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Why Music Is the Secret Ingredient to Memorable Customer Experiences

Music is far more than a pleasant backdrop in commercial spaces. It acts as an invisible yet powerful force that shapes how customers feel, behave, and remember their experiences. Businesses that recognize music’s potential are tapping into an emotional channel that drives satisfaction, loyalty, and brand recognition. Here, we explore how music triggers emotional responses that enhance customer experiences, supported by research and real-world examples, while demonstrating how businesses of any size can use music strategically to strengthen their customer connections.

The Emotional Impact of Music on Customers

Research consistently shows that music profoundly influences emotional states. Studies reveal that fast and upbeat music boosts arousal and pleasure, leading to positive attitudes and more engaged behaviors among customers. In contrast, slower and softer music can induce relaxation and comfort, encouraging shoppers to linger and explore. The tempo, style, and volume of music playing in a business environment can subtly yet significantly alter customer emotions.

This emotional modulation is directly linked to tangible outcomes such as increased dwell time, higher spending, and enhanced customer satisfaction. By choosing the right musical atmosphere, businesses can create environments where customers feel good, stay longer, and are more likely to return.

Music as a Tool for Experience Design

Intentional music selection, known as music curation, plays a pivotal role in experience design. Rather than relying on random playlists or generic background tracks, successful businesses carefully curate music that aligns with their brand identity and customer expectations.

Tailored playlists allow businesses to shape perceptions and guide customer behavior. For instance, lively music in a casual restaurant can encourage faster turnover, while mellow tunes in a boutique can invite customers to browse leisurely. Music becomes an active design element that influences mood, movement, decisions, and memory formation within the space.

Enhancing Brand Recall and Identity Through Music

Music has a powerful ability to reinforce brand identity and improve memorability. When the style and tone of the music match a brand’s image, such as classical music underscoring luxury or indie tracks emphasizing creativity, the business becomes more distinctive and valued in the customer’s mind.

Research demonstrates that congruence between music and brand values enhances perceived value and customer recall. Customers are more likely to associate positive traits with a brand that resonates with their musical preferences. Over time, this alignment strengthens loyalty because customers feel a deeper emotional connection to the brand.

Real-World Examples of Music in Action

Leading brands provide strong examples of music’s impact on customer experience. Starbucks curates playlists that shift throughout the day to maintain a cozy and inviting ambiance, supporting their brand promise of comfort and community. Abercrombie and Fitch plays loud and high-energy tracks to appeal to their young and energetic target audience, creating a dynamic shopping environment that mirrors their brand image. IKEA selects soft background music to promote a relaxed and homey atmosphere, encouraging customers to take their time and immerse themselves in the showroom experience.

Cafés and restaurants of all sizes can benefit from customised music programs that create welcoming environments, encouraging customers to stay longer and order more. Thoughtfully selected playlists tailored to the setting can make a real difference, whether you’re exploring music for cafés and coffee shops or looking into streaming music in restaurants to enhance the dining experience.

Practical Considerations for Businesses

For businesses aiming to leverage music effectively, aligning musical choices with brand identity and customer preferences is critical. A polished music program should feel like an extension of the brand itself, enhancing the experience without overpowering it. Background music for growing businesses can play a pivotal role in shaping the atmosphere, helping to establish a distinctive identity and making a strong impression on customers from the outset.

Gathering customer feedback on music selection can offer valuable insights, allowing businesses to fine-tune playlists and strengthen loyalty. Small surveys or casual feedback conversations can reveal how the music is being received and what adjustments might be needed to better suit the clientele.

Importantly, music is a scalable tool. Whether operating a single boutique or managing multiple restaurant locations, businesses can apply the same principles of curation and customization to create consistent and memorable experiences across all venues.

Conclusion

Music is a powerful and often underestimated element of customer experience design. Businesses that use music strategically can create environments that evoke positive emotions, encourage longer visits, and leave lasting impressions. Whether small shops or multi-location brands, companies of all types can harness the emotional and branding power of music to drive customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Transform Kitchen Vision into Reality with These Free Design Tools

Have you spent hours recently scrolling Pinterest or saving kitchen inspo on Instagram?

Well, you’re not the only one dreaming of the perfect space, but the problem is, turning those saved posts into a real, workable kitchen plan can feel both time-consuming and overwhelming/

The Good News?

You no longer need expensive software or an interior designer to get started. With today’s free kitchen design tools, you can map out layouts, test different colour schemes and explore finishes till your heart’s content!

All from your laptop or phone.

That’s why we created this guide to explore the top-rated tools currently on the market that make kitchen design accessible for everyone and, above all, fun.

Why Use a Free Kitchen Design Tool?

Designing a kitchen is a lot more than just picking appliances.

It’s about creating a space that works for your specific lifestyle and feels like home. Online design tools make the planning process simpler, smarter, and a lot more enjoyable

Here’s how:

Visualise Your Space Instantly

See your ideas come to life in 2D or immersive 3D. Whether you’re moving cabinets around or testing different colour palettes, you’ll get a clear visual of what your new kitchen could look like before spending a penny.

Avoid Costly Mistakes

Making design choices virtually means you can test different layouts, materials, and finishes without the financial risk. No more guessing if that island will fit; most tools allow you to input real dimensions and get precise results.

Beginner-Friendly & No Downloads

Most tools are designed with non-professionals in mind. If you can drag and drop, you can design a kitchen. Plus, many platforms are entirely browser-based, so there’s no need to install anything.

Compare Styles & Layouts Quickly

Want to try a galley layout versus an open-plan concept? You can test it out in minutes. Some tools even allow you to experiment with lighting, textures, and custom materials for a more realistic preview.

Collaborate & Share With Others

Once your design is complete, you can save, export, or share it with family members, contractors, or interior designers to get feedback and make refinements.

The Best Free Kitchen Design Tools to Try in 2025

There’s no shortage of online design tools out there, but not all are created equal. 

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve dabbled in design before, these standout platforms offer the best balance of usability, realism, and flexibility.

Arcadium

Best for: Realistic 3D visuals and simple, intuitive design

Platform: Browser-based

If you’re after a tool that looks and feels professional without overwhelming you, Arcadium is a top choice. Loved by architects and homeowners alike, it combines beautiful 3D rendering with an ultra-clean interface. 

You can visualise layouts with real-time lighting, experiment with textures, and even save your designs to the cloud, no downloads required.

Pros:

  • Easy to learn, no design experience needed
  • Stunning 3D visuals with real-time light simulation
  • Fully online with mobile-friendly support
  • Collaboration tools for team projects (Pro version

Cons:

  • Limited object library 
  • No built-in shopping or appliance catalogue

Planner 5D

Best for: Designing entire homes, not just kitchens

Platform: Web + Mobile App

Planner 5D is ideal if you’re planning multiple rooms or want to explore full home layouts. With both 2D and 3D views, plus a huge object library, it’s great for experimenting, though some of the nicer features are locked behind a paywall.

Pros:

  • Create detailed layouts for any room in your home
  • Large catalogue of furnishings and fixtures
  • Works offline via mobile app

Cons:

  • Ads and locked features in the free version
  • Can lag on older devices
  • Less intuitive than Arcadium for focused kitchen work

Sketchup Free

Best for: Precision and control (especially for experienced users)
Platform: Browser-based

SketchUp Free is one of the most powerful free modeling tools out there, but it’s not for the faint of heart. If you’re looking for total customisation and aren’t afraid of a learning curve, it’s worth exploring.

Pros:

  • Highly detailed modeling tools
  • Compatible with DWG and SKP formats
  • Access to a vast plugin ecosystem

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve for beginners
  • Not kitchen-specific
  • Basic visual rendering unless upgraded

Comparing the Top Free Kitchen Design Tools

Not all design tools offer the same features; some are great for visualising a single room, while others are better suited for large-scale projects. 

The table below gives you a side-by-side look at what each platform excels at, so you can pick the one that best matches your needs and experience level.

Tool Best For Platform Export Options Ease of Use Visual Realism
Arcadium Stunning 3D design for beginners Web PDF, PNG ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Planner 5D Full home layout customization Web + Mobile App In-app only ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐
SketchUp Detailed technical modeling Web SKP, STL ⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐

 

How To Get Started Designing Your Dream Kitchen

Inspired already?

 Great! Here’s how you can jump into your own kitchen design in just a few simple steps, no experience required.

Measure Your Space

Start with the basics: note down the length, width, and height of your kitchen. Don’t forget window and door placements, most tools allow you to input these measurements for a more accurate layout.

Pick The Right Tool for The Project

If you’re after realism and ease-of-use, Arcadium is a great choice. Need to plan multiple rooms? Try something more expansive like Planner 5D. Looking for total customisation? SketchUp might be more your speed.

Choose a Layout (Or Start from Scratch)

Most platforms offer pre-made templates for popular layouts like L-shaped, U-shaped, or galley kitchens. Or you can go freeform and create something unique to your space.

Drag in Cabinets, Appliances & More

This is the fun part. Use the platform’s library to place furniture, appliances, countertops, and even plants. Drag and drop items to see what works best, and don’t be afraid to try different setups.

Experiment With Colours & Lighting

Design isn’t just about layout. Play around with colour palettes, flooring, backsplashes, and lighting to get a feel for the final vibe. Some tools even let you preview how natural and artificial light will look throughout the day.

Save, Export or Share your Design

Once you’re happy with the result, save your project. Most tools let you export as images or PDFs to share with a contractor or friend. Some even offer cloud storage so you can pick up where you left off.

Common Kitchen Design Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a great tool, it’s easy to overlook key details when designing your kitchen. 

Here are some of the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

Overcrowding the Layout

It’s tempting to fit everything in, but cramming too many cabinets or appliances into one space can ruin your kitchen’s flow. 

Stick to the golden rule: 

Leave at least 1 metre of clearance between countertops and islands for easy movement.

Ignoring the Work Triangle

The sink, stove, and fridge make up the kitchen’s “work triangle”; keep them within easy reach of each other to streamline your cooking process. 

Most free kitchen design tools allow you to test these placements virtually.

Poor Lighting Choices

Lighting can make or break your kitchen. Be sure to plan for layered lighting — task lighting for countertops, ambient lighting for overall visibility, and accent lighting to highlight key features.

Forgetting Storage

Floating shelves look sleek, but they don’t always offer enough space. Consider where you’ll store pots, pans, and small appliances. 

Not Thinking Long-Term

Trends change, but your kitchen should still work for you in 5 or 10 years. Prioritise timeless design elements and functional choices that won’t age poorly or limit resale value.

Your Dream Kitchen Starts with a Click

Designing a kitchen doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. With the right kitchen design tool, you can take control of your space, explore ideas freely, and make confident decisions before any tiles are laid or cabinets installed.

Whether you’re building from scratch or simply refreshing your layout, tools like Arcadium or Planner 5D make it easy to create a kitchen that’s not just beautiful, but functional too. 

So open up your browser, load up your favourite planner, and start designing a space that feels like home, one click at a time

No-Fault State Car Accidents: The Truth About Your Legal Rights

People who experience vehicle accidents in no-fault states need clarification about their rights and guidance regarding injury-related compensation. The no-fault law system requires insured drivers to get reimbursed by their insurance plan for medical payments and wage losses no matter whose fault caused the collision. A basic knowledge of this insurance framework enables the claimant of an accident in a no fault state to properly handle their processes while getting their entitled benefits.

For accident victims exploring the process of pursuing compensation beyond what PIP offers, understanding the exact documentation, deadlines, and common insurer tactics is essential. If your case involves significant injury or complex negotiations with insurers, you’ll benefit from practical guidance on collecting evidence, evaluating damages, and maximizing your settlement read more at https://thebradleylawfirm.com/, where detailed steps and strategies for making a personal injury claim after a car wreck are outlined. – Placement: Insert immediately following the paragraph under “Steps to Take After an Accident in a No-Fault State,” after step 5 but before the “When to Contact a Lawyer” header.

How No-Fault Insurance Works

A no-fault insurance law mandates all drivers in affected states to obtain Personal Injury Protection coverage through their auto insurance policy. PIP covers:

  • Medical expenses: Vehicle occupants are eligible for recovery of the expenses caused by the automobile accident.
  • Reimbursement: When you lack workability because of accident injuries, you receive reimbursement for your lost earnings.
  • Essential services: The insurance coverage provides support for childcare services, or housekeeping services when disabilities stop you from performing your regular duties.
  • Funeral costs in fatal accidents

To claim further compensation after an accident you must understand all no-fault law restrictions about who can file lawsuits.

Suing After A No-Fault State Car Accident 

Suing remains possible when certain exceptions apply. The policy of no-fault litigation presents specific limitations on filing lawsuits but exceptions do apply. The possibility to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver exists in most no-fault states under certain circumstances which include when your injuries meet one of the following criteria:

  • Your medical conditions fall within the category of serious injuries leading to permanent disabilities with visible disfigurements which result in significant impairments.
  • You need medical expenses exceeding the dollar threshold established by state law.
  • The incident led to a death that qualified as wrongful.
  • The exceptions to no-fault policy include cases where you would qualify to sue for pain and suffering damages although PIP insurance does not provide this benefit. 

Steps to Take After an Accident in a No-Fault State

Make the following steps after an accident to defend your rights and obtain fair compensation.

  1. Obtain medical check-ups because your pain symptoms could emerge later despite appearing well.
  2. All states except specific exceptions require drivers to contact the police to report their accident by submitting official documentation.
  3. To create evidence, gather pictures and acquire statements from witnesses while trading insurance contact information.
  4. Inform your insurance company immediately after filing your PIP claim to obtain medical expense coverage. 
  5. Complete an assessment with a Personal Injury Lawyer because severe injuries require legal expertise to decide whether you hold valid claims for a lawsuit.

When to Contact a Lawyer

Because no-fault laws restrict your ability to file lawsuits, insurance organizations frequently restrict the compensation they provide. Having medical expenses that surpass PIP limitations together with serious life-altering injuries should prompt you to hire a personal injury attorney to obtain proper compensation.

With experience in law, a professional can evaluate your situation before dealing with insurance representatives to establish potential legal eligibility. When seeking legal guidance you prevent yourself from accepting insufficient compensation that does not match your entitlement.

Final Thoughts

You need to understand your rights in a no-fault state whenever you face an accident to maintain both your health and your financial stability. The funds from PIP coverage help with medical expenses and lost wages but often fail to provide sufficient payment when your injuries prove severe. A lawyer consultation helps you identify your legal routes when you feel your insurer payout does not cover your deserved compensation amount.

Preventing Personal Injuries in New Jersey: Building Safer Communities Beyond Compensation

Personal Injuries

Personal injury cases take an emotional and financial toll on the victims but also expose the safety shortcomings of communities. At Davis, Saperstein & Salomon P,C., knowing the risk factors and designing strategic interventions can help New Jersey mitigate unnecessary injuries and enhance safety. Policymakers and government officials, as well as business leaders and residents, can take actions to make the communities safer.

Enhanced Infrastructure to Reduce Hazards

Improved public infrastructure plays a major role in accident prevention.  Injuries may be greatly decreased by remodeling roads, sidewalks, and public places. For example:

  • Enhanced Pedestrian Crossings: Pedestrian-activated flashers or automatic sidewalk lights may be useful for busy intersections on Newark and Jersey City. These measures are especially effective near schools and public transit stops.
  • Better Street Lighting: Dimly lit streets in high-traffic areas can pose serious risks to both drivers and pedestrians. Installing LED streetlights in areas such as Trenton’s downtown and Newark’s Ironbound district can enhance visibility and reduce nighttime accidents.
  • Traffic Calming Measures: Certain structures, like roundabouts, curb extensions, and speed bumps can be used to reduce vehicle speed in residential neighborhoods. This is more helpful in Hoboken’s waterfront districts where high pedestrian traffic is common.

Targeted Public Safety Campaigns

Educational campaigns can raise awareness about common injury risks and encourage safer behavior. New Jersey communities can introduce the following initiatives:

Campaigns for Seasonal Safety: Public service announcements focusing on winter driving safety, beach safety, or bicycle helmet use can significantly reduce seasonal accident rates.

Interactive Workshops: Hosting safety workshops at schools and community centers can teach residents critical skills such as defensive driving, fall prevention for seniors, or safe lifting techniques for workers.

Local Business Accountability

Every business should make every effort to provide a safe environment for its customers and employees. Urging them to adopt basic safety measures would lessen incidents such as falling or slipping.

Proactive Safety Audits: Businesses can voluntarily conduct safety assessments to identify and address potential hazards. Implementing a ‘Safe Business Certification’ could incentivize establishments to maintain higher safety standards.

Employee Training Programs: Providing basic first aid, fire prevention, and emergency response training to staff can lessen injuries in the retail, hospitality, and office workplaces.

Emergency Response Training for Residents

Community-wide preparedness programs designed to make the community ready for emergencies can lessen injuries in case of accidents.

First Aid Training Sessions: Towns can organize CPR and first-aid certification courses for residents. Teaching community members how to respond to injuries before medical help arrives can save lives.

Volunteer Emergency Networks: Establishing local volunteer groups with first-aid kits and defibrillators might improve the response time in difficult to access areas.

Legal Advocacy for Safer Communities

Davis, Saperstein & Salomon play a critical role in prevention efforts. Their legal staff looks into injury trends which allows them to recommend safety measures to local authorities to formulate and enforce stricter safety laws.

If a law firm determines there are a lot of pedestrian mishaps in a certain location, the law firm may partner with urban designers to develop better crosswalks and pedestrian signs. Their effort assures that the lessons learned from prior cases are used for public safety improvement.

Key To Safety

Reduction of personal injuries is achieved through prevention. Improving infrastructure, safety awareness campaigns, and community readiness all work together to provide New Jersey residents an improved sense of safety while burdening the personal injury claimants less.

How Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) Software Can Improve Collaboration

In the fast-paced digital age, effective communication has become the cornerstone of business success. CTI software is at the forefront of revolutionizing how companies manage their communications, enabling seamless collaboration and improved productivity. It integrates telephone functions with computer-based databases, providing a unified communication platform that can significantly enhance team dynamics and customer relations. If you’re seeking ways to streamline your business’s communication processes, CTI might be the solution you’ve been looking for. Keep reading to understand how this technology can be a game-changer for your organization.

Understanding CTI Software and Its Role in Modern business Communication

The essence of CTI lies in its ability to merge traditional telephony with digital information services. CTI software allows employees to manage all their communication tasks directly from their computers, eliminating the need to switch between different devices and applications. This integrated approach contributes to better time management and less room for error, as all relevant information is readily accessible during calls.

With features like click-to-dial, screen pop-ups with customer information, and automated call logging, CTI technology provides a user-friendly interface that streamlines workflow. These capabilities ensure that every interaction is informed and personalized, thereby enhancing the quality of customer service. The adoption of this technology has seen a significant uptick, as businesses realize the benefits of having an integrated communication system.

Implementing CTI software can be particularly transformative for customer-facing teams. The ability to quickly access client data and past interactions can lead to more meaningful conversations and faster problem resolution. In addition, the aggregation of communication channels into one platform can significantly reduce operational complexity.

Streamlining Customer Support and Sales With Integrated Telephony

Customer service and sales are often the front lines of a business, directly shaping customer perceptions and driving revenue. CTI significantly enhances these critical areas by providing tools that allow for a comprehensive understanding of the customer journey. Quick access to customer data ensures that agents can make informed decisions, while integrated call management features streamline the entire communication process.

In the fast-paced environment of sales, time is of the essence. CTI’s automatic call distribution and dialers increase efficiency by connecting agents to prospects quickly and more effectively. The automation of routine tasks like dialing numbers and logging call information ensures that sales teams can focus on what they do best.

The Impact of Real-Time Data Access on Team Performance and Decision-Making

Information is power in the world of business, and CTI ensures that this power is harnessed efficiently with real-time data. Having instant access to customer data and history allows teams to make quick, informed decisions that can be the difference between closing a sale or retaining a client. It enables personalized customer engagement, as well as swift responses to inquiries and issues.

Real-time data is also instrumental in managing business operations. Team leaders and managers can monitor calls and performance metrics as they happen. This immediate insight allows for on-the-spot coaching and feedback, which is crucial for the development of team members and the continuous improvement of service delivery.

CTI’s real-time capabilities also facilitate better forecasting and planning. Businesses can predict trends based on current data, allowing them to adjust their strategies proactively. This can cover everything from staffing requirements to inventory management, ensuring that businesses are well-prepared for future demands.

Future-Proofing Your Business: The Advantages of Adopting CTI Systems Early

Embracing technology early on comes with significant competitive advantages. Businesses that adopt CTI systems can position themselves ahead of the curve, offering cutting-edge communication services that meet the expectations of modern consumers. The integration of telephony and information services is more than a convenience; it is becoming a necessity as customers increasingly seek streamlined and personalized interactions.

CTI technology also plays a critical role in maintaining business continuity. With features that support remote work and disaster recovery, companies can ensure that their operations run smoothly in the face of unforeseen challenges. The flexibility and resilience offered by these systems are invaluable assets in today’s unpredictable business landscape.

Overall, CTI software is much more than a technical upgrade—it’s a strategic move toward sustainable business growth. By uniting communication channels and data management, CTI paves the way for companies to create a collaborative, efficient, and resilient work environment tailored to the demands of the modern world.

Author Spotlight: Matthew Gasda, ‘The Sleepers’

Akari has arrived at a particularly tough moment in Mariko and Dan’s relationship. The cinematographer has just arrived at her sister’s place in New York to crash on their couch after a particularly long conversation in the middle of the night about sex, literature, and their future. It only gets more tense from there; as the three interact (but mostly worry about each other), they can feel their identities and plans dissolve. Days before the 2016 election, the three Millennials, along with other artists and theater directors, revolve around the loss of an unlived life, unsure if it’s still within reach. 

Our Culture spoke with Matthew Gasda about generational fiction, playwriting, and plundering from diaries.

Congratulations on your debut novel! You’ve written so many plays; did you approach the book the same way?

I started writing the book in 2017, so in many ways it predates many of the plays I’ve become known for. In other ways, it postdates them, because I rewrote a lot of the book in the 2020s. I don’t think there’s a linear relationship to my playwriting. When I moved to New York at 22 I had no idea I’d be writing plays; I exclusively conceived of myself as a novelist or a literary person. I had no foot whatsoever in theater, until I was 24 or 25. In a way, the book is tied to my ambitions I moved to New York with, 14 years ago. It was always my ambition to write generationally relevant New York novels, like so many other people, and at some point it materialized. Obviously, people who have written about The Sleepers so far have commented on the play-like aspects of the book — I think that’s somewhat overrated in the sense that if they didn’t know I was a playwright, I don’t know if it’d get brought up. It might be the case that my fictional dialogue always worked like this, and it translated into theater. For readers, they may assume the opposite — this is me translating into fiction. So there’s some relationship between drama and fiction that’s ongoing, there’s no chicken or egg.

Yeah, I was going to ask if this was originally going to be conceived as a play.

I don’t think so. I think in my head, the shadow realm of my brain is the same. I think the only difference is when I’m writing a play specifically I really think about the third thing, which is the audience. There’s a different mental anticipation of the thing you’re writing. You’re thinking of things like stage time, do they have to pee, where do you put the intermission. There are practical considerations with a play, whereas with fiction, there’s a limitlessness, greater freedom to go into a discursive tangent. 

You mention trying for the novel to be generationally relevant — I’m curious why you set it in 2016, days before the election?

I think I had a sense that 2015 was the end of a certain structure of living. It was the end of the socialist hipster era. I saw the character Dan in the novel as a tragic moment, not politically, but culturally and morally, there was a peak naivete, peak blindness. There were massive cultural transformations that even by 2017 were already underway. There’s not a big shift in how the world looks, but I think there’s a massive shift in how people react and think, articulate themselves, have sex.

I love the unease in Mariko and Dan’s relationship, and you write, “It was like they couldn’t exist without the tension of possible catastrophe.” What was it like developing them?

It’s funny, reflecting on something that took ten years. I’ve sort of lost touch… I was writing at such radically different periods, at one point I was a high school teacher, or writing on the subway, going to a job I really loathed, living with someone. The first draft has this extreme feeling of stuckness that reflects my own state and self-loathing. I think I began the book at a time where I felt morally, economically, spiritually disjointed. I didn’t like 2017, I didn’t like the 2010s. I think I was starting to realize it felt bad. In a way, Dan and Mariko became mutilated versions of my own psyche, the academic writer and the theater person, both of whom feel lost. The difference is that I was hyper aware of myself at the time, so there was a kind of beauty and relief in writing these characters who forestall their own realizations. They aren’t fully aware of themselves as failed, whereas at the time I felt very failed. My fantasy in a weird way was to be like them.

I love taking a part of me, either good or bad, and really expanding on it fictitiously through a character.

Yeah, I do believe in the alternate self theory of fiction. I tell people, when I write plays, these are versions of myself that I don’t want to have happen, paths I don’t want to go down. There’s a therapeutic element to seeing your own vulnerabilities and egotisms and desires. I wasn’t a 40-year-old male feminist socialist like Dan, I was 29. I could see how that person was relatively easy to become. Any New Yorker could become Dan. Writing the book was like a ritual to ward off Dan in myself before it was too late.

Speaking of, Dan is a writer who has a book under contract with Verso, and he writes pseudo-philosophical ideas about “the collectivization of opinion” or “the algorithmization of consensus.” I’m wondering if you think he’s pretentious, or earnestly attempting to figure out American society.

Some of those things I took from my own blog in 2015; some of the most uninteresting. That was my way of creating a hybrid — the way to create earnestness was to actually put in some of my own earnest thoughts. I think he’s incredibly earnest. The level at which he’s operating, he fully believes the things he’s doing. The book talks a lot about levels of consciousness, the biological level, material level, social level, erotic level. Dan is someone who is unable to integrate his different drives and modes of awareness; he’s hyperintellectual but unable to integrate that within his own choices.

Dan has an affair with Eliza, and although it’s pretty mundane, both are irreparably changed from it. What did you want their actions to introduce in their lives? 

I think it’s as simple as introducing them to themselves. My theory of the book is that if these characters are not fully aware of who they are when the book begins, if they’re both trapped in this sort of daily sameness, they’re both staring down the rest of their lives and they’re not happy with that. There’s a world where they don’t act out their drives or needs. Maybe life’s about settling for someone you don’t get along with. Dan talks about being nostalgic, how nice it is just to have somebody. So the affairs show them they’re not able to compromise, they’re vulgar materialists, libidinal in ways that don’t allow them to acquiesce to the ordinariness of their lives and just accept it. It just returns them to who they always were.

Mariko’s sister, Akari, is just a viewer from LA who is witness to the destruction. Do you think she’s able to view the couple without all the layers of story, or does she not have all of the information?

She knows. I don’t think she needs all the information. As a cinematographer, she’s an observer, kind of passively capturing what’s around her, in a sense, to edit later. She intuits the affair, she doesn’t know the details, but she sees Dan and Mariko both come in, and she clocks it. To me, Akari is someone who’s got a good life. If you want to look at it like a tragedy, she’s the one who could stop the tragedy from unfolding, but she refuses to confront anyone, she’s hung up on her own relationship and career, so she doesn’t want to get involved. She’s sort of the social Darwinist of the group.

I liked that you included some contemporary ideas, mirroring your work for UnHerd, like when you write, “I’m beginning to understand what an artist’s life means… It means giving up this fucking bizarre American obsession with happiness.” Do you as a writer agree?

[Laughs] Yeah. I don’t think you should consciously try to be unhappy, but so many people want to live the Carroll Gardens, Brooklynite novelist lifestyle, write for The New Yorker four times a year, teach at Brooklyn College. I think certain writers get grandfathered into a way of life where you can do that, sell a book or two, enough to buy an apartment. I think the early 2000s in general had de-romanticized the idea of sacrifice or suffering for art. That got left in the 90s. A lot of 90s plots are driven by the idea of the sellout vs the slacker, and I think that just goes away, in my generation, definitely by your generation. There’s no difference between commerce and art. Culturally, no difference. But there is a reality in which you have to offend or reject or push away. Everyone can’t like you, you can’t be happy all the time and be a great artist. I just don’t see how that’s possible. You can’t be a people pleaser or de-libidinal. Real people do real things. We have subjects and genitals and class positions and bodies that are tall or short or fat or ugly or hot. There’s an NPR voice for novelists that really annoy me, where they all sound like the same person. It’s all very nice and pleasant; it’s what I grew up thinking novelists would be.

I also liked this quote: “That was what the internet did to people: it destroyed their indigenous interiority, left them vulnerable to external representations of the self.” I feel like in 2016, when you set the novel, was when people really started to understand this kind of thing and think more deeply about it. 

I don’t know if you’ve ever read Nicholas Carr’s The Shallows, from 2011. When I first moved to New York, I couldn’t afford to buy a book so I’d go to Barnes & Noble and read it in one or two sessions. Someone like him has been worried about that, or George Steiner or Harold Bloom in the 80s and 90s. It’s amazing how often this thought gets iterated. Harold Bloom was interested in the loss of interiority. I guess he was right, but there’s also levels of hell. Broadly speaking, yes, 2016, 2012 — there were these flashpoints where we get further and further away from the inner self and more into these buzzing, external, roboticized… I guess one of my aphorisms is that the threat isn’t just AI becoming more like us but us becoming more like AI. There’s some conversions there.

I wanted to talk about your Writer’s Diary and what a day in the life is like — what things go here, in a book, in a play, in a journal. Where’s the boundary?

It used to be the case where I borrowed immensely from the diary for other things. Sleepers borrowed a lot from my old Medium, in which I wrote a lot of good things, but there’s also a normal, scared liberal voice in the original diaries that I eventually turned against and turned into Dan. But there was also a lot of great writing in fragments that I thought were great sentences. Obviously when the diaries are public they become sort of an archaeological record of your own. I think I was more poetic and intuitive ten years ago, mentally more agile. But I had a much more generic, New York Times-mediated social consciousness. It’s gone through iterations, but [the diary] used to be this thing that 30 people read regularly. It was something I would plunder constantly, all of it was grifts for other projects. Over time, especially on Substack, I’ve stopped plundering. And I think that’s made the diary better, because it’ll be published as a book in the fall. Some of it will show up in other places, but it’s slowly evolved from me posting my notebooks to becoming now, a step in formulating thoughts that might influence other things I might write. It’s like the cycle of life of a larger thematic thought process. Sleepers has a ton of my old blog, some I put in to parody, and some things, like a poem I wrote that I worked into Dan’s inner thought. As a technical matter, I think one thing that’s served me well is writing a lot of loose poetry every morning and not even thinking about those things as final poems, just language that’s more enigmatic or freer than a beat-by-beat novel. Integrating linguistic strings that are more ambiguous or lyrical into things that are more prosaic. It creates a unique texture.

Finally, what’s next? I saw you have three books coming out this year.

Yeah, my next play collection, the writers diary, and Sleepers. I sold another novel, which will come out next spring. Like The Sleepers, it’s bits and pieces of [past] writing. It might seem like I got incredibly prolific, but I didn’t get an agent until I was 33. It’s more the case that I have a lot of projects in the drawer. I guess I am an obsessive worker, so it makes me feel sane and decent to just keep going. 


The Sleepers is out now.

Vintage Sportswear: Is This Still Apparent in the Fashion Industry?

Once a dominating force in streetwear and runway collections alike, vintage sportswear—think oversized windbreakers, old-school tracksuits, and retro trainers—seemed to define an era of fashion led by nostalgia. But the question now in 2025 is whether the buzz has quietened?

A Quiet, Stylish Integration

What we’re seeing now is not the end of the trend, but its absorption into mainstream fashion. Rather than being styled as full vintage ‘looks,’ retro elements have become subtler, used to accent otherwise modern outfits. 

Classic sneakers like the Autry Medalist—a minimal ’80s silhouette—are everywhere this spring, worn with everything from wide-leg trousers to suit skirts. The same goes for iconic pieces like Adidas’s Firebird trackies, spotted at fashion week worn beneath longline coats or paired with designer bags.

Still Relevant in Subcultures

Away from the catwalk, vintage sportswear is thriving in youth-driven, internet-fuelled subcultures. The ‘blokecore’ movement—reviving football casual wear from the late ’90s and early 2000s—is still going strong. 

Think vintage football shirts, layered over turtlenecks, paired with baggy jeans or cargos. It’s the kind of look that wouldn’t feel out of place while watching rugby on TV with friends or down the pub, blending sport and style effortlessly.

Nostalgia-Driven Reissues

The fashion industry’s continued flirtation with Y2K aesthetics has also breathed life into retro sportswear. High-end brands like Dior and Chloé are reissuing early 2000s classics, driven by emotional connection and millennial/Gen Z buying power. 

While not strictly sportswear, these reissues are part of the same nostalgic trend cycle that makes vintage Nike sweatshirts and old-school gym kits desirable.

Sustainability and Longevity

Crucially, the vintage sportswear revival has benefited from the fashion industry’s growing concern with sustainability. Consumers are more conscious about fast fashion’s environmental toll, and vintage or second-hand items offer a low-impact alternative. 

This has kept demand high on resale platforms like Depop and Vinted. Brands like Fred Perry, Ellesse, and Fila—whose original pieces are prized for quality and durability—continue to appeal to style-savvy, eco-conscious shoppers.

The Final Whistle?

So, is vintage sportswear still apparent in the fashion industry in 2025? Absolutely—but its influence has shifted from statement to staple, with retro elements subtly threaded through everyday and high-fashion looks alike. 

In subcultures and resale markets, vintage sportswear is thriving—fuelled by nostalgia, sustainability, and enduring style. From pub-ready track jackets to reimagined retro trainers, it’s no fad, but a lasting thread in modern fashion.

Types of THCA Flower: Which is Best For You?

THCA flower offers a legal cannabis sativa product that you can buy online. It’s the same thing as the flower you’d buy at a dispensary; all of the THCA is converted to THC when heated. 

Because it contains less than 0.3% THC in raw form, though, THCA flower is considered a hemp product and is therefore federally legal. 

All of this has made THCA flower very popular. But with some many products available online, how can you know what’s right for you?

It helps to understand the main types of THCA flower. In this article, we’ll break down these types so you can figure out which option suits you best.

What is THCA Flower?

THCA flower is dried cannabis sativa bud that’s been bred to contain high levels of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) and low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Because it contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight, it’s considered hemp and is therefore federally legal. 

THCa turns into THC when heated through a process known as decarboxylation: you get the same effects from high-THCa, low-THC strains as you would from strains with a lower ratio of THCa to THC. 

Types of THCA Flower

There are three main types of THCA flower: type 1 THCA flower, type 2 THCA flower, and exotic THCA flower. Here’s a bit about each:

Type 1 THCA Flower

Type 1 THCA flower refers to hemp flower strains that contain high levels of THCA and low levels of secondary cannabinoids, such as CBD, CBG, or CBN. 

Due to the high THCA profile of type 1 THCA flower, these strains are ideal if you’re looking for intense euphoria, deep relaxation, and heightened sensory perception (by contrast, type 2 THCA flower is better for therapeutic uses or if you don’t want as strong of a head high). 

Given the potency of type 1 THCA flower, we generally recommend it only if you have experience with THCA and know what to expect.

Type 2 THCA Flower

Type 2 THCA flower refers to hemp flower strains that contain a balanced ratio of THCA and CBD, along with other secondary cannabinoids like CBG or CBN. 

The THCA converts into THC, delivering psychoactive effects, while the CBD and other cannabinoids help to counteract the intensity, creating a more relaxed, clear-headed experience.

Type 2 THCA flower is ideal if you’re consuming THCA flower for therapeutic purposes. The high levels of secondary cannabinoids in type 2 flower increases its physically and mentally relaxing benefits while taking the sharper edge off the high created by THC. 

Exotic THCA Flower

Exotic THCA flower refers to hemp flower strains with very high THCA levels (20-30%+). These strains are often made by mixing multiple strains together and can be hard to find, hence the “exotic” name.

Exotic THCA strains often have bright, trichome-rich buds with vibrant colors like purples, oranges, and greens, making them visually stunning as well as potent.

Exotic strains are ideal if you’re looking for extremely powerful or unique effects. Because an exotic strain is often made by mixing multiple other strains, you can get the effects of several of your favorite strains all at once. 

As with type 1 THCA flower, though, we only recommend trying exotics if you’re experienced with THC, given how powerful they are. 

What to Look for When Buying THCA Flower Online

Apart from knowing which type of THCA flower is right for you, here are some things you’ll want to consider when shopping for strains online: 

3rd-party lab testing

Only buy THCA flower that’s been 3rd-party lab tested. The hemp market is largely unregulated and there’s a lot of poor-quality flower out there; 3rd-party lab testing is essentially the only way to verify the quality of a strain. 

Reputable THCA flower vendors will provide 3rd-party lab tests for their products. If a company doesn’t, do not buy from them. 

All-natural flower

Only buy all-natural THCA flower. This will ensure the flower you buy is free of low-quality additives that don’t add to the effects or benefits you receive and may even be harmful.

All-natural flowers are richer in naturally-occurring cannabinoids (such as THCA, CBD, CBG, and so on), making it better for both therapeutic and recreational use.

Effects and potency

When you’re shopping for THCA flower, ensure you buy a product that provides the experience you’re looking for. There are two main things you’ll want to look for:

  • THCA Percentage: The amount of THCA in the strain will determine how potent it is. Ensure you select a strain that’s appropriate for your preferences and level of experience. Type 1 strains, which contain 20% THCA or higher, are best if you’re experienced with flower. Type 2 strains, which are lower in THCA and higher in CBD, CBN, and CBG, are better for therapeutic use or if you’re new to THCA flower.
  • Other Cannabinoid Content: If THCA flower contains other cannabinoids (whether naturally or through infusion), it will render different effects than THCA flower with minimal amounts of these other cannabinoids. 

Where to Buy THCA Flower Online

If you’re looking for the best place to buy THCA flower online, Carolina Hemp Cafe is the place to go.

They have a selection of 30+ THCA flower strains, including type 1, type 2, and exotic selections. From classic strains like Northern Lights and Green Crack and exotics like Super Lemon Haze and Skywalker, they’re sure to have a strain you’ll love. 

Every strain is 3rd-party lab tested, federally legal, and packaged in childproof containers. Carolina Hemp Cafe ships to 35+ states and offers free shipping over $99. 

Whether you’re ready to try THCA flower for the first time or want to find a new supplier, Carolina Hemp Cafe is your go-to. 

Conclusion: Choosing the Best THCA Flower for Your Needs

THCA flower allows you to enjoy the cannabis sativa plant legally and conveniently. 

Whether you’re a wellness-focused user or like THCA recreationally, there’s a strain for you. 

Powerful type 1 and exotic THCA strains are best for strong effects, while balanced type 2 THCA flower is better for addressing physical discomfort or sleeping more restfully at night. 

No matter what path you choose to go, you now know what to look for when buying THCA flower.

Smokey Robinson Accused of Sexual Assault By Four Former Housekeepers

William “Smokey” Robinson has been accused of sexual assault and misconduct by four former housekeepers. The Motown music luminary is facing a $50 million lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles superior court on May 6, from the four women, who are identified only as Jane Does 1, 2, 3 and 4.

The complaint also names Robinson’s wife, Frances Robinson, and lists a number alleged labor violations, including failure to pay minimum wage, failure to pay overtime, inaccurate wage statements, and hostile work environment.

According to The Post, the women claim they worked for Robinson between 2012 and 2024. Jane Doe 1 accused Robinson of painfully penetrating her and committing other unwanted sexual acts at least seven times upon calling her into the “blue bedroom” of his Chatsworth residence.

Jane Doe 2, who allegedly worked for the couple from May 2014 until February 2020, claims she was assaulted by the singer at least 23 different times, including in the laundry room and garage of his Chatsworth residence, where there no cameras. She called his advances “brutal,” “constant,” and “predictable.”

Jane Doe 3 claims she worked for them from February 2012 until April 2024 and was “sexually harassed, sexually assaulted and raped” by Robinson “at least 20 times.”

The fourth woman also says she served as Frances Robinson’s personal assistant, hairdresser, and cook, working for them for 18 years before resigning in 2024. Her account includes allegations of rape at Robinson’s Las Vegas and Bell Canyon homes.

The complaint also states that Frances Robinson failed to prevent her husband’s sexual assaults, “despite having full knowledge of his prior acts of sexual misconduct, having settled cases with other women that suffered and experienced similar sexual assaults perpetrated by him.”

Speaking at a Los Angeles news conference, the women’s attorney John Harris said: “We believe that Mr. Robinson is a serial and sick rapist, and must be stopped.” He added that while “no amount of money can compensate these women for what Mr. Robinson put them through,” the $50 million was warranted “based on the gravity of Mr. Robinson’s despicable and reprehensible misconduct.”

Reach Out for Help

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, we encourage you to reach out for support.
Crisis Text Line
UK: Rape Crisis
US: RAINN

Man/Woman/Chainsaw Release New Song ‘MadDog’

Man/Woman/Chainsaw have released a new song, ‘MadDog’. Like April’s ‘Adam & Steve’, the frantic, winding track was recorded with Geordie Greep producer Seth Evans and Margo Broom at RAK Studios. It “talks about losing a friend and watching them become everything you thought they wouldn’t,” according to the band’s Vera Leppänen. “We wrote the song as two parts, the pissed off bit and the sad/nostalgic bit, and recorded it with a quick turnaround which was fairly new to us.” Listen to it below.

The London-based six-piece released their debut EP, Eazy Peazy, last year. Check out our Artist Spotlight interview with Man/Woman/Chainsaw.