After briefly pretending she’d abandoned pop for “rock music”, Charli’s latest identity crisis comes with a runway and a descent into hell. “Yeah, we’re walkin’ on a runway that goes straight to hell. Nothing’s gonna save us, not music, fashion, or film.” Hate to disagree with the original brat, but fashion might actually save us. Or at the very least, a few archival references and a cameo-filled industry fever dream are enough to temporarily revive a fashion editor’s serotonin levels. And if nothing’s going to save us, the least fashion can do is provide a look.
An invite posted through her finsta (@b.sides), set the tone for SS26, slightly unwell. First of all, because the internet immediately worried about the emotional stability of the “Angels” if Charli actually decided to release a fashion collection unannounced. Secondly, because we are already well beyond Spring/Summer 2026, with Cruise 2027 collections already looking hard to top. Fortunately, music remains the grounding force.
And hell, apparently, comes with a front row. A guest version of Charli, sandwiched between Carine Roitfeld, ex–Vogue Paris editor-in-chief, now leading CR Fashion Book, and Anthony Vaccarello, creative director of Saint Laurent, watched model-Charlie walk down the runway. Supermodel Debra Shaw, Zadig & Voltaire’s Dan Sablon, La Watchparty’s Lyas, Supreme’s Zac Ching, filmmaker Loïc Prigent, the August Barron duo alongside their go-to PR lead David Siwicki, as well as Lucien Pagès, and Michel Gaubert (the man behind Karl Lagerfeld’s and Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel runway soundtracks), did too.
Model-Charli (who also was the only one there), walked the very 90s-inspired runway (also seen in Demna’s Gucci) in Saint Laurent (that’s what ambassadors do, right?), Balmain, Ann Demeulemeester, Chrome Hearts, and Lou De Bètoly, as examples. She even managed to bump into herself, recalling Shalom Harlow and Brandi Quiñones on Gianni Versace’s Spring/Summer 1995 runway. She later twisted her heel, fell, and laid on the floor for a moment before getting back up, much like Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. A few scenes later, she’s lighting a cigarette and walking it off. Something Carrie would romanticise, and Kate Moss would probably treat as a standard Tuesday. Nothing is saved, but at least it’s well-dressed.
Sunglasses have quietly stopped behaving like accessories. They’re doing more than finishing a look. They’re setting it.
This summer that shift feels even clearer. Outfits are getting simpler, lighter, less constructed. The detail that pulls everything together is often just a frame on the face.
Everything else can stay fairly straightforward. Sunglasses do the rest.
Tailoring your outfit to your sunglasses
A plain white tee, a clean shirt, simple tailoring, even sportswear all read differently depending on what’s on your face. It’s immediate. Nothing else in the outfit needs to change.
Slim frames tighten things up. Chunky acetate adds weight. Dark wrap styles lean more technical. Softer shapes feel easier, less deliberate.
That variation is why eyewear has become one of the most reliable ways to shift a look without rebuilding it.
Summer dressing has got more direct
There’s less interest in layering or complicated combinations right now. The focus has moved toward ease. Clothes that work on their own without much adjustment.
Sunglasses fit into that way of dressing better than most pieces. They don’t require coordination. They don’t rely on context. They sit on the face and immediately change how everything else reads.
That’s why they’ve become part of daily wear rather than something saved for specific conditions.
Indoors, outdoors, and everywhere in between
The old rules around sunglasses don’t really apply anymore.
They’re not reserved for bright days or holidays. They stay on through trains, cafés, studios, airports.
Part of that is practical. Light exposure isn’t consistent anymore as screens, artificial lighting, and constant visual demand mean brightness is less about the sun and more about everything else around us.
Light-filtering and anti-blue light lenses sit inside that shift. They don’t announce themselves. They just soften the edges slightly. In practice, they end up being worn like any other pair of sunglasses.
Function Blending Into Style
Light-filtering lenses, including blue light sunglasses have made their way into everyday eyewear in a fairly natural way.
They started with a functional purpose: Reduced eye strain when looking at screens outside, meaning better focus across long days. That part still matters, but it’s no longer the main reason people reach for them.
Once they’re on the face, they become visual rather than technical. A slight tint, a softer reflection, a different way light sits on the lens. Those details read as style long before they read as function.
They’ve effectively merged into the same category as sunglasses.
Choosing blue light sunglasses
Multiple companies offer blue light sunglasses, but you want to look for brands that give you actual information on how much blue light they actually filter. Look for someone with patented blue light technology with explicit filtration rates, like Horus X who specialize in blue light lenses.
Making your outfit more fashion forward this summer.
Sunglasses are often the first thing someone sees, even though they’re one of the last things added.
That’s part of why they’ve become so important in how people dress now. They don’t require explanation. They don’t need context. They just change how everything else is read.
Delivery vehicles have become a constant presence on roads throughout Athens. From Amazon vans and UPS trucks to grocery delivery drivers and food courier services, commercial delivery traffic has increased dramatically over the last few years. While these services bring convenience to customers, they also create new dangers for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and passengers sharing the road. Delivery drivers often work under intense pressure to meet deadlines, complete routes quickly, and handle a large number of stops every day. That pressure can lead to speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, and careless decisions behind the wheel.
When a delivery vehicle causes an accident, victims are often left dealing with painful injuries, expensive medical treatment, lost income, emotional stress, and uncertainty about the future. Unlike ordinary car accidents, delivery vehicle crashes usually involve commercial insurance companies, corporate legal teams, electronic tracking systems, and complicated liability questions. These cases are rarely simple, which is why many injured victims turn to an Athens Delivery Vehicle Accident Attorney for legal guidance and financial recovery support.
Why Delivery Vehicle Accidents Are Becoming More Common in Athens
Athens has experienced a steady rise in delivery-related traffic because online shopping and same-day delivery services have become part of daily life. Residents now rely heavily on package delivery companies, restaurant delivery apps, grocery delivery services, and courier businesses. As demand continues growing, delivery drivers spend longer hours on the road and often operate under unrealistic scheduling expectations.
Many drivers are expected to complete deliveries within strict time limits. This environment can encourage unsafe driving behavior. Drivers may rush through intersections, stop abruptly, double park in busy streets, check GPS devices while driving, or operate vehicles while exhausted. In some situations, companies prioritize speed and productivity over road safety.
Delivery accidents also occur because many drivers lack professional commercial driving experience. Some companies hire temporary workers or independent contractors who may not receive proper safety training. Vehicle maintenance can also become an issue when companies fail to inspect brakes, tires, lights, and steering systems regularly.
Common Causes of Delivery Vehicle Accidents
Delivery vehicle crashes happen for many reasons, but negligence is often a major factor. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes because drivers frequently rely on navigation systems, mobile apps, route updates, and customer communication while operating the vehicle. Even a few seconds of distraction can lead to devastating consequences.
Driver fatigue also plays a significant role in commercial delivery accidents. Long work shifts and repetitive routes reduce reaction time and decision-making ability. Fatigued drivers may struggle to notice sudden traffic changes, pedestrians, or vehicles stopping ahead of them.
Speeding is another common issue. Many drivers attempt to complete deliveries faster to meet performance expectations. Speeding reduces stopping distance and increases the severity of crashes. In residential neighborhoods and urban streets, speeding delivery vans create substantial risks for families and pedestrians.
Poor vehicle maintenance contributes to many commercial vehicle accidents as well. Brake failures, tire blowouts, steering malfunctions, and lighting problems can all increase the likelihood of collisions. Companies that neglect routine inspections may be held responsible if mechanical failures contributed to the accident.
Why Delivery Vehicle Accident Cases Are More Complicated Than Regular Car Accidents
A standard car accident usually involves two personal drivers and their insurance companies. Delivery vehicle accident claims are very different because commercial businesses are involved. Large corporations often have aggressive insurance providers and legal teams focused on minimizing payouts.
One major complication involves employment classification. Many delivery companies classify drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. Companies sometimes use this classification to avoid responsibility after accidents occur. However, liability depends on more than job titles alone. Courts may examine how much control the company had over the driver’s schedule, routes, vehicle requirements, and work conditions.
Another challenge involves insurance coverage. Several insurance policies may apply in a single delivery vehicle accident case. There may be commercial vehicle coverage, employer liability insurance, third-party contractor policies, or personal auto insurance involved.
Injuries Frequently Seen in Delivery Vehicle Accidents
Commercial delivery vehicle crashes can cause severe and life-changing injuries, especially when larger vans or trucks are involved. Victims often suffer injuries that require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.Traumatic brain injuries are among the most serious outcomes of high-impact collisions. Brain trauma can affect memory, concentration, emotional health, and physical functioning. Some victims experience permanent cognitive impairment that changes their ability to work and live independently.
Spinal cord injuries are also common in severe commercial vehicle accidents. Damage to the spine can result in chronic pain, nerve damage, mobility issues, or paralysis. Neck injuries and back injuries frequently develop even in crashes that initially appear minor.Broken bones, internal bleeding, burns, facial injuries, and soft tissue damage are regularly reported after delivery vehicle collisions. Emotional trauma may continue long after physical wounds heal. Many accident victims struggle with anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, and fear of driving following a serious crash.
Medical treatment after a delivery vehicle accident can become extremely expensive. Emergency room visits, surgeries, rehabilitation programs, physical therapy, medications, and future medical care often create long-term financial stress for injured victims and their families.
How an Athens Delivery Vehicle Accident Attorney Helps Victims
Many accident victims underestimate how difficult commercial vehicle claims can become. Insurance companies begin protecting their financial interests immediately after the crash occurs. Adjusters may contact victims quickly and attempt to secure recorded statements or low settlement agreements before injuries are fully diagnosed.
An experienced Athens Delivery Vehicle Accident Attorney helps protect victims from these tactics. The attorney handles communication with insurance companies, investigates the accident, gathers evidence, reviews medical records, and calculates the full value of damages.
Attorneys often work with accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, financial analysts, and commercial vehicle investigators to strengthen the case. Legal teams may examine driver history, employment records, maintenance reports, company safety practices, and delivery schedules to determine whether negligence contributed to the crash.
A lawyer also evaluates future financial losses. Many victims focus only on current medical bills, but serious injuries often create ongoing expenses related to rehabilitation, reduced earning ability, disability accommodations, and long-term care. A strong legal claim considers both present and future damages.
Compensation Available After a Delivery Vehicle Accident
Victims injured in delivery vehicle accidents may be entitled to compensation for both financial losses and personal suffering. Medical expenses are usually one of the largest components of a claim. Compensation may include emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, specialist visits, rehabilitation costs, medication expenses, and future medical care.
Lost income is another important factor. Serious injuries may prevent victims from returning to work temporarily or permanently. Compensation can cover lost wages, reduced future earning capacity, and employment-related benefits.
Pain and suffering damages are also significant in many delivery vehicle accident cases. Physical pain, emotional distress, mental trauma, and reduced quality of life can affect every part of a victim’s daily routine. Courts and insurance companies may consider the long-term impact of permanent injuries when calculating compensation.
Final Thoughts
Delivery vehicle accidents often create far more legal and financial complications than ordinary car crashes. Victims may find themselves facing corporate insurance companies, disputed liability claims, electronic evidence issues, and mounting medical expenses while trying to recover physically and emotionally.An experienced Athens delivery vehicle accident attorney helps injured individuals understand their legal rights, preserve critical evidence, determine liability, and pursue full compensation for their losses.
Strong legal representation can make a major difference in the outcome of a commercial vehicle accident case, especially when large delivery companies and insurers attempt to minimize payouts.For accident victims and families struggling after a serious delivery vehicle crash, taking early legal action may improve the chances of securing financial recovery and long-term stability.
If you notice, people do not want trips where every day follows the same schedule that thousands of other tourists already follow. A lot of travelers want to feel connected to the place they are visiting. They want to spend time around local culture, try food that actually belongs to the region, meet local people, and experience things that feel real to them.
This is one of the biggest reasons personalized travel experiences are getting more attention. Travelers want trips built around what they enjoy, how they like to travel, and what kind of memories they want to take back home.
Here are the main ways cultural exploration is pushing more people toward personalized travel experiences.
Travelers Want Local Experiences Instead of Typical Tourist Activities
A lot of travelers are tired of trips that only take them to the same famous places everyone already knows. Those places can still be worth visiting, but they are not enough for many people now. Travelers want to feel the real life of a destination. They want to walk through local streets, visit small food spots, see how people live, and spend time in places that feel connected to the culture.
This is one reason personalized travel experiences are getting more attention. Every traveler has a different idea of what makes a trip special. Some people enjoy local food and markets. Some enjoy history and old neighborhoods. Others want music, art, festivals, or quiet places where they can experience the area without feeling rushed.
Travel today is increasingly shaped by the desire for deeper cultural engagement rather than surface-level sightseeing. Travelers want to experience destinations in a way that feels authentic, whether through local cuisine, unique neighborhoods, or meaningful activities that reflect the character of a place. Delivering this requires more than basic bookings, it requires careful planning that aligns experiences with individual interests. When itineraries are built with this level of intention, the journey becomes far more immersive and emotionally engaging. This is whypersonalized travel planning is becoming central to how modern travelers explore the world.
Plus, a fixed package may show people the main attractions, but it often misses the details that make a place feel alive. Personalized planning gives travelers more space to choose what matters to them, whether that is food, history, daily life, or local traditions. This makes the whole trip feel more natural, more useful, and more memorable.
Food Culture Is Becoming a Major Part of Travel
Food has become one of the biggest reasons people travel. For many travelers, trying local dishes has become part of the entire experience. People want to taste food that belongs to the place they are visiting rather than eating the same international meals available everywhere else.
This growing interest in food culture is increasing demand for personalized travel experiences. Some travelers want street food tours. Others want fine dining experiences connected to local traditions. Some people want cooking classes, family-style meals, or visits to local farms and food markets. Every traveler enjoys food differently, which makes personalization important.
I spoke with Luciano Armanasco, Founder & Tour Leader at Our Dolce Vita. He shared, “The best food experiences are rarely picked from a standard list. They come from understanding what a traveler enjoys, then matching that person with the right local table, market visit, cooking lesson, or small restaurant away from the usual tourist path. For a well-planned trip, food should fit the route, the pace of the day, and the kind of memories the traveler wants to bring home.”
Food also helps people feel more connected to a destination. A traveler may forget a hotel room after a few months, but they often remember a traditional meal shared in a local neighborhood or a small restaurant recommended by residents. These experiences feel more genuine because they are connected to the culture of the place.
Travelers Want Trips Built Around Personal Interests
Some people love museums and history. Others care more about music, shopping, nature, architecture, or cultural festivals. This is why many travelers now prefer personalized experiences that match their own interests instead of general travel packages created for everyone.
Traditional tour packages often follow fixed plans that try to satisfy large groups. The problem is that every traveler has different expectations. A person interested in photography may want extra time exploring local streets and cultural areas, while another traveler may want a relaxing schedule with food experiences and slow-paced activities. Personalized travel planning makes those choices possible.
According to Bill Sanders, from TruePeopleSearch, “Good personalization starts with understanding people. Travel plans work better when they reflect someone’s interests, habits, pace, and reason for taking the trip. A family looking for cultural activities, a solo traveler researching local neighborhoods, and a couple planning a slower getaway may all visit the same city, but they need very different experiences to make that trip feel right.”
People are also paying more attention to how they feel during a trip. Some travelers enjoy busy schedules packed with activities, while others prefer slower travel with more free time. A personalized experience gives travelers more control over pacing, accommodations, activities, and daily plans.
Social Media Is Increasing Interest in Authentic Cultural Experiences
Social media has completely changed the way people discover travel experiences. Travelers no longer rely only on travel brochures or agency recommendations. Every day, people see videos, photos, and travel stories shared by creators, locals, and travelers from around the world. This exposure has increased interest in cultural experiences that feel more real and less commercial.
Many travelers now search for experiences they see online, such as local festivals, hidden food spots, traditional neighborhoods, artisan markets, or cultural activities that are not part of standard tourist routes. People want trips that feel unique and personal because they are constantly exposed to different travel experiences online.
This is also pushing travelers away from generic travel plans. A lot of people already know what they want before booking a trip because they have spent weeks watching destination content online. Some travelers save restaurant lists. Others save local experiences, cultural events, or hidden places they want to visit. Personalized travel planning helps organize these interests into a trip that actually matches the traveler.
Social media has also increased interest in storytelling through travel. People want experiences they can genuinely talk about and remember. A crowded tourist stop may not feel exciting anymore if it looks exactly like every photo online. Travelers now look for moments that feel more personal and connected to the local culture.
Travelers Want More Meaningful Connections During Their Trips
For many people, travel is no longer only about visiting famous places and taking photos. Travelers also want places and experiences that feel personal, warm, and memorable. They notice the mood of a street, the design of an old building, the lighting inside a local restaurant, and the small details that show how people live in that destination. These moments often stay with them longer than crowded tourist attractions.
This is one reason cultural exploration is increasing interest in personalized travel experiences. Some travelers want to attend local festivals. Others want to join cultural workshops, learn traditional crafts, visit old neighborhoods, or spend time in spaces that show the local way of life.
Jonathan Matha, CEO of Modern Chandelier, said, “People often remember a place by how it made them feel. The lighting in a hotel lobby, the design of a dining room, or the atmosphere of a cultural venue can shape the whole travel experience. When those details reflect the local character, the space feels less like a stop on a trip and more like part of the destination itself.”
A personalized travel experience also gives people more room to spend time on the cultural details they truly enjoy. If someone enjoys history, they may want longer visits to old buildings, museums, and historical areas. Another traveler may care more about local music, art, architecture, interiors, or traditional performances. Every traveler connects with culture differently, which makes customized travel planning more valuable.
Group and Family Travel Often Need More Flexibility
Group travel has become more complicated because people within the same family or friend group often want completely different experiences. One person may want adventure activities, while another may prefer cultural tours, shopping, or relaxing experiences. Children, parents, and older family members also travel at different speeds and comfort levels.
That’s where personalized travel experiences become useful. A fixed travel package may work for some people, but large groups usually need more flexibility. Families often want travel plans that allow everyone to enjoy the trip without feeling rushed or uncomfortable. Customized planning helps balance those different interests more effectively.
Even Dan Close, Founder and CEO at We Buy Houses in Kentucky, mentions, “Any plan involving a family works better when it respects how different people use the same space or time. In real estate, one person may care about comfort, another about location, and another about long-term value. Family travel is similar. A good trip should leave room for different needs, so everyone feels included instead of forced into the same schedule.”
Wrapping Up
Cultural exploration has become one of the biggest reasons travelers now look for more personalized experiences. People want trips that feel connected to their own interests, whether that means local food, cultural activities, historical places, art, music, or everyday life in a destination. A standard travel package often cannot give travelers that kind of personal experience anymore.
This is why travel companies are paying more attention to customized planning, flexible itineraries, and local experiences. Travelers want more freedom in how they explore a place and what they spend their time doing.
Most “shop the sale” lists feel rushed. They throw twenty items at you, mix in filler, and hope something sticks. This is not that. What follows is a focused, opinionated edit of six standout pieces pulled directly from the current sale floors at Blenders Eyewear and Vans, three from each brand, all chosen because they actually earn the space in your wardrobe. Some are quiet classics. Some are loud statement pieces. Every single one is on sale right now, and the clocks on these promotions are already ticking down.
If you have been waiting for a reason to upgrade your everyday rotation, this is it. Pricing is the lowest it has been in months, and the styles below are the ones our editors keep coming back to.
First, A Quick Look at the Deal Window
Before we get into the picks, let’s nail down the math so you know exactly how much time you have to act.
Blenders Eyewear: Up to 40% off eligible sunglasses, snow goggles, snow helmets, and sun and snow accessories. The promotion runs May 20 through May 26.
Vans: A Memorial Day event delivering 40% off sale styles and 30% off full-priced clothing. The key sale dates are May 20 through May 25, with the apparel discount available across US retail and US e-commerce.
That gives you a narrow window, especially on the Vans side, where popular sizes in icon styles are usually the first to sell out. Bookmark the links, decide your sizes early, and check out before the inventory starts.
Part One: Three Blenders Frames Worth Reaching For
Blenders has built its reputation on bold colorways, polarized clarity, and a price-to-quality ratio that genuinely surprises first-time buyers. Their PureBlend lens technology delivers 100% UV protection across the board, and the frames are tuned for active lifestyles without feeling sporty in a dated way. Here are the three pairs we keep recommending.
The Canyon in ‘Black Tundra’ Now $35 (Was $59)
This is the workhorse. If you only buy one pair of sunglasses this season, make it the Canyon in Black Tundra.
The frame is matte black, the lens is polarized smoke, and the silhouette is a clean rectangular wayfarer shape that flatters almost every face type. Blenders describes the look as staring into the abyss of a deep crevasse, which is dramatic but also accurate. These are stealth shades. They go with everything. They disappear into your fit without ever looking generic.
What you actually get for $35:
Polarized PureBlend lenses that cut glare on roads, water, and snow
100% UV protection for everyday eye health
A medium to large fit that suits most adults
Microfiber pouch and sticker pack included
1-year limited warranty, free US shipping, and a 45-day return window
The Canyon is rated extremely well by buyers (over 5,600 reviews and counting on Blenders’ site), which is the kind of social proof you do not get on a brand new release. At a 40% discount, this drops into impulse-buy territory but performs like a much pricier pair.
The Midnite in ‘Good Night’ Now $47 (Was $79)
If the Canyon is the safe choice, the Midnite in Good Night is the conversation starter. This one is brand new to the lineup and flagged as a limited drop, so it will not be hanging around forever.
The frame is a gloss multi-tortoise finish with hand-painted purples and deep blues layered over black, creating a custom fade that genuinely does not look like anything else on the market right now. The lens is a PureBlend blue and pink gradient, non-polarized, which gives the whole pair a moody, festival-ready energy. Hidden slogans inside the frame and standout packaging round out the package.
This is the pair you reach for when the outfit needs an exclamation point. Picture it with a black tee, dark denim, and a denim or canvas jacket. Or pair it with a vintage band tee for a more music-festival lean. Either way, the Midnite signals confidence the moment you slide it on.
Key specs at $47:
Unisex frame in gloss multi-tortoise
Small to medium fit, ideal for narrower face shapes
Non-polarized blue and pink gradient lens
Included microfiber pouch
Free shipping, 45-day returns, and the standard 1-year warranty
For a limited drop that doubles as a daily-wear statement piece, knocking the price from $79 down to $47 is the kind of deal you do not see every quarter.
The Meister X2 in ‘Nimble Beast’ Now $47 (Was $79)
Round out the eyewear lineup with a shield. The Meister X2 in Nimble Beast brings the single-lens, wraparound look that has dominated this year’s eyewear trends, but it does so without veering into costume territory.
The lens is a continuous black polarized PureBlend with a clean gloss black frame and signature Blenders striping at the temples. It is a forward-thinking design, equally at home on a flight, a road trip, a boardwalk, or behind the wheel. Reviewers consistently call out the secure, lightweight fit and the way the frame stays put during activity without pinching.
You also get the option to upgrade to non-polarized at checkout, though we strongly suggest sticking with the polarized lens for the glare-cutting benefits.
What makes it worth $47:
Polarized PureBlend single-lens shield with 100% UV protection
Lightweight, durable frame engineered for movement
Comes in over 14 colorway variations for the Meister X2 line, so you can find one that fits your aesthetic
Rated 4 stars and up across 436 reviews
Free US shipping and standard warranty
If you want one pair of sunglasses that telegraphs you are paying attention to what is happening in design right now, this is the one.
Part Two: Three Vans Slip-Ons That Cover Every Mood
Vans does not need an introduction. The brand has been Off the Wall Since ’66, and its core silhouettes have outlasted every fashion cycle that tried to bury them. The Slip-On in particular has become one of the most quietly influential shoes in modern footwear, and the current lineup is doing something interesting with it. Instead of recommending three different silhouettes, we are zeroing in on three takes on the Slip-On itself, each one solving a different style problem. The Memorial Day event brings 30% off full-priced clothing alongside any of these footwear orders, so this is the moment to think head-to-toe.
The Classic Slip-On Checkerboard Shoe $60
If you want the easiest shoe in your closet, this is it. The Classic Slip-On Checkerboard at $60 is the most affordable of our Vans picks and the one currently flagged as a Top Seller for good reason.
The black and white checkerboard pattern is one of the most recognizable shoe graphics in the world. It traces back to skate culture in Southern California in the late 70s and early 80s, and it has been adopted, referenced, and reissued by every corner of fashion since. The suede and canvas upper gives it a slightly richer texture than a pure canvas build, the elastic side accents keep the fit snug without being tight, and the rubber waffle outsole delivers the skate-tested traction the brand is known for.
There are no laces to fuss with. You slip them on and you go. For travelers, this shoe is also a sleeper hit because of how easy it is to remove at airport security.
Why it belongs in the cart at $60:
Suede and canvas upper for breathability and texture
Iconic checkerboard black and white colorway
Elastic accents and easy on-off design
Signature rubber waffle outsole
Available in over 9 additional colorways if checkerboard is not your move
Lifestyle classic with skateboarding DNA
Pair these with the Canyon in Black Tundra and you have a complete, low-effort, high-impact daily look.
The Classic Slip-On Shoe in ‘True White’ (Leather) $70
This is the upgrade pick, and it is brand new to the lineup. The Classic Slip-On in True White at $70 takes everything that works about the original silhouette and rebuilds it in smooth leather.
The result is a noticeably more refined shoe. The all-white leather upper reads cleaner than canvas, holds its shape better over time, and is significantly easier to wipe down (a real consideration if you actually wear white shoes in the real world). The classic slip-on construction is preserved, same elastic accents, same waffle outsole, same effortless on-off, but the leather upper pushes the shoe into territory where it can hold its own against more premium minimalist sneakers at double the price.
This is the pair you reach for when you want sneaker comfort without looking like you tried too hard. Think dinner with friends, gallery openings, work-from-cafe days, or anytime the outfit calls for a step up without breaking character.
Key features at $70:
Smooth leather upper in clean True White
Classic Icon construction
Easy slip-on entry with elastic side accents
Rubber waffle outsole
Pay-in-4 options at checkout via Klarna
Wear it with the Midnite in Good Night sunglasses and dark wash denim for a complete look that reads thoughtful, not thrown together.
The Premium Classic Slip-On Shoe in ‘True Blue / Marshmallow White’ $95
This is the curveball pick, and we love it for exactly that reason. The Premium Classic Slip-On at $95 is the most expensive of our Vans picks, and it earns the upcharge in two ways: a hand-print blue stars pattern across a marshmallow white canvas upper, and a fully upgraded cushioning system that makes this one of the most comfortable Slip-Ons in the brand’s current lineup.
The print itself is the headline. Blue stars scattered across an off-white base, finished with a bold true blue foxing stripe running along the midsole. It is unapologetically a statement shoe, but the palette is restrained enough that it works with way more outfits than you would initially think. White tee and denim, washed black pants and a tonal hoodie, a linen shirt and shorts, all of these read better with a little visual interest happening at the foot.
You are also getting genuinely upgraded internals. Vans tags this one with cushioning specifically, which means more support underfoot than a standard Classic, and a noticeably better feel on long days.
Key features at $95:
Canvas upper with all-over blue star print on marshmallow white
Cushioning system for upgraded all-day comfort
True Blue foxing stripe and signature Vans branding
Classic slip-on entry with elastic accents
Brand new release, flagged as “New” on the Vans site
Pair this with the Midnite in Good Night sunglasses, dark denim, and a clean white tee, and you have a fit that does the heavy lifting for you.
Building Three Complete Looks From These Six Pieces
Here is how the editor’s brain has been mixing and matching these picks. Steal the formulas, or use them as starting points.
The Everyday Hero: Classic Slip-On Checkerboard ($60) plus Canyon Black Tundra ($35). The most iconic Vans pattern, the most flattering Blenders silhouette, and any neutral basics in between. Total spend on the statement pieces comes in under $100.
The Going Out Mood: Premium Classic Slip-On in True Blue/Marshmallow White ($95) plus Midnite Good Night ($47). Statement shoe, statement shades, and a fit built around them. This is the combination that gets compliments.
The Refined Day: Classic Slip-On Leather in True White ($70) plus Meister X2 Nimble Beast ($47). Clean white leather sneakers, polarized shield shades, zero outfit thinking required. Equally good for travel days, work-from-cafe sessions, or dinner where you want to look intentional.
The Deal Recap You Should Screenshot
Quick reference for the next time you open your phone:
Blenders Canyon (Black Tundra): $35 (was $59), save 40%
Blenders Midnite (Good Night): $47 (was $79), save 40%
Blenders Meister X2 (Nimble Beast): $47 (was $79), save 40%
Vans Classic Slip-On Checkerboard: $60, Top Seller
Vans Classic Slip-On Leather (True White): $70, New
Vans Premium Classic Slip-On (True Blue / Marshmallow White): $95, New
Add 30% off full-priced Vans clothing on top of any of the Vans footwear orders, and you have a full head-to-toe upgrade for less than most premium retailers charge for a single pair of sneakers.
Why You Should Move on This Today, Not Tomorrow
Sales like these create predictable patterns. The first two days see the broadest size availability. By midweek, the most popular sizes (typically the men’s 9 through 11 and women’s 7 through 9 ranges in footwear) start hitting “out of stock.” By the final 48 hours, you are usually shopping leftovers.
The Blenders limited drops in particular, like the Midnite in Good Night, are designed to sell through quickly. Once they are gone, they are gone. The Vans Slip-On lineup tends to clear fast too, especially on the new releases, the Premium Classic in True Blue stars is brand new to the catalog, and the leather True White is a recent addition that has been moving quickly since launch. The checkerboard is the brand’s most iconic colorway, period, and it consistently sells out of mid-range sizes first.
Lock in your sizes, double-check your cart, and check out. The combined savings across these six pieces are significant, and you have less than a week to actually claim them.
Final Word
Good shopping is about clarity. You know what you want, you know why you want it, and you act before the window closes. This edit gave you six pieces that have already proven themselves, three from a brand that has redefined affordable eyewear and three from the most iconic skate footwear company in the world. The discounts are real, the deadlines are real, and the upgrades are immediate.
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Hauser & Wirth recently brought its Learning Exchange: Artists Matter initiative to Downtown Los Angeles, during which artists, educators and nonprofit organisations assembled around topics of access and community-led arts education. Held on 2 May 2026, the gathering marked the latest edition of the gallery’s Learning Exchange series following earlier iterations in New York and Somerset, while coinciding with the tenth anniversary of Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles’ learning programmes and local partnerships.
Programmed alongside the exhibition Destiny Is a Rose: The Eileen Harris Norton Collection, the event centred on the role artists and cultural institutions can play in creating long-term educational pathways for young people. One conversation in particular, between artist Mark Bradford and Senior Director of Learning Debbie Hillyerd, explored Bradford’s socially engaged practice and his longstanding commitment to expanding access to contemporary art beyond traditional institutional audiences. Throughout the discussion, Bradford reflected on creativity as a form of shared knowledge and emphasised the importance of artists supporting emerging voices and lived experience within cultural spaces.
The programme also featured contributions from young participants connected to Culture for One, a nonprofit supporting children and young adults in foster care, as well as exhibition tours led by artists and educators from Art Division. Their involvement reinforced the event’s broader emphasis on community collaboration and cultural accessibility, themes that also shape Destiny Is a Rose, an exhibition examining collector Eileen Harris Norton’s decades-long support of women artists, artists of colour and California-based practices.
Watch the short Learning Exchange: Artists Matter film here.
As the heatwave takes hold and we reach for our phones to bring swimming plans to life in the group chat, there’s no better time to think about what lies beneath the surface. While most of us are content to float on top, a handful of photographers are diving into some of the world’s most remote and extraordinary marine environments to bring back images that are equal parts science and art. Here are four worth having on your radar:
Matty Smyth
Australia-based Matty Smyth traces his love of the water back to childhood snorkelling trips with his brother along the coasts of France and the Mediterranean. Originally from the UK, he emigrated to Australia in 2007 and has since made the Pacific his playground. A two-time Natural History Museum Wildlife Photographer of the Year award winner and ambassador for Nikon Australia and Aquatica Digital, Smyth sees underwater photography as equal parts wonder and responsibility.
A standout photographer in the industry, Cornwall-based Jane Morgan has built an impressive competition record, taking the Plongeur D’Or (Gold medal) at the Festival Mondial de l’Image Sous Marine in Antibes and the BSOUP (British Society of Underwater Photographers) Underwater Excellence award, as well as earning multiple highly commended honours at British Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
Southern California-born Renee Capozzola brings an unusual double lens to her underwater work — a background in biology and a formative practice in oil painting — and the combination definitely shows. Her images, which specialise in wide-angle and split-level compositions, have earned over fifty international awards, among them Underwater Photographer of the Year 2021, the Female Fifty Fathoms Award through the 2021 Ocean Photography Awards, and first place finishes across the Ocean Geographic Pictures of the Year, the UN World Oceans Day Photo Competition and the Big Picture Natural World Photography Competition, among others.
Of French-Taiwanese descent and raised in the Philippines, Jade Hoksbergen took her first scuba dive at nine years old, and the ocean has shaped everything since. By twenty she was working as a Divemaster in Saint Lucia, developing an eye for elusive marine life that now defines her photography. Recognised as Ocean Fine Art Photographer of the Year in 2023 and runner-up for Ocean Photographer of the Year in 2024, her work appears regularly in publications including New Scientist, Oceanographic Magazine and Scuba Diver.
Jewelry trends keep changing, but many people now want pieces with meaning instead of only sparkle. Fantasy inspired jewelry stands out because it uses storytelling, nature, and artistic details. Forest themes, celestial shapes, and botanical patterns have become common choices. These details help jewelry feel more personal.
Another reason behind this shift is individuality. Buyers often prefer pieces that look different from traditional designs. Natural textures and unique gemstones support that idea. This is where moss agate jewelry fits naturally into the trend.
Best Natural Elements Found In Modern Designs
Nature remains one of the strongest influences in fantasy styles today. Leaf details, branch bands, vines, and floral engravings appear across rings, necklaces, and earrings. These details create a softer appearance without making the design look busy. They also pair well with natural gemstones.
Moss agate jewelry works especially well with these themes. The stone often shows green patterns that resemble forests or landscapes. Because every stone forms differently, each piece looks unique. That natural variation adds character to the jewelry.
Top Moss Agate Jewelry Pieces To Consider
Rings With Woodland Details
Rings remain one of the most popular options in moss agate collections. Many designs include vine bands, leaf accents, and organic textures. These details match the stone’s natural appearance. The result feels artistic but still wearable.
Hexagon cuts, oval shapes, and kite designs are common choices. Some styles keep the setting minimal so the gemstone becomes the focus. Others add small side stones for extra detail.
Necklaces Inspired By Nature
Necklaces work well for people who prefer subtle styling. A moss agate pendant with a simple chain creates an easy everyday look. Nature themes often include floral frames or branch inspired settings. These details add interest without overpowering the stone.
Layering also works nicely with these pieces. Pairing natural gemstones with simple chains creates balance. Neutral outfits help the green tones stand out more clearly.
Best Fantasy Inspired Jewelry Themes Right Now
Woodland Designs
Woodland themes continue growing because they feel calm and timeless. Designs usually include leaves, vines, trees, and earthy gemstones. Yellow gold often appears in these styles because it adds warmth. The combination creates a natural finish.
Fantasy inspired jewelry with woodland elements works well for daily wear. The details feel creative without looking dramatic. Many people choose this style for meaningful gifts and special occasions.
Celestial Details
Stars, moons, and constellation patterns remain popular choices. These designs create a softer fantasy appearance compared to bold mythical themes. Small engraved stars or crescent accents often appear in rings and pendants.
Celestial pieces pair nicely with moonstone, opal, and moss agate jewelry. The mix creates contrast while keeping the design balanced. Small details usually work better than oversized shapes.
Top Ways To Style Moss Agate Jewelry Daily
Simple styling often works best with natural gemstones. Let one statement piece stand out and keep other accessories minimal. A moss agate ring with plain bands creates a clean look. The same idea works for pendants and bracelets.
Earth tones also complement these pieces well. Beige, olive, cream, and soft brown shades match the green inclusions naturally. This creates a cohesive appearance without much effort. Minimal styling keeps attention on the gemstone itself.
Best Metals For Fantasy Inspired Jewelry
Metal choice changes the overall appearance of jewelry. Yellow gold creates warmth and works well with forest themes. Rose gold gives a softer finish and pairs nicely with botanical styles. Silver offers a cooler and more modern look.
Moss agate jewelry adapts easily to different metals. Many people choose yellow gold because it enhances earthy colors. Silver settings often create a cleaner contrast. The final choice depends on personal style.
Top Features To Check Before Choosing A Piece
Comfort should always come first. Rings with lower settings usually feel easier for daily wear. Secure gemstone settings also help protect the piece over time. Slightly thicker bands may provide better durability.
Design balance matters too. Too many details can make jewelry feel crowded. Clean designs often allow fantasy inspired jewelry themes to stand out more naturally. Keeping the focus clear improves the overall look.
Best Ways To Add Meaning Through Custom Details
Personal touches make jewelry more memorable. Engraved initials, dates, or short messages add emotional value. Some people also choose custom stone cuts or special settings. These small changes create unique pieces.
Fantasy inspired jewelry already tells a story through design. Adding personal details strengthens that connection. Moss agate jewelry fits this idea because every gemstone already looks different. No two pieces appear exactly alike.
Why Nature Based Jewelry Keeps Growing
Nature inspired designs continue gaining attention because they feel timeless. People want jewelry that reflects personality and meaningful themes. Forest textures, botanical patterns, and natural stones answer that demand. They create something more personal.
This trend also supports alternative gemstones. Moss agate jewelry keeps growing because of its organic appearance and one of a kind patterns. It feels connected to nature while staying easy to wear.
FAQs
What is fantasy inspired jewelry?
Fantasy inspired jewelry uses themes from nature, stories, celestial symbols, and artistic details to create unique designs.
Why is moss agate jewelry popular?
Its green inclusions resemble natural landscapes, giving every gemstone a different appearance.
Can moss agate jewelry work for everyday wear?
Yes, many people wear rings, necklaces, and pendants daily with simple settings.
Which metal suits moss agate jewelry best?
Yellow gold, rose gold, and silver all work well depending on the style you prefer.
Does fantasy inspired jewelry only suit special occasions?
No, many modern designs are created for daily wear and simple styling.
In this segment, we showcase the most notable albums out each week. Here are the albums out on May 22, 2026:
Bleachers, everyone for ten minutes
Bleachers‘ new album, everyone for ten minutes, contains some of the band’s most uproarious, tangled, and poignant music to date, often in the same breath. Following the Jack Antonoff-fronted band’s 2024 self-titled LP, the record was previewed by the singles ‘i’m not joking’, ‘you and forever’, and the especially ambitious ‘dirty wedding dress’. “It’s very rare that I write from the perspective of an everyone-ness,” Antonoff told NPR. “Obviously, the album is about my personal life, but when I was writing it, I was like, ‘We’ve never disagreed more. We’ve never been more torn apart.’ And yet there’s one core thing that everyone agrees on, which is: this version of modernity is trash. No one’s having a good time.”
Florida-born, New Orleans-based singer-songwriter Thomas Dollbaum has unveiled his new album, Birds of Paradise. Guirarist Josh Halperm, bassist Nick Corson, and MJ Lenderman (drums, guitar, and backing vocals) join him on the LP, which was recorded in Water Valley, Mississippi in 2023 with producer Clay Jones. “Once I sent them the demos – I really only sent them phone recordings,” Dollbaum recalled of the process in our Artist Spotlight interview. “The songs were done, basically. There were a couple things we worked out, but they just have really good ears about what to play, and it’s super fun and collaborative to talk about figuring it out, do a different take or try different things. But we didn’t really change too much.”
Look, I’m biased. In Greek, my last name means “duck.” Growing up, The Ugly Duckling was both one of my favorite and most anxiety-inducing stories. So when Lowertown, a New York duo I’ve interviewedtwice, come out with a concept record about a duckling protagonist and his companions as they attempt to defeat a tyrannical media corporation, you know they’ve got my attention. But while the album is accompanied by a playable Minecraft world, a handbook, plush dolls, and drawn comics by Doctor Nowhere, the focus is still Olivia Osby and Avsha Weinberg’s playfully ramshackle songwriting, which curdles from infatuation to paranoia. It’s great. Subjectively, of course.
Named after a butterfly native to Brazil, Ed O’Brien’s second solo album, Blue Morpho, is sweepingly intricate and gorgeous. The Radiohead guitarist worked on the Earth follow-up with producer Paul Epworth (Adele, Rihanna), enlisting backing vocalists ESKA and Awsa Bergstrom, Estonian composer Tõnu Kõrvits, string players The Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Radiohead drummer Phil Selway, guitarist-bassist Dave Okumu, and jazz luminary Shabaka Hutchings. It was completed between his studio in Wales and The Church Studios in London, with sequencing assistance from Flood and mixing by Ben Baptie.
Mabe Fratti became aware of Bill Orcutt’s music when the veteran improviser released his 2017 self-titled record. “I connected a lot with his music and I had no idea that years later we would be collaborating!” the Guatemalan artist recalled. “It was a total surprise that we started chatting on the internet of collaborating! — we bounced ideas back and forth, all starting with a series of guitar solo stuff that Bill sent me. I had a great time with the pieces and in some of them had the honor to collaborate with I.” The resulting LP, Almost Waking, feels eerily intimate and lived-in. “The album ended up having this nostalgic vibe to it,” Fratti added. “I am so happy on how it turned out and grateful with the crazy coincidence that made it happen!”
Hayden Dunham, a New York-based artist and former PC Music affiliate, is back with a new album under the Hyd moniker. Following her solo debut CLEARING, Hold Onto Me Infinity was primarily recorded while Hyd was doing research in Iceland. Collaborators on the LP include Hudson Mohawke and SOPHIE’S brother Benny Long, while the album cover was shot by Michael Bailey Gates, made without artificial effects using a glass sculpture made by Dunham, pyrotechnics, mirror reflections, and a sunset poking through a pierced window.
fakemink, Terrified; My Precious Bunny, A Moment in My Eyes; Visible Cloaks, Paradessence; Hammock, The Second Coming Was a Moonrise; aja monet, the color of rain; Ali Sethi & Gregory Rogove, Room Jhoom; Aho Ssan, The Sun Turned Black.
Thomas Dollbaum is a New Orleans-based singer-songwriter who grew up in Tampa, Florida. After studying at the University of New Orleans for his MFA in poetry, Dollbaum worked as a carpenter and started writing the songs that became his debut album, 2022’s Wellswood, which he followed up in September 2025 with the Drive All Night EP. Dollbaum’s fantastic new album, Birds of Paradise, was tracked in Water Valley, Mississippi in 2023 with producer Clay Jones and a band that featured guitarist Josh Halperm, bassist Nick Corson, and MJ Lenderman on drums, guitar, and backing vocals. In part because of Lenderman’s involvement, Dollbaum’s music is often associated with the Asheville, North Carolina scene that includes Wednesday, Colin Miller, and Fust, and Birds of Paradise, out today, eventually found a home in the Philadelphia-based label Dear Life Records. But many of the songs on the new album – propulsive, twangy, torch-like – spring from the setting of his childhood, driven to a magically placeless evocation of memory, empathy, and solitude. “What the living do is prowl around on their hands and knees/ Among the bodies we leave behind,” declares one of its characters; another is purely happy to be alive. Dollbaum is always somewhere in between, pooling the feelings together like they’re one and the same.
We caught up with Thomas Dollbaum for the latest edition of our Artist Spotlight series to talk about poetic inspiration, recording Birds of Paradise, working with MJ Lenderman, and more.
I read that part of the inspiration for your new single, ‘Pulverize’, was trying to drive across Louisiana overnight, which made me curious about the relationship between driving and music or inspiration more broadly for you.
I grew up in Florida, and you spend most of your time in a car, it feels like, just because everything’s pretty far away. A lot of stuff I think about is times where I’ve been traveling in the car. That song in particular is actually about driving across Florida, kind of, but I feel like a lot of my memory’s tied to trips in the car and driving; a lot of time to think, too. [laughs] I would say that the majority of time I’m listening to music is probably in the car, just because I don’t really listen at home as much as I’d like to. Sometimes I’ll put on records at the house, but a lot of times, I’m just listening in the car, so that’s the context I get a lot of music in.
How do you think that affects you?
I’m not really sure. Traveling is very intertwined with music to me; they’re kind of one and the same, like liminal spaces. Traveling is its own thing, and music feels that way sometimes.
What memories come to mind of sharing music with friends in the car?
Growing up, if we would drive somewhere, a lot of times we’d make mix CDs, before Spotify. In Florida, we would drive all over the place – wherever we were going, because everybody that I knew lived about a 20-to-30 minute drive minimal, you’re just constantly driving around. It’s just all highway, so basically, your space is on the highway that you’re living on. Even when I go back – because New Orleans is much smaller, it’s a pretty tight-knit city – and I’ll drive back, I’m like, “It can’t be that far, I used to go there all the time.” And it’s a 30-40 minute drive.
There are a couple of instances in Ashleigh Bryant Phillips’ bio that link your songs to short stories – ‘Big Boi’ to ‘Samaritans’ by Larry Brown, ‘Pulverize’ to ‘Time and Again’ by Breece D’J Pancake. I know that’s probably the writer’s connections more than your inspirations, but it made me wonder if short stories or other pieces of literature sometimes feed into your songwriting, or if you’re making some connections afterwards.
Yeah, sometimes. I’ll try to keep a few books of poetry or something around to pick through. It’s not directly related, but I try to read while I’m writing, because it just helps your brain to read. Not particularly any short stories or writing that informed the songs, but I do try to keep reading just to get into thinking in that way.
Thinking poetically?
Yeah. I’ll read some short stories, but I mostly try to read poetry, because I like it more, and it’s also quicker. My attention span’s gotten really bad lately, so it’s nice to go through 4 or 5 poems, and then you can put it down, and you got through something. It’s been hard for me to get through that much fiction recently.
Is it usually something that’s familiar to you and that you’ve read a few times, so that it gets your brain flowing?
Yeah, for sure. That’s what I’d try to do, especially if I’m stuck. Sometimes songs will come really quick, and sometimes it’ll take a long time. But instead of focusing on something, making your brain think about something else – when you come back to it, it can sometimes open up the ways to the song.
Do you remember any of the poetry collections you had lying around?
Yeah, my old professor has a book, Still Life. His name’s Jay Hopler. I was reading some Philip Levine, too, What Work Is. I can’t remember the other ones right off the top of my head, but I like those a lot. I keep those around.
Having the lyric sheet made me appreciate the poetic structure of your lyrics, like the line break in “And in the deep of the dark/ Thing that sparks your heart to bark out at the moon.” When you’re working on lyrics, do you sometimes disassociate the words from any idea of music or performance that might come later?
I definitely do focus on lyrics more. I usually get the melody line first, and then I try to fit it to the form of the lyrics. But it’s kind of a puzzle where you don’t want to just write anything that sounds like it’s gotta mean something, but if it’s too fitting to the lyrics, it can be kind of boring musically. It’s a balance of trying to figure out what works, because sometimes you can’t fit exactly what you want to say. Some people do that differently, but I like to just try to focus on the melody, and then make the lyrics kind of fit to it, or kind of work… work to that, if that makes sense. Yeah, that makes sense. It sounds like that’s still… Kind of at least something hanging around in your mind. It’s never completely words on a page.
I also thought it was funny that Jake Lenderman sings on that track, and he’s got a song called ‘Bark at the Moon’.
We did that before I’d heard his record, which is funny. We recorded this record maybe two and a half years ago now, so I hadn’t heard Manning Fireworks yet. He sent it to me right after we did this session. He was like, “I’m finishing up this record,” and sent it to me. And then I heard that, and I was like, “Damn.” Just a coincidence.
Tell me more about getting him involved in the process. I know you met around the time Boat Songs came out, and then he wore your shirt at his Tiny Desk concert. What was the back and forth like after that?
We met in North Carolina. He came to one of my shows pretty early, when my first record came out, and I think Boat Songs hadn’t been out yet. We just became pretty good friends, and then I liked a lot of his music, he liked mine, and we kept in touch. When you travel and tour, you just end up making friends with a bunch of people on the road. My guitar player on this record, Josh Halper, was also on Dear Life Records, so everybody was on that. Jake had me play the Boat Songs release show, and I came up to Asheville, so we hung out. I’d done the EP and I wanted to do a full-band record, and Josh was like, “It’d be cool if Jake played drums on it,” because I’d heard him do the Indigo de Souza record. I was like, “It’d just be fun to all hang.” That’s kind of how it happened. I had a fun week with them.
How did the collaboration make you think about harmonies differently? ‘Waterbirds’ is one that stood out to me in terms of your vocal chemistry.
He’s just a really great singer. He’s got a really good ear for melody. Basically, we got done with the session, and then we were listening back, and he was like, “Oh, I hear something on ‘Coyote’ I could do.” So he did the backing vocals on ‘Coyote’, and then I was like, “Do you want to do any more?” That was the only thing we really overdubbed, so he did those later, and I sent him those songs. His voice is great, and he has a great ear for melody and harmony.
You wrote the songs in three months, and the recording period was four days. What surprised you about funneling the writing into that sort of pressurized, collaborative environment?
It was super fun. Luckily, I just had a really good group of musicians, so it really was pretty seamless. Once I sent them the demos – I really only sent them phone recordings. The songs were done, basically. There were a couple things we worked out, but they just have really good ears about what to play, and it’s super fun and collaborative to talk about figuring it out, do a different take or try different things. But we didn’t really change too much. Every once in a while, something would change up, like for ‘Rabbits’, I think Jake was like, “We should do it a little faster.” But we spent the time mostly figuring the songs out and then recording them pretty fast. I have some of the old demos, and they’re pretty much the same – maybe just a different tempo, maybe the endings are a little different here or there, but that was basically it.
Apart from figuring the songs out, did you talk about them at all? How do you generally feel about discussing or sharing songs before they’re done?
That was pretty much unspoken. We didn’t really talk about the songs too much, honestly. Until a song is done, I don’t really like showing people songs. Unless I’m working on a song with somebody collaboratively, I just want to have my own space to figure out what I’m trying to do. If you show people stuff, they give suggestions or ideas, and I don’t really want that. [laughs] I don’t mind if it’s good suggestions, but I never really ask anybody about lyrics. It’s a very solo process, the writing.
It feels like with most of the songs, there’s a kernel of personal truth, and then you build these stories out of them. But I get the sense that those tracks that are most autobiographical, or with bigger kernels of truth, are rooted in your upbringing or youth in some way.
The way I thought about the record, it’s definitely in a setting of my youth. I don’t know how much of it’s really real – some of it is and some of it’s not, but it’s just written from that space that I know just from growing up. It’s just in that time period in my mind, but I don’t know if it’s specifically true to my life or something.
And I don’t think it really matters that much, but it is interesting to recognize that as a setting, a kind of familiar space that you can get imaginative around. That’s something I feel you set up with the opening track and the line “The older I get, the more I do magical thinking,” which is funny, because on the next song, there’s an instance of doing magical thinking as a kid.
Yeah, I wrote both those songs kind of at the same time, so they’re really tied. That’s kind of why I did them in that order. But I think that’s a good way to look at it, that’s kind of how I was framing it. I think that usually what’ll happen when I’m working on stuff is I have a framework I’m working the songs in, and then one or two will stick out as kind of the ones that frame the rest of the songs. Everything will kind of be very different, like I approach them differently, and then they work their way together. I wrote those first two first, but I’d been working on the other ones in a different way, and then they all came together. But everything’s always connected somehow in your brain.
Not to get too lyrical about it, but “Wish I could save us from the mundane” is another line that felt like part of the album’s framework — that emotional, empathetic voice that jumps out in different circumstances.
I don’t really think about it, but I try to keep some sort of empathy in all the things that I write. I guess it’s overall maybe a sentimental record, so I try to keep that in mind. I don’t really want to write too cynical or something.
Thinking about “I’ve only been screaming in the back of my head,” I’m curious what your relationship to your voice was like with this record.
Because we did it live, it definitely was a lot easier to push vocally. Sometimes when you’re recording and overdubbing and doing a vocal take, it’s just hard to get the energy of a full band like that. I think a lot of that translated, and it was a fun setting to sing pretty strongly, comparatively. Even with the EP, I did that mostly acoustic, and it’s just really hard to be in a room alone and be pushing. It’s a little more intimate when you’re just singing in headphones compared to a live performance.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
Thomas Dollbaum’s Birds of Paradise is out now via Dear Life Records.
Florida-born, New Orleans-based singer-songwriter 
Look, I’m biased. In Greek, my last name means “duck.” Growing up, The Ugly Duckling was both one of my favorite and most anxiety-inducing stories. So when Lowertown, a New York duo I’ve 
Named after a butterfly native to Brazil, Ed O’Brien’s second solo album, 
Mabe Fratti became aware of Bill Orcutt’s music when the veteran improviser released his 2017 self-titled record. “I connected a lot with his music and I had no idea that years later we would be collaborating!” the Guatemalan artist recalled. “It was a total surprise that we started chatting on the internet of collaborating! — we bounced ideas back and forth, all starting with a series of guitar solo stuff that Bill sent me. I had a great time with the pieces and in some of them had the honor to collaborate with I.” The resulting LP, Almost Waking, feels eerily intimate and lived-in. “The album ended up having this nostalgic vibe to it,” Fratti added. “I am so happy on how it turned out and grateful with the crazy coincidence that made it happen!”
Hayden Dunham, a New York-based artist and former PC Music affiliate, is back with a new album under the Hyd moniker. Following her solo debut CLEARING, Hold Onto Me Infinity was primarily recorded while Hyd was doing research in Iceland. Collaborators on the LP include Hudson Mohawke and SOPHIE’S brother Benny Long, while the album cover was shot by Michael Bailey Gates, made without artificial effects using a glass sculpture made by Dunham, pyrotechnics, mirror reflections, and a sunset poking through a pierced window.
