During her set, M.I.A. reportedly told the audience, “I’ve been canceled for many reasons. I never thought I would be canceled for being a brown Republican voter,” before referencing immigration and her song Illegal, saying she could not perform it because “some of you could be in the audience.” Many fans felt the comments were inflammatory and out of place, especially given the song’s original message about migrant dehumanization. Audience members booed, clips spread rapidly online, and fans began messaging Kid Cudi demanding accountability. 

Kid Cudi responded publicly through Instagram, making it clear he had already warned M.I.A.’s team before the tour began that he did not want offensive political remarks during his shows. He wrote: “I won’t have someone on my tour making offensive remarks that upsets my fanbase.” He added that he had been flooded with messages from disappointed fans and that keeping the tour’s atmosphere positive mattered more than continuing the partnership. By May 4, he officially announced M.I.A. was no longer on the tour. 

The moment reignited wider debates around artistic freedom versus responsibility. M.I.A. defended herself by linking her remarks to her own frustrations with immigration systems and legal barriers, but many felt the delivery crossed the line from commentary into provocation. The incident also reflected her increasingly polarizing public image, shaped in recent years by vaccine skepticism, anti-surveillance activism, and outspoken political statements. 

At the same time, South Asian artists continue proving that freedom can be expressed through empowerment rather than division.

Lara Raj is one of the most exciting new voices in global pop. The Tamil-American artist, now a member of KATSEYE, has become a powerful advocate for South Asian representation. She proudly wears bindis, bangles, and cultural symbols on global stages, explaining that her mission is to help young brown girls feel “uplifted, powerful and confident.” She has also spoken openly about body positivity, racism, and queer identity, refusing to shrink herself for mainstream approval. Her version of freedom is visibility without apology, showing that representation itself can be a form of rebellion. 

NEO 10Y represents a bold new wave of conscious South Asian artistry, blending music, activism, and unapologetic self-expression into one powerful identity. Known for his emotionally raw songwriting and alternative pop sound, he creates music that speaks to freedom, healing, and individuality, often using his platform to challenge social norms and encourage self-worth.

Openly gay and proudly vegan, NEO 10Y stands for living authentically and refusing to compromise personal values for acceptance. His growing influence on platforms like TikTok has helped him go viral with younger audiences who connect deeply with his honesty, style, and fearless energy. Beyond music, his presence is larger than life, from his striking visual identity to the confidence and charisma that make him impossible to ignore. As one of the most followed personalities on Noplace, he represents a generation of South Asian creatives rewriting the rules, proving that success comes not from fitting in, but from standing fully in your truth.

The post M.I.A. fired by Kid Cudi After SHOCKING Tour Rant, Meanwhile Lara Raj & NEO 10Y Are Redefining Freedom for South Asians appeared first on KIMU.

She said, “Y’all not gonna like me for this one,” before adding, “Eating meat is inherently wrong.”

Then came the quote that quickly spread across social media:

“Two things cannot coincide. ‘I love animals, I love all animals so much,’ and ‘I eat meat.’”

She followed it with the line that became a rallying cry for many in the vegan movement:

“You can eat meat. Go for it. You can love animals. But you can’t do both.”

It was direct, uncomfortable, and impossible to ignore. That is exactly why it mattered.

For years, vegan activists have been dismissed as too extreme for pointing out what many people already know deep down: if compassion matters, why does it stop at certain species? Why do dogs receive love while pigs are sent to slaughter? Why do people cry over one animal and pay for another to be killed?

Billie took that contradiction and said it clearly on one of the biggest platforms in mainstream culture. That matters.

Celebrity vegan advocacy is often reduced to wellness trends, plant-based diets for appearance, or vague environmental talking points. Billie brought the conversation back to ethics, where it belongs. This was not about image or personal branding. It was about moral consistency.

Naturally, the backlash came quickly.

Some called her privileged. Others accused her of hypocrisy. Comment sections filled with the usual arguments about tradition, culture, personal choice, and convenience. But even the criticism proved the point: people were talking.

That is how change happens. Not through silence, but through discomfort.

The greatest social progress has always sounded too radical before it became obvious. People once defended slavery, denied women basic rights, and resisted every major justice movement by calling it unrealistic or extreme. History does not remember comfort kindly.

This conversation also connects powerfully to what NEO 10Y recently said in a reel that gained traction online: “Speciesism is the root of all oppression and how we treat animals is how we treat each other.”

He also said: “Speciesism is the root of all oppression, and love is the shortcut to world peace.”

It is a powerful idea. Speciesism is the belief that some species matter more than others simply because they are not human. It allows society to separate animals into categories of “pet,” “food,” “entertainment,” or “product,” based entirely on convenience.

A dog is family. A pig becomes bacon. A cow is turned into beef. A chicken becomes a menu item. The violence is hidden behind language.

This is why Billie’s words hit so hard. Because many people already know.

They know factory farming is brutal. They know slaughterhouses are hidden for a reason. They know that if they had to kill the animal themselves, most would not.

Veganism asks people to stop outsourcing their ethics.

That is why vegans are on the right side of history.

Here are ten reasons why.

1. They reject unnecessary violence

If people can live healthy, full lives without killing animals, continuing to do so becomes a choice, not a necessity.

2. They apply compassion consistently

Love should not depend on species. Empathy should not stop at the edge of human convenience.

3. They challenge normalized cruelty

Factory farming depends on people not looking too closely. Veganism forces that reality into view.

4. They refuse comfortable hypocrisy

Saying “I love animals” while paying for animals to be killed deserves reflection, not automatic acceptance.

5. They align values with actions

Ethics are not just beliefs. They are daily decisions.

6. They understand oppression is connected

Systems built on domination and exploitation rarely stop with one group. The mindset matters.

7. They recognize animals as individuals

Animals are not products. They are living beings with fear, intelligence, relationships, and the desire to survive.

8. They support environmental survival

Animal agriculture contributes heavily to emissions, deforestation, water waste, and ecological destruction.

9. They make compassion practical

Veganism is not just philosophy. It is action people can take every single day.

10. They are ahead of history

Nearly every justice movement begins with people mocking those who were simply right too early.

Billie Eilish did not start this conversation. Vegan activists, animal rights campaigners, and ethical thinkers have been saying this for decades. But when someone with her reach says it without apology, culture shifts. People think.

And sometimes, one sentence is enough to expose an entire contradiction.

“You can love animals. But you can’t do both.”

That line upset people because it touched something true.

And truth, especially when it demands change, is rarely comfortable.

The post Billie Eilish’s Comments on Eating Animals Have Sparked a Major Conversation About Animal Rights; And This Is A Good Thing appeared first on KIMU.

Foundations in Fashion and Early Accolades

Nik Thakkar’s career began in the fashion industry, where he gained early recognition after being scouted in Paris by Jean Paul Gaultier. He went on to appear as part of Gaultier’s AW13–14 digital campaign, establishing himself within a major luxury house’s creative output.

He subsequently worked across campaigns and projects with leading fashion brands including Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford, and others associated with the global luxury sector. His involvement included participation in Louis Vuitton’s “Art of Packing” campaign and Tom Ford’s short film “An Ode to Oud,” positioning him within high-end visual and cinematic fashion storytelling.

Alongside this, he co-founded the fashion label Ada + Nik with designer Ada Zanditon. The label presented collections at London Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week, operating within the runway circuit as both a creative and design-led project.

In 2015, Ada + Nik received the GenArt Prize at New York Fashion Week, marking an important industry accolade recognising emerging design talent.

Additional recognition during this period included being voted one of Time Out Magazine’s Top 100 Creatives and appearing on OUT magazine’s “most eligible bachelors” lists multiple times, reflecting his visibility within both fashion and cultural media.

Collaborations, Innovation, and Brand Work

Thakkar’s fashion career also included experimental collaborations and cross-disciplinary projects. Notably, he worked with will.i.am on a camera-enabled biker jacket, exploring early intersections between fashion and wearable technology.

His broader brand and creative collaborations extended to global companies such as Coca-Cola, Xbox, Motorola, and Selfridges, where he contributed to creative direction and campaign-related work.

He was also associated with high-profile fashion houses including Jean Paul Gaultier, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Tom Ford, and Karl Lagerfeld on campaigns and fashion films, reinforcing his position within the luxury fashion ecosystem.

Media Presence and Industry Recognition

Thakkar’s work has been featured in major publications and media outlets, including Vogue, GQ, Forbes, The Guardian, The Telegraph, Sunday Times Style, Style.com, and VICE, which described him as “one of the premier creative minds in London.”

His visibility across both mainstream and niche fashion media contributed to his profile as a culturally embedded figure within creative industries.

Transition into NEO 10Y

The emergence of NEO 10Y marks a shift from industry participation to self-defined artistic authorship. Rather than operating primarily within fashion systems, Thakkar began developing a multidisciplinary identity that integrates music, visual presentation, performance, and conceptual storytelling.

Under the NEO 10Y identity, his work expands beyond fashion into a unified creative practice where identity itself becomes a central theme.

Music, Distribution, and Digital Presence

As NEO 10Y, Thakkar is an independent recording artist distributed through AWAL. His music is supported by a strong digital presence, with releases and visual projects often accompanied by self-produced “hyper reality” music videos.

These videos have gained attention for their stylised, immersive aesthetic and have contributed to his visibility across digital platforms.

His music has also been supported through placements on major streaming playlists across Spotify, Apple Music, and TIDAL, including editorial and algorithmic playlists such as Glitch, Cosmic Playlists, misfits 2.0, TRANSCEND, Discover Weekly, and Your Daily Mix.

Live Performances and Events

Live performance forms a central component of NEO 10Y’s artistic practice. His shows are often described as immersive 360-degree experiences that combine music, fashion, and visual identity into a cohesive presentation.

He has performed at a range of venues and events across London, Europe, and the United States, including:

• Roundhouse in London
• Troxy in London
• Raves and curated live music events
• Secret Garden Party festival
• West Hollywood Pride
• UK Black Pride
• Billboard magazine event in New York City
• Headlining London’s official Royal Diwali

These performances position him within both music and cultural event circuits, rather than a single genre-specific environment.

Press Coverage and Media Features

NEO 10Y has been featured across a wide range of publications and media platforms, including Billboard, Paper, COLORS, Dazed, BBC, Evening Standard, Rolling Stone, them, CLASH, Earmilk, Notion, Noctis, L’Officiel, GQ, Gal Dem, and Interview Magazine.

His work has also been covered in broadcast media, including appearances and features on Sky News, BBC London, BBC World Service, BBC Three, and MTV.

Coverage often focuses on his multidisciplinary identity, the intersection of fashion and music, and his approach to self-expression and performance.

Television and Documentary Appearance

A notable media appearance includes participation in the Channel 4 documentary “Higher Ground,” where he appeared as the first person to take psychedelics on UK national television. This appearance contributed to broader discussions around consciousness, culture, and personal exploration within a televised format.

Activism, Education, and Public Engagement

Alongside his creative work, NEO 10Y is active in advocacy and education. He has delivered guest lectures at institutions such as London College of Fashion, Central Saint Martins, and University of the Arts London.

He is also associated with activism in areas including veganism, environmental awareness, LGBTQ+ intersectionality, yoga, and reiki. His work has intersected with organisations such as PETA, The Vegan Society, Greenpeace, and National Geographic through campaigns and collaborative projects.

Additionally, he has hosted and participated in public events including National Animal Rights Day in London and the launch of the Goodluck Hope riverside development.

Entrepreneurship and Product Development

Expanding beyond music and fashion, Thakkar launched GODDEX, a gender-expansive fragrance concept aligned with his broader artistic philosophy. The project reflects his continued interest in identity, inclusivity, and sensory expression as part of a wider creative ecosystem.

Continuity Across Disciplines

The transition from fashion to NEO 10Y does not represent a break, but rather a reconfiguration of existing strengths into a more autonomous framework. Skills developed in fashion, including visual presentation, branding, collaboration, and conceptual thinking, continue to inform his work across music and performance.

His career demonstrates continuity across multiple disciplines, with fashion serving as both a foundation and an ongoing influence within his artistic output.

Conclusion

NEO 10Y’s trajectory reflects a progression from fashion industry recognition, supported by campaigns, runway shows, collaborations, and awards, into a multidisciplinary artistic identity defined by live performance, recorded music, media presence, and cultural engagement.

With features across major publications, performances at internationally recognised venues and events, playlist support across major streaming platforms, and participation in activism and education, his work operates across intersecting creative fields. The result is a unified artistic practice where fashion, music, identity, and performance converge into a single evolving narrative.

The post NEO 10Y (Nik Thakkar): From Fashion Insider to Multidisciplinary Artist appeared first on KIMU.

Early Breakthrough and Luxury Campaign Work

Nik Thakkar’s entry into the fashion world came through notable early recognition. He was scouted in Paris by Jean Paul Gaultier and went on to become part of Gaultier’s AW13–14 digital campaign. This positioned him not simply as a participant but as a visible face within a major luxury house’s global communication strategy.

From there, he expanded into collaborations with other major brands, including Louis Vuitton and Tom Ford. One of his credited appearances includes Louis Vuitton’s “Art of Packing” campaign, as well as involvement in Tom Ford’s short film “An Ode to Oud.” These projects placed him within the visual and conceptual storytelling side of fashion, where campaigns often blend cinematic production with brand identity.

At this stage, his role aligned with that of a model and campaign figure, working alongside established creative teams while building recognition within the luxury sector.

Ada + Nik: Founding a Fashion Label

A major development in his career was the co-founding of the fashion label Ada + Nik with designer Ada Zanditon. The brand operated within the runway ecosystem, presenting collections at both London Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week over multiple seasons.

Ada + Nik became known for its futuristic, dark aesthetic and its engagement with gender-fluid design principles. The label explored silhouettes and concepts that challenged conventional distinctions in menswear and womenswear, aligning with broader shifts in fashion toward non-binary expression.

In 2015, Ada + Nik received the GenArt Prize at New York Fashion Week, marking recognition within an industry platform that highlights emerging design talent. This period represents a transition in Thakkar’s career from participant to creator, as he moved into shaping collections and presenting them on international runways.

Collaboration with Will.i.am and Wearable Technology

Beyond traditional fashion design, Nik Thakkar engaged in experimental collaboration that intersected with technology and innovation. One of the most notable examples is his work with will.i.am, where they developed a camera-enabled biker jacket concept.

This project reflects an early exploration of wearable technology in fashion, combining functional hardware with garment design. It also situates Thakkar within a niche of fashion creatives interested in merging product design with digital functionality, rather than limiting work to aesthetic expression alone.

Brand Consulting and Industry Work

In addition to design and modeling, Thakkar has contributed to brand strategy and creative consultancy for several major companies. His portfolio includes work connected to Coca-Cola, specifically Diet Coke, as well as projects involving Xbox, Motorola, and Selfridges.

This aspect of his career highlights a behind-the-scenes role in shaping campaigns and creative direction. Rather than being solely a front-facing figure, he operated in advisory and conceptual capacities, contributing to how brands communicate visually and culturally.

Fashion Industry Presence and Cultural Visibility

Throughout the mid-2010s, Nik Thakkar maintained a visible presence within the fashion circuit. He was frequently associated with events, shows, and social environments that overlap with major industry gatherings, including fashion weeks and brand activations.

His positioning within this space contributed to his reputation as a recurring figure in high-profile fashion environments. This visibility extended beyond formal roles, placing him within a network of designers, brands, media figures, and creatives who collectively shape contemporary fashion culture.

Expansion into Fragrance and Identity-Driven Projects

Thakkar later expanded his creative output into product development beyond clothing. One example is the launch of GODDEX, a genderless fragrance concept that aligns with his broader interest in identity, spirituality, and self-expression.

This move reflects a continuation of themes present throughout his work, where fashion, personal identity, and conceptual storytelling intersect. Rather than operating strictly within apparel, his projects began to encompass broader lifestyle and sensory experiences.

Positioning Within the Fashion Ecosystem

Across his career, Nik Thakkar’s role has shifted between several interconnected positions:

• Campaign face for luxury brands such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Louis Vuitton, and Tom Ford
• Co-founder and designer of the Ada + Nik label
• Collaborator in experimental projects involving figures like will.i.am
• Consultant for global brands including Coca-Cola, Xbox, Motorola, and Selfridges
• Participant in runway presentations at London Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week

This combination of roles places him within a hybrid category of fashion professional, where modeling, design, consulting, and cultural participation overlap rather than exist as separate paths.

Conclusion

Nik Thakkar’s fashion background forms the foundation of his broader creative identity as NEO 10Y. Beginning with early recognition in Paris and involvement in major luxury campaigns, he transitioned into co-founding a runway label, collaborating on experimental design projects, and contributing to brand strategy across industries.

His career reflects a consistent presence within high fashion environments, supported by collaborations with established designers, global brands, and creative figures. Over time, this foundation expanded into a multidisciplinary practice that integrates fashion, identity, technology, and cultural expression into a unified creative approach.

The post NEO 10Y (Nik Thakkar): Fashion Background, Collaborations, and Cultural Positioning appeared first on KIMU.

Blink and you might miss him, but listen closely: in the film’s trailer, Thakkar is the one screaming when Kate Moss “dies”. It’s chaotic, fabulous, and totally on-brand for the delirious spirit of Ab Fab. That brief, high-voltage moment feels like a time capsule — a flash of pre-NEO Thakkar, embodying the absurd excess the film so lovingly satirises.

At the time, Thakkar was deep in fashion, co-running the label Ada+Nik, modelling for Jean Paul Gaultier, consulting for luxury brands, and moving through the same creative circuits the Ab Fab universe parodied with affection and bite. His cameo sits perfectly between worlds — a fashion kid at the height of London’s glossy madness, moments before his metamorphosis into the artist now known for preaching universal love and radical consciousness.

Looking back, it’s kind of poetic. The scream that broke through the noise of Ab Fab would soon evolve into something more — a voice calling for connection, empathy, and awakening. But in that split second on film, Nik Thakkar wasn’t yet the visionary NEO 10Y. He was the chaos before the calm. And like everything he does, it was iconic.

Where He Is Now

Since that fleeting, fabulous cameo, NEO 10Y has built an entire sonic universe rooted in what he calls “LOVE ENERGY.” His genre-bending releases have earned coverage from Rolling Stone, Billboard, Paper, Dazed, Attitude,and Gay Times, each celebrating his fearless mix of futurist pop and spiritual activism. On stage, he’s brought immersive, mind-opening performances to spaces like The Roundhouse, The Troxy, West Hollywood Pride, Secret Garden Party, New York Fashion Week, and cultural events across Europe and the USA, combining hypnotic visuals with transcendent vocals and messages of peace, liberation, and unity.

From a scream in Absolutely Fabulous to a movement for collective awakening — NEO 10Y has always known how to make noise that means something.

The post NEO 10Y (Nik Thakkar): The Scene-Stealing Scream in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie appeared first on KIMU.

At the centre of that moment was independent artist NEO 10Y, who brought forward allegations that would ultimately challenge one of the industry’s most powerful cultural gatekeeping systems.

A System, Not an Isolated Incident

When NEO 10Y shared a series of Instagram direct messages with BuzzFeed News in March 2019, the claims were specific and troubling. He alleged that Patrick Crowley, then a senior editorial figure at Billboard Pride, had solicited explicit images in exchange for editorial support.

The alleged dynamic was one of quid pro quo, a transactional abuse of power where access to visibility, coverage, and career momentum could be conditioned on sexual compliance. For emerging artists, particularly those operating independently without the buffer of major label backing, such access is often the difference between obscurity and opportunity.

NEO 10Y’s refusal, he claimed, came with consequences. According to his account, he was removed from a prominent playlist, a subtle but impactful form of professional retaliation in an industry where algorithms, placements, and editorial endorsements can shape careers overnight.

But perhaps the most significant element of his account was not the individual interaction, but how he framed it. This was not, he argued, a misunderstanding or a one-off lapse in judgment. It was “orchestrated” manipulation, a systemic pattern in which institutional authority could be leveraged for personal gain.

The Floodgates Open

The response was swift. Following inquiries from BuzzFeed News, Billboard terminated Crowley’s employment, stating that an internal investigation had confirmed violations of company policy.

Yet the story did not end there. In many ways, that was when it truly began.

Once NEO 10Y spoke publicly, others followed. Artists including Alextbh, Michael Medrano, and Kisos came forward with similar allegations, describing encounters that echoed the same pattern of coercion and blurred professional boundaries.

This “bandwagon effect,” often criticized in public discourse, is more accurately understood as a release valve. When one person breaks silence, it creates space for others to recognize their experiences not as isolated incidents, but as part of a broader pattern. In marginalized communities, where reputational risk is amplified and support systems are often informal, that first voice carries disproportionate weight.

Power Within Marginalized Spaces

What made this case particularly complex was its setting within LGBTQ+ media and culture. Spaces like Billboard Pride are often viewed as affirming environments, designed to uplift queer voices historically excluded from mainstream narratives.

But inclusion does not inherently dismantle power hierarchies. In fact, it can sometimes obscure them.

When gatekeepers exist within marginalized communities, the dynamics of exploitation can become harder to confront. Victims may fear not only professional repercussions, but also social exile from communities that double as both support networks and career ecosystems. There is an added pressure not to “damage” a space that is already perceived as under threat.

This tension complicates the narrative. It challenges the assumption that shared identity equates to shared ethics, and highlights the need for accountability structures that extend beyond surface-level representation.

The Legal and Institutional Response

In the aftermath, Crowley filed a lawsuit against Billboard, alleging wrongful termination and claiming that he had been treated differently because of his sexual orientation. The case introduced another layer to the conversation, raising questions about due process, workplace protections, and the potential for identity to be invoked defensively in misconduct cases.

A federal judge ultimately dismissed the lawsuit, finding no evidence of discrimination or defamation. While the ruling closed the legal chapter, it did little to resolve the broader cultural questions the case had raised.

The Cost of Speaking Out

For NEO 10Y, the decision to go public carried significant risk. As an independent artist, he lacked the institutional backing that might cushion against industry backlash. Speaking out meant potentially alienating powerful figures and limiting future opportunities in an already competitive landscape.

Yet that risk is precisely what made the moment resonate.

In an interview with the New York Post, NEO 10Y emphasized that his goal was not personal vindication, but exposure of what he described as “systemic behaviour.” His framing shifted the focus from individual wrongdoing to structural vulnerability, particularly for young artists navigating opaque industry pathways.

That act of reframing is central to the legacy of #MeToo, both within and beyond the LGBTQ+ community. It transforms stories from isolated accusations into evidence of patterns, and from personal grievances into calls for institutional change.

Beyond 2019: A Continuing Reckoning

In the years since, the music industry has made visible efforts to address issues of misconduct, from updated workplace policies to more robust reporting mechanisms. Yet many of the underlying dynamics remain intact. Gatekeeping has not disappeared; it has simply evolved, moving across platforms, playlists, and digital ecosystems.

For artists like NEO 10Y, the experience marked a turning point. Rejecting traditional pathways, he has embraced a fully independent trajectory, positioning himself outside the structures that once constrained him. It is a path that reflects both resilience and disillusionment, a reimagining of success that prioritizes autonomy over access.

But not every artist has that option.

The 2019 exposé serves as a reminder that progress is uneven, and that visibility alone does not guarantee safety. It underscores the importance of continued scrutiny, particularly in spaces that pride themselves on inclusivity.

If the broader #MeToo movement taught us anything, it is that silence is rarely a sign of absence. More often, it is a reflection of risk.

And in an industry built on aspiration, that risk can be everything.

Since surviving the fire of that exposé, NEO 10Y has completely transcended the traditional “pop star” trajectory. Rather than seeking a new corporate master, he leaned into total independence. His music has evolved into what he calls “dimensional sonic ascension” – a genre-bending “cinematic grunge” that treats music as a catalyst for spiritual ascension. His latest era, headlined by the release of ASCETIC HEDONIST (currently viral on TikTok) and Quantum 3rd Eye Realness, uses high-frequency ancient-futurism as a “sonic portal to oneness.”

Beyond the studio, NEO 10Y has manifested his philosophy of “oneness” into the physical world through GODDEX, his gender-expansive, alcohol-free fragrance brand. Designed as a “ritual in a bottle,” the scent is entirely vegan and cruelty-free, reflecting his unwavering commitment to animal liberation. He has become one of the UK’s most vocal advocates for the intersection of speciesism and human rights, famously arguing in his BBC and Channel 4 appearances that “peace starts on our plates.”

Today, NEO 10Y exists as a “multi-hyphenate revolutionary.” Whether he is performing at West Hollywood Pride, the Roundhouse, the Troxy or a headline set at Heaven London, collaborating on consciousness-expanding documentaries, or protesting for non-binary visibility, his work remains rooted in the bravery he showed in 2019. He didn’t just break a gatekeeper; he built an entirely new world where the binary between genders, between species, and between the artist and the audience no longer exists.

The post NEO 10Y and the LGBTQ+ #MeToo Reckoning That Shook the Music Industry appeared first on KIMU.

The Cosmology of a Name: Neoteny and Oneness

The name NEO 10Y is a deeply layered ethereal construct designed to decode reality. It draws from several spiritual and biological dimensions:

• Neoteny: The core of the name comes from the biological term for retaining childlike characteristics into adulthood, which NEO 10Y interprets as a spiritual commitment to leading with “love energy” and the open-heartedness of one’s inner child.
• The Sanskrit Parallel: “NEO” is an anagram for “ONE” or oneness, reflecting their Sanskrit name, Nikhil, which translates to “complete” or “oneness.”
• Binary Unity: The “10” represents complete binary code (1 and 0), symbolizing the togetherness of reality and the non-binary nature of human existence.
• Curiosity as a Catalyst: The “Y” stands for “curiosity energy,” which NEO 10Y believes is the prerequisite for love and the ultimate search for existential meaning.

Art as Spiritual Technology

NEO 10Y views his creative process as a form of “universal download.” As a Reiki Master and practitioner of Vinyasa-Ashtanga yoga, they infuse their “cinematic grunge” and “industrial R&B” soundscapes with high-vibrational frequencies and ancient Sanskrit-style chanting.

His work often references Vedic philosophies, particularly the concept of ahimsa (non-violence). This manifests in their radical advocacy for a vegan future, which they view as a spiritual necessity because “speciesism is the root of all oppression.” For NEO 10Y, identifying as non-binary is itself a spiritual state – a way of understanding the fluid energies that transcend the binary “scripts” of the physical world.

Manifestos of the “Protopian” Future

NEO 10Y’s discography serves as a roadmap for a “protopian dimension of peace.” For example, their visual for CHOOSE LOVE seeks to transport viewers to a heavenly dimension or Hiranyaloka, aiming to induce a meditative state of enlightenment (nirvikalpa samadhi).

His 2025 single, ASCETIC HEDONIST, functions as a definitive manifesto for this journey. It explores the sacred tension between discipline (the ascetic) and pleasure (the hedonist), arguing that true liberation comes from mastering both. Through these portals, NEO 10Y invites the audience to bridge the gap between the mainstream physical world and the astral realm, ultimately proving that “love is the shortcut to world peace.”

Beyond his core manifestos, NEO 10Y’s discography explores self-realization through titles like Vapid Prophecy and his collaborative track Quantum 3rd Eye Realness, which incorporates mantras for energetic healing. The artist has also taken this spiritual mission to mainstream media, appearing on Channel 4’s Higher Ground to discuss plant medicine and on a 2025 Paramount+ show with Jimmy Carr, aiming to inject conscious, “spiritual baddie” energy into traditional entertainment.

The post The Spiritual Revolution of NEO 10Y: Decoding the Oneness Construct appeared first on KIMU.

With walk-on access, he rode the park’s biggest coasters repeatedly – front row, over and over – turning thrill rides into a moving meditation. His favourite, Nemesis Inferno, twists through a volcanic theme with suspended seats that leave your legs dangling as you spiral and invert at high speed. The sensation of being untethered – feet kicking through open air – set the tone for the day: surrendering control, embracing chaos, and finding calm within it. 

But it was Hyperia that defined the experience. As the UK’s tallest and fastest coaster, towering at 236ft and exceeding 80mph, it delivers not just adrenaline but moments of near-weightlessness that feel almost out-of-body. Riding it multiple times without queues, NEO 10Y described a strange clarity – like being “cosmically irrelevant, but peacefully so,” a feeling of dissolving into something bigger than himself.

That same sensation carried through The Swarm, where riders sit on either side of the track with nothing above or below them, amplifying exposure and vulnerability, and Stealth, which launches from 0–80mph in under two seconds – an explosive burst of force that shocks the body into presence. 

What emerged from the day was a philosophy: rollercoaster therapy. The intense spikes of adrenaline and dopamine don’t just thrill – they reset. Fear becomes focus. Speed becomes stillness. In those fleeting seconds of acceleration, inversion, and airtime, the mind quiets. You’re not thinking about your life – you’re inside it, fully.

It’s a mindset that mirrors NEO 10Y‘s music. Tracks like Dopamine and ASCETIC HEDONIST explore that same paradox: chasing intensity not for escapism, but for clarity. Pleasure as discipline. Chaos as a route to peace.

On an empty VIP day, NEO 10Y connected with Thorpe Park as a tool for reset – proof that sometimes, the fastest way to feel grounded… is to lose control completely.

Thorpe Park opens officially on 27th March, book here.

The post Empty Thorpe Park, Full Reset: NEO 10Y’s Adrenaline-Fuelled Rollercoaster Therapy appeared first on KIMU.

The Queen’s House has long been associated with order, proportion and inherited authority. ASCETIC HEDONIST moves differently. The title alone suggests friction, restraint set against indulgence, devotion intertwined with desire. NEO 10Y’s work often lingers in these contradictions. His art resists easy categorisation, drawing from spirituality, club culture and diasporic memory without flattening any of them. In the context of a royal bedchamber, the video’s meditation on the body and transcendence lands with particular force. It invites viewers to reconsider who has historically been allowed pleasure, visibility and narrative control.

Fierce Queens, held each year in historic Greenwich, brings together performers and historians for a night centred on queer liberation and LGBTQ+ representation. This edition, Unframed, Unstitched… Unapologetic!, promises to move beyond static portraits of identity. Hosted by drag king and queen Adam All and Apple Derrieres, the evening features cabaret, a Bold Mellon Collective gallery takeover and Queer History Club. Curated by Dhaga, the King’s Bedchamber becomes a Queer South Asian Gathering, intimate and celebratory, with gentle making circles, digital showcases and space for gender expression and adornment.

Within this framework, NEO 10Y’s involvement feels layered rather than incidental. He has a relationship with the institution. He previously headlined Diwali at the museum, performing CHOOSE LOVE and ONENESS, foregrounding unity and spiritual expansiveness in a heritage setting. He was also photographed and featured in the South Asian Pioneers exhibition, his presence woven into the museum’s evolving story about who shapes British culture.

ASCETIC HEDONIST builds on that trajectory. The video does not dilute itself to suit the setting. Its aesthetic remains bold, contemplative and sensuous. Showing it in the King’s Bedchamber shifts the room’s meaning. The space becomes less about royal privacy and more about collective reclamation, about bodies and identities once pushed to the margins taking up visual and emotional room.

Dhaga has earned a reputation for curating gatherings people return to because they feel like home. Tomorrow, that sense of belonging will settle into a building synonymous with hierarchy. In that convergence, NEO 10Y’s work reads not as spectacle, but as a confident assertion that queer South Asian art belongs within the nation’s most storied interiors.

The post NEO 10Y’s ASCETIC HEDONIST Brings Queer South Asian Art to the Queen’s House at Royal Museums Greenwich appeared first on KIMU.

Rooted Festival is more than a music event. Across three carefully curated areas, the weekend invites attendees to nourish body, mind and spirit. The Food and Market Village is a vibrant hub of plant-based traders, artisan coffee, cocktail and alcohol-free bars, sustainable goods and live chef demonstrations celebrating conscious cooking. The Wellness Paddock offers a calmer, grounding space with yoga, breathwork, mindfulness sessions, saunas and ice baths, all held within a beautiful tipi surrounded by rolling countryside. As the sun dips behind the Chiltern Hills, the Hill Stage comes alive with live music, talks and performances framed by sweeping views.

The festival’s music programme reflects its community-driven spirit, focusing on artists who bring authenticity, intention and connection to their work. Within this landscape, NEO 10Y’s performance feels particularly resonant. Known for creating immersive, emotionally charged live experiences, NEO 10Y blends cinematic grunge, industrial textures and raw storytelling into something that feels both intimate and expansive. Their shows are often described as shared rituals rather than conventional performances, inviting audiences into moments of reflection, release and collective presence.

Beyond the music itself, NEO 10Y is widely recognised for the values and cultural impact that underpin his work. A recording artist and activist, and a committed vegan since 2017, he has collaborated with PETA, The Vegan Society and National Geographic, while his message has reached global audiences through viral appearances on BBC Three, Channel 4, Jimmy Carr’s show and his own platforms. With critical acclaim from Billboard, Rolling Stone, GQ, Paper, The Evening Standard and Dazed, NEO 10Y explores compassion and social change through songs such as CHOOSE LOVE, Shortcut To World Peace and ONENESS. His appearance at Rooted Festival is less about spectacle and more about shared intention, creativity and community, aligning naturally with the festival’s commitment to conscious culture and ethical living.

Across the weekend, festival-goers can expect sunrise yoga, market wandering, nourishing food, meaningful conversations and nights spent under the stars with live music echoing across the hills. Camping is included in all weekend tickets, with the option to stay in vehicles for a small additional fee, making the experience feel truly immersive from start to finish.

NEO 10Y’s performance at Rooted Festival 2026 adds a powerful artistic voice to a weekend built around connection, care and creativity. In a setting where nature, wellness and music intersect, their presence feels like a natural extension of what Rooted Festival represents, a space to feel grounded, inspired and deeply human.

Tickets for Rooted Festival are available here.

The post NEO 10Y to Perform at Rooted Festival 2026, A Plant-Based Celebration of Music, Wellness and Nature appeared first on KIMU.