The Brilliance!

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We’re really internet and we’re really back. A website about things Benjamin , Chuck , Virgil , and various friends & guests think are interesting. Little-to-no specific focus, a bit odd, speling errors, and incredibly culturally relevant.

The opinions/thoughts/ideas/suggestions/comments expressed by those interviewed on THE BRILLIANCE! do not necessarily reflect that of THE BRILLIANCE! or its staff. THE BRILLIANCE! is simply a conduit for the interviewed to share their stories and thoughts. Thank you.

Devon Turnbull / OJAS

Where we're at is a perfect time to look back... in all senses of the phrase but specifically on what the Brilliance is about. We’re still a time capsule of “stuff” that we deem important. Skipping ahead Devon / Ojas of seminal shop and creative entity Nom de Guerre has launched an audiophile project that feels fresh in the revolving world of merch. But maybe life is merch, but you get the premise. We caught up with Devon and company to get a window onto what’s been up from then to now and the story of how the scene evolves. So on that note deep dive. Our first interview in forever is up.

Tremaine Emory & Acyde Odunlami of No Vacancy Inn!

"Water & Wifi" It's either incredibly tough–in a good way–to explain the magic of Tremaine & Acyde's project, No Vacancy Inn, or...it's incredibly simple. Is it a party, or a the zeitgeist's roaming church? In a way, it doesn't really matter. You either "get it" now, or you eventually will as everything thing these two guys touch seems to be perfectly ahead of it's time. We talk on everything from mobile phone plans, cities as nations, what "culture" really is, and everything in-between.

Andrew Kuo aka Earl Boykins!

Andrew Kuo aka "Earl Boykins" – the most tasteful meme curator on the internet??? We think so. While almost 200,000 people follow him for goofs and spoofs on instagram – most don't know is that Andrew is an incredibly accomplished artist, art collector, obsessive NBA fan and I'm sure a bunch of other things we didn't think to ask him about in this interview. We're huge fans of him and his perfect contrasts - couldn't think of a better first interview on THE BRILLIANCE Version 2.06. Read on.

Jon Buscemi!

Mr. Buscemi. Jon is one of those dudes who has had his hands in so many parts of this "lifestyle business" culture that pretty much all of us from age 45 down to 16 are affected by. A man of many hustles. The large-scale projects at Oliver People, the creation of Gourmet Footwear, and now brand BUSCEMI & Greats, to the side hustles he had from a child up until now - supporting and connecting so many people in the scene. He's a guy to know - get to know him better here.

Tom Sachs!

Amongst the group of artists considered our personal favorites is Tom Sachs. Art that leaves one asking questions and contemplating always does the trick. An honor for us to pass thru the internet and back as analog via pen and paper instantly this interview becomes unique. An art piece of itself. Answers to our random but carefully chosen questions tells a lot about the artist. Not only the responses themselves but the proverbial picture thats painted as well. - Virgil Abloh

Chuck Anderson

Chuck is "the" inspiration in the visual art space. Embodies the dream of every kid who's opened Photoshop/Illustrator and tried to make a living at it. Making a living as an actual artist. A client list that is almost too long to even list on his website. Artist, poster-boy for nothing-to-something via photoshop, internet goofball, pro roller-skater and more. Finally an interview that doesn't ask all the same questions!!

Benjamin Edgar

No college, putting water into a well-designed box and getting it into the hands of everyone from festival kids to a mom stopping at the market to celebrities & cultural icons, a knowledge & taste for art, design, and fashion that rivals anyone I've ever met, its "that dude" Benjamin Edgar. One of my oldest friends and one of the funniest guys you'll ever meet, Benjamin is constantly experimenting, tinkering, and taste-making through his ideas. Whether its Boxed Water, his fashion label Benjamin Edgar, THE BRILLIANCE!, entrepreneur/VC/Start Garden stuff (read on), or his side job as a rollerblading mall security guard, he's always got something good to say.

Virgil Abloh

Virgil Abloh. Honestly a bit hard to write a little synopsis for this guy. Quote from the first time Chuck and I (Ben) interviewed him: "My secret agenda is to find longevity in our representing our culture by way of design and creative thinking." Needless to say he has achieved this and beyond. He has designed, edited, & creative directed an insane part of pop culture in the last 5-6 years. Hard to define, easy to admire - an interview for the books.

Maestro Knows!

This was a fun interview - classic how it came about too. I had a chance to catch-up with Maestro when he was in Chicago some time ago - just one of those classic "hey man, I dig what you're doing with the show and we should connect" type things. I'm happy I did. Levi is one of those guys that has "it", as cliche as that might be. One of the nicest people I've met, in love with life, his show keeps getting better, and he's a true voice of positivity for a younger (and older!) generation. Keep a close eye on Maestro, he'll be doing huge things sooner than later - I'm sure of it. Enjoy this interview, its a good one.

Dee & Ricky!

NYC might not be the same, but the tradition of creative leaders is still there. Right now The Twins, Dee and Ricky are seated at the thrown of effecting culture in NYC/the world at the moment. The the duos trends have inspired everyone from Marc Jacobs, Murakami to magazine editors all across the board. Why are they important? Because even tho they are ironically twins, they represent true individualism. You know THE BRILLIANCE!!! is on the "watch-them-blow-up-tip" so heres the backstory in the kids. So when you see them in the streets of NY (odds are high) don't get star struck. And yo, the intern gate is open so form a line ladies.

Jason Fried!

We love this interview - this will be one of our classics. Jason Fried is the founder of 37signals, a "...company committed to building the best web-based software products possible with the least number of features necessary. Our products do less than the competition - intentionally." And they're killing it. With a cult following that even Apple might be a bit envious of. Jason took some time out to chat a bit about who he is as a person rather than the typical strictly-business questions he gets. ÊI hope everyone enjoys this interview as much as we did.

Verbal!

It's with the freshest honor and respect we bring you an interview with artist/designer/fashion icon Verbal. Hearing his perspective on style is inspiring and well formulated. Have a look, Verbal has a global reach and jewelery piece by jewelery piece he is poised to take over the world and redefine the chain and pendent. It's also cool to see what projects he has up his sleeves and what his motivating factor is. This is THE BRILLIANCE!!!

Jake and Amir!

Jake and Amir are...really hilarious. And what they do is a bit hard to describe. I guess you could say do 'comedy shorts' on the web - but it's really a bit more than that. Their videos are hilarious, awkward, weird, super witty, then awkward again, and really addictive. We setup a group chat with all of us in a room to discuss their videos, their friendship, getting slapped really hard, real sun-burn, and why TV doesn't really matter that much anymore. This interview is a wild one. If you're not already familiar with Jake and Amir, we highly, highly recommend you check out JakeAndAmir.com before you read this interview. Actually, we just highly recommend you check it anyway.

Josh Keyes

A really great thing about running a blog like THE BRILLIANCE is that we get to pick the minds of people we really wouldn't have any reason to connect with outside of an doing an interview with them. Josh Keyes is one of those people. We all really love his work, so its pretty cool to be put-on to an artists work, love it, then 2 months later interview them. Too cool. So read on...about Josh Keyes, an incredible creative mind and artist we like.

Kazuki Kuraishi

Kazuki Kuraishi a freelance designer in his own right is also knows as an integral part of Fragment, which is seated among the most respected entities in niche design culture and street fashion. The name, the logo, embody that sense of cutting through air because their rationale is just as sharp. Once again this is a great interview to add to THE BRILLIANCE collection, it highlights the people behind the surface and showcases the lifestyle behind the influential.

Nino Scalia

This interview right here with Antonio Scalia embodies why we even do interviews. We are a conduit to share stores and give inspiration from kids behind the all the little 'scenes' that matter. As you'll read - being team manager is only one chapter in his story. The Ice Cream skate team means alot for the timeline of skateboarding, read and see why. He's got a perfect message to those that dont get 'it'. On the horizon Antonio has some other things in the works. That story is very interesting too and will be in a theater near you. Que up that 'Kick, Push' remix with Lupe and Pharrell and enjoy.

Jen Stark

We love different stuff here at THE BRILLIANCE - be it a different approach, a different sound, a different aesthetic, or whatever. We like the people that keep it fresh. Jen Stark does just this - famous for her amazing construction paper sculptures that can only be described as psychedelically precise…and really mesmerizing. Jen took a break from the X-acto knives to answer a quick set of questions for us. Get familiar with her work!

The Cool Kids

This is just really good stuff here. The Cool Kids are seriously a breath of fresh air in a totally stale room full of totally uninteresting hip-hop acts. They embody a lifestyle/image that's a bit of throw-back to the 80's when hip-hop was all about having a good time while representing a little of the future as well, showing us something we've yet to see. The beats, the lyrics, the fashion, the presence, the 'hey, just have fun' attitude...their whole swagger - The Cool Kids are brilliant. Great interview - thanks to all those that helped put it together. Pay attention to these guys!

Ricardo Campa

A great interview with the creative mind, Ricardo Campa, of the fantastic clothing line Santa Muerte. A very interesting look into the world of niche culture and streetwear in culture-thick Mexico. Ricardo touches on topics from the blogging world, the state of young fashion/streetwear in Mexico City, how culture plays a role and his favorite beer. We really dig what Ricardo is doing...refreshing.

Ibn Jasper

The most successful interviews are ‘behind-the-scene-ish’ and a bit inspirational. That’s exactly what we got when we caught up with Ibn Jasper, part Image Consultant part Jetsetter to give some insight into his lifestyle. Being known as one THE best barbers, traveling with world with Kanye & Co., and laughing at press reports are just days in the life. Lets get real, we all quit skating as some point, but who can come back and still Ollie over a shopping cart?

Virgil Abloh

I like this interview - entertaining and insightful. Introducing Virgil Abloh…to those who don't already know him. Certain people just have that 'thing' about them…call it swagger, vibe, style, or whatever. Virgil has it. Involved in quite a few different projects; architecture, media, consulting, writing for this site, and more…a true member of the creative 'genre now' community. We chat a bit about his vision/direction, how many degrees he has, and what we should expect from him here on THE BRILLIANCE. Pay attention to Virgil…he's future-focused.

Oxy Cottontail

It's all about game respecting game. I love the whole promotions/new music/party hustle-turned-business thing that you see naturally happen within certain demographics and genres. If anyone is making it happen in NYC it's the now infamous Roxy, or better known as the ever-present Oxy Cottontail. Responsible for any party that matters in the ever hard to describe 'niche' scene that so many of us subscribe to…Roxy has built a pretty impressive 'brand' of event promotion and overall party execution. We caught up with her to do our new '20 questions' setup and answer everything from what she had for breakfast, the best party she has ever thrown and having a phone bill that was 90 pages long. Read up team!

Boogie of Artcoup!

We know it's been a while since our last interview, but the quality of this one makes up for the time gap if you ask me. Boogie is a photographer from NYC and his work is hands down some of the most honest, raw, intensely powerful photography you'll ever see. I promise. You don't even need to read an interview with him to see the man has unmatched confidence and determination - some of the areas in the world he goes to shoot his photos are reason enough to believe he's tougher than you. This is a real good interview. Many thanks to Boogie for doing this with us and make sure to keep your eye out for his work - it's been getting much press all over the place lately, and for good reasons. Make sure to check his site http://www.artcoup.com and check the pictures at the bottom. With no further ado, the Boogie / Brilliance interview.

Matthew of Malin+Goetz

Excellent design, smooth branding, a perfect product model, and a brilliant retail space. Unisex skin and body care products for the smart, hip, fashion conscious set. Plus, it makes your bathroom look 'important.' For real, it does. So we caught up with Matthew Malin of Malin+Goetz to hit im with 20 questions THE BRILLIANCE style. Get familiar with this brand...and get rid of the slimy Zest or Irish Spring bar-soap in your bathroom.

A-ron of aNYthing!

A-ron the downtown don, owner/founder of aNYthing takes time with us to discuss his youth, the infamous good old days at Supreme, living a true NYC lifestyle, the current state of the niche scene, building the only brand that matters and so much more... This is an incredibly insightful interview about NYC and the people/brands/lifestyles that are brought up in the shadow of an intensely urban environment. Big thanks to A-ron for taking time to give such thorough responses, this interview is thick...read!

Alex Calderwood!

Alex Calderwood is one inspirational person...and cool as hell to chill with. Owner/partner of The Ace Hotel Group, Neverstop Agency, all 15+ Rudy's Babershops, a record label, and so much more…this guy is so serious. He runs an empire in Seattle, seriously. If your not already, get familiar with Alex Calderwood and everything he is doing...trust us, you need to know.

Peter Stolz of Levis!

This is a really good interview right here, pay attention. I caught up with Pedro Blanco thru Jest of Alife and I'm happy I did. Peter is a designer at Levis and has some great insight on the backend of the industry. We chop it up on everything from day-to-day life at Levis, shrimp dumblings, and wild expensive cell-phone bills from making calls in Medellin...check it. Thanks again to Pedro.

Nick of Twelve Bar

Nick from Twelve Bar is a real nice dude and his new label, Twelve Bar is doing fresh things. So pay attention to them. I did this somewhat last minute interview with Nick while London, his home base, was being attacked by terrorists...and he still came through with ease, that's gangster. Check what he has to say about his label, being a lawyer at Maharishi, and sour apple taffy. Read on.

Married To The Mob!

Married to the Mob is fresh. We had the chance to pick the brains of the newest and most official players in the women's street wear game. We chop it up on everything from Production issues, the future of the label, having no water in your apartment, Willy Nelson and watermelon taffy. They are doing it very big, much respect. Check it!

Mark the Cobra Snake!

Mark The Cobra Snake is cooler than most people. Trust us. The now famous 'party photographer' took some time out of his busy schedule to tell us all about his baby, LA Weekly, hot girls, his truck jewelry, and eventually traveling to outer space. If you're not familiar with his site you are already at -50 cool points, so read this, and go to his site often.

Jason Bass of JB Classics!

We caught up with Mr. Jason Bass of JB Classics out in beautiful San Francisco, California to chat about all things JB. Referred to by many as the "Modern Cobbler", Jason is a one man show that many have tried to match and copy but never quite succeeded. Covered in artwork - locusts, flamingos, guns, Jack the Ripper, watch faces, and more - these shoes fly off shelves and online suppliers in limited runs. Jason also chats up about MOTUG, his recent shoe with Futura, LASE, Obey, and many other NYC graff legends. Check it!

Futura!

I first spoke with Futura via e-mail, then a few days later on the phone. Almost instantly I was taken by his down-to-earth attitude and his interest in talking with me not only about this interview, but just life in general. Family, friends, art, work, basketball...Everything. Not only is Futura a legend and an inspiration, but he is real. He is genuine and honest, and I am proud to have met and interviewed him. He also put me in touch with his son Timothy who runs http://www.13thwitness.com - we decided it would be a great idea to do a father/son thing, so make sure to check out his interview too. So without further ado, THE BRILLIANCE! interview with Futura.

Timothy of 13thWitness!

While talking with Futura about his interview, he brought up his son and asked if I'd seen his site before. I [half-embarassingly] said no, and he said "13thWitness.com." I checked it out and ended up on there for God knows how long...Timothy runs http://www.13thwitness.com which is a photography site documenting his life in Japan and abroad. Not only are his photos intriguing and interesting to see, but he's a really raw talent as a photographer. He's got some great things to say and was really excited to do this interview alongside his pops...Again, the kindness must run in the family because he was quick getting the interview back to me and really nice. Perfect. Check it - Timothy of 13thWitness.

Jest of Alife!

Jest. An owner of what some have called one of the 'god-father' stores/brands in NYC, Alife, takes some time out to answer questions about his graffiti (still carrying a marker punks!), Alife/Rivington Club, industry hype, Levis 501's, Jack on the rocks, how reality TV is out of control and more... Respect where respect is due. Jest is holding it down. Read up.

Wayne of Superfuture®!

We were lucky enough to get an exclusive interview with Wayne Berkowitz of Superfuture® 1/3 of the all-encompassing and all-consumption site for everything cool everywhere in the world. He touches on the beginning of it all, getting approached by 'mega-dot-coms', real jet-setters, his 50 helmut lang shirts, and all those people on Supertalk. Read this.

Josh Kalis of DC Shoes!

Josh Kalis pro skater for DC Shoes. A cool, laid back dude of few words. Benjamin caught up with him to discuss cars, lattes, and out running police helicopters. Read up real quick, wow.

Kareem Black!

John Mayer. Pharrell. Bam Margera. Michael Stipe. Moby. Flava Flav. What do they all have in common? One man: Kareem Black. He has made all these people and more look good through his lens. The man is a genius with a camera, and a very funny, nice dude as well. You need to read this interview in order for your day to be more interesting, and so you know what's up with the hottest photographer on the block.

Henry Lee of ESPN!

(2005) Henry Lee, the art director of ESPN Magazine, talks sports, legos, and spilling beer on an enormous former NFL lineman, as well as what it's like to be creative in the world of magazines and sports. An extremely talented and multi-faceted person, Henry has worked with Spin Magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Maxim, Sci Fi Channel, and of course ESPN Magazine. Check it out...!!

Chuck Anderson/NoPattern!

(2005) The interview everyone was waiting/asking for... Chuck Anderson of NoPattern / NP&CO. No boring questions about what programs he uses to create 'those glows' or how he did 'that one thing' for 'that one client'... Just questions and answers. And they are good ones too. Benjamin Gott conducted this interview. Yes sir.

Simon from Concept Shop!

(2005) THE BRILLIANCE caught up with Simon who is 1/2 of the international re-seller giant known as Concept Shop. We asked some of the questions that everyone has always wondered about the Concept Shop and how the whole international re-seller game actually works and he came through with a quite informative interview. You'll have to pardon the slight language barrier. Enjoy.

Benjamin Gott!

(2005) Ben Gott. What can I say? The man is filled with knoweledge, ideas, concepts, and good taste. We discuss things like Edamame, Mercedes, Bape, The Drudge Report, and more. Ben is everything a young entrepreneur should be. Good ideas, good taste, skeptical and critical but not cynical...Read this interview. It will change your life. Possibly.