Are You Coming to the Party?

Are You Coming to the Party? is a 156-page book capturing the nightlife of New York City and the creative people as well as communities that bring it to life. Through four in-depth interviews, editorial photoshoots, various satirical advertisements, graphics, and party photography, the magazine explores the heartbeat of NYC's underground scene. Every element—from creative direction and photography to interviews, copywriting, graphic design, and layout—was created collaboratively by Calder Anderson and Ryka Ali.

This magazine is both a celebration and a critique of the party culture we exist within. It documents the artistry, music, and curation that transform nightlife into a space of self-expression and connection while aslo delving into the stories and experiences of the people who put it together. Through interviews with emerging DJs, promoters, musicians, and hosts, the project highlights the young creatives shaping the current scene, offering a fresh perspective on the subcultures thriving in New York today.

Inspired by publications like The Cobra Snake, Dazed, Vice, and Sedition, Are You Coming to the Party? focuses on the authenticity of up-and-coming voices, rather than established figures, capturing a more relatable and intimate view of the community.

This project began with extensive research, moodboarding, and planning, drawing inspiration from 25 years of party photography and cultural documentation. From this foundation, we developed interviews and photoshoots, refining every detail to create a thoughtful time capsule of NYC nightlife. The final product is more than just a magazine—it’s a statement about our generation’s creative legacy and the importance of finding community in unexpected places.

Available for purchase in January 2025.



References
https://www.are.na/calder-anderson/untitled-mag-ryka-calder