Category Archives: Blog

Behind the music: Benedict October on ‘Insomnia’

On ‘Insomnia’, Benedict October shines like he has not yet shone before. Grand and powerful compositions make the song, give it colour, and bring his personal story to life. ‘Insomnia’ is a beautifully composed new release foregoing his upcoming album ‘And Then The Ocean’.

Benedict October expands on the subject and inspiration behind ‘Insomnia’: “‘Insomnia’ talks about my private life and the relationship I had with my father when I was growing up. It tells a story about how we lived together when I was just a kid and he was going to work. With this song I thank him for all he has ever done for me. And with this song I will honour him until the day I die. Listening to it gives me joy, strength, it makes me smile and cry at the same time. Especially the end. “We waltz through the days / Under blue Southern skies / As I dance on your feet / Lifting my chin up to your eyes / You say that you love me… you will always take care of me / Saying you never will leave me or this world behind.“ These lyrics bring me back to the town where I was born. To the time when I was a kid and he came home from work for lunch to give us a big hug. I can see myself dancing with him in our orange/ brown 80’s kitchen, with a small FM radio in the window.”

Highlight on… Co-working spaces

Our world has changed, not just the earth we rest on, but the businesses we work at, and the spaces we work in as well. More and more businesses have changed their way of working, and adapted to this changing world. More roles are now partly, or even fully, remote. With that comes more freedom, but also a challenge. When working remote, a simple and instant solution is to work from home, but with house mates, partners, and kids around, that isn’t always an ideal situation.

Enter; co-working spaces! For those of us that can’t hack working from home co-working spaces are popping up like mushrooms in September. Find a few of our favourites, their pros and cons below!

Cobalt Studios

Pros
Cobalt Studios offers quiet spaces, sound proof booths and a beautifully built co-working space in the Ouseburn, close to your favourite pub and yoga studio.

Cons
Prices for Cobalt’s co-working space are high and exclude those on a lower budget, with prices per day starting at £11.50 when choosing the Resident Plan.

The John Marley Centre

Pros
In this old college building there are many spaces with free WiFi and plugs to work remotely, for only £20 per month! Including a café, small kitchen, and free parking.

Cons
For those of us that don’t drive, it’s a short bus trip from Newcastle’s city centre to the west end to get to the John Marley Centre.

Floe: Coworking Spaces

Pros
Floe offers flexible coworking in a very central area with meeting rooms, breakout spaces, telephone booths and a kitchen with the option to purchase day passes.

Cons
In case you are driving, good luck finding a parking space, and Floe day passes start from £20 excluding VAT. To access the building, you have to use your phone as your key.