M.I.A. and Dev Hynes; two era-defining artists whose music is championed for its openness, its desire to experiment, and for its willingness to speak the truth — even to those who refuse to listen. For the new issue, out today, we hone in on the kind of spirit that turns pop icons into pioneers.

Photographed by Wolfgang Tillmans for the first of five autumn/winter covers, Dev Hynes talks to Durga Chew-Bose about his raw and intimate fourth album as Blood Orange, Negro Swan. Lensed luminously by Gareth McConnell, M.I.A.’s equally revealing autobiographical film MATANGI/MAYA/M.I.A. is the centrepiece of her conversation with Simran Hans — read it here. Across two covers, Johnny Dufort and Robbie Spencer stage a fashion riot, and to finish, Angelo Pennetta captures the iconic rising model Mica Argañaraz.

Elsewhere in the issue, we spotlight at the underground dancers switching up New York’s nightlife scene, Hereditary star Milly Shapiro shares a few serial killer theories, Goldie reflects on 25 years of partying and pushing music forward, Jaden Smith talks about his sustainable clothing line, we meet the burgeoning stars of Belfast creativity, and photographer Émilie Régnier discusses the story behind her intimate portraits in the Ivory Coast’s hair salons.

Dev Hynes photographed by Wolfgang Tillmans, styled by Danny Reed

M.I.A. photographed by Gareth McConnell, styled by Danny Reed

Mica Argañaraz photographed by Angelo Pennetta, styled by Robbie Spencer

Hannah Motler photographed by Johnny Dufort, styled by Robbie Spencer

Sara Grace Wallerstedt photographed by Johnny Dufort, styled by Robbie Spencer