NARC. #214 OUT NOW!

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

Our cover star is the incredible comedy star Louise Young. Cameron Wright talks to the relatable and brutally honest comedian about classism, anarchy and embracing her wildly untethered life.

In the previews section, we check out live shows from Anna Erhard, Antony Szmierek, Badly Drawn Boy, Boo Hewerdine & Elaine Palmer, David Gray, Danny & The Champions of the World, David Grubbs, EEVAH, Heather Ferrier Trio, Honeyglaze, Jules Reidy, Polly Paulusma, RNS Moves, Ruby Kelly, Ruth Lyon, Weathership, White Denim and many more; there’s comedy courtesy of Jake Donaldson, Joel Dommett & Lou Sanders at venues across the region; enjoy an ambitious exhibition at Newcastle Contemporary Art with Stepney Western, as well as the one-woman nail-biting show that is Rupture across various venues; plus the Caravan Gallery exhibit comes to Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art and Gem Arts’ Holi Festival of Colours takes over Baltic for a day of all things creative! 

Interview-wise, Ali Welford speaks to Barry Hyde about his brand new solo album, Miners Ballads; David Saunders catches up with Sam Slatcher to discuss Passengers & Pioneers, a music and poetry album that celebrates 200 years of the Darlington and Stockton railway; Steve Spithray delves into the myriad offerings of England’s most northerly film festival, Berwick Film & Media Arts Festival; David Saunders talks to Sunderland hip-hop artist 90BRO about his marvellous space-inspired new album; Laura Rosierse talks to Rachael McShane about self-releasing her alternative folk trio’s brand new album; Laura Doyle talks to Jade Mia Broadhead about her big plans for Newcastle’s first trans and non-binary music festival, Transtock; Steve Spithray talks to Newcastle alt rockers Decrepit Youths about the genesis of their debut EP; Ali Welford talks to political Teesside duo Benefits about their eyebrow-raising new direction; Ali Welford chats to fuzz pop marvels Baker Island about their new EP; Sarah Storey explores Tyne Valley Film Festival, Mack Sproates has a warm, honest and inspiring conversation with stand up poet Kate Fox; Laura Rosierse chats to North East funnyman Matt Reed about his energy for stream of consciousness poetry and how he workshops it on stage; and promoter Graham Grundy of Down By The River gives us his eclectic mix of emerging artists on his Mixtape.

In the review section, we report from live performances by Emily Barker, Du Blonde, CVC, John Bramwell, David O’Doherty, Tapir!, Dunes, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Twistwch Y Fenywod and more; there’s reviews of local singles and EPs from Midnight Jazz Club, Moon Glider, Machine Music, Isabel Maria, Valentine Charlie, Middle Management, Carl Green In Particular, Camel Island, Conor Michael, Baker Island, Anthony Pears feat NATO Northeast and PØRTERS; and reviews of new album releases from The Darkness, Stone Foundation, Kedr Livanskiy, Benefits, HotWax, Throwing Muses, Welly, The Horrors, Bria Salmena, Greentea Peng, The Wildhearts, Spelling, Japanese Breakfast, Memphis May Fire and Bob Mould.

Enjoy!