What do I value? What are my needs in a relationship? What do I want out of life? What are my boundaries?

These personal queries often haunt and overwhelm me, as I find myself morphing into what might be deemed “acceptable” to society.

This begs the question: How much of us is shaped by external forces and expectations? Where does our identity begin and end, and how might we draw clearer lines?

Both in therapy and along my own self-healing journey, I’ve learned more about who I am without forcing myself into a neatly labeled box. Sure, I have room to grow in this area, but my progress is a testament to honest self-reflection.

Here are some tips for getting to know yourself better—no matter how old you are.

1. Spend More Time Alone

I’m convinced the only time most of us are fully ourselves is when we’re completely alone. Perhaps that’s a depressing notion, but it has quite a simple fix.

Take yourself on solo dates or schedule some downtime to unwind without friends or loved ones around. Notice how you feel. Are you uncomfortable in your own company, or do you thrive in isolation? How are you compelled to spend your time? What kind of clothing do you wear? What type of music do you listen to? Do you catch yourself dancing or singing in your kitchen while cooking dinner? What are some quirks you pick up that you wouldn’t otherwise express in public?

The more time we spend alone, the better we get to know ourselves, and the more authentically we can show up in social situations and in our relationships. If you spend too much time around others, you might unconsciously pick up behaviors or patterns you don’t even align with. Push through the uneasiness of solitude—there’s often a lesson within that discomfort. 

2. Journal Through Confusion or Hard Feelings

I know, I know…it seems everyone recommends “journaling” nowadays, often without any sort of guidance. But through a ton of trial and error, I’ve discovered the most meaningful and beneficial way to journal for self-discovery.

Often, when faced with a difficult situation, we seek external opinions and advice from friends, family members, and even the internet. I used to scour Reddit for input from random strangers before validating my own feelings. My search history once looked like…

“Is it wrong to be upset by [valid reason to be upset]?”

“Am I crazy for wanting [valid want/need]?”

“How do I handle [very complex situation that requires personal reflection and an individualized approach]?”

In other words, I was outsourcing my own identity. I didn’t let myself have an original thought or human reaction, unless it was first validated by someone else. This disconnect is common in people with OCD, but it can happen to anyone—especially in today’s highly critical world.

Instead of looking to others for answers that only I have, I began to write in my journal. First, I’d start by asking myself how, exactly, I was feeling in that moment, and whether something triggered the reaction I was experiencing. 

Then, I would ask myself how my body interpreted the signal. What narrative was I feeding myself? Was it backed by facts, or was it just an assumption?

Usually, from here, I would find a natural rhythm, almost like a conversation between me and my “higher self.” I’d go back and forth between asking and answering questions, reassuring myself when needed—but not obsessively.

Within days, I began to notice a massive difference in how I responded to external stressors. I found clarity in myself and felt less compelled to rely on someone else’s POV. After all, who’s to say someone knows me better than I know myself? And why would I value advice from random strangers (or even loved ones leading different lives than I am) more than my own?

3. Don’t Limit Yourself

When defining ourselves, many of us feel pressured to fit into a certain box or view our roles as our identities. For example, a mother of three boys might label herself a “boy mom” as if that’s all she is. An aspiring novelist might deem himself a “struggling artist” without factoring in all the other parts of himself.

Not to mention, social media makes it seem like we must fall under certain “aesthetics” or market ourselves as “brands” to find success and community. Don’t feed into this belief. You can be whoever the fuck you want to be, changing your personal style or music taste depending on your mood, shifting in and out of different “roles” as you please.

Acknowledge yourself as the multifaceted, authentic human you are—and never shrink yourself down to fit someone else’s mold.

The post 3 Simple Yet Effective Ways to Get to Know Yourself Better in 2026 appeared first on VICE.

Prom Body hails from the 520 Funhouse, a castle of cactus on the southern butt of Arizona. Sandwiched between the Mexican border and the republican hellscape that is Phoenix, Tucson has developed it’s own unique way of life. Let us be your attaché to the sun baked freakery that is Tucson culture.

FOOD

Our tour begins where your hunger goes to die. Depending on who you ask the Tucson food scene is either booming hard like two twelves in the trunk, or it’s just oversaturated with adventurous but pretentious (pretenturous, if you will) “new” cuisine. But you’re asking us and we land safely somewhere in the middle. The signature staple of any proper Tucsonans diet is the Sonoran Hot Dog.

Photo: Nika Kaiser.

This is a hot dog wrapped in bacon topped, traditionally, with pinto beans, tomatoes, onions, jalapeno salsa, mayo, and whatever else you can think of to fit between your buns. Just cram it in there! Here we are at El Güero Canelo cheersing our Sonoran dogs after a long day of being Prom Body. The best way to wash down your Tucson style wiener is with an ice cold Topo Chico.

Photo: Yu Yu Shiratori.

Topo Chico is like the Mike Tyson of mineral water, it’ll nibble the ear off of any rich man’s San Pellegrino. Imported from south of the border it packs a monstrous fizz, cures severe bowl bubbles and has taken the place of beer since Mike gave up booze. Drink cool, stay cool.

Photo: Patrick Foley.

Another, and slightly healthier, food staple is Eegee’s—Tucson’s answer to a certain sandwich company named after a public subway transportation system who will remain nameless. With a menu varying from grinder style sub sandwiches and crinkle fries covered in ranch and bacon bits to soft pretzels and hotdogs all of your snack bar favorites are glorified here. Eegee’s is most known though for their fruit blended frozen slush-like drinks. They have a rotating flavor of the month and you can buy any size from a tiny cup to a 30 gallon bucket.

Photo: Nika Kaiser.

Mike is a type 1 diabetic. For the most part his diet consists of lentils, odd, native roots and locally raised, slaughtered and raw animals. Namaste. Pictured here is Mike and his cat Tabouli deciding which fruits and veggies should go into food murderer.

Fashion

Despite the full frontal food abuse we subject our bodies to one priority still prevails: the draping of our earthly temples in super sexy summer friendly attire. Starting from the bottom now we’re here. Footwear. Pimped out human skin cowboy boots from the Tanque Verde Swap Meet in south Tucson is how we get G’d up from the feet up.

Photo: Nika Kaiser.

Every single person in Tucson wears shirts with Low riders and weed leaves plastered across the front. Here’s Mike wearing a “Laugh Now Cry Later” short sleeve gem that just screams, “Enjoy life right now because you’ll be dead soon.”

Photo: Nika Kaiser.

Here’s a little thing about bling. There’s no wrong way to wear your ear wear. Gay or straight, it’s all great. One ear or two, it’s up to you. Scope out these one of a kind Prom Body lobe loungers gettin’ straight shiney in the gleam of the Tucson sun.

Photo: Nika Kaiser.

Each member of Prom Body is notorious for flawless daywear. In Tucson there is an expectation to be upheld: “If you’re steppin’ out it, you best be ’bout it.” We abide. Eveningwear is a different beast though. Whether it’s college bros wearing those Affliction shirts bearing huge sparkly crosses, or cheerleaders in shorts that give their underwear an excuse to wear underwear, the competition is tough. We have a secret weapon—local fashion designer Yu Yu Shiratori. Wielding an unparalleled talent for creative and impressive work we’re extremely lucky to have her designing our stage costumes.

Photo: Michael Fay.

Art/Music

If you want to paint your breasts and hug a stranger or make a guitar out of an old bicycle and then play it with the severed hands of a blind child, Tucson will support your artistic ambitions. If you just want to observe, that’s cool too. Here is a mural by Andy Steinbrink and Nicholas Shelton painted on The HangArt Space’s wall.

Photo: Nika Kaiser.

The kings of all things visual or otherwise are Tucson art Carne & Queso, a collaboration spearheaded by the seven headed cobra himself. Prom Body is blessed to utilize the heavenly skills of these carpenters of coolness. Patrick Foley and Caleb Gutierrez are seen here printing original Carne & Queso designed PB shirts.

Photo: Nika Kaiser.

Local tattoo artist Kenzo Butler at Pharaoh’s Horses Tattoo Parlor has been gracious enough to help Mike permanently cover up the scarring from the severe burns he experienced upon his atmospheric entry. Mike’s dog Waffle can be seen in this photo having his portrait done. Kenzo’s art can be seen at here.

Photo: Nika Kaiser.

There is a place in Tucson where it is said that once you enter you come out different. Changed. Illuminated. A password must be used to breach the gate but no amount of words can describe the wonder that lies beyond. It’s a domain of pure pleasure and monumental pain; though even the pain is beautiful. Topaz. This is where music and art make love and records are born. Joel and Krysta Leshefka are the keepers of the sphere. This is Prom Body’s home.

Photo: TucsonBomb.com

Health

We understand the importance of keeping these Prom Bodies fit. North America and Mexico have the highest obesity rates in the world and we basically live on the warm spot where they kiss. So we’ve decided to build lean mass and mean ass. Some people make movies about white men not being able to jump, well check out Matt getting so many different types of high at The downtown Y.

Photo: Nika Kaiser.

“Tucson’s got a booty, she’s got curves and she’s got beauty” — Michael Fay

The mountains of this region are full of tales. Stories trapped in the Ocotillo [this is a type of desert plant btw] like the bars in a cell. Like the one of Nadine the Scorpion Queen who was born in a dream but died with the stream. There are many places where the sun doesn’t shine and where wildcats play with the pigskins they find. Every now and again we’ll have Prom in the hills and the picture is such that we have to take stills.

Photo: Nika Kaiser.

The desert is no place to find yourself ill prepared. Mike is always ready with the necessary tools to ward off high glucose levels. After a bout of Sonoran dog indulgence the time has come to lay the sweet demon to rest.

Photo: Nika Kaiser.

Learn to burn and heal how you feel! Harnessing the power of the sun while simultaneously harnessing the power of marijuana can mend you in ways you never knew you were broken. The extreme pressures of being a musician in Tucson—like what time to have band practice, where to get coffee, or which swimming pool to crash instead of practicing—can pile up and make you feel like theres a bunch of dog shit on top of your back. Shovel it off with a Solar Toke!

Photo: Nika Kaiser.

Thanks for letting us baste your brain with the buttery beauty that is Tucson, AZ. We seem to only be known for extreme, dry heat, monumentally embarrassing political naughtiness, and Calexico. Hopefully by unbuttoning our blouse a bit you’ll be able to get a peek into this culturally abundant dwelling in the desert.

Prom Body Tour Dates

10/21 – Philadelphia – Kung Fu Necktie*
10/23 – New York – The Trash Bar (CMJ)
10/24 – Brooklyn, NY – The Flat*

10/25 – New York – Gallery Sensei*

* with Weird Womb

The post Prom Body Take Us on a Tour of Tucson appeared first on VICE.

In life, and especially in DJ mixes, one should always consider quality over quantity—at least, that’s what my mom always told me. Just look at the exalted bass auteur Burial; he doesn’t release tracks as often as Tiesto, but when he does, they’re actually good. And while Quentin Tarantino doesn’t make nearly as many films as Michael Bay, when he does… well, you get the idea. Today’s offering, a 30-minute mix courtesy of LA-via-Manila beatmaker Spazzkid, is definitely not the longest DJ mix you’ll ever hear, but, to put it bluntly, it’s off the hook. Spazzkid revels in soul-soaked, bubbly beats that are as crisp and delicious as a freshly picked, bright red apple, and he has a knack for making music that makes you feel all warm and cozy inside. And who doesn’t like feeling all warm and cozy?

Last year, the up-and-coming producer released a striking debut album, Desire (願う), which was filled with emotional highlights like “Getting To Know You” and “40 Winks.” The tracks incorporated a range of sounds sampled from J-Pop to Nintendo games, all of which slip straight down your spine as they bounce off of each other. Since then, Spazzkid has slowly but surely built up a following and expanded his repertoire with some creatively crafted remixes and a handful of club dates around his stomping ground, LA. But enough blabbing from yours truly—it’s time to close your eyes, light one up and dive into the deliciousness of this genre-bending mix from the kid himself.

Tracklist:
Spazzkid – Getting To Know You (Snorlax Remix)
BMB – FUNK’TWERK
Knight One – Swords Cry [Kissed Records]
Les Loups – Elephant & Ivory (Vanilla Instrumental Remix)
Dam Funk – No More Love [Red Bull Music Academy]
RE:NDZ – Button A Button B [Maltine Records]
Cashmere Cat – With Me (Spazzkid Remix)
Neon Bunny – Oh My Prince [Doggy Rich Records]
Principal Dean – Hide Your Jewelry (813 Remix) [Loveless Records)
Avec Avec – Day By Day feat. Yuri Nakae [Maltine Records]
Spazzkid – Something About Us [Unreleased]

Connect with Spazzkid:
Soundcloud
Twitter
Website

The post MIXED BY Spazzkid appeared first on VICE.

Noisey: Tell me about the first girl you ever crushed on when you were a child.
Antwon: I don’t know. Oh, I know. There was one girl in my school, but I never talked to her. I didn’t know what to say.

Were you shy as a child or obnoxious?
I guess I was shy with girls. I used to make out with my family friend. I remember that. Now she’s married to a marine.

Did you ever have a band that changed you and made you want to play music?
Maybe Green Day.

Dookie? When I was in grade four, my friend Alyssa and I were obsessed with that album, but we weren’t allowed to listen to it so we had to sneak into her sister’s bedroom to play it.
I was into Insomniac. That was the one I listened to the most. It was a really underrated album. Most people think of Dookie.

You like the pop-punk.
Yeah, I played in some pop-punk bands. One was called Sour Patch and the other How to Summer.

You know lots about punk, which makes you a cool rapper to me.
Yeah, I know about punk, but mostly Discharge.

I love Discharge.
Discharge is tight.

When I worked this horrible job at this corporate coffee shop, they used to make me clean the sinks at night, and I loved it because I could put on my head phones and blast Hear Nothing See Nothing Say Nothing and just scrub my anger away. [You and I are] going get messed up and listen to Discharge… So, our tour together. I think most people would see it as a little unexpected, but I think the combination of our music makes perfect sense.
I agree. When I was younger, I was into rock music, you know what I mean? People always just go to rock, not rap. Rock ‘n’ roll is a black people’s music. I don’t see a reason why not to.

There is drive and aggression and the same kind of energy is created at both punk and rap shows that you don’t find elsewhere.
I like jock hardcore.

The only jock band I like is the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Hell yeah. My boy Flea.

I am a John fan.
No. Bogus. Urgh.

Are you serious?
Dave Navarro! [Laughs]

Ew, no. Tour is cancelled. I can’t talk to you anymore.
[Laughs] Seriously, “Suck My Kiss” is such a hard song. It’s so wig. When I was a kid, I would put a sock on my dick just like they did. I did that for real. I thought they were cool.

Why do you have a towel on your head right now?
Because it’s hot and I am a rapper.

Someone told me the other day that R. Kelly is illiterate. Isn’t that insane?
What? Whoa. My mom used to have R. Kelly records. She would play 12 Play. I got her copy and played it when I played Grand Theft Auto.

Who is your favorite rapper?
Kid Rock.

Really? Why do you like him?
Because he’s a bad ass. He used to be a lot more vulgar in the 90s on his first few albums. Gritz Sandwiches then The Polyfuze Method are so good.

Do you like country?
I fuck with Taylor Swift.

Ew. No. I’m an Avril girl myself.
Do you ever see her up in Canada?

I saw her play once. I had to review the show for the newspaper. She did a one handed cartwheel then yelled, “Fuck yeah!” It was insane.
I love pop music, but I like it when women are sexually explicit in their songs. It’s cool.

Every White Lung song is about men, drugs or sex—usually about how they all combat in my head with my feminism. What else is there to write about except sex?
This girl called me a feminist one time because she was talking about female beauty standards and how it sucks that women are expected to shave their body hair and I said I didn’t care what they did. Shave or not.

You supported our right as women to control our own hair. [Laughs] It is a crazy double standard, but that’s changing. Have you ever gotten a wax?
No, but I trim my pubic hair. I can’t wear tight pants with long pubic hair.

You love tight pants.
Yeah, when I was younger, you couldn’t get tight pants. The only ones you could get were Wranglers; they were stretched and shitty as fuck. I learned to take in my own pants with green wax dental floss. I got really good at sewing by hand. It was the dark ages.

The dark ages of skinny jeans.
People just don’t know.

With the tiny, low-rise zippers. I’ve got a big butt, so I need high-waisted jeans to keep it all in.
Same.

Are you high-maintenance on tour?
No, I suck at touring. I never bring anything with me or I forget it all. I don’t like carrying a backpack, so when I leave the house, everything I have better fit on me, in my pocket. I don’t even have a wallet.

That’s cool. I don’t bring shit on tour. Even when we first started, I never brought a sleeping bag.
Sleeping bags are so dumb.

Right? It’s just one more annoying thing to carry. There is always someone who will accommodate you. What do you feel when you are on stage?
I feel hatred. I feel angry.

I understand that. I come from an angry place.
I kind of have to be angry or else I would feel silly. I have to channel a serious emotion that won’t make me feel dumb. My lyrics come from me—a part of me I don’t want to live, so, you know.

Did you grow up religious?
I was baptized Catholic, but my mother would take me to this Christian church, which I thought was cool because MC Hammer was one of the pastors and so was Reggie White, who played for the Green Bay Packers. When they were doing that, though, you couldn’t go up and ask them about their careers outside of the church. Like, you couldn’t go up and acknowledge it; it was all “I want to be saved,” whatever. I remember these kids tried to get autographs, but that did not work. It was called Jubliee [Christian Center] in Sunnyvale. Also, my mom worked late nights, so I did a lot of after school programs. My mom would drop me off at the church Salvation Army program. They made us read the bible, which I hated. There was one cool kid. When his mom went to the gym, we used to play tag in the dark in the house.

Sexy.

White Lung x Antwon Fall Tour dates:

11/1: Barboza – Seattle, WA TICKETS
11/4: Strummers – Fresno, CA TICKETS
11/5: Soda Bar – San Diego, CA TICKETS
11/10: Rubber Gloves – Denton, TX TICKETS
11/11: Lowbrow Palace – El Paso, TX TICKETS
11/13: Pub Rock Live – Scottsdale, AZ TICKETS
11/14: Beauty Bar – Las Vegas, NV TICKETS
11/15: The Echo – Los Angeles, CA TICKETS
11/16: Crepe Place – Santa Cruz, CA TICKETS
11/17: Rickshaw Stop – San Francisco, CA TICKETS

The post Getting to Know You: White Lung’s Mish Way x Antwon appeared first on VICE.