Chris is the third face of Clash 124. The French auteur has been through some changes. Loss, grief, and personal transformation, his 2022 project Redcar - both the studio album and live shows - acted as a foreword, the entrance point into a new realm, a new state of being. This period of tragedy and evolution inspires Christine and the Queens on his boldest work yet. Incoming album ‘PARANOÏA, ANGELS, TRUE LOVE’ is a radical shift in sound, one that stretched him to the limits. Preparing for its release, he turns towards the light. He tells Clash: “Culture now wants to overcompensate with joy. Sometimes we also need melancholia.” Elsewhere in this issue, Clash is illuminated by the rapture of avant-R&B aesthete Kelela, and sits down with Grammy-nominated Gabriels. You’ll also explore the soulful realm of Fousheé, and meet the pan-genre sonic voyager KAM-BU. We’ll pin-point daine’s avant pop futurism, and gain some life lessons from seminal UK rapper Avelino. You’ll be granted an audience with Grammy-winning saxophonist and songwriter Venna, before diving into the realm of Black Lips, the seminal 90s queer theatrical collective which centred around ANOHNI. Pre-Order your copy of Clash 124 now. Copies will be shipping globally from April 14th onwards. Please allow sufficient time for your copy to arrive. Words: Skye ButchardPhotography: Joe CruzFashion: Harry ClementsCreative Direction: Rob Meyers