SALT Zine

Recently I heard about and picked up a copy of the new SALT zine.

Written by The Quietus contributor Kevin McCaighy, it’s a short but expressive look at ‘alternative’ music. As I sit reading the black and white A4 zine, I can’t help but notice how detailed and informed the writing is. It definitely makes for a more interesting read when you can tell from the outset that the author has a true passion for the subject.

This issue, 10, had two standout articles for me. Firstly, an Introduction to the world of Maher Shalal Hash Baz. It’s well educated and a great read, giving a nice insight into the weird and wonder world of their experimental music without making the extensive . Also, the most enjoyable read I’ve had in a while, is the proclamation of love for Royal Trux. A band I have also been an avid fan of, this article gives an overview of why the author likes them so much. You can just feel the excitement and love Kevin has for the band just through reading about his experiences seeing them live and first hearing their songs. It’s a heartwarming love story between one man and a garage rock band from Washington D.C. and I found it utterly compelling.

But enough from me, I just wanted to let people know about this zine. If you want to read about real ‘alternative’ music from somehow who has a clear passion for it, check out SALT zine. Contact kevinmccaighy@yahoo.com for more details of how to get your hands on a copy.

 

 

TURPS Zine

I always love finding Turps zine lying around. I’ve got somewhat of a collection now.

It’s a little A5 zine full of unique and interesting items. Ranging from drawings to stories. Everything is contribution based, which I think just adds to the charm.

I’ve found many drawings in the magazine, some of them disturbing, but they’re always great. Some of the stories have a nice artistic charm to them as well. I always finding it reassuring that people out there are actually doing something like this. A creative outlet for every single person, no matter who they are. I just need to hone in my drawing skills.

Check out their site: TURPS MAGAZINE

I always find them lying around Newcastle and always pick up a copy. I suggest you do too.

What’s new for fall?

The newest zine from Joe Skilton (aka. Poison Arms) came through the post recently. It’s called ‘What’s new for fall?’ and consists of 28 pages of photographs from summer.

I’ve always liked his work. It’s always very honest. The photos tell stories and seem to invite the viewer to take part in the experience. I have an admiration of how he manages to make even the most mundane and banal situations appear exciting and intriguing. There’s a care free quality to his work, not in the production or craftsmanship, but in the content. It always shows the fun side of life and tries not to take itself too seriously. Maybe that’s why i find it so thought provoking and engaging.

 

Having self published numerous Zines of his work, I’m always eager to hear that he’s putting a new Zine out. I’m just hoping that it’s not too long before I get another one through the post.

Check out more of his work here: http://cargocollective.com/joeskilton

Sova Magazine

I’ve always been a fan of graphic design. I’ve always had a passion for photography. I’ve always loved typography. It’s rare to find all three together in one place. Even rarer to find them presented well.

Sova magazine is an independent publication which combines these three art forms beautifully. It’s a self published art magazine full of inspiring photography and well crafted graphic design. I’ve been aware of Sova magazine for quite some time, after following the blog of editor Martin Petersen, but only recently decided to buy it. Since it’s published in Germany, I was always sceptical about shipping costs. But I bit the bullet and ordered their second issue entitled ‘Angst’.

I’ve been amazed ever since. As the post came through the door one morning, I spotted a thick package with a German post mark on it. I was excited and opening the package made me even more so. It wasn’t just a magazine, it was a whole plethora of related medium. I got posters, postcards and mountains of stickers. I love this sort of stuff. I felt overwhelmed at the contents of the packge I’d bought. This is how self publishing should be. It has a true passion and dedication to the art form. It’s been made with the highest skill and effort, and that alone makes it on of the best zines out there. The attention to detail and the dedicationt that has gone in to making each individual issue is something special.

I strongly urge anyone who even has the slightest interest in self publishing, photography or design to check out Sova Magazine. It’s given me a lot of inspiration. I can’t wait for the next issue to come out.

Sova Magazine, Unpacked.

Calling all Zinesters

It’s 2012 and it’s been very quiet so far. I’ve spent most of my time stuck at work in my depressing job trying to think about a more interesting life. I’ve tried to convince myself that this year I will start to be a lot more creative. Then again, I need the motivation to do it which I don’t have at the minute.

One of the things I’m set on doing, and have been for some time, is making a zine. I’ve got plenty of ideas floating round. I’ve never tried making a zine before but have always had an admiration of the craftsmanship. Now I feel it’s time I gave it a go myself. I’ve got plenty of photos I want to print and put in a zine but that’s just one of my thoughts. I want to do a collective zine too. I want to have interesting stories, strange drawings and everything else. I’d love to get some imput from people. So far it’s only a little though which I want to expand. If you’re reading this and have something you’d like me to have a look at and out in a zine just send me it. I don’t have a theme, I don’t have a specific structure. I just want it to be something creative, somethings interesting and something exciting. I don’t care if anyone actually reads it, I just want the exhilaration of making something myself and giving something new to the world.

I originally liked the idea of doing a music zine. However, the sheer saturation of music based content on the internet has sucked the life out of it. I’m hoping to get some ideas from somewhere. Maybe it’ll be a few words to inspire me to print something. I don’t know.