Leroy Menace shot by NOMO Toy F. Image Courtesy of Dr. Martens.
Dr. Martens is a brand synonymous with subcultures. For more than six decades, Dr. Martens have continued to support and influence a variety of subcultures that are shaping the contemporary landscape. Their most recent initiative, “Tough As You,” aims to support underrepresented and marginalised talent in the music industry through a collaboration with established musicians Kelvyn Colt and Kyle Flamigni.
Kyle Flamigni and Kelvyn Colt. Images Courtesy of Dr. Martens.
“Tough As You” offers emerging talent support from Kelvyn and Kyle themselves, who hope to help artists realise their visions. The pair are also addressing the issue of inaccessibility of equipment, such as professional sound systems and modern technology, which has become increasingly exclusionary. With funding from Dr. Martens, Kyle and Kelvyn are providing artists PNKSAND, K.ZIA and Leroy Menace with a fully equipped shared studio space located in Berlin, allowing them to produce, write and record their individual projects with support from renowned producers, songwriters and engineers. Kelvyn, the mentor of the project, hopes to promote knowledge exchanges, networking and mutual support across the entirety of the music community through the “Tough As You” initiative; to make for a more accessible and inclusive music industry.
PNKSAND and K.ZIA. All Images Courtesy of Dr. Martens.