[NYOTA Magazine ]
star power
starring
Skylan Brooks Volume 6
HELLO THERE, READER! One of the best things about creating our Star Power issues is choosing who will be on the cover. For our sixth Star Power issue, we chose Skylan Brooks, a 19-year-old actor and musician on the rise. Skylan got his big break after starring in The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete where he plays a young boy coming of age in the inner city. He can now be seen in Netflix's The Get Down and the movie The Darkest Minds. Currently, Skylan is working on his first album and has numerous projects on the horizon. We also have a quick chat with Anand Desai-Barochia, a young actor who should definitely be on your radar. After reading, I hope you not only enjoy this issue but are inspired to go after your dreams.
YOURS TRULY, Carol Wright EDITOR IN CHIEF, NYOTA MAGAZINE @_CAROL_WRIGHT
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from the editor
contents
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Editor's Letter
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Get to Know Skylan
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Skylan's Playlist
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#StarPower: Skylan Brooks
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Back to Cool
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Quick Chat with Anand DesaiBarochia
Cover: Jacket- Topman tropical printed jacket. Above: Suit- Twisted Tailor yellow suit, Shirt- Roberto Cavalli yellow/blue leopard tee, Shoes- Vans checkerboard slip ons
#StarPower
get to know skylan I was actually born with red hair and blond streaks. Was some weird phenomenon, I guess.
I can tell what you're thinking‌
Shirt- COS army green button up, Pants- COS army green joggers, Jacket- COS army green puffer coat Shoes- Vans cream lace ups
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#StarPower
I'm able to play the Bungalow Drum.
I can do a technique called the windmill.
I am a dancer and I've taken ballet classes lol. I can do a Pirouette. But I B-boy over all.
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#StarPower
"I have to make it a priority to not compromise what made me who I am in the first place because it is one of the main reasons why people like and appreciate me as a person and an artist." -Skylan speaking about his faith and the role it has played in his life.Â
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Photos by Jeff Vespa // Styling by Erica Cloud  // Grooming Alexa Hernandez
#NyotaMusic
Skylan's Playlist J Cole//Intro J Cole//January 28th Kendrick Lamar//Don't Kill My Vibe Kendrick Lamar & Flying Lotus//Never Catch Me Logic//Under Pressure Joey Bada$$//Waves Saba//Calligraphy Ab-Soul//Illuminate Linkin Park//Castle of Glass Linkin Park//In the End
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SKYLAN BROOKS SKYLAN BROOKS SKYLAN BROOKS
#StarPower
Interview by Carol Wright | Photos by Jeff Vespa | Grooming Alexa Hernandez | Styling by Erica Cloud
#StarPower
You’ve been acting since you were a kid. When you were younger, what about acting sparked your interest? I really liked the idea of going to these different places unbeknownst to the world and the fun in booking a role was a challenge that I enjoyed. Getting to experiment and find comfort in new things.
What drew you to Chubs in The Darkest Minds? Was it interesting to delve into a scifi role? I've always wanted to do a Sci-fi thriller. Being an integral part of one was definitely exciting to say the least. I enjoyed Chubs’ sense of humor and I felt in different ways my personality helped contribute to portraying him on screen.
What was your favorite scene to shoot? I gotta say the chase scene was by far the most crazy stunt I've ever done. I'll go with that for sure!
It is well known that actors continually have to face rejection. Has it become easier to cope with that and how do you keep yourself motivated to try again after hearing numerous no’s? I think there's a very distinct line between keeping yourself relevant and making a business decision which can lead to a yes or no. In this business, it weighs heavily on your ability in making the tough choices without fear which involves remembering who you are first. What are you willing to do and not do? Not compromising yourself for the sake of a role while still evaluating and taking advantage of what opportunities are in front you are crucial. Actors should have a strategy, guidelines and definitely boundaries for themselves. Knowing all of this will help minimize the amount of no's or what I call "misses" because you will only go after what you know you’re good at. In the meantime, you build on your skills for the projects you desire. The key is never lose sight of you. Staying grounded in who I am has helped me solidify my qualities. I learned that not getting that role is never personal. There's always something for you that will come back around. It works itself out, always!
You also rap, which we got the chance to see in Netflix's The Get Down. Do you hope to continue to find roles that allow you to also explore your love of music?
Outside of acting, what are some of your other creative outlets?
Yeah. I would love to be a part of more films, tv, etc. that involve music, dance and performaning. I had a ton of fun. I'd really like to score or eventually leave my mark on a film musically even directing. I'm always open to creating.
Music is a big one. I find that I can get more feelings out in a three-minute song than in most conversations I have. I create art either Abstract or Design. I like weapon art and drawing logos just to name a few strokes lol!
Suit- COS army green suit, Shirt- Burnt orange high collar sweater, Shoes- Aldo white sneakers, Ring- stylist's own
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#StarPower
How has your faith played a role in your career? Has it influenced which projects you get involved in? Faith has played an integral part in all of my decisions in life. When it comes to roles, I put my all to manifest the character. But at the same time, I always have to check in with myself to make sure it doesn't change or challenge my integrity and barriers that keep me grounded. That's when my faith comes in. I have to make it a priority to not compromise what made me who I am in the first place because it is one of the main reasons why people like and appreciate me as a person and an artist.
Your career kicked off with The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete. How have you changed as an actor since that movie came out? I've gotten stronger and more knowledgeable as an actor. I've learned a little bit about not only being in front of the camera but behind the camera as well as I develop my craft and myself. Although I hate time restrictions, I can learn material so much faster. I surprisingly work well in those circumstances.
Can you tell us about any upcoming projects? I'm working on a TV show with Fox and I'm collaborating with Nate Parker on an upcoming film as well. I'm in the studio working on my first album. You can sample some of my music at Skiez 7 on SoundCloud.
What advice do you have for aspiring actors? Don't let the hype get to your brain. If you want to be successful do what makes you happy with yourself. Don't compromise who you are just because you've booked the job or want that job and you need money. Formulate a plan. There are so many intricate details that you have to stay focused and have no distractions. Have a support system and don't go it alone. Anyone who can't support you now won't be there long enough to see you succeed. So clear out the riff-raff. Know that as long as you do the best you possibly can and never hold back, you nor anyone else can ever say "I didn't give it my everything". Cause in the end that's all that really matters.
But I can definitely do so much more because of challenging roles and circumstances like in The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete. I was 13 and a half; I've come a long way. By now I'm probably considered a veteran in my old age- that's a plus.
Pants- Topman red trouser, Shirt- Roberto Cavalli black/white and red printed polo, Shoe- Aldo Black suede loafer
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#StarPower
Sweater- Sandro blue “Flashback” sweater , Pants- COS tan trouser, Coat- Sandro camel coat, Shoes- Sandro camel tennis shoe
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#StarPower
"THE KEY IS, NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF YOU. STAYING GROUNDED IN WHO I AM, HELPED ME SOLIDIFY MY QUALITIES." 13
Pants- Rag&Bone herringbone trouser, Shirt- Sandro black “Hero” tee, Jacket- Valentino red windbreaker, Shoes- Vans white high tops
#StarPower
"KNOW THAT AS LONG AS YOU DO THE BEST YOU POSSIBLY CAN, AND NEVER HOLD BACK, YOU NOR ANYONE ELSE CAN EVER SAY "I DIDN'T GIVE IT MY EVERYTHING". CAUSE IN THE END, THAT'S ALL THAT REALLY MATTERS."
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#StarPower
Suit- Twisted Tailor Yellow Suit , Shirt- Roberto Cavalli Yellow/Blue Leopard Tee , Shoes- Vans Checkerboard Slip Ons
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BACK TO COOL School is back in session and what better way to go back to school than back in style? Check out these cool pieces and you'll be sure to get an A+ in style.
Top to bottom : Retro Sunnies $40 www.houseofflair.co , Coach x Selena Gomez: Leather Jacket $1095, Bunny Sweatshirt $250, Leather Bag $475 www.coach.com , Mirror Phone case $25 www.thelifestyletrend.com, Ana Lublin FATHIMA platform Oxfords $90 www.houseofflair.co
QUICK CHAT WITH ANAND DESAI-BAROCHIA
Photos by Justin Wu
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#QuickChat
When did you become interested in acting? I was 10 when I caught the acting bug. My primary (elementary) school teacher gave me the lead role in our graduating play. It was a cross between Phantom Of The Opera meets Rocky Horror meets Frankenstein. Growing up with the casual insecurity here and there, I was rather large. Some would say morbidly obese but who is putting children in boxes…Imagine Phantom blown up by a tire inflator. That was me. I looked in the mirror, saw fat Phantom. It was love at first sight.
How did the opportunity to be in The Outpost come about? In November of last year, Barbara Stordahl and Angela Terry brought me in for the role of Garret. I read the pilot and immediately fell in love with Janzo. I asked my reps if I could switch roles and casting graciously said yes. The initial audition went well and then I came back in to read for our showrunner, Jonathan Glassner. A short while later, I got “the call.”
What was your favorite part of shooting season 1 of The Outpost? The freedom to explore and experiment with the character. Janzo is definitely an interesting individual. Thanks to Dean (Devlin), Glassner, Marc Roskin and our directors, they allowed me to play. There’s nothing more an actor can ask for.
Who are some actors you hope to work with in the future? I’d love to work with the folks I look up to. I tend to enjoy an actors commitment to character work. Eddie Redmayne is truly brilliant in any film I’ve seen him in. He transforms. Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka and Hilary Swank in Boys don’t cry. I’d love to share the screen with these guys just to watch and learn more than anything else.
Can you share anything about upcoming projects? Yes! The Outpost has just started to roll out: Stateside on the CW and globally on the SYFY channel. Aside from The Outpost, I’m supporting Matthew Modine in the upcoming crime drama Foster Boy, and share lead in Eli Roth’s next horror movie Lake Mead.
What advice do you have for aspiring actors? I don’t wish this profession upon anyone apart from those who genuinely want it. (Not for the Instagram likes). If there is something else you like more than acting - DO THAT! This job isn’t for the faint of heart - to go through the amount of rejection day after day and sometimes year after year makes for a strong strong individual. That being said - if you keep at it, create your own work and remain focused, when it does happen...The reward is ten fold everything you went through to achieve it. I promise. Contact me on social media at any time to ask work-related questions. If we can’t help each other on the way up... you know how the rest of it goes.
You can contact Anand on Social media here: @ananddb
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A quarterly series discussing serious topics over brunch In August, NYOTA Magazine partnered with The House of Flair to launch a brunch series that bridged the gap between generations with topics such as business, mental health, networking and so much more. If you would like to be a part of our series, follow @nyotamagazine on all platforms to stay up to date.
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www.houseofflair.co
NYOTA Magazine STAR POWER TEAM EDITOR IN CHIEF
Carol Wright
CREATIVE DRIECTOR, GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Niara Wright
PUBLISHING WWW.ISSUU.COM/NYOTAMAGAZINE
ISSUU
PRINT COVER
ACTOR/MUSICIAN Skylan
WWW.BLURB.COM/NYOTAMAGAZINE BLURB
Brooks
CLOTHING CREDITS FEATURES ACTOR
ANAND DESAI-BAROCHIA
CONTRIBUTORS PHOTOGRAPHER
Jeff Vespa
STYLIST Erica GROOMER
Cloud
Alexa Hernandez
ADVERTISMENTS WWW.THELIFESTYLETREND.COM
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WWW.THEHOUSEOFFLAIR.CO NOT JUST ANOTHER ONE HIT WONDER PODCAST BY BRETT GORDAN
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