ISSUE 010
IN SITU this week is a little different, as we announce our first IRL event, IN SITU LIVE: VOLUME 001 - "THE ART OF COLLABORATION".
IN SITU is a platform dedicated to the intersection between culture, brand strategy and music. Sometimes the focus will be on one strand more than another, but always sitting in that sweet spot.
ISSUE 010 AT A GLANCE
LONG READ Introducing IN SITU LIVE: VOLUME 001 - The Art of Collaboration
MUSIC CORNER Album recommendation: KOKOROKO - Get The Message EP
LONG READ
IN SITU LIVE: VOLUME 001 - THE ART OF COLLABORATION
When the idea of IN SITU originated, it was always going to be more than a Substack. IN SITU is a platform for ideas and like-minded people to come together, and as much as online can facilitate that, there’s still nothing like being together in person.
As subscribers, you’re the first to be invited to IN SITU LIVE: VOLUME 001 - THE ART OF COLLABORATION *RSVP here, limited capacity*
The format is simple: A panel talk with a DJ providing the sounds. Please allow me to introduce the incredibly talented and interesting panel…
DAVID ZHOU - Founder & Director of Eastern Margins and Margins United
David Zhou is a trained lawyer, and previously worked at Mixcloud and TikTok as legal counsel before running his label, Eastern Margins, full time a year ago.
Eastern Margins has quickly become an authority not only in the music space, but in the wider cultural sphere, “Eastern Margins is the home of Underground Asian Culture. We are a music company, operating a record label, events and creative agency. No one tells stories that represents the diversity of narratives across East and South-East Asia better than us.”
In September, Eastern Margins ran its own festival, Margins United, at EartH in Hackney, London. A combination of workshops, live performances and DJ sets, David and the team made a statement about the importance and relevance of underground Asian culture in the world today.
CASEY AMBER - Co-Founder of AKA
Casey Amber is the co-founder of AKA, a culture marketing and creative consultancy specialising in creative strategy, content production, influencer engagement, and brand partnerships.
With a career spanning globally recognised brands like Nike, PUMA, and Dr. Martens, as well as collaborations with iconic names in music and entertainment, Casey combines strategic insight with creative execution to craft campaigns that authentically connect with audiences and shape cultural relevance.
Passionate about thoughtful storytelling and imaginative ideas, AKA transforms cultural trends into meaningful marketing moments.
ARIEL COHEN - Strategic Partner Manager, Artist Development at YouTube Music
Ariel has over 10 years of experience working at the coalface of artist development. With a background in audience development and digital marketing at both major (RCA) and independent (AWAL) labels, he has been at YouTube Music for the last 3 years.
Bringing great developing artists into the YouTube partnerships ecosystem, Ariel helps to level up their YouTube strategies and unlocking levers of support to boost their growth.
MODERATOR: NICOLA J DAVIES - Founder of IN SITU, Cultural Strategist & Music Journalist
Nicola is a freelance Brand Strategist and Music Journalist born and raised in London, with a stint in NYC. Having worked agency side before turning freelance in 2020, Nicola combines her interests in music with strategy and consumer research, always enjoying work at the intersection of culture and insight.
With the founding of IN SITU in 2024, Nicola hopes to build a platform for strategy, culture & music with like-minded people who enjoy engaging with new perspectives.
DJ: AKAY - Resident Love At First Vibe
Love At First Vibe’s very own AKAY brings an eclectic blend of music to his sets, taking the audience on a musical journey that gets them moving and brings joy.
We can’t wait to meet you in person - RSVP here
MUSIC CORNER
KOKOROKO - GET THE MESSAGE
KOKOROKO are one of those special groups that connect with those who know, and are slowly but surely widening their reach so they become hard to ignore. An incredibly talented group of instrumentalists, this London-based jazz-led group constantly weave in other sounds such as Afrobeat and electronic music, sometimes adding vocal harmonies or feature artists.
This 4-track EP is an uplifting project, meant to encourage positivity, togetherness and cohesion in times of uncertainty.
Don’t forget to follow IN SITU on Instagram @insitu.njd, and check out my website at nicolajdavies.com.