The modern era presents a unique set of challenges for those trying to navigate the hustle and bustle of city life while maintaining a successful career. The frantic pace, coupled with the pressure of achieving professional goals, can often lead to stress and burnout. But with the right approach, it’s indeed possible to strike a balance between your career and city life.

Understanding the Demands of a Fast-Paced Career in the City

Navigating a fast-paced career in the city can be an exciting but challenging experience. The city’s constant buzz, coupled with demanding work schedules, can leave you feeling overwhelmed. It’s crucial to understand that city careers often involve long hours, high stress, and tight deadlines. However, these demands can be managed effectively with proper planning and organization. Striking a balance between work and personal life is key. This can be achieved by setting clear boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and taking time out for relaxation and leisure. Remember, a successful career doesn’t mean sacrificing your well-being but rather finding harmony between professional responsibilities and personal fulfillment.

The Importance of Time Management in Balancing Work and Personal Life

Effective time management is crucial in harmonizing work and personal life, especially in a fast-paced city living. It’s all about prioritizing tasks, setting goals, and sticking to a schedule. With proper time management, you can accomplish more in a shorter period, which leads to more free time, reducing stress, and enhancing productivity and effectiveness. By allocating specific time slots for your work and personal activities, you can create a balance and avoid one aspect overshadowing the other. So, in the hustle and bustle of city life, mastering the art of time management can be your key to a well-rounded existence.

Strategies for Achieving Work-Life Balance in a Busy City

Achieving a work-life balance in a busy city can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely possible. Prioritize time management; set clear boundaries between work and personal life. This could mean strictly adhering to your work hours and not bringing work home. Incorporate regular exercise into your routine; it not only keeps you fit but also helps reduce stress. Plan and prepare your meals in advance to save time and ensure a healthy diet. Use technology to your advantage – apps can help manage your tasks efficiently. Lastly, ensure to take out time for relaxation and doing things you love. Remember, it’s all about balance.

The Role of Mindfulness in Maintaining Balance in City Life

Mindfulness plays a crucial role in maintaining balance in city life, especially when juggling a demanding career. As city dwellers, we often find ourselves caught up in the fast-paced rhythm of work, social events, and daily errands, leaving us with little to no time for self-reflection. By practicing mindfulness, we can cultivate a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and environment, allowing us to stay present in the moment rather than getting lost in the hustle and bustle. This can significantly reduce stress and enhance our overall well-being. So, by integrating mindfulness into our daily routine, we can find balance and thrive in the dynamic environment of city life.

Utilizing City Amenities to Enhance Your Work-Life Balance

Living in a city offers a multitude of amenities that you can leverage to improve your work-life balance. Start by exploring public parks for after-work relaxation or morning jogs to clear your head before heading to work. Libraries offer a quiet space for focused work or personal development, while community centers often host classes or events that can help you pursue hobbies and interests. Make use of public transportation to save commuting time, which you can then utilize for personal activities. By effectively using these city amenities, you can create a healthier balance between your career and personal life, reducing stress and enhancing overall satisfaction and productivity.

How to Make the Most of Your Commute for a Balanced Life

Maximizing your commute time can be a game-changer for achieving a balanced life amidst the hustle of city and career. Start by using this time to plan your day. A clear plan will help you stay focused and efficient. If you’re using public transportation, consider using this time to read, listen to podcasts, or learn a new language. If you’re driving, audiobooks or educational CDs can be a great way to use this time. Alternatively, use your commute as a time to relax and mentally prepare for the day. This could involve mindful breathing, listening to calming music, or simply enjoying the scenery. Remember, your commute isn’t wasted time, it’s an opportunity to grow and prepare for your day.

Finding Your Sanctuary: The Importance of Personal Space in a Bustling City

Finding your personal sanctuary in a bustling city can significantly improve your quality of life. It’s important to carve out a space where you can disconnect from the urban hustle and recharge your energy. This could be a quiet corner in your home, a serene park, or even a quaint café. Having a personal space in a city is like having a safe haven where you can retreat to, reflect on your day, and re-energize. It helps maintain a healthy work-life balance, reduces stress, and increases productivity. So, in the midst of chasing your career goals, don’t forget to find that special place that brings you peace and tranquility.

The Impact of Social Connections on Work-Life Balance in the City

Social connections significantly influence work-life balance in a city setting. When you build a strong network of friends, colleagues, and mentors, it can ease the stress related to career pressures. These connections serve as a support system, offering advice, sharing experiences, or simply being there to unwind after a long day at work. They can also open doors to new opportunities, helping you grow professionally while also enabling you to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. Hence, fostering social connections is an essential aspect of managing city life and career effectively.

Embracing the Art of Balancing Career and City Life

Mastering the art of balancing career and city life is not only possible but also rewarding. It’s all about setting priorities, managing your time effectively, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Embrace the hustle and bustle of city life, but don’t let it consume you. Use it to fuel your career growth and personal development. Remember, it’s not about sacrificing one for the other but finding a harmonious balance between the two. So, take charge, plan wisely, and strike that balance to enjoy the best of both worlds.

The post The Art of Balancing Career and City Life appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

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Amid the live-streaming revolution during the Covid-19 pandemic, art curator & entrepreneur Marina Dojchinov is presenting The Zero Experiment – an interactive, virtual gallery experience. Every Thursday, viewers will be able to attend a virtual gallery opening via video conferencing platform Zoom and talk to the featured artist. The art pieces will be auctioned off and the proceeds will go to a different charity each week. This Thursday, April 16, the first artist to present his work is Pierre Fraiture and the money raised will go to Broadway Bound Kids, a performing arts education organization based in Manhattan that was affected by the virus. 

We caught up with Marina about the project, her career, and life during the coronavirus.

How did you decide to start this project? 

The Zero Experiment actually started last year. I wanted to create a roaming gallery concept, with a speakeasy vibe so I gathered influencers for a dinner party and showcased two amazing artists: Kenna Kendig and Udo Spreitzenbarth. The concept slowly evolved and when this epidemic hit, I wanted to find a way to keep the art community connected. Since the lockdown, many of my friends in the art world are struggling to keep afloat and don’t know where their next meal is coming from. I found a way to connect artists and keep the tradition of Thursday night openings in a fully immersive & virtual way. I added the “human touch” to an otherwise bland online experience by allowing the artists and audience to interact with each other and ask questions.

I also wanted to support charities and businesses that are losing income and struggling to stay afloat. I am encouraging the artists to choose a charity they like each week. So far I am proud to say we are helping a performing arts education organization Broadway Bound Kids and LGBTQIA homeless non-profit New Alternatives. 

I love the feeling of giving back to the community and this is my way of saying–stay positive, we got this!  

How and why did you decide to have Pierre Fraiture as the first artist for this Thursday?

I met Pierre six months ago at his studio in Tribeca and his work really spoke to me. I believe the charity and community aspects are a great fit for Pierre’s mission. I thought it would be a great way to introduce people to our brand and showcase the level of talent all our artists bring to the table. We want to show potential participants that no matter a crisis, art is needed in our lives. 

You were born in Croatia and grew up in Australia. Tell me more about yourself. 

I’ve been entrepreneurial since I was a child. Having grown up in so many different countries, my world view has constantly evolved. I started my career as a fashion editor while studying to get a double degree in Law & Journalism. My work as a fashion journalist took me all over the world–from Australia to London, Spain, and finally, New York, where I was the editor of Promo Magazine. 

What inspired you to move to NYC? Is it your favorite city in the world? 

New York has always been a dream of mine. I remember being 6 years old growing up in the small town of Alice Springs, in the Australian outback, having a poster of New York on my wall. I would tell anyone who would listen that I would one day live there and be a fashion editor. I made that dream come true and as soon as I touched down in New York, I knew I was home. I love the culture, the people and the fact that you can be whoever you want here. You can evolve and change and NYC embraces that. When I made the jump from fashion to art, I found I had great support from friends here, many of whom have since become like family. 

Can you describe the moment when you discovered your passion for art and decided to make it your full-time job?

I’ve been enamored by art my entire life. The moment I realized I wanted to make the switch from fashion was after I curated a charity auction with multiple artists and performers. Six months later the opportunity presented itself to open a brick and mortar gallery in Manhattan. I decided to take a leap of faith and opened 3Squared Gallery in Chelsea. I curated all the shows, and the gallery was a launching pad for many artists here in the U.S. I can’t see myself doing anything else! 

Since then I have guest lectured about art philosophy and turning art into a business at many universities, including at Parsons School of Design and Columbia. 

I took everything I knew and put it into practice in The Zero Experiment. Combining my love for charity (I sit on the board of numerous charities here in NY), I wanted to create a community of creatives who are making a difference in the world.

What has been your biggest challenge so far living in the U.S.? 

Being so far away from my family who are still in Australia. I miss my parents and my brother a lot. We try and see each other as much as possible, but often holidays are spent over FaceTime. That has been my biggest challenge so far. 

We are living in a difficult time right now, how are you feeling? How has coronavirus affected you and your job personally?

Honestly, I am feeling optimistic because, at the end of the day, everything as we know it will change and better things are yet to come. This is the best time to be an entrepreneur because you can really make a difference in the world by helping the community and finding unique and innovative ways to cope with the constantly changing environment. 

What are you up to during these self-isolation days? Have you found any new daily pleasures or rediscovered old hobbies? 

The best part of this is having reconnected with a lot of old friends, all over the world. I am getting phone calls from people I haven’t spoken to for 2 years, just calling to say hi. We are all in this together, it has brought us closer as people. 

I have also rekindled my passion for painting and I enjoy drinking coffee and playing with my two cats.

Any words of encouragement to other artists and entrepreneurs who might be struggling right now?

Create! The time is now more crucial for all of us: artists, musicians and everyone in between. It’s a new beginning so let your voices be heard! Also never give up and never take no for an answer. If you really believe in something, don’t let anyone disparage you. And finally, things will get better, so keep your chin up! 

What’s your ultimate dream/goal? 

To build a world empire, of course!

The post Bored in the House? Attend a Virtual Art Gallery Opening appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

It was 9 p.m. on a Saturday and my French friend Louisiane and I were sitting on the warm concrete lining by the Seine river waiting for the email that would finally disclose the night’s rave location. It was set to start in three hours.

Around two dozen of arguably the best French producers were in store for us. It was the inaugural event of a new Paris-based DIY party series. These types of events, though they happen worldwide, are not easy to find. In attempts to evade police and to avoid going through the complex process of obtaining permits to run a party, DIY organizers in Paris typically have a private arrangement with a warehouse owner on the outskirts of town, where they pay under-the-table to rent the lot, bring their own sound equipment, and hold the party under the radar.

But earlier that day the promoters announced on the event’s Facebook page that unfortunately, due to unidentified circumstances, the original venue had fallen through, and they were working to find a suitable replacement.

I wasn’t convinced. For a crowd as big as was expected that night, I doubted there’d be a sizeable option available on such short notice, especially without a proper permit. And what if the rent cost was far out of their budget? Not to mention the bathrooms? A bar? Coat check? And most importantly — lighting, a proper sound system? These things require serious consideration and planning even if you’ve got the staff willing and ready.

About one and a half hours before the expected start of the event, we got the location. It was in Le Blanc-Mesnil, a suburb an hour from central Paris.

We ran to the apartment, changed our shoes, and scrambled to the metro before it stopped running for the night.

Three different trains later, we had ridden public transport to its end out of Paris. We were still 20 minutes from the venue. On the street outside, teenagers dressed in multi-colored jeans, crop tops, and oversized jackets stood around lost. We knew we were heading to the same place and joined a group to split a cab.

Pulling into a dark street, we heard the bass shaking the world from a mile away. We had arrived at the venue.

“What are you here for?” the driver asked, curious.

“Une soirée techno,” we said, “wanna come?”

Over 1,500 people had shown up. And to our great surprise, the party did have bathrooms and, albeit, a makeshift bar, and even a coat check, as well as lighting and a proper sound system.

This story is one of a string of my Paris rave experiences last summer, where I spent more than one night in that very same warehouse. Beyond being extremely cathartic, dancing for up to 12 hours straight carries more meaning.

The DIY scene is an interminable emblem of freedom to marginalized communities around the world. In Brooklyn, for instance, a unique collective of people operates within a familial-like social circle unbeknown to outsiders, raving at nearly every underground party together. These friends connect with, depend on, and support one another in myriad ways: be they physical, emotional, financial or otherwise. And while they have their differences, what unites them with a bond as strong as blood is an open mind and an undying love of music. Implicit and understood at each rave is the underlying, unwavering, and unconditional acceptance of the other. It’s a safe space to unwind and unleash the most raw, authentic, and unashamed version of yourself. Inherent in each illegal party is a defiance of the establishment, a disregard for the rules; it’s a place without boundaries. Among these ravers is a space that, beating society’s attempts at suppression, continues to exist and even thrive, much like those in it. Ravers relish in that knowledge, and feel empowered by that freedom.

Why is there so much freedom abroad when it comes to organizing and maintaining DIY parties while back home, New Yorkers struggle to keep a party of 50 afloat without getting it shut down?

In France, “organized raves,” as they are called, can get away with being illegal, co-founder of international artist collective RAW Valentin Morize revealed.

He explained that promoters find warehouse owners that are eager to make money off their venue and set up a contract. The night of the party, the organizers inform local law enforcement about their “private event,” which, with under 500 people in attendance, is completely legal. Organizers also ensure that these venues are in an industrial zone away from residential areas to avoid noise complaints. If the police do show up, organizers not only have a rent contract to show for, but also event insurance, which can be purchased annually, that prohibits the police from entering the venue. The police can’t prove there are over 500 people inside, and they know that ravers can’t get back to the city from the suburbs after the trains have stopped running anyway. So they’re usually left alone. Thus, organized raves are technically legal if certain conditions are met — under false pretenses, of course.

Meanwhile, New Yorkers not only lack venue availability, but also struggle to meet rent costs and what seems like a never-ending list of permit prerequisites.

“It’s that way on purpose so as to discourage amateurs and small operators from doing anything of the sort,” NYC-based DIY organizer Seva Granik said.

In New York, events held in spaces not already geared toward large assemblies of people are known as “off-premise events.” These may include warehouses or temporary structures like tents. Events with over 75 people inside, or 200 outside, require two separate permits: a liquor license and a Temporary Place of Assembly (TPA) certificate of operation, both of whose applications together can cost upwards of thousands of dollars to file.

The liquor license is issued by the State Liquor Authority only if you already have a TPA, and must be approved by the police precinct of the event area.

You must apply for a TPA earlier than 10 days before an event, city policy states. To qualify, the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) requires not only the landlord’s signature, but an application request from a either a N.Y.-licensed architect or a licensed engineer. All temporary structures, such as platforms and stages, must be certified as meeting the code requirements of the design prior, and be accompanied by technical reports signed by a design professional who takes responsibility for the work to be performed, according to DOB policy. A separate work permit is also required for some cases with its own stipulations, including at least three different types of insurance: workers’ compensation, fire code safety (with eight stipulations of its own), and compliance with Disabilities Benefits Law. It must also comply with the 13 stipulations of the NYC Building Code, such as occupant load, emergency flood lighting, proper widths and exit paths, and sanitary requirements.

After the application process, DOB and FDNY each send an inspector to verify that all the requirements have been met. And only once they have both agreed, the TPA is approved — usually the day before, according to Granik, or sometimes not until the day of an event.

“Typically only well-oiled and well-budgeted productions, like fashion shows or after-events or giant parties like TekSupport or Cityfox, can really pull this off,” Granik explained, referring to commercial techno events run in Brooklyn.

And as far as noise ordinance goes, if the event is within a residential area, any complaints are filed will be considered valid to shut down a party even if all of the above criteria are met.

After all of that, almost no one on a low budget would think it’s worth the legal trouble. And even if they did, given the lack of rural space in New York compared to other successful underground scenes like Paris, fielding noise complaints is difficult. But despite the complexities and challenges of organizing raves in places like New York, DIY parties remain critical to the communities they serve. That’s why they are still going strong—even if quietly. For now, supporters can only hope that someday, the DIY scene in New York will gather enough resources to be completely off the radar, without risk of getting shut down each time. For now, as Granik put it, Paris remains the ultimate “underground wonderland.”

However, how long can Paris remain the “underground wonderland”? In October of 2019, the French Senate approved a bill that aims to increase rave regulations. The law would require organizers to notify the local mayor’s office one month in advance of an event with 500 or fewer people, it would adjust permitted noise levels, increase fines, and would permit search and seizure by the police. The bill will go to the National Assembly next for a final vote.

Edited by Demi Vitkute.

The post Why Paris is the “Underground Wonderland” of Raves and New York is Not appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

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It has been a couple of years since the Korean music and dance craze hit the United States. The latest wave from South Korea comes not on a video screen, but in a bottle.

Korean makeup products and beauty ideals have recently become more and more popular in the American market. We discussed this phenomenon with the employees and customers at the Korean shops and makeup artists in New York City to gain some insight.

Concept Korea, the government-sponsored fashion show, aimed at helping emerging Korean designers to promote themselves outside of Korea, returned to New York Fashion Week this season—Spring/Summer’19. “From K-Pop to K-Beauty and now K-Fashion, there is no denying the talent and allure pouring out of South Korea in the past decade,” Fashion Week Online commented.

The rising popularity is apparent because of the increasing value of cosmetic and makeup products imported from South Korea to America. From 2014 to 2016 the value of the imported Korean cosmetic and makeup products in the U.S. increased by about 50 percent each year, according to the Korean International Trade Association. Last year alone (2017), Korean beauty products worth $367 million dollars were imported to the U.S. By July of 2018, $240 million worth of products have already been imported. The value is continuing to rise dramatically.

Min Goo, an employee at a Korean cosmetic store in Flushing, called the SAEM, said she has recently noticed more non-Asian customers coming to the store. Goo said the expansion of K-pop culture was one of the reasons why people beacame interested in Korean cosmetic products. “A lot of people walked in because they saw Seventeen in front of our store,” Goo said.

Seventeen is a K-pop boy band that models for SAEM. Goo said she went to a styling show during New York Fashion Week and noticed a presentation by K-pop celebrities on a screen during a runway show.

An another employee at a Korean cosmetic store, called The Face Shop, said she has also noticed more customers. “A lot of non-Asians walk into our store, looking confused,” Ji said. “They said they saw Korean nine-step makeup process online and they came here to look for the products.”

For herself, Ji said that after trying out various brands, she has found that Korean products work best for her. Ji’s skin is clear and bright, but she said that’s because she puts conscious effort in taking care of it regularly. “Some people have very high expectations of Korean cosmetics, ” she said, “they think it’s some kind of magical cream and they expect quick results.”

Diana Feltman, a customer at a Korean pop culture store Koryo Books in Manhattan, said she uses Korean cosmetics because it cleanses her skin better and gives it a touch of softness that other products don’t.  “I feel more confident in using products that make evident they care both for the health of the skin as well as the look of makeup,” she said. “Korean skincare is supposed to be five years ahead of time at any given point. ”

With its growing popularity, Korean beauty culture casts influence on the American population, but it’s important to acknowledge the differences between Korean and American beauty cultures.

According to Jenny Ma, an Asian-American makeup artist based in Manhattan, the difference can be traced back to hundreds of years ago. “Asians in general prefer lighter skin while Americans prefer being tan, ” she said.

Ma added that back in the day, only the wealthier Asians could afford to have servants who work outside on the farms. “So the lighter you are means the more royal you are because you will never have to leave your castle,” she said. “Whereas in America, the tanner you are means you have the luxury of time and money to travel to beach.”

Ma said that the colors of makeup and the application are also completely different in the two cultures: Korean makeup is more basic and people apply light foundation for a clean, fresh and youthful look; all the eye shadows applied are of a similar shade—coral orange. On the other hand, Americans apply a lot more makeup on their skin and they also contour their faces to look more splendor; use a variety of colors and shades for eyeshadows and lipsticks, too.

Despite the differences, many makeup artists have noticed the influences K-beauty has on American culture. Stacey Michelle, a stylist for Izon Magazine, shared her experience working with models in the fashion industry: she said a lot of them prefer natural and light makeup, which is one important characteristic of Korean makeup.

Koreans put emphasis on skincare and makeup, but some might argue that they go a step too far. Media often refers to South Korea as “the capital of plastic surgery.” As much as 85 percent of Korean women in their 20s think plastic surgery is acceptable and about 80 percent of Korean people think “appearance is very important to life,” according to a research company Gallup Korea.

Michelle said that she thinks some of the tricks in Korean makeup are “insane”. She commented on a video on Instagram in which a Korean woman removes all of the artificial elements from her skin, showing her natural face: “to make their face look slimmer, they will use a clear tape and they will also do it on their eyelid,” Michelle said.

“I think it is part of a tradition,” – Min Goo said in reaction to the focus on appearance. “But whether you want to put that much emphasis on your appearance or not is also a personal choice.”

The post Moving forward from K-pop, it’s the K-beauty era appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

The first weekend of May, thousands flocked to a massive, white enclosed tent on Randall’s Island to visit one of the largest art exhibits of the year: Frieze New York.

Holding two Guinness World Records for size and this year—home to over 190 galleries from 30 countries—Frieze’s international three-day art fair has, once more, proven to be the premiere art fair.

Visitors had the option to either arrive by ferry—a scenic 30-minute ride along the East River—or via ground transport. There were spacious, grassy grounds, and the looming tent itself, featuring galleries, talks, live performances, and even restaurants.

The entire presentation was divided into smaller clusters of galleries. Though each day drew thousands of visitors, it did not feel crowded because of how large the tent was. There was time and space to examine each artwork individually. Gallery representatives stood amidst each exhibit, ready to answer any questions and sell. Visitors were given a chance to learn much more about their favorite art pieces than they would have been able to in a regular museum.

“Frieze New York offers the opportunity to encounter an exceptional quality and range of artwork, featuring the world’s most exciting emerging talents together with iconic names in modern and contemporary art,” Frieze.com reads. “Independent curators have specially advised on sections Frame and Spotlight to encourage discovery and connoisseurship.”

Each section had drink and food vendors, as well as seating for maximum comfort. There was no time limit on how long to spend at the exhibit, so visitors could spend all day eating, relaxing, and taking in art. For those feeling fancy, even champagne was available for purchase. Frieze also featured a Reading Room, where visitors could buy a curated selection of arts and culture publications.

Art varied from surrealist paintings to contemporary photographs to mixed-media pieces.

Galleries are required to apply each year in order to be selected to participate. The selection is determined by a committee of gallerists. The fair gives three awards recognizing the best presentations each year. The Frame Prize and two Frieze Stand Prizes.

This year, The Mumbai-based gallery Jhaveri Contemporary and Nuno Centeno from Porto, Portugal, have won the Frieze Stand Prize and Focus Prize respectively for their presentations at Frieze New York. Each gallery receives $7,500. The Frame prize, for emerging galleries, was awarded to Toronto’s Cooper Cole Gallery, who showed the work of Tau Lewis.

Representatives of each gallery fly from all over the world yearly just for Frieze. To name a few, participating gallery locations this year included Hong Kong, Cape Town and Mumbai. Frieze is not the only destination for art galleries, however. One gallery, Massimo de Carlo of Italy, revealed it participates in up to 10 shows a year, successfully making sales at each.

Frieze New York was a refreshing blend of formal and casual, educational and self-explanatory. People of all ages and incomes attend, whether they are there to merely observe or to purchase. The art fair offers all a chance to admire some of the highest-quality art in the world.

The post Looking Back at Frieze New York 2018: The Hit of the Year, Again appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

It’s January 13, the night of my first party of the new year in New York. I open my eyes. The DJ duo Mind Against come into focus. Their dark outlines move masterfully beneath the strobe lights, fingers taking turns twisting knobs on the deck. Twist—the bass disappears. Twist—percussion enters. I can feel the heat emanating from the bodies around me, moving as one in the darkness. Then I hear the far-off twinkle of the melody of their latest released track. The one we all know and love and came for. I yell in happiness and turn to my friend. He hears it, too. We both grin at one another as “Days Gone” starts to play. A journey awaits. Everyone goes wild, pounding fists and feet to the epic synths as they grow louder. This is the moment we have all been waiting for. The duo raise their hands in satisfaction, one throws back his head, and the track speaks for itself. This is the moment they have been waiting for, too.

This is just one of countless incomparable live techno music experiences I continue to gather and be fascinated by. I first came to realize the power of this music when a friend went to Movement, an electronic music festival that takes place every year in Detroit. I was addicted to watching the videos he shared of secret after-hour parties. Hearing the fast-paced, hypnotic music so full of raw, unsubdued energy filled my body with a rhythmic strength that I couldn’t shake for days.

A few months later, I went abroad. By completely coincidental circumstance, I ended up at one such party in a warehouse in Prague. I set aside everything for the night and surrendered myself to the music. It’s been a love affair with techno ever since.

The quick beat that characterizes electronic dance music is a powerful and addicting motivator, especially when heard live. Journalist Hunter S. Thompson said, “Music has always been a matter of Energy to me…Sentimental people call it Inspiration, but what they really mean is Fuel.” The exchange and reception of (positive) energy is central to the techno scene.

Nothing unites people quite like knowing that no matter who they are or where they come from, something that is so special to them is equally as special to thousands of others in the moment. Being emotionally connected to the music connects people to its atmosphere, including everyone in it. This intimate feeling of unity is especially profound for those that may struggle with connecting with others.

Daniel Levitin, author of “This Is Your Brain on Music,” discovered that our bodies physically respond to music by releasing feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. We rely on music for emotional regulation because it influences our moods.

Techno, a subgenre of electronic dance music, originated in the heart of Detroit, Michigan, during the 1980s. It arose from a blend of African American soul and synthesizer-made music, and migrated first from DJs’ basements to gay clubs. Science fiction lent itself as inspiration for early artists’ futuristic techno sound. Following the Great Depression, they envisioned, through their music, a transformed society. After the techno wave in Detroit, it was picked up by the Germans in Berlin and popularized in Europe. Today, techno is an even bigger part of the European lifestyle than in the U.S.

Techno and other electronic dance music lovers term the party scene as “raving.” This term varies in meaning, from dressing up in colorful clothing for a festival to just going to a techno club, but usually means being out for an entire night of committed dancing and enjoyment.

In the U.S., the techno scene is most prominent in the Big Apple. Other cities like Los Angeles and Detroit remain key players as well, but what sets New York apart is its massive population, providing diverse but consistent demand for electronic music, as well as its access to dozens of techno-qualifying venues with proper sound systems, active promoters, and their ability to afford hosting big-name DJs from around the world.

As with anything, it is possible to take raving too far. That is, one prevalent aspect of the techno party scene is substance abuse, which enhances the experience of music in the brain. This comes from the search for a transcendent experience. One particularly common drug, MDMA, also known as molly, targets and increases the level of chemicals in the brain responsible for happiness. Nonetheless, the majority of party-goers enjoy safe, legal experiences as often as dozens of times a month without so much as tired feet the following day.

The post Why I Love Techno Music appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

In 1981, a group of twenty-something women were having a beer at the Corner Bistro in New York City when they decided to form a sword–dancing team: Half Moon Sword.

“When we were in our early twenties we had no idea what we were getting into or that we would still be doing it today, so many decades later,” said a founding member of the team Deirdre Bialo-Padin.

In 1986, Half Moon held their first Sword Dance Festival in New York City. At the time, there were no other sword dancing teams in North America. They inspired others to form teams all over the U.S. and even in Canada.

Sword dancing is a winter celebration performed in northern England, where the annual visit of the local sword dancers to the villages was thought to guarantee good luck for the year.

There’s been dancing of this nature for about a hundred years in New York City. Some of the members learned it by attending classes with the Country Dance & Song Society.

Half Moon women have traveled together, hung out together, and attended each other’s weddings. “It’s kind of like being part of an all-women’s baseball team,” Bialo-Padin said.

All of the four musicians on the team are married to one of the dancers. “We tend to marry musicians…so that they could play for us,” Bialo-Padin laughed.

Now even some of their children are part of the team. The tradition continues from generation to generation.

Half Moon Sword will host its 33rd annual sword dancing competition next year.

The post Meet the Women Who Brought Sword Dancing to America appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

It is time to celebrate “throwback Thursdays.”

Last month, the scene of a subculture celebration popped up with a rebellious punk streak on Carnaby Street in London. The brains behind the operation have united a collective of influencers, historians, and creatives to deliver a truly unique experience showcasing the multigenerational independence, defiance, and DIY attitude that has shaped Britain’s subcultures and countercultures.

The new concept store, The Subculture Archives, unites a selection of British artists, thinkers, and makers to bring a range of free cultural experiences, exclusive events, and emerging talent in the birthplace of 1960s Swinging London and home to London’s vast music scene from the Mods to the New Romantics. The Subculture Archives have presented iconic collections including Paul Tickell’s documentary “Punk and the Pistols,” the social history photo book “Exist To Resist” from Matthew Smith, and candid shots from Mancunian rave photographer Peter Walsh.

The Subculture Archives is your one-stop shop for all things counterculture, so, hit Carnaby Street while you can, and peruse a curated selection of books around the topic of counterculture and subculture, limited edition clothing, irreverent mugs from “People’s Republic of Stokes Croft,” affordable photographic prints and treats from the Vendart vending machine.

The post The Subculture Archive Preserves the History of British Youth appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.

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“You take the blue pill, the story ends. You wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill, you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.” 

– Morpheus, The Matrix 

Neo risked everything by choosing to confront whatever lay outside the boundaries of his comfort zone and was all the better for it. Every day in our careers, we are faced with similar decisions—do we choose to act conservatively for definite success or do we risk it all on the chance that we could break new ground and increase our business output?

It is easy to find ourselves in the shadow of the hulking mountain that is risk or, more accurately, the fear of failure when that risk does not pay off. Workplace wellness schemes might suggest snacking on a mango and cardamom bliss ball, or, perhaps, saluting the sun. Yet with fear this big, raw snacks and salutations will not cut it.

Here are our top five adrenaline-inducing ways to develop some grit so that you can feel the fear and do it anyway, reaping the rewards of risk-taking both at work and in everyday life.

1. SLACKLINING

Born in the 1980s in Yosemite National Park when two young men decided that tightrope walking was passé, slacklining, also known as highlining or slacking, is as much a test of balance as it is of mind power and endurance. Picture a strap, as wide as the bridge of your foot, tied between two trees. With each step the ‘line’, slack—as the name describes—will sink and swing. Throw a canyon in the middle of the two trees and you’re set! You may even like to do a couple of ollies once you reach the middle—tricking—or just strike a downward dog for a bit of hovering zen.

Where: Rock climbing gyms, local parks and beyond! Our picks: Brooklyn Boulders & White Spider Climbing

Insta Motivation: @slacklarsen | @slackland_story

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2. DEEP WATER SOLOING

Remember the dream about falling off a cliff into the ocean? Tackle your fear in reality with this popular climbing activity, also known as Psicobloc (psycho bouldering). Climbers, equipped only with bouldering shoes, scale sea cliffs as high up as they dare. Once their limit is reached, they steal a glance at the water below to check for jellyfish, look at the horizon and jump, sailing through the air and into the blue below.

Where: All around the world! Highlights: Lan Ha Bay (Vietnam) & Cova del Diablo (Spain)

Insta Motivation: @psicocomp

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3. AERIAL ARTS 

This fusion of art and strength, which began as early as the Minoan-Ancient Greek era, is experiencing a renaissance in gyms worldwide. Silks, pole, and trapeze give you wings. If you are struggling to see the big picture—flying through the air is sure to give you a new perspective. Master footlocks, drops and hip keys, and exercise your confidence and creativity.

Where: Numerous gyms. Our picks: Gymbox & Aerial Arts NYC

Insta Motivation: @cdignes

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4. TECTONIC PLATE PLUNGE

There is no better way to meditate than snorkeling or scuba diving between two continents: bright green troll hair algae swaying below your feet and (if you are lucky) the Northern Lights above you. The Silfra Fissure, located in Iceland’s Thingvellir Lake, in Þingvellir National Park is the gap between the continents of North America and Eurasia. The water is filtered through porous underground lava, sometimes for 100 years before seeping into the lake, meaning that the crack boasts unrivaled water visibility (100m plus). An immersion here will humble and quieten your inner monologue, allowing for deep reflection—a relief from the frenetic buzz of nine-to-five.

Where: Iceland

Insta Motivation: @dive.is

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5. EXTREME IRONING

Extreme ironing is an extreme sport in which people take ironing boards to remote locations and iron items of clothing. Proudly announcing this to the office on Monday could elicit some giggles but success in this sport (officially recognized in 1999) demands skill, strength and more than a little bit of moxie. Pinned as combining “the danger and excitement of an ‘extreme’ sport with the satisfaction of a well pressed shirt”, extreme ironing takes work-life balance to the next level. Also brilliant for a team under stress; grab your whole accounts squad and take on the Guinness World Record for most people extreme ironing underwater—currently 173.

Where: Anywhere you like – from your own backyard to the bottom of the ocean.

Insta Motivation: Too counterculture to have a solid Instagram presence…yet.

P.S: All the activities described are extreme sports and should be treated as such. Safety precautions should always be taken and beginners should only attempt in the presence of trained professionals.  

The post Want to Develop More Grit? Here Are the Top 5 Extreme Activities You Should Try appeared first on The Urban Watch Magazine.