Media & Entertainment

Delve into the visionary world of Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli, and discover how his hand-drawn animations have redefined storytelling in cinema.

Marchin’ Already by Ocean Colour Scene remains a defining Britpop album, famously knocking Oasis from the top of the charts. With its re-release, we revisit its impact, sound, and lasting influence.

Lemmings wasn’t just a game—it was a revolution. From its humble origins in a Dundee studio to selling over 15 million copies, this legendary puzzle game redefined strategy and creativity. Discover its origins, gameplay innovations, cultural impact, and why its legacy still echoes across gaming today.

Damon Albarn's creative legacy transcends generations. From Blur’s Britpop anthems to Gorillaz’s genre-defying innovation, his relentless experimentation and refusal to conform have made him a true visionary in modern music. Dive into the story of an artist who continually pushes boundaries and redefines what’s possible.

The Beastie Boys’ Ill Communication broke boundaries, blending punk, hip-hop, and funk while pushing creative limits. This piece captures their rebellious, boundary-pushing energy that inspired generations.

Some tracks shaped the world as we know it, becoming anthems that defined generations and movements. Others, buried in the dust of forgotten vinyl, remain hidden treasures waiting to be rediscovered. Together, they form a mosaic of sound—each note and lyric a piece of the puzzle that unlocks the story of music’s past. And within these echoes lie the keys to shaping its future, inspiring the next wave of creators and listeners alike. Sampling came from necessity. In New York City’s South Bronx of the 1970s, where money was tight and instruments were few, DJs and artists turned to the records they had. They found gold in the grooves—drum breaks, basslines, melodies that spoke louder than their surroundings. A culture was born not from stealing but from survival. And with it, a new artThe soul of creativity—art is the foundation of visual storytelling, shaping the way brands, campaigns, and experiences connect with audiences. form: hip-hop. One of the earliest pioneers, DJ Grandmaster Flash, would mark his records with crayons to identify the perfect “breaks”—those magical seconds of rhythm that could keep a crowd moving. This technique gave birth to breakbeat DJing, a cornerstone of hip-hop’s rise. Around the same time, […]

Explore how David Bowie redefined art, music, and identity with his fearless creativity. From his collaborations with legends to his personas like Ziggy Stardust, Bowie’s influence spans generations.

The Bones Brigade redefined skateboarding, pushing boundaries with DIY videos, rebellious tricks, and a punk and hip-hop soundtrack. Follow their legacy as they influenced art, music, and culture, inspiring creative freedom worldwide.

Join Rou Reynolds in this archival Enter Shikari Interview as he reflects on the band’s DIY roots, their rise to prominence, and the evolution of their unique sound. This piece dives into Enter Shikari's journey, showcasing the raw energy and passion behind their music.

Rockstar Games has redefined the gaming landscape with titles like Grand Theft Auto III and Red Dead Redemption. By pushing the boundaries of game mechanics, storytelling, and freedom, Rockstar has cemented its place as a cultural and creative force.

Max Headroom, the digital ghost of the 1980s, remains a cultural icon whose critique of media and technology resonates even more today. As a prophetic symbol of the digital age, Max embodies the subversive spirit that RIOT brings to every creative project, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and visual design.

The ZX Spectrum 48K wasn’t just a home computer; it was a digital canvas that sparked a revolution. From pioneering game developers to bedroom coders, this humble machine inspired a generation of creatives, transforming technical limitations into boundless opportunities for innovation and imagination. Dive into the story of how the Spectrum 48K became a cultural icon and a gateway to digital dreams.

In the early 2000s, a new wave of music began to dominate the airwaves. It was raw, confessional, and unapologetically emotional. At the forefront of this movement was Dashboard Confessional, led by singer-songwriter Chris Carrabba. With his heartfelt lyrics and acoustic melodies, Carrabba became the voice of a generation that was seeking something genuine amidst the chaos of mainstream pop and rock. Dashboard Confessional: A Voice for a Generation Born out of the ashes of his previous band, Further Seems Forever, Dashboard Confessional started as a solo project for Carrabba. It wasn’t long before his introspective songs, like “Screaming Infidelities” and “Hands Down,” resonated with an audienceThe heartbeat of every campaign—understanding and engaging the right audience is the key to crafting messages that resonate and drive action. hungry for authenticity. His music wasn’t just played—it was felt, capturing the angst and vulnerability of youth in a way few artists have managed to achieve. As Dashboard Confessional’s popularity soared, they became a defining force in the emerging emo scene. Carrabba’s deeply personal lyrics and acoustic sound set them apart from their contemporaries, and by the time their seminal album, The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most, was released in […]

Discover the legacy of The Holy Bible by the Manic Street Preachers—an album born from the personal anguish of Richey Edwards and a reflection of societal decay. From its harrowing lyrics to its bold political statements, the album remains a raw, unfiltered expression of art.

Tool's "Ænema" is more than just a music video—it's a visceral and surreal journey into the human psyche. Directed by Adam Jones, the video broke boundaries with its stop-motion animation, dark themes, and visual mastery.

At RIOT, music is the heartbeat of everything we create. It’s the pulse that drives our wildest ideas and keeps us pushing boundaries. We take our cues from the industry’s game-changers—those who’ve ripped up the rule book and redefined what music can be. One name that’s always at the top of our list? Rick Rubin. The mastermind producer whose raw, genre-busting creativityThe spark that starts it all—creativity is the fearless pursuit of new ideas, powerful stories, and unforgettable brand moments. is etched into the soul of RIOT. Rubin’s knack for blending the unexpected and his relentless pursuit of authenticity is what makes him a legend in our book. To celebrate his genius, we’ve embedded a massive 97-hour playlist by GLV Records, showcasing the depth and breadth of his work. Smash that shuffle button, crank up the volume, and let Rubin’s magic be the soundtrack to your day. Trust us, it’s the creative kickstart you didn’t know you needed. That’s not art. That’s commerce. Rick Rubin’s career spans over four decades, breaking boundaries and redefining sound. From co-founding Def Jam Recordings with Russell Simmons to shaping the sound of rock, hip-hop, metal, and beyond, Rubin’s influence is legendary, transcending pure music […]

At RIOT, music is more than just a passion—it’s the pulse of our creativityThe spark that starts it all—creativity is the fearless pursuit of new ideas, powerful stories, and unforgettable brand moments.. We’ve always championed bands and artists pushing the boundaries of music and their entire package to the outside world, or, as it’s 2024, their “brandingMore than a logo—branding is the full experience of a company, shaping visuals, messaging, and emotional connections with consumers..”. One band that epitomizes this ethos is Sleep Token. Their unique branding, an intricate blend of mystique, musical innovationThe spark that starts it all—creativity is the fearless pursuit of new ideas, powerful stories, and unforgettable brand moments., and visual textures resonates deeply with us and fuels our creative visionThe spark that starts it all—a concept is the big idea that shapes campaigns, guiding everything from visuals to messaging. at RIOT. The Genesis of Sleep Token Sleep Token appeared on the scene in 2016, almost out of nowhere, with their debut single, “Thread the Needle,” presenting a sound that defies conventional genres. Their music is an eclectic mix of progressive metal, ambient soundscapes, and soulful melodies that immediately captured our attention. However, it is their branding—rooted […]

Unearthed from 2013, this James Blake interview offers a deep dive into his unique approach to music production and his creative process. A rare look into the mind of one of music’s most innovative artists, influencing modern soundscapes across genres.

Steve Albini was more than a music producer—he was a visionary whose raw, DIY approach to sound engineering shaped an entire era of music. In this tribute, we explore his legacy, influence, and how his ethos continues to inspire artists and producers today.

Discover the raw artistry of Ren's 'Sick Boi' in our latest RIOT journal entry. Dive into the world of audio tape revival and experience how this Welsh rapper's personal narrative is driving a resurgence of musical tangibility.

Jon “Bones” Jones is one of the most dominant fighters in UFC history. From his meteoric rise as the youngest champion in 2012 to his triumphant return as a heavyweight champion in 2023, his legacy continues to inspire. Read about his journey, challenges, and the role RIOT played in documenting his story.

Discover how the Washington Commanders' mascot Major Tuddy came to be through fan involvement & how the Hog theme was chosen in this cool sports history moment.

Rediscover a rare interview with Jonathan Davis of Korn. Learn about the band’s evolution, Jonathan’s creative process, and how Korn shaped the nu-metal movement.

Step into the world of Evan Dando with this insightful interview. From his journey with The Lemonheads to the creative process that shaped their iconic sound, we uncover the stories behind the music.