About Us
In 1995, publisher and editor-in-chief Chris Force founded ALARM Press to share young, contemporary bands with the world outside the independent music scene. Fifteen years later, Force acted on his passion for edgy, gritty design and launched Design Bureau magazine. Like ALARM Magazine, Design Bureau strives to support designers working across all fields and aims to inspire dialogue on innovative design. ALARM’s passion in discovering exceptional musicians and designers is shared by its tireless cast of contributors. With their help, ALARM Press books and magazines can now be found around the world.
a few past stories and features
50 Unheralded Albums from 2011
Karim Rashid: An interview with the designer we know and love, or love to hate?
Are Mokkelbost & KILLL: A New Meaning to “Art Metal”
John Vanderslice with The Magik*Magik Orchestra: A “Wild” Analog Opus
Renegade Architecture: Young designers are proving there’s more than one way to the top
Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra: Reinventing the Classics
Vernon Chatman: A Twisted TV Writer’s Inadvertent Porn Comedy
Ratatat: Electro-Rock “See-Alongs” with Licks, Lights, and Lasers
Adebisi Shank: Spasmodic, Electronic, Riotous Rock
Hair Raising Fashions: Outlandish hairstyles created for the Asia Beauty Expo
Moon & Moon: Musical Theater Meets “Hyper-Art”
Son Lux: A Composer’s Mind, a Sampler’s Perspective, and an Unlikely 28-Day Challenge
Killing Joke: Honoring the Fire
Redesign: Polishing up the packaging design for Town Talk Polish
Inside/Out Photo Essay: Five photographers interpret what it means to be on the flip side of things
Pretty Packaging: Whimsical cosmetic designs from Topshop that are as fun as playing dress-up
Buzzworthy Hair cuts: Straight outta London, graffiti designs for your dome
staff q&AS
What was your first concert?
New Kids On The Block. I was five. It was the night that Donnie Wahlberg notoriously lit a hotel rug on fire. Neal Van Winkle, account manager
Reba McEntire. I brought a book with me, just in case I got bored. Kristin Lamprecht, managing editor
Jackson 5 Reunion Tour. Really. Danelle Sarvas, marketing manager
The Beach Boys with John Stamos. Paula Abdul was the opening act. Chris Force, publisher & editor-in-chief
The Spice Girls. No joke. Katie Rathbone, Associate Editor
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What is your can’t-live-without album/CD?
Revolver, The Beatles. Still absolutely amazing sonically and artistically considering the technology available at the time. John Dugan, associate editor
Palace of Mirrors by Estradasphere, Book of Horizons by Secret Chiefs 3, Blackjazz by Shining (the Norwegian one), California by Mr. Bungle, anything by The Dillinger Escape Plan, …And Justice for All by Metallica. Is that more than one? Scott Morrow, music editor
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Which band do you wish would just go away?
Nickelback Ainsleigh Monaghan, account executive
Nickelback Maggie Burke, account executive
Oh, easy—Nickelback Allison Weaver, account executive
Nickelback Elizabeth Abshire, account manager
Hmmm. Nickelback? Emily Schleier, account manager
Nickelback—enough with the man-rock era already. Danelle
Poor Nickelback. Now I’m piling on. Scott
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Who is your favorite American designer?
Roy Lichtenstein Liisa Jordan, senior account executive
Too many to name! Maybe Ed Ruscha. Lindsey Turner, design director
Fabien Baron. He’s basically the coolest. Leah Giorno, account manager
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What font do you hope is used on your tombstone?
American Typewriter Jenny Palmer, account manager
Veranda because it rhymes with Miranda! Miranda Myers, account executive
Din—smart, subtle, and good-looking, just like me (so will say my tombstone, at least) Lindsey
