writing
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In conversation with Azure Kai: too much is never enough
“Now, how much is too much?” That’s the questions Azure Kai—real name Ashley Zingillioglu—asks herself when writing and producing songs. She treats each track like an experimental recipe, mixing instruments and sound effects so each musical build is purposeful and every inch of silence is filled. Boasting whistles, crowd cheers, and the rhythmic thumps of…
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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 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…
