Culture Club: Surveying the Current Creative Landscape

In a market glutted with pop culture and lifestyle magazines, attempting to launch yet another one is simply foolish—to stand out and still be going strong after eight years is nearly impossible. But Tokion magazine has pulled it off by not chasing trends like other publications, featuring artists that it believes in, and having the confidence that comes with knowing that it’s ahead of the curve, because it always is. For the second year in a row, the folks behind the magazine have organized this gathering of influential, creative minds—many of which have appeared within their pages. The highlights: Brian Eno, yes, Brian fucking Eno—electronic-music pioneer, onetime member of Roxy Music, and legendary producer (Bowie, the Talking Heads, Devo, etc.)—in a conversation with Paper magazine’s Carlo McCormick; Jeff Tremaine, producer of Jackass; Ed Templeton, a professional skater and artist; and others discussing “Skateboarding’s Influence on Popular Culture.” The renowned, unparalleled photographer Nan Goldin chats with (overrated) up-and-comer Ryan McGinley in “Society of Photos.” Mike White, the guy who wrote School of Rock and Chuck & Buck; Lynne Ramsay, who directed Ratcatcher and Morvern Callar; and other filmmakers consider the “Future of Film.” Plus, “Art into Rock” with Rita Ackerman, Yamatsuka Eye of the Boredoms, and members of Black Dice; “Making Beats” with Carl Craig, Trevor Jackson, James Murphy, and Hank Shocklee; and a discussion with artist Raymond Pettibon. And that’s not even all of it—check the website for the rest.