Lorena Cupcake
Freelance writer based in Chicago.
I write about music, food, fashion and culture. I’ve been working in online publishing, marketing and social media for over five years.
PROJECTS
riotfest.org
Chicago Creatives: Ariel Zetina is the Mother of the Windy City Club Scene
I interviewed DJ, producer, playwright and queer nightlife queen Ariel Zetina for Riot Fest.
daily.bandcamp.com
Footwork Takes a Step Forward With DJ Taye’s “Still Trippin’”
A feature on Teklife's DJ Taye, the producer behind the recent album "Still Trippin'' who's spreading footwork worldwide.
riotfest.org
Chicago Creatives: Juan-Elias Riesco Brings Delicious Art to the Table at Nini’s Deli
I profiled Juany Worldwide (proprietor of streetwear brand Chicago Natives and cult sandwich shop Nini's Deli) for Riot Fest.
riotfest.org
Chicago Creative: Bianca Xunise’s Comics Dance in the Dark
I interviewed cartoonist/illustrator and goth Bianca Xunise for Riot Fest.
factmag.com
After a turbulent 2017, can SoundCloud survive the streaming wars?
SoundCloud is set to push forward into 2018, but it has no shortage of obstacles in the way of its success. I took a look at what happened to them in 2017 and how they can survive in the future.
highsnobiety.com
Lil Pump, Latino Identity in Hip-Hop and ‘the Word’
As Lil Pump’s single “Gucci Gang" continues to rise in popularity, I reflect on how the rapper’s use of the racial slurs addresses a broader discussion of Latino identity in hip-hop.
complex
Balvin Airlines and Buchanan’s Hit the Tarmac at ComplexCon
Branded content covering the Balvin Airlines activation at ComplexCon.
riotfest.org
Chicago Creative: Photographer Bianca Garcia Shoots In Color
My first article in the Chicago Creative series for Riot Fest. I spoke to Jugrnaut's Bianca Garcia about fashion photography, the Houston hurricanes and more.
fader
Rest in Power
So far in 2017, 21 transgender people have been reported as murdered. I collaborated with The Fader on a collection of memorials to share their stories, illustrate the systems that oppressed them, and honor their memories.
complex
Dawn Richard Was Born to Be Extra
I caught up with Making the Band star turned electronic pop auteur Dawn Richard after her performance at Pitchfork Music Festival.
vinylmeplease.com
The Most Annoying Habits Of Record Shoppers
A quick primer on how to not be "that guy" at your local record store.
daily.bandcamp.com
Ka5sh Makes Their Own Hip-Hop Mythos
An interview with an internet famous rapper & meme maker on mental health, being true to yourself, and fucking with the vision.
A.V. Club
Real sugar and tropical flavors give Mexican sodas their refreshing powers
An introductory primer to Mexican soft drinks.
daily.bandcamp.com
Mykele Deville's “Each One, Teach One” is a Love Letter to the Next Generation
I profiled a rapper out of Chicago's DIY scene who created an musical roadmap to healing and love dedicated to a young niece growing up on the west side.
storebrandsoda.com
Remembering John Walt / Dinnerwithjohn
A memorial for a dearly missed Chicago rapper, singer, and founder of Pivot Gang.