The Inter City Sound System is a new U.S.-based free online magazine devoted to music, politics, and (sub) culture that is published daily. The Inter City Sound System was founded in parts unknown, CA by the Urban Unknown Collective who is also edit and publish the magazine.
The Inter City Sound System is named after the sound systems in Jamaica which are a mainstay in that countries musical culture. The magazine is dedicated to music, art, urban (sub)culture and political coverage with enigmatic and often controversial content. The Inter City Sound System magazine appeals to followers of urban culture, often focusing on more obscure music, art and literature. Thus leading to criticism that the magazine is emphasizing substance over style, a criticism that the Urban Unknown Collective seems to have embraced as a mantra of sorts. “People who have criticized the magazine for it’s rough look but have entirely overlooked the content of The Inter City Sound System, in my opinion, tend to like magazines that lack quality content. We are absolutely fine with the idea that those people may not be fans of the magazine. We do this for ourselves first and for the people who may relate with the contents of the magazine second,” said one member of the collective who insisted on remaining nameless, a hallmark of the group.
When asked if they were worried about the reaction to these sort of statements, another nameless collective member had this to say, “We are confident that individuals who identify with and relate to our content will understand that we are not referring to them and may, in fact, feel the same way about their life’s work.” The magazine has resumed its brilliant mix of content, including in-depth political stories, and has recently seen its readership increase.
The magazine’s coverage of obscure or underground music, art and literature is excellent and, at times, even prolific. http://www.theintercitysoundsystem.wordpress.com covers many genres of music but in a way that is somehow very cohesive. Everything from shoegazer to noise and even some hip hop are covered in this magazine. Also art of varying types, including graffiti and street art, are also featured in the magazine as well as many books on these and other subjects, many from the A.K. Press and other obscure publishers, are reviewed and available for purchase. The selection of books available is somewhat limited but also very good. Be sure to check out the book section.
If you’re looking for a magazine with excellent content, whether it be music, art, literature or politics, The Inter City Sound System is, absolutely, your magazine. It has, in my opinion, some of the best content on the web. And for the price (free), you can’t go wrong.
Tags: music art