NYOTA Issue 36

featuring

Dreamer Boy Issue 36

CONTENTS Music

Culture

Art Is Life Playlist

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Elisha Zepeda 41

Dreamer Boy 09

Selina Seibel 45

Temme Scott

Selina Seibel Photography Feature 48

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St. Lundi 19 Kayla DiVenere 27

Fashion Nicki Han 29 Kenzie Welch 33 Mya Gelber 37 1

Artist Highlight: Gustaf Westman

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13

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27

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33

37

41

45

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THE 3

TEAM

Editor in Chief

Carol Wright is a 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.

Art Director Nicole Cox is a American University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. She has always enjoyed the arts, from making pottery to painting and sketching in her free time. Thanks to her wonderful professors at school, she was able to explore her passion for the arts and further implement her skills in her professional career and hobbies.

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FEATURES Dreamer Boy

Kenzie Welch

Temme Scott

Mya Gelber

St. Lundi

Elisha Zepeda

Kayla DiVenere

Selina Seibel

Nicki Han

Gustaf Westman

CONTRIBUTORS Sophie Sachar

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EDITOR’S LETTER It’s hard to think of a time when I wasn’t using art to express myself growing up. Whether I was making mediocre sci-fi films on iMovie or drawing makeover sketches in my notepads, art has always been the easiest way for me to share my perspective. As I’ve gotten older, my appreciation for art and artists has only strengthened. In this issue, singer Dreamer Boy shares how music has played an integral part in his life and discusses the influences behind his incredible album Lonestar.

We also hear from stylists, graphic designers, photographers, and more how they’ve built their connection to their art form and nourished their skills over the years. I hope this issue ignites or reignites your artistic passions and encourages you to see the beauty in the everyday.

With Love, Carol Wright @_carol_wright

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Love Me Not/ Ravyn Lenae Lucifer/ A.G. Cook

It Might Take a Woman/ Girlhood

Art Is Life Playlist Curated by Sophie Sachar 7

#NYOTAmusic

Turn it up/ PinkPantheress

If I Could/ Jay Som

XXX/ Crumb

Take A Bite/ beabadoobee

Sexy to Someone/ Clairo

By Your Side/ Sade

Desirée/ Blood Orange

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Dreamer Boy Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Adam Alonzo

Fresh off the heels of his Summer in America Tour, Dreamer Boy is reflecting on his third studio album, Lonestar, and the influences behind it. The singersongwriter talked to NYOTA about his evolution as an artist, what can come out of the other side of discomfort, and creating his rodeo clown persona.

As a kid growing up in Texas, was it very apparent to you that people were proud of how music plays a large part in the state’s culture and history?

I think so, especially the divey places, and Mexican restaurants with live music.

There’s a lot of history in Texas music and just like most things, Texans are very proud of it. Bobby Fuller Four is probably my favorite Texas music, or my boys Hovvdy.

The open road inspires many artists who work in different mediums. What do you think it is about long drives that can cause these bursts of creativity?

I love the space it creates, the movement is like looking at a campfire, it’s just passive enough and just inspiring enough. Driving through new places lets me imagine what it would be like to build a life there. This last tour I went on brought up so many personal questions, and the road is the perfect place to process.

You can hear your evolution as an artist when you compare Lonestar to Love, Nostalgia, and All The Ways We Are Together. Were you purposefully experimenting with each album, or did you see it as a natural part of the process for each body of work to have a unique sound?

I definitely think it’s natural, in the moment I don’t see it as experimenting, but when you give it context to the other music, you can see the progression. I love keeping it fresh for myself and marrying whatever the new songs require to the sonic palette or recording process. Each emotion and chapter is going to require a new set of colors.

Who were some of the artists you were listening to while working on Lonestar that influenced the songs you created during that period?

I was listening to a lot of Nebraska by Bruce Springsteen, and Tusk by Fleetwood Mac. Stayed pretty heavily in rotation. As well as the band Suicide.

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#NYOTAmusic Do you see Lonestar as an example of your resilience and a reminder of how to turn challenging life moments into art?

I think that change is something that is so uncomfortable when you are going through it but maybe Lonestar shows what it’s like to barrel through that discomfort and end up on the other side. Change leads to so much fulfillment and a shade of happiness you could have never have predicted. I’m a big fan of jumping out on a limb. See how it feels.

When did you start to get a clear idea of how the visual aspects of Lonestar should be, from your album cover to the rodeo clown persona to the music videos for songs like “Heartbreaker” and “Untied?”

It was really just synonymous with the music at a certain point. I had had some rodeo stuff saved, and while making the album I wanted to create a character alongside, and the rodeo clown just showed itself. I started experimenting with the makeup and found what felt right as the language for Lonestar. Definitely drawing on the Texas landscapes and motifs from the rodeo and my experiences with heartbreak and feeling like the “Fool” in some sense.

The rodeo clown persona and what he represents is evident in “Suckerpunch.” Can you talk a bit about the songwriting process for it and why it felt right to mention the rodeo clown?

That was the song that really felt like birthed the personality of the album, the recording and writing process was really just me and my band stomping around and shouting and the ‘Look the other way’ chorus just came out of a jam session. I love that that song mentions the rodeo clown up front, because the beaten down and punched out feeling is really what that song is. And what the character is.

You collaborated with numerous artists on the album, such as Goldie Boutilier and Miya Folick. When working on an intensely personal record, is it helpful for collaborators to be able to help you take a step back and keep an objective view of what you’re creating?

It’s amazing to talk with other songwriters about how to express the emotions of what’s going on in real time. Sometimes it’s helpful to get it out in front of you instead of inside. Miya helped me write about the move from Nashville to LA, and it just started with a conversation.

That’s what’s special about a collaborator you trust.

As you continue to tour with your band, are there certain songs that have been particularly exciting to perform live?

I love performing “Suckerpunch,” it comes after a pretty high energy part of the set that we open with and then it settles into suckerpunch heartbreak and melancholy and it just feels so right for the moment.

Been amazing to sing that one with fans too, people love yelling it.

What advice do you have for aspiring musicians?

Stay open to collaboration, ask questions, keep the people who believe in you close.

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Temme Scott Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Emily Pinto

Temme Scott prioritizes authenticity in her personal life and career. As a singer-songwriter, she creates music that is true to herself, and she prefers to perform in small, intimate venues to make a real connection with fans. Scott talked to NYOTA about living in LA, her evolving sound, and advice for aspiring musicians.

Did you grow up in a musical household? What led to your love of music?

I grew up not at all in a musical household. Nobody in my family, even extended family, I don’t think, has ever played music. There’s been some lore that there was a trombone player somewhere in there, but we don’t really know. I grew up in a totally non-musical, non-entertainment sort of household. I grew up in a very sports-oriented household. I grew up ski racing.

My whole family is a skiing family. My mom and my sister both teach skiing. What really got me started on just singing and doing my music thing as a little kid was The Wizard of Oz and Annie, and I don’t know where the impetus for starting to sing came from. I think it just kind of started happening as I was learning to talk.

I remember a lot of singing down the ski racing hill, and I think my parents just kind of noticed like, ‘Oh, she seems to be really, really into this,’ but it was a lot of singing, you know, “Tomorrow” and “Maybe” from Annie, those were like the things that I was the most obsessed with, but I actually as a kid, I don’t even think I was that good at singing. Maybe as I got older, people started to recognize, or I started to recognize that there was something there, but I just did it because I liked it; it felt like a really fun form of self-expression. But when I got into my first band in high school, I’d had very, very little music experience. I took some piano lessons as a kid and didn’t really attach to it much. I always wanted to be like Avril Lavigne, Taylor Swift, or Michelle Branch.

But I don’t know; music was just something that I 13

took to fully on my own. It was not something that was taught or really offered to me purposefully, and now it’s become one of the biggest parts of my life. I feel super lucky that I have a community of musicians now that I can relate to and play with and everything.

And my family is super supportive; they’re just tonedeaf, probably.

Is working on music therapeutic for you?

Yeah, for sure. When I started writing songs, I realized there was a channel through which I could express myself that talking didn’t satiate, and I think that’s why most people take to songwriting because it feels like a way to get it out without having to really say it. When I’m just talking or in a conversation, I can easily get caught up in my head about what I’m saying and if it makes sense. In music, it’s fun, and sometimes it’s just as difficult to get what you need to say into a song, but I think because it’s open for interpretation for most people, I’m not as worried about it making perfect sense. Accepting that level of uncertainty in writing has really helped me. All that being said, though, I still find it really difficult to write songs sometimes. I think the best experiences with songwriting for me are when it all just comes out and it comes flowing, and I don’t even know what channel it’s coming through. I think that’s a really cool, beautiful thing. Some people have that gift, and sometimes it’s really a lot more difficult than that, but I think there is this expressive nature in songwriting where everything doesn’t have to make sense, and I think that’s the most beautiful part of it to me.

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#NYOTAmusic Living in LA, you’re surrounded by a vibrant music scene. Does it help with your own creative process to take part in the different events? Is it easier to collaborate with producers and other artists due to proximity?

There’s so much of LA that’s inspiring and so much of LA that’s overwhelming to me. The music scene and community is so beautiful and robust, but it can also be really competitive and scary. I ended up finding most of my music community in college by playing house shows, and I started playing music again in Argentina when I studied abroad, at little cafes and stuff, and kind of built up my community that way. One of the coolest things about LA is that whatever type of musician you want to find or whatever type of music you want to find, you probably can find it. For me, as I’ve said, that has been something that’s really overwhelmed me in the past because there’s just so much, and everybody has so much to say and so much to share, but I think that’s also, equally, the most beautiful thing about being here. You can find something any night of the week if you want to, and if you have the courage to go up to somebody and say, ‘Hey, I really like your set,’ most likely they’re going to appreciate that.

“Softly” and “Someone Else” have very different sounds. Do you like to experiment when it comes to your music?

My sound has definitely evolved. This isn’t unique to me, but as you grow up, your sound evolves, and the things you say evolve.

At my very core, I will always be a singersongwriter. I’ve veered towards some of the more pop influence styles because it’s really fun to experiment production-wise with that stuff, and it’s also a matter of the people that I’ve collaborated with. A lot of what’s really important is who you’re working with and not just getting stuck in your own head and your own sound. At my very core, I will always write as a singer-songwriter, whatever genre that really is. Like me, and a guitar is kind of at the core of everything. My sound has evolved a bit, but I hope that my voice, and I mean voice in a metaphorical way, has remained the same throughout it. There’s always room for change, but as long as I stay true to what I

want to say, whatever surrounds the song will be a buffer for that to be expressed further.

I don’t know if I’m taking enough risks with my sound right now. There are times that I get too attached and too comfortable with the original versions of songs, and the way that I write them in my room feels so safe and so natural that when I then go in to produce them, sometimes I become unwilling to take further risks because I want to keep it in this natural state. With this album that I’m working on now, I’ve really pushed myself, with the help of my producer, Elijah, to experiment with some more interesting, maybe more modern sounds. It’s been a challenge but a really fun thing to take on.

On TikTok and Instagram you share behind the scenes photos from music videos and snippets of songs. Do you see social media as a way to authentically connect with fans?

I definitely do. I’ve always done better in a live setting. Sometimes, I’m unable to accurately depict what I want to in a small box in my hand. There are people far more talented at making content than I am, but I definitely see all of those things. All artists see those things as a means to connect because we have to participate in that. That’s how most people are going to discover new music and artists that they like, and that’s how they digest everything. So it’s an amazing means to get to more people. I definitely have struggled with getting my full personality and full authentic self to break through that and be able to reach more people. That’s something that I’m always working on, fine-tuning, and trying to figure out. I’d like to take a little more risk with it, but I’m definitely a community-oriented person.

I’ve always done better in smaller groups, so the internet is the Wild West for me, but I love that. I did a Kickstarter for my record and got all the funding that way, which is amazing. So I’ve been keeping up with everyone who’s donated to the record in these small little email chains and keeping people posted with behind-thescenes stuff and little vlogs. That’s the most rewarding part of sharing to me, knowing that people are actually paying attention. Doing it in those smaller batches feels, for now, the best way to do it. That being said, I would love to use those tools to reach more people, and I think it’s possible.

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You’ve had a few residencies throughout LA. Are you hoping to do more live shows in the future?

I was playing live every couple of months, at least in LA, and that was my main way of staying connected to my community here. I’ve taken a bit of a hiatus, and now I’m nervous to come back to it, but I’ve been thinking about trying to wait until my record comes out to have another big show and bring a lot of people together. But again, going back to the smaller house show and coffee shop vibe, that’s where I got my start, and that’s where I feel the most able to authentically connect with the most people, even if it’s a small group.

What advice do you have for aspiring musicians?

My advice to younger musicians is to talk to the people around you who inspire you and not to be afraid of looking small or stupid or not letting fear lead the way when it comes to connecting with people. I think as you get older, it feels like it gets harder and harder to authentically approach people or message someone, ‘Hey, your song really changed my life, or your song really inspired me, helped me, informed the way I write.’ I think not being afraid to reach out to the people that actually inspire you and not do it in a way to try and get anything out of anybody.

Like in the most non-networking way, authentically sharing with people what about their music has inspired you. I think that’s always led to the most real relationships for me, and then later in the future, sometimes that does lead to maybe writing a song together or playing a show with somebody. I think going into it without expecting things from other people is the best way to build a solid and real community.

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#NYOTAmusic

St. Lundi Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Tom Knibbs

To make his dreams a reality, singer-songwriter St. Lundi left Hayling Island and moved to London to pursue a music career. His decision paid off as he’s already collaborated with artists like Kygo and is opening up for acts like Take That. He hopped on the phone to talk to NYOTA about being obsessed with the Rat Pack, how working on his upcoming album has been therapeutic, and his growing interest in film.

Do you remember the first time you fell in love with music?

I didn’t start singing until I was about 19 years old, but I always had a love for music. I remember one of the first musical artists that I actually created a bit of an obsession with listening to every day was Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, which is so funny, like Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and those guys back in the day. I would sit and watch a DVD of them all singing, and they’d have glasses of whiskey, and I’d have a little glass of apple juice cause it looked like whiskey. My mom had pretty good taste in music, so in the car on the way to school, I’d be listening to Damien Rice, David Gray, James Blunt, and so on. I think that steered my love for singersongwriter-esque music.

You took a big leap by leaving home and moving to London to pursue a career in music. Have you learned a lot about yourself since pursuing this journey and was there anyone in particular who pushed you to make that choice?

There wasn’t really anyone in my life that pushed me to take the leap. I’m from a small place and the idea of doing even what I do now, the level that I’m at now in terms of music, it’s quite an unrealistic dream to most. My family definitely didn’t quite get it at first and I think that’s one of the reasons why when I left home, I didn’t tell anyone I was leaving. I felt like if I told my nan and grandad, they’d just talk me out of it. I’ve learned that I have this trait in me to put it all on red a little bit. I’m definitely someone who runs things down to the last minute. If I believe in something, I’ll put everything on the line for it. But I have become a lot more conservative and sensible, probably is a good word, since just jumping on a train to London with no money. It’s created this pathway to me finding myself as a young adult, as well. I had a couple of years of having a really good time in London and writing songs and so on, but then after that it was like, ‘What am I here to do?’ I think the big thing is I’ve returned to myself after all of it. It was a bit of a big fuck this moment. Like I’m just going to do this, and I think you have to have that in you to do it. A lot of people have that moment where they’re like, ‘Screw it, I’m just going to go and do this.’ Then something gets in the way of it. Nothing got in the way of it for me at that moment. I learned that I’m hungry for this career and to chase my dream.

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Growing up did you write poetry or short stories before starting to write songs?

I’ve always loved music and songs, and that’s not something that came later on, but the confidence to start singing and writing songs at 19 was all it was really about for me. I dreamt from a young age – and I told this story in New York as well because it was so fitting, but I had this dream when I was younger. I think I saw a movie of someone busking in New York or something, and I remember being like, ‘Oh, I want to run away to New York and play guitar and sing.’ I was probably 7 years old at the time and didn’t realize you’d have to get on a flight to New York or whatever.

For me, the idea of my mom or my friend from school walking past me in the street and seeing me sing was the worst thing in the world. So, I just wanted to be able to run away somewhere and do it. I guess I kind of did that when I was 21 when I ran away to London. But I had been playing guitar for five or six years and just humming along to the words. Then I wrote a song and showed it to my friend. He was like, ‘You’re not that bad.’ I think that’s what he said, ‘You’re not actually that bad at singing,’ and I was like, ‘Alright, cool,’ so that was all I needed to then go out and play an open mic night and get the thrill of playing live, which is something I really love.

I’ve also always had a love for creative writing. I remember being in school and writing a lot of stories. I’m often so far ahead of myself that with the stories I wrote when I was younger, I remember my teacher would come up to me the next week and go, ‘Archie, what happened here?’ I’m writing the story, and then I’m thinking about the next chapter already, and I just start it without even finishing. But I’ve always loved it, and I love film now. I’m super into cinematography and all of this kind of stuff. So I think I’ve always had a bit of a love for the arts, visual and audio.

You’ve been able to collaborate with high profile artists such as Kygo. How do you decide who to collaborate with and do those collaborations inspire you to experiment with your sound?

I definitely think to an extent, it can. For a couple of years, I went into a lot of writing sessions, and I wrote with a lot of songwriters, producers, artists, and so on. In the past couple of years, I’ve done a lot of touring and distanced myself a little bit.

I’ve started writing songs by myself for the first time in a while, which I couldn’t do before, which is, in itself, a really great thing to be able to do. But equally so, meeting people, hearing other people’s stories, and seeing how they write their music and what they can bring to yours is such an amazing thing. As for the collaborations, the Kygo thing was pretty crazy. I didn’t really know how big Kygo was at the time. The backing track, let’s say, fell into our laps as it did hundreds of other people, and it was like, you’ve got 48 hours to write this song. We sent it in, and we really liked the song, but my management was kind of like, ‘Let’s not expect anything here because this is Kygo,’ who at the time had 40 million monthly listeners and his album was out in a month. A week before the album came out, they came back and were like, ‘Yea, your song is track six’ or something like that. It was crazy.

I definitely intend on doing some collaborations again in the future. I’ve got a duet on my album with a friend of mine called Emily Burns, which I’m really excited about. As for the DJ/dance stuff, it’s something that I think I’ll do again at some point, but I wanted to build up my own artist project a bit more before I started featuring on a ton of dance records because it wasn’t really where my heart was at and I think it can quite quickly take over. I think collaboration in any form and in any job is such a great thing because, ultimately, it’s all about being the best version of yourself, and getting a second opinion is always good and healthy.

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#NYOTAmusic Has writing the song “Following My Heart” and making music in general been therapeutic for you?

I think music started off as a bit of an escape for me and it ended up being the very opposite of that. Ultimately, the big thing, and this is something that I’m openly telling lots of people because I think it’s good to talk about. I did therapy for the first time just over a year ago because of anxiety, and there was other stuff I wanted to talk about as well. After doing that therapy, there’s a song I put out about a month ago called “Different Houses” and all of the songs on this album that’s coming out, including “Following My Heart.” All of it is about things that I’ve experienced and my relationship with my family, my girlfriend, my mom, and my dad. So, the whole album is extremely close to me, and doing the whole thing feels like a little bit of closure on a chapter of my life. With “Different Houses” especially, it’s about the day when my parents told me they were splitting up when I was 12 years old, and that’s something that happens with quite a lot of people, that experience. For me, it was a tough one growing up. My parents haven’t always been very close since, and it was something that I never really dealt with too well. I tried writing this song for a couple of years, and I just couldn’t get it. Every time I wrote it, I just made my parents sound awful, and it wasn’t what I wanted. Then I did therapy, and a week after, I wrote this line where it’s like, ‘We’re still a family; we’re just living in different houses.’ As simple as that is, it was like immediately everything that I’d felt for the past 10 years became so much easier. The song had hope in it now. For anyone out there listening to it who is going through or has been through the same thing, it’s really sad, but then you get to the end of the chorus, and it’s like we’re still a family; we’re just not living together anymore, and that definitely felt like therapy for me.

Within the album, there are a few voice notes in there where I’m telling my mom that I’ve written that song, and there’s one voice note at the end where I’m trying to call my dad and tell him that I love him basically, but I can’t because we’re not very good at talking and I feel too awkward. So I just left a message on the answering machine for him.

Stuff like that was a big step I’ve never done in my life. So, it has been overly therapeutic. When I was in New York recently talking about the album to a room of 50 people, I was telling them all of this stuff, and I was oversharing like mad about my life. It’s so funny because when I was going through that tough time in my late teens. I didn’t want to tell anyone about it. I was so closed in, and now I’m literally traveling the world, telling everyone everything in my life. So, music has definitely become, and this album has become, a therapeutic thing for me. It has allowed me to write down all of my thoughts and hopefully turn them into something positive as well.

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How involved are you in the creative process for your songs’ visuals?

I’m always super involved. There have been a couple of times where I haven’t been, but definitely now, in this album phase, I’ve taken the reins a hell of a lot more. The guy that I shot the [“Following Your Heart”] video with, Tom Nibbs; he’s an incredibly talented guy. Basically, we go everywhere together, and we’re really good friends. He travels everywhere with me when I’m doing gigs, touring, and promo.

We film everything, and we get the content that’s necessary to be an artist these days. We came up with the idea a couple of months ago, and it was like the song is about following your heart and traveling the world. Tom and I have done a hell of a lot of traveling this year. We were like, why don’t we just document this? The video can show me traveling the world and following my dreams. As cheesy as that might sound coming out of my mouth, I’ve been heavily involved in it.

There are more videos to come that are going to be a little bit more cinematic, and so on. A little bit more dark and deep and story-based. So you can expect that on the visual front. The hope is to make as many visualizers and videos as we possibly can for every song because I’ve got such a passion for it. So it’s something that I really enjoy and get hugely into and motivated by. To be honest, I reckon I’ll make a short film one day because I’m so into it. It will probably be terrible, but I’ll do it just for fun. I really geek out and nerd out on all of that. I’ve just got a membership to the local cinema near me, which is like a luxe one. So there’s big recliner chairs. I’ll just go and watch a movie by myself just to experience it.

Our June issue is our Art Is Life issue which explores the effects of art in our lives. Outside of music, do you have a favorite form of art?

I mean, I used to draw and paint a lot growing up.

I’ve always loved that kind of stuff. I’m probably quite terrible at it now, but it was a big passion of mine.

If you asked me what I wanted to do around then, it was singing or drawing. That was my thing, or playing music. This Christmas, I got a film camera, and now, that’s probably one of my biggest loves. It just got jammed recently, annoyingly. So I’ve got to go and get it fixed, but everywhere I travel, and I’m so lucky to travel everywhere. I take this film camera with me, and it’s about catching a small moment in time that would be completely insignificant if it hadn’t been for taking that photo. I really love going around and 25

doing that. Next time I’m in New York, I think I’m just going to go out by myself for a couple of hours in the evening and take my film camera. I shot a few pictures when I was there and I went on the subway and just captured pictures of random people. I just find those moments amazing. So that’s probably my biggest passion, taking photos, especially on film.

What advice do you have for aspiring musicians?

It’s hard because this is vague, and if anyone reads it, they might be like, well, what? That doesn’t help me at all, but my genuine advice is just continue to always try and be the best version of yourself. It’s really important to go off and learn, like we were talking about, collaborate with people, work with other artists in your field, and see how they do things.

This is a super cheesy mom quote, but there is only one of everyone in the world, and it’s something that I think after going and writing a lot of songs with other people, it’s so easy to get steered into a new direction that maybe isn’t where your heart has always been. And I think just taking everything you learn, sponging it up, and being like, ‘How can I use this to be the best version of me possible?’ I think that’s the best advice I can give anyone. And don’t take yourself too seriously, and no one, no one knows what they’re doing. Like absolutely no one. It’s complete BS if someone’s trying to tell you they know what they’re doing because no one does. Everyone’s just trying to grow and achieve their dream, and for what one person doesn’t like, another person loves, and it’s their favorite part about you. So I think just being yourself is always key.

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Kayla DiVenere Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Lili Skyler

Singer-songwriter Kayla DiVenere has been building a loyal following of listeners since her single “Justin Bieber” perfectly encapsulated the comedic side of celebrity crushes. DiVenere talked to NYOTA about her new song “Blue Jean Baby,” her advice for aspiring artists, and her songwriting process.

Is there a particular musician that inspired you to start making music?

My dad was my first inspiration! Him being in a rock band when he was a teen allowed him to introduce me to the world of music. I grew up listening to a ton of his music recs and I think they really shaped me into the person I am today.

Do you have a set songwriting process or do you tend to write any time inspiration hits?

I love to play my hand in both! Sometimes I’ll consciously sit down with the intent of writing a song.

I’ll pull up my notes page, where I have what feels like millions of song titles and ideas I accumulate over the weeks, pick one, and have my heart at it. Other times, I’ll be going through something so tough that the only way to feel better is to write about it.

Tell our readers about “Blue Jean Baby.” What story is the song telling?

The main inspiration behind “Blue Jean Baby” was this vintage Americana sound and theme I wanted to chase. I think old Americana is so nostalgic, and I love how everyone can automatically connect to something so classic. As I was writing “Blue Jean Baby,” it started as a romance song for an American Boy, but at that point, I was kinda sick of writing love songs. I wanted something deeper than that and thought it could be cool to add nuances and symbolisms of old American history and beliefs.

“Blue Jean Baby” speaks about a love for an American boy through surface level, but touches 27

on blindly following and believing an entity more powerful than us. ‘I’ll do whatever that you want just like your soldier, come wipe away what came before you. I don’t want her... I see your stars, I go blind.’

Would you say this happens often that a song’s meaning can change as you work on it?

Writing music is so unpredictable. I never know what to expect when I start my writing process. One thing often leads to another when different inspiration can be triggered at different points of this process.

Change of direction happens all the time, and I think that’s what makes songwriting so fun.

You have a very distinct style. Does your music ever influence what you wear?

Like my music, I try to keep things as true and authentic to me. My music and my clothes are part of my art and identity!

Outside of making music, what are your go to creative outlets?

I love thrifting and making outfits and fabrics/pieces my own by upcycling them. I can also cook up a mean meal.

What advice do you have for aspiring singers?

Listen to everyone and try everything with an open mind, but stay true to yourself throughout the process.

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#NYOTAfashion

Nicki Han Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Tim Han

Nicki Han knew she wanted to have a career in a creative industry from a young age. Now, she’s working in architecture and sharing her style with thousands of followers on TikTok. Han talked to NYOTA about New Zealand’s architecture, her wardrobe staples, and fashion as its own art form.

Growing up was your family very supportive of you exploring your interest in the arts?

My family always supported me when it came to my love for the arts. Growing up, my sister and I were both super creative and spent a lot of time drawing and painting. There are old family videos of us painting outside and making a big mess.

It was something I always enjoyed doing for fun.

You studied architecture in school. When did you realize you had an interest in design?

I knew from a young age that I wanted to do something creative. Art classes were always my favorite in school, and that’s where I really shined. I’ve always loved focusing on the details and making things look nice, whether it was baking and decorating cakes or re-arranging and decorating my room. I used to spend hours (still do) looking up bedroom and interior design ideas on Pinterest. That’s what got me interested in interiors and eventually led me to apply for architecture school.

My older sister, who also works in architecture, was a big inspiration. She always encouraged me to study architecture too, since it’s such a versatile degree that opens up a lot of creative and design opportunities.

Are you often inspired by New Zealand’s architecture? What type of building structures grab your attention?

I’m really inspired by New Zealand residential architecture. I love the relaxed, cozy feel of renovated villas that keep the heritage elements intact. The kind of buildings that catch my eye are those that really blend with their surroundings and make the most of the site. I appreciate it when architecture and nature come together in harmony. Aesthetically, I have a soft spot for the mid-century style and the use of timber and raw, natural materials in design.

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#NYOTAfashion Last year you started sharing #OOTD and fashion related content on TikTok. Do you see clothing and fashion as an art form?

I’ve always viewed clothing and fashion as a form of art. It’s a way to express ourselves and show how we’re feeling on any given day. Like art, fashion brings excitement with its colors, textures, and shapes, and it stirs up all sorts of emotions.

It’s one of the best ways to truly express who we are, with no limits or boundaries.

When you’re choosing an outfit is it the colors or textures of a piece of clothing that you focus on the most?

I love mixing and matching colors, textures, and shapes in my outfits. If I feel like an outfit is missing something in terms of shape, I’ll add an interesting color or texture to balance it out, and vice versa. It’s all about finding the right balance and figuring out what works best for my body and makes me feel confident.

Could you see yourself pursuing a career in retail or styling or do you think architecture is where you want to stay?

Before starting my career in architecture, I worked part-time at Kowtow, a sustainable New Zealand fashion label, whilst studying at university. I loved helping customers find clothes that made them feel amazing. Seeing a customer leave with a big smile was always so rewarding. I’m definitely open to working in fashion again in the future, but preferably on the creative and design side of fashion. I’m not limiting myself to just architecture. My ultimate dream is to have my own business one day, whether it’s in fashion, architecture or design.

What are your wardrobe staples?

After years of playing around with fashion, I’ve realized that basics are the backbone of a great wardrobe. Once you’ve got your basics down—think a great pair of basic black trousers, a classic tee, maybe a versatile jacket—you can mix and match to create endless looks. It’s all about versatility and simplicity, making it easy to build multiple outfits without struggling. Once you’ve got a solid base, you can effortlessly layer and add in all those fun extras to really make your outfit pop.

Do you have advice for people who are trying to find their personal style?

My advice is simple: wear what brings you joy. Trends come and go, but your happiness and confidence is timeless. I’ve fallen into the trend trap too many times, chasing styles that didn’t really make me feel like me. Focus on finding silhouettes that flatter your body and make you feel amazing. Once you’ve nailed the basics, then you can dive into all the fun, colorful, textured stuff!

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Kenzie Welch Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Allie Hine

Kenzie Welch has restored people’s self-confidence through her work as a stylist by pursuing her true passion of connecting with real people and bringing their dream style to life. Welch talked to NYOTA about building an eye for style, her viral makeover series, and building relationships with brands.

Was there a certain store or piece of clothing that initially sparked your interest in fashion?

Growing up my parents were divorced, so on the weekends, I would spend time with my Dad. He would take me and my sister shopping and teach us how to style pieces together, and it was his way of bonding with us. My Dad has always had impeccable style, and his love of fashion really made me fall in love with style.

It’s one thing to enjoy putting together outfits for yourself and a whole other thing to want to style outfits for others. What motivated you to want to become a stylist?

To be honest, becoming a stylist was not what I envisioned for myself when I graduated from college. I got my Bachelors of Arts in Apparel Design & Merchandising and I thought I wanted to work for a fashion publication or become a buyer. I landed my first job in fashion at a lingerie store and this job had a lot of different roles which included bra fitting women and styling photoshoots for their marketing and runway shows. It was there that I realized I loved connecting with real people and bringing their dream style to life. I’m very motivated by the confidence a person feels when they put on a great outfit.

Understanding how a piece of clothing will compliment someone else’s body type and skin tone etc, is a true skill. How do you continue to build a good “eye” for style?

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Building an eye for style takes time and practice. I often say, I’m forever a student of style. I never feel like I’ve mastered my craft but I’m growing stronger every day. I love experimenting with textures, shape, and color. A big part of it for me is learning the art of taking risks - especially with clients who aren’t as open-minded to new fashion. I find that I’m inspired most by the energy of people. When I meet a new client, I’m able to visualize a style for them that compliments the essence of who they are.

While I always add my personal touch to a look, I try to personalize every client’s style to who they are authentically.

On TikTok your style makeover series has been going viral. Did you expect your content to resonate with so many people when you initially started posting?

Yes and no. I’m so excited that my series is connecting with so many people, it feels like a dream come true.

A big reason why I started my series is because I felt like the fashion industry, especially on social media, wasn’t speaking to the every day girl. Yes, there are thousands of fashion influencers who can inspire new outfit ideas, but most people don’t know how to build that “aesthetic look.” My series is about teaching the everyday person how to build an elevated but realistic style while still looking fashion forward. I focus on giving people the tools to build great style through helping them find their personal style, teaching them how to shop with intention, and owning their inner confidence.

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#NYOTAfashion Outside of the great outfits you style, it’s always incredible to see the people in your videos get their self confidence back once the makeover is complete. Do you hope that after watching your videos viewers will see the importance of dressing for oneself and feeling good versus wearing things to seem “trendy” or “cool?”

Absolutely! I always hope that my videos inspire people to take more risks with their style and have fun with fashion. I like to think of my platform as a safe corner of the internet where women can learn about fashion in a non-intimidating way. I really try to focus on showing ALL types or people in my series so that someone watching sees themself and feels inspired.

You started working with influencers Avery Woods and Emilie to style them and clean out their closets. Since you could watch their videos before meeting them in person, did that make it easier to understand their sense of style?

In some ways it helped but as I mentioned before, a big part of my styling process is tuning into the energy of the person I’m styling. So, while seeing their videos gave me a little idea of who they were, it wasn’t until I met them in person that I felt like I had a full vision for their style. Once I met them - by the way, they are so kind and sweet - we were able to sit down together and really come up with an aesthetic that complimented their personalities and lifestyle!

How do you go about building relationships with brands or designers to source their clothing for your clients?

Time, trust, and persistent outreach. When I first started I didn’t have many relationships to pull from. But over the years, I’ve built relationships through sharing about them on social, frequent client purchases, and/ or fearless outreaching. When you are new to this industry you can’t be afraid to put yourself out there and send the first email or dm!

What advice do you have for aspiring stylists?

My advice to aspiring stylists is to be yourself and don’t be afraid to put your art out there. I know it sounds cliche but I worked in the industry for 10 years before I felt comfortable sharing my skills and I wish I would’ve started sooner. Putting yourself out there helps you get better at your craft. Don’t be afraid to take risks - sometimes people won’t understand why you’re styling something together, but your idea may start a new trend or inspire someone else!

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Mya Gelber Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Jenn Roberts & Juliana Ramirez

Mya Gelber did not set out to amass a large following once she started sharing her outfits on social media, but after giving users a glimpse into her style people naturally wanted to see more. Gelber talked to NYOTA about creating content for social media, experimenting when it comes to clothing, and not being scared to start posting.

Do you have an early memory of being connected to a piece of clothing or an accessory that sparked something in you and made you want to explore fashion further?

I have loved getting dressed ever since I can remember. I used to make my mom late to work every day because I spent so much time picking out my outfits. When I was 8, I fell in love with my first pair of Mary Janes. They were black satin Mary Janes with embroidered flowers I bought from Payless. I wore them every single day, till they completely fell apart. I remember being devastated when my mom finally forced me to stop wearing them because the soles were coming off.

How would you describe your style in three words?

Preppy, off duty, playful.

What are your tips for finding a personal style and being open to experimentation when it comes to clothes?

Start with reflecting on the pieces in your closet that you love and that make you feel confident when you’re wearing them. Think about why you love those pieces and why you gravitate to them. Then try styling those pieces as many ways as you can. This will challenge you to be more imaginative with the clothes you already have and really help you refine your personal style. I’ve found this exercise really helpful for me when I want to get excited about my closet again or want to filter my style. I also always find inspiration from just plain old people watching. I love walking the city and finding inspiration from the people around me and seeing new ways to style pieces I might already own.

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#NYOTAfashion You create content on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. What initially motivated you to start posting online?

When I first started posting on TikTok around 2022, I was working a very stressful job that I had also outgrown. I was really in need of an outlet, specifically a creative one. I had put so many of my creative passions on the back burner, fearing they would never amount to financial stability. TikTok made it so easy to create content, in a no-stress, no-pressure kind of way. I also felt that since it was still a new platform, it gave me some anonymity. I could be whoever I wanted, I could create whatever my heart desired. I instantly loved it and I have fallen in love with editing videos and making content. It’s so fun to find new ways and new mediums to share the things I love and provide some inspiration to others.

Creating fashion content on social media can be difficult because a lot of the time people tend to subscribe to trends and make similar videos. How do you work to set yourself apart?

I don’t intentionally try to set myself apart. I try to be as authentic as I possibly can and share what I love and care about, with hope that some people can resonate. I don’t post or create content with the intention of amassing tons of followers, but with the hope that someone or a few people will resonate with my style or personality and find some inspiration. If that means I keep my circle smaller, I am so happy with that.

You’re currently studying law and contributing at The Strategist, while making content, which is a unique combination. Do you feel that creating content allows you to express yourself creatively while school and writing gives you that balance and allows you to tap into the left side of your brain more?

Definitely! I feel incredibly privileged and grateful to be able to study law, write, and make content. They are all important facets of who I am.

What advice do you have for those who want to create content in the fashion space?

I say go for it! I think a lot of people are hesitant to begin creating content because they are scared of what people will think or feel the industry is oversaturated. I felt the same way. I was so scared to start posting on Instagram, for fear of what people in my life might think. Overall, the people who I love, care and support my social media journey and are excited for me. And if anyone wants to judge, that is a reflection of them, not you. What I also find amazing about style/ fashion content (or any type of content), is that there is really something for everyone. You may feel hesitant about posting because you are afraid your style won’t resonate with people, but trust me, someone out there will and you could be a source of inspiration for them. Overall, I have met so many wonderful people from starting social media and have found so many exciting opportunities.

Social media users are starting to gravitate back toward longform content. Do you find that longform content allows you to be a bit more intentional and thought out?

Yes, I love the revival of long-form content. It’s also the reason I love writing and the popularity of Substack. Blogs are back! I think it’s reflective of our desire to consume less content or to consume content more intentionally.

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Elisha Zepeda Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Hannah Ellison

Elisha Zepeda, a book cover designer based in the Pacific Northwest, has gained traction for his work after he started sharing his process and unused book cover designs on TikTok. Zepeda talked to NYOTA about originality in book covers, making art for art’s sake, and discovering his interest in art later in life.

Have you always been drawn to art and expressing yourself through art?

I honestly was a sports kid growing up, I didn’t really touch art until I was 18 or 19.

My dad’s a baseball coach, so my whole life growing up was sports. Around 18 or 19, I started dating this girl who - just being introduced to her family of musicians, that was the first time I had seen art expressed as an emotion in a family. It was very foreign to me, and that relationship and the friendships it led to – it kind of felt like I walked into the person I was supposed to be in a way. That was a big change in my life. So, after that, I got really into art and expressing myself that way.

What motivated you to start sharing your work and creative process on social media?

It honestly came out of disappointment from clients. Doing stuff that I thought looked great and having it pretty much watered down to look like everything else that already existed pushed me into being like, well, I’m going to get their permission to post these if they didn’t use them because I’m really proud of this work. It’s been really reassuring to have it blow up and have people be like, ‘Oh, this is so good I can’t believe these covers weren’t chosen.’

Creativity when it comes to book covers seems like it’s on the decline. Do you hope that by sharing your work people can be re-energized by the art of book covers and appreciate the work that goes into that process?

Totally, I mean, that’s another reason why I started making the videos. It’s really fun to tell someone, ‘Oh, I’m a book cover designer,’ and they think that, all day, you just stare at a computer screen, and it’s nice to show how involved the process is. It’s definitely one of those things where I think people think it’s easy, and then you have, a couple days to make a handful of designs for a client that is putting thousands of dollars into this, and they’re trying to market this book, and it’s up to you to make something that they think they can sell.

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In your TikTok videos you often have an image, illustration, or concept that is supposed to inform your work for the client. Where do you like to research and find inspiration for the cover art as you work?

I guess one thing I do is I always try to make something that I would personally buy. So I never want to give a client something that wouldn’t make me buy that book. So they give me their brief and a set of images or an idea. I spend a lot of time researching. I probably spend an hour on Pinterest before I even touch Photoshop and I look at books for inspiration, but a lot of times other just random art. The whole time I’m kind of asking myself, what would this look like if I did it in the style of this thing 43

that’s inspiring me, that really helps a lot. I’m looking at this project right now that has to do with roots.

It’s a political book, and they want something with tree roots and so I was looking at logos and minimal trees and really interesting treatments of any lined pattern that I could somehow relate to roots. Then I can put that imagery into that space and make it my own. But it’s a lot of mood boards and seeing what would be cool.

#NYOTAculture There are certain books that have covers that become iconic in their own right. What do you think usually makes a book cover have that longlasting impact?

I have this cover, Laws of Connection, that video kind of got really big. And this thing with social science is they always ask for it to look like whatever the most recent bestseller is, and Atomic Habits has been everywhere. Every time I do a social science book, they say, ‘Can you make it look like Atomic Habits?’

And I want to tell them Atomic Habits was successful because it worked for that book and that topic, and it doesn’t make sense for you to copy that because I think bestsellers become bestsellers because they’re unique and fresh and they’re specific to that book.

I wish that the focus was making something look as unique as possible, specific to the material. I really think that’s what helps a book stand out. A lot of time, marketing resorts to what’s going to be safe so they just want whatever is trending. That’s really frustrating as a designer, because I want to make something that I think is really interesting and stands out, and then it just ends up looking like something that already exists.

Who is your favorite author and which of their book covers is your favorite?

I really love Raymond Carver. He writes short stories, and they’re very understated and to the point. His book covers, I’m not completely in love with them, but the photographer shoots these, really unsettling film photographs of houses and they’re always very foggy and brooding, and I really love that photographer’s work. But I think if I had to choose a favorite author based on their book cover, I really like Molly Baz’s books. They’re cookbooks, but they’re so unique and bright, and they always have a brand new typeface that was made specifically for the book. I really love anything that she puts out.

is new and different, and there’s not really any limit to the type of design you can make. But when I get tired of that, and especially when I’m doing a project that doesn’t really feel artistic. It’s really nice to be like, ‘Okay, I’m going to put that creative part of my brain on hold, and I’m going to focus it on music or shooting film.’ It’s really nice to be able to pivot, and it always keeps me energized creatively.

I would recommend that to anyone who’s creative, find multiple outlets so that you don’t feel burnt out.

What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

I mean coming from someone who didn’t go to design school, I think a lot of people, their biggest question is, what should I major in? And should I get an internship? Those things probably do help a lot, but I think what helped me was just focusing on being good, because you don’t have control over what’s going to sell. You don’t really have control over any part of the process, except that your work is good.

So I would tell people, really refine your taste. Pay attention to what design catches your eye, because usually it’s a lot more simple than it’s made out to be, and I think it’s much easier to be good than people think and that’s what you have control over. Focus on being good and the work will find its way to you if you consistently are good. Another thing is finding your niche. I think especially in design, I mean, there’s a million designers who can work Photoshop and do all of these things, but eventually you’re gonna get paid for your specific design eye, so you might as well focus on making that unique.

Outside of graphic design you also record music and shoot film photography. Are music and film photography creative outlets that allow you to step away from your job and make art for art’s sake?

It is nice to have different creative outlets to scratch that itch of making art for art’s sake. That’s kind of why I didn’t want to be a designer, because I didn’t think that there was a job where you could do that.

Then I found out book cover design was a thing, and that was really invigorating, because every project 44

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Selina Seibel Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Emil Zachert

Selina Seibel, a photographer based in Switzerland, shares photos and videos via social media that highlight her unique eye. Seibel talked to NYOTA about smartphones making photography accessible, finding beauty in the everyday, and photographers she admires.

As a kid was it clear that you gravitated toward the arts or was this something you realized as you got older?

When I think back to my childhood I remember my mother being deeply involved in painting, sewing, filming, and photography. There’s a video on cassette of me when I could barely walk and talk, reaching out my hands to my mother and saying, ‘Give me the camera, I want to film now!’ Since then, there has hardly been a day when I didn’t have a pen, brush, or camera in my hand.

A lot of times people think photography is easier than it is, especially now with the majority of people owning smartphones that have high-quality cameras. Can you talk a bit about some of these misconceptions around photography and how you’ve built up your skills.

A photo is created through a mechanical or digital process, regardless of the medium used. When someone is inspired to capture a moment, they should absolutely do it. Isn’t it wonderful that the smartphone era has made photography so much more accessible to everyone?

A common misconception about photography is that only expensive cameras can take good photos. In my view, a good photo is one that makes you pause and look closer, whether it was taken with a 12,000 Franc camera or a cheap disposable one.

Personally, I am very interested in various cameras, both analog and digital, and I have taught myself over the years which settings lead to which results. However, there still is a lot more I want to learn.

It seems like you often shoot outside or on location versus always shooting in a studio. How does the environment you’re shooting in inform your photos and the way you have the models interact with the space?

I am very interested in art direction and photography in the editorial field. Each set allows me to tell a different story. While the minimalism of the studio background brings the subject into focus, the environment on location can become an important main or supporting character.

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On TikTok you share cinematic, almost intimate videos of scenes from your life. Is videography and filmmaking something you’d like to explore further?

To be honest, cinematography has always fascinated me more than photography. I love filming short everyday moments and details that tell a story. The way music can enhance these scenes to convey a specific mood captivates me. I enjoy working on smaller film projects, where I especially see my strengths in directing. One day, I would love to be part of a larger production and experience the dynamics of a professional set.

Is it important for you to try to find art or beauty in everyday life?

Everyday life can sometimes be overwhelming when you have to juggle a full-time job, household chores, and appointments. I consciously take time to observe and reflect on the simplest things. One everyday place that consistently brings me joy is my kitchen. There is so much to observe here: used glasses in the sink with traces of lipstick, burnt-down candles from the previous night, two empty cat food bowls. There is always a story to be told, and yes, sometimes I find beauty in it.

You’re part of the photography collective Studio 426, has being part of that group given you a lot of inspiration for your own work?

So far, the studio collective is more of a shared space that all of us members use. Still it’s very interesting to see what each of us is working on and to have people around who can help with questions about photography.

Who are a few artists that you admire?

I admire so many people! Currently, I am closely following and admiring the work of Barbara Bühler, Paolo Abate, and Maximilian Attila Bartsch.

What advice do you have for aspiring photographers?

Go out and start taking photos freely – train your eye.

Get to know your camera and understand how different settings produce different results. Study the works of other photographers, create mood boards, and gradually develop your own style. Be aware that your style can and will change over time, so stay open to new ideas. Connect with others – not just photographers, but also artists, musicians, and all kinds of creative people to gain fresh insights and inspiration. And most importantly: be kind to yourself!

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Selina Seibel Photography Feature

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Artist Highlight

Gustaf Westman Photos Courtesy of Gustaf Westman

Designer Gustaf Westman’s objects have been coveted among Gen Zers and millennials since people started clamoring for his curvy mirrors and chunky desks in 2020. For the past few years, his namesake label has continued to produce unique and whimsical pieces ranging from a curly lamp to a spiral magazine stand. Westman’s popularity has only continued to grow as his work becomes more innovative, and here at NYOTA, we want to spotlight the artist and his designs.

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