Tag: cardiff student media

Big Special band seated
Interview, Music

Black Country Boys Take The Big Stage: In Conversation With Big Special.

The last time I spoke with Big Special, it was the summer of 2022, when we played a small gig together in Birmingham. Since then they have skyrocketed, releasing their debut album Post Industrial Hometown Blues (2024) and its Deluxe edition (2025), as well as touring the world, not only headlining and supporting, but also playing big festivals like Glastonbury. On the back of their latest Deluxe album, and in the … Continue reading Black Country Boys Take The Big Stage: In Conversation With Big Special.

Contributing Writer
Good Neighbours on stage
Interview, Music

On The Rise: In Conversation With Good Neighbours

Before taking over The Globe in Cardiff with their blue-sky sound, Jenny Algieri sat down with Oli Fox and Scott Verrill of Good Neighbours to talk about how a casual project turned into their breakout moment- and why they’re just getting started.  Both Oli and Scott spoke of their love of music from an early age, having written and released music during their teenage years. … Continue reading On The Rise: In Conversation With Good Neighbours

jennyalgieri
Features

Workloads, Deadlines, and Burnouts

I know better than anyone just how easy it is to get overwhelmed with deadlines and workloads piling up. Burnout often feels like a consistent state of being for me, with the odd week of relief dotted here and there. Whether it’s my ADHD or poor organisational skills, the rush of hyperfocus is always followed by the inevitable crash. Over time, I’ve learned that pushing … Continue reading Workloads, Deadlines, and Burnouts

Contributing Writer
Love

The Best Sex Toy Ever

One night stand? Nah, meet your lifetime lover! Some things in life are fleeting – crushes, trends, those fifteen unanswered messages on Hinge… But finding the one is a love story for ages – “the one” being a ride-or-die sex toy in this case. Replace those awkward Tinder hookups and questionable late-night texts (or sexts) with a good vibrator that will never ghost you or hit you … Continue reading The Best Sex Toy Ever

Contributing Writer
Culture

This is Cardiff Calling: Saturday 17th May is The Eurovision Society’s Watch Party

Shwmae Cardiff, Eurovision Society calling! With flags at the ready, Cardiff University’s Eurovision Society is gearing up for their biggest event of the year: the Eurovision 2025 Grand Final Watch Party, held this Saturday 17th May in Y Plas. Whether you’re a seasoned stan or a casual viewer lured in by the chaos and choreography, all are welcome to attend. “We can’t wait to bring … Continue reading This is Cardiff Calling: Saturday 17th May is The Eurovision Society’s Watch Party

oliviagriffin
City Baser at The Globe
Live Reviews, Music

Caity Baser Live in Cardiff: Exclusive First Listen to New Album

Southampton’s rising star, Caity Baser, is introducing the world to her upcoming debut album on her Watch That Girl (She’s Gonna Sing It) Tour, where she unveils a more intimate side of her sound. Throughout the night, she delivers stripped-back previews of her unreleased music, guided solely by piano and acoustic simplicity. Having only recently discovered her music – and never having seen Baser live before – … Continue reading Caity Baser Live in Cardiff: Exclusive First Listen to New Album

jennyalgieri
phones at a concert in a crowd
Music

The Highs And Lows Of Live Music

In my eyes, there’s nothing better than live music. The real-time, in-person connections shared between performers and audiences are something truly sacred and special. At their best, gigs and concerts can foster a sense of belonging, help you make friends for life, and bring you to tears for all the right reasons.  The highs are certainly high, but with rising prices and poor crowd etiquette, … Continue reading The Highs And Lows Of Live Music

Contributing Writer
Music

Chained to the Rhythm

The paradox of musical freedom and industry constraints has permeated various artists’ ability to perform authentic material. Chappell Roan, a queer popstar whose drag-inspired artistry propelled her popularity from an underground performer to stardom, was awarded Best New Artist at the Grammys this year. In her speech, she addressed how the music industry profits off artists’ work who don’t even earn a liveable wage. She … Continue reading Chained to the Rhythm

Contributing Writer
The Wombats on stage
Live Reviews, Music

The Wombats: Live From Cardiff

Are you still dancing to Joy Division after all these years? We certainly are- and so were the crowd at Cardiff’s Utilita Arena on March 21st for Indie legends The Wombats. As the doors opened and the fans bustled their way to the barricade, it became clear just how broad the band’s appeal was- drawing people of all ages and pulling in both first timers and returning … Continue reading The Wombats: Live From Cardiff

jennyalgieri
Literature

All-Time Favourite Romance Novels

André Aciman’s Call Me By Your Name is, at its heart, a novel about first love—the kind that consumes, unsettles, and lingers long after the last page. It is a romance, but not in the conventional sense. There’s no grand declaration, no sweeping resolution, and no clear line where love begins or ends. Instead, it’s an intimate, feverish portrait of desire and self-discovery, narrated through … Continue reading All-Time Favourite Romance Novels

Contributing Writer
Concert
Music

Can Cardiff Handle Big Concerts?

Cardiff has slowly paved its way to being a top-billing location on the tour posters of some of the world’s biggest artists. Long gone are the days of reminding your favourite band that Wales exists, or urging your favourite singer to add a show at the CIA to their already limited UK tour (consisting of three London dates and maybe Manchester if you’re lucky). Somehow, over the last few years, our capital has made a name for … Continue reading Can Cardiff Handle Big Concerts?

Contributing Writer
Live Reviews, Music

This Is How Tomorrow Moves: Beabadoobee Concert Review

From bedroom sessions to global sell-out tours, Beabadoobee released her third studio album This Is How Tomorrow Moves in August 2024 which preceded her Autumn U.K tour that I was lucky enough to attend in November 2024. Transitioning over the years from bedroom pop to a more alternative rock genre, ‘This Is How Tomorrow Moves’ is bursting with catchy guitar riffs, whimsical melodies and introspective … Continue reading This Is How Tomorrow Moves: Beabadoobee Concert Review

Contributing Writer
Literature

Literary Friendships: Bonding Through Books

Coming to university, I had only ever had two people to discuss books with. One was a friend from school with whom I lost contact, and the other was my Mum. Bonding with my mother through our shared love of reading is amazing – and not something everyone gets to experience. Nowadays, we read many of the same books and get to talk through theories … Continue reading Literary Friendships: Bonding Through Books

Contributing Writer
Travel

Interview with @thisis.Cassie- Cardiff’s Own Travel Influencer

I had the pleasure of speaking to a Cardiff local and one of my favourite social media content creators. Cassie, also known as @thisis.cassie, creates and curates content about Cardiff and other countries she has explored. She shared her top travel tips and explained why Cardiff, Wales, and the UK are underrated travel destinations. What inspired you to create lifestyle and travel content, and where … Continue reading Interview with @thisis.Cassie- Cardiff’s Own Travel Influencer

jessicaleighfotheringham
The K's press shot
Music

In Conversation With The K’s

From battling the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic to recently achieving career milestones like a Bronze Brit Breakthrough award, The K’s are certainly ones to watch. Jenny Algieri sits down with Ryan Breslin to talk about the band’s journey, their recent accomplishments, and what lies ahead for The K’s. The K’s have recently celebrated a major achievement- a Bronze Brit Breakthrough award. Ryan spoke of … Continue reading In Conversation With The K’s

jennyalgieri
Culture

Spring Showcase – Embracing the Arts at Cardiff University  

It was my first time attending the Society Spring Showcase, but it was something I will never forget. The talent on display was unbelievable! A wide variety of acts showcased their talents, including a mixture of A Cappella, FAD extravaganzas, and a Brass Band with audience participation to conclude the show. It truly was a fantastic evening. Yet, the most heart-warming aspect of it all … Continue reading Spring Showcase – Embracing the Arts at Cardiff University  

Contributing Writer
Culture

Pointe Shoes and Pirouettes: The Dangerously Delicate

Pointe shoes, tutus, and pirouettes. Ballerinas ooze grace and elegance whilst on stage. Is the world of ballet as refined as it looks on stage, or are there layers of ballet and ballet culture hidden behind the facade? Ballerinas train tirelessly and often have to decide at a young age to devote their life to the stage and to their craft. Putting in hours of … Continue reading Pointe Shoes and Pirouettes: The Dangerously Delicate

bhaminikhandige
Music

The Making of Seasons: In conversation with Lucy Knight

Sheffield-based singer-songwriter Lucy Knight is an up-and-coming performer, making a name with her emotionally driven music. Her latest release, ‘Seasons’, showcases her growth as both an artist and a storyteller. Lucy offers a unique perspective on both the personal and creative process. In this feature, we explore her writing process, the making of ‘Seasons’, and her creative path, which has allowed her to collaborate with … Continue reading The Making of Seasons: In conversation with Lucy Knight

katiestorrie
Interview, Music

In Conversation with Manchester’s Indie-Pop Duo ‘Remote’

‘We just wanted to tell people – we feel this, and people don’t really talk about it. We wanted this to be played to our past selves’ Ahead of the release of their debut EP ‘I Need More Time’ in November 2024, I had the opportunity to speak with Manchester’s indie-pop duo, Alex and Reuben of Remote, diving into the meaning behind their debut EP … Continue reading In Conversation with Manchester’s Indie-Pop Duo ‘Remote’

Jemima Lake