Phoenix: J-Boy

Perhaps not immediately recognizable as Phoenix, the French band’s new track “J-Boy” is a sparkly synth-pop treat. The song is from the upcoming Ti Amo which is set for release 9 June—their first album since 2013’s Bankrupt!. Lead vocalist Thomas Mars’ lyrics mention everything from disco lights, to Michelangelo and masquerade balls, but the song’s message is deeper than it first seems. The swirling, irresistible …

New York Design Week’s Exponential Growth

Now stretching across almost the entire month of May, New York Design “Week” has positioned NYC in the global design circuit with force. As Artsy notes, “By the 24th of this month, more than 500 design-related events will take place across New York City—and that’s just the official NYCxDesign calendar.” Design Week has long been centered around the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), but many …

Artists Aid the Syrian Humanitarian Crisis

With a resolution to the Syrian humanitarian crisis still far afield, resources for refugees—financial, medical and more—constantly need replenishment. Charity organization Gotham Cares debuted last night with an inaugural gathering, and thanks to contributions from artists like Andre Saraiva, Lucien Smith, and photographer Ben Watts, money was raised for both Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders) and the International Rescue Committee—and the thousands of people …