Llais Festival: Welsh Music Prize 2023

 A fun filled event promoting and celebrating the musical talents in Wales has yet again proved that the Welsh indie scene is one to watch. As part of Llais Festival, the awards ceremony for the ÔÇÿWelsh Music PrizeÔÇÖ was presented for the second time in front of a live audience presented by BBC Radio 1ÔÇÖs Sian Eleri on October 10th, at the Millennium Centre in … Continue reading Llais Festival: Welsh Music Prize 2023

S┼Án Festival 2023: In Conversation with Ani Glass

Ahead of her performance at this year’s S┼Án Festival, I had the opportunity to sit down with Welsh electronic musician Ani Glass, and chat all things South Wales, creative processes, and the genius of the late, great Martin Rushent. You released your debut solo album, Mirores, in 2020, but you were in a lot of bands before that; whatÔÇÖs your musical journey been like, and how has … Continue reading S┼Án Festival 2023: In Conversation with Ani Glass

photo by Fred Moon on Unsplash

Sober October vs Oktoberfest: Drinking Culture at University and Alcohol-Free Things To Do in Cardiff

Words by Ellie Young It is an indisputable fact: drinking is embedded in our university culture. Week after week of society events, StudentsÔÇÖ Union nights and irrefusable pub deals foster a social life rotating around alcohol. Of course, it feels like the natural path to follow: a new place, new people and complete freedom are reason enough to point one towards the ÔÇÿsocial lubricantÔÇÖ of … Continue reading Sober October vs Oktoberfest: Drinking Culture at University and Alcohol-Free Things To Do in Cardiff

Girls Pushing Buttons: A Celebration of Music, Community and Womanhood

Quench were lucky enough to be invited along to Girls Pushing Buttons, a celebration of South Wales-based electronic pop artists – Honey B McKenna, Millie Blooms and Femmebug. As well as a night of fantastic music, we also got the chance to sit down and chat with Honey and Millie about community, their musical journeys, and what they liked about South Wales’ rich and diverse … Continue reading Girls Pushing Buttons: A Celebration of Music, Community and Womanhood

The Endless Double Date

Words by Holly Hostettler-Davies Imagine this: ItÔÇÖs 2022 and you and your partner decide to live with your best friends, who are also a couple. YouÔÇÖve been on countless meals out, days at the beach, shopping trips, walks in the park – many double dates. YouÔÇÖve even been on trips together, shared living spaces for a short time. But now youÔÇÖre going to share a … Continue reading The Endless Double Date

(Not So?) Happily Ever After: The Depiction and Evolution of Marriage in Literature

Words by Anushka Kar Whether itÔÇÖs in Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility or any of her other novels, you can always rely on Jane Austen to advocate marriage, love, and the intermingling of the two in a taboo-esque manner of the nineteenth century. For Austen, marriage could not simply be an economic ordeal; it had to have that mutual attraction in order for it … Continue reading (Not So?) Happily Ever After: The Depiction and Evolution of Marriage in Literature

Cardiff’s Cocktail and Breakfast Tour

We’ve all got a lot of celebrating to do as the academic year draws to a close and there’s surely no better way to celebrate than over a cocktail. So, we asked our contributors for their Cardiff cocktail recommendations. Plus we like to cover all bases here at Quench, so we’ve got your hangover breakfast covered too. words by Floss Harrison Who says that Cardiff … Continue reading Cardiff’s Cocktail and Breakfast Tour

Drumkit at Maisie Peters' gig

Maisie Peters @ Tramshed 23/04/2023

Maisie Peters is a name we should all be familiar with. She is taking the world by storm, with half a billion streams worldwide, a sold out UK tour and earning the approval of big names such as Phoebe Bridgers, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith – and sheÔÇÖs only twenty two! Her tour, the final chapter of touring You Signed Up for This … Continue reading Maisie Peters @ Tramshed 23/04/2023

Tried and Tested: Three Gadgets You Need in Your Kitchen

words by Molly Grenfell CookingÔÇÖs not for everyone. Like Marmite, you either love it or hate it. Some of my friends can spend hours in the kitchen: slicing, steaming, saut├®ing, boiling, beating, mashing, sizzling. OthersÔǪ Not so much. The majority of students I know (including myself half the time) live off of Super Noodles and toast from the freezer. Super Noodles on toast is also a winner, … Continue reading Tried and Tested: Three Gadgets You Need in Your Kitchen

Stomping About: The History of Dr. Martens

Words by Katie Storrie Born in a prominent time in history of social change and reform, Dr. Martens have played a huge part in the evolution of youth fashion, being in association with the subcultures of the British working class. Dr. Martens have been portrayed as a symbol of protest and rebellion, aligning with anti-establishment views, with the boots representing freedom of expression and individuality. … Continue reading Stomping About: The History of Dr. Martens

A Guide to Becoming a Digital Nomad

Words by Jasmine Dodd With flexibility, independence, and an exciting lifestyle, it is easy to think that being a digital nomad is the perfect role, and the right thing for you. However, when actually looking for that ÔÇÿidealÔÇÖ role, it may be hard to find. Managing visas, finding accommodation, and trying to save money whilst travelling can be a difficult balancing act, but if done … Continue reading A Guide to Becoming a Digital Nomad

I Read Picture Books At 20 And This Is Why You Should Too

Words by Alexa Price ChildrenÔÇÖs literature, especially picture books, are increasingly ignored upon reaching the age where youÔÇÖre simply ÔÇÿtoo matureÔÇÖ to read them. While thatÔÇÖs understandable (why would you read a book aimed for five or seven year olds at the age of twelve?), these days I can recognise that childrenÔÇÖs literature is its own type of artform. I know that I was a … Continue reading I Read Picture Books At 20 And This Is Why You Should Too

In Conversation with Opera Director, Daisy Evans

It is an interesting time for Opera.┬á What audiences nowadays expect and desire from the arts has meant that the elitism associated with Opera, along with its outdated themes and morals, are no longer accepted by a new wave of arts fans.┬á The recent decision made by Arts Council England to slash funding of leading Opera organisations such as Glyndebourne and English National Opera proves … Continue reading In Conversation with Opera Director, Daisy Evans

5 Things You Need To Know About The New Popeyes In Cardiff

words and image by Omo Ifabua If you havenÔÇÖt heard the great news already, American fast food giant Popeyes have just opened up in Cardiff! The fried chicken restaurant is now on Saint John Street, just a short walk away from Principality Stadium. The CEO of Popeyes UK, Tom Crowley, shared that they couldnÔÇÖt wait to bring ÔÇ£a taste of Louisiana magic to this buzzing … Continue reading 5 Things You Need To Know About The New Popeyes In Cardiff

Review: The Ivy Asia

words by Evie Lisk The Ivy is notorious for its lavish decoration and exceptional food, and its sister restaurant The Ivy Asia does not disappoint. The ambience of the Ivy Asia is next to none. The dim lit room with an extravagant, illuminating floor resembling uniquely intricate green gemstones stuns you the minute you step in. Staying in touch with its original roots as an Ivy restaurant but adding an … Continue reading Review: The Ivy Asia

Committing to the Bit: Gen ZÔÇÖs Obsession with ÔÇÿUglyÔÇÖ Clothes

If youÔÇÖre like me and you obsessively scroll through the fashion side of TikTok to mentally spend your entire overdraft, youÔÇÖve probably seen the gradual rise of ÔÇÿUgly ChicÔÇÖ outfits. These mismatched, gaudy clothes have caused a rift on the app, dividing viewers opinions and inspiring a new wave of innovation when putting an outfit together. But where did the preference of fun over fashion … Continue reading Committing to the Bit: Gen ZÔÇÖs Obsession with ÔÇÿUglyÔÇÖ Clothes

In Conversation with DMA’s Tommy O’Dell

The release of DMAÔÇÖs brand new fourth album How Many Dreams? is just around the corner. This 12-track album seamlessly fuses elements of electronic, rock and pop music to create a sensational album where every track is a hit in the making. Songs such as EverybodyÔÇÖs Saying ThursdayÔÇÖs the Weekend showcase the trioÔÇÖs ability to create something truly special with this upbeat, nostalgia-infused track that … Continue reading In Conversation with DMA’s Tommy O’Dell

How to Spend 48 Hours in Cape Town

Words by Mahala Gainer There is no shortage of things to do when youÔÇÖre visiting Cape Town. Spending 48 hours in this city will only leave you wanting to return!  Day 1  Morning  Kick off your first day in Cape Town by snorkelling with the Cape Fur Seals at Hout Bay. Grab yourself a delicious breakfast wrap or croissant from The Pelican and take the … Continue reading How to Spend 48 Hours in Cape Town

Review: ‘All Things End’ by Hozier

In the early hours of 17th March, Irish singer-songwriter Hozier released his latest EP ÔÇÿAll Things EndÔÇÖ. The release day for this EP is very on-brand for Hozier, being both his birthday and St. PatrickÔÇÖs Day. Well-known for his soulful and reflective musical style, Hozier delivers a cluster of three tracks on this EP highlighting his distinct blend of evocative melodies, lyrical depth, and impressive … Continue reading Review: ‘All Things End’ by Hozier

Cardiff Bands @ Ale and Cider Fest

The Ale and Cider Festival (ran by CardiffÔÇÖs own Ale and Cider Society) was the perfect event for the Live Music Society to show off their finest acts in Cardiff UniversityÔÇÖs Student Union main stage. With drinks flowing throughout the day, the festival goers couldnÔÇÖt be happier to watch some fantastic sets. The Poached gave a powerful performance off the bat with a refreshingly eclectic … Continue reading Cardiff Bands @ Ale and Cider Fest