Editor's Log 020

020 energy, grime remembering its own, and concerts doing the healing

Hi all,

Welcome back to the Editor’s Log! This one’s a bit of a milestone - Editor’s Log 020, like 020sik. lol.

Monday

Kate Moss is on the cover of EE72. I have to say, the covers have been getting steadily better. They didn’t exactly start from the strongest place, but they seem to be finding their rhythm now.

The Featured Artists Coalition has launched a new artist touring fund. Eligible artists can apply for up to £7,000, or a maximum of 40% of their total tour expenditure, and applications from marginalised communities are actively encouraged!

Umbro and fabric have released a collaborative merch line for the club. I’ll be honest: I hate when institutions collaborate for no real reason and end up producing something this bland. Safe to say I’m not a fan.

Very sad news as grime legend Dot Rotten passed away at just 37. He was a foundational figure in grime’s early years - producer, MC, the whole lot. If you’ve never listened to his work, now is the time. Still not over that one.

Tuesday

V&A East launched a paid project for 16–24 year olds from East London. It’s aimed at people interested in music and journalism who want to get a foot in the door, a great opportunity.

Brown History also published a piece about immigrant women in Britain being fed radioactive rotis as part of past scientific experiments. Horrifying.

Wednesday

Thom Waite wrote for Dazed about the supposed decline of ballet and opera, and why that might not necessarily be a bad thing. I actually agree with quite a lot of it. I’ve also been quietly getting into ballet recently; Lucinda Childs has quickly become a favourite.

Nan Goldin has a new photobook coming out titled Sisters, Saints, and Sibyls. It centres on the tragic life of Goldin’s sister and is dedicated “to all rebellious women struggling to survive in society.” Very excited to see this one.

Telfar dropped a “Fear of Job” collection. As soon as I saw it I thought of a few friends. Credit where it’s due: Jerry Lorenzo seems to have taken the joke in good spirits too.

London is also getting a new drug-checking service, which is an enheartening step toward making nightlife safer and preventing avoidable harm.

Meanwhile, Indian streetwear’s newest breakout name has landed a Nike deal; it’s good to see Indian style and street culture getting international recognition.

And I saw Dave live again. Honestly, unbelievable. He brought out MoStack, TimDuzIt, and, most importantly for me, Kano. I was absolutely gassed. Easily the best concert I’ve ever been to.

Thursday

East London lecture night Lost Property was featured in Dazed and is set to take over Saatchi Yates soon. I’d actually been meaning to reach out about doing a lecture with them, looks like I may have left it slightly too late now they’re going big-time.

Alhan Gençay is back with a new series: Alhan FM. It’s basically Gasworks without Poet, but it still looks like it’ll be a lot of fun.

Friday

I watched Louis Theroux’s Manosphere documentary. It was entertaining and occasionally shocking, but I’m not sure it was especially educational. Maybe that’s just because I’m a bit too online already.

James Blake, Kibo, and D1 all released new music - all bangers.

In the evening I went to Saiming’s first headline show. Really good fun and a great crowd. I’d never seen Deema live before either, which was a nice bonus.

Saturday

Design duo YY were interviewed in Wallpaper. I actually met them a couple of weeks ago and they’re really impressive - very clear thinkers with strong ideas. Excited to see what they do next, and hopefully work together at some point.

Sunday

URN interviewed Nori, who’s been on a serious run recently. I interviewed him myself a couple of years ago, so it’s nice seeing him blow up.

Travis Alabanza is returning to The Common Press for another Trans Music Takeover. Really hope I can make this one!

The first episode of Alhan FM also dropped - an interview with DSavv while he’s literally on the run. Completely chaotic in the best way.

And finally, the Academy Awards. I’m always slightly wary of red carpet fashion, it rarely lives up to the hype. The only things to note: Nicole Kidman looked good, and everyone wearing Louis Vuitton could’ve looked better. Happy to see Michael B. Jordan take Best Actor, and One Battle win Best Picture, even though I still need to watch it.

And of course, happy Mother’s Day to any mums reading!

Until next week,
Sik

P.S. Going to the Ken Carson show tonight, and might be linking him after. Expectations are low, but I’ll report back next week.