King No-One and Raffer 22/09/17

Left to right;
Alex, Zach, Me, Alana, Joe and James

Venue; Manchester Gorilla
Capacity; 650
Status; Sold Out !!!

It's very rare that I'd go to a concert again after having seen the band(s) once previous, to me - it's a bit like seeing the same movie twice, it loses it's magic - but I would gladly relive this night a thousand times over, and if I ever get the chance, I'll definitely get myself down to another one of King No-One or Raffer's gigs.

Raffer's Set;

Raffer absolutely took the stage by storm, and this being the biggest venue played thus far - it is definitely a night to remember by both the band and the fans alike. Raffer fearlessly tested out new tunes on the Mancunian crowd and was met with definite cheers of approval and enthusiasm. With his last song 'How You Lay' Raffer got the entire crowd jumping up and down, waving their arms around, screaming and moshing to his catchy guitar riffs and undeniably magical lyrics.

An Ode To Destroying Beauty Standards

A world without beauty standards is a world without low self esteem

I can in no way pretend that I have some sort of moral high-ground when it comes to the subject matter at hand - because I don't. I earn a living by working within in the fashion industry, every weekend I find myself in the heart and soul of everything that I stand against, and it makes me feel so hypocritical - but it's the only job that I could get and I have to have work experience to boost my CV and University Application. Being employed within the retail world has really opened my eyes and made me realise a number of things;

A) We force radical notions and expectations onto young girls from the age of one - we may not think twice about it, but advertising 'skinny jeans' to young girls plants an idea in their heads that they must look skinny, but clothes which makes them appear as such - to be beautiful, which can lead to self-confidence issues when they're older and that isn't something that I think the fashion industry should be promoting.

Don't conform to unhealthy beauty standards! 

Girlpool & Ian Sweet 08/09/17

A night fueled by teen girl angst and feminist vibes, was topped with a lovely little photo-shoot with Jillian (front gal of 'Ian Sweet'). Ian Sweet's melancholic lyrics, angelic vocals and sweet undertones were the perfect combination leaving the crowd wanting more. And for some reason the crowd and Jilian have an inside joke about cheese (some chanted 'cheese' during Girlpool's set leaving them hella confused).

Who said girl bands died with the noughties?

Ian Sweet's most recent album 'Shapeshifter' debuted on the 9th of September 2016 and is full of tracks that jump around from genre to genre. # 23 is an ode to Jilian's favourite athlete (Michael Jordan), this album is all about appreciating the little things in life, ignore all the sorrow and negativity, and instead love skateboarding whilst wearing crocs, holding a basketball with your pockets over flowing with candy, be happy with the little things in life. Jilian delivered a fun-filled set, with enigmatic lighting and a laid-back L.A. attitude, it's amazing how one girl with a guitar can captivate a whole room, bring together a group of people that may have absolutely nothing in common and unite them in being entranced by music. It's not a performance that I'll be quick to forget - I only hope that she returns to Manchester soon so I can relive the experience.