Photographs for Front Cover

The task that I was given in the lesson today was to take the photographs for my magazine front cover. I used an SLR Camera to take the photographs because they give clearer and sharper images. Here are the pictures that I took of Becky Byrne:

I had a clear image in my head of what I wanted Becky to look like: confident, quirky, fashionable and unique as an individual. I specifically chose to have the brick wall as the background as I thought it would make Becky stand out to the reader. Although some of the pictures did not turn out to my liking, for example Becky not looking at the camera, or her not having very appealing and attractive facial expressions, I am happy with the pictures that I have taken.

Interview with Refrain

On the day of my interview with the band, I went with my friend Laura who also has taken Media AS Level, but is in a different class. She too was interviewing Refrain. Due to us going on the same day, in both of our pictures, their clothes that they are wearing are the same. Additionally we both had different questions.



INTERVIEW


Q. WHAT IS YOUR NAME AND POSITION IN THE BAND?
Jake Byrne-Smith: Drums and Backing Vocals.
Kaan Cengiz: Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals.
Peter McDonald: Bass Guitar and Backing Vocals.
Steven Swaby: Rhythm Guitar, Lead Vocals... and occasionally Keyboard.


Q. HOW DID YOU GET TOGETHER AS A BAND?
Kaan: Well me and Steve wanted a drummer, so we got Jake in.
Jake:  I was pestered!
Steve: We then realised we kind of needed a bassist.
Kaan: Yeah, after playing ‘Battle of the Bands’ minus a bass player, Pete saw us and wanted to join.
Peter: I was originally in a band called ‘The Awkward Turtles’ but then I decided, well no I was begged to join
Refrain so I did. 
[All Laugh]


Q. HOW LONG HAS THE BAND BEEN TOGETHER?
Jake:  9 months.


Q. WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE NAME REFRAIN THAT YOU LIKE?
Kaan: It fits well on a poster. I also like it because it’s short.
Steve: It’s really eye catching.


Q. DOES BEING FRIENDS MAKE REFRAIN BETTER?
Kaan: We’re not friends really, we despise each other.
Steve: There’s the occasional argument.
Peter: The occasional argument?!
Steve: One minute we’ll be arguing about what we’re playing, and the next we’ll be fine.
Kaan: The thing is, we’re not actually really that close.
Peter: I guess it kinda helps.
Kaan: It’s more of a working environment.
Steve: We all like each other don’t get me wrong.
Jake: We are mates. But we’re not bezzies, BFF’s.


Q. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT PERFORMING?
Kaan: The adrenaline rush.
Steve: The girls.
[All Laugh]


Q. WHAT OR WHO INFLUENCES YOUR MUSIC?
Peter: Pink Floyd.
Steve: We all have different influences.
Kaan: I don’t think we’ve ever ever ever been influenced by Pink Floyd!
Steve: Mainly Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Muse, Foo Fighters, Arctic Monkeys.
Jake: Don’t forget Biffy Clyro!


Q. HOW OFTEN DO YOU PRACTICE AND WHERE?
Kaan: We practice at the drummer’s house.
Jake: [Smiles] That’s my house.
Kaan: Probably about 2 or 3 times a week, but when we’ve got a gig
coming up it’s every day.


Q. HOW OFTEN DO YOU PERFORM?
Jake: Oh sadly, about once a month.
Kaan: Yeah once a month.
Jake: I wish it wasn’t but what can you do.


Q. WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS FOR THE FUTURE?
Jake: Money!
[All Laugh]
Steve: No in all seriousness, to sell lots and lots of records, to be international superstars and to enjoy playing... Oh and world peace.
Kaan: I just don’t want to be greedy.


Q. ALL BANDS HAVE CREATIONAL DIFFERENCES,  SO HOW DO YOU SOLVE YOURS?
Kaan: I don’t think we ever have solved them, have we?
[All Laugh]
Steve: No way!
Kaan: We’re still working on that one. If we find out, we’ll come back to you and let you know.


Q. WHO IS THE ‘BOSS’ OF THE BAND?
Jake: Me.
Kaan: This is one we all
contest for I think.
Jake: It’s not me, I’m joking.
Kaan­: It’s Jake’s mum, Liz.
Jake’s mum Liz: Well I suppose I am. I feed you if nothing else!
Kaan: Liz is our catering staff.
Steve: Let things be known that Jakes mum Liz, is brilliant!

Article Research

RESEARCH
The task that I was given in the lesson today was to do some research on the band that I will be interviewing, as it will help me when deciding what questions to ask them.

This is a print screen of the bands Facebook page. This is very useful as it tells me a lot about the band. For example, their names, positions and musical influences. 

This is a print screen of a page that I found on the internet. This is very similar to their Facebook page as it includes names and positions. Interestingly, this page shows the many ways in which you can get in touch with the band: Facebook, Twitter and many other forms of social networking sites.

ARRANGING THE INTERVIEW
This is a screen grab of me arranging the interview over Facebook with one of the band members, Kaan.

QUESTIONS FOR THE INTERVIEW

1. What is your name and position in the band?

2. How did you get together as a band?

3. How long has the band been together?

4. What is it about the name Refrain that you like?

5. Does being friends make Refrain better?

6. What is your favourite thing about performing?

7. What or who influences your music?

8. How often do you practice, and where?

9. How often do you perform?

10. What are your aspirations for the future?

11. All bands have creational differences, so how do you solve yours?

12. Who is the ‘boss’ of the band?

13. Who is the biggest flirt?

14. Who has had the most girlfriends?

15. Do your parents support your decisions to pursue a career in music?