The Drift is a New York City-based print and digital magazine covering politics, art & culture and literature for the intellectually curious. Created by young writers, it challenges ideas and pushes the boundaries of traditional discourse by publishing pieces from “writers who haven’t yet been absorbed into the media hivemind” about issues that aren’t talked about, or get talked around, in politics, media, the arts and even academia – thinking and writing from the margins.
Founded in 2020, The Drift is issued three times a year. It features long-form essays, cultural criticism, short fiction, poetry, interviews and reviews, and dispatches (pieces created by writers sent off on a specific assignment). The magazine hosts launch events for each issue, with free admission for print subscribers. Subscriptions are available in a combination of both print and digital, or digital-only. They also have an online shop with back issues and merch for sale.
(Photo credits: The Drift.)
What we like about this magazine
With alternative, culture-related magazines shifting to online-only publication these days (or disappearing altogether), we love that The Drift publishes print issues. Their fresh, sharp take on the here and now makes for an exciting, insightful read – and it’s heartening to see the next generation of writers emerge before our eyes, with thought-provoking observations and critiques of our society.
The magazine’s critical eye on arts & culture, including cultural icons, politics and world conflict – makes us question our previously-held beliefs, challenging the status quo and igniting conversation. Cate especially loves Max Norman’s piece on photographer Diane Arbus for its intimate examination of her puzzling and much-debated fascination with life’s “freaks” – a stark contrast to the fashion and celebrity photos she took, yet similar in that they were all people who were interesting to look at – framed within her “riches to rags” journey from a life of privilege to her work as a commercial, then fine art photographer. (Written by C.M.)
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Ideas for where you can go from here:
- Read the magazine.
- Get a subscription of The Drift. You can choose a combination of print and digital, or digital-only.
- Scroll down to check out what bores them. What bores you?
We love print magazines because they inspire you to take your time while reading. Taking your time while reading allows you to really take in the words and ideas. Taking in the words and ideas is part of the flourishing offline life Young W helps you discover: by exploring SOCIETY and the other 8 pillars of Arts & Letters, including those you may be hesitant to try.
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