Peeking over the edge of culture (Vol. 3)
Interesting things I saw in the wild lately…
Music i’m enjoying right here
My own thoughts:
Publications like Channel 5 and American Style are asking people simple questions and letting them unravel their raw yet complicated opinions. They are putting a mirror up to society as it’s morphing, without judging. Instead guiding, framing and nudging the information out of people. There’s a restraint and reduction of ego required but it fruits the best insights. The truth is not linear, it’s not always pretty but it’s the way forward and unlocks what’s coming next. In a society of yelling, and telling, listening is the answer to true understanding and clarity.
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I had a thought watching this Rosalia interview - that artists, musicians and creatives are the ultimate creative directors. They are disciplined, determined, relevant and in touch with the zeitgeist. They understand not just what is happening now, but what is to come, how people behave and how trends form. It might not always be conscious to them, but they are in tune with the human condition like no other. Next time you need a cinematographer, a mood-boardist, a stylist - talk to an artist you know and respect, they will have the answers.
Quotes by others:
“The cultural and societal circumstance of post 9-11 New York, that birthed those early 2000s bands (The Strokes) mirrors the societal circumstance of New York, post-pandemic (Geese etc)” Tia Ho via TikTok
“Stanley Kubrick described his job of director as being a ‘kind of idea and taste machine. To make right decisions as often as possible’” via ‘Liberation Through Hearing’ book by Richard Russell
“Phone is cigarette for eyes” Anon in TikTok comments
“My favourite artists don’t give you what you want, they give you what you need” - Rosalia via NYTimes Interview
Holy Carp
I think this is quite genius. Such a simple and elegant solution to the small plastic fishes we are used to.
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Pigeons but shoot it like a hardcore show
Sometimes you see something like this, that feels like it’s been sitting in plain sight but you’ve never thought about it. I’m buying the coffee table book once if it ever drops.
ZEP - Promo Vids
An artist I like, nate sib signed to a publishing company recently and I saw this guy ZEP also on the company’s IG feed. Went down the rabbit hole and discovered his incredible promo videos for his songs. They are part-music video, part-performance video. They make me intrigued and excited to listen to him and follow his journey. Good inspo for the aspiring musicians out there thinking about what content to create. Spending creative energy on videos like this is how to cut through the algorithm and get people’s attention.
Speaking of incredible artists videos. This is how you do it. I love how Eli Dayo does this format, repeatedly. These videos engaging, shareable, showing off her talent and aesthetic all in one.
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Blood Orange x AIAIAI Headphones Collaboration
I now own these headphones. Surprised they haven’t sold out tbh. Love the design, probably wont listen to them but love them as a collectable.
Jols Rebrand
I’ve been on the Jols wave for a couple years and they recently rebranded their packaging to appeal to Gen Z. Turning a grandma product into something for everyone is smart and I think they’ve done a good job here. If you’re trying to kick a vape habit, which I did a while ago Jols are very helpful as a supplement
Nara Smith x Algae Cooking Club Garlic Oil Collab
I’m a sucker for these types of collabs. I’m intrigued to buy this and as I’ve never tried algae oil before. I love the creative direction of the Nara collab, the shoot, the graphics, the bottle. Also, algae seems like a magical product similar to coconuts.. makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.
ADIP X Gap
ADIP makes elite cooking videos. They look incredible, the recipes look amazing as well. This collab with GAP was extremely well done. The narrative, the visuals, the food p*rn. Loved it.
Gabbriette x Devon Lee Adidas Campaign
Getting these 2 alone will sell these shoes out. Such a great campaign video, creative direction. Couldn’t have nailed the brief harder. Expect all the girlies to be wearing these shoes in the coming weeks.
Shygirl ALIAS 5th Anniversary Skin Box
“Using the new lube to open your box” - This just popped up on my feed. It looks weird as fuck, but I love it. Anything emulating skin texture or hair is creepy but very intiguing at the same time.
Erykah Badu x Erewhon Smoothie Collab
This is a perfect alignment tbh. Out of all the Erewhon smoothie collabs, these feels extremely on-point. I would love to try this smoothie.
Listening to right wing pods for a week straight and this is what I’ve learned.
Respect to his woman for doing this. Anytime someone takes it upon themselves to investigate an issue in a weird and new way I am very intrigued. Going back to my point above, listening to what people are saying is the ultimate guiding light. Even if it’s unpleasant or goes against what you think, understanding through listening allows for strength and confidence.
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I'd missed all these, I'm clearly out of the loop. Thanks for the steer!