Issue 14 by Edge Magazine

ISSUE 14, 2014

contributors MEGAN GALEMA | NELLY MARTINEZ | REBECCA III | KAREN VERCEGLIO

ONE LAPTOP PER CHILD

1 7

MUSIC FESTIVAL GUIDE

MARKED DANCE PROJECT

EDDIE FAULKNER

SUMMER PLAYLIST

EAR TO THE GROUND

ART

HAIR ATTITUDE

ALLIE GLASSMAN

21 15

EAR TO THE GROUND

SUNNY DEVILLES

PEZ

is a free quarterly online magazine for the young adult who loves everything about the undiscovered pop culture. Issues include eclectic interviews and articles covering music, charity, art and entertainment.

We are always looking for contributing writers, artists, photographers, musicians & just about anything else! If you are interested, please donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to contact us!

cover photo by rebecca barnett

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“I think we’re learning to dig into our own and find more inspiration there then most outer inspiration. “ - Tanner, Sunny DeVilles

Let’s go back to the start. How did The Sunny DeVil es come about? When did you two begin to making music as a duo? Tanner: We met. Collected our thoughts and began creating in 2012. An opportunity fell into our laps that we didn’t know at the time but now here we are.

Instead of calling yourselves a band, you say “art collective”. Can you explain why that is? James: It sounds cooler than a “band”. Tanner: Well that’s what we are. James and I are the faces of The DeVilles right now but it’s bigger then a duo. Sunny DeVilles is the glue that ties us all together.

Your songs have so many sounds and instruments incorporated. What artists and genres have helped shape your sound? Tanner: We start and as we go we hear things that can be added and we imitate what we hear in our heads. Just flows. James: We hear things that sound cool and are like “whoa that sounds cool” and we find

Do the beats or lyrics come first? James: Beats usually. Tanner: The two of them are hopelessly intertwined. (Looking down with a smile)

All of your music has a very raw and underground vibe that’s so refreshing. Anything specific that you draw inspiration from? James: Thanks! But nope we just express what we feel and hope people can get down. Tanner: I think we’re learning to dig into our own and find more inspiration there then most outer inspiration.

If listeners could take away one thing from your music, what would you want it to be? Tanner: A step towards growing into your own being. That’s all we can hope for as humans. Constantly trying to find meaning and all. If we can take a few people closer to an answer or whatever you want to call it- that would be pretty rad.

a way to add them in accordingly.

ONE LAPTOP PER CHILD

WHO OLPCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision is that by empowering poor children to educate themselves, a new generation will ultimately be better prepared to tackle the serious problems facing their societies. And it is working. Since 2005, research shows gains in childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reading and comprehension, math, science, and school enrollment. Uruguay, the only country to implement a nationwide OLPC project, has distributed the XO to 650,000 children and has experienced decreased levels of school violence, increased school registration and attendance rates.

WHY OLPC was formed in 2005 when Nicholas Negroponte, founder of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab, had an idea to provide every child in the world an opportunity to learn, give them a window to the outside world, a way to connect with each other and a springboard to a brighter future for themselves, their families and their countries.

HOW To bring OLPC’s vision to life, the XO multilingual, touchscreen tablet was created. It can withstand the toughest weather conditions. And, in places like the Amazonian jungle and Andes Mountains where there is no internet connectivity and no electricity, the XO uses hand cranks and solar panels for power. It comes loaded with 300 free educational programs and close to 2 million children’s literature and textbooks. To date, through distribution of the XO, OLPC has impacted the lives of more than 3 million kids and their families in 60 countries including the United States where homeless children in North Carolina are now able to learn and read on their own using the XO. In regions of the Philippines where there are no schools, the XO has enabled a “classroom under trees”. In Malaysia where 1,000 children are considered “political refugees” & not permitted in public school system, the XO has become their school.

HELP Get informed. Donate. Buy an XO at WalMart, Target and Amazon. Proceeds from XO Tablet sales are used to update and expand the XO Learning system and distribute XO Tablets and Laptops to children in need throughout the world.

Z E P ustralia! A m o r f t p, straigh o h ip h d o o d of feel g in k w e n An all

Take us back to the beginning of Pez. When did your interest in music begin and when did you begin to make it a career? I was lucky to be surrounded by lots of amazing music growing up, so I always had a love of music, but I didn’t really get into the idea of doing it myself until I was about 19-20. My first dream was actually to try and go to college in America to play basketball, but then I got injured and I guess I started writing raps in my room to help deal with everything at that time. Who did you listen to growing up? What artists have helped shape your sound? A lot of the music from the 60’s and 70’s like the The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Van Morrison. I think they’re a big part of the reason why I like to use more organic sounds in my songs. Then Biggie was the one who started everything for me in a hip-hop sense- his flow and versatility as an artist was a big influence on me. Then I found Pac, and his emotion and honesty was big for me, particularly when he’d write something positive from his heart that other rappers would be scared to talk about. Then Jay Z, Eminem and Nas have had a big impact as well. What is the hip-hop scene like in Australia? It’s flourishing now, there’s a lot of different artists coming up and making a go of it. It’s been a long

road to get to this point though. I remember when I first started, people would laugh at you if you said you were a rapper but now it’s like coolest thing. Are you familiar with the hiphop scene here in the USA? If so, what do you think of it? Not as familiar as I used to be, I’ve found myself listening to other forms of music for inspiration lately. But artists like Kendrick are really exciting to see because he’s making honest music and is doing his own thing rather just playing follow the leader. How do you begin writing lyrics? Are you constantly writing or is it something you sit down and need to focus on? I used to be constantly writing but after the success of my first album in 2009 I got sick and had break from music, and since then it’s felt like something I have to sit down and focus on to really connect to it. What’s been the most memorable and rewarding experience for you as a musician to date? Probably doing a song with Paul Kelly who is a bit of a music icon here in Australia. If you could collaborate with any artists - dead or alive - who would it be and why?

Either John Lennon or 2Pac. Both because they were so honest and put so much pain and emotion into their music, plus they were very aware and could see what was going on in the world and wanted to change it which is something I can relate to. Any plans to come to the states and play? What’s the rest of 2014 like for you? Yeah I would love to, so hopefully early 2015 if everything goes to plan. The rest of 2014 will just be focusing on finishing my album and releasing it here in Australia first. Where can we listen to your music? YouTube has all my music. Songs like The Festival Song, Heavenly & These Days are my favorites off my first album. And The Game is a song off my new album that probably gives people an idea of where I’m at now! 6

KAREN VERCEGLIL-ELVIR A digital imaging artist whose work focuses on identity.

A HOW TO SURVIVE GUIDE FOR SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVALS By Megan Galema

Fun in the Sun: Listening to your favorite bands under the sun sounds like a blast but lets save ourselves the torture of sun burn while we are at it. It seems foolish to make it a tip but in the moment it is easy to forget to apply the SPF. Protect your skin from the sun’s rays by applying sunblock. If you don’t think you put enough, it’s a safe bet to say you didn’t, so give it another try and reapply.

Eat and Drink, Water that is: Food and water give you energy right? Right. Don’t skip out on eating because you want to see the entire line up. Give yourself a break to eat, drink and drink some more. Staying hydrated is important on those hot days, if you add dancing, walking and singing along with bands to the equation, you’ll be exhausted! Invest space in your bags to bring water bottles and granola bars to keep you nourished through out the day.

Hygene Simplified: Music festivals are not the atmospheres to look your best. You’re going to be sweaty and everyone there with you probably won’t smell like flowers either. Two must need items are baby wipes and tissue paper. They’ll come in handy when you use the bathroom or when you feel like you have to “freshen-up.” Music festivals aren’t glamorous; everyone just wants to have a good time, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice complete comfort.

Protect Your Wallet and Phone: An easy rule of thumb, don’t leave your valuables lying around or unattended. If you can leave it at home, then leave it. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Keep your wallet and phone on you and out of sight. Protect your phone from shattering by getting a protective case. The cases cost more, but you’ll be happy you invested in one.

Dress for Comfort: Avoid wearing opentoed shoes. Chances are that you are going to be weaving yourself in and out of big crowds of people who have no regard in protecting your feet. The best solution? Wear sneakers. You can protect your toes, add a gel insert for extra comfort, your feet will thank you in the long run.

alexandra glassman

how and when did you get started in music? I would sing and dance all day everyday when I was a kid, and I started doing community theater musicals when I was around 8 years old. I listened to a lot of music when I was little and being a child in the 90’s my favorite band was The Spice Girls. I started getting into singer/ songwriters when I was in high school and I listened to artists like Regina Spektor and Ingrid Michaleson. I was just always in awe of how they could write and play and convey their stories so eloquently. I thought “I want to do that too! “ I started playing piano and guitar in college and after a few years of going to concerts and watching local artists perform, I started writing.

you have recently been playing with a full band. what is that like? do you prefer that over solo shows? I really enjoy playing with a full band, the rhythm section adds a fullness to the songs and it’s a lot of fun. I prefer playing with a full band at the moment, since the songs on my EP also have a full band and those are the songs we perform as part of the sets.

alexandra glassman has created the perfect combination of folk singer/ songwriter and upbeat pop tunes.

you need to listen. what are some of the albums that have shaped you as an artist?

Let It Die by Feist is one of my favorite albums and has had a strong influence on me as a singer/songwriter. I grew up listening to rock music and two other albums that have greatly influenced me are Tapestry by Carole King and Little Earthquakes by Tori Amos.

you’ve been going through the process of getting your music produced and mastered. what has that process been like as a new, up and coming singer/songwriter? The producer really brought my songs to life which was very exciting! I gave both the producer and mastering engineer specifics for the style I was going for with the songs, and they gave me the energy I had in mind for the EP!

you debut ep “dried ink” was recently released! what’s the response been? So far I’ve received positive responses for Dried Ink! I’ve found that other musi-

cians have especially been interested in the EP, which has been good for me as an artist, because I’m starting to collaborate with more musicians now.

any singer/songwriters on the charts today that you would like to collaborate with? It would be a dream come true to have the opportunity to collaborate with Feist! Collaborating with John Mayer would also be a dream of mine.

plans for the rest of the year? I have some more shows booked in NYC with my band! We’ll be playing at Pete’s Candy Store in NYC on July 10th. I’m also playing with more singer/songwriters at my shows now and collaborating with artists on original songs.

hair attitude or Go Home By: Rebecca Ill

“"Artists don’'t usually make a living selling art”

was the line Kat Swank heard over and over again from family and friends when she told them she wanted to be a fashion designer. It’s a good thing she didn’t listen to them; otherwise her accessories would not have been featured in publications like Artizen, The Times, Vogue UK, or Spin. Courtney Love found Kat Swank’s work and decided to use the designer to make accessories for her Bridal spread in Vogue UK. Love drove Swank into making the best piece she possibly could and Swank delivered. Love wore Swank’s work in Vogue UK when it was time for Love’s spread in Spin; she called upon the designer once more. The two are in a collaborative journey together in the textile art accessory line, Liason. But before we discuss the right now, let’s go back to 2009 and discuss how Swank got started. Swank started her journey as a designer by making headbands for her daughter. Swank reminisced, “she [Swank’s daughter] would wear her feather headbands everywhere” and then the strangest thing started happening. Twenty and thirty-somethings would approach Swank about the headbands. They wanted to know where she got them. Swank revealed that she crafted the headbands through her quip, “I can make you one”.

It didn’t take long for Swank to start taking her craft seriously as a way to make a living. She started selling at local galleries and boutiques. She eventually made her way to the digital store front and spreads her art through Etsy. Swank’s company, The House of Kat Swank is about more than making cool accessories that can sell. It’s about making wearable art. Swank’s patrons marveled at how whenever they wore a House of Kat Swank item, they would get positive attention. That is exactly what Swank wants. She seeks to,

"create work that makes the wearer feel uniquely beautiful”.” Right after Bridal Season (June through August), Swank has her Fall 2014 Collection lined up. She is excited about two kinds of items: cuffs and necklaces. The cuffs will be a mix of lace and vintage chain and the necklaces will have cut walnuts. The Fall Collection is still under way so the big reveal will be online. So the moral of the story? If you are good at what you do, do what Kat Swank did. Ignore the haters and continue with what you’re good at. All features in publications will just be proof of your general awesomeness.

The Black Feathers - Strangers We Meet EP - Gorgeous Folk Music Harmonies Exactly What Civil War Fans Need Greg Jones This is, frankly, an album that I needed in my life from the amazing voices of The Black Feathers. The vocal blending of Sian Chandler and Ray Hughes is simply breathtaking. It’s pretty remarkable to hear two people able to connect in such a deep way. There’s something wonderful about their style, too, that although I would describe it as “folk” has a sort of genuineness to it that defies genre. They just “click,” and although that doesn’t make good PR blurbs, it’s a major element to what makes a good band and album. The title track “Strangers We Meet” is an appropriate introduction to the duo’s exquisite sound. From the first strum of the guitar listeners are introduced to a gorgeous sound. The vocal blending “see that lighthouse before you” really shines as an indication of a phenomenal pair of artists and their sonic arrival. Blending voices with natural imagery, it’s an intensely emotive and powerful song.

The second track “10,000 Times” has a bit more attitude to it. It’s a bit like Barton Hollow, from the Civil Wars, the band I mentioned in the headline. Like it or not, these two capture a bit of that starry-eyed charm that Joy and John Paul had going on. There seems to be the same kind of writing and performing chemistry here. Aside from their phenomenal blending, the track highlights an ability to adjust dynamically, giving both powerful balladeer vocals as well as soft, deeply reflective personal lyrics. “I can run and hide… suffer death 10,000 times just to taste your lust for life.”

“Open Book” features Sian as the lead. Her voice is both familiar and unique. Clear and enticing, she has the ability to articulate well while keeping it sweet. “She’s an open book waiting to be read…” It’s a gentle but still deep song that explores a person’s seeking heart. The band really works well on this track, using strings to generate a comfortable mood. Honestly, it might be my favorite track on the album. There’s something that really works with Ray’s high harmonies highlighting Sian’s voice. I could go for a full album like this track. “You Will Be Mine” is a gorgeous love song. Seriously from the guitar to the vocals, it’s a true example of Americana. Sian sounds a bit like the sweetness of Sara Watkins. “Some way, some how, some day, some time I will be back again to see your face… and on that day you will be mine.” It’s sweet, it’s well written and well performed. The subtle acoustic guitar allows for space for the two voices to shine, then the piano and rhythm section support the more powerful vocals later in the song. In short it’s balanced and works really, really well. The final track “All Came Down” is more of the upbeat style. It’s not totally bluegrass, but not necessarily “country” in the sense of what most folks think of as country. It’s just good traditional music with its own fresh take on a classic sound. It’s actually kind of a depressing theme about everything falling apart, but it’s not the whiny stereotypical sad country song. It celebrates the struggle and personal disappointment. All told this is a great album. There are a few of these songs that could be serious contenders for song of the year. I found myself consistently surprised. Although the album is short, it does not have any “skip” tracks. It’s sure to make a lot of fans of the Civil Wars happy to have a similar sound. The mixture of more relaxed songs and more upbeat tracks really shows the versatility of the Black Feathers. Fans of folk and Americana should definitely check out this album. It’s one that I will personally have on rotation for a good while.

Taking Strides Together By Nelly Martinez

Marked Dance Project is a non-profit dance company that encourages dancers from every spectrum, able and disabled, to come together and dance with no judgment. The founder, Mark T. Rivera, was inspired to create an organization that would allow others like him to continue in the realm of dance.

Mission:

“Being able to provide free professional opportunities for dancers with and without disabilities.”

Message: “I just want individuals to know that our dreams are not impossible and that when someone tells you that you won’t be able to make that dream come true, don’t give up. If I would have listened to the individuals in my life who told me I was never going to be good enough and that I was “stupid” for trying, well, I wouldn’t be the artist I am today. Success is ours for the taking. “

Giving Back: “Through the company’s educational program, The Movement Series , a free-community based dance education initiative that brought Emmy award winning and nominated choreographers to teach, as well as other well known choreographers from across the United States, to William Paterson University in NJ to teach master classes for the general public at no cost to those who wanted to take the class.”

“The benefits of being a dancer with the company was that an individual had an opportunity to pursue their dreams without having to combat stigma, lack of access, or the body shaming that often occurs in the dance industry.”

Marked Dance Project it not just about dance,

itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a movement. This organization is changing perceptions and stigmas that are attached to what is different. MDP serves as a reminder that there is space in the world for the disabled, poor, plus sized, and that all goals are achievable.

Summer Playlist 19

BY MEGAN GALEMA

2014 Ahhh, we meet again my sweet friend. it's finally time to greet summer in ambiance of salt-water. summer nights and music that will help achieve those nostalgic moments in the near future. what does edge have in store for you? its our 2014 summer playlist that will make those sunny days even better. another mixture of the old and the new, here is the list of summer tunes.

1. beach - san cisco 2. house of gold - twenty one pilots 3. white night - the postelles 4. loosen up - the ugly club 5. changing of the seasons - two door cinema club 6. where did your heart go missing? - rooney 7. maps - the front bottoms 8. naive - the kooks 9. drunk off your love - shwayze & cisco 10. you better listen - sublime with rome 11. summer - calvin harris 12. kids - mgmt 13. shark attack - grouplove 14. best friend - foster the people 15. everyday i write the book- elvis costello

EDDIE FAULKNER Solid pop songs that are energetic and relatable. 21

Do you have a full band when you play shows, or is it just you and the guitar? As of right now, I just play either by

How did you get started in music? I started playing the trumpet when I was in fourth grade then in high school, I played a game called “Rock Band” which introduced me to a side of music which I didn’t experience before. I loved playing the drum kit, guitar, and singing in the game and this sparked an interest in getting an actual drum set. I turned out to love playing drums so much that I started to write poems. These were the first stages of my songwriting. I soon developed my own vocal style, wrote songs every day, and put myself through guitar boot camp. Over the past few years since then I’ve gained a fan base through marketing myself on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter and have now got a record deal! Describe your sound in three words. Fun, energetic, and relatable. Do you write all your songs independently or have you co-written any? So far I have written all of my songs

myself, or with my best friend from back home who backs me up on lead guitar, back-up vocals, and piano. I do want to have a full band in the future. You are in the process of recording your first, full length album? What is that experience like? How is it coming along? I start recording my album next month in June on the 12th. I am very excited and it’s going to be a fun learning experience. I can’t wait for everyone to hear a full CD of my songs. What would your dream tour lineup be? That is such a hard question because I love so many different artists from so many different genres. But, to me by top three right now are Enrique Iglesias, Rixton, and Taylor Swift. What was the last cd you bought... or mp3 you downloaded if you do digital? The last MP3 I bought was “Problem” by Adriana Grande feat. Iggy Azalea. I can’t get enough of that song!

independently. I hope to co-write in the future though- that is definitely something I am open to and want to do.

Patchy Sanders and The Wild Peach Forest - Organic, Ancient, Orchestral Folk Kate Bee

After I finish writing this morning, I am going to go outside and enjoy the beautiful seventy degree spring day. I am going to the market to buy vegetables, then I will go to the park and lie in the grass and stare at the sky. I will climb on the rocks by the shore and probably sit in the big willow tree and enjoy the breeze, watching the ships come in closer and closer. After some time with Patchy Sanders, this is probably what you will want to do with your day too–except add more frolicking, dancing, and falling in love. Patchy Sanders is one of those bands who I wonder at, simply because they have so very many people, and instruments, and influences going on but instead of their product being overwhelmingly busy, it’s just awesome. Patchy Sanders is a seven piece orchestral folk band hailing from Oregon. It’s a couple of sisters, their partners, a few friends, and a girl who they picked up at the farmer’s market. They play guitars, banjos, upright bass, violin, bouzouki, ukulele, mandolin, harp, pennywhistle, a variety of percussion, and a bunch of other stuff I am either missing or forgetting. “And the Wild Peach Forest” is Patchy’s first album, but it’s the album they dreamed of making and definitely one I never dreamed I would find. “And the Wild Peach Forest” opens up with bluegrass-y fingerpicking. It’s fast and wonderful. The voices begin and start to tell their story. The music does not slow down, but carries you along with the sweet melodies to a completely different kind of place. There are definite modern influences. The way that the voices are used is unique and a little experimental. The music has a celtic, almost medieval feel about it. It is skillful and quick, but simple and joyful. I love the backing choral harmonies that join and create a glowing ambiance to support the story being told. This band has so much energy. I bet they would be amazing to see live because they just feed off from each other. “Mandoline” is one of the most precise, upbeat songs I have ever heard. The instruments! The voices! The harmonies! I can’t keep my hands and feet still to this song. It’s so happy! It’s a song about a girl who brings joy and harmony and that’s exactly what this song brings.

“Carried by Cider” is slower, more earthy, less exciting but in a good way. It’s a story about the land. The voices are choral and beautiful. The instruments sound like they are all one thing–unified. Their precision is amazing. This song sounds like sunshine and a cool breeze on a hot day. “Ancient Ancestry” opens with just a chorus of harmonies. This song would be a perfect part of the soundtrack to Disney’s “Brave”. It has Scottish and Celtic roots, a slightly somber sound, supported by a league of voices across a wide range of notes. It has a feel almost like chanting. It’s a song about being connected to the earth. The earth having seen the human race grow to where it is now. The land has seen all of our ancestors grow up, grow old, pass away. It holds so many secrets of the past. This song is a celebration of those secrets. My favorite song on the album is one of the sweetest, simplest love songs I’ve ever found. “Between a River and a Wood” is about lovers who meet beneath a fig tree. They dance among the daisies along the river. It’s a duet. Male and female verses, choruses sung together. The music is more simple than any of the other songs so far. Violin is the main supporting sound, running along the melodies with the voices–like the river in the song. The lyrics are so poetic and pretty I can’t pick just one to share. You have to listen to it and enjoy it. If you like all of those sweet old Irish ballads, you’ll love “Between a River and a Wood”. My OTHER favorite song on the album is “As a Tree”. I love the imagery evoked by the lyrics. “I had a dream that I died and didn’t feel the fear.” The singer sinks into the ground and swims among the rock and bones of birds. He tries to come out of the ground, but is sent back. He grows into a tree, survives the seasons, grows new leaves, feels like a king and understand miracles. I love this story. It is beautifully and poetically told, accompanied by beautiful voices and glorious instrumentals. Patchy Sanders has a fresh antiquated feel. They are young and excited, yet as old as the mountains. The music evokes imagery of stone trolls, glaciers, fires at night, sleeping outside, organic farming, rope swings over the lake, feeling the grass grow, falling in love a thousand years ago, mythology, community, flower children, Shakespeare, worms, clay pots, and the aurora borealis. It may evoke something completely different for you. It takes you back to the roots of folk that are so deep, no one really knew they existed, yet–it also introduces you to something fresh and new. Patchy Sanders is a wonderful group of talented, passionate musicians who are doing what they love and making the world a better place through it. If you live on the west side of the United States, fulfill my dream by going to see them live–I am betting it would be an amazing experience. The rest of you–go check out their album. It is worth your time and will bring a smile to your face and probably inspire you to go dig in the dirt.