ORENDA Magazine Volume 8

APRIL 2021

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VOL. 8

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Volume 8

Founder/Editor-in-Chief Ezzah Rafique

Design Director Mohja Filfil

Communications Director Iman Tanzeem

Social Media Director Tequila Helland

Web Director

Camila Camacho

Contributors

Zakhmatova Olga, Camila Camacho, Lorenzo Emme, Deemantha Jayan Nilaweera, Victoria Jolley, Ximena Tapia Medina, Emma Garibian, Veronika Gergert, Alena Zhukavets, Piotr Szulawski, James Brantley, Alex Matt Photography, Tahlia Banning, Tim Brown, & Orchee Sorker

Featured

WizTheMc and Jack Omstead

COVER: Photo by Alena Zhukavets

ORENDA MEDIA www.theorendamedia.com

SUBMISSIONS orendamediainfo@gmail.com https://kavyar.com/orenda-magazine theorendamedia.com/submissions

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Firstly, big news: we are rebranding! As of right now, I’m working on legal work for name changes, expanding the business, and other stuff to actually get working as a fully expanded business that way we can accommodate prices for selling the magazine cheaper in different countries! When coming up with the name for ORENDA MEDIA, I was told the meaning of Orenda revolved around bringing change to your life and the world around you. Recently, I was educated on the true meaning behind the origin and spiritual concept of the term Orenda to native people, specifically the Haudenosaunee people. Ultimately, Orenda is not a term meant for business affairs and should be kept as a spiritual concept, not being used for any personal gain like our business. With the information I learned, I decided that now is the best time to take initiative to change the name of our business from ORENDA MEDIA. ORENDA MEDIA was created to make an inclusive community of creative minded individuals while respecting individuals' beliefs (race/ethnicity/gender/etc), therefore, the use of ‘Orenda’ violates our mission.

We plan on rebranding from late april to late may and intend on closing all submissions for the month on May and June for the time being. Until June 7th, we're taking the time to rebrand and not put any issues out for those two months. We’ll resume submissions (on Kavyar) under a new name on June 7th for July’s issue, which is set to be themed “Avant-Garde Editorial”. When we open submissions for July under our new name, we do plan on opening some team positions for more photographers, artists, journalists, etc!

Ezzah Rafique Founder/Editor-in-Chief

@theorendamedia

@theorendamedia

@orendamedia

@theorendamedia

GIRLS

Photographer Alena Zhukavets @az_photo_fr Model @_wahabe_ Model @Kimmai_bnr Model @Djessieperot Makeup Artist @Scarlettzzhao Makeup Artist @Coraj.mua

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Scents of Orient

Photographer Piotr Szulawski @brodatafotografia Model Julia Włodarska @Chili Models @bastet_xx Makeup Artist Aleksandra Broniszewska @makeup_olabroniszewska

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Gentle Xenia

Photographer Veronika Gergert @photo_gergert Model Ksenia Yarovaya @stilinssskkiiiiii Makeup Artist /Hair Stylist @Evelina_vartanova Fashion Designer @esipenko_nadezhda Accessory Designer Angelika Maralova @Angelika_maralova Accessory Designer @__florange__arm Wardrobe Stylist @Fotostudio_veranda_armavir

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CitofrusSorrow Beauty Photographer / Model / Makeup Artist / Desginer Emma Garibian @emthroughalens

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Fashion Designer Zakhmatova Olga @zo_brand Photographer Sukhoviy Anastasia @naskens Hair & Makeup Anna Bobkova @by_bobbi.bo Model Daria Krasnova @Vgmodals Model Ksenia Furmanova @Vgmodals

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Amazing Friends

Photographer Deemantha Jayan Nilaweera @deemantha_jayan Model Mako @ttnpln Model Kana @7days_homosapiens

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Home Photographer Camila Camacho @camilacphotography @camilaconline @projectgoconsent

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Alexandra RENDA

Photographer Lorenzo Emme @lorenzoemme.portraits Model Sasha Fox @iamn_ati Makeup Artist Ulica Marucci @makeupbyulica

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The Beauty Within A Smile Photographer Jex Calder @takeashotwithjex Model Tahlia Banning @mkmodelling @tahlia_cherie06 Jewelry Designer Noeleen Prince NP Rocks @np.rocks Makeup Artist Blake Designs Makeup Artistry @blakedesigns Fashion Designer Katari @katarithelabel

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Uniquely You

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Model TIM BROWN @Timbrownatl Photographer @Clicksbycarrington

Walking Angel Photographer Orchee Sorker @orchees_photos

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The Beauty with Colors Model/Makeup Artist/Hair Stylist Shreeya Patel @shreshreeeyaa_eeyshreeeyaa_aa_shreeeyaa_ Stylist/Wardrobe Stylist/Fashion Designer/Accessory Designer TC Urban Couture @tcurbancouture Creative Director/Photographer Alex Matt Photography @alxmatphotography Retoucher Kevin Devroy @kevd3d

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Beauty in Emotions

Photographer Victoria Jolley @vickies.photographs Models @zoiekmiller & @austinmiller_43 @shaylynsimmons & @ganopp @elsiepmills & @invader.g3.8

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BLOOM Photographer Ximena Tapia Medina @foto.ximetapia Model Valeria Tapia Medina @vale_tapia18

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Streetwear Photographer James Brantley @JAB_Pics Model/Hair/Styling Jazmin Pineda @iamjazminpineda

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New Single "Magic Jack"

New Single "Magic Jack"

k c a J stead m O

New Single "Magic Jack"

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Hi! Congratulations on the release of 'Magic Jack'! How has making music this year been for you?

Thank you so much! Making music this year has been very unique, something I think a lot of artists can attest to. Luckily, I’ve been able to hone in on my craft and develop as an overall writer, producer, and artist. Living in Toronto, Canada, we’re still on full lockdown due to Covid, but I’ve definitely maximized the last year and used the isolation to find not only myself, but my sound.

What was the process like for you when creating 'Magic Jack'?

I actually wrote it while walking my dog. I often create instrumentals and export the .mp3 into my notes section on my phone and write lyrics down when I’m out and about. I remember thinking of the line “it’s not Magic Mike, it’s Magic Jack” and the rest came quite seamlessly. That night I recorded it, then teased it on TikTok a few days later. The response was awesome so I knew I had to finish it and put it out!

Do you have a favorite lyric or one that stands out from 'Magic Jack'?

If I had to choose one: “you’re my highness, I’m your throne.”

When releasing ''Magic Jack', did you preview the songs for anyone beforehand? What reaction do you hope to achieve from people who listen to the song for the first time.

I usually show my parents or sister songs beforehand, typically once I finish a rough demo. I’m very close with them and they’re very supportive of my art. However, considering the content discussed in the song, I decided not to show anyone and simply put a preview on TikTok. The next morning I came downstairs and my family all had something to say about it; lots of mixed emotions and laughs.

You've released quite a lot of music over the past year, how has the release process been for you especially with a lot of press and stuff being remote? And out of the songs you have put out so far, do you have a favorite?

It’s definitely a unique experience releasing music during a pandemic. Despite many parts of the overall pre/post release process being remote, I think artists have found new and exciting ways to gain exposure (i.e. TikTok, Instagram Reels, Snapchat Discovery). These platforms are not only transforming how we think about releasing music but how artists write the songs and how listeners consume it. With that in mind, I wrote Magic Jack in a way that would be easy to push on social media platforms. This was a new approach for me and thinking about the potential rollout of a song prior to its creation was something I had never done before. For that reason, Magic Jack was my favorite project to work on. I’m also extremely proud of the overall mix of the song as I produced it from start to finish. There were over 150 individual tracks and it was tough to fit it all together.

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How would you describe your creative process? Do you pull inspiration from events in your life or choose to portray a specific topic in each song?

My creative process is never ending which has its pros and cons.

As many people know, being an artist is not a typical 9-5 job which means I’m always thinking of concepts surrounding my image as an artist or for new songs at every waking moment.

Though I come up with some amazing ideas during the late hours of the evening, I sometimes find it difficult turn my brain off. However, as I continue to progress as an artist and person I’m able to do a better job of separating myself from my craft. In regards to inspiration, it comes in many forms, but life events have the most influence on my art.

Is there a song in specific that you're excited to play live to an audience?

I would say ‘Apples’ and ‘AEIOU’ as they are both feel good, love songs.

How important has social media been for you, knowing you've got a lot of engagement on TikTok? Social media is everything for artists in 2021 and the importance of having a strong presence across all platforms will continue to grow every year. What’s so special about an app such as TikTok is that you’re not only able to connect with fans, but they give you direct feedback on what content they enjoy. Rather than releasing music hoping people like it, now artists can release songs they know will do well. At the end of the day, it’s all about the fans and fulfilling their needs because without them no artist would be successful.

Your song 'AEIOU' has made it to playlists on Spotify like 'Teen Beats' and 'Fresh Finds' (Congrats!), what was your initial reaction to seeing that?

It meant the world. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of seeing you and your team’s hard work pay off.

Lastly, is there a genre of music you'd like to try out?

As I continue growing as an artist I see myself incorporating more Hip-hop and Hyperpop elements. However I love Frank Sinatra so we might dabble in some jazz/swing, and traditional pop on a song or two. I’m like a banana pudding with many layers, both as a person and musician.

New Single "World Is Fucked”

New Single "World Is Fucked”

WizTheMc

New Single "World Is Fucked”

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Hi! Congratulations on the release of 'World Is Fucked'!

What was the inspiration behind this single?

The current state of the world really inspired me to write this song...whilst also maintaining a positive outlook on everything, no matter how bad things might seem.

I think it’s important to know whats going on and not being ignorant to all the bad and evil things that are going on...tho[ugh[ after having digested some of that information you can do with it what you want and still view the world with an open heart.

What was the process like for creating 'World Is Fucked'? Did COVID- 19 affect it, and if so, how did you go tackle any issues COVID caused?

I was out of town with Jeff Hazin writing songs when we came up with that tune. Us wanting to travel, see places and make music with people in person- made us see whats not possible because of the COVID in this time and felt the need to address it in WIF.

Is there anything in specific that pushed you into pursuing music as your career?

I thought rapping was the coolest thing in my teenage years. And I still think that. So I guess after rapping consistently over a period of 2,3 years...I didn’t see myself quitting so I just never stopped.

How would you describe your creative process? Do you pull inspiration from events in your life or choose to portray a specific topic in each song?

Depending on the mood the music is giving me..I write about recent situations, older memories or even things I never felt before in an attempt to understand certain perspectives better.

Are there any artists or bands who inspire you?

Beatles, Queen, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Billy Talent.

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Do you have a favorite lyric from 'World is Fucked'?

"I‘m not gon front imma tell you what it is, won‘t sell myself short cause i got lots to give"

When releasing 'World Is Fucked', did you preview the songs for anyone beforehand? What reaction do you hope to achieve from people who listen to the song for the first time.

I want them to dance and jam out to this hyper relatable song with one eye crying and one laughing.

What else is there to do when you hear an upbeat song about the apocalypse?

You have an interesting dynamic of pop and hip-hop rhythms in your music, how important is it for you to create a sound distinguishable to you or would you consider yourself to have a specific sound?

For the most part i don‘t try to create a distinguishable sound. I used to imitate alot of rappers in my first years of making music.

I‘d still say that no matter how hard you try sounding like anyone else...you‘ll find your own sound along the way (in the ideal situation).

You've released quite a lot of music over the past year, including your EP 'What About Now', how has the release process been for you especially with a lot of press and stuff being remote? And out of the songs you have put out so far, do you have a favorite?

Releasing music is one of my top 3 favourite things so its always exciting. Some of my older songs start to grow on me lately and every now and then i think to myself "damn you were such a young genius"...but otherwise all my favourite songs are unreleased.

Lastly, is there a genre of music you'd like to try out?

I don‘t think theres many I haven’t tried out yet. But I‘m excited sharing some of the new genres i‘ve been exploring with the new music. Thank you guys for having me and supporting my project. Means a lot. Much Love.

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NOLAK

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ORENDA MAGAZINE VOLUME #8 APRIL 11th 2021 FRONT COVER: Photo by Alena Zhukavets theorendamedia.com issuu.com/orendamedia