Peeking over the edge of culture (Vol. 4)
Interesting things I saw in the wild lately…
Music i’m enjoying right here
My own thoughts:
“Do the hard thing early” I don’t know where or why I had this thought but it feels pertinent.
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I predict that TikTok will offer users a paid, ad-free tier in 2026. Why? This builds upon the notion that TikTok has become the new TV for many people. A randomised, non stop scroll of new content. Turn your phone sideways and it’s a mini TV. Turn your TV upwards and it’s a giant phone.
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The Australian social media ban for U16s has come into effect in Dec 2025. I appreciate the potential upsides of decreasing youth activity on social media. But there doesn’t appear to be any consideration for the artists and creatives who use these platforms to build audiences and consume content. It reminds me of the ridiculous 2014 Sydney Lock Out Laws in Sydney brought into reduce alcohol-fuelled street violence. These laws were a disaster, ruining the nightlife and creativity of the city which is still being felt over a decade later. It was complete mistake by the government at the time.
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Dreaming vs reality - I find it more useful to just forget about the future, the lack of potential and focus on right now only. Then other times I dare to dream. To aspire, to plan. To be creative in the context of what I can do and what I want to achieve. This is a constant pendulum.
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Trends to keep track of this month:
Friction-maxxing
Corporate slop bowls
Quotes by others:
“Money doesn’t buy happiness. It buys the absence of certain pains.” Erin Lowry
“Its unwise to over-learn any lesson” - Maya Handa (Zohran Momdani Campaign Manager)
“Emotions are timeless” Josh Safdie
“Twitch live-streaming is just talk back radio” Chris Black
“New Social requires brands to think of certain features within an app for awareness and think of other features within an app for community. If your feed is your front door, then your DMs are your dinner table. How do you make content that invites someone in?” Rachel Karten via her Link in Bio Substack
The Clubbing Bubble via @arnii.wav
Loved this breakdown of how club culture and the underground will always exist as a necessity and rebellion. Also the macro economic shifts that will impact creative industries and workers.
Julia Fox x David Protein Bars
Well executed, perfectly cast and genuinely engaging
Interview with Patreon Founder Jack Conte and @crazybr0keasian
In regards to ‘cracking’ the IG and TT algorithm, he said:
“The more personal the feeling, the more universal it is”
NYC Photographer and author Jared Thomas Tapy. Brilliant video, really interesting take. Here’s a couple takeaway quotes:
"Artists don’t market their lifestyle, they market their perspective.
“People don’t need your morning routine, they need the way you think”
Why Are So Many Actors Creating Alter Egos?
Really, this is an excuse for me to talk about Mr Fantasy. I think it’s fascinating how this character is being played in front of all of us. It reminds me of the conversation around AI influencers. Technically, Mr Fantasy is an artificial influencer (played by a real life actor). He’s getting brand deals, growing his socials and having more fun than any ‘regular’ person can.
Charlie Puth ‘Producing’ a stranger’s song from TikTok
Basically, Charlie found this incredible raw demo by an artist (Kenny Whitmire) on TT, then properly produced it for him so it’s studio-ready. An incredible insight into how people can find success on TikTok and how bigger artists can ‘give back’ in meaningful ways. Worth a watch.
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Harry Styles and Jacob Elordi are wearing the same loafers
They’re by The Row (Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s brand)
Vic Mensa political commentary from the backyard (featuring orange trees)
For many years, I thought Vic Mensa was corny. But seeing these videos, the procuction quality, the insights, the humor I’m very impressed. He’s speaking truth to power in a crazy time. These videos and his voice feel very necessary right now.
Eugene Healey put together a list of Knowledge Influencers that you need to follow on TikTok and LinkedIn.
“If you want your feed to make you feel smarter instead of slightly concussed, here’s who you should actually be following.”
If Seinfeld was filmed today series by @alexfsands.
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The Secret Behind Zohran Mamdani’s Viral Videos
These guys are at the top of their game. Really insightful, in the weeks stuff on one of the most effective social campaigns of the year.
Spotify Wrapped: ‘Your 2025 Artists’ Top Artists’
Geese mentioned. Dijon mentioned. Oklou mentioned.
Yoyo breaks down how brands should be marketing like K-pop groups
Fred again.. and Ezra Collective’s Femi Koleoso in-depth chat with a group of young musicians in collaboration with Instagram
They talk vulnerability, nurturing your resilience, and the never-ending pursuit of making.
Foley Artist Sanaa Kelley Creates Iconic Footstep Sounds for HBO’s I Love LA
I do wonder if this role will be replaced with AI eventually. I hope not, cos this is really cool to see.
@Outbacktom posted this mini-movie. No ad, no hashtags. I love how it’s shot, and it’s a fun use of social media as a means of expression
