The June issue of NARC. magazine is out now, available in print from outlets across the North East, and digitally via our website.

This month’s cover stars are epic indie rock band Lanterns On The Lake; Linsey Teggert talks to Hazel Wilde and Paul Gregory about line-up changes, multiverse theory and the album that nearly never was. Images by Rob Irish.

In the Previews section, we check out live shows from Arab Strap, Youth Sector, Melvins, Chuck Prophet, Kurt Vile & The Violators, Kelis, Ladyhawke, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Royal Blood, George Lamb, Nat Sharp, Ligeti Quartet, Panopticon and many more, plus festivals including MUNRO, Holme Festival, The Globe Summer Festival and Pop Recs Ltd. celebrate their 10^th anniversary. There’s dance theatre courtesy of Eliot Smith at Hullabaloo, plus loads coming up at Dance City; there’s theatrical delights including Chop, Dissolve & Burn at Alphabetti, My Dear Aunty Nell at ARC, Bonewords at Northern Stage, Burnout at Live Theatre and Menstrual Rage take on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew at Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre; giggle along with Raul Kohli at Bishop Auckland Town Hall and Dead Men Talking at Middlesbrough Town Hall; plus art exhibitions at Hartlepool Art Gallery, Vane, MIMA and more.

Interview-wise, Lizzie Lovejoy talks to Annie Rigby and Ross Millard about Unfolding Theatre’s new production A Street Like This, which puts community and music at its heart; Leigh Venus finds out about Anti-Pleasure, the all-day celebration of queer expression spearheaded by visual artist and promoter Alannah Lamb; ahead of a Newcastle gig this month, Lily Pratt talks to Australian musician Jen Cloher about embracing their Māori heritage and self-identity on their dream-like new album; Ali Welford talks to this year’s Sage Gateshead Artists In Residence cohort about their extraordinary projects, which span documentary-style radio show, a post-apocalyptic tale, an investigation into loneliness and contemplative connections to the natural world; Helen Redfern chats with acclaimed writer Mojisola Adebayo about her inclusive play Stars which delves into themes of queer empowerment and arousal…in space!; Claire Dupree talks to Sandy Duff about The Bridge, a three-day celebration of hip-hop; Damian Robinson talks to talented songwriter Callum Pitt about his deeply affecting debut album; Mera Royle talks to Benjamin Fitzgerald about his new experimental project Sømnus which merges classical styles with dance music aesthetics; Amy McGarahan finds out more about Coastella, the inaugural North Shields festival which has grassroots talent as its heart; Amanda Gallagher talks to Jen Dixon about her upcoming EP release, stage fright and re-homing chickens; ahead of the showcase of theatrical talent in this year’s Elevator Festival at Live Theatre, Kate Relton chats with two of this year’s writers about their hopeful new works; and Jack Gardner from Silly Billies comedy club gives an insight into his perfect Mixtape.

In the Review section, we bring you reports from the front row of Goat, Aldous Harding, Steve Mason, The Early Purple, Memorials, Komparrison, Catherine Young, Songs from Northern Britain and more; there’s reviews of local singles and EPs from ZUDZ, Neuroleptick, Elephantemple, Jenny Lascelles, Detroit Tourist Board, The Band for Disease Control and Prevention, Slobo & Azere, Cat Ryan, Craig Clark, Earth Farm, Nadedja and Ami McGuinness; demo reviews of songs by Steff Mundi, Gary The Hat, Josh Atkinson, Breadcrumbs and Lockheed Lindsay; album reviews of new releases from Christine & The Queens, Band of Holy Joy, Rival Sons, Django Django, Hak Baker, Dream Wife, Squid, Dayshifter, The Support Band and more.

Enjoy!