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Articles by Gabriella Plotkin
Ones to Watch: Boy Harsher
Under the moniker Boy Harsher, Jae Matthews and Augustus “Gus” Muller create dark, danceable electropop. Their combination of minimal synths with Matthew’s ethereal vocals and confessional lyrics that cover topics from loss, desire, fantasy, and mental illness has led to them obtaining a cult following. Formed in 2013 in Savannah, Georgia, where they met at film school, the synthpop duo now lives in Northhampton, Massachusetts.
Side-Hustle: Lizz Jardim
Side Hustle is a series investigating the unglamorous, behind-the-scenes lifestyle of what makes creative entrepreneurs successful: hard f*cking work. New York-based jewelry designer Lizz Jardim is no stranger to the grind. She began making jewelry in college as a way to express her style on a budget and soon branched out to making items for her friends before eventually launching her quintessentially NY cool-girl brand, L.JARDIM.
Gender Diaries: Tama Gucci
Music 8.21.2019 Kymoni Floyd single-handedly dismantled the hyper-masculine messaging of viral single, “THOTIANA,” with his equally empowering viral Twitter cover as Tama Gucci. Milk caught up with the Miami native to talk about his repositioning of Thotiana and his ultimate goal: eradicating the industry’s restriction of expression that confines artists to their gender.
Gender Diaires: Japanese Breakfast
Music 7.31.2019 As the world continues to push against gender constructs, the conversation around how people are identifying themselves is constantly evolving. Every other week, Milk will feature a guest artist discussing their experience with the industry’s expectations of gender and, often, where it intersects with their artistic practice. This week, we feature musician, Japanese Breakfast.
On the Road, for the Record: Sloppy Jane
Music 7.29.2019 On Sloppy Jane’s first tour four years ago, creator and lead singer, Haley Dahl, smashed her face into a snare drum to stop the stand-in drummer from ruining their basement set. With intermittent bleeding persisting throughout the remainder of the tour, Dahl’s act of logical sacrifice is early evidence of her unwavering commitment to giving the best and biggest she can physically and possibly achieve.
Gender Diaries: HAWA
Music 7.22.2019 As the world continues to push against gender constructs, the conversation around how people are identifying themselves is constantly evolving. Each week, Milk will feature a guest artist discussing their experience with the industry’s expectations of gender and, often, where it intersects with their artistic practice. This week, we feature musician HAWA, whose new single and video “KILL SOME” is out now.
Ones to Watch: yeule
Music 7.17.2019 Classifying London residing musician, yeule, as simply an “electronic artist” only hints at the complex trances of Nat Ćmiel’s work. Inspired by the cyber and digital cloud that looms over the newest generations, Ćmiel layers confessional experiences over lucid productions. She began scraping the surface six years ago with her first SoundCloud upload, Impure, complete with #ambient tag and 10 supportive user comments.
Recluse: Americana Redesigned in The Name of Inclusivity
Fashion 7.9.2019 Designer and Creative Director, Cassadee Chase, unveils her latest and most personal suit-wear line for fashion house, RECLUSE. After experimenting with surrealist and textile design, she now hones in on the vision and execution of reflecting her own experiences and values; this collection’s inspiration began at the base of her Midwestern roots.
Snapshot: On Tour With Institute
Music 7.3.2019 The same day Milk fam, Arak Avakian, completed his degree in advertising at Texas State University, he left for the first tour with his punk rock band, “Institute.” Avakian’s predestination as a lead guitarist stems from his music-aficionado parents and the thriving music scene of Austin, Texas. While artists such as Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Roky Erikson drove the environment of his early childhood, Avakian began playing his first instrument at three years old.
Your Weekend Playlist, Courtesy of Rainsford
Music 5.31.2019 Synth-pop powerhouse, Rainsford, is the independent artist taking streaming by storm. Based in the city of angels, Rainey Qualley is dedicated to her one craft: making music. Although fashion brands and top houses seek modeling partnerships with the artist, Qualley is determined to solidify her career as a musician. As a writer, producer, and singer, she maximizes her absolute artistic vision through merging heavy synth sounds with R&B strains.
Spencer Barnett Is The 18-Year-Old Heartthrob Behind ‘Reckless’
Music 5.31.2019 Spencer Barnett is the leather-jacket-wearing, motorcycle-riding, bi-coastal heartthrob infiltrating the mainstream. His vocals resonate between the lines of emo rap and straightforward pop, producing not only sentimental ballads, but also feel-good beat charged tracks. With cotton-candied layered vocals and warped synths, Barnett’s sharp edged songwriting and production make him ready for the big time, on his own terms.
Ones to Watch: Meet Self-Made Millennial Julia Lang
World 5.30.2019 With the high speed evolution of internet and technology, online and social platforms are heavy drivers in shaping and influencing culture. As imagery and media are quickly diffused, delivered, and consumed, visual personas for brands and people are more important than ever before. Because the internet grants extensive, accessible information to the masses, visual presence has become a new standard of language.
Your Weekend Playlist Courtesy of Brontë
Music 5.24.2019 As the VP of A&R for Third Side Music, Brontë Jane knows talent when she hears it.
The Artist Outpost Exhibition: Empowering Women in The Me Too Era...
Art 5.24.2019 The Me Too Movement has evolved from giving women a platform for sexual harassment and sexual assault to the many perspectives of feminism—including an empowering outlook on exotic dancing, adult entertainment, sex work, and not following suit to societal gender roles. The Artist Outpost located in East Harlem is a women’s owned bi-level multipurpose space that showcases up-and-coming apparel and jewelry designers in addition to their downstairs gallery.
This Week in Women: Achievements Made Across Military, Politics, and Entertainment
World 5.24.2019 This week we are starting with a story of remarkable achievement and we’ll finish up with an update on disgraced Harvey Weinstein’s legal settlements. Buckle up, it’s time for This Week in Women! West Point Graduates Largest Class of Black Women 34 women are set to make history as they graduate from the prestigious United States Military Academy West Point.
Artpost Exhibition: Empowering Women in The Me Too Era
Art 5.24.2019 The Me Too Movement has evolved from giving women a platform for sexual harassment and sexual assault to the many perspectives of feminism—including an empowering outlook on exotic dancing, adult entertainment, sex work, and not following suit to societal gender roles. The Artpost located in East Harlem is a women’s owned bi-level multipurpose space that showcases up-and-coming apparel and jewelry designers in addition to their downstairs gallery.
In The Studio With Rachel Louise Hodgson
Art 5.20.2019 Rachel Louise Hodgson is a multidisciplinary artist working out of her studio in Camberwell, London. Having originally studied fashion and photography, she recently finished her postgraduate scheme at The Royal Drawing School in December. For Hodgson, this mode of expression is hardly a choice, “Drawing was how I expressed myself when I was unable to talk or take part in the world and is still how I deal with feelings daily,” she says.
The Making Of: Banana Mag Issue 05
World 5.20.2019 By Milk Staff May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and this year, we’re celebrating with the crew behind Banana Mag, a magazine covering ~all things AZN~. Co-founders Kathleen Tso and Vicki Ho, as well as team members Courtney Congjuico and Janice Szeto, who do press and events, gathered at Tso’s Chinatown apartment, and we got the tea.
Style Recap: Fashion Hypernormalization in Copenhagen
Fashion 5.17.2019 By Devin Gilmartin “You’re a hero!” pronounced Valerie Keller to François-Henri Pinault, CEO of Kering S.A. on Wednesday morning at the Copenhagen Fashion Summit. One week prior, Mr. Pinault’s company had agreed to pay 1.25 billion euros in a settlement payment regarding unpaid taxes and penalties with the Italian Revenue Agency. The conversation kicked off the summit and provided a preview of what was to come.
Your Weekend Playlist, Courtesy of No Rome
Music 5.17.2019 No Rome is the latest artist erupting out of Manila’s music scene and into the global mainstream. With dreamy upbeat dance tunes and a collaboration with label mates, The 1975, the Philippines native has made his mark. His global audience has propelled his career to pop stardom as Spotify attests No Rome’s exploding progression. Alongside his steady audience of over a million monthly listeners he continues to accumulate a track record with tens of millions of plays.
This Week In Women: “Men Shouldn’t Be Making Laws About Women’s Bodies”
Community 5.17.2019 There was no greater cry of alarm in the abortion-access fight this week than the news out of Alabama. As we continue to cover conservative’s attacks on Constitutional rights, This Week in Women is also including ways that you can get involved and help preserve our healthcare freedoms.
Artist of The Week: TOBi
Music 5.6.2019 At only eight years old, musical artist TOBi immigrated from Nigeria to Canada. Assimilation and isolation within a new, unfamiliar culture is a challenge millions have experienced. As TOBi faced this new reality, making music became his coping strategy. While his childhood home championed distinct musical genres, TOBi developed a natural interest in not only R&B and soul, but also in the New York rap scene– a genre erupting just below his residence in Toronto.
Your Weekend Playlist, Courtesy of Triple Threat Trevor Jackson
Music 5.3.2019 While most 8-year-olds played little league tournaments, Trevor Jackson starred in the national tour of the Lion King. As he simultaneously completed his childhood and music and theater debut, he quickly transitioned into television. With guest roles on series such as Eureka and Disney Channel, his expansion into other lanes of the entertainment industry became inevitable. As he continued to evolve his acting career in film, Jackson likewise inked a deal with Atlantic Records.
Artist of The Week: Ant Blue Jr Is The Artist Reclaiming House Music
Music 4.30.2019 “I’m just trying to use house to bring it back to black people… it was made by black people. The top DJs right now are capitalizing on the sound and there’s just not representation of color. Even though there is some, I’m making music to put more people back in that space.” On Friday, April 26, people stood in line to fill Lot 45 for SHADES OF BLUE, a curated night of music headlined by STONIE BLUE and his brothers, BRNDN BLUE and BLUE THE GREAT.
Your Weekend Playlist, Courtesy of Sebastian Mikael
Music 4.19.2019 Swedish born artist, Sebastian Mikael, made his unexpected first break back in 2012 with impressive vocals on viral hits such as “Beautiful Life” and “Forever”. While his earlier work reflects traditional sounds of R&B, he has gone on to evolve his music to embody his truest self. After officially integrating into the Atlantic Records family, Mikael initiates an experimental contemporary approach on his latest 2019 release,“I C U U C ME Pt. II”.
Your Weekend Playlist, Courtesy of LeAnn Rimes
Music 4.12.2019 Record stores are driven by far more than music memorabilia sales. While vinyl is at the core of the culture, its ecosystem of discovery and devotion manifests in the staff, customers, and artists. To celebrate this community and independence within the music industry, April 13 stands as official Record Store Day. Milk teamed up with the iconic LeAnn Rimes to curate a playlist around her exclusive vinyl release, Live at Gruene Hall, in honor of Record Store Day.
Ones to Watch: Aria V Is The Visual Artist Injecting Color Into Existence
Art 4.9.2019 Aria V is the multimedia artist and model who set out to create a project on existence; specifically, “what it’s like now, being us, living in this city.” As she grows up alongside her friends, she feels their present is a pivotal moment in their coming of age. Through the lens of a colorful perspective, she captures an intimate series of the people who inspire her the most. Find out how Aria V overcame negative influences to find the right creative mindset below.
Your Weekend Playlist, Courtesy of Dirt Buyer
Music 4.5.2019 Dirt Buyer is the newest roster addition to Danger Collective Records, home to LA’s prized possessions such as Surf Curse and Slow Hollows. After releasing their debut album and wrapping their first West Coast tour, the trio, comprised of Ruben Raudler (Boyo, Model/Actriz), Joe Sutkowski, and Emma Stacher, inject New York’s music scene with salvation searching ballads and odes to existence. The band that started as a joke has evolved into a project devoted to disarming reality.
The Shed Presents: New York’s Soundtrack of America Festival
Music 4.5.2019 Beginning today, New York’s Soundtrack of America Festival is launching a collaboration with creative space, The Shed, to highlight “the influence of African American music with a new generation of groundbreaking artists.” The festival will run until April 14 at Hudson Yards and feature rising and seasoned performers such as Moses Sumney, serpentwithfeet, Smino, and more.
Moving Forward: A Photo Documentation of Midwest Music History
Music 4.3.2019 By Gabriella Plotkin Although the Midwest is often categorized alongside cowboys, country, and folk, photographer Spencer Wells exposes the Midwestern DIY music scene in its true form: a breeding ground for experimentation. In his latest book, Forward, he presents a decade of documentation through photos, profiles, poetry, and more.
Your Weekend Playlist: Courtesy of Brasstracks
Music 3.22.2019 By Gabriella Plotkin After formally studying jazz at the renowned Manhattan School of Music, Ivan Jackson and Conor Rayne joined together to conquer the mainstream genre of popular music. As producers, writers, and ultimately collaborators, they have created music with artists such as Anderson .Paak, Gold Link, and Miley Cyrus. Most notably, their work on Chance the Rapper’s Coloring Book won them Grammy nominations and a win for Best Rap Album of the Year.
This Week in Women: In Outerspace
World 3.22.2019 On NASA’s C-SPAN live stream today, millions of viewers are able to watch U.S. astronaut Anne McClain take a three hour and 46 minute “spacewalk” with co-astronaut Nick Hague at the International Space Station. The mission that has taken over a year in planning is to replace nickel-hydrogen batteries with lithium-ion batteries on the outside of the Space Station.
On The Road, For The Record: Avey Tare of Animal Collective
Music 3.22.2019 Earlier last month we caught up with Dave Portner, aka Avey Tare of Animal Collective, before he performed at the secret LA event, Last Night. We drank black tea on Fairfax, took some polaroids, and discussed ways to make tour feel more like home. Today he releases his latest record, Cows On Hourglass Pond, which was recorded between January-March of last year in North Carolina. Yesterday, he kicked off his North American tour and will be traveling throughout April.
I AM SHE celebrates the Divine Black Feminine of the 21st Century...
Art 3.22.2019 As Women’s History Month comes to an end we’d like to highlight Brooklyn based mixed media painter Imani Shanklin Roberts. An artist who focuses on uplifting, inspiring, and encouraging women of color through large scale murals that illuminate the streets of Tribeca and George Mason University windows to her current exhibition titled I AM SHE.
Marfa Myths: A Music Festival About The Music, Not The Social Media Impressions
Music 3.22.2019 By Gabriella Plotkin This April, Brooklyn based independent record label, Mexican Summer, in collaboration with Ballroom Marfa accomplishes the 6th Marfa Myths festival. It comes as no surprise that the label currently home to the distinct artistry of icons such as Ariel Pink, Connan Mockasin, and Jessica Pratt, is dedicated to providing a profound full-spectrum festival experience.
Your Weekend Playlist: Courtesy of JIMI SOMEWHERE
Music 3.15.2019 By Gabriella Plotkin While most recent high school grads are giving goodbyes and embracing summer, singer-songwriter, Benjamin Scahandy, and music producer, Milo Orchis, took flight for Los Angeles. Immediately upon arriving in the city of angels from Norway the domino effect of musical project JIMI SOMEWHERE began. After making the first single, “First Place,” Scahandy and Orchis continued to develop an entire EP.
Here’s What You Missed At iii Points Fest 2019
Music 3.1.2019 By Essence Moseley Photos By Essence Moseley As festival season approaches, Miami came in strong with their annual iii Points. Over a span of three days, they rounded up all time favorites like, SZA, Tyler the Creator, and Erykah Badu—while also including local DJs and other underground artists. iii Points has been paving their way, but they’ve definitely made their mark this season.
6 Art Exhibits You Need to See This Month in NYC
Art 3.4.2019 By Gabriella Plotkin Put down the phone. Pause the binge watching. Get outside (it’s not that cold). If you live in New York City, you’re lucky enough to have access to the best of the best and the greatest of the greats—across food, fashion, music, and especially art. This city is an epicenter. New York is the place people come to to “make it,” meet people, and become a part of something bigger.
Passing The Mic To Podcast Powerhouse Rachel Campbell
Art 3.1.2019 By Gabriella Plotkin “I hope that when someone hears an episode… they are reminded of their own capacity. And that in this way, we may feed off of each other and continue to rise.” Rachel Campbell is the multifaceted artist collaborating with women for women. She’s developed a podcast, called, “Guts N’ Glory,” rooted in taking chances and believing in yourself. Through her guest speakers, she emphasizes the importance of rejecting formulaic pathways.
Your Weekend Playlist, Courtesy of Briana Cheng
Music 3.1.2019 By Gabriella Plotkin At the age of 18, Briana Cheng began working in the music industry by attending shows and scouting rising talent. After gaining seven years of experience, including handling A&R for Downtown Records, Cheng now runs her own roster. Her new label, b4, is under the iconic Beggars Group umbrella, which represents and releases the music of artists such as Radiohead, Adele, King Krule, Bon Iver, and Princess Nokia—to name a few.
Gender Diaries: BIIANCO
Music 2.22.2019 By Milk Staff As the world continues to push against gender constructs, the conversation around how people are identifying themselves is constantly evolving. Each week, Milk will feature a guest editor writing about their specific relationship with gender and, often, where it intersects with fashion. This week, we feature LA-based electronic chill-wave artist and producer, BIIANCO. Listen to her new single “GET UP” here.
This Week In Women: Confronting Gender Limitations Across The Globe
World 2.22.2019 From the Absher app to Former President Obama’s toxic masculinity call-out, this week is all about addressing issues that are affecting social structures and gender dynamics across the globe. We’re also discussing and anticipating the appointment of Virginie Viard as she takes the helm of the iconic CHANEL fashion house.
Meet Jahlil Nzinga: The Artist Rejecting The Art World
Art 2.22.2019 By Gabriella Plotkin “Let these teachings be immortal. There for you and anyone that cares to look– and if you can learn from them that’s what it’s there for.” Jahlil Nzinga is the Californian artist who put everything into his third official gallery presentation, “MISSED CALLS.” The Los Angeles show ran earlier this month and focused on the theme of human connectivity. However, displaying art publicly has not always come easy for Nzinga.
On The Rise: Layan Al-Dabbous Is The Kuwaiti Designer With Something To Say
Fashion 2.19.2019 By Gabriella Plotkin Meet designer, Layan Al-Dabbous, who began her brand with an illustration in a Parsons School of Design classroom. Her personal style and initiative emboldened her to further develop this doodle, “Claudette,” into not only a clothing brand, but also a movement and community. Before moving to New York City, Al-Dabbous grew up in Kuwait and London where she realized the prevalent problem of mental health across both populations.
Sesame Street on LSD: Meet The Puppets of ‘Don’t Hug Me, I’m Scared’
Dear fans of macabre puppetry and sing-alongs: the time for melodramatic rejoicing is upon you. Don’t Hug Me, I’m Scared, the twisted, cult YouTube series featuring puppets caught in strange existential nightmares, has launched their pilot into our universe via the 2019 Sundance Film Festival.
Joshua Aronson Is Pushing Boundaries With “I Thought About Posting This”
Art 2.14.2019 Photographers are the new rockstars, according to image-maker Joshua Aronson. In his new exhibition, “I Thought About Posting This” opening today at Congruent Space in Chicago, the artist attempts to explore the ways photography can shift the way we see ourselves and push the boundaries of gender and sexuality.
Follow Androu’s Evolution In “A Building Year”
Music 2.8.2019 By Gabriella Plotkin Designer and musician, Androu, has challenged himself to be truthful in 2019. For this coming year, he will be working on writing and releasing one song each week through a project titled, “A Building Year.” Androu developed the project as an opportunity to merge his story and artistry. He referred to his influences such as Kanye, Bon Iver, and Maggie Rogers for insight into using personal experiences as a platform for individuality.
This Week In Women: State of The Union Suffragettes
World 2.8.2019 Note to self: Whenever performing a clap back, make sure to gracefully extend arms and pointedly clap in near proximity to the offending speaker a la House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi following President Trump’s State of the Union address. The photo that lit our week on fire has already been elevated to icon status.
girl in red Doesn’t Give A Shit
Music 2.4.2019 By Gabriella Plotkin Marie Ulven has broken out from behind the walls of her bedroom in Horten, Norway. After releasing music in 2017 as ‘girl in red,’ her single “i wanna be your girlfriend”propelled her to global recognition. The project quickly caught heat on streaming services and social media with honest explorations of identity and emotion. With millions of streams in her track record, it’s difficult to believe this teenager performed her first show just last year in Oslo.
Artist of The Week: Cian Oba-Smith
Art 2.4.2019 Born and raised in North London, Cian Oba-Smith has been studying photography since his A-levels. When his teacher banned the class from using digital in the first year of the course, he experimented with film and developing in the darkroom, which has, since then, allowed him to push past the technical side of making photos and focus on the emotional act of engaging with his subjects. His clients include Nike, Google, Facebook, and The New Yorker, to name a few.
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