Kate Johnston's Portfolio

The Underage Festival @ Victoria Park

2007-08-21T10:41:31+02:00

I Attended the Underage Festival last week, it was absolutely brilliant. If you asked me, I couldn’t tell you how shocked I was to see so many happy young faces united all in the name of music. The Rumble Strips, The Young Knives, Pigeon Detectives, Jack Penate and Boy Kill Boy were all making an attendance; and that was just a few bands off the top of my head.

Not only was this my first festival, but it was my first standing event as well. Of course there were a few people acting inappropriately, but they were the minority. As I hadn’t been to a festival before, I had to check out what was happening in all different corners of the venue (Victoria Park). To my amazement, the signing tent was featuring The Young Knives, the headliners of the Radio 1 stage. I just had to get my Underage Festival book Signed, and a photo.

The Security was brilliant, and I will definitely be going to the Underage Festival again.

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The Old Wembley Arena

2007-05-31T19:16:18+02:00

(The Wembley Stadium one Comes out to the middle but it is too big for the Blog screen)

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Thurrock; The Facts

2007-04-20T21:34:36+02:00

I nearly always hear people complaining about how Thurrock is the worst place to be. I personally think we can do alot worse as a resedent in Thurrock. The Following statistics should shock you quite alot:

The English average for Burgulary Dwelling Offences in 2005/6 is 5 -
London recieve on average 11.6
Thurrock recieve on average 4.5

The English average for Theft of a motor vehicle offences is 2005/6 is 3 -
London Recieve on average 5
Thurrock recieve on average 8.4

If you watch the news frequently enough, or even occasionally, you would notice that Thurrock isn't as bad as you thought it was.

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200th Anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade:

2007-03-27T14:41:34+02:00

The Slavery discussion blog

It has been 200 years since the abolition of the slave trade – and now the people of Africa are asking for an apology for something our ancestors did.

From 1729 – 1807, it was lawful for black Africans to be shipped from Africa, and used as cheap labour in England. Families were often split up and there was a good chance that they would never see each other again. Women were often raped and used to clean households. If a slave disobeyed their owner they would receive a number of punishments. For example; They would receive no food for days but still have work to the best of their ability tied to the branches of a tree where their backs would be whipped until they screamed.

All of these actions are not condoned and I for one am really ashamed of what my ancestors did – but is it necessary that we pay for what they did?
In History lessons at school we learn facts that are helpful but gruesome. From our education we have discovered the brutality and deplorable treatment that the black slaves received.

So – If we are so against slavery why are we wearing the latest Nike products that are made in Chinese sweatshops, with seven year old workers working for 70p a day.

So may I ask – why is there no coverage about that?

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Report: Youths & Vandalism

2007-03-18T18:13:14+01:00

Report on Vandalism in Grays

Many problems have erupted in Grays, and most of them we have managed to resolve. Youths in Grays have proved to be responsible for a big part of vandalism. So why can't we resolve this problem? and why are youths generally to blame?
Stereotypically, you wouldn't expect to find adults vandalising property. This is because adults generally know right from wrong, and most adults have their hands full with their own children, with how they act, and teaching them right from wrong. On the other hand, youths have enough time on their hands to do wrong things, and lead onto the 'wrong road'.
A Number of people have many different views as to how we should resolve this matter. It is thought by some that corporal punishment should be brought back. There is also the problem of how the youths have been brought up. There are always youth clubs with games and supposed fun activities.
Overall, vandalism has appeared to make Grays disintegrate. This is a real shame, as Grays had ((And still has)) the potential to be a brilliant, tight and welcome community to welcome people into. At the end of the day, you still notice vandalism ruining beautiful sceneries, ruining a 'family-like' town called Grays.
It is found, that Youths who are musically talented are allowed to perform on public houses, providing they aren’t served with alcohol refreshments
((As long as the venue isn't too extreme. for example; a strip club)). This matter refers back to "Music in Grays". We could hit two birds with one stone, with these two serious matters; Vandalism and Musical scenes in Grays.
This will keep youths off the streets long enough - with a creative use - so they will not damage our community's historical and modern buildings.

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Review: Kasabian @ Earls Court Tuesday 19th December 2006

2007-03-18T17:04:26+01:00

Kasabian @ Earls Court Tuesday 19th December 2006

We’re On Our Last Trip…

Kasabian have made a big hit of their first single from their second album “Empire” from “Empire.” Since their second and third singles from “Empire”; “Shoot the Runner” and “Me plus One”, all three of them anthems have hit the public, with the patriotic force behind the music. Serge Pizzorno, guitarist of Kasabian, has said: “Ever since I was 16, I saw Oasis at Earls Court, and that was what convinced me; I want to do that, I want to play here.” The fans that have come here tonight show great anxiety, some people even chanting Kasabian anthems. The crowd’s excitement grew and grew. “Kasabian at Earls Court 19th December 2006; SOLD OUT…”

Everyone was waiting in the darkness, and then all of a sudden, purple lights came on, and one by one, Kasabian swaggered on, one of the characteristics they adopted from Oasis. Everyone went mad. The passion glinted in their eyes, and you could see it clearly. Welcome; to Earls court…

Serge kicked the floor, as the drums started thumping. This intro was the first song to come on; “Stay Away From the Brown Acid”. Everyone was screaming, the ground was shaking, and the atmosphere was pulsing through every single person that witnessed this gig. The white lights blazing made the extra effect. The people at the front were jumping, shoving, and throwing bottles of water. Ian was the heart of the music; he just oozed that rock n roll beat. Kasabian’s instrumentals didn’t need to speak the words; it all came out in the music. This concert will be quite a historical event.

“Shoot the Runner” was typical to get everyone mad for it, if “Stay Away From the Brown Acid” didn’t. No one in the stadium even thought of any singing, it was their Duty to sing along, give Kasabian a bit more confidence; a bit more they didn’t need. Serge was giving it his all. The music was dragging everyone in, making it all magical, just magical…

“Reason is Treason” started up, with the magnified guitar, it was the good ol’ times coming back to us all. Everyone was at least ‘pogoing’, just like they should be. The music filled Earl’s Court, making every soul’s spirits high. The Italian stallion has done it again. Kasabian was shining the fact that they are heir to Oasis’s gift; to musically please the crowd in front of them. Jay was thumping his guitar, showing his enthusiasm in the gig, with the way his body moved. Tom was shouting the words to this noble, patriotic song.

Kasabian came back with the under-rated “Sun/Rise/Light/Flies”. With the mind baffling inspiration that brought this song to life, and the staggering arrogance of Tom, it all made sense to play in this majestic, but yet so casual way of playing. Tom strained his voice, through the high notes, but never stopped once. This was music to my ears.

Overall, the music was electrifying, and so was Kasabian. I really don’t know why Kasabian didn’t with the best live act at the Brits 2007, I would recommend them to anyone that wants a brilliant night out, and is mad for a bit of jumping!

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Review: Oasis @ Maine Road 28th April 1996

2007-03-18T16:59:16+01:00

Oasis: Definitely Mad-fer-it!

Oasis gigs are thought to be festivals, for the ultimate build-up, the history behind it all, and the bottles of… yellow beer thrown about. Shoving, shouting, singing, and jumping are a part of it all. Oasis played at Maine Road, Manchester on 28th April 1996. Homecoming now has a new meaning.

The audience were chanting “Oasis, Oasis”. The Mancs strolled on stage with a bit of cockiness in each stride. Liam wasn’t there for the mean time. Noel started off with his trademark Union Jack Guitar. WHAT a start. He started off swamp song, THE instrumental, If that was a warm up, then what else was in store for us?

The Crowd went wild when Liam Gallagher swaggered onto the stage, stood front and centre, and held his arms Patriotic and God like. That’s how it’s supposed to be.

The Set list had 5 star al over it; Cigarettes and Alcohol, Champagne Supernova, Live Forever, Wonderwall, and Don’t Look Back In Anger.

The set list includes one of my favourite Oasis songs “Live Forever” Liam’s cockiness added an edge to it all, and Noel’s dirty guitar made it rough, something only a homecoming could Bring It On Down!

“Some Might Say” is an average song on record, but totally different Live, I had my Hairbrush out, and singing into it in no time!

If I knew Oasis’s audience tonight, were Brilliant, they sung along to every song, and without a doubt, I could hear 120,000 people singing to nearly every song! This atmosphere was the best Oasis could hope for, but this gig wasn’t for ‘Keane’ lovers, let me assure you.

If I have the chance to see the SAME musicians, playing the SAME set list, at the SAME Venue, then I won’t think twice about seeing them again!

Please keep in mind, this review was written up before my in-school education of Media Studies.

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