by Tessa Ruben
Vanessa Cuccia photographed by Eva Zar
Aligning sexual and spiritual awakenings, Vanessa Cuccia sits down to share her road to her own inner connections.
by Tyler Boudreaux
Photography by Danielle DeGrasse | Fashion by Andrew Mukamal
by Israel Mejia
Photography by Diego Bendezu | Fashion by Scott Shapiro
Meeting Jonathon Ng, the multifaceted artist behind EDEN, is a quiet experience. The Dublin based singer-songwriter was in town to promote the upcoming release of his debut album vertigo and seemed pretty calm for a fresh faced twenty-two year-old who would soon be embarking on an almost sold-out world tour this coming spring. It’s not necessarily a surprise that the composer behind songs such as drugs and sex, singles off of his 2016 EP i think you think too much of me, would present himself as stoic and self-controlled. He would go on to explain that growing up, he always welcomed surprises. His willingness to “roll with the tide,” as he puts it, should explain how his career in music came to be. Talking to Jonathon you get a sense that besides lyrically composing deep and thoughtful messages, he is in a sense an old soul. We sat down on a chilly winter afternoon to talk about his creative process and new album, vertigo.
by Tyler Boudreaux
Photography by Colleen Mescole
The ghosts of Alan Vega and Prince wail through the synthesizers on a Palm Springsteen song. The electricity of Mick Jagger shakes in frontman Nick Hinman’s tapered pants. And although you can credit their dynamism to the sounds of Joy Division, Talking Heads, or any other New Wave sweaty dance groove, Palm Springsteen are in the wake of their potential to become modern icons on their own.
by Tyler Boudreaux
Photography by Colleen Mescole
Juliana Ronderos and Nicolas Losada—Hooli and Nico—cast a hypnotizing production as the indie electronic duo Salt Cathedral. Since 2013, they’ve been fusing Colombian dance rhythms with American pop lyricism and New York electronic culture to create a completely unique sound.
by Almaz Messgna
Photography by Jackie Robertson
AfroPunk — the seminal music event celebrating those that have been othered in a place for us, by us, took over Commodore Barry Park for two soul-binding and reaffirming days. For the past 13 years, the Brooklyn based festival has brought hundreds and now thousands of Black people together to openly celebrate their Blackness in an environment that appreciates the gifts and nuances of Black culture. Embracing Black punks, a community further othered because of their skin, is the cornerstone of Afropunk, but this year Afropunk continued their expansion into soul, embracing the young R&B leaders at the forefront of politically influenced music.
by Athanasia Efthimiu
Photography by Colleen Mescole
When someone asks a question about The Skins, a single-word answer will never do. Because when it comes to the band’s genre, style, and influences, you’re met with a web of complexities that makes this act truly unique.
by Lara Arbid
Photography by Amina Gingold | Fashion by Lucy Bermudez
It takes a lot to stand out in the hip hop world today. Cue Anik Khan, the Queens-based rapper with a magnetic energy and compelling story.
by Athanasia Efthimiu
Photography by Tiffany Nicholson | Fashion by Kendal Steensen
Music by the emerging artist Mafalda has a magical effect of awakening your emotional side. As soon as one of her songs surges through your speakers, her beautiful lyrics, voice, and vibe tug at your softer, more solemn self.
by Mimi Chang
Photography by Jason Barbagelott & Van Van Alonso | Fashion by Lisa Bae
It’s no secret that the Bronx breeds musical talent. Maxine Ashley is no exception and is not one to be slept on. Broken into the music scene at age 13, the singer / songwriter is no stranger to the industry and intends to run it by her own rules.