Expect London to become seriously 'luvvie' in October with the arrival of the Frieze Art Fair as well as the London Film Festival. If you're looking for something a little less, dare I say, highbrow, then Netflix has some incredible new offerings, from fan-favourite Riverdale to comedy classic Crazy Ex Girlfriend. And if you're into hip-hop, then October is very much your month. Click through to see what the R29 staffers are getting excited about.
Gillian Orr, senior editor
Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan, published 3rd October
I've lost count of how many people I've given Egan's last book to, the Pulitzer Prize-winning A Visit From The Goon Squad. Early reviews have pointed out that Manhattan Beach will embrace traditional storytelling, and that Goon Squad fans might be left disappointed with the Depression-era historical novel. Still, she's incredible and I can't wait.
The BFI London Film Festival, from 4th to 15th October
The 61st London Film Festival is premiering an embarrassment of riches this year, from Jake Gyllenhaal's turn as a Boston bombing victim in Stronger to Tangerine director Sean Baker's follow-up The Florida Project. And many events are open to the public – you can view the programme here. And check out which films R29 is most excited about.
Georgia Murray, fashion & beauty writer
Gengahr, UK tour, from 13th October
I have a soft spot for the sweet melodies of guitar-wielding boys in bands, and Gengahr's sweet vocals have made it onto many a playlist since their 2015 album A Dream Outside. The band's latest single "Carrion" sees a move away from the pop-tinged music while still keeping the psychedelic sound I so love. Let's hope they play some more new stuff live.
Dalí / Duchamp at the Royal Academy of Arts, from 7th October
Two of my favourite artists in one exhibition! Godfather of conceptual art, Marcel Duchamp, is so much more than his urinal-turned- Fountain piece, and surrealist Salvador Dalí did far more than paint melting clocks and frightening figures. This exhibition promises to examine the relationship between both men, via their work, humour and future-thinking approach to art.
Charisse Chikwiri, editorial intern
The Family Function, The Roundhouse, London, 29th October
Brought to us by the women behind London's favourite club night Work It is The Family Function festival and it's amazing to see so much underground British talent on one line-up, and without the painfully obvious headliners. TFF is putting talent before what's considered "cool" by the masses and this what sets this festival apart for me. It will be the most well-organised, energetic and unconventional family function you'll ever go to. Aren't they the best?
Kelela, Take Me Apart, released 6th October
It's Kelela's debut album! Through her music, Kelela is in every way the type of woman that I adore. Bold, dynamic, sensual, carefree, unconventional and self-aware. Finding vocal harmony in the wildest of sounds, and speaking relatable truths. I can't wait for what this album will bring to the table.
Jess Commons, health & living editor
Riverdale Season 2 on Netflix, 12th October
What happens when Twin Peaks meets Gossip Girl. This show is weird, full of teenage angst and murder mysteries. I'm probably too old to watch it but whatever; Jughead for president.
Curb Your Enthusiasm Season 9 on Sky Atlantic, 1st October
I'm intrigued to see how this show has stood the test of time. Sure it's relatable as hell for anyone socially awkward (hello) but looking back five years to the last series, I'm not so sure it was kind to its female characters. Very interested to see how it pans out.
Katy Thompsett, sub editor
Little Dragon, UK tour, from 27th October
Oh, Little Dragon, how I love you and your kooky Swedish ways. On fifth studio album Season High, Yukimi Nagano’s vocals glide from low and sensual to high and pure (think: someone running a finger around a crystal wine glass), over some seriously ‘80s electronic beats. Plus oriental synths... Here’s hoping the live shows will help the band shake off its reputation as everyone’s favourite collaborator. Dates around the UK.
Everything At Once, 180 Strand, London, 1st October-31st December (exact dates TBC)
80,000 people attended 2016’s The Infinite Mix at 180 Strand, which Time Out called “the most engaging pieces of visual art you’ll see together all year”. I took a date and we had a great time – and I never saw him again. But don’t let that put you off. This year’s group show, Everything At Once, is themed around a quote by experimental musician John Cage (he of every radio DJ’s worst nightmare, ‘silent’ track “4’33”). It’ll probably be weird. Go.
Zanny Ali, content manager
Blade Runner 2049, in cinemas 6th October
Will it be as good as the original? No. But if the trailer's anything to go by, it should do the trick all the same. Gosling's husky voiceover, Harrison Ford's quiet intensity, the epic Hans Zimmer score, hot cyborgs – what's not to like?
Future, UK tour, from 20th October
Been anticipating a UK tour for a while now, and what's more, Wizkid is supporting. A plethora of bangers await... absolutely convinced it's gonna be lit.
Sarah Raphael, editorial director
Stranger Things Season 2 on Netflix, 27th October
Is Eleven the demogorgon? Is she eating the Eggo waffles that Chief Hopper leaves at the entrance to the upside down world? What deal has Chief Hopper struck with the government? Why is Will still coughing up slugs? What mature, brilliant things will the crew of 2016 – Mike, Dustin and Lucas – do next? These questions have plagued me for a year. I’ll be on the edge of my sofa with my hands over my eyes, eating waffles.
King Krule, The Ooz, released 13th October
Archy Marshall hasn’t released an album as ‘King Krule’ since 2013, when the music industry fell head over heels in love with him. Maybe now, at 23, he’s finally caught up to that spine-tingling old man voice. If track "Dum Surfer" – where everyone in the video is dead – is anything to go by, we’re about to fall in love all over again.
Anna Jay, art director
Frieze London, 5th-7th October, Regent's Park
Frieze is always one of my cultural highlights every year; it's a warren of inspiration, from installation to painting, performance and photography. Also great for stylish people watching... Tickets are available here, make sure to book.
Louis Theroux: Dark States – Heroin Town, BBC Two, 8th October
Like every other person I've avidly watched all of Louis Theroux's documentaries, from Swingers to Scientology and everything in between. The next episode is about the drug that one in 10 babies in Huntington, West Virginia are born dependent on: heroin. Theroux gets under the skin of this highly addicted city and the people within its grip.
Natalie Gil, news writer
Ty Dolla $ign, Beach House 3, released 27th October
At the moment, there’s nothing that helps me escape the drudgery of daily life better than the smooth, sexy soulfulness of Tyrone William Griffin Jr’s voice. My obsession with pretty much any song he’s ever featured in – and there are many – would probably start to get boring soon were it not for his new album released this month, aka the soundtrack to the next few months of my life. Bring. It. On.
Lethal Bizzle, UK tour, from 12th October
I first became aware of Walthamstow-born Lethal Bizzle in the early aughts when the rap fans at my north London school would play "Pow" on loop in the playground. More than a decade on, he’s nothing short of a grime legend, so I’m bursting with excitement at the prospect of finally catching him live.
David Farrell, marketing intern
Thor: Ragnarok, in cinemas 27th October
"Not another superhero film", we hear you groan, but hear us out. It's worth buying a ticket for Ragnarok based on the cast alone. Chris Hemsworth is back as Thor and has to battle Mark Ruffalo's The Hulk to escape captivity and stop the deliciously malevolent Cate Blanchett from bringing about the end of the world (naturally).
Kelly Clarkson, The Meaning Of Life, released 27th October
The hitmaker has finally managed to escape the bonds of her American Idol contract which obliged her to star in the heinous rom-com From Justin to Kelly and work with controversial producer Dr. Luke. This could mark the beginning of a brand new era for the "Miss Independent" singer, one which *cough cough* actually celebrates being independent.
Sadhbh O'Sullivan, social media assistant
Crazy Ex Girlfriend Season 3 on Netflix, 14th October
Crazy Ex Girlfriend is my favourite ever show. It follows Rebecca Bunch in her impulsive move from New York to West Covina, California where her ex-boyfriend from when she was 16, Josh, just happens to live. Instead of playing into tired stereotypes of 'crazy exes' it's funny, and clever, and full of original songs (!) that make me laugh and sob in equal measure. I could talk about it for hours, as you can probably tell, and it's BACK. I'm so excited.
Reni Eddo-Lodge & Sarah Shin on Audre Lorde, London Review Bookshop, 18th October
Everyone should read Audre Lorde. Her work feels as relevant as ever, as she tackles the intersections of her blackness and her lesbianism in a world run by straightness and whiteness. This edition, published by Silver Press, brings together a collection of poetry, speeches and essays in one volume in the UK for the first time. If the book isn't enough, the London Review Bookshop is hosting this conversation with Reni Eddo-Lodge about Lorde's work. I'm gutted I missed out on tickets.
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