They think Brighter than you Shine

October 09, 2017

The first story in a series about Detroit, photographer Bolade Banjo's They think Brighter than you Shine explores one high school baseball team and the pertinent theme of perseverance—an introspective look at the lifeblood of America through the lens of one major city with an oft-negative reputation.

"[The book] came about from my pursuit of the truth, especially in this day and age of 'Fake News,'" Banjo says. "I didn't want to fall victim to 'He said, she said' talk about a city that many people hold dear, so I decided to go and find out for myself."

They think Brighter than you Shine also includes a 25-minute soundtrack CD by Detroit-based house musician John FM, a collaboration that further exemplifies how perseverance in The Motor City translates across all fields, creative or not.

Check out some scans from the photobook below, and purchase They think Brighter than you Shine here.

Culture

Fcukers Pack the Pool

April 09, 2024

My entire week was filled with people asking me, “Are you going to the pool on Saturday?” But we weren’t talking about swimming. One of the best bands to party with and some of the best music to party to, Fcukers filled an empty pool with bass, drums, a soccer ball, and a little bit of cardio. Shanny Wise floats around on psychedelic vocals, Ben Scharf holds it down on the drums, and Jackson Walker Lewis hammers on bass and keys (sometimes simultaneously), tying everything together to create club classics in the making. Scantily clad city kids came “dressed for a pool party” and superfans somehow knew all the words to unreleased tracks. Fcukers has a well-earned diehard fanbase. You have to really love a band to ride 45 minutes on the L train wearing nothing but a bathing suit and fur coat.

By Izzy Capulong
Photos by Izzy Capulong, Michelle Paradis, Matt Weinberger

The sold-out Fcukers gig had security stressed and militant. Even with only three released tracks, Fcukers is one of the most sought-after bands in the city, selling out shows through word of mouth or a single Instagram flyer alone — whether it be their Baby’s All Right debut or their Market Hotel show that brought an earplug-wearing Beck to Brooklyn. Having already played worldwide and collaborated with James Murphy, their Saturday show had a real lineup. Produced by SAA and Matte Projects, the party was supported by local heroes UMFANG, Kilopatrah Jones, Ivan Berko, and Tommy Gold.

We could barely get a hold of Jackson Walker Lewis, producer, bassist, keys, and composer. Yelling over the bass, our interview was quick and mediated by the fans, to say the least.

What did you think of the show?

Jackson Walker Lewis — I thought it was cool. I couldn’t really see but I thought it was cool from what I could see.

How did it feel?

JWL — I mean, we did the thing

Michelle Paradis — You have to be more passionate!

Angelina Hazzouri — Fcukers is it!

MP — It was great, it was nasty, it was dirty…

JWL — For the record that wasn’t my quote

People knew your songs!

JWL — Debatable.

At least with “Mothers,” people were singing along.

JWL — That’s the one that’s released and people did know that one.

What do you want people to know about Fcukers?

JWL — Nothing.

AH — No, Jackson-

MP — You can’t say that!

No, that’s good.

Culture

Vans Skate and Anthony Van Engelen: AVE 2.0 Release & Gallery Tour in LA

Marking a special moment in their twenty-year-long relationship, the AVE 2.0 is Van Engelen’s latest signature shoe. Commemorating the release, Vans presented the inaugural installment of its “Commitment to Progression” gallery tour with an archival AVE exhibition and talk with Catherine Acosta (Vans Chief Archivist and Historian) and Neal Shoemakers (Director of Design, Vans Skate), followed by a Vans Skate team demo, and an open-call, cash-for-tricks session at the brand's DTLA flagship.

AVE, Catherine Acosta (Vans Chief Archivist and Historian), and Neal Shoemakers (Director of Design, Vans Skate

The "Commitment to Progression" tour will land in Shanghai and Seoul later this year.

Check out scenes from the cash-for-tricks session that closed out the night below.

Culture

Moss Grows In Midtown

At the club’s inaugural salon in their interim Midtown space (a 59th floor penthouse, no less) supporters and friends of the club gathered for a panel discussion with designer and researcher Mindy Seu, in conversation with culinary artist and producer Angel Dimayuga. The conversation floated between topics grounded in love and relationships, Seu’s latest work, “Cyberfeminism Index”, and humorous explanations of the menu that guests received throughout the panel.

Sipping on “Reverse Aging” cocktails (algae and coconut fat-based), attendees sampled earthy mochis bathed in broth, a grassy custard mixture seductively dolloped into a curved glass (meant for licking off), and strewn-high piles of radishes and leafy greens on a grazing table.

Moss’s permanent location will open at 520 Fifth Avenue in 2025, a five-story clubhouse that promises a cocktail of intrigue and unexpected flavor.