-
In conversation with EG Vines: choosing his own path
“I hope people open their minds when they listen to [the album].” That philosophy sits at the heart of EG Vines’ newest album, Kaleidoscope Dream. Blending Americana storytelling with alternative rock energy, the record draws from a life shaped by a conservative upbringing, a decade spent working in corporate America, and the leap of faith…
-
In conversation with Lauren Oelkers: a community woven through hair
When people picture a hair salon, they often imagine rows of classic styling chairs, neutral colors, and shelves lined with hair products. But at Defiant Hair and Lonely Girl Vintage in Flemington, New Jersey, that familiar image is turned on its head. Equal parts salon and vintage boutique, the shop offers far more than a…
-
In conversation with Conni Freestone: proof she was here
Every photograph is, in some way, an act of preservation. For photographer Conni Freestone, whose camera has captured everything from sweaty club shows and wrinkled bulldog faces to classic cars and the changing landscape of Asbury Park, photography has always been about proving a moment existed before it didn’t. That philosophy became the foundation of…
-
In conversation with PJM Bond: rejecting perfection in favor of humanity
In a world increasingly shaped by AI, Dutch singer-songwriter PJM Bond has made it his mission to reject it and embrace life’s imperfections — especially in his music. “What’s the point of listening to immaculately perfect pop songs?” he questioned. “By allowing mistakes to happen and by not focusing on perfection, I wanted my album…
-
In conversation with Sam Slick: music at the center of life
Before becoming a father, Sam Slick had already built a family of his own through music. Over the years, the folk-rock musician surrounded himself with a close-knit band whose chemistry and collaboration helped shape the sound of his newest album, After the Dream, Before the Memories, turning years of songwriting into his most fully realized…
-
In conversation with Mike Chick: turning mistakes into meaning
It all started with a gifted cake—and a misspelling. A small yet thoughtful gesture from family after Yawn Mower released their album To Each Their Own Coat. But instead of “congrats,” the icing read “congarts.” It was the kind of mistake most people would get mad over and soon try to forget, but Mike Chick…
Focused on the next big thing
