Tag: Quench Magazine

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
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
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
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
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
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
Travel

A Coastal Reset: Digital Detoxing on the Gower Peninsula

Growing up in an increasingly digitised world has increased the importance of self care breaks and digital detoxes. When I want to unplug myself from technology and social media, I take myself to the Gower Peninsula, South Wales. Having been there every summer since I was born, there is no better sanctuary than the beautiful miles of beaches available. From a surfer’s haven at Llangennith, to tucked … Continue reading A Coastal Reset: Digital Detoxing on the Gower Peninsula

Contributing Writer
Photo of different medicine packets with a grey tinge.
Columnist

Struggling With Chronic Pain: My Experience

Imagine you start getting a pain in your knee every so often, you don’t think anything of it. But then that pain turns to both knees, hips, ankles, shoulders and wrists. And it’s just a twinge here and an ache there until it’s not. Until it’s excruciating, shooting pain coming from all of your joints simultaneously. Except this isn’t some hypothetical or imaginary situation, this … Continue reading Struggling With Chronic Pain: My Experience

Ella Collis
Features

Best Places for Valentines in Cardiff

  Getting the date right on Valentine’s Day can be stressful, whether it’s to celebrate a longstanding relationship or to woo a situationship, the time, place and atmosphere can be crucial for making a memorable Valentines. A table for two is the staple hallmark of a Valentine’s date- after all, with all the love in the air, who has time to cook?   If a candlelit … Continue reading Best Places for Valentines in Cardiff

Contributing Writer
Features

Love Languages Explained: What’s Yours?

The five love languages of ‘Quality Time’, ‘Giving Gifts’, ‘Words of Affirmation’, ‘Acts of Service’ and ‘Physical Touch’ are all special in their own ways showing the varied ways we express and receive love! From Quality time to Words of Affirmation and Giving Gifts, it’s funny how humans love differently despite our similarities. My love languages evolved over the years and continues to shift through … Continue reading Love Languages Explained: What’s Yours?

Contributing Writer
Travel

Third Culture Kids: Identity Across Boarders

‘I was born in England, but my mum is from the Netherlands and my dad is Syrian.’ It is a sentence I’ve uttered countless times throughout my life. But the answer to the common small talk question ‘where are you from?’ was far from simple for me. Born and raised in the UK until the age of 5, living in Aleppo for 2 years, and returning to … Continue reading Third Culture Kids: Identity Across Boarders

Contributing Writer
Literature

Connecting with Poetry: Finding Emotion in Experiences

Sappho – Fragment 147 – Written by: Samira Abbey Sappho’s fragment 147, ‘someone will remember us / I say / even in another time’, resonates with me as more than just a poetic reflection on legacy; it’s a subtle, powerful reminder of resilience. Queer people, who have navigated history often overlooked or erased yet unquestionably present, will find this message especially relevant. Sappho’s words transcend … Continue reading Connecting with Poetry: Finding Emotion in Experiences

Contributing Writer
Fashion

From TikTok Star to Style Icon: Addison Rae’s Style Evolution 

Among the wave of TikTok influencers who have rose to stardom within the last five years or so, Addison Rae somehow stands apart from them and is in a league of her own. From filming dance TikToks in the infamous Hype House bathroom to attending red carpets such as the VMAs, Addison Rae has transformed from a viral TikTok sensation into a recognised fashion icon, … Continue reading From TikTok Star to Style Icon: Addison Rae’s Style Evolution 

bhaminikhandige