At RIOT, music is more than just a passion—it’s the pulse of our creativity. 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 “branding.”. One band that epitomizes this ethos is Sleep Token. Their unique branding, an intricate blend of mystique, musical innovation, and visual textures resonates deeply with us and fuels our creative vision 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 in anonymity and mystery—that truly sets them apart and aligns with our philosophy at RIOT. Sleep Token’s enigmatic presence, led by the mysterious figure known only as Vessel, involves members donning masks and robes, keeping their identities concealed and emphasizing the art over the artist. This approach isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a core element of their brand, allowing the audience to immerse themselves fully in the music and the narrative. The Mythos […]

At RIOT, music isn’t just in our bones; it’s the heartbeat of our creativity. From our early days in bands, producing records, to running zines, we’ve always pushed musical boundaries in the creative world. One legendary musical figure who embodies this spirit is the late Steve Albini, a legendary musician, music producer and audio engineer who died last week. This week, we re-discovered an inspiring letter he wrote to Nirvana in 1992, just before working on their iconic album, and our personal favorite “In Utero.” Albini’s Unfiltered Philosophy And His Candid Take on the Music Industry Albini’s letter, featured in Shaun Usher’s Letters of Note Substack, offers an unfiltered glimpse into his creative philosophy. Addressed to Kurt Cobain, Dave Grohl, and Krist Novoselic, the letter is brutally honest and deeply insightful. At a time when Nirvana was at the height of their popularity, Albini’s candid advice must have been a breath of fresh air for the band amidst industry pressures. In his letter, Albini refers to industry executives as “front office bullet-heads” and cautions Nirvana against letting them interfere with their music. He emphasizes the importance of the band’s mood during recording, stating, “I have seen a direct correlation between […]