We have been producing Fanzines, or ‘Zines’ for over a decade now. They are a publication that we put together for a few reasons: we love music, we like supporting new talent, we like meeting our idols, Zines show how much creativity is at the root of what we do.
For Zine #14 we had a great interview lined up with Peter Hook in his Manchester house, but what we got in the end was better than we could have expected. He’s got more musical experience that a lot of others as his has been a roller coaster of musics ups and downs from the beginning. In truth, we could have stayed there all day and asked geeky questions, but we thought it would be pushing his generosity too much.
This is a snippet of the interview that will appear in our printed Zine #14 out any day now and available through www.fly53.com. Enjoy and keep it locked here for more exclusives in the coming weeks.
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Posted on: May 24, 2013
Our history of making the best creative content continues with our Zine Number 14 that’s about to hit the stores, with both physical and digital copies.
The first teaser we have is a quick Twitter Q&A we had with Lunar C, the Mc who has quickly risen to the top of the UK scene in no small part thanks to his quick wit and humorous cut downs from the Battle MC program Don’t Flop. Lunar is much more than a Battle MC, his new EP ‘Good times and dead brain cells’ is out any day now showcasing how he can use beats better than most.
The video below features a host of questions asked by his nigh on 60K Twitter followers. Tough questions and some of them are just plain weird.
Posted on: May 20, 2013
This week we caught up with long term friend of the brand, world class motorbike trials rider, Jack Challoner. At the tender age of 22 Jack has already got some serious titles under his belt and is fast becoming the name on everyones lips, attracting attention for his talent worldwide (and not just from the ladies). Currently training out in Barcelona we (very jealous) got on the blower from a very cold and wet London and swung some questions his way…
Hey Jack, How’s it going? Fill us in on what you’ve been up to recently?
Yo, I’m awesome thanks, just out in Barcelona at the moment putting some hours in on the bike. Unfortunately I had to get away from the lovely English weather. I’m out here for the next 5 weeks and even having a cheeky 5 days snowboarding in March.
You’re only 22 years old and you’ve already been crowned Youth World Champion, Junior World Champion, European Champion and Italian Champion what’s next in 2013 – World Domination?
That’s the plan! The Spanish Riders are dominating at the moment but it would be nice to put an end to that over the next few years.
Can you tell us a bit about what got you into riding trials in the first place?
My dad has always rode bikes, he used to ride speedway for ‘Sheffield Tigers’ back in the day then he went on to ride Trials, only for fun but I was always his number one fan!
I got my first bike when I was 4, a Honda QR50 and my first trials bike for my 7th Birthday, a Yamaha TY80. From that day onwards it’s just been ride ride ride, really couldn’t imagine life without it.
Difficult question we know but hit us up with your most memorable victory?
It’s gotta’ be the Junior world championship title in 2010. The last round was in Czech Republic and I had to finish on the podium to take the championship so there was quite a bit of pressure involved. I had my mum, dad, sister and girlfriend at the time there with me. I rode my heart out and ended up winning on the day to take the gold – Best feeling in the world!
What’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?
I treated myself to a new van before Christmas, a Vauxhall Vivaro Sportive. Had to slide some 18´s on her and some chrome sidebars too.
If you weren’t doing this for a living what do you think you’d be up to and why?
Well when I left school I was going to go to college to do a B tech in construction. I went for my interview and everything and when I got home my old man sat me down and said do you really want to do that?
He warned me of the amount of work and said if I wanted a proper crack at trials then I needed to be on the bike all the time……… Needless to say it wasn’t a difficult decision for me to make and it was definitely the right one.
So I would have probably ended up being a hairy arsed builder who drinks 10 pints on a Friday.
Have you ever used your fame to pull?
Haha! Fame?? I wish! No not really I don’t like to shout it from the rooftops, although I might get a few messages on Facebook now and again off a princess or two……I don’t mind that!
You’re invisible for the day – what goes down?
Hmmmmm…Arabella Drummond…Enough said. haha!
What is the best thing since sliced bread?
Tea and Biscuits, but it’s gotta’ be Yorkshire Tea.
Any thanks to anyone?
Massive thanks to you Guys for keeping me looking dapper in Fly53 threads. Top Trial Team, Beta Racing, Beta UK, RC Marble ltd, My biggest thanks goes to my mum, dad, sister Brooke and all the rest of my family and friends for the support, love you all!
Posted on: January 30, 2013
When it comes to choosing our favourite releases of the week it’s not usually too difficult. A combination of artists who we love, who are credible, new or interesting or hot or all three…you get the idea.
But every now and again, right out of the blue, we get hit with a mighty golden nugget of information that, well, changes things. Much in the same way that the deaths of musical greats like Winehouse, Whitney, and MJ sent (what seemed to be the world) into a musical montage of their life’s work this news had a similar effect, and once we started there was no stopping us…
One of our long time hero’s, David fucking Bowie is back (after what we can only assume to be ten years of living under a big fat musical rock) with a brand new album. (Moment to digest)
Entitled ‘The Next Day’, the album has been produced by his longtime friend and collaborator Tony Visconti and will be released in the UK on the 11th of March this year.
To mark the announcement, it’s first single was released yesterday on the day of his 66th birthday (January 8, 2013) G.
Don’t say we never treat you:
Another beauty of the week is Josh Kumra and his second solo single ‘Waiting For You.’ After already coming onto our radar back in 2011 when he co-wrote and provided vocals for Tottenham-born rapper Wretch 32′s highest charting single to date, “Don’t Go,” which reached number one in the official UK charts, Josh is going it alone and is kinda’ a big deal. Just saying.
With his solo album coming out in February this year and numerous gig dates in the pipeline expectations are high and this single doesn’t disappoint. His classic soul voice mixed with modern production is unique, captivating and remnant of Jamie Woon’s album ‘Wayfaring Stranger,’ from way back in 2007 (Where did he disappear too?).
When it comes to shit filling the radio waves this week this guy clears up. Fugative – OTT shows not even a speck of anything interesting, creative or unique. With lyrics like, “Hear the bass boom and the car go zoom” amongst others (and believe us they get worse) it’s hardly surprising we think the guys a wanker.
Don’t all rush to buy it at once.
Posted on: January 9, 2013
It’s here, our long awaited, eagerly anticipated, shit hot (if we do say so ourselves) Fly53 Fanzine #13 has arrived. Hot off the printing press and ready to pick up in store RIGHT NOW this is not one to be missed.
Including all exclusive interviews with the likes of Django Django, Maximo Park, Andy Burrows, Dhani Harrison and thenewnotwo, Citizens, Alberta Cross and many more it’s fair to say it’s not all been blood sweat and tears, we’ve had a pretty good time making it too(shhh don’t tell the boss). As if more interviews than we thought physically possible wasn’t enough, we’ve also squeezed everything you need to know about our (until now, top secret) upcoming collaboration with none Arturo Vega, the creative director The Ramones (Yeah, we know it’s going to be BIG).
Again partnered with the gents over at Artrocker Magazine Zine #13 sheds light on all the latest and greatest from the music together we love, not only the big names but also the talented newcomers who have been gracing our office radios over the last 3 months.
2012 has been a big year for us and 2013 is set to be even bigger, with new collaborations on the cards, new and even more edgy collections to be released and more events and hook ups than you can shake a stick at. Three words. Keep it locked.
Get comfy, read all about it and pass it on. Fly53 – Outfitters for the resistance.
Can’t get to a Fly53 retailer? Never fear a digital copy will be available right here, christmas eve.
Posted on: December 14, 2012
This week we hooked up with latest epic bundle of talent to hail from Brum – Jamie, Nick, James and Daniel aka The Traps. With their new single having just dropped and being big fans of it ourselves, we thought it was high time we caught up with the guys on everything from what they’ve been up to recently to how they came up with the idea for their new video.
We predict big things for this amazing 4 piece so get behind them and keep it locked.
1. Hi Guys, So fill us in on what you’ve been up to recently?
Hi, we’ve been recording an album and releasing a couple of singles. The album ‘Calypso’ is going to be out at the start of next year.
2. Explain to us how you came to be The Traps, have you known each other forever or is playing as a band a relatively new thing for you?
We’ve known each other forever, we met in German lessons, through the same guitar teacher and from having the same parents. All of those apply to different members of the band but the crux of it is, we’ve known each other and played music together for a long time.
3. Describe your sound in 5 words?
Big, energetic, fist pumping tunes
4. You’re second single ‘Moving Pictures’ was released to the world last week (November 19th) What’s the inspiration behind the track and what’s the reaction to it been like?
The reaction has been great so far. The song and the whole album is inspired by the character of Calypso from the Odyssey and her character’s flaws and traits.
5. We’re big fans of the video – How did you come up with the idea for it?
Before starting work on the videos for both Moving Pictures and Your Headland, we decided that, as this would be most people’s first introduction to the band and the material from our debut album, that we wanted to try and show subtle tones in the imagery we used to get across the theme of the record.
Then hopefully by the time the album comes out next year people will already be familiar with who The Traps are and what the album ‘Calypso’ is about, hence the inclusion of the image in the picture frame. Our bass player Nick worked with a good friend and skater of ours Benni Hughes and together they shot, created and edited the video. We wanted something that was fast moving/high tempo but had a good mix of dulcet tones that supported the track and its dynamic changes and I think we got that.
6. What gets you up in the morning the music, the money or the women?
It’s an easy question to answer as the latter two are still eluding us but of course it’s the music. We’ve known each other a long time and still, making music in The Traps is the most creative and enjoyable thing any of us have done with our lives.
7. Difficult question we know but hit us up with the best gig you’ve ever played and why?
We played at Exit Festival in Serbia, in front of a nuts crowd and the gig was projected onto the side of Petravardian fortress I’d say that was the best show. We also played in New York too which was obviously great and once shared a plate of sandwiches with Leona Lewis and Little Chris backstage.
8. You’re invisible for the day – what goes down?
We find Leona Lewis and Little Chris and relive that sandwich moment, only they wouldn’t know we were there, or where all the sandwiches kept going. Otherwise, the usual sinister stuff.
9. What kind of /Who’s music do you listen to when you’re getting ready for a gig?
Television – Marquee Moon. At the moment we’re playing the new Tame Impala, Grizzly Bear, and Efterklang alot.
10. Give us a cheeky insight into plans for 2013?
An album release, a single in January ‘Calypso’ and as many shows as we can muster.
11. Any thanks to anyone?
Just to Leona and Chris for the memories and above all to Fly53 of course.
Check out their new single, ‘Moving Pictures,’ right here right now. With one condition – Kick back and turn it up loud.
Posted on: December 10, 2012
“Citizens On Patrol”
From playing pubs and clubs to hitting the worldwide stage in 2012, CITIZENS are taking on the world and are already at making inroads at winning over new fans from far and wide.
Touring left right and centre, releasing a succession of catchy Orange Juice-tinged singles, and firmly killing off references to their previous working title, Official Secrets Act; CITIZENS isn’t just a rebrand, it’s a whole new band; leaner, meaner, and focused.
We sat down with them for a lemonade (us) and tea (them) before they jetted off on a European and Australian tour. After discussing the logistics of travelling across London in 20 minutes from a visa interview to a flight, they were ready to start chatting music, being French label Kitsune’s next big hope and doing what they do best, writing ‘pop’ music.
You’re music is quite poppy, is that on purpose?
Tom: Some people think they’re going to insult us when they describe us as quite poppy, but the whole point of the band was to write pop songs. That was always our mission statement and it was always an experiment to see if we could just write pop songs that weren’t horrible and cringey, we wanted to record them in a way that isn’t horrible or manufactured. It’s always something we’ve admired in bands from the Beach Boys to The Cure and people need to be keeping that alive all the time.
Thom: Yeah, it’s keeping all the hard work alongside the credibility you’d have with an indie band – but not being embarrassed to write songs that reach out to as many people as possible.
Check out the full and exclusive interview in our eagerly anticipated summer fanzine available in selected retailers.
Posted on: December 4, 2012
Fancy treating your ears to some seriously unique woozy rock’n’roll? Go grab yourself ‘Oshin,’ the debut album by uber cool, Diiv released back in July this year. Stick it on, turn it up loud and let yourself float away to a trippy world where the mundane is no more, and all thats left is you, your imagination, the weird and wonderful.
If your looking for the kind of album that documents life, or cares about your feelings ‘Oshin,’ probably isn’t the one for you but you wanna be whisked away and disengaged from reality it’s right on the mark.
Put together by (the frankly, musical genius), insular kid, Zachary Cole Smith who is impressively almost beyond his years capable of mesmerising, hypnotising and luring you into the world of sounds he hears between his ears, with precise military operation.
Forget everything else and remember: you don’t need the real world, and the real world doesn’t need you, sit back relax and just listen.
Posted on: December 3, 2012
Unlike last week (thank God for Two Door Cinema Club) this week’s selection of new releases has been looking pretty fucking cool. In fact we’d even go as far as to say we found it difficult to narrow it down to just one we love. So we haven’t we’ve chosen two (because we’re hard like that and laugh in the face of danger).
This little corker, ‘Heal,’ by The Child Of Lov has been like music to our ears (really) and we like the video with its vintage retro feel too, which is a plus. It’s not easy for an artist to keep his identity on the DL these days and so far this guys done it. Hats off to you sir. The song itself is great, ok so it might not teach us anything new and exciting about the genre it springs from but it’s still catchy, interesting and has a killer bass line courtesy of Britpop rogue Damon Albarn.
A debut full length album is promised for early next year via Domino imprint Double Six Records. Bring it on we say.
Another tune that got us hitting repeat up in Fly53 HQ is ‘Regan’s Skeleton’ the latest single (out this week) from ‘Yeasayer,’ American Psychedelic Pop band from Brooklyn, New York. It’s easy listening, Metromony-esk in parts (always a good thing if you ask us) and theres no doubt you’ll be humming it as you wander down the street.
Two lovely bundles of new music makes us very happy indeed. Very unlike us to be skipping around the office without a single moan or groan about someone who’s ripping our eardrums to shreds and not in the good way.
Hang on – we spoke too soon… Oh God, it really is so bad, (sorry Tulisa) but hey (every cloud, look on the bright side) at least people might be talking about how bad this is as opposed to your (ahem) techniques … right?
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