culture porn 6/23
our summer playlist
screenshot me:
sza:sos (apple music)
for her long-awaited new album, SZA collaborated with travis scott, ol' dirty bastard, and phoebe bridgers – and her fans – asking them to weigh in on which track versions they prefer of her emotionally riveting, soul-searching work.
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endless summer vacation: miley cyrus (columbia records)
i have been familiar with miley cyrus' music from her start as a DISNEY pop star prodigy. i am, without guilt, enjoying her new album, especially her post-breakup empowerment song and massive hit single, "flowers," a fusion of vintage soft rock, disco, and 2020s pop. it's fun to see how she continues to evolve as a candid songwriter, able to capture emotions with her rich and raspy voice. this is a mature album with a distinct voice that is worth a listen.
- anabel, CULTIQUE creative head
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keep your courage (natalie merchant)
natalie merchant has attained a place among america’s most respected recording artists. on her ninth solo album, KEEP YOUR COURAGE; she examines love in all its guises. this is, in her words, “an album about the human heart.” her beautiful, intimate voice, captivating melodies, and the quality of her lyrics put this album in the category of “must-haves.”
- anabel, CULTIQUE creative lead
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radio rental (apple podcasts)
more episodes are back of my beloved creepy podcast show of true-live bizarre and scary tales, hosted by rainn wilson, in character as eccentric shopkeeper "terry carnation." the stories are short, but perfect to pass the time while driving -- often i keep circling in my car to find out what happens!
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the highwaymen (apple music/spotify)
thanks to my fiancé, i've been listening to this country supergroup nonstop (the band consists of johnny cash, willie nelson, waylon jennings, and kris kristofferson). the songs transport me thanks to the gravely, perfect vocals and melodies: my favorite two are AMERICAN REMAINS and HIGHWAYMAN. also perfect for long motorcycle rides!
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bone valley (apple podcasts)
amidst a big move and a lot of things going on in my life, i needed a deeply riveting true crime tale to escape into for moments of reprieve. i stumbled on BONE VALLEY, a wrongful conviction podcast that reminded me a bit of SERIAL. it's moving, sad, and raises a lot of questions about our justice system. in the meantime, leo schofield is still in a florida prison for his wife's 1987 murder, most recently denied parole on may 3.
insights & inspo
should you really post your “digital detox”?
our co-founder, sarah, spoke to NYLON about the new gen z trend: digital detoxing. the dilemma faced is unplugging in a hyperconnected world, and the irony lies in the fact that these digital detoxers often document and share their own detox experiences online. so, can it truly be considered a detox if one curates their abstinence for screen consumption?
more insights here
in david king reuben’s LOUIS VUITTON portfolio, everything is generated by A.I.— except the clothes
when artist david king reuben was commissioned to recreate looks from LV’s spring/summer ‘23 collection using AI image generators, the question raised was whether AI could distrupt or even destroy the entire market, but the conversation quickly turned blasé as he realized using AI could be utilized as a fun tool, creating alien-like beings touting actual high-end fashion. with pharrell’s recent LV menswear debut featuring pretty much every celeb in the game, it seems the fashion industry can stay calm and carry on. 👡👡
more insights here
#LOokforward🌅 with linda ong
it’s great to culture-vulture in london with rajiv menon, starting with our visit with architect richard parr and his biz partner ben lamb. over a farm-fresh lunch, they shared their latest: the “experiential hospitality” of THE NEWT in now-happening somerset, topping the list for my next UK trip.
vladimir putin was also in london, by way of the new play by peter morgan (THE CROWN). PATRIOTS, which charts the despot’s rise through his once-closest oligarch, is playing the west end this summer. it brings to life a chilling, timely tale.
increasingly, great art seems to be devolving into commercialized “experiences” today. but when david hockney collaborates with nico muhly on an immersive show, it feels like a living documentary. the focus on his process and perspective elevates my appreciation of his work.
for linda’s full debrief, head here