#backstageatreading

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Head-to-head comparison: Krept x Konan and Nadia Rose

Words by Finley Bald and Laura Beetz

There’s a lot of discussion surrounding the gender gap in rap music at the moment.

We thought it would be interesting to compare male and female rap artists. Fin went to see Nadia Rose, while Laura reviewed Krept x Konan.

Laura

The crowd at Krept x Konan’s set was full of young people, with a good mix in terms of gender. But before they got to experience the London-based rap duo, a DJ warmed them up with a trio of songs.

Of course, once Krept x Konan did hit the stage, the crowd went wild and instantly chanted along to every lyric.

Even though I don’t usually listen to this kind of music, I did appreciate the atmosphere and how they hyped up the crowd.

One of the reasons I’m not a fan of their music is because of the lyrics. For example, “On My Life”, may have had the crowd rapping along, but it features so much swearing.

This aside, they did a great job at getting the crowd jumping, and seeing Karl ‘Konan’ Wilson crowdsurf was a great way to end the set.

Finn

Similarly to Krept x Konan, Nadia Rose had a mixed crowd. Not only that, but she also had a DJ open up for her with three songs.

She began rapping as soon as she stepped onto the stage, which sent the energy levels soaring into the top of the tent. 

As she is an up-and-coming artist, the audience didn’t know all the words to her songs unlike most other acts I’ve watched over the weekend. But that wasn’t enough to stop them from dancing along.

Rose asked the crowd, ‘Who is ready to dance right now?!’ and received a huge cheer in return. Her four background dancers kept the audience engaged – pointing, jeering and twerking – and throwing plenty of sass into an already impressive performance.

This was one of the most energetic sets I’ve seen over the weekend, and I was really surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

What did we think overall?

When reflecting on the performances, we think we found more similarities than differences. It was interesting that they both had a DJ on to hype up the crowd. It’s a clever tactic – what better way to ensure you come out on stage to a warm welcome?

The notable difference was how the artists kept up the energy. Krept x Konan made the crowd do the work (mosh pits, singing along), whereas Rose and her back-up dancers took it upon themselves to energise the crowd through a high-impact performance .

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Interview with Matt Murphy, Assistant Video Editor for The Independent

Words by Nia Stokes and Princeton D’Almeida

What’s your name and what do you do?

My name’s Matt Murphy and I’m the Assistant Video Editor at The Independent. On a day-to-day basis, I make sure that there are certain videos on the website. For example, I make sure that there’s a clip of Donald Trump saying something on top of a piece about Donald Trump. The majority of my job is spent in the office, at the desk, making sure that all the pieces put up have video on them.

What’s your favourite part of the job?

Going out and doing original stuff, interviewing people and filming some more long-form pieces.

Do you have any advice for young aspiring journalists?

I think it depends what you’re going into, because it’s such a broad industry. What I would say – and I hate saying this – is be prepared to do a lot for free to begin with. But once you’ve proved yourself, and you’ve worked your way up the ladder, it gets easier and easier. Once someone trusts you to do something they’ll give you a bigger job, and everything will gradually get bigger from there.

On the other hand, do have the confidence to be asked to pay for something sometimes. But don’t be too arrogant. And if you’re going to do work experience, prove yourself but don’t walk away and expect a call back – but do push those people! Don’t be afraid, because everyone’s been there, so everyone understands where you’re coming from.

Another piece of advice would be to find who the section heads are of things that you’re interested in. Tweet them if you’re really interested in that area, and keep trying until you get a response.

Sometimes it does take a case of being a little bit humble, but you will make it – just keep pushing.

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Look of the Day - Sunday at Reading Festival

Words by Nia Stokes

Name: Flint Read

From: I’m from Glastonbury, so I usually work there too but obviously they’re taking a year off.

Where’s your outfit from? This suit’s from Opposuits, I have loads, and they’re great because the material means you can throw them in the wash when they’re muddy after a festival!

Are you seeing any acts today? I jump in and out of tents, but I’m mainly based in Welfare as I’m volunteering this year. So that’s my main priority. I love seeing what goes on behind the scenes, and it’s a really rewarding experience.

Name: Justine Welsh

From: Glasgow

Where’s your outfit from? The shoes are from H&M – I’m on my fourth pair now – the playsuit is New Look, and I bought this jacket from Primark especially for festivals as it’s great to just throw on.

Who are you looking forward to seeing today? Kings of Leon. I saw them two nights ago and they were amazing!

Name: Matt East

From: London

Where’s your outfit from? My hoodie is from Weekdays and the dungarees are Bershka. Also the hat’s from a company called Counterparts.

Who are you looking forward to seeing today? We’ve got Don Broco and Lil Pump to go to today.

Name: Ashton Collinson

From: Kent

Where’s your outfit from? The shirt was from Leeds Festival and it’s the best one I’ve ever owned  – it’s so warm! The trousers are Topshop, the t-shirt is from a Billy Idol concert, jacket is Missguided and I have a New Look bum bag. The shoes are my staple Docs. 

Who are you looking forward to seeing today? Kings of Leon obviously, as I’ve never seen them before. I’m here for Light Girl too, who’s also my best friend!

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The Compozers speak to University of Reading Ambassadors Tzeitel and Nia about their experience of performing at festivals and their success in the 1Xtra live lounge.

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The team tell us their favourite Reading Festival moments so far this year following a rainy start to the third day.

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How Welfare Services are looking after you

Words by Laura Beetz & Georgina Shaw

Welfare is high up on the agenda at this year’s Reading Festival.

Located next to the emergency tents in the green camp, Welfare Services are open from Wednesday to Monday 12:00pm. The team offers confidential advice about drugs, alcohol, sexual health and any issues you may have about your wellbeing.

This morning, I went to their tent and had a chat with Kelly Headingree, who works as a team leader for the National Event Welfare Service.

What services does the welfare tent offer?

We provide safe spaces, monitored rest and recovery areas, general information and signposting. Additionally, we offer basic supplies for people who have run out of something or are in an emergency spot. It is quite a broad spectrum of services, and we are made up of volunteers who are mainly from different public sectors.

Why did you decide to work as a volunteer for the Welfare Services team?

I love music festivals and I have been going to them since I was 18. I always used to buy tickets and this year I decided to work as a volunteer instead. I give a little bit to the festival and I get a little bit back, which is great. 

What services do you offer specifically for women?

People come for advice once we establish that they are disclosing sexual assault cases or rape. We give them the advice about speaking to the police and how the medical procedure works. We are a confidential service, but if there are any safeguarding concerns, we have a duty to report it to the police. We have a secluded safe space here, which is a private area for them to talk to the police. Additionally, we just give out basic information or advice. 

Have got any tips to stay safe and happy?

Know who your friends are, don’t go off on your own.

If you are getting intoxicated, be safe, try and be sensible.

Have a plan in case you lose your friends.

Have a phone on charge.

Don’t go off with strangers.

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We’re not gonna let it rain on our parade! Day 3, here we come...

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G&T interview Izzie Gibbs, fresh from his performance on the BBC Radio 1 Xtra stage at Reading Festival 2018.