Cian Traynor
Why atheists want to make Christmas a holiday for all
No god? No problem — To tackle the stigma of being an atheist in the US, a controversial billboard campaign is urging non-believers to 'come out' about their views – and embrace Christmas as a cultural holiday that can be enjoyed by anyone.
Written by: Cian Traynor
Surf legend Chris Christenson on blazing your own trail in life
The shape of things to come — After opting against medical school and turning his back on convention, surfboard shaper Chris Christenson dedicated himself to a path of creative restlessness.
Written by: Cian Traynor
On the cusp of adulthood, a teenage life laid bare
Up close and personal — Photographer Siân Davey has captured what it means to turn from 16 to 18, having gained intimate access from an unlikely source: her own stepdaughter.
Written by: Cian Traynor
Meet the photographer fighting unrealistic image standards
Quest for Beauty — Fashion photographer Sara Melotti grew tired of seeing flawless pictures of women everywhere. Now she travels the world to document what natural beauty looks like.
Written by: 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