. Because let’s face it, you’re going to miss them at least a little bit.

10. Societies

Not only are they fun and enriching, societies are the one place where you’re guaranteed to have something in common with the students you meet. Whether your passion is quilting or Quidditch, you’ll find your people in a judgement-free environment. And if no society caters to your niche interest? Rope in a few friends and start your own!

11. Student Discount

Are you really going to uni if you haven’t signed up for a UniDays account? The lifesaving app gives you up to 50% discount at hundreds of major retailers, including Topshop, Adidas, PureGym, Apple, Pizza Hut and The Body Shop. It’s basically as crucial as your course textbook. You can also subscribe to discount services such as Secret Sales and Latest Free Stuff to get the best deals and voucher codes sent straight to your inbox - result!

12. Second-Hand Shops

An even better way to bargain hunt is to check out the city’s charity shops, vintage markets and boutiques. Thrifting is super-affordable as well as eco-friendly; you’re likely to find much better quality items than you would on the high street at a lower cost. What’s more, your wardrobe will be totally unique. But it’s not just for clothes - you can find second-hand textbooks and course materials at a fraction of the retail price. Thank us later.

Cavern Club Once Again Forced to Close Doors

Liverpool's iconic Cavern Club has been forced to close its doors for the third time this year.

In light of new lockdown restrictions in the region, the world-famous music venue will suspend business until further notice. Included in this are the club itself, the Cavern Pub and Festival Restaurant. An announcement on the club website read: "...this is the last decision we wanted to make but it is out of our control at this time. We will open our doors as soon as we feel we are able to."

The closure has led to the cancellation of once nightly-held live performances, and placed the venue under financial strain.

Across the country, many other independent venues are in similar positions. Throughout 2020, an estimated 90% of grassroots venues found themselves under threat of permanent closure, including Manchester's Deaf Institute and The Cluny in Newcastle.

In response to COVID-19's impact on the industry, umbrella organisation Music UK launched their 'Let The Music Play' campaign, aiming to secure financial support from the government to ensure a future for live music. Unveiled on 2nd July 2020, it began with an open letter to the UK government with three main requests:

"1. A clear conditional timeline for reopening venues without social distancing

2. An immediate comprehensive business and employment support package and access to finance.

3. Full VAT exemption on ticket sales."

The campaign quickly amassed backing from a multitude of musicians, including Paul McCartney and Dua Lipa. It proved successful, with the government issuing a £1.57 billion support package for the arts and music industry. Of this, the Cavern Club received a grant of £525,000 in October, which helped it to recover from the detriment of the pandemic. However, Cavern Director Bill Heckle stated that the subsidy covered just 20% of total losses, meaning there are still financial pressures to be faced.

Despite a challenging year, the Cavern Club organisers have found ways of hosting alternative COVID-secure events. The annual International Beatleweek would usually play host to live performances from the world's most renowned Beatles-themed acts; this August, it took place in the form of pre-recorded sets enjoyed by a socially-distanced audience inside the club, as well as fans all over the globe who tuned in via livestream.

The event, dubbed 'Virtually Beatleweek', benefitted both the club and the individual musicians, many of whom rely on performing as a primary source of income. The line-up featured newcomers and returning performers, including Brazilian tribute band Beat & Shout and The Mona Lisa Twins from Austria.

The Cavern have also shown support for their thirty resident performers by pledging guaranteed gigs for them over the next six months. These will be held either onstage or as livestreams depending on the ever-changing restrictions, ensuring steady work for the artists regardless.

The organisers are hopeful for the future of the Cavern, having announced plans for Beatleweek 2021 to go ahead as normal. Heckle said: "We are committed to making next year's festival a real celebration for all."

The Pale White announce release of new single Glue

Newcastle-based rock band The Pale White have returned with their latest single, Glue. The raucous number dropped on 12th November alongside an accompanying video, following several cryptic Instagram promotions.
It's been a challenging year for musicians, but the three-piece prove they are working hard away from the stage with their third new offering of 2020.
The single is a joint effort with esteemed producer Jolyon Thomas, famed for his work with Royal Blood and U2. It has garnered heavy critical acclaim and praise from fans, scoring a spot on NME's 'New Bangers' playlist.
Glue is available on streaming platforms now.

Elliot Page: Juno Actor Comes Out as Transgender

Canadian actor Elliot Page has publicly announced he is transgender.
The star of Juno and The Umbrella Academy took to Instagram to make the announcement. His heartfelt post read: "I want to share with you that I am trans, my pronouns are he/they and my name is Elliot."
Page proceeded to address the societal oppression faced by the trans community, stating: "Discrimination towards trans people is rife, insidious and cruel, resulting in horrific consequences." He followed this with "Enough is enough."
However, it appears he has found peace in coming out, telling his followers: "I love that I am trans."

It's Time The Government Gave Our Creators The Respect They Deserve

"Everyone is having to find ways to adapt and adjust to the new reality." Those were the words employed by Rishi Sunak in a recent ITV News interview, referring to the UK's many artists and musicians who have found their careers diminished by the pandemic. While his sanguine tone is deceptive, he is effectively telling them to suck it up and find a new job. In suggesting this he is dismissing the huge importance of creative industries in our culture.

Particularly throughout this tumultuous year, it is safe to say we all rely on art and creative media as a much-needed source of escapism from life's challenging circumstances. Ofcom studies show we spend an average of six hours per day devouring TV and film, and a further two hours streaming music according to Spotify. None of our favourite forms of entertainment would exist without creators - so why are the government urging them to retrain?

Following the interview, a highly controversial government advertisement began to circulate on social media. We've all seen it; the ballerina lacing up her shoes, accompanied by a degrading insinuation that she will give up her probable years of dance training, and "rethink, reskill, reboot" into a career in cyber. It's clear she is not just a ballerina, but a symbol for every creative worker being told their career is meaningless. As would be expected, the ad provoked serious public outrage. It quickly began to trend - for all the wrong reasons. Instagram user Sean Coleman identified the irony behind the poster, annotating it with the artists required in order to produce it: a photographer, stylist, and graphic designer, to name a few.

Granted, it is arguable that the poster was taken out of context. Some have defended against criticisms by pointing out that it was originally published in 2019, and simply resurfaced in light of Sunak's comments. However, this seemingly only verifies the Tory government's more deep-rooted negligence of creative workers, proving it precedes the impacts of COVID-19. Culture secretary Oliver Dowden was quick to renounce the infamous ad; he clarified in a tweet that it was not created by his Department for DCMS, and described it as "crass". The evidently ashamed MP went on to specify the poster as part of a campaign including workers "from all walks of life", not just those in creative industries. While he is correct that it comes from a series of posters encouraging various workers to retrain, the other occupations appear to be non-specialist roles such as retail workers, with Fatima the ballerina standing out as the only professional requiring substantial long-term training. The takeaway is that, in the eyes of the government, extensive creative careers hold only as much value as baseline minimum-wage jobs. And for that matter, shouldn't all of the workers featured in the ads be held in higher regard? After all, who is going to serve Rishi his morning latte on his way to the House of Commons, if our baristas retrain as cyber security officers?