COVERS
Life Lately
British actor Adam Pearson stars in one of the most interesting films of the year, A Different Man which hopes to change misconceptions about disability. He tells ZERO.NINE all about meaningful conversations with the audience, being able to make mistakes and why no one needs to see what he’s having for dinner on social media.
Ariella Glaser is Ready to Take Flight
For Ariella Glaser, playing Sara Blum in White Bird: A Wonder Story, a Jewish teenager in Nazi-occupied France, was no small undertaking. Stepping into the shoes of a character who would grow to be portrayed by the legendary Helen Mirren, Glaser not only had to navigate the weight of historical significance but also bring a fresh, youthful vitality to the role. Speaking about her experience, Glaser is refreshingly candid, both humble and keenly aware of the complexities her character presented.
A Wonderful World
British artist and illustrator Julie Verhoeven is a unique voice in the intersecting worlds of fashion and visual arts. Her creative career includes collaborations with brands like Louis Vuitton and Versace, as well as art organisations such as Frieze and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Besides working with designers like John Galliano and Martine Sitbon, she headed the Italian brand Gibo. Julie’s distinctive vision blends a punk ethos with a quest for beauty, leading you into a kaleidoscopic world where kindness, humour and the unexpected reign supreme.
CHRISTEENE – Universal Mother Fucker
The untamed force of queer punk, CHRISTEENE, has been hiding in a wooden shack in upstate New York. Queer DJ Cormac tracked her down for an exclusive interview on Zoom. We find out about their connection to Sinéad, marriage in a basement in Dalston and why we don’t go to clubs to cuddle, or do we?
After the Throne
Matthew Needham, a versatile actor, discusses his intriguing journey from overcoming childhood shyness to becoming a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. In this interview with Liam Saint-Pierre, Needham delves into his experiences, including landing the role of Larys Strong in House of the Dragon, working with Joaquin Phoenix, and his approach to acting.
Midnight Magic
As the original Pop Idol WILL YOUNG returns to his pop roots on the forthcoming new album Light It Up, we sit down to discuss embracing the realities of being a fortysomething gay man, facing down the pressures of perfectionism and the need for Pride… in the name of love!
Crafting Worlds with Paris Paloma
Singer/songwriter Paris Paloma's journey into music is one that begins with her upbringing and her deep-rooted love for storytelling. When speaking to her ahead of the release of her newest single, “boys, bugs, and men”, she candidly reflected on her transition from creative writing to songwriting, a shift that occurred during her teenage years, and led her to a unique creative process where storytelling meets with ethereal melodies.
Queer the dancefloor
Over the past two decades, Northern Irish DJ CORMAC has steadily built a reputation as one of queer clubland’s most enduring and vital figures. Following the launch of his own imprint Polari Records, he’s recently released ‘Queerly Beloved’ – an essential new podcast series featuring always frank and often funny conversations exploring queerness, identity and music with an impressive line-up of fascinating guests.
Crystal Murray – The Beauty in Evolution
Crystal Murray has seen a lot in her young tenure: touring jazz clubs with her father, founding fashion collective Gucci Gang in Paris, producing music during the Pandemic, as well as releasing her voracious comeback single, ‘Payback’, this year. As we delve into conversation over Zoom, the Parisian artist clambers into the back of a taxi - traversing through her newly-accustomed life in London, a city cultivating her eclectic musical ambitions and greater dreams.
David Shields – Flying High
Charismatic British actor David Shields’ profile has steadily been on the rise over the last few years. Following turns in The Crown, Doctor Who and a truly scene-stealing appearance in Black Mirror, Shields is now rubbing shoulders with the hottest movie stars of the day in the new Spielberg-produced multi-million-dollar WWII epic Masters Of The Air on Apple TV+. We catch up with a star firmly in the ascendant.
Jim Sturgess – Better late than never
After an illustrious acting career, starring in films with Anne Hathaway, Ray Liotta, or Billy Bob Thornton, among many others; he speaks to us from his East London house, full of charm and humility.
Black Peppa – Paint it black
It’s been just over a year since Drag Race UK viewers first encountered self-styled ‘Caribbean Empress of Birmingham’ Black Peppa, arguably the fiercest queen to tread the UK’s catwalk to date. Fashion-forward looks and lip sync assassin skills aside, it was Peppa’s inspiring story of self-realisation that truly captured viewers’ hearts. We catch up with Peppa alter ego Akeem-Anthony Adams about growing up in Sint Maarten, their unique style and life after reality TV.
Pam Hogg – Doing it her way
In a world dominated by shades of beige, we should be grateful for Pam Hogg’s raw, indomitable energy. A painter, musician, and self-taught fashion designer, she started making her own clothes in the eighties to get into Blitz, London’s legendary club. Despite dressing big names like Rihanna or Lady Gaga, she has never surrendered to the conventional fashion system. She still makes all her designs herself from an East London studio.
Outside Art
Richie Culver first realised he understood art at an afterparty. It was at one of many post-rave afters that he was exposed to a book of Nan Goldin’s photographs. It wasn’t long after that Richie started producing his own art, visual and music. Today, Richie creates through sobriety, family life and therapy – his emotionally charged music takes on the form of existentialism. We caught up with him to discuss his current obsessions and his separation of art and music.
An Ode to Being Unapologetic
The South London-born singer/songwriter, JGRREY, has made their name with their distinctive sound, candid storytelling, and authentic approach to making music. But, in their upcoming EP “If Not Now?” they push this further, effortlessly defying categorisation to create a style uniquely their own.
Rebel Heart
Kizzy Edgell came to mass attention last year as one of the fresh-faced young stars of Netflix’s joyful teen queer drama Heartstopper. As the groundbreaking series returns for a second season, we talk to the 20-year-old star about their role in the hit show, dealing with the demands of becoming an idol for a generation of queer youth and their secret desires to front a punk band.
Understanding where we come from
Renowned Spanish actress Bruna Cusí sits down with playwright Iván Morales to talk about the art of acting, current times in the industry and their new theatre adaptation El día del Watusi, a play directed by Iván coming out this July at the Teatre Lliure in Barcelona.
Unleashing the animated world
Discover the captivating journey of Taz Skylar, an actor with boundless energy, as he prepares to embody the animated character Sanji from One Piece in a live-action adaptation. From studying deliberate details to mastering the art of cooking, Skylar’s unwavering dedication shines through. With a focus on authenticity and defying expectations, he navigates the challenges of portraying beloved characters and transcending mediums with his versatile talent as an actor and writer.
Everything is going to be Okay
GoGo Penguin is a Manchester-based piano trio consisting of Chris Illingworth (piano), Nick Blacka (double bass), and Jon Scott (drums). The "acoustic-electronica" band just released a new album “Everything Is Going to Be OK”. They talked to us about their influences, process, grieving and their upcoming tour!
Never give up
Vivacious new acting talent Aziz Dyab left his Syrian homeland at just 20 years old, making a perilous journey across Europe to eventually be granted asylum in Germany. Despite having no previous experience and unable to speak the language, within months he began his love affair with acting, within a few years found himself starring in international productions, including the thrilling new Apple TV+ hit Liaison.