Month: February 2022

Sally Weale, an education correspondent for The Guardian, reported on the university staff strikes due to pension cuts. The title reads ‘Thousands of UK university staff strike over pension cuts’ initially looking at this title gives a clear understanding of what the article content will be about. 

The use of the five W’s is implemented in this article, with the first line stating ‘Thousands of UK university staff have gone on strike in a new wave of industrial action over pensions’ this highlights who has been affected by pension cuts and what was the result of this action.

The next section of the piece states what universities are involved in the strike action and how students have been affected. This article uses the pyramid scheme as its main body structure, placing relevant information first (The lead), then expanding on the leading information, and then adding the background context to shape the piece.

Including quotes from the people involved is very important as it makes the article more personal and relatable. The writer has a clear understanding of the inverted pyramid style and has delivered a well-executed story, with clear and concise points.

The ending paragraph has more contextual information adding that ‘The strike is the latest in a long-running dispute. In late 2019, UCU staff at 60 universities initially went on strike’ This is a great demonstration of the use of the inverted pyramid and background context. Sally Weale has written a successful article with clear information distribution.

The North London-born artist, CASISDEAD, formerly known as Castro Saint, is a UK MC and all-round creative. The outspoken nature of his music plays on his charming tone and the mystery man behind the mask, keeping fans guessing and eager to know: who is CASISDEAD?

The identity of CASISDEAD is virtually unknown, with his stage persona always appearing as ‘the man in the hyperrealistic mask’, concealing his identity. His mystery persona remains parallel with his sporadic music releases, with majority of his discography remaining unreleased.

His most recent album titled ‘The Number 23’ appeared under the alias ‘CASISDEAD’ in 2013. Prior to this, he originally referred to himself as ‘Castro Saint’ or ‘C from the T’ between 2005-2007, releasing much darker, seemingly sinister material compared to his more recent releases. During this time period, he made no music videos and kept a low profile on the Castro Saint persona. 

Since 2018, he dropped a few singles and even appeared as a feature with UK rapper Giggs. His most notable work as it stands is the British sitcom Eastenders-themed single, ‘Pat Earrings’. This 80s synth-pop slow-jam, is an addictive and easy listen. Stepping into 2018, the production of his music and videography drastically changed, going from a hardcore, gritty grime rapper to a softer yet well-defined lyrical approach whilst still maintaining his distinct sound.

Shortly after ‘Pat Earrings’ was released, Cas didn’t return with any releases until 2021. Cas teased loyal fans, hinting at new music and a grand return after the 2020 UK lockdown in an interview with the pirate radio group, Kurupt FM. Alongside his enigmatic exterior, he has built his own alternate universe and brand under the name ‘Deadcorp’, frequently making cystic announcements and teasing promos as well as merchandise on the site.

Cas’ grandiose return to music saw him being signed to XL Records, brewing a sense of great anticipation for his first signed release. His first release under XL was titled ‘Park Assist’ and featured pop-synth artist La Roux. A galactic post-modern music video came alongside the five-minute track, setting the scene for a new era. Cas’ relentlessly raucous vocals accompanied La Roux’s smooth and clear-cut sound, making for an unexpected yet well-received collaboration.