ICW
a.k.a. In Conversation With
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In conversation with Stolen Gin: BA‑DUM. BA‑DUM. BA‑DUM‑CRASH.
The first time you see Stolen Gin live — not just hear them, but feel them — it’s like being hit by a brass section in a back alley at midnight. There’s a drumbeat crawling up your ribcage, a bassline growling low and hungry, and then five NYU friends fling themselves into the room like someone…
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In conversation with Jake Thistle: college student, singer-songwriter, and rising star
The typical routine of a college student consists of many late-night study sessions, part-time jobs, and the occasional existential crisis. Jake Thistle’s life consists of all of that, plus a successful music career on the side. A journalism and communication double major at Rutgers University, Thistle grew up in Bergen County, New Jersey, but his…
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In conversation with John Vurro: on his debut novel ‘Play, Rewind’ and writing what you know
Before John Vurro ever published a novel, he was stocking shelves and rewinding VHS tapes at his father’s video store in Manhattan. “We would just watch so many movies, and you just start to understand how movies kind of work after a while,” Vurro explained. “I think watching so many movies helped me understand scene…
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In conversation with Annelise Gonzalez: no longer the opening act
On June 22, around 100 people packed into The Basement in Nashville, Tennessee, to celebrate the release of Annelise Gonzalez’s debut EP, Enough for Me, Anyway. It was a full-circle moment for Gonzalez, who was no longer the opener but the headlining act. “It was insane to pack a room. It’s been so beautiful and…
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In conversation with scxtty: TikTok’s next viral sound
“pov: you are in a BAND from new jersey. i’m looking for an opener for my show in Asbury Park nj at the asbury park brewery on june 20th. comment! tag your band friends!!!” Somehow, TikTok’s algorithm sensed my proximity to the beachfront city and even the frequency with which I’ve visited over the last…
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In conversation with Spyne!: ‘Out of Nowhere’ and into the spotlight
When asked to describe his band, guitarist Liam Muhler put it simply: “I gotta say, this is probably one of the luckiest bands where I’ve ever seen where stuff just kind of falls together last minute and it’s great.” From the band’s split-second meetings, successful two days in the studio, and natural musical abilities, Spyne!…
