The Face Podcast
By The Face Magazine
The Face PodcastMay 03, 2024
Challengers, Corteiz x Simon Wheatley and the rise of Sabrina Carpenter
The Face Podcast is your weekly cultural digest – rounding up the stories that you should care about in film, fashion and music.
This week, we had no choice but to kick off with the film that everyone's obsessed with right now. And so we discuss the pristine fashion, the hard-hitting music and the simmering sexual tension in Luca Guadagnino's red-hot Tennis flick Challengers. Has Zendaya cemented herself as an era-defining actor? Later in the show, Davy and Jade weigh up new tunes by Nilüfer Yanya, Sabrina Carpenter and maybe the first contender for song of the summer, Love Me JeJe by Tems. Last but not least, we explore the backstory behind Corteiz's new jacket featuring a photograph by legendary grime photographer Simon Wheatley.
Taylor Swift, Baby Reindeer and the Rap Royal Rumble
This week, we kick off with the show everyone’s talking about right now: Richard Gaad’s Baby Reindeer. The dark Netflix drama is being praised for its nuanced characters, also attracting criticism for causing speculation about the real life people who inspired them.
We also take on The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology. Taylor’s 31 track odyssey sparks debate about the merits and the cringe-factor of her lyricism, Antonoff vs Dessner and how corporate greed is depriving the 2020s of classic albums. So does Taylor’s chart-domination make her the biggest gangster in music right now? Drake thinks so. For anyone who’s not up-to-date with the whole Drake vs Kendrick, Cole, Rocky, Ross, Future, Metro and Ye situation, we conveniently break that down for your water cooler conversations.
Oh, and for the all the Ewan Mitchell fans out there who follow us – we share a little insight into how the House of the Dragon star was on set for his photo shoot with THE FACE.
If you like what you hear, please feel free to like, Subscribe or leave us a review.
5 years of THE FACE
Well, that went quick, didn’t it? THE FACE relaunched digitally in April 2019, which makes us five years old this month. To celebrate, we revisit some of our favourite stories from the last half decade, reminiscing about the highs, lows and Tyler the Creator’s missing wig (which almost scuppered our first cover shoot). We’re proud to be here and grateful to our listeners for their continuing support. If you have a message you want to share with us, maybe even an album, film or artist you’d like us to review, drop us an email on podcast@theface.com and we’ll get back to you on the programme.
Alessandro Michele takes Valentino, Camila Cabello turns cool and film stars raise money for Gaza
This week, we chat Alessandro Michele’s colourful history at Gucci and how he might invigorate Valentino with his maximalist vision. We also assess Camila Cabello’s polarising Playboi Carti collab I Luv It, Beyoncé’s Americana odyssey and London buzz band Mary in the Junkyard’s unusual antics (they recently held a funeral for a yeti!?).
For the film segment, we discuss the Kristen Stewart-starring romantic thriller Love Lies Bleeding, the Emma Stone-produced A24 horror I Saw The TV Glow and the star-studded Cinema4Gaza fundraiser. The journalist Tom Faber calls in to talk about his article on how the Israel-Gaza conflict has affected Berlin’s creative communities.
If you like what you hear, please like and subscribe. You could even leave us a review, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Kinds of Kindness, Addison Rae’s scream and the power of Drain Gang
The Face Podcast is your weekly cultural digest – rounding up the stories that you should care about in film, fashion and music.
This week, we tuck into the film trailers and teasers that everyone’s taking about, including Kinds of Kindness – Yorgos Lanthimos’ follow-up to Poor Things – as well as the Sydney Sweeney horror Immaculate, Dune 2 and Luca Guadagnino’s Zendaya-starring Tennis drama Challengers.
We also comb through our Tracks of the Week, sparking chat about Tyla’s commercially-palatable amapiano-R&B fusion, the lore of Two Shell, the enduring influence of Yung Lean and Drain Gang and the viral moment sparked by the gleefully obnoxious Von Duch remix.
If you like what you hear, please like and Subscribe.
The best (and worst) music of 2024 so far
On this week’s special music episode, we comb through the key releases of Q1. Face contributor Shaad D’Souza joins us to discuss Lil Nas X’s unsatisfying stunts, Ice Spice’s scatalogical single, Charli XCX in Brat mode and Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter era. We also reluctantly acknowledge the merits of Vultures 1, praise Kim Gordon’s eternal cool and weigh up Dua Lipa’s prospects as a Glasto headliner. To show the underground some love, we recommend records by Evil Giane, Astrid Sonne, Amen Dunes and Fantasy of a Broken Heart.
If you like what you hear, please feel free to Like or Subscribe. You could even leave us a (nice) review.
Bands boycott SXSW, Ariana Grande leans into the gossip and Pamela Anderson embraces her authentic self
The Face Podcast is your weekly cultural digest – rounding up the stories that you should care about in fashion, film and music.
This week, we start by reviewing the killer Oscars looks worn by the likes of Billie Eilish, Carey Mulligan, Hunter Schafer and – despite the wardrobe malfunction – Emma Stone. We talk about the misquoting of Jonathan Glazer’s speech on the Israel-Gaza war and how political Belfast rap group Kneecap started a domino effect of artists dropping out of SXSW due to its sponsorship from the US Military. Having profiled Pamela Anderson on The Face’s site this week, we praise her new era of self-love, and we assess how Ariana Grande’s relationship drama affects the listening experience of her new album Eternal Sunshine.If you like what you hear, please feel free to like and subscribe.
Paris Fashion Week’s best party, Euphoria’s uncertain future and the meteoric rise of Eddie Abbew
The Face Podcast is your weekly cultural digest – rounding up the stories that you should care about in fashion, film and music.
This week, we comb through the highlights of PFW, including shows from Vivienne Westwood and Louis Vuitton as well as Arca’s wild clubnight at Bourse de Commerce. We also discuss the hype around the indie-trance duo Snow Strippers and how the controversial bodybuilder Eddie Abbew has started a health revolution among the UK’s youth. For TV and film stories, we dig into the discourse around Euphoria’s potential cancellation and explain how Harry Styles fan fiction has enhanced the lore of the forthcoming rom-com The Idea of You. The journalist Kemi Alemoru also calls in to talk about why so many Black Brits want to leave the UK.
If you like what you hear, please like and Subscribe. You could even leave us a (nice) review.
Charli XCX goes raving, Vaquera kicks off PFW and Jeremy O. Harris brings Slave Play to London
The Face Podcast is your weekly cultural digest – rounding up the stories that you should care about in film, fashion and music.
On this week’s episode, we review the madness of Charli XCX’s record-breaking, sweat-soaked, Julia Fox-featuring rave in Brooklyn and discuss her club-ready comeback single Von Dutch. We report back from Milan Fashion Week – where Prada brought the romance and Diesel dialled in 700 spectators via Zoom – as well as Paris, which kicked off with a currency-themed show from one of our favourite fashion brands, Vacquera. Jeremy O’Harris calls in to talk about his much-discussed show Slave Play, taking inspiration from Kelela and improving the diversity of theatre audiences. If you like what you hear, feel free to hit subscribe or leave us a review (make it nice).
Behind the scenes of the new issue of THE FACE
We’ve got a new magazine on the shelves! So on this week’s episode, the team talks about our revealing Charli XCX cover story shot by Richard Kern, as well as the issue’s big music moments with new-gen junglist Nia Archives and the X-rated rap duo D-Block Europe. We also chat about profiling the hottest stars of Hollywood, including the fast-rising film star Dominic Sessa, as well as our flagship fashion feature with the legendary model Kristen McMenamy. Fancy a copy? You get one from theface.com, or a good shop near you.
Beyoncé goes country, Willy Chavarria wins New York and we all cry at One Day
Saddle up: this week we dig into Bey’s rootin’ tootin’ new single, discussing the superstar’s previous dalliances with country and Pharell’s mission to relaunch cowboycore. Fresh from New York Fashion Week, we run through some of the best shows, picking out Willy Chavarria as a highlight and recommending British-Yemeni designer Kazna Asker as one to watch at LFW. And having recently run an interview with Leo Woodall (aka the cocky Essex lad from The White Lotus) on theface.com, we discuss his performance in much-hyped rom-com One Day. Is the show any good, or has Valentine’s Day just got us feeling all soppy? Press play to find out.
Miley, Marc Jacobs and telling Professor Green you fancy him
The Face Podcast is your weekly cultural digest, rounding up the stories that you should care about in film, fashion and music. This week, we discuss what happened the night before at Amelia Dimoldenberg's Valentines party, talk NYSW with a focus on Marc Jacobs, Miley Cyrus at The Grammys and explain TikTok’s dramatic battle with the music biz. We also call up the curator Hans Ulrich Obrist to chat about the first Barbara Kruger show in London for 20 years.
Maison Margiela, strategic rap rivalries and Paul Mescal’s hot streak
The Face Podcast is your weekly cultural digest – rounding up the stories that you should care about in film, fashion and music
This week, we’re a little bleary eyed after our New Noise event in London, at which we hosted riotous live performances by the Detriot trio HiTech and the much-hyped Tottenham rapper Chy Cartier. We also chat about the new John Galliano documentary and the elaborate Margiela couture show. The track of the week segment sparks debate about Ice Spice and Megan Thee Stallion’s recent virality, and the journalist Anna Cafolla calls in to tell us about her afternoon in the pub with the provocative Belfast rap group Kneecap. Our review of All of Us Strangers gives us an excuse to chat about one of our favourite topics: Paul Mescal
If you like what you hear, please go ahead and Subscribe or leave us a review
Pitchfork in peril, Rick Owens’ apartment and the allure of The Traitors
The Face Podcast is your weekly cultural digest – rounding up the stories that you should care about in film, fashion and music.
This week, we report back from Rick Owens' AW 2024 show, which was hosted in Rick and Michèle Lamy’s home. We also chat about The Face's interview with Diane from the red-hot TV show The Traitors (which everyone was sneakily watching at Paris Fashion Week). And in light of Pitchfork being folded into GQ, we consider the value of thoughtful criticism and how music might change if it becomes obsolete.
Speaking of music journalism, we called up the renowned writer Aniefiok Ekpoudom – who’s just released a book on MCing and Black British culture – to discuss Dave, an overlooked scene in South Wales, and who’s on the Mount Rushmore of UK rap.
If you like what you hear, please feel free to Subscribe and leave us a glowing review.
Milan Fashion Week, Ariana Grande’s return and the ‘Back to Black’ trailer
The Face Podcast is your weekly cultural digest – rounding up the stories that you should care about in film, fashion and music. On this week’s episode, we discuss the highlights of the Emmy Awards as well as the controversial Amy Winehouse biopic. Our Digital Director Brooke McCord reports from Milan Fashion Week and tips us off about the most anticipated shows in Paris. We also pick out our Track of the Week and debate the new single from Ariana Grande, who’s finally returned to music after filming Wicked. Speaking of musicals, the journalist Fran Hoepfner calls in to chat about the bizarre Mean Girls reboot and explain why the art form is so embarrassing.
Playboi Carti, the Golden Globes and Jeremy Allen White’s boxers
The Face Podcast is your weekly cultural digest – rounding up the stories that you should care about in film, fashion and music. On this week’s episode, the team talks about bad jokes and Timmy and Kylie’s PDA at the Golden Globes, as well as Gucci and Prada’s new campaigns and the buzz about Stone Island's first ever runway show. We also analyse the hype around Playboi Carti’s subversive new album rollout, recommend rising musicians for 2024 and debate Lil Nas X’s controversial return. LA journalist Dalya Benor, who recently investigated West Hollywood’s much-papped Sushi Park restaurant, calls in to chat about enjoying her bluefin tuna within metres of Kendall Jenner.
The best films of 2023
After rounding up 2023’s highlights in fashion and music, this week the team looks back on the year’s biggest, best and most controversial films. We toast to the end of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s dominance, reflect on Barbie vs Oppenheimer hype, weigh-up the Saltburn backlash and discuss two impressive directorial debuts: How To Have Sex and Rye Lane. Oh, and we salute this year’s definitive movie heartthrob: Jacob Elordi.
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The best (and worst) music of 2023
Following our 2023 fashion round-up, the team reviews the year in music. We pick our personal faves, before debating the definitive song of the summer, hottest club anthem and best album. We also chat about disappointing blockbuster rap records from Drake and Travis Scott, Frank Ocean and Rihanna’s wobbly comebacks, the unstoppable rise of Sexyy Red and the inescapable hype of Fred Again. Tune in next week to hear us reflect on the year’s biggest and best films.
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The best of fashion in 2023
On this week's episode, The Face's editorial team charts the year in fashion from power moves at Burberry, Gucci and Louis Vuitton, to the emerging designers to watch and everything in between.
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What's inside the new issue of THE FACE
We've got a brand new magazine on the shelves. And so this week, the editorial team chats about interviewing Olivia Rodrigo in West Hollywood, spotlighting British South Asian talent, reporting on the happiness of teenage girls and documenting Doja Cat's loyal fandom. Print's not dead! Neither are podcasts!
Saltburn is the most talked-about British film of the year
This week's episode is all about Emerald Fennell’s dark and cunningly comedic new thriller. Saltburn is wild ride with a red-hot cast (Jacob Elordi, Barry Keoghan, Archie Madekwe), brilliantly cringe-worthy ‘00s fashion and shocking sex scenes. Our editorial team chats about the soundtrack and film's satisfying satirical sting, before Archie calls in to talk about the honour of working with Fennell.
Oh, and we’ve done our best to avoid spoilers – so you're safe to press play if you haven't seen the film yet.
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Is the UK having an alternative rap renaissance?
In the Autumn issue of The Face, we published a story about Victory Lap – the London radio show which is broadcasting a new generation of open-minded rappers. For this week's episode, our music director Davy Reed chats to Victory Lap boss Joe McDermott and journalist Yemi Abiade about the strength of the underground scene, as well as the current state of UK drill and the contested "chill rap" label. Oh, and Joe gives us a review of his first time hanging out with our editor Matthew Whitehouse (they went to an Eric Cantona gig).
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A Spooky Special
Happy Halloween! This week, The Face’s editorial team chats about costume inspo, 2023’s horror highlights and A24’s “things which go bump in the light” formula. We also recommend some unsettling new tracks for your playlist, from a metal-trap hybrid by Dana Dentana to a particularly disturbing effort from the notorious cult rapper RXK Nephew.
This episode features in the songs ‘Fake as F*ck’ by Dana Dentana, ‘Tatti’ by Bktherula, ‘Nun id change’ by Yeat and ‘Slitherman vs Nephew’ by RXK Nephew.
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Eric Cantona: "If I don't have the opportunity to express myself, I die"
FACE editor Matthew Whitehouse speaks to Eric Cantona (!): footballer, actor, and now musician about his new EP, and finding transcendence through music.
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Mya Mehmi on transness, family and Pxssy Palace
Ahead of her performance at The Face’s New Noise event, the much-loved musician and party producer shared her remarkable journey – from her working-class upbringing in Leicester to thriving as a trans woman in London’s queer nightlife scene. Press play to hear Mya chat about her Punjabi heritage, speaking to DL men for her podcast ‘Straight No Chaser’, the therapeutic power of music and the No.1 Mya Mehmi fan (her mum).
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Mark Leckey talks art, music and the nostalgic condition
The British artist has edited In The Offing – a new group exhibition at the Turner Contemporary in Margate. He joins us to chat about Manchester’s music scene, his experimental NTS show, ‘90s adventures in New York, Margate’s class anxiety, being suspicious of art, his repulsion to Britpop and how The Face magazine won his heart.
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Adventures in London with Blaketheman1000
Right before he played a show for THE FACE, we sat down with the much-loved NYC musician to chat about the Dimes Square music scene, giant rats, managing Frost Children, the lore of Fresher’s Week and his special connection with British wildlife. Not even a fire alarm could kill the vibe.
This episode featured the song ‘Magician’ by Blaketheman1000
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LFW highlights: Burberry, Fashion East and Aaron Esh
Bleary-eyed off the back of London Fashion Week, THE FACE’s team report back from the catwalks and shmoozy parties on the styles, stories and gossip from the weekend. In this episode, we discuss the rise of Stefan Cooke’s modern men, Olly Shinder’s stellar Fashion East debut, Chopova Lowena’s die-hard cult and the successes and controversies around Mowalola’s killer show.
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Sprinter is song of the summer. What does the future hold for Central Cee?
Dave and Central Cee's collaboration spent 10 weeks at the top of the UK Singles Chart. So why exactly did the track blow up? And has it helped Cench's mission to break America? For this week's episode, we're joined by music and fashion content creator FD From The Future to discuss the West London rapper's origins, his ventures into fashion and how he could make long-lasting cultural impact.
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The busier the pub, the more expensive the pint
Once the preserve of greedy airlines and Ticketmaster, dynamic pricing has arrived in one of Britain's most sacred spaces: the boozer. For this week’s episode, we’re joined by CircleZeroEight’s online editor and full-time pub enthusiast Jimmy McIntosh to discuss the rising price of pints and the challenges facing pub owners and punters alike.
Fans behaving badly
In 2023, social media has been flooded with footage of objects being hurled at musicians on stage – from phones, to vapes and bras. We’ve also seen tension brew between hardcore fanbases and artists such as Doja Cat, Taylor Swift and Ethel Cain. For this week’s episode, we’re joined by Hannah Ewens – author of Fangirls: Scenes From Modern Music Culture – to discuss the increase in reckless behaviour at gigs, and the point when devoted fandom can turn toxic.
Celebrating the legacy of Sinéad O'Connor
This week, i-D's Róisín Lanigan and culture journalist Steph Francis-Shanahan join us to discuss the late, great artist and activist. We chat about about O'Connor's most radical moments, the inherent Irishness of her personality, and the profound impact she's had on the music industry.For further watching, check out Kathryn Ferguson's brilliant new documentary 'Nothing Compares 2 U'.
The biggest UK drugs stories of the year
This week, we discuss the UK’s failed “war on drugs”, a story about a man who took 40,000 pills (yes, really) and drug use in youth culture today, from ketamine to a rise in sobriety amongst Gen Z. FACE Editor Matthew Whitehouse is joined by FACE resident drugs columnist Simon Doherty and Junior Editor TJ Sidhu to discuss. Follow THE FACE on Instagram and TikTok.
Is Barbie... everything?
We’ve watched it! Listen to our discussion about whether the fanfare surrounding one of the most anticipated films of the summer is justified. FACE Editor Matthew Whitehouse is joined by FACE Assistant Editor Jade Wickes and FACE friend Eloise Hendy to discuss. Follow THE FACE on Instagram and TikTok.
Are sober ravers drying up UK nightlife?
Studies show that Gen Z is drinking less, which could be catastrophic for small venues that rely on booze sales. But instead of blaming young non-drinkers, shouldn't the model be overhauled entirely? FACE Editor Matthew Whitehouse is joined by FACE Assistant Editor Jade Wickes and FACE friend Shaad D'Souza to discuss. Follow THE FACE on Instagram and TikTok.
Glasto highlights: Elton, late Lana and t-shirt cannons
THE FACE’s bleary-eyed team reports back from Worthy Farm. In this week’s episode, we discuss the best Glastonbury performances as well as Central Cee’s cute baby moment, Arctic Monkeys’ mixed reception and the questionable wisdom of partying at the Stone Circle past sunrise.
Candice Carty-Williams on her UK rap drama Champion
The South London author behind the hit novel Queenie has a thrilling new TV show. Champion tells the story of a rapper trying to rebuild his career after being released from prison, and it also explores complex family dynamics and the exploitative nature of the music industry. On this week’s episode, Carty-Williams joins THE FACE’s team to reveal how she cast the actors and created a soundtrack of entirely original, authentic-sounding music for the show.
Is there anything good about The Idol?
Before it even aired, The Idol had stirred up controversy, and it’s provoked outrage and ridicule since it arrived on our screens in June. For this week’s episode, THE FACE’s Matthew Whitehouse and Olive Pometesy are joined by culture journalist Shaad D’Souza to discuss the initial backlash – as well as the merits – to Sam Levinson and The Weeknd’s extremely sleazy show.
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Leigh-Anne Pinnock on life after Little Mix
After 11 years of being in Britain’s biggest girl group, Leigh-Anne Pinnock is striking out with her debut solo single, a UK garage-inspired banger which she previewed to ex-bandmate Jade Thirlwall at her hen do. She chats to THE FACE's Matthew Whitehouse and Olive Pometsey about her forthcoming memoir, the musical direction of her album and campaigning for diversity in the music industry.
The rise and rise of Martine Rose
The British-Jamaican fashion designer (and former THE FACE cover star) has just been name-checked in a song by one of her biggest fans: Kendrick Lamar. At London Fashion Week, she will debut her designs with Clarks as the shoe brand’s first-ever guest Creative Director.
For this week’s episode, our Editor and host Matthew Whitehouse is joined by THE FACE’s Digital Director Brooke McCord and 10 Magazine’s Paul Toner to discuss Rose’s inspiring impact on the UK fashion scene and the global success that lies ahead of her. We also reminisce on that time she sold her Nike collab through a proud ferret owner on Craigslist.
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Frank Ocean’s chaotic return
THE FACE’s Music Director Davy Reed reports back from weekend one of Coachella, weighing in on the enigmatic star’s controversial headline show (as well as the festival’s hygiene standards).
How Barbie became a big time movie star
On the latest instalment of THE FACE podcast, Editor Matthew Whitehouse is joined by Digital Director Brooke McCord and Features Editor Olive Pometsey to dig into the plastic, fantastic world of Barbie. From her run-ins with feminism to her long and varied career (think: Maccies cashier, international spy, astronaut, to name a few), the team charts how, with the help of a few rebrands, Barbie captured the world’s heart once again.
Reliving the golden era of UK pop
Music journo Michael Cragg joins us to discuss the highs and lows of British pop, refreshing our memories of JLS condoms, the trials and tribulations of 5ive and Arctic Monkeys' Girls Aloud cover.
Inflationships: behind the cost of loving crisis
If you’ve decided to move in with your partner to save money, you might be in an inflationship. THE FACE team untangles the new rules of dating during the cost of living crisis.
Everything Oscars All At Once
Our editorial team discusses the big looks, bigger wins and little donkeys at the 95th Academy Awards.
Sex, tech and wearable clothes
After a bumper month of new styles, big ideas, viral moments and catwalk clobber, Fashion Month is finito. This week, the team unpacks Balenciaga’s return after last year’s controversy, Gucci’s stellar interim show, Miu Miu’s frazzled English woman and much more.
Are gig tickets a rip off these days?
The team is joined by music journalist Ali Shutler to explain exactly why shows have become so expensive, and to discuss the cultural implications of young people being priced out of live music.
London Fashion Week
This week, the team dissects four days of viral moments, a return to wearable clothes, next-gen designers and Daniel Lee’s debut at Burberry.
The BRITs vs Rihanna
THE FACE's team reviews the highs (and the lows) of the weekend's massive music events. We comb through the winners and losers of the BRIT Awards, before delving into the reaction to Rihanna's Super Bowl half time show.
THE FACE Podcast: Oscars
For the second episode of our new podcast series, THE FACE team are joined by Amon Warmann, Empire Contributing Editor and host of the Fade to Black Podcast. We're talking all things awards season, from Oscar predictions to unsettling snubs of Black women.