Behind the scenes

Inside the Big Issue: Self Esteem is not holding back

Big Issue sat down with British pop phenomenon Self Esteem and beloved activist and actor Julie Hesmondhalgh. Read more in this week's Big Issue.

Inside the Big Issue: Self Esteem and Julie Hesmondhalgh

Rebecca Lucy Taylor – AKA pop phenomenon Self Esteem – is having a brew with actor Julie Hesmondhalgh and Big Issue. It’s mid-afternoon on the hottest day of the year so far, and the lunch rush is over at Oxford House Café in Bethnal Green. Stylish young profes – sionals tap at their laptops; sunlight streams through the windows.

But it sort of feels, Taylor remarks, like we’re in the dying hours of a house party. “Sorry, this is getting a bit 3am in the kitchen,” she jokes, concluding an impassioned reproof on the state of council arts funding. “No that’s good,” Hesmondhalgh interjects, “that’s good! [Those are] my favourite conversations.”

Big Issue sat down with British pop phenomenon Self Esteem and beloved activist and actor Julie Hesmondhalgh to talk music, politics – and how a good gig can change your life.

Read more in this week’s magazine.

What else is in this week’s Big Issue?

We could use the council tax hike on empty homes and second properties to build thousands of new community-led houses

Local authorities are now able to charge a 100% council tax premium on second homes left vacant throughout the year in England, following in the footsteps of Wales where councils were given the green light to hike rates last year. Here’s what they could do with that money.

Their children are in jail for murder – as bystanders to the crime. These parents are fighting to change the law

Sally Halsall collapsed screaming when her son Alex Henry was convicted for murder. She recalls a journalist describing her as a wild animal. As she was removed from the public gallery, she heard another mother wail when her son was also declared guilty. An ambulance had to be called because the woman fell ill with shock. Henry was convicted under joint enterprise law, meaning he was found guilty by association.

Music in schools delivers an essential pathway out of poverty

Imagine a science lesson without Bunsen burners; a maths lesson without calculators. How can the teacher convey the magic and brilliance of music without having the instruments and resources to do so?


Do you have a story to tell or opinions to share about this? Get in touch and tell us moreBig Issue exists to give homeless and marginalised people the opportunity to earn an income. To support our work buy a copy of the magazine or get the app from the App Store or Google Play.

How many kids, Keir?

Ask the PM to tell us how many kids he'll get out of poverty
Image of two parents holding two small children, facing away from the camera

Recommended for you

View all
Substance abuse led me to homelessness. Now I'm 20 years sober and in love with giving back
Big Issue Invest

Substance abuse led me to homelessness. Now I'm 20 years sober and in love with giving back

Inside the Big Issue: Be more Finland
Inside the Big Issue

Inside the Big Issue: Be more Finland

Happy birthday, Big Issue Invest: 20 people look back on 20 years of social investment
Big Issue Invest

Happy birthday, Big Issue Invest: 20 people look back on 20 years of social investment

How a grassroots effort to save an abandoned leisure centre grew into something much more
Big Issue Invest

How a grassroots effort to save an abandoned leisure centre grew into something much more