Beyond Race Magazine (BRM), founded in 2005 by David Terra, was not just a magazineāit was a cultural movement that focused on the intersection of groundbreaking music, art, and social change. Operating out of New York City, BRM became the voice of independent artists, offering a platform for those pushing the boundaries of creativity and tackling social issues. While the magazine closed its doors in 2015, its legacy continues to resonate with the artists and activists it championed, impacting the music and cultural scenes.
Origins and Founding:
David Terraās vision for Beyond Race Magazine was clear: to create a voice for his generation’s socially conscious and progressive-minded individuals. What began as a passionate attempt to offer an alternative to the mainstream media quickly evolved into an influential publication that celebrated art in all its forms. The first issue of BRM was published in the summer of 2006, featuring not only independent music but also covering film, graffiti, tattooing, literature, and politics. BRM refused to be pigeonholed into a single genre, which allowed it to reach a diverse, open-minded audience. This broad scope set the magazine apart, capturing the spirit of underground culture while giving voice to marginalised communities.
Content and Cultural Impact:
At its core, BRM was focused on highlighting the art and cultural movements that mainstream media overlooked. The magazineās content was not limited to music alone. It covered issues in film, photography, comedy, politics, and social movements, constantly pushing boundaries and challenging readers to think critically about the world around them.
The magazineās commitment to progressive issues was clear in every issue. Whether it was promoting the Beastie Boysā latest project, diving deep into the evolving world of hip-hop, or exploring the contributions of lesser-known artists like Subatomic Sound System, BRM was always looking to amplify those who werenāt getting the recognition they deserved.
Ownership Changes and Continued Evolution:
In 2010, Verde Media Group Inc. acquired full ownership of Beyondrace.com, signalling a shift in the magazineās operations and business model. By 2013, ownership was transferred to the editor-in-chief, ensuring that the magazineās vision remained intact, even as the landscape of digital media evolved.
While the ownership changed hands, the magazineās commitment to its mission stayed strong. BRM continued to provide a platform for voices that often went unheard, focusing on the artists, musicians, and activists whose work was deeply rooted in social consciousness.
Artists and Features:
Over the years, BRM featured an array of artists and musicians whose work resonated with its readers. The magazine highlighted both rising stars and established legends, including in-depth interviews with Kendrick Lamar, Maya Azucena, and The Beastie Boys. In addition to features on musicians, BRM also showcased diverse cultural movements, often using its platform to spotlight emerging art forms like graffiti, visual arts, and social movements that shaped the New York City landscape.
Another signature feature of BRM was its annual Music Issue Party, an event that brought together some of the most exciting and diverse talents across genres. From electronic music to reggae, hip-hop to rock, the event was a celebration of New Yorkās vast and ever-evolving cultural scene.
Impact on the Music and Arts Scene:
Beyond Race Magazine wasnāt just about reporting on musicāit was about documenting and shaping culture. By giving voice to underrepresented communities and challenging the status quo, the magazine helped redefine what it meant to be a part of the music and arts scenes. It wasnāt just about the artists; it was about the movements that transcended genre and geography, creating a space for diverse voices to be heard.
Though BRM no longer operates, its influence continues in the many artists, musicians, and activists who were featured and celebrated. The magazineās commitment to progressive cultural change laid the groundwork for a future where independent artists are given the recognition they deserve.
