Cian Traynor
What a stoner rock band can teach us about the state of US politics
Positive cynicism — Chicago band Twin Peaks may be known as party bros who make chill sounds but, off record, they pack some serious political bite about a country in flux.
Written by: Cian Traynor
A brief guide to feeling better about the world
Reasons to be cheerful — Despite the sense of doom dominating the news, economist Johan Norberg argues that the facts paint a different picture: humans are actually more safe, more free, wealthier, healthier, less hungry and more literate than ever before.
Written by: Cian Traynor
Cakes da Killa: A fresh voice shaking up hip-hop
A serious slice of attitude — Having shot to attention for being an openly gay rapper with a dirty mind, Cakes da Killa is steering attention back to where it should be: his skills on the mic.
Written by: Cian Traynor
Stretch & Bobbito: The story of hip hop’s greatest tastemakers
Radio that changed lives — From Nas to Jay Z, Eminem to Notorious B.I.G., some of the biggest rappers got their start on an independent, underground radio show in the middle of the night. Now its story is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
Written by: Cian Traynor
Capturing the spirit of childhood
Snapshots of innocence — Side Gallery, the UK's only space dedicated to documentary photography, is relaunching with an exhibition on the complex lives of children, drawing from four decades' worth of projects from around the world. Photographer Liz Hingley takes us through the process of gleaning insight into strangers' lives.
Written by: Cian Traynor
A conversation with Jenny Hval, musical provocateur and transgressive force
There will be blood... — Norwegian artist Jenny Hval has made an album inspired by female vampires and period blood. But as a shape-shifting musician who pushes against convention, her work is almost impossible to write about... and that's exactly what makes her so special.
Written by: Cian Traynor
Inside the everyday world of UFO hunters
The truth is out there... — Photographer Robert Ormerod took a road trip from Roswell, New Mexico to Area 51, exploring our fascination with the unknown by immersing himself in the mythology behind extra-terrestrial life.
Written by: Cian Traynor
Forever Changes: Teenage life in Britain’s old mining towns
All Dressed Up — Photographer Karen Robinson spent over a year hanging out with the young women of East Durham, illuminating the hopes and dreams of people failed by society. What she captured were candid moments of humour, innocence and working-class resilience.
Written by: Cian Traynor
The hip-hop heroes fighting oppression in conflict areas
Stronger than a weapon — From political prisoners to former child soldiers, photographer Sascha Kraus has travelled the globe documenting outspoken figures doing what they do best: rapping for survival.
Written by: Cian Traynor
The psychedelic punk creating a safe-haven for artists
Acid Priest — When photographer Lee Kirby stumbled across a vagabond in designer clothes, he found himself opening a pandora’s box that would change his life. But for Lee Trosclair, renegade-turned-muse, the story is just beginning. In a world that undervalues art, he’s kickstarting a cultural revolution from an unlikely place.
Written by: Cian Traynor