IN THE LAND OF

PART 1

Nothing in life is free... except VICE magazine.  This monthly periodical, created in 1994 by Suroosh Alvi and Shane Smith is one of my favorite ways to stay connected to pop culture and independent artists.  What sets VICE apart from other magazines of similar natures is the price.  Any magazine that features articles written by those in the mix of fashion, art, or anything relevant usually costs 8 bucks or more at your local magazine store.  However this mag is distributed worldwide in 28 countries and modified specifically for the readers and is (once again) completely FREE.  The targeted demographic is trendsetting young people from the ages 21-34 who support the 100% pick up rate VICE mag receives.  This provides the ideal platform for companies like Nike, Scion, and Red Bull to advertise their latest product and fund VICE's efforts.  Taking a look at the magazine, it's abnormally large dimensions  make it easy to spot, hard to lose, and make for a great read anytime of the day (especially on the pot).  Here are a few covers from over the years.

 

Now that's just the magazine, VICE also has a website (VICELAND.COM ) where you can find any article they've ever published.  Furthermore, the laundry list of divisions that comprises the VICE brand includes VICE Films, VICE DVD, VICE Music, and VICE Books.  The film division has worked with the UK Film Council, Academy Award-nominated director Spike Jones, but is most known for their production of the critically acclaimed rockumentary , Heavy Metal in Baghdad (trailer below).

Titles under VICE DVD include the notorious VICE Guide to Travel that has been called "60 minutes meets Jackass"  and the award winning skate series Epicly Later'd.  VICE Books has published The Vice Guide to Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll, The Vice Photo Book, and the fashion critical Do's & Don'tsBook which will be followed by a second Do's & Don'ts later this year.  Saving the best for last, VICE Music is a company that has some of the sickest groups under it's label. 

Sorry folks, but that was just Part 1 of  IN THE LAND OF VICE which is a 3 part post.  Check back later this week for Part 2.