Good news readers, a few weeks after the physical release of Issue #7, the digital edition is now live!

As ever, we’ve been hard at work making sure it’s almost impossible to miss us walking through any town on the south coast but we realise that there are some of you who have so far failed to collect a copy (shame on you), so for those of you – this is what we bring!

Hit the expand button and take in 40 glossy-virtual pages of news, views and interviews and everything else in-between.

We’ve brought together top drawer interviews with the likes of Rusko, Chris Eubank Jr and managing director of SB.TV, Liam Tootill, along with swathes of event previews, music reviews and political opinion.

Take our word for it, you’ll love it. What else is there to read this summer?

Order printed copies here.

As we near the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, now just a couple of weeks away, we’re reminded of some of the great events in British music that have occurred during her reign – Beatlemania, the mods and rockers, the rise of punk, Britpop…the list goes on.

Two days after the Silver Jubilee in 1977, The Sex Pistols took a boat along the Thames and performed, illegally, as they passed Westminster and the Houses Of Parliament. This year the Queen is being treated to a concert featuring JLS and Jessie J. Poor old Liz.

This is part one of our May showcase featuring Raising Maisie, Jo Harman, Juno, Chris Priest and Brad Dawson, Seraphim, Tom Staniford, Jetpack Elastic, Kim Slade, Hatful Of Rain, Work In Progress and Jimmy Ballz.

Raising Maisie – Second Nature

A band always aiming to fight the good fight and see off mainstream melancholy in favour of real, melody driven musi, Raising Maisie from Brighton recently supported McFly, and have a bright future ahead of them. Spontaneously written in the studio by frontman Matt Langley, ‘Second Nature’ is all about unrequited love and the pain of waiting in vain for feelings to change. A far cry from some of their rockier, Elliot Minor-esque material, this is a sweet and serene example of the band’s natural talent. With twanging, dancing guitar and glittering keys, ‘Second Nature’ is an acoustic track with real spark and high energy. A rare find.

From: Brighton

Influenced by: The Beatles, Simon And Garfunkel, The Who, The Kinks, Kaiser Chiefs

Jo Harman – Sweet Man Moses

Nominated for best original composition at the 2012 British Blues Awards, ‘Sweet Man Moses’ is Jo Harman’s eulogy to her late father. Featuring some exceptional musicians and instruments ranging from saxophones and trumpets to a grand piano, the track is described as having a real New Orleans funeral feel to it, and has to be heard to be believed. Jo’s voice, soulful and evocative, carries with it beauty and power in equal and impressive quantities. ‘Sweet Man Moses’ demands recognition and it deserves attention.

From: Brighton

Influenced by: Dusty Springfield, Janis Joplin, Tom Waits

Juno – Johnny Big Spuds

All about the type of lying, cheating, using, no-brain guy one might encounter in Kings on a Saturday night or on The Jersey Shore, “Johnny Big Spuds” by Juno isn’t a short track by any means, but it seems to end far too quickly. Featuring plenty of catchy and harmonic hooks and a tap-along guitar line, this latest offering by the foursome is definitely a memorable one. Finished off by a solo that really tops things off well, “Johnny Big Spuds” has all the sing-along energy of a kumbaya campfire song but with all the cheek of a lad’s weekend.

From: Seaford

Influenced by: Rihanna, Radiohead

Chris Priest & Brad Dawson – Take Your Time

A seemingly perfect musical partnership, Chris Priest of On The Spot and funk rock drummer Brad Dawson have given us their track “Take Your Time” for this showcase and, in the process, proven that their soon to be formed band, The Ends Ind, is definitely one to watch. The duo’s first track together sees Brad, who is “having a go at lead vocals”, sing all about girls that mess around, with rich harmonies and strong melodies backed by a delicate but forceful acoustic guitar. It’s an exceptional debut, maybe Brad should sing more often.

From: Eastbourne/Heathfield

Influenced by: InMe, Incubus, Biffy Clyro, Pendulum, One Republic

Seraphim – Anyway

Far off from the creatures described in scripture, Chichester rock band Seraphim’s track ‘Anyway’ is pretty complex and, we’d imagine, really hard to play. With punk bordering vocals describing the ugly side of experimenting with drink and drugs, it all seems more or less like a standard rock song, but it isn’t. Evolved from a guitar riff, the track features a distorted keyboard line that really sets the song apart, topped by heavy, creative drums. For some, ‘Anyway’ might take a little getting used to, and it might grate a little, but give it time. It grabbed us straight away.

From: Chichester

Influenced by: Pink Floyd, Coheed And Cambria, Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds, Led Zeppelin

Tom Staniford – Lesson Still Young

With ‘Lesson Still Young’, Tom Staniford, along with a percussionist, a bassist and a cellist, tells us how he betrayed his childhood sweetheart – the love of his life. Beginning with a dreary melody that really captures the mood and tone of the rest of the song, ‘Lesson Still Young’ demonstrates Tom as one of the finest male vocalists we have encountered thus far. Throughout the track eloquent lyrics, framed by a fine musical arrangement lifting vocals that rise and fall, carry the core message well and remind us that if it weren’t for the events described, Tom wouldn’t be who he is today. Truly bittersweet.

From: Brighton

Influenced by: Jeff Buckley, Incubus, City And Colour, Ben Howard, The Cure

Jetpack Elastic – Easy

Born out of a jam session, the not brilliantly recorded ‘Easy’ by Jetpack Elastic is all about loving where you were brought up and living life without any worries. It’s a feel good song, kind of lile what Timon and Pumbah were going for. Led by the growly and grimy vocals of Lucy Holland, the track has a real classic rock feel to it with a main riff that takes centre stage and solos that add a touch of flair. ‘Easy’ is, in fitting with its name, a relatively simple song that gets stuck in your head.

From: Brighton

Influenced by: Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Slipknot, Blur, Blondie, Wilson Pickett

Kim Slade – Killed By Cash

Back with us again, Kim Slade’s new track ‘Killed By Cash’ was inspired by people with more money than sense. About a spoilt rich girl who hasn’t a care in the world, until she gets mashed to a pulp that is, the song is a little bit country, with a big rock sound. Sharp and infectious, Slade delivers his message with drive and conviction. You can hear a bit of The Clash in there.

From: Bognor Regis

Influenced by: John Lennon, Mike Skinner, Johnny Cash, David Bowie, Van Morrison

Hatful of Rain – Way Up On the Hill

Hatful Of Rain are something that we haven’t really featured before. A Sussex-based roots band that have an original sound infused with folk and bluegrass, they build their songs with a wide range of instruments including mandolins, banjos and fiddles. As soon as ‘Way Up On The Hill’ begins, the vocal talent of Chloe Overton forces you silent; her voice is simply captivating and filled with emotion. However, what really stands out is the music, with a real British-folk twang, the instruments work with and against each other to create something truly stirring.

From: Brighton

Influenced by: Bill Moroe, Ralph Stanley, Ola Belle Reed, Doc Watson, Alison Krauss, Steve Earle

Work in Progress – Chernobyl

The word punk has never been used more appropriately than to describe ‘Chernobyl’ by Work In Progress. An energetic track about the notorious Chernobyl disaster, inspired by an article about Prypiat – where the nuclear power station was, it’s all pretty simple, with catchy lines and great drumming.

From: Brighton

Influenced by: The Off Spring, The Misfits, Metallica, The Sex Pistols, Marilyn Manson

Jimmy Ballz – My Chance

Incredibly simple in terms of production compared to his last track, ‘My Chance’ by Jimmy Ballz is brilliantly paced, with an infectious beat and flow. Rapidly rapping Jimmy is as controversial as always with lines that cut deep. Written as a real “look at me” track, ‘My Chance’ is Jimmy Ballz squaring up to the competition and showing them who’s boss. Watch out world.

From: Eastbourne

Influenced by: Necro, Insane Clown Posse, Tech N9ne, Esham, Eminem

This showcase is our attempt to show off some of the music we love in our local area. We received such a demand from bands to have their tracks featured that we had no choice but to open the Showcase. We only hope this popularity continues.

Obviously we couldn’t include everything, so if you’re reading this and your song isn’t here don’t be too disheartened, it could be included in the next edition!

If you want to get involved submit your tracks through here, or send Andrew a message on Facebook with a detailed bio.

With the competition beginning to heat as it enters the late stages, this week’s task saw the teams vying to create a brand identity, fully-functioning website and multimedia advert campaign to increase awareness and enhance the future of English Sparkling Wine.

A marketing task, you would expect technology and media expert Nick to be perfect for the job of managing the team? No, Tom takes the spot as the wine expert and tots off with Adam for a tasting session while Nick and Jade slave at the design agency producing a relatively elegant and impressive identity.

On the other side, Ricky is sharp, but did he have too much faith in his team? Jenna and Stephen were tasked with the commercial: quality and heritage the theme, and a ‘Go Compare’ style ad they produced! Ricky asked for class, he received as much class as an Essex vagazzle. The advert let them down and Ricky lost the task but he was far from liable.

In the boardroom, Stephen and Jenna were quite rightly in the firing line and Jenna got the finger. Stephen has made a deal with the devil, offering up his place on the show if he loses the next task as PM, Lord Sugar was only too happy to oblige.

Do you think Stephen should have gone? Do you think they should have even lost? Do you think Genna should have gone purely for the annoying tone in her voice that makes me want to hit the telly repeatedly?

Comment below: let me know.

Still got some of that student loan kicking about? Can’t work out what to fill your wardrobe with before the summer sun comes around in a month’s time? Well you could do much worse than to peruse AnyForty’s latest collection.

Known for their ‘stop you in the street for a second look’ killer graphic sweats, caps and accessories, AnyForty have gone back to doing what they do best this month with an artist collaboration T-shirt collection more than worthy of your hard earned cash.

Not happy with regurgitating the old school formula of bringing in artists and their artwork with a loose connection to each other, AnyForty have pinned down the hottest illustrators from down under and teamed up with none other than T-World, known the world over as the only printed journal dedicated to documenting T-shirt culture.

If you ask me, that’s a pretty heavy line-up – but don’t take my word for it, fill your boots with the images from their lookbook below.

Available from the AnyForty store now

Everyone knows and loves Banksy, he’s a national treasure. No one’s sure exactly who he is and how he’s managed to keep it that way for years, like Top Gear’s Stig, only less tell-all book deals and court cases.

There has been quite the influx of claimed new Banksy pieces around the UK and globally, I have seen two myself in Liverpool city center a couple of months back alongside his famous ‘Rat’ piece on the side of a pub in the city. Now Banksy seems to have struck again, this time in North London on the side of a Poundland store. While it’s not yet confirmed as an official Banksy work, it certainly looks to be another legit piece.

The question is, does the buzz and excitement generated by people over a Banksy artwork distract them from the socially conscious messages he draws upon for his artworks? From ‘surveillance society’ to consumerism, Bansky communicates his agenda on many issues with the artwork he graces the streets with.

It probably does in a lot of cases and that is a sad factor because Banksy creates some of the finest socially conscious material of today and this latest piece in North London is no Exception. The unusual hybrid of stencil work and a line of mini british flags comes just before the Queens Diamond Jubilee.

I think the message Banksy is trying to communicate through his latest ‘Jubilee’ piece is the continued use of slave labour across the world, in this case a small child. It links back to his amazing introduction credits for the Simpsons in which he ripped Fox to pieces on the topic of unethical practices.

Whether this latest piece is a Banksy or not, it’s a fine example of socially forthright artwork that we are lucky enough to have on our streets today. We just have to hope that people take the time to uncover the real meaning before they tweet about it. Art has changed the world on many occasions and it will do again, I guess that’s why graffiti is illegal and dubbed as ‘Anti-Social Behavior’. Maybe we should be celebrating Banksy rather than the Queen this month, I don’t know.

‘If graffiti changed anything it would be illegal.’ – Banksy

It seems like just yesterday your UCAS application came back successful and you enjoyed your last summer at home before moving away for University. Now, three years on, you are going into the last month of study and you’ve got assignments and exams coming at you from all angles. But nevertheless, you keep reassuring yourself that when June rolls around and all your degree is finalised you can relax for a while – but is that a good idea?

Surely it is time to get yourself out in the ‘big wide world’ you have heard so much about? Equipped with your shiny new degree, you should start working the job you’ve dreamt about since you stepped foot into University as, in my case, an anxious 18-year-old with the university halls as your oyster. But where is that job? And what if you can’t find it? Or even one slightly as enjoyable?

What is the key to curing the anxiety of leaving education for good? In my case I see experience as the most valuable asset. I see getting out there and doing it as something far more valuable than what’s written on a piece of paper you will receive at some point in July (your face gleaming whilst wearing that cap that makes the most glamorous look as if they are in need of a fashion fix). After your university lecturers have played their part in helping you find placements, you are on your own. And ‘your own’ is a confusing place.

Everybody would love to get a job working where they most enjoyed their respective placements. But, in all honesty, how many other students did that exact same placement and how often do jobs actually come up at ‘X’ before ‘Y’ contacts you to come in for an interview? Besides, that word ‘interview’ is enough to put some off of getting a job!

It seems as if it is best to start looking nice and early for a job and to have one lined up would be the perfect situation for any undergraduate. But yet again, your first job is unlikely to be your dream job and how do you know where to start looking? For me, one day I began trolling through numerous job websites looking at placements, internships and of course jobs and on first look it seemed as if there was loads of work out there. But after you have scrapped the ‘We are looking for an experienced…’ from the list the outcome becomes increasingly bleak. Add to that the fact you can only tell them your predicted graduation grade, things aren’t good.

That leads me onto the biggest problem – your final exams and assignments. These are the grades that will make or break your degree and possible your career plans. A lot rides on these – not to mention the three years of study you have completed to get there.

The nerves will always be there and the pressure is more than ever. But enjoy it! After all, it is the last thing you will do as your journey through education comes to an end and the job search starts. Unless you decide to stay on, of course, in which case all of these scenarios will be repeated.

Brighton Pavilion MP and Green Party leader, Caroline Lucas, yesterday announced that she will not be seeking to renew a third term of party leadership once her current spell ends in September. Lucas has said she hopes to broaden opportunity for the young talent in the Green Party.

Lucas became the first ever Green candidate to elected as a Member of Parliament when she won the election for the Brighton Pavilion constituency in the 2010 General Election, and she’s become a louder voice in the British political landscape ever since.

Upon releasing the news, Caroline said: “I’m hugely honoured to have served as the first Leader of the Green Party and I’m proud that during the four years of my term, we’ve moved Green politics forward to a higher level, with the Party by far the most influential it has ever been. ”

“We’ve seen significant breakthroughs, not only in Brighton & Hove, with our first seat at Westminster and our first ever local council, but nationally, with further breakthroughs onto new Councils in the recent local elections, which were among the most successful we’ve ever had, as well as establishing ourselves as the third party, ahead of the LibDems, in the elections for London Mayor.”

While the move does make room for new names in the party to make their voice heard, Lucas has said part of the reason for stepping down is to heighten concentration on a “demanding role” as the MP for Brighton Pavilion.

It’s been fantastic for British politics to see the Green Party make such significant breakthroughs in recent years and it’ll be interesting to see how the next chapter in their development unfolds once Lucas’ successful term ends in the Autumn.

With a reputation for creating inspired blends of international beats, deep pulsating rock and flourishing hipster world music – Balkan Beat Box hit Brighton later this week to show off tracks from their new album ‘Give’ to a frenzied crowd at Concorde 2. An awesome live band at the height of their powers, if you fancy broadening your musical horizons this week, try this gig for size.

Balkan Beat Box bring an entirely new sound – equal parts Balkan-Med, punk intensity, electronic cool, jazz discipline and hip-hop swagger. The group say that: “With every record we always want to surprise people and be ahead of the curve, The Balkan Beat Box sound is totally our own. There’s not even a name for it yet. We want to go way past trends and always go deeper and wider.”

After recording their previous albums with large line-ups and guests, the three core members of BBB took a different approach for their new opus “Give”: they locked themselves up in a studio, with old analog gear, and came up with a collection of spanking tracks which take their sound to new territories, reminiscent of Afro-Asian-South American electronic club music, while their songwriting has become more focused on socio/politically-charged lyrical content, as exemplified by the first video off the album, “Political Fuck”.

Doors open at 7pm – event open to over 14s only.

Tickets cost £14.00 + booking fee and can be purchased here.

They’re all just fifteen or sixteen years old but already Brighton alt-rock quartet The Basis are taking the local music scene by storm. With an accomplished sound inspired by British bands like The Libertines and Arctic Monkeys, they’re bound to do well. Andrew Nicholls caught up with them.

You took a lot of people by surprise when you performed in heat five in Eastbourne’s Battle of the Bands last year; do you regret not performing as a highest scoring loser in the final?

100% yes. To us a gig is a gig. And even without the competition in mind, when we found out we were away for the final, we were gutted. We just really enjoy playing as many gigs as possible so missing out on such a huge opportunity for us was a real disappointment.

What inspires you?

Don’t know where to start. If we have to say specific bands, it would have to be Arctic Monkeys and The Libertines. But really so many bands have led us to take different styles and interlock them into our own music.

You have an EP available to download on Soundcloud and have already had two tracks featured in our showcase; are you hitting the studio anytime soon?

Right now, no. We are taking our time and writing lots of new material, which will be played live and a few will potentially be recorded as demos. But we won’t be in a professional studio for a while.

Have you found your age to be a barrier?

Our age has always been a bit of a barrier as it often stops us from being able play in venues because a lot are 18+. But we have taken that to give us more time to work on our music and how well we play together as a band.

Your songs are all very accomplished and mature. How do you write songs and what do they tend to be about?

It often varies, but now we mainly start of with a guitar riff made by Tristan or Jacob and will jam to that and make a basic instrumental for a song. Then lyrics and written by Jake and we start to turn it into a full song. The songs are often descriptions of people or situations. “Fingerprints” is about wrong decisions.

You sound great, epically great actually; do you have to practise like crazy to achieve that?

We have been playing together for years and years now so we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, which really helps when we are writing and performing. We practice once a week for two hours at a studio so it’s a perfect environment to really go for it and rehearse like crazy so we don’t waste any time.

You must have heard or performed with a few bands in and around Brighton; do you have any favourites?

They are so many bands in Brighton that are great and we have played with bands such as Echo Rain and a few others in events like Eastbourne Extreme, but we haven’t really done any supporting gigs with any, which is something we really want to start doing. We have a Source New Music event lined up for August though, which will allow us to play with a few other under 18 bands from around Brighton.

Like The Basis on Facebook or follow the band on Twitter.

The secret to success in this week’s task all boiled down to having good management skills and even greater sales, it was certainly highly pressured and competitive. The episode saw our teams given the option to choose two urban artists to represent and sell for at an exhibition evening.

Laura Hogg, the bridal boutique owner failed to get the sales and instead, got the chop. As expressed in the ‘You’re Fired’ episode subsequently, selling art is an art in itself, something that Laura never mastered. Even Adam the fruit flogger had a good crack and generated thousands of pounds worth of revenue. But the main man, the one at the center of every episode has to be Tom. We still love him even though his strategy lapsed at points during this task.

Throughout, Tom has been the calm, cool and collected candidate offering a down to earth slant at every aspect. He conducts himself well, I just hope the reality TV set up of leading the audience to believe one thing and gracing them with the opposite isn’t the plan here: I think he could, and thus far probably should, win.

It was another win for Gabrielle – hmmmm. I don’t know about her, there are many that adore her and would happily see her win the whole lot but I can’t see it happening. There is something about the way she conducts herself in the boardroom that I find difficult to withstand.

She seems like she is a bit out of her depth, the facial expressions and the yelps and cries are one of a child’s in comparison with Tom’s poker face!

Who do you think has the poker face to win? Let me know in the comments!