GCM DEC 2016
+ JoLivi Kylie Hughes Mason Ashey Sonny Mackenzi
Growth | @weeklychris
CHRISTIAN COLLINS
48
Contents 04
Editor's Note
09
Jolivi
22
Sonny Mackenzi
58
You Must Laugh
40
Mason Ashley
30
Playlist
16
Kylie Hughes
32
Brand Of The Month
Thanks for reading Issue #21. We have officially reached our last issue for the year 2016. We have accomplished so much this year, thanks to you guys of course and the many things you have made possible. I tried this year to at least get Gold Crwn’s foot in the door and that’s just what you all helped us do. 2017 is going to be even bigger and even better planned with bigger contest and more free stuff for you. I can’t thank you guys enough for all you have done. I plan on sharing more of me and how I got to this point next year. I also want to know more about you guys as well like your likes, wants, and talents so we can get some of that accomplished next year! I am also planning some cool meet ups to give away physical copies of our mag for free and yes we are launching PGAB in Jan. Well I don’t want to talk your heads off so thank you for everything and Happy Holidays!! #CrwnedBabes
gold crwn Editor in Chief Front Cover Photo Mason Ashley Feature Photos Sonny Mackenzi Feature Photos Jolivi Feature Photos Chris Collins Cover Story Photo Kylie Hudges Feature Photos
Raye Reign Fiona O'Hanlon Big Picture Media Courtesy Photo Big Picture Media Fiona O’Hanlon Big Picture Media
Table Of Contents Photo
Courtney Barlow
Chris Collins Photo Page #50
Courtney Barlow
Chris Collins Photo Page #55
Stephen Stone
Chris Collins Photo Page #52
Fiona O’Hanlon
on the cover Christian Collins graces our front cover this month to help end the year of 2016. The social media mega babe talks music, acting, working with his family and even being a perfectionist, which we can all relate to. Photograph by Fiona O'Hanlon
happy girls are the prettiest. a public service announcement from PGAB.
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JOLIVI
' Who You Wanna Love’ is an amazing song. What inspired the song? What initially inspired the track was loving someone you couldn't have... but not just because of any one specific reason. You couldn't have them because you’re afraid of coming out or because they were with someone else or because that person you envisioned just didn't exist. You have been compared to some big names, who is your biggest inspiration? The honor of that alone is an inspiration! This question is always a little hard for me because if you're asking who my biggest inspiration is in general then I would say my grandpa! A beautiful Hawaiian man with a magnificent voice. He had a calm presence about him and when he would sing the whole room would turn quiet. If you're asking who my biggest inspiration is in the music industry I’d have to name a few... Prince to start! What a musician genius... James Taylor because of his songwriting and watching him play the guitar – I got no words lol. Bonnie Raitt and Susan Tedeschi, Sara Barielles and BEYONCE!! What do you want people to take from your music? This question is why I do what I do. Music, over my lifetime, has seen me through many of the obstacles and struggles life has handed me. Heartbreak in all shapes...relationship challenges, the loss of my grandparents, friendships—good and bad—and even my pets. Listening to a beautiful song and being with nature, THAT is to me just so inspiring. This earth is so captivating. I would love for people to listen to my music when they want to cry, or laugh, or dance. FALL IN LOVE! What are your goals in 2017? Get to the level where I can keep inspiring…be a voice for those who stumble.... GO ON TOUR and see the world and continue writing about every experience I endeavor. A lot of your music comes from your own life situations, how do you get through those dark times? If only there was a scientific or mathematical equation that you could solve to cure your heart when it hurts. In the moments you are going through it you feel so lifeless…your body aches...you can't eat (or you eat too much) and sleeping seems to be the only thing you ever want to do... because in those hours you don't have to feel. This may sound so cliché and it was something I heard over and over and over again from my mother, but it was the only thing that cured me; and that was TIME. Time will heal you in every way possible every time…I promise :) Who would you love to collab with? OH MY GOSH!! Hardest question ever... But I've always said the incredible James Taylor. Since I was a little girl I was jamming out to his music. His songs were like books, you'd listen and you'd envision. Let’s talk girl power. How do we enforce more of girl empowerment in 2017? We are in trying times, but we are also in confident times. We had such an inspirational first lady; we have artists in the industry that are firm on their stance to empower women – Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Taylor Swift, Sara Bareilles, Madonna, and many, many, many more. We have actors that are a part of many organizations for women. I would like for us to get past the double standard. It's sad that there are cities and states in our country where women believe that men are better. And then
Follow Jolivi: INSTAGRAM: @jolivimusic SOUNDCLOUD: https://soundcloud.com/jolivimusic FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/jolivimusic/ TWITTER: @jolivimusic
Storyteller describes versatile artist, Kylie Hughes. Originally from Cali, she decided to embark on adventures take her fans with her. Her decision turned her into a superstar who came on the scene in 2014.
Her latest single “Take Me Anywhere” will remind you of a romantic home movie and that’s exactly what she wanted.” I wanted the video to feel like a home movie and be different than the other music video I’ve done.” Her soft vocals and amazing songwriting fit perfectly as you follow her journey through Cali’s most beautiful sights. “The song was inspired by my relationship because we seem to
always be traveling and adventuring.” She explained. We later found out that the video is a personal one. Her fiancé is the camera man behind the camera. “it just seemed natural to document those intimate road trips we always take.” She also explained that 90% of her music is personal and 1% is from a writing session.
Giving the concept of the video I just had to ask what place was she obsessed with that she has not seen. “I have recently been obsessed with Japan. So, that is on the bucket list for sure because I think it would be so inspiring and culture shocking.”
With a few songs on her Soundcloud and her EP, Calipopicana out, she is not new to this as she has been doing music since 2014. She explained the way she deals with times of doubt. “That and a bottle of wine! Haha, no I think you deal with “times of doubt” differently and as they come. I always try to be rational but I can also be a bit of an escapist, runaway on a road trip or something.” She cited that her inspirations are her family and friends. “They’re huge inspirations and I never take for granted the times they “show up” for me. I feel very supported and driven with their encouragement. I have a competitive nature which helps too when I need to be inspired by myself to succeed.” In 2017, she plans to finally release an album and go on her first tour. In the meantime, she is going to release new music and she wants the Spice Girls to do a reunion since they are the definition of Girl Power and I couldn’t agree more. You can stay up to date with all things Kylie Hughes by following her Youtube, Instagram, Soundcloud, and Twitter accounts. You can watch “Take Me Anywhere” here.
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How did you get started? “I’ve been singing since I was three, and then in high school I posted some original music online. An A&R from Warner Bros. Records ended up hearing about me so I flew out and met with him. We worked together for a couple years until I ended up signing with Main Attraction Music, and then my manager and I moved to Atlanta. It’s been a journey, and one thing has always led to another, and I have learned so much along the way.” What’s your writing process? “It depends on if I’m writing on my own or if I’m cowriting. If I’m on my own, I start at my piano and go from scratch, but if I’m cowriting, we’ll usually begin with a beat, and the co-writers and I will take turns going in and out of the booth and coming up with melodies and one-liners and concepts. So
many of my favorite songs have been born that way. One of my favorite things about co-writing is that when you get something good everyone involved gets excited, and that makes for such awesome energy.” Gearing up to release her EP, she released the first single from the collection entitled “New Crush”. “It’s one of those songs that I think everyone can relate to. It was inspired by that feeling you get when you’re first falling in love. There is nothing like that feeling, and the fact that we got it captured in a song is special to me.” Before the music, she was a full-time model in Colorado. She pushed it aside to pursue music and as you can see, it wasn’t a bad decision. “I probably would have continued modeling and acting if I hadn’t ended up moving to Atlanta. I was
Continued
flourishing and I can fit modeling and acting into it where it benefits my team and I, then I am not opposed to it at all. I really enjoyed it and would love to do it all again. “ She dreams to collaborate with musician, Flume “I love the dance elements and the song concepts. There is meaning to what he’s doing, and I think that’s great.”
really happy with my agency in Colorado and they were very understanding about the fact that my music career took priority, and I’m grateful for that. Once I learned I was moving, I realized I couldn’t do the acting/modeling and singing and succeed at everything at the level I wanted to. I was just spreading myself too thin. I realized that I had to really commit to one thing, and that one thing for me was music.” Do you plan to go back to modeling eventually? “The great thing about what I’m doing with my music is that it opens a lot of doors for other entertainment opportunities. As long as my music career is
Why is promoting positivity so important to you? “Music has always been really healing for me, and it’s gotten me through a lot of tough times. Now that I’m making music myself, I feel pulled to do that for other people in a really positive light. There’s something special about music. It reminds us that we’re not alone in life. It’s energy, and energy is contagious, and so I’m always thinking about my intentions and what messages I’m putting out into the world. If I want to make a positive impact, then I need to be a positive artist.” Name five things your fans may not know about you? I’ve written a novel, I’m obsessed with my little yorki-poo Axelle Rose and Pitbull Pudge, I have a huge family and we are incredibly close, my favorite place on earth is my cabin in the mountains of Colorado, and I hate sloths and bellybuttons. Lol
What plans do you have for 2017? “It’s my goal to do a city tour. I want to travel the states and meet some fans and perform. So, that’s kind of my resolution. “
EXCLUSIVE MUSIC VIDEO
YOUR BODY
NANCY LOVE
PREMIERE NEW YEARS EVE
PLAYLIST
I CAN ONLY MY FAVORITE PART STARVING LOVE YOURSELFF BAD THINGS HELLO SAILOR SHOWING UP SNOWFLAKES
DEC
ALESSIA CARA + JOJO MAC MILLER + ARIANA G HAILEE STEINFELD CRAVETAY MGK & CAMILIA CABELLO TIFFANY HOUGHTON ALEX G MADDI JANE
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BRAND OF THE MONTH
BeautyCon BC is a beauty festival, media company, and they distribute boxes full of beauty products every three months. What more could a girl ask for?
The beauty festivals were launched to combine Youtubers and brands with fans all over the world while also helping to promote girl power. The festivals are held in London, Dubai, New York, and Los Angeles.
This year BeautyCon will be held in NY on May 20 and also in LA will on Aug 12 - 13. (Yes, It’s 2 Days!)
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venture
WINTER 2016
What about music made you want to be a part of that industry? Music is such a powerful thing. Ever since I was a kid, I have loved the feeling music gives me. When a song can make me feel like I'm not alone in the world.. like I'm not the first person experiencing something... THAT is what makes me want to be a part of the music industry. Knowing that I can make someone else feel that way is a very cool thing for me.
Other than the guitar and piano, what other instruments can you play? I used to ask for a different instrument every year for my birthday. So I would sit in my room and teach myself chords on the ukulele, banjo, mandolin, whatever it was that I was into at the time. I saved up one year when I was about 13 and tried to teach myself the violin... that one didn't come so easy for me!
You have so much emotion in your music, what is the hardest song of yours to sing and why? The most emotional song for me to perform is definitely Show and Tell. I wrote it when I was 16 after being heartbroken. And even though looking back it doesn't hurt anymore and definitely wasn't worth being heartbroken over... I can still feel the emotion that I felt when I wrote the song and it definitely comes out every time I play it, even after 2 years.
Why she named her EP ‘Strangers’: I wrote the track Strangers later on in the recording process. I had the song title "Strangers" in my notes in my phone for probably a year and never really found lyrics that fit right. When the song finally came along, we had already recorded most of the songs for the EP and the project was originally supposed to be titled Paper Planes. When we started wrapping up the album, I just kept coming back to Strangers. I feel like the word itself is just interesting. To me, it's about more than just people who have never met... it can also be people who are acquainted but don't actually know anything about each other... or about people that once knew each other well but don't anymore. In relationships, you're strangers when you first see each other. You might be strangers while you're together. And there's the part after the love is gone when you
avoid each other in the grocery store...making you Strangers again. And those complications sum up the whole album for me.
Since your family travels a lot, I bet you have tons of stories to share. What is your favorite memory from those road trips and did it ever inspire a song? I have been so blessed in the way I live. While all my friends were in school, I grew up getting to watch mountains turn into oceans from the back seat of my parent’s car. I absolutely loved it. I always write more when I'm traveling so I have a lot of I was fifteen the first time I went to California. We drove all the way from Houston to San Diego and then to Los Angeles and to San Francisco. We stayed at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Los Angeles where tons of celebrities had stayed before, so as a fifteen year old I was starstruck. I remember seeing a magazine with Marilyn Monroe on the cover on the table in the hotel room and it sent a wave of inspiration through me. Being a Marilyn Monroe fan, I started researching everything about her and anything I could find about old Hollywood. I wrote a song called City of Ghosts that was inspired by old mysteries and stories of Los Angeles. Best part: I wrote it in the bathtub at the Beverly Hilton.
What event inspired “Paper Planes�? When I was sixteen, I met an older boy (that happened to also be a songwriter) and he was kind of a loose cannon. I knew there was no way it would end well and that I would probably end up hurt but the curious part of me knew I had to see it through. (And the songwriter part of me knew bad relationships always lead up to great song material.) I wrote Paper Planes the week I met him, before our four month relationship even started. I wrote the song in past tense almost like I was looking back on a situation that hadn't even happened yet.
How did you handle that situation at such a young age? I handled that situation the way I handle every situation, the only way I know how to...by writing. The song just poured out of me like it was a story I'd told a hundred times before. Funny enough, the relationship that inspired the song actually ended on great terms and we're still friends to this day. Even if my predictions were wrong, I'm glad I got the song out of it.
What would you tell other young girls your age who have so much emotion built up? Find your outlet. Even if it isn't writing or music...find something you're truly passionate about and use it to get your emotion out. Life is not easy. It is full of heartbreak and pain and loss and
keeping all of that bottled up inside of you is only going to make those things harder. Instead, use those feelings to your advantage. It is okay to feel. It is okay to cry. And it is okay to not be okay. Just remember that life is a roller coaster. There's a lot of downs but there's also a LOT of ups. Turn your heartbreak and pain into passion and find hope in every situation. Music is truly my therapy. Find your own way to express yourself and pour your soul into it and it will change your life.
Why do you think teenage girls want to fit in so much and how do you get passed that as a young teen? Teenagers honestly have so much pressure on us these days. With social media and the pressures society puts on girls, it can get overwhelming and make it easy to feel like you aren't enough. The best way that I dealt and still deal with it is just by becoming comfortable with myself. Everyone says "be yourself" or "be confident" like it's an easy thing to do... IT'S NOT. So I'm not saying to just "be confident". Just try to "be comfortable". That's the part that comes first. Getting comfortable with who you are and accepting the things you can't change or might not like about yourself. When I stopped trying to be someone else is when I started appreciating myself.
Do you ever just people watch? And if so, do you draw any inspiration from it? I am such a people watcher. I absolutely love observing different people and interactions. I play a game with myself a lot.. I'll watch people in a restaurant, on the street, or especially at the airport and I'll try to guess who they are or what their story is. I get inspiration from just surrounding myself with different personalities and temperaments. I have a very diverse set of friends that all live very differently and I absolutely love realizing how unique people really are.
What lessons have you learned from 2016 that you will take with you into 2017? This year has been a pretty big year for me. I turned eighteen. I finished my second EP. I travelled quite a bit. I started cosmetology school. I got my own dog and named her KoKo. I was a bridesmaid in my best friend's wedding. I filmed my first music video. I got to PET A ZEBRA (not in the wild, but still.) I dyed my hair blonde even though I swore I never would. I grew and changed and learned a lot about myself. I've learned that being an "adult" is exciting and scary. I've learned that doing other people's hair is a lot of pressure and it's also fun. I've learned that doing a music video requires you to listen to your own song a billion times on repeat. I've learned that being a dog-mom is so great and exhausting...and I've learned that my mom basically raises her for me while I'm gone every day and is the best dog-grandma ever. I've learned that finding yourself doesn't happen in one day. I learned that zebras are even cooler in
person. I discovered the hard way that I am apparently allergic to a lot of food...especially the good ones. I've learned that holding a grudge only hurts yourself. I've learned that I write the most when I am confused and when it's late at night. Looking back on the year I realize how insanely fast time flies and how blessed I really am. And I can't wait to see what the future holds.
Follow Mason Ashley: http://www.masonashley.com https://www.facebook.com/MasonAshleyMusic https://twitter.com/themasonashley https://www.instagram.com/masonashleymusic/
Chr
ristian Collins or better known as social media mega babe @weeklychris
"I don't give up." the four words that 20 year old social media babe, Christian Collins says sums him up in one sentence. Even with vine disappearing , Christian managed to aquire his large fan base outside of the popular app and across multiple plaofrms by posting weekly videos to popular video website, Youtube. You may recogize the face along side the username @weeklychris. "I first created weeklychris as a weekly show on youtube. I was also scared to put my full name on the internet haha." With 1.2+ millions fans across the country he is on the verge of something big and even with all the fame, he isn't signed to a label yet. You think with all that he has acomplished, does he really need to be? "I’ve decided to take the independent route, because i really want to experiment with my creativity and the content i want to create. The music is an expression of my mind and my story. I am not apposed to partnering with a label under the right deal, but creative control is essential to me." The blonde hair babe started at a very young age doing programing for video game websites"I started computer programming when i was very young, which introduced me to the online space and social media." On December 2013 he posted his first vine. ": I’ve always loved film and creating. I used to create silly videos with my cousin and brother when i was very young. It’s something that has always interested me." In less then two months, he reached 1 million followers. Are there any talents you have but have not shown the world yet? My parents put me in a lot of activities as a kid haha i played drums, acting, rapping, piano and gymnastics On being an indepedent person: "I like to really focus on what i’m working on. I can get distracted very easily if i’m not 100% focused on something in a quiet space. I also really like to learn :) it’s probably one of my biggest flaws and biggest strengths being an independent worker."
n a recent tweet, you said you over think things, why do you think we as people do that so much and how do you get pass it? "I think we want to avoid mistakes and control outcomes. I’m learning the more I overthink the worse things turn out haha sometimes you have to have some faith and just trust your gut." On being a perfectionist: "I’ve always been a super perfectionist.. i am very hard on myself and what i create. It often stops or delays me from releasing content i’m working on, so I’ve been really working on this recently. I’m learning that mistakes are the fastest way to grow and that perfectionism can sometimes stifle creativity. " What are you most passionate about? "Right now my passion is in the music and in my family of supporters. I want to give back to everyone that supported me and continues to support me." What do you think it is about you that attracts fans? "I am super blessed to have the support that i do. My fans are my family. They are the reason i do what i do and my life is dedicated towards creating the best content i can for them and giving back in every way possible. I will always be there for them and they are always there for me. Its family."
Two years ago, he decided to try his hand in music as an independent artist.........He demolished the game and created his own lane with not just covers but his original music too. Do you ever listen to something you have done and want to go back and change it? If so how do you keep yourself from doing that? "All the time. The perfectionist thing kicks in full force in music. I’m constantly growing and improving so there is always something i can fix or make better. I’ve been trying to focus my energy on creating new content rather than spending too much time on the same thing." What do you want people to take away from your music? "I want people to learn a little more about me through my music. I want to create music people can relate to, that inspires and triggers emotion." What is life like now that your music has grown? "It’s awesome and humbling running into fans of the music when i go out. I am super blessed to have the support i do." What is your favorite fan moment? "My favorite fan moment was meeting this young girl who was at the brink of suicide and found the strength in the music to keep going. It’s always a surreal moment hearing how music has inspired people or motivated them to keep going through rough times. It is crazy to me the power of media and music."
What is the most important thing that an upcoming artist should know about how to handle the relationship between them and fans? "You are there to serve. I create content to His new single 'Anit Ready' was released on offer everything i have to everyone listening. December 17th. He started writing this song at Make it less about you and more about them." the beginning of the year with the Swagga Squad. On why he decided to step into acting : "I started acting when i was really young and it’s What inspired the single? " It was inspired by always been something i’ve enjoyed doing. I the story of a relationships where no matter love to be a part in telling a story. " how much you fight, you can't leave each other." You are a very positive person. Why is positivity so important? "Life is tough. There’s a lot of struggle, but there’s also a lot of beauty. I think it’s important to focus on the beauty in life. I am very thankful for my life and for every single day that i am alive."
How does it feel to release this new project? "I'm super excited to get the song out and share the new projects with my viewers :) I can't wait."
On his debut EP: "There's a lot of variation in the EP when it comes to the sound and style, but the story's stay consistent with each other and you can feel the laid-back expression throughout the whole project." On picking Randy Jackson as his music manager: "I really respect Randy. I grew up watching him on American Idol and after our first meeting we just instantly connected. He is very smart, very likeable and has a lot of experience in the Industry. I am honoured to partner with him." What is your favorite thing about working with your family? "I am thankful to have my family alongside me in the industry. We can play off each other creatively and it's a blessing to have their support. I love my family." Chris is planning a travel show with his brother soon and from the little information he could give it sounds so fun! ". I can't say too much yet, but me and my brother have a passion for traveling and learning. The project will be a cool way to share some crazy experiences and take the viewers on some wild adventures with us." What do you want to do in 2017 that you didn’t in 2016? "Soooo much stuff. This is gonna be a busy year haha I'm super focused on the music and traveling to as many places as I possibly can." To end the interview on an inspiring note, he gave us his tips for new artist. Love what you do and don't give up :) create music you love and someone will love it too. " Follow Christian : www.Twitter.com/weeklychris www.Facebook.com/weeklychris www.Instagram.com/weeklychris www,Youtube.com/weeklychris Download 'Ain't' Ready' : iTunes Spotify
You Must Laugh BY
BY
RAYE
My favorite quote at the moment is from Maya Angelou. She said one of the most realest statements. “I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t laugh.” This post is about being able to release your stress and just feel free to laugh. I did not laugh for a long time. I was not happy with myself. When I did laugh it was fake just so I could keep up my persona of being happy. Laughing lowers your levels of stress and fights off things that may be harmful to us but laughing is hard for a lot of people. I am 21 years old and being this young or even younger , we should laugh and smile more than anything else but due to a lot of things such as bullying and/or low self esteem most of us do not prefer to laugh or even smile for that matter. We feel there is nothing to smile about or laugh about. Listen, even in all of the mischief and craziness there is something to smile about. What? Well for one you are a piece of art that adds to the masterpiece called life and without you this puzzle is not complete and will never be so in saying that you are something important and that is something to smile about. Secondly, laughter comes from the heart and positivity really. Get some positive people in your life and I guarantee they will make you feel great enough to laugh. It’s particularly all in who is around you and who you let into your life. You deserve the best life has to offer. You deserve to laugh and enjoy life to the fullest
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NATURAL “Accept yourself, love yourself, and keep moving forward. If you want to fly, you have to give up what weighs you down.” ― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
@RAEREIGN R | R