Not exhaustive. Maybe you’ll dig them too
A couple of zines
“Shit’s Fucked: A Positivity Guide” & “Shit’s Fucked, Still: Another Positivity Guide” by Gina Sarti
Fell into my hands while I was at a bookstore in Portland. A true exploration in acceptance and a simultaneous life-long search for peace. And the title is so cathartic. It’s my daily inspiration.
A manga
“Berserk” by Kentaro Miura
I’m currently reading this. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but the story and illustrations are too metal not to mention. Check out the ‘97 anime (not the new one). Josh? You’re the man for bringing this into my world.
A public art exhibit
Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum of Assemblage Sculpture
Noah Purifoy was an artist born in Alabama and, in his later life, carried out his work for a number of years in the Mojave desert. His work is made entirely of junk, comments on race, class, and creates spaces that feel both familiar and strange. It’s free and open to the public indefinitely in Joshua Tree, California. His approach to art lives in my brain meat rent-free. Thanks for taking me, Juan.
A hardcore/punk band
Restraining Order; West Springfield, MA
I went to a hardcore show with my friend Riley and when this band came on, I have to tell you, I was electrified. I haven’t heard a band go this hard in a while. They didn’t have to, but boy did they. I became an instant fan.
A fire mix
Bread & Breakfast Mix pt. IV, Daily Bread
Daily Bread is an Atlanta-based DJ. My former coworker at Mango Materials was blasting this mix when I stumbled into work at 6am. All Daily Bread’s mixes are straight fuego. Couldn’t stop playing this particular mix for weeks afterward and I probably listen to it at least once a week. Cheers, Ian G.
A small business
The Zapotec Weavers
I first came across this business when I went to a swap meet style fair in Los Angeles. It’s a family business based in southern California but really in Teotitlan Del Valle, Oaxaca, Mexico that’s dedicated to making clay artifacts and handwoven articles made of organic dyes, sheep’s wool, and other responsibly sourced materials from the land in Oaxaca itself. I feel very connected to the pieces, mission, and, as a result, my culture.
A sunrise
Pic speaks for itself.
A flip
“Cleo Sol/Know That You Are Loved (Datsunn Flip)” by DATSUNN
I’ve liked Cleo Sol since her tracks with Little Simz but this edit brought me back from the dead. It rejuvenated my spirit and love for sampling and music and freestyle dancing. It’s 1 minute and 44 but put it on loop and let yourself be engulfed by this groove.
A power anthem
“Selfish” by Little Simz
If there ever was a song that could move souls, heal wounds, and crush skulls, it’s this one. Little Simz’ flow is smoother than butter. It’s one of my favorite songs.