Culture
-
In Conversation with Shawty Pimp
From Memphis tape decks to his first ever Amsterdam show, Shawty Pimp reflects on his cult legacy and why VOID will be one for the books.
-
Backpack Rap to Rucksack Records: The Future of Independent Labels
Rucksack Records has carved out a niche in Amsterdam’s underground scene by championing vinyl, community, and authenticity over the mainstream. Founder Danny Veekens, a journalist-turned-label head, blends a DIY approach—working with freelance creatives—with inspiration from backpack rap, building a label that gives artists space to grow sustainably and tell stories that last.
-
If We Can Have Sex, We Can Talk About STIs
On STIs, open conversations, stigma, and testing I always believed that dating and sex come with a fair amount of challenges in life, and yet somehow living in Amsterdam, a city known for its open-mindedness, we still avoid talking about the things that actually mess with us. This is where The Grey Areas lies —…
-
Property of No One Festival – Reclaiming Contemporary Mashriq Identity Through Music and Culture
Ahead of its first ever edition at Paradiso’s Tolhuistuin on 27th of September, I, Petra Parčetić sat down with the mind behind the Property of No One festival (later on referred to as PoN), Yazeed Abul-Ata. We discussed the notions of connection, experience and equal opportunity as the festival values, the contemporary meaning of cultural…
-
VOID: Music Against the Grain
As the first whiff of fall settles over Amsterdam, festival season slips into memory and club season takes over and we couldn’t be more excited about VOID
-
in conversation with valerie estrina: the best writing happens when you’re not writing
with a little over a week to go until ways of working, our workshop series with pre-reserved, we caught up with writer valerie estrina to talk beginnings, inspiration, and what to expect from her writing workshop next Sunday, September 28th.
-
No Caller ID 09: Are We Searching for Lessons to Lessen the Pain?
We always tell ourselves, “Everything happens for a reason.” But does it really? Or are we just too scared—or too numb—to accept that sometimes life doesn’t come with an explanation?
-
No Caller ID 08: Notes App Novels
There are people who write novels. And then there’s people like Sonya—who passionately write novels in the Notes App.
-
No Caller ID 07: Am I Adapted or Adopted?
And just like that, Sonya became the drama.
-
The May Commute: Sightlines and Rhythms
The Commute is Ilya Stasevich’s monthly column in Aa Magazine — a diaristic city report, tracing the atmosphere, everyday rituals, and undercurrents of Amsterdam, a city experienced through constant motion. Combining personal notes with elements of review and reportage, The Commute offers a view on life in the city from a perspective shifting between that…