DIIV stopped by SiriusXM to perform a cover of Pavement’s ‘Cream of Gold’, a track from their 1999 album Terror Twilight. Watch it below.
DIIV released their most recent LP, Frog in Boiling Water, earlier this year. Read our interview with DIIV about the inspirations behind the album.
Ka, the beloved Brooklyn underground rapper, producer, and firefighter born Kaseem Ryan, has died. In a statement posted to his Instagram account, his family revealed that he passed away unexpectedly in New York on Saturday. No cause of death has been disclosed. Ka was 52.
“Born and raised in Brownsville, Brooklyn, Ka lived a life of service—to his city, to his community, and to his music,” the statement continued. “As a 20-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department, he put his life on the line to protect his fellow citizens. Ka rose to the rank of FDNY captain and was a first responder on September 11, 2001 during the attacks on the World Trade Center. He leaves an extraordinary legacy as a recording artist, including eleven remarkable self-released solo albums. Ka is survived by his wife, mother and sister. We kindly ask the privacy of Ka’s family and loved ones be respected as they grieve this incalculable loss.”
Known for his thoughtful, carefully constructed lyricism, minimalist beats, and consistently DIY approach, Ka began his career in the 1990s as a member of the underground hip-hop group Natural Elements along with L Swift, Howie Smalls, Mr. Voodoo, the InTIMidator, and G-Blass. Believing he was less skilled than his groupmates, he left the group and teamed up with rapper Kev to form Nightbreed, releasing the 12″ ‘2 Roads Out the Ghetto’ in 1998.
Ka became a firefighter in 1999, eventually working his way up to captain. The rapper discussed his occupation in a 2013 interview with Complex, saying, “I have a full time job and I work all the time. I try to keep that kinda low. I just have a job. It ain’t my calling or nothing. It’s just my job. But I love my job because it gives me the freedom to do the art. I feel like if I didn’t have a job, that’s when I would have to compromise myself a little bit more.”
Ten years after the Nightbreed single, Ka released his first solo album, Iron Works, and appeared on the GZA song ‘Firehouse’. Between 2008 and today, Ka self-released nine albums, often strongly conceptual in nature and incisively tackling subjects such as religion, philosophy, and history. 2016’s Honor Killed the Samurai paralleled New York’s street culture with feudal Japan, while 2018’s Orpheus vs. the Sirens saw him collaborating with producer Animoss and adopting the pseudonym Hermit and the Recluse to examine stories from his youth through the lens of Greek mythology. His work became more biblically focused in the 2020s, including 2020’s Descendants of Cain, 2021’s A Martyr’s Reward, and 2022’s Languish Arts and Woeful Studies. His final album, The Thief Next to Jesus, came out in August.
In a 2015 interview with Passion of the Weiss, Ka was asked about one of the final lines in Days With Dr. Yen Lo, his collaboration with Preservation based on the film The Manchurian Candidate: “Now destiny is one death for me, not a thousand.” He explained, “Have you ever heard the phrase ‘a coward dies a thousand deaths’? You’re so scared to do something that you die in that fear. I have no fear of the things that a lot of people are afraid of. I lived that live. The things that people are scared of because they may get hurt or even die, I don’t have those issues. That’s what that line meant for me. When I die, it will be the first and only time that I die. Although I never like to tell people exactly what to think of my music. This piece of art we’re looking at right now, I don’t have instructions for people how to look at it. You get from it what you get.”
Artist Yin Tian has rapidly gained recognition as a distinctive voice in contemporary art, capturing complex themes of identity, cultural tension, and transformation through her surrealist photography. With a background rooted in the dichotomy between Eastern and Western cultural experiences, Yin uses her art to interrogate the self, modern existence, and the many masks individuals wear to navigate societal expectations. Educated at the University of the Arts London, her approach masterfully blends the personal with the surreal, inviting viewers into an evocative journey of self-reflection.
Yin Tian’s journey began in Beijing, where she was immersed in a culture that emphasised discipline, tradition, and self-awareness. These values became foundational elements of her artistic vision. However, her move to London exposed her to a more expansive view of identity, and this transition deeply informs her work. The blend of Eastern philosophies and Western aesthetics is a recurring theme in her photography, where cultural dualities and the tension between tradition and modernity find harmonious expression.
Yin’s ability to weave these influences together offers a unique perspective on the complexity of individual identity in a globalised world. Through her carefully composed images, she creates visual metaphors for the intersection of personal experiences with the external pressures of culture, presenting viewers with a compelling lens through which to consider their own self-understanding.
Yin’s artistic progression is notable. Early in her career, her work was visually intense, marked by a raw, gritty style that employed stark flash photography to capture the energy of her subjects. However, over time, her work has evolved toward a more contemplative tone. This shift, influenced by her personal meditative practice, reflects her exploration of the inner landscape of the self, resulting in quieter, introspective compositions. Yin’s recent works emphasise serenity and depth, encouraging viewers to reflect not only on the world around them but also on the inner conflicts that shape their identities.
Yin Tian’s Playground series marks a high point in her exploration of human experience through surrealism. The series, which includes standout works like Recall, Maze, and Focus, delves into themes of alienation, identity, and the constant search for meaning in a world filled with contradictions. Each photograph in the series presents a surrealistic vision of contemporary existence, combining fantastical elements with profound symbolism to invite viewers into a world that is both strange and familiar.
Recall: Duality of Self
In Recall, Yin Tian addresses the fractured nature of identity, presenting a young woman with two faces. This unsettling image, exhibited at the Citadel Fine Arts Gallery in 2024, captures the tension between inner and outer worlds. The calm, dreamlike background contrasts with the uneasy duplication of the subject’s face, creating a visual metaphor for the ways in which individuals are often forced to compartmentalise themselves to fit societal expectations. Recall invites viewers to contemplate the pressures of conformity and the cost of maintaining multiple versions of the self.
Maze: Chaos and Alienation
In Maze, Yin explores the sense of alienation that pervades modern life. The photograph features two women seated on an amusement park ride, their stiff postures clashing with the chaotic, blurred background. The park’s mechanical nature becomes a symbol for the overwhelming pace of contemporary society, where individuals struggle to maintain control amid the frenzy of daily life. The juxtaposition of rigidity and chaos highlights the disorienting effects of modernity, as people navigate a world that often feels out of sync with their own desires and emotions.
Focus: Inner Reflection Amid Chaos
Focus presents a more introspective take on the chaotic nature of existence. In this image, a young woman sits calmly on a spinning amusement park ride, her stillness contrasting with the swirling colours around her. Yin’s use of off-centre composition emphasises the woman’s peaceful isolation amid the external chaos, symbolising the power of introspection and meditation in finding inner calm. The serene expression on the woman’s face, paired with the dynamic energy of the background, creates a powerful commentary on the search for meaning and balance in a noisy, overwhelming world.
Yin Tian’s work stands out in the world of contemporary photography, not only for its striking visual style but also for the profound themes it addresses. Her surrealist approach allows her to explore complex issues of identity, self-perception, and the dissonance between inner and outer worlds. Each of her photographs offers a nuanced commentary on the human condition, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences within the larger societal framework.
Her unique ability to blend cultural influences, surrealist imagery, and deeply personal themes makes her a powerful force in contemporary art. Whether it’s through the duality of self in Recall, the chaos of modern life in Maze, or the quiet introspection in Focus, Yin’s work challenges viewers to consider their own roles in an ever-changing world.
As Yin Tian continues to push the boundaries of her art, she remains an important voice in the conversation around identity and the self in a globalised, modern context. Her ability to merge personal experience with broader societal themes allows her work to resonate deeply with audiences around the world. In the Playground series, she invites viewers to step into a world of surreal exploration, one that prompts self-reflection and challenges the notion of stability in a constantly shifting environment.
For those seeking a unique and thought-provoking experience in contemporary art, Yin Tian’s photography offers both visual beauty and intellectual depth. Her work is a testament to the power of art to explore the complexities of modern life, making her an artist to watch in the years to come.
Martin Dust’s Brutal Sheffield is a striking photobook that offers a unique visual exploration of the steel city’s architectural landscape. As both a musician and graphic artist, Dust has spent over three decades deeply immersed in Sheffield’s creative and cultural scene. His 2021 book turns his gaze toward photography, capturing the uncompromising forms of Sheffield’s brutalist structures.
Dust’s professional background in graphic design and his extensive musical career have equipped him with a keen eye for form and texture, something that resonates throughout Brutal Sheffield. His decision to focus on the stark, geometric shapes of brutalist architecture is no coincidence—it’s an expression of his attempt to “come to terms with Sheffield” as he navigates its past, present, and future. The images Dust presents are neither romanticised nor softened by nostalgia; instead, they highlight the raw beauty and boldness of these architectural giants.
The book stems from Dust’s long-standing relationship with his hometown and his evolving perception of it. With Sheffield’s architectural evolution over the years—shifting from distinctive industrial and brutalist styles to more generic urban designs—Dust’s work becomes a compelling celebration of its uniqueness. In the book, he captures the nuances of Sheffield’s brutalist landmarks, such as the Park Hill flats and other monolithic structures, presenting them as both artefacts of the city’s industrial past and symbols of a futuristic vision.
Sheffield’s brutalist architecture highlighted in Dust’s book isn’t the only style to feature heavily across the city. Indeed, Sheffield’s housing architecture offers a diverse snapshot of its historical and industrial evolution. From medieval remnants to sprawling post-war developments, Sheffield’s built environment reflects a story of transformation and adaptation.
Take Norton Lees, for example. One of the areas within the city singled out by We Buy Any Home in Sheffield alongside Kelham Island and Beighton as desirable places to own property, where the cash-buying company offers fast sales in less than 7 days typically, Norton Lees is characterised by a blend of historical and modern residential architecture.
It features diverse housing styles, from the 16th-century Tudor Bishops’ House to the 1930s Thorpe House estate with tree-lined roads and spacious three-bedroom homes. Elsewhere, the Brindley estate, built in the 1970s, offers curving roads and communal spaces, differing from typical uniform council housing.
Different architectural styles can be seen all across the city. As the Industrial Revolution gained momentum, Sheffield’s housing began to shift dramatically before the post-war period saw one of the most radical architectural transformations in Sheffield’s history. Influenced by modernist design principles, these large-scale projects aimed to improve living conditions but were often met with mixed reactions due to their imposing concrete structures. Notable examples include the iconic Park Hill Flats, a bold experiment in ‘streets in the sky’ architecture that has since been partially restored as a symbol of both the successes and failures of post-war urban planning.
Today, Sheffield’s residential architecture stands as a complex tapestry, with medieval relics, industrial-era terraces, and brutalist monoliths coexisting alongside contemporary developments. This varied landscape showcases the city’s resilience and its capacity to continuously reinvent itself while remaining rooted in its distinct historical identity.
Just days after releasing Brat and it’s completely different but also still brat, Charli XCX has dropped the ‘Spring breakers’ remix with Kesha. The pair teased the collaboration via a billboard with Kesha’s name spelled backwards in BRAT font, and Charli officially announced it yesterday. Check it out below.
‘Spring breakers’ appeared as the bonus track on BRAT‘s expanded edition, Brat and it’s the same but there’s three more songs so it’s not. The just-unveiled remix LP features new collaborations with Ariana Grande, the 1975, Bon Iver, Caroline Polachek, the Japanese House, and more.
Juanita Stein has announced her fourth solo LP, The Weightless Hour, which will be released on November 29 via Agricultural Audio. Today, the Howling Bells frontwoman has shared a new song, ‘Mother Natures Scorn’, alongside a video directed by Orlando Cubitt. Check it out and find the album cover and tracklist below.
“As the title suggests, ‘Mother Natures Scorn’ is a song about our scorching of the Earth,” Stein explained in a statement. “It’s about recognising that we are in a moment approaching irreversibility. Even so, it feels as if the closer we ride into the storm, the more familiar we become with apathy, which is terribly frightening. I’m acknowledging the limitlessness of Mother Nature. It’s not self-righteous, I am not campaigning, I am merely recognising our intense vulnerability in this moment.”
The follow-up to 2020’s Snapshot sees Stein reuniting with producer Ben Hillier. “I think making records is a really powerful way of letting go of experiences,” Stein said. “I’m allowing myself to kiss things goodbye.”
The Weightless Hour Cover Artwork:
The Weightless Hour Tracklist:
1. The Weightless Hour
2. Mother Natures Scorn
3. The Game
4. Old World
5. Carry Me
6. Motionless
7. Daily Rituals
8. Ceremony
9. Driving Nowhere
10. Delilah
Morpho – the Chicago-based project of guitarist Kristyn Chapman – has announced her debut EP. Out November 15 via Hit the North Records, Morpho Season features the previously released single ‘Prism’, as well as a new track, ‘Half of Two’. “This song’s about finally making peace with endings,” Chapman explained. “Untangling from the past and old stories.” Check it out below.
Morpho Season was mixed by Slow Pulp’s Henry Stoehr, mastered by Greg Obis of Stuck, and co-produced by Chapman alongside Alex Burns, Will Erickson, and Joey Lemon. It was recorded primarily at Palisade Studios in Chicago and Grey House in Wichita.
Morpho Season EP Cover Artwork:
Morpho Season EP Tracklist:
1. Prism
2. Half of Two
3. Morpho Friend
4. Blue Light
5. The End
Ethel Cain has announced that her next album is called Perverts. She broke the news on Instagram today (October 14), revealing that the follow-up to 2022’s Preacher’s Daughter is set to arrive on January 8. Its first single, ‘Punish’, is coming out on November 1.
Last month, Ethel Cain shared a nine-minute cover of American Football’s ‘For Sure’, which will appear on a 25th-anniversary tribute album celebrating the band’s self-titled debut. On Sunday night, Cain joined American Football at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles and performed the song with them.
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Thousand Oaks, located in Ventura County, California, is known for its scenic beauty, family-friendly environment, and suburban charm. With over 120,000 residents, it is the second-largest city in the county.
The city’s name is derived from the abundance of oak trees, and it stands as one of the greenest areas in the state. People are often drawn to Thousand Oaks for its close-knit community vibe and proximity to major cities like Los Angeles, offering a peaceful suburban lifestyle with access to urban amenities.
Thousand Oaks’ rich history includes its evolution from a ranching town to a modern suburban community, preserving its natural beauty with over a third of the land dedicated to open spaces. Residents enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle, making it an ideal location for those who appreciate the balance between nature and urban convenience.
The cost of living in Thousand Oaks, CA is notably higher than the national and California averages, driven largely by the city’s high housing costs. The overall cost of living in Thousand Oaks is approximately 87% above the national average, with housing being a major contributor, sitting at around 255% higher than the national average.
The median home price in Thousand Oaks as of 2024 is approximately $1.1 million, and rental costs for a one-bedroom apartment typically hover around $2,000 monthly. Groceries, transportation, and utilities also contribute to the elevated living expenses, with utilities costing about $160 per month for a modest apartment, while gasoline prices range between $4.57 and $5.95 per gallon.
In terms of daily expenses, food and dining can also be relatively expensive. Eating out at an inexpensive restaurant typically costs about $20, while a mid-range three-course meal for two averages $90. Grocery prices are equally high, with basic items such as a gallon of milk costing around $4.52, and a dozen eggs about $4.00.
Healthcare costs are 7.9% higher than the national average, with visits to a doctor averaging $126. These factors make Thousand Oaks a premium area to live in, particularly for those seeking a suburban lifestyle with proximity to Los Angeles.
Thousand Oaks is widely regarded as a safe city, with crime rates that are significantly lower than both state and national averages. The overall crime rate in Thousand Oaks is around 12 per 1,000 residents, making it safer than approximately 71% of California communities.
Violent crime in Thousand Oaks is particularly low, with only 1 violent crime per 1,000 people, giving residents a 1 in 1,635 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime. This rate is far below the national median, making Thousand Oaks a safe place for families and individuals alike.
The property crime rate is also lower than the national average, with a rate of 11 per 1,000 residents, including incidents like motor vehicle theft and burglary.
Thousand Oaks offers excellent educational opportunities, particularly through its highly regarded public schools. The Conejo Valley Unified School District serves the city and is known for its high-performing schools.
For the 2024 school year, Thousand Oaks boasts several top-rated schools, with public institutions like Westlake High School and Thousand Oaks High School ranking in the top 20% of schools in California.
Westlake High is especially recognized for its academic performance, with strong test scores in math and reading, placing it among the top public high schools in the state. Additionally, the city has a wide variety of private schools, providing families with options depending on their preferences for education.
The job market in Thousand Oaks, CA, remains stable and promising for 2024, with a steady unemployment rate of 3.2%.
This low unemployment figure reflects consistent job growth across several industries, particularly in professional and business services, which added 120 new jobs in January.
The leisure and hospitality sectors also contributed, adding 80 new positions. Additionally, the healthcare and education sectors showed modest gains, emphasizing the demand for jobs in these critical areas. Thousand Oaks’ job market offers opportunities in various fields, from healthcare practitioners to business operations and technology.
Thousand Oaks, CA, offers a wealth of outdoor activities and natural beauty, making it an ideal location for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
The city is home to the stunning Wildwood Regional Park, which spans over 1,700 acres and features 14 trails covering 17 miles, offering everything from easy walks to more challenging hikes. The park is a popular destination for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and even summer day camps.
Wildwood Park is also known for its picturesque Paradise Falls, a 40-foot waterfall that attracts visitors year-round. Whether you’re looking for a stroll through scenic landscapes or a more strenuous outdoor adventure, Wildwood provides ample opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the Conejo Valley.
Thousand Oaks is home to a vibrant cultural scene, anchored by the Bank of America Performing Arts Center, which is one of the largest performing arts venues between Los Angeles and San Francisco. This center includes the 1,800-seat Fred Kavli Theatre and the 394-seat Janet and Ray Scherr Forum Theatre.
Together, they host over 400 performances annually, including touring Broadway shows, ballet, symphonic concerts, and community events. The center also features art exhibitions in its lobby, showcasing both local and international artists. In addition to major performances, the center plays a vital role in the local cultural landscape by supporting educational programs and children’s events.
The real estate market in Thousand Oaks, CA continues to experience steady growth in 2024, with the median home price hovering around $1.1 million. This marks a consistent increase from previous years, though the rapid price escalations seen during the height of the pandemic have begun to moderate.
Thousand Oaks remains a seller’s market, with many homes receiving multiple offers, particularly in sought-after neighborhoods like Westlake Village and Triunfo Canyon. Despite the rising home prices, inventory is gradually increasing, which could lead to a more balanced market later in the year. This means that while demand remains strong, buyers may have more options moving forward.
Thousand Oaks enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, making it a comfortable place to live year-round. Average high temperatures range from 65°F in the winter months to about 78°F during the summer.
Winters are mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 45°F, while summers remain warm but not excessively hot, peaking in the low 80s. Rainfall is minimal, with most precipitation occurring between December and March, where January averages around 1.81 inches of rain. Summers are typically dry, and the area sees an average of about 16.5 inches of rainfall annually.
Thousand Oaks offers a vibrant community and a high quality of life, drawing families and individuals alike to its suburban charm. The city is known for its strong sense of community, with nearly 88% of residents affirming that they feel a good connection to their neighbors. Family-oriented activities, community events, and excellent public schools contribute to this friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal environment for raising children.
The city also boasts low unemployment rates (around 3%) and a high median household income of over $124,000, well above state and national averages, reflecting the overall affluence and stability of the area. Thousand Oaks is diverse, with a mix of ethnic backgrounds, and about 20% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, adding to the rich cultural fabric of the city.
In summary, living in Thousand Oaks offers an exceptional quality of life, particularly for families and individuals seeking a peaceful suburban environment with easy access to nature and urban amenities.
The city’s commitment to preserving green spaces, such as its 150 miles of hiking trails and the protection of over 50,000 oak trees, makes it one of California’s greenest cities. The low crime rate, excellent public schools, and family-friendly events like the summer concerts in the park further solidify Thousand Oaks as an ideal place to raise a family.
Additionally, its proximity to Los Angeles allows residents to enjoy a quieter lifestyle while still being close to major city attractions.
Financially, living in Thousand Oaks requires careful planning due to its high cost of living, with housing prices significantly above the national average. However, the investment is often seen as worthwhile given the city’s offerings. Residents benefit from a strong job market with major employers like Amgen and SAGE Publishing, as well as cultural hubs like the Civic Arts Plaza. Overall, Thousand Oaks provides a well-balanced lifestyle with ample opportunities for recreation, career growth, and family life.
If you’re planning to move to Thousand Oaks, hiring a professional moving company in Thousand Oaks can make the process much smoother. Not only will they efficiently transport your belongings, but many moving companies are familiar with the city and can help you get settled in while showing you the best routes and local amenities.
Throughout the week, we update our Best New Songs playlist with the new releases that caught our attention the most, be it a single leading up to the release of an album or a newly unveiled deep cut. And each Monday, we round up the best new songs released over the past week (the eligibility period begins on Monday and ends Sunday night) in this best new music segment.
On this week’s list, we have the Cure’s swirling, expansive new single ‘A Fragile Thing’; Charli XCX’s ‘I think about it all the time featuring bon iver’, which heightens the original track’s existential loneliness and yearning, but also, via Justin Vernon’s shimmering vocals and interpolation of Bonnie Raitt’s ‘Nick of Time’, renders it all the more tender and gorgeous; Ekko Astral’s sprawling, dynamic protest song ‘pomegranate tree’; Scowl’s infectious and explosive ‘Special’, the hardcore band’s first single for Dead Oceans; ‘Dust’, the tenderly beautiful centerpiece of Caroline Says’ new album; ‘I Wanna Be on Your Mind’, another gentle earworm from 2nd Grade’s upcoming LP that features Catherine Dwyer of Remember Sports; Lily Seabird’s ‘Fuckhead’, an intimate rendition of a song the singer-songwriter wrote when she was 16; and Youth Lagoon’s ‘My Beautiful Girl’, a beautifully ambiguous piano ballad.
Best New Songs: October 14, 2024
The Cure, ‘A Fragile Thing’
Charli XCX, ‘I think about it all the time featuring bon iver’
Song of the Week: Ekko Astral, ‘pomegranate tree’
Scowl, ‘Special’
Caroline Says, ‘Dust’
2nd Grade, ‘I Wanna Be on Your Mind’
Lily Seabird, ‘Fuckhead’
Youth Lagoon, ‘My Beautiful Girl’
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