Getting Close to Sarah Close

Moving from the Isle of Wight, she released her debut EP, Caught Up earlier this year and has just dropped a new single, Only You. She is now on her first UK tour and here's what went down when we managed to be fortunate enough to get an interview with her before she took to the stage in Manchester....

So, you obviously started on YouTube, how did you get into that?

I started when I was 14. I grew up on the Isle of Wight and I just wanted to be in the music industry, be a singer and I didn't know how else to do it as I lived in the IOW when everyone else is in London. So, I decided to start a YouTube channel and in hope, that my channel would grow enough for me so I can do what I can't by not do by being physically in a place.

Who was your inspiration to start your channel?

I was a big fan of Gabriella Aplin, Kate McGill and there was a couple of American singers I loved watching and I was like I can do that. Also, Charlie Is So Cool Like, I was watching him make videos and I wanted to be just like him. Although I can't-do the whole talking to the camera thing so I decided to sing instead.

You've mentioned uni, how did that help you at all?

Well, I wrote Caught Up at uni. So if I hadn't gone on the course, I wouldn't have written that song and uni helped me in a lot of ways, it was important because it gave me friends, a loan to go out in London and have fun. It really helped me find my style and what I wanted to do, as writing Caught Up was really the start of my songwriting identity. I have a lot to thank for that course.

You just finished filming the music video for only you, what is your favourite music video of all time?

Oh my god!! First, one that pops into my head is Katy Perry’s Last Friday Night, it is a banging song and her music videos are always great.

If you could put together your dream festival lineup, with you headlining, who would there be?

SZA, Rihanna, Katy Perry, The Killers, Wheatus, Weezer, Elton John, Post Malone, Alessia Cara, Halsey, Oh wonder and probably Kanye West. For all ages, all genres, open end festival.

What was the first ever gig you went to?

S CLUB 7!! Oh my gawddd, it was their last ever show as S Club 7 before they broke up and it was amazing. My parents bought me this light-up stick, I was stood on their chair waving it and it was such an amazing time.

Are you working on any new music at the current time?

You bet I am!! Yes, definitely, I keep sending notes to my producer saying can you change this, can you change that. SO it is all recorded, how does that sound huh? It was going to be released this year but with the response to Only you has been better than what we expected it to be soooo I think we may let that sit for a while and come out with something in the new year, but who knows.

Finally, what has been the best thing to happen to you this year?

Oh, God that is an unanswerable question... I have had so much happen to me this year. The best thing though probably has to be, I think actually putting out maybe Only You. That was the first song since my EP so there wasn't really much hype around it being my first thing out and it was my first thing out since signing to the label. So equally that was a different kind of release with now being with a label and having a team around me, that was different. It was a song I have written this year so it hasn't sat with me for a long time and has to be one of the most honest real songs that I have written and put out.  So probably putting out Only You!

~

Honestly, getting the interview with Sarah was crazy, never in a million years would I ever think that I would get such an amazing opportunity to interview one of my favourite singers. Please please please go give Sarah's EP Caught Up and her latest single Only You a listen as you will fall in love with her voice and music. Also.... if you want to find out more about Sarah Close make sure you listen to the full thing on my Mixcloud. 

Finally, a HUGGEEE thank you to Sarah and her team xx

A Guide to Surviving Freshers Week

THE UNIVERSITY SERIES || Part 4

Freshers week can come across like a scary time when you've got to make friends whilst learning to live on your own. But it is also essential to work out how many Jägerbombs you can buy on a shoestring budget, work out the best nightclubs to the challenge of learning how to book a taxi for a group of 10 without it cancelling on you, freshers' week is the start of a steep learning curve. I have come up with some tips to help you survive...

There’s a lot laid on for you during freshers and the weeks following, don’t waste it and enjoy the fresher's experience!

Be yourself:

Best way to break the ice with new friends is telling stories about your life, but try to stick to what's actually true (or this will come back to bite you). Plus, it's never a good idea to try to reinvent yourself at uni; people see straight through it and you'll feel much more comfortable if you aren't trying to be someone you're not. 

Students' Unions and events:

Your uni will offer SOOOo many different nights to suit everyone's tastes, you'll get info packs from your student union about freshers the week before you arrive or make sure you check out their website. For the most reliable ticket for events make sure you buy them early from the students' union to avoid the disappointment of it being a fake event. 

Have fun and don't worry:

It is evident everyone is going to be a little nervous about going out- it can be a scary time for any fresher in a new city but as long as you all stick together it's MUCH better to be in trust company than being on your own.

Stay responsible:

I don't want to sound like your mum but let's be real here, there’s a fair deal of ‘experimentation’ going on at university but make sure you know what you’re getting involved in? If in doubt, steer well clear.

Don't be that person:

Getting so drunk that you end up getting kicked out of the club from being sick all over yourself will haunt you, so just don't overdo it. And just give yourself a chance to get to know people first, before jumping ahead into any relationships that could ruin friendships by making it EXTREMELY awkward between you and them.

Finally, do remember that freshers' week isn't your average week at university – you are likely to feel a bit broken, poor and full of freshers flu afterwards, but you'll get back on track.... eventually!

SOS: Living On A Student Budget

THE UNIVERSITY SERIES || Part 3

No doubt this will hopefully be a saviour to anyone needing budgeting tips and bringing back down to reality about living and coping on a student budget. Here's the obvious... Student life= tight budget, we all get it.

Those who don't go to uni and think we can manage on just our student maintenance loan are well and truly wrong. And even I was in that mindset before I moved away as trust me when you're initially set off to uni whilst money is certainly not a priority. Personally, my brain was more focused that I was about to go move to a city, and into a building with hundreds of people I'd never met. It soon hit me I needed to get my spending under control (I love shopping what can I say)- but once I did, I noticed a huge decrease unnecessary stress.

I'd decided that in the first year I needed to settle into a new city, make friends and focus on my studies and the last thing I wanted was to be stressing about a new job. I figured I could survive off of my student loan and savings... Which I successfully managed on a budget, however, the second year is here and I am already job hunting and applying to help see me through the year and means I can save for little luxuries and even the odd festival or holiday.

If I had advice for any first year it's to not blow all your money in freshers and actually attempt to budget, it may be difficult but it all pays off when you're not maxing out your overdraft or begging parents for money for food. 

These are the things that helped me get on track with money and will hopefully help you all too:

Set a budget and be strict. Find out what works for you- work out how much you'll get each semester and then how many weeks it has to last. Many have two accounts and transfer the weekly amount each Monday and then once that money was gone that week, it was gone. Always have an emergency stash you can access for spontaneous adventures or purchases, but try and keep as close to your budget as possible.

Cook at home! Which means not being able to order takeaways or eating out because it is easier and you don't have to make any effort cooking or doing the dishes. BUT it gets expensive. Find fun recipes and try new things at home. The worst is when you're hungover and all you want is a Dominos but your bank account just won't let you - I am doing a cook/foodie uni post soon so keep your eyes peeled!

Use coupons and discount cards! There are so many student-friendly deals, take advantage of them (ahem, the NUS card or Unidays). Trust me 10% off here, 25% off there- makes all the savings add up! If you're anywhere and you're unsure if they do student discount just ask and always carry your uni ID as you never know when that can get you 10% off in TopShop when you fall in love with a cute top or pair of heels you can't resist. 

Use your what your uni has to offer. Most universities or colleges offer things like cheaper gym memberships, societies, fun activities and discounts on various night club deals or restaurants. These can dramatically cut your costs- take all the free/ discounted stuff you can!

Sharing is caring! For myself, I know this is a common thing but make the most of your flat mates if they have a similar style. Say you want to borrow a dress of theirs for a night out or date you've got coming up. Simply trade off, do swaps and share clothes plus no one needs to know it was your best gal friend from your flat who's skirt or fur coat you're wearing.

I know this was very detailed and you may be wanting to pull your eyes out of their sockets or it may have helped either way. I love uni and whilst I would love a lot more money, I really wouldn't change it for anything. I guess they say it is all about the experience.

Essentials For Your Flat

THE UNIVERSITY SERIES || Part 2

It may have felt like I have neglected my uni series these past weeks, however, I'm back! I am posting on a Wednesday (shock, I already can't stick to a routine) but I am ready to kick start this series right in time for anyone heading off to uni this year.

Moving to university can be a daunting thing and the last thing you need to be worrying about is what you need to take away with you to your new student pad. To save all that worry and stress I have put together my top essentials and must haves for your flat or house. 

With myself just moving in to my second-year house it can be a nightmare packing everything and then making sure you have all you need for your room, kitchen, bathroom blah blah.,. my aim last year and again this year was to make it as homely as possible. 

No doubt there will be hundreds of things you might very well want to take when you move to university, but remember, you ain't moving country or to the moon. Perks are they do have shops where you're going so make the most of buying most when you're down at uni and ordering online to save carrying heavy items from one place to another.

BEDROOM
Loads of hangers, because you can’t exist on four for a year. A couple of sets of bedding, to limit the stress on washing day. A diffuser to make your room smell nice – candles won’t be allowed.

An alarm clock, or you won’t make lectures or when you take a nap before a night out (priorities, of course). An extension cable: halls never has enough plug sockets  Your laundry basket acts as both a transportation device on washing day and protects your floor from smelly socks.

Who knows who has slept in your bed before? Bring a mattress protector to allay your fears.

Finally, your bedroom for the next year will be a place for sleeping, essay writing and snuggling. Unless you prefer the hospital-room look for the inside of your accommodation, its time to decorate. Order lots of photographs for your wall, a cushion selection and fluffy blankets to snuggle in too. Also not forgetting the fairy lights for a cosy touch.

KITCHEN/BATHROOM
Obviously there are the obvious like cutlery, plates, pans, bowls, glasses, towels, all your toiletries but don't forget the basics like tupperware containers for the leftovers or when you cook too much. Or  essentials like a colander for cooking pasta and even a cheese grater. You may have everyone asking to borrow when they forget theres but at least you're the organised one.

Lets not forget your favourite mug to always remind you of home when all you want is a hot chocolate to cheer you up after a stressful day or when your PMS kicks in, as girls we have all been there.

EXTRAS
If you're like me you will have all your stationary already but if not the basics are a diary, notebooks, lotsa sticky notes and coloured pens for bright easy to read notes. An external hard drive and plenty of USB sticks to be able to transfer and save your work without "losing" it is my biggest must!!

Last section is what you're gonna need for the social side of uni... it's all good and well being practical but you obviously wanna have a good time with your friends so, BEER PONG! It may be American but it is the one thing most people will no doubt wanna play at pre drinks. As well as playing cards, they are a necessity for any games night, and everyone forgets them.

Keep at least one fancy dress outfit ready. At some universities, participation is mandatory. As who knows a freshers event could be next week and you need that fancy dress outfit already. Last few things are always pack a bottle opener, its is never not helpful unless you've got a pro opening skills and a couple of shot glasses never go a miss.