Musician · Other
In this cultural column, Gary Grimes analyzes Romain Gavras’ new two-part music video 'Storm' for Gener8tion featuring Yung Lean. Set in a dystopian Leeds school, the film explores teenage masculinity, violence, and rebellion through striking visuals and choreography by Damian Jalet. Grimes situates the work within Gavras’ provocative filmography and broader pop-cultural references, praising its hypnotic blend of aggression and artistry.
Written by Cat How of How&How, this opinion piece argues that so-called 'anti-branding' is not a rejection of branding but a strategic evolution of it. Using examples like Jolene’s child-drawn logo, Charli XCX’s Brat album, and Patagonia’s 'Don’t Buy This Jacket' campaign, How contends that these are calculated branding moves disguised as rebellion. The article dismantles the myth of authenticity in design, asserting that all visual identities are deliberate brand strategies.
The article explores how contemporary musicians are increasingly treating album campaigns as immersive visual worlds, integrating design, photography, and set direction into cohesive brand identities. It highlights projects like Chappell Roan’s 'The Subway' and Charli XCX’s 'Brat', and discusses Bijan Berahimi’s exhibition 'Eyes and Ears' that surveys this trend. Designers and creative directors emphasize the growing importance of visual storytelling in music marketing.
The article profiles New York studio Special Offer and its founder Brent David Freaney, exploring the studio’s elastic, community-driven approach to design. It focuses on their work for Charli XCX’s 2024 album 'brat', which became a defining visual moment of the year, and touches on collaborations with Martine Syms. The piece highlights Special Offer’s philosophy, design process, and influence on contemporary visual culture.