mf
music .fa shion
MiaMichaels KristineElezaj KateLangJohnson NicoTortorella PosterGirl Lolene Eisley Summer 2010
issue 14
Music That GIVES BACK!
The Art of Elysium presents: Elysium Sessions! An Artist
Services program that provides a variety of promotional opportunities to Volunteer Musicians, in exchange for their valued time and participation in our hospital workshops sharing their talent and musical inspiration.
If you are a musician, we could use your help. As a volunteer, you can create a world of happiness for children battling serious illnesses. Contact us at info@elysiumsessions.org for more information and to join our Volunteer Musician family. www.elysiumsessions.org | theartofelysium.org
To show you all of the seriously ill children that local health worker Khalada Yesmin helped save this year, we’d need 122 more pages.
HELP ONE.SAVE MANY. See where the good goes at GoodGoes.org
WHO WE ARE
CONTRIBUTORS Erik Schultz
Editor-In-Chief Anna Thiessen Anna is a fashion, beauty, and runway photographer. She graduated from the University of the Arts. For the past 6 years she has covered NYC Fashion Week. Her work has been published in Essence, Cosmopolitan, Paper, Nikki Style and Glossy among many others.
Emily Peterson Lead Designer
Star Noor
Fashion Editor
Richard S.
Advertising Sales
Richard S.
Marketing/Promotions
Jesse Weed
Website Dude
David Ziggy Greene Comic Artist Larissa Underwood Larissa is a Los Angeles based editorial and commercial photographer. Underwood graduated from Brooks Institute of Photography and went on to specialize in celebrity and music photography.
Larissa Underwood Aaron Fallon Pamela Lopez Grant Christian Rios KIM+PHIL Photography Fashion Photographers
Larissa Underwood Cover Photographer
Lauren Weigle, Michele Oestman, Corey Hayes, Michelle Nelson, Larissa Underwood, Aaron Fallon, Pamela Lopez Grant, David Ziggy Greene, Monica Alvarez, Janet Sanders, Jamie Poster, Mario Epanya, Lucas Cook, Bradley Meinz, Kelly Nissl, Linger Studios, Erin Haight, Chazz Gold, Sean Costello, 13th Witness, Chris Phelps, Emilie Yount, Teresa Walters, Anna Thiessen, Christian Rios, KIM+PHIL Photography Contributors Pamela Lopez Grant tree hugger art lover .
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If you are looking to see your business become fruitfull then you should get your freakin’ ad in our magazine. Send us an email and we will work with you to make that happen. mf magazine is published about four times a year by Spec Media. All material in mf may not be printed without permission from the big chief. The views expressed in these pages are not the views of the magazine but those of the rad people we talk with. Teresa Walters Teresa loves long walks to short destinations and meeting old people. Depending on the season she might be filming some sketches for her comedy website dannymarathon.com in Los Angeles or she might be teaching a yoga class in Vancouver, Canada. But rain or shine she always likes to writes for mf magazine!
Lauren Weigle East coast based, Lauren...partner in fashion PR company, N.Y.C. Public Relations, designer for clothing line EL B.W., and mf magazine enthusiast...uses the music and arts scene, not only in her work, but as her guide in life. Having represented and worked for various design houses from Zang Toi to Buckler to Joanna Mastroianni, Lauren uses the experience she gains in all aspects of her career. Whether she’s designing a new product line for Paula Abdul, producing a couture show for fashion week, or writing the next mf magazine article, she makes sure she finds happiness and passion in all she does.
cover Mia Michaels photo by Larissa Underwood Make-Up by Kelsey Deenihan Hair by Steven Mason Styling by Leah Bauer
How Those Who Get Your Heart Pumping Get Their Blood Flowing
A Blood/Vampire themed mix by Carrie Preston of True Blood
A Werewolf themed mix by Chaske Spencer ofThe Twilight Saga
Photo by DIMITRY LOISEAU
1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12) 13) 14) 15)
Vampire Weekend- A-Punk The XX- Hot Like Fire Shakira- She Wolf Dirty Projectors- Cannibal Resource Fink- Sort of Revolution Radiohead- We Suck Young Blood Miike Snow- Animal Broken Bells- Mongrel Heart Bon Iver- Skinny Love Pink- The One that Got Away The Avett Brothers- Die Die Die TV on the Radio- Red Dress The National- Afraid of Everyone Heart- Magic Man Fleetwood Mac- Blood on the Floor
CARRIE PRESTON has landed roles in everything from theatre performances in Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” to a starring role in the dark comedy, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominated HBO series “True Blood.” Preston’s breakout role as “Miranda” on the Broadway production of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” led to roles in major television series such as “Lost” and “Desperate Housewives” along with acclaimed 2008 films such as Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona, and the Oscar nominated Transamerica. Always up for the next challenge, Preston just ended the second season of “True Blood;” HBO’s highest-rated series from creator Alan Ball (mastermind of “Six Feet Under”), alongs i d e Stephen Moyer and Anna Paquin. She takes on the role of “Arlene Fowler,” a small town wait re ss in a small-town in Louisiana.
Photo by J SQUARED PHOTOGRAPHY
Beastie Boys - Sabotage Metallica- O’Ryan 3) Miike Snow- Animal 4) Rolling Stones- Sympathy for the Devil 5) Nine Inch Nails-Bite the Hand that Feeds 6) Jimi Hendri - Hey Joe 7) Van Morrison- Moondance 8) Iggy Pop- The Passenger 9) The Spencer Davis Group-I’m a Man 10) Dion- The Wanderer 1)
2)
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CHASKE SPENCER plays werewolf leader “Sam Uley” in the popular Summit Entertainment The Twilight Saga film series: New Moon and Eclipse. Prior to New Moon, Chaske was in the films: Skins, Dreamkeeper and Steven Spielberg’s Into The West. Chaske recently booked the lead role of “Virgil First Raise” in the feature film of the book Winter In The Blood, by James Welch, and additionally, he shot and wrapped the indie film Shouting Secrets, playing the lead character named “Wesley Bishnik.” Partnered with his manager Josselyne Herman and veteran producer Ted Kurdyla, his production company, Urban Dream, is in development on a feature-length documentary and feature film called The Block.
CONTENTS
Eisley 10 Deftones 13 Lolene 14 Maluca 16 KristineElezaj 17 HotHotHeat 22 RyeRye 23 PosterGirl 24 Sonicbids 26 KateLangJohnson 32 MiaMichaels 34 JeannieMai 38 IlizaandElisa 40 NicoTortorella 44 GLOW 52
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LETTERS/ART TO THE EDITOR
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Christina Steele Meredith Williams Meredith Williams Miriam Boo Miriam Boo Miriam Boo Jesse Trinchard
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Rad Things The Things you’ll love --------------------------------Left-------Top: AJB Clothing (adambaranello.com) Skirt: Clair (alysonclair.com) Necklace: Teryn Yancy (myspace.com/heavenmeetsglam) Ring: Winifred (annawinifred.com) Mask: Artwith Designs (artwithlatex.com) ------------------------------Right---------Hair Clip: Claudia’s Clips (claudiasclips.com) Necklace: Gabriella Designs (gabrielladesign.etsy.com) Dress: Marti (marticompany.com) Flowers: Gabriella Designs (gabrielladesign.etsy.com)
Photo by KIM+PHIL Photography Makeup by Ashli Kellogg Hair by Erin McCoy
EISLEY
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By Michelle Nelson Photos by Chris Phelps
ave you ever had that friend when H you were growing up who seemed to have the perfect family? They had
brothers and sisters who were all good looking, smart and talented. They had cool parents and all of their friends wanted to hang out at their house. Their parents were down-to-earth, well-rounded people who were young at heart and had an easy time relating to all of their kids’ friends. I could be wrong, but that is what I imagine it must be like to be friends of the Dupree kids who make up the band Eisley. Eisley is a band that by no means is new on the scene. Their band started about 11 years ago when Stacy Dupree wrote the band’s first song at the age of 8. The band is made up of Stacy, Chauntelle, Garron, Weston and Sherri. All of the band members are brothers and sisters, with cousin Garron on the bass. Eisley has had a very successful, fortunate past as a band. Eisley’s first tour was supporting Coldplay on their Rush of Blood to the Head tour. At that time they only had a homemade demo and no album. Eisley is currently making the final touches on a new album they plan to release later this year. I got the chance to chat with Sherri Dupree about the incredible Dupree family, growing up in Tyler, TX, and what makes a good song.
What’s it like being in a band with your siblings? Do you all get along pretty well or do you get into a lot of arguments? Everyone gets along amazingly. I owe that probably to our parents. Since there were so many of us in such a small house growing up, we literally were not allowed not to get along. We had disagreements and stuff, but no one was allowed to treat each other like crap or call each other names because it was just too chaotic. We just grew up really respecting each other and respecting each other’s space and each other’s individuality. I think that has really helped us be in a band together and work together for a living. It’s great, you know. Everyone is best friends. How did all of you end up getting so interested in music? Did it have to do with your parents? We were around music so much growing up. My family is just really obsessed with all things that are musical. All of my uncles play some sort of instrument and my dad plays drums. My mom constantly is singing and she’s really good. So, they just kind of taught us growing up to do
what you love, and what we loved to do was to write songs and play music together. It was just something that we kind of did naturally. It was never like, “Let’s start a band! This’ll be cool!” The mentality was more like let’s start a band because we love music, which is why anyone should start a band and why most people do. [Starting a band] was never something we did intentionally. What was the song that Stacy wrote when she was 8? What was it about? Was it pretty sophisticated for an 8 year old? Stacy was one of those kids that knew who she was at a young age and was very mature for her age. She actually wrote the song about a friend of the family who went through this terrible time where he got strung out on drugs and tried to commit suicide. It was this really dark time in his life. He’s fine now and he has lived through it and he has a family. Stacy was really affected by that at a young age and that was actually what our first song was about, was this guy and her representation of how she viewed the situation as an 8 year old. It was a good song! She wrote a song and we were like, “Wow! She’s 8 years old and she can write a song that has depth and is actually good.” Do all of the band members write your songs, or are there a few of you who do most of the writing? Me and Stacy kind of carry the bulk of most of the song writing. We’re really open creatively. We want the band to feel like a band, so everyone has their input. After we kind of get a rough idea for a song we keep it moving and flowing when we take it to the band and have everyone write their own parts and give their own ideas and input. Usually the songs are pretty different from how they first start to the time that they finally get into the studio. It’s good that way. I like having a lot of input because it keeps things fresh. Your band has been a r o u n d for awhile. What are some of your favorite experiences that you have had as a band? Who are some of your favorite people or bands that you have toured with? One of the coolest experiences to me still, even though it was so long ago, was when we got to tour with Coldplay. That was our first tour. Not many bands can count that among their blessings of getting to tour with one of your favorite bands who is playing places like The Hollywood Bowl and Madison Square Garden on your first tour. I’m so blown away that that happened. It’s crazy to me. That was so fun and I never will forget that experience. Getting to learn how to tour from people who are some of the biggest pro’s in the world. We’ve toured since then and each tour has been amazing in its own way, but that one was just really special. The last tour we did was after my husband and I got married. We call it a Honeymoon Tour because we booked our bands on the tour together so that we could keep hanging out after our wedding. That one was amazing and so fun. Can you discuss how the music industry has changed since you guys started out 11 years ago? Even in the last few years since we have been in the industry it has changed so much. The whole
Internet downloading thing is just crazy. I think it’s good for the bands in a way because all of these people who have kind of been the higher powers who work for these labels kind of dictating everything that people in bands do, down to what songs to put on our records…..You know, it’s good because they’re trying to help and they’re trying to make money for the band as well as for themselves. Once you kind of take that middle man out, it’s up to the bands to prove that they’re a really good band and that they can make it with their music. That’s something that’s such a challenge right now as a band to be in the industry. It’s hard to be in any career that’s a creative thing because if you’re in the creative world it’s hard sometimes just to keep going and keep doing the next new, great thing. It’s so much pressure. I think it’s good, though. We’re kind of trying to figure out how to work under this new model. It’s happening slowly but surely. I have hope for the record industry. Who writes your band’s blog Trolleywood? That is actually written by our father, who has been managing us and has always kind of helped [with the band]. Our family is really involved, and that’s good because who can you trust better than your family? It sounds really dorky to say that our dad manages us, but it works. He’s a great guy and he’s very creative as you can see from the blog writing that he does. It is great. I love it. Can you discuss how Sunny Day Real Estate and Jeremy Enigk’s music has influenced your work and what some of your favorite things about his music are to you? Jeremy Enigk has definitely been around for me as far as molding my songwriting goes. I think one of the biggest things that I took away from listening to Sunny Day Real Estate and Jeremy Enigk growing up is probably his melodies and just the way he sings. He’s so passionate. It is so inspiring and he is still one of my favorite artists. I have everything he has ever done and I love all of it. I love his melodies. They are always so moving. What to you are some of the main components of a good song? For me, I guess the number one thing is the melody. If there is something that I’m writing and the melody doesn’t grab me on every part of the song, then I’ll just keep working on it until it’s something that moves me from beginning until end. The lyrics are obviously extremely important, but I still have to say that the melody is the number one thing. There are some songs…like some of the Beatles’ songs are about the silliest stuff, but the melodies are so good that sometimes it doesn’t even matter. Your band grew up in the fairly small town of Tyler, TX. What was it like growing up there and do you think that growing up in a small town has influenced your music? I definitely do. Tyler is a small town. It’s growing. I guess on the grand scheme of things it’s not all that small. It’s about 100,000 people. It’s a decent sized little city. We grew up in this house that wasn’t in a neighborhood, so that was why we had to learn to be each other’s best friends, too, because there were no neighbor kids to play with. Being around nature so much definitely influenced my tendency to write about kind of whimsical things because there’s a lot of daydreaming that went into growing up for me. That kind of environment cultivated that. Have you always lived in Tyler, TX? Yeah. We’ve always lived here. I don’t know if all of my family will always live here. Right now everyone is married and has their houses or apartments here. I hope so. I love living here and I would love to raise my family here. I know it so well and I don’t know of any other place that could feel this much like home to me.
KingsofConvenience By Lauren Weigle Photo by Corey Hayes
hough most commonly classify the Kings of Convenience as an indie folk type duo, T they actually see themselves in mainly the light of indie pop. In any case, these two Norwegian musicians have taken their talents to the top, being able to live their dreams
as they tour all over the world, hopping from continent to continent. Having known each other since grade school, Eirik and Erlend share a genuine camaraderie, not just through their music, but through their childhood experiences as well. In addition, not only do they play off each other well musically, but they also play off each other in almost a friendly “bromance” with their humorous quips and dialogue. Many of their songs have been featured in hit movies and television programs all over the globe. Some shows and movies that we may recognize, however, include Six Feet Under, Shallow Hal, Grey’s Anatomy, The O.C., and Smallville. Presently, they are touring the U.S., but soon enough, they will be back overseas, sharing their music with the rest of the world and just enjoying the ride. So, how did the Kings of Convenience come to establish themselves with that name? Name of the group… yeah. I don’t even know how to answer that question anymore. It seems like a whole different universe. How did we come up with that name? I really have no idea anymore. (Eirik laughs.) Ha ha. Ok, well when did you decide that you wanted a career in music? I never really decided I wanted a career in music. It just happened at one point…the forming of our band…me and Erlend. We didn’t know we’d have a successful international career in the beginning. We never thought it would be an international career for us. And then one day, our careers exploded. Then, we got signed by our record label, began touring internationally, and were able to travel the world. Well, speaking of explosions in your careers, I’d like to go back a little to 2001, during the breakout success of your debut album. After such a monumental year, you two took a few years before releasing Riot On An Empty Street and then another few years afterwards. How do you feel you evolved musically in that time? I mean, do
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you think that the time in between helped you grow as artists? Well, all of our songs are stories that have happened to us. All of our records are based on these. So, as time goes by, the experiences change and our lives change. I guess that’s how we evolve. Do you have anything in the works right now, sharing new stories? Well, at the moment, we are playing all over the world. We’ve toured all over Europe. We’ve toured all over Asia. Now we’re touring America. So, right now, we’re happy with our touring. What do you like most about being on tour and being on the road? It’s a wonderful experience. You get to see so many places. You get to perform and travel the world. Onstage, what melodies are the most enjoyable for you to play? Well, that depends. In terms of a favorite song, it depends on the mood. It depends how I’m feeling. Other than your voice and instrumentation, how do you connect with the crowd during your live performances?
I think they just appreciate the fact that we’re just a two man band and people get the feeling that something is actually at stake here. It can go wrong. If I make a mistake or break a string it can really affect the music. Something could really go wrong. They may be feeling nervous, but then there’s this intense feeling of release and joy that everything’s okay. It’s actually sounding like music. (Laughs Eirik.) Well, what do you do when things like that become a reality? In dealing with mistakes, how do you manage to handle them during a live set? We try not to make mistakes, but if we do make mistakes, I think people appreciate that. It makes us seem human or real. We normally don’t think about that too much while we’re up there. We’re not hard on ourselves. Right. Well considering the unexpected circumstances that can occur at a live performance, do you ever prefer playing in the studio in lieu of for a live audience? Yea…I really prefer playing live onstage. It’s a wonderful experience to see the people and perform live. What about your songs do you believe makes you original and unique? What seperates you from other artists? That’s a good question. (He jokes.) We actually have a “pop” approach to our music. Most people think we are folk music. I suppose it’s our indie pop sound. When you’re done with your international tour, what can we expect next from you guys? I think we’re very happy where we are…our position of our group. Our music is pretty much all over the world and we can pretty much choose where we play. I think we’re just happy with the point we’ve reached and aren’t too focused on trying to take it further for now.
DEFTONES
DEFTONES By Emilie Yount Photo by 13th Witness
years now, Deftones have been critically lauded Fhaveorand22shared managed to amass a die-hard fan base. They the best and the worst of times together. I spoke with Abe Cunningham (drums/percussion) about their long road and their 6th album, Diamond Eyes. His genuine excitement about getting out and playing this new album was evident, particularly because of his repeated use of the exclamation “Woo!”
just go in a room, and whatever comes out, comes out. We wanted a great record you can just listen to through from beginning to end. When we play shows, we like to do a mix of old and new and find the best possible mix. For better or worse, we just pick what we want to play, and now we have 6 records to choose from. I really like playing Sextape, it’s a really simple song where everything drops in, and it is going to be huge-sounding live. This is the first time since the second record that we wrote everything beforehand. We were really dialed in but not overly focused and not at all sterile.
What do you think gives the band staying power and long-term successes that you as a group have enjoyed? What do you credit that to? It’s the friendship and the genuine love of music- we started out as friends and we certainly have grown and learned together. I attribute a lot to patience. We never had some grand master plan, like ‘Let’s get signed!’ or ‘Let’s be big!’- we just wanted to rock. Some bands just blow up too quickly. We played in our town and the next town over and so on. And now we get to travel the world time and time again as friends, and having a total blast, all things considered. Obviously Chi and that situation is a huge thing for us. (A 2008 car accident resulted in bassist Chi Cheng’s hospitalization. Daily updates of his progress are provided on a Deftones website blog).
Do you still consider radio to be important, or is it all about the Internet now? Do you think you’re attracting a younger or new fan base? This is our 5th release to leak early, too early, like a month and a half out. We were tripping. I mean, with things like Twitter, it goes right to your phone. But this is the first time we’re sort of seeing the positive aspects and effects of that. Pandora is great, too. People seem to really like the record and are Tweeting positive things. I’m definitely a victim of my iPod playing on random, lots of old stuff. I listen to NPR, rock stations…radio definitely isn’t dead. It’s sort of like, the more the merrier. We have new fans and people who have dug us since day one. An older brother or sister may have turned a younger one on to our music…what can I say, the kids have taste!
Speaking on the topic of the new record, how did you approach this one? What sort of mix of songs will you be playing this summer? Obviously I think the record reflects our personal lives, as they all do. It’s a five-person band, so it’s like being married five times over. On Eros, the album was nearly completed and then everything happened with Chi, and that has left us where we are now. I had the worst time of my life making that record. Everything halted due to his condition and he is still not with us, so obviously that had a tremendous effect on us. We had to gravitate back to the music and start to jam again. While in the past, it was like, if someone isn’t digging something, we will set it aside, sort of like a five-point approval process, now, with writing, we never talk about shit anymore. We
Together more than two decades, what do you think has changed the most? It’s just a crazy/great world. These 22 years have seemed more like ten. We have lived life, so we have obviously had highs and lows, ups and downs, marriages and divorces, but we’re still here. Woo! We feel great. I haven’t felt this good in a long time. As a band, we are very happy with this new record. We’re in a cool place. Woo! I’m just really giddy- I don’t know what has changed. Shit has changed, but shit hasn’t changed at all, you know? We’re just five dudes who have a blast doing what we do and we know each other inside and out. We’re really positive and ready to jump back on the bus.
By Jamie Poster Photos by Pamela Lopez Grant
ith a personality as big as her hair, W Bristol born songwriter, Lolene, creates high-energy pop music infused
with as much sex and cocktails as female empowerment. The self-proclaimed “Ambassador of Love” isn’t afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve. She is about show America her heart with her first album, The Electrick Hotel. Though Lolene works hard writing lyrics, recording, and jump-starting a brand that makes lifestyle items to help “uplift young girls and to increase confidence and attitude,” she took some time out over a slice of carrot cake to talk to us about her live show, her songwriting, and her feisty alter-ego, Miss Foo Foo. Ah… If only there was a way I could get her saying “honeybuns” through her charming accent on paper.
LOLENE What kind of live show do you deliver? An awesome one. I like to describe my show as neon memories, that’s how I describe them: very vibrant, very energetic, dancing, and color. Obviously, we have no money at the moment because I’m a new artist and they really don’t give you anything, so we have to improvise a lot. It’s like a do it yourself workshop in my house sometimes. But, yeah, lots of color, lots of vibrant energy, and hair. Lots of hair.
Do you like performing? Absolutely, I adore it. I’m a total show pony. I’ve been doing this since I was a little girl, so it’s like sleeping to me. I took my first dance class when I was 2, so ever since then I was dancing through my early years and I did a lot of theater as a child. So, I’ve been performing forever pretty much. What’s your favorite concert that you’ve given so far? That’s a real tough question. The best concerts are when the crowd really just loves pop music and just really get into it and have a good time. I always say that, life is like a cocktail, so you’re out and you’re listening to my music. So, enjoy yourself. Those are the best, those are the best performances. What do you mean when you say life is like a cocktail? It means you pour all different things in, you shake it, and you drink it, you know. How did your career get started? I started as a songwriter. I signed with Sony publishing to write for other artists, but you know, I’ve always been an artist and I got my break writing for other people. That led to my record deal with Capitol Records. What’s your songwriting process like? I usually like to get a concept. Then I’ll write the lyrics and melody and join forces with musicians and make magic happen.
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Do you find it’s a personal process or do you write for the sake of the song? It changes as I’m growing as an artist and a person in my life. I remember when I first started writing songs they weren’t always about me, they were fictional situations and probably, looking back, that’s just because I didn’t have the life experience. Now
Styling by Ivy Thaide for Valentinos Costumes Hair by Amalia Moscoso Makeup by Mathias Alan using NARS cosmetics Manicurist Melanie McCulley
as I’m growing as a person, I’ve had some experience in life, so I feel like my songs are becoming much more autobiographical and real. Pretty much all the songs I write now are about situations, like first experience. Is there a song you feel most connected to on your new album? Yeah, they’re like my children. I call them my disco babies. They’re part of me. It’s very difficult to distinguish one. Honestly, the song I most love is my new single “Rich (Fake it ‘till you make it)” because I feel like it uplifts people to live like they’re golden even when they don’t have any money. Money doesn’t validate you necessarily; being rich is an attitude sometimes. I really want to encourage all the young people and people out there struggling financially that that doesn’t make you any less rich, you know, you can fake it ‘till you make it. As a pop artist, how do you stand out from the rest? Well, ultimately, I’m just being myself, that’s all I can be. You know, I’m being true to myself; I’m being honest, outspoken and brave. I’m avoiding working with the “go to” people or putting rappers on things, you know, typical pop 101. Just living, having an eclectic blend of influences like being from England, but living in the U.S. Basing my music in the U.S. is pretty unusual. Most artists from England start their music there first whereas I’m actually doing it the other way around. Have you found that to be more challenging in comparison to your contemporaries? Absolutely, because if you go anywhere that you weren’t born or weren’t raised, of course, there are certain challenges that you face. One, that your friends probably aren’t there to support you and two, there are just issues, three it’s just harder in every sense of the word. And also, I’m not American, I’m English, but I love America so much and
America’s been really embracing to me and so I almost feel like I’m an adoptee even though I’m a proud British person. Who is Miss Foo Foo? She’s the bratty side of myself. She’s the girl with big curly hair and she stomps her feet till she gets what she wants. How is Miss Foo Foo different from Lolene? Well, it’s funny because in my private time, if I can talk about myself in the 3rd person, it’s actually quite intricate and peaceful and I like to read and watch documentaries and write lyrics, you know? Whereas, Miss Foo Foo is, like, on stage and just cocktails, so there is a difference. Who are your influences? I was strongly influenced by my mother. She’s really strong and graceful and inspiring. And then I love Kate Bush and the Knives, I think she’s fantastic. Vocally, she’s amazing, and her songwriting is fantastic. I really love the sense of freedom in her artistry. I was really inspired by Rick James as a showman. You know, for his stage and for his energy and attitude and his wild lifestyle. That really inspired me. I love Madonna, I think she’s an unstoppable character, yet vulnerable, which is what I like about her. Her music’s great, she knows how to pick great songs. Yeah, I’m influenced by London and Bristol, my hometown. I’m influenced by heartbreaks and handbags. I’m influenced by Joan Collins, she’s someone who I really love, and Dynasty, that whole TV series. Yeah that’s what I’m inspired by. And love, I always say I’m an ambassador of love. Love inspires me a lot.
Kristine Elezaj By Jamie Poster Photos by Anna Thiessen
because Kristine Elezaj is family Jandust friends with the Simpsons (Ashlee Jessica, not Bart and Lisa) and
co-writes with Rihanna’s songwriter, Frankie Storm, it doesn’t mean Elezaj needs any help on her way to the top. Elezaj broke out on her own to create her own record label, sing her own songs, and participate in cross-country car races. Even though she is kept busy performing and promoting her new album due out in September, Elezaj still found time to fly home to New York for her brother’s high school graduation where she spoke with me on the phone. The giggly and soft-spoken pop songstress values her family and she adores her fans, but when she sings on her new single, “Sorry you didn’t see there’s so much more to me, now I’ll be the one that’s haunting your dreams,” it’s clear she’s a strong woman running her own show. Styling by Renessta Olds Assistant Styling by Shawna -Kay Taylor Make-Up by Torrance Forde Hair by Sharmeen Blouse Francine Leather Leggings Francine Necklace worn as Belt TopStitch Boutique Shoes Giuseppe Zanotti Bracelets Stylist Own
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I hear you’re into rally car driving? My whole family is really into cars. When I started driving we got two new cars and we fixed them up and raced them. But, my dad and I do a crosscountry road rally. It’s like, one week out of the year during the summer. We take off from work and do a “go and see the country” rally with other car people, car fanatics. When I describe it, it’s like nothing else anybody’s ever heard of before. We do it for charity every year. We don’t know where we’re going the entire time. We get the address that morning as we’re lining up to leave. So it’s kind of like a navigational, road rally, adventure thing. It’s a little crazy. Even if you don’t like cars, to see all the different places, towns I would never see if I didn’t go on this rally. That aspect of it is really cool.
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Do you feel that as a pop star or role model you’re standing up for women? Yeah, I think, especially now the way music is, it’s easier for us to get out points across. Lady Gaga is doing a great job of opening up the doors for a lot of female artists to just be who they are. She’s a
strong woman. But, it’s cool because last night on the plane I was finding videos of young girls dancing to one of my songs. It was awesome to see that I actually am inspiring people and they want to dance and do what I do and have fun listening to the stuff. I knew that that would become part of the job, but actually seeing it first hand, it’s opening my eyes a lot more. Like, how much I really do play into that role. So, I’m taking that role a lot more seriously. It’s really important to be careful in how I put myself out there. Do you feel like your lyrics have anything to do with that? Yeah, the first song that’s a single off my album, “Let You Know,” is about that. Because I think I got, because I was a girl, people start to test to see how much they can take advantage of you. Not even just talking about sexually, like in the business aspect of things, like, “I can get over on her because she’s a girl and maybe she doesn’t know,” so that song I actually wrote to let the people of the industry know I’m a lot smarter than you think I
am. You tried taking advantage of the situation and now you’re not a part of it, so they get to watch me climb and become more successful knowing that they once were there and if they had been true to me and true to who they were and loved what they did, they could’ve been part of it too. It’s cool because the way we wrote the song, it could be taken anyway that anybody wants to take it, relationship wise. But, to me, it’s actually about the industry, coming out a strong independent woman and staking my land in the industry, this is mine. No one’s taking it from me. When it comes to your voice, do you think about one artist in particular when you’re channeling your voice? You know, the good thing is, when I started it’s finding your own niche and kind of learning how your own vocals work and um, it’s amazing now, which thankfully, anybody who listens to the stuff, especially my teens, you’re really able to control your voice and when you listen to it you’re getting your own distinct sound. So now I don’t want to
sound like anybody else or think how maybe this person holds me, I’m able to configure my own vocal route. Yeah, it’s become just me now. I don’t want to think about anybody else. And then I get compared. It’s a good thing too. Performance wise, I’m getting compared to Britney a lot, which you know, I could be getting compared to somebody whose not, she’s like the biggest artist and everybody knows her. From that aspect it’s very flattering. I want to stand out and have people be like, “Oh, that’s Kristine.”
need to fit into that mold to be successful. All of the major artists, their stories are all the same. You know, “nobody wanted to play my records, I made them uncomfortable,” it’s a risk for them to jump on board and support you. But, as long as you keep consistent at it, then you become that person that everybody’s behind you. You know, “she’s like Kristine,” well, hopefully (giggles). My fan base is building so as long as they keep coming, the industry, more people start seeing me more as an artist and not as a newcomer.
How do you feel like you are carving your own way into the genre? It’s hard. Until they get used to you it’s always a struggle to break in because you’re the new person. So, new is uncomfortable for some people. You get used to the artists that are out there now and then you fall into a stigma of you’re falling in their shadow. But, when people start catching on and your fan base grows, that’s how you break out of it. Everybody, I think, when something becomes comfortable, and familiar, and it works, then you
What’s your songwriting process like? I don’t have a set tradition I get in. Every time it’s different. For the most part, I go in and I sit with producers and just listen to a bunch of different tracks and customize stuff. Sometimes I want something a little bit more dark or mid-tempo and I actually co-write with Frankie Storm who’s done Britney singles and Rhianna. We write so well together I don’t want to think about the track or what I want to write about until I get in, and we just listen to it over and over again and listen to it piece by
piece, the melodies, maybe one word pops in my head and I’ll write a song or a verse around that one word. It’s really just random and organic. I don’t try to force it too much, I think when you try to force a song it’s not going to be very successful. You’re going to get frustrated. If I can finish it in that one session, I know it’s going to be good. If it takes longer than that, I just throw it away. Do your parents have stories of you taking over family dinner with your performances? Oh my God, horrible stories. They’re funnier when I was younger because I used to get really embarrassed, but I’d love doing it. I would make everybody come into the room and the smaller the group of people would make me more nervous, so I’d ask them to turn around or close their eyes while I sang. What was your favorite song to perform then? I used to try when I was younger, but I was really little, a lot of Whitney Houston. “I Want to Dance With Somebody” was my go-to, quick-hand performance number when I was little.
By Star Noor . Photo by Sean Costello
he anatomy of no two bands is exactly the T same and there exists no central point of pontification, yet there is one observation that
cannot be denied, no band exists without the influence of the other. Out of the ashes of the old giants rise the new and the relative. Carney is a band that not only comes from much but pays homage to its roots grounded all along the musical spectrum. With their ethereal muses they emulsify a sound that has as much its own singular influence as did its predecessors. The band, who has been a mainstay around the L.A. scene, is busting out, releasing their new album “Mr. Green Volume 1”, a cinematic journey to a netherworld devised by singer Reeve Carney and guitarist Zane Carney, drummer Jon Epcar, and bassist Aidene Moore. In addition to the album release, the members of Carney are set to play their parts in the upcoming Broadway production Spider Man: Turn off the Dark for which Reeve was handpicked by Director Julie Taymor to play the spandex wearing superhero, a.k.a. Peter Parker, while the rest of the band shares the orchestral chambers playing the music of U2’s Bono and The Edge. “I hope to bring a rawness to the stage that I am hoping will be refreshingly exciting for Broadway audiences,” says Reeve. The hush hush production promises to be a surprise worth waiting for according to the slated star who took some time to answer a few questions about the band, the music, and the show. Tell me about the conception of the band, what’s your story? Obviously Zane and I are brothers (hence the common last name), so it all sort of began there I suppose. Zane and I come from a very musical family. As you can imagine, growing up in this sort of environment exposed us to a wide variety of music- everything from The Beatles to Queen, to Jackson Browne and Edgar Winter’s White Trash, and even Judy Garland, Harold Arlin and Leonard Bernstein- which helped set the foundation for the sound we would ultimately create together- the music you are hearing on Mr. Green: Vol. 1. Zane and I both began our musical training on the piano at an early age, but it wasn’t until we discovered the guitar that we acquired the passion necessary to transform our abilities into a sustainable vocation. By the time Zane and I began playing the guitar, I was 12 and Zane was 10, we had already met Jon Epcar following our families’ relocation from NYC to California. Also, initially trained on the piano, Jon began playing the drums around the same time Zane and I discovered the guitar. In fact, the three of us formed our first band together, “Charlie’s Tuna,” in our parents’ garage, our very first gig being Jon’s Bar-Mitzvah! We met Aiden Moore at the Music and Arts Academy. Aiden and I bonded immediately and became quick, close friends. We played in Jazz Band together all the way from 9th grade through our senior year of high school which helped us develop a mutual musical language which we subconsciously draw from even today. We all went to different colleges; Zane and I both went to USC, and so it wasn’t until 2007 that we were all reunited to form Carney. To sum it up, I suppose we were really just four guys with an intense passion for music who were destined to make music together as it appears fate would have it. And, I think you can feel that energy when you come to see us play live. And hopefully you can hear it on the record too. Tell me about the new album. We prefer to leave things open ended as the power of music is more in the silence than it is in the sound. Similarly, the power of revelation is more in the heart and mind of the individual than it is in the hands of the artist. At least that’s the way I’ve always felt. What does the “album” mean to you in concept? Ah, the album... Well, in some ways I would love to say that “the album” could mean the same thing today as it did
40 years ago, but I think that may be counter-productive. We’re witnessing a unique and exciting era in the music industry. And under the strains of the eroding attention span and a depressed economy, the industry has been forced to find new and alternative ways to sustain itself. Personally, I am excited by Jimmy Iovine’s, the president of our label, move toward shorter albums with more frequent releases. The days of album filler are gone, and artists are going to have to start stepping it up to maintain relevance in the current landscape and Carney is excited to be releasing our debut at the forefront of this new change. When I think of “the album,” Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Zeppelin I, and Dark Side Of The Moon come to mind, among others... Truly, in some ways it is a return to a simpler time when the concept of “the album” was first introduced. Certain influences are pragmatic in the album’s sound. What are some of the more subtle influences you might have tapped into? Ah, I like this question. It is often what you “feel” that informs what you hear. And in that way, I think some of our subtler influences work to paint our more apparent influences in a different light. Zane’s favorite guitar player of all time for instance is Wes Montgomery. Wes was one of Jimi Hendrix’ favorites as well. Go figure! Our drummer, Jon loves bands like The Stooges while our bassist, Aiden has a deep rooted foundation in folk music. I’ll list a few of mine: Hank Williams Sr., Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Ricard Strauss, Claude Debussy, Sarah Vaughan, Julie London, Fiona Apple, Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, Freddie King, B.B. King, Albert King... I could go on forever... What do you think the music world could use more of? I think the music world could use more fearlessness and a nurturing of the sub-conscious. We need to learn to trust our instincts, or re-learn to trust them. Every one of us is unique. Why does so much of today’s music sound so similar? We need to be fearless. That’s the trait I admire most in an artist. Tell me about your role as Peter Parker, how did you come to land this role? That’s an interesting question! We, Carney, were playing a show in NYC, and my friend T.V. Carpio, who played Prudence in Julie Taymor’s “Across The Universe”, had been bragging about us to Julie Taymor. She ended up bringing Julie to our show and afterward Julie introduced herself to me and said, ‘I want you to audition for my film, The Tempest.’ I said to her, “Well, I’m not an actor, but hey, what the heck, I’ll give it a shot.” The audition went well and I got the part which sort of astounded me at the time. A few months after we wrapped The Tempest, I got a frantic call from Julie asking me if I would fly to NYC a few days later to help present some of the songs from her new musical to a group of potential investors. After working with her and getting to know her, I would do anything for her, so of course I said that I would fly in and help out. At that point, it hadn’t even crossed my mind that I would be involved beyond that initial presentation, and I was just excited at the chance to meet Bono and The Edge who have written the music for the production. However, when I first sang the songs in front of Bono and The Edge, everything changed. It became very clear to me that they did not want this show to be “Broadway” in its traditional sense, and that what I would naturally bring to the songs was exactly what they had been looking for. That was quite an honor and quite thrilling. After all the initial excitement, I went through about 3 months of callbacks and eventually got the call from Julie herself informing me that I had nabbed the role. Did you ever see yourself as a Broadway star? Never in a million years. When I was a kid growing up in NYC, I wanted to be a firefighter. And then I discovered art and music, and have been working hard since that point to refine what it is that I do. And as fate would have it, it seems that my passion and abilities have aligned in a unique way which has led me here and I am very grateful for that. In hindsight, it all makes sense. But while I was preparing for something else, someone else was preparing something for me, beyond my wildest dreams. I try not to over think things too much. I’m just grateful to be here another day, doing what I love, in whatever shape it takes.
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By Emilie Yount Photo by Corey Hayes
hile most bands rush to get back W into the studio after touring their last album, desperate to not be forgotten and determined to pump out a new album as soon as humanly possible, HOT HOT HEAT took a different approach, by building their own studio space and spending two years working on the type of music that they wanted to make, free from outside opinions, whilst learning the technical skills it takes to create an album. I spoke with lead singer Steve Bays about this.
What can you tell me about the new album, Future Breeds? It has been a couple of years since your last album. We’re really proud of the album. We basically just did a major overhaul of the band and changed everything in our approach. This album actually started as a sort of side project. I wasn’t even sure we were going to call it HOT HOT HEAT, seeing as it’s so different from our past records. When we talked about this album, we wanted to treat it almost like a new band. We had all of these ideas, and we didn’t want to focus on one idea or theme and get producers involved, who like to choose the best idea. We wanted to feature all of our ideas. This may sound arbitrary, but we didn’t want a focused sound. We had ideas from everywhere, and it was really a fun record to make.
Since you’ve been together ten years now, what do you think the best changes or progression you’ve made as a band has been, especially with your creation process and this new studio space? I’m gonna steal an answer that Paul gave because I completely agree with him. The best part is that it feels a lot closer to who we are as people and friends, along with our tiny touring group, with a crew of one. It feels transparent, and there are a lot of contradictions, but I really don’t feel like I’m putting anything on. It felt like we were presenting ourselves in a different way, the best way. The studio space was a big part of that. We built it and it’s the first album where I’ve engineered and produced the music, and it was very do-it-yourself. We didn’t want anyone there; we didn’t want anyone’s opinion. There was nobody involved but us and our friend Ryan. I mixed and mastered and that whole 8-month process was awesome. I like bands like The Faint and Phoenix and their sound, and appreciate those kinds of amazing records. I spent a year sort of just learning it all, and it’s the ultimate dream as a musician to make music, and get over that hurdle. We combined all of our gear with some amazing vintage stuff and got in this room with every piece of weird gear you could imagine. I funded the album, bought all the gear personally. I didn’t care about anyone else, didn’t know if the music would even be heard. I taught myself how to do it, and now I can make records. We don’t want our own label, Dangerbird backs us 100%, but it’s nice to know you can make your own music more often, and they are totally into our new approach.
HOTHOTHEAT
Since you didn’t have a specific sound in mind when approaching the record; did it just come to you, or develop as it went along? It was specific and then more specific as it went on. I didn’t know how it would shape itself.
We had words in mind, like ‘future’ and ‘weird’ and we didn’t assume we had a built-in fan base. This is a totally different record with a completely different sound. We wanted it to seem like it was music from the future, even though we obviously don’t know what that sounds like. We came up with different ideologies and ideas that came from scenes in films…like; let’s make music that sounds like it would be playing during a 1920’s train robbery scene. It was music that came from those kinds of images, and different feelings. We began this manifesto on napkins, which turned into words on sheets of paper that excited us. We just locked ourselves away and had a ton of fun.
Unlike some, you have vocal talent along with the ability to play various instruments. Are you going to shake it up a bit as a band and dabble in other areas? That’s a good question. We switch it up quite a bit on this album, actually. Paul and I are the main songwriters, and he’s doing guitar and bass and I’ll write, and then we completely turn that around. Obviously things are a lot different from our first album, which I sometimes consider HOT HOT HEAT and other times I don’t, depending on the day. But I’d like to say it’s HOT HOT HEAT, because I’m really proud of that album. (Steve played keyboard on the first album, which had a different lead singer). We may dabble in the setting, maybe set up a second kit and switch it up during live shows, but these are all ideas in the making. I guess the biggest thing is just the freedom of having control. I wasn’t sure if anyone would give a shit, but I’m pretty happy a record like this got made and that people are embracing it.
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By Star Noor Photo by Corey Hayes
ye Rye has that Go! Pop! Bang! Her lyrical style brings the Baltimore sound to an all R new hype spreading the style globally with the help of artist and mentor M.I.A. The 18 year old female rapper is infectious with her active album spun with lyrical bombs and spine thumping beats. She makes no qualms about wanting to put Baltimore on the map of the musical world and she makes no excuses for her in-your-face attitude or over-thetop styling’s. She is what you see and she’s here to tell you all about it. Coming up in the notorious scene of Baltimore bass that makes Hip-Hop seem like child’s play Rye Rye first hooked up with DJ Blaqstarr to become one of the mainstays in the cities beat-popping club scene. It was on Blaqstarr’s production “Shake it to the Ground” that Rye Rye’s signature vocals first came to the attention of British Sari Lankin artist M.I.A. who was already allured by the sounds vibing out of the city. M.I.A. took on the Blaqstarr protégé and the two embarked on their first tour together. To Rye Rye, a.k.a. Ryeisha Berrain, representing the city in which she grew is what i t ’s all about. It’s this exact willingness to spit real that has brought this hypnotic teenager out of the Douglas Homes Projects to center stage with the exact raw grit we’ve all been hungry for in the rap game. Who is Rye Rye as a performer? Rye Rye is an energetic dancer! I always feel like I have to steal the show with my dance moves. I love dancing so when it comes to perfuming I’m very alive. Tell me about the Baltimore counter culture. It’s very dramatic, fun, wild and crazy! The unique dancing sorta brings everyone together as one. It’s more battling, back in the day it used to cause fights, but now it simmered down and helps everyone get along. M.I.A. has worked closely with you in nurturing your career, what is your favorite experience with her? Recording my album. I was able to experiment with different sounds and able to step outside my box and try different things. Also, being able to just work with professional’s period. I was able to experience how it’s really done and meet great engineers and producers that compliment me as an artist. Her whole style is amazing. Her sound was different like mines and she was real. I just went with the flow and she had my best interest so I trusted her.
“I was doing typical things being a teenager, running the streets! Always going to school and always in some type of dance group, stepping class, marching band or something, anything that involved me moving I was in.”
As a musician coming up in Baltimore, what unique essence exists within the city’s musical movement that added/defined your sound? The Baltimore club music, the bass that comes along with it, it’s just great party music. And then, my slang and chants on top makes it dope!
Tell me what sticks out in your mind about the Bmore scene. It’s is actually wilder than you think and it’s very amusing to witness. The experience is great if you actually witnessed it in Bmore at a dope club. So much petty shit sparks from the littlest things in the Bmore scene, a bump in a club can start a fight or losing a battle could make a crew fight. Tell me about “Go! Pop! Bang!” It’s very fresh, it’s very dandy, and I hit different areas on the album but it all just sounds new, it’s fun and it’ll make you dance ya pain away. I recently recorded a track with Pharell that has the tribal drums and it sorta reminds of M.I.A.’s “Boyz” but it’s different. If you could take one artist out of the cities music scene with you on tour it would be? Los…he’s a dope rapper! He’s very lyrical and he’s just the shit If you weren’t a rapper the one job you know you would never be doing is? Tricking for money. Sike! Naw, real job, I don’t think I could work fast food; it’s too much attitude that comes along with it…
How did you get into singing? I’ve been singing ever since I was a little. Singing is something I’ve always wanted to do. Every since I was three, I’ve been on the stage. If you ask my family they’ll tell you I always would walk around putting shows on for them. It probably got pretty annoying. You have a lot of celebrity backing, how long have you been in the game professionally? 6 months. Within that time I was fortunate enough to be introduced to several celebrities who quickly became fans. Then came my performance at the Waldorf Astoria, during fashion week in NYC, and since then I have been gaining more and more support from the industry. You’ve been laying low which is odd for an artist hoping to breakthrough, why is that? A few of my closest friends know some of the details, but no one really knows the extent of what I’ve been working on. I’ve always loved surprises so it’ll be really cool when I come out and the kids from my school are like, “Oh my god is that Kayleigh?” You’ve already garnered some big buzz around the music world with contract offers on the table by some of the biggest labels out there, can you elaborator? Not at this point. I’ll let the majors continue the bidding war, and let you guys know as soon as I have made my final decision. You’re already being recognized by many designers as a future style icon and some have shown eagerness to dress you. That’s been so exciting! Having designers in the fashion world singing my songs around their studios is seriously the coolest thing for me! It’s my goal to be able to collaborate my music and high fashion with designers like Marc Jacob, John Galliano, Vera Wang, Laboutin, and Balenicaga.
PosterGirl By Star Noor Photos by Corey Hayes
t’s rare for an up-and-coming artist to garner so much buzz in such a Isensation. short period of time that they can truly be considered an “overnight” Sure we hear about the instant virtuoso but in truth most
artist work for years before they get to a level that can summon them acknowledgement from the top tiers of the music machine. Before the Myspace views and the YouTube downloads, before the video blogs and the festival touring circuits, Poster Girl has become a starlet for the stars. Her charismatic presence and intense talent as a songstress has music industry heavy hitters hot and bothered from NYC to Hollywood. Those who are in the know hold their collective breaths as the talented 17 year old from Pittsburgh, PA prepares to release her breakout album which reportedly has some exciting and secretive collaborations including the recent pairing with Gaga producer extraordinaire Rob Fusari. It all began when Producer Terrence Butler of The Faculty discovered Kayleigh McAdams at the local Starbucks on South Street. As fate would have it, the chance meeting quickly turned into an audition and from that moment on Poster Girl and Terrence Butler were attached producing several EP’s which very quickly caught the attention and support of the likes of Beanie Siegel and 50Cent, amongst others. The mounting support led Poster Girl to NYC Fall Fashion Week 2010, where she headlined at the Couture Fashion Week AW 2010 show at the Waldorf Astoria and became the next “It Girl” to dress, recognized by the designers of young fresh labels like Walter Baker and Gaspard Yurkievich. Poster Girl was quickly pin pointed as a future fashion icon. mf _ 24
Where do you see yourself going as an artist? My dream is to go to the top. Give me a stage, I’ll give you a performance and we will let the world decide. Whom do you admire the most in the music business today? I would have to say I really look up to Beyonce. She is the ultimate business woman. She always puts her work first and knows what it takes to get things rolling. I’ve always admired her professionalism. She is like the top woman in the game right now but still remains so humble. She knows how to be sexy in a classy elegant way which is a trait I think every woman admires. How would you describe your music? Global. It will reach everyone, everywhere. Growing up, which artist were you inspired by? Michael Jackson. I’ve always admired him as an artist and the way he can bring people to tears. That’s the kind of magic I hope I can bring to my fans in the future. Beanie Siegel is a major believer in your career, what is a piece of advice that he’s given you to take you along your career? Beans really knows the business, he’s been in it for a while so I know that what he says will really help my career. But basically he told me that if you want to do something put your mind to it. Don’t worry about everybody else. There are a lot of haters out there who are going to try to bring you down. Don’t pay them any mind. There is a huge buzz floating around the industry following your teaming up with Rob Fusari who has recently turned down some of the biggest musical divas working the world stages today. Tell me about the experience. It’s been an amazing hugely flattering experience. Let’s just say I’m a fan of Gaga’s and to be able to work with the man who helped put her on the map is more than exciting. Within 10 minutes of meeting me, he had me in the booth recording one of his songs which we mastered within an hour. It’s a natural interaction. If you’re career could follow a model of your choosing how would it go? The fame of Gaga and the longevity of Madonna. What is one thing that you want the world to know about you? I was born to entertain. So get ready.
Hair by Tony & Guy, Hoboken New Jersey Make-Up by Carmouche (Special thanks to Smashbox) Tops by Gaspard Yurkievich
Listen Up! By Lauren Weigle
KB the Boo Bonic, Scams, Ali Milner, Supermodel, and Dappa!!!... all musicians, all enthusiasts, all artists. From KB’s spunk to Scams’ humor to Supermodel’s fervor … each artist brings vigor and passion to the music community. Whether you’re kicking back to the sounds of Milner or throwing your hands up to the words of Dappa!!!, you’re sure to be getting a sense of the authenticity of each entertainer. Do what you love and love what you do. This would best describe the attitudes of each one of these individuals. They sing simply because of their desire to sing. They perform simply because of their desire to perform. And, they create simply because of their desire to create. SUPERMODEL
KB THE BOO BONIC
“Confident, sassy southern swagger mixed with lyrics that will verbally bitch slap you while simultaneously making you laugh… and you might get a little turned on.” That is how KB the Boo Bonic would classify her style of music. But, what about Kara Bowers, the girl behind the artist? Hailing from the Houston music scene, KB emerges from a world of jamming out to mixes and “screw tapes” while the rest of the universe was buying cd’s. Old school… which speaks volumes about KB, holding onto immense pride for life in Houston. “That’s always going to be my hometown,” she confirms. Of course, most rap artists that come to be heard are male. So, does the fact that KB is a woman affect her success level? “It’s a bit of a double-edged sword I think. You have the advantage that you stand out, but it also brings harsher criticism. You also face more scrutiny as a female.” On the other hand, being a woman in a field that is flooded with men can have its advantages. “I think in a lot of instances I have gotten even more respect from people because I’m a female. The shock factor that it delivers when people see me in a little dress chillin’ on the sidelines one minute, then eating mics onstage the next is one of my favorite things to witness. Plus, a little sex appeal never hurt,” KB confesses. Aside from her “sex appeal”, KB’s strength as an artist comes from her words. She lives to write her lyrics and strives to constantly evolve as a writer.
“In terms of music, we’re all about our harmonies and writing BIG songs that people can sing along to,” says Supermodel band-mate Mark. Who doesn’t like a song they can sing at the top of their lungs? That’s what Supermodel thrives on… fun and enthusiasm, not to mention diligence and determination. “We work really hard, don’t have a plan B, love our music, and want to make it out way…thematically there’s a bit of love, a bit of cynicism, a bit of fairy-tale, and a little bit of tongue-in-cheek humor.” Perhaps their persistence and strength of mind as a band is tribute to their learning experiences along the way as emerging artists. When asked about their rockstar pasts in terms of gigs they’ve played, Mark revealed, “I remember one time I woke up at a girl’s house, couldn’t find my pants, had to wear hers (really tight), fell over and wacked my head over my eye, so I had to borrow her sunnies to cover the cut. I headed to a mid-day family festival to gig…to be honest, we cut that set a little short.” It’s all about learning from your past and using it to your advantage in order to evolve, not only as an artist, but as a person. “We’ve really knuckled down and now understand the commitment it takes to do well.”
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SCAMS Image by Danny North
The band…Well, Andy can draw in about 3.3 to 4.9 litres of air in a single breath. Tom’s blood travels 60,000 miles per day on its journey through his body. Paul blinks his eyes approximately 6,205,000 times each year and Sean can play the drums one-handed like Rick Allen. Apparently, Sean got kicked out of a venue for dancing on stage…naked. To boot, he was wearing a birdhouse on his head. It’s a SCAMS rule that no one is allowed to sit down at rehearsals, not even the drummer. The four of them came together in a very small town…one that doesn’t even have any cinema or theaters. They enjoy writing songs about personal stories. “Some of it is honest and some of it is nonsense.” What they feel attracts people to their group is the fact that they’re all “really good looking and totally put out.” In all seriousness though, it is actually their live shows for which they are most noted, putting emphasis on audience interaction. The beauty of SCAMS is not only their honest humor, but their genuine approach to their music and their undeterred drive. Andy tells us, “We’re trying to make perfect pop songs without any unnecessary bullsh*t and with no limitations.”
DAPPA!!!
Baltimore City native Dan Midas started out as the typical, cliché rapper. At one point, he realized he wanted to be his own entity, separate himself from others, and be his own artist. He began to evolve…incorporating his own life experiences into his lyrics and writing about his feelings as opposed to just doing what people wanted him to do. Having a bit of struggle in his home life growing up, with the help of his mother, Midas learned how to make the best of any situation. With this determination, he was able to evolve into the artist he had once dreamt to be…Dappa!!! When it comes to the future and what it holds for him, he has a few ideas waiting in the wings. “One thing I’ve learned is just when you think you know what’s going on, YOU DON’T. I would like to be a major player in the business and have the respect of my peers. I want to usher in a new era and give kids like me a much needed voice in the industry. When it comes to his life away from music, he enjoys indulging in a few guilty pleasures. Midas loves to watch the sitcom Roseanne and The Wendy Williams show. He also has a surprising passion for country music. In terms of “down time”, he likes to spend it simply watching television (especially James Bond movies) or cooking. Also, you can often find him sitting on his roof just absorbing the calm of the city. At other times, Midas enjoys visiting art museums, attending events, and hanging out at parties. Nonetheless, above all of this, his favorite past time would have to be just sitting in his room with the windows open, writing his music.
ALI MILNER
It wasn’t that Ali Milner grew up knowing she wanted to be a singer. In fact, she didn’t even realize she could sing until she was 9 years old. You would think that growing up in a household where her parents “always had different kinds of music blaring from the stereo all day and all night” would have made for an early discovery of her musical talents. However, once Milner embraced her voice, she began formal training and was accepted into the Vancouver Children’s Choir. From there, her abilities as an artist blossomed into her own Jazz/Pop music world. When it comes to her music, Milner has no intense and overwhelming goals or objectives for the overall picture. She tells us, “I just want to work hard and try and create something that I’m content with and proud of and hope that others may like what I do.” All that matters to Milner is that she enjoys what she is doing in life and with her work. “I really enjoy the fact that I can take the tiniest inspiration or idea and build a whole song or album from it. It’s incredible to me that I can take something I’m feeling or going through and use that to create something. I think it’s really cool.” In terms of what’s next, Milner tells us that she has been writing and recording a great deal lately. A new EP is definitely on the way…
If you would like to submit your band to mf magazine for a possible feature head on over to sonicbids.com/mfmagazine
BandStyle Madi Diaz
Photo by Bradley Meinz
Dress: Urban Outfitters Shoes: Thrift store Watch: Bodega Name Necklace: From boyfriend Love Necklace: MGMT
Sara Haze Photo by Kelly Nissl
Bracelet: Henri Bendel Shorts: Express Blouse: H&M Shoes: Steve Madden
The Franks
Photo by Chazz Gold
Jean Don’t
Shirt: Gant Pants: Acne
Boots: Some Swedish designer
Ron Ray Gunn Shirt: Steven Alan Pants: Acne Shoes: Converse Thong: Victoria Secret
Mimi Malone
Shoes: Vintage Italian by Sesto Meucci Shirt: Vintage knitted blouse Shorts: J Brand
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Krista Polvere
Photo by Lucas Cook
Stripmall Architecture’s Rebecca Coseboom
Photo by Erin Haight
Dress: Cheap find Belt: Aussie designer from Bon-Ton Shoes: NineWest Jacket: Vintage ‘Members Only’ Scarf: Aussie designer from Witchery Shoes: Forever 21 Dress: Thrifted and deconstructed by Rebecca Jacket: H&M Necklace: Personal piece inherited by her mother
Smoke Fairies Photo by Linger Studios
Katherine Dress: Whistles Boots: Vintage
Jessica
Dress: Vintage Shoes: Top Shop Earrings: H&M
KATE LANG JOHNSON By Lauren Weigle Photo by Aaron Fallon
ate Lang Johnson: movie star, celebrity… K wonderfully regular girl. Despite all of the television shows and acting gigs under her belt,
Kate, or Katie Jo to her friends, is as normal as they come. She sleeps about eight hours a night, drinks a cup of coffee when she wakes up, enjoys board games, and on a Friday night she can typically be found at a low-key bar playing darts if she’s not at home. She believes in love and romance, but not in fairytales. Family is the most important thing in her life, using the term “family” interchangeably with “friends”. In her own words, “friends are my family and my family my friends.” She hates washing floors, but loves spending time in the kitchen. Kate also enjoys the outdoors, hiking and backpacking whenever she gets a chance. Nonetheless, although Kate is just your average down-to-earth girl, she also has many sides to her that make her unique and special. Let’s take a closer look to see how special this girl truly is…
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Hair by Aviva for Tenfoldtalent.com Make-Up by Andre Sarmiento for occmakeup.com Styling by Michael Russo
Can you give me a little childhood background on the beginnings of Kate Lang Johnson? Well, I’m originally from Minnesota, but grew up in Laguna Beach. I have been passionate about acting since I was five years old and I constantly pushed my parents to let me audition for local productions. Once I was old enough, I spent most of my time outside of school performing in plays around Orange County. Ironically, I never really considered pursuing film and television work because we didn’t have a TV growing up; and anytime we whined about it, my mom would tell me and my sisters to climb a tree or read a book. As a result, there are quite a few holes in my pop culture knowledge, which is sometimes embarrassing when you work in television. On the plus side, I have a lot of shows to catch up on! I bet you do. Well, I guess you didn’t have any idols when it came to films or television. So, who were your heroes, your inspirations outside of the pop culture bubble? I know it’s a cliché, but I have to say my inspirations are all of my parents: my mom, dad, and stepparents. They always encouraged me to follow my dreams and pursue my passions. They are, and have always been, incredibly supportive. I really lucked out in that department. Yea, support from your family makes everything in life easier. Well, when you have moments away from your family and from your acting gigs, where do you like to spend your time? When I have time off I love to travel and explore. I try to go backpacking whenever I can and have traveled pretty extensively. I also enjoy hiking in general and spending as much time as possible outside and in nature. Tell me about your new show on NBC! Persons Unknown is a one-hour mystery drama in which a group of seven strangers are drugged and kidnapped and wake up in a small, deserted town in the middle of nowhere. They don’t know why they were taken or what their captors want from them. All they do know is that they can’t leave and their every move is being watched. It starts to get really intense when their captors begin playing games with them that have emotional, psychological and, in some cases, physical tolls. When you get a part in a new project like this, what kinds of things do you do in order to prepare for the role? When I’m working on a new project, I spend a lot of time journaling as the character. I try to make sure I have a complete and clear understanding of who the character is and how she thinks. My character on “Persons Unknown,” Tori, was more difficult to develop than other roles I’ve played. Initially, I only had the pilot script to go on, and didn’t know much of my character’s back-story or what was in store for her. I was excited to get every new script since each one would give me new insight into Tori. I would then figure out how to combine that new information with what I had already created for the character. Aside from this particular part, what typically draws you to the characters you’ve been cast to play? I’m drawn to characters for a variety of different reasons. Sometimes I’m attracted to a character because I feel like I can really relate to them. And sometimes I’m drawn to a character because they are so unlike me and pose a challenge as an actor.
Do you have any other upcoming projects or ideas for future projects you’d like to share? I’m currently waiting to hear about a couple projects but probably shouldn’t say anything yet. Ask me again in a few weeks. “Persons Unknown” has definitely opened some doors for me. Well, that’s good. Having acted both on the small screen and the big screen, which do you prefer? I’ve enjoyed working on both film and television. I specifically enjoy television series because you really get to explore your character. In television, you get to portray the character for a longer period of time than you would on a movie, and that can allow for a lot of character development. But movies have their own benefits. In a movie you know the beginning, middle and end of the story going into it so you can create an appropriate character arc. For me, I’m just happy that this is my job. I feel lucky every day I’m on a film set or TV show. Have you ever thought about doing Broadway? Yes, I would love to do Broadway. I grew up doing theatre and would love to do more of it. I really enjoy performing in front of a live audience and the amazing energy that it brings. Doing a Broadway show would be a dream. I understand you also do a great deal of modeling, appearing in national campaigns for Abercrombie, DKNY, Sketchers, Levi’s, and Hollister. How did you first get into modeling? The same day I signed with my acting agent I was approached by another agent in the modeling division who persuaded me to give modeling a shot as well. They actually ended up sending me on an audition that very same day. It turned out the audition was for DKNY, and somehow I booked the job even though I had no modeling experience and no portfolio. When the casting director asked for my photos I gave him a couple of snapshots that I’d had in my car. I had no idea what a portfolio was! A month after my first trip to LA, I was looking at myself in Vogue. It was very surreal for me. I had a very lucky start. I ended up doing a bunch of their advertisements and my career continued from there. Well, with your successes all ready, if you were to become a triple threat in your field with acting, modeling, and another skill to boot, what craft would you like to take on? I would probably be a singer. I love playing guitar, although I’m still learning. I’ve started to write some of my own stuff but it’s not something I would ever actively pursue. Acting is definitely my primary focus. Other than the modeling and acting, what other trades do you enjoy? I love photography. I was always interested in it as a model and started to experiment and take some classes a few years ago. It’s a great hobby. I also spend a lot of time in my kitchen. I consider myself a bit of an amateur chef and I’m always trying out new recipes or coming up with my own culinary creations. I’m very big into dinner parties. I’m a dinner party fanatic myself. What do you like to cook? I make an amazing seared ahi with a teriyaki glaze. I’m not sure if that’s my all time favorite thing to cook, but it’s what I made last night.
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By Lauren Weigle Photos by Larissa Underwood
ia Michaels brings new meaning to M the word determination. With years of experience under her belt through
miamichaels
hard work and perseverance she has firmly established herself as a powerful choreographer. From concerts to theater, to commercials, to television, to Cirque du Soleil, Michaels has succeeded as not only a choreographer, but as a visionary. With several nominations and Emmy wins to her name, Michaels continues to bring originality, creativity, and imaginative flair to all that she does. Even so, there is more to Michaels than an entertainer… As a regular judge on the show ‘So You Think You Can Dance’, what you feel you bring to the table in terms of choreography? A lot of experience…my whole life actually. It’s just my world. I also come more from the artistic part, from stage as opposed to television, so I’m all about the artist. So, I think I have a different “eye”, but I think all of the judges do as well. I’m more of the artsy one for sure.
What do you feel you bring to the show as a judge versus as a choreographer? I mean it’s different. You’re sitting on a panel instead of being in a studio creating. I’m not tapping into my artist up there. I’m tapping into my knowledge and the experience and my personal opinion. That’s exactly what it is, a personal opinion, so people can “yay” you or “boo” you. At the end of the day, it’s just an opinion, ya know?
Right. Well, can you talk about some of the special moments you’ve had working on this show? What will you take away from this experience once it has run its course? Well, it’s been a long run so far. I mean, I’ve been there since day one. I took a small break last season, but I’ve been here from the beginning. Up to date, it’s almost a seven year period. That’s almost a decade of someone’s life. It’s a time and it’s wonderful to be a part of dance in the forefront and to be a part of people celebrating dance. So, I feel really blessed that I’m not only a part of the show, but at this time in the world as an artist… especially as a choreographer because it’s finally being celebrated on a whole ‘nother level.
Well, other than this show, I know you have another show and it’s coming out soon. Yea! It’s actually two things. I’m creating a stage show. It’s very multi-media, a lot of dance. It’s going to be amazing. (She whole-heartedly laughs.) I’m so excited about it and I haven’t directed or created a huge show on stage since Celine Dion in Vegas. So, I’m creating this and Bravo will be having a doc-series. It will be the making of the show, getting into how I create, me, how I work, how it “ticks”. So it’s kind of two projects in one.
With Bravo picking up your series and having won several awards, including an Emmy, how does it feel to be so accomplished in a field that is so difficult for many to succeed in? Again, I feel very blessed and fortunate, but I have put the work in. I grew up in a dance family. I was born into it, so I was like swinging my bottle and dancing at the age of three. But, I feel like I haven’t even begun in a weird way. I feel like I’m just beginning and that’s exciting.
Do your methods of choreography differ from stage to screen? Camera angles! That’s the only difference for me. Sometimes when you create for the stage, it doesn’t necessarily read on camera and vice versa. You have to be aware. Sometimes you can create a piece and direct the camera guys so that it works, not only for television, but also for stage. With this show, there’s a fine line because this show goes on tour and you have a live audience, so it’s really Make-Up by Kelsey Deenihan Hair by Steven Mason Styling by Leah Bauer
about them seeing the piece as well. For me, I try to do both. I know you said you grew up in a very dancedriven family. So, what actually inspired you to pursue a profession in the arts? It’s all I do. It’s everything I do. I went to school and I danced. I went to school and I danced. I went to school and I danced, so it’s everything I knew. I tried different things and they just didn’t stick, ya know? They were fun to play in, but I always went back to dance. I just feel like it’s definitely a calling and kind of a destiny for me I feel. It’s definitely just me and what I’m here to do. And, I know that, which is a wonderful feeling. Most people go through life not knowing what they want to do. I mean, I’ve been doing it for so long and I still want to do it. It still makes me excited to do it. It still scares me as an artist, which is a great thing, because as soon as you get comfortable, then I think it’s time to go somewhere else. So, I think those emotions keep me hungry to be a great artist. Well, as a great artist, if you could pinpoint one thing… what do you enjoy most about what you do? It’s definitely not the process. For me, creating
the steps is the worst part. When I hear music or I get an idea, a concept, I get really excited about that. Then, it’s the details; the little things that make it work. It’s horrible. (She laughs.) The studio and trying to create movement…I don’t enjoy it. I enjoy the initial inspiration and I enjoy the final product. Everything in between, I’m constantly questioning. It’s just a battle. But, it’s very rewarding at the end of it. How does it feel when you see one of these pieces you’ve created from scratch performed in front of you? When you sit back and you look at it, once it’s out, you’re like, ‘Yeah, okay, cool. I just created something out of nothing.” In terms of life, its ups and downs, how do you push through in order focus on what is important? Well, I think everyone is different. I mean, you got bills, you got life, you gotta keep the grind going. You also have your goals that you want to achieve, not only as an artist, but as an entrepreneur. I’m a very goal-oriented person and I love my life. I like to be challenged. I like that. I find that I’m a better person on the other side, so I like that when I look back on myself as an artist, and as a woman, I’m
better… better every day because I want to be. I never run away from challenges. I hit ‘em head on. Do you feel that dance can be a therapeutic outlet for you, especially when you have those challenges, when times are tough? Dance is definitely therapeutic. Last year I injured my back, so I’m not able to dance the way I used to dance. I’m not as free because I’m in fear of hurting myself again, so it’s frustrating for me in the studio. And, I’m also older. You don’t have as much freedom when you get older, so it wears heavily on your heart and in your mind. I see the movement in my head, so with that, the initial movement comes out of me. Then, I put it into the assistants and then I start directing it. So, at this point in my life I’m more of a director or painter of dance. It’s kind of cool because it’s teaching me how to be more of a choreographer without being a dancer. As I got older, I had to find new ways to create. And, I think that’s hard too, but I want to do this forever. Is there a side of you the “public” doesn’t get to see? Of course. I am a very private person actually and I spend a lot of time alone. I mean, when I’m out, I’m on. I’m on and I’m honest. I have a small group
that I spend time with and that’s me. I don’t go to big parties. I mean, I do when I have to, when it’s my job. I think that people tend to think that people in the business are always out there partying and I’m sooo not that. And, I’m very spiritual. Would you like to tell me about your involvement in the feature film ‘Move’? Yea, well there are many choreographers and directors on this film and I think that it’s an important film. It really, really breaks it down for the viewers to get a sense of a dancer’s heart and the kind of people that we all are. This film just shows how much heart and soul is in a dancer’s makeup. It shows what they continue to do, day in and day
out, for no money basically. It’s a beautiful documentary and I’m happy to be a part of it. Any plans for future film projects? I don’t have anything right now, but that’s one of my goals. I would love to do a dance musical. I would love to collaborate with Tim Burton in a dance musical. What about Broadway? That’s definitely in my stars and it’s actually in talks right now. Oh, great. So, what’s next on the list? Getting through the summer. (She jokes.) Basical-
ly, just everything with the show and with Bravo. There’s also going to be some books happening in the next year and a clothing line. Ooh, what kind of clothing? It’s very lifestyle, a cross between bohemian, rocker couture. It’s easy to wear. Like me. (She laughs). So, keep your eye out.
JeannieMai By Teresa Walters Photos by Larissa Underwood
t seems like hard work, honed fashion Ipopular sense and undying heart makes up the personality of Jeannie Mai. As
a passionate little American girl she was willing to give everyone in her family a makeover. Then from her time as a makeup artist to her major in communications Jeannie worked her way up and into a pivotal place in fashion today with her fresh and fearless take on style. She has spunk and spirit but most importantly she has a down to earth kindness that almost any person who watches her shows can relate to. You seem to have a medley of activities that keep you busy. There’s your involvement in charity work, promoting your several shows, dressing to the nines tirelessly for the parties and even fostering faith with your own personal heartwarming crusade, “the prayer box.” How do you find the time to balance them all? Do you find that some take a little more work or effort then others? I find that when you do what you love, you make time for it. Especially when you get into a groove where doing what you love makes you yearn to find ways to do it more. Whether it’s fueling myself by using my talents to make people feel good, to surrounding myself with inspirational friends, books, and music, to hiking in prayer to ensure reflection and gratitude over life- I am thankfully in a groove that keeps me “healthy”. I’m constantly reminding myself to keep balanced. It is really hard for me to say no. Fashion! Do you look at pictures of yourself as a kid and say, “Oh that outfit is perfect - I wish I had that now!” or do you say, “What was I thinking?” Did you have some favorite clothes growing up? I love looking at pictures when I was a kid because it reminds me of how fearless I was when I didn’t care what others think. Wait for it...then reality sinks and in and I go- “Oh hell no can I walk out of this house looking like this.” I think fashion should be fun, so I as long as I am having fun in what I am wearing and still be well-respected for the situation I’m headed into, I know it’s a perfect outfit. You are so confident and bubbly around people which make you in high demand for hosting, is this something you worked at for that on camera personality? OR were you always a vibrant and strong people person? Every morning, I make a choice to wear an attitude that I want people to feel. For me that attitude is positivity, lemonades, glass is half full, making people smile, and recognizing individuals. Having this attitude in a REAL way makes everything I do have meaning. And having this attitude first brought me the shows I’ve hosted, because people see what I bring onscreen. I am really blessed that it works out for me to be myself, and at any point it all ends I don’t worry about a front that comes down.
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Los Angeles can be a lonely city and sometimes even bringing up religion or faith is taboo but you managed to touch the hearts of many with the prayer box - were you ever nervous that people wouldn’t “get it”?
I find that when you are committing an act of love, whether it’s saying something nice or doing something selfless, just freaking do it. You can’t live your life worrying about people’s criticism when you are doing it with good intention. Besides, if nobody put a prayer in that box, it would be filled with just mine for others, and I’m dubiously blessed by that in itself. Could you say a few words about your charity and why you felt this was something you wanted to be a part of? I am half Vietnamese and half Chinese and my own parents still to this day are shocked over the types of things our hospitals and medicine can provide out here. In parts of Vietnam you have to live with that broken arm or flu because there are no hospitals nearby to tend to you. Therefore I chose Heartbeat Vietnam as a charity to support because they focus on bringing these hospitals and doctors to poor people in rural areas. You are trapped on a desert island and you can only take one make-up item with you, what would you take? False lashes. I never leave home without them. Plus, hello, a sassy wink will get you rescued anywhere.
Ok so a silly question...whether it be from your celebrity work with MAC or the various parties or the Today show which STARS left you star-struck? Johnny Depp bedazzled me. It was one of my very first interviews for KTSF in San Francisco. I had four pages of notes for a two minute interview with him. I fumbled through my questions, he put his hand on my knee and said “Don’t worry about the two minutes; you can have as long as you need to get your questions asked.” I dropped my pen, he picked it up. We locked eyes several times. I think I heard him propose to me. But it doesn’t matter because he made my first interview with an A List star sensational. Do you have any simple tips for those who want to be ‘fashionable’ without breaking the bank? Absolutely. First tweak what you own now. Any tops like jackets, cardigans, or button ups can be updated with the switch of the buttons. It’s an incredibly inexpensive way to personalize your own clothing and make ‘em feel new again. Trade out plastic for glitzy metallics, try clasps, enamel, even hook and eye closures. Buttons can make a piece look more expensive and interesting. Next I would invest in ACCESSORIES. Long necklaces, reversible obi belts, in neutrals and pops of color can immediately change the theme and shape of your favorite outfits.
Do you often style yourself for photo shoots and what goes behind the looks you choose? Can you comment on the style you went with for our shoot with you? Totally, but I like getting help so I get different perspectives. The 4 questions of my show, “How Do I Look” are truly a mantra everyone should embrace when it comes to fashion-- look outside yourself! Get a reality check every so often to make sure what you’re look is conveying is spot on. So I brought a team that gets who I am and knows how to add the toppings to my style “sundae”. For mf I wanted to show flirty and fun. My first look was really about less being more and how attitude can accessorize a simple top. And fine, boobage is something I hardly show so I wanted to see what it felt to be femininely fierce. The second look was something I’ve always wanted to do, having never seen Asian pinups. I used a hat I found at Patricia Fields store in NY and themed the rest from there. My photog was a gorgeous pregnant gal who really brought out the arch of my back and lift of my legs in such a way that I felt sexier coming from a “mom”! Shoots are fun, energy is everything, and fashion should always be fun.
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A chat between Iliza Shlesinger and Elisa Schwartz
ILIZA a n
d
ELISA Photos by Pamela Lopez Grant
Iliza Shlesinger
and
Elisa Schwartz
are two amazing, powerful female artists. Artists that may not seem to go together, a musician and a comedian, but these two have a strong friendship that stretches further than a rock or comedy club. Iliza won the sixth season of Last Comic Standing and hosts an online comedy news show. She is currently working on a network pilot. Elisa is the former keytarist and singer for Cobra Starship. She is currently hard at work on, what will be an outstanding, new solo album. Iliza and Elisa took time out of their busy schedule to get a burger, ice cream, and chat. Here is what they chatted about… Iliza: Elisa, who are you, what do you do and what
did you do to get you to this point? Elisa: I am Elisa Schwartz, and I’m a musician. I got here because I have been writing and playing music my whole life. I started playing piano when I was 4. I come from a very musical family. I started in various ways in NY. Basically, collaborating with anyone who would take me in. I had different situations happening, weaseling my way into studios for free and getting taking advantage of not for free. My first amazing experience was being in the band Cobra Starship, touring and learning a lot about the industry, but learning actually more about it when I decided to work on a solo career in 2008. Since then, I have been writing and figuring out what direction I want to go musically. Finally, I have it down and I have a great team around me. It’s pretty funny that the direction I’m taking now is the exact music I played when I was a kid; classical, experimental, and true to myself. Iliza, I heard you talking about music the other day in the hot tub with my neighbor Doug, do you pretend to know about indie bands or do you really?
Styling by Samantha J. Baker Makeup by Uzmee Krakovszki, MAC Cosmetics
Iliza-
Lace back t-shirt: Luxury Jones Crystal pendant necklace: Maren and Ruby Jeans and jewelry: Iliza's own
Elisa-
Green Dress: Boulee Jewelry: Stylists Own
Iliza: I actually surprised myself. He and I were talking about a very specific time in indie rock/pop history. I named bands like Appleseed Cast, The Anniversary, Saves the Day and Alkaline Trio because that’s what I listened to in college; because that’s the last time I was cool.
Elisa: You’ve said you hate live shows. Why is that? Iliza: Because I’m not that into any band and sitting
for 2 hours to hear the 3 songs I know from the radio while they play them the way they weren’t meant to be played; not what’s on the album is not my idea of a good time. I’ll take the radio any day. Also being outside all day makes me feel gross. You’re always around other musicians; do you ever feel competitive with them?
Elisa: I try to only be around extremely talented musicians who I know are going somewhere. I believe that you should hang out with people who you want to be like. And I notice that the people who really make it usually are part of the same group and usually know each other and admire each other’s work. I couldn’t be friends with anyone who truly sucked. But also, I think that even showing your closest friends your cards and plans can certainly backfire, I’ve seen it happen and it’s happened to me. I also believe in the law of attraction, like attracts like, so if you have music or anything on the mind, you can’t help but attract people with the same focus. Iliza, the night I met you, you were surrounded by ten male comedians. Is this just a normal day for you?
Iliza: Well, I happened to be taking a friend out for
his birthday. He’s a male comic who is friends with mostly male comics, as am I, because there just aren’t that many female comics. I honestly didn’t think twice about it, it’s a male dominated industry so to be the only girl in a green room, on a line up or out for drinks is typical; girls are always welcome of course…not in a gay way- just ya know, as people. Let’s move off this because I made it weird. Elisa is there a subject you haven’t written about that you’d like to?
Elisa: Actually, I always write about what’s on my
mind at the time. Every event, person, and place that has affected me, I have written about. It’s almost like I need to get the excess energy out. Out of any other activity in the world, writing songs is the thing that has brought me the most happiness and the best thing about it, is the freedom to really express what’s going on in my world in that moment. Sometimes it’s weird; the influences I get in my music can be as small as a newspaper article or someone passing by me. Do you write jokes based on your friends and family? Or is it all made up? I know the prostitute joke about Blanche (dog) must be true.
Iliza: My dog, Blanche, probably wasn’t a dog
prostitute; since a dog that sleeps with a lot of dogs is just…a dog…but I do feel she is very sassy and I always think about her former life, before I adopted her. The prostitution is one theory…the other is that she belonged to a nice family and just ran away on accident, but that’s not as hilarious. I tend to write mostly about the way I see the world, specifically social gatherings and the way I perceive other people. I also write a lot about my own insecurities because I think it’s funny to make fun of myself. I don’t have a lot of family humor because, while my parents are weird, they aren’t “CRAZY” like most comic’s families. All of my jokes and stories are true; people say weird stuff to me. All of the emotions I talk about, like rage toward strangers come from my everyday feelings. Honesty is best in comedy, always. The funny is always staring you in the face; you just have to be brave enough to say it…easier said than done.
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BEAUTY 1
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The Color of Grace Amazing Grace Coloring Book, Philosophy $37.50 Mini Traveler Luminizing Moisture Tint, Jouer $34 Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Bronzer $39 Mesmer-Eyes, Napolean Perdis $25 The Balm, Liquid Time Balm $22 Urban Decay, Urban Defense $32 Hot Rocks, Pur Minerals $23.50 Bobbi Brown, Treatment Lipstick $22
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GLOW 1 . Peter Thomas Roth FirmX $150 2 . Turkish Delight, Lush $29.95 3 . Tone Up, Purminerals $34 4 . Max Clarity Foam $19.95 5 . Rice Bran Dry Oil, jameearl $24 6 . Ahva Dead Sea Mineral Mud Energizing Body Mask $22 7 . June Jacobs Perfect Pumpkin Peeling Enzyme Masque $76 8 . Azur Pro Cellular Sunscreen $24.99 9. Rose Geranium Toner, Holly Beth $12.50 10 . Rosewater Freshening Cloths, Shobha $9 11 . Arctic Blast FaceMist, Skyn Iceland $29
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AfshinFeiz
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By Star Noor Photo of Afshin Feiz by Mario Epanya
fshin Feiz has A been receiving some major buzz
relishing in off-andon recognition the world over. A British designer with Iranian roots, Afshin is a cross-cultural artist whose fashions have graced the stages of NYC, London, and Paris. The Afshin Feiz brand “caters to feminine, modern, and fashion literate women who are interested in wearable yet design conscious clothing. It is basically the antithesis to that black 80s or 90s Japanese or Belgian look, concentrating instead on colors, femininity and detail,” according to the designer conjuring out of Paris these days.” His latest coupe de grace, his SS10 collection, is based on bugs. “You Don’t Have to be Beautiful but it Helps” is a kaleidoscope of color and shape magnificently arranged, natural and mosaic. What is your definition of beauty? Someone who has natural elegance and poise.
What was working with Christian Lacroix like? Christian Lacroix, himself, is such a cultured man that working with him is extremely beneficial in terms of learning about fashion and fabrics, as well as many other things. Which design house in your past has had the deepest impact on you as a designer? Nina Ricci. Why have you chosen Paris above all other hub cities in which you have spent time to base your design house out of? I initially came here to go to fashion school and decided to stay on. I truly believe that as a fashion center, it is the one place that is the best rounded and so allows for greater expression that is combined with commercial know how. What do you love about Paris the most? I love the buildings and the fact that almost in any area, each street looks like a painting. Your SS10 collection was inspired by insects, please elaborate. It was inspired by the mosaics of real insects by American artist Christopher Marley. The way that he lines them up in mosaic form or creates patterns of circles, combined with their vibrant colors, somehow transforms something that can be off-putting into the beautiful and attractive artwork. The insects become easier on the eye and you are just left with colorful patterns. Being of Iranian decent, what about the country either past or present inspires you as a designer? Iran, of course has a great cultural history though I would say that what specifically inspires me are its women who tend to be very fashionable and interested in self-expression.
SWAG WIN ALL THE CLOTHES SEEN HERE - TURN TO PAGE 58
CREDITS/SWAG INFO
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SWAG fashion credits
Photography by KIM+PHIL Photography Make-up by Ashli Kellogg www.facebook.com/ashli.kellogg11 Hair by Erin McCoy
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Top: AJB Clothing (adambaranello.com) Neclace: Shalottlilly (sumomosuki.com) Hair Clip: Claudia’s Clips (claudiasclips.com)
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Skirt: Clair (alysonclair.com) Necklace: Artwith Designs (artwithlatex.com)
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Top: Nick Alan International (nickalan.com) Necklace: Matri Jean (aegyptia.com) Ring: Winifred (annawinifred.com) Hair Clip: Vampy Chic (vampychic.etsy.com)
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Dress: Marti (marticompany.com) Necklace: Gabriella Designs (gabrielladesign.etsy.com) Ring: Winifred (annawinifred.com) Flowers: Gabriella Designs (gabrielladesign.etsy.com) Hair Clip: Claudia’s Clips (claudiasclips.com)
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Hoodie: Red Buttafly (redbuttafly.com) Necklace: Teryn Yancy (myspace.com/heavenmeetsglam) Ring: Winifred (annawinifred.com) Mask: Artwith Designs (artwithlatex.com)
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Top: Royal Family (royalfamilyclothing.com) Earrings: Matri Jean (aegyptia.com) Necklace: Winifred (annawinifred.com)
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Top: Plush Pink (plushpink.com) Hair Clip: Claudia’s Clips (claudiasclips.com)
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Top: Clair (alysonclair.com) Necklace: Shalottlilly (sumomosuki.com)
You want to win the SWAG from the give-away spread? Simply go to www.musicfashionmagazine.com; fill out the nice little survey; then each week we will draw a winner; you might just get hooked up with some rad clothing.
Introducing:
Different Drum Photograph by Anberlin drummer Nate Young
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