XO EDIT | No.6 | Dai Burger + Junglepussy by XO MAGAZINE

FEATURING:

DAI BURGER NO. 6 // #MUSICFASHIONABLY ISBN 978-1-312-47758-2

90000

9 781312 477582

THE EDIT

Le’Keisha Sims Founder / Editor-In-Chief

#SUPERWOMAN // PAGE 20

Moeima Dukuly Managing Editor

Jesse Ashton // West Coast Market & Multimedia Editor Natalie Baker // Graphic Designer Lola Odetola & Raven Jenkins // Interns CONTRIBUTORS Kisha Bari Kelvin Barron Lee Diment Shanna Fisher Samantha Marble Ruthie Richardson-Child Toni Smailagic Special thanks to Juan Hoyos and Lomography xomagazineonline.com infoxomag@gmail.com Please direct advertising and sponsorship inquiries to moeima@xomagazineonline.com. @we_are_xo facebook.com/xomagazine

TAG. We’re it. Want more of our attention? Use the following hashtags: #xomagazine #musicfashionably #wearexo

inthisissue THE USUALS MUSIC

3 Editor’s Letter 5 Editor’s Picks 4 6 8 7

XO Listen #STUCKONREPEAT: August 2014 Playlist Soundcheck : Afropunk Porter Robinson

FASHION

10 12 26 32

Label Of Love: Takashi Nishiyama Digital Doll Summer Notions MONO

RADAR

20 18 34 36

Dai Burger // Junglepussy Introducing... Melanie Martinez Tinchy Stryder Full Moon Festival

The XO Edit is a monthly newszine that delivers all of what of we love, none of what we don’t. We review the past month’s happenings as well as things, people, places you might have missed. We feature submissions from creatives all around the world who share our love of visual joy.

XO EDIT // #MUSICFASHIONABLY

letterfromtheeditor “We could be heroes, just for one day.” - Heroes, David Bowie Welcome to the latest issue of The Edit! Summer is officially drawing to a close and we’ve decided to go out with quite bang! This issue, we were inspired by superheroes, but not the superheroes of the Marvel or DC variety; our super heroes are a little bit more real and raw than that. You’ll find features on two up and coming rap superwomen Dai Burger and Junglepussy who are not trying to save hip hop per se, but are instead paving their own way in the genre. Of course, for them that means snatching one weave at a time and leaving all the trolling villains edgeless. These two are not relying on their looks to sell their music but are putting out music with a positive message that embraces femininity and fights the fine fight of not only being a woman in a male dominated world, but being a woman of color and letting nothing get in your way of accomplishing not only your goals but manifesting exactly what it is you want from this life. That is surely a message we can get behind! So as the months start getting cooler, the nights shorter and we start heading back into the hustle and bustle of things, embrace your inner superhero; you’re unstoppable. All the love in the world,

Le’Keisha Sims

Editor-in-Chief, XO Magazine

XO EDIT // LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

XOLISTEN

Hyde & Beast -Keep Moving

Twin Peaks - Wild Onion

Mozartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sister - Being

FKA Twigs - LP1

2 4

6 8

Adult Jazz - Gist Is

Angus & Julia Stone - Angus & Julia Stone

Willis Earl Beal - Experiments In Time

The Underachievers - Cellar Door : Terminus Ut Exordium Royal Blood - Royal Blood

10 Dry The River - Alarms In The Heart

XO EDIT // #MUSICFASHIONABLY

EDITORSPICKS 1

2 1. BONDI HARVEST, a weekly cooking show focusing on clean eating and featuring local seasonal produce.

2. Natalia Benson half moon hoops

3. The Tree Kisser Favorite Things Flowy Pullover 4. "Break The Rules” Music Video by Charli XCX

5. Pacifica 7 Free Nail Color

XO EDIT // EDITOR’S PICKS

PLAYLIST NO. 6

STUCKON REPEAT REPEAT REPEAT REPEAT REPEAT

break the rules - charli xcx

haxel princess - cherry glazerr meridian - zola blood

dum ditty dum - crystal kay

love we are we are love - the sea the sea

5 7 8

light it up - eliza and the bear

make it last - pearl negras

hot love - we are shining

clockwork feat. phlo finnister (poter elvinger remix) - illangelo

10 impure - spinelli salem

XO EDIT // #MUSICFASHIONABLY

XO EDIT // #STUCKONREPEAT

porter robinson WORDS | MOEIMA DUKULY

"I'm not afraid to lose it all. If it all goes [money, label, fans] I still will have everything that really matters to me. There's so much freedom in that.” –Porter Robinson on success

It happens. You are a creator and you create something. People love it. Can’t get enough. Suddenly there’s more. So much more. More money. More responsibilities. More clicks. More likes. More people that want to be your friend. More people who think they know you. In the minds of many this is a success story. What happens when you risk it all and break away from what is expected of you to follow something greater? It happens, and 22 year old EDM hit producer Porter Robinson knows a thing or two about that with his first studio album release, worlds. Walking into my meeting with Porter Robinson, there he sat in the corner playing the piano with a half-empty iced coffee sweating nearby. At first glance his outfit is relaxed, casual – a black hoodie and black slim cut pants with minimal design but at a closer inspection, the hoodie had dark graphic and embroidery with Japanese characters and the pants had a shine that only certain lush fabrics can give to black pants,

with a slight drapery that seemed oddly familiar to me. “I love your pants. Where did you get those?” I said. “Oh thanks”, he said somewhat sheepishly adding, “They’re Rick Owens.” I approved. The outlines of the ‘real’ Porter emerged – a young man from the South, living a quiet life in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He talked about his career and what he’s doing; his reality is what many fantasize about, a swift ascension in the EDM music world, a huge following, international recognition. Yet, he is decidedly disinterested in a celebrity lifestyle, despite his status; “No crazy house, multiple cars – I really only ever splurge on equipment and clothes.” he says. Since his sudden rise to popularity, the requests for his time come regularly, but in 2013 Porter decided against touring and instead focused on a bigger goal: creating a sound he could truly be proud of to finally manifest the sort of work he had been long dreaming of

and soothe the creative beast clawing inside him. Inspired primarily by Daft Punk, Kanye West as well as several film and video game scores, he sought to create a sound not only more technically advance than his former work, but something that captured senses and could really speak to concept he’d long been interested in. It was a huge risk considering his fans’ connection with his EDM upbringing. worlds sounds like the soundtrack to a robotic love story.Soft and airy many times – all the tracks feature an edge that is somewhat mechanical – casually reminding you of the electronic elements that are the foundation of the work. Porter seems very aware of this element at all times and the album itself is a subtle nod to the imagined worlds all around us. A chance for musical sightseeing for listeners everywhere. A chance based on choosing passions over certain success. Tracks #weheart: Sad Machine, Fresh Static Snow.

XO EDIT // PORTER ROBINSON

SOUND CHECK PHOTOS | TONI SMAILAGIC During late August the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn is turned out by the return of the Punk. 2014â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s AfroPunk delivered acts like SZA, Lianna La Havas, Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Angelo and more. Now a frontrunner on the NYC festival scene, the free festival dedicated to indie rock, punk and alternative music by people of color consistently delivers a truly kaleidoscopic and checkered texture of style and music, leaving none uninspired.

AFRO PUNK

XO EDIT // AFROPUNK

LABEL O

TAKASHI NISHIYAMA

With most of his inspiration derived from computer games and demons, Nishiyama challenges dimensions of space, design and silhouette. Layering textures while splicing monsters and human aesthetics deeply reminiscent of abstract Japonism, Nishiyama may be the key to new forms of dressing in the 21st century.

XO EDIT // #MUSICFASHIONABLY

OF LOVE XO

XO EDIT // LABEL OF LOVE

DIGITAL DOLL

A SUBMISSION FROM LONDON, ENGLAND

PHOTOGRAPHY | Sarah Louise Johnson

STYLING | Kelvin Barron

HAIR | Eugene Davis using EDH Hair, Bumble & Bumble and Diva Pro Styling

MODEL | Ellie Marshall with Profile Model Management

MAKE UP | Sara Sorrenti using Cosmetics Ă La Carte

With thanks to F [TWS] www. freelancetheworkspace.com

<< PAGE 10

Top and Skirt - Yulia Kondranina Gloves – Corlette

Blazer - Daisy Darche Necklace – Love Bullets

XO EDIT // DIGITAL DOLL

Dress - Henrietta Ludgate

XO EDIT // #MUSICFASHIONABLY

Dress - Henrietta Ludgate Necklace – Eshvi

XO EDIT // DIGITAL DOLL

Dress - Yulia Kondranina

XO EDIT // #MUSICFASHIONABLY

Dress - Henrietta Ludgate Boots - Fashion Union

XO EDIT // DIGITAL DOLL

Introducing...

Melanie Martinez Images shot in LA by Shanna Fisher Clothing and accessories are artist's own.

Hot off the release of her new DOLLHOUSE EP, XO Magazine hung out with Melanie Martinez who curated the perfect playlist to end summer with! Check out the images from our adventures and stream her playlist over on XO Digital! Hey Mami- Syl van Esso No Diggity- Chet Faker By Your Side - Coco Rosie Pendulum - FKA Twigs Feathery - Milky Chance periphery - fiona apple Fineshrine- Purity Ring Drop The Game- Flume & Chet Faker Often - The Weeknd The Worst- Jhene Aiko

#SUPERWOMAN Featuring Dai Burger & Junglepussy Words and Creative Direction | Moeima Dukuly

It is a new day and new time. 21st century means Instagram stars, Power YouTubers, Blogs that become Books and the hunger to go Viral. There are so many starving for their feeds to do just that â&#x20AC;&#x201C; FEED them. Deliver something new, someone new, vibrant and life changing. For now anyway. There are those brave enough to expose themselves their vision to the hungry masses, those with the type of tunnel vision that only allows you to recognize what you need, who you are and the things you need to make life everything you need it to be. True power is clarity, to be able to be the eye of the hurricane and through the haze of the world of public opinion. Two such powerful women NYC rappers Junglepussy and Dai Burger have made their marks on The Internet Age defining themselves in ways their predecessors never could. With passion, drive and willpower these women have birthed a new ideal of the #superwoman. Defying boundaries, blazing trails and delivering unforgettable music to the masses.

Photographer | Samantha Marble Stylist | Heather Breen Makeup | Christopher Marcum Hair | Monet Moon

XO EDIT // #MUSICFASHIONABLY

DAI BURGER PICTURED HERE: BLACK STUDDED BRA- NYC SEX TRASH CLEAR CAGE BUSTIER- CHROMAT HIGH WAISTED HOT PINK ZEBRA LATEX BOTTOMS- TABLEAUX VIVANTS NECKLACE- FALCONIERE LEFT HAND BRACELET- FALCONIERE RING RIGHT HAND- WE WHO PREY SUNGLASSES- A-MORIR SHOES- CHROMAT PICTURED ON COVER: LATEX COLOR BLOCK DRESS- TABLEAUX VIVANTS LATEX HISBISCUS FLOWER- TABLEAUX VIVANTS (ATTACHED BY AOKO SU BRASS COLLARDONT KNOW IF YOU SEE THAT MUCH..) BRACELET (LEFT HAND)- FALCONIERE ROSE GOLD CORAL RING (RIGHT HAND)- WE WHO PREY TWO FINGER BUG RING (LEFT HAND)- WE WHO PREY SHOES- CHROMAT

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stay positive and true to yourself. ALWAYS. You are your own instincts. Follow them. Do what feels right to YOU. Stay positive and you will attract the same. And even when negativity rolls around, stay true to the positivity in YOU. With this you can make it through ANYTHING, I promise.â&#x20AC;? Tell me about your creative process from writing to recording/producing and all the other good stuff. Hmmm my creative process? Well I'm almost sure I have ADD, so the way I get work done is to literally take a couple days to myself and glue myself to my laptop. It's the absolute only way work happens! I listen to beats, I jot notes and song ideas, answer emails, a little Tumblr. You know, it's like I actually have to make TIME to be a functioning artist. No one else can do this part for me! Once I've got new material, studio time is the fun and easy part for me. I get up in there, fuck shit up and leave! Any plans to release more work in the near future? Girl we're hungry! Yes Yes and YES!! I think the fans sometimes forget I'm just a girl out here building and pushing her own brand and that I do everything one day at a time, just like everyone else. I spend every waking day executing every plan I've ever set and my most recent goal is to release a FAN ALBUM. 22

This is actually my first announcement of it! It will be a compilation of my greatest hits; every song I've ever dropped that has made underground waves. I want to catch my new fans up with everything that has led up to the modern day Dai Burger. Entailing -- I DON'T THINK THIS SHOULD BE ENTAILING -- that will be my next single and video! My aim is to drop another project by the top of 2015. What's the most enjoyable performance you've done so far? I'd have to say it was my most recent performance at MoMa PS1. I was invited as a special guest performer alongside my rap sistrens, Junglepussy & Princess Nokia. So this was just a ma jor experience for me. It was one of my biggest crowds to date, and it just opened my eyes to it all. I'm finally like wow, I'm actually a breath away from reaching my dreams. If you could give young girls

XO EDIT // #MUSICFASHIONABLY

any advice, what would it be? Stay positive and true to yourself. ALWAYS. You are your own instincts. Follow them. Do what feels right to YOU. Stay positive and you will attract the same. And even when negativity rolls around, stay true to the positivity in YOU. With this you can make it through ANYTHING, I promise. What's the best piece of advice YOU'VE ever gotten? NEVER GIVE UP. Cliche' yes. But this advice still resonates with me daily. We had so much fun with you at our shoot. You loved the clothes and looked great in everything. What's your favorite brands right now? Awww thanks! Well I'm a big advocate of thrifting and rocking some serious vintage, so it isn't always about brands to me. I like what looks GOOD. However, I love me some AKV -- you can catch me being poster girl for their luxe custom bustiers -- and I love when they dress me for shows. I'm also a huge fan of American Deadstock, they're

I usually only see people I follow on Instagram in which case I love scrolling past and seeing @patricia_field @_akv_ @americandeadstock @discountuniverse @PUMA @joyrich @officialadeen an unworn 90's vintage company and I pretty much rock the hell out of some AD when I get my hands on it. I love mixing vintage with high end here and there. But to me style is in the LOOK, not the NAME.

If you had show a tourist around for a day in NYC where would you take them? Where are your favorite spots?

What's your favorite fashion inspired instagrams (can be a brand or just somebody fashionable)?

How do you feel about rap today? Specifically what women have to offer to the rap game.

I usually only see people I follow on Instagram so in which case I Love scrolling past and seeing @patricia_field @_akv_ @americandeadstock @discountuniverse @PUMA @joyrich @officialadeen

I mean shoutouts to all the ladies out there getting it. Real talk. My opinion on what anyone has to offer is irrelevant, because that won't stop anyone else's flow from achieving their goals and the same goes in my case. No matter what anyone thinks about me, my reign won't stop.

Tell us about your background - have you lived in NYC your whole life? Yes, yes, I am a Queens girl, born and raised. I do all my ripping and running in Brooklyn and Lower East Side Manhattan, so I consider myself a trueto-life NYC chick at its Best! I'm totally sporting that book smart meets street smart appeal. This NYC girl doesn't play!

bring them there, then I don't know, maybe take them to like Blockheads for Burritos and $4 margaritas. Hopefully I'd have a show that night or like hosting at DUH or something and take them for a crazy NYC night out, Burger-style.

First and foremost I'd bring them to Patricia Field Boutique! It's a fashion landmark and there is literally something there for EVERYONE. It's really a sight to see, this place. So I'd probably

I love my circle of lady rapper friends, I show my girls love ALL the time! We embrace each other as individuals but show each other love, always encouraging girl power. Hopefully this mentality spreads through the industry, you know?

XO EDIT // DAI BURGER

JUNGLEPUSSY

PICTURED HERE: RED LATEX FLOWER BRA- TABLEAUX VIVANTS HIGH WAISTED BOTTOMS- TABLEAUX VIVANTS NECKLACE- FALCONIERE EARRINGS- AOKO SU 3-TIER GOLD ARM CUFF- ALIBI NYC SPINE RING ON RIGHT HAND- AYAKA NISHI SPIDER WEB RING ON LEFT HAND- AYAKA NISHI LEFT HAND SPIKE ARM CUFF- THE LAB BY LAURA BUSONY SHOES- CHROMAT

PICTURED ON COVER: BLACK LATEX BRA- TABLEAUX VIVANTS LATEX SKIRT- TABLEAUX VIVANTS CHOKER- WE WHO PREY SUNGLASSES- A-MORIR CHAINMAIL AND CRYSTAL GLOVESFALCONIERE ARM BAND- JP'S OWN SHOES-CHROMAT

"I think male rappers are scared. They know everyone would rather hear and see a woman perform." The internet lost all of its mind when you dropped Satisfaction Guaranteed. What was the first track you laid down? How did the album develop? Mell Masters showed love off the bat when Cream Team dropped. I believe he saw my vision. He let me record on a ton of his beats, I finally began to hear the sounds I needed to place my emotions upon. That helped me really see what content I wanted to speak on and what message I wanted to send. I didn’t want to degrade myself or my culture. I embrace it. I make light of our experiences as victorious feats. Tell me about your relationship with Shy Guy and the creative process when creating your album? Shy Guy is really classy. Blending his production with Mel’s raw sound was magical. I love a good contrast. Any plans to release the album in-store or on iTunes? I’m full of surprises! What’s the most enjoyable performance you’ve done so far? GronaLund Amusement Park in Sweden; what’s better than foreign family fun? Hugging little girls and mothers after my set made me fuzzy and warm. We had so much fun with you at our shoot. You loved the clothes

and looked great in everything. What are some of your favorite brands right now? Thank you. All my underwear is Calvin Klein. What’s your favorite fashion inspired Instagram accounts? What I gotta do to show you? I told you, I’m the one the stylists go to. When they tryna find a look for shawty MY PICS THEY GO THROUGH.

What are some of your favorite brands right now? “All my underwear is Calvin Klein.” Tell us about your background - have you lived in NYC your whole life? Born and raised in East New York, Brooklyn. If you had to show a tourist around for a day in NYC where would you take them? Where are your favorite spots? Kim’s Beauty Supply on Utica and Church Avenue have the best selection of fun feminine products, so we’d go there.

Then we’d get some macaroni salad from my fave Jamaican food spot called C&J’s which is up on Utica Ave as well. If you could give young girls any advice, what would it be? Read books not tweets. Learn yourself. Know what works best for you and find comfort in that. Not everybody needs to have colored weave. Feed yourself to nourish your body, do not consume for the sake of eating. We are the mothers, lovers and creators of this earth. We are life because it can be created through us. Recognize the power inside your pussy. What’s the best piece of advice YOU’VE ever gotten? My mother always told me if I’m ever in an uncomfortable situation, pretend everyone’s naked. It loosens me up and makes me laugh everytime. People are at their most natural yet vulnerable state when naked. I bet some wouldn’t talk the shit they talk if their clothes weren’t on. How do you feel about rap today? Specifically, what do you feel women have to offer to the rap game? I think male rappers are scared. They know everyone rather hear and see a woman perform. ■

XO EDIT // JUNGLEPUSSY

A submission from Manchester, England.

<< PAGE 21 Printed shirt and knit vest by American Apparel

ABOVE: 2.

White shirt dress by Kooples Blue Jumper by H&M Bag by Mulberry

XO EDIT // SUMMER NOTIONS

Lilac jumper and skirt by American Apparel Sunglasses by Nellie Mae

XO EDIT // #MUSICFASHIONABLY

Bodysuit by American Apparel Jewellery stylists own

XO EDIT // SUMMER NOTIONS

Blue check dress by H&M Peach jumper by American Apparel

Peach shirt and blue pu skirt by American Apparel Coat and socks by Miss Selfridge Shoes by River Island Sunglasses by Prada

XO EDIT // SUMMER NOTIONS

MONO A submission from London, England.

Dress by Hermione De Paula Sweatshirt by Adyn Jacket by Jamie Wei Huang

Dress by Bracken Jacket by Jamie Wei Huang

Photographer | Ruth Richardson-Child Model | Sarah T from Profile Models Stylist | Ravi Kelay Hair and Makeup | Sarah Aziz

Suit by Sofia French

Dress by Hermione De Paula

XO EDIT // MONO

TINCHY STRYDER WORDS AND INTERVIEW | LE’KEISHA SIMS

Five years ago, Tinchy Stryder was announced as Britain’s highest-selling solo artist. A year later, he embarked on his second sold-out national tour. And then, he disappeared. A few collaborations, a scrapped album and new single later - TInchy is back with a new album and a few more tricks up his sleeve. XO Magazine catches up with Tinchy to find out more about ESG, his new album and what’s next.

You just dropped your new single ESG a couple of weeks ago as well as the remix, can you tell us about how the track came about? Well the album was nearly done and I was getting ready to wrap up and then Show N Prove sent me the track and I really liked it. I wanted it on the album because of how it connected with me straight away. Throughout the recording process I wanted something to represent the culture of East 34

XO EDIT // #MUSICFASHIONABLY

London where I’m from… East Side was that something. Can you tell us about your creative process with the new album, has it differed the way you went about creating your previous albums? Yeah, it definitely has differed. With the previous album I had loads of sessions with so many different producers and even got to go

abroad and work with some international producers so I ended up with loads of music. This time around is actually the first time that I worked on the ma jority of the album with the same producers, so I was able to spend more time on each track – there was no rush or real deadline because I am releasing via my own label. You’ve titled your new album 360, how did you come up with the name for the album? 360 degrees is basically to showcase me as an artist’s from where I started. In the beginning everything was independent, we did everything ourselves. Then I was signed to Island records, who I have a lot of love for, but currently everything is back to me having full creative control again, so I guess that’s the main thing. It’s also about feelings, relationships, family, music – it’s all just come back around in a way that I feel like I’ve learned a lot. But the main thing is the full creative control that’s back with me and that’s where 360 came from. Tell us about Full Tank, you said recently that it didn’t feel like an album to you, when you started on 360 did you want to expand on what Full Tank might have been and just make it a bit more cohesive or to give it that “album feel”, or did you start over from scratch? No – I started over from scratch. Full Tank was cool and I really liked all the tracks I was making but it didn’t feel like an album – I like to say it

was a compilation – a lot of good songs but I wasn’t telling one story. That’s why I was at the stage where I wanted to start again, I was in a new zone and then everything felt fresh to me and it was a hard decision to make because it’s not easy to scrap so many songs and start fresh, but the songs are always going to be there and I’ve started something new. What is your favourite song off the album? I would probably have to say that one of my personal favourites is ‘Story Song’ – it’s just got a feel to it and every time I hear it, it just brings me back to how I was, when I was writing it. It’s something about opening up a bit more about things that have been happening and touching on a couple of things. There’s something special to me about that one – it’s hard to pick though! Alongside music you have multiple business ventures, including your clothing line Star In The Hood - what is your creative process like for creating a collection? Is it similar to how you create your albums? With the clothing line it’s a real team, we all get our ideas together so I guess it’s like music because when you’re in the studio someone might want it this way or that way and you have to meet in the middle. It’s my name on it, my brand so I have to have a say, but I’m open to the team, it’s all a team effort – but I have to have that final say.

What has been your favourite piece thus far that you’ve created? It’s hard to say! I like so many things – the varsity jacket I really really like. But I have to say one of my favourites is the original t-shirt , the black with the green writing – that was just a classic and it brings back a lot of memories, but if I’m being honest with myself the one that looks the best is the varsity jacket. What are some of your favourite songs of the moment for summer 2014? I like Ed Sheeran’s ‘Sing’ – it’s growing on me, it’s a big song, massive song. I do like the Skepta track ‘That’s Not Me’ Did you collaborate with anyone on the new album? I’ve done loads of collaborative tracks but this time round it doesn’t really matter who the name is – if the track doesn’t fit in with the rest, I’m not using it. JME’s on there – it’s been more a closed team, everybody coming around it – it’s been really fun. What else can we expect from you in these upcoming months? I don’t like saying ‘expect this, expect that’ – definitely more music, you never know what tomorrow brings, I always say that but I never really like giving away too much until it’s actually there, but be on point because there’s stuff coming, it’s feeling good – the music’s the main thing.

XO EDIT // TINCHY STRYDER

FULL MOON FESTIVAL REPORTING | MOEIMA DUKULY PHOTOS | KISHA BARI

Brought to you by production house Matte Projects, Full Moon Festival lines up indie musical talent (The Knocks, Chela, Le Youth, Delorean, etc) on Governor’s Island in New York City for a can’t miss bonanza. As day turns into night, this one day festival offered up goodies from top restaurants/vendors of the five boroughs and a gathering of the creative class that was easygoing. Pile on a scene that wasn’t oppressively crowded and sunset views of Lower Manhattan and Lady Liberty, and it really was the perfect summer’s night.