Alex Robert Ross
The ruthless democracy of Channel 101
Our favourite 5-minute shows from the ongoing LA-based pilot festival — With the second season of cult animated TV show Rick and Morty released next week, we look back at the strange world of Channel 101 that spawned it, where the viewer is the executive and the drama is always cut short.
Written by: Alex Robert Ross
5 left-field libraries where you should read freaky books
Probably not great for reading Jane Austen — The Liyuan Library just outside Beijing isn't your typical "get comfy and curl up with a nice cosy novel" spot. Nor should it be. Inspired by architect Li Xiaodong's work on the building, we take a look at five libraries that take a different angle on things.
Written by: Alex Robert Ross
The street artist responding to Greece's social turmoil
A different story from the streets of Athens — Street artist Bleeps.gr was making street art long before the economic crisis hit Greece. But with the social and cultural impact of the nation's turmoil, his art has reflected the changing views of the dissatisfied voices he comes into contact with. His identity is anonymous, but he won't stay quiet.
Written by: Alex Robert Ross
How should we remember the victims of 7/7?
Akram Khan's Olympic tribute still packs a punch — On the tenth anniversary of the 7/7 terrorist attacks on London, few tributes are able to distance themselves from nationalism and divisiveness. But for a brief moment in 2012, an old hymn and some subtle choreography gave us a moment of collective reflection. In fact, it might be all we have, says Alex Robert Ross.
Written by: Alex Robert Ross
Sub Pop's greatest hits playlist
Underground sounds — Bruce Pavitt’s iconic label Sub Pop lead the indie charge out of Washington state and introduced Nirvana to the world. Here are some of the label’s biggest moments.
Written by: Alex Robert Ross
A brief conversation with Jenny Hval
"There is a way I need to speak to feel like I can speak at all" — Jenny Hval's career has seen her toy with genre and image constantly. On her new record, she's found a voice that speaks clearly for her.
Written by: Alex Robert Ross
The untold story of the forgotten grandfather of rap
Documentary shines light on Hustler's Convention — Jalal Mansur Nuriddin aka Lightnin' Rod's pivotal album Hustler's Convention set the template for hip hop to come - but it disappeared underground and his contribution was never acknowledged. Now filmmaker Mike Todd is helping put the record straight.
Written by: Alex Robert Ross
How well do The Bots know each other?
Band of Brothers — We caught up with Californian siblings The Bots to put to the test exactly how little they know about one another.
Written by: Alex Robert Ross
4 documentaries that prove the Tories shouldn't destroy the human rights act
Human Rights Watch and Sundance Film Festival — Human Rights Watch and Sundance Film Festival team up to show stunning documentaries that highlight contemporary injustices in the world and the struggle against them.
Written by: Alex Robert Ross
"Restless when you realise you're alive": A conversation with punk duo Girlpool
Trading coasts & writing songs — After the release of their debut LP last week, we talked to Philadelphia/LA duo Girlpool about the desire for new scenery and the need for constant change.
Written by: Alex Robert Ross