PRINT MEDIA IS IN. If you’re looking for a way to stop doom scrolling, pick up a copy of Scatterbrain Magazine’s fifth issue. I don’t write, but Scatterbrain has moved me to pick up the old quill and ink and drop some thoughts on their new issue and launch party so… here you go.

Scatterbrain Magazine is an independent magazine founded in 2022 (and was just featured in the top 5 of Cult MTL’s “Best of 2025” poll under “Best Magazine”). Similarly to CKUT, Scatterbrain focuses on uplifting local underrepresented creatives, musicians, and designers scattering pieces of art, photography, and literature within each issue. With bi-annual editions produced in both Montreal and New York, readers are able to gain an inside perspective into the two cities. It’s like cultural tourism, but from a local instead of a tour guide (which always leads to the best experiences). Your local guides Jeanne Bransbourg, Loren Armstrong, and Nia Blankson take you on a nostalgia-filled trip back in time and forwards into the future, culminating in a clear view of the present: of what 2025 was supposed to be, in their eyes. 

The issue 5 launch party was held at Espace SAT in Montreal’s old red light district and was split up into 2 dimensions: one for the vendors and one for the performers. As I walked into the space, I was greeted by stars adorning the ceilings and otherworldly visuals projected onto the screens, transforming half the space into a time machine that was about to take us on a trip through the ether. The soundwaves emitted from Raef & Esme’s set bounced into my eardrums, immediately getting my hips grooving and my head bopping. It’s clear this duo have a familiarity and comfort level with each other that allowed them to cook up a housey b2b set.

As I took in my surroundings, I realized I was in the midst of a uniquely different but unified crowd. Friends meeting friends, strangers complimenting strangers, people admiring the vendors… I felt a bit intimidated by the plethora of beautiful people and the many which ways they engaged in self-expression. Albeit, no one was a stranger – one-degree connections were everywhere you looked and the persistent hum of hellohowareyous, deep conversations, and giggles provided a safety blanket for me to ease my way into the night.  Jeanne and Loren did a wonderful job of creating a space of connection and sharing. People here were looking within and finding beauty and emanating that outward for the world, whether it be through music, art, makeup, spoken word, writing and fashion. Prior to the fashion show, disco-punk band Barber for the Queen commanded the stage with a powerful stage presence. Jumping, sitting, grooving, they warmed up the dance floor and the crowd for the rest of the night. In a slowly defrosting winter, it’s refreshing to see beautiful things and beautiful people blooming and booming. 

From contrasting colours and big-tee graphics of the early 2010s to the iridescence and silver-coating of the future, the fashion show featured a mishmash of local designers whose pieces were also available for purchase. DJ duo Asha & Runa curated the soundtrack of the show and provided the much desired rhythm and bass-heavy music that propelled the models through the catwalk. This duo share a passion for music and dance and the community it fosters, perfect candidates for Scatterbrain. The fashion showcase took place on a runway under the stars, with the catwalk dimly lit in all places but one: center spotlight at the very end. As each model made their way to the end of the line, their forms slowly emerged into the light, drawing the audiences’ eyes to the clothes, craftsmanship, accessories, and makeup. And they left as quickly as they came, shrouded back into the dark blue night, only allowing the audience a quick breath, as if any longer in the spotlight would’ve been too much for us mere carbon-based life forms. The models did not end the show accompanied by their respective designers for a final walk, nor was each designer announced as they came out. Rather, each designer was featured following the other, not tethered to a name or a callout, simply following the other in a fluid motion of past and future. While I wish it was more clear which designers were on stage at any given moment, I appreciated that it gave us a seamless showcase of a reimagined present. 

Pyjama Day x Tachie Menson closed out the night with an electrifying set ending in a broken string and a bloody finger…You can find an interview with Nia (Tachie Menson) on an episode of Burstin’ the Bubble linked here. 

A much appreciated bonus of the night was a space in the back of the venue, tucked away beside some green velvet couches, that served as a lovely respite for those waiting for their friends, those with low social battery, introverted and/or neurodivergent people, or anyone who wanted an escape. A colouring table with Scatterbrain characters for the crowd to design and make their own with different mediums to use: crayons, markers, sharpies, pencil crayons. It’s not often venues or places give you a piece of respite or escape from what’s happening out on the dance floor – I felt seen.

Uplifting local artists, musicians, and designers, Scatterbrain Magazine is one to look out for.

x

Pegasus

 

check em out @scatterbrainmagazine on the IG

DESIGNERS

Segment 1:

Funky Shrimp

Grimey

Studios_IRL

Après Après

Scatterbrain Magazine

Segment 2:

Maison Prefontaine

Brokenheart

Toothwurld

Après Après

Madgirl Montreal

Scatterbrain Magazine

 

PERFORMERS

DJs:

Asha

Runa

Raef

Esme

Bands:

Barber for the Queen

Pyjama Day

 

HAIR AND MAKEUP

Hair:

Sasuki Studio

Chloe Gladu

Anna Ahillesova

Ty Eastwood

Makeup:

Orly Estrin

Ève-Marie Lapierre

Ari Lafrance

Toothwurld