The Return of Mass Culture, Women-Only Strip Shows

+ the Oasis Reunion

September 11, 2024

Welcome back to our fortnightly newsletter. An exploration of our inspirations, strategic directions and the initiatives we are championing in culture.

Is quality pop culture regaining its relevance?

Quality mass culture is making a comeback as people crave shared experiences and turn away from algorithm-driven content. This shift is reflected in the renewed excitement around global cultural moments like the Paris Olympics, the rise of artists such as Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX, and a shift towards trusted, timeless institutions like The New York Times.

Brands are following suit. Nike, for example, is reclaiming its cultural dominance over smaller competitors like Hoka, On, and Salomon, whose rise has been driven by niche appeal.

So what does this mean for brands? Brands should aim to strike a balance—revitalising mass culture with meaningful, broad-reaching content while continuing to nurture niche subcultures to fuel creativity and innovation.

Do you think the return of mass culture could be a good thing?

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Strip Her: The Pop-Up

The women-only strip show is a safe (and sensual) space, where the audience is on stage.

"Celebrate Her" is a unique, women-only pop-up strip show in Sydney designed to empower and celebrate feminine sensuality. Created by Caitlin Erica, the event is a safe, inclusive space where women can express themselves freely without judgement.

Oasis Reunion: A Cultural Phenomenon

Oasis remains a cultural juggernaut, with public nostalgia and their lasting impact on music history keeping the band firmly in the spotlight. The announcement of a 17-date tour across the UK and Ireland has sparked massive demand, potentially earning the Gallagher brothers £50 million each. This resurgence has seen Oasis albums climb back into the charts and Spotify streams soar by over 160%. Their continued relevance underscores Oasis's dominance in the cultural landscape—truly a powerhouse in the music world.

More in Culture
Liquid Death and Yeti’s ‘Casket Cooler’ keeps drinks deathly cold | Lidl's £50 limited edition designer 'Croissant Bag' will 'sell out in seconds' | Ikea just turned its big blue bag into a big blue pillow | Kim Kardashian Is Making Headphones Now (They’re Nude-Tone) | Doritos launches Zero Gravity chips that you can eat in space | Beyoncé Launches New Whiskey With Moët Hennessy: SirDavis | Why Snapchat finally launched a native iPad app

fbi.radio celebrates 21 years of broadcasting with new rebrand

We were proud to support Sydney’s leading independent youth radio station fbi.radio with the announcement of their rebrand and new website last week.

Over the past 21 years, fbi.radio has established itself as a champion of emerging artists and a platform for alternative and independent music that often doesn't find a home on commercial airwaves. The station has been integral in the early-stage careers of local musicians including Kid Laroi, Flume, Tasman Keith, Ziggy Ramo and Montaigne as well as a launching pad for the careers of media and music professionals such as Linda Marigliano, Marc Fennell and Avani Dias. The new rebrand and website were designed by Made Together.

The news received coverage on Mumbrella, Radio Today, B&T, Mediaweek and Amnplify.

Simon Gawn
Head of Australia at Ideally

I’m a sheep farmer from rural New Zealand who has always been inherently drawn to the new. This natural curiosity has led me to explore creativity and experiences, resulting in living in Seoul, New York, Amsterdam, London and Sydney. I’ve spent most of my career making ads but, more recently, I’ve been growing a startup called Ideally. Since having kids, my passions have included triathlons, exploring the world of start-ups, rediscovering Europe, and ensuring ensuring my children’s days are filled with as much music, sunshine, sea and sport as humanly possible.

A Ritual That Resonates: I have to move myself or heavy things to the point of sweating and consequently breathing heavily. I find appreciation of life, mental resilience, and regulating my nervous system rely on this.

I definitely romanticise reading a physical copy of a premium independent investigative paper for 30 minutes each morning while sipping coffee in the sun.

A Cultural Experience: I recently spent 10 days in Ischia with just my wife. It made me fall in love with her (and Italy) all over again - her happy place is Italy and the sun. Ischia is all the joys of Italy without the pretence, unless you want to find it.

Culture That Moves You: I recently read a book called IKIGAI. It's about Japanese principles of passion, purpose, being useful, and finding a way to make that all at least mildly lucrative. The people I admire most have achieved this balance in their own unique ways.

Undiscovered Gems: I get the most pleasure out of discovering artists that other generations know well. Also, if anyone is brave enough to get past a terrible haircut, some questionable stand-up and some American stereotypes, give Theo Von a listen. He interviews influential people with an offbeat sense of humour, is cunningly cutting, and has a propensity for the absurd. I like taking a serious topic and seeing the humour in it, and I respect that he’s happy to get it wrong in pursuit of comedy.

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