COVERS
Scooter LaForge: Life Is Art; Art Is Life
Originally from Las Cruces, New Mexico, Scooter LaForge is one of New York City’s most mysterious characters. A friendly, approachable painter with an easygoing style, he constantly code-switches, weaving his fascination with words and everyday details into conversations that are often about conversation itself. His painting works on the same principle. The brushstrokes are the point—frozen movement that reveals moving targets of “meaning.” In his Gesamtkunstwerk apartment, the artist answers some of our questions.
Dehd: Honesty and intuition
From the ebullient Humboldt Park scene in Chicago, this classic indie rock trio has become one of the most promising acts, with a slow-cooked career that drove to high expectations with their new album, “Blue Skies”. We talked to them in London.
Twenty Five – Groove Armada
We met up with Groove Armada at their rehearsal studio as they began preparing for their upcoming UK tour. To celebrate 25 years of touring, the legendary duo call time on their legendary live show – one of the last opportunities to see their career spanning hits played in venues around the UK. After a 10 year hiatus, Tom Findlay and Andy Cato have made a huge comeback with their latest record Edge of Horizon.
Breaking Glass
In the twelve years since self-styled ‘cultural producer’ Ryan Lanji arrived in London from his native Vancouver, he’s steadily built an impressive career first shaking up the fashion and art world, before shapeshifting into a multi-hyphenate DJ, radio-host, club promoter and now TV personality with BBC Three's forthcoming 'The Big Proud Party Agency'. But it's this creative unicorn's queer Bollywood hip hop night Hungama that’s really captured the world's attention, driven by his relentless championing of the South Asian LGBTQ community and refusal to let any glass ceiling go unshattered.
Zen Jenn Rising
Jennifer Saayeng isn’t one to let other people’s preconceptions box her in. She’s steadily built an impressively eclectic resume first in musical theatre, before sidestepping into straight stage work and even TV mainstays like ‘EastEnders’, working alongside legendary talents like the late great Stephen Sondheim along the way. Now she can add Ridley Scott to that list, as she makes her debut in season two of his acclaimed sci-fi epic ‘Raised By Wolves’.
Introducing King Hannah
If you thought indie rock was dead, you might be wrong. This duo from Liverpool sound like some of the best 90’s bands but with a very strong and contemporary personality. We met them in London and talked about their art and philosophy.
The Cult of Kevin
Following a career spanning more than 35 years across film, TV and Broadway, Kevin Chamberlin has found new fame on TikTok. We spoke to ‘Bertram the butler’ about how his life has been flipped upside down through social media.
In flesh and blood
Phil Manzanera (London, 1951) is living history in popular music: he played with Roxy Music, was a top guitarist and producer and his contribution to music is more than remarkable. We caught up with him (and had a very good time!) in his Gallery Studios.
Breaking the Cycle
We spoke to Jordan Stephens, musician, actor, writer and creative about masculinity, the difficulties of being a public figure for mental health, and the impact of generational trauma on the creation of his new personal project.
Taurus Energy
Non-binary multidisciplinary artist Métaraph creates fast, ethereal and melancholic sound journeys, mastering a metamorphis of genres. We spoke to the DJ, music producer, jewellery designer and conceptual artist shortly after their biggest announcement yet – that they are joining the BPitch team.
The man who was always there
British producer, musician and DJ Henry Smithson (aka Riton) is one of the most relevant figures in the electronic and new pop scene since he started in the late 90’s. We caught up with him in London and talked about music, life and being a Grammy winner.
Berlin Techno Icon
Ellen Allien is an essential icon, capturing the sound and spirit of Berlin. We met her on a hot and sunny Pride day and, a few weeks after that, we talked about returning to raving, how to make music community, and her past, present and future.
A Curious Whisper
We met for a horse ride with Alistair Petrie the legendary British actor who plays Mr. Groff in the hype TV Series Sex Education to talk about the art of filmmaking, his personal journey and why curious might be his favourite word.
BALTIC
Baltic is a community driven creative hub in the heart of East London, including a recording studio (Baltic Studios), a multi-purpose artist space, production rooms, and Baltic Access, a not-for-profit access to music project. We had a conversation with Orlando Leopard (Arthur Beatrice, Acali) and Lea Lea (!!! & Acali) from the Baltic team to hear about its origins and their latest developments.
Playing Crazy
Amy Manson brings Maladie to life in HBO series ‘The Nevers’. She reveals what it takes to prepare yourself for a role of madness and insanity and why Scotland will always be the place to be for her.
Rude!
Fan favourite of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK season 2, Asttina Mandella was robbed in the sewing competition of the series, becoming the third contestant to sashay away, leaving viewers gagging for more. Now a proud icon for the black and queer community, Asttina shows off her multi-talented skills as a dancer, model and drag queen for ZERO NINE’s Pride issue; talking style, Drag Race and ASOS.
Transhumans
Gallery producer, curator, DJ and musician – Parma Ham is a multidisciplinary artist known for their big hair and extraordinary club nights. Together with partner Salvia, we met the extreme dressers to talk about gender, identity and Pride.
Darling Josephine
Josephine Jones’ fashion collection debuted in 2019, with beautiful floral pieces that made those who wear them look like an ethereal goddess; Josephine is to the optics what Lana Del Rey is to the auditory, only with much more intelligent cultural knowledge. We sat down with the ever-so charming Ms Jones to discuss gender expression and her ultimate queer icons.
Queer Manifesto
The man about town (London and NYC to be exact), Jack Guinness, has just published his first book and manifesto ‘The Queer Bible’, celebrating the works and lives of the global queer community alongside original illustrations by young LGBTQ+ artists. We asked Jack a few questions in-between takes during our shoot, to learn more about his book and his thoughts on gender expression.
Avant-Garde Kink
We caught up with the beautiful deity Ada Zanditon to find out more about her fashion fused with fetish couture line.