HIPSTER RUNOFF

Meme Content by PASTE MAGAZINE

As yall know, magazines enjoy covering 'hipster'-related content. Was reading Paste Magazine and saw some sort of scientific/sociological/cultural timeline that represents the 'evolution' of 'hipsters.' Sorta makes me wonder what alternative ppl are searching for. Humanity has a goal (trying to figure out how 2 live forever, and escape from the Earth before the sun explodes), so it seems natural that cultural subgroups have goals, as well. Maybe we just want to create the perfect playlist, and do other stuff that helps to express the real U.

It seems like mainstreamers who don't consume the internet and fringe alts who 'would like to be more culturally relevant' use exposes like this to plan their future adventures into the heartland of Altmerica.  Wonder if the world 'hipster' is even still relevant.

Seems like if I had a magazine, I would make sure to have at least one issue each year that had one of the following gimmicks:

• Something about twitter
• Something about 'hipsters'
• '100 bands/people that u need 2 know about'
• 'list of young ppl who are good at business/technology' (make sure that you pick an age, and use it in the gimmick, like '25 ppl under 25', or '100 entrepreneurs under 100 years old.'
• Something about 'culture being dead' because of a demographic/generation whose influence is abt 2 get stronger.
• something political/about a new, young politician who is 'different'
• Some sort of list that reflects on the year

Carles will break down what each of the stages of alt in the 'hipster timeline' are attempting to represent.

2000: The Emo
Magazine Provided Blurb: The proto-hipster’s white belt and guyliner make for a soulful combination.

Carles Blurb: Damn. Can barely even remember this era. Sorta glad that the internet wasn't very developed during this era so that it wasn't a strong foundation to build upon for the future of alt.  I feel like this sort of provided the 20 year plan for the popular goth/emo/punk tween retailer "Hot Topic."  Back then, I think most alts were true failures at 'being a functional member of society.'  Definitely closer to juggalos than 'relevant members of societ.'  Most alts were probably mistaken for homosexuals.  Even though modern authentic alts frown down upon this era, it was probably rlly important in forming how we are 2day.

2001: The Emo Redux
Magazine Provided Blurb: The skulls on her tour-only Death Cab tee don’t match the skulls on her Vans, so it’s not like she’s trying too hard.

Carles Blurb: Back then, I don't think entry-level alts existed.  I am not sure if attractive females even considered being alt back then, so the pickings were thin.  Like portly girls wearing hoodies and van slip-ons.  I think the Starbucks cup is supposed to represent the consumerification of America/'the scene'/personal brands.  2001 was probably right on the threshold before the proliferation of Am Appy.  This is probs the last time is was 'kewl' 2 wear a band t-shirt. I sorta miss the early day, back when it was more difficult for people to find 'good music.' These days, inauthentic ppl can find buzzworthy music too easily.

2002: The Ashton
Magazine Provided Blurb: His PBR trucker hat and faux vintage t-shirt reveal an obsession with “irony.”

Carles Blurb: A bro in transition. A bro growing up.  A bro becoming a bro.  A bro with a forgettable humble alt aesthetic.  Nothing about his wardrobe really tells u that he is worth getting 2 know.  Maybe we weren't worth getting 2 know back then.  Feel glad the the electro era happened to kill off this aesthetic/ship off this aesthetic to represent a more traditional bro.'  Not sure if iPods existed back then.

2003: The Scenester
Magazine Provided Blurb: A gaudy tattoo appears on her chest, and she is never spotted without her iPod.

Carles Blurb: This is when music began 2 'really define' alt.  We were finally getting our content aggregations systems ready 4 hi-usage, and we could fill up our iPods with hundreds of songs, instead of carrying around Sony discmen.  Not sure if tattoos were happening yet.  Not sure when hi-life/pbr became 'the official beer of alt.'  Sorta weird how they used the term 'scenester', but now u would think a 'scenester' is a mexican pokemon alt tween with an asymetrical haircut and intense myspace photos.

Paste Magazine seems like a quality publication, even though I've never read it. I respect the fact that they seem to focus their attention on music that is mainly played from the speakers of leather-interiored cars. This means featuring the best singer songwriters + stuff that could have been on the Garden State soundtrack + other artists that are a step to the left of 'buzzworthy.'

I wonder if their decision to let the customer name their own price for a subscription comes after getting data about how IN RAINBOWS performed with customers in their target audience.

Or maybe this poll on their site showing 16% approval of Radio head was the only market research that they thought was necessary:

They already have a great business model where you get a sampler CD per magazine, so this is pretty interesting/hilarious. I'd like to see a copy of their financial statements to see how much revenue they get from each part of their business (magazine subscriptions/ advertising/online music store).

Go to their website just to experience their initial AJAX popup encouraging you to name your own price.
PASTE MAGAZINE