If you’ve always wanted to DJ, the first thing to remember is that nothing is stopping you and the sooner you get started the better. If it’s always been your dream, make some key investments in the technology and equipment you need and start pursuing it. There’s no time like the present to try and make your dreams a reality.
Getting the Right Equipment
The first step is to be sure you have the right equipment. You’ll want to think about a high quality DJ controller, amongst other things. If you’re getting started from the very beginning you might want to consider a dedicated DJ starter bundle. Some of them can even be used with your smartphone. This can give you an idea of whether or not it’s something you want to pursue, without having to spend a load of money on bulky equipment.
Remember, while it’s important to buy good quality, don’t simply spend all your budget at once. You can get great quality for affordable prices these days. If possible look at user reviews of products to find out what other buyers have thought.
Learn To Use It
It sounds obvious, but before you get stuck in you need to know exactly how to use the equipment that you’ve got. Thoroughly read any user manuals that come with your equipment, (we recommend looking at the gear offered by Bax Music), and consider some deeper reading – like an online guide, if you can find one with some authority. Similarly you can watch reviews online where you can see the product actually being demonstrated, and it might give you a few ideas as to where to get started.
Understanding how to use your equipment is essential. It’s not just making the music that matters, if you’re going to DJ professionally you need to understand how to put up your equipment and tear it down in a relatively short space of time.
Start Making Music
With that, you’re ready to just get stuck in – as the famous mantra goes “if you want to be a writer, start writing,” and the same applies to being a DJ. Whether you’re going to be making music for yourself or you’re going to be focusing on mixing, begin honing your art.
When you’re ready, you can start thinking about how to get yourself some DJ gigs so you can begin playing to actual people and hopefully start building your career.
Ihave a love for the melodic pounding sound and staccato vocals of 80s post-punk acts like Joy Division, The Chameleons and Nick Cave. It was with some excitement that I discovered that this week’s band, HYMNS, had captured that sound more often associated with the early part of that decade. And well. This is the sort of music that artists like J ‘O Barr wrote and drew his cult classic The Crow to, which you can drive through dark streets thinking desolate thoughts to…it’s a beautiful eerie soul searching sound. I caught up with Oliver from HYMNS:
Can you fill us in with a bit of your back story? What’s the history of HYMNS? How did you form the band and how did you all meet?
Well, it’s quite a convoluted story. Some of the songs have existed as instrumentals for a few years now. I’d written the music and vocal melody but never really had the confidence or belief in myself as a singer. Having tried to recruit other vocalists since, I realised that if I was to do the songs justice (as I heard them in my head) I would need to step up and sing. Since then it’s been a challenge but I now feel comfortable calling my self a singer songwriter as opposed to just a composer. Since deciding to be the singer Giorgio came along on the bass via an ad on gumtree and our partnership has become the foundation of the band as it stands. Fil our guitarist made a massive contribution to our sound but sadly had to return to Italy. We have since found Matt on guitar and Amy on drums who have brought along their own sound and personality.
The name ‘HYMNS’ has religious overtones. Can you elaborate on this?
Errrm, yeah this is a tricky one. I really wanted to make the suggestion of ethereal songs with a big sound that can uplift and re energise in the way a church hymn does. This is what great music (of any kind) can do so I thought it appropriate. I’m not saying that’s what our music does for people, though I hope it could one day. I guess it’s more a statement of ambition and intent
Who is the songwriter in the band, or do you all contribute?
At the moment I am the songwriter in the band, the band has come together around songs I have written and as the singer it makes sense for now. Giorgio (bass player) has really helped shape the sound of the songs with some of his bass lines and arrangement ideas. We all come from a background of writing music so ideally in the future it would be great to write together as a group in a room. It’s exciting to think of the possibilities this could hold for us as a creative team. Watch this space!
What was your memorable gigging experience as a band?
In all honesty we’ve only played together as a band a couple of times. For our first gigs they went pretty smoothly. This is my first time as the lead singer in a band so having that direct connection with the audience still feels a little alien to me. I’m looking forward to getting into the role though. I’m confident that as a band we will use the experience from these performances to create a more exciting and intense live show. We will get better and better at what we do!
Listening to ‘Masquerade’ I can hear many influences, among them Nick Cave, Joy Division & The Chameleons. Would you say this is fair? Who do you cite as your influences?
I’d say this is definitely fair. I’m a massive fan of both Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and Joy Division. Personally, I cite all the above as well as Depeche Mode, The Cure, Radiohead, Interpol, and QOFTSA as massive influences. I’m also a fan of Mogwai, Nine Inch Nails and various film composers such as John Murphy and Hans Zimmer. Giorgio is a fan of Kings of Leon and The Killers. Matt loves The Beach Boys as well as some heavier bands like Thrice. Amy loves her Janis Joplin and The Doors.
What’s next for HYMNS? What is the dream?
In late September we will be heading into the studio to record our next single. We’d like to get a couple of videos done too. Beyond that we’re happy developing our set and playing more live shows around the UK. I think we’ll also recruit a synth/keys player to really help reproduce our recorded sound live. Ultimately the dream is to earn a living from the music. With the state of the music biz as it is nowadays we can’t really ask for much more that!
Hi everyone, this week I was lucky enough to have a chat with top Elvis Impersonator; JD King Elvis (Jim Devereaux). Jim is a Brighton based entertainer but has performed all over the world. JD’s repertoire includes performing at Wembley Arena and Blenheim Palace festival. After watching a video of Jim’s Elvis tribute show, I had to learn more!
Hi Jim, you’re well known to be Brighton’s top Elvis impersonator. We’d love to learn a bit more about you and how you came to be the living embodiment of The King.
Thank you very much! Well I grew up in a performers family, so singing and dancing was just a way of life in my household. Elvis had such a big impact on me from such a young age I expressed myself artistically through him I guess. If I was singing a song, 9 times out of 10 it was an Elvis song – he really taught me how to sing and perform. So in all honesty, I don’t think I could perform as anyone else if I tried – including myself!
You were four years old when you first discovered Elvis’ music, do you remember what it was that initially peaked your interest?
It was actually the album cover funnily enough. They say don’t judge by the cover but when you’re 4 years old, going through my Mum’s record collection the cover’s the thing that grabs your attention. It was a 40 greatest hits collection with a big picture of Elvis’s face on it – I didn’t know why exactly I just liked the look of him. I asked to hear it and, I still remember to this day, that classic rock ’n’ roll music just blew me away.
Is it true that you went from singing at Karaoke nights to performing as a leading Elvis Impersonator? Can you talk us through this?
Yes this is true – I had absolutely no plan to be a professional impersonator. I knew a couple of them and used to go and watch and enjoy their shows, but I had only just turned 18 and was trying to work out what to do with my life. My friends invited me to karaoke and, since I sang Elvis songs all the time in my bedroom, I of course started doing the same at a few different pubs around Brighton on Thursday nights. After a few months of going through the classics (and some real rarities that I personally loved) I was asked if I would like to do a set AS Elvis for a Boxing Day party at one of the venues. Excited by the idea, I shaved off my pubescent goaty beard, dyed my hair black, got a friend to make me a jumpsuit and the rest as they say is history.
Are there any Elvis songs that never get requested but which you wish were more popular?
A very good question, the answer is yes, but with the caveat that there’s probably at least a couple of dozen rare songs I’d like to have the excuse to sing more. I do offer a song list to my clients of all the Elvis numbers I know (around 230 at last count) so there’s always a fair chance they’ll pick something unusual so I have the perfect excuse to sing it!
“Critics’ choice – and the one to watch“
You must be an extremely versatile performer as you also do outstanding tributes of Tony Clifton, Cab Calloway and Freddie Mercury. Which impersonation do you find most challenging?
Freddie Mercury by far – not just for the very high and powerful vocals, but the tight trousers too! I’m a slender man but not enough to get away with Freddie anymore I fear.
What’s your favourite non-Elvis song?
That’s a really tough question, but if I was put on the spot I’d have to say Higher and Higher, Jackie Wilson.
What is the largest crowd you have ever performed for and where was it?
Wembley Stadium with 80,000 Rugby fans in attendance. It was the final of the Heineken Cup – the thing is, if a sports fan isn’t in the mood for an Elvis, I’m sure they’ll enjoy watching him leap about like a fool trying to avoid getting drenched by the pitch sprinkler system, while trying to sing a few songs before the match – as has been the case for me on more than one occasion.
What’s the strangest request you’ve ever gotten as Elvis?
After performing for a party held at a nudist camp (don’t worry, they nearly all had their clothes on for that part of the evening) being asked to get in a hot tub, which was made to hold 8 people, with 16 of them – no trunks allowed! I cheerfully declined…
You’re based in Brighton, what’s the furthest you have travelled to perform as Elvis?
So far I think it would have to be Las Vegas (where else of course) – I have also donned the jumpsuit around Europe and, as far the UK is concerned, on the shores of Loch Ness. which is about the furthest you can get from Brighton without getting your feet wet.
What has been the high point of your career so far?
Another tough one, but I’d have to say career-wise sharing a stage with Texas and Ms. Dynamite at a huge festival at Blenheim Palace; that was incredible. On a personal level though, recording some of Elvis’ first songs in THE Sun Studios in Memphis, just a few feet from where Elvis himself crafted them originally. That was special.
Where do you see yourself in five years time? Will you still be playing the King?
I’m not very good at looking too far ahead, but the main thing is that, despite now paying tribute to Elvis for nearly 14 years and counting, I still love doing it every time. As long as that’s the case, I won’t be shaving off the sideburns anytime soon.
Online retail is on the rise and almost anything you might want to buy can be found online. However, when it comes to finding the perfect pair of glasses, is it better to shop in-store or buy them from an online wholesale eyewear supplier? Here are a few pros and cons for each.
The Options Available
Glasses in-store often have a curated selection available, which is great for those who are indecisive or get overwhelmed when there are too many choices. Most stores will have in stock their shelves with the frames that are currently in demand, instead of filling them with a variety of frames. However, the downside to having a limited option is exactly that, it is limited. It can be stressful for those who are unable to find the glasses that they want.
Purchasing glasses online allows you to find a range of wholesale eyewear suppliers, who have a vast selection of frames to choose from. Whilst this can be overwhelming, wholesale eyewear supplier, such as International Eyewear, provide the option to refine your search for the perfect frame. These filters can narrow down your search to find the right frame shape, colour and frame material. A con of buying glasses online is that the overwhelming choice to choose from. Whilst there might be the perfect pair on one website, there could be three or four on another.
Finding The Right Fit
Purchasing glasses allows the opportunity to communicate with one of the trained experts. They will be able to take measurements, correctly interpret prescriptions and make any adjustments so the new frames fit perfectly. In addition to this, they can cater to any head size to ensure the frames properly fit. The downside is that when looking for the perfect pair, there may be pressure to buy frames there and then, which could lead to purchasing a pair of glasses that you do not love.
With shopping online, wholesale eyewear suppliers offer an option to put in the measurements for your face shape. This will narrow down the search to what frame options are available, still leaving an excellent choice of glasses to choose from. The issue with buying glasses online is not being able to try them on until they have been delivered. Whilst the description might provide what the material the frames are made from and the images show the colour, they could look and feel different in person than what you imagined.
Time Taken To Find The Right Pair
Looking for glasses in-store provides you with the ability to look at each pair in person and take the time to try them on. The issue with looking in-store is finding the time to go. For most people who work a 9-5 job, the best time they can go is either after work or on the weekend. Going in-store at either of these times means that you will be faced with a crowd of people to navigate around.
Taking your search online eliminates waiting in a line to try on a pair or be seen by an expert. Instead, it provides the flexibility to search whenever and for however long you wish.
The Verdict?
Just like your choice of finding the perfect pair, it is your choice on whether you take your search in-store or online. Both come with their pros and cons, but whichever suits you and your lifestyle is the route to take.
Ever since people started wearing wristwatches as opposed to pocket watches on chains, we’ve seen a huge number of different styles grace our fashion magazines (and our arms).
But although trends come and go, a select number of watches are stand-out classics. From the Rolex Submariner to the first watch that went into space, these iconic accessories might keep perfect time – but they’re truly timeless when it comes to style.
Whether you’re an avid watch collector or someone who’s simply looking for their next everyday timepiece, read on to find out about the four watches that will never go out of fashion.
The Omega Speedmaster
What better model to top our list of the most timeless watches than one which has literally crossed the barriers of space (and time)? Introducing the first watch on the moon: The Speedmaster.
Designed by the luxury Swiss watchmaker brand, Omega SA, the Speedmaster is a chronograph watch which was first launched in 1957. It was originally intended as a sport and racing chronograph, a homage to Omega’s status as the official timekeeper for the Olympic Games.
But following rigorous qualification tests to find a watch that would withstand the extreme conditions in space, the Omega Speedmaster was selected by astronauts aboard early space missions – and after the success of the Apollo 11 mission in 1966, when both Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin wore the model, it quickly became known as the ‘Moon watch’.
The Rolex Submariner
This list of the most iconic watches has taken us from the depths of space to the depths of the ocean. As its name suggests, the Rolex Submariner is fully resistant to water and corrosion, and is designed for deep-sea diving and other extreme sports.
The watch was first showcased at the Basel Watch Fair in 1954. It’s now considered a classic by everyone from exclusive luxury watch collectors to spy film buffs (the Rolex Submariner was worn by Sean Connery in his role as James Bond).
This watch can withstand depths of up to 300m, or 1000ft. That’s almost three times the depth of the English Channel!
The Movado Museum
Any model known as ‘the museum’ is bound to endure the test of time – and this is certainly true for the Movado Museum watch. Built by the American watchmaker Movado, which takes its name from the phrase ‘always in motion’ in Esperanto, the Museum was first unveiled in 1947. Its now-classic design is a true minimalist masterpiece, with a black dial-face, an hour hand, a minute hand, and a single dot at 12 o’clock.
The Movado Museum was designed by Nathan George Horwitt, who chose the dot at 12 o’clock to symbolise the midday sun. In 1960, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York selected the dial to include in its permanent design collection. It was the first watch in history to be awarded this status – a distinction which more than warrants its place on this list.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is one of the most innovative watch designs in the world. Released in 1931 to enable British officers to play polo in India without risking their watches, this model features a fully reversible watch case – meaning the watch face can be easily hidden away to keep it safe from accidental knocks or damage during sport.
It’s usually around this time of the year that I begin to look towards how I’m going to ‘tidy up’ aspects of my life for the new year, and a refreshing bedroom turnaround is one that crops up regularly. A spring clean of my bedroom results in a cleansing of my mindset. I’m one of those people who love having a tidy and minimalistic room, however it never seems to work out that way. For one, I’m extremely messy whilst I get ready. I begin my make-up just in front of the mirror, however by the time I’m finished it’s spread over the entirety of my bedroom floor! Also, don’t get me started on my clothes. I often have about 3 or 4 outfit changes before I leave the house, by the time I’ve decided on the outfit I’m usually running about 20 minutes late and have to leave the house in a hurry. As a result, I leave my bedroom in a state.
I’ve put together a little round-up what my ideal bedroom would consist of. Simple, white and minimalistic. A girl can dream, right?!
Trench coats are personal favorites of almost every woman. Especially if you have a little knowledge of fashion and current trends, your wardrobe can never miss this item. Trench coats are amazing to keep you warm while grabbing others’ eyeballs.
While there are readymade trench coats available in the market, we don’t recommend to have you one. Because these are not always fittings, they are either too tight or too loose. And such an ill-fitted garment is sure to ruin your entire outlook.
Significance of a tailored trench coat lies
Such a trench coat demands you to provide proper measurements and in turn, you can get an item that perfectly fits your body. Now, here’s a guide of how you can pick the right trench coat from a tailoring site.
Design the coat –
Choose the length of the trench coat women, long or short, determine whether you want it to be single or double-breasted, measure the fittings, ensure the gun flaps, shoulder epaulettes and sleeve ribbons are at proper places. You do not necessarily add all of the mentioned items, but you can always mix them as you want. Remember, a trench coat is a reflection of your personality so you better design it the way you can carry.
Pick the fabric –
There are a wide variety of fabrics and colors. Pick your favorite color and pattern. Choices are many – a classic beige fabric or a trendy green color.
Measure properly –
Insert your measurement and voila! You are about to get a brand new custom-designed trench coat within a few dresses.
When it comes to trench coats, you need to remember a few things. The length of a trench coat should be ideally a little higher than the knee. A longer trench coat will make you look shorter, again a short trench coat will not remain a trench coat anymore as it will become more of a jacket. Therefore, keep an eye (we mean both the eyes!) on the length of the trench coat while picking one.
Again, if you are looking to wear a trench coat, you need to ensure what you are wearing inside it. For example, a lighter colored top like that of white or beige, inside the coat will make a dark-colored trench coat, maroon or black, look more gorgeous. Again, if you are wearing a light-colored coat like white or pink, then a maroon or red top inside it will make the look more vibrant. Mixing up multiple colors make the entire look glamorous.
You can wear boots, stilettos or palm shoes with a trench coat. But make sure that you are comfortable at it.
Occasion Perfect Trench Coat
A trench coat is a perfect pick for any occasion. Be it an office event, or a friend’s party, a birthday bonanza or a date night – a trench coat can elevate your appeal and make you more trendy and beautiful. Trench coats, unlike regular coats, are more feminine. Therefore, you can wear it with any type of dress you want. No matter whether you seek to wear formals at the office or casual wear at a family dinner – simply team it up with a trench coat and you are good to go.
A red or blue trench coat can produce a strong appeal whereas a white or beige trench coat can make a sophisticated outlook. In a formal party, you may consider white or beige trench coats but for a date night or a casual evening out, a colorful trench coat will enhance your presence and make you stand out among the crowd.
So, what colored trench coat is your next purchase?
We had to have a quick half a pint at the White Rabbit before the hard work and posing took place… don’t you agree?!
Since having moved from the countryside village of Lingfield, to the forever inspiring city of Brighton, my style and fashion influences having become a lot more varied and open minded. I also spent a lot of time in London, Shoreditch mainly. There are definitely hints of Brighton style within London, however shapes tend to be a lot more clean cut and Celine-like. Brighton has an emphasis on an eclectic mix of grunge and vintage style. As a result I thought I would take advantage of my more recent surroundings and see how I could take on this style. It’s a definite change from my wholly monochrome palette, although I couldn’t help have some prominent black features (that’s grunge style, right?!?!)
My dad bought me these vintage Levi 501 jeans from a vintage store in the North Lanes called Dirty Harry, along with a beautiful, chunky, black shearling coat for himself. This is one of the most popular vintage shops in Brighton, emphasised by the fact that they also sell their own brand hoodies, T’s etc.
Seeing as I’m becoming quite settled in Brighton, I can see my style evolving a lot in the near future to something a little more interesting as I’m constantly inspired by new styles outside of London. I’ll be experimenting quite a lot in the upcoming posts. Do you think this is something you guys might like?
Vintage and estate jewellery are timeless pieces that exude stately beauty and gorgeous design. When you look into each dazzling piece of precious metal or gemstone, you can imagine yourself travelling back in time to the world it has lived through. Each antique jewellery tells a unique past and story. With thousands of unique and interesting pieces available for you, you can be confused which item to choose. Lets not also forget one of the main reasons us girls go for antique jewellery in the first place; it looks amazing! It’s quickly coming back into fashion so make sure you’re ahead of the curve and get looking now! For the benefits of this article, Beauty and Ruin spoke with online vintage jewellery experts Love Antiques, to get some helpful tips on looking for the best deals online and how best to get the pieces you’re after.
Know the seller
When searching antique jewellery online, it is essential to first know the seller. Is the dealer a reliable seller? What other items are up for sale? There may also be obvious cues to scams, for example, a seller that lists 10 of the same heirloom ring is downright suspicious. Read through reviews from other clients. Are they satisfied with the items bought? Investigating the seller is a must. If you are looking to buy designer jewellery brands, make sure they are actually, in fact by the designer.
Ask questions
Know more about the piece so that you can decide whether it is an authentic one. Get in touch with the seller and ask about how the piece came to his possession; whether the seller won it from auction, estate sale, antique hunting, or a family heirloom. A reliable seller can give you details about where the jewellery came from, its origin, relevant history, and overall condition.
Look for a mark
Antique jewellers almost always leave an imprint on their creations. Vintage jewellery pieces produced before 1950s comes with a special mark, such as initials of the maker. You can search online for the prominent vintage jewellery marks.
Consider the cost
Compare the price of the prospective antique piece with other antique shops. What are the current rates for similar metal, stones? Remember that authentic estate jewellery comes for a price. Be wary of items sold at an unbelievably low price. Don’t fall for these too-good-to-be-true pieces.
s lip colours go, coral is made for springtime. It’s light, bright and can be worn from day to night seamlessly, perfect for everything from the office to Sunday brunches. It’s all about how you rock the trend. It’s also one of those rare colours that suits every skin tone and hair colour – it’s a shade that brightens and adds a punch without drawing too much attention. That’s why we’ve dedicated this post to guiding you through the key ways to nail spring’s coral lip colours. From moisturising balms to intense stains, we’ve found the best springtime coral colours and dissected the ways to rock them. We promise, after this you’ll be set to go, whatever the occasion.
Find Your Perfect Shade
Finding the perfect coral shade is the first step to nailing the look. If you’re fair-skinned, opt for a shade that has pinky undertones to lighten your complexion. Those who are darker skinned can dare to go bold with an orange-hued stain. For blondes, we’d recommend anything more nude. Brunettes, you can be a little bolder with a red undertone in your coral lipstick of choice. Here are some of our favourite coral lipsticks to get you started.
Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Coral Britannia
This is a gorgeous shade for blondes, or for a daytime look. It’s soft and subtle but will add a definite pop, plus this is a moisturising lipstick, great for lips in need of a little TLC after winter.
Bobbi Brown Sheer Lip Color Limited Edition
Bobbi Brown’s intensely pigmented lipsticks never fail to pack a punch. This is a great shade for evening. Just add a little mascara to dewy skin and you’re ready to go.
Chanel, Rouge Coco Shine in Flirt
For a little luxury, try Chanel’s decadent lipstick. It’s a creamy texture and the colour is long-lasting – guaranteed to give you a perfect coral pout all day.
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick Kiss Me Coral
For an affordable pop of colour, Revlon’s Kiss Me Coral lipstick ticks all the right boxes. With orange undertones, this is a great shade for those with sallow skin and brunettes.
NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss, Nude Peach Coral
NYX are fast becoming our go-to beauty brand. This delicious lip gloss adds texture for a punchy, glossy look. The colour is light – perfect for daytime.
2.Preparation Is Key
After a long winter, lips can be dry and cracked, and that’s before you apply anything to them. Most lipsticks are moisture-intense these days, but it still helps if your lips are in top-notch condition before you apply a lipstick to avoid any flakiness or cracking. First, use a dry toothbrush to gently exfoliate dead skin by brushing in soft, circular motions. Afterwards, apply vaseline or a lip balm to deeply moisturise lips daily. Your lips will thank you when they hold that coral colour perfectly.
3.Match Your Look
With a strong lip, you have to take your outfit colour choices in to consideration. Keep it really simple with neutrals and nudes. Thankfully, this summer’s trends are perfect for the coral lip look. Try wearing this season’s favourite colour, white, with a coral shade for instant spring cool.
Denim is another perfect partner for coral – from stone washes to dark denim hues, you can wear your coral lip look with pride with these blues.
Teal is also a gorgeous colour to rock with coral – it’ll bring put the colour even more on your lips.
Colours to avoid? Reds and pinks can clash with your coral colours, so avoid them at all costs. The more neutral toned, the better.
4.Pare It Back
As for the rest of your make-up look. the joy of the coral lip is that it does all the talking. You don’t need a smoky eye or a lot of contouring. Keep skin fresh and dewy with a light foundation, dust a little blusher over cheeks and add mascara for a fresh, spring beauty look. If you’re taking the look to night time, use a little eyeliner to enhance your eyes and a lip liner to solidify the lip look. Voila!
