ISSUE 02
We’re back! Did you miss us?
Vibe Shift
We were due for a refresh! This month, our Greenpoint location underwent a bit of a transformation. We caught up with Ivana to hear a little about the inspiration behind this new layout:
Ivana, you’re flipping the interior and bringing in all-new furniture—what sparked the decision to refresh the space now?
“The concept of Rhythm Zero (Greenpoint specifically) is to create a new look and energy twice a year. This time I was obsessively thinking about ‘The Grizzly Chair’ by EJR Barnes and that inspired me to go with a lot of black color and soft furniture - a bit moody but cozy, just the way we like it.”
The design of Rhythm Zero has always felt intentional and unique. What specific ideas or influences guided you with this new layout?
"I’m constantly on the lookout for unique furniture and art pieces, so Rhythm Zero naturally evolves as a reflection of my journey. For this refresh, I observed how people interacted with our previous three layouts and worked to find the right balance between a gallery-like aesthetic and a functional café space.
The result is a thoughtful division of the space into three distinct areas: a cozy lounge with armchairs and a sofa, community tables paired with velvet chairs, and a tucked-away, semi-private nook. We’ve incorporated a curated selection of art books, magazines, and decorative pieces, along with standout furniture like a Sonneman lamp from the 1980s, a rare CK shelf from an Upstate loft, and a vintage Japanese silk screen divider. The space also features Nordic Knots curtains, a Monolith console, and a Theo Pinto painting, which has become a signature piece for Rhythm Zero."
In the ever-expanding world of music content, Christian Archer has carved out a niche that’s as thoughtful as it is inspiring. A self-proclaimed music curator, Christian has built a loyal following on Instagram by recommending three albums each week. His posts don’t just suggest music—they tell a story, offering a window into the art of listening and appreciation.
Whether you're a seasoned audiophile or someone just discovering the joy of records, his insights are bound to resonate.
Music Curator—that’s such a cool title. What does being a music curator mean to you?
“The role of a music curator is more important than ever. Over the last 20 years, how we discover music has radically changed—algorithms and trending sounds have replaced radio, MTV, and trusted tastemakers of past generations. While algorithms can expose us to new music, they lack the human touch. We still need curators—real people who bring personality, excitement, and trust to the process.
I see myself as a disc jockey for the post-radio, social media era. My goal is to be your trusted friend in music discovery, cutting through the noise to deliver albums that soundtrack your best moments, your hardest ones, and everything in between. I want my album picks to feel like Christmas morning—sometimes you’ll get a surprise, sometimes you’ll think it’s coal, and sometimes you’ll find a gift you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
There’s more music being released than ever before—on any day this year, more music came out than in the entire year of 1989. I’m here to do the digging, so you don’t have to.”
Your Instagram feels like a music lover’s haven. How did the idea to recommend three albums a week come about?
“For the last three years, I’ve listened to anywhere from 10 to 30 albums a week. Before that, I was more casual about music discovery, relying on algorithms to build massive playlists based on genres and vibes. Eventually, I burned out—singles and repetitive playlists started to feel impersonal and exhausting.
Prioritizing full albums over playlists brought the magic back to music discovery for me. I realized I wasn’t alone; others were probably craving a deeper, more personal connection to music, too. So, I adapted the spirit of a classic music blog to today’s platforms, and the ‘3 albums a week’ format was born.”
We all have that one album that feels like it was made for us. What’s yours?
“I don’t have just one album, but if I had to pick my ‘death row’ listens—assuming my executioner is kind enough—I’d probably land on these six:
What’s Going On – Marvin Gaye
Voodoo – D’Angelo
Crack-Up – Fleet Foxes
Call Me – Al Green
Blonde – Frank Ocean
One Flight Up – Dexter Gordon
Sorry, that’s six. I couldn’t cut any, and honestly, it’s hard not to list 12. Forgive me.”
What’s one dream collaboration you’d love to do with a fellow music aficionado, musician, or brand?
"I’d love to collaborate with @marg.mp3 someday. I’m not sure what that would look like—maybe co-hosting a podcast—but she’s a fellow New Yorker who takes the role of Music Curator seriously. Our tastes overlap in all the right places, and she’s always at the underground jazz shows I love. I also admire how she connects with musicians in person—that’s something I aspire to.”
Where do you see this journey taking you?
“I’m taking it day by day—Reel by Reel—and focusing on having fun with every part of the process: filming, editing, releasing, and engaging with the community. If I can go to bed each night feeling like I did something creative and rewarding, I’m a happy camper. Music keeps me going, and I just want to honor that in a public way.
That said, I do have some big goals, and I’m working on turning them into reality so everyone can see soon enough:
Create a safe space for musicians to reflect on the emotional and existential journey of their craft by hosting the most connective and heartwarming music interview podcast out there.
Give away as many record players as I can afford because I believe the path to musicians earning a living wage starts with people buying music again—record collecting makes that easy.
Long-term dreams include live events, a record label, long-form content, and even a physical listening space. But for now, I’m focused on nailing the basics."
Film Photography by Jacob Ruth
Produced by Pique Creative
