To be fair or not to be fair, that is the question

As a journalist, I know that it is my job to see both sides of a story and report both sides without showing prejudice towards one more than the other. I can in most cases complete this task and fulfill my duty.

There is however one subject that I will never be able to report both sides for and that is animal abuse cases. I will never be able to represent the side of the abuser because in my opinion each life is sacred and for any human being to hurt an innocent animal is just plain wrong.

Beautiful Innocence

Yes, you can say that animals are vicious, but they were not born that way. Human actions and the way the animal gets brought up is the only reason they would ever resort to violence. Being brought up in an environment where you are abused from birth, or being trained and forced to partake in dog fighting is a sure fire way to damage an innocent creature. Dogs, cats, no matter what the animal is they are forced to live in fear and then blamed for being angry, you only have one person to blame. The owners.

What reason would you have to stab an innocent puppy, to throw them into a bin and just leave them there, to stomp on the animal within an inch of its life...all because it peed on the floor? When you take an animal into your life, you expect these things, you need patience and love to take care of an innocent creature.

It makes me feel physically sick to think about the people who do this stuff to animals, they deserve the same done back to themselves. In my mind, a life is a life, and for people that harm and even kill animals just because they make one mistake, they should bring the maximum penalty down on these people. Websites like: http://www.animaladvocates.com is a prime example of hundreds of animal abuse cases. Granted this is an american site but it is also a country that needs the most help. Here is the link to one of the most recent cases found in America of horrendous animal abuse: http://www.examiner.com/animal-advocacy-in-national/horribly-abused-and-injured-puppy-needs-help?CID=examiner_alerts_article. Please tell me no one agrees that the person who did this is humane in any way, shape or form. The people who do this are sick and are showing some of the worst abuse possible.

That is why I will do everything possible to support those who are fighting these horrific incidents of animal abuse all over the world.

Have respect for the people who work day in day out to find animals that are being abused and that go beyond the call of duty to protect their innocent lives. The RSPCA is a prime example, protect those who cannot ask for help.

Animals cannot speak out for themselves when being abused, it is down to us to put a stop to it!

Victoria V.L. Walker

New ideas

I was asked by Louise Elliot of Staffordshire Life magazine to write a piece for them based on weddings. I was thrilled, not only do I love weddings, but I have also wanted to write something for Staffordshire life so when this opportunity appeared, I was quick to accept.

True love in all it's beauty

The request was only emailed to me three days ago and I had a week deadline on the piece which was fantastic. I know that on journalism articles I work better with a small deadline purely because it means I have to write constantly or I will not finish in time. I had to write a 1,000 word piece based around a local couple's wedding. I had the phone number of the couple, so I had set up an interview the day I was offered this fantastic opportunity. The bride was more than happy to assist me with my article and I got to listen to a lovely story about how the couple met, how they got engaged, how the planning went for the wedding and the honeymoon. It was a fabulous job that combined two things I love. Weddings and Writing.

I had to follow a specific style which was always good because I like having a free flow to write articles and having to write to a specific structure helped me understand more about readership and writer styles. It was all in the Bride's words and it was my job to structure the piece in a logical order and to pick from all the information the best bits to tell a wonderful story of reunions and love.

Ain't love grand?

With permission from the photographer and the bride to use photos from the wedding, I am now all set to submit my article to Louise, three days before the deadline. In three days I was able to carry out two interviews, create, structure and organise a 1,000 word article and ensure that the text flowed and was coherent throughout without losing the bride's tone throughout the piece.

This was a wonderful experience for me and has opened my eyes to how much I enjoy writing for bridal publications and may have opened my eyes to a future career path. I am a big fan of magazine designing also and know that if I had to choose any job right now, it would be writing for and styling for a bridal magazine.

I shall post my article when it is available. I am feeling like a competent journalist ready to make her mark on the world one wedding at a time!

Victoria V.L. Walker

Epica Band Profile

After the Christmas Period I have a backlog of band profiles to be completed and uploaded to the site I write for. www.otherclothing.co.uk

Here is my latest band profile based around Epica and their latest way of teasing fans to listen to their music.

Epica Band Profile

By: Darkened Crucifix

Category : Band Profiles

For a popular band, Epica sure know how to keep the interest of their audience.

Their upcoming album ‘Requiem of the Indifferent’ is due out March 9th 2011 and to keep the fans on their toes the band have released part of ‘Monopoly on truth’ as a teaser. Why is this any different to any other band release? Because the band are releasing the track layer by layer starting with just the drums, they will slowly release each instrument one at a time so that you really understand the musical complexity that is behind the track.

For such an innovative creation as their latest album, the idea to release it in sections is fantastic and fans are encouraged by the idea and have created their own track accompaniments to try and guess what the overall sound will be.

Epica are a Symphonic Metal band from Finland. The group was founded in 2002 have released six albums prior to their latest creation and are known for their front woman’s beautiful vocals.

The current line-up for this band is fronted by Simone Simons (Lead Vocals), Mark Jansen (Guitars, Grunts and Screams), Isaac and Delahave (Guitars), Coen Janssen (Synths and Piano), Yves Huts (Bass) and last but not least Arien Van Weesenbeek (Drums).

Epica have had one hell of a history, with six prior albums, they have years of experience at providing good complex metal music that would please any metal fan.

Their first published album, ‘The Phantom Agony’ was released in June 2003 and began the career of dedicated musicians and composers with Simone being only 16 years old. In April 2005 the second awaited album was released, ‘Consign to the Oblivion’ followed shortly in September 2005 by ‘The Score’. Epica released their fourth album in 20097 and was called ‘The Divine Conspiracy.’ The most recent two albums were both released in 2009, one was live ‘The Classical Conspiracy’ and ‘Design your universe.’

Their best Album: Design your Universe (2009)

Best tracks: Tides of time

For more information visit the Epica website.

More coming soon!!

Victoria V.L. Walker

Exciting oppurtunities and creativity...

I do hope that everyone had a fantastic Christmas and new year, as you can tell I had a slight professional leave of absence to spend time with my family over the two weeks but I have been working through Christmas getting numerous articles written and seeking quotes from Bands as usual...

Newspapers...

Before Christmas I had 1 definitive idea for my Journalism Specialist articles and numerous whisperings of good ideas. Over Christmas and New year I have been researching deeper than before and ensuring that my creative juices are flowing. I now have 6 if not 7 ideas, with at least 4 being nearly completed. I am feeling good regarding one of them as it was a long shot that paid off and shows how just asking for assistance from Bands and PR people can really pay off. I have an interview with Hangover Hero back from the band and have sculpted an article based around them and their new creation.

Magazine covers...I want to make my own magazine...

I also began to refine my editing and magazine design skills and have set myself the task to create a niche magazine idea to fill a gap in the market and creating a brand, a front cover, contents page, 4 pages of content and 2 pages of adverts that I am creating myself. I also have set myself the challenge to create pages from a newspaper to test my design skills, I love designing things and remember when I was in university that I always did my design work a month before the deadlines!

I am also working on a 10,000 word creative writing piece based around a  new idea that I formed whilst on a train. That has reached 8,500 words so far!

My specialist Journalism articles are currently equaling 5,000 words of my overall creativity! I am in the process of writing a new band profile based on Epica so stay tuned and I will post once it is published.

Enjoy yourselves and remember, Journalism is fun especially when you're passionate about your subjects as much as I am at the minute. Also...I am possibly being published in a local magazine later this year...I will keep you updated as I know!!

Victoria V.L Walker

Writing frenzy!

Okay, remember a few days ago I was complaining of writers block and physically could not bring myself to write any more?

Well ignore that post because in the past 48 hours I have been writing like a machine. I have a 7,5000 word target for my specialised topic in journalism and a 10,000 word creative writing project on the go. 48 hours ago I had about 700 journalism words written and 2,500 of my creative writing.

I sat down in front of my computer for the past two days straight and thought, come on this is what you want to do. Think of all the professional journalists who have to go out and get stories, write them up, make them publishable and to a shorter deadline than I have...I thought come on you can do this!

I am now in the process of writing five journalism ideas, with another one brewing as I write this and have over 3,500 words written between them. I have also managed to score another interview with one of the bands I am writing about. Journalism is exciting!

My creative writing is hard because unless I feel inspired I get a love hate relationship going on with it but for the past two days I have loved every minute of it and now have over 6,500 words written.

Journalism related, I am also now proud to show you my fourth band profile to be published on www.otherclothing.co.uk  and here it is, it is based on metal band Nemesea and also featured on my otherclothing freelance page.

Nemesea band profile: 7.12.11

http://otherclothing.co.uk/music/band-profiles-bands-t-shirts-music-reviews/nemesea-band-profile/

Posted on 7-12-2011 | By: Darkened Crucifix

Category : Band Profiles

What do you get when you mix a standard symphonic metal band and throw in some occasional electro sounds? Nemesea.  A band that through their history has been compared to After Forever and (on their latest album) Evanescence meets Within Temptation.

Formed in 2002 this Dutch vocalist led band has had a massive sound overhaul since the first two albums ‘Mana’ released in 2004 and ‘In Control’ released in 2007. The recent album ‘The Quiet resistance’ is said to be a mix of the first two albums. It will combine the heavy riffs with influences of pop and electronic sounds.

The current line-up for this band consists of Manda Ophuis (vocals), Hendrik Jan de Jong (guitar), Sonny Onderwater (bass), Frank Van der star (drums) and Lasse Dellbrugge (Keys).

Nemesea have been described in the past to have similar musical sounds to disbanded metal band After Forever staring Floor Jansen, now of ReVamp. However following the recent release in 2011 their music has been likened to Evanescence and Within Temptation.

Vocalist Manda has said previously that her lyrics go past the typical fairytale gothic rock style; “Lyrics are very important. They can be comforting, but they can also shake things up. My lyrics are pieces of my life, personal experiences that I weave into little stories.

“ One of the central themes on this album is being in control, or losing it. “If you want to change things in your life, you just have to go for it.”

Best track: Afterlife

Best Album: ‘The Quiet Resistance (2011)

For more information visit their band website: www.nemesea.com

Victoria V.L Walker

Nightwish Imaginarum Preview

I am struggling with a problem that most writers, whatever their career choice, struggle with. Writers block. I know most people believe it is all in your mind, and I am pretty sure it is, but what can you do when you need to write something and it's just not flowing...

I have a project to do this year revolving around symphonic metal music, and I have already had one article published which is available on my soundsphere.co.uk freelance page and also below:

Nightwish: Imaginarum Preview: 

News    - Features

Written by Victoria Walker             

Thursday, 24 November 2011 23:10

It's been a long and winding road for legendary symphonic metal band Nightwish. Having replaced Tarja Turunen, described as "the finest operatically trained singer on the planet", Tuomas Halopainen and crew had their work cut out to fill her shoes.

Of course, they discovered Anette Olzon and from that point, the band have fought hard to get from rock bottom (the bottom being death threats...) back to the top of metal's golden pedestal where they belong.

As you listen through the CD, each track makes the whole effect of the album more intense. If you think 'Dark Passion Play' was the best Nightwish had to offer, then we think that you will have to seriously reconsider. It's just that good. So yeah, if you like a combination of outstanding metal, spectacular orchestral arrangements and flawless soprano vocals (which you should, because you're reading this...) then this album will be for you.

What's it all about then? Well, this is a concept album comprised of songs that tell the tale of an old composer who revisits his childhood while on his deathbed. Fortunately, no two tracks on this album sound the same but to hear them in sequence as a combination is a more epic experience than you can imagine.

There will be a digi-pack release of two CDs, the second disc has each track in its instrumental form so you can appreciate the record from a different perspective. The album is meant to make its listeners think and question things around them and it certainly does that for us.

The album opens with a lullaby, beginning with subtle notes from Marco Hietela (vocals and bass). It is sung in Finnish and has a totally hypnotic effect on the listener. Not in any negative way though, you're not going to be compelled to walk off a cliff or anything, but as expected it truly does bring you out in goosebumps. There's a definite theme of self-realisation under-cutting it as well.

The first single release is titled 'Storytime' and it fires off with the type of punchy riff and melodic chorus that we have always come to expect from Nightwish and Tuomas hopes it "will blow the roof off your mouth". The track with the most promise is the title track and final offering on the disk, 'Imaginaerum', packed full of Celtic sound and atmospheric melody; it'll take you to the shores of Scotland.

The album has a well thought-out mix of soft melodic tones that'll soothe, evoke and inspire as well as the heavier sound that long-time fans will no doubt associate with 'Dark Passion Play', meanwhile, 'Arabesque' sees Nightwish explore a range of multicultural influences to great effect.

Working alongside orchestral legend Pip Williams, the band have once again smashed any preconceptions by creating an album so varied and emotional that it will doubtless defy genre classification and pigeonholing.

The tracklisting for 'Imaginaerum' is below:

1 - ‘Taikatalvi'

2 - ‘Storytime'

3 - ‘Ghost River'

4 - ‘Slow Love Slow'

5 - 'I Want My Tears Back'

6 - ‘Scaretale'

7 - ‘Arabesque'

8 - ‘Turn Loose The Mermaids'

9 - ‘Rest Calm'

10 - ‘The Crow, The Owl And The Dove'

11 - ‘Last Ride Of The Day'

12 - ‘Song Of Myself'

13 - ‘Imaginaerum'

'Imaginaerum' will be released in the UK on Friday December 2, 2011

For more information visit the official Nightwish website.

I wish I could write...

After having this published I have hit a road block...I know what I need to do I just seem to have forgotten how to write, which I hope goes away if I keep writing on here for a couple of posts. If in the industry you get a mental block and you're working to a deadline, I am sure you would get axed if you did not have something to give to your editor on the deadline day...I know that from experience from professionals int he industry, but it is a deadline issue, I think if I had a shorter deadline then I would have to kick myself into gear but I will get through this!

I am immensely proud of my first article though so I am going to revel in my creative genius...until next time!

Victoria V.L. Walker

My celebrity encounters...

In my career as a trainee journalist so far I have come across numerous celebrities, all of which have been nothing but courteous in their communication towards me...

2008: My first brush with a famous actor was when I went to see The Mighty Boosh Live in September 2008 in York. I was writing a review for Soundsphere Magazine and accompanied by Music Journalist Dominic Smith. I was sat right at the back but could see perfectly. I loved every second of the production and if you want to read my review head to my soundsphere.co.uk freelance page!!


Noel Fielding being the sparkling star that he is had to jump into the audience so I watched as he ran around the entire theatre, including straight past me and I automatically threw my hand to the side and brushed past him as he ran past... I bought so much merchandise that day...Fantastic first brush with fame... :)

Vocalist: Piet Bez

2008: My second famous encouter?...It was in December 2008 where a friend of mine was going to meet a band. I had not heard of them before this meeting, but I got a CD in advance to swot up on their music - it was good. Who was the band? (DORP). Now in 2008 they were just starting their career as a band, and I was lucky enough to get to attend a gig they were doing in Vivaz, Scarborough. Once in there I was bundled in a car with the band themselves whilst the interview took place between Music Journalist (Dominic Smith) and the band themselves. It was great experience for me to observe how these interviews took place.

After that we all headed to a nice Italian restaurant down the road, where we al had a meal together, paid for by the band. (It was around this time that I thought 'I could get used to this lifestyle.') Anyway the band shot back to play their set and my role as photographer came into play. I got to take the photographs that would accompany the interview on the website. I thoroughly enjoyed myself in this professional capacity as a journalist.

2010: My third, and possibly most exciting of them all happened just under a year ago in new Manchester's own MEN arena in December 2010. I also make this my most determined act to meet someone famous...seriously I should get a medal!

Me and Tim Minchin - it was all worth it!

So anyway, I was at the MEN Arena with my boyfriend and a couple of friends seeing the comedic legend that is Mr. Tim Minchin and his orchestra accompanied tour. After the couple of hours of hilarious comedy there were rumours that if we waited by the stage back door, we could meet him. Being one of his biggest fans I knew I had to do this. We all went outside into what can only be described as a snow storm and waited...

Two hours later we were still there and there was no sign of him...then we saw a blacked out car drive out the gates and my boyfriend whispered 'There was a Tim shaped shadow in the back of that car...' I thought no, it can't be. It stopped at the traffic lights a few foot from where we were stood and he got out and ran towards the diminished crowd. He yelled 'You're all mad to be out here'. He took a few quick photos before running back to the car - his skinny-jean clad legs in tow and we watched the car drive off.

Having a failed blurred photo spurred my boyfriend to have a crazy idea... 'Why don't we run after the car...the next set of lights he might get out again!' I was stupid enough to agree to this and began my jog through 2 foot of snow as we followed the car. Through three sets of traffic lights, where we caught up and then they changed to green and about 3/4 a mile later the car pulled over and we saw Tim run out of the car and into a bar across the road. We had come this far...why give up now.

We scurried in after him only to be greeted by his smiling snowy face. We got signed concert tickets and amazing photos as well as exchanging words with one of the famous comedians of all time. RESULT! Slightly mad you say? I call it determined...

Sandro Monetti!

2010: I also had the luck of being at such a good university that I had a 'leading international entertainment Journalist' teach me who flew in from L.A every week just to teach us...his name? Sandro Monetti. He was one of the most inspiring lecturers and Journalists I had ever seen. He had such a way of teaching that anyone who listened to him was mesmerized by his stories and his life. He also is quite a dab hand at doing an impression of Colin Firth - and wrote a book about him!

He inspired me to write and when I pitched the idea for my Magazine design to him he said 'That sounds great, if you ever need any feature writers - Look me up' What an inspiration!

Me and the beautiful Michelle Keegan :)

2011: In 2011, I was heading home for the weekend to visit my family in Yorkshire and I was on a very cramped Transpennine Express to Middlesborough, and I happened to glance through the first class window about five minutes before I arrived at my destination. I was on the phone to my mum at the time and I just said 'There is someone sat in first class that looks a lot like Tina McIntyre (Michelle Keegan) from Coronation street...' After my third mention of this I started thinking it was true...she just said 'Go and ask her'.

I thought no that isn;t how things are done is it? About two minutes from my stop I thought what can I lose? If I am wrong, I am wrong, no harm done. If I am right - that's pretty awesome. I went in and just said 'Hi - Have you been in Coronation Street?' She smiled at me and said yes, I have.' I was dumbstruck, I was right - it was her! I didn't want to be too cheeky but I asked for a sneaky photo and an autograph. Turned out she was getting off at the same station stop as me to go to a PR event for coronation Street. Her parting comment was 'I look such a mess - I need to get changed' If this photo is her looking a mess...well god help us all!

Keep your eyes peeled...

Victoria V.L. Walker