Sister Magazine

             Sister is a magazine for girls. Giving voice to a generation who are frustrated by the constraints of gender in modern society, Sister combines feminism, fashion and opinion.    

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SDF 2015

The last weekend of May we headed to Hatfield for ultimate-throwback-emo fest, Slamdunk. Having been lifelong fans of the rock scene here at Sister, this year we’ve decided to make a conscious effort to highlight the female talent in an undeniably male dominated arena - as you can hopefully tell from our previous TGE coverage. 

First act of the day, and our main reason for being there, were Massachusetts three piece Pvris. We’ve had their debut record White Noise on repeat for the past couple of months, and are completely obsessed with the vocal talent of front woman Lynnsey Gunnulfsen. Not perturbed by the rain or a silent guest appearance by Josh Franceschi of YMAS due to a mic fault, their anticipated performance definitely didn’t disappoint. 

Total babe. Props for bringing back the slit eyebrow also. Catch our interview with the band in our upcoming summer issue!

With no other female artists on the bill, our next act were Neck Deep. Sister gal Laura is a fan, but unfortunately we hadn’t heard much of them before, and couldn’t stop laughing at the fact the frontman seemed to be dressed as MC Devvo circa 2004;

Clearly too much beer had been drunk at this point.

Next up we caught Finch, whose set was everything we had hoped for as they embraced the classics off What It Is To Burn. Having never seen them live in the era of that record, it was a real nostalgic treat, which also featured another appearance by Josh Franceschi - dude gets around. 

Taking Back Sunday were another highlight of the day. Fans of the band since we were old enough to buy CDs with pocket money, and queuing outside the Astoria (RIP) for hours every time they were in town, they’re a band who can be relied upon to deliver every single time. 

Brb, just swooning. 

You Me At Six closed the show with infectious, high energy anthems from their four album strong catalogue.

Grabbing overpriced chips with all the sauces and heading home, we realised we’re definitely not the kids we used to be (nice Alexis reference, lolz) as we gave the after party a miss. Which, just FYI, the last time we went to Slamdunk, ended in being chased out of a hotel at 4am in a bizarre concrete complex in the middle of Hatfield, and waking up with a lot of stolen goods. At least it was a lot cheaper to get home this year. 

All photos by Ed Mason. Huge thanks to Hayley Connelly and MHC Publicity. 

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM TGE 2015

Great Escape, you spoiled us once again with three days of incredible live music, some great talks and all the hangs in-between. It’s impossible to not just be happy to be in Brighton come May.

Having just about adjusted back to reality, it seems only right to briefly summarise our experience and put another shout out to all those involved in the festival’s superb organisation and running. We had an absolute blast.

Every year as soon as that schedule is in your hands you can feel so unprepared for the bombardment of talent that you are free to pick and choose from. After 6 years we’re more than used to this and it by no means requires concern. So many people are in the same boat and give it an hour and you’ll soon be on your way. You can try and play things cool but there’s nothing worse than knowing you had the chance to catch someone great - even just for one song - once the opportunity has passed. Scrawling adjustments and double-checking set times and new tip-offs each day is all part of the game and will forever be a welcome challenge.

Highlights from our three days include:

Persevering through a horribly wet Thursday and easing in with an insightful (albeit slightly overwhelming) streaming and licensing talk. Straight after we caught Fraser A Gorman and Holy Holy. Local chaps Miamigo impressed hugely with their arena-scale pop and we think we found our new favourite rapper in Noah Kin.

It stopped raining by Friday so spirits were high across the town and the influx of people who couldn't get down Thursday stepped the atmosphere up. Tears & Marble blew us away first thing and then the Pins girls stole the afternoon, setting the tone (loudly) for Meat Wave and Bully.

Ending strongly on Saturday, we began with a feminine focus. K. Flay and Ekkah are two very different but equally excellent acts, each drawing great crowds despite the gloriously distracting conditions outside. We FINALLY caught Demob Happy after what feels like a million missed opportunities and left incredibly glad for it. Shamir followed by putting on the party of the weekend, forcing a relatively tame crowd into a frenzied carnival. We ended amongst strong company to see the festival out (despite The Maccabees pinching the masses), as Pity Sex - who we already greatly love - smashed through an incredible set to see us home.

In a nutshell, The Great Escape is as essential for music fans as much as it is for the people who work within the industry. The mass excitement, keen intrigue and positive atmosphere caused by the buzz of new talent is simply incomparable and here’s to another ten years of feeling this good about music at the start of every summer.

Words by James Uden. For more details, head to www.greatescapefestival.com

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FEMALE MATTERS

When we were asked to be part of an exhibition with an incredibly talented line up, for an incredibly worthy cause, it was a total no brainer. Female Matters, curated by the babes at Polyester zine and designer Clio Peppiatt, is a one night event featuring artwork and customised knickers from over 30 female creatives in aid of The Dahlia Project, which supports victims of FGM. 

“Exploring sexual liberation in the 21st century” is something we live, challenge and endure on the daily. We thought we’d share a sneak preview of our customised briefs before tomorrow night.

Having had Drake’s ‘If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late’ on repeat for the past couple of months, the lyrics seemed to have wormed their way into my stream of consciousness. Capturing the frustrations of modern dating, they flit between honest, “I don’t know if it’s because I’m lonely/Lonely on a Wednesday night” to animalistic, “I only text her man, I never call/I’m still a canine at heart, I’m a dog” to regret, “Hate that I treated it like it’s a whatever thing/Trust me girl this shit is everything to me” 

The fact that I could type all those lyrics from memory is perhaps testament to my limited music taste, but I can’t help but feel that Drizzy just gets it. The lyrics on my pants read “I need some company/I need you to take my mind off being in my prime” because this is the attitude I, and many other girls I know, have towards sex. Approaching your mid-twenties and being no closer to a serious relationship than when you started them, it’s a strange time in which everyone seems to be getting married, having kids and moving onto the next stage of life, whilst the rest of us earn barely enough money to live and wake up on a different living room floor most weekends. 

You sleep with people partly because it makes a change from sleeping on your own. It’s a temporary relief. You want to forget the force fed the idea that your youth has peaked, and that you better hurry up, settle down and get your shit together. Having slept with plenty of people I don’t even like (nothing to be proud of) sometimes the basic human need for company overwhelms you. Smattered with emojis, the ultimate form of 21st century expression, they’re seriously tongue in cheek with a rather sombre message underneath. 

Female Matters is at Box Park Studios Shoreditch, 4th June. Guest list is now closed. Be sure to check out Polyester, Clio Peppiatt and The Dahlia Project. 

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TGE 2015

There aren't many places that could accommodate and embrace a widespread festival as well as Brighton does with The Great Escape.

Turning as many bars, shops and patches of grass into performance areas whilst the impressive array of existing venues also share the lineup, TGE has truly certified itself as one of the UK’s finest music events. Our very own equivalent to SXSW in terms of showcasing emerging talent, I’m as excited to be heading down now at 24 as I was as a fresh-faced 18 year old Music Journalism student.

Each year I’ve experienced the festival differently and that will always be its biggest appeal. You can play it any way you like and still have the best time. Planning your days well in advance, making them up as you go along, sticking to your guns or caving in to go and see a stranger’s tip-off - these are all winning scenarios. Without spontaneity and the willingness to embrace the diversity of previous lineups, I wouldn't have witnessed HAIM playing to a room of no more than 25 people, Years & Years pre-BBC Music acclaim or Mykki Blanco - who I hadn't heard of 10 minutes before deciding to see him - emerging as one of the most exciting rappers in the world.

It’s as easy as nipping to the pub to catch some of the best acts on show, because that’s literally all you need to do. The organisers deserve a huge amount of credit for seeing potential in any space in the city able enough to support a microphone. The spontaneity and the immersion with everyday city life is part of what makes the festival feel so natural and accessible.

Witnessing as many performances as possible remains the ultimate goal of course, and five acts firmly on our radar just from glancing at the lineup this year are Kelela (who released an incredible mixtape in 2013. Listen to it right now if you haven’t already), Miamigo (an emerging local synth duo), Pity Sex (flying the Run For Cover Records flag with their brilliant scuzz-fuelled rock), Vaults (another great female artist on the rise whose live shows we’ve been assured are a thing of beauty) and Meat Wave (a Chicago punk trio likened to Cloud Nothings and Drive Like Jehu. I think we might just grow fond of these chaps.)

Totally varied in their respective sounds, this handful of artists exemplify the diverse nature of the overall billing. If you have even a remote interest in music then there’s enough reason to fork out 55 quid for three days of fun. Explore the city, hit the beach for a bit, stir up some good old fashioned networking with like-minded people and just say yes to the odd punt if you don't feel like testing yourself with the easily overwhelming bill. Chances are you’ll catch somebody great who will be selling out Academys and arenas for years to come.

We’ll be keeping you totally updated on who we see across the three days with plenty of reviews to come once we’ve slept through Sunday and recovered. Do also let us know the acts that you're most excited about and we’ll maybe see a few of you down there.

Words by James Uden. Buy tickets and get more info on TGE here. 

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Feral Five

As I’m sure you’re all aware, we love girls in bands. And drag. So imagine our delight in the two being combined...

Feral Five are Kat and Drew, who describe their latest single ‘Neurotrash’ as “turbocharged leftfield beats meet electropunk brainfood in a neon explosion”

The track features in Jonny Woo’s film Dressed As A Girl, which made it’s world premiere at the Southbank’s BFI last month. Kat tells us there’s more of a collab (top secret mind) in the pipeline, and that another Feral’s song ‘Angel Road’ manages to make its way onto the soundtrack. Combined with the fact they sum themselves up as, “Crystal Castles crossed with Crass, lashings of breakneck beats and screaming guitar to create leftfield neopunk dubstep” it’s safe to say we’re interested. 

Catch them playing at Future Punk London's Election Victory/Disaster Night on 7th May, and listen to Neurotrash here. 

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Read the interview with our editor Beccy on the Urban Outfitters blog here! Buy yourself a copy of the Sex Issue whilst you’re at it...

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Sister Meets Aftermaths

We became aware of totally rad Mexican publication Aftermaths when head babe Elizandra picked us as one of their ‘Cool Publications’ - you can read the interview here. We decided to return the favour...

What made you want to create Aftermaths Mag?

The lack of art movement in Baja California Norte♥ I love this place! And I want to show what we do at the same time that I show what others do in different parts of the world. Mexico has so much potential, and I like to be a part of those platforms supporting independent and emergent Mexican art.

You feature a lot of cool and ‘rad’ women in your magazine, what sort of message are you hoping to spread?

♥♥That digital art is still quality art and that young girls out there have all that it takes to shine♥♥♥ regardless of what society makes us believe.

What do you think of the feminist movement today?

It has become so important in my life, and it has guided me through dark times in which I do not feel capable of doing big things. It has showed me that girls can really help each other and team up to create great stuff. I am super happy to see boys support what we do and join a movement that is here to stay 4 sure

The features of the magazine are really unique, where do you find your inspirations and ideas?

Mostly throwing it back to classic pop culture movies and mixing it with new stuff.

What’s been your favourite article/feature in the magazine and why?

I do not think I have a favourite feature, usually I fall in love with the material and post it. Right now I am deeply in love with the features I did for the first printed version of Aftermaths and that's what is taking all of my heart and energy at the moment.

What are your future plans for the magazine?

Continue doing what I love and hopefully make it grow! Art never stops. I am currently planning on doing a pop up art show with TJ based feminist girl gang Sad Girls y Que.  I want to make Aftermaths a movement more than just a mag.

What’s your favourite word beginning with S?

♥SSSSSSSASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSY ♥

Anything else we should know?

Girls are taking over, beware, boys.

Check out Aftermaths here. Interview by Hannah Grange-Sales. 

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DIY THURSDAYS

DIY Thursdays was birthed in a kitchen in Homerton that blasted out music by the likes of The Cramps, Killing Joke, Siouxsie Sioux and The Melvins. Words by Abbie Lou Fowler. 

The idea was conceived by Lyndell Mansfield, a hairstylist who’s passionate about music, and her housemate Vickie Biggs, a design student who shares that passion. Sick of complaining about not having anywhere to go locally where they could hear the music they liked got Lyndell to thinking.

"I was frustrated that nowhere felt like a club with a personality or integrity anymore. I longed for a community of people into good music who supported live bands." She was fed up of watching her musician boyfriend and other friends in bands go through the painful process of dealing with promoters who seemed to be only interested in bands that they thought were going to fill their own pockets, based on the amount of followers the bands had on social networks or how many people they were expected to bring to the night. "Somewhere along the line people forgot about the music and the movements that go with it and promoters forgot what the meaning of their title is!" So Lyndell decided they should create their own world and do it themselves, "Because You Can't Stand Around Waiting For Shit To Happen.” With this ethos, they found a local hero, Lumiere, and secured themselves a monthly residency on the third Thursday of every month, which is now known as DIY THURSDAYS.

Lyndell says she wanted to encourage people to feel a part of something and to entice a community vibe between the punters and the band, so her and Vickie decided to make it a membership club. "We wanted everyone to feel like they were at a awesome house party and to keep it small so people would get to know each other and support one another. The bands will get new followers and like minded people will meet each other. Even if you can’t afford to see a band, it can still be an option because you’re a member of somewhere.”

It's very punk, but done with love. Maybe that's because girls run this night! Lyndell is a big supporter of sisterhood, she even says the boys that help her put the night together, like Jon, Jo, and Tom, are sisters because they’re encouraging and not threatened to be involved with a night run by women. "Everybody is our friend, and we’re all doing it for the love of it. Even the girls doing the door; our other housemate Paulina, my boyfriends brother’s girlfriend, Abbie who comes up from Brighton for the night, it’s because they believe in the cause." 

Vickie explains "The small fee we charge for membership is just covering our costs until we build up enough members. We make everything ourselves including the membership badges and flyers. We get dirty, carry amps, do whatever it takes."

There's a cap on the amount of memberships on offer, but the girls say that it will continue for the next few months.Then people other than the members (who will get in free forever after they join) will have to pay a small amount, which will go to the people that perform. “We aren’t doing it for a profit or to become famous or rip people off. We’re doing it because we all need the music and to feel part of something."

Lyndell finishes with, "the way I look at it is, when you’re young you do shit just because you love it or you can't live without doing it, and then people forget that and only do stuff for money or fame. Or they get fed up and give up. We just want somewhere that people can jump around to loud, amazing music and a place where bands starting out can feel appreciated and supported while doing what they love and enjoying it!"

IMPORTANT INFO

The next DIY THURSDAYS is on the 16th April 88 Chatsworth Rd E50LS

Memberships are £7 and you get:

A DIY badge with the motto The next months flyer A business card A pair of earplugs (because it IS loud ) At least 2 AWESOME bands DJs that play good music of the alternative nature BUT most importantly you Get In FREE anytime you go back !

@DIYTHURSDAYS  www.facebook.com/diythursdays

[sistermagazine]

The Quarter Club

The Quarter Club, a new network for women aged 25-35 who manage creative and/or portfolio careers, will open in London on April 20th.

The project is founded by Jo Duncombe (formerly of Birds Eye View Film Festival, who we used to work in the same studio as!) and Saskia Roddick as a positive response to the ‘Quarter Life Crisis’ – a space for women to reach out to peers for inspiration, and to turn negative press into positive actions that inspire both professional and personal development.

The Quarter Club will take the form of quarterly Salons, regular workshops on personal and professional skills, and networking sessions on a particular theme. The first theme is Courage, and in July, the focus will shift to Balance. With four guest speakers, wine and food, we feel like this is set to be the start of something great. 

Grab your tickets and find out more here. 

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Behind The Scenes

Incase you haven’t noticed, the lead shoot of The Sex Issue features some of our best gal pals dragged up to the nines. Channeling the big-in-the-States trend of ‘faux’ queens, we wanted to take the idea of gender bending to a whole new level. Documenting everything on disposable cameras, from the glamour to the drunken debauchery which escalated on to the streets afterwards, we thought you’d all fancy a snoop...

Pick up a copy and see the spread in full here. 

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Download 2015

Slipknot tearing a predictably wet and muddy Friday to shreds, Manson demolishing Saturday and Gene bloody Simmons kissing the festival goodbye Sunday are all individual moments that alone will make attending Download this year worthwhile.

Having scanned through the ever-intriguing lineup of young vs old, raw vs lovably croaky however, we’ve picked out three acts (all containing a female member or two) who also look set to shine and make their marks on the festival respectively.

L7

The lack of female artists at such prominent festivals is seemingly more apparent than ever courtesy of this year’s Reading/Leeds lineup edit controversy. With no doubt a few things to get off their chests after a lengthy hiatus, the recently reformed grunge heroines L7 will be looking to make their returned presence heard and felt. Amongst a sea of male artists, these girls are more than capable of providing enough 90s-fused noise to hold their own.

Code Orange

Any band to have put a release or two out with Topshelf Records warrants instant attention. With the Deathwish seal of approval to boot, it’s a dead cert that all good things heavy and hardcore can be expected from this band. They simply won’t disappoint. With a daytime slot on the Sunday, be sure to not cave in to trying to preserve energy for the last night. Go heavy early, support great young musicians and have some bloody fun doing so.

The Pink Slips

Blondie, No Doubt and The Kills. Three solid and influences fuel this impressively young female-led outfit. Said female (Grace McKagan) also only happens to be THE Duff McKagen’s daughter. With more than enough confidence and attitude running through the genes, we’re keen to see what the band as a whole can offer live as they start to make their mark with their inspired, sassy synth-pop/punk.

Check out the rest of the Download line up here. James Uden is our features editor and all round Sister’s Brother. 

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The Sex Issue Launch Party

Last Tuesday we threw our first ever launch party at The Glory. All the best gal pals we could think of lent a helping hand; the amazing Dream Wife rocked the stage, and later on we had DJ sets from Freyonce and Rooz as well as the gorg Siobhan Bell. Copious amounts of courgette and pistachio cake was handed out by the Flour Girls, and gloriously tacky leopard print goody bags stocked with Propercorn and super healthy juices from Beauty & Go were thrown out. We just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who came down, it was an overwhelming turn out, and we can't wait for the next one! 

Make sure you pick up a copy of the mag here and check out the amazing events going on at The Glory. All pictures by Hannah Williams. 

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We have been very busy bees recently, but we are SO excited to invite y'all to our first ever launch party! Full details coming at the end of the week, but keep the 24th Feb free in your diaries 📆🌟 #thesexissue #startplanningthoselooks

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We are so excited to share the results of our shoot this weekend with you - here's our girl Ellen serving some Joan Collins - Dynasty - executive realness...roll on the Sex Issue! 

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SHANNON LANE

Getting approached by fellow creative ladies is always such a treat. Our idea of a good time is extending our girl gang network and supporting one another's artistic expression - girl power fo' life yo! Introducing mega babe Shannon Lane, who we caught up with about her latest endeavors...

  S: How did you get in to art?

SL: I've been creative ever since I was young, I would draw everything from huge encyclopedias. I then went on to a very academic grammar school, where an artistic career was never considered. Ironically I feel this, and my stubbornness, pushed me to be a creative.

  S: Your work seems to span a variety of mediums - do you have a favourite?

SL: I want to learn and try everything! I enjoy the mediums most people are squeamish about, such as taxidermy and casting animals. I find with these mediums I am always learning and trying to better myself. Recently I cast a resin pig's heart for an exhibition. From start to finish I had to be delicate but quick, as I was competing with the natural process of decomposition. Pulling that pristine, resin heart out of the new mould, the feeling was unlike finishing any other piece. You have that aspect of the unknown.

  S: What's been your proudest career moment to date?

SL: I was asked to curate a large exhibition in a week. The gallery was on The Other Art Fair map, and is recognised by Frieze so there was a lot of pressure for me to pull it off. Luckily it was a huge success, with many visitors including a curator for Tate.

I also exhibited at the Sanderson Hotel for Save Wild Tigers, my piece was sold at the auction for a lot more than I could have imagined. It was amazing to be part of a great charity.

  S: What're you up to at the moment - do you study or work alongside creating your art?

SL: I am working as a curator at The Old Baths in Hackney Wick. I am looking to continue my studies, however at the moment I am just enjoying my busy journey as an Artist.

S: What inspires you and why?

SL: I tend to be very conscious of what's going on around me. The world is moving so fast, and everyone's frantically trying to keep up. A lot of my work is a reaction to that.

  S: If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be and why?

SL: An Australian Photographer called Prue Stent, the way she portrays the female form with their surroundings is so peculiar.

  S: Do you find it hard being a young woman today?

SL: Young women are becoming more free in what they do and how they act. Which is great, however extreme vanity is acceptable, and even desired. You see the best parts of everyone's lives and instantly compare it to your own. At 20, my generation seem to be very hard hit by this, I can't go on Twitter or Instagram without being slap bang in the middle of it.

  S:What're you currently obsessed with?

SL: Commedia dell'arte characters.

  S: What's next for you?

SL: This year I have no limit. I will be redesigning exhibitions, whilst creating a new body of work, I also have a large collaborative project planned. This will be launched at the Valentines exhibition I am curating entitled 'SNOG' on the 7th February, The Old Baths, Hackney Wick. It will be a huge event with live music, performances and a lot of alternative artwork.

  S: Sum up your style in three words.

SL: Sugar - coated honesty.

Shannon's work is currently being exhibited at Moo on Brick Lane. See more here. 

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HAPPY NEW YEAR TO US! The S Issue is sold out on Urban Outfitters. We have a few copies still available through our Big Cartel, so order now cos once they’re gone, that’s it...click here to get a copy!

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Check out the S Issue looking all professional and shit! We are now an online exclusive to Urban Outfitters Europe. Click here to pick yourself up a copy or two - the perfect Christmas present for pretty much everyone you know. 

Order by the 19th for standard delivery, and use the code WEEKENDWIN to get express delivery. GO!