“New York, I love you, but you’re bringing me down.” With those 10 words, LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy captured both the agonizing contradiction and perpetual allure of the five boroughs. Perhaps no city in the world means more to more people, but New York carries that gravitas with a shrug.
Like any chimera, the metropolis eludes definition and defies the constraints of reality. Making a life, and a living, in such a nerve-jangling, shape-shifting locus is a challenge—one that millions of people take up daily with devotion, gritted teeth, and no small dose of delusional optimism. Here, CULTURED convened a cross-section of individuals who embody the chaos, charisma, and creativity at the heart of New York—16 people quite literally shaping the spirit of the city.
Some were born and raised here, others just recently started calling it home. You’ll stumble upon some of them in skate parks and art galleries, others behind DJ booths or phone screens. Maybe you follow their movements on Instagram, or you’ve overheard their name at a party—maybe you’re meeting them for the first time here. One thing is certain: They love their city.
What's one lesson you must learn to live in this city?
"Groceries are so expensive that you might as well go out to dinner." —Coco Gordon-Moore, model and poet
"The Big Apple bites back!" —Daniel Kapp, gallerist
"Spatial awareness." —Monica Mirabile, artist, choreographer, and movement director
"Leave twice a year." —Skype Williams, artist, DJ, and director at Bridget Donahue gallery
"You have to die several times in New York in order to live in New York." —Sara Blazej, gallerist
"Mental fortitude." —Aaron Levine, designer
"Money is important." —Mackenzie Thomas, writer and artist
Who's your favorite New Yorker of all time?
"That dude that stands on the street near NYU with no shirt on and his dog by his side staring directly at the sun with a smile on his face. He knows something the rest of us don’t." —Aaron Levine
"Alicia Keys." —Memphy, DJ and model
"My server or my bartender at any given restaurant on any given day." —Miss Dylan, casting director
"My dad." —Efron Danzig, model and skateboarder
"Sarah Michelson." —Monica Mirabile
"Carrie Bradshaw." —Daniel Kapp
"Jane Jacobs. I think she and Carrie would’ve vibed, though." —Sam Kapp, gallerist
"Elaine Benes." —May Hong, artist and actor
What makes someone a real New Yorker?
"You know which subway exit to take strategically." —Daniel Kapp
"Depression." —Sam Kapp
"A trip to the DMV." —Mackenzie Thomas
"Being born here." —Skype Williams
"An innate ability to hustle and adapt to any situation you’re thrown into. Also living here for more than 10 years, obviously." —Memphy
Wildest subway moment?
"A man tried to stab me on the G. It was the same day 'Rush' by Troye Sivan came out." —Mackenzie Thomas
"When I was 14 I pissed in between the train cars and got a little electrocuted." —Skype Williams
"Pissing in the subway car." —Efron Danzig
"Food poisoning kicking in on the subway." —Miss Dylan
"I fell in love with a Brazilian classical guitarist when I was 19. We left the station together after many glances, his English was ok but we went back to his apartment and watched Breakfast at Tiffany's to entertain ourselves. I fell so hard for him. I don't remember his name now." —Meetka Otto, musician and writer
"I saw Keanu Reeves on the subway on my birthday." —Raque Ford, artist
The item you purchase most often in New York?
“It’s a tie between bus tickets or cigarettes.” —Meetka Otto
"Water or cigarettes." —Efron Danzig
"An umbrella (bangs)." —Miss Dylan
"Fly traps." —Mackenzie Thomas
"Art." —Daniel Kapp
"Diet Coke." —Sam Kapp
"Baby wipes." —Skype Williams
"Massages." —Monica Mirabile
"Clout when I need it." —Isa Spector, choreographer
Grooming by Erica Janssen
Production by Jacob Gottlieb
Photography Assistance by Alex Kennedy
Production Assistance by Ruben Carozza
