Zine Event June 27th @ Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
Ahhh! Our fav Harlem spot to uncover Black history is hosting a zine event this week and we’ll have a table 😀 😀 😀 Tuesday, June 27, 2017, Zine Fair from 4-6pm followed by Panel Talk at 6:30 p.m.
We love every chance to expose young brown folks to alternative music and media that represents and validates our shared quirky, sometimes geeky interests. #PUNXSOFCOLOR
Zines: Elaborate Disruption and Black Creativity
“The resurgence of zines—self-published limited-distribution works—is stemming the tide of erasure, disrupting publishing, and offering creative spaces for diverse voices within marginalized communities. Remembering zines like FIRE!!, created in 1926 and “devoted to the young negro artist,” author Steven G. Fullwood will join in conversation with contemporary zine creators Devin N. Morris (3 Dot Zine), Nontsikelelo Mutiti (Nontsi), Kevin Harry (KHzines), and Jermel Moody (maple:koyo) to elaborate on their zine-making practices and impact on publishing and creativity. The program will also feature a marketplace of zines selected in collaboration with Morris, Moody, and the Schomburg Shop.
FIRE!! contributors included Harlem Renaissance figures Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston and Aaron Douglas.
@SchomburgCenter #SchomburgZineFair
First come, first seated
For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. All registered seats are released 15 to 30 minutes before start time, so we recommend that you arrive early.”
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture | 515 Malcolm X Boulevard | New York, NY 10037
#heavygirlsloveheavymusic
BABZ Fair 2017
Yaaasss, we’ll be tabling at this fair, stop by for our newest custom zine edition debuting this month 😀
BABZ Fair (formerly known at the Bushwick Art Book & Zine Fair) is a weekend long event that features small press art and poetry publishers, and individual artist projects, alongside a program of performance, readings, and workshops.
The 5th annual BABZ Fair, the first at Knockdown Center, will be taking place Friday, June 2 through Sunday, June 4, 2017.
Over the years the BABZ Fair has grown dramatically and this year the fair will feature art books and zines by over 100 publishers and artists from across the country.
This year we are collaborating with artist Andrea Arrubla to produce the weekend programming. The full program schedule can be found below – including the new expanded program series, and two days of workshops for writers, artists and KIDS!
FAIR DATES & TIMES:
Friday, June 2, 7–9PM: by invitation only
Saturday, June 3, 1–7PM: free &…
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Uncovering the Sci-fi Trope of Women Who Are ‘Born Sexy Yesterday’
Aw man, check out this project by Jonathan McIntosh of Pop Culture Detective, as he dives into a common trope of female characters who have the minds of children but the bodies of mature women.
Its certainly a repetitive trope I was exposed to early on as a tween reader of Manga like Chobits and Inuyasha. As we push for more gender equality and diversity in cinematic roles, we still need to be critical of the roles allowed screentime. The Bechdel Test comes to mind…take a look!
“The Bechdel Test, sometimes called the Mo Movie Measure or Bechdel Rule is a simple test which names the following three criteria: (1) it has to have at least two women in it, who (2) who talk to each other, about (3) something besides a man. The test was popularized by Alison Bechdel‘s comic Dykes to Watch Out For, in a 1985 strip called The Rule.”
Printfest @ NYU IPK 🤘🏽
Music, Zines & Riso Machines
Phew! We spent the 1st four months of this year printing and editing new work and now we’re ready to share it with you \m/ this is the 1st year my sibs and I have Really dug deeply into the purpose of the zine and what inspires us to keep it going. Up until this season, we’d usually only focus on the project 2-3 times a year for a few weeks, collecting drawings and writings from our sketchbooks and building something collaborative. In January we heard about a Zine making/small press course at the School of Visual Arts and jumped in with both feet!
So What is a Risograph?
Well, you could term it one of those things that’s so mundane, its cool again. Risograph is a brand of digital duplicators manufactured from Japan since the 1980s. Intended for high volume office printing like Xerox machine were, they have mainly been marketed to law firms and city offices where 1000s of text heavy pages are printed daily.
Printmakers and designers have warmed up to these machines due to their archival ink quality and soft textures that can occur from the rice paper master (A fine stencil the ink passes through) the machine creates to duplicate files. With soy based inks and rice paper stencils, its quite the toxic free endeavor in comparison to the intense chemicals, varnishes and alcohols many of us have been managing in traditional printmaking processes.
The average riso machine usually only holds 2 ink colors at a time, so 4 color printing requires registering your prints and switching out ink tanks. At times its hard to imagine business folk in suits actually get this manual in an office but thats still its main function. LOL!
During my season at the SVA Riso Lab, I printed on various weights of paper and sticker sheets. Overall I found the process of editioning with these machines really fast and efficient, but at the same time lacking the monotype flexibility I’m able to accomplish during a screenprinting session. I gotta admit I missed getting a little dirty in the shop, but that’s my printmaker side I guess. Working with these machines in a clean environment created a medicinal setting. Where’s the screen emulsion, litho stone sander and liquid screen filler?
In dedicating a good few months to developing the zine at the School of Visual Arts Riso Lab, projects were difficult at times, and we uncovered the best parts of zine making. The Music! Our zine will always be a way to share our excitement for heavy music, we live it and breathe it from the way we dress, to the things we read, write and of course stream on our stereos. We are proud punks of color who cant help but talk your ear off about the latest bands and albums and we hope our readers get as geeked about this stuff as we do. For as long we rock to this music and mosh out at shows, there will be zine. *See you in the pit!*
Upcoming Events Featuring Our Books:
#SummoningtheArchive Print Fest @ NYU | Saturday, May 13th from 2-5pm at 20 Cooper Square. Details
BABZ Fair ( Bushwick Art Book & Zine Fair) | Friday, June 2, 7–9PM: by invitation only
Saturday, June 3, 1–7PM: free & open to the public
Sunday, June 4, 1–7PM: free & open to the public
Where:
Knockdown Center
52-19 Flushing Ave
Queens, New York 11378
The Problem with Shea Moisture
Brands still have a lot to learn about engaging on social media.
Its been about 24 hours since Shea Moisture, owned by Sundial Brands, got dragged through Twitter and Facebook for their poorly executed ad promoting the use of their hair care products on mainstream glossy and eurocentric hair types.
My interest is to take a closer look at their strategy to clean up the mistake since yesterday. It already appears they have gone to media outlets more so than the online customer base for setting the record straight. (FastCo, WashingtonPost, Huffpost) While they did release a detailed apology and pull the ad on Monday, the initial slap in the face continues to reverberate across the Internet, hitting Tumblr, Youtube and Instagram in waves of reaction and counter reaction from white women who use these products.
How does a company survive this sort of crisis when their products are specifically promoted online by both paid and unpaid supporters passionate about the brand and would never have grown this much in the past 10 years if not for the online natural hair community recommending the product line to all of their friends and followers?
Authenticity is critical to surviving the social media universe. If brands ever come across as superficial, insincere or manipulating, followers will pick up on it and drop them. Now, authenticity doesn’t always equal Truth. Sometimes a community will circle around an attitude or ideal, even if the content posted lacks any true data or fact.
Shea Moisture found itself caught up in ethnic erasure towards going mainstream when their actual follower base is a dedicated niche focused on validating the act of wearing natural African hair as a finished and complete hairstyle. Black women’s hair remains as political as ever, with thousands of us struggling to prove to our employers, families and partners that the hair growing naturally out of our head can stand on its own without the hyper use of chemicals or dyes to force it into European beauty standards.
So what now?
If Shea Moisture wants to survive this, they need to put up or shut up. Acknowledge and promote the unpaid bloggers, YouTubers and Instagram naturalistas who have supported them over the years and authentically show that Black women are a customer base they truly appreciate and will continue to support as they grow and expand to other markets. (Less talking more images, vids, podcasts, roundtables)
They need to connect 2 messages, that 1# They support and always will support healthy African hair care and 2# This is a global movement for healthy hair care for all women to be accepted for their non-traditional hair.
This sort of messaging transition has to take place in steps, and it won’t help to use the same blond models out of a John Frieda commercial to support a multi-ethnic community. The core base will not accept further erasure when they already feel that consistently from most beauty brands (from make up to lingerie, most companies don’t sell nude colors inclusive to Black consumers).
This is a chance for them to prove they want to globally validate coily, curly hair and the voices of WOC who rock it as beautiful and legitimate. But will they stand by Black women in more than just words? Let’s see how the drama shakes out in the coming weeks – can they turn this around?
*P.S. Just in case here’s a list of 20 Black owned hair care lines you can choose to support*
*P.P.S. Can I just say AS I AM is Really expensive? I want to try it but..damn! $$$*
#blkgrlswurld
Headbang Bootyshake #1!
Hi all!
Wonderzoning here! Also known as the Editor of Blkgrlswurld Zine and Number II in the, “Trifecta Studios”. (But we all know I’m the Number 1 Bootyshaker.) On March 14th at the Masonic Temple in Detroit Michigan, I saw the Bring Me the Horizon – The American Nightmare Tour. I wanted to share my experience for anyone still thinking about joining them.
A Bit of Background…
If Underoath is playing within an hour of me, I’m there.
I’m sorry, there are no ifs or buts about it. This band left the scene. LEFT. They promised they were never coming back. Sold all their merch (I know cause I made off with some of it). Made a movie about why they were done (I know cause I watched it). Some of their band members actually sold some of their instruments. They were DONE. Then, out of the blue, they came back. They are wildcards! Any show could be their last! So if they are in town go see them!
Oh…I also bought tickets because I have never ever heard Bring Me the Horizon in concert.
But yeah. Underoath!
Buying the Tickets…
Wouldn’t that be a funny mix? Migos and Bring Me the Horizon? I mean, I have played Fight Night and then Throne immediately after.
I paid twenty bucks for parking which was a bit of a shock. I am used to paying ten.
When Bring Me the Horizon played in Detroit (BMTH), it was a SOLD OUT SHOW! I probably bought general admission tickets 3 weeks to a month in advance. If I had wanted a actual seat, I would’ve bought as soon as I was notified/on pre-sale.
BMTH is one of those shows that typically sells out pretty quick. They are a band that caters to the young sure, but also a band that caters to that ‘Squad Life’. As in, five of you jokers want to show up at the show together! So if that’s the case, first of all buy early. Second of all, buy from either Ticketmaster, or the box office.
I bought my tickets from Ticketmaster and picked up my tickets from Will Call for free. This put me front and center to watch as fellow headbangers were turned away for FAKE TICKETS.
As in they bought what they THOUGHT were real tickets with a barcode, when in reality were FAKE. So not only could they not get a refund for their tickets because they bought them somewhere shady, they also couldn’t buy new ones because the show was sold out. It was really sad. Be careful folks! I know the processing fees are crazy, but it’s totally worth the peace of mind of knowing you aren’t going to be turned away. I’m telling ya, even when these kids got their moms to come in, it did NOTHING.
The Venue…
Want to get through the line faster? Be over the age of 21 and announce that you are not drinking. The line for minors wrapped twice around Masonic Temple. This was even after they opened two separate entrances. Me? I only waited 5 minutes because I asked a Security Guard where the box office was and ran into a new line of 5 people that had magically opened before me. MUHAHAHAHA..Sorry. Ahem.
Masonic Temple is old. It has lots of doors and you better remember which one you came out of before you find yourself turned around. Also, the only downside of the show was the sound system. OMG. Songs were breaking up, literally cutting off in the middle.
I KNOW Underoath songs. I know where there are supposed to be pauses, and where there aren’t. So it was kind of horrifying to hear a rift abruptly cut off and click back on. It was kind of funny to see the band mates doing those hand twirling motions and arm waving that meant, “TURN ME UP!!!” They eventually got it together, but it definitely took away from the performances a bit.
The Masonic Temple also separated Merch tables for the bands into rooms down two different hallways. This was suppose to help with crowd control and ease of access. It accomplished its mission, but in my opinion, was a double edged sword for frugal customers. On the one hand I had a really short line to get a BMTH t-shirt. On the other hand, I then had to actively decide to walk out of the room, go down two more hallways, and turn to the right to get to the Merch table for Underoath. I don’t know about you, but when money is burning in my pocket, it has a short window of less than 5 minutes. The clock starts as soon as my hand releases my debit card from the jaws of life I call my wallet. Once it ends, it ends.
So only one shirt for me, BMTH for $25. Perhaps if I hadn’t paid so much for parking I might have been convinced to get a second shirt or a CD, but naaah. Even I do not know the depths of my own frugality.
The Show…
Beartooth opened and then, Underoath, and Bring Me the Horizon as Headliner.
Spoiler Alert! What a light show! You will not be disappointed. The screens played a lot of interesting graphics and colors that went perfectly with the songs. I did not find them distracting at all, it just added to the ambiance. Plus, Spoiler Alert!!! The confetti cannons were a nice touch! It just made it all the more fun. The Masonic Temple stage had 2 parts. One lower stage that was crowd height, and the second which was at least 2-3 feet above crowd. This platform was great because it helped give the short people like me, and the people with balcony seats, a chance to see the entire band without peeking through the crease of someone’s elbow that smells suspiciously like pizza.
Which is crazy because there was no pizza.
Beartooth
They played first. I actually could not get a picture of them because my phone decided to die and go to heaven. I have never really heard them before, but the crowd went wild for them. They loved it. I came in the middle of their set and had to squeeze my way through the crowd.
Underoath
Pro Tip. When the band stops playing, everyone goes to get beer. NOW IS YOUR CHANCE. I was able to slip and slide my way closer to the pit with ease. The band seemed pretty happy to be back on stage but I am still sensing a bit of nervousness from them. Like they are wondering if they are still revelant to the scene. Judging from the crowd, it’s a resounding YES.
Is he doing the dip? I’m still waiting on the Tootsie Roll follow-up move!
I see you Spencer! Mr. Long Hair Don’t Care!
Favorite Song: Breathing in a New Mentality
Bring me the Horizon
Lead singer definitely brought his A- game and gave the kids what they want. I know he’s been having voice/throat issues. Crowd kept commenting they were so surprised he hit the high notes for us! Whatever the case, the crowd also proved that if he skipped a couple of words they could definitely fill it in for him!
Confetti Cannons!
FAVE
Favorite Songs: Doomed, Can you Feel My Heart
Stay tuned for a shorter article containing tips and tricks for surviving Rock Shows
but until then,
I hope y’all continue headbanging and Bootyshaking your heart out!
Zine Fair at MoMA PS1 Music Fest, March 26th
MoMA PS1 and Other Music Present
Come Together: Music Festival and Label Market
Sunday, March 26th, 2017
12PM-6PM
12PM-6PM
Coming up next week, #Blkgrlswurld Zine will join the Zine tables lead by Suffragette City art collective at the record label fair taking place during the music fest. Both labels and zinesters will be selling underground wares full of indie funk and style. We’ll have the latest Riso prints of our Zine and special variant editions.
…
*Access to the label/zine fair is free with museum admission. Events and screenings in the VW Dome are ticketed, $13-$15
Collaborative performances in the VW Dome celebrate the intersecting communities that make for a vibrant music scene. With Black Quantum Futurism (Moor Mother & Rasheedah Phillips), Matana Roberts, GENG, Hisham Akira Bharoocha, Brian Chase, Ryan Sawyer, Robert AA Lowe, Greta Kline, a.k.a. Frankie Cosmos, and more.
Panel discussions feature some of the most innovative individuals in music, including Ric Leichtung, Matt Conboy, Douglas Sherman, Esneider Arevalo, Delphine Blue, Brian Turner, and Francois Vaxelaire.
The New York City premiere of the film A Life in Waves, follows the life and innovations of composer and electronic music pioneer Suzanne Ciani, directed by Brett Whitcomb and written and edited by Bradford Thomason.
Architects (UK) Add New Date To NYC Shows
Livenation details here | March 31 and April 1 at Gramercy Theater, NYC
It’s been tentative for about 2 years whether or not the British metalcore band Architects would be able to tour the United States in promotion of their latest album, All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us.
The health of the band’s creator, Tom Searle was quickly declining in 2016 calling for various tour cancellations of sold out shows. By August of 2016 the heavy music world was devastated by the loss of Tom to cancer at the age of 28 and everyone was patiently waiting to hear whether the rest of band wanted to continue on. Anybody would understand them wanting to go into retirement after a decade plus in the scene and the loss of such a close family friend.
But by October, we saw the band rally together and hit the road, seeking to honor Tom’s memory by performing the album released earlier that year. They haven’t stopped since, touring various parts of western and eastern Europe and now coming to America this Spring.
Here at the zine, we’ve been a long time fan of their technical mathcore roots; first seeing them play at a Grand Rapids bar about ten years ago. Since then we’ve supported any American tours they’ve had (not many) meeting them at small town Warped Tours and NYC clubs.
You can best believe we’ll be in the front row of Gramercy Theater this Spring holding up a sign in honor of Tom and the amazing music he created with his best mates.
xoxo
Architects (UK), 12/2014 by C.Long
Architects (UK), 12/2014 by C.Long
