COVERS
The ascension of Dahc Dermur VIII
Known for their radiant energy and unique visual expression, fashion icon and performance artist Chadd Curry aka Dahc Dermur VIII has been a prominent figure in the London underground nightlife and music scene for over ten years. For our Fashion month cover story, Hannah and Steven (Fecal Matter) talked to Dahc about their deeply personal journey and what it took to find and live their true authentic self.
Jealous Nostril: Killer pop for hot bots (not really)
Johnny Borrell (Razorlight) and Jack Flanagan (Mystery Jets) have just formed a new power trio with the addition of drummer Ellis D, trying to restart themselves from the core purity of organic rock music. In this unconventional interview, the two J’s talk about their musical vision, AI bots replacing pop stars and playing bass with Nelson Mandela.
MOOD INDIGO
Maverick soundscapist Vaal – the artist also known as Eliot Sumner, and formerly known as Coco – is back with an immersive new album, laden with lush electronic textures and moody, trip hop inspired beats. We talk to the elusive music maker about anonymity, astrology, devils and identities. Oh, and James Bond.
Breaking down the script
Céline Buckens, the Belgian British actor whose career went from working with Steven Spielberg as an unknown 13 year old, to receiving Emmy and Bafta nominations this year for her role in Showtrial. At the iconic Rio cinema, Céline talks to us about staying grounded, the craft of acting and life on the other side of the lens.
Uneasy Listening
For 15 years Andy Butler has been taking us to the dancefloor and beyond, collaborating with a host of international talents ranging from John Grant to Kele Okereke. He’s recently released the deepest and darkest Hercules & Love Affair album yet – the majestic and rightfully acclaimed In Amber – and finally reunited with his first and greatest muse, Anohni.
Spanish Flavour
Renowned Spanish chef, Nieves, brought her flavoursome Basque roots to London in 1998, evolving her palette and success with every tasty restaurant opening until ultimately being awarded her own Michelin Star for the delicious Sabor (meaning flavour) on Heddon Street in Mayfair, London.
We caught up with the busy chef to talk more about how much nostalgia influences taste.
Ghosts of pleasure
Proudly queer and out pro-skateboarder Brian Anderson has been battling with alcohol for many years. Last year in May, he finally decided to quit drinking. Skateboard legend Ed Templeton has been friends with Brian for more than 25 years. He spoke with Brian about their early days, dark moments and how he discovered his sober superpowers.
Summer dreams
A new summer season is upon us. The ‘Summer of Love’ as it might be called, perhaps because it is the first summer we can freely move around without restrictions, PCR tests or social distancing. Who knows.
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.