ENDING THE SUMMER REBELLION
INSPIRER.nu THE RELAUNCH TO INTERNATIONAL’S FAVORITE FASHION MUSIC AND CULTURE MAG
#1
AUGUST 2011
THE BEST OF WARPED TOUR TOP STYLES TO END THE SUMMER // GET TO KNOW DESIGNER, LILY L
EVERY AVENUE BEHIND THE STAGE WILLIAM FITZSIMMONS // ATOMIC TOM // THE GALLERY
THE GALLERY INTERVIEW BY SHANNAH LAUREN S: How has the reaction for your recently released EP “Come Alive” been? G: We’ve gotten some really great feedback. People seem to be latching onto the “Come Alive” songseven more than our previous efforts. These songs are definitely more towards the sound we’ve been working at, so we’re very happy with out it turned out. S: Rolling Stone magazine chose you to participate in the “So You Want To Be A Rock & Roll Star” contest. What was your initial reaction when you heard this news? G: We were very grateful to have the opportunity to even take part. We hadn’t applied to be in the contest ourselves even. Someone we knew at a label had submitted us, and we found out about it once we had already been picked for the first round, though that’s as far as we went. S:What would you like listeners to come out of hearing your EP for the first time feeling like? G:Above all else, just enjoying it. But we love when people can get into a well-put-together song as much as we do. S:What type of message are you trying to portray through your music? G: We usually try to shed a little hopeful light on what can be a bad situation. This tends to come from how we view the world in general and how we deal with certain situations. Our beliefs certainly come through in our songs. S: Being from New England, how did you cope with the transition to Florida? Do you keep contact with those fans still in New England? G: We bounce back and forth pretty regularly, so we’re actually in Massachusetts, our home towns, as I write this. We were originally in FL for school and the band, then once we graduated/dropped out we were able to tour full-time, so we’re back and forth with whatever traveling we do. I think the initial move to FL was great for the band; we were able to all be together to practice and write (it was where we wrote our entire first record). Now, though, we have a “hometown” show whenever we’re back in either place, so it’s fun to have that sort of support in two places. S: Where would you like to see yourselves a year from now? G: We would love to be touring even more and hopefully just about finishing a new record. S: You’ve performed with popular bands in the scene such as We The Kings and The Maine, how did playing for the same crowds help you in the long run? G:Most of those bands in that “scene” are right around our age, so most of the fans are about the same, or a bit younger. It definitely helps to get exposure with those music fans, and it’s always fun to play for your peers, but more often than not those kids’ parents come up to us after the show and tell us how much they enjoyed it. It’s a broad spectrum, but it keeps it interesting. S:Anything else you’d like readers to know? G: You can buy “Come Alive” on our Bandcamp (www.thegallerymusic.bandcamp.com) or iTunes.
WHAT YOU WEAR SHOULD BE A PREVIEW TO WHO YOU ARE AN INTERVIEW WITH DESIGNER, LILY L. By: Melissa Ann Fasano
A few years ago as I was researching
trends to write about in my style blog (http:// www.iammelissaann.com), I came across a fabulously sweet designer named Lily Luong. When I first started to mull through her website, I entered into a world full of originality and poise. One of the first things that I noticed was that her garments were enriched with such specific detail in a way that was impossible to ignore. Each item was sewn meticulously with each stitch in place. While some were full of beautiful lace or ribbon, others were garnished with edgy studs and silhouettes that could only be achieved by those who put the one thing into their work that some may forget: heart. I became fascinated with Miss Luong’s collection. Each time she debuted a new piece, I found it that much more exciting. As I learned more about Lily, I also became interested in how young she was. It reminded me that age is just a number in the scheme of things, and that anyone can achieve success if they work hard enough.
Years and many conversations later, Lily L and I finally met at the Blue Bottle Coffee Co. in San Francisco to talk about our passions, and more importantly, how she’s come to be such an inspiration to many others. M: How old were you when you created your first piece? L: I was taking classes when I was 14, I draped it- I didn’t know how to make patterns at that point, really. But my first real piece that I designed was when I was 18. M: How old are you now? L: 21
“It reminded me that age is just a number in the scheme of things, and that anyone can achieve success if they work hard enough. “
M: How would you describe your personal style? L: I love vintage--I’d say that I’m inspired by a lot of different things, eras and genres. So I try to mix things to make something unique and fun, that feels right. I really like timeless things that could be from the 20’s, or the 60’s. I love summer and dresses (as well). [My style] is all over the place-- I could dress really grungy one day, and then in the 30’s the next day. You have to have fun and dress how you feel.
to make myself successful in what I want to do.
M: Who would you say is your #1 support/fan? L: Definitely my mom. My dad’s great too-- both of my parents are really supportive of me.
M: What is one rule or moral value that you govern yourself by? L: Thoughtful thinking before you act or
“Work really hard - perseverance, determination. If you have that, you never give up, and you’re really determined you’ll probably be able to get somewhere.”
react. It’s always been important for me to not be emotional [in my reactions] and be sure that I say and do the right thing that’s going to be the best for everything that’s going on in the situation. M: Is there anything that you love as much as or close to your love of fashion?
M: Would you consider yourself a stylist as much as you are a designer? L: I’d say definitelyWhen I was eighteen I decided that I really liked doing photoshoots. My mom would do the photography and I would come up with concepts for putting together outfits. I L: Well, I play drums Hanna Beth Merjos Lily L Sketches for custom dresses and wearing dress created enjoyed doing that. people always seem to by Lily L. Custom for the Young Hollywood Awards, May 2010. I love styling, it’s a laugh at that but I love big part of my life as well... being in front and it. [Lily also mentioned she was heavily influenced by behind the camera, and being a stylist- it’s interestfilms and film making. Directors like Sophia Coppola ing to get all of the perspectives [so that] when you (The Virgin Suicides, 1999) and novelists such as Sylwork with a big team you know how to communivia Path, and J.D. Salinger. cate better. M: If you could give 3 words of advice to an aspiring stylist or designer, what do you think they would be? L: Work really hard - perseverance, determination. If you have that, you never give up, and you’re really determined you’ll probably be able to get somewhere. It takes a lot. [to break through] I try to stay focused and make all of my work as good as I can make it- Try to get it out there. I try to focus on everything that I can do to
M: What is your favorite part about your designs or design in general? L: All of it-- sketching, designing and sewing, and of course seeing the final product on someone. M: Has there been anyone “famous,” or in the public eye who has asked you to design anything special for them? Who/what was it? L: As far as people who have worn my things, I’ve made a few custom pieces for Hanna Beth. She wore
a custom dress of mine to the Young Holly-wood Awards in 2010. One of the first dresses I designed was in a music video for Hey Monday and The Cab [Take My Hand, the Remix] in 2008. It was the first “ Circus Dress” that I made and Cassadee Pope from Hey Monday wore it. M: Are there any “Perks” to what you do? L: “ I would say that once you become really successful, there are material perks. But for now, [for me] just being able to do something that I love is really the best perk that I could ask for. To bep assionate about my work is the best-- I see so many people who can’t have that.
“The person who wears my clothes is multifaceted, thoughtful, introspective, fun-loving but driven, and very creative.” - Lily L
M: Are there any sacrifices that you havemade for your work? L: There’s definitely been a lot. But to me I never really think of it too much as a sacrifice. I just want to get to where I want to be. I would not be happy any other way. M: What is the type of person you hope wears your clothes? L: The person who wears my clothes is multifaceted, thoughtful, introspective, fun-loving but driven, and very creative. M: Do you have a specific trademark or phrase that you use when it comes to your clothes? L: What you wear should be a preview to who you are. I always think in film sense. Do what you love and express yourself in your own style.
For more information on Lily Luong or to purchase any of her current items, visit her website at : http://www.lilyl.com
CI T Y WEATHER
Photos By: Kamila Gornia Model: Crystal Kim
From Psychotherapist to Folk Musican
AN INTERVIEW WITH WILLIAM FITZSIMMONS BY SHANNAH LAUREN PHOTO BY JORDAN SMITH WWW.JRDNSMTH.COM
S: How exactly did you go about making the transition from Psychotherapy to becoming a musician? W: It was a very quick stumble, not really well planned, or well thought out. I played music for most of my life, it was a big part of my family, always loved it but never thought it was a career or anything. Then, I got to a certain point that I thought therapy would be a wonderful route to go. To help other people, and help myself a little bit. While I was at school, I thought doing some writing would be cathartic and would sort of empty my head out. I thought that I was too damaged to be a good therapists, since therapists are supposed to be more well adjusted to help other people.” S: So you feel like you used music as an escape, by bringing your work home but using it in a creative way? W: Exactly! Exactly that. I thought it would be kinda fun to play songs for my friends that wasn’t… well crappy! S: I completely understand, funnily enough, my mum is a psychotherapist so I get the gist of what you mean. W: Is that right? I must ask, what was it like to have a mother as a therapist? Since both of my parents weren’t in that field, I’m curious. S: To be honest, it was amazing. I mean, even before she had her degree, she always had it in her. She would help my brother and I, as well as all of our friends with any difficulties that we went through in our lives. So it definitely was great to have her as a parent. W: That’s incredible! S: So, do you have any songs that touched-base on - doesn’t have be a client - but maybe a situation that you had to go through? W:Yes, that was the thing. I was actually working in the field at the time when I was in school, I worked at a psych-ward hospital for about four and a half years. You get very close to people when you work with them for that many years and you see them struggle, and then struggle again. There was a young girl that was a heroin addict, she had some pretty rough stuff that she dealt with, and she ended up dying… that was one that hit me, pretty hard personally. You have to always respect the therapeutic boundaries, but your a human being so it…it can effect you pretty rough. I wrote about her, which was my way of grieving. S:Are you still both a psychotherapist and a musician? W: I had to make the choice a few years back, but really, in philosophy they work very well in hand, but unfortunately in practice they are rather officially exclusive. You either have to be very committed to one or the other, and you really can’t be in a torn position where you have a client waiting at home that your responsible for when your all the way across the country. S: Now, that being your past, let’s bring in the present and future. What is your biggest goal as a musician and songwriter? W:It’s difficult really, I supposed it will change over time. One is that when I made a commitment to myself when I decided I was going to do this seriously instead of just writing for myself was that I was going to stay honest, that I wouldn’t make things up and say they were true when they aren’t. Second thing, is to always try to affect people in a very positive way. Then if I am doing those things, I can’t ask for anything more from myself. S: There are a lot of people out there that were brought up with families whom didn’t support them following their dreams, but would rather them become something more money efficient. How exactly were you brought up? W: My folks are actually disabled, they are both blind. There was really no excuse making in our house [laughs]. But, their so wonderful, talented and intelligent people. They supported me, so that helped things. I’m thankful for that.
helped things. I’m thankful for that. S: What advice would you give to the kids that want to follow their dreams but aren’t sure? W: I think that honestly, they should do whatever they want. I think it works like, we’re given a certain set of passions and abilities, we’re supposed to work as hard as we possibly can till we have nothing left to develop those. You have to be as ambitious as you want to be, and push yourself. I mean, I don’t think Michael Jordan was supposed to be a cook, he was born to be a basketball player. S: You’ve released your newest album, “Golden in the Shadow”, what influenced you the most on this album? W: That’s actually a really good question. I think the biggest thing would be very overwhelming factor of getting my life back in order, which definitely was not the easiest transition. In which, I had fallen into a really dark heavy place of mind, which I don’t think anyone wants to be in. S: That’s part of being a true musician or artist though is letting yourself fall into the darkest of times, deepest of depressions, pull out of it, and create a masterpiece from it. W: I totally agree! I just had this conversation with someone recently actually about it’s the part of tragic art history, and especially in musician artists, even like Elliott Smith. S: Elliot Smith is actually one of my favorite musicians, and I’m starting to recognize the train of musicians that I fancy whom have committed suicide seems to have increased. [laughs] W: Yes! I have a string of musicians myself too! I’ve been a fan of Elliott Smith for years, and something that I have to tell you is that I actually had the chance to go see him when I was working in Philadelphia and I had a choice to make, and I just didn’t go. He ended up dying, and I never actually got to see him live. S: You went from being a psychotherapist to being a musician, which in actuality, both of them you have to be a very strong place of mind to be able to go through the dark and heavy dramatic times to be able to come out of it, which is a huge part of both of those careers. So, they actually go hand in hand, even though they seem like completely on opposite ends. W: I honestly, actually, couldn’t agree with you more. I’ve actually thought about that quite a bit, since you really wouldn’t think of them being extremely similar, when they actually are. S: You’ve worked with really brilliant artists like Rosi Golan and Pricilla Ann. Who’s an artist that you would like or to have worked with, dead or alive? W: Great question. I’ve worked with a lot of artists, which I honestly am so lucky to say that I’ve worked with the majority of the artists that I would of had on last list but! Someone who I haven’t had the chance to work with is Allison Sudol, she goes by A Fine Frenzy. I’ve talked to her before and seen her sing, and she’s just a joy and such a great writer. But, I’m slowly beginning to convince her to sing on a record! S: Now that folk-indie music is finally becoming more well-known in the music industry, how do you feel about it? W: I think it’s terrible [laughs]. No, I think it’s great! With the way the world is now it’s so easy to be able to get into the music market. S: Do you have any advice to inspiring musicians? W: It’s the toughest and most common question. I suppose it would be to just do what you really want and write the music that you want to make. To push yourself as hard as you can, because no matter what you would of done that best that you could. If you don’t make it, then at least you tried. But, if you did make it then your doing what you love.
THE PROMISE HERO: q And a with Bobby VaugHn by Taylor tipton
Q:Where did the name ‘The Promise Hero’ come from? A:The Promise Hero was an aim screen name of a friend and we thought it had a good ring to it. Q: Have you always wanted to make music or was it just something you fell into? What was the process of putting out your own music? A: I’ve always enjoyed writing and playing songs. The process of putting out our music included writing a bunch of songs, finding band members and booking time in a studio. We had to save some money too. Q:What is your favorite original song and why? A: Off the top of my head, I can’t pick a favorite original song. They are like my kids and I love them all. Q: What inspires you to write your music? influences growing up?
Who were your biggest musical
A: Inspiration could come from anything from letting out emotion or just trying to pass time. My biggest musical influences have been the beatles, blink 182 and the beach boys! Q What the the best part of performing live? Do you have any interesting tour stories? What was your all time favorite show to play? A:My favorite part of performing is feeling connected with an audience. Every trip has some interesting stories and crazy characters. I can’t even single one out. My all time favorite show would be at the grog shop and I had everyone wear tie dye. It was a beautiful site. Q:Do you have any advice for other aspiring musicians? A:You only fail when you give up. And stay gold!
GOTHIC SUMMER By: Samantha Roud
Summer can only means two things: floral patterns and bright colours. This summer why not change it up a bit? Let’s celebrate summer with a twist and inject a bit of goth glam. Although black is probably the last thing you associate with summer, incorporating gothic inspired pieces will give you a fashion edge this summer. I’m not talking about stepping out all leather clad (unless you really want to!) I’m talking about floral dresses teamed with Doc Martins, leather gilet’s and black lace maxi dresses and for guys - explore deep reds, purples and brilliantly dark printed tee’s for your gothic fix. I’ve picked out some of my favourite high street and designer pieces to create 3 perfect looks for summer, by switching a few of your summer essentials to something more gothic inspired your wardrobe will have a whole new look. Choosing a swim suit over a bikini is an easy way to keep yourself looking fashionable this summer, and ofcourse an obvious way to inject some gothic glam is to keep it simple in black. By choosing a statement piece, such as this Topshop coverup with you’ll have the attention of everyone at the pool for all the right reasons. Add sunglasses and studded gladiator sandals to complete with gothic poolside look. As for guys have some fun with patterned swim shorts, keep the colors dark. You can keep cool by adding a baggy vest in a grey or black, keep it plain or take an old patterned worn t-shirt cut the sleeves off for your own unique look. Add some Havaianas in plain black to complete your look. Why not try gothing up one of your favourite summer outfits by adding a black lace kimono, or a leather look top with chunky gothic inspired heels?
for men
This look is perfect for day time, showing that you don’t have to wear all black to inject some gothic glamour into your summer wardrobe. With this look work your way around this amazing Mac lipstick, keep your make up minimal and let your lips do the talking. This vest from Topshop is silk but looks like leather, perfect for day or night. Teamed with a pair of candy striped shorts in black and white is perfect, pop on one of your summer kimono’s weather it’s floral of like this butterfly pattern it’s perfect to give this look an injection of colour- showing you don’t have to keep it monochrome, you can play around with colour too. Finished off with some killer chunky leather heels, you’re good to go! For guys, experiment with different denims. Double denim was a big trend last season and for this look I think it works brilliantly. Try different styles and colours of denim, if you don’t want to splash out on shorts cut up and old pair of jeans or an old denim jacket for a truly gothic inspired look. Keep the t-shirt dark, if you’re going for patterns go for deep reds or purples to reflect the dark side, adding a pair of deep red desert boots will bring the outfit together perfect for summer BBQ’s. Summer whether you’re meeting friends for cocktails or just relaxing in the garden maxi dresses are the easiest way to look amazing this summer. Add a leather gillet to a black maxi dress, add a deep red clutch, killer heels and cross to complete your grown up Wednesday Addams transformation, your journey to the dark side will keep you looking sexy and mysterious! Guys - a black shirt with detailing is the perfect evening look for all occasions. Keep the rest of the outfit dark, teaming it with purple trousers or shorts and black desert boots for an effortless look, add in some Ray Ban shades and your ready for any evening occasion.
for Men
BREATHE CAROLINA - HELL IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT
Taking a mix of multiple music genres and combining them in only the best of ways, Breathe Carolina’s latest album Hell Is What You Make It is officially out and creating smiles worldwide. Each track on the album has a different sound, from the electronica/pop sound in Blackout to the screaming vocals that have made their way into Wooly, there is a variety of tracks that will make it easy for you to find one that you love. Though the variation in sounds may seem to be uncommon, it goes over very well as a combination in the overall record. Lyrics entail the common theme of partying, with a mix of more heart felt songs here in there that will have you completely tuned in to the music playing out of your speakers. However, a sentimental feeling is overpowering as Lauren’s Song is played. The meaning behind this track is one that hits home for many people, as it is about the loss of a very great friend and the struggles that you have in overcoming this loss. The overall album is filled with nothing but positive tracks of dance hits and energetic electronic tracks, adding in breakdowns to keep the sound unique. Hell Is What You Make It is definitely Breathe Carolina’s best release to date, showing just how far they have come as a duo since the beginning of their journey. Favorite Tracks: Blackout, Last Night (Vegas), Waiting, Lauren’s Song. Overall Rating: 8/10
THE SUMMER SET - EVERYTHING’S FINE Album Reviews by Morgan Young
Since the release of their debut full length album Love Like This back in 2009, The Summer Set have been hard at work with constant touring in order to create a stable fan base. With experience and hard work now under their belts, the band has released their highly anticipated full-length album titled Everything’s Fine under their Razor & Tie record label today. Taking a completely different turn with the sound and style of their music than the dance along pop songs that fans have grown so familiar to, The Summer Set has proven their versatility and ability to be an outstanding force in the music industry. Each track on the record brings something new to the table from the genius lyrics in combination with mellow instrumentals that will have your head spinning in only the best of ways. Speaking of lyrics, it is clear that no matter what the situation, The Summer Set can write a smash hit with their awe inspiring lyrics that hit home on each and every track. The Summer Set have proven with the release of this record that changing up your musical style can be a very positive change if you take it in the right direction. As each individual track will have chills raised on your skin along with tears forming in your eyes, it is easy to say that The Summer Set are going to be seeing the recognition they deserve through this release. Everything’s Fine has huge potential to be the best released album of the year, and is already making it’s way up the charts on iTunes. Make sure you pick up your copy here, it is one decision that you will not regret for a minute. Favorite Tracks: About A Girl, Must Be The Music, Don’t Let Me Go Overall Rating: 9.5/10
Photos: kurt rivers
It’s that time of year, Van’s Warped Tour! INSPIRER.nu jumped onto the tour July 29, 2011 for the Orlando date. If you’ve ever been able to experience you know what it’s all about, girls in bikinis, boys in short shorts, very hot weather and a tons of good artists. Orlando’s most anticipated band of the night was Florida’s locals, A Day To Remember and Against Me!, keeping the crowd wild. The best part about Warped Tour is it not only shows the more popular bands on the main stages, but even Juilet Simms from The Automatic Loveletter was there to play her own acoustic session and give lessons. As for the West Palm Beach tour date, INSPIRER.nu’s August 2011’s band of the month, Every Avenue, stole the stage! Next year, we’ll be back and giving all of you the behind the scene information. See you inspirers out there next year! Sincerely, President of INSPIRER.nu Magazine
EVERY AVENUE An interview with Jimmie Deeghan by Shannah Lauren
Photos by Joe Perri
S: Since the band started, 8 years ago, what kind of changes have occurred with Every Avenue? J: A lot of dynamic changes have occurred throughout the years as old members have parted ways and new members have become family.. we feel like we’re finally the five that the band is meant to be... we can definitely argue and then 5 minutes later be best friends again. We enjoy going out and hanging with each other still after years and years of being with each other non stop.. as well as grown as a band and really just kinda have an understanding of ourselves and the way we work together. S: What type of experiences have you been able to go through? What lessons have you learned? J: We’ve been through so many amazing experiences...Japan, Warped Tour, the UK, Australia, endless U.S. touring you name it.. shared the stage with bands that we grew up loving and bands that were big influences on us when we were kids. It’s been amazing. We’ve learned how to cope with being gone.. how to pick each other back up.. we know that we’re nothing without the fans that we have and they mean the world to us and we’ve had such a strong team, fans included, that back us and are family and we want to do everything we can togive back to everyone thats helped us out.. it’s all about staying cool with everyone and having fun.. no matter what.. you’ve gotta keep things fun to survive on the road.. otherwise you’ll lose your mind. S: What are ways that you try to interact with your fans directly? J: On warped tour we do signings everyday.. some days will do photos at a different tent. We contact them through Twitter.. Tumblr.. you name it.We love staying in touch! S: Your album Bad Habits comes out August 2, 2011, how do you feel your fans will react to the album? J: We’re really hoping that they enjoy it as much as us.. this album is something we’re incredibly proud of and we did everything the EXACT way we wanted to do it. We’re so excited for everybody to hear it. A lot of our fans grew up with us and they see us on tour and we talk and we share experiences. We’re all growing and we grow together. We really hope they embrace the new record and it means as much to them as it does to us. S: What was the recording and writing process for Bad Habits? J: We put a lot of time into this new record and spent a long time writing it.. in nashville, michigan, los angeles... you name it. We spent time in different states tracking demos and writing getting ready for this thing once we felt like we had a good amount of songs we we felt strongly about we rented a rehearsal space downtown Detroit where we fleshed out all of the songs as a band and recorded pre pro-sort of demos to get ready before heading to Seattle to do the record. We came in more prepared than ever and ready to knock the songs out and let them take on a life of their own. We couldn’t be more stoked with how they came out! S: How do you handle working in the music industry, as it’s tough to sell records? J: You can’t let Album numbers get to you.. the fact is.. album numbers are always decreasing and you cant let bad numbers get to you. You’ve got to hope for the best, but if for some reason you sell a smaller amount of records one week than another you cant let it get to you. When you’re on the road all the time you gotta do your best be positive and grateful for everything that you get to do, friends you get to make, places you get to see. The most important thing is making an impact on people.. being the soundtrack to someonessummer... or being a young couple’s background music to a first kiss.. or being that song that really helps someone pull through a tough time with whatever their going through.. I can relate specific songs/bands with certain times in my life growing up and that memory never fades. S: How did you yourself integrate into Every Avenue?
J: I was living in Michigan playing in a band that I’d been in for about 3 years and things started to get slow so I started writing and recording some of my own music. Then I heard about Every Avenue looking for new guitar player. I didn’t know any of them. I was working 70 hours a week with two jobs and struggling with really wanting to be out on the road and writing/playing music.. so when this came along, I skipped work one day to go try out for Every Avenue and 4 years or so later here I am still [laughs] S: How do you balance out your solo project as well as the band? J: My music is more of a personal outlet than anything.. they were songs I had written that I REALLY wanted to get off my chest and record to share with other people. I obviously don’t have the time to pursue itmuch more than that right now but I’d love to one day release some more music and keep writing and sharing that music as well. S: If there was any way that you could influence or inspire today’s society in one paragraph, what would you say? J: Follow your heart, as cliche as that sounds, it’s the only way to stay happy.. don’t settle for anything less than what you truly want. People are so capable. The can do anything in the world they want it. If you try hard enough, work hard enough, and are persistent anything is possible. S: How is Warped Tour going so far? For readers who haven’t seen you yet on Warped, will you be playing your new single or new material on your live sets? J: Warped tour has been amazing. So many great friends and bands out here to share the experience with. It’s so amazing to see so many friends all summer long EVERY DAY. I love it. We’re playing a few new songs in the set, come on out and see which ones they are!
Giulia Brandimarti WWW.THETRENDBOOK.COM
Guilia has represented Inspirer.nu at fashion events such as Alta Roma & Milan Fashion week.
“I’m a fashion journalist from Italy!” Who inspires you the most, fashion wise?
There is no one in particular that inspires me, I take inspiration from everything around me, a photograph, a film, an actress, a socialitè .... everything! I can say that the only one icon for me is Audrey Hepburn. She was the most elegant woman in the world!
Favorite places to shop or designers?
My favorite designer is Miuccia Prada. I love her elegance and her minimalism. I love Moschino too, the style is always original and funny. I’ve got two or three pieces of Moschino, and I’m proud to have them in my closet! Places to shop? I buy almost all my clothes on-line, my favourites are Asos, TopShop, Nasty Gal
What style are you going for this Season?
Stripes, dots, long skirts, long dresses and maxi clutches. All colors are fluid and brillant, as orange, green, lemon yellow and electric blue! I’ll leave skinny jeans in my closet and I’ll wear the flared one!
What’s most played on your iPod?
Most played on my iPod is Bebe’s album “Parfuera telaranas”. She’s a Spanish singer known for the song “Malo”, but her album is something more! Each song is full of meaning, full of social protest and her lyrics are poetry for me!
What’s your biggest passion outside of music and fashion?
I can say for sure Art and Photography. I like all artistic periods but I really love the contemporary art in particular I love the contemporary art especially that of the first fifty years of 900, like the espressionism, cubism, suprematism, the Die Brücke, Dada etc. When I’m in front of a masterpiece that I admire very much, I feel myself excited! The passion for photography is quite recent; I studied the history of photography and I attended a short course to learn the technique.
What message do you want to give out to the readers INSPIRER.nu?
Inspirer.nu is a good project because is a complete magazine, composed by different sections, where everyone can find what it wants. Moreover
ATOMIC TOM interview by Bekka Collins How did you get started, and is there any meaning behind the name ‘Atomic Tom’? Well, I started playing bass around age 15 - I figured everybody else played guitar, and if I played bass, I’d be more in demand. Completely true, by the way. The band formed around 2006, when Luke (the lead singer) and I started working out some demos he had written. Eric joined on guitar in 2007 after he moved from Boston, and Tobias we met on tour in Canada. He was playing some huge-sounding drums in this band that we shared a bill with, and soon after that we asked nate.kieser him to come and audition down in NYC. The story behind the name is that ATOMIC TOM is the world’s smallest superhero. Think Mighty Mouse, but, you know...not a mouse. We’re still unsure of what superpowers he has, exactly; let us know if you have any ideas... How was the recording process of your album, ‘The Moment’ ? Really fun. We recorded The Moment in our friend’s apartment in Brooklyn, basically; he had a Pro Tools setup and a drum kit. We spent about four months from top to bottom, just making sounds and trying (and failing) to not get shut down by the cops. It was a blast - mics everywhere, guitar amps everywhere, and my favorite memory: our producer conducting a live string section in the kitchen! The whole thing was one of the highlights of my musical life. How do you think fans have responded to your first single, “Take Me Out” ? They seem to be digging it! Which is awesome, of course. We always loved that song, and we felt it was maybe the one song on the record that sort of sums up the rest of the record, thematically - that idea of not always rescuing, but sometimes needing to be rescued. Live it’s a blast too - more and more we’re running into audiences that sing along with us for the whole song, and our other songs too for good measure. Basically a dream come true. You recently signed with Universal Records, how did that come about and how does it feel to be label mates with the likes of Jessie J and The Naked and Famous? Well, it was really gratifying the way it came about; basically the good people at Universal
Republic heard the record, which we had already almost finished, and wanted to put it out. We didn’t really think at the beginning of the process that this record would ever come out on a bring their own thing to the table. That’s one of the things I love about this record is major label; at most we were going to release it ourselves and go the indie route. But everybody at the label has been great, and it’s really nice to have the weight of a major label behind us. I actually love The Naked and Famous; I just got their record and I’ve been listening to it over and over...and I saw Jessie J on SNL, that girl can sing her ass off. It was REALLY impressive. When it comes to writing, is there one main song writer or is it a group process? Well, it started off as Luke being the driving force. The early demos were all him. Now, what’s been great is, during the recording and rehearsal process, everybody else in the band is able to bring their own thing to the table. That’s one of the things I love about this record is that it doesn’t just sound like one person, it sounds like all of us. You can hear what I came up with, what Eric came up with, etc., it’s all in the mix, we’re all one now...but at the same time I don’t think this band would sound anything like it does now if even one person was different. What can you tell us about the music video you recorded for the 80’s nostalgia film “Take Me Home Tonight”? Another great time. We found out that the producers were looking for a cover of that Human League song, “Don’t You Want Me,” and they asked us to come up with a demo that would pay tribute to the original, but at the same time sound like our band. We sent them something the next day, and the day after that we were on a plane to LA to shoot the video. Topher Grace and the rest of the cast and crew couldn’t have been nicer to us, and the shoot was great - we felt like movie stars. We worked on the track in the studio on Day 3, and by the fourth day everything was done. We saw the final cut and couldn’t believe it - what an awesome idea! I still can’t name all the references. I feel like it’s on the internet somewhere though...I’m sure someone has listed them all somewhere. That’s a really fun song for us to play live as well. We have a great time with that one. Who would you consider to be your biggest musical influences? I think individually we’re all over the map. Eric grew up on the Beach Boys and Van Halen, I love college and indie rock (favorite band: The Replacements) and weird electronica, Luke is definitely about pure pop-rock, and Tobias is more into singer-songwriters. I think all together, we manage to come up with stuff that draws a lot from bands like U2, Muse, Coldplay, some of the newer Kings of Leon material...basically anything with a big sound. We never wanted to be a small-sounding band. This record was made with the idea that one day we’d play these songs in stadiums. What are the rest of your plans for 2011? Touring, touring and more touring. We’re going down to the southeast US to play some shows in April. We’re working on getting out to Europe. Meantime we’re writing new material and recording the best of it. We’re gearing up for a real busy year!
BEN “PIP” SEED
INTERVIEW BY SHANNAH LAUREN How long have you been doing photography? How did you get started? I got my first camera 5 years ago when I was 17. I just went out and started photographing people and places that interested me. I didn’t go to university or assist anyone, so I just taught myself everything I needed to know. After a couple of years of this, I’d built a portfolio, got representation and was working professionally. Who or what inspires you in the creative aspect? It’s usually other art that inspires me. I’m constantly immersed in music, fashion and film - these are the things that tend to influence my work. I find any artist producing something new and original inspirational. What do you think is the biggest difference between photography styles and techniques in the United Kingdom, compared to other countries like America? Personally I think territorial styles are a bit of a myth. The world is so well connected now, that it’s easy to draw inspiration from different cultures without leaving your own country. Due to the strength of it’s music and fashion industries, the UK has always been a leader in this type of photography. But I don’t tend to worry about the techniques and styles of other photographers. Wherever you go in the world there are good and bad photographers; each artist is different. I just do my own thing. What do you enjoy shooting the most, music, fashion or life in general? I enjoy shooting each of them equally in different ways. Although the lines between music and fashion have definitely blurred, their foundations are still quite different. Music is centered around the character of the artist, portraying who they are and the music they make. Fashion is about the clothes and using models purely on their look. Music is generally a more wholesome form of portraiture, but fashion often allows for greater creative control. Then shooting landscapes and doing street photography can be a welcome break from the pace and pressure of photographing people on commercial shoots. What is the most difficult to shoot? In general I think musicians are the hardest to photograph. Purely because a lot of them aren’t used to having their picture taken. You’d be surprised how many big characters are extremely shy or awkward in front of the camera. But this is also what makes it exciting - in music there are so many different types of people with different styles, so it’s a lottery every time you work with someone new. As a photographer it’s my job to tune into what makes them tick and get striking shots that reflect who they are. How was it to be able to shoot with the new UK Skins Cast? The Skins brand is a big deal over here, so naturally it’s a privilege to be commissioned to shoot the new cast. It was a bit hectic because we were shooting between takes when they were filming. But the cast, crew and their publicist were all really accommodating and friendly. It’s always good to work with new talent, and from what I’ve
seen of the new series there are certainly a few rising stars in cast. We had a laugh and I’ve kept in touch withcouple of them since the shoot, which is nice. What is your goal in photography? How far would you like to go in it, and how would that be? To one day be regarded one of the leading photographers of my generation. I want to compete with the best in the world at the forefront of the music and fashion industries. It’s abit of an ambitious mindset to have, but I hate complacency, and it’s that that drives me to be better. What are the pros and cons of being a photographer? Pros: Getting to travel, work with all different kinds of people and create on a daily basis. Cons: The expectation from your mates that when a tourist asks you to take a photo of them with their terrible compact camera, you’re going to produce a work of unparalleled genius. Do have any advice for aspiring photographers? Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing, just photograph what you enjoy, and work hard to build a portfolio that reflects you as an artist.
“Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing, just photograph what you enjoy and work hard to build a portfolio that ref lects you as an artist.”
SUMMER ROMANCE: LETTERS TO INSPIRER.NU Dear INSPIRER.nu, well it was two summers ago and I was going to visit my family in Texas, which is where I met “him”. He was everything that I could of dreamed of, and we spent every day together until it was time to go back to college. I almost didn’t want to leave because I knew that I was leaving him, but he knew that our “relationship” had a time limit on it. I can’t describe the way that I felt leaving that evening, but I felt even worse when he ended up in a relationship with another girl just months later, and now getting married in just a few weeks. We kept in contact, but a virtual feeling was nothing compared to the real thing I guess.
He’ll always have a place in my heart.
Dear whoever reads this, I’m writing this based on the back of the most incredible two weeks of my life, something so unexpected it knocked me off of my feet. In a time where thing’s couldn’t be harder for myself I saw a light and that light came in the form of the most beautiful girl to have ever crossed my path. I write this not to tell you my sorrows but to tell you of my joys. I spent a vacation away with friends with memories between us we will forever share but the one thing they wont understand is when you meet the person you know god put in front of you, you will give it all up there and then to make that dream come true. Whilst on vacation we decided to go
there stood the most beautiful, elegant girl
with a smile that could light up a room no matter what or who was there. Needles to say, that night went from something I wouldn’t usually enjoy to the most spectacular night of my life. Eating a late night snack had never been so fun, sharing smiles,laughs and discussing my life to someone I had only just met. A simple hug that night changed everything, it sparked a love affair that couldn’t stop even if the world does it’s best to tear us apart. I never thought I would find myself dropping my guard and letting someone in after everything I’ve seen and been through in the past, however it took only a matter of minute & hours for me to be sharing my past,present and future goals with this person. We would sit by the pool listening to John Mayer and talking until 4 in the morning before falling asleep in each other arms and waking up the next day to find our hands still holding each others as if to say, you will forever be together, you are the missing piece to the puzzle I call life. Nothing could have surprised me more than those two weeks as it has lead me to a new life, a life that is worth sharing and enjoying, a clean and sober life that I am happy to say I enjoy. God has given me many things in my life, but this is something I wish to never take for granted or loose. She saved me from my own personal hell. She has shown me the worlds beauty and I will never let that flame within me die ever again. Yours Forever.
INSP IRER.nu Magazine, I graduated High School and I was to my old home town for the end of the summer to spend time with my best friend before it was time to head to University. I was having the time of my life, and realized how much I missed hanging out with not only him, but his sister. To say the least, she had grown up a lot throughout those three years I was absent. It was her birthday, and I convinced my best friend that it was best if we kept and eye on her and her friends, especially since her boyfriend wasn’t going to be there to celebrate. It was that night that I realized I had falledn in love with my best friend’s sister.
“I had fallen in love with my best friends sister.”
She wasn’t like all of the girls running around me, she was special and always had been. We were on our way home, and I was sat next to her. The right song came on at the right moment, and we both just looked at each other and it just happened. We kissed. I kissed my best friends sister. It wasn’t the normal kiss I would have and forget, it was the one that I just didn’t want to stop. We both didn’t know what to say afterwords, we just fell asleep on the couch together laughing at memories that we had shared growing up. That morning we woke up together, and it seemed to hit us both at the same exact time, she had a boyfriend who had been calling all night. From that day forward, everything felt like a movie. It was the time I dread where her boyfriend would be present, and still even then, couldn’t keep our eyes off of each other. Finally, she asked if I would take a walk with her and our hands seemed to just be connected immediately. She explained to me that she had always been in love with me, and always would be. Before she could finish her sentence, her boyfriend came outside and saw us holding hands. He was intoxicated to say the least, but acted just like I would of. He wanted to fight me, but I wouldn’t. It was my fault, but I tried to explain that I didn’t mean to fall in love with her. He gave her an ultimatum, it was him or me. I wasn’t surprised at her answer either, she knew I was leaving for University and how I used to be with girls. When she explained to me that she’d always love me, she just didn’t think it was the right time, my stomach sank. I tried my hardest to stop my feelings for her. I moved away, but it wasn’t far enough. She still came to visit me to see how I was doing at University, and I couldn’t even act myself anymore. Stupidly enough, I ended up moving farther and going to a different University just
We were high school sweethearts if that’s enough romance as it is. We were
together from Freshman year, till we were Seniors. We got to experience everything together, and had some of the most wonderful memories but it came up to Summer time. We both knew that at the end of the Summer we were going to head off to different Universities, not even in the same state but he was moving across the country. He moved a month before University began, and I made sure to go visit him two weeks after he settled in. I was able to spend 10 last days with him, and we had to say good-bye. I was ready for that to be our last good-bye and for him to meet someone else, but instead, we kept the relationship strong, and are still together today! I was excited when I saw that INSPIRER.nu Magazine was letting us share our own stories, because I always believed ours was special and proved long distance can work.
Have something to say? Letters@inspirer.nu
CONDITIONS: A BAND TO WATCH BY MORGAN YOUNG
Photo by Brad Petrik
Though coming from Richmond, Virginia where the local music scene consists of the same five bands may appear to be an obstacle for many striving musicians, Conditions have surely made an impact by surpassing this obstacle. Since the release of their first self-titled EP back in March 2008, Conditions have made quite a name for themselves through their touring endeavors. With two successful full-length albums under their belt since their signage with Good Fight Music, they have proved to music lovers around the world that they deserve their recent attention from the media. Alternative Press Magazine has placed them in their “100 bands you need to know� for two consecutive years, helping readers around the globe stumble across the music that will quite easily change their lives. Band members Brandon Roundtree, Alex Howard, Jason Marshall, Ryan Tinsely, and Corey Thomas all bring an enormous amount of talent, energy, and passion to the table in their own way with each note that they play both in the studio and during live performance. The best part about it is that their live performance sounds just the same, if not better, than the studio recorded tracks on their records do. This means one thing, and that is true talent. With this talent in their front pockets, Conditions are set to build their way up in the music industry; touring and recording as often as possible in order to gain new fans, while putting out new music often enough to keep old and new fans on their toes. Though the band may have a long way to go in terms of recognition in order to truly make it where they’d like to in the music industry, Conditions have a touring track record that is very successful for a band of their type, or any for that matter. Within the last two years, they have been seen rocking crowds on the Vans Warped Tour, Bamboozle Festival, and SXSW Music Conference, which each contains a massive amount of talented bands in themselves. Through these tours among countless others, Conditions have gained fans in every state of the USA, using the most appropriate and beneficial techniques in order to truly gain a name for themselves that is both positive and well liked among a fan base compiled of lovers of all types of music. Due to their previously stated recognition from AP Magazine, the band was featured on the latest AP Tour as openers for bands that have had a huge impact on where the music industry stands today. Feeding off of the energy these other bands put out has increased Conditions live performance, making it stronger than ever as they currently head out on the Do America Tour with their friends in Anarbor and Valencia. Taking advantage of their friendly personalities that fans around the world have grown to love, Conditions have increased their fan base by heading out on large, popular tours, then heading out on other bands headlining tours as an opening band in order to hold on to the attention that they gained during those larger shows.
Conditions creates music that is filled with a combination of rock and punk sounds, which serves as a combination none like any other band that allows them to show off their talent and unique ability to produce music that is truly inspiring. Brandon Roundtree is easily a lyrical genius as he writes about situations that hit home for a majority of listeners, allowing them to truly indulge in the music knowing that they are no longer as alone as they previously thought. Creating an escape for fans is what Conditions thrives at, allowing each individual to take what they want out of each lyric in order to make it hold as much of an impact as possible. This is especially true in their most recent album release titled Fluorescent Youth, which was released in September of last year but still holds a high place in the hearts of many. The album is available on iTunes or in best buy for purchase, and it is one music purchase you will not regret as you are instantly filled with gratitude and positive thoughts.
NATALIE PORTMAN: HOTTEST ACTRESS OF THE SEASON BY SHANNAH LAUREN
Natalie Portman being her stage name, Natalie Hershlag being her real name, is Summer 2011’s hottest actress! Born in Jerusalem, Israel, she was discovered in a pizza parlor only years after moving to the United States. She started out in her first film Léon in 1994, which was a french film in which she played an orphan taken in by a hitman. She wasn’t well-known until she was casted as Padmé Amidala in the Star Wars trilogy. She’s not only extremely talented and beautiful, but has the brains to back it up! She went to Harvard University in 1999 for Psychology, and graduated with her bachelor’s degree in 2003, “I also feel I’m a positive role model by not putting my education on hold”.She has managed to play in some of the best hits such as Starwars, Garden State, Closer, V for Vendetta, No Strings Attached and Black Swan which she had won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, the Screen Actors Guild Award, and the BAFTA Award. She had broke down and cried offstage when she was a part of the Broadway adaption of “The Diary of Anne Frank” in 1997, since she played Anne Frank and had a strong personal connection to the events. Her grandparents lost most of their family members in the Holocaust, including her great grand parents. She’s a very strong advocate for animal rights, enough to create her own vegan footwear in 2007. Now being a mother, giving birth to her first child on June 14, 2011, she’s going to be taking a break from her acting career, but has left us with the hits of 2011, No Strings Attached, Your Highness, and Thor.
SUITCASE STYLE
an interview with TYLER ADKINS by Sophie Taylor When grunge meets bohemian surf and is personified in the form of Gold Coast model Tyler Atkins, you can’t help but appreciate the charm that makes Atkins so authentically Australian. INSPIRER.nu’s Sophie Taylor had the opportunity to talk personal style and inspirations with the creative young Aussie, who is not one to succumb to the local trends.
How would you describe your personal style? I love making my own clothes. I love painting my own kicks, dying my own denim and ripping my own tanks.
How has your style evolved over the past few years? Well, the more I travel the more old, vintage and unique clothes I collect. I’m still real keen on tight leg denim and vintage tees. I think I wear less colors now, I like keeping tones more neutral. Do you put much thought into your everyday outfits, or prefer to just throw something together on the spot? Favorite store/brand/location to shop? I don’t put any time in my day to day outfits. I live out of my suitcase. So I only have enough room for my favorite outfits and they all naturally seem to go together. I don’t really buy new clothes. I like going vintage store shopping and buying amazing individual pieces at great prices. At the moment I really like April 77, Graz sunnies and Supra shoes. What’s the current state of your wardrobe? Favorite/Least favorite trends? I love old suitcases. I have a wicked one next to my bed which currently acts as my wardrobe. It has all my clothes thrown in it, its rather messy but clean.My least favorite trend would definitely have to be high waisted denim shorts on girls. I’m not a big fan of I don’t really buy new clothes. I like going vintage store shopping and buying amazing individual pieces at great prices. At the moment I really like April 77, Graz sunnies and Supra shoes. Why do you think fashion can be so inspirational and what has been theHighlight of your career to date? Its a feel good thing, plus it also gives people the freedom to be creative & cultivate their own style.One of my highlights would definitely have to be working with Jess Hart and Miranda Kerr, I designed a charity range with them. That was really amazing. Where would you like to see yourself in the next 5-10 years? I’d love to own and run a charity and incorporate clothing. This way I can give back to the less fortunate. A lot of people simply forget just how bad it can be in their own countries.
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