BackPocket 20

Global Citizen’s Art, Culture, and Freestyle Guide #20 Alex Chaney’s

BackPocket

Jessa : Austin Model

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Gear | 4

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera is a true high dynamic range film look camera in an extremely portable size, so now you can shoot cinema quality in situations never before possible! Imagine shooting a documentary, episodic television production, television commercial or independent film in the true quality of digital film. With its extremely compact size, you can covertly shoot important and historic events such as wars, protests and other conflict in cinema quality and get a more realistic record of the event.

Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera is a true revolution in how you can shoot digital cinema!

Gear | 5

Machine Era Wallet

Rethink the way you carry with the Machine Era Wallet ($28-$45).

Machined from a solid piece of metal — either aluminum or brass — they keep all your stuff in place with an elastic band. At just a quarter inch of thickness, they barely make a dent in your pocket (but, don't think that means they sacrifice durability). The aluminum wallet comes in a flat black finish, and is the cheaper and lighter of the two.

The brass wallet is heavier, and comes unfinished, allowing the metal to age to a nice patina. Both are manufactured right here in the USA. Uncrate.com

Gear | 6

1920s Germany Light Bulb Voltage Tester Bar Dating to the 1920s, a former light bulb-testing machine has been ingeniously repurposed as a bar cart to shelter spirits, wine bottles and hanging glassware. The original, nearly a century old, was salvaged from a factory in Germany. Crafted of iron, a hinged segment opens to grant access to bottles and barware, while the small hatch opens, too.

Inspired by an early 20th-century light bulb voltage tester discovered in a factory in Germany

Gear | 7

Steakstones

If you're looking for a new way to prepare a meal and impress dinner guests, check out SteakStones ($136). After heating the lava stone in the oven, it stays hot for 20-30 minutes — plenty of time to sear and cook a steak, seafood, or lamb however you like it. It rests neatly in its cradle, warming any food below, and providing a serving station for your meal. Get several steak stones and allow your guests to prepare their own meat, or get the sharing platter and cook for two.

Uncrate

Gear| 8

LEGO® Architecture Studio LEGO® has unveiled the newest addition to their architecturallyinspired family of products: LEGO® Architecture Studio. Designed as a tool for adults to unleash their inner creative, the 1200-piece, monochromatic set is intended to inspire the masses to think like an architect by creating their own building designs. For just $150, LEGO® fanatics can acquired their own architecture studio set and learn from some of the world’s most renowned architects with a 272page inspirational guidebook. Though all-nighters are not a prerequisite, most LEGO® Architecture Studio owners have experienced long-lasting design charrettes due to the addictive nature of LEGO®.

Covergirl | 10

Jessa What first interested you in modeling and what finally got you started My interest in modeling began kind of by accident with a family friend who would test new camera equipment on me when I was a teenager. As I became more comfortable in front of the camera, I Â became more passionate about the creative side of modeling and ultimately use it as a creative and artistic outlet. Over the years it just fit so naturally into my life, so I kept up with it!

What are your goals in modeling or other related interests

Who are some our your role models and inspirations

I feel as if I have already reached most of my goals when it comes to modeling; being published internationally, creating unique and artistic images by using my body as a piece of art, and inspiring others.

Some future goals I have with modeling are just to hang on to this creative outlet as long as I can, which means staying healthy, in shape, and looking good despite getting older. I would also like to use my knowledge of the industry to help me forward my other artistic career goals, such as Makeup Artistry, Body Painting and Jewelry design. Basically, I want to just keep doing what I'm doing!

I honestly don't have any specific role models. Lot's of people inspire me, even people I may have just met. I like to be as open to new inspiration as much as possible with every interaction I may have, so the list grows, literally by the day.

How long have you been in the industry and what have you learned thus far I have been modeling for about 9 years. I have really learned a lot, I don't think I could really explain everything I've learned so far without writing a book! I am also still learning, the world and the modeling industry has changed a lot in the last 9 years, and it will continue to change, so I like to keep an open mind and evolve with things as they happen.

What are your recommendations to someone interested in becoming a model Read a lot of books and self educate yourself. Knowledge is power and will help prevent you from being taken advantage of because you are unaware. It also helps to have very specific goals for the type of modeling that you would like to get started in. There are lot's of ways to be a model, and not every person fits into each of these niches. Knowing what your limitations and what your best abilities are for a specific niche can help you focus your energy on building that career and keep you from taking the wrong turn down a path that would ultimately not work for you based on your specific look. On the contrary to that though, don't be afraid to try something new, even if people have told you that you are not right for it. If you love something and you have passion for making it

happen, nothing should stop you, especially "Industry standards".

If you could go back and redo anything thus far in your career, what would it be I have no desire to redo anything in the sense of doing it better, but perhaps redoing it just because it was so fun! I'd love to travel to Berlin and New York again.

So what makes you so Funky?

I was born Funky. I'm a nerdy artist and the funkiness just oozes out of me. I can't help it!

Could you describe your version on the most perfect day in which everything was just perfect for you?

I could, but it's a little too personal. ;)

What is your hidden weakness or personal passions?

I wouldn't say I have any hidden weakness. Personal passions include painting, drawing, writing, gardening, exercising, animals, biology, environmental awareness, nutrition, homeopathic remedies, and

organic living. There are always new ones entering my life at random as well, I love positive change!

Give a shout. Who or what should we be keep an eye out for in the next year?

This is a hard question since I don't have any specific goals with modeling. I'm just letting it happen, I don't like the stress of too many expectations for something that I enjoy, I just like to enjoy it. I'm not bent on climbing some latter to the top. In the next year I would like to expand my creative abilities to allow me to profit more from some of my other creative outlets like acting, makeup, body painting and jewelry design. I have been doing more video work lately and I have a feeling it will get me involved in projects in the next year that I haven't had the opportunity for with modeling, like movies!

Photo CRedits: Steve Dement stevedementphotography.com facebook.com/steve.dement

Rides | 18

BMW’s 4 series coupe

The BMW’s 4 series coupe is in the purest sense, the successor of the legendary 3 series. The 4 series has got similar dynamic design like the 3 series, giving the car a sporty edge with the touch of elegance from premium class like BMW 8 series. The car’s interior combines with best quality handpicked materials with premium class craftsman skills. It is really sad to be informed that BMW is all set to discontinue BMW 3 series coupe, only after its huge success they trying to stop. It is also a new space for 4 series to start winning hearts by being better than 3 series.

As per the speculations BMW’s 4 series is supposed to be performance oriented with one of the powerful engines in sedan segment.

BMW 4 series is expected to serve with three range model from 181bhp 420i, 242bhp 430i and 302bhp 435i petrol line up. The diesel will be 181bhp 420d, 245bhp 430d and powerful 309bhp 435d having the transmission options from automatic and manual to six speed transmission or 8 speed transmission giving edge over speeding and control. BMW 4 series planned to even start the all wheel drive version of 420i. BMW is said to have the power house installed which is a 3.0 liter V6 capable of delivering almost 450bhp in overall terms. BMW is planning to continue with new series engines including for M4 in line up, to be more efficient and improve the overall fuel economy of scale. This trend of more fuel economically with more power is getting on the diesel car markets making the powerful diesel powered 420d being capable of doing more than 60mpg, with emissions under 120g/km bar. This makes BMW 4 series way to much cost effective in the long term and long drive.

BMW 4 series is almost similar to 3 series while the wheel base is just 2 inches longer than 3 series even in length 4 series is more than 5 inches longer than 3 series overall. The BMW 4 series include hexagonal full LED twin design, with L shaped iconic BMW tail lights, in the interiors there is a two toned trim set, with contrasting stitching on leather upholstery, on dash panel the wood work is natural chestnut wood. The BMW 4 series has a front wing mounted air intake helping the car to breathe better. In the after dark BMW 4 series give a very prominent look and that blistering noise it makes you fall for it.

The BMW is planning to give Audi A5 a head on competition in price wars.

They have right now competitively priced the 4 series right next to the Audi A5, which makes this car much expensive than its predecessor 3 series. But in 4 series the buyers will get options ranging from normal, SE, sport coupe to the best of all M badger sporty series. BMW has also lined up o start more models in 4 series like other series by later launching a convertible and then Gran Coupe to support the product range.

Rides | 22

Tesla S

Since 2003, Tesla Motors has shifted the power base of automotive innovation to the home of digital innovation, Silicon Valley, and has caught the eyes of car enthusiasts the world over with humanity's first full electric sports car through their now legendary Tesla Roadster.

The Roadster's primary innovation was the first production vehicle to use lithium-ion batteries combined with immense torque which would get you to 60 as fast as a motorcycle and a range approaching 250 miles per charge. Their second model, Tesla S, solidifies Tesla Motor Corp's position as a full-fledged industry player with the first full size, 100% electric sedan with four doors including seating up to 7 possible.

Tesla S has aggressively launched onto premium sedan circuit giving fierce competition to BMW 7 and Audi S8 with a reported top speed of 126 MPH coupled with stop to 60 in 5.6 seconds. Fitted with adjustable air suspension, rear wheel drive, and hosting a suite of software dynamically responding to you in your environment sets the stage for the Tesla S to exceed your expectations for performance and comfort.

Drivers are issued a standard plug charger for use at home or at public stations to replenish the array of 85kwh batteries within a 4” cavity at the base of the car maximal distribution of weight to center of gravity. You can use Tesla’s 480 volt Supercharger to fill at least 50% battery in just 30 minutes and you are on the move again in short order, or in North America stop into one of the planned quick change centers for a battery swap.

Tesla S comes fitted with lightweight glass roof, with touch of the button all feel of a convertible with keeping the comfort of air condition system.

Interiors have the futuristic feel with digital instruments, also high resolution touch screen that can combine media, communications, navigation, real time vehicle performance info and refined cabin controls. With eight airbags and a strong aluminum frame you and your passengers are well protected.

Deployed with 416 hp and 443 ft lbs of torque without differentials, pistons or a gear box has enabled Tesla S to shed considerable weight compared to fellow luxury performance sedans.

With a switch activated “sport” mode that helps drivers to switch lanes at high speed without hesitation. The traction control software continually checks the center of gravity and weight distribution in ratio to the amount of acceleration applied against the road conditions to maintain optimal performance vectors including dynamic ride height adjustment.

One would not be shocked in the least to see a Q’d up version of these cutting down villains in the next Bond adventure, and we cannot wait to get ours.

Specifications: Base Price = mid 60s with performance package topping out in 110s Drive train Rear Wheel Drive Curb Weight (lbs) 4647.3 City 94 MPGe // Hwy 97 MPGe Horsepower 420 hp // Torque 443 ft•lb Wheelbase 116.5" // Length 196.0" Width 77.3" - exc. Mirrors // Height 56.5"

BP Girl | 26

Marie Mao Photos by: Teo Salinas

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Casa + Architecture | 32

Warehouse Conversion Becomes The Two-In-One

Located in Melbourne Australia, the Two In One House is a converted warehouse that has a combination of what were once two individual residences, and features a stripped back interior with exposed brick work, and rich wooden flooring.

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Musicians | 38

Amatorski

Amatorski was recently described as "the best Belgian act around at the moment" by The Guardian (UK), while Les Inrockuptibles raved about the band's recent show at the Reeperbahn Festival, "extremely classy‌ refined, delicate, melodic, subtle: the most

beautiful concert of the evening".

The French magazine went on to compare the band's "absolutely delicious atmospheric pop" to the music of Sufjan Stevens, Portishead and Sparklehorse, while other writers have evoked Sigur Ros or The Cocteau Twins.

Singer Inne Eysermans (who also plays keyboards & guitar), guitarist/ vocalist Sebastiaan Van den Branden, bass & keyboard player Hilke Ros and drummer Christophe Claeys formed Amatorski in Ghent, and immediately achieved wide recognition in the Benelux with their self-produced, self-released Same Stars We Shared EP, which contained four exquisite songs written by Inne, and carried by her hypnotic voice.

Inspired by the letters exchanged by Inne's great-grandparents during World War II, the EP's opening track "Come Home" conquered the local charts, got airplay on all national radio stations, and was used in a commercial for a famous brand of water.

Then came the TBC album, a beautifully arranged suite of songs which weaves electronic & acoustic ingredients with delicate orchestrations. The album was again created in the band's studio in Ghent, and mixed in London by Darren Allison (known for his work with Belle & Sebastian, Efterklang and The Divine Comedy). The album ascended to #5 in the Belgian charts (a rare feat for a totally self-released album), and earned the band nominations in several categories at the Belgian Music Industry Awards.

The band's two music videos were directed by young up-and-coming Belgian film directors (Wannes De Stoop for The King, and Maria De Gier for Soldier).

"Amatorski" means "amateur" in Polish. The name may possibly be connected to a certain movie by K.Kieslowski.

Amatorski's devoted following keeps increasing after each of the band's mesmerising performances ("Perfection on all fronts", according to Dutch magazine OOR), which beautifully translate the album's dreamy sonic & lyrical universe.

The band has now joined forces with Crammed Discs, who will be giving Amatorski its first international release, with a special double-pack edition of the "TBC" album and the "Same Stars We Shared" EP, due out in early Spring 2013.

Amatorski's track "Come Home" has been selected by Google Music to be part of their monthly Antenna emerging artist feature, one of their most successful slots!

Musicians | 40

Savage Peace The stunning debut from Savage Peace, Justice (Sounds On Screen Inc.), dives into themes of love, loss, life, and death with dark sensuality.

Their name evokes the powerful contrast of their creativity, raw emotionality set to sublime musicality.

The Toronto, Ontario based synthpop duo are masters at being gorgeously gloomy.

“I got a lot off my chest with this album, it was very cathartic. I wrote about things that have been on my mind for a while. The songs are very emotional,� says Davis Cremar.

Savage Peace is lyricist/composer Davis Cremar and lyricist/composer Tristan Teng with the mesmerizing vocals of featured singer Erin Hunt.

The duo has garnered favorable comparisons to Goldfrapp, Bat For Lashes, Massive Attack, Gem Club, Air, and Depeche Mode.

Savage Peace stand out from many of their EDM contemporaries because of their ability to include imaginative arrangements, sophisticated vocal melodies, rich harmonic underlay, and striking textural contrasts within a pop context.

Prior to Savage Peace, Davis Cremar composed title themes and incidental music for over 230 episodes of award-winning and nominated documentary and children’s programs. He studied music in the University of Toronto’s music program. “When I met Tristan, I didn’t

want anything to do with music. I was practicing law and had a good job. At the time, music made me unhappy, “ he says. The couple moved into together 6 months after they met.

Upon merging their lives, Tristan became fixated on Davis’ music equipment and kept bugging Davis to show him the recording program Logic. “One Sunday I was cranky with a hangover and said ‘Today is the day, here is one way to write a song,’” recalls Davis. In showing Tristan how to use Logic, the couple composed the song “Cable Star” and accidentally birthed Savage Peace.

Tristan brings a mathematical sense of symmetry and harmonic adventure

to the creative partnership. He grew up an aspiring classical concert pianist but became disillusioned with that path. “I had issues in my teens and I felt I could escape them through trying to make my playing perfect. I came to the decision that I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life trying to achieve technical perfection. I laid music aside for a bit, but it was always in back in my mind,” he explains.

Davis writes most of the lyrics and Tristan notes that he could easily have been a poet or novelist. “He has an ability to formulate an intricate world within a set of lyrics. He basically writes 95% of the lyrics, though I will occasionally

add something here or there,” Tristan reveals. Both men share in the music compositional process. “We work in separate rooms, though,” Tristan says, laughing.

When it came time for a singer, the two scoured Craigslist and found Erin Hunt. “I sang the demos originally, but we needed a real demo singer to solicit other potential singers to join the band,” says Davis. However, Davis and Tristan were so pleased with the results of working with Erin that those demos became the final tracks. Erin Hunt is an acclaimed recording artist in her own right, having worked with a slew of talented musicians such as Ricky Tillo (Lady Gaga’s guitarist, former Esthero

guitarist), Ron Saint Germain (world renowned mix engineer), Mark Plati (world renowned mix engineer), and David Williams (former keyboard player for Keisha Chante and Divine Brown), among others.

The seductive “Black-Eyed Raven” lures you in with delicately longing vocals and swirling electronic synths, the chorus sweetly releases the pentup emotionality building during the hypnotic verse. The lyrics are both arousing and mystical. In the opening verse Hunt sings: I see you I feel you/ In the dead of night/I found you/I fucked you/Little bird of the night/A kiss in the gloom…/My hands all over you…over you…The song will be perfectly paired with a video that

evokes the ancient and ritualistic sensual overtones burning through the lyrics.

The majestic “The Dublin Rain” lays love and death bare against an elegantly essential music backdrop of keys, percussion, and redemptive vocal harmonies. Davis and Tristan are partners in creativity and in marriage. “I wrote most of the lyrics in an afternoon. I was afraid to play it for Tristan, though” Davis says. “A lot of times when I finish a song, and he comes home, I’m like a little dog all excited, ‘Listen to this!’ But for that one I was like, ‘You can’t look at me when I sing for you, turn your back.’ I was writing about him predeceasing me, it was very emotional.”

The transcendent and chilling instrumental, “Opus 1”, is beautifully somber. It features the gorgeously elegiac violin of concert violinist Marie Bérard (concertmaster of the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra).

Justice was meticulously written, produced, mixed, and mastered.

During the album’s creation Davis would spend several hours simply reviewing, layering and/ or designing kick drum samples or vocal delay lines or synth patches. This care and attention to detail is lovingly stamped

all over the album. Every aspect of the sound, from the fastidious arrangements to award-winning producer, engineer, mixer and editor Jeff Wolpert’s (Loreena McKennitt, Holly Cole, Jane Siberry, Cowboy Junkies and Great Big Sea) vibrant mixes to Bob Ludwig’s (Paul McCartney, Madonna, David Bowie, Radiohead, Def Leppard, Nirvana) pristine mastering work combine to create an enchanting blend of pop electronica.

Acclaimed mix engineer Jeff Wolpert summed up his feelings of the

Musician | 46

Robin McKelle

Robin McKelle might have called this album The Real McKelle.

“It’s the record I’ve always dreamed of making. Not that there was anything stopping me in the past, it’s simply that things panned out differently.” The new album, entitled "Soul Flower" is out digitally on Okeh Records/ Sony Music on June 11th.

The singer herself wrote most of the songs on this new production, a contemporary blend of soul and rhythm ’n’ blues that avoids today’s retro tendencies. “I love that music so much that I couldn’t see myself doing something ‘in the style of…”. I grew up listening to Nina Simone and Gladys Knight. I sang their classics and what I enjoy most today is building my own repertoire in that same soulful vein.” Soul Flower mainly consists of original tracks along with a few covers, including an upbeat Walk On By. We were already familiar with Robin’s talents as a singer ‐ her powerful, expressive contralto voice and warm timbre that enchants audiences ‐ but here we discover her songwriting skills and gift for devising familiar melodies that take hold immediately.

The album is the fruit of her long exposure to gospel, soul and blues, and a collective achievement too.

Robin McKelle insisted on recognising her associates on this

album, even down to the cover credit: Robin McKelle & The Flytones. “The Flytones acknowledgment sets this project apart from my solo and previous jazz work, and also stresses the joint effort on this album with Sam Barsh (Avishai Cohen’s former pianist) and Derek Nievergelt (her current bassist). They’re from the jazz world, but they love this music. We worked on the tracks together, some even on stage when we were touring.”

Ms. McKelle’s pen dips lucidly into the ink of today’s gloomy news.

Backed by Donny Hathaway’s keyboards, So It Goes is about “the increasing difficulty of people’s everyday lives and the feeling so many share that they can no longer get by, although they continue to battle on anyway.” A woman of character, the singer shows great insight when it comes to affairs of the heart. Tell You One Thing brims with Ray Charles‐style orchestrations and backing vocals. The piano and guitar solos remind us of the jazz background of the album’s musicians.

Fairytale Ending has a vintage, very northern‐soul flavour reminiscent of the legendary productions heard back in the sixties in clubs in the North of England: a blend of Motown and Stax. Ms. McKelle’s voice unfailingly and expertly masters new dynamic or fragile tones. Don’t Give Up is deliberately measured, like a classic blues number. A Wurlitzer and lazy organ accompany the singer’s

amorous lament. On the very catchy Change ‐ a gospel shuffle brought to the boil by drums and organ ‐ her sincerity and commitment take us back to the sixties heyday of the protest song. “You turn on the radio in the morning, you watch TV in the evening, and all you hear is ‘crisis, crisis, crisis’. The word’s repeated ten thousand times a day, wherever you are in the world. So I’ve tried to offer a take based on real life ‐ people’s experience, the everyday impression they have.” Still Ms. McKelle, a native of Rochester, NY, ends the session on a glamorous jazz note, with a cover of I’m A Fool To Want You (immortalised by Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday).

The album also includes joint ventures: two duets, two encounters overflowing with emotion. On the first, she teams up with a soul veteran who, after a long absence, has returned to the limelight over the last few years: Lee Fields. “In fact, weirdly, there was all this revival ‐ Raphael Saadiq, Sharon Jones ‐ when I was involved in jazz. I was aching to join in. Among all the artists was one I admired more than anyone, especially after My World, his record on the Truth & Soul label. Lee (Fields) has great presence and sincerity. In the studio, when we covered the Bee Gees’ To Love Somebody (also recorded by Janis Joplin, Dusty Springfield and others), I felt such a thrill. His voice was so powerful it

covered mine.” Another high point on the album is an original number sung with Gregory Porter, a rising star of vocal jazz whose reputation has spread beyond the jazz world, like Robin McKelle’s. “I saw him in a club in New York. He was on at the Smoke one evening and I sat at the bar and loved it. He has an impressive voice and a real sensitivity too. The duet’s an unusual exercise. The aim wasn’t just to record a performance, but to build up a genuine connection for the space of a few minutes to tell a story.

That story, Love’s Work, is about a couple’s relationship when they have to stand firm and keep going when things get bad.” A wonderful, subtly nuanced duet worthy of the great pioneers and featuring an irresistible melody (with brass and Wurlitzer piano to fan the flame).

Some have one life; others two or even three. During her singing career, Robin McKelle has been through more than one renaissance.

She came to the public eye with a first album called Introducing Robin McKelle (2006), followed by Modern Antique (2008) ‐ two big‐band swing sessions. “I’d recorded a demo, tapes to get dates. They ended up on a record‐company desk and the first album was released with all the positive spin that followed. I can’t say I have any regrets: I started touring all over the world, playing bigger and bigger venues thanks to that first album and then the second.”

Another turning point came at the start of 2010, with Mess Around, breaking with a certain classicism and exploring themes borrowed from different songwriters ‐ Leonard Cohen, Doc Pomus, Willie Dixon and The Beatles ‐ but especially marking a new aesthetic approach in the form of a return to roots for the native of New York State. “People accepted the transition, because they felt it was natural. I could express my personality better in that soul‐jazz range. It was a sort of liberation.

Today, I feel totally at ease with myself. It was a risk, but I don’t like being tied to the status quo.”

Robin McKelle had already sung soul in her first life. Influenced by her mother, a member of the church choir, the young Robin McKelle began to show her talent in R&B groups from the age of fifteen. After taking up the piano and French horn, she studied jazz at the University of Miami (1994‐1996) before attending and graduating from the Berklee College of Music in Boston (1999).

Moving to the West Coast, she regularly performed as a backing singer. “I learned my trade.” She subsequently went back to the Berklee College Of Music as a teacher and entered the Thelonious Monk competition in Washington, winning a prize in 2004. “Then came an uncertain time. I sang with groups, we covered hits and I performed at

weddings while I waited for my moment to come.”

Now she is entering a new chapter in her eventful history without looking back. “From time to time, I think about it, but it’s all a long way off now. I feel as if I’m beginning something new with Soul Flower and I’m looking forward to winning the public over on stage.” Indeed, when she performs live, Robin McKelle’s singing talent takes on a whole new dimension.

Musician | 50

Fiya

Armed with over three million YouTube hits, 31,000 subscribers, a strong melodic, intuitive writing style and an energetic sound that channels the creative genius of everyone from Chaka Khan to Freddie Mercury and Whitney Houston, FIYA (Fee-yah) is a striking R&B/ pop singer-songwriter from the Philadelphia area who is putting her newfound fame to good use.

FIYA wrote and co-produced her new single, “Get On!”, a playful, hip hop and R&B girls anthem that’s sure to make people move. FIYA says even though she loves having fun with her music -- in the studio and on stage -she also aims to write songs that are meaningful. “I definitely want to be a role model for young girls,” she says.

“The songs I write are a representation of my life experiences as a young woman.”

As a child and a teenager, she quietly indulged her passion for music -- and hair. She unleashed and launched two YouTube channels. SafiSings displays her musical talents, and Br0nzeQt serves as a tutorial for all things hair, makeup and fashion.

Within months, she had tens of thousands of hits and thousands of subscribers.

A native of Philadelphia, FIYA spent her youth soaking up the soulfulness of the city. The renowned Sound of Philadelphia (i.e. Patti LaBelle, Gamble & Huff) -- and the music that wafted through her house on a regular basis -- seeped into her pores. Whatever she has as a singer, she got it honestly. “I grew up in a musical family,” she says. “My father was a jazz musician and everyone on his side of the family was involved in music in some way. We always had singers and musicians at our house.”

But it would be the singers outside of FIYA’s door who would have a hand in helping her to find her voice; people like Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Chaka Khan. “Over the years, I have taken a little piece from each of these influences to fine tune my craft, but if I had to pick one who has influenced me the most, I would say Chaka Khan because we both have big, powerful voices -- and similar hairstyles,” she adds, halfjokingly.

Inked | 52

Kortni Kennedy Photos by: Teo Salinas

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Flashback | 56

Untapped Fashion and Music Coachila Edition

“Untapped Fashion & Music – Coachella Edition” sponsored by the Crescent Hotel Beverly Hills, took place at SUR Lounge with Ken & Lisa Vanderpump and was a tremendous success. The evening was held in honor of the inauguration to COACHELLA via a Red Carpet Fashion Gala, while raising awareness for F Cancer. The event was hosted by model/actor: Matias Desiderio.

The evening was filled with celebrity guests, DJs and artists as we celebrated 12 fashion designers from all over the world – many whom are Project Runway and Project All Stars contestants. The following brands were previewed through a live installation showcase in the beautiful garden of SUR – styled by Tite Ends Salon: Anna Morph Gordana Gehlhausen of Shop Goga: Project Runway Tess Johnson

Ermelinda Designs Lizz Basinger Vinyl Factory Eyewear Jimmy Swagg Diva Steps Divine Elegance LEOTA Mikailee Alton B. Studded Christina Castillo Handbags DJ Euphoric, opened up festivities which was followed by Celebrity DJ Lindsay Luv. Celebrities & VIPs included: Tha Boogie, Cody Wise, the Sachika Twins, Matias Desiderio, cast members of Vanderpump Rules, cast members of Project Runway and more.

Gift bags were handed out to guests by the following sponsors: Nooka, iHome, PopChips, Vita Coco, KellyAnne Hair, Live Obligated, My Brigadeiro, 11 Creative Group, Crescent Hotel Beverly Hills, F Cancer, Tite Ends Hair Salon and more.