The Pop Manifesto No. 7

Aussie webzine founders discuss bi-hemisphere collaboration, their DIY publishing ethos and site-crashing mixtapes

In its most recent incarnation, The Pop Manifesto hovers between its origins as a ‘zine and tastemaking publication that traces the leading edge of graphic design. Focusing on Japan, the latest issue includes both a round up of under-the-radar creative Tokyoites and Diet Butcher Slim Skin, the Kanye-approved menswear designer. Its Australian founders, editor Ilirjana Alushaj and art director Karl Maier, started the publication five …

Sleeper Projects Drum Kit

The nesting drum kit that's full size, air travel ready, and has minimalist good looks too

Sleeper Projects‘ full-size nesting drum kit’s beautifully understated design features minimal hardware and maple shells with a handsomely subtle finish. Filled with clothes and belongings, the kit weighs under 50 pounds—enough to avoid extra airline charges. With traveling light a necessity for any touring musician without Phil Collins numbers of roadies, drummer Tim Wilson of Brooklyn band Polite Sleeper, unhappy with the gaudy, undersized and …

The Nomadic Sound System

Wearable wireless speakers propose go-anywhere surround sound

This year’s Royal College of Art summer showcase includes a wireless and wearable sound system for mobile musical performances. Dubbed “The Nomadic Sound System,” the project is the brainchild of Benjamin Newman—a member of RCA’s atypical study group Platform 13. Comprised of nine speakers—three bass, four middle and two treble—each component looks like a marching band instrument, enabling the same freedom of movement and configuration. …