Nyota Issue 20 by NYOTA Magazine

#NYOTAmusic

Issue 20

CONTENTS Music

Fashion

Art is Life Playlist 07 Qveen Herby 09 Sean Kennedy 15 Midpoint Music Review 17 Cadderwall 21 J.Antonette 25 Börni 29 Maya J 33

Erikka Franklin Janice Hillman Artists Pivot to Face Mask Making: the Epitome of ‘Art is Life’

39 43 47

Culture Phillip Lewitski 51 Gabrielle Nevaeh Green 57 Faly Rakotohavana 61 YouTubers That Cured My Quarantine Depression 63 Lily Brooks O’Briant 67 Ian Verdun 71 Liz Anne Art Feature 75 We Are Tired 81

Aria Brooks Four Recipes: Food as an art form Never Have I Ever Loved Mindy Kaling More Hye Sea Showing Solidarity While Apart Words of Wisdom: Allison Munn Words of Wisdom: Tristan D. Lalla Words of Wisdom: Kate Drummond

83 85 91 95 99 103 107 111

107

111

THE

TEAM

Editor in Chief

Carol Wright is a recent graduate of American University. At a young age, she became interested in telling stories through photography which eventually led her down the path of creating Nyota. Now, her passion for storytelling has given her the opportunity to pick the brains of musicians, actors, and influencers across the world.

Assistant Editor

Arielle Ostry is entering her final year at The George Washington University, studying journalism and mass communication as well as dance. She started out writing dance reviews and artist features, and now likes obsessing over and writing about mental wellness, pop culture, and art (in all its many forms). In her spare time, Arielle enjoys fresh air, experimenting with her ever-evolving coffee order, and binge-listening to true crime podcasts.

Art Director

Nicole Cox is a recent American University graduate with a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Graphic Design. Nicole has always enjoyed the arts, from writing stories to painting objects she observed in nature, she always found a way to create, but she never expected the computer to be used as another medium for her creativity. Thanks to her wonderful professors at American, she was able to explore her passion for the arts and further implement her skills in her professional studies and hobbies.Â

Writer

Alyssa is a second-year Film and Television student at Boston University. She is passionate about visual storytelling and the power it holds. Alyssa is especially interested in telling the stories of others and using other peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique perspectives of the world to effect positive change. Besides working at Nyota, Alyssa can be found at the gym, watching Spike Jonze films, or on an adventure with her friends.

Featured Illustrator

Victoria Morton is a rising senior art major at George Mason University. From a young age, Victoria has always had a passion for illustration. From freehand drawings to computerized vector illustrations, she loves exploring different ways to bring her ideas to life. As she expands on her knowledge of the arts, she hopes to one day turn her life-long passion into a career.

FEATURES Qveen Herby Sean Kennedy Cadderwall J.Antonette Börni Maya J Erikka Franklin Janice Hillman Phillip Lewitski Gabrielle Nevaeh Green Faly Rakotohavana Lily Brooks O’Briant Ian Verdun Liz Anne

Aria Brooks Hye Sea Allison Munn Tristan D. Lalla Kate Drummond

CONTRIBUTORS Sophie Sachar Mckenziee Belton Ella Titus Kaylan Amber Walcott

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EDITOR’S LETTER “Creativity is contagious, pass it on.”

- Albert Einstein

Honestly with all that’s happening in the world right now, I’m at a loss for words. All I can say is that I hope you are taking care of yourselves and taking care of those around you. Practice empathy during this time, practice self care, and most importantly be kind. I hope this issue can bring some levity and joy into your day, and that you enjoy reading about the musicians, artists, stylists, and actors we have featured in this issue. With Love, Carol Wright Editor in Chief @_carol_wright

Art is Life

Playlist Curated by Sophie Sachar

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6ZVWCguMlnM4Gcw9fx1n1b?si=LpD39kVFQBKOTudyEx-_HA

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The Last Trainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Come and Gone // Cindy Lee Follow You // Arthur Russell This Hill // serpentwithfeet Heavy Balloon // Fiona Apple Just the Same But Brand New // St. Vincent CRUMPY // Nick Hakim GOLDEN SARDINE // R.A.P. Ferreira Life Worth Missing // Car Seat Headrest Stuck // Katie Dey Strapped // Basti

Qveen Herby Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Alex Hinsky

In 2017, Amy Noonan (aka Qveen Herby) took creative control of her career. Formerly known as the frontwoman of the duo Karmin, Noonan started releasing music independently and with a completely different style. Instead of putting out pop songs, Qveen Herby (pronounced Queen Herby) releases rap music that empowers and uplifts her fans. With her newest release, EP 8, she’s ready to take the rap world by storm (plus her DMs are open for creatives wanting advice).

When did you know you wanted to be a musician full-time? I knew I wanted to be a musician full-time probably in high school at some point. I thought, ‘wow I’m pretty good at this’ and I decided to pursue a music education at an actual college, so that was a pretty big commitment. I was scared shitless because when I grew up, and where I grew up in the midwest, it was like unheard of to pursue music as a career or even try to formalize it in any way. So I definitely decided but it wasn’t really until after I graduated music school and we like hit that first recession in 2009 that I was like, ‘alright we’re gonna figure this out’ cause I definitely don’t want to work a normal job. What do you think you learned at Berklee that you still take with you in your career now? I know people say this a lot about their college experience, but more than anything, it was proving to myself that I could handle this lifestyle and I could do it on my own without the help of my parents or anybody. Really it was my turning point of independence. Not as much like the classes cause now of course like even music technology, all this stuff has changed so much. The class I took on the business, I mean it was like just brushing the surface. I do use a lot of knowledge that I got from my Pat Pattison lyric writing classes — he’s an OG songwriting teacher at Berklee — and this guy Livingston Taylor, who’s James Taylor’s brother. He taught a class just about getting on stage and establishing a presence, and I remember my mind was blown cause I had never even considered it. You spend all this time trying to be good technically at music and then you’re like, wait it’s still important to connect with the audience on an energetic level. It’s an amazing school, but it is really up to the individual student to figure your shit out. 9

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You were making music for a while with no creative control. When was the moment that you knew you had to break free and create your own sound? Let’s go backwards to like Karmin. We were dropping a song called “Acapella” which was really us trying to find our sound. Mind you, we were working with a million different producers, so it’s like impossible to really solidify a sound in that world, but we were learning the music business. Like the politics and even just the craft of building a pop song in the studio with some of the best producers was irreplaceable. We would not be able to do this right without that knowledge. It’s interesting because we had to basically develop in public. You know, these were songs that were actually going gold and platinum which is a blessing too, in terms of getting the money we needed to branch off and do our thing, but it was about the time of “Acapella” that it was a big turning point. I realized that the people wanted me to be my true artist self, but the industry wasn’t necessarily fucking with it. Were you nervous to take that leap and start coming out with rap music? It’s weird. I wasn’t nervous — probably cause I’d been doing it since like my Berklee days and before. I really was raised on R&B music, not by my parents but by my own choice. So I’ve always been so dedicated to those other genres and the pop music is sort of what was just thrown into my lap. So it wasn’t a surprise, but it was difficult because my team at that point was like, ‘wait, we’re gonna what? We’re gonna pivot this heavy?’ I’m like, ‘yea is that cool?’ It’s hard

when it’s people’s livelihoods and everybody’s nervous about it not working. We’re all in this political game of the music business. I’m grateful that we did it, but it was pretty scary. What was the transition like, being a female in the rap space? That is how I should’ve answered the previous question. “Acapella” was selling a lot of singles a week, but the radio wouldn’t play it and I was like ‘hold on!’ I know so many talented female rappers like why are there no girls out here. All we had was like Nicki and maybe Iggy was just starting. It was really, really rare, and I thought I need to put my eggs in this basket and really show support for girls. Being a female in a male-dominated industry, I love doing things that are different. That’s what I found out. I just hate blending in. Where did the name Qveen Herby come from? It was sort of just a funny little moment. We went to the Gucci store, my husband and I, whose formerly Karmin (I guess cause Karmin was the two of us really people called me Karmin on accident but it was always a duo). I was like, ‘what is my identity?’ like if I were to make an expression as an individual, solo female doing the music that’s on my spirit. What do I even call her? Who is this crazy bitch that wants to come out? I always loved the name Herby because it reminded me of where I came from. In Nebraska, our football team mascot is Herbie Husker and so I always thought, oh I love the name Herbie. Even for a girl, it’s kind of sexy, like a tomboy vibe. Then I googled it, and it means warrior. So I was like damn I real-

ly do feel like a warrior for a lot of the stuff I’ve been through and the people that I’m fighting for and writing these songs for. I’m like ok, definitely a warrior. It was taken on social media so I was like, ‘shit what do we do?’ and Nick was the one that was like, ‘hey, why don’t you just add a word to the front of it like queen?’ So that was just kind of a lucky mistake, but I do think it was destiny cause it was me claiming my own artistic path and putting myself first for the first time, which is what a Queen has to do. Tell us a bit about your new single “Check”. What inspired the sound and the lyrics? That song was absolutely inspired by Missy Elliott and Timbaland, and the sound that they created, especially in the early 2000s. we sort of took that and ran with that vibe for this whole album. It’s sort of studying what it was that made the energy of that music so special, and it’s almost nostalgic already which is weird cause I grew up on it so I feel old. They really laid down the law and we were like, what if we made a whole EP that was in the vibe of this world. So this whole EP was kind of a pop art Missy Elliott moment. Another highlight of your transition is making creative music videos. What’s the planning process for your videos? Absolutely. I think by the time we realized, ‘oh we’re doing this in such a different way we should probably document it,’ I started filming a vlog called “Qveenland”. It is a team of us over here, we work out of downtown Los Angeles in a loft (when there’s not a pandemic that is). We’re a crew of, I want to say five or six core peo12

“I really try to make songs that are on a high vibration, that motivates people, and helps them understand their worth and that they’re deserving of their wildest dreams. ” ple. I even have my girl in New York that’s designing and helping manufacture all the cosmetics. So if I drop an EP, it has an eyeshadow palette. When we come up with these music video visuals, it’s really me and my assistant Alex sitting on Pinterest and finding vibes that we love and commit to, and then it’s even down to sourcing the dancers costumes. Sometimes we gotta walk to the wholesale district which is like two blocks from here and pick out fabric and have stuff made. So it is a very hands-on, 360 approach to those videos, and I’ve been editing them as of late just because I love having control of every little molecule.

It’s awesome. It’s kind of strange after you’ve spent so much time building it, and then also editing it, and then you market it too. It’s hard to step back and see your work, so I just leave that to the fans and the Qveendom to let me know if they like it.

It was sort of a natural progression. My husband Nick just learned how to produce at the very tail end of Karmin, and so it was sort of in line with his dream, where he was heading. Then my other producer PompanoPuff, we go way back with him, came in and was one of the first people to encourage me as Qveen Herby and was like, ‘I really fuck with this music’ like ‘I would love to help produce it’. So that was kind of a natural evolution. I was like, ‘oh wait now we have a production team.’ It was more than one person and eventually we called in songwriters that we loved, and it’s just really nice to go through this process without a label telling you who to work with. Then you also find people that are really, really passionate about Qveen Herby. It’s not like someone who was just hired and paid to do their job. In a lot of cases, I should be paying people more. They’re doing it because they love it and you can feel that.

Outside of working on your music, you started Checkbook Re-

Does your team come together a lot to figure out how you can

How does it feel to see the final product?

cords. Why did this seem like a natural next step?

separate yourself from what everyone else is doing in the industry? Totally. To be really honest, I wasn’t really thinking about myself as a brand that strongly until November or December of last year. I met someone randomly who became my mentor. I asked the universe, ‘please send me a mentor. I want somebody who has done this to teach me,’ and this guy has taught me a lot about how to think of myself as a brand. Basically, it’s a rabbit hole. You can go as deep or as shallow as you want, and it’s something I have become passionate about. Thank God for my girl that runs my cosmetics with me. She’s got a really distinct talent for branding, almost like a Kris Jenner type. I told her, ‘you should be doing this for people as your job’. She taught me a lot about fashion that I didn’t know. I grew up in Nebraska, and we don’t really have Chanel or Balenciaga runway shows, so she taught me a lot about McQueen and a lot of the darkness you see in my brand is from her. My girl Kayla, who came in on EP 3 and killed the Sade video, came in with the whole creative

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direction on that and a couple of my other videos. So she had a big influence on building this thing, especially with the R&B side of it cause she and I both love, like love R&B music. It is important to think of yourself as a brand and surround yourself with people who also love building special brands. Our theme for this issue is ‘Art is Life’. How has art changed your life? Art is such a high vibration of honesty and courage. It taught me to find my own aesthetic and perspective — to express my most true self. The pieces that move me define who I am! What advice do you have for aspiring musicians? Ooh, that’s a thick question. I really figured out that my purpose in life is to serve. Maybe it’s getting older, but I kind of gave up making music for myself or for my ego. I really try to make songs that are on a high vibration, that motivates people, and helps them understand their worth and that they’re deserving of their wildest dreams. So I find that a lot of my followers are artists. They are creative, and that’s somehow so flattering to my ego that I just want to keep helping them however I can. So my advice would be to follow your instincts. It’s really important to be a little bit spiritual and learn to listen to your gut because that’s going to reveal your most potent artistry. If that’s your goal, to be an amazing artist, it’s gonna be exposing your soul to the world through your music or through your art, and that’s a scary thing to do. So I’m here to support. If you need anything, DM me. I make myself available. 14

Sean Kennedy Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Adam Brett Schnee

While other high school sophomores were doing homework and studying for finals, Sean Kennedy was busy creating an album. Hailing from New York, this singer-songwriter is continuously coming out with new music like a true professional. His newest album, The One, finds Kennedy singing about crushes and first love the way only a teenager can. With his songwriting skills and strong work ethic, we’re sure 2020 is going to be his year.

When did singing become a passion of yours? Growing up, I always loved music. I discovered songwriting when I was in third grade, and I instantly fell in love with it. I had just moved to a new school and I wrote about everything in my life. You’re a sophomore in high school and have already released your second album. Do you think growing up in this time of social media and technological innovations has made it easier for you to get your music out there? Yes, totally. Almost all of my discography was recorded in my home studio, and growing up in this age of technology made it so easy to learn how to do everything on my own. Social media has also made it really easy to share my work and build a presence outside of school and my hometown. For people still discovering your music, how would you describe your sound in three words? I would say that my music varies a 15

lot, consisting of big pop songs, laidback ballads, and chill acoustics.

about love and the fascination of a person, while at the same time it’s my best effort yet.

What’s your songwriting process?

Now that we’re in this time of being at home, have you been working on new music?

I tend to start with a melody or a single line, and build off of it, however, I’ve been writing to track a lot recently. Tell us a bit about the title track “The One”. How long did it take for you to create and why did it seem fitting to be the title track? I wrote “The One” a month before the record was mastered. It was a very last-minute song. Unlike my last album, I was having a lot of difficulty figuring out what the title would be, and I also felt like there was something missing on the record. I came up with the title “The One” by looking through the lyrics of all my songs, and I noticed that phrase was mentioned a handful of times, so I wrote a song from it. I thought it was a great title because it means a few things; I think it signifies that the album is

Yes, it’s all I’ve been doing! The spring tends to be very busy between school and sports, for me. Now I’ve really had a ton of free time to work on new music, and I already have around 35 demos for the next record. Who are some of your music inspirations? Taylor Swift has always been a huge inspiration for me. I also love Conan Gray, Madison Beer, and Dua Lipa. Jack Antonoff is one of my favorite producers. What advice do you have for aspiring singers? I would tell them to stay true to themselves and to get as involved in the music-making process as possible.

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By Sophie Sachar Lucky for us, some great music has made 2020 a little more tolerable. Here are 10 releases I’ve been enjoying (in no particular order) as we reach the halfway point of a truly remarkable year.

Yves Tumor - Heaven to a Tortured Mind Kicking off with one of the best singles of the year, Heaven to a Tortured Mind is a funhouse of an album, a warped reflection of pop + rock that’s creepy and groovy in equal parts. Sounds and voices come in and out, explode, soar, and echo, tethered by strong drums and bass. You won’t know exactly what’s happening, but you’ll like it. Kevin Krauter - Full Hand This collection of endlessly replayable bedroom pop feels like sunbathing on a spring afternoon. Acoustic guitar twinkles with glittery synths in a misty rainbow of melancholy tunes. King Krule - Man Alive! Archy Marshall has been making music for isolation since the beginning. Dealing in guttural yelps, dingy metropolitan imagery, grinding bass lines, and warped echoes, this album is no different — anxious, atmospheric, and warm. Thundercat - It Is What It Is The eclectic bassist returns with more funky R&B, featuring his flitting falsetto, spacey synths, and cheeky sense of humor. Dogleg - Melee I knew from the first riff of “Kawasaki Backflip” that Melee would be one of my favorites this year. Detailed, original, and cathartic, Melee is a breakneck emo/punk record that has me seriously yearning for the sweaty embrace of the mosh pit (car scream-alongs will have to suffice for now). Waxahatchee - Saint Cloud On her most recent record, Katie Crutchfield leans further into Americana with a collection of tender country-inspired songs. She often sounds like she’s singing through a smile — maybe you’ll find yourself doing the same. 19

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Charli XCX - how i’m feeling now “In real life, could the club even handle us?” PC pop star Charli XCX wonders on opening track “pink diamond”. Humming with energetic production and crunchy dissonance, how I’m feeling now is for the missed nights on the dance floor, new beginnings nipped in the bud, and the power of artists to adapt. The album was created from scratch entirely in quarantine, and it still doesn’t seem like Charli is slowing down. Little Simz - Drop 6 (EP) The “f***boy resistant” British rapper Little Simz also completed a project while quarantined for an EP that’s breezy and self-assured. Porridge Radio - Every Bad This album is full of dark, comforting, down-inthe-dumps anthems from the rocky shores of Brighton, UK. Exploring themes of loneliness, depression, and anger, this post-punk record is a powerful and purifying listening experience. R.A.P. Ferreira - Purple Moonlight Pages The latest project from the shapeshifting artist formerly known as Milo and Scallops Hotel is a mellow, philosophical jazz-rap masterpiece. “CYCLES” is one of the best tracks of the year — transcendent and oddly prophetic: “It was gonna be a big summer… yet, somehow that’s never the case, is it?” A gentle reminder that everything is in flux. Other releases I’ve enjoyed this year so far include Nick Hakim, Moses Sumney, Tennis, Squirrel Flower, Dijon, Lil Uzi, Perfume Genius, Empty Country, and Don Toliver. Happy listening! 20

Cadderwall Interview by Carol Wright Photos courtesy of Cadderwall

Cadderwall is the not-quite-studio project of Clem Cahill. She only has a few songs out under this alias, but once you get a taste of her heartfelt and personal music about love and growing up, you are sure to be hooked.

Did your childhood or where you grew up have any influence on you deciding to become a musician? I think the circumstances of my childhood definitely had a role in how I got here. I was born and lived in Dublin, Ireland for the first couple years of my life; so much of Irish culture and history is rooted in music and poetry, and that definitely stuck with me. My parents were part of the New Wave scene in the 1980s and 1990s, so I grew up listening to bands like the Cure, ’Til Tuesday, The Smiths, Siouxsie, and the Banshees, and so many others. I spent my teen/coming-ofage years in suburban New Jersey, which had its ups and downs. On one hand, the town where I lived was a quiet Catholic community where there wasn’t much happening in terms of a music scene. This pushed me to take matters into my own hands and start learning how to play all the instruments I needed to make my own one-man-band. I felt kind of out-of-place as a teenager and spent a lot of time listen21

ing to records by bands like Beach House, Rostam, Angel Olsen, and Slowdive in my room and really leaning into that particular brand of maudlin. I’ve been playing guitar since I was around 10 years old, so music felt like a natural outlet for me. On the other hand, I was only an hour by train from shows in New York City and just down the street from a developing music scene in Asbury Park, NJ. By going to cheap shows every weekend, meeting unusual people, hearing weird music, and reading really good poetry, I eventually realized I wanted to be part of that world. When I was lucky enough to move to Boston, Massachusetts for college, I started to put that idea into motion. Since there are multiple streaming services and new technologies nowadays was it an easy process to start releasing your original music? It was definitely more complicated than I thought it would be. Around 2017, I put my first couple

of demos up on SoundCloud and then moved to Bandcamp, which definitely has a more artist-friendly interface and setup in general. Getting music on Spotify was a little different as I’m not signed to a label and don’t have a distributor. I enlisted some help from one of my friends (who is also a musician) and landed on using a service called DistroKid to put my songs out independently. Your music makes me feel like the lead in a coming of age movie (and I mean that as a compliment). Is there a certain feeling you hope to evoke in your music? First of all, thank you! Honestly, the main feeling I want to give people is the way I felt at all the shows I went to as a teen. That experience was the single most important factor in my decision to start making music. The distinct human connection between an artist on stage and a room full of people returning their energy is so powerful and bridges so many gaps in commu-

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nication and perspective. I knew I wanted to create something that could make people feel seen like that. That being said, I’m definitely not a born performer. Anybody that knows me will tell you I’m awkward at best and I’ve never been able to articulate feelings or really even sentences properly. But with music, it’s different. Honing down those emotions in songs makes sense to me and just makes things come out a little easier. Beyond performance, I want people to feel held and understood by the music I write — that kind of music you sing alone in your bedroom after a party that left you feeling lonelier than you were at home. I know that DEFINITELY sounds pretentious and corny, but I think that kind of exchange between musicians and listeners is sacred, a kind of prayer you say for yourself or whichever lover is still stuck in the back of your head. Tell us a bit about your song “Lunch Poems”. Was it a long process from writing it to recording it? “Lunch Poems” was actually written and recorded more quickly than most of my other songs. I got the idea for the first couple verses on a train ride up the east coast earlier this year in January. I had a couple of hours alone and passed the time by flipping through a book of collected poetry by Frank O’Hara. A few lines from “Having a Coke with You” (the excerpt in “Lunch Poems”) got stuck in my head and I considered using them in a song, but I wasn’t sure how. A couple of weeks later, I was in my dorm trying to come up with something. My guitar cable was shot, so all I had was a USB keyboard and a 90-day Logic trial. I hadn’t done

much with synths before, so I laid down some arpeggios, bass, and a drum track, and an hour or so later I had written the song (many thanks to my roommate Sierra, who graciously helped me pick the better of about 500 identical vocal takes that night). The lyrics pretty much wrote themselves, but are without a doubt the most personal lines I’ve written so far. It came about in a way I’ve heard other artists describe as a sneeze — suddenly and all at once. Where do you often pull inspiration from for your song lyrics? Pretty much everything I write comes from things I’ve done and seen, like so many others. My biggest inspiration has always been other people; my friends constantly give me ideas for songs whether they’re aware of it or not. I try to journal once a week or so, and I’ve definitely pulled lines and concepts from re-reading those entries. I have major problems with writer’s block, and to combat that I try to read a lot of poetry and nonfiction. Right now, I’m reading Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg and Zami: A New Spelling of My Name by Audre Lorde and trying to expand my understanding of social issues in relation to others’ experiences. We’ve all been at home for weeks now. What have you been doing to pass the time?

I’ve started working on a video for “Lunch Poems”, which will probably take a little while, but is exciting nonetheless. I’ve also made my fair share of sourdough, of course. Our theme for this issue is ‘Art is Life’. How has art changed your life? For me, all vessels and vehicles of art have always been a reason to carry on when times were particularly rough. When I first started college in Boston, I treated the loneliness that came with my newfound freedom in the crowds at shows. Being around other people that found solace in the same music as me made me feel like I had an unspoken community. I’ve met so many of my closest friends through mutual love of musicians and poets and artists. What advice do you have for aspiring musicians? Write as much as you can. If you spend too much time thinking about what other people want from your music, you’ll lose your voice in the process. Start putting yourself out there by putting your music online, even if it feels like you’re not ready. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. Don’t let the insular nature of ‘music scenes’ or the aloofness of industry leaders intimidate you. Send a risky email to a label or a producer or a venue. You have something to say and nothing to lose.

I’ve been trying to write a little bit, but with everything happening right now I’ve mostly been doing whatever I can to be of use to the folks protesting for Black Lives Matter right now. Like I said before, I’ve been doing a lot of reading to try to become as educated as I can on these issues. In personal news, 24

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J.Antonette Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Chad Crawford

Country singer-songwriter J.Antonette received her start as a background singer for Melissa Etheridge and has since backed up Grammy Award-winner Michael Bolton among others. As an artist, J.Antonette has opened for country acts such as Jordan Davis and Tucker Beathard. Her career as a singer-songwriter began flourishing after her original songs were played on the radio, and one of her songs was a finalist in the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Competition. This Nashville-transplant is set to take over the country music scene.

When did you know you wanted to be a musician? I’ve always had music in my blood from a very young age. However, originally I was mainly just focused on melodies and songwriting. I don’t remember a day without music in my childhood home. Truthfully, as a kid I was always afraid to be the front person, afraid of the spotlight. I would hide behind my writing. I was pretty set on the fact that I wanted to be a songwriter. I didn’t realize I wanted to be a professional singer until my early mid-20s. Who are some of your music inspirations? This is always a tough question! There’s been so many different artists that have been an inspiration. To name a few, Alison Krauss, Jeff Buckley, Bread, Karen Carpenter, Dixie Chicks, Fleetwood Mac, the Dixie Chicks, Sheryl Crow, Jo Dee Messina. You were a background singer for Melissa Etheridge and Michael Bolton. What did you learn during your time as a background singer? Melissa Etheridge was my first tour as a background vocalist. I was completely green. It shaped me in so many ways. I think what I learned the most from that was to believe in myself, as cheesy as that sounds. I think at the time I lacked confidence because that was the first tour I’ve ever done. I didn’t discover my sound yet or myself for that matter. That experience positively shocked my system. It made me who I am today for many reasons. Since then, I’ve toured around the world with various bands singing background. Getting to perform with Michael Bolton on the “Today Show”, 26

and “the Wendy Williams show” was so much fun! I think what I take away from each experience is the realization that nothing is impossible. We are able to grow, learn, and become whatever we believe we can be! It just takes hard work and determination. After being a background singer, were you nervous to start putting out original music? I had put out original music before those background tours, but on a different level. After singing background and gaining so much knowledge, experience, and spending about six months training my voice, I was excited to finally show who I was becoming! I think you’re always a bit nervous when you release anything because as a creator that’s an extension of ourselves at that time. I’d say I was less nervous and more excited than anything. Your single “Something I Said” was a finalist in the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Competition in the country genre. How did it feel to have your song recognized on that level? I was so excited! I couldn’t believe it! To have a song I came up with while driving to the beach turn into something that competed against thousands of talented musicians blew me away. I was honored! What inspired the lyrics to your song “Drunk On Me”? The talented Lyndee Underbakke and Colleen Francis were working on “Drunk On Me” and decided to send me their worktape for it. As soon as I heard the concept and melody, I fell in love. I asked to take a stab at working on it and 27

molding it to my experience and they gave me the go! I think my talented co-writers would agree it’s inspired by loving someone even though maybe you know you shouldn’t. I was in a toxic relationship (a common theme in my life lol) and I was addicted to a person with an addiction to bad habits. Our theme for this issue is ‘Art is Life’. How has art changed your life? Art is life. I think this current pandemic has shown the importance of music and creating. Artists, entertainers, musicians, writers, we are entertaining and providing healing, love, happiness, and stress relief to those struggling during this. Music is a part of our everyday lives. Whether it’s watching TV, driving in your car, walking into a restaurant…It’s everywhere you go and you might not realize it! It has a huge impact on our everyday life. What advice do you have for aspiring singers? I think the advice I would give aspiring singers would be to work harder than everyone else and don’t assume opportunities should be given to you. Earn them. You can dream about your goals all day…but they only turn into your reality if you actually take the steps to get there.

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“...don’t assume opportunities should be given to you. Earn them. You can dream about your goals all day…but they only turn into your reality if you actually take the steps to get there.”

Börni Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Joe Sciacca

Born and raised in Zürich, Switzerland, Börni found her passion for music starting at age three when she began singing and playing the violin, soon after turning to the piano and guitar. Throughout her adolescence, Börni sang in gospel choirs, wrote and performed her own songs in her first garage rock band, and quickly learned how to perform and entertain an audience, including performing on stage at just six years old in the prestigious Zürich Opera House. After visiting New York City, she felt a connection to American culture and started creating music under the name Vava Voom. Before long, she realized that although she still embraced the American lifestyle and culture, she was growing into her own identity as a fresh, unique artist — still maintaining her roots in her home country of Switzerland — and thus Börni was born.

You’ve been interested in music since you were three. When did music go from a passion to something you wanted to do as a career?

Heights”. More specifically, it’s a sort of long rotating list. But I would say currently it’s Sia, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, and a few more.

A few years ago, I competed in the Swiss television show, “Musicstar,” where my performance led me to ink a record deal with Sony Music. This was definitely a course-setting experience in my life. Also, my first trip to NYC laid the groundwork for my love and aspirations to be in the American and world music scene.

What’s your songwriting process?

Who are some of your music inspirations? Well, I’ve always been curious about all types of music and was never afraid to try them. Anything from classical to rock to pop to alt to urban, I’d find what I loved about it and use that in my own development. That curiosity led me to the sound I have today, which is a fusion of all my favorite inspirations. The hip hop influence is definitely noticeable in “New 29

For me, the music usually translates a certain feeling. It will decide the mood of what the topic will be, for sure. Most of the time, the lyrics will be about something I’ve experienced myself or possibly others or the world in the current state, and then I’ll go from there. How does the music come along? I would say that’s definitely depending on how I feel at the moment or who is in the room with me to create. I usually start with an instrument, add a beat, and then try to come up with a vocal top line right away while It’s still fresh in my mind. I don’t think I’ve ever started with lyrics before I had the melody. I would write down topics, and when the right music was there, I would pull the ideas back up.

Tell us about your song “New Heights”. What inspired the lyrics and sound? Synematik, the producer of “New Heights”, came up with really dope melodies and the beat. Then adding drums to it, we knew we were on to something. I wrote the song with Synematik, Taylor Hill, and Lucius Page from the PageBrothers. We thought about what it took us to get to the point we were at the time. We all faced major obstacles and challenges in life and overcame them when it would’ve been so easy to just give up. We kept pushing and remained focused on making progress. And that’s what the lyrics are actually about. “New Heights” was inspired by the struggles that I or anyone else who has a dream goes through. Those struggles either make you or break you, and “New Heights” is about what is possible when you don’t give up. How involved were you in the music video creation for “New Heights”? How did it feel to see

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the final product? I guess I’ve become the type of artist that wants to be involved in the whole process, from A-Z, which involves the music video, of course. Call me a control-freak (haha) but in the end, I just want to make sure that everything is authentic to who I really am, and it represents my artistry. So, when the director, Jasmin Sidler, and I planned out this video, we both agreed that the lyrics of this cool, fun song should be reflected in the visuals. You’ll see how that unfolds when the video is released. The video shoot was so exciting and just so much fun. Don’t want to give too much away, but I’m positive that you will feel this in the captured footage. I am super excited about the final product! Why did the name Börni seem fitting for this next phase of your music career? Growing up as the cool friend who hangs with the boys and was influenced by three brothers, I also developed a girly side that didn’t shine through most of the time. Exploring this side more, my alter ego (Vava Voom) got her time to shine. Finding my true self in both sides makes me Börni, and it illustrates my true character. Releasing music as Börni is letting me tell my story as an artist in the most real and authentic way now. I found myself in my urban pop vibes while starting to produce during the last few years, and sneakers and skateboards snuck back into my lifestyle more and more, even though I do embrace both sides of myself. I am very excited about the music I’m releasing now, and being back to Börni, I really hope people will be just as excited about it as I am.

Our theme for this issue is ‘Art is Life’. How has art changed your life? Art, to me, is something that is created with imagination and skill, and that is beautiful, or expresses ideas and feelings. It is a way to communicate something. Art has helped me to express my thoughts and emotions in a very intimate way, and through music, it was one of the most fulfilling things in my life. It not only led to self-happiness, but I was able to inspire other people and share this beauty with them. My main goal is always to show people their own possibilities, to dream bigger, and give them good energy. Through art, I can reach ears that wouldn’t be open or ready to listen if it wasn’t through a song. This has not only changed my own life, but also the lives of others. What advice do you have for aspiring singers? Be authentic! That’s the lesson of my life in this industry. People want to see the real you so they can relate to you and your music. Also, create more music until something grabs the attention of people. The main thing is to dream big, never give up, and keep making progress. Outwork everyone else while having fun and enjoy every part of the journey. I could go on and on.

Maya J Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Ryan West

Maya Jenkins (aka Maya J), is a dedicated actress, singer, and songwriter. In addition to writing the music and lyrics to all of her own music, she has written full songs for networks such as Freeform. More recently, she has been releasing a steady stream of singles. She chatted with Nyota about her songwriting process and being an actress and singer.

Were you a performative child? Oddly enough, not really. As a young child, I was always reciting scenes from movies, much to the delight of my family — but I wasn’t in any organized performances. Mainly, my performances were in violin recitals and orchestra. I was actually pretty scared to sing or talk in front of crowds until my teen years hit. What a major switch. I still get stage fright sometimes, and of course I’m still nervous in some performance settings now, but I’m much more content with what I do and how I do it. You sing and act. Do you have a preference between the two? No. These crafts; songwriting, acting, and singing are equally important in my life. I really mean it — that’s like a parent choosing between children, impossible! Do you have a different process for when you’re writing songs for an album versus writing songs for a network like Freeform? In songwriting as a whole, the overall process is the same for me. Emotion, chords, melody, and lyrics — in whatever order I’m feeling at the time. The specifics of the process are different however. If I’m writing a song for a single or album release, I write about things I’ve seen, things I’ve felt, or things that have happened. Life around me is where I draw my inspiration, like many other songwriters. If I’m writing a song for a network show or a film, I think about the content of the project as well as the character descriptions, storyline, subtext, and emotional tone of the show before I construct how the song will sound. In either setting, I always like to leave a little bit of ambiguity in the lyric content so more people can relate to it, with whatever they are going through on a personal level.

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“Sometimes the song is a hit, and sometimes it’s not. Sometimes the pilot gets ordered into a full series, and other times it doesn’t. Learning how to roll with the punches and not hate yourself after a bad day or a bad show is important.”

Tell us about your single “Hurricane”. What inspired the lyrics and sound?

in the song — storm surge. Darn. Well, I’m saying it now, so can that count?

“Hurricane” was such a journey and an interesting song to create. I wrote a smooth, minor-toned, mid-tempo song, and that’s exactly how it ended up. I wanted the sound to be relaxed with swells, but also powerful, just like the ocean. “Hurricane” was inspired by rocky relationships — whether they are romantic, platonic, or familial. The lyrics are full of hurricane metaphors, and I grew up half way in a subtropical climate where hurricanes were a major topic of conversation every year. I’ve lived through some hurricanes, and they are pretty scary. I just felt that the features of a hurricane actually explained difficult situations and tough relationships perfectly. I just now realized that I left out one major aspect of hurricanes

What was one of the biggest obstacles you had to overcome when first starting your career? The biggest obstacle I had to overcome was my confidence level. I think when you’re a teen, and you’ve been bullied in the past, you are constantly second-guessing yourself. To be a part of an industry where it’s all about rejection, you really have to hold your head up high and not care what anyone thinks. Sometimes the song is a hit, and sometimes it’s not. Sometimes the pilot gets ordered into a full series, and other times it doesn’t. Learning how to roll with the punches and not hate yourself after a bad day or a bad show is important.

Do you hope to combine your passions for acting and singing more in the future? Maybe by playing a singer in a biopic or something along those lines. Absolutely. I have always said that sometime in my acting career, I would like to be a part of a musical drama series, or a musical film, or a film where I also performed the credit song. Those things will always be on my checklist! Combining music with acting in the same project would be a dream come true. Our theme for this issue is ‘Art is Life’. How has art changed your life? Art has changed my life in the sense that I’m not sure what it would be without art. I’ve never been without the ability to express myself through art forms. Whether it was

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my youth art gallery membership, intensive camps, music, songwriting, pottery, acting class, auditions, or actual booked roles — I always had it, and I grew up used to being immersed in a world of performing arts. This issue being titled ‘Art is Life’ is a perfect phrase for my life personally. I’ve always said that too, and this proves to me that you manifest what you say, and that life truly does come full circle. What advice do you have for aspiring singers? To quote Beyoncé, “Always stay gracious, best revenge is your paper.” Now, get in formation.

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#NYOTAfashion

Erikka Franklin Interview by Carol Wright Photos courtesy of Erikka Franklin

While most 13 year olds are worrying about school dances or math homework, Erikka Franklin is busy building her own company. Her passion for fashion led her to creating a fanny pack line called Fannysofab. Through her company she has been able to create fanny packs for Kehlani, Kandi Burruss, Young Blacksta, Taylen Biggs and more. Outside of taking over the world of fashion one fanny pack at a time, she also created a non-profit organization called #mychocolatedontmelt to inspire young girls to be themselves. Through her work, Franklin has solidified herself as one to watch.

When did you become passionate about fashion? I became passionate about fashion when I was about 6 years old. When I was around that age, I created doll clothes out of socks. In that moment I created a genuine love for crafting, fashion, and creating. Who are some of your style inspirations? Some of my style inspirations are Rihanna, my surroundings, and Tayla Parx. It’s one thing to like fashion, it’s a whole other thing to start a business. What motivated you to start creating and selling fanny packs? What motivated me to start a business is my ability to set a goal and go for it — also allowing myself to believe in myself, in my dreams, and never giving up. What is your design process? How long does it usually take you to customize a fanny pack? It takes me anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes to create a Fannysofab. I feel as though it’s important to make sure every rhinestone and patch is precise.

“... be yourself no matter what anyone says and to keep going — your time will come, remain humble.” You’ve had the opportunity to create fanny packs for Kehlani and others. How did those opportunities come about? One of the reasons why my fanny pack line is growing is my ability to network and my open mind. Thankfully, hard work has definitely paid off in some of the best ways possible. I’ve had amazing opportunities like creating a Fannysofab for Kehlani and more! You’re 13 and already have a business. Did you ever feel as though you had to try extra hard to prove yourself because of your age? Being 13 definitely comes with challenges, but it definitely motivates me to work harder and harder. Our theme for this issue is ‘Art is Life’. How has art changed your life? Art has definitely given me a platform to express myself through fashion unapologetically. What advice do you have for aspiring designers? The advice I give for aspiring designers is to be yourself no mat41

ter what anyone says and to keep going — your time will come, remain humble.

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Janice Hillman Interview by Carol Wright Photos courtesy of Janice Hillman

Blogger, poet, writer and self-proclaimed fashion-lover, Janice Hillman is a part of the next wave of fashion influencers. On TikTok, her posts range from showing her vintage 1970s dress collection to outfits she would wear as Andy in The Devil Wears Prada. On YouTube, her lookbooks will inspire you to head to the thrift store, and her neutral aesthetic on Instagram will make you want your whole closet to consist of black and white clothing. As a New York resident (where there is no shortage of fashion inspiration) in her 20s, Hillman is bursting at the seams with ideas and promise.

When did you become interested in fashion? I have been interested in fashion ever since I was a child. I used to watch “Project Runway” and “The Rachel Zoe Project” with my mom all the time and I just fell in love with it. In high school, I took a design class for four years. During that time I started my Instagram account and became an influencer, and now I go to a fashion business school in New York City! How would you describe your personal style? I would say my personal style varies depending on my mood, but I definitely gravitate towards romantic vintage, bohemian, and classic. I love simple pieces, but I also love vintage dresses and corsets, and then sometimes I want to wear a fringe leather jacket and bell-bottom jeans. It’s all about wearing what makes you feel beautiful and confident. I’ve loved your styling videos on TikTok like ‘Outfits I’d Wear as a Totally Spies! Character’. Where do you usually pull inspiration from for your videos? That video was a lot of fun to make! I got the idea from the cartoon character trend on TikTok. It made me think about cartoons I used to love watching when I was a kid, and “Totally Spies!” was one of them. I thought it would be the perfect mix of fashion and nostalgia, plus I had the perfect jumpsuit for it! I also felt it would be fun to think about how I would look in the “Totally Spies!” universe and styling the outfits accordingly — it made it more of a challenge. When it comes to getting inspiration for my 44

TikTok videos in general, I would say the trends that I see on the platform and my desire to put my own twist on them influences me. Other than that, it is just a matter of creating content that I love and would want to watch myself if I was on the other side of the screen. I enjoy showcasing my love for vintage clothing as well as dipping back into my childhood and living out my nostalgia for things like Disney Princesses and playing dress up. Have you gotten any style inspiration from the fashion community on TikTok? The fashion community on TikTok has definitely been a source of inspiration for me! I have discovered so many beautiful and innovative people on the platform (I only just downloaded the app two months ago, so I still have more to discover) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; among them are @the.navarose and @kelsey.simone â&#x20AC;&#x201D; seeing what other people are doing and adapting their styles and ideas to my own is a constant source of creativity for me! Have you been experimenting with your style while in quarantine? Quarantine has definitely been a time of self-reflection, especially when it comes to style. I have fallen into the rabbit hole of online shopping on more than one occasion, and since I have been stuck at home for so long, I could not help but change up my style now and then. After all, looking at the same reflection every day can become boring! I love to play with different styles and just have fun! Though my closet is a mess because of it, haha. 45

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Who are some of your style inspirations? My mother is definitely my top style icon. She is such a classic beauty and her style is impeccable, plus she has taught me everything I know about fashion! She is truly everything I aspire to be. When it comes to celebrity icons, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Brigitte Bardot are my top three… I love all of their films and their style is so timeless and chic. Do you hope to work in the fashion industry in the future? I would love to continue working in the fashion industry! I started working in retail when I was 15 years old (at Brandy Melville) which is also when I started my fashion blog on Instagram, and I have never looked back! While things have been a bit up-and-down over the past few years, the fashion industry is constantly changing and evolving, and so am I. I am so excited to grow into the industry and express myself and inspire others along the way! Our theme for this issue is ‘Art is Life’. How has art changed your life? Art has made a huge impact on my life. My mom is an artist, as was my father, and I come from an eclectic family. I am also a naturally artistic person and I crave creative outlets — whether it’s writing, photography, fashion styling, film, or interior design. I believe art is a way of life. Art is about beauty, but it is also about pursuing truth and not being afraid to put yourself out there. Art is about vulnerability, and I think these elements are key to life.

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Artists Pivot to Face Mask Making:

The Epitome of ‘Art Is Life’ By Arielle Ostry

f there is one thing that a global pandemic and resulting quarantine has taught us, it’s that art is everything. When we were mandated to stay in, Netflix released new shows, museums developed online tours, and dance archives bloomed with new activity. We soon found that when faced with struggle and uncertainty, art became an entity we couldn’t bear to live without. It’s not just the bread and butter to our everyday activities and pastimes, but also the rainbow sprinkles which mark our oncein-a-lifetime moments. But with this newfound appreciation, there has also been plenty of setbacks for the art community. In fact, a survey by Americans for the Arts and Artist Relief found that 95 percent of artists have lost income during the pandemic. Funding has been slashed, performances postponed, and grants rescinded. In early April, the MoMA terminated all of its contracts with their freelance museum educators, cultural grants were revoked throughout Pennsylvania, and a UNESCO study predicted that 13 percent of the world’s museums may have to close their doors permanently thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet if art is anything, it’s resilient. Throughout this crisis, it has been fascinating to see how much artistry and expression can be poured into something as simple and utilitarian as a face mask. Artists throughout the fashion industry and beyond are working diligently to be a part of the solution, and never seem to disappoint. Creative minds (in some cases in fields completely unrelated to apparel) are busy reacclimating to fit into the current climate. Based in Brooklyn, glass mosaic artist Allison Eden is a prime example. While she began her career in the fashion industry designing sportswear, she made a name for herself with various interior design projects featuring large, glass hanging pieces and wallpaper patterns. Now, Eden is repurposing her visual eye and joining the mission 48

to empower everyone in masking up. Her unique kaleidoscope and rainbow heart patterns, overflowing with bright color and personality, are now for sale in mask form. In a press release made available by her company, Eden expressed her desire to provide aid and support to those affected during this challenging time: “I’m so excited to re-enter the fashion business with my mosaic patterns and contribute to the battle against COVID-19.” LoveShackFancy (LSF), a high-end fashion boutique led by Creative Director Rebecca Hessel Cohen, is applying its whimsical floral patterns to a mask line of their own. It’s a bit startling to peruse an online clothing store and come across a link dedicated to masks between the shoes and accessories tabs. Inspired by vintage designs, these face masks are made from the company’s leftover fabric, serving up soft, feminine hues. Even better than their aesthetic value, LSF has pledged that for every mask purchased, another will be donated to essential workers and first responders in New York and New Jersey. Of course, online artist communities like Threadless couldn’t be left out of the loop! In late April, the Chicago-based eCommerce site launched their own initiative featuring masks designed by a coalition of artists who have lost income due to the pandemic. Although the masks are not medical grade, they do follow CDC guidelines for general use in public. When discussing the company’s decision to move in this direction, Threadless CEO Jake Nickell said: “Masks are looking to be 49

a part of our culture for the foreseeable future so [we] may as well express ourselves a bit through art and design when wearing them.” With Threadless, artists are getting 60 percent of the apparel sales, and an additional portion of the proceeds are being donated to MedShare, an organization that provides medical supplies to communities in need. The fundraiser has already raised nearly $300,000 for the nonprofit. In the 1950s, it was all about pearls. We then traded in jewelry for bell-bottoms and platform heels in the ’70s. By the time the 2000s rolled around, trucker hats became the new fad. As we ring in the start of a new decade, perhaps it’s only right that the next wave of fashion promotes an accessory that’s useful and now essential. Our fashion is becoming life-saving, just like our art has always been.

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#NYOTAculture

Phillip Lewitski Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Benjo Arwas

Phillip Lewitski knew he wanted to be an actor after participating in a theatre production as a kid. Now he can be seen on the small screen in “Utopia Falls”, a Hulu show about a group of teens living in a future colony who find a forbidden archive of historical, cultural, and musical relics and use the power of music to create change. Lewitski comes to life on screen playing the calm-natured Apollo who not only discovers the truth about his colony but discovers things about himself along the way.

When did you become interested in acting?

What drew you to “Utopia Falls”?

I first experienced an interest in acting when my Maman put me on stage. I was homeschooled most of my life, and so when I was younger she put me in a theatre production as an extracurricular activity. I don’t think she ever imagined how deeply I would fall in love with the craft, but it was very clear to me right off the bat. Being homeschooled, I was exposed to a lot of different areas of life. We would go on homeschool field trips where we would see different career options so that we could start developing an idea of where our interests lied. The fact that I was exposed to a lot of different options at such a young age made it that much clearer to me that this was what I wanted to do. After that first theatre production in front of a live audience, I knew this was what I needed to do in this lifetime. As I grew older, my interests transitioned from stage to the screen as I was inspired by the greats on the silver screen.

Many things drew me to “Utopia Falls”, but a major one was the character I was going out for. Apollo felt very close to me and there was just this indescribable deep-rooted knowing that I had to explore him a certain way. The show’s concept as a whole was also unlike anything I had ever seen before which was very intriguing. They were pretty general when speaking about the show before we signed contracts and got cast, but we did know one thing: they wanted to represent different cultures and dive deep into their pasts and what that looked like. This was especially important as my ancestors and family history is something I hold very dear to me. Can you relate to your character Apollo? I can relate to Apollo on so many levels. I felt an instant connection to him from the second I read his

character breakdown. This was one of those roles I went out for that I felt this ease playing with the character. It felt like I was just falling into the arms of his energy without trying to get there. It can be difficult to get into the mind of a character that feels far from you. It is possible, but just requires more digging internally. Apollo’s mind and the way that he looked at life felt very similar to the lens I see life through. Our values and morals were in alignment and so when he did certain things in the show I personally felt his actions were justified. Music is a major player in the series. Do you think “Utopia Falls” showcases the power of music? Were you excited to bring your own musical talents to the show? “Utopia Falls” focuses on the birth and impact of hip hop but also deals with music and its influence as a whole. The show touches on all genres of music because music is universal and everyone has a love 52

for it somewhere. To see incredible artists be a part of the show was really inspirational and impactful. We had Snoop Dogg as one of the voiced characters, and music from artists including Kendrick Lamar, Alessia Cara, The Notorious B.I.G., Daniel Caesar, Jessie Reyez, Bill Withers, and The Roots. To see these music industry icons step forward to share their music with the show was quite moving. That’s what music is about, it’s about bringing people together. No matter your differences everyone can connect with music on some level and that’s a powerful thing. Music is a universal language that everyone speaks. It doesn’t care where you are in the world, it is there for you. I was overjoyed when I heard that Apollo was the musician on the show. I come from a huge musical background. I have lived and breathed music my whole life. Music has taken me out of some really dark places, so it holds a very special place in my heart. The fact that I was able to merge my love for music and instruments with my passion for acting was a pretty incredible experience. What was your favorite episode to shoot and why? My favorite episode to shoot was probably episode 5. It was so cool to see things come to fruition with the group of us. As unfortunate as the end of that episode turned out, it sends a powerful message to young people but really people of all ages. When you make a plan and see it through there can be some life-changing discoveries. This group of young people against all odds went past their fears and unapologetically dove into something that they believed in. Fear is one of the biggest tac53

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tics any authority figure can use to instill control over a mass of people. Of course, trust your fear because that is your body’s natural way of communicating something to you, but if there is that feeling in your stomach pushing you to do or say something, don’t let your fear muffle that. You’re also a writer and have already published a book. Do you think you’ll write scripts in the future? I would love to write a screenplay one day, but I think there will be a time and place for it. Ever since I was younger, I would randomly get these inspirations out of nowhere of different ideas for a feature film or TV series and I always wrote them down as soon as I could so I didn’t forget. I have this whole list of random movie ideas on my computer. I have started writing scripts for a few but haven’t completed any. I’m sure if it is meant to be, life will present me with signs that it’s time to move forward with things in that area. Our theme for this issue is ‘Art is Life’. How has art changed your life? Art has changed my life completely. It’s necessary to have some sort of outlet of escape in life and art happens to be mine. Art in all forms, music, my instruments, drawing with charcoal, theatre, all of it. Music can really influence your mood and how you’re feeling, so I’m always careful when listening to it. I make sure it doesn’t take me to somewhere darker if I am already feeling down. Use music and art to bring your vibrations up from where they are or to keep

them high if you are already feeling good. What advice do you have for aspiring actors? Take care of yourself mentally. This is a mind game and if you are not taking care of yourself mentally and emotionally it is going to be a really hard journey. There’s tons of promotion all over the place for taking care of yourself physically: diets, the gym, etc., but the mind is something that is often disregarded. Especially for males, it is framed as a weakness in society if you are a male who sees a psychologist or seeks help when he needs it. “There must be something wrong with him,” people may think. This is an essential piece of the work. Our job is to feel things others are too afraid to feel. I believe that that’s why you see so many young actors overdose or abuse substances as an escape. They are suppressing the emotional strain this industry has on their mind because they don’t know how else to do it. After you wrap up a day on set and you have to get to a certain dark place, if you aren’t properly filtering and working through the things you brought up inside, those feelings will continue to linger. These emotions are very uncomfortable and if you don’t know how to deal with them properly often the first thing you will resort to will be alcohol or drugs. Seeing a psychologist, meditation practices, breathing exercises, and natural vitamins are all ways to keep a consistent vibrational balance in your system. It’s good to start these practices even before you think you might need them. Sometimes, if you wait too long and only resort

to these methods when you feel like you need to, it’s way harder to get a hold of it. It’s just like a firefighter who works out daily to make sure he is in good physical shape in case of an emergency. He doesn’t wait until there is an emergency and he has to carry people out of a burning house to workout. He makes sure that he is prepared for the time when it comes. That’s the other thing, the time will come for actors. It is inevitable because of what this job demands of us so try and get ahead of it the best you can.

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Gabrielle Nevaeh Green Interview by Alyssa Winn Photographer: Storm Santos

Nickelodeon is back to being the main destination for young TV watchers who want sketch comedy now that “All That” is back on the air. The iconic show has returned with an all-new cast, including the hilarious Gabrielle Nevaeh Green. Green can be seen playing a range of characters from a young Beyoncé to a hyper coffee barista, and no matter what she is guaranteed to make you laugh. You’re currently working on the reboot of “All That”. Being born in the 2000s, had you heard about the ’90s version of the show previously? I had definitely heard of “All That” before getting on the show. I watched many episodes and the movie, Good Burger. I was already a big fan of the show and “Kenan & Kel”. Slime, Kids Choice Awards, ’90s Nick, Kenan Thompson, and Kel Mitchell?! What is it like being in the world of Nickelodeon? Being in the world of Nickelodeon is a true blessing. It is beyond my wildest dreams. Every day is like I am waking up to a dream. Nickelodeon is everything great that you can imagine plus a million. I am blessed to be surrounded by a loving, supportive cast and crew. I am surrounded by laughter, fun, creativity, and lots of SLIME! Is sketch comedy something you were familiar with prior to the show? Prior to the show, I was familiar with sketch comedy having watched “SNL” and “In Living Color”. I am also a stand-up comedian and grew up watching legendary comics like Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Richard Pryor, and Joan Rivers. Let’s go back to your roots. What was your first introduction to being a performer? My first introduction to being a performer was in middle school as a musical theatre major. I was going into middle school and my parents were looking for an academically gifted program for me to enter, and it happened to be an art school. In order to attend the school, it required an audition in an art area. I auditioned with over 4,000 applicants for one of only 200 spots, and was accepted for both vocals and musical theatre. My love for performing continued to grow from there. 58

Who influenced you growing up, and who do you look up to now? Growing up, I was definitely influenced by Zendaya, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Yara Shahidi. Watching these actresses was the first time that I felt like I was represented on television. I continue to look up to them now not only as multi-racial actresses representing us in Holly-

moment on the set of “All That”. My absolute favorite moment on the set of “All That” has to be our live shows on Friday nights. Each week, we film a part of our show in front of a live audience. The energy in the room is amazing! This is a time that I get to meet some of the fans of the show, take pictures with them, and get to know them.

make him laugh during the sketch. Alisha the Barista is so fun for me to play. I love physical comedy and this sketch really allows me to push those boundaries to the limit.

“If I can lift someone up with my words, shed light on a problem in our world, or share my experiences with being bullied to help someone else, then I am closer to using my influence to help others.” wood, but also for their activism. I am truly inspired by their use of their platform and voice to be a catalyst for change. How does it feel to now be an influence and role model yourself? To now be a role model is not something that I take for granted. It is a huge responsibility that I take very seriously. I have a strong sense of moral obligation to use this platform that God has provided to me to make a positive impact in our world. If I can lift someone up with my words, shed light on a problem in our world, or share my experiences with being bullied to help someone else, then I am closer to using my influence to help others. Tell us your absolute favorite 59

Our theme for this issue is ‘Art is Life’. How has art changed your life? Art has changed my life because it is an outlet for me. I can use the art of writing to share my life experiences and get out all of those emotions. I also love to draw as stress relief. I have found art as a form of self-expression and stress outlet. There have been some really exciting guest stars on the show. Do you have a favorite sketch with a guest star? To date, I would have to say my “Coffee, Coffee, Coffee” sketch with Tyga has to be my favorite. Tyga was so fun to work with, and I had a really great time trying to

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Faly Rakotohavana Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Birdie Thompson

After joining the world of entertainment by way of musical theatre, Faly Rakotohavana became serious about acting and decided to pursue it full time. This decision led him to roles in shows like “The Mick”, “Raven’s Home”, and more. Now, he has a lead role in the new Disney+ film Secret Society of Second Born Royals. Rakotohavana plays the smart and shy Matteo who has an unexpected but useful superpower. Secret Society of Second Born Royals will premiere July 17 on Disney+.

What initially got you interested in acting? I’ve always dreamed of being an actor from an early age, but I never attempted to pursue that dream until I was in the second grade. The only problem was that I had a really bad stuttering issue, so when I went to my first audition, I couldn’t even say the lines! I took a break for a while, and then in 6th grade I joined musical theatre and started taking my acting more seriously. Doing musical theatre helped me realize that I wanted to act on the big screen! My parents and I did some research and found a program called CGTV, and they helped me get an agent and a manager. My career just took off from there. What drew you to the role of Matteo in Secret Society of Second Born Royals? Matteo is the complete opposite of me. He is an awkward and shy person, and I don’t fit that description whatsoever. The challenge of getting to play someone that is completely opposite to myself is what really drew me to play this role. You play a prince who also spends his time keeping the world safe. How did you go about preparing for the role of Matteo? Did you have any stunt training? Yes, we did! We did a lot of cool stunt training and it was definitely some of the most fun I had on set! We did a lot of really fun parkour training that I really enjoyed! We also did some archery and that was fun as well, but nothing’s going to beat the parkour training. 61

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Secret Society of Second Born Royals is definitely a story Disney+ has never done before. Were you excited to be a part of a project that is entering new territory? I didn’t know how to feel at first! Of course, I was super excited to have an opportunity to play a role like this, especially since it’s such a new concept! Not only do I get to be royalty, but I get to be a superhero at the same time! How does it feel to now be a Disney Prince?

Be patient and kind! It takes a long time to start in this business. Some people need less time than others and it’s unfair, but that’s just how life goes. Be nice to everybody. No one wants to work with someone that’s difficult to work with. Pay attention to the things that are happening around you and be wary of who’s around you. The way to win in this business is to build friendships and connections, and that’s hard to do if you’re impatient and unkind. You want to be remembered as someone that everyone enjoyed being around.

It’s so surreal! The realization that I’m Disney royalty didn’t even hit me until I got back home after filming and all my friends and family kept asking me how it feels to be a Disney Prince. What did you and your castmates do off-screen to create a close bond that translated onscreen? We hung out a lot! We went and saw movies together, went out to eat A LOT, and did a lot of shopping together! Hanging out with the cast was always so fun and we all had a great time. Our theme for this issue is ‘Art is Life’. How has art changed your life? Art taught me to look at things from different perspectives. I learned that not everyone sees things the same way I do and that I need to understand their perspectives as well. What advice do you have for aspiring actors? 64

YouTubers That Cured My Quarantine Depression By Arielle Ostry

This is a hodgepodge inventory of channels that have given me strength (as a distraction) during these unprecedented times. Being stuck inside for so long without professional sports or live concerts to look forward to has been challenging, but YouTube creators have picked up a lot of slack in the entertainment department. The list below is quite eclectic, so while you may not enjoy everything on it, hopefully you can find at least one channel that interests you and can supplement your quarantine routine!

Brad Mondo If you haven’t felt the urge to give yourself some home-made bangs with all the salons closed, did you actually experience the great spring quarantine of 2020? Brad Mondo, a hair stylist and colorist based in NYC, is doing his part to make sure you don’t mess up your hair at home. Nevertheless, if you happen to fail and upload the video footage documenting the disaster, he’s not above reacting to it. There’s something so entertaining about watching Brad cringe as countless angsty teens and mistakenly confident adults fry their ends or turn their hair chicken yellow. It’s truly addictive. All the while, Brad will never neglect to call you beautiful and provide some sage advice. Mainly, “Bleach doesn’t lather!”

The TRY Channel You have probably seen plenty of reaction channels on YouTube, but don’t knock the trend until you check out The TRY Channel. Based in Ireland, it features various Irish people trying foods and drinks which are decidedly not Irish. From Danish candy (an assortment of salty licorice) to the strongest Asian liquor, you can live vicariously through the reactions of Leather Jacket Guy, who sports a pretty wild mustache and some of the craziest one-liners, or Ciara O’Doherty, whose taste buds seem indestructible (seriously, you should see her put away whiskey shots and ghost peppers). 65

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Ahsante the Artist Need a pep-talk? This girl has got the inspirational YouTube monologue down. Ahsante the Artist has become a sort of YouTube therapist for me during quarantine, reassuring that I don’t need to have everything figured out and reminding me what I do have control of while stuck at home. Some of my favorite videos include “How to Survive a Quarter-Life Crisis” and “Productivity for when you’re mildly depressed”, not to mention her book review video, which gave me a whole bunch of books to add to my must-read list! If you are looking for some guidance and inspiration in a judgement-free zone, let Ahsante help you “consciously and creatively live your life.”

BBC Radio 1: Unpopular Opinion Playlist Have you ever had an opinion that you couldn’t voice while in the company of friends? Like, “I don’t get the whole Oprah hype” or “Honestly, Leonardo DiCaprio is NOT that hot”. This short and sweet segment of Greg James’ BBC Radio 1 show lives on a curated YouTube playlist, featuring a myriad of well-known celebrities (like Sophie Turner, Justin Timberlake, and Tiffany Haddish to name a few). Listeners call in and voice their own unpopular opinion in a ‘safe space’, ranging from pretty relatable (“PDAs on Instagram are just TOO much!”) to the total absurd (“Horses are completely POINTLESS”). Celebrity guests are then able to weigh in on callers’ contributions, and even share their own contentious views with the world.

MorganDrinksCoffee Looking for new ways to shake up your boring, quarantined coffee routine? Morgan’s got you covered. I’ll admit that I’m a coffee addict, and although I’ve never worked as a barista, I’ve always been fascinated by all the effort that can go into a single cup of coffee. Plus, latte art is pretty cool to watch! Morgan recreates iconic drinks like Harry Potter-inspired butterbeer or Charlie D’Amelio’s favorite coffee order. She can also show you how to use that coffee contraption you received as a gift last holiday and are still not sure how to operate. Now that’s a quarantine goal to pursue!

In total, these channels have little to nothing in common, but this is what is so great about YouTube and the creators which support it. If you are into something (anything really) there is a niche out there for you. From coffee to hair color, I’m hard pressed to call my quarantined self truly bored. If just one of these creators speak to you, then check them out! Subscribe and enjoy all they have to offer. If not, don’t worry. There’s something out there for everyone, and right now, we have plenty of time to search. 66

Lily Brooks O’Briant Interview by Alyssa Winn Photographer: Nash Rockett, @nashrockett

Lily Brooks O’Briant started out her career in theatre. After working in musicals such as Matilda, she has taken her theatre skills to television. Now she can be seen playing Mandy in “The Big Show Show” on Netflix alongside WWE wrestler The Big Show and TV veteran Allison Munn.

“The Big Show Show” recently dropped on Netflix amidst the world quarantining for COVID-19. Tell us about the moment your binge-worthy show went live! We were SO excited and I think I hosted three different Netflix watch parties that day. We had planned to be in Tampa for WWE’s Wrestlemania to meet fans and do press interviews, but all of that changed. I was pretty disappointed at first, but I think that with everyone in quarantine, “The Big Show Show” gave families something to laugh about together. The only thing I wish I could change was not getting to enjoy the moment with my “Big Show Show” family. We really do love each other like family and I miss them! We are all looking forward to getting back together, hopefully soon. To celebrate the show launching, I sent the cast cookies decorated with “The Big Show Show” logo and even one ‘Big Show’ cookie from The Painted Cookie in Southaven, Mississippi, near where I grew up in Memphis. I wish we could have been together in person, but we all text, Facetime, and have had zoom calls to stay in touch during quarantine. You play Mandy on the show who is Type A and an overachiever. What do you and Mandy have in common and how do you differ? My character, Mandy, is the middle child in the Wight family (The Big Show’s name is Paul Wight, but most people call him ‘Show’ or ‘Big Show’). Mandy is determined, smart, super optimistic, quirky, a little anxious, VERY driven, and too adult for her tween everyday world. Mandy’s idols are RBG and Amy Poehler’s character on “Parks & Rec”, Leslie Knope. Mandy wants to change the world and make a positive difference, but she doesn’t know how to do it just yet. She has her life planned in 5 year increments. In the first episode, she is having a full-on identity crisis because even though she loves her older half-sister, Lola, who is moving in with the family for the 67

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first time, Lola moving in means that Mandy is no longer the oldest daughter in the family. This completely turns her world upside down because she doesn’t see herself as ‘a middle child’. The three Wight sisters are completely different, but they come together as a team to help each other. Just like normal siblings though, there are some bumps along the way. I am very determined and organized like Mandy. I have three planners and make lots of lists like Mandy. I guess I am a lot like Mandy but dialed back eight to nine notches. Mandy is a bit TOO anxious and has a hard time loosening up.

daughters some wrestling moves. He would joke around with us all of the time, was always encouraging, and told us he was proud of us no matter what happened. A funny story is that Juliet (who plays JJ) loves candy and would stash it everywhere — in every pocket and on set sometimes. Big Show would bring candy in for us, sneak it to us, and then take the wrappers so there was no evidence we had eaten candy. I had not watched WWE before I was cast, but my dad was a huge fan of WWE and The Big Show. He was thrilled and excited for me to play Big Show’s daughter. My sisters on the show and I became

I was 8 in Shark Lake. After Shark Lake, I was on Matilda for eight months and really do love both theatre and TV/film. I think “The Big Show Show” was almost the perfect first series regular role for me because it was TV acting that I love, but we also taped in front of a live studio audience, so it had the theatre aspect. It was truly a perfect combination of theatre and TV/film. Having the audience made me feel more comfortable and made the transition easier. What advice would you give to theatre actors transitioning to television acting? I think the biggest thing is to know

“If there is something you are passionate about that brings you joy, make sure to work hard to learn more about that passion to improve your skills every day. ” What is it like working with Big Show? Did you watch any wrestling before the show? Working with The Big Show was Amazing!! I was a little nervous because he is over seven feet tall and in his wrestling pictures he looks a little (ok, a lot) intimidating. But when I met him, he was so sweet and kind to me. He is the very best TV dad and is really protective of me, Reylynn and Juliet (my sisters on “The Big Show Show”). During one of the episodes we had to have wrestling mats on the floor and Big Show taught the 69

like actual sisters almost instantly. Allison Munn, who plays my mom, is a multi-cam veteran and was an INCREDIBLE role model. She taught us so much. You have done a national tour of Matilda: The Musical starring as the titular character. Coming from a theatre background, how did it feel integrating into a sitcom character? I started in local theatre when I was 5 years old, but then was so lucky to land a feature film playing Dolph Lundgren’s daughter when

your audience. In theatre, you have to be much bigger with your voice, expressions, and movement because you have to act to the back of the theatre. For TV and film, the acting is much more subtle because the camera is your audience and it picks up the slightest facial expression. You have to remember the difference because if you are too over-the-top with your facial expressions in TV and film, your acting doesn’t feel genuine or real. Theatre acting is such great training. We learn how to improv a lot because in theatre,

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anything can happen. There aren’t second takes and you have to be ready to just make it work. You also have to be ready to go for the scene and you only get one shot. A good part about TV and film is that you do get a second chance, but you still have to be ready to go because there are so many different camera angles that need to be filmed. Working as a St. Jude Children’s Hospital ambassador, you are clearly very dedicated to giving back. What sparked your interest in working with kids with terminal illnesses? St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in Memphis, TN, is very special to my family. My family has had three family friends treated at St. Jude — my older brother’s friend, Bailey; my friend, Lucy; and my sister’s friend, Ingram. They have all survived and beaten cancer. I ran my first St. Jude 5K when I was 6 and had done bike-a-thons even before that. I wanted to do something with other young talent in Hollywood to raise money for St. Jude. I started planning ‘Songs for St. Jude’ in December and had 22 young talents from Broadway, London’s West End, The Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, ABC, FOX, Netflix, and more perform here in LA on February 22. It also livestreamed on Twitch. We raised $3,000 for St. Jude, and I am so grateful to serve as a St. Jude Youth Ambassador. Sometimes kids struggle to find volunteer opportunities due to their age, but at 13 you’re proving that anyone at any age can give back. How would you encourage kids to get involved with St. Jude’s or other philan-

thropic endeavors? Find something you are passionate about and be creative. Raising awareness or money to make a change for good can be as small as a lemonade stand or as big as getting your entire community together for an event. Think big, but know that every small act of kindness is a change for good. As Matilda would say, “Even if you’re little you can do a lot.”

no’s you get, you will get that one ‘YES’ that can change your life! Stay positive and believe in what you can do.

Our theme for this issue is ‘Art is Life’. How has art changed your life? Art has been a big part of my life and is very important to me. It has given me a chance to have fun portraying a character. I have also been able to make so many friends from around the country. Art helps us express our dreams and fears, it helps us laugh, and it helps us learn about other people and cultures too. What advice do you have for aspiring actors? If there is something you are passionate about that brings you joy, make sure to work hard to learn more about that passion to improve your skills every day. Whether it is singing, dancing, soccer, art, acting, writing — whatever it is — keep working. Don’t give up. Make a vision board to help you keep an eye on your goals and help you remember what you are working to achieve. Just before “The Big Show Show” launched in April, my mom and I counted the number of times I had been told NO for a project starting when I was 8 and had signed with an agent. We stopped at 400 no’s. I did and still do face LOTS of rejection, but for every 100 or even 400 70

Ian Verdun Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Ryan West Photography

LA native Ian Verdun is an actor who doesn’t just wait for opportunities to come his way. Instead, he creates them. After attending art school and having the chance to study Shakespeare in Oxford between semesters, he wrote a play every year and has now carried that work ethic from college to the small screen. Verdun can be seen on the CW show “Siren” playing Xander McClure, a deep sea fisherman who finds himself enmeshed in a battle between land and sea. You were able to attend art school through the generosity of a friend. How did your experience in art school put you on the path you’re on now? Actually, I went to art school by way of the tenacity of my mother and a patchwork of student loans and grants, which made for just enough money to go to school....with crazy debt, of course. But things like eating regularly every year was a veritable tightrope walk, lol. However, a friend was indeed very generous in offering to help me go to England to study Shakespeare in Oxford between semesters, which was definitely a transformational experience for me, not only as an actor but as a person. I was 18 at the time and it was my first time out of the country. The whole thing was magical and eye-opening at such an impressionable time, so I’ll always be grateful to my friend for so selflessly giving me that gift. As for how art school put me on the path I’m on now? I’d say I was always on this path and art school gave me the tools and the vocabulary I needed, so that I could walk that path with intention. In school, I was incredibly focused, I didn’t party or drink, which kept me pretty isolated from most of my class on a social level. I really over-scheduled myself; I wrote four plays in school, one play a year. While everyone else was getting wasted, I was at the computer, buried in a sketchbook, or up late in rehearsals for a play I had written over the previous summer. I made a decision early on that this was what I was going to do with my life. I didn’t care how long it took and didn’t really concern myself with exactly how I would get there. I just knew I wanted to be good at what I did, and hopefully, leave a mark that would inspire others to walk their own paths with conviction and confidence. What about “Siren” interested you? Definitely the prospect of getting paid to act, lol. You have to understand that for most actors, no one considers whether they’re interested in a part; we’re all just trying to pay rent like everyone else. I don’t come from wealth, indeed we were pretty poor, 71

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“If you have a story to tell, tell it on your own terms. Create a space for yourself if none exists. There’s an audience out there for you.” and I’m not related to an actor or a producer, screenwriter, or industry insider. Getting work as an actor requires hard work, patience, a lot of years, and a lot of tears, particularly when you start with nothing. At the time I auditioned for “Siren”, I was homeless and working two jobs. I had put most of my energy into selling my own show, “Life’s A Drag” which I had created the previous year and had just put through a festival run. I actually had my first ever pitch for my show the day before I tested for “Siren”! So honestly when I first got the audition, I was hyper-focused. It almost felt like a distraction from selling my show. But after I read the script, I really thought that I could bring something authentic to Xander; he was such a complex character and that was really disarming to me in the context of a show about mermaids. I wasn’t physically anything like the character described on the page, but I didn’t worry about all that, I just tried to play his perspective with honesty and vulnerability. Luckily for me, they were buying what I was selling. You’re now three seasons in. Are there aspects of Xander that you see in yourself? Absolutely! I think once you’ve played a character for so long, some of the lines start to blur, 73

especially when the writers start infusing parts of you onto the page. But I’d say there are only aspects of me that are like him; his loyalty, his observational humor, and his bluntness. But other than that, Xander and I couldn’t be more different. I’m a complete goof; I’m constantly joking around and Xander is a bit more gruff with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Most people who meet me are actually surprised how different I am from Xander. It’s pretty funny. They’re always like, “Wow, you really are a good actor, you’re not like your character at all.” It’s a big compliment, if I’m disappearing into a role it’s a total success in my book. The season has recently started. What can fans expect to see of Xander this season? Xander’s been through a lot in the first two seasons; loss, grief, trauma, vengeance, and guilt. It’s really been an emotional ride for him. This season we explore him on the other side of all that as he picks up the pieces and embraces his own growth. It’s still a messy process, but he’s humbled out and is putting one foot in front of the other to really discover himself and step into his manhood. It was really the most fun season for me to shoot and I hope everyone enjoys his

journey as much as I did. Can you tell us a bit about Death of a Telemarketer? What drew you to that project? Of course! Death of a Telemarketer is an indie comedy we shot last summer. My part was small, but I didn’t mind as it was my first feature! It was actually a full-circle experience for me. I used to do a lot of casting workshops in LA while I was struggling, just trying to meet whoever I could; form connections, learn what I could. About 5 years ago, I did a workshop with Leah-Daniels Butler, who was casting “Empire” at the time and I was really gunning for that show, hard. Leah ended up taking a liking to me and was kind enough to call me in for the show a few times, though I never booked anything. Then, right before I went to film season 3 of “Siren”, I got an offer from Leah to do this indie! On top of that the cast was a dream; Lamorne Morris, Haley-Joel Osment, and Alisha Wainwright. In fact, I’d already known Lamorne for years. He was starting off on “New Girl” while I was still getting fired from restaurants, so it was great to be acting in a scene with him years later. The whole thing was so serendipitous and really goes to show that the seeds you plant really do grow if you nurture them.

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Outside of acting, are there other aspects of the industry you’d like to be involved in such as directing or writing? Definitely! I’ve been writing, producing, and directing since I was in college and I’ve always considered myself a storyteller, not just an actor. I talked earlier about “Life’s A Drag” and that’s definitely still a project I’m very committed to. It really is such a fun, relatable story and I know it has a future. If you want to check it out, just look up “Life’s A Drag: The Series” on YouTube, and give it a watch. I’m really proud of it! I mean, you couldn’t get more opposite from Xander than a drag queen, lol. I also have another series I’ve been developing, plus a few features I’m working on, so you can expect to see some “created by Ian Verdun” titles sprawled across your screens soon enough. Who are some of your acting inspirations? Jeffrey Wright is definitely the first name that comes to mind, for me. I was completely obsessed with him in high school, especially after his turn as Belize in Angels in America. He embodied everything I wanted to be as an actor. He was just so fearless in his characterizations, really diving head-first into every role. And of course all the modern masters; Meryl Streep, Viola Davis, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sean Penn and the like. I love actors who can get lost in a role, luxuriate in a character. I’m inspired by mastery. Hopefully, one day I’ll be in the place where I can do the same for the next generation of artists. Our theme for this issue is ‘Art is Life’. How has art changed your life?

I’ve always gravitated toward the creative; to drawing, writing, singing, dancing...acting. As a kid, I would lead with my art all the time. Seriously, the only way I could open up to people was to show them my drawings, it was literally the only way I knew how to make friends, lol. Art gave me a space to be free, a place where the only limits to my world were the boundaries of my imagination. It was how I processed tumultuous teenage emotions and exercised adult traumas. It’s really no exaggeration to say that art has saved my life, as hyperbolic as that sounds. The year I booked “Siren”, my partner and I were living in a car when we got on a plane to Denver, where “Life’s A Drag” was in a festival and ended up winning an award with a cash prize. I cried with gratitude on the flight home; my art, something I had created had literally gotten us off the street. Things weren’t all roses and lilies after, trust me, but it was a boost to see something that I made not only start to take on a life of its own, but also act as a constructive force in my daily life. I came into this world an artist. It’s been a part of my identity for as long as I can remember. I mean, art is the creative interpretation of the human experience through various mediums. I can’t think of a more noble craft to devote your life to.

for you. That’s a fantasy, admittedly a fantasy that I fell victim to myself, for years. But if you wait for others to design you with their approval, you could be waiting a long, looooong time. If you want to do this, it’s a whole new world; creating your own opportunities is not only encouraged but almost required. If you have a story to tell, tell it on your own terms. Create a space for yourself if none exists. There’s an audience out there for you. Don’t wait for the phone to ring. Pick up the phone, and make the calls yourself. Be in the driver’s seat of your own dream. It’s scary, but it’ll ultimately be the most liberating and powerful thing you can do for yourself.

What advice do you have for aspiring actors? Take responsibility for your talent. This is a hard industry. It’s fickle and can mess with your sense of selfworth, so it’s important to know yourself and stand confidently in what you bring to the table. Also, it’s harsh to say, but it’s no one’s job to realize how good you are and make your dreams happen 74

Art Feature

Liz Anne

Art Feature

Liz Anne

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We Are Tired By Kaylan Amber Walcott

I am uncertain about a lot, but I am completely convinced of this; these times are scary, but unbelievably necessary.

I have spoken a lot to friends, family, and even my followers on social media about what it means to be Black in America, not just right now as the fight against police brutality is at the forefront of the news, but in a larger scheme of life. For centuries, people who look like me have been automatically subjected to a multitude of struggles, because for reasons I will never comprehend, someone decided that my skin color transcends the fact that I am human. The white man decided that my skin color made me an object, my skin color made me inferior, and now my skin color is apparently a weapon. If I have said it once, I have said it a million times: I would not wish the pain of being Black in America on my worst enemy. Nobody deserves the strife, the weight, or the outright fear that we experience on a daily basis because of the skin we were born in. As a young Black woman who was fortunate enough to make it this far in life, I understand that I have been given more than most. My parents worked for years after moving here to set me up for success. They knew then what I now understand for myself: I might start the race at the same time as a white person, but I am already 10 steps behind. I am grateful beyond words that my parents fought for me so now I can fight for others. I choose to fight because America only sees my skin, and so the next life taken could be mine. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get me wrong, to be Black is also a beautiful gift. I truly feel honored and approach most days with such gratitude that I have access to the myriad of gifts that comes along with Black culture. I take pride in my race because to be Black is synonymous with resilience, strength, intelligence, beauty, and creativity. Very few could take years of suffering and still push on with hope for a greater future, but that is the African American experience. We live in a country that hates us (even though we built it for free), but we have chosen to turn it into something beautiful. But just because we are resilient, does not mean that we can continue to suffer like this. We are not immune to pain or loss. It hurts just as much every time it happens. To those out there who are confused or do not understand why the Black community and the world is so angry right now, I have a simple answer for you. We are tired. As a matter of fact, we are exhausted. The Black community has been suffering loss after loss, death after death, and injustice after injustice for years. We are tired of seeing our family members die at the hands of those who are called to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;protect and serveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Our hearts are weary and can81

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not take it anymore, because they keep taking lives and leaving us without a way to find justice for the lives taken. While the death of George Floyd may have catapulted us into the America we see now on the news, this is not news to my community. We lose someone every day, just take a look at the list of names under any ‘Say Their Names’ hashtag. Beyond that, the news won’t even cover the ones who died and went unreported. So I apologize if protests, petitions, and riots are not the most palatable choice for the morning news, but we have been left with no other option. We’ve stayed silent, peacefully protested, written letters, tried to vote, tried to elect leaders who will listen, we’ve tried everything we know to protect our people, and have been given nothing of use for our efforts.

people are asking the American people, “are you going to sit idly by while we continue to lose our lives, or will you stand with us?”

It is 2020 and we still cannot breathe in America. We are tired of suffocating in a place we are supposed to call home. We are killed for the crime of being anything but white and have had enough. We refuse to be condemned, incarcerated, and murdered for the irrational crime that is to be Black, while racism runs rampant and unpunished in our government. Since we have been unable to gain anything by asking nicely, we will take what we need in true American fashion. We will take back our land, our culture, our rights, our government, and our people. There will be no apologies while we do so. The revolution is at hand, so I advise anyone reading this to get on the right side of it.

Going forward into this revolutionary time in America, please continue to give your attention to the voices of Black people as we lead the nation and the world into a brighter future where there truly is liberty and justice for ALL.

To those who have honorably answered the call and have been showing their endless support by educating others, donating, protesting beside us, protecting us, and pushing for legislative change, I thank you. To those who are still unsure if they should answer the call, look to the Black people in your lives, listen to their experiences, and try to put yourself in their shoes. To those who continue to insist that there is no issue at hand in America, I pray that one day your eyes will be opened and realize that you are a part of the problem. When this goes down in history, remember that you stood on the wrong side of it.

This is not a political issue, it is a call on the ethics of the American people. We as a community are taking bigger and bolder measures to be seen and heard. We as Black 82

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Aria Brooks Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Byron Brown Photography

Aria Brooks is truly one to watch in the entertainment industry. Although she is young, she has already been in the Oscar nominated film Harriet and the critically acclaimed Netflix show “Heartstrings”. Now she is showing off her comedy chops in the Nickelodeon sketch comedy “All That”. With these projects already under her belt, we know she’s going to go far.

What is your favorite thing about being an actor? I love that I can play several different characters all the time. I also love the journey to getting on the big screen. Everything from the audition process to filming is fun for me. What was the audition process like for “All That”? How did you react when you got the part? The audition process was not very long because I only had three auditions to do. I had to send in a recorded tape, then do an in-person callback, and finally a screen test. I found out that I booked it the day I did my final audition and both my mom and I cried.

You were in the Oscar-nominated film H arriet. What about playing Anger interested you? I am naturally a goofy and crazy person, and Anger was way more chill and scared to step out of line. I had to break out of my usual personality and really show the audience how serious and calm I could be. What did you learn from working with Cynthia Erivo? She was so professional and kind. She held conversations with people and was very down to earth, but she was also focused and hardworking.

What do you like most about sketch comedy?

You also got to be a part of Dolly Parton’s “Heartstrings”.How did it feel to be a part of bringing her music to life?

Once again, I like being able to play different characters. I mainly like watching sketch comedy, so being able to act it out and make my own choices is cool.

Although I didn’t listen a lot, I’d heard of her and her music before I got the job. I was, and still am, honored to be a part of one of her projects.

Outside of acting what do you enjoy doing? I love singing, dancing, writing (songs and scripts), baking, making Tik Tok videos, and doing natural hair. Our theme for this issue is ‘Art is Life’. How has art changed your life? Art is a creative platform for a lot of people including me. I express myself through performing and sometimes visual arts. Art has made me who I am and allows me to express myself freely. If I can’t say something straight on, I may write a script or song. If I need to relieve stress, I may color. I am being my authentic self when I’m being artistic. What advice do you have for aspiring actors? My advice is to listen and pay attention. Things can get chaotic and a lot can happen at once, but you have to be determined to focus and truly understand everything. 84

Recipes: Food as an Art Form

Words and Photos by Ella Titus

Art Feature

Liz Anne

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Ella, a college student, vegan recipe developer, and the content creator behind my blog, Splurge with Ella. My goal is to provide you with a variety of easy, plant-based recipes that you can feel good about splurging on. I believe that food is an amazing medium for creative expression that engages all of the senses and is the perfect way to share your creativity with others. Here are four of my favorite recipes that showcase how food can be one of the most beautiful art forms:

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Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding This Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding makes for the perfect feel-good treat that pairs perfectly with fresh berries, oatmeal, or yogurt.

Ingredients: •

2 tablespoons of chia seeds

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¼ teaspoon vanilla

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1 ½ tablespoons cocoa powder

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½ cup almond milk (or dairy-free milk of choice)

1–2 tablespoons maple syrup (depending on desired sweetness)

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Optional: small pinch of salt or pinch of cinnamon

Instructions: 1. Combine chia seeds and cocoa powder in a bowl and stir until combined. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir until completely combined and no clumps remain (this may take a minute or two). 2. Place in the fridge to set for 3-4 hours or overnight. Enjoy with coconut milk yogurt, granola, oatmeal, and/or fresh fruit.

Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes These beautiful pancakes taste exactly like fluffy warm cinnamon rolls, but they are so much easier to make!

Ingredients: Pancakes: •

1 ¼ cups of all purpose flour

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¼ teaspoon of salt

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3 tablespoons of white sugar

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1 cup of warm almond milk

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1 tablespoon of baking powder (yes, a tablespoon!)

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3 tablespoons of melted coconut oil

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½ teaspoon of vanilla

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4 tablespoons of melted vegan butter

Filling:

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⅔ cups of brown sugar

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1 ½ teaspoons of cinnamon

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Instructions: 1. To make the pancake batter, whisk the first 4 dry ingredients until combined in a medium sized bowl. 2. In a separate bowl, whisk wet ingredients until combined and gently pour into dry ingredients. Stir until just combined and let batter stand for a few minutes. 3. Next step is to make the filling: in a small bowl, stir together all filling ingredients and put into a Ziploc sandwich bag. Cut off one corner of the bag (should be a very small opening) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in order to pipe the filling onto the pancakes while cooking. 4. To cook the pancakes, melt and spread a teaspoon of coconut oil/butter in a pan over medium-low heat. 5. Once the pan is hot, add Âź cup of pancake batter and spread into a medium/large circle. Starting from the center, pipe on the cinnamon swirl filling. 6. Gently flip pancake when bubbles begin to rise to the surface (after 2-4 minutes). 7. Let cook for another minute until golden brown on both sides. 8. Repeat process with the remaining pancake batter and filling. Serve warm with maple syrup! Enjoy!

Homemade Hummus with Crispy Chickpeas This easy homemade hummus recipe is simple, flavorful, and delicious. The addition of crispy chickpeas in this dish will take your hummus to the next level.

Ingredients: Crispy Chickpeas: •

1 can of chickpeas (15 oz) rinsed, drained, and patted dry

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1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

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1 teaspoon chili powder

Crispy Chickpeas:

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½ teaspoon cumin

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

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½ teaspoon salt

2. Combine chickpeas, olive oil, and salt and spread evenly on a tray (be sure to first rinse your chickpeas and pat them dry before combining with other ingredients).

Hummus: •

1–2 fresh garlic cloves

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½ lemon, squeezed

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¼ cup ice cold water

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¼ cup tahini

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1 can of chickpeas rinsed and drained

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2 tablespoons olive oil

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1–2 teaspoons salt

2. Add the ice cold water to the food processor and pulse on high for another 30 seconds.

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freshly ground black pepper to taste

3. Add tahini and pulse on high until you have reached a light and fluffy consistency.

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½ teaspoon ground cumin optional

4. Add chickpeas and blend until completely smooth and creamy.

3. Bake for 30 minutes and then add the rest of the spices. 4. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until crispy. Hummus: 1. Start by adding the garlic and lemon juice to a food processor and pulse for 30 seconds.

5. While your food processor is still on, drizzle in your olive oil until completely incorporated. 6. Add in salt, cumin, and any other additional spices, blending until completely combined. 7. Top with additional olive oil, spices, parsley, and crispy chickpeas. 89

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Simple Tabbouleh Salad This Tabbouleh recipe is the perfect summer salad filled with fresh herbs and simply dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.

Ingredients: •

½ cup of bulgur wheat

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½ teaspoon of salt

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3 medium bunches of parsley (finely chopped)

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¼ teaspoon of cumin

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½ cup of packed mint leaves (finely chopped)

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Freshly ground black pepper to taste

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1 medium cucumber (diced)

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2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

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1 large tomato (diced)

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3–4 tablespoons of lemon juice

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¼ cup of finely chopped scallions

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Optional: 1 small clove of garlic (minced)

Instructions: 1. Cook or soak bulgur according to package directions. Drain off all excess water and allow to cool. 2. Combine your cooled bulgur with parsley, mint, diced cucumber, tomato, scallions, lemon juice, and salt. Allow to sit for 15 minutes before tossing with olive oil and any additional seasonings to taste. 3. Place in fridge and serve cooled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Never Have I Ever Loved Mindy Kaling More By Mckenziee Belton

indy Kaling’s latest show, Never Have I Ever, co-created by the incredible Lang Fisher, is funny, smart, and delves into the realities of being a teenager.

Devi, played by breakout star Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, battles with what every teenager does: finding their identity. She decides with her two best friends that this year is going to be different and that they will be popular, but things get sidetracked as they are each dealing with their own obstacles. Devi struggles to grieve the loss of her father, Eleanor reconciles with her mother’s abandonment again, and Fabiola explores her sexuality, all of which adds layers of difficulty in understanding who they are and want to be. As with Mindy’s other classic shows (The Mindy Project, Four Weddings and a Funeral) and film projects (such as Late Night), her characters are deep and complex, and she peels additional layers back with each episode. Her magic is having the ability to make you hate a character, and then fall in love with them as you realize the reasons behind their flaws. Again she proves that you cannot judge a book by its cover. As someone who lost a parent in high school, I felt seen. While Devi and I grieved in very different ways, Lang Fisher did a fantastic job writing the show’s finale by conveying how complex grief is and its ability to show up at any instant. I loved the scene in an earlier episode where Devi thinks a coyote is the reincarnated version of her father. She has this sweet moment before it attacks her for getting too close. Symbolism quietly settles in after someone’s passing, and the way the writers were able to both make you remember her father in this sweet scene and then ground you back into reality in a humorous way brings a lightness to a difficult topic. Everyone handles grief differently, and it’s not something that can be easily translated on screen, but I applaud the writers for their ability to showcase it meaningfully. This series definitely felt more personal as it gave us a deeper look into some aspects of Mindy’s childhood. I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about the incredible fashion done by none other than the great Salvador Perez. True Mindy Kaling fans know that he designed the looks in The Mindy Project, and Four Weddings and a Funeral. In Never Have I Ever, Perez is able to bring each character to life by highlighting different aspects of their personalities, such as having Eleanor show up in her Grandmother’s flapper dress 91

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and Fabiola in her nicest polo shirt on the day they are supposed to dress “cool”. Speaking of cool, want to know something interesting? Eagle eyed fans of The Mindy Project might have recognized some of the patterns Devi rocked in the photo shoot showcasing Rebecca’s fashion school application since they were actually made from the show’s excess material. What a sweet tribute! Rebecca was played by the remarkable Lily Moore. Her character was one of my favorites, not only because of her impeccable fashion sense, but also her sass and realness. Which reminds me, the one liners in this show are the greatest — “Please lower your spice level accordingly” and “Sorry for calling you hot, it’s just we were expecting an uggo”. You’ll have to watch to know what they are referring to and trust me, it’s worth it! *Also please any affordable fashion outlet, I’m begging you to sell these looks because I know I would buy them all!*

experiences, while hopefully opening up the doors for more diverse storytelling along the way. Mindy Kaling is not only one of the funniest people on the planet. She’s also a storyteller. I hope that Never Have I Ever gets a season 2 (3,4,5,6…), and that it proves again how inclusive storytelling is not only entertaining and educational, but vital to making the world a better place. I love seeing the world through Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher’s eyes because it represents the world as it actually is: inclusive, flawed, and perfectly imperfect.

As a Mindy Kaling fan, I can’t help but feel this show is a culmination of all of her work so far. She sprinkles these little easter eggs from her previous work, like falling in a pool, or her signature slang words like uggo, to bigger themes of wanting to fit in while being extremely confident. Yes, each of her projects are vastly different, but they all share the ability to help you see the world in a whole new way. I feel as though her character Molly in Late Night would be so proud to see a show on one of the most popular streaming services ever that has so much representation, but it isn’t a representation for an entire race or ethnicity. It isn’t supposed to be. Instead, it gives us a glimpse at these characters 94

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Hye Sea Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Tate (tatebot.com)

Social media can be divisive, but it can also bring people together or highlight someone doing something interesting wherever they are in the world. That happened when I came across Hye Sea on Twitter. She was creating artwork using the sun. I had never seen anything like it, and knew immediately I had to learn more about her and her artistic process

Growing up, was creativity encouraged in your house? I was born in New York, so I was living with my mother and my father. My father really embraced a free-form life. He let us play as we wanted to, play with the toys if we wanted to. We kind of got to choose whatever we wanted to do, and growing up different forms of creativity were encouraged. I was a ballerina at one point and I did sports at one point, although that’s not necessarily that creative (but I say yes and no). When it came to my desire to say maybe, draw, that was encouraged a little bit in my early childhood, but not so much as I got older. I kind of did it as a hobby, but at the same time I didn’t understand my stuff that I did because it was very abstract. I didn’t necessarily have anyone else that was as artsy to encourage the continuation of that. So I would pick it up and put it down, and then pick it up and put it down again throughout my life. How did you learn that the sun could be used to create art?

I first learned about the power of harnessing the sun with a magnifying glass from my older brother. All of us (in our family) consider him a mad scientist. He’s really knowledgeable about a lot of scientific stuff. So I took after him and used the magnifying glass to harness the sun, and then throughout high school that was just kind of our daily thing. We would get home from school, sit in the driveway, and burn whatever we got our hands on. Then, about four years ago, I turned that into what we see now: using a form of art to create different art pieces. I found out about it in New York. I was traveling at the time, and I had just gotten back to the states. I was at a point where I didn’t really know what to do or where I wanted to go in my life, so I was at my father’s house and my friend came to visit, bringing me a gift. The gift was a piece of art created with sunlight, and she told me she did it as a hobby. Once I held that art in my hand, I literally felt like I had gold. My whole being lit up and I was just like, ‘this is it, this is what I want to do,’ and from that day I never stopped creating.

What’s your artistic process? It really depends. It varies day by day and season by season, environment by environment. Let’s say I’m creating a portrait. What I would do is first I would go and match the energy of the portrait with whatever piece of wood I feel best speaks to the spirit of the person that I’m creating the portrait of. Once I have the wood selected, then I’ll sand it and everything, and from there I just take it outside and get to work. Your art has a sustainability focus. What are some tips you have for other artists on how they can practice sustainability within their art? Most definitely. I’d say the number one thing is to literally look directly into your immediate environment for your tools or even inspiration. 90 percent of the tools that I use to cut wood and a few other ones (even my magnifying glass) were gifted to me. They’re second hand. That’s one thing I’m really big on: going to the thrift store. I was on 96

Instagram showing how my packaging is all biodegradable, and I was asking my followers what are some ways that they incorporate sustainability. One person said that they paint and they didn’t necessarily know how to make that more sustainable. I was saying you could start like this: just going to your thrift stores and buying stuff that’s already used. To make the whole art world 100 percent sustainable, that’s definitely going to take some time. But for now, what we can do is just use second-hand stuff instead of going to buy everything brand new. We can use what we already have — what somebody is already throwing away — and we can give it a whole new life. During quarantine have you found yourself creating more art or are you taking this time to recharge? Throughout this quarantine I’ve really seen the human being in me 360 because things come in a wave. One moment I might be inspired, the other moment I may just want to literally chill in bed. I’ve definitely been through times where I’m just really not inspired and I’m kind of tired from six months of the gig that I was doing — and being so into it that I really didn’t even take time to breathe. So for a little while, I really was just resting and I honored that. I wasn’t trying to beat myself up about not wanting to do anything (although there’s a lot of people who are saying make use of this time and everything). I’m definitely one to advocate and believe that literally everything is always in perfect alignment. I don’t see the need for there to be a rush. There have been times where I’m super creative, but the days I’m not super 97

creative I’m totally fine with too. I really just embrace whatever state of being presents itself. So it has been a little bit of both. I’ve been super creative sometimes, and then other times I’m just chilling. But right now, I would say I’m definitely feeling that super creativity. I just need the sun to come out so I can match that energy with the stuff that I can produce. Our theme for this issue is ‘Art is Life’. How has art changed your life? I’d say it definitely has taken me through the loops. Art has changed a lot because even before I considered myself an “artist”, I wouldn’t say that I held art to as much of a standard as I do now. I definitely have much more of an understanding of just how invaluable art is to the world. It can be not only something that we use to express our creative geniuses, but also something that can be done in a way that doesn’t harm the planet, or just aligns with the natural algorithm and the circadian rhythm of the earth. I’m just really, really grateful to be able to express myself through art and do it sustainably. What advice do you have for aspiring artists? I’d say keep digging, keep trying things. If there’s one thing that you pick up and you find yourself not as passionate about, I’d say don’t be scared to try new things. Don’t be scared to expand beyond just the title of an artist. Own who you are in your fullness, as a whole human being. I think sometimes artists can get trapped in this loop of just wanting to present themselves to the world as an artist like we don’t have many aspects to us, but we’re

so multifaceted as human beings. So I’d say definitely allow space and allow breathing room for all of you to be incorporated into what you do — not just you as an artist. That way you can build community and meet people in their heart space. You can really touch people and move people. You can be a source of inspiration as well as receive inspiration from others.

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Showing Solidarity While Apart By Carol Wright and Arielle Ostry

n the second day of June, one week after the death of George Floyd, our feeds went black. Countless Instagram users posted a solid black image accompanied by the hashtags #BlackLivesMatter (BLM) and #BlackOutTuesday. While this blackout was jarring and attention-grabbing, the blank screen did little to extend the conversation. So while people across the country enjoyed the ease, efficiency, and meaning behind the black square, we can’t help but wonder how much good #BlackOutTuesday truly accomplished. It’s not to say that those participating in the blackout and other tagging trends are wilfully messing with BLM momentum. In fact, it’s heartening to see so much activity online and so many users, regardless of their race, wanting to show their support. But with the blackout (an initiative started with the best of intentions) comes a block in information and resources, a lack of reminders to donate, and a break from the injustices splayed across our screens. We need to remember that true solidarity and allyship is more than just a fad. True allyship means that once the protests are over and the dust has settled, people continue to actively rail against racism. It’s about listening to and supporting Black voices and encouraging conversations that have the power to heal communities and enact meaningful change. With all this in mind, here are some ways you can support the movement beyond tagging friends in your story or posting a black square in solidarity. Because awareness is a great start, but the follow-through is what really matters.

Maya J (interview on p. 33) shared how she has seen solidarity throughout the music industry: “Violence, virus, and racist behaviors are escalating in the form of acts that are causing precious lives to be lost. The killing of George Floyd by police is a clear betrayal of public trust. More people are seeing that, and not just people of color. People of all races and walks of life, entire industries like the music industry, have spoken up and denounced this unacceptable behavior because they believe that injustice for one means injustice for all. And enough is enough.”

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“We need to remember that true solidarity and allyship is more than just a fad. True allyship means that once the protests are over and the dust has settled, people continue to actively rail against racism.” Donate to Organizations and Bail Funds While not everyone is comfortable or in a position to go out and protest, there are still ways you can help without leaving your house. Organizations such as Black Lives Matter, the NAACP, and more are looking for donations to fund their initiatives.

up and educate their communities and create spaces for leadership. They hold programs that celebrate Black artists and also set out to educate the wider community. You can either donate directly or buy their merchandise to show your support.

By now you are probably familiar with the organization Black Lives Matter, but for those who aren’t, BLM was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer. For the past seven years, BLM has been working to eradicate white supremacy by creating space for Black imagination and innovation. Donating to BLM is a concrete way to show your support for their campaign to end systemic police violence and empower Black people.

Outside of giving to organizations, donating to bail funds like Minnesota Freedom Fund and Brooklyn Community Bail Fund is another way to show solidarity. Bail funds

Black Table Arts is another organization looking for financial help during this time. Their mission is to organize Black artists to build

are not new, but because of the number of people being arrested during recent protests, they have

started to gain traction. While the cash bail process has numerous flaws, being able to raise bail money for those who cannot afford it is incredibly important. The People’s City Council Freedom Fund (Los Angeles) uses its donations to cover bail, fines, court fees, and even medical bills for arrested protesters. The Baltimore Action Legal Team Community Bail Fund uses its funds to help with bail and more recently home detention costs. Lastly, since the Minnesota Freedom Fund has received an influx of donations, they have started to steer people towards other organizations doing great work like Reclaim The Block.

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Tristan D. Lalla (interview on p. 107) shared his thoughts on the solidarity he has witnessed: “People have really been listening. Those who are not Black and don’t live in racialized bodies have been opening up their ears and their hearts to the experiences of those who are marginalized. Tons of resources, links, donations, petitions, etc. have been shared and it seems like people are actually learning. This whole last week, my timelines have looked like the index for change with so many educational resources being shared, so many people’s minds being opened. It’s been great. But we still have a lot of work to do.”

Educate Yourself More so than ever before, people outside of the Black community are speaking up and showing their solidarity. Outside of posting online, another important way to be an ally is to educate yourself. There are many ways to do this. You can read books, watch movies, and even listen to podcasts. Knowledge truly is power, and the only way for people to understand the plight of those who don’t look like them is to learn about it. If you are unsure of where to begin, here are some great book recommendations: 1. Ibram X. Kendi published the book, How to Be an Antiracist, just last year. Throughout the book, Kendi reimagines the conversation around racism and asks the reader what an antiracist society would look like. 2. Toni Morrison, an author who continually addresses systemic and internalized racism in her work, is another great name to check out. In The Bluest Eye, Beloved, Sula, and countless other novels Morrison addresses the hard and uncomfortable reality of being Black in America. 3. White Fragility by Robin Diangelo explores how white people, particularly in North America, live in an environment that protects them from race-based stress, which in turn makes it hard for white people to talk about racism. 4. There are countless other novels that can and should be read. Check out this booklist for even more options. Watching movies is a great way to take in information, especially for visual learners. While the film industry still has an immense amount of work to do to make film more inclusive, there are numerous movies written or directed by Black people that shed light on the Black experience. 1. 13th by Ava DuVernay focuses on the nation’s prison system, which is disproportionately filled with Black people. You can stream the movie now on Netflix. 2. Do the Right Thing, written and directed by Spike Lee, focuses on a neighborhood in Brooklyn that’s dealing with growing racial tension. The end of the film even has a dedication to those who died from police brutality. The film can be watched via YouTube, Amazon, or Google Play.

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3. Fruitvale Station, directed by Ryan Coogler, is based on a true story. Through flashbacks, the film shows what Oscar Grant (played by Michael B. Jordan) was doing on the last day of his life before he was kneed in the head by police in an altercation that led to his death. The film can be watched on YouTube, iTunes, or Amazon. For those who prefer to listen and learn, podcasts are the perfect medium. The podcast space has become an ideal environment where people can share stories and information. 1. The podcast Code Switch, created by NPR, investigates issues related to race and identity. 2. The Stoop, created by Hana Baba and Leila Day, focuses on sharing stories that aren’t always out in the open. 3. Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips is a colorconscious podcast that gives insight into today’s most pressing political issues.

Maya J (interview on p. 33) also emphasized the importance of voting, especially now: “I have had several conversations with friends during this week, in which we have expressed our mutual sadness and outrage, and pledged to continue to speak publicly and privately against racism, continue to look inward at our own actions, and to VOTE!!! Vote to create the change.”

Consider these resources and choose what works best for you. You don’t have to become an expert on race relations overnight, but the more you know about Black history and perspective, the better ally you will be. VOTE Remember that regardless of how you show your support for BLM now, one of the most effective ways to make your voice heard in a system like ours is to vote in any and all elections. Whether it be state primaries (many of which have been postponed and rescheduled due to COVID-19) or the general election this November, recognize that those elected — right down to your local representatives — can have a significant impact on your community and the kinds of rhetoric and acts it supports. When We All Vote said it best: “As Americans speak out against injustices and racism, we will continue to amplify voices that have historically been left out of the political

process. Voting is a part of that process.” Check out the voting resources provided by When We All Vote if you are unsure of when your state’s primary is scheduled, how to register, or specifics about voting by mail (a process becoming more essential in light of the pandemic). Taking the effects of COVID-19 into account, it’s expected that it will only become more difficult for minorities to make their voices heard at the polls. This is where successful allyship really comes into play.

that your allyship is something that outlasts this one heated moment. Take your knowledge and bring it into your homes and communities. Call people out when they are racist and check your own biases and privilege. Showing real solidarity starts with what you do offline.

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Allison Munn Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Ryan West

Allison Munn has been gracing our television screens for years. Often playing memorable and quirky characters such as Lauren Fletcher on “One Tree Hill” or Crazy Caroline on “That 70s Show”. Now she can be seen on the Netflix original “The Big Show Show” playing the cool and calm Cassy, whose life becomes a little crazier when her husband Paul (The Big Show) retires from wrestling. For Allison, art continues to soothe and inspire her, and nothing is better than making people laugh with her spot-on performances. What initially got you interested in acting? I’ve wanted to be an actor for as long as I can remember. I started to take it seriously when I was about 9 years old and was cast in a local production of Annie. I remember falling in love with the rehearsal process and being exhilarated by performing in front of a live audience. I still feel that way to this day. What about “The Big Show Show” interested you and made you want to be involved? As soon as I read the script for the first episode, I knew I wanted to do it. It’s a heartwarming family comedy, but the jokes are solid and are in no way diluted for a family audience. Josh Bycel and Jason Berger (our wonderful writers) struck the perfect tone - this is a comedy that appeals to the whole family. Tell us a bit about your character Cassy. Can you relate to her? Cassy is way cooler than I am - she has a successful, fulfilling career as a realtor and she’s also a loving wife and a great mom. She has a lot to juggle but now that her husband (Big Show) has retired from wrestling, he’s a big help around the house. I really admire their marriage - they’re best friends who still make each other laugh - it’s refreshing to see. You act alongside Paul Wight (AKA Big Show). What was that experience like? Working with Paul is a dream. He’s dedicated, kind, and extremely funny. His fans are going to love seeing him in a comedy. 103

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What was your favorite episode of the show to shoot? We have an episode where my character Cassy has a bit of a nervous breakdown. She’s usually so put-together and strong - it was fun to play this broken-down version of her. “The Big Show Show”, along with being a wholesome show about family, also portrays the relationship between a stepmom and step-daughter. How much were you thinking about this part of the show while filming? What did you do off-set to form a close bond with Reylynn Caster that would translate on screen? I really love the relationship between Cassy and her step-daughter, Lola. Cassy has been married to Big Show for at least 14 years so she’s been a part of Lola’s life since Lola was only a few years old. I love how close they are. We have an episode where Cassy wants to bond with Lola and they end up dying their hair, going to a concert, and visiting a tattoo parlor together. I loved shooting that episode because I got to spend a lot of time with Reylynn Caster, who plays Lola. We spent the majority of that week hanging out together & I just love her to pieces. She’s so talented and smart - it’s been great to get to know her. How do you feel now that the show is officially out in the world? Were you excited to sit with your own family and watch it? We wrapped production about 6 months ago, so it felt great for the world to finally see what we’d been 105

working on. And the response has been incredible! We’ve received messages from all over the world, from families who are loving the show and I can’t begin to describe how good that feels. I was really excited to sit down and watch the show with my husband and kids. They love it - it’s in constant rotation at our house. Haha. You’ve had an extensive career playing memorable characters on TV such as Crazy Caroline, Tina Haven, and now Cassy. What have you learned about yourself as an actress throughout these years? Ha—well I’ve been at this a long time so I guess I’ve realized that I have tenacity - I’m not a quitter. I’ve also realized that I’ll do whatever it takes to get a laugh - even at the risk of looking like a complete fool. And lastly, I realize that I’ve been incredibly lucky. I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to have a career doing what I love. Our theme for this issue is ‘Art is Life’. How has art changed your life? Art has changed every aspect of my life. Even as a young girl, I knew that I wanted to have a career in the performing arts. Every minute of my free time as a kid was spent in dance and voice lessons, at rehearsals, and performing in plays. It gave me a deeper view of the world and provided me with a level of confidence to help me get through those awkward teenage years. As an adult, art is what moves me, inspires me, teaches me, and comforts me. A song or a painting can soothe just as a poem or a film can inspire. I am deeply indebted to artists.

What advice do you have for aspiring actors? Go for it. Audition for everything - even if it’s a small part in a local theater production. Every job is a learning experience. Keep your eye on the prize and don’t let the rejection get to you. It takes a lot of “no’s” to get to the “yes”, and when that “yes” comes, enjoy every minute of it.

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Tristan D. Lalla Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Jeremy Cabrera Tristan D. Lalla is a multi-award winning actor, born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He caught the acting bug at the young age of six when he witnessed a young black actor in a play and recognized himself in him. Lalla has had roles on the stage and the silver screen, and you can now watch him in “Nurses” on Global, and soon see him in Lee Daniels’ The United States vs. Billie Holiday. Growing up did you always envision yourself as an actor? I actually did! It’s what I’ve always wanted to do and pursue. I realize that very few people really get to live out their childhood dreams, so I’m extremely grateful. What skills did you learn during your time at Dawson College that you use in your career today? College was this wild time in my life. Unlike many of the other programs at Dawson College, the Theatre Department is a 3+ year career program that pretty much takes over your life. We’re talking 17 classes a week in the first year/ semester, lots of late nights in rehearsals, and early mornings in theatre history or movement classes. It truly taught me that I am able to endure way more than I thought I was. This sounds odd, but it began my ability to fail “better”. Because I didn’t take my defeats as full failures in college, I started to understand that they would build my foundation for how I get to see my life. What about The United States vs. Billie Holiday interested you?

Everything, pretty much. Her music, knowing that it was a Lee Daniels film... everything. What did you learn from working with Lee Daniels? That it is okay to take the time you require for the results that you want. That man has such strong visions, and it was a great experience getting to be a small part of that cast. You can also be seen on “Nurses”. In the midst of what’s going on in the world, does that show hold more significance to you? Absolutely. Our frontline healthcare workers are literally heroes. They are thrown into the most insane situations, and are still so underappreciated and underpaid for it! I’ve always had much respect for nurses (having grown up with many family members who work in hospitals), but now I can’t wait to get back to work on set because I know that this is going to impact the show in so many ways. Our theme for this issue is ‘Art is Life’. How has art changed your life?

bad speech impediment. I stuttered/stammered until I was about 8 years old. I would get nose bleeds from getting frustrated trying to pronounce words I’ve said before, and I would lock myself in the bathroom for hours at a time with books, practicing how to read out loud. My desire to communicate led me to my love of drawing, painting, sculpting, writing. For a long time, most of my communicative skills came from non-verbal art, until the day when I learned that I could do that with my body, voice, and mind. By then my own physical instruments had to catch up with my other tools. Art has always meant freedom for me. It’s what connects us globally. It’s how I learned to communicate. ‘Art is Life’, for real. I’m about that. What advice do you have for aspiring actors? Love what you do. Take the work seriously without taking yourself too seriously. Get out there and live your life so that you can bring life back to your work. Your story can only live through You. So open your mouth and tell it.

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Kate Drummond Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Helen Tansey

Kate Drummond is an award-winning and highly sought after actor whose diverse work experience includes film, television, voiceover, stage, and video games. As a former elementary school teacher who became an actor later in life, she is an advocate for people following their dreams no matter where they are in life. You can now watch Drummond in “Utopia Falls”, where she plays the smart and manipulative Authority Phydra.

What initially drew you to acting? Honestly, I think I was born with acting in my blood, but I didn’t realize it at the time. I was a very expressive and theatrical child and spent hours a day performing plays for my neighbours, putting on shows in my living room, and playing in the land of make-believe. It was always just “Kate being Kate” and being this way made me happy. Nobody ever thought that someone could make a living out of being a performer, so I went to university and teachers college to become an elementary school teacher. It wasn’t until I was 30, and eight years into my teaching career, that I realized that there was something missing. After a lot of soul searching, I realized that I needed to take an acting class. I needed this outlet for my expression, for my feelings. I needed a place to be connected to a community of artists. When I took that first acting class, I felt like I was home. I felt like that little girl I had silenced so many years ago had been given her voice again. It was liberating and scary. I spent the next five years taking acting classes at night, studying my craft, and doing theatre while teaching my kids during the day. I was truly juggling two fierce passions: teaching and acting. But my love of acting was growing stronger and stronger by the day, and after 12 years of teaching, I left my classroom to pursue my acting career full-time. I am drawn to acting because it gives me a safe place for this wildly expressive spirit I was born with. It’s a place where I can reflect on and explore what it means to be human, and all the parts of humanity. I love being able to tap into my own heart to help bring a story to life. You’ve been in movies, on TV, and on the stage. Do you have a preference between the three? There’s nothing quite like theatre. I have had the most incredible moments of my 109

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acting career on a stage. The rush of being in the moment with no second takes, the energy exchange between the audience and the artists performing... it’s so visceral and there really is nothing like it. You truly are living with an audience. I have learned the most about myself as an actor, and about my craft, by being on stage. My theatre experience has made me braver in my work for film and television. But really, I love all mediums. As long as I’m acting, I’m happy. What about “Utopia Falls” interested you? When Joseph Mallozzi brought this show to my attention, I was immediately interested. Firstly, I love anything that Joe is part of, but I also loved the notion that this was a sci-fi show that was incorporating music and dance, and was doing things differently than other shows that I’d watched. I loved that it was celebrating diversity, self-expression, and culture through a really fun storyline. I was also drawn to the character of Phydra because she is a passionate, fiery woman who is in charge, and playing the antagonist in a show is always very fun. Tell us about your character Authority Phydra. Why did this role seem fitting for you? Authority Phydra is the head of the New Babyl Police Department. New Babyl is this utopian society in the future where everything is prescribed to the citizens; the way to express themselves, their jobs, their musical influences, their laws. I am in charge of ensuring that the citizens of New Babyl stay in line and do not attempt to challenge the norm. She is ruthless, manip-

ulative, passionate, strong and yet, there is something about Phydra, although hidden, that is quite vulnerable. All great villains have a broken heart and I love exploring this in my work with these types of characters. Villains don’t believe they are bad, they are just incredibly passionate about their beliefs. I love defending the heart of my characters, and these types of antagonistic characters are a great challenge. Like Phydra in a way, I’m also very passionate about my own personal beliefs in my life, so I get to really dial that quality up. I also get to channel the grade six teacher in me on days when the students were really pushing my buttons! “Utopia Falls” has a unique twist because it also centers around music and dance. How does music pull the story together? Music and dance are the foundation of “Utopia Falls”. The story focuses on a group of teenagers, in their 16th year, who are chosen to perform in something called The Exemplar, which is a prestigious talent competition in New Babyl. Normally, the candidates would perform according to the musical and dance styles predetermined for them by the authority of New Babyl, however, our heroes stumble upon something called The Archive and everything shifts for them. The Archive is a hidden collection of pop culture relics from the past; hip hop, rap, EDM, blues, fashion trends, protest video footage, etc. With this new information, our heroes start to question everything they’ve been taught about their world and themselves, and their performances at The Exemplar start to incorporate these new dance and music

influences. Music and dance are the ways that these teens express themselves and everything they stand for. Our theme for this issue is ‘Art is Life’. How has art changed your life? I have always said that my art is my life and my life is my art. Art is in how I stir my coffee and how I listen to music. It’s how I express my sadness at movies, or how I write a letter to my mom. Art is my expression. There is a reason that the word ART is in HEART. It is the essence of my heart. For me, art truly saved my life and gave me life. It has connected me with myself at a most profound level as I explore what it means to be human through the characters I play. It has allowed me the opportunity to connect with other people, at a heart level, and it has helped me develop a strong sense of compassion and empathy What advice do you have for aspiring actors? Study, study, study, and study some more. Study human behaviour. Sit on a park bench and watch humanity unfold before your eyes. These are the people you will be asked to play. Learn about yourself, deeply. Be present in life. Listen. Really pay attention to life. Study some more. VOLUNTEER! Acts of service will make you a more empathetic, compassionate actor. Acting is about service; serving the story, serving your character, serving the actors and artistic collaborators you are playing with. Also, remember that there is no where to get to. Art is a journey, forever changing course and destinations constantly unknown.

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Nyota Issue 20

Articles inside

Words of Wisdom: Kate Drummond

Words of Wisdom: Tristan D. Lalla

Words of Wisdom: Allison Munn

Aria Brooks

Never Have I Ever Loved Mindy Kaling More

Showing Solidarity While Apart

Hye Sea

We Are Tired

Ian Verdun

Lily Brooks O’Briant

YouTubers That Cured My Quarantine Depression

Artists Pivot to Face Mask Making: the Epitome of ‘Art is Life

Phillip Lewitski

Janice Hillman

Faly Rakotohavana

Gabrielle Nevaeh Green

Erikka Franklin

J.Antonette

Maya J

Sean Kennedy

Börni

Qveen Herby

Midpoint Music Review

Cadderwall

Art is Life Playlist