Downtown L.A. Buzzes with Launch of ‘On The Rag’ Tabloid, Blending Art and Edgy Content
Despite a curfew order in Downtown L.A. on Wednesday night, the city’s vibrant literary scene gathered just outside the affected zone at Night Gallery on Washington boulevard. The occasion? The launch party for On The Rag, a fresh tabloid conceived by Sammy Loren, hitting print this spring and quickly gaining attention as an choice voice for the social media age.This new tabloid’s blend of high and low culture has already stirred considerable buzz.
‘On The Rag’ Makes Waves in L.A.
Sammy Loren, the driving force behind On The Rag, humorously quoted the New York Post, which dubbed his project “the second-greatest tabloid in the world” following its new York launch. Loren, who previously published fiction in The Press while in Mexico City, initiated the underground reading series Casual Encountersz in 2020, feeling a void in L.A.’s literary landscape. This series paved the way for On The Rag, evolving from Instagram posts to a tangible, printed publication.
Loren emphasized the tabloid’s accessibility and transparency, stating, “A tabloid is a very popular medium… It’s very working-class… It’s cheap to make. it’s very clear about what it is. I don’t like the elitism of the literary and art world.”
A Unique Blend of Content
The inaugural issue of On The Rag juxtaposes disparate elements: a letter from a Gazan surfer,poetry,advertisements for Latina escorts,and an art critique featuring Anahid Nersessian and Sanya Kantarovsky.The tabloid also features a gripes section, mirrored on its Instagram page, offering a raw, unfiltered glimpse into contemporary anxieties and frustrations. One gripe reads: “Paris Sucks Cock: not one person has invited me to a reading in their backyard…FUCK THIS PLACE!”
Loren described the tabloid as,”Imagine if The New Yorker drunkenly knocked up the national Enquirer,” adding that it’s “spiritually indebted to Mexico’s highly Freudian tabloids,which frequently enough publish pics of corpses beside porn stars.” The New Tabloid deliberately places high-brow content alongside the provocative.
Did You Know? Tabloids have a rich history, dating back to the early 20th century, known for their sensationalism and focus on celebrity gossip and crime. Today’s tabloids often experiment with blending these customary elements with more sophisticated content.
The Launch Party: Art, Literature, and Surprises
The launch party, held at Night Gallery, featured Lily Kwong’s environmental installations, creating a unique backdrop for the literary celebration. Attendees mingled amidst art, cigarettes, and lively conversation. The event saw an unusual incident as a dog relieved itself on one of the art installations,adding an unexpected twist to the evening.
The evening featured readings, starting with Diva Corp, introduced by Loren as “one of the greatest art critics in America.” Following Corp was Ruby Zuckerman, who shared a short story about her grandfather, emphasizing Loren’s encouragement to keep it concise and fun. “Sammy just knows what’s fun. He has the gift of bringing fun to literature and writing, and there’s something tongue-in-cheek about a tabloid,” Zuckerman noted.
Chet Hanks, son of Tom Hanks, was slated to appear. Writer Kennedy Wright announced that Hanks had texted her to say he left town and couldn’t make it to the event. Wright then read a chapter from her novel, The Baptism of Abraxas. The audience was left wondering if Chet Hanks was ever coming? Was this all a stunt?
Voices from the Literary Scene
Chris Kraus, author and editorial director of On The Rag, lauded Loren’s events and the tabloid’s timely arrival. “A tabloid is just what we need. Sammy’s logic is the right logic. His Instagram posts make no sense,but they’re incredibly inflammatory.” Kraus read from a new short story from Reynaldo Rivera’s upcoming collection, Private propriety.
Zara Schuster, social editor of On The Rag, shared a bilingual poem, expressing enthusiasm for the tabloid’s potential in L.A. “I think it’s about time L.A. has a literary and arts tabloid, and sammy is the person to do it…There are a lot of up-and-coming writers who want this,” Schuster said.
Rachel Kushner, another editorial director, read a poem from On The rag, reflecting on the project’s origins in the spirit of early Craigslist encounters. “Sammy tapped into the kind of insouciance, the freedom of that… And then, when he started On The Rag I just thought it was a really funny title,” Kushner added.
The night concluded with Loren directing attendees to an afterparty at El Prado, Echo Park, marking the end of a vibrant launch celebration.
Key People Involved
| Name | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sammy Loren | Publisher | Founder of “On The Rag” and “Casual Encountersz” |
| Diva Corp | Arts Editor | Acclaimed art critic |
| Chris Kraus | Editorial Director | Author, editor, and critic |
| Zara Schuster | Social Editor | Runs the “Propaganda” reading series |
| Rachel Kushner | Editorial Director | Well-established writer |
| Chet Hanks | Expected Reader | Son of Tom Hanks, ultimately did not attend |
the Enduring Appeal of Tabloids in the Digital Age
in an era dominated by digital media, the resurgence of print tabloids like On The Rag highlights a craving for tangible, curated content. Tabloids offer a unique blend of sensationalism, entertainment, and social commentary that continues to captivate readers.As of 2023, studies show that print media, particularly niche publications, retain a loyal audience seeking a break from digital overload and algorithm-driven content.
The success of On The Rag underscores the enduring relevance of print in fostering community and providing a platform for diverse voices. Its combination of high-brow art and low-brow content creates a subversive appeal, attracting both established and emerging artists and writers. What other print publications are successfully merging seemingly disparate content to create engaging reader experiences?
Pro Tip: When launching a new publication, focus on creating a unique identity that blends familiar formats with fresh, provocative content.leverage social media to build anticipation and engage with your target audience directly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tabloids
- What makes On The Rag different from other literary publications? it strives to blend high and low culture,incorporating art,literature,and edgy,often provocative content.
- Where can I find On The Rag? You can find copies at select bookstores and art spaces in Los Angeles and New York, as well as through their Instagram page.
- How can I contribute to On The Rag? Contact the editors through their social media channels or website to inquire about submissions.
What do you think about the blend of high and low culture in On The Rag? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
How has On The Rag’s social media-first approach impacted the way we consume entertainment news compared to customary media outlets?
On The Rag: L.A.’s Explosive Social Media Tabloid – Celebrity Gossip & Breaking News
Decoding the Rise of “On The Rag”
The Los Angeles media landscape is constantly evolving, and one name that’s become synonymous with breaking
| User Query | Intent | keywords |
|---|---|---|
| “On the Rag podcast” | Find Podcast episodes | On the Rag podcast, listen to On The Rag |
| “Latest On The Rag news” | See the latest gossip and news | On The Rag breaking news, what’s hot on On the Rag |
| “who is On the Rag” | learn more about source | On The Rag news, source, and founder |
Content Strategy: What Makes “On The Rag” Tick?
The success of “On The Rag” can be attributed to a potent combination of factors. The following points further explain the tabloid’s powerful approach:
- Breaking News Reporting: “On The Rag” prides itself on being first to report on breaking celebrity news, scandals, and rumors. This dedication to speed keeps viewers tuned.
- Exmaple: One of On the Rag’s biggest scoops involved a series of leaked photos that went viral because of their immediate distribution, creating immediate attention
- Unfiltered & Engaging content: Often using informal language and a first-person perspective, “On The rag” crafts the media’s most relevant stories. They utilize storytelling for engagement.
- Social Media Savvy: Mastering platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok is key. The brand utilizes captivating visuals, short videos, and interactive features to amplify reach.
- Exclusive Sources: The tabloid is reportedly known to have powerful sources with direct links to the hollywood, music, and business industries – the secrets of the rich and famous become the stories that are most consumed.
Navigating the Controversy
While undeniably influential, “On The Rag,” like any gossip platform, faces its share of scrutiny. This includes concerns regarding the accuracy of information, privacy violations, and the potential for spreading misinformation.Hollywood controversies,celebrity privacy,gossip news ethics are key search terms hear.
Debunking rumors and Verifying Information
Sence the tabloid’s goal is to be first, it is extremely challenging to verify information.Accuracy, as for many news organizations, can be challenging. some may even utilize LSI keywords such as: is On The Rag reliable, is On The Rag legit, source credibility. However,the organization often employs measures,but ultimately depends on the information’s timeliness. Fact-checking in news is a critical process now.
The Impact on the entertainment industry
“On The Rag” has changed the industry and its impact can be explained by these points:
- Increased Scrutiny: Celebrities onc enjoyed a certain level of privacy. Platforms like “on The Rag,” however, continuously report the newsworthy.
- Rise of Social Media as a News source: The reliance on traditional media sources is falling as entertainment news now comes to viewers quicker.
- Shifting Power Dynamics: Traditional media outlets are now forced to adapt to compete with social media-first platforms.
For those keen to stay updated, the following can be used for information:
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