Locale Weekly 5.11 by Locale Magazine

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START YOUR MORNINGS WITH ORANGE RICOTTA HAUTE CAKES IN NEWPORT BEACH

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A DREAMY DAY ON CEDROS AVENUE IN SOLANA BEACH

AN INSIDE LOOK AT

A Collection Curated by Thieves

Indio’s Field of Dreams

How a Creative Disrupter Became a Sock Sensation

GEORGE LOPEZBrenda Song

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NATIVE KNOWLEDGE

A Famous Cookbook Author, a Chef to the Stars, a Seasoned Bartender and Two Eco-Minded BFFs Dish out LA’s Best

CLIVE STANDEN

GETS TO THE PINT

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JOSH DIXON This Airbnb Went Mad for Mod, and Now You Can Too

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SPILLS THE TEE

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DO YOURSELF A FLAVOR AND TRY HERRINGBONE’S SEAFOOD PASTA

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The Ultimate LA Foodie Guide

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Crossing State Lines for a Breath of Fresh Air

43 HOTELS SO VACATIONWORTHY, YOUR BAGS WILL PACK THEMSELVES

TAKE THE FERRY TO CATALINA AND SET YOUR WATCH TO ISLAND TIME

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The Famous Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway

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THESE BROADWAY BITES ARE STEALING THE SPOTLIGHT IN LONG BEACH

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PROSCIUTTO + PARMESAN: THE PERFECT PAIR

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9 Ways to Seize the Day in Oceanside

THE FEAST

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These 4 Botanical Cocktails Bloom With Hendrick’s Gin

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Where to Book Your Next Staycation

ROB RIGGLE KERRI LEE WALSH JENNINGS HARRAH’S RESORT SOCAL IN FUNNER, CA

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GEORGE LOPEZ @georgelopez Photoshoot Location: THE BREWS HALL 21770 Del Amo Cir E Torrance, CA 90503 www.thebrewshall.com LOCALE MAGAZINE 7

Torrance

THATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

LOPEZ WAY ////// FROM COMEDY TO CUISINE, GEORGE LOPEZ SERVES AUTHENTICITY IN ALL ASPECTS OF LIFE

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“The tortillas, the taquitos, the carne asada… It was an easy fit.” —G E O R G E LO P E Z

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After four decades of delighting audiences, garnering accolades and breaking barriers in the entertainment industry, legendary performer George Lopez is making a name for himself in the food and beverage world. The venue for Lopez’s new passion project, The Brews Hall, is a strikingly modern, multifaceted food hall in scenic Torrance, which officially opened its doors in November 2019. Though the sleek new venue contains a handful of other restaurants (including a burger joint sponsored by sports commentator Colin Cowherd), its centerpiece belongs to Lopez. Diners in the mood for Mexican cuisine can sate their cravings at George Lopez’s Chingon Kitchen, a counter-top eatery which serves south-of-the-border fare with a twist, while beer-lovers might quench their thirst at George Lopez Brewing Co., a Latin-inspired brewery with one-of-a-kind offerings. the towering comedic talent who altered the television landscape with “George Lopez,” his autobiographical sitcom which aired from 2002-07 on ABC, everything begins and ends with family—even if those beginnings weren't easy. "I think that if you look at the definition of comedy, it's not when things go right; it's when they go wrong," says Lopez. "I was raised by my grandmother (Benita)...the whole attitude—the 'Why are you crying?’ vibe, 'Who do think you are?'—that was from her. Everything came with a disclaimer... If (I was) eating soup and didn't have a spoon, I'd ask for one, and she would say, 'Okay, that's your Christmas present.’ She was my muse."

Benita was also an inspiration in the kitchen; her influence sparked Lopez's culinary ambitions. "In stand-up, I would talk about my grandmother keeping her salsa in a mayo jar with no lid...that stuck with people, so I did this as an opportunity to honor her because she was also a really good cook." While performing at the San Manuel Casino in Highland two years ago, Lopez received an opportunity to realize these edible imaginings when a representative of the venue reached out and asked if he would have any interest in opening a Mexican restaurant in their space. Lopez swiftly agreed, and Chingon Kitchen was born. "I started talking about the menu right away," recalls Lopez. "The tortillas, the taquitos, the carne asada... It was an easy fit." Having found his niche, Lopez linked up with Michael Zislis, an entrepreneur and restaurateur, whose Zislis Group owns properties like Shade Hotels and The Strand House. Zislis was set on expansion, and after considering a number of

other areas, the pair settled on Torrance as the site of the ambitious experiment. Lopez says, “The city of Torrance has been great... This area is perfect for us. There's parking, it's easy to find and it's very impressive what they've done with this space.” The space Lopez refers to is the former site of a Goodyear tire shop, which has been converted into a sprawling dining space that houses four eateries and two breweries. Outside stands a looming, 27-foot silo branded with the logo of Zislis's Buzzrock Brewing Co. Inside, you'll find rows of brass tanks (fermenting vessels), all filled with sudsy pilsners and stouts. Additionally, there's a charming outdoor patio and a row of games to entertain younger visitors. It is precisely this broad-scale appeal that Lopez feels will set Brews Hall apart in the area. "There's four food options here and a full bar...so if you come with kids, [everyone] can get what they want. As a comedian, I entertain a Latino audience with something that connects to them, but also something that's understood by everyone," explains Lopez. Lopez adopted this approach while selecting the food that would be served at Chingon Kitchen. The menu boasts traditional staples like tacos and burritos, as well as out-of-thebox offerings like artisan churros in cinnamon sugar and hand-hacked guacamole paired with fresh homemade chips from the comal. Chingon also provides for those with dietary restrictions through options like cauliflower tortillas and meat-free burritos. Lopez also insisted on authentic touches, such as a bucket of Jarritos Mexican sodas and a spiked horchata drink, infused with rum.

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Drink Your Greens •Also in the works is a pulque-inspired beer, based on an alcoholic beverage derived from the sap of the maguey plant.

Just Brew It •Michael Zislis has experience as a brewer himself. In fact, he was just 13 when he brewed his first beer as part of a science experiment for school.

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“I think that if you look at the definition of comedy, it’s not when things go right; it’s when they go wrong.” —G E O R G E LO P E Z

Breaking Ground •Aside from his sitcom, George Lopez was also the first Latino to host a latenight talk show when “Lopez Tonight” aired on TBS in November 2009.

Knock, Knock

Food + Drink Photography Provided By: The Brews Hall

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•One of Lopez’s most iconic jokes goes as follows: his grandmother says, “Go to your room,” to which he replies, “I don’t have a room.” Her response? “Then close your eyes.”

No Name, No Game •“Chingon” roughly translates to “badass.” Although Lopez states that its meaning is up for interpretation, “It’s a name I use in my stand-up...like ‘the King of Pop’ was for Michael Jackson, but for Latinos.”

Nothing Better Than Grandma’s Cooking •Benita’s signature dish was picadillo—a soup consisting of hamburger meat, garlic, onions, peppers and tomatobased sauce. LOCALE MAGAZINE 13

“This area is perfect for us. It’s very impressive what they’ve done with this space.” —G E O R G E LO P E Z

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“Sure, I see the end [of performing]. I do see the light at the end of the tunnel at some point. But to still be around and enjoy it is a beautiful thing.” —G E O R G E LO P E Z speaking of alcohol, the George Lopez Brewing Co. strives to realize an authentic, Mexicaninspired vision, pushing the flavor palate of their beer to new levels. This includes a grapefruit and lime IPA, an orange cream ale, a Horchata stout, a masa-inspired beer and, per Lopez, "a beer that tastes like the mix of El Presidente, Sprite and Brandy...which is a big drink in Mexico."

When asked about his favorite of all the choices offered at his Brews Hall outlets, Lopez takes a moment to consider, then returns with a surprising answer: "Probably the elote." The classic snack, most often doled out by street vendors, pairs grilled corn on the cob with mayonnaise, cayenne and chili powder, as well as a sprinkling of Cotija cheese. "When I was young, I saw people selling [elote] in the park, and I thought it was weird... Then, one day, I had one, and it was amazing. I want to bring that to the people here." The above notion sums up the motivation behind Lopez's art, whether it's food or comedy: a wish to expose the masses to his cultural touchstones in a way that never rings false or contrived. "I once saw a [stand-up comedian] going on stage, and he talked about his girlfriend. After the show I said, 'I didn't know you had a girlfriend.' He said, 'I don't. I just wrote material about it.' That really rang false to me, and I never wanted to do that. My [work] became my own." And so it has been since 1979, when a nervous 18-year-old from Mission Hills attended his first open mic. Now, 40 years later, Lopez is gearing up yet again for a brand new comedy special—his first

since 2017's “The Wall.” "All of my specials have a theme," he remarks. "The last one was political, but this one is more about minding your own business. Today we see...people calling the cops on kids selling water in the park or using the bathroom in Starbucks. We don't need to be policing other people. It's also about where we are as a country...and a bit about mortality." Sitting confidently amidst the looming Brews Hall floorspace that he was instrumental in bringing to life, it seems hard to fathom that Lopez would be questioning mortality. He appears to be a creator at the top of his game, expanding his empire into a whole new sphere of influence. But, though his love for comedy hasn't dwindled, Lopez says, "Sure, I see the end [of performing]. I do see the light at the end of the tunnel at some point. But to still be around and enjoy it is a beautiful thing." Still, Lopez grows excited when talking about his upcoming film projects, lighting up at the mention of No Man's Land, a modern Western in which he plays a driven Texas Ranger pursuing a young, white border patrol vigilante who shoots a Mexican immigrant before fleeing to Mexico. Despite a wellspring of opportunities ahead in the world of Hollywood, Lopez ultimately reserves his boldest future plans for Chingon Kitchen and George Lopez Brewing Co., outlets for which the cards read one thing: expansion. "This...is something I want to see grow. I'm looking to make it bigger," states Lopez. "Hey, maybe investors can even take it out to airports next.” And, even though he’s usually hilarious, it doesn't appear that the great comedian is joking this time.

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U L T I M AT E

THE

FOR SOCCER STAR CHRISTEN PRESS, STAYING GROUNDED IS THE NAME OF THE GAME

GOAL

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CHRISTEN PRESS @christenpress Photoshoot Location: SMASH PHOTO 2225 E 28th St, Ste 511 Signal Hill, CA 90755 310.807.5752 www.smashphotolb.com

“MORE IMPORTANT THAN BEING A

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PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE IS DOING WHATEVER YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT. THAT’S WHAT I WOULD LIKE THE WORLD TO KNOW. JUST FIND YOUR PASSION.” —CHRISTEN PRESS

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An athlete is always on the move, and for pro soccer player Christen Press, there’s no stopping her adrenaline kick both on and off the field. From winning the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup with the US Women’s National Soccer Team to participating in the 2016 Summer Olympics, Press continues to run, aim and shoot no matter the number of victories and losses. With the spotlight following every moment of her athletic career, you might wonder how Press manages to contain the exhaustion solely within soccer matches. The formula to her physical and mental health is staying rooted and knowing when to slow down to catch her breath during life’s quiet moments.

In the city of Palos Verdes Estates, California, there was a family that was obsessed with soccer. Press and her two sisters started playing the sport, among many others, after their parents decided that learning about the principles of team dynamics was very important. “It was definitely a family affair with my mom and dad managing, coaching my teams, watching videos online, studying how to play soccer and understanding the rules—all of that,” Press recalls. “Before I was even in high school, we were like a crazy soccer family.”

Come high school, Press never really thought about shooting for the big leagues. Her goal setting was and still is in the present. During her younger years, she didn’t play for any of the US national teams, but once she attended Stanford and saw that her teammates were making the National Team, that’s when her perspective shifted. That shift led to a whirlwind of highs and lows. Press lost in the NCAA College Cup two years in a row despite becoming Stanford’s all-time leading scorer. After college, Press was drafted to magicJack in 2011 and hoped to attract the USWNT’s attention, but it wasn’t enough—even with ‘Rookie of the Year’ attached to her

name. Then in early 2012, the Women’s Professional Soccer league folded. Without another moment’s hesitation, the disheartened athlete packed her bags and moved to Sweden where she would sign with Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC. Though one opportunity slipped out of reach, another unexpectedly fell into her hands. Press let go of all the validations and expectations that she’d carried from back home and simply played for fun during her time abroad. A few months after signing with the professional team in Sweden, by a stroke of luck, the Head Coach of the USWNT, who is originally from Sweden, was visiting her native country and watched a few of Press’ matches. Shortly after, Press got her first call up. “It was such a good lesson for me because sometimes letting go is how you come into things,” she explains. “We try to force things in our life. We try to shove ourselves through these small holes. If we just let ourselves flow, we fit so easily.” Press believes there shouldn’t be a word for failure because everything is transient. “Nothing's finite,” she declares. “If you lose a game, you've lost—that's definite, but you haven’t failed because you’ll play another game.” By adjusting her mindset, Press has allowed herself to play more freely, and regardless of what happens, she has a strong hold on her sense of self.

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“WE TRY TO FORCE THINGS IN OUR LIFE. WE TRY TO SHOVE OURSELVES THROUGH THESE SMALL HOLES. IF WE JUST LET OURSELVES FLOW, WE FIT SO EASILY.” —CHRISTEN PRESS

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Native Knowledge • For anyone who visits the South Bay, Press recommends going to Manhattan Beach. Hit up Fishing With Dynamite or Two Guns Espresso, her favorite restaurant and coffee shop, respectively. Story of Her Life • During high school, Press’ favorite courses were English and essay writing. She’s kept a journal since third grade and reveals that she has a high stack of journals at her parents’ house.

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Pump It (Louder)! • When Press is gearing up for a workout, she puts on her playlist called CP 2.0 which is mostly rap music.

Women’s League • One of Press’ most inspirational athletes is Serena Williams. “The way she plays is amazing,” gushes Press. “She’s so powerful [and] so beautiful.” Around the World • While Press doesn’t have the travel bug, she loved living in Madrid and Sweden. Tuscany, Italy is on her list of places to explore.

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Awards and victories are natural indicators of success, but for Press, success comes from the quiet moments after failure. “It's like the people who fail the most are the best,” says Press. “It’s a crazy thing to think about and I think in other realms of the world, it’s hard to accept that. But in sports, it's 100 percent about getting back up.”

And picking herself off the ground is exactly what Press did. “I think each time that I handled it, each time that I had grace myself, each time that I said I'm not gonna let someone else determine my own self-worth, my own value, I got better and I became a better player,” expresses Press. “I became a more joyous player.” As a seven-year veteran on the USWNT, Press feels fully embraced and loved by the team. “I think that just as much as I enjoy the sport and being technically good and physically good, I think even more than that, I enjoy feeling trusted and respected by my teammates,” she says with a smile. “And a lot of that stuff happens off the field. It happens when there [are] no cameras around in the quiet moments... that's the most rewarding part, I think.” That love and support not only emanate from her teammates but from the fans as well. With half a million followers on Instagram, Press thinks it’s all surreal. She keeps a careful distance from social media but at the same time, she can connect with her fans by sharing parts of herself and her truth. At the games, Press still can’t believe that “people are going nuts” over her and her team. Other than earning trust and respect from her teammates, the most rewarding part about the job is bringing joy to people. “Joy is underrated,” Press shares. “I think we have so many American goals of what you need to do to be happy, but actually, happiness should be the goal. To be able to give people reasons to celebrate, to spend time with their family, to laugh and to yell and to embrace that human experience—I think that is super cool, and seeing it in the stadiums is one of the best parts.” As someone who speeds along the field, Press admits she has too much energy. Over the years she has learned to expend that abundant energy in healthier ways.

Meditating and walking with her bare feet on the field before a match keeps her grounded. Coming to terms with stillness is especially important. “I've learned, specifically as an athlete, I used to have more of a mentality of, the more I do, the better I am,” Press explains. “Now it’s the smarter I am, the better I am, so [that stems from] managing what I'm doing on the field and what I'm doing off the field… It's very much become a holistic, allencompassing job.” The countdown to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup leaves even less time for Press to do anything non-soccer related. “You're only on the field for two hours,” states Press. “You've got 22 hours and you have to manage that time perfectly so that when you're there for two hours, you’re the best that you can be.” In preparation for the World Cup, Press believes that embracing every moment leading up to the event will build a foundation and strengthen her determination rather than letting stress take over. “You have to be ready because my experience in the last World Cup was that crazy things happened,” explains Press. “It's never going to be the way you think it's going to be so you have to be emotionally, physically ready for everything. And that's a really hard thing to do, but I think we can do it. I have full belief in our team. I have full belief in myself.” Press’ fighting spirit along with her neverending determination to become better plants hope in her team and the rest of the country that will cheer them on. Despite all the national and international acclaim throughout her soccer career, Press wants to remind the younger generation that “it’s not about being famous or being successful and having the world tell you that you’re great.” Passion is what will drive you to your end goal. “I think it's about being great for yourself and deciding that you're perfect and beautiful and that you [can] make mistakes and that doesn't take away from that,” emphasizes Press. “In sports, it's such a great opportunity to learn those things and to stay focused on the process on playing… More important than being a professional athlete is doing whatever you're passionate about. That's what I would like the world to know. Just find your passion.”

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“TO BE ABLE TO GIVE PEOPLE REASONS TO CELEBRATE, TO SPEND TIME WITH THEIR FAMILY, TO LAUGH AND TO YELL AND TO EMBRACE THAT HUMAN EXPERIENCE—I THINK THAT IS SUPER COOL, AND SEEING IT IN THE STADIUMS IS ONE OF THE BEST PARTS.” —CHRISTEN PRESS

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HOW CHAMPIONS ARE MADE F R O M FA M I LY L I F E T O T H E 2 0 2 0 O LY M P I C S I N T O K Y O , KERRI LEE WALSH JENNINGS IS LEAVING HER FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND

W R I T T E N B Y: A N N I E K I M

P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y: R YA N H E N S L E Y

S T Y L E D B Y: J A N E L L E A R R E O L A

H A I R & M A K E U P B Y: R O X Y

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“ I F W E C R E AT E T I M E E V E R Y D AY TO S I T WITH OUR SPIRITS, I FEEL LIKE WE’RE A L L U N S TO P PA B L E AND WE’RE ALL I N F I N I T E LY C A P A B L E . WE JUST NEED TO C R E AT E T H AT S PA C E W I T H I N O U R S E LV E S T O K N O W T H A T. ” —KERRI LEE WALSH JENNINGS

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“I BELIEVE IN GOLD,” states a determined Kerri Lee Walsh Jennings, threetime Olympic gold medalist and one-time Olympic bronze medalist. “I really want that fairytale ending. I want to go out on top, and I want to go out being a bright light and a beacon in the sport.” Although everyone already views Jennings—who currently holds the most career victories leading with 133 wins and is possibly the greatest beach volleyball player to have ever played the game—as the brightest beacon in the sport, she is not yet satisfied. But, that is what makes Jennings great. This is the mindset of a champion, and her story will tell the makings of one. “ L I V I N G I N T H E M O M E N T. T H A T ’ S W H E R E T H E R I C H N E S S O F L I F E I S A T. T H A T ’ S W H E R E O U R P O W E R I S AT A S I N D I V I D U A L S . . . I T ’ S R I G H T N O W A N D W H AT W E D O W I T H I T D I C TAT E S H O W O U R N E X T M O M E N T I S G O I N G T O B E — A N D O U R N E X T A N D N E X T. ” —KERRI LEE WALSH JENNINGS 28 LOCALE MAGAZINE

Only Ballplayers Here • The Olympian has always considered herself as just a ballplayer. “I hate it when people say you’re an amazing female athlete,” says Jennings. A Legacy of Her Own • With p1440, Jennings’ mission is to leave the game of beach volleyball in a better place than when she came in.

At the young age of 10, Jennings fell in love with the game of volleyball within the first minute of stepping onto the wooden court outlined in white. At that time, Walsh was sporting dirty blond front bangs and spouting lanky limbs from her slender, athletic figure. She had no idea that that was the beginning of an intense love affair, the kind that’s rarely heard of and would later transform into an empowering movement that inspires people everywhere. Today, people cannot imagine a beach volleyball court without seeing Jennings fly through the air in her signature ponytail braid, embodying all the elements of grace, fierceness and power, as she slams a perfect set down the line with a simple thumb-down turn of her wrist. Before the volleyball even hits the sand, the crowd will already begin cheering. Jennings is a volleyball phenomenon that inspires entire world-class arenas to rise to their feet every time she steps onto the court. The 6-foot-3-inch Olympian credits her family and support system for her success. “When I was growing up, I was very encouraged, supported and empowered by the love within my family. My parents and everyone I have been surrounded by has given me nothing but support and it helped me believe in myself and that continues to this day,” explains Jennings. “When you’re unconditionally loved and you feel that, it feels like it’s impossible to fail and it makes you braver. I am the product of that.” APPAREL PROVIDED BY: p1440 | Lululemon Athletica www.p1440.com shop.lululemon.com

After graduating from Stanford University as a student athlete, which was Jennings’ first big dream come true, and playing in her first LOCALE MAGAZINE 29

Olympics in 2000, the fearless ballplayer took her extraordinary volleyball skills from indoors to the beach. “I’m a homebody. I love the Golden State and being near my family. Beach volleyball allowed me to chase my big volleyball dreams,” she says. “It allowed me to partner with my childhood idol, Misty May, and hit all the goals that I was chasing indoors.” When asked how the duo continued their streak of greatness for so long, Jennings replies, “I don’t know to be honest with you… From the very first moment we knew what we wanted, and we wanted to be the best in the world and...to win a lot. And we never apologized for that. I think we rose to our expectations. I don’t think we allowed our expectations to scare us.” Throughout the years after May’s retirement, Jennings played with several talented beach partners but her goal of being the best in the world has always remained the same. If anything, the 40-year-old Olympian and mother of three is setting bigger goals to achieve and higher expectations to reach. Jennings is currently training to qualify for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo—and win Gold—with her new beach partner, Brooke Sweat, who Jennings describes as “rad and so ready.” “High expectations are a beautiful thing in my mind,” says Jennings. “I want to always expect and know that I have more in me, and that’s been my journey in sports.” In preparation for the upcoming Olympics, Jennings upholds herself to a daily routine that aligns her physically, mentally and emotionally. 30 LOCALE MAGAZINE

The Olympian is very attuned with her inner self and has purposefully set every workout, meal, recovery session and meditation practice to prepare her body, mind and soul to perform at her best during all hours of the day. Jennings completes two to three workouts each day. Her training sessions are a cumulation of morning meditations, daily beach practices, pilates and intense, twice-a-week strength training. “I like diversity in my training. It keeps my mind and body fresh,” she says. “I have both sides of the workout—the egocentric ones that feel more masculine and gnarly, and then, I have the Jedi ones where it really hones me and allows me to sustain the greatness that I want.” Meditation, nutrition and recovery—layers that form the foundation of Jennings’ ABCs—are a big focus for the dedicated athlete. “I believe to be great, you need to have your body, mind and spirit aligned,” Jennings explains. “Every day I talk to God and myself to figure out how I want my day to feel, how I want a certain practice or training session to feel and I try to get totally aligned so that I can live in my best and highest self.” Without fail, Jennings always starts her day off with meditation. “Every morning, there’s a moment where I am in silence and in solitude, just getting connected to my day and myself,” says the busy mother of three. Then, she has her morning celery juice and coffee with all kinds of good-for-you stuff mixed in and prepares breakfast with her husband, Casey Jennings— who is also a beach volleyball professional—for their three beautiful kids: Joseph, Sundance and

She’s a Natural • Jennings says her love for sports is in her DNA. Along with volleyball, Jennings grew up playing various sports including baseball, basketball and soccer. Inner Peace • If Jennings had one request for the world, it would be to practice meditation.

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3-Step Waltz • “I really appreciate the competitive dance [of volleyball] where I look at my competition as an obstacle for me to get better or as a tool for me to improve and to be my best,” explains Jennings.

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Dream Team • p1440 is the passion projectturned-movement of Jennings and her husband Casey, “It was created out of adversity and bounded in love and a belief that our sport can be a prime time sport.”

Scout. There is no shortage of excellence in the Jennings household. After breakfast, the entire family is off and running by 8 a.m. With years of wear and tear on her body, including six shoulder injuries and several broken bones, Jennings’ goal is to train more mindfully and with purpose, something she wishes she had done sooner in her career. “I started by running into brick walls and I did that for 15 years. It’s kind of the culture. We’re taught to suck it up and go, and I appreciate that,” explains Jennings. “I’m capable of carrying a big load. I just believe that I can mindfully carry a big load, now. I have better tools to lean on, instead of just grit and bear it.” Whether it be an everyday beach practice or the final match of an Olympic game, Jennings prepares for everything the same way. Consistency and meditation are important components of Jennings’ success. Meditation helps clear her mind and set her intentions. “The spirit within us is enormous,” she exclaims. “If we create time every day to sit with our spirits, I feel like we’re all unstoppable and we’re all infinitely capable. We just need to create that space within ourselves to know that.”

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Throughout Jennings’ successes, it has been another dream for her to share her hard-earned wisdom for anyone else trying to achieve their dreams. Alongside training to win Gold in the upcoming Olympics, Jennings has teamed up with her husband, Casey, to create p1440, a digital platform and event series that goes beyond the lines of the beach volleyball court. The objective of p1440 is to elevate beach volleyball as a community and sport—from broadcasting matches on national television to fighting for higher wages for beach professionals—and provide people of all ages and skill levels with

access to the exact resources that are used by elite athletes. The four pillars of p1440— Competition, Development, Health & Wellness and Entertainment—are inspired by the power couple’s way of life. The pair has access to some of the best experts and resources in the world to help them elevate their game as players and as people. “Through p1440, a huge focus for us is to give people the access that we have to our experts. You shouldn’t have to be a professional athlete to have access to the best,” says Jennings. The groundworks of p1440 are all the layers in Jennings’ life that helped her develop and perfect the life’s fundamentals. “Everyone who is a master in their craft really does the ABCs well,” she says. “We are the creators of our lives. I [want] to inspire people to get down the ABCs of their life and to really customize them so that they can feel good in their days.” Jennings’ hope is that by providing the community with access to these various options that have been the roots to her success, people can rely on p1440 to figure out what works best for them so that they can live all 1,440 minutes of each day with purpose and win in their game at life. So, how are champions made? “Living in the moment. That’s where the richness of life is at. That’s where our power is at as individuals. Not five minutes ago, not a year and a half from now when I’m winning my fourth gold medal. It’s right now,” express Jennings. “It’s right now and what we do with it dictates how our next moment is going to be— and our next and next.”

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“THROUGH P1440, A HUGE FOCUS FOR US IS TO G I V E P E O P L E T H E A C C E S S T H AT W E H AV E TO OUR EXPERTS. YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE TO B E A P R O F E S S I O N A L AT H L E T E TO H AV E A C C E S S T O T H E B E S T. ” —KERRI LEE WALSH JENNINGS

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LIFE

of the

PA R T Y Internet Sensation SCOTTY SIRE Opens up About Music, Inspiration and Success WRITTEN BY: DIEGO E. GAXIOLA PHOTOGRAPHED BY: TRAVIS MCCOY STYLED BY: TERESITA MADRIGAL GROOMED BY: BRIAN BOND

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SCOTTY SIRE www.scottysire.com @vanilladingdong Photoshoot Location: HOUSE OF BLUES ANAHEIM 400 W Disney Way, Ste 337 Anaheim, CA 92802 714.778.2583 www.houseofblues.com/anaheim

“For me, music is my creative outlet right now. I get to write down lyrics and get to talk about how I feel and that really helps me feel better.”

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—SCOTTY SIRE

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In person, Sire exudes a confidence that distinguishes himself in any setting, while still having a personality that encourages comfort and trust.

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S C O T T Y S I R E is an artist, musician and composer whose impressive social media presence has created a name for himself in the entertainment industry. The Vine and YouTube star-turned-musician and composer released his first album, “Ruin Your Party,” in October of 2018. The alternative-pop and hip-hop influences throughout the album help give each song its own unique sound while the lyrics express important topics surrounding mental health. With a cross-country tour under his belt and an electrifying performance set for July 13 at the House of Blues Anaheim, Sire is proving to be an overall powerhouse in the entertainment industry.

Sire was born and raised in Orange County, growing up in Huntington Beach with his parents and two younger brothers. Reminiscing about his childhood and how his parents incorporated music in his life, Sire recalls, “My dad used to sing us ‘King of the Road’ by Roger Miller before bedtime.” As he got older, Sire began to realize he loved entertaining people, especially his peers, and decided to focus more of his time and energy in the ever-expanding realm of social media. Sire’s dad used to say, “An idle mind is the devil’s playground,” and Scotty knew that social media would keep him busy and, more importantly, allow him to set goals focused on maintaining a career in the entertainment industry. Sire first gained popularity through the social media platform Vine, where his witty and hilarious six-second video clips amassed millions of viewers. While discussing the reasons why he first began uploading content onto his Vine and YouTube channels, Sire says, “It was just a lot of fun and I liked to entertain my friends.” However, Sire also distinguished social media platforms as a way of jump-starting his career in the entertainment industry. “Maybe if I go and build an audience on

Vine, I can catapult myself into a more traditional career path like getting into acting or maybe doing a commercial,” says Sire. Due to the fast-growing popularity of his Vine account, Sire soon began to upload content regularly and developed friendships with other popular social media influencers. From 2015 to 2016, he was given the opportunity to showcase his acting skills in the movies Summer Forever and FML. FML, a movie about a pair of internet stars embarking on a cross-country road trip, was written and directed by Jason Nash, a friend of Sire’s and a fellow Vine star. Unfortunately, in January of 2017, the Vine app changed completely, leaving many like Sire unable to upload new videos to their accounts. Thankfully, Sire’s YouTube career had already taken off, allowing him to continue to reach his growing fanbase with his notoriously amusing video content. When going through Sire’s YouTube channel, you can find a multitude of enjoyable videos to watch, from completely covering his buddy’s house in wrapping paper to surprising his mom with an amazing new Christmas gift. His Youtube channel is also where Sire’s alternative-pop and hip-hop style of music can be found, allowing fans a glimpse at both his personal and professional life.

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Sire first gained popularity through the social media platform Vine, where his witty and hilarious six-second video clips amassed millions of viewers.

Scott of All Trades • Before gaining popularity via social media, Sire worked in construction and later as a bartender in Costa Mesa. He was creating some of his earliest Vines while still working as a bartender, but ultimately moved to Los Angeles to further pursue his career. Bro Wrestlers • Sire was a member of the wrestling team back in high school, alongside friend and social media influencer Toddy Smith.

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Screen Time • Though Sire doesn’t have too much free time these days, he’ll try to squeeze in an episode or two of “The Office” or “Umbrella Academy” before bed. Bear It All • Tattoo art is another form of expression Sire has come to love. After turning 18, Scotty got his first tattoo, a snazzy bear complete with a gold chain, anchor and hat adorned by a lucky four-leaf clover.

As he got older, Sire began to realize he loved entertaining people, especially his peers, and decided to focus more of his time and energy in the ever-expanding realm of social media.

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“If you’re musicallyinclined, focus on building yourself up in other ways outside of music so you will have a platform to build up from.” —SCOTTY SIRE

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“[I loved] doing the meet and greets. You get to meet a lot of people and sometimes I’m the first internet celebrity they’ve ever met and they freak out—it’s nice to know they care.” —SCOTTY SIRE

When asked what musical genre he feels he fits into, Sire discussed how he shares the same philosophy as singer and songwriter, Post Malone. Malone is notorious for expressing that he does not want to be limited to one single genre because he actually finds inspiration in many different types of music. “That’s what I’m trying to do, too,” Sire explains. “Whatever feels right to me.” He feels that though his music may sound a certain way or possibly fit into a certain genre, he is continually inspired by individuals in diverse genres of music such as “Post Malone, twenty one pilots, broadway music and Britney Spears.” His new song “Take Me Away” is a great example of his music style, mixing his sense of humor with self-reflection and irony. And his recent album, “Ruin Your Party,” doesn’t just sound phenomenal, it also touches on mental health issues that many individuals deal with every day. For Sire, a word of advice for those struggling with mental health issues is to try to find a creative outlet. “For me, music is my creative outlet right now,” he says. “I get to write down lyrics and get to talk about how I feel and that really helps me feel better.” In March of this year, Sire traveled with his team across the country for his Ruin Your Party tour, hitting 13 major cities. Looking back at the tour highlights, Sire says, “I think one of the highlights of my Ruin Your Party tour was actually performing and seeing how people react to my songs.” He adds, “[I loved] doing the meet and greets. You get to meet a lot of people and sometimes I’m the first internet celebrity they’ve ever met and they freak out—it’s nice to know they care.” Though Sire has garnered millions of followers across his various social media accounts, he still has managed to stay down-to-earth and appreciative

of his continued success. In person, Sire exudes a confidence that distinguishes himself in any setting, while still having a personality that encourages comfort and trust. When asked what possible advice he’d give to someone just starting out their careers in the entertainment industry, Sire states, “If you’re musically-inclined, focus on building yourself up in other ways outside of music so you will have a platform to build up from.” Sire is using his own platform to spark change within his Southern California community by focusing his attention on a number of important social issues that resonate with him. While discussing one of the events he and his girlfriend, Kristen McAtee, took part in, Sire says, “The Bright Flight was an opportunity for me to use my platform for good in order to make people aware of what is going on with the environment.” Sire and McAtee took a hands-on approach during this event by walking around the Santa Monica Pier and taking the time to educate individuals on the negative effects plastic straws have within our oceans. Sire explains, “The ocean is filling up with waste and it’s predicted that there will be more plastic than fish by 2050.” Involvement within his community, whether it be through social media or events like The Bright Flight, is something Sire takes very seriously. Even as he makes strides in the music industry and travels across the country, he always returns to where he first began. Though Sire’s sold-out US tour officially ended in March, there is still a chance for you to see him perform at House of Blues Anaheim on July 13. Sire, as well as his good friend Toddy Smith, put together a mindblowing performance for fans and are even offering an intimate meet and greet for those interested. Get your tickets now before they sell out!

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J E A N N I E M A I S P E A K S H E R T RU T H O N G ROW T H , C O N F I D E NC E A N D T H E P OW E R O F E X P R E S S I O N

P H O T O G R A P H E D BY: JA R E D S C H L AC H E T A N D J O E M AG NA N I W R I T T E N BY: A N N I E K I M • S T Y L E D BY: SA R A H N E A R I S M A K E U P BY: M O T O KO H O N J O C L AY T O N • H A I R BY: T R AC I GA R R E T T

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JEANNIE MAI @thejeanniemai HELLO HUNNAY WITH JEANNIE MAI @hellohunnayshow Photoshoot Location: MOONLIGHT ROLLERWAY, INC. 5110 San Fernando Rd Glendale, CA 91204 818.241.3630 www.moonlightrollerway.com

“Life is 10 percent of what happens to you. How you react is 90 percent of who you become.” —Jeannie Mai

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“Own whatever it is that you don’t like about yourself before someone thinks they own it for you…then they think they have the right to shame you, to embarrass you, to hold it over your head or remind you about it.” —Jeannie Mai

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V I VAC I O U S , O U T S P O K E N , B O L D A N D R E L ATA B L E A R E J U S T A F E W WO R D S T O D E S C R I B E J E A N N I E M A I , A V I E T NA M E S E - A M E R I CA N T E L E V I S I O N P E R S O NA L I T Y, S T Y L E E X P E RT, A N D A N E X E C U T I V E P RO D U C E R A N D E M M Y- AWA R D W I N N I NG C O - H O S T O F “ T H E R E A L . ” M A I ’ S U N I Q U E Z E S T FO R L I F E I S C O N TAG I O U S A N D O N E O F T H E M A N Y C O M P O N E N T S T H AT H AV E H E R S TA N D O U T, E V E N I N A RO O M F U L L O F P E O P L E W H O S E J O B I S T O D O J U S T T H AT. T H RO U G H O U T T H E Y E A R S , A S S H E C L I M B E D T H E P RO F E S S I O NA L R A N K S O F T H E E N T E RTA I N M E N T I N D U S T RY — S TA RT I NG O F F A S A M A K E U P A RT I S T AT M AC C O S M E T I C S — M A I ’ S P U R P O S E H A S A LWAYS R E M A I N E D T H E SA M E : T O I N S P I R E A N D E NC O U R AG E WO M E N T O OW N T H E I R T RU T H S A N D K NOW T H E I R WO RT H .

“Own you before they do,” the San Jose native frequently says to her fans, whom she calls ‘Mai fam.’ “Own whatever it is that you don’t like about yourself before someone thinks they own it for you…then they think they have the right to shame you, to embarrass you, to hold it over your head or remind you about it.” Mai doesn’t let anyone have that kind of power over her. What she once saw as insecurities are now her greatest assets. “When you just own that about yourself, not only does it become a unique trait of yours, but you [also] might realize that it’s one of your powers,” shares Mai. Her story and success are written on her terms—and by her terms only. But like all powerful people who go down in history, this wasn’t always the case. Learning to own (and speak) her truth was no easy task. This past May, the 40-year-old opened up about a traumatic childhood experience in her recently launched YouTube series “Hello Hunnay”—a web series where Mai candidly shares her thought process and opinions on life, fashion, family, social issues, beauty, dating and much more. In this vulnerable episode, she revealed why she had a major falling out with her mother, Olivia TuTram Mai, who is widely known as ‘Mama Mai.’

Mai was sexually abused by a close family member when she was nine and it went on for four years. At the time, when she tried to confide in her mother about the abuse, Mama Mai didn’t believe her. Hurt and betrayed, she left home at the age of 16 and didn’t speak to her mother for eight years. The unfiltered episode documented the first time the mother-daughter duo addressed the heart-rending incident. Mai hopes that by sharing the rawness of her story, it will help others in similar situations find the strength to speak up and heal from the inside. Your story is your power. Using the years of hard lessons and heartbreaking experiences as a tool to help others, Mai was awarded the 2019 Pioneer Woman of the Year at Los Angeles City Hall for her fight against sex trafficking. She also serves as a board member for several nonprofit organizations, to name a few, Dress for Success and Same Sky. Through her platform, the star hopes to empower women everywhere to find their voice and own their truth. Despite the grievances of their past, Mai and her mother have mended their relationship. The celebrity credits her mother for her success and ebullient personality. “Although everyone enjoys Mama Mai, she’s not for everybody,” Mai says. “The way she mothered me, I took that and created my personality…the way I handle things now is because of the way she raised me.”

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“Own whatever it is you’re not great at. The number one thing for confidence in general is to own the process of becoming what it is you desire.” —Jeannie Mai

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Mai Fam

g She has an infinite love for her Mai Fam. With her “Hello Hunnay” series, she takes the time to personally read every single comment and creates videos based off of her fans’ requests.

Mai Self

g With her contagious energy and lively personality, most people think Mai is a natural extrovert. On the contrary, the television personality star is actually “a super introvert.”

Mai Skin Goals

g In the future, Mai wants to produce her own skincare line. “I love skin so much and I find that I like little bits from every skincare line, but a lot are missing some key ingredients that Asian cultures use,” she says.

Mai Advice

g When life gets you down, Mai advises to create a list of things you’ve been wanting to do, “You will see inevitably when you cross these things off your list, not only will you draw further away from that toxic memory, but you’re going to feel so fulfilled as you discover more about yourself.”

Mai Dream

g If Mai could spend a day in anyone’s shoes, it would be in Meghan Markle’s because she thinks that “it’s a dream opportunity to basically have the job of serving people and having the means to help any need that you want.”

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“Kill it with confidence, hunnayyyy.” —Jeannie Mai

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Specifically, from a Vietnamese-Chinese background, she knew that her mother’s “overly strict, overly controlling, absolutely nosy” and tough demeanor comes from a place of love. To reassure Mama Mai, she learned to over-communicate, covering all her bases and thinking five steps ahead: where she was going, how she’d get home and how she was guaranteeing her safety. “It’s the way I reacted to [Mama Mai’s strictness] that made me mature faster and learn a lot of the lessons that I needed to learn in that time,” shares Mai. “Life is 10 percent of what happens to you. How you react is 90 percent of who you become.” Fast forward to today—her playful banter and interactions with Mama Mai often steal the limelight in any setting. Along with starring in her daughter’s busy life by creating mischief and injecting sassy (but wellintended) comments, Mama Mai plays a notable role in “Hello Hunnay.” Although many of the topics in Mai’s digital series are often covered on “The Real”— where she is one of four co-hosts along with Adrienne Houghton, Loni Love and Tamera Mowry-Housley— Mai feels that the daily hour-long talk show doesn’t allot enough time for her to express what she needs to share. “I have so much shit to say so it helps to have a digital series like ‘Hello Hunnay’ where I can run it and say as much as I damn well want,” laughs Mai. “I just don’t ever want to shortchange people when I have opinions or something that really helped me… I never want to give you a version that may not hit you as hard as it did for me.” In addition to being a co-host on “The Real,” producing episodes for “Hello Hunnay” and a recurring fashion correspondent for “E!’s Live From The Red Carpet,” Mai is also juggling another exciting new project as the sideline correspondent for “Holey Moley”—an all-new extreme mini-golf competition series executive produced by NBA star Stephen Curry with ABC. Mai loves that “Holey Moley” will resonate with anyone and everyone of all ages and backgrounds, which was one of the main reasons why she wanted to be involved with the show. “There’s a moment where I actually tee off with Anthony Anderson from ‘black-ish.’ Let me tell you the most unexpected outcome came out of that,” she says. “You should absolutely watch because we have celebrities coming every week and I golf with them… I kinda kill it just so you know.” With all the diverse directions that Mai is constantly being pushed and pulled in, both personally and professionally, the celebrity doesn’t strive for perfection. Instead, she focuses her mental energy

on recognizing what she wants to improve on, then cultivates her thoughts into action. “Own whatever it is you’re not great at,” explains Mai. “The number one thing for confidence in general is to own the process of becoming what it is you desire.” However, don’t mistake what Mai entails as confidence for faking it. “One fucked up piece of advice that people used to tell, especially to women in the industry, is to ‘fake it till you make it,’” she says. “The fuck are we learning if we fake who we’re supposed to be… I say ‘face it until you make it, don’t fake it.’” Mai urges women to trust and listen to their intuition because that’s where your power lies—within you. Another message that she constantly reminds her fans is to “kill it with confidence, hunnayyyy.” Mai’s fervor for fashion and unique sense of style have been a constant heartbeat in her career. She kills it with confidence on the daily by seeking encouragement in the power of an outfit and the pop of a color, especially on the days that may be harder for her to get out of bed. On lazy days, Mai’s feelings will want to dress her in baggy pants, an oversized hoodie and a baseball cap to hide a makeup-less face. “Instead, I’m going to put on a wrap dress that’s a gorgeous fuchsia and a great pair of heels that make me look cute wherever I sit, stand or walk,” she describes. “When I run into a friend and she’s like, ‘Oh my god, I love this color,’ that reaction that I’m receiving because of my energy [that’s generated from the outfit] is being reciprocated and works wonders on what I didn’t have by myself.” At a young age, the fashion expert found solace in the colors, cuts and fabrics nestled in her closet where she bore the concept of “Wearapy.” Though fashion, Mai believes that her philosophy behind the practice of “Wearapy” offers healing effects on women’s confidence and mood, which can aspire a more purposeful and fulfilling life. “The outside immediately starts to penetrate the inside when you have an outfit that makes you feel good,” she states. The key is: don’t let your feelings pick out your outfit and don’t let ignorant people dictate your feelings. The direction of Mai’s professional career wasn’t always clear, but she always knew she wanted to be “in the business of making women feel good about themselves.” The goal was never to be famous, to achieve consistent screen time or to be celebrated for her personality. Mai’s goal is to empower “all the sisters (and brothers) out there” to find their confidence and discover their unique power from within through various life ports. She shares her story in the hopes of celebrating you and the power within your truth.

51 L O CA L E M AGA Z I N E

Her

CHANTEL JEFFRIES IS

World

T H E E D M I N D U S T RY ’ S

MILLENNIAL TOUR DE FORCE

Spinnin’

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In an industry where men make up the majority of DJs, Jeffries says that aside from finding her niche and the type of music she wanted to make.. breaking in was the hardest part.

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"I can't wear high heels DJing, even though I love them, but I'm such an active person anyway, always jumping around. A little dress and sneakers are usually my go-to.” —Chantel Jeffries

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With her undeniable Age of Instagram star power—her followers currently number 4.4 million on the platform alone—the rise of social media darlingturned-producer-and-DJ, Chantel Jeffries, has been swift. Not only has the multi-talented 26-year-old carved out a career in the boy's club world of electronic music, but she also helped fly the flag for female creatives in the process; she's collaborated with respected rappers, too—like Offset—and was the first to sign on to 10:22pm/Capitol Records. Her latest single, feelgood hit "Chase The Summer," dropped on June 5 this year and racked up 1 million global streams on Spotify alone less than a week later. She spins A-list events from Coachella to the Vanity Fair Oscars Party, landed on the coveted 2019 Hakkasan Group Las Vegas roster and then there's her capsule collection for trendy Gen Z-focused e-retailer, superdown. So just how did this self-professed former mathlete (and current “Rick & Morty” enthusiast), hit the big time? Signed by Wilhelmina Modeling Agency in her early 20s, she featured in A$AP Rocky’s 2016 Guess campaign, modeled Khloé Kardashian’s Good American denim line and has been a brand ambassador for L’Oréal since 2017. An extensive music library and SoundCloud playlists were integral in Jeffries’ emergence as Ceejay The DJ (also dubbed the ‘Aux Cord Lord’ by friends). “I like to go with the flow and never get too caught up in putting pressure on myself,” Jeffries says. “I've always been into music and the arts. At the time when this all started, I was doing more acting and modeling, but people said they liked the music I was putting out on my social media, so I started making playlists because everyone asked me to. And then people started thinking I was a DJ, and then I said, ‘Well, let’s see where this goes,’ and so I just went with it.”

In an industry where men make up the majority of DJs, Jeffries says that aside from finding her niche and the type of music she wanted to make––influences have ranged from Euro-house to dancehall––breaking in was the hardest part. “I had a lot of good friends that were supportive,

though,” she explains. “It’s something I love about the community—everyone’s supportive, everyone loves to collaborate and everyone has such good energy. Diplo’s a great friend and has been a mentor for sure—he’s helped me with direction and feedback, so I definitely look to him for advice. In this community, I feel like everyone’s friends with everyone, though; it’s like one big family.” When it comes to writing, producing and crafting her sound in the studio, Jeffries has the hottest industry names at her fingertips—she collaborated with hip-hop heavyweights YG, Rich The Kid and Boricua-Italian trap star BIA on 2018 track, “Facts,” while her latest single, “Chase The Summer” features R&B artist, Jeremih. She says the inspiration for the song, which held a solid spot on the US iTunes’ “Best Of The Week” and currently has over 4.7 million views on YouTube, was to make people feel happy and excited for summertime. “It’s definitely one of my favorites that I've done so far. It just has this great summer vibe, and it's been wellreceived, so I’m happy about that. The music video’s doing great, too. It has all my friends in it (Alissa Violet, Cindy Kimberly, Mackenzie Altig) and we had a really good time filming in LA and the Dominican Republic. It’s actually the first shoppable video and features my collection with superdown.”

Locale Magazine

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“Mom and Dad would always bring CDs and cassette tapes instead of listening to the radio, so I grew up listening to a lot of gospel music, Motown, disco, a lot of throwback stuff." —Chantel Jeffries

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Gotta Go to Tokyo

• If Jeffries could go anywhere tomorrow, it would be Tokyo. “The culture is so innovative and inspiring—and there’s not much I love more in the world than good sushi.”

Behind the Ear Buds

• Jeffries has “been listening to a lot of Eurodance music and deep house lately,” as well as audiobook titles by Robert Green.

Chantel’s Top Tracks This Summer

• “‘Chase The Summer’ is on rotation as my summer jam. I also have a remix that I did for Oliver Heldens called ‘Summer Lover,’” the DJ says. “And, in keeping with the theme, ‘Summer Days’ (Haywyre Remix) by Martin Garrix.”

What’s in a Nickname?

• “My friends called me the ‘Aux Cord Lord’ because I always need to have the aux—I’ve mastered asking for it in every language so I can control the tunes when I travel,” Jeffries explains.

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"I had a lot of good friends that were supportive, though. It's something I love about the community—everyone's supportive, everyone loves to collaborate and everyone has such good energy.” —Chantel Jeffries nice and it was really safe. I used to ride my bike to school at Coronado School of the Arts, ride to the beach, go ice skating at The Del. So many amazing memories—I try to [go] back whenever I can.”

As stylish in the studio as she is behind the decks, music and fashion go hand-in-hand for Jeffries, who’s previously-mentioned capsule collection of sexy but straightforward separates and accessories––think mini-dresses, on-trend bodysuits and strappy sandals––debuted on new e-retail site, superdown. Created by Revolve founders Michael Mente and Mike Karanikolas, and already a favorite among bloggers and social influencers, it was the perfect platform for Jeffries.

“I like fun, simple staples, and these pieces represent my style perfectly. I love superdown as a brand—Revolve, too. They were great to work with and really brought my vision to life.” Jeffries, who’s also “really liking Balenciaga right now,” has been digging Artistic Director Demna Gvasalia’s ‘I Love Techno’ Spring/Summer 2019 collection. At work, though, she favors sneakers. “I can't wear high heels DJing, even though I love them, but I'm such an active person anyway, always jumping around. A little dress and sneakers are usually my go-to. DJing burns a lot of calories so that, plus eating clean, really helps me stay in shape on the road.” And the road—or the skies (she often travels to gigs by private jet)—is something Jeffries has seen a lot of this year thanks to her ‘dream come true’ residency in Las Vegas with hospitality heavyweights, Hakkasan Group. “The residency is amazing—I LOVE Vegas. Hakkasan is beyond next level; they make it such a great experience. The vibe is great, too, because everyone's going there to have a good time, and there are always friends in town, so I get to see a lot of people traveling in and out. It’s been unreal.” The Entertainment Capital of the World isn’t the only city Jeffries has graced with her presence in 2019. A New Year’s Eve Party on St. Barts notwithstanding, she’s played everywhere from Miami and Montreal to San Diego—most recently at OMNIA’s AftertheCon party in July. “A lot of people know I was born in Coronado because of my dad being in the military, but I actually lived there until I was 10,” she explains. “It was a great place to grow up—beautiful weather, the people were super

With such a packed schedule, Jeffries doesn’t get much downtime, but when she does, watching movies and going down the rabbit hole on Tumblr are on top of the list. “I'm a HUGE movie person and love watching films. It's one of my favorite pastimes. I’ll dedicate a month to a different director and watch all their movies, especially when I'm on the road.” She loves reading (anything sciencebased or spiritual) and is a big fan of the Audible app. “Honestly, I like going on Tumblr, too,” she confesses, a little shyly. “I get ideas––maybe for a song, a sound I'm working on, a single or a video. I like it because there’s all this really great visual content that isn’t related to anyone I know, so I get inspired without getting caught up in anything, any drama. It’s definitely one of my hobbies.” Jeffries, also a self-professed cat lady (she has one, but her roommate has three) is super close to her younger sister, Selah, who currently lives with her in Los Angeles. On the subject of family, Jeffries shares that some of her earliest musical influences stem from her parents. “When I was young, we took a lot of road trips and my parents moved a lot, so we’d be in the car for a long time. Mom and Dad would always bring CDs and cassette tapes instead of listening to the radio, so I grew up listening to a lot of gospel music, Motown, disco, a lot of throwback stuff.” She says her dad, a now-retired USMC Colonel, always catches her shows in Miami. “He comes out and he has a really good time, but my mom, who lives on the West Coast, prefers Kenny G and going to jazz festivals. My dad wakes up in the morning, though, and puts on music videos and he knows ALL about it,” she laughs. Coy about future plans and projects (she wants them to be a surprise for fans), Jeffries shared that her birthday is coming up on Sep. 30. “I have a few shows that week—I'm doing Miami, New York and Vegas, so I'll bring my friends out, and we’ll celebrate on the road, and we’ll have a good time.”

Locale Magazine

“Find as many things as you possibly can that you’re passionate about, pursue a lot of them, stick with the ones you're somewhat good at and then try to make them all work.”

—kira kosarin

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the year of

Fresh-Faced and Fearless Kira Kosarin Is Giving Show Biz a Run for Its Money

kira W R I T T E N B Y: J O R D A N N I S H K I A N P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y : TA E K W O N

S T Y L E D B Y : T E R E S I TA M A D R I G A L

H A I R B Y: M A L E N A V I L L AV I C E N C I O M A K E U P B Y: B R I A N B O N D

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she may be known for her four-season stint as superhero Phoebe on Nickelodeon’s “The Thundermans,” but since the show ended in May of last year, Kira Kosarin has begun to explore—and conquer—the industry on and off-camera. Never one to shy away from hard work or from showcasing her many gifts, Kosarin is turning heads and wowing the world with her can-do spirit and multifaceted talents. With a debut R&B album, an international album tour, a role in a HULU hit and a co-directed TV pilot episode under her belt in 2019 alone, it’s clear that Kosarin is just getting started.

Coming from an incredibly gifted home, Kosarin attributes her interest in performing to her family, particularly to her composer uncle, her actress mother and her music director father. According to Kosarin, her whole family “did Broadway Theater in different capacities,” and her early childhood is vividly marked with memories of watching them from the wings. “I grew up, basically backstage, watching my mom perform and my dad produce music and my uncle conduct—so I always knew I wanted to be in show biz.”

“I specifically knew I wanted to do TV and film by the time I was 12,” Kosarin continues. “I took a comedy acting class in Florida and I got hooked immediately.” Young Kosarin’s childhood continued to blossom with more memories of theater life, only this time she was the one taking a bow. “I had done regional theater in Florida, community theater, school plays and all that good stuff,” she says, “and then this acting teacher who found me in Florida invited me out to LA for a summer workshop. I went, met my agent and sort of never left.” From there, Kosarin’s name speckled the credits of various shorts and TV shows as small roles, but by the time she was 14, she had landed a leading role on “The Thundermans.” “It’s so hard to sum up what I learned on ‘The Thundermans’ because it was ages 14 through 20—I learned everything!” she explains. Her time as Phoebe Thunderman not only offered her an incredible, first-hand learning experience, but it also provided her with a network of amazing people and resources. “It set me up in every way; it set me up for directing and just being on-set. It set me up for how to have a full-time job at 14 years old and have people relying on my ability to, you know, be a responsible, adult human-being and do my work every day,” Kosarin says with a smile. “We also traveled a lot for the show, so that was my opportunity to see the world for the first time, which was really cool.”

Now as an adult, Kosarin wants to pay what she learned forward to the next generation of young talent. This summer, she worked with Camp Hollywood, a “summer intensive acting camp” put on by Kosarin’s old acting school, to co-direct a pilot episode of “The Lerners.” Not only does this program build professional experience for its students, but it also creates short films for their reels. “When I first moved to LA, I did [Camp Hollywood] for three years before I booked ‘The Thundermans,’ and it sorta taught me everything I knew,” Kosarin notes. Little did she know, Camp Hollywood would later re-enter her life to help her hone in her skills behind the camera. “I’d been shadowing sitcom directors all over the country for the past couple years kind of waiting for an opportunity to direct for real, and I got a call from the school saying ‘Hey, Japheth Gordon is going to do our first sitcom, come direct for us,’” Kosarin recounts as an eager smile illuminates her face, “and I was like, ‘Yes, yes, yes!’” Kosarin was ready to accept this new role with all of its challenges, and building a sitcom pilot in 10 days from start to finish surely presented its own obstacles. “It’s crazy because I wasn’t just directing—I was in editing for seven nights and built the laughtrack from scratch. We actually built a sitcom in 10 days...and we were making it work as we go, trying to make it the best sitcom it could be. And it totally worked out,” she says. “I’m really proud of it.” Co-directing “The Lerners” pilot and being back with Camp Hollywood was an amazing experience, but for Kosarin, working with the next generation of talent was the highlight. “That’s the whole reason I want to direct kids’ shows,” Kosarin explains. “There’s so much that I wish people had told me when I was that age starting off, so to be able to see these kids literally, exactly at the same point in their journey as I was nine years ago, [I want to] try to interject with things that would have made my life easier back then.”

locale magazine

“When I started writing music, it was a means of clarity. It was my diary. It was a way of articulating things that I couldn’t figure out how to articulate any other way.”

—kira kosarin

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Have No Fear • “When you first start performing, your body is going to know, it’s going to feel that adrenaline and give you a response,” Kosarin advises. “So your job is to take that feeling and consciously interpret it as excitement and anticipation, rather than nerves and anxiety.”

To All the Boys She’s Loved Before • According to Kosarin, each Off Brand song is directly inspired by a prior relationship. She laughs, “There are only seven songs on this album, so if you were one of the boys who made it in there— even if we only dated for like, three weeks, you’re welcome.”

A Swift Learner • The first song Kosarin learned to play on the guitar was “Our Song” by Taylor Swift. After picking her up from a voice lesson, Kosarin’s dad stopped in a guitar shop with her. At the time, she could already play the flute and piano, but he thought a guitar would be a better accompaniment for her vocals. By 5 p.m., Kosarin was back at home with her new guitar and a Taylor Swift songbook, and by 2 a.m. she had learned to play every song in the book.

6lack and Blues • One of Kosarin’s dream song collaborations would be rapper 6lack. “His features are just nextlevel,” she says.

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“With the industry I’m in, there’s so much intersection of art and commerce, so it’s easy to lose the joy in the art that I’m making, and I find that rotating between different facets of my creative career keeps me going.”

—kira kosarin

While acting and directing are both paths she definitely plans on continuing to explore, her music career currently takes precedence. “Music’s kind of the number one true passion,” says Kosarin. Even though it meant the world to her, Kosarin made an active choice to not pursue music for a while. She felt what many of us feel when pursuing our passions—fear. There’s a fear that our dream will betray us and it won’t work out, or if it does work out, it becomes a career, which would strip the joy from it. “And to be quite honest,” Kosarin adds, “the industry threatens to take the joy out of music at every turn, but then, every once in a while, I get to be in a room with some really talented, creative people who remind me how wonderful it is to be in an environment where you can make things you’re really passionate about with other people who are equally as passionate and talented. That collaboration makes it worth it.”

When going through the seven songs in Kosarin’s Off Brand album, the passion in her voice is apparent, but upon closer listening, you hear the spirit of her words. Each song, from the upbeat confidence of “Area Code” to the sultry, confrontational nature of “Crazy’s Your Type,” takes on its own meaning. When you press play on her songs, you feel that you’re instantly transported inside an intimate conversation or eavesdropping on an emotional encounter— hearing words that, if merely spoken, would fall flat with the weight they carry. Instead, they come alive with her music—and this was exactly Kosarin’s intent. “When I started writing music, it was a means of clarity,” she explains. “It was my diary. It was a way of articulating things that I couldn’t figure out how to articulate any other way.” Through Off Brand, listeners can directly hear and relate to how different relationships have affected Kosarin and how she worked through different emotions, such as writing “Wandering Eyes” and her single “Vinyl” when she was 16 and dealing with heartbreak. She wrote, and continues to write, experiences which are true to her. “It’s funny; I really write music for me and for things that I need to say, and maybe for a person I want to say something to but I can’t, so I say it to an invisible version of them in a song,” Kosarin divulges. “The problem with that is that it wasn’t until I released my album that I realized, ‘Oh, wait—

other people also hear these lyrics and are now hearing my deepest, darkest secrets while listening to the radio.’” Off Brand is brimming with power and hyperconfidence, and Kosarin attributes that to her alter-ego, “Bad Bitch Kira,” who exudes sass and can speak unfiltered in a way Kosarin sometimes struggles with in real life. “A lot of [Off Brand] was to make me listen to that super-confident, sassy part of me,” Kosarin laughs. “Because in real-life, I’m super-nice!” (Totally true, by the way). While her songwriting had its start as something therapeutic, Kosarin is ready to focus more on expression. “Now that it’s my job, I feel like [music is] a means for me to try on different versions of myself,” she says. “Each song emphasizes a totally different part of my personality, and being in rooms with other writers dramatizes those differences even more.” And with musical inspirations stemming from her “dad’s music,” such as James Taylor and the Eagles, from singer/songwriter-based artists like Colbie Caillat and Sarah Bareilles, and from the worlds of modern R&B, hip hop, trap and EDM with artist like SZA, Kehlani, H.E.R., Childish Gambino, Frank Ocean, Chance the Rapper and Bryson Tiller (whose Trap Soul majorly influenced Off Brand), there is so much more for Kosarin to delve into and explore. That exploration isn’t just confined to music. While 2019 has shown endless promise for her music career after her album release, her Off Brand tour and her first performance at Slimefest in the UK, she has big plans to continue to broaden her horizons in other fields of interest. “With the industry I’m in, there’s so much intersection of art and commerce, so it’s easy to lose the joy in the art that I’m making, and I find that rotating between different facets of my creative career keeps me going,” Kosarin notes. And she hopes to inspire others to do the same in their everyday lives. “Find as many things as you possibly can that you’re passionate about, pursue a lot of them, stick with the ones you're somewhat good at and then try to make them all work,” she advises. “Keep planting seeds—you have more time than you think. Just keep training, keep getting better at all those things, look out for opportunities and keep working. I don’t know, man, wanting to do something creative is really tough, but if it works, it’s a really great way to live.”

locale magazine

“Music’s kind of the number one true passion.”

—kira kosarin

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From Studio to Stage, the Next Phase of James Maslowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Career Will Be His Best Yet

TIME TO FACE THE MUSIC WRITTEN BY: AMEIHIA TURINGAN

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“My long-term goal is to build up enough success in both lanes that allows me more freedom to dictate what I do and when I do it. And I think that’s the ultimate fulfillment—the freedom to choose.” —James Maslow

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Singer-songwriter and actor James Maslow believes it is important to develop and redefine your identity. In the past year, Maslow has spent time recalibrating and setting the stage for the next decade of his career. He first achieved success early on as a teenager on the Nickelodeon show “Big Time Rush,” but now, Maslow has found his unique place in the world of entertainment and gained the ability to shape his identity and art. After more than a decade in the business, James Maslow is creating art that is authentically, unapologetically and unequivocally himself.

Maslow first discovered his passion for singing and acting in his childhood. After feeling like his artistic side wasn’t being developed in regular curriculum, he attended the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, where he explored different mediums of storytelling. “I wasn’t really sure of what my identity was, so I jumped into this performing arts school and found myself just falling in love with entertaining,” says Maslow. “I found that my passion really laid in being in front of the camera on the acting side and [pop music], instead of the musical theater and traditional choir genre that I was raised with.”

Pursuing his passion for acting and music led him to his 2009 breakout role in “Big Time Rush” and the band of the same name. This opportunity launched Maslow into stardom and the first chapter of his success. Post-“Big Time Rush,” Maslow took a variety of acting roles, from reality television to movies, and shared music, from LPs to covers on YouTube. In all these experiences, he gained valuable insight to his identity and the type of artist he wanted to be. “I’ve taken a real hard look at where I want to go, who I feel that I am as a person, what I want to talk about in my music [and] what acting projects I want to do,” remarks Maslow. “So much has changed in this past year, and I think [it’s] all for the better.” To pivot into this new chapter of his life, Maslow started a music project called LTX. He co-created it with his best friend Eugene Ugorski (also known as Trifør), who is a producer and talented violinist that Maslow describes as “one of the most successful instrumentalists in the world.” The independent project focuses on electronic dance music and pop-

dance music. While the duo has a combined 30 years of music experience, Maslow and Ugorski feel that LTX is their best work yet. “We’re having so much fun with this, and we’re dancing to it,” Maslow says. LTX shared their new single, “Did You Forget,” on Sept. 13. When creating LTX songs, the pair found success when Ugorski began the songwriting process with instrumentation. “He’ll come with all the medley chords. It just sparks another train of thought [by] starting a song with such a high level of musicality,” says Maslow. The focus on musicality works with “Did You Forget,” making the finished product anything but a forgettable track. You’re quickly drawn into the song by Maslow’s strong and impressive vocals that are full of conviction when speaking about a rocky relationship. Maslow’s confident delivery of the lyrics pair perfectly with the upbeat, catchy electronic sound that is woven throughout the song. The engaging electronic beats, which take center stage at opportune moments, elevate the song into a danceable track that will make you move whether you listen to it in your car or live in a crowd full of people. The memorable hook and foot-tapping rhythm will have you saying “did you forget?” long after the song ends. While the track is fun and danceable, closely listening to the lyrics reveals the passion and heartbreak that inspired the song. “Did You Forget” represents an experience that Maslow went through. He hopes the song is relatable to people who have felt like they’re giving more in a relationship than their partner. “[It’s about] that issue: ‘Did you forget where we’ve been and did you forget how much I love you?’” says Maslow.

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“Go out and do anything you enjoy and anything you’re going to be good at.” —James Maslow

STAYING FIT • Fitness is extremely important to Maslow, and he plans to start sharing his workout videos on YouTube. “Results are only going to come from consistency,” he advises. “So it’s better to get in something every day [rather] than one big workout a week.” GAME ON • Maslow found his recent role as a popular YouTube video gamer in We Need to Talk interesting because it was outside of his comfort zone. To prepare for this role, he did a lot of research, played a lot of video games and thought back about his childhood, playing games with his brother and friends. 72 LOCALE MAGAZINE

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FAVORITE SONG AT THE MOMENT • [“Who Knows”] is one of his favorite songs that he’s ever written, and he loves playing it on the piano. “It’s a song about a pretty heartbreaking experience, but when I play it...I don’t listen to it and get sad. I listen to it and get pumped because if I got through that, I can get through anything,” Maslow says. SURFING IS UNIVERSAL • Maslow’s favorite surfing experience was in Rio de Janeiro, when he accidentally got into the way of another surfer and tried to have a conversation with him despite the language barrier. “[It was] one of the coolest conversations I’ve ever had where we kept trying to explain to each other what we did in like [a] really broken Spanish, Portuguese [and] English conversation.” DREAM ROLE • Maslow vows that he will play a superhero one day. “The little kid in me wants to do that, and I think that’d be a hell of a lot of fun,” he says. LOCALE MAGAZINE 73

“I just have to do what I enjoy. I just have to put out music that is authentic to me and write about things that I actually know and I believe in.” —James Maslow The pair aims to create unique listening and in-person experiences for fans by releasing new content and hosting live events. The LTX show in São Paulo, Brazil, on Sept. 14 demonstrated their vision to create incredible events that combine DJ sets and live vocals. “We may start [with a] DJ [set] and then transition to me singing over DJ-ing tracks and the electronic vibe,” describes Maslow. “Then [we] transition to a completely instrumental, traditional show with guitars, drums [and] keys.” Maslow hopes to emphasize this unique movement from turntables to stripped-down instrumentals by having Ugorski play the violin at a future show.

EARLY STARTS • Maslow and Ugorski both earned musical success at a young age: a teenage Maslow with his Nickelodeon debut and an eightyear-old Ugorski with the San Diego Symphony Orchestra.

To inform his audience of new projects, Maslow often shares new developments through Instagram stories, YouTube vlogs and Twitter Q&As. While he enjoys being connected, Maslow is also learning how to navigate boundaries with his personal and professional life. “I’m continually allowing myself to break down these barriers in my personal life and the rest of the world,” he remarks. “When I started, there wasn’t this type of expectation from fans to be able to see directly into my...personal life—like my dating life. All that just didn’t exist.” Maslow was encouraged to keep those areas separate at the beginning of his career, but nowadays, he is becoming less reserved online. He hopes to bring in his fans’ input with the new music and projects. Along with LTX, Maslow has started pursuing movie and television roles that are meaningful to him. He has a few upcoming films, including indie comedy We Need to Talk (which Maslow considers one of the best scripts he’s ever read), as well as World War II movie Wolf Hound, where he plays Captain David Holden. Not only did his role in Wolf Hound fulfill one of his goals to participate in a period piece, but the film was significant to Maslow because it allowed him to play a pilot whose storyline mirrors a similar experience that his own grandfather went through in the war. As a multitalented actor and singer, Maslow shares the excitement and frustration that comes with pursuing both passions. He has balanced these interests for years and knows he will always do both in every stage of his career. He likes that his

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schedule does not allow for much downtime and enjoys the transition from set to tour. However, his extremely busy schedule sometimes means that he has to pass on interesting roles or auditions. To mitigate this, Maslow has plans for the future. “My long-term goal is to build up enough success in both lanes that allows me more freedom to dictate what I do and when I do it. And I think that’s the ultimate fulfillment—the freedom to choose,” says Maslow. When finding new roads to fulfillment, Maslow has started to think outside of the traditional path an actor or singer takes. He recently discovered a passion for television hosting, and he really enjoys his host role on the CW talent show, “The Big Stage.” He will also be starring in My Boyfriend’s Meds which hits theaters Feb. 21. Before this experience, he never thought about doing nontraditional roles due to advice he received as a young adult. “When I was a younger man, I had an agent where, when I was offered opportunities to host, [said] ‘No, no, no. Actors don’t host,’” remembers Maslow. “And in a way, I’m kind of grateful to have gone through that because it’s developed my opinion, which is [that] I highly disagree. Go out and do anything you enjoy and anything you’re going to be good at because people look at that and think, ‘Oh shit, I like that guy or that girl. I like what you’re doing here.’” Maslow values curiosity, personal fulfillment and authenticity through this next phase of his career. He continues to explore new ways to share art and connect with his audience. With this new era, Maslow is energized and excited about what’s to come. While he is curious to see how his fans and the general public react to LTX, Maslow won’t measure success solely on others’ validation. “I just have to do what I enjoy. I just have to put out music that is authentic to me and write about things that I actually know and I believe in. You can’t put something out, going, ‘I’ll only be happy if this is huge,’” says Maslow. “No, I’m gonna put it out because I’m happy with the music [and] what I’m doing with my life. I’m happy [to be] working with my best friend, and I genuinely think it’s the best stuff I’ve ever done, so all I can do is cross my fingers and hope that other people feel the same way.”

“I wasn’t really sure of what my identity was, so I jumped into this performing arts school and found myself just falling in love with entertaining.” —James Maslow

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N S I H T O S W E B NICK BATEMAN IS LIVING LIFE UNLEASHED FROM LABELS AND LIMITATIONS

WRITTEN BY: KANDACE CORNELL PHO T OGRAPHED BY: COREY WILSON STYLED BY: JOSEPH RENE GROOMED BY: JENNIFER MAU

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“ YOU CAN’T TEACH SOMEONE HOW TO HAVE A GOOD HEART. YOU EITHER HAVE IT OR YOU DON’T.” —NICK BATEMAN

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BATEMAN BEGAN DABBLING IN MODELING AT AGE 17 AFTER A FRIEND ENTERED HIM IN A CATWALK AS A JOKE DURING A CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITION IN MIAMI.

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SPOILER ALERT: THERE’S MUCH MORE TO NICK BATEMAN THAN MEETS THE EYE. THE 6.4 MILLION PEOPLE WHO FOLLOW HIM ON INSTAGRAM MAY SEE A SHIRTLESS HUNK-TURNED-FAMILY MAN, BUT THE MULTIHYPHENATE MODEL-ACTOR-PRODUCER HAS BEEN WORKING TIRELESSLY BEHIND THE SCENES ON A CONTINUOUS STREAM OF PROJECTS IN PRINT, FILM, TELEVISION AND (NOW) MUSIC SINCE HIS EARLY DAYS AS A TEEN MODEL. AT 32 YEARS OLD, BATEMAN HAS AMASSED NOT ONLY A SERIOUS SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWING, BUT ALSO A STRING OF PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS; NOT TO MENTION, AN IMPRESSIVE BODY—OF WORK, THAT IS!

As a boy growing up in the small town of Burlington, Ontario, Canada, Bateman didn’t initially have aspirations to work in entertainment. Raised by a supportive single mother, he focused his energy on martial arts, winning four world championship titles in his teens and opening his own karate school by the age of 20. Unlike many models, Bateman pursued a higher education, using his modeling profits to fund his schooling at a university in Vancouver. However, when the recession hit and student enrollment dropped, it was time to forge a new path.

Bateman began dabbling in modeling at age 17 after a friend entered him in a catwalk as a joke during a championship competition in Miami. It turned out to be no laughing matter, as it led to meetings with Calvin Klein and a plum campaign with Abercrombie and Fitch, which most millennials will fondly remember as the pinnacle of youth fashion in the mid-aughts. With his face featured on shopping bags and in malls across America, the 6-foot-4-inch model’s career blossomed, leading to three-month stints in New York City, Miami and Milan. However, the desire to spread his wings and explore other avenues—namely acting and producing—took hold as his enthusiasm for a solo modeling career started to wane. “[Modeling is] lonely,” Bateman says. “If you’re a successful model, you’re traveling all over the

world from agency to agency, place to place, and you’re alone 90 percent of the time. And as soon as you learn your angles and your poses and get what the photographer needs, it’s time to move on.” Acting, on the other hand, excites Bateman, giving him a chance to flex a different kind of muscle. “Acting is something that you train for,” he explains. “It’s similar to martial arts; you have to keep your acting muscle going or you’re not going to perform well.” That desire to constantly improve and evolve is what has led Bateman to continue to forge new paths and find success in so many areas. After being introduced to Israeli-Canadian film producer Niv Fichman, Bateman found his entrée into the acting world, in the form of a stunt role that transformed into a full character part in the 2011 Sundance indie film, Hobo With a Shotgun. Fully bitten by the acting bug, Bateman continued to star in a variety of film and television projects, finding a niche in romantic comedies, including Winter Wedding, The Matchmaker’s Playbook and the 2019 Hallmark romance, A Brush With Love. Eager to delve into meatier territory and show a broader range of skills, he’s also been inspired to write and pitch his own passion projects, which tackle heavier social and cultural issues like police brutality and domestic violence. And then there’s music.

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By providing exposure to smaller Canadian music groups through his online following, Bateman began to create relationships in the music world, stoking a growing interest in producing songs through collaborations with vocalists and musicians, including the single “Red Flags,” with singer Jocelyn Alice and producer Elijah Woods (not to be confused with the actor of Lord of the Rings fame).

In addition to coordinating the tracks, Bateman played a prominent role in inspiring the song’s composition, cementing his position as an industry jack-of-all-trades. “I hate how people are labeled,” he says. “I’m not Nick the Model, or Nick the Actor; I’m a human being. I can do whatever I want if I try, and if I work at it.” It’s this passion for forging new creative paths and disdain for labeling that has Bateman refusing to be pigeon-holed. “My idol, who I’ve always looked up to, is Forrest Gump,” he adds. “I love that anything he wanted to do, he just did it blindly, with passion.” That blind passion is what brought Bateman to Los Angeles five years ago, along with the support of his now-wife, Maria Corrigan. Their relationship began like any good Hollywood meet-cute. Back in Canada, circa 2008, Nick discovered Corrigan on Facebook and sent her “a winky face.” Although he didn’t get the response he had hoped for, fate stepped in two weeks later when Bateman’s buddy convinced him to join in on a night out at Emma’s Back Porch, a popular local watering hole. Sure enough, the girl from Facebook was there, enjoying the evening with friends of her own. “She walked over and said, ‘Are you the guy who sent me that winky face?’” Bateman recalls fondly. By the end of the night, Bateman had won her over, and the two “pinky-swore” to meet again. And meet again, they did. The two tied the knot this past July 17, their eleventh anniversary, in a stunning affair at the Calamigos Ranch in Malibu. The pair was feted by family and friends, with a pint-sized VIP in attendance: their nearly one-year-old son, Chase. “He’s the happiest kid in the world,” Bateman beams while describing his little one. “It’s so fun to see him grow and watch him experience things for the first time. I’ve had more fun doing this than any of the other years of my life.”

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“I HATE HOW PEOPLE ARE LABELED. I’M NOT NICK THE MODEL, OR NICK THE ACTOR; I’M A HUMAN BEING. I CAN DO WHATEVER I WANT IF I TRY, AND IF I WORK AT IT.”

—NICK BATEMAN

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“IT’S SO FUN TO SEE [CHASE] GROW AND WATCH HIM EXPERIENCE THINGS FOR THE FIRST TIME. I’VE HAD MORE FUN DOING THIS THAN ANY OF THE OTHER YEARS OF MY LIFE.” —NICK BATEMAN

Having grown up without a strong paternal presence in his own life, Bateman is all the more excited to finally be a father himself. “A lot of people see [having one parent] as a negative thing, but I had such an amazing mom. She always taught me that I can do anything I want, so not having [a father] didn’t really affect me growing up because she was both.”

Becoming a family man has changed Bateman for the better, although it came with a price. His social media following took a hit, with a loss of nearly 300,000 heartbroken fans who jumped ship after discovering his picture-perfect personal life. “It didn’t matter to me,” Bateman shrugs. “I didn’t want to keep misrepresenting who I am. It’s this whole fantasy thing: people unfollowing you when they think you’re not available anymore…but now people tell me all the time that they follow me just to see pictures of Chase.” Hiding his personal life was a challenge when moving to Los Angeles five years ago with his long-time love. Quitting her job as a cardiovascular tech, Corrigan joined Bateman on his professional journey from Canada to LA, which eventually led to opportunities for her as an influencer in the social media world. Presenting himself as a single man about town in the land of youth and beauty was an adjustment, but his relationship with Corrigan has remained strong, withstanding the temptations of Hollywood.

“She just has such a beautiful heart,” Bateman gushes. “To me, a personality is so much more important [than looks]. I would see beautiful girls here, but she was so much more beautiful to me just for who she was. She’s so giving, she’s trustworthy and she’s always been there for me. You can’t teach someone how to have a good heart. You either have it or you don’t. I got so lucky that I found someone who’s from my hometown and really relates to me.” In the future, Bateman plans to document more of his family life on Youtube, giving fans an inside look at his daily life with Corrigan and baby Chase. “I don’t get any sleep,” Bateman laughs when describing fatherhood. “And when we do have a babysitter, there’s really no leisure time; we’re just catching up on work. Some people might feel trapped by that, but I love it. Every time I leave, I wish I were back home. My life is pretty much all about my son now.” As for other future endeavors, Bateman plans to continue with more music, as well as more acting and modeling, which continues to be his bread-and-butter. Always carving new avenues for himself, Bateman’s career is brighter than ever and always promises something new. “If I want to do something, I just do it,” Bateman says. “Two years from now, I could be doing something completely different and totally loving it.”

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DREAMS DO COME TRUE Bateman is now good friends with his one-time crush Nicole Scherzinger.

MAN’S BEST FRIENDS

WHAT THE SHELL?

Two pups who weren’t featured in the shoot are Bateman’s Yorkies, Joey and Keeva, who reside in the Santa Clarita home he shares with wife Maria and son Chase.

Bateman’s original childhood aspiration was to become a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.

KEY TO THE LOCKS

SCENTSATIONAL One of Bateman’s most recent campaigns is a series for Bulgari fragrances.

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Fun fact: According to on-set hair and makeup artist Jennifer Mau, Bateman cuts his own hair.

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TODDY SMITH @todderic_ PHOTOSHOOT LOCATION: Los Angeles, CA BLAZER PROVIDED BY: WILLIAM LEI www.williamlei.com SHIRT PROVIDED BY: Menlo House www.themenlohouse.com PANTS PROVIDED BY: Shop Restyled www.shoprestyled.com SHOES PROVIDED BY: Menlo House www.themenlohouse.com SOCKS PROVIDED BY: Express www.express.com JEWELRY PROVIDED BY: Pyrrha www.pyrrha.com SKINCARE PROVIDED BY: Perricone MD www.perriconemd.com HAIR PRODUCT PROVIDED BY: R + CO www.randco.com MAKEUP PROVIDED BY: Anastasia Beverly Hills www.anastasiabeverlyhills.com

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AT T E N T I O N FOR SIX SECONDS YouTube Sensation Toddy Smith Is Keeping It Real On- and Off-Screen WRITTEN BY: DASH FINLEY • PHOTOGRAPHED BY: TRAVIS MCCOY STYLED BY: TERESITA MADRIGAL • GROOMED BY: LEXI KLEYLA LOCALE MAGAZINE 87

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“I got my start...making videos on Vine with my friend Scotty [Sire]. We would get off our shift bartending and then just go home and make stupid stuff together.” —TODDY SMITH

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It’s just past 8 a.m. in a slightly muggy studio space in Downtown LA, but T O D D Y S M I T H is ready to roll. Both literally, insofar as his seemingly boundless supply of energy, and figuratively, since he’s strolled in holding a Canon XF100 Camcorder. Then again, this shouldn’t come as a surprise, given that the 28-year-old Smith has made a name for himself as a prolific content creator, boasting over one million subscribers on YouTube and 2.4 million followers on Instagram. Smith’s fans respond in droves to his content, which runs the gamut from sincere video diaries and slice-of-life travel vlogs to irreverent comedy bits—all delivered with a 20-gigawatt smile and a sense of candid authenticity. But despite his rapid ascent up the new-media ladder, today offers Smith a chance to take on the most tested of old-media rituals: the photoshoot.

Before long, a thrum of activity ensues as wardrobe, hair, grooming and lighting are all set up simultaneously. Flashy outfits from upmarket designers like Gucci, William Lei and Menlo House are paraded out and probingly considered. Amidst the maelstrom, however, Smith seems serenely composed. Perhaps the soaring trajectory of his career has prepared Smith for this moment, or perhaps he’s comforted by the presence of long-time friend Darren Nuzzo, who’s looking around the set in slightly more wideeyed fashion. Nuzzo’s known Smith since they were both just two creatively-inclined kids attending Edison High School in their scenic hometown of Huntington Beach. Then, after graduation, Smith began splitting his time between attending college near Orange County and working as a bartender at numerous SoCal nightspots. There, Smith says, “I got my start...making videos on Vine with my friend Scotty [Sire]. We would get off our shift bartending and then just go home and make stupid stuff together.” But for the young audience on Vine—the then-nascent six-second video app—these videos were anything but stupid, and Smith had soon amassed over 330,000 followers on the platform. On Oct. 27, 2016, cataclysm struck when Vine’s parent company, Twitter, tanked the financially unstable app, disabling all uploads permanently. “[One minute] I was living in a house in LA with four other Viners, which was fun...then Vine died, and everyone panicked,” recalls Smith. “At first,

they were all trying to make Facebook videos. Then, people were realizing they could make money off YouTube videos, so I started getting into that as well, and I found this passion for making [longerform] content.” On YouTube, Smith found his footing and hit his stride, building a new audience brick-by-brick. Nevertheless, Smith largely eschewed the need to embody an over-the-top character to garner views. Instead, he connects with viewers by giving them time to become acquainted with his naturally buoyant personality. The majority of Smith’s most popular videos do not rely heavily on scripts or structure; he instead employs a naturalistic véritè style, that depicts their subject in his natural habitat—whether it be it at home or on the road, hanging out or light-heartedly goofing around with a host of fellow YouTube creators such as Jason Nash, Matt King and Jeff Wittek. “I am funny in real life, but when I make videos, I try to capture what’s actually happening with me and my friends,” states Smith. “It’s slowerpaced than a typical vlog that’s just cut-cut-cut... I’m not a stand-up comedian. When [the humor] happens, it happens, but if it doesn’t, it doesn’t. I’m not trying to force it. I want people to feel something when they watch my videos and to really experience the emotion that I’m feeling at that time.” In regards to the full breadth of his content, Smith can perceive a definite progression on display. “It’s like growing up with us over the last few years,” he remarks. “[It’s] the evolution of ourselves.”

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Beach, Please •One of the bars Smith worked at was Fred’s Mexican Café, a noted Huntington Beach establishment known for its sizzling fajitas and towering house margaritas.

Just Rum With It •Smith’s first Vine that really took off was entitled “DAT 151 RUM,” a humorous take on the notoriously high potency of that alcoholic beverage.

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Rockin’ It •Fashion-wise, Smith is always interested in trying different looks, according to wardrobe stylist Teresita Madrigal. She remarks, “He’s a rockstar at heart, so he’s always open to a [new] aesthetic.”

Back to Reality •Smith’s first experience with traditional media was an appearance on the reality show “Sweet Home Alabama,” wherein city men compete with country gents for the love of a Southern belle. Smith appeared on the show’s fourth season, but was eliminated just after making the top three.

One for the Books •When asked to choose a highlight from his book, Smith picked a diary entry from his travels to Thailand, while Nuzzo selected the preface and prologue as the strongest pieces.

Screen Sensation •Of all his YouTube videos, Smith says his absolute favorite is the latest installment of “Just The Diaries,” a semiimprovised comedy series in the vein of “The Office.”

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“I’m not a stand-up comedian. When [the humor] happens, it happens, but if it doesn’t, it doesn’t. I’m not tr ying to force it.” —TODDY SMITH

TODDY SMITH

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DARREN NUZZO

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“Before [the videos], I started writing short stories a number of years ago, and that’s where I truly found my passion for making stuff.” —TODDY SMITH

Back in real-time at the studio, Smith brings this ethos to life, gamely making his way through the gamut of outdated technology over the course of the shoot— twirling the cord of an old landline phone around himself and mugging while yelling into a chunky ‘90s cell. Smith is particularly taken by a series featuring a purple blazer inspired by Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. “I’m gonna post that one to Instagram when we’re done here!” he quips. But, never does he light up more than when paired for a shot with his old pal Nuzzo, both clad in ensembles that conjure to mind a ‘70s cop show duo. When someone jokes that Nuzzo is the brains and Smith is the brawn, he selfdeprecatingly chuckles along and strikes a Starsky & Hutch-style pose, employing his skill at taking a punchline to its logical endgame. “I’m trying to enjoy [it all],” he says with a grin. “But with each step I make, I say, ‘I’m not gonna be happy until this next thing is achieved.’ And then when it is, I start thinking, ‘what’s next?’” As it turns out, what’s next for Smith and Nuzzo is no prime-time mystery—the pair recently wrote a book together, titled “I’ll Give You a Dollar If You Consider This Art.” This latest effort, which came out in October, is a source of great pride for Smith, who sees it as a natural next step. “Before [the videos], I started writing short stories a number of years ago, and that’s where I truly found my passion for making stuff,” he says. “The creative process behind the book started years ago, when Darren and I were both experiencing different things in our lives, and we started putting them into action on the page. We were both going to school at the time, and we would talk about creating this, but we never thought it would really happen... So it’s been an ongoing process for some time. We have this email chain that started and sparked everything... We would send work back and forth, edit each other’s stuff and it all just grew from there.”

Much like Smith’s diverse output on YouTube, “I’ll Give You a Dollar...” is a kitchen-sink compendium consisting of poems, comics, short stories, diary entries and philosophical treatises. “Now we’re creating art in this new media world where everyone’s putting content out on these different platforms, from YouTube to Instagram, to Reddit, to Twitter,” says Nuzzo. “So we didn’t just sit down and say, ‘Let’s write a novel.’ We said, ‘Maybe we’ll start writing a novel for five days, then maybe three poems, and we’ll do comics for a week…’ It took us a while to embrace that we were so diverse and could take on a variety of different genres.” Smith agrees wholeheartedly, stating, “It’s how people consume media now. Everything is very quick. It flows nicely how we set this up because everyone today, myself included, has a very short attention span... But the book also shows a different side of myself and what I’m capable of. The stories are fiction, but they come from a non-fictional place about my life and Darren’s life. When [fans] read it, they’ll experience what we have over the course of our lives. It captures a human connection between two people.” No one can say for sure where said life-course will take Smith next. But as he flashes that perfect smile while standing atop an old tube TV in his slick leather drivers like a conquering hero, it feels like the smart man’s bet would be up, up and away. If you ask Smith, however, he remains everpragmatic about the future, joking about how the next generation of consumers seems to be moving over to new platforms like TikTok. In facing the winds of change, Smith knows he must also grow with the times. “When I think about the young kids who are watching me now, I remember that they’re going to get older too,” he remarks with a sly grin. “And one day, they will be the people in charge—the casting directors and company heads. Hopefully, they’ll remember me then, too.”

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Eat Your Heart out Brenda Song Dishes on Past Roles, Future Plans and Celebration in Representation WRITTEN BY: JORDAN NISHKIAN PHOTOGRAPHED BY: TRAVIS MCCOY • ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHER: JOE ELGAR STYLED BY: MELISSA SOUZA • MAKEUP AND HAIR BY: LEXI KLEYLA

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You could try to put Brenda Song into a box. You could see her for her Asian American heritage. You could see her as the ditzy hotel heiress from a beloved Disney sitcom. You could typecast her, take her for face value and keep her in the boxes of roles she’s played before. You could do all that—but you’d be wrong.

In truth, underestimating Brenda Song is probably one of the biggest mistakes you could possibly make. She’s blessed with a magnetic personality, a sharp intellect and an effortless beauty that no one can deny, but, on top of all that, she has a willpower and work ethic that have taken her (and her career) to new heights.

“I’ve never not remembered a time when I didn’t want to be performing,” she says. “I started in this industry very, very early. I was 3—almost 4 [years old]—in the Arden Fair Mall in Sacramento, and in the middle of the mall, they were doing this model search.” A talent scout watched Song mimicking their catwalk and approached her mother, giving her the “whole spiel.” Song’s mother, unimpressed by the presentation, finished up at the mall and took the soon-to-be starlet home. “My parents had me very young,” Song explains, “so they were very, very young and very, very poor. My grandparents, at the time, thought that to get on TV, you had to somehow get into the TV.” But even from a young age, Song was the decider of her own fate. “A few weeks later, I was really sick, and all I could talk about was this acting school, and I wouldn’t take my Robitussin. I know I was only 3 or 4, but I was talking, and I wouldn’t shut up,” Song says. Struggling to get her chatty (if not persistent) granddaughter to take her medicine, Song’s grandma struck a deal with her: “‘If you take this medicine, I will take you to this acting school.’” “So my grandma took everything out of her savings, which was $527, and took me to this acting school—which, obviously, wasn’t legit,” she recalls. “But through them, I met a real agent.” From there, Song kept pushing for her career. She began with print work right away, then around her sixth birthday, her family found another agent and moved to LA; shortly after, Song booked her first commercial. “Even after I booked my first series, my mom used to joke, ‘We have to go back when you stop working!’” notes Song. “It didn’t even become a career until I was 16,” she says. That year, her mom, a four-time breast cancer survivor, was diagnosed for the first time, Song had just booked “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” and she had just gotten accepted into college. “I loved school—I was an overachiever, and my dad was a second-grade teacher—and my dad said, ‘Hey,

if you want to do this, this has to become your career.’” Up until that point, performing was an “after-school activity” or a reward, but her father’s advice was to either go to college and figure out what she wanted to do, or to go all-in with performing. “At 16, I made the career choice,” Song explains. “I just never thought about doing anything else.” Although we know the story of her aspiring career has a happy ending, it was not without its hurdles. “I had to learn rejection at a really young age,” she says. “[It came from] auditioning [as a kid] and knowing that people weren’t even looking up because I wasn’t blonde-haired, blue-eyed— because I didn’t fit the image.” “Of course there were speed bumps,” she says. “Going into auditions, I knew I couldn’t play Harrison Ford’s daughter; it was very limited.” But with her pragmatic, after-school approach to performing and her parents’ support, Song stayed motivated. “My mom would always say that there was only one me, and if they’re not looking for me, it’s okay. There are more than enough opportunities out there, and I can’t change who I am, and do I want to?” she explains. To this day, that mentality gets Song through the rejections and tears, as well as the moments when she doubts her choices. Even recently, she found herself at a crossroads in her career, where she was questioning what was next and where exactly she fit in. She had played a plethora of roles through Disney, including the iconic London Tipton in “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody” and Wendy Wu in Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior, as well as various TV shows and movies. Song saw Disney’s “color-blind casting” as a gift. When she originally booked “Suite Life,” she was actually going in to play Maddie, a smart, sweet hotel employee. Ashley Tisdale, Song’s blonde peer, was going in for London, the hotel heiress—but the producers decided to switch their roles. According to Song, “They truly were just casting for who was right for the part.” And while London’s character goes against the way Asian Americans are typically portrayed on-screen, she fell into other boxes when it came to casting. “When I was on ‘Suite Life,’ all the roles I kept getting offered were these ditzy roles,” she explains. “And then when Wendy Wu came about, people would ask, ‘Why would you jump into the stereotype of Asians doing martial arts?’”

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“My mom would always say that there was only one me, and if they’re not looking for me, it’s okay.” — B R E N DA S O N G

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“I don’t ever expect anyone to hand me work—I just want my day in court.” — B R E N DA S O N G

You Goal, Girl

• Song’s goals for 2020 are to continue to honor herself personally and professionally.

Got This in the Bag

• Five items Song always has on-hand are: concealer, her Kindle, her wallet, her phone and blotting papers.

Off-Screen

• In her spare time, Song loves to knit, bake and read, but some of her more serious passions include being an advocate for cancer awareness and helping fund education.

#SquadGoals

• While she loves her current girl squad, her dream dinner party would include guests, Michelle Obama, Martha Stewart, Mother Teresa, Victoria Beckham and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

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“I’m proud of the woman I am. I worked really hard to be her." — B R E N DA S O N G

But Song didn’t see it that way. Aside from having a second-degree black belt, Song wanted to play the part because of how the main character, Wendy, struggles with how her heritage differs from American culture. “I was walking out of one stereotype and into another—and that’s always the case—I think everyone is stereotyped in some way,” she says. “But it’s about letting those go and doing projects you’re passionate about, regardless of what everyone else thinks about it.”

So when she found out that bestselling novel “Crazy Rich Asians” was being made into a film, she was eager to audition to be part of the cast—only to find that she wouldn’t be able to audition for any of the roles. “They thought I wasn’t right for it,” she explains. “I was like, ‘The lead character is in her mid-to-late-20s, an Asian American, struggling—how am I not right for it?’ And they were very honest and said that my image was, basically, too whitewashed.” For anyone who’s seen Crazy Rich Asians, it’s clear that one of the primary achievements of the film is how it opened up more Asian American representation in the industry. For too long, the only roles for Asian American and Pacific Islanders tended to be smaller parts that played to certain tropes. Roles like the alluring but deadly Dragon Lady, the wise martial arts master, the meek, quiet nerd and the foreigner speaking in almostunrecognizable broken English are not only offensive and limiting, but they’re also stale and uninteresting. “Some actors don’t fit into those roles—I don’t fit into a lot of those roles,” Song explains. “Even though I do martial arts, I have a hard time playing an assassin or a ninja! That’s just not who I am...and for a while that was the only part in mainstream movies that I could audition for.” Fortunately, there is a movement for AAPI representation in the industry, and it’s making headway—especially thanks to popular movies like Crazy Rich Asians, Always Be My Maybe and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. Needless to say, after years of being overlooked for her race, Song was blindsided by the sentiment shared by Crazy Rich Asians’ casting department. “I felt like I was being punished for having worked in this industry for so long,” she says. “I didn’t understand, and it really hurt me. I was very confused.” “I don’t ever expect anyone to hand me work—I just want my day in court,” Song shares. “I have auditioned for so many things that weren’t right for me. A lot of the roles that I booked were not written for a minority—I’ve booked roles that were written for boys—but for something that I thought was so right for me, and I couldn’t even go read for it… It really discouraged me. I thought, ‘If I can’t go read for this, then what am I doing?’” Despite her work to break out of being cast or not cast based on her minority status, she felt that she had broken through

one box, only to have been put into a different one. “I felt like I was being judged on my past work, and I fought so hard to get away from that already,” she explains. Then, for the first time in 26 years, Song took time off. “I was in such a weird place. It was the first time in a long time I had felt discouraged,” she admits. But there’s nothing a little travel, self-reflection and new outlook can’t fix. “I came back with this mentality of, ‘I am who I am.’ I am so grateful for every yes and, also, for every no because it made me who I am—not just the actor that I am, but the person that I am.” Two weeks after returning to work, she had booked the lead role (Jennifer) in Netflix thriller Secret Obsession, and shortly after that, she booked Madison in Hulu’s “Dollface;” a role which she says perfectly represents where she is in her life and the type of actor she wants to be. “It’s so much fun,” Song gushes. “[Madison] is such a straight-laced, has blinders on, never stops talking, very type A personality that I’ve never gotten to play.” Not only does she feel a deep connection to her role, but she also loves the storyline and creation process behind “Dollface.” The story is about a group of women in their mid-to late-20s that is (refreshingly) written by an actual group of women in their mid-to late-20s. “They’re writing about their lives—this is not people writing about what they think is happening out there—this is people writing about what they do every day.” From defying the monolith with London and embracing the struggle of cultural identity with Wendy to playing an emotionally-charged Jennifer and a dry-witted Madison, Song has undoubtedly proven that she goes beyond typecasting— by race or by genre. “I’ve been very fortunate with my roles,” she notes. “It hasn’t been about my nationality or my ethnicity, and I really appreciate that because I definitely believe that both sides of the story need to be told: the story of the struggle of being Asian American [and] roles about just being a girl in LA...not defined by our culture.” Song is looking forward to seeing the industry transform into a more diverse, more inclusive space—not just for Asian Americans, but for all minorities as well. “My biggest thing is for the next generation to have something I never had, which was seeing yourself on TV at a young age, knowing that anything is possible,” she says. It’s important to her that kids feel that they are “represented in some way, shape or form,” and that they have opportunities and hope. “It’s okay to be down and to be confused about what you want, but at the end of the day, you have to be honest with yourself and know that you can’t change other peoples’ opinions of you. And it’s not up to you!” she explains. “I’m really proud of my resume, of the actor I am and the person that I am—and I know I have a lot of work to do on both aspects, but I’m proud of the woman I am. I worked really hard to be her.”

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“I am so grateful for every yes and, also, for every no because it made me who I am—not just the actor that I am, but the person that I am. — B R E N DA S O N G

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PAIGE SPIRANAC @_paige.renee Photoshoot Location: HOTEL PASEO 45400 Larkspur Ln Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.340.9001 www.hotelpaseo.com DRESS PROVIDED BY: Saks Fifth Avenue, Zimmermann www.saksfifthavenue.com

“Life is really hard sometimes. I want to be goofy, have fun and make people smile.” —PAIGE SPIRANAC

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Paige Spiranac Shares

ALL IN the Fore-1-1 on Golf,

GOOD Anti-Bullying and the

TASTE Power of Authenticity WRITTEN BY: LAUREN MCCARRAN PHOTOGRAPHED BY: TRAVIS MCCOY STYLED BY: NEIL COHEN MAKEUP AND HAIR BY: DANIELLE BRUCKLACHER

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With two million followers on Instagram and over 94,000 subscribers on YouTube, you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ignore the endearing vulnerability and the effortless cool-girl vibe of golf influencer PAIGE SPIRANAC. She is a stunningly audacious powerhouse of talent, sophistication and brilliance, and she has proven to be a formidable force with more to offer than meets the eye. Her critics have underestimated her impact and have unsuccessfully tried to diminish her accomplishments, but sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just getting started. 104 LOCALE MAGAZINE

A LITTLE BIRDIE TOLD US •The pace of play is her biggest golf pet peeve. “If a round takes too long, I’m not playing,” she says in a partially sarcastic yet serious manner. She’s also bothered by people who take the game too seriously and are overly strict with the rules.

“The people who talk about me don’t really know me.” —PAIGE SPIRANAC Behind the bombshell image is a talented and bright young woman who’s looking to modernize the game of golf and bring optimism to the internet. Spiranac's love of golf has led her on a journey she never could have imagined, and it is far from the end. With new business ventures ahead and a legion of dedicated fans, there's no stopping her from continuing to push boundaries and knock down barriers.

Spiranac was born into a family of athletes; her father played college football, and her mother was a professional ballerina. She was bound to thrive in sports, so after sustaining multiple injuries that ended her dream of becoming an Olympic gymnast, her father introduced her to golf. Bullied as a young girl, Spiranac found solace in golf and loved the solitude it provided. But even after bringing a monumental victory to her college team (she took San Diego State University to its first-ever Mountain West Conference Women’s Golf Championship her senior year), continuing to grow a loyal fanbase and beginning to play professionally in 2016, she was disappointed by the culture of the game. "I always felt like a bit of an outcast," Spiranac says about being a woman in a maledominated sport. "You don't feel like you're respected or that what you do matters."

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Being a beautiful woman overshadowed her talent as a golfer. Spiranac was often slutshamed and criticized for her choices—and still is to this day. Whether it's for what she's wearing on the course or a photo she posts on Instagram, the judgment comes regardless. "The people who talk about me don't really know me,” she explains. “I really had to find a good support group outside of social media and golf. I relied on them heavily." LOCALE MAGAZINE 105

“I try to be as open and honest as possible. Social media is a highlight reel, so I try to talk about everything—the good and the bad.” —PAIGE SPIRANAC

The criticism still gets to her on occasion, but she aims to stay true to herself. Many critics question whether she deserves her praise as a golfer, and many believe she uses her looks to get attention—an obviously dated opinion on how a woman should act and dress. Spiranac has handled contemptuous comments with poise and humor, and rather than giving in, she is leading a new generation forward with a more powerful message.

"Women can be anything they want," Spiranac says. "I hate comments that question whether I'm a model or golfer. Why can't I be both? I am so many things. I try to be myself. Everyone feels empowered in different ways." Her sentiments could not be more truthful, and they set vital precedent for younger generations. Spiranac stopped playing golf professionally after her first year. "I needed a mental break," she explains. "I don't think I'm done forever, but I wanted to try something different. Golf was my life for a long time. It's nice to actually enjoy it now.” Spiranac continues to gain attention for her undeniable beauty and enviable physique, but her upbeat personality and sunny disposition are gaining supporters by the thousands. YouTube has become a powerful platform for the professionalgolfer-turned-influencer, and it has allowed her to build a channel where her followers can hear her golf tips, follow along with a quick workout and get to know her on a more personal level. She often films videos off of the course and invites her audience into her own home and heart. Spiranac touches on some heavy subjects, including personal stories of her struggles with 106 LOCALE MAGAZINE

being bullied. Her intimate experiences prompted her to become an ambassador for The CyberSmile Foundation, a nonprofit anti-bullying organization. She has devoted exponential hours helping to raise awareness and funds for anti-bullying, a cause that is and will remain very dear to her heart. She also delves into her battle with anxiety and how she manages stress and panic attacks. "CBD oil has been a life changer—even my dog takes it," Spiranac says. "Working out, eating right and other little changes make such a big difference. I've really come to manage it." In sharing intimate details about her life, she hopes to shine some of her positive light onto those who can relate and might be struggling as well. She wants to give people a place of hope and provide support for anyone that feels alone or isolated. Her affirmation is in being authentic; that's how she creates her happiness. Although she loves to connect with her fans on a deeper level, Spiranac prefers to keep things light-hearted and fun. Her end goal is to provide a cheerful, sunny-side-up kind of escape for people. "Life is really hard sometimes,” she notes. “I want to be goofy, have fun and make people smile." Her content inspiration not only comes from her own experiences, but from conversations with friends and suggestions from her subscribers as well. Spiranac curates 100% of her social media content herself. She appreciates having complete control over what she's broadcasting and how open she chooses to be. "I like to be as authentic as possible,” she explains. “When I upload, it's me who shot it and edited it, and it's me responding [to comments]."

LET ‘EM TALK •Spiranac realized her image would always be a topic of conversation when she posted a picture of herself in a black turtleneck with black leggings, and critics still thought she was dressed “too sexy.”

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ROOM FOR GROWTH •Spiranac has never thought of herself as a role model. “I’m not quite the role model I want to be yet. I am in the sense that I’m true to who I am, and I haven’t changed,” she says. “I can be a better role model. I want to be as great as I can be.”

ON THE GRIND •She stays busy with her current and upcoming projects but never feels overworked. “I’m very passionate. When I wake up, I’m excited to work. I want to do more. I love what I do,” Spiranac explains.

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“Women can be anything they want. I hate comments that question whether I’m a model or golfer. Why can’t I be both? I am so many things.” —PAIGE SPIRANAC 108 LOCALE MAGAZINE

NOT SUPERSTITIOUS... BUT A LITTLESTITIOUS •When playing golf professionally, if Spiranac had a great round, she would eat the same breakfast she had that day, believing it might bring her luck.

Through vlogging, Spiranac found a new outlet for spreading positivity. In her videos, she's buzzing with eagerness and always emphasizing the importance of never changing who you are to fit in. "I try to be as open and honest as possible,” she says. “Social media is a highlight reel, so I try to talk about everything—the good and the bad."

Spiranac is currently working in partnership with iHeart Radio on a podcast which will center around lifestyle and golf (much like her YouTube channel), but with more in-depth conversations and a lack of topic restrictions. “A lot of people have misconceptions about who I am or who I want to be," Spiranac explains. "People will get to know me a lot better [through the podcast].” During her golf career, she always felt like a bit of an outsider and was often mistreated. And yes, she will be telling these stories and dishing out all the juicy details on her podcast. In turn, she will undoubtedly ruffle some feathers, but that honesty is why she is so well-loved. In the past, Spiranac would filter herself and not speak of milestones in fear of being judged, but she's ready to talk fully uncensored and clear up any false impressions of who people think she is. Also on the agenda: featured guest spots! Listeners will get to hear her riff with some pals from her golf days! Further expanding her influence, Spiranac is teaming up with USA Today Sports to launch a new website where she will write about life, fitness and, of course, golf. All of her content will live together on one site, which means easy access to her golf tips, life advice and fitness inspo. A roaring voice for a new generation, Spiranac is encouraging women to be who they are and not compromise themselves for anyone. She is proof that a woman can be empowered while embracing her sexuality and femininity. Her positivity is infectious, and her dedication to making the internet a better place is inspiring. If there’s one thing you can always count on, it’s that Spiranac will bring a smile to your face—one blog, vlog or podcast at a time. LOCALE MAGAZINE 109

FUNNY SIDE UP ROB RIGGLE FLEXES HIS FUNNY BONE AND RELISHES LIFE AS AN ACTOR, VETERAN, MAYOR AND FAMILY MAN

WRITTEN BY:

KAYLIN WAIZINGER PHOTOGRAPHED BY:

JARED SCHLACHET AND JOE MAGNANI STYLED BY:

MELISSA SOUZA GROOMED BY:

CATHERINE FURNISS MODELS:

MADISON ASHLEY AND SNT JMS OF BRAND MODEL & TALENT AGENCY, WWW.BRANDTALENT.NET

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“

“I don’t know if I ever knew I was funny. I just knew I got reactions.” —ROB RIGGLE

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Humor • [hyoo-mer] n. A quality which appeals to a sense of the ludicrous or absurdly incongruous.

From stand-up and slapstick to improv and over-the-top exaggerations, humor grants us the ability to drop our shoulders and appreciate the irony of life. It relieves us, challenges us and changes us. The next few pages detail the rise of a 49-year-old Kansas native whose comedic presence preserves the art of humor as we know it. A man who embraces life, on- and offscreen—one laugh at a time.

Ladies and gentlemen, Rob Riggle.

Comedic actor, United States veteran, mayor of Funner, CA and father of two—Riggle is no slouch when it comes to breadth of experience. His knack for laughs, however, dates back to his childhood vacations at his family’s lake house in the Ozarks and his days in high school, where he was voted “most humorous” by his classmates. “I don’t know if I ever knew I was funny. I just knew I got reactions,” remembers Riggle. With no TV at the lake house, Riggle found alternative ways to amuse himself. “In the evening, my sister and I and my cousins, would entertain the adults by putting on skits. Then we’d pass the hat...and we’d, you know, make money—quarters and dollars and whatever.” Being the youngest of the bunch, Riggle had little say in his own character choices, playing whatever role his cousins assigned. “They’d say, ‘Rob you come in and you’re the whatever’ and I would go, ‘Okay!’” Riggle mimics, with an obedient, child-like inflection. As a child of the ‘80s, Riggle grew up watching comedic giants in fan-favorites like Caddyshack, Ghostbusters and Stripes. “I always appreciated comedic acting and watching those guys. It brought me such joy, and it was something I always wanted to do,” says Riggle. Unlike most other comedians, Riggle earned his pilot’s license and served 23 years in the United

States Marine Corps as a public and civil affairs officer, traveling to places like Liberia, Albania and Afghanistan. “We were shot at. Being exposed to that kind of stuff happens these days; it doesn’t matter what your job is,” Riggle explains. After nine years of active duty, Riggle switched to the ground side to free up his schedule and give comedy a go. “I didn’t have much training in [comedic acting], but I just knew I loved it and wanted to try it,” says Riggle. Now known for his roles in hits like The Hangover and Step Brothers, as well as his stints on “Saturday Night Live” and as a correspondent on “The Daily Show,” Riggle learned that his switch from combat to comedy was no misstep. “Most people go through life and you never get to be obnoxious—you shouldn’t be. But when you get an excuse to be obnoxious, it’s the greatest gift in the world,” he says with a grin. If you recall, Riggle's overly hostile character Randy in Step Brothers is just that—obnoxious, frequently punctuating Brennan's younger and more successful brother Derek's sentences with "POW!" But for any comic, there is a learning curve when it comes to knowing if and when to cross the line. “When you’re young and you’re starting out, you don’t know what boundaries are, and you don’t know what works and what doesn’t, so you just kind of throw it against the wall,” Riggle explains. “You learn the subtleties [as you go] and how to dial it up or dial it down.”

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“Most people go through life and you never get to be obnoxious—you shouldn’t be. But when you get an excuse to be obnoxious, it’s the greatest gift in the world.” —ROB RIGGLE

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Go Chiefs!

•When in Kansas City, Riggle’s go-to spot to watch the Chiefs is at Brick and Mortar on 75th and Broadway. When in SoCal, Harrah’s Resort Socal’s poker room is his ideal spot to play cards and watch the game.

Corps to Comedy

•While there is no direct link between comedy and the Marine Corps, Riggle credits intangibles like mental toughness and how to handle rejection as a means of preparation for show business.

A Serious Side

•Riggle starred in a movie called Midnight Sun where he took on a more dramatic role as Bella Thorne’s father.

Rules for Rehearsal

•According to Riggle, three unwritten rules in the acting industry are “show up on time, know your lines and don’t chew up the scenery”—a term used to describe when someone’s performance is overpowering.

While it’s no secret he has mastered the role of the “comedic jerk,” Riggle’s favorite role to play is “arrogant ignorance,” which, in his words, is “large and in charge but totally wrong-headed.” This may ring a bell when it comes to his role in Hollywood’s bachelor-party-gone-wrong classic, The Hangover, where Riggle plays Officer Franklin, a sadistic, taser-happy cop. “I always enjoy watching that type of person on screen, so I always enjoy playing that type of character,” says Riggle. And while his portrayal of a jerk on screen is nothing short of priceless, and at times believable, he has managed to form lasting friendships with his costars. In the iconic Step Brothers Catalina Wine Mixer scene, Riggle fondly recalls a snippet of his character Randy (that was cut from the film due to length) where his friendship with fellow actor Jake Johnson blossomed.

“We shot these fantasy sequences...where everybody kinda drifts away to their fantasy. They made one for me, but my fantasy sequence for my character was...in a high school locker room and Jake Johnson was a dealer, and I was buying my first set of steroids from him,” Riggle laughs. “That was a happy moment. And Jake looked ridiculous.” Since their locker room exchange, Riggle and Johnson remain good friends on- and off-screen, working on films like Let’s Be Cops, web series “Kuganauto” and Netflix animated show “Hoops”—set to release in 2020. “He’s just funny, relaxed, cool and we vibe,” says Riggle. Prompting laughs from viewers is no problem for someone like Riggle, but when it comes to his own kids, he’s just like every other dad. “Early in the morning, when I’m driving [my kids] to school and they are super cranky...I sing the words to their songs wrong and drive them nuts,” he says with a smirk. “I know what I’m doing. I love to watch them spin.” LOCALE MAGAZINE 115

“ “You’re holding 50,000 volts little man; don’t be afraid to ride the lightning!” — R O B R I G G L E AS O F F I C E R F R A N K L I N , T H E H A N G O V E R May 15, 2019 marked the start of a new era for this funny family man as he entered the world of “politics.” Donning a lustrous purple suit with gold embellishments, Riggle took the stage and welcomed his leadership role as mayor of Funner, CA. And as you could have guessed, the inauguration ceremony was nothing short of extravagant. From moonwalks and flamethrowers to zebras, giraffes and llamas, Harrah’s Resort Southern California sure knew how to make a mayor feel welcome. “They actually lit the pool on fire for a brief minute,” says Riggle. “It was a big deal. It was a BIIIIIG deal.”

But the fun(ner) didn’t stop there. The celebration featured a harpist, gold confetti cannons and stacks of decadent donuts and desserts. “They had all kinds of great food—most of it had gold in it. Which is all I asked for,” he smirks. “I kept it real simple; I said ‘Put gold in the food.’” Since his inauguration, Riggle has introduced an abundance of “funner” aspects at Harrah’s Resort Southern California. From launching a collection of cabana packages at Dive—the BrunchBana, the BabeBana and the BroBana—to introducing themed culinary specials including the Riggle’s Regal Donut and Riggle’s Go-To Chili Mac and Cheese, he has established his mayoral flair and propensity for fun. Riggle also implemented the Mayoral Hotline, where guests can dial ext. 4242 and select from a menu of options, including Mayoral Life Tips, bedtime stories and the mayor's favorite sounds from Funner. And when it comes to making the most of your stay, Riggle puts it best: “You gotta lay all your troubles at the door... They’ll be waiting for ya when you leave. And when you’re here, it’s all fun all the time.” As a man with an affection for the outrageous and a slew of absurdly iconic lines, a simple stroll down the street for Riggle is anything but ordinary. “People yell [my lines] at me all the time in the weirdest places,” he giggles. “It’s usually ‘POW!’ from Step Brothers and ‘In the face!’ from The Hangover. I also get a lot of ‘Not you, fat Jesus,’ and ‘You’re

holding 50,000 volts little man, don’t be afraid to ride the lightning!’” Just like the rest of us, Riggle too enjoys a good laugh. And when he’s not the one in front of the camera, there are a handful of comics who make even him laugh. From stand-ups like Sarah Tiana and Adam Carolla to the entire cast of “The Office,” Riggle makes time to not only study his craft, but revel in the talent that surrounds him. “I really respect all comedians… Everybody has people they gravitate toward more than others, and I’m like that too. But I love the fact that they are out there doing it,” says Riggle. When it comes to flexing his funny bone, Riggle has no plans of slowing his roll. With an unannounced movie in the works, another season of ABC’s extreme mini-golf series “Holey Moley” (featuring Steph Curry) and working on a new pilot for CBS that he will star in and produce, his future plans are bold and bright. You can also check out his new show on Discovery, “Rob Riggle: Global Investigator,” that was recently released in February 2020. Aside from his pursuit of comedy and current projects, Riggle continues to work with a variety of organizations that support veterans and their families. “I do my own golf tournament called the Rob Riggle InVETational up in Westlake Village to raise money for the Semper Fi fund, which was started by a bunch of Marine wives right out here in Camp Pendleton. They do amazing work,” says Riggle. With numerous accomplishments under his belt, giving back to those who serve is something that will always be a part of his life. “Once a Marine, always a Marine. I feel a need to continue to give.” No matter where he finds himself, Riggle continues to grace people with his outlandish on-screen personas, his humble charm and his heart for humor. "Comedy brings infinite joy into people’s lives. Just imagine a world without comedy or laughter—no thanks! Laughter is the best medicine... I take great pride in what I’m doing with my life!”

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“

“Once a Marine, always a Marine. I feel a need to continue to give.” —ROB RIGGLE

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THE END

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BRANDON LARRACUENTE @brandonlarracuente Photoshoot Location: INSTANT JUNGLE INTERNATIONAL 2560 S Birch St Santa Ana, CA 92707 714.850.9227 www.instantjungle.com APPAREL PROVIDED BY: COS www.cosstores.com JACKET PROVIDED BY: Zensai www.zensai.com WATCH PROVIDED BY: Goodfellow www.target.com BRACELET PROVIDED BY: H&M www.hm.com RING PROVIDED BY: H&M www.hm.com SOCKS PROVIDED BY: Sock It Up www.jyinstyle.com SHOES PROVIDED BY: Johnny Bigg www.johnnybigg.com

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HE’S A

Natural Brandon Larracuente Gets to the Root of His Career and Dreaming Big WRITTEN BY: Taylor Gorski • PHOTOGRAPHED BY: Andrea Domjan STYLED BY: Melissa Souza • GROOMED BY: Jennifer Mau

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Brandon Larracuente shows up to his cover shoot right on time, wearing a salmon pink jumpsuit with his fiancée by his side. “I think the older I’ve gotten, the more comfortable I’ve become at just wearing what I feel like fits me in the moment,” Larracuente says with a smile. This outlook goes far beyond his personal style; it shows throughout his acting career and how he’s grown to be so comfortable in his own skin. Flashback to his freshman year of high school, where Larracuente was cast as the lead role of Danny Zuko in “Grease.” After that, he began to shy away from acting, as there was an aspect of negativity associated with it. “I was ridiculed, in a way, by my friends about being a part of the thespian side; [it was] just frowned upon for some reason,” explains Larracuente. “I would go for commercials periodically throughout high school, and I remember one time in specific, I booked a commercial. I filmed it, and one of my peers at school told me, ‘I saw you on a commercial last night,’ and I denied it. I was like, ‘No, that wasn’t me.’” It wasn’t until after high school when Larracuente realized that he wanted to devote his life to acting and go full-force into the industry. “After high school, I booked the show called ‘Bloodline,’ where I finally began to pursue my passions and my interests and my dreams without really caring about what others thought of me,” he says. After playing the character Ben Rayburn on “Bloodline” from 2015 to 2017, Larracuente was cast in the movie Bright on Netflix—one of his most interesting and challenging roles to date. “I played an Ork, which is a mythical creature. I had to learn Orkish—which is a made-up language,” says Larracuente. Playing this character involved getting into prosthetics every day for 15-hour days; it would take about an hour to get in costume and an hour to take it off. There was also a dialect coach on set to help learn and practice the language his

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character spoke. According to Larracuente, “It was very fulfilling and rewarding because it was so challenging.” He also had the incredible opportunity to act alongside one of his dream co-stars, Will Smith, during this film. Larracuente was then cast in “13 Reasons Why” as Jeff Atkins. He initially auditioned for a different character, since Atkins isn’t in the original book that the series is based on. Because of this, it allowed Larracuente to really build the character as he saw fit. Atkins was a leader—a classmate who stuck up for other people. “I related to Jeff in a way because he was a friend I wish I would’ve had in high school,” Larracuente explains. At age 21, Larracuente moved across the country from Florida to Los Angeles, a challenge that allowed him to grow as a man and human being. “I had dreams and aspirations of moving out here [to California]. Not at 21, it would’ve been many years later, but due to booking ‘13 Reasons Why’ I was kind of forced to speed up the process,” he says. Although home was always a call away, he tried to minimize depending on his family. “I felt like the more I relied on Mom and Dad, the less of a man I was or the less I grew. I’m a firm believer that [people grow] through hard times,” Larracuente explains. Expressing there were times he struggled and didn’t know how he was going to pay rent, he always figured it out in the end. “I would not change anything because it’s given me the passion and the drive that I need to keep on waking up and facing every day,” says Larracuente.

“I was ridiculed, in a way, by my friends about being a part of the thespian side; [it was] just frowned upon for some reason.” —BRANDON LARRACUENTE

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“I would not change anything because it’s given me the passion and the drive that I need to keep on waking up and facing every day.” —BRANDON LARRACUENTE

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Dreaming Big •While Larracuente had dreams of being a professional baseball player in high school, he realized he couldn’t deny his passion for acting any longer.

Travel Bug •Larracuente’s favorite city is Barcelona. “We went to Spain two years ago, and I had a phenomenal time,” he says. “We rode bikes around the entire city. I love the culture, the food and the people.”

Co-Star Crushin’ •Larracuente gushes that he would love to work with Javier Bardem. “I think he is a phenomenal actor, and he’s so versatile. I feel like working with someone like that would challenge me as an actor.”

Fingers Crossed •Larracuente is very hopeful for a second season of “Party of Five.”

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“I think every character that I’ve had thus far, I’ve been fortunate enough to relate to them in some way, shape or form.” —BRANDON LARRACUENTE

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“After high school, I booked the show called ‘Bloodline,’ where I finally began to pursue my passions and my interests and my dreams without really caring about what others thought of me.” —BRANDON LARRACUENTE Now in his latest role, Larracuente plays eldest child Emilio Acosta in the new Freeform show, “Party of Five,” a reboot of the popular ‘90s drama. While there are some similarities to the original, this version shows the Acosta parents being deported to Mexico by ICE agents (in the original, the parents are killed in a car accident). This leaves 24-year-old Emilio Acosta with a heavy responsibility of having to step up and take care of his four younger siblings, rather than going off and pursuing his music career. The show exhibits an emotional, human perspective of political issues that the United States is facing today. “I’m Latin and grew up in a very Hispanic culture, so it helps to get that sense of who [the characters] are and the Hispanic community,” says Larracuente. “It helps build and add elements and layers to the character that maybe somebody who is not Latin may not have.” There’s something Larracuente can take away and learn from every role he’s portrayed. “I think every character that I’ve had thus far, I’ve been fortunate enough to relate to them in some way shape or form.” Larracuente wants to be remembered as somebody who does good and impactful work. “I’m really passionate about things that make people think and make people either leave a theater or go to bed at night thinking about things a bit differently than maybe prior to watching the show,” he says. And with that attitude and mindset, he has big dreams and hopes for the future generation of those in the film industry. “I hope for more inclusivity for all ethnicities and cultures. We’re on the right track, but there’s always room for improvement.” Larracuente expresses that the younger generation should continue to strive for big dreams no matter how big or small they may seem. “I think that we

need to continue to give confidence to the younger generation who is coming up now because they are the ones that are going to be ruling the world one day when we’re long gone,” he says. Aside from his growing fame and following of over 1 million fans on Instagram, Larracuente is just a normal 25-year-old going after his wildest dreams. When he has a break from filming, you can find him reading a book, drinking tea in the morning, hiking with his pup or laying on his couch watching “This Is Us.” He also recently proposed to his long-time girlfriend, Jazmin, in Yosemite National Park. “It was a very intimate moment; it was at the end of filming. I had been filming for about three or four months, and we took a little trip to Yosemite, and it was just us. It was us in a cabin, and it couldn’t have been more perfect,” says Larracuente. The two are a force to be reckoned with, as they support one another’s aspirations of acting, producing and writing while living together in North Hollywood. Brandon and Jazmin recently hired a writer for the original they are currently developing. They are also striving to adapt a New York Times best-seller. Solidifying the love and support for one another, she encourages Larracuente the morning of the cover shoot, bringing a light of positivity and smiles to the set (and stealing a few kisses in between looks). In five years, Larracuente hopes to have had his first directorial debut, whether that’s a short film or an episodic. And in 10 years? “I hope to be comfortable. I hope to have a family. I hope to be in a position where I can choose projects that fit what I need as a human being but also what my family needs.” With what he’s accomplished in just these past few years, there’s no doubt that these goals will be met—and exceeded. Brandon Larracuente is just getting started.

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Man of Action Clive Standen Discusses Perfection, Fatherhood and Modern Masculinity

Written By: Jordan Nishkian /// Photographed By: Tae Kwon Styled By: Neil Cohen ///Groomed By: Aiprll Patino

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“I’ve always been that person where you give me an incentive and I suddenly get tunnel vision, and I ride toward that goal.” -Clive Standen

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“I didn’t want to be a historian; I wanted to be an actor.” -Clive Standen

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On the surface, Clive Standen is what you’d picture as the definition of manliness. He’s played warriors, is an athletic champion and does his own stunts. Get to know him a little better and you’ll find that beyond the biceps and the beard is a caring father of three, an ambassador for marine life and someone who loves singing along to Mumford & Sons. In other words, Standen represents less of what it means to be a “man’s man” and more of what it means to be a man of the modern age.

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“There’s nothing wrong with a man who cries and expresses emotion.” -Clive Standen

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Already very active with Muay Thai boxing and professional stunt training, Standen’s acting career began in his teens, which was around the time his mother had decided to go back to school so she could teach drama therapy to children with Down Syndrome. “I was 16 and very impressionable...and I really looked up to my mum and all the [21-year-old drama students] she was working with,” he says before cracking a smile. “At the same time, there was also a girl I really liked...and that’s where it started.”

With the support of a mother and teachers who believed in him, Standen decided to take the idea of acting professionally more seriously. “I’ve always been that person where you give me an incentive and I suddenly get tunnel vision, and I ride toward that goal,” he explains. From there, he decided to take classes to further his education on the subject but was disappointed by the amount of armchair knowledge the courses required. “I couldn’t just do theater, which was frustrating to me at the age of 16. I was like, ‘Why isn’t there a course that is practical to being an actor?’” Standen recalls. “A lot of the courses were all theory...and I had already read all the books that were on the syllabus. So I did a year of theater studies and [then] dropped out—I didn’t want to be a historian, I wanted to be an actor.” Standen found his place in performing arts courses, which not only allowed him to practice his craft, but it also let him explore the more physical side to performing, and this is where he was able to tie in his knack for athletic training. “It all came in handy for the stunts I do now!” he says. “I’m a little insane and crazy and a bit of a lunatic when it comes to stunts.” Needless to say, the combination of his acting and physical training fared well for him in his career. Best known for his role as Rollo in “Vikings” and Bryan Mills in the “Taken” TV series, Standen’s acting career has taken him around the world, through ancient and modern times alike. When he wasn’t sword fighting in Camelot or throwing axes in Kattegat, he was pulling off a heist in Rhode Island or getting hit by a car (then stealing said car). “It’s simply not true that you just walk into jobs,” Standen explains. “Usually you get cast for what your strength is. I’m a very physical actor; I have a very physical presence, and I got into acting to play numerous different characters—and characters that were far removed from myself.” “I don’t actually like playing onto type,” he continues. “But usually, that one audition you get right at the beginning of your career is the one where people go, ‘I can just see him playing that role!’ I think I was thrown into the historical epics, the dramas that are more physical, and now I can branch out.” His roles have all been very different characters to play, but there is something Standen loves about each of them: they are flawed. “I don’t think anyone’s perfect,” he says. “There’s something I hold on to and think about quite a lot: in Chuck Palahniuk’s ‘Fight Club’ (the book), the first time the main character sees Tyler Durden is on the beach, and he’s getting driftwood and shoving it in the sand…” The passage Standen’s referring to continues: “What Tyler had created was the shadow of a giant hand. Only now the fingers were Nosferatu-long and the thumb was too short, but he said how at exactly four-thirty the hand was perfect. The giant shadow hand was perfect for one minute, and for one perfect minute Tyler had sat in the palm of a perfection he’d created himself.” (Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club). “The point of that scene in the book is all you can expect from perfection is a moment, and if you look for anything more, you’re going to be disappointed,” Standen explains, “and I think human beings are the same. You can have many moments of perfection in any one day, but you have to look for them and appreciate them.”

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Extracurricular Activities When he’s not working, Standen is an acting ambassador for Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

He’s Got the Beat “I did a lot of contemporary dance training,” Standen shares, “and I think it actually helps with the choreography of fighting and the sword play—you pick up the moves and your movement ability is so much better.”

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Parental Guidance “We have this little game around the dinner table now where I go, ‘Say one good thing about your day and one bad thing about your day,’” says Standen, “and none of the other kids or anyone around are allowed to question that bad thing… It’s about being readily available to communicate your feelings with the people you love.”

Location, Location, Location Some of Standen’s favorite filming locations have been in the Wicklow Mountains of Ireland and Tybee Island in Georgia.

Nice Handiwork Standen is a former international Muay Thai boxer, a fencing gold medalist and is ambidextrous with a sword.

Standen never shies away from his characters’ flaws. Instead, he embraces them, letting those imperfections add texture and humanity to the roles. Aside from being flawed, the roles throughout his career have all tended to be rough around the edges. Whether he’s played the honorable knight, the battlehungry viking or the vengeful ex-CIA operative, they can categorically be called men of violence. However, Standen’s most recent role of Anthony Lavelle in “Council of Dads” is a change of pace.

“There seems to be a big thing about toxic masculinity,” Standen says. “There’s nothing wrong with a man who cries and expresses emotion. And I wanted Anthony to be a hugger, a kisser. He’d hold his heart on his sleeve: when he’s angry, he’s angry; when he’s emotional, he’s emotional, you know?” Over the past few years, the term “toxic masculinity” has become an undeniable buzzword. The term not only challenges how our society sees men, but how our society shapes these men as well. It’s an idea that’s been around since the ‘80s, and it’s just now catching on in the mainstream. While the current rhetoric may seem like it’s mostly focused on calling out men for being

predatory or too aggressive, the term was originally created to question why our society raises our boys to feel shame for emotional expression, to utilize violence as an indicator of power and to be overtly self-reliant, among other points. While his warrior-type roles haven’t necessarily been poster boys for today’s idea of healthy masculinity (presumably due to the time periods the stories are based in), Standen has attempted to bring a more relevant portrayal of modern masculinity to his present-day characters. But not everyone has been on board with it. “I did have some time on ‘Taken’ [during] a very emotional scene...the scene felt very much like the scene in Se7en with Brad Pitt yelling, ‘What’s in the box? What’s in the box?’” Standen shares. “And I played the scene really emotionally—I had tears in my eyes— and the director came up to me and went, ‘Can we do another take? But can you stop the tears, because tough guys don’t cry.’” Despite this note, Standen felt strongly about this scene and continued to deliver an emotional performance, but by the time production was finished, each one of Standen’s tears had been edited out.

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“Anyone can be a father, but it takes a strong man to be a dad.” -Clive Standen

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In a stark contrast, Joan Rater and Tony Phelan, the producers of “Council of Dads,” were seeking the opposite from their actors. “One of the reasons I signed on [to ‘Council of Dads’] was Tony Phelan saying, ‘Let’s just stamp out this toxic masculinity,’” Standen says. “And I told him that story, and he said, ‘Well, you’re not going to get that from me.’”

The NBC show, which aired this past March, follows the Perrys, a family that has just lost father and husband Scott Perry to cancer. In his remaining months, Scott had created a Council of Dads to help take care of his five children after he’s gone— from driving lessons to words of wisdom. “It’s been really great to play a character that’s emotionally ready,” says Standen. “There’s a lot of violence and gratuity in the world right now... and ‘Council of Dads’ has a really positive message, and it’s full of joy...and optimism about moving on, and finding humor through grief, and it’s about who shows up. It really mirrors the modern family today, I think.” Aside from its relevance, one reason Standen believes the show will resonate well with its audience is because he has seen the parallels between the story and his own reallife experiences firsthand. “‘Council of Dads’ works on so many levels, but what’s interesting to me, especially with my character, is the role of a father in our society,” Standen explains. “My dad left when I was eight years old, and I haven’t seen him since. I had an amazing man who stepped in and took over that role, and I don’t like calling my stepdad my stepfather—he’s my dad. Anyone can be a father, but it takes a strong man to be a dad.” “‘Council of Dads’ is about a man who dies of cancer...but it doesn’t have to be about death; there are lots of families out there where dads just walk out, they leave or they’re away on business for very long periods of time,” Standen continues. “So on one hand, it’s about the role of single moms and how hard they work, but it’s also about how important the role of a father figure is.” On-screen, Anthony Lavelle is a man without a family, whose superpower would be “the ability to talk to children on their level.” Standen describes his character as the “cool uncle” that kids can trust and talk to, but he’s still able to fill in as the strong male role model. “But what’s interesting is that he’s never had anyone love him,” Standen shares, “and he needs this family as much as they need him.” Another way that Anthony paralleled reality is that Standen plays the best friend of a man battling cancer, a role he has played in real life. “My best friend—best man at my wedding, best friend I have in my whole life—was diagnosed with cancer, and he was very, very ill,” Standen says. When he originally met with Rater and Phelan, who wanted him for the part of Anthony, Standen pitched himself to play the role of Scott Perry, who dies in the first episode. “I start crying in my interview with them, going ‘I’m not sure I can play this role because my best friend is dying of cancer, and I don’t want to be the guy on TV playing the best friend.’ And they said, ‘Well, maybe this is why you need to play this character.’” This is a man who has fallen backwards off a three-story-high wall (on purpose), but the role of Anthony daunted him on a much deeper level. “Most of the roles I’ve played in my career have been far removed from me,” he explains. “It’s very hard for me to go, ‘This is me. I’m playing myself.’” But Standen remembered advice he had received in drama class: if you’re scared of a role, you should play it. Fortunately, Standen’s friend is now in remission. “He’s a lot better now,” he says, “but it was terrifying at the time.” Standen’s hope for ‘Council of Dads’ is that it sparks real-time conversations within families and creates a platform where difficult, but important subjects can be broached. He believes that an open line of communication is key—not only to strong, inclusive families, but to raising the next generation as well. “It’s about communicating. There’s a lot of anxiety and depression and things that people are ashamed to talk about, and I think it’s important to vent by talking,” Standen notes. “And again [it comes back] to who shows up...about loving yourself and living in the moment,” he says with a grin. “All you can expect from perfection is a moment—so live that moment!” LOCALE MAGAZINE 137

“All you can expect from perfection is a moment, and if you look for anything more, you’re going to be disappointed, and I think human beings are the same. You can have many moments of perfection in any one day, but you have to look for them and appreciate them.” -Clive Standen

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