About The 824 Journal
An independent culture archive. Preserving today's creative expression for tomorrow's history.
Culture moves too fast to be forgotten.
Culture moves too fast to rely on the standard news cycle. A basement gig wraps up, a neighborhood changes overnight, a beloved independent venue quietly shutters, or an underground artist suddenly becomes a household name. These moments shape who we are, yet they’re constantly reduced to temporary headlines, buried by algorithms, or lost entirely.
We started 824 Publication because we wanted to hit pause.
We aren’t interested in chasing clicks or churning out content just to fill a feed. Our goal is to document culture with intention. Through deep-dive journalism, raw photography, and honest criticism, we are building a living archive of the communities and creators shaping our time. Whether it’s a packed show in a tiny Los Angeles venue, a long-form documentary project on a changing neighborhood, or a quiet conversation with a local photographer, every story we tell is a piece of history we’re keeping alive.
We look at culture from every angle.
The Front Lines
Sharp, honest reviews of the live music, records, films, and books defining right now.
Deep Dives & Features
Long-form journalism and historical context that look at the why behind the art.
Documentary Projects
Ongoing, photography-led explorations of local history and changing communities.
In the Studio
Conversations and profiles highlighting the people keeping the scene alive.
Behind the Lens
Photography essays, gear insights, and the visual storytelling behind the story.
Opinion
Editorials and commentary on the issues and conversations shaping culture.
Zharmaine Boatman
Founder, Photographer & Writer
The 824 Journal was founded by Zharmaine Boatman, a Southern California-based photographer and writer who treats storytelling as a form of preservation.
Growing up in Long Beach shaped how she views culture, neighborhoods, and history. Her work sits at the intersection of documentary photography and cultural journalism.
Sean Boatman
Historian, Researcher & Writer
Sean Boatman is a historian, researcher, movie lover, and book lover whose work brings historical context and depth to The 824 Journal.
His interests in film, literature, and research help expand the publication beyond live coverage into cultural criticism, history, and long-form storytelling.
Good journalism takes time and homework.
We don't publish placeholders or treat photography as mere decoration. The visuals are just as essential to the story as the prose. Every feature and review is built on firsthand reporting, deep research, and historical context.
Truth & Transparency
We verify our facts through official sources, public records, and direct interviews. If we get something wrong, we fix it openly and immediately.
Honest Criticism
Our reviews are independent and unfiltered, but they are always rooted in fairness and a deep respect for the creative process.
Our Policies
You can read our full Review Policy, Corrections Policy, and Ethics Guide on our Editorial Policies page.
We're always looking to connect.
We are always looking to connect with the people making things happen. Whether you're an artist, publicist, venue owner, filmmaker, photographer, or just someone who cares about the culture, we'd love to hear from you.
Visit Our Contact Page