Azure Magazine - Issue 1: Joyride

12. Earl Sweatshirt Review

6. Leilani Ocean

14. DJ DOLLARZ

Interview

Interview

17. Free-Style Fashion Guide

24. Groovin The

32. Palo Alto

Moo Review

Review

28. Jacob Sydney Interview

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his issue is centred around the concept of joyride experiences. These feelings can reveal themselves in the most unexpected of instances, in just about every way, shape or form. The word joyride itself means to undergo an impulsive pleasure ride in an automobile, especially when the vehicle is driven recklessly and without fear of consequences. However, this transcendental state of euphoria can flourish into existence through other medians such as music, nature, fashion, the relationships we share with others, and any other sporadic event that life may throw our way. These joyrides are a means for allowing us to have the creative freedom to explore the world at our own pace, without being hindered by the oppressive parameters of society. The aim of any joyride experience is to feel that sense of rapturous bliss, and disregard the aftermath that is left behind. This aftermath could be the opposing opinions of those we come into contact with on our journey in this world, as a consequence of doing something that brings us happiness and a sense of intrinsic fulfilment. It is crucial to brush-off the negativity of others, which can hold us back from doing what we love, in order to propel our beings onto the next joyride. All you have to do is hold onto the wheel.

Tops Left to Right:

Retro Croped Turtleneck: $12 Ralph Lauren Long Sleeve: $35 Vintage Colour-Block Top: $20 Stussy Long Sleeve: $45

The 17-year-old fashion inspiration Leilani Ocean has been creating big waves on cyber space for her unique outfits and intriguing view of the world. This stylistic and fiery enigma aims to enlighten youths on self-acceptance and being comfortable in your own skin.

Hey! what have you been up to?

I’ve really just been focussing on school. I’m in year 11 but taking two year 12 subjects so there’s a lot of pressure on me to perform well, mostly from myself.

How do you deal with these types of stresses? Are there any methods of release that you undertake?

I like to keep a balanced lifestyle by taking time out to go to the gym. In my study breaks I’m always browsing online for unique and standout items to add to my wardrobe.

liar individuals. Living rurally, I have been exposed to the wonders of nature’s beauty and I’m always looking to incorporate this into my stylistic ventures. The simplicity of Mother Nature encourages me to form a more basic and fulfilling expression of my own identity through the outfits that I create. When exploring urban environments, the pure diversity of stylistic choices made by individuals also provides me with ideas for the future. Sometimes, I even come across septuagenarians that I find myself admiring. (laughs)

Are there any famous models, actors, musicians that you look up to?

Yeah actually, I find that both Willow Smith and You have a really interesting look, how did you develop your style Lily-Rose Depp have unique styles and ambiinto what it is today?

I take inspiration from unusual places and pecu- tions. The fact that they are independently suc-

cessful at a young age shows that with great determination (and maybe a famous family name), you can really make something of yourself.

Have you ever had a joyride experience?

I would say that my first music festival event was something that I would class as a joyride experience.

Oh that’s cool! What made it a joyride for you?

At first it felt a bit daunting to be surrounded by so many people that I didn’t know. As the day progressed and it got closer to my favourite band’s performance, I realised that it is not about everyone around me, but rather my own personal enjoyment and connection to the music.

So what does joyride mean to you in terms of fashion?

Having the freedom and drive to combine your inspirations to create your own look that is a significant representation of your own individuality.

What types of outfits make you happiest? Do you care what people think about your style?

Something that I can feel comfortable in, but still makes some sort of a statement. I have learned that there’s no point in worrying about or obsessing over the opinions of others.

Do you have any advice for people?

Don’t dwell on stuff that won’t matter to you in the future. Put it into perspective as only you are in control of who you are, and who you will become!

Like what you see..?

Free your style!

(17-23)

Earl Sweatshirt Tour Review

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arl Sweatshirt is on a fresh global tour titled Not Redy 2 Leave. The last time Earl was on the road touring, he decided to call it in a little early last year due to what he called a “lack of self-maintenance.” But now this tenacious and strong-willed artist has come back hungry to prove that he is mentally ready and physically capable of backing up latest release, I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside in order to pave the way for his hip-hop legacy.

The Los Angeles native shot onto the hip-hop scene in 2010 with his debut mixtape titled Earl, which generated an enormous amount of support and praise for the young and upcoming linguist prodigy. Sweatshirt – born Thebe Kgositsile – established himself as a force to be reckoned with as a result of his critically acclaimed follow up feature-length album Doris. This quickly transformed Earl into the go-to MC for collabs and features with the likes of Mac Miller, Feddie Gibbs and Madlib, and recently Action Bronson, to name a few. Earl’s latest record offers a naked and introspective glimpse into the complex mindset of his current self. He delivers the passionate sounds of a vessel emanating raw and unrestrained emotions in coping with a rocky and aloof state of mind, while also attempting to further distance himself from us.

Coming off the recent incident in Sydney while performing, Earlyman provided the goods (in the form a solid left hook) to a fan that rushed the stage in an attempt to hug him. He’s continuing the Australian leg of the tour, advising his supporters to “keep your hands to yourself and don’t sneak up [on me] in the middle of soul bearing.”

Sustaining the tour in Melbourne, Earl floated out onto the Prince Bandroom stage holding a confident, yet lax demeanour. The appreciation felt for the single figure raised above the crowd, illuminated by the cool blue spotlights, created a profound connection within the building and established an intimate and personal atmosphere.

Sweatshirt lured in fans with hype track and crowd favourite Molasses, and continued with extracts from his sophomore album before transitioning into a more heart-on-sleeve style performance with Grief from I Don’t Like

Shit, I Don’t Go Outside. Within the song, Earl explores his past as a victim of self-loathing, anxiety, isolation, and depression. Through this song, he generates a soulful and heavy-hearted insight into his own world, and describes his mental struggle in acting out against self-imposed solitary confinement.

He continues the set with DNA, which delves into the principles of fame, money and coping with the death of loved ones. The heavy hearted pathos unintentionally prescribes a meditative state to listeners to ponder the poignancies of life and the methods to counteract the struggles that we each encounter in search of the true nature of our own existence.

This chain of vehement and insightful poetry, woven by none other than the mastermind that is Earl Sweatshirt, is fragmented and replaced with another link in the artists’ development. This link is the unreleased track titled Hell, in which he manufactures a forceful and possessive environment through hard hitting 808s

and gangster synths. The crowd is sent tumbling into a wave of intense passion by the lyrical frenzy of this fiery artist. The hook “If that’s on you, then it’s on me too” amps the audience into a state of delirium in which they are at the mercy of this uniquely gifted musician.

Earl rounded off the set with his personal favourite Quest/Power as a farewell gift. The lethargic rhythm and mellow harmonies of this song provided soothing news to the fact that this track signified the apparent end to the night. Earl walks off stage chill as ever, two fingers up with the final words “peace out Melbourne.”

But the fans want more. The slow drumming chants of “Sweaaaatshirrrrrt!!! Sweaaaatshirrrrrt!!!” entices Earl once more to take to the stage. His lone encore track Drop from 2012 mixtape Hi, I’m Earl, uses Rich Boy’s instrumental to provide one last flourish to appease the devoted crowd. The track is reminiscent of the Odd Future glory days, and while things have changed since then, the lyrical phenom is sure to dominant the game for years to come.

Residing under the pseudonym DJ DOLLARZZ, this ambitious teen hip-hop beat producer is attempting to lead a positive life in a disenfranchised modern society.

Through music, Mr. DOLLARZZ aims to spread good vibes and provide hope for a better future. What he doesn’t have in musical talent, he makes up for in his hate for a real job and fear of bankruptcy, but ultimately it comes down to his intrinsic passion and intense love for music.

Hey dude, how are you?

Ay man, I’m pretty good, jus’ chillin’, you know how it is!

speakers, “nahmsayin?!” Nah but I also really like vinyl records; I just don’t have the expenditure to get many new ones.

What have you been doing lately?

I’ve been doing pretty much the same old thing as always: procrastinating and Netflix and chillin (with myself). But by doing nothing I’ve had time to get my mindset to where I want it to be and am ready to start becoming really proactive with my music and life. I’ve also been makin those gainzzz boi! (laughs)

Do you have any role models or people you look up to in terms of music?

Oh man role models, well in terms of producers there’s people like Flylo, Madlib, Dilla, El-P, Alchemist and Nujabes. But overall role models are Tyler, Ye, Mac and Kendrick Lamar to name a few. Kendrick especially because he knows how much influence he has and how he should be using it, it’s really inspiring.

Nice! So what is your preferred method for listening to music?

When I get a new album/ mixtape i have to listen to it straight through in one sitting, usually on my iPhone when I’m travelling somewhere, or on my laptop at home through them surround sound

Thats cool man. How do you use music and what role does it play in your own lifestyle?

Music basically affects everything about my life; from the mood I’m in to the clothes I wear to the way I see the world in its entirety.

It’s actually quite a spiritual thing really. It influences most aspects of my life, and I’m pretty sure it will ‘til the day I die.

What styles of music are you into?

I like pretty much anything but obviously genres like Hip-Hop, RnB and Soul. I also really enjoy alternative rock stuff and psychedelic music but it’s pretty much anything that sounds good.

What processes do you have to create your own music? Is there anything unique you do?

As soon as something sparks my imagination I just open up FL Studio and start making something. My uniqueness is that I have no knowledge of music theory, so everything I make is simply noises I think sound good. I’m more reliant on raw instinct and a keen ear than anything else.

Tell me about what it’s like to make beats in your bedroom.

Being in your own element definitely helps you feel at ease with whatever you’re doing or creating, as well as a good dose of some meditation. Generally the experience your room is a reflection of you and contains things like maybe some book that might be used as a source of inspiration. Really, my room is where I’ll have my most profound thoughts or ideas which is why I make music in it.

What is your favourite text to watch/read? Has this impacted you?

I think my favourite as of late has been The Rum Diary; Hunter really lived for the moment and just enjoyed the experience even when he didn’t. I want that to be me at some point in my life.

Have you had any joyride experiences when listening or making music?

Making music is a pretty interesting thing to do; it’s totally different from almost anything you do in school, which is pretty cool. The craziest thing is that you could be clueless about theory or a total master of it and either way become successful, as long as you make sounds that other people like. You can even make really shitty, unoriginal music and as long as you’re a young attractive person with a good marketing team you’ll be sweet! But yeah, I usually have joyride moments listening to music more than creating it.

Do you have any final words?

Don’t do drugs, stay in school, and get a job kids!!

Tops Left to Right:

USA Navy Pullover: $60 Vintage Pinstripe Pullover: $29 Maroon Crewneck: $38 American Apparel Turtleneck: $45

Shoes Left to Right:

Vans Old Skool: $90 Timerland Double Collar: $199

Shoes Top to Bottom:

New Balance: $90 Adidas Superstars: $120

Leilani Ocean has teamed up with our design team to walk you through some of the looks from our latest photo shoot titled “free-style.” She has handpicked and broken down specific fashion elements that can you can easily incorporate into your existing style.

High Waisted

I feel that high waisted jeans and pants are flattering for all body types. The fit of the pants can really accentuate your natural figure as they sit above the waistline. This style is limited only by your imagination – experiment with different colours, patterns, and materials.

To Cuff or Not To Cuff?

Consider your shoe choice before going straight to the cuff. Sometimes an un-cuffed pant can be just as groovy as your regular fold. The width of the fold is an essential element when choosing to cuff. There is a fine line between a solid cuff, and turning your pants into three-quarter cargos.

When cuffing, ask yourself: Is it really necessary for my Santa Cruz logo on my socks to be showing? Probably not - just use your natural instinct and what feels right for your outfit at the time!

Accessorise!

Hats, belts, watches, piercings, and chains! These little details can elevate your style to a whole new level. Adding a hat that has complimentary colours to your outfit will really “cap” off the look. Some simple jewellery can also help as the subtlety creates a more personal statement. Just don’t over do it – you don’t want to end up with “8 gold rings, 4 gold chains (like I’m Sha-Shabba Ranks).”

The T-Neck

The versatility of the turtleneck means it can be worn in multiple ways, including underneath shift dresses or t-shirts, as a skivvy with a jacket, or even as a pullover jumper. The huge variation in materials and textures available allows you to have a statement piece for any occasion.

Stripes

I love stripes! Vertical or horizontal, it doesn’t matter. They’re always perfect with a denim piece because of the contrast between the differing materials. Mix and match at your own leisure.

Retro Running

Brands such as Adidas and New Balance are constantly dropping “re-retros” of classic OG sneakers. The flexible nature of shoes like the Adidas Superstars model create a timeless look that works in cohesion with almost any outfit. These are a great staple for any anyone looking to upgrade his or her shoes.

Levi’s Vintage High Wasited Denim Jeans: $70

Navy

Navy has withstood the tests of time and can at as an amazing starting point for any outfit. The simplicity of dark blue is complimentary to just about any style or colour and can really anchor down any components of your outfit. Try mixing with other dark colours, or contrasting with lighter ones. It’s really up to you on how you incorporate this versatile tone.

Compliment Your Kicks!

Wearing similar coloured clothing to your shoes can tie your entire outfit together! This style generally works better with neutral colours like black or white. However, you can experiment with brighter colours if they feature on your clothing in small amounts. But then again, it’s all about individuality so be as bold as you dare.

Groovin the Moo Review

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here’s nothing like calm skies and an endless mass of people uniting together to enjoy their favourite bands perform from sunrise to sunset.

Groovin the Moo, the annual music festival that has been touring regional Australian locations for over ten years, has accumulated an enormous fan base since the mere six acts they had in 2005.

It’s now 2015 and the line-up this year had something for everyone, with a specific emphasis on hip-hop, alternative rock and dance. The vast depth from various acts provided quality entertainment and overcame the lulls that many festival goers face when waiting for the “good bands” to come out.

Groovin attracts major artists from all over the world such as A$AP Ferg, Peace, and RL Grime. The festival also brings out numerous local Australian artists including Sticky Fingers, Meg Mac, and Tkay Maidza to name a few. This diverse and unique mixture of artists caters to the many needs and tastes of music lovers and fans of GTM music festival each year it comes around.

The three hour morning drive from Melbourne to Bendigo provides you and your devoted festival buddies the opportunity to pump some last minute tunes from your favourite bands before finally witnessing them in the flesh.

With the weather heating up and the people getting hungry, lunchtime provided Tkay Maidza to perform an invigorating and lively set. This included gettin’ turnt to songs like Brontosaurus while chowing down on some authentic Mexican street tacos.

of positivity through the crowd, who were vibin’ out to the mellow sounds of this home grown band from Sydney.

The adrenaline fuelled sprint and tough navigation through the masses of people rushing to find their favourite bands provided little time to reconcile the day so far. Following the distincThe afternoon brought out crowd favourite tive bassy thuds of A$AP Ferg, shaking the Moolin Sticky Fingers for an amazing display of their Rouge tent, he performed hip-hop numerous hits from their albums Land of Pleasure hit, Shabba Ranks. The hard hitting and Caress Your Soul. This awe-inspiring collective verses from Ferg inspired his has concocted a unique mixture of reggae fufans, including the handicapped, sion and indie rock tunes to satisfy the needs of to throw their hands and prosalternative music fans. Highlighting their creative thetic legs in the air in support talents, the song Australia Street sent reverberations for such a major artist.

The easygoing vibes of the people in attendance heightened the placid and lax atmosphere at GTM. The festival even seemed to attract a rare glimpse of summer in late autumn, with warm weather fading into a balmy evening, painting the clouds in rich rays of coral-peach.

The night lured out trap star RL Grime on his world tour, to perform tracks from his latest album, Void. The intense and carefree environment RL Grime created through his music provided an amazingly energetic and powerful musical experience. RL Grime is a true showman and has the know how to captivate just about any crowd.

These were the explosively memorable fireworks to conclude the perfect “groovin” day.

As the festivalgoers spilt out onto the breezy streets of Bendigo to meditate on the musical adventures that Groovin the Moo supplied, the event organisers are already planning the next big show. With the enormous variety of artists that continually come out to support this aweinspiring festival, it’s hard to believe that Groovin the Moo doesn’t sell out within seconds.

The even-spread of well-known bands from all over the world is solidifying GTM as the must-see event of the year, and at such an affordable price, it’s on its way to becoming one of the biggest music festivals in Australia.

Young and budding progressive acoustic singer and songwriter, Jacob Sydney has been making a big impact with his music, locally and on social media. This talented artist has a relaxed but driven perspective on life that makes him stand out above the crowd.

Hey what’s up man?

Just kickin’ it.

So what does music mean to you?

I feel it’s sort of a form of expression and a release of emotions and feelings and stuff like that.

What kind of connections do you feel with music?

It’s freeing, you can do what you want with it. I also believe its lenient in that you can do what you want with it and do your own thing, rather than sticking to some guidelines like at school.

When I’m playing or performing I really feel a sense of natural calmness, and being at ease.

Nice! Have you been creating any music recently?

Um, recently I’ve been doing a few songs; I think I’ve got four down now. I’ve got three hours of recording next week (at the time of interview) so hopefully I’ll have some stuff out pretty soon.

What made you decide to get into music?

To be honest, I was in year eight and I thought, “girls like musicians” so I went for that and kept it up. I started listening to different musicians and really got into reals bands, over your typical Jason Derulo pop songs. Blink 182 were probably the first band that really made me want to play, especially Tom DeLonge. About half way through year 9 I decided that Mark Hoppus was pretty cool and I might try and sing like him. I also mixed it in with a bunch of other musicians such as The Black Keys, which helped create my own individual style.

Have you found your style and yourself through music?

I feel like that’s a hard concept to grasp because there’s no way to find yourself, it’s more trying to define yourself. I play whatever I feel

like playing when I feel like playing it. The music I write; it’s weird that most musicians have a certain sound they find, but everything that I’ve written is just completely different from each other. I feel as though it’s a much more diverse mixture coming from all the artists I’ve listened to.

Who influences you as a musician?

A lot of people influence me but namely John Mayer at the moment with his acoustic styling, as well as other alternative groups. Sort of heavier stuff, but I sort of tone it down a bit.

That’s cool! Do you have any other influences outside of music that make you want to create songs?

I guess it’s sort of like a lot of people when they’re feeling down I like to make stuff to bring them up. It’s more based on emotion and sharing positivity rather than specific person that inspires me.

Have you had any joyride experiences when sharing, creating or listening to music?

The whole sense of music is that freedom and versatility. You can just do whatever you need to do to feel that sense of pleasure and confidence within yourself.

Does that inturn have an effect on your listeners from you achieving that pleasure?

I don’t know if it affects the people listening to me but it does however, affect myself in giving me the confidence to share it with other people, and I feel like that is a truly geat thing. To be able to share something that is so personal with the wolrd, no matter what the people listening say, that’s always gonna bring me happiness.

Just sharing what I have to say is awesome you know?

Do you have any advice for others wanting to create music or get into the industry?

Just do it! I mean there’s nothing wrong you can do with it, it’s all really up to you own self-expression and doing what you want with it rather than what other people expect from it.

How would you recommend people deal with releasing their own music?

If that fear of judgement is holding you back I find it is really beneficial to show friends first and get criticism of those you trust before re-

leasing anything I guess. It helps when they support you and build upon your confidence before you show everybody your hard work.

Where are you headed with music Jacob?

Wherever it takes me really. I’m hoping that out of anything I can travel without all the common responsibilities that hold people down. I just want to be able to go wherever whenever!

Keep up to date with Jacob’s music on his SoundCloud @ Jacob Sydney

Palo Alto Movie Review

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he adolescent teens in Gia Coppola’s film debut, Palo Alto drift through the twilight period of time in which being a kid ceases, and the confusion in attempting to adapt to adulthood starts. The gutsy and compelling teen-drama is an adaption of James Franco’s Palo Alto Stories novel, set in his hometown in Northern California, which gives the movie its title. The screenplay seamlessly interlaces the collection of tales from the book and moulds them to the characters individual idiosyncrasies in order to convey a raw and unrestrained youthful mentality. In observing the lives of this group of teenagers, we witness them grapple with vices of all kinds, and accede to self-destructive, and often heartless nihilism.

The troubled and anxious Californian teenagers residing in the city of Palo Alto includes April (Emma Roberts), Teddy (Jack Kilmer) and Fred (Nat Wolff), who attempt to resist the magnetic forces of conformity to pursue a more individual and personal pathway in coping with the impossible exhilaration, doomed hopelessness, and the unrefined confusion of being an adolescent. They float around the city, slipping under ever-wavering palms in an attempt to navigate through the juvenile status quo, one step at a time.

Teddy’s story demonstrates the raw and mystifying lack of direction that many teens encounter, and the self-prescribed remedies adolescents abuse in order to balance feelings of disarray. Teddy’s easy-going nature masks the angst he experiences in manoeuvring through in the jumbled sequences and plotlessness of teenage life. You get a true sense for the state of alienation they have succumbed to within their worlds – “Where are we going?” “Fucking nowhere.”

April is an amiable and sensitive girl whose ethical righteousness elucidates her being, but also acts to hold her back. Teddy’s story criss-crosses with April’s throughout their journeys in steering around the insignificant troubles and somewhat more serious confrontations that teenage life is wrought with. At the points of almost accidental intersection, it is evident that they share an interest in each other, but circumstances of improbability and overcoming the tangled tale of the sleazy Mr. B (James Franco) prevent the pair from further developing their relationship. However, Mr. B’s resonating words –“It’s because you’re young and you don’t know why you do things, but there’s always a reason.” acts to highlight the systematic cause and effect relationship of life, and makes the audience contemplate whether there are truly any random or accidental occurrences.

The stellar soundtrack beautifully captures the moods of high school and creates an extra element of depth to the film. The movie has features from artists including Devonté Hynes, Robert Schwartzman, and Mac Demarco. Even cast members Jack Kilmer and Nat Wolff lend a hand in the creation of this masterful project. The alternative R&B tracks, littered with electronic synthesizer create an abstract utopian score to accompany the quixotic sequences from the 27-year-old director.

Palo Alto is a dynamically dreamy and effectual portrait of a lost generation of California youths, attempting to find themselves within the murky and unclear currents that adolescents throughout history have been pulled into. Coppola’s intuitive feel for directing enables her to accurately capture the fragile tenderness and selfishness of youths, transitioning into a more consciously aware state of mind in adulthood. Her alluring take on James Franco’s teenage alter egos taps into the slightness that is at the heart of these stories, and generates a dark torpor of indolent ambience within the film. Yet there is an undeniable glow, struggling to burst through the oppressive clouds overshadowing these fluorescent adolescents. That is youthful innocence, and it is a real thing of beauty.