Category: Uncategorized

Allow me to explain…

I was in conversation with a colleague the other day when the subject of this blog came up.

“It can sometimes make you look a bit arrogant.” They said, not meaning to offend me.

I didn’t take this personally, but went on to explain that I’ll often use the blog to try and promote local music by putting together outfits and ‘style’ ideas for specific events (such as linking to gigs and writing about the performing acts.)

“Why not just write about the music then?” They then asked, raising a fair point – It’s something that I’d like to try and address on a more public scale.

I am not a stylist, a respected ‘fashionista’ or particularly known for my style knowledge. If anything, I am far removed from this world. But it’s a world I’m increasingly growing to love.

With my lack of expertise I am hesitant to describe this site as a fashion only blog. I have written about music for many sites, and also as part of my job at Amazing Radio. I do love to write about new bands but again, It’s my job! This blog, however, is not. It’s a space I can choose to do what I want with. I can post what I want, admittedly leaving myself vulnerable to criticisms, speculation and appraisals.

When I took my first ‘style’ photos for this blog I didn’t have a camera or tripod. I literally had to balance my macbook on top of my wardrobe, angle the screen and use Photo Booth to take the outfit shots. Cue me lying on a beanbag trying to squeeze my boots and miniskirt into the same snaps! Eventually I got a camera and tripod, but there’s still not enough room in my bedroom to have a photo with an entirely white background so I have to set my camera onto a timer and run into the corner of my room! It’s such a ridiculous way of doing things that it makes me giggle.

Unfortunately I haven’t worked out a suitable ‘camera face’ yet! This in particular leaves me open to ridicule. I’m called a ‘pouter’ at work although it’s honestly not a conscious decision on my part! If I keep the photos up I’ll try and smile more.

Some of you may wonder why I should even put myself in the photos anyway – why not use a hanger or lay them on the floor for example? Well one of the reasons that I so admire many style blogs out there is because the people who write them tend to be the people in the photos. They are ‘real’ individuals who can honestly talk about their clothes and present us with visual evidence. Editorials in magazines are often out of my reach in terms of budget, occasion and body shape. These ‘normality’ gives me a sense of hope – why shouldn’t I join in?

Dress by Peacocks, shoes by Schuh, headband by Stone Bridge

Writing this blog has also given me the confidence to take ‘braver’ decisions in what I wear. For the photo above (taken by Faye Green as a promo shot for my band Get Frank) I went into ‘hyper girly’ mode with a floral dress, sheer pink polka dot tights, turquoise flower detailed shoes and an elaborate and beautifully handcrafted alice band (sent to me by the lovely people at luxury hair accessories store Stone Bridge who noticed my troublesome tresses and offered me possibly the most comfortable headband ever to rest behind my ears).

In the photo I’m also the proud owner of an imperfect arm! (Bingo wings ahoy!) Would you ever see that in a fashion magazine? I’ve posted this picture not because of my body, but because I love the clothes I’m wearing. Sometimes it’s not about what is flattering, but what makes you happy. And writing this blog makes me happy, no matter what jibes I get at work, or the preconceptions being fabricated behind my (occasionally) fabulously attired back.

I urge you to do what you love. If you still maintain your misgivings about this blog then those are your thoughts and opinions to keep. The fantastic thing about the World Wide Web is that you can always read something else.

Things I’ve noticed about Newcastle

I’ve been in Newcastle for about two months and whilst finding my way have made the following observations:

  • Male/female friendships aren’t as common here. At least not as they were at uni in Birmingham. The other day I was walking home with some male friends and some boys biked past and yelled ‘FOUR ON ONE!’ Despite this theory, I’m very much lacking girly friends! The music scene is rather male dominated, but when I go out it tends to be for a gig or a post gig drink, so I’m mostly around men.
  • The aforementioned music scene is delightfully strong. There’s a fantastic sense of support between bands; local gigs are often packed out. The instrument of choice is the guitar – pedalled up with minimal distortion and lashings of reverb. I’ll be posting about local bands soon.
  • Clothing is less fussy here. Unless you’re on a night out (huge heels and tight dresses are the uniform of female choice it seems), people tend to make practical style choices. In Birmingham the fashionistas come and go with the Summer, but I’m hoping it’s the opposite in Newcastle.
  • I’ve been told it’s ‘cold but doesn’t rain much’ up here in Newcastle. I think I’ve been lied to.
  • Housing tends to be fairly priced. Admin fees, however, are sky high. In Heaton (where I live), most properties are upper and lower maisonettes (three bedrooms.) I like living in my upper flat – I feel like I’m less likely to shut myself away when I’m at home now.
  • Morrisons in Byker is the world’s worst supermarket in terms of layout. It’s nonsensical.
  • All the landlords must be using the same bed shop. Everyone has these strange 3/4 beds. You can’t get sheets to fit them, although my double duvet drapes nicely over the top…
  • There’s a convenience store on every corner. In town there’s a Greggs bakery on every street.
  • Every shop window seems obsessed with the price of milk. I’ve seen so many convenience stores with ‘Milk, 2 pints – 79p!’ handwritten on stickers.
Milk
Milk

I like it here, but I’m still getting to know it. Town’s not as disorientating as it once was, but I’m not sure it’s sunk in that it’s my home – quite possibly because I have no set time for being here. It’s not like uni. I knew I’d be in Birmingham for three years, but with Newcastle I don’t know!

Turn up. Trade in. Help Out.

I admit that I feel like a bit of a thief, what with stealing the following from the Amazing Radio blog! But it’s pretty cool news, and hopefully will get more people listening to DAB digital radio. All digital radios come with FM recievers (some AM too if you’re that way inclined) and there are some great quality stations available such as BBC Radio 6 Music and of course, my new employers Amazing Radio.

So Spread the word… and get listening!

Radio Amnesty – Because you’re worth it

Friday, May 21st, 2010 | Kevin Read | Blog

You’ll hear some ads on Amazing Radio from tomorrow. We’ve not carried ads since our Amazing Christmas campaign but this is another great initiative designed to get you a cheaper DAB radio whilst opening up a world of opportunities to children in South Africa.

Radio Amnesty 

The lovely people at getdigitalradio.com are offering an amnesty on your poor old radio. The plan is simple, you trade in your old radio and get a discount on a snazzy new DAB radio from one of a host of retailers. For more information on the amnesty and how it works, head on over to http://www.getdigitalradio.com/digital-radios/radio-amnesty where you’ll also find details of how the scheme will help the Children’s Radio Foundation and UNICEF in Southern Africa.

Warning! May Contain Ideas

Warning.

May contain ideas

And the earth now quakes with the fear

That this fact implicates within you.


Because, if the world awakes

To what women have always known

Then the patriarchal balance is offset

Now, the foundations start to groan


Oh I have lashed out, hit back,

Swung my brain to prove the fact,

That just because I am female,

Doesn’t mean I am below you.


You can put me in the corner,

But when you shift your eyes away

I’ll use the chance to make my mark

To make a change today.

Playing You’re a Sister for Oxjam Brum tonight at the Victoria, Birmingham. Doors are at 7.30pm and we’re onstage at 8pm.

Love to see you there, and if you come, come say hi!

Frankie x

You’re a sister and let me introduce mine.

Really excited about the You’re A Sister gig we’re playing for Oxjam on April 16th. It’s being held in support of Oxfam’s Sisters on the Planet campaign. Entry is a donation of £3 or more… bargainous! You can find out about more of the acts by following the previous link. We’re playing with brilliant poet and compere Jodi Ann Bickley, my most fabulously heeled/voiced friend Stav and The Electrilickers, folk star Abie Budgen and of course, the lady fronted Che. We’ll also be entertained by the Atta Girl DJs – I’m particularly looking forward to their female records, particularly as Atta Girl’s Claire is a regular in the CIB shop, which is where I spend my Sundays.

Here’s a nice picture…. use for twitter/facebook profiles if you’re feeling supportive (please!)

So, to celebrate all things sister-hoody, I wanted to introduce you to the current line up of Get Frank.

First up, we have Mr James Chester on acoustic guitar. James is former Uni Rock Soc president and the longest serving musician of the group (alongside myself.) He joined after Nick Mannix had to leave to spend more time studying rocks and stuff. James accompanies me on many a journey to many a random venue. We have played in the wind, the rain and sometimes even indoors! We played outside New Street’s tourist info centre for Artsfest and hopefully we will continue playing for the foreseeable future. James loves a bit of Ska and Rage Against the Machine so often we like to slip in the odd RATM reference (ie. HUOGH! or similiar sounds…)

Next up, the genius that is Eve Hunt on drums. Eve has helped revolutionise the Get Frank sound. Suddenly we’re tighter, more upbeat and practices are even more fun. Eve keeps things light, punchy and pacey. And she doesn’t know how good she is, so if you ever see her at one of our gigs then please do tell her! She also copes mightily well to keep the boys in check, particularly as I have an odd appreciation for putting pauses in so many of my songs and it could otherwise be hard to keep up all together!

Then we have Miss Desiree Benson on glock and keyboards. Now I know I’m guilty of going up to Dezzie in practices and telling her to play something just once but she works it out anyway, because she’s awesome like that. I’m going to start writing more stuff specifically for keys so we can start showing her off a bit more! She’s also a darned skilled stylist and I very much need her in my life to dress me for gigs. Oh, and a great Burnfm DJ too!

The latest member to join our lineup is tallest member Richard B Brookes (or Richie B Brookes for short.) Richie brings with him a love of ska and nineties hitmakers Babybird – so much so that he spent the last weekend stalking them (he calls it ‘going to two gigs in a row’) We would do a cover of ‘You’re Gorgeous’ but it’s only a ‘feminist song’ when its sung by a man… maybe.

In fact you are more than welcome to interview the above without me. As I’ve only really been interviewed once and I forgot to ask for everyone’s names to be published in the article, nor did I ask for Kate Hindley’s wonderful artwork to be credited.

So yes, any questions for the band please ask away!

We’re playing a free gig at the Bulls Head, Mosley tomorrow at 8pm with a fantastic lineup including A Bull, Greatest Hits and Boat to Row so please do come along!

Frankie x

Should I stay or should I go?

Its nearly the end of my second semester. I have one two hour seminar left and a handful of deadlines for early next term… then that’s it. My undergraduate experience over.

I keep thinking about what comes next. Do I look for a job in Birmingham and stay for potentially another year or do I go to London (or elsewhere.) I’ve started applying for stuff (way too early, I know.) One thing I’m sure about is that I want to retain a sense of independence and not head back to Kent. It’s just no comparison to life in Birmingham!

What should I do…..?

I could have died.

Sorry to use shock tactics to get your attention! It’s not a lie – but it does require a long winded story [disguised as a review!]

Last night I popped over to Digbeth’s Rainbow for a night of sober fundraising recklessness. The University of Birmingham’s Oxfam Outreach society were holding their annual Rainbox charity event (I believe this may be a national thing – although I’m afraid I’ve not researched properly – I’m on a bit of a tight schedule atm.) £3 on the door, cakes for a donation. Bands. Brilliant!

First up on the bill was gifted singer Bethan Court, who used to sing for a band called The Harbour Lights who have unfortunately now disbanded. This may, however, be a plus for Bethan as it will give her a chance to experiment with younger, edgier material. Last night she performed a range of covers including Emmy The Great’s First Love and Radiohead’s Fake Plastic Trees. There is a fabulous ethereal quality to Bethan’s voice – it’s depth of tone lulls one into a sense of security which didn’t quite fit with the latter two songs, particularly when performed in such a musically sound way . I would love to see her perform material that she herself has written or has been written for her so that she can explore the content of the songs truthfully. That, in time, will guarantee a more affecting performance. I hope that she finds a band to work with soon, because I really want to see her perform again.

Next up, the Miles Bradley fronted LookiMakeMusic who haven’t had a great deal of gigging experience as a group. This wasn’t, however, an issue to themselves or the audience. Miles is a witty orator rather than virtuoso singer lamenting love, breakups and Supersonic Vague/Snobs in a self effacing way. Like a less enthusiastic Eddie Argos I suppose! He’s got a very good sense of rhythm, particularly when reciting very very fast passages of lyrics – almost like a MC crossed with a slam poet. Musically the band allow themselves to vary their accompaniment between sparse and robust – the robust, collective sound being particularly effective (as one would expect.) One moment where all members sang in enthusiastic harmony was particularly impressive. More please lady and gents! One thing that did stick out was the occasional use of violin by muli-instrumentalist Caitlin Price. To me I didn’t always feel that the timbre of the violin quite fit with the rest of the music, particularly at the end of a couple of songs where it was played for a couple of phrases longer than the other instruments. This was not due to Caitlin’s abilities – she is a very capable, impressive musician. It was purely a concept that didn’t quite gel for me. The synth, however, went down a treat!

Third to take to the stage were Young Runaways, an event looked forward to by many of the event attendees. The Wolverhampton wonders burst into their set and never lost a drop of energy throughout. They produced a set of well crafted, musically interesting pop songs, with a wealth of experience clearly on their side – it’s not hard to tell why they’ve been played on Tom Robinson’s BBC6 Music introducing show… Theirs is music of the heart swelling kind – that is to say, you can stand (perhaps sway a little) and watch respectfully, or you can jig to the music joyfully – the resulting rapture is still the same. Gorgeous.

The penultimate act of the night was SDF. I can honestly say that I have no idea who they are and still don’t (as I was in the bar during their set… whoops!) Although my housemate DP reviewed them as ‘confusing.’ Basically he had no idea if they were ‘trying to be ironic as they stood in a line and danced campily.’ However DP admitted that he rather warmed to the band and others I spoke to from the audience ruddy appreciated them. If you like your electro, check them out.

The act that the audience had unanimously braying for all night was uni musicians The July Days. I’ve been a fan (and, hopefully) a friend of the band for a while so haven’t written too much on them so as to remain unbiased, however after last night I really felt that seeing them for a measly £3 donation (they have the potential to command a lot more) meant that they deserved a little more of my time (and words – if they have the potential to be worth anything.) The band always kick off with singer Reece Lipman’s introduction; ‘This song is called I Said, You Said and it goes like this.’ – which is fast becoming a bit of a trademark! The band had a generous 45 minutes onstage (which rushed by as furiously as ‘badger haired flemmy skeleton’ Sam Lewis’s mighty drumbeats.’ We were treated to classics such as ‘Babe Ruth’ and ‘Hollywood’s Future’ as well as similarly older, less played songs such as ‘Broken Lyrics’ plus newer material such as ‘Empire State’ and ‘Quirky Isn’t Working.’

I think it was halfway through ‘Babe Ruth’ when I looked over at Sam Cowley (Sir Digby himself) and realised that we both knew the words so well that we should audition to be backing singers/dancers (I have choreographed a rather fetching dance, you see.) Unfortunately, from the looks of the rest of the crowd, we’d probably have a lot of competition!

For the grand ‘Quirky Isn’t Working’ finale myself and Ms Helen ‘Shaniqua’ Shepherd (one of burnfm‘s newest DJs) took to a rather wobbly picnic table and gave it some ‘Kevin Lyttle‘ dancing. When the audience demanded an encore (and the band repeated ‘Babe Ruth’) we were joined by more jubilant dancers. This, ladies and gentlemen, is where I nearly died. The table bounced up, down, forwards, and backwards, but myself and Shep did not mind. When I did get a little scared however, we hopped off and headed to the stage in preparation for invasion…. just as the song ended. Rats!

Get Frank are playing an acoustic at the Bristol pear this Saturday so I hope some of you can join us. It’s a mere minimum £1.50  donation for entry (proceeds to the DEC Haiti earthquake appeal I believe.) Rainbox raised (at last count) a massive £700 for the Oxfam earthquake appeal so I hope we can raise a sum too!

The July days also sold a special acoustic EP for charity yesterday (an amazing £1) yesterday. Here’s mine:

Aren’t you the jealous ones?

Right I’m off to rehearsals.

Frank. x

p.s

To those of you reading on Facebook, this post, like most of my ‘notes’ originated from http://www.getfrank.co.uk, just so you know!

Say f*ck off to 3 mobile…

If someone ever tries to recruit you ‘as a friend’ to 3 mobile then say go away. Or tell them to get real. Say anything that means ‘no’ basically.

I have never recommended or been recommended to 3 mobile (I won’t hyperlink, they don’t deserve it) Right now I’m typing this with a phone painfully sat under my neck, my precious minutes being spent on a 3 customer services helpline (it’s been 4o minutes now….) All I want to do is cancel my mobile broadband. I stupidly went for an online offer (half price with 3 phone contract) 18 months ago. I was told 6 months ago that I couldn’t pay a penalty charge to scrap the contract so I’d have to wait. And wait I have.

The reason I ceased using the 3 mobile broadband service was quite simply because it wouldn’t work. And when I could get a connection it was so slow it actually ran me up  £50 bill (from £7.50.) Looking back I should have contested this, but was woefully naive. So I uninstalled the modem and put the dongle aside to wait out the contract (when I did try to reinstall it wouldn’t work.)

I’ve been on the phone for 45 minutes now trying to get rid of this sodding contract. I couldn’t directly dial the broadband helpline because it asked for the associated broadband number which isn’t printed on the broadband sim card or dongle itself. As it is connected to my original mobile account I rang the mobile helpline. After a lengthy wait followed by a lengthy explanation they put me through to someone who would ‘cancel it for me’ who then told me that I had to give a 30 day notice period (which I certainly wasn’t told about 6 months ago else I would have cancelled in December.) This person put me through to another person, who told me not to cry and then put me back to the person before, who seemed surprised and said he would take it up with this department. He then said he would put me back through to the person who had sent me to him. That was at least ten minutes ago (the call has now been 50 minutes long.)

A scottish voice just answered the phone. Apparently the system is down and no one will be able to sort me out. So I have spent 52 thankless minutes waiting for something that will not happen. Firstly I cannot get that time back, secondly apparently I will not be able to reclaim the minutes either. I am extremely upset, agitated and distressed. This is not a way to spend an evening. I shall be writing to 3 customer services immediately. If you’ve had a similar issue you should too:

3 Customer Services

Hutchinson 3G

PO Box 333

Glasgow

G2 9AG

back to band

I’ve not played a gig for other a month now… I’m hoping people don’t forget me!

It’s a decision I’ve made partly cos I’m so darn busy, but also because I’ve got a new drummer, Eve and a new glock/keys player, Desi. It’s really exciting because it means I’ll be able to have more fun when I’m performing rather than having to stick by the mic stand. It’s also exciting because Eve is an incredible drummer – not just in the playing sense but in the way that she can listen to something and bring something completely new to it. She likes to look at my lyrics and play something that works with them rather than purely keeping a beat. It makes me think of a time supporting the wonderful Dan Smith when his former manager told me I ‘had it’ and discussed drums (back then it was just me and my friend Nick doing our duo thing.) He was of the opinion that drums are purely to keep time but I’m starting to do a u-turn on this. I think that from our few practices together as a new line up, precussion has become an essential part of what I do. As my own precussive skills are limited, a lot of the stuff I utilise on my poorly recorded myspace demos can sound quite samey.

Hopefully if anyone who reads this and has seen us live before, or will do in future will be pleasantly surprised! I’m hoping that the lovely Mr Hearing Aid will pop along and give his opinion on our progression. Unfortunately we’ve lost our sax, but we’re aiming to sound a lot more together before we hit the ‘scene’ again. I’m also writing new material – aiming to produce more stuff along the lines of ‘Cautionary Tale’ – style rather than content.

(I have never actually watched this video before… I usually record them and shove them on Youtube…. it’s so different to how it is now!)

I’ve never been too keen on ‘Cautionary Tale’ yet a lot of people (well I say a lot… I mean most of the people who’ve heard my stuff) say it’s one of my best songs. It is always fun to play with a band though!

This is the first ever incarnation of ‘Arrangement’. I’d had the uke for a few days and was writing as I learnt new chords…

and this is the second

The new version, as of yesterday is nice and slow… until a few bars in. Then we ska it up. That’s another thing about being a collective – the influences that everyone brings. James, our guitarist is really into ska (and Abba as the chords I found in his guitar case yesterday would have me believe,) and we’re always break into a song by Spunge every now and again (usually that old classic ‘Kicking Pigeons’!)

I’ll hopefully record a practice soon so you can share in the fun!