The Best of July:

It seems slightly clever to introduce our newsletter series with the topic of introductions. Delivered monthly, the intention of these newsletters is to introduce (or re-introduce) you to the best of our findings for the month.

Once a revered aspect of society, introductions were quite the formal matter in 'olden times'. An introduction had the potential to open up new opportunities for one's circumstances.

While we may be more casual these days, introductions still change the world.Every famous, or in-famous, pairing would have been introduced at some point. Like Lennon to Yoko. Like Andy to Edie. Scott to Zelda. And, of course, Steve to Steve. Where it goes, beyond that, can alter the course of history. Introductions, huh?
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A little closer to home we can all remember being introduced to a band that, as the fondly remembered band Minuit said ‘It changed the way you thought, you said, it changed the way you think’.

While our aspirations for this little newsletter may be more humble, they are no less hopeful. It’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day, which of course is just a requirement of modern life.

But, it pays to step out of it every now and then, because there is so much more to be introduced to. Some of which, you’ll find below, once a month.It might not change your life, but it will hopefully at least offer some momentary respite.

‍Read:
Not available until next month, Sally Rooney’s new novel Intermezzo, published by Faber, is widely anticipated. Read the opening lines, here at LitHub - or wait just a few more weeks to read the full novel.

Discover: Artist Tino Seghal describes his art as ‘constructed situations’ and forbids the reproduction of his work in documented form, as the "art" occurs in the live exchange. In 2006, he created a work ‘This Progress’ where viewers ascend the famous rotunda, being introduced to 4 different generations of people, all posing the same provocation ‘What is progress?’ Would your answer change depending on who you are introduced to? The New Yorker explores here.

‍Listen:
‍The musician Sam Beam, better known by his stage name Iron & Wine, has a new album out for the first time in seven years called "Light Verse." NPR discusses the new album here, and a listen to this breezy and lively album is worthwhile.

‍Visit:
‍Perhaps a re-introduction for some, DIA: is a visionary network of 3 exhibition spaces and 9 permanent sites. Committing to the ideas of their artists, DIA:’s permanent sites are monumental in nature, and contrarian to the art world's constant desire for the new with some work being permanently on view since the 1970's.

‍Attend:
‍For the first time in a decade, ANOHNI presents a series of concerts with the Johnsons, drawing from her new album My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross as well as songs from throughout her catalogue. Playing Belgium, Denmark, Germany and 10 shows across America, ANOHNI has rightly called the tour ‘It’s Time To Feel What's Really Happening’

‍Stay:
‍Unyoked is a network of remote, off the grid, tiny cabins across New Zealand, Australia and the UK. Their website philosophises ‘Human nature needs nature’ and ‘An ancient remedy for modern times’ and many other pithy lines from clever copywriters. Regardless, it can be surprisingly hard to quickly get off the grid with ease, so if you need some silence and space, it’s worth a stay.

‍Cook:
‍Cooking doesn’t have to be laboursome to impress, and this ‘Hot Charred Cherry Tomatoes with Cold Yoghurt’ recipe from Yotam Ottolenggi is always a showstopper. The trick? Hot, hot tomatoes and cold, cold yoghurt. And, of course, some chewy sourdough or focaccia from a decent local bakery.