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Body Meat Unveils New Single ‘Electrische’

Body Meat – the musical project of Chris Taylor – has shared another track from his forthcoming debut album Starchris, which is out August 23 on Partisan Records. This one’s called ‘Electrische’, and it follows previous singles ‘North Side’, ‘High Beams’, and ‘Focus’. Check it out below.

According to a press release, Taylor wrote ‘Electrische’ as a late-night exercise in free writing and overthinking, which he likened to “driving a fast car through the hills of Switzerland at night where you can the lights of a club faintly off in the distance.”

Jon Hopkins Shares New Single ‘RITUAL (palace)’

Jon Hopkins has unveiled ‘RITUAL (palace)’, the second preview of his upcoming record. Described as “a window into the glowing melodic core of the album,” it follows the previously released ‘RITUAL (evocation)’. Check it out below.

“In 2022, I was commissioned to compose for a project called Dreamachine – a beautiful immersive experience created by a team of artists, scientists, and philosophers, which was experienced by tens of thousands of people throughout 2022 and beyond as it continues to tour,” Hpkins explained in a statement. “‘RITUAL (palace)’ is an evolution of the music I composed for that project. I am so grateful to all those involved.”

Jennifer Crook, Artistic Director of Dreamachine, added: “Dreamachine is a multidisciplinary collaboration that engages audiences in a powerful new kind of collective experience. Jon’s original composition for Dreamachine provides the essential heartbeat to this cerebral journey, designed to build inner connection. RITUAL’s evolution of his composition builds beautifully on this unique collaboration, bringing this extraordinary music to an even wider audience.”

RITUAL is slated to arrive on August 30 via Domino.

Finding High-Quality Cheap or Free Games on Different Platforms

Gaming is one of the most welcoming hobbies on the planet. No matter your age or where you’re from, hundreds of titles exist to perfectly suit your tastes. The downside is that gaming can also be expensive, where even the base device can be a significant investment. Looking at the different major gaming platforms, we’ll explore the options you can use to save your wallet and get more for less.

Starting with Mobiles

Yes, we do consider mobiles strong gaming platforms. They’re also some of the easiest places to find free games, requiring little more than a search on the Apple or Google Play stores. You can even just run a quick search for the best free games on Android to get you started.

Mobiles could also be the right home for casino game fans, these games are also perfectly well-suited to desktops and laptops. In this case, look for regional services with features like NJ casino promotions to open the doors. These provide bonuses like free spins and deposit matches that can be used in games like slots, table games, and live casino titles. If your goal is more iGaming for less, it’s hard to beat this approach.

On the Consoles

Gaming on consoles is our next step, and there are a lot of free and cheap options available here too. Firstly, free games can be searched directly from the PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch online storefronts. These will tend to be multiplatform F2P games like Apex Legends, Fall Guys, and Warframe.

For not-free but still cheap options, the best choice often comes from each console’s respective subscription service. These will cost somewhere around £10-£15 a month on the cheap end, but each can feature a special selection of AAA games available for play. These titles are rotated usually monthly, so be sure to check what’s available regularly.

For PC

The big boy of gaming choice, and where the most free and cheap options can be found. Aside from the free multiplatform games you’ll see on consoles, PC users can also expect an enormous range of new and old exclusive titles up for grabs. Storefronts like Steam can help a lot here, but for a chance at completely free AAA options, we especially recommend the Epic Games Store. This store often features completely free mainstream expensive games to draw users to their platform, so you should watch it carefully.

PC players also have options in thousands of older titles that are on sale for just a few pounds, or which have been abandoned completely. If a game is no longer available for sale, it’s fair game for a legal download, just be sure you’re careful about which site you download it from.

Once you’re over the initial cost hurdle of getting into gaming, the cost of thousands of hours of entertainment can be ridiculously low. Every genre imaginable has options, it’s just a matter of looking around. Just remember your ergonomics and your back and hands will thank you for it.

Silverbacks Return With New Song ‘Selling Shovels’

Dublin six-piece Silverbacks have returned with a new song, ‘Selling Shovels’. Recorded with Gilla Band’s Daniel Fox, it marks the band’s first new music since their 2022 LP Archive Material. Check out a video for it below.

Discussing the single, vocalist Daniel O’Kelly said in a statement: “The idea for these lyrics came from a habit I have – maybe everyone does it? When reading a historical figure’s wikipedia page I often lose interest and so I jump straight to the ‘personal life’ and ‘death’ part of the page to see how they died and the circumstances they were in at the time. The lyrics flicker between mundane distractions and fairly horrific images of war. Selling Shovels is a reference to ‘selling shovels during the gold rush’.”

Read our Artist Spotlight interview with Silverbacks.

Silverbacks 2024 Tour Dates:

Aug 23-25 – Féile Na Gréine, Limerick
Oct 19 – Workman’s Club, Dublin
Oct 20 – Coughlan’s, Cork
Oct 24 – YES Basement, Manchester
Oct 25 – Sidney & Matilda, Sheffield
Oct 26 – Shacklewell Arms, London

Our Girl Announce New Album ‘The Good Kind’, Unveil New Song

London-based trio Our Girl have announced their second album, The Good Kind, which will be released on November 8 via Bella Union. To mark the announcement, they’ve shared the single ‘Something About Me Being a Woman’, which follows earlier cut ‘Relief’. Check it out below.

“This song felt like the perfect place to put a lot of frustration after running out of patience with someone who wasn’t treating me very well,” singer/guitarist Soph Nathan said in a statement. “I think it’s important to give people the benefit of the doubt, but in this case it went too far, and I got tired of dealing with someone else’s preconceptions, and how they think they’re entitled to treat me. A big theme of this album is making the best of things. It’s a loving record, but in this song I just wanted to let the frustration out.”

The Good Kind Cover Artwork:

The Good Kind Tracklist:

1. It’ll Be Fine
2. What You Told Me
3. Who Do You Love
4. The Good Kind
5. Something About Me Being A Woman
6. Relief
7. Unlike Anything
8. Something Exciting
9. I Don’t Mind
10. Sister
11. Absences

Public Service Broadcasting Announce New Album ‘The Last Flight’, Share New Single

Public Service Broadcasting have announced a new LP, The Last Flight. The London-based group’s fifth album and first since 2021’s Bright Magic is due October 4 via their new label home, SO Recordings. Check out the new single ‘Electra’ below, and scroll down for the album cover and tracklist.

The Last Flight revolves around the final voyage of America’s pioneering female “aviatrix” Amelia Earhart, who was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. In 1937, she attempted to become the first woman to complete a circumnavigational flight of the globe in a Lockheed Model 10-E Electra airplane. She crossed the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, but disappeared near Howland Island in the central Pacific Ocean; nearly one year and six months later, Earhart was officially declared dead.

“I wanted to do a woman-focused story, because most of the archive we have access to is overwhelmingly male,” the band’s J. Willgoose Esq. explained in a statement. “I was initially drawn in by Earhart’s final fight, rather than the successes that she had, but the more I read the more I became fascinated by her. Her bravery and her aeronautical achievements were extraordinary, but her philosophy and the dignity that she had… she was an outstanding person.” He went on:

The final flight is the spine of the journey: the story jumps off at different points, and examines different facets of her personality, her relationship with her husband, her attitude to flying, her attitude to existing. She gave herself, I think, less than a 50% chance of survival when she flew the Atlantic alone. To put yourself, willingly, in those situations… I think it says something about that drive at the heart of humanity.

However The Last Flight isn’t doom-laden or covered in grief. There’s adventure, freedom, the joy of being alive. The reason why she wanted to fly was to find the beauty in living – ‘to know the reason why I’m alive, and to feel that every minute.’ The flight did fail, but she was right. Of all the people we’ve written about, I have the deepest respect and admiration for her.”

Speaking about ‘Electra’, J. Willgoose Esq. said: “The song is about Amelia Earhart’s plane, the marvellously named Electra. To match the name, the vibrancy and the excitement of the aircraft, the track is full of pulsing electronics and interlocking, percussive melody lines, plus pace.”

The Last Flight was tracked in the band’s southeast London studio, with strings by the London Contemporary Orchestra recorded in one day at The Church in north London. Guests on the record include Carl Broemel of My Morning Jacket on pedal steel, Andreya Casablanca and EERA, and This Is The Kit’s Kate Stables.

The Last Flight Cover Artwork:

The Last Flight Tracklist:

1. I Was Always Dreaming
2. Towards The Dawn
3. The Fun Of It [feat. Andreya Casablanca]
4. The South Atlantic [feat. This Is The Kit]
5. Electra
6. Arabian Flight
7. Monsoons
8. A Different Kind Of Love [feat. EERA]
9. Howland

MEMORIALS Announce Debut Album ‘Memorial Waterslides’, Share New Single

MEMORIALS – the duo of Verity Susman (Electrelane) and Matthew Simms (It Hugs Back/Wire) – have announced their debut album, Memorial Waterslides. It’s set to arrive on October 4 via Fire Records. It includes the recently released single ‘Acceptable Experience’, as well as a new song, ‘Cut Like a Diamond’. Check it out below.

“We wrote ‘Cut It Like A Diamond’ around a bass line that’s doggedly determined to stay the same throughout, with folk harmonies, shifting drum grooves and angry saxophone squalls moving relentlessly over it,” the band said in a statement. “The song is underscored by a dark sense of despair – ‘Can you hear the hum? Is there an end to loneliness?’ – and has become a highlight to play live.”

Memorial Waterslides follows two documentary soundtracks by MEMORIALS, Women Against the Bomb and Tramps!, which came out last year.

Memorial Waterslides Cover Artwork:

Memorial Waterslides Tracklist:

1. Acceptable Experience
2. Lamplighter
3. Cut It Like A Diamond
4. Name Me
5. Memorial Waterslide II
6. Book Stall
7. False Landing
8. Horse Head Pencil
9. I Have Been Alive
10. The Politics of Whatever

How Much Kratom Should You Take?

Determining the right kratom dosage can be challenging for both newcomers and seasoned users. The purpose of this kratom dosage guide is to provide clear, reliable information on how to find the optimal amount for your needs while minimizing potential risks. 

Kratom, a herbal supplement, is renowned for its varied effects, which range from pain relief to mood enhancement. However, the benefits you experience largely depend on taking the correct dose. 

This comprehensive kratom dosage guide will explore how much kratom to take, the possibility of overdosing, factors that influence dosage, and how to measure it properly. By understanding these elements, you can make informed decisions that enhance your kratom experience safely and effectively.

How Much Kratom To Take?

Determining the right amount of kratom to take can be a nuanced process, as it varies depending on several factors, including individual tolerance, experience, and the specific effects desired. For beginners, it’s generally recommended to start with a low dose to gauge the body’s reaction. Typically, a dosage of 1-2 grams is suitable for first-time users. This cautious approach helps mitigate any adverse reactions and allows users to assess their tolerance levels.

For those seeking mild effects such as increased energy or enhanced focus, a dose of 2-4 grams may suffice. Moderate doses, ranging from 4-6 grams, often provide pain relief and relaxation. Users looking for more potent effects, like significant pain management or sedation, consider taking 6-8 grams. However, it’s crucial to note that higher doses increase the risk of side effects, including nausea, dizziness, and dependency.

Experienced users might have built up a tolerance over time, necessitating slightly higher doses to achieve the same effects. Regardless of experience level, it’s essential to avoid exceeding 8 grams per dose of Red Maeng Da Kratom to minimize the likelihood of adverse effects and ensure safe consumption. Always remember that individual responses to kratom can vary widely, so it’s important to adjust dosages gradually and listen to your body.

Can You Overdose On Kratom?

While kratom is generally considered safe when used responsibly, it is possible to overdose on this herbal supplement. An overdose can occur when an individual consumes a significantly higher dose than recommended, leading to severe side effects and potential health risks. Symptoms of a kratom overdose may include extreme nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and in severe cases, seizures or loss of consciousness.

The risk of overdose is heightened when kratom is combined with other substances, such as alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines. These combinations can amplify the effects of kratom and increase the likelihood of adverse reactions. Users must be aware of their body’s limits and avoid mixing kratom with other drugs.

To minimize the risk of overdose, start with a low dose and gradually increase it only if needed. Monitoring your body’s response and adhering to recommended dosages are key to ensuring safe and effective use. Additionally, it’s important to source high-quality kratom from reputable suppliers to avoid contaminants that could exacerbate side effects.

What Factors Affect the Dosage of Kratom?

Determining the appropriate kratom dosage involves considering various factors that can significantly influence the effects experienced. Achieving the desired outcomes with minimal side effects requires understanding these key elements.

Body Weight and Metabolism

Body weight and metabolism play crucial roles in how kratom affects an individual. Generally, individuals with higher body weight may require larger doses to experience the same effects as those with lower body weight. Additionally, metabolism speed can affect how quickly kratom is processed and its duration of effects. Fast metabolizers might need more frequent doses, whereas slow metabolizers may find lower doses sufficient.

Kratom Strain and Potency

Different kratom strains vary in potency and effects. For example, Maeng Da is known for its high potency and stimulating properties, while Bali kratom is often used for pain relief and relaxation. The strain chosen will impact the optimal dosage. Higher potency strains usually require lower doses compared to milder strains.

Method of Consumption

The method of consuming kratom also affects its efficacy and the required dosage. Common methods include capsules, powder (taken directly or mixed with liquid), and kratom extracts. Capsules may take longer to digest, leading to delayed effects, while powders are absorbed more quickly. Extracts are highly concentrated and typically require smaller doses.

Frequency and Duration of Use

Regular users may develop a tolerance over time, necessitating higher doses to achieve the same effects. Long-term users should rotate strains and take periodic breaks to reset their tolerance levels and maintain the herb’s effectiveness.

Health Conditions and Medications

Existing health conditions and medications can interact with kratom, altering its effects. For instance, certain medications may enhance or diminish kratom’s impact. Individuals with liver or kidney issues should be particularly cautious, as these organs are critical in metabolizing kratom. Consulting a healthcare professional before using kratom is recommended, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

Quality and Purity of Kratom Product

The quality and purity of the kratom product significantly affect its potency and safety. Contaminated or adulterated kratom can lead to unpredictable effects and increased risk of adverse reactions. Sourcing kratom from reputable vendors ensures you receive a pure, high-quality product, which helps in determining accurate and safe dosages.

Understanding these factors enables users to tailor their kratom dosages effectively, ensuring maximum benefits while minimizing risks. Always start with low doses and adjust gradually based on individual responses and the specific factors affecting your situation.

How to Properly Measure Kratom?

Accurately measuring kratom is crucial for ensuring safe and effective use. Improper dosing can lead to either underwhelming effects or adverse reactions. Here are some essential steps and tips on how to properly measure kratom:

Use a Digital Scale

The most precise way to measure kratom is with a digital scale that can measure in grams. This ensures that you are taking the exact amount required, especially when dealing with small quantities. A typical kitchen scale might offer a lower level of precision needed for kratom dosing.

Measuring Spoons

If a digital scale is not available, you can use measuring spoons as an alternative. It’s important to note that the density of kratom powder can vary, so this method is less accurate. On average, a level teaspoon holds approximately 2.5-3 grams of kratom powder. A tablespoon typically holds about 6-7 grams. However, these measurements can fluctuate depending on how finely the kratom is ground.

Consistency in Measurement

Consistency is key when measuring kratom. Always use the same method and tools for measurement to maintain consistent dosing. For instance, if you start with a digital scale, continue using it rather than switching to teaspoons midway through your regimen.

Avoid Guessing

Never guess your dosage by eyeballing it. Variations in kratom powder texture and density can lead to significant discrepancies in dose size. Accurately measuring your dose every time helps ensure you receive the desired effects without risking an overdose.

Store Kratom Properly

Proper storage of kratom can affect its potency and consistency. Keep your kratom in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use airtight containers to prevent moisture from affecting the powder, which can lead to clumping and uneven dosing.

Start Low and Go Slow

When determining your initial dose, start with a lower amount and gradually increase it as needed. This approach helps you understand how your body reacts to kratom and reduces the risk of taking too much.

Different Types Of Kratom Strain

Kratom is available in various strains, each offering unique benefits and effects. Understanding these differences can help users choose the most suitable strain for their needs. Here, we explore some of the most popular kratom strains: Maeng Da, Bali, Thai, Borneo, and Malay.

Maeng Da Kratom Strains

Maeng Da is one of the most well-known and potent kratom strains. Originating from Thailand, it is often praised for its high alkaloid content, which provides powerful effects. Maeng Da kratom is typically used for its stimulating and energizing properties, making it ideal for those seeking increased focus, energy, and motivation. It can also offer substantial pain relief and mild euphoria, although its stimulating nature makes it less ideal for relaxation or sedation.

Bali Kratom Strains

Bali kratom is another popular strain known for its balanced effects. It is often chosen for pain relief, relaxation, and mood enhancement. Users find Bali kratom effective for managing chronic pain due to its strong analgesic properties. Additionally, it has sedative qualities that can aid in reducing anxiety and promoting restful sleep. Bali kratom tends to have a slower onset but provides long-lasting effects, making it a versatile choice for various uses.

Thai Kratom Strains

Thai kratom strains originate from Thailand and are recognized for their stimulating effects. They are particularly beneficial for those looking to boost energy levels, enhance focus, and improve mood. Thai kratom is available in both red and green vein varieties, with red being more sedative and green offering more stimulation. Due to its potency, it’s essential to start with a low dose to avoid overstimulation or jitteriness.

Borneo Kratom Strains

Borneo kratom strains are known for their strong sedative and relaxing effects. Sourced from the island of Borneo, these strains are excellent choices for pain relief, stress reduction, and insomnia treatment. Borneo kratom, especially the red vein kratom variety, is highly effective for individuals dealing with severe pain or needing significant relaxation. However, due to its potent sedative properties, it’s best used in the evening or before bedtime.

Malay Kratom Strains

Malay (Malaysian) kratom strains are celebrated for their balanced and moderate effects. Green Malay is particularly popular, offering a blend of energy, focus, and pain relief with a relatively smooth onset. Malay kratom’s balanced profile makes it suitable for daytime use, as it doesn’t typically cause drowsiness. It’s an excellent choice for users who need sustained energy and mental clarity throughout the day while managing pain or discomfort.

Understanding the distinct characteristics of these kratom strains allows users to tailor their experience according to their specific needs and desired outcomes. Whether you seek energy, pain relief, relaxation, or mood enhancement, there is likely a kratom strain that fits your requirements.

What Are the Uses of Kratom?

Pain Management

One of the most common uses of kratom is for pain relief. The alkaloids present in kratom, particularly mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, interact with the body’s opioid receptors, providing potent analgesic effects. Kratom is effective for managing both chronic and acute pain conditions, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain. Red vein strains are especially known for their strong pain-relieving properties, making them a preferred choice for individuals seeking natural pain management solutions.

Stress and Anxiety Relief

Kratom is also widely used for its ability to alleviate stress and anxiety. By interacting with neurotransmitters in the brain, kratom can help reduce feelings of nervousness and promote a sense of calm and relaxation. Many users find that kratom helps them manage social anxiety, general anxiety disorder, and situational stress. Strains like Green Malay and Red Bali are particularly favored for their calming and soothing effects without causing excessive sedation.

Energy and Focus Enhancement

Certain kratom strains are renowned for their stimulant properties, which can boost energy levels and enhance focus. These stimulating effects make kratom a popular alternative to caffeine for those needing increased productivity and mental clarity. White vein strains, such as White Maeng Da and White Thai, are often used to combat fatigue, improve concentration, and sustain energy throughout the day. These strains are ideal for individuals with demanding work schedules or those needing an extra push to stay alert and focused.

Mood Elevation

Kratom can also have mood-enhancing effects, helping to elevate the user’s overall sense of well-being. This is achieved through the release of endorphins and other feel-good chemicals in the brain. Users report experiencing improved mood, increased motivation, and a more positive outlook on life. Green and red vein strains are commonly chosen for their balanced effects, providing mild euphoria and emotional upliftment without being overly stimulating or sedating.

Relaxation and Sleep Aid

For those struggling with insomnia or looking for a way to unwind after a stressful day, kratom can serve as an effective relaxation and sleep aid. Its sedative properties help relax muscles, reduce tension, and promote deeper, more restful sleep. Red vein strains, like Red Borneo and Red Bali, are particularly effective in inducing relaxation and promoting sleep, making them suitable for evening use. These strains can help users fall asleep faster and enjoy higher-quality sleep, leading to better overall health and well-being.

Conclusion 

Kratom offers a diverse range of uses, from pain management and anxiety relief to energy enhancement and mood elevation. Understanding the different strains—such as Maeng Da, Bali, Thai, Borneo, and Malay—can help users choose the most suitable type for their needs. 

Accurate dosage measurement is critical to ensure safety and effectiveness. Whether you seek pain relief, stress reduction, increased focus, or improved sleep, kratom can be a valuable addition to your wellness routine.

To explore high-quality kratom products, visit the websites of reputable vendors mentioned in this article. Prioritize your health by choosing pure, reliable kratom sources and start tailoring your experience today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended dosage of Kratom for beginners?

For beginners, starting with a low dose of 1-2 grams is recommended. Gradually increase if needed, based on your body’s response and tolerance.

Is Kratom Legal?

Kratom’s legality varies by location. In some countries and states, it is legal, while in others, it is controlled or banned. Always check local regulations before purchasing.

Are there any risks with the long-term use of kratom?

Long-term use of kratom can lead to tolerance, dependence, and potential withdrawal symptoms. It’s advisable to use kratom responsibly and take regular breaks to minimize these risks.

How long does it take to feel the effects of kratom?

Kratom effects typically begin within 15 to 30 minutes of consumption. The duration and intensity of effects can vary depending on the strain, dosage, and individual metabolism.

How often can you take kratom as a beginner?

As a beginner, it’s best to limit kratom use to once or twice a week. This helps prevent tolerance buildup and allows you to gauge how your body responds to the herb.

This Is Lorelei, Allegra Krieger, Lucy Liyou, and More Contribute to New Palestine Benefit Compilation

This Is Lorelei, Allegra Krieger, Lia Kohl, Lucy Liyou, and more have contributed to Just Cause Vol. 1, a new compilation with 100% of the proceeds going to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF). The 29-song collection is out this Friday, but some of its tracks are available to stream now.

Just Cause Vol. 1 is the inaugural installment of Just Cause, a series that “aims to unite emerging artists from various corners of the music world to raise money for essential causes,” per a press release. It also features contributions from Angels & Demons (Amirtha Kidambi & Darius Jones), LEYA, MIZU, and the debut song from whait, the duo of more eaze and Wendy Eisenberg.

Just Cause Vol. 1 Tracklist:

1. YATTA – Water
2. OHYUNG – Elegy for Gaza
3. whait (Wendy Eisenberg & more eaze) – calm down
4. MIZU – Pulsations
5. Middle Sattre – This Used to Be a Grocery Store (demo)
6. Allegra Krieger – Slipping Away
7. This Is Lorelei – Lucy It’s My Day
8. The Cradle – Music of Vanity
9. ylayali – panic rehearsal
10. Amiture – Whistle
11. Ex Wiish – PG
12. Matt Evans – Taste the Optimization
13. Frances Chang and Andrea Schiavelli – Bank of Hope
14. LEYA – Eden of Haze (demo)
15. Concrete Husband – When There’s Nothing Left to Say
16. Lesley Mok – floral and full
17. Ben Seretan – brass disk of sun
18. Stephen Becker – Estimate
19. Nick Zanca – Home Before Dark (Nora Guthrie Cover)
20. Lia Kohl – Vestibule
21. Eliana Glass – Wounds or Rubies
22. Lucy Liyou and Nick Zanca – Live in Paris February 2024
23. Andrew Weathers – Flat and Motionless
24. Hour – I Can’t Remember How Far Away You Were (Live at Small World Books, Rochester NY, 2018-02-23)
25. Eli Winter – February 26th, 2024
26. Fust – Timber and Timbre
27. Ryan Sawyer – Maracas (Live at Zebulon)
28. Booker Stardrum – Phantom Near
29. Angels & Demons (Amirtha Kidambi & Darius Jones) – Touch the Stars (Live at The Kitchen)

Author Spotlight: Yasmin Zaher, ‘The Coin’

During a road trip in her native home of Palestine when she was young, the narrator of Yasmin Zaher’s debut novel accidentally swallows a coin. Now in modern-day New York City, wealthy, glamorous and extremely fashionable, she attributes her obsessive-compulsive disorder to the coin, which results in hours of intricate grooming routines. When she’s not in her bathroom, she’s teaching at a nearby school, assigning her students bizarre and intimate essay prompts — one has them interview a family member regarding a truth they refuse to acknowledge.

After she gets involved with a Birkin bag reselling scheme with a homeless man that takes her to Paris, she leaves her teaching job and plans to resort back to a natural world order. Whether a break from the incessant cleaning or a refusal to participate in society any more, she finds comfort in the naturalness she fills her apartment with, and somehow returns to a truer self than she imagined. The Coin is smart, witty, and radically easy — a debut with an immensely strong voice.

Our Culture talked with Yasmin Zaher about The Coin’s titular coin, her narrator’s voice, and Palestine.

Congratulations on your debut novel! How does it feel now that it’s so close to being out?

It’s a wonderful moment right now. After many years of struggle, you start to feel like it pays off.

The Coin is so interesting structurally; it takes place in these mostly 1-2 page snippets. Why did you want to tell the story in this way? 

I think that’s just how it came out; I think it’s connected to my attention span. I cannot write for a very long period of time, so the scenes turned out to be very short. Looking back, I can see it has this propulsive quality that’s also contemporary because we live very quickly. But it wasn’t intentional, it was just true to my life at that moment.

The first sentence has stuck with me: “Dirt was my first hypothesis.” Your narrator goes to such extremes in order to remain clean, with a very extensive morning ritual. What was it like depicting OCD-like behavior?

It’s very rich, it’s a very rich world. There’s so much detail, so much repetition, you could zoom in very closely to things or slow down time a lot. I think it was a real pleasure to write a character who is obsessive and compulsive.

Did you have to do any research for her whole morning routine?

I took a lot of things from my life, the things I like and appreciate. For her clothes, I looked online. I loved this part, I was window shopping for the character. All the women in my family are clean freaks, so that part was very easy to write. I knew exactly what that attention to cleanliness meant in someone’s life.

I’m obsessed with your narrator because I love messy women. She’s uncompromising, cutting, and often very funny. Was there ever hesitation about crafting her character or did you always know the voice she would have?

Yeah, the voice was so distinct and decisive where there was no negotiation with it, really. I couldn’t really soften her. I wasn’t interested in softening her, also, because I think she’s interesting. But she was stronger than my ability to revise her.

She gets involved with a homeless Birkin bag reseller, who takes her to Europe to enact the scheme. All the while, she has a neighbor named Sasha she’s involved with, but isn’t overly attached to. What did you want to portray in her relationships to these men?

One man accepts her and accepts himself the way he is, and another man is hung up on his performance of himself and expects a performance from her. I think there was this question of the tension between love and expectations, and being authentic versus being acceptable. In a way, Sasha and Trenchcoat are opposites of each other.

The narrator traces her aversion to dirt back to the titular coin she swallowed in childhood. Her adult life is so real, but this kind of reminded me of a folklore tale. Why did you want to include this?

Well, I really did swallow a coin when I was little. I was very concerned about it! I think, somehow, that experience stuck with me. Metaphorically, it’s a beautiful image: you swallow a coin and it stays inside your body. In terms of a literary device, it’s convenient to be able to represent a lot of problems, personal traumas, ancestral traumas, all the evils of the world, you’re able to represent them in this physical thing you can write about very concisely in four letters. Everything is the coin. But I didn’t quite understand the metaphor until I was revising. With time, I began to understand it more and more, and peeled the layers off of it so that it was more coherent with the rest of the book. 

At the end of the novel, the narrator is disillusioned with the idea of cleanliness and decides to revert her apartment back to a natural world order, filled with dirt and plants from a nearby park. Why do you think she finds such solace in the idea, given her previous tidy and beautiful appearance?

I think at some point she realizes her failure to control the world through cleanliness or fashion or the teaching of her students, so she takes a new approach. She says, ‘Okay, organizing the world is not working, so let me be in the chaos, a more ancient or primal idea of chaos. Maybe that will feel good.’ And it feels good for a certain period of time.

Yeah, it’s the ultimate escapism — when the world is too much, just quit and throw away your phone and not think about anything.

Exactly — it’s a radical plan B. But it’s acceptance, in a way.

The narrator’s homeland of Palestine sticks with her as she journeys through New York, recalling events from her childhood. One really powerful line that keeps coming back to me is “I come from a land that is a graveyard… It was bloody, haunted, and doomed, but it belonged to mankind.” What is it like writing about writing about your home in this brutal honesty?

It’s a brutally honest book. I’ve been steeped in it my whole life. It didn’t feel difficult. It’s a brutal place, but it’s also a beautiful place, and I tried to bring that out as well, speaking of nature and of these memories. I tried to portray it in the full spectrum of experiences.

There’s been so much new horror and sadness that has come out of Palestine since you sold the novel, and your book is one of many reminders to keep watching, to keep paying attention to these stories. It’s always been there, but now it’s amplified on a national scale. How do you feel about the real world coming in to influence the reading of the novel?

It’s interesting you picked up on that sentence. I thought a lot about how the book changed in the past year. I think that’s the only sentence that feels odd to me, now, because when I wrote it, ‘50 people killed in Gaza’ looked like a big number, in 2018. To be killed in one day. Today we’ve gone past that manyfolds. That’s the only sentence that doesn’t ring true anymore.

Everything else still rings true to me. I think a big part of that is because it doesn’t take place [in Palestine]. It’s a fantasy, it’s a memory. That kind of gets protected from current affairs in a way. 

The narrator has this really dark sense of humor, too, that she falls back on. I remember her saying that she didn’t want to become a teacher in Palestine because she “couldn’t have worn heels teaching in a school with dirt floors.” Is comedy a coping mechanism in this way?

Yeah, it is. Also, human beings with all their contradictions are funny, also. A lot of us are so uptight and ethical, and really trying our best to be good people. But life is so full of contradictions. I wanted to bring that out as well.

Finally, what’s next? Are you thinking of more work as a journalist or writing more fiction?

I’d like to continue with fiction. I’d like to write a novel that takes place in Palestine, but that’s challenging to write now. Whatever I had in mind seven months ago feels less relevant today. It takes time to process events. I think the best thing to do is not to incorporate them in your writing right away, to let the meaning of things float over time.


The Coin is out now.