Introducing Steve

Steve is 23 years old and lives in South East London with his mum. He works part time in retail and in his spare time helps produce music and music videos for various artists in the music industry as well as remixing his own albums. He knows some people from channel U (now known as channel AKA) who he has worked with on a few different projects. In the rest of his spare time he will try to catch up with friends and enjoys going out and meeting new people. Steve was previously in the army for five and a half years which included a trip to Afghanistan for a few months before returning home and leaving the army to continue his life with a different career. I know Steve through old friends but we rarely get a chance to meet up and mainly communicate via MSN messenger.

Steve agreed to meet up and do this ethnographic study because one of my other subjects pulled out. We have a conversation online:

Friday 15th May 2009

Steven: Hey hun, how have you been?

Katie Good thanks and yourself?

Steven: Up and down I’m really tired from work and that, been up to much?

Katie: Just the unusual….work, uni work, seeing friends.

Katie: Hey if you have a free day soon do you recon you could help me out with a project? (I explain what I need to do for the project).

Steven: Yeah I’m up for that course hun, when do you need me?

Katie: Asap!

Wednesday 20th May 2009

I meet Steve at 3pm outside Elephant and Castle station. I have already encouraged him to come today by taking him out for lunch…..in Weatherspoons. Steve does a lot of social networking over the internet due to his work within the music industry and the unsociable hours he does at work. At 3:20pm we have ordered some food and drinks and then I catch up on what Steve has been up to. Steve orders fish (cod) and chips with peas and has a pint of fosters.

Katie: “So what have you been up to lately? I heard you had a date? How did that go?

Steve: “It went ok….I suppose…the girl is clinging to me a bit though….ill show you a picture (Steve shows Katie a picture of the girl on one of the three mobiles he is carrying with him).

Katie: “She’s pretty….she’s not a link of the internet is she?”

Steve: “No for once….I’m loving the single life though…just having a bit of fun…I don’t really want anything serious at the moment, I am learning to be happy with life on my own and focus on the things I enjoy and my job which I am very happy in”.

Katie: “What did you do on your date?”

Steve: “We walked around St James park for a bit then I dropped her off to the tube station….I then went shopping in Oxford Street”.

Steve was recently engaged but called it off after a few problems so he is quite newly single and is concentrating on his music and socialising amongst new people who are good for his confidence.

3:40 - Steve starts to give me cooking tips whilst we eat our food.
“If you mix sweet chilli sauce with mint yoghurt it tastes really good with salmon and stuff”. Despite giving me cooking tips Steve tells me that he doesn’t really cook much and tends to get takeaways when his mum doesn’t cook as it’s easier for him.

Steve: “Apart from the date on Saturday I am just pleased I have finished the music video I have been doing with this guy from N Dubs (Dappy). I am really happy with it and think the song will be a big success!”

I ask Steve what he normally dinks on a night out and he replied saying that he will just drink Fosters because its cheap and cheerful, other then that he will drink what ever is going. Steve gets a text message from O2 saying that he had no credit on his phone. He then told me all of his phones are on pay as you go.

4:05pm – Me and Steve both go outside for a cigarette. He smokes Richmond Superking’s and smokes about 20 a day. He offers me one which I accept.

Steve has a lot of gel in his hair which he claims is hairspray. He has a bright green Nike t-shirt with a yellow box and white tick with medium blue denim jeans. He also has new Nike trainers on with a blue tick which he claims he only paid £20 for off of a friend when they are about $140 in the states and aren’t out here yet. He wears an Addidas hoodie, his nails are a bit grubby and the only accessory he seems to have is his dog tag chain of his army number.

He seems to know a few people in the pub and says hello to a couple of people walking past when we are outside. This he claims is because he used to go for nights out around the area and works quite near. He makes a lot of comments about the people in the pub including complimenting a girls bum as she walks past…(she doesn’t hear).

4:15pm – Steve goes to the toilet and then plays on the fruit machine while I collect my notes together and wins 50p. I then ask him some of the prepared questions I have asked previous case studies:


Questions
What area do you live in and what are your favourite / worst things about this area?

South East, Brixton. I don’t like the area because there is a lot of crime, ponses and chavs….Its basically crack head Ville. There is too much attitude there….but to be honest I just hate London all together and would love to one day move away to a quieter…more easy going lifestyle.

Video - Steve On South London

Video - Steve On South London 2

How often do you shop for: Clothing? Technology? Food? Accessories? Homewear? Holidays / Trips? Beauty?

I only buy clothing when I can be bothered. Sometimes I will get the urge to go shopping and I might go for an hour or so. I normally know what I want, sometimes the occasional friend will show me something there selling for cheap and I might buy it if it’s a good deal. I will only buy technology if I need it or might treat myself to a new gadget if I can afford it. I would normally go out shopping with my mum and I will buy a month’s worth of food for both of us. I very rarely buy accessories and will only buy Homewear if my mum needs something. I don’t often get the chance to go on trips or holidays so I don’t bother looking around for them unless its work related and as for beauty…..well products cant work miracles (laughs).

Do you customise your clothing?

No….I would only make it look worse

Do you always know what’s happening socially or in your area? With your friends ext?
Yes….the police tell me what’s going on in my area and I find out about my friends online on social networking sites.

Do you speak any other languages?

No but I can use sign language.

Do you dance on a night out clubbing?

I try when I’m sober but don’t know if it’s any good…I’m thinking it isn’t. I don’t really drink excessively.

What are your ambitions / aspirations for the future?

To do well and be good at any career I may choose…money doesn’t mean a lot to me I’d rather just have a happy life then have loads of money.

What shops do you shop in for: Clothing? Technology? Food? Accessories? Homewear? Holidays / Trips? Beauty?

For clothing I shop at Primark (Primarni), Asda, Markets, and get discounts from my other friends in various retail industries. For technology I normally shop at Curry’s, the I pod store, HMV and Tesco’s. The other stuff I will go to certain places when I need to but no where specific. For beauty I need to see a magician (laughs).

What café’s / coffee shops do you go to?
I have recently started going to Starbucks in the west end. I like these because there are always women in there so it’s a good hot spot for flirting and meeting new people. I also go to local café’s for fry ups ext.

Where do you go to socialise?
I normally socialise in bars or clubs with my friends. If not then I will talk to them online or meet up with them in the west end and maybe go for a walk in the park.

Do you go clubbing and if so what type and where?

Anywhere with women! I like to go to laid back and fun places so I can be and feel myself. I have been a dj in the past so I have met a lot of people in clubs and bars by doing that. I like to think I have a good chance with the women and If I can go somewhere and pick up a girl and maybe get laid at the end of the night then I will be very happy. I will go to certain clubs for different types of music, it all depends what mood I’m in. I do normally go to temple bar in Elephant and Castle though because my friends like it there.

Video - Steve On Clubbing

Where do you like to eat out?

I will try not to eat out but do tend to get lazy. I very rarely sit down to eat in a restaurant…I much prefer home cooking and eating at my flat.

Do you go to the movies and if so what’s the last film you saw?

I do go every now and then with my mum, the last film I saw was Saw 5. I normally download my movies so don’t have to go out to see them but when I do I normally go to Peckham because its only £2.99 for any seat and any time.

How much time in the week do you spend socialising?

I socialise every day because I work in retail and the music industry.

Do you work? And if so where and for how many days?

I work in Tesco’s and do night shifts from 11-7 and 12-7 Monday to Saturday morning.

What is your income? (if you don’t mind saying)

£1,200 per month after tax.

Would you say you’re quite cautious with money?

No! Not at the moment (laughs).

What do you spend most of your money on? Do you budget?

Most of my money goes on cigarettes and food. I can budget if I need to but I don’t often.

What is your main mode of transport?

I walk and occasionally take the bus.

Do you have an oyster card or any point’s cards?

I have an oyster card and a Tesco’s point’s card.

Talk about your groups of friends and what they are like.

Most of my friends are female and I would describe them as promiscuous, flirtatious, and a good laugh. I hang out with them because we have the same interests in music and going out ext. I have actually slept with a lot of them.

What do you do in your spare time?
Sleep and socialise.

Do you have any hobbies?

Just my music and practical jokes.

What is your living arrangement?

I live with my mother and my 4 dogs in a enlisted building which is a house conversion into three flats.

What are your modes of communicating with others? i.e. Over the phone, Facebook, Myspace, skype, MSN, face to face.

My mobile, the internet and socialising face to face.

What would you consider your bedroom style to be like? i.e. Minimalist, Retro, Cluttered?

At the moment a bomb site! It’s completely cluttered because me and my mum are in the middle of decorating. (Shows me his wallet with little dabs of orange paint on it and says “This is the colour of my living room….i forgot to cover everything”).

Do you use social networking sites and if so what ones? Are you a member of any groups online?

Yes (all the time!) I use Tagged, Facebook, Myspace, Youtube, MSN, Hi5, Bebo, Face-Party, Esipps (American music based) and Pogo (Gaming based). I am part of the Choong Family group and other music related groups on Facebook.

Video - Steve On Social Networking

What types of food do you eat? Organic?

Anything and everything!

Do you have sky television? Freeview? Ext

Sky and Freeview.

What television programmes do you watch? What are your favourites?

Murder investigations…I like CSI. I enjoy watching films a lot and will watch horror movies, and comedy spoofs.

Video - Steve On Television

What types of music are you into? What are your favourite bands?

Oh where do I start…….grime, hip hop, R&B, bassline, funky house, retro, pop (party tunes), old school garage, dance, trance, house and bashment / dancehall.

Video - Steve On The Music Industry

Do you read books, magazines or newspapers? If so what ones?

(Surprised look) erm…I don’t normally read but at the moment I am reading Richard Prior’s autobiography. It’s a really good read eventhough I’m dyslexic.

Do you use video e-mail / skype / internet over the playstation or anything similar?

I use Skype to chat to women.

What is your bathroom routine?

I will do whatever needs doing first which is normally my hair. It changes everyday.

Do you have a fitness regime?

Getting out of bed (laughs) I think my body is all-right so I don’t really take part in any fitness activities.

Are you a smoker?

Defiantly!

Are you a drug user?

No, but I used to smoke a bit of weed occasionally.

Do you have any piercing’s / tattoos / Hair dye / Plastic surgery?

I have 7 tattoos and want another one but my mum is advising me against it, I have 1 ear piercing on the left side and I have dyed my hair red before but my hair is its natural colour now.

Do you use makeup? If so what brands?

(Laughs)

How are your clothes arranged in your wardrobe?

I don’t have an arrangement but as long as my clothes fit in my wardrobe I’m not bothered.

What is your most expensive purchase on clothing? Was it a multiple buy?

I once bought a leather motorcycling jacket which cost me £370 which I still have but don’t wear.

How many bags / shoes / hats do you own?

I own 7 rucksacks, 12 pairs of trainers, 4 pairs of shoes, 3 pairs of boots and 1 hat.

How old are some of the items in your wardrobe?

I haven’t got a clue.

Do you collect anything?

Music and women (laughs…..joke!).

Do you have a memory box? Medals? Old photos? Achievements?

I have medals from Afghanistan, and photos and a qualification from the army. I also have a special bear that my Nan gave to me before she passed away.

Your favourite 5 things of the week:

Meeting new people
Working night shifts
Spending time with my dogs
Completing the music video project I recently took part in.
Catching up with old friends.

5:05pm – After questioning Steve we just have a casual chat where I threw out some random questions for him to answer. He lets me listen to some of the music he has produced and mixes he has made on his Ipod Touch. He only has one earphone as he broke the other one off at work when it got stuck in a cage. The music he is playing by some of his favourite artists sounds angry and has a lot of attitude. He told me to look up an artist called Plan B with a song called ‘Mumma Loves a Crack Head”. He also plays me a song of him singing over a guitar and I tell him he sounds good. He explains that he is trying to do the song by Boyce Avenue which is a cover of Rhianna’s song – Disturbia.

Katie: “If you had £5000 to spend what would you spend it on?”

Steven: “I would get the new laptop I want from work, clear all my debts, get some new music soft wear, treat my mum to something nice and get something nice for my dogs”.

Katie: “Do you take any fashion inspiration from any celebrities?”

Steven: “Not really, couldn’t care less what celebrities wear…I only care about what music they write and weather I can mix it with something (laughs)”.

Katie: “What were the last 5 things you bought?”

Steven: “Erm….Fags, a Dimebar, coffee, a buss pass, and a newspaper for my mum…(I look at the pictures)”.

Katie: “If you could move out of London and live anywhere else where would it be?

Steven: “Probably Italy”.

Katie: “What would you normally wear on an every day basis?”

Steven: “Well I used to wear tracksuit bottoms all the time but now I stick to jeans through the day with maybe a baggy t-shirt and a hoodie. I like to be comfortable when I’m out and about. Most of the clothing I wear is sportswear and I have a uniform I wear to work which I think I look quite sexy in!”

Katie: “So what do you do at work?”

Steven: “I work for customer services but as there are no customers at night because the store is closed I do general things like tidying departments and checking stock densities”.

5:25pm – Steve goes to the toilet again so I ask him if I can look at his phones while he was gone which he agreed to. They are all Nokia phones. One is pink and has a smashed up screen with a screensaver of a cartoon. The other is also a bit tattered and looks like its been everywhere. His Ipod touch is kool though and I kind of wish I had one myself. He clearly looks after the Ipod touch and it has over 1,800 songs on it. The applications included chess, sudoku, mines, backgammon, safari (internet explorer), Youtube, a programme to upload sketches onto, and other regular applications that you might find on a phone or a computer. When Steve comes back he says that he has played chess on it loads of times but has never beaten the computer. He shows me that he also has a metronome on it which I think is quite pointless.

5:30pm – I ask Steve some more questions:

Katie: “Have you ever been to a club that’s extra ordinary?”

Steven: “No but I have been to a silent disco which was a bit weird…it completely threw me out of sync and I’m not the best at dancing any way. I didn’t really get the jest of it”.

Steve makes a joke about the toilets which was not at all funny and I told him that he needed to try better…he said “At least your not a short person that has to slam dunk your oyster card”…….I started laughing at that point.

We decided to call it a day as Steven had work in an hour or so. I asked Steven if he could send me some pictures of his last night out clubbing and tell me about his night which he said he would as soon as he could. My impressions of Steven during our meet is that he is a confident, friendly and outspoken person. He is always laughing and making joked (eventhough most of them sexual innuendos) he seems like a fun guy. I think his priorities with technology lie on his music production and therefore he needs all the top gadgets to be able to enhance his work. Social networking also seems very important in his life as that’s his main mode of communication towards others. It did concern me as to how much time he spends online as he always seems to be online when I am checking e-mail ext. He seems quite in the know of all the new videos and bits and bobs you can watch and listen to online as well as taking part in sharing these things himself through wall posts and e-mail. He told me he would stay in touch throughout the rest of my project and communicate with me online or even possibly meet up again if he gets the chance.