The Lead Digest: Whether clubbing is dead and Taylor Swift
Our round-up by The Lead's team of what we've been reading, listening to, scrolling and watching each week
Here at The Lead, we like to consume just as much as we create, which is why we spend a little time each week rounding up our favourite stories, books, podcasts and films to offer our readers a sample of the work that informs our world.
Natalie loves the new podcast from The Observer, We Have Notes, hosted by Liv Little and Miranda Swayer. This week’s episode asks if the clubbing scene is dead, looking back from the 90s Hacienda scene in Manchester, to the Millennial party days of the 2010s – do younger generations go clubbing anymore? And what joys/learnings are they missing out on in choosing sensible nights at home?
For fans of new media, Ella watched Vice Is Broke, an ex-contributor’s story on the rise and fall of one of the most successful millennial media empires. It’s made in typical Vice fashion, and in that sense could have offered more insights, but it’s in equal parts compassionate and salacious and, at the very least, fun.
Ed recommends JP Spencer’s interesting argument for more places in the North having mass transit (i.e. Metros/trams). Ed has covered the idea of Preston having a tram system since 2008 and it dates back longer than that! He also enjoyed Nancy Yin’s collection of small, enjoyable things to do before bed that aren’t going on your phone.
Zoë recommends Taylor Swift’s new album, The Life of a Showgirl. “Even at her worst she is one of the best,” says Zoë (she adds she will not be listening to any criticism at this time).
For balance, Padraig liked Ella Fox-Martens’ Substack on how Swift drastically misjudges the lore and aesthetic of the “showgirl”.
.Padraig also enjoyed the latest episode of The Rest Is History, which is all about Enoch Powell and his infamous Rivers of Blood speech. It’s great context for Robert Jenrick’s recent comments about Birmingham’s supposed lack of integration.
Luke has only consumed news and plumbing instructions in the last week but he recommends a look at the big gigs levy which could help secure the future of grassroots venues — if the giants of live music got on board.
Have something you think we’d like to feature? Drop ella@thelead.uk a line and we will consider for inclusion.