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Were you a Disney kid? Silly question. Whether you loved Mickey Mouse or Winnie the Pooh, we all have a soft spot for the Disney tales we grew up with. Now you can relive those childhood memories and take the characters you adore with you everywhere thanks to Vans. Having teamed up together the two household names have put iconic illustrations across a range of apparel.

Whether you’ll go for Minnie and Mickey on your Classic Slip-Ons, Authentics with Donald Duck emblazoned on, or hopeless but lovely Winnie the Pooh on a skateboard, there’s plenty to choose from. If you need to pretend you’re a real adult for the day, you can play down your Disney love with socks or keychains. All the patterns come with a twist, of course, Minnie and Mickey get their own sneakers and Winnie’s got a helmet. Of course it’d be unfair to run a Disney collab of any kind and not make it available to kids, limited items come in toddler sizes too.

The collection will be available this June at Vans retail stores and select locations globally as well as schuh.co.uk.

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Jesse Jo Stark has been touted as many things over the years, but with the recent release of her four track EP Down Your Drain, successful musician can be added to that list. Coming into the public eye through the lens of the infamous photographer Cobra Snake during the mid-noughties, whilst still a teen, collaborations with Vans as well as Chrome Hearts, (which happens to be the family business) soon followed. We catch up with her from her Venice home, where she fills us in on making music with Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols to writing her first song at twelve.

What are your earliest memories of music, what music were you raised on?

I feel like when my dad used to play on the way to school, like country and Brian Eno and David Bowie and I hated it because I was younger and didn’t really understand that; I wanted to listen to the Spice Girls, but now I’m stoked because that really influenced my music now! My dad and mum were always into it, that scene, they were always making clothes for all these rock stars so I was always always in the mix of a creative space. Recently though…I actually just downloaded Lola Wolf, Zoë Kravitz’s band and I’ve been listening to a lot of Fleetwood Mac, The Cramps, Mazzy Star, that’s been my week.

You’re from an extremely creative household, and you’ve dabbled in both music and fashion, have your parents ever given you any advice?

They were always just supportive. My dad bought me a guitar for my birthday when was little and they let me take music lessons; I was never really sporty so music was my outlet.

When did you first start playing guitar? What’s the writing process like for you?

I was like 10, I actually play with the guy who taught me to play Kurt; he’s in my band with me now. The first song I ever wrote was called ‘my hearts on fire’ and I was like 12, so you can imagine, it wasn’t that great! I don’t play guitar on stage though, but I do write with my guitar. It’s always actually lyrics first. I get the name of my song in my head and then I build a song around that. I wrote a lot in the studio with my drummer Isaac. I have all these really bad voice notes on my phone, and then we’ll go and lay it down and spice it up.

You’ve been working with Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols, how did that come about?

Steve, who’s also now producing my album, came to one of my shows, and he said Baby Love doesn’t work, so I was just like come to the studio and make it work! I asked him if he would produce the rest of the EP. It’s strange because he was in a punk band and my music is not punk at all! It’s kind of pop rock, that’s really influenced by 50s Americana and horror and Fleetwood Mac.

You’ve always been heavily involved with fashion, in the past you have done collaborations with Vans and Chrome Hearts; do you have any projects in the pipeline?

If I’m not in the [recording] studio then I’m working at Chrome Hearts, designing in the studio. You know Vans was a few years ago now but it was so much fun I would do that a million times more; I’m always down to make stuff for people to wear.

How would you describe your style, and how do you think someone who doesn’t know you would describe your style?

I’m kind of… I pick outfits for a week and then don’t really change. And I’m 23 now so I’m a bit more put together; I’m not as punked out as I used to be. I just try a little bit more, I never understood my mom when she said ‘I’m too old to wear this’. I guess I’m grungy but yeah, I’m a little bit more together these days.

What was it like growing up in Malibu?

It’s so nice I find myself always coming back; I live in Venice now, which isn’t too far away. But you know Malibu’s a small town and you know everyone there, everyone you grew up with which I love. And it’s always hot, for the most part, and I love the beach so I’m always coming here.

What have you got planned for the future, are you working on an album?

We’re going to finish the album, I’m booking some shows, just play out more and work out the rest of the record and come up with some weird ideas.

Are you planning on coming to Europe to play some shows?

100%. I’ve actually played in Paris but I’ve never played in London. Recently though my friend Atlanta djed this Refinery 29 party, at Paris Fashion week and she played one of my songs; that was awesome.

Where do you want to be in 5 years’ time? I just hope that I’m still playing a lot and writing and …..I will still be playing whether it’s to 5 people or 5000 people!

Words: Siobhan Frew.

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Cambridge five piece, Mallory Knox, have been getting a lot of attention recently, and the hype is only building on the lead up to the release of their second album, ‘Asymmetry’ in October. We caught them at the House of Vans in Waterloo for a couple of acoustic performances – including an exclusive of their new single, ‘Shout at The Moon’…

‘Ghost In The Mirror’.

‘Shout At The Moon’.

Check out the official video here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txfFQozIz3w

And get your ears and hands on all things Mallory Knox over at their website  http://www.malloryknox.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MalloryKnoxband
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/malloryknoxuk

Pre-order the single and album here –
Album http://smarturl.it/AsymmetryD2C?IQid=TM
Album Itunes http://smarturl.it/MalloryKAsymmetryDel
Single (Shout At The Moon)
http://smarturl.it/SATM

With thanks to House of Vans for the location – http://houseofvanslondon.com/

Video by Greg Barnes @clingfilms

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London’s Old Vic Tunnels are set to be transformed into a den of creativity and community as footwear brand Vans announce the launch of their new project House Of Vans London.

Each of the tunnels situated under Waterloo Station will offer something different for visitors including bars and a cafe, a gallery where new artists can present their work and an underground gig space with a capacity of 850. Paying homage to the brands early sporting heritage, the most exciting offering from the new project is the cities first permanent indoor skatepark. The space will include a street-course, a mini-ramp section and a deep concrete bowl offering something for skaters of varying abilities. This could be the best news we’ve heard all year.

House Of Vans London is set to open on August 9th. But until then, this teaser video will have you bouncing Off The Walls with excitement for London’s new creative melting pot.

Words: Ryan Cahill

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DJ FRESH – THE MAN

Mention the name DJ Fresh to any contemporary music fan and you’ll be greeted with a knowing smirk and a nod of admiration. Despite his recent ascent to stardom, the DJ and producer is no overnight phenomenon. Since the release of his third album, Next Levelism, he has firmly established himself as one of the key figures in drum and bass, electro house and dubstep.

He started as a minor league DJ, then transformed from a mere fan to now a leader in the field, a poster boy for the genre, turning out catchy hits. His work is impossible to ignore. These days, if a DJ or radio station requires a dance-floor-ready soundtrack, chances are it’ll most likely be one of his.

DJ Fresh is the man who introduced us to Rita Ora on the chart-topping ‘Hot Right Now,’ Sian Evans on ‘Louder,’ the first ever dubstep song to hit No.1, among many others. Born Daniel Stein, the 37-year-old first achieved acclaim in the late ‘90s as a member of music collective, Bad Company. Right now, it’s impossible to keep up with who is emulating his formula for success and longevity.

“I’ve had five different electronic genres in the top 5, which I don’t think anyone has ever done before, not that it will ever get into the Guinness Book of World Records, but it’s cool for me to know that my music is having such a positive effect,” he says. I imagine, at this point, attaining legendary status is the ultimate goal. What do you think makes a person legendary? I asked.

“Being old,” he says, laughing, “it’s funny because when I was in Bad Company, we started getting refered to like, that in reviews and it was really weird when that started happening. When people say that to me now — I just think it’s really crazy that I’m doing something so different and still getting that level of respect which I’m really appreciate of. It’s great.”

THE SECRET OF HIS SUCCESS

I’m analysing his achievements for him. He’s eyes are open wide. He’s glaring back almost blissfully unaware. It’s almost too much for him to take in at once. We’re sitting in a room at the Ministry of Sound offices in south East London. His power is alive in the room, bouncing of the wall, a power which holds your attention. He has been doing interviews all day, and looks as if he isn’t quite familiar with it all: unlike today’s pop stars, there’s a kind of shyness, a modesty about him that is unexpected.

He is the guy who DJ’s at famous parties across the world, and who has a track record that few can imitate, but despite his sudden celebrity, he maintains a sense of humility about his success. He’s feet is still firmly rooted on the ground. “I don’t really go out that much. I mean, for example, Rita Ora and I came through at the same time. She’s obviously out there in everybody’s face and for her career that’s important.”

“I avoided all that. I deliberately tried to keep myself away from it, but then I realised that when people buy your music they want to know more about you. They want to know who you are. I thought maybe it would hold my music back if I didn’t give that to people,” he adds with a smile, “I’m kind of relaxed about it now.”

THE LONG WALK TO FAME 

To the glory of his notable triumphs you have to understand his trajectory. Even though, it may seem as if he ploughed his way smoothly towards the realms of grass-roots success, like many other artists, his career also showed signs of a struggle. Understandably, he was exhausted after years of trying to make it. “All I remember is that in 2009, I was about to throw the towel in and go study orchestration for film,” he says. While most of his contemporaries were busy experimenting, Fresh found success with ‘Gold Dust,’ a track that was distinctly out of line with prevailing trends.

“Everything just went mental. It was really weird because I had always wanted to make music like that, but it wasn’t accepted in the world that I was in at that time. So, because I was about to start a new chapter in my life I thought, ‘Fuck it!’ I’m going to make the music I want to make. And as soon as I did — everything started going nuts,” he says, amused, leaning forward off his chair.

Now the bad times are behind him—how do you see yourself now? I asked. “In a mirror? I don’t know. I’ve got no idea,” he says thoughtfully. To him, “DJ Fresh” is here to stay for however long he can remain a prominent name. When did it occur to you that DJ Fresh carried so much weight to the extent that Daniel Stein is virtually unknown to the world? I asked.

“I’ve been known as Fresh since I was 18. I’m use to him now. The line is quite blurred, I think. My life is so focused on my career. I suppose to the extent where everything is all about DJ Fresh. There isn’t much Daniel left, to be honest, probably just a little bit,” he laughed gleefully.

THE RELATIONSHIPS

When he gets it right, he can easily make chart history. The chemistry he shares with artists can make them a sensation. He prefers working with relative unknowns, but when it comes down to his viable relationship with Ms Dynamite, none of them can quite transform into something of such commitment.

“With Dynamite, I think she’s got such a strong sound that it’s quite easy to workout what’s going to fit. I grew up around a lot of Jamaican people and a lot of Jamaican culture, so in my mind I can kind of differentiate the things that she might like. ‘Dibby Dibby Sound’ — obviously was an Ms Dynamite record. I honestly think it’s all about the right connection with the music,” he says.

So, how do you decide you want to work with someone, I said, who you’re going to give your essence to? “It’s weird. Sometimes when the record label wants to get something finished, you become pressured. You start collaborating with people or accepting the idea of something that you might not agree with. There are people who I’ve reached out to and I’ve sent them a track, but in my heart, I know it’s not really right for them but I need to get it done, even though they are not the right person. It’s difficult sometimes.”

Those who know DJ Fresh don’t necessarily think of him as a songwriter, at least until now. He is very much involved in the creative process of his records. From producing the beat to writing the hooks — he likes to have complete control. “I like to try and have as much input, just to make it sound like DJ Fresh,” he says. “On ‘Earthquake,’ I wrote the rap section to the intro and Dominique wrote the verse. With Ms Dynamite, she will write most of the verses and I would do the chorus and the little melodic hooks.”

THE HIT MAN HITS AGAIN

If his previous releases were great, then this follow which looks like it could top the charts is fantastic. His latest single, ‘Make U Bounce,’ is a collaboration with fellow drum and bass producer TC, and rising star Little Nikki. But this joint effort will be more than a summer anthem. The goal is to get people jumping. Ripping up the rule-book, DJ Fresh is throwing out records which bring out the best elements that every dancefloor has thrown up. It sounds a bit, if I had to describe it, energetic, I said.

“I love the tune. It’s one that I’ve been getting a really good reaction to on my DJ set,” he says. “It’s a track that definitely kills it on the dancefloor. As a DJ, I really love it and if I’m bouncing to it, I’m really happy.” It is going to be interesting to see the fans’ and critics’ reaction when they lay their hands on his upcoming album. He has constantly faced criticisms about his music, even before he came to prominence. But even the most difficult of critics will find anything to dislike about his willpower. After all, in spite of the sell-out police, he has kept going when others have dropped out of sight, and for that alone, he deserves more praise than resentment.

“It’s something that I’ve always had to deal with, if I’m honest,” he sighs heavily. “Even back in the drum and bass days — people were saying, ‘Why don’t you make more tunes like this?’ But the thing is… I remember making those tunes and still hearing and seeing the same comments on message boards. I do try and listen to people, because I feel like that’s my job, but sometimes you have to take it like a pinch of salt. I’m making music that I love.”

THE FUTURE

DJ Fresh refined dubstep, setting the genre free from it’s shackles — but it’s his pulling power that will catapult him to national notoriety. He wants to achieve the rare feat: combining commercial success with artistic integrity. He is focused on milestones instead of trying to fit it. He wants to be one of music’s living legends. How appropriate, then, that the day before our interview he was preparing for a hectic summer of live dates. After all, he is showing no signs of slowing down musically.

I ask him what’s been the most embarrassing moment he’s ever had on tour. “The worst is when you’ve got a bad cold and you have to keep blowing your nose. I’m always convinced that people think that I’m doing coke,” he says, grinning. “I’m having to fucking mess around with my nose — ducking beneath the decks to blow my nose. It’s really awkward.”

‘Make U Bounce’ is released June 29.

Words: Noel Phillips.

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Can you explain how the project works? Who’s involved?

We got artists to design sleeves for unreleased tracks by CSS, Florence and the Machine, Noah and the Whale, Ben Howard, Bombay Bicycle Club and DJ Shadow, as well as The Cure’s “Friday I’m in Love” as part for its 20th anniversary. Our guideline was to steer away from using the artist’s name or track title. Around half the pieces are by artists who entered a global competition through a website called Talenthouse [5000 people applied]. The rest are by designers like David Shrigley, Michael Spencer Jones who has done Oasis and Verve covers, Central Station who did Happy Mondays’, Toby Mott [De La Soul] and Richard Evans [The Who]. Robert Smith and Florence Welch have done sleeves too – not necessarily their own though.The deadline for sleeves was the end of March. It was like Christmas. I was running out of storage space in the office. My desk draws had sleeves coming out everywhere. I’m glad they all got here unscathed.

What makes record sleeves so special?

They are works of art, and are a physical extension of the music. People can engage with more than one of their senses when listening to music on vinyl.

Why the anonymity of the designers?

It brings the focus on to the interpretation of the artwork. People like testing their detective skills and seeing if they can work out which single is which and who designed it. It adds an extra dimension to an exhibition like this.

Is there a big range of designs? Is it easy to guess which is which?

Two thirds are digital prints, but we invited people to push the perception of what a seven inch sleeve really is. We have a wooden guitar sleeve, people have made them out of felt, there’s one with butterflies carved out of the sleeve. There are themes. Obviously “Friday I’m in Love” has themes of love and the heart but there’s lots of other hearts on Bombay Bicycle Club and Ben Howard sleeves. It will be interesting when people come to pick them up whether they get what they’re expecting to.

How are visitors reacting to them so far?

I think all the unusual ones are very popular, but everyone seems to be having a good look at the flying fox. I’ve heard lots of wrong guesses of which is which, there’s really big buzz among Cure fans around which one is by Robert Smith. There was a lady in the gallery earlier and she was pointing around guessing at some. She wanted me to play a game of ‘warmer or colder’.

Do you think there are going to be some angry customers on Record Store Day who guessed wrong?

There may be a couple, but I hope not. I reckon people will be happy with the piece of art they’ve bought. If they get the record they desire inside then brilliant – they have a one-off 7” sleeve that could be by one of their favourite bands.

The Secret 7” exhibition runs until April 22 with the records on sale from 10am Saturday morning. Minimum donation is £40 with all proceeds going to the Teenage Cancer Trust. Idea Generation Gallery, 11 Chance Street, London, E2 7JB

Words: Kate Lloyd

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