29 minute read

VULKAN

Next Article
VULKANERS

VULKANERS

DON BENJAMIN

Photo by Ryan Jerome @ryan_jerome Grooming by Brenda Ferrell @B-Ready Beauty Writing by Prerna Srikantappa @prerna_srikantappa

You’ve probably seen him on ANTM, but there’s more to Don Benjamin than his good looks. The model, artist, actor and entrepreneur is taking the industry by storm with many of his upcoming projects. Branching out into skincare and having his own merch, he is a brand in himself. The “My truth” author talks about breakups, skincare, and how his family has changed his life.

Looking back, can you walk us through how your fashion journey evolved since ANTM ?

I feel like I’ve evolved with my art and skill set. This has helped me in understanding how the business works while building my resume and name.

What inspired you to write your book, “My Truth” ?

Dealing with a public breakup made me take a step back and look at ways I was moving in life. I didn’t like certain aspects of myself and felt they needed to be changed. Also, while I was learning new things and breaking generational curses, it was imperative for me to share with the world in hopes that I can reach other men and women that may be going through the same thing.

Your song “I Ain’t Going Back” is a cult-favorite, when did you tap into making music ? Do you have any plans of releasing new songs ?

Thank you! I started writing music in high school and fell in love with it. I don’t think I will ever stop making music but, it is more of a passion push opposed to full time nowadays. I plan on releasing new music in 2023 which I am excited about.

Why do you think it’s important for men to be in the beauty industry ?

I think men need to take care of themselves just as much as women. A lot of times, skincare is just overwhelming. We don't know where to start so we just resort to a bar of soap. I wanted to change that.

Congratulations on releasing your new skincare line ‘Lave Skin’. Can you tell our readers, what does self-care mean to you ?

Self-care is everything to me. I want to wake up at the age of 50, 60 or 70 and still feel young and rejuvenated. Taking care of your skin gets you there. Lave makes it easy for you to take care of your skin without overthinking it. Spray-on serum and the spray-on moisturizer are my top favorites because you can spray them on and go about your day.

How has your life changed professionally and personally since you’ve met your wife ?

My wife definitely elevates my life in all aspects. It’s a blessing to have someone that I can work with, relax with, have fun and build with. She also pushes me to always be the best version of myself.

How does the color pink make you feel ?

Now that I’m going to be a girl dad the color pink reminds me of it on a daily basis. It excites me to meet my daughter and go on this new journey with my family!

FULL LOOK MOSHINO GOWN RINGS @luvmyjewelry KAFTAN STUDIO misho_designs NECKLACE

MR.ETTIKA

GENEVIEVE ANGELSON

Photo by Ryan Jerome @ryan_jerome Hair by Terra Rose Puncerelli @The Wall Group Makeup by Nicole Walmsley @The Wall Group Writing by Prerna Srikantappa @prerna_srikantappa

She is a writer, actress, activist and the list continues. The celebrated actress is quite unstoppable with cult-classic hits like the After Party, Good Girls Revolt, Top Five and This Is Us. After being named one of the best casting discoveries of the year in 2014, The Handmaid’s Tale’s very own Mrs Wheeler talks about why she is passionate about women’s rights and her current tv obsessions.

Tell us about the most challenging part of playing your character in Handmaid's Tale ?

The commute! The set of the wheeler's house was nearly two hours outside of downtown Toronto where I was living.

What was your favorite TV show growing up ?

Absolutely Fabulous. I grew up in London and Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley were the foundation to my sense of humor. To this day, no one can match up to them.

You are very vocal about women's rights, what advice would you give to young girls who want to work in the industry ?

Do whatever it takes to fall truly in love with yourself so you don’t rely on this career to love you. Do this job because you love the craft not because you love Love. The former will sustain you forever, the latter will sustain you for about five minutes.

If you could play any role on a current tv show, who would you want to play ?

Elena on Billy on the Street.

Name three pink items you cannot live without.

My dog’s tongue, my own heart, Los Angeles sunsets in August.

If you have to dress someone in pink who will it be and why?

I would dress Mitch McConnell in pink and require him to run a 10k for breast cancer awareness sponsored by every sitting senator. I think that would be a good use of his body.

OLIVER STARK

Photo by Ryan Jerome @ryan_jerome Grooming by Brenda Ferrell @B-Ready Beauty Writing by Prerna Srikantappa @prerna_srikantappa

The Fox's hit series, 9-1-1's heartthrob, Oliver Stark, is making a name for himself in the industry. To the viewer's surprise, acting was not always on the cards. The british actor who wanted to pursue being a football player and maybe even a firefighter, moved to the United States after playing several roles in the UK. Catch up with him as he talks about his role as Evan Buckley and how it changed his life.

Congratulations on another successful season of 9-1-1 ! Tell us why you were drawn to the role of Evan Buckley?

Thank you! I honestly think this role was my calling for many reasons. First, being that I had an interest in becoming a firefighter in real life before booking this role! Secondly, he's a character with such heart - truly puts himself out there for the ones he loves and for complete strangers. I've learnt a lot about who I want to be in my life through him.

How did your character evolve throughout the show?

We've seen him mature over the seasons. Looking back at season one he was a little too gung-ho in certain situations and maybe he's learnt to taper that over the years or at least channel it in a more productive way! He's definitely still got his golden retriever energy though.

What episode of 9-1-1 stays close to you and why?

Different episodes for different reasons. I think back to the tsunami episodes of season 3 and I'm so proud of everyone's hard work in pulling that off. Then there's the Buck Begins episode in season 4 where I really got to dig into the backstory of the character. The Pilot too! Forming those bonds with my castmates that have only strengthened over the years.

What are the pros and cons of acting in a movie/show compared to performing in theater ?

I think it's a different skill set. Different muscles being worked and a different kind of stamina required. To be on stage night after night can be taxing physically and mentally! I've been in the world of TV and film for the last 7 or 8 years and would really relish the chance to get back on stage again!

What would be your dream role ?

Honestly, I just want to create good meaningful work. Work that makes us look at society and ask questions for ourselves. I thought coming off the back of 9-1-1, I'd want to do something without any action elements but in actual fact I have so much fun doing that on 9-1-1 that I'm all for more of it !

Do you think gentrifying the color pink was a step back for the color ?

I don't! I think everyone should embrace whatever color makes them feel like their favorite self!

JACKET

MELI

TOP + SKIRT

MINDFUL PIGS

ESTHER ANAYA

Photo by Ryan Jerome @ryan_jerome Hair + Makeup by Brenda Ferrell @B-Ready Beauty Writing by Prerna Srikantappa @prerna_srikantappa

She is the life of the party and has the whole world grooving to her music, all while building an empire. With a residency at Zouk, one of the biggest nightclubs in Vegas, to being assigned as the official DJ for the chargers, her life is nothing short of a dream. Esther walks us through what it's like to live in her shoes.

When did you first realize music was something you’d want to pursue for the rest of your life?

When I turned seven, I knew I was going to make music my career. I fell in love with music. I knew it was going to be a lifelong choice. I have always had immense passion for sound, music creation and performance.

An EDM DJ, Violinist, singer and songwriter, your life seems unreal. Can you explain a day in Esther Anaya's life?

A day in my life is very active I would say. First off, I must have 8 hours of beauty sleep. I start the day with making my bed, doing a prayer/meditation, usually I practice intermittent fasting and hop onto zoom calls & meetings. I then dedicate the rest of my day to music. I spend numerous hours everyday practicing my craft for shows. I usually have at least 2 shows per week, so the practice is a huge priority to me. I also often spend long hours in the studio working on making music. About once per week, I have vocal classes to make sure my vocals stay trained and ready to go whether I'm working them in the studio or on stage. Along with this, I try to have a balanced life by exercising about 4 times a week, spending time with family and self pampering about once a month.

What does your creative process entail ?

I get a lot of different influences from the techniques and sounds of artists I admire. I try to pull the best out of each technique and use that as a base to form my unique sound.

How has social media impacted your career?

Social Media has expanded my public presence, helped showcase my talent on a regular basis and stay connected with my fans around the world. It also has helped me in showing my personality and the different sides to me outside my craft.

You are the official DJ for the chargers and zouk, can you tell us about that experience?

I would have to say performing at both has been a dream come true. I always dreamt of performing in Vegas at the best venues, next to world renowned artists who I've admired for a very long time. The Zouk residency has fulfilled this dream. It's amazing to see people from all over the world gather in one place where I get the opportunity to provide an exciting and memorable experience to them. When it comes to the Chargers, I must say the energy of the fans and the stadium is contagious. Not only am I a big fan of the organization but, I also love the incredible feeling of performing at the amazing SoFi Stadium. I remember being 9 years old and dreaming of performing at a larger stadium one day. In 2022 that dream became reality. I feel very blessed for these incredible opportunities.

You are attracted to the color pink, Why is this color special and what does it mean to you?

I just love pink because it's feminine and loud. I think it shows that I can be a boss while still being feminine and sexy. To me, it makes a statement. Also, it stands out, brings attention to my persona. It is important to have your own identity when you’re an artist and a performer.

NGHTMRE

Photo by Ryan Jerome @ryan_jerome Grooming by Terra Rose Puncerelli @The Wall Group Writing by Prerna Srikantappa @prerna_srikantappa

If you’re a fan of EDM look no further, Nghtmre, has got you covered. The DJ has come a long way since his debut at one of the biggest music festivals in the world, EDC Vegas. Currently on tour after releasing his first album, Nghtmre has us convinced that DRMVRSE should be a part of all our playlist. Don't forget to catch the next show near you !

Can you tell our readers the story behind DRMVRSE ?

I’ve been playing and writing music almost my entire life and have never released a full album. I focused on writing music that I felt really represented my style and that I loved, all while giving it a theme, backstory, and setting for the music videos and events to exist in. This is what the “DRMVRSE” essentially is… the album chronologically creates a story that also comes to life in the live show experience..

What goes behind the process of creating some of your best hits ?

In my early producing days, before I had access to great vocalists, I was good at digging for samples and finding old vocal gems to re-work. Some of my first hits were with disco vocal Acapellas or interesting loops. I often begin writing with an Acapella vocal or a vocal sample. I’ll spend time trying a few different chord progressions or ideas to see what fits best before settling on my favorite. From there I don’t have as much method to my madness. I follow the creative inspiration and see where it takes me. Sometimes it sounds terrible, other times it sounds great on the first try!

You are on a tour right now, what is the most exciting part about being on the road ?

There are a few things I love about being on tour, but one of the best is being able to test out new music on the audience. It’s always fun premiering things and hearing reactions for the first time. Meeting fans at the shows who have been inspired or impacted by my music is always amazing as well…. Apart from the music side of things, I’m a HUGE foodie. You’ll catch me scheduling some restaurant reservations wayyy far in advance to make sure I have time to hit the best spots in each city!

Tell us about any three destinations you’re looking forward to visiting.

I have played in about 35 countries so far but still plenty on my list! I have still never made it to Dubai for a show. I think I’d love to visit at least once to perform. Colombia would be amazing, and lastly South Africa is one I'm dying to visit!

Who is your favorite artist to collaborate with?

I collaborate very well with my close friends SLANDER. We met at music school in LA when I first moved there and we instantly became friends. In the beginning they helped teach me how to DJ/perform and I helped teach them music production. Our first EP together really helped us both make a name for ourselves, and we more recently started a record label together called GUD VIBRATIONS.

Would you ever rock an all pink outfit ?

Hell yea!

TOP OCEAN REBEL PANTS MELI

TOP

MARTA MILJANIC

GLOVES

CHARLES & RON

HAYLEY ORRANTIA

Photo by Ryan Jerome @ryan_jerome Hair + Makeup by Jessica Chu @jessicachumua Writing by Prerna Srikantappa @prerna_srikantappa

You’ve known her as Erica Goldberg in the hit series, The Goldbergs, but it’s time to know her as Hayley Orrantia. After pursuing music from the age of nine, the singer song-writer was well recognized for her talent on The X factor. Since then, Hayley competed in one of America’s favorite reality shows, the Masked Singer, as the Ringmaster and had the viewers gasping. Make sure to listen to her newest release ‘Gasoline’ on all platforms.

What was the hardest part of playing your character on The Goldbergs and how has this role evolved over the years?

One of the hardest parts about playing Erica is just how difficult she can be with her family. It’s something I don’t relate to fully and has been a challenge for me to connect to at times. Over the years I’ve tried to add layers to Erica so that she doesn’t come off as the one dimensional mean older sister. Thankfully, I think the audiences have been able to see more sides to her in recent years.

What is the best advice anyone has given you about acting ?

Listening is one of the most important jobs an actor can do. I try to not overwork a scene out of fear that I will overthink it. Also, it frees up the ability to engage in the scene with the other actors more since I haven’t over-rehearsed it. The more I truly listen to my co-star's intention in a specific take, the more natural the scene feels to me.

Your single ‘Open Your Mouth’ is quite a hit, was it inspired from your real life ?

‘Open Your Mouth’ was actually inspired by one of the co-writers personal experiences. In the writing session, she told me about running into her ex, and seeing how good he looked, while forgetting all the reasons why they broke up in the first place, until he opened his mouth and said some stupid things. I thought it was such a funny and relatable experience that hasn’t been expressed in this way through song, so I was very excited to write it with her.

When did you know you wanted to sing ?

I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember, probably when I was about nine years old. I think younger me would be really happy to see that I’m still pursuing music.

Do you have any dream roles you would like to play ?

Lately, I’ve really been interested in challenging myself, particularly in biopics. I relate a lot to Linda Ronstadt, and many of the challenges she has expressed in the entertainment industry putting her in a box at times. I would love to be able to portray her in a movie and tell her story.

Is pink one of your favorite colors, and why ?

I wouldn’t necessarily say pink is one of my favorite colors. But when I do go for pink, I prefer it in bright neon. I love to use pink to make a statement, especially against black and white. Maybe that’s just the millennial emo kid in me.

TENZING TRAINOR

Photo by Ryan Jerome @ryan_jerome Grooming by Brenda Ferrell @B-Ready Beauty Writing by Prerna Srikantappa @prerna_srikantappa

A disney star turned Netflix favorite, meet Tenzing Trainor who is now starring in a Netflix exclusive film, ‘Boo, Bitch’. At such a young age, Tenzing has numerous projects under his belt. With over 1.3 million instagram followers, he is determined to make his way to the top just like his grandfather, Tenzing Norgay, who was one of the first men to reach the summit of Mt. Everest. Read through to find out more about what drives his passion for acting, his growth as an actor and who his style icons are.

How was your experience working on the sets of ‘Boo, Bitch’ ?

My experience with ‘Boo, Bitch’ was very rewarding. I’ve never been surrounded by such a talented group of actors, all so similar in age. It really didn’t even feel like work coming in every day. It was just a great time.

How has your work changed since starring in Disney’s hit series, ‘Liv and Maddie’?

I think my work has changed a lot since ‘Liv and Maddie’. The roles and stories I find myself in are more real and I’ve really enjoyed getting to deep dive into some of these interesting characters and their story.

You have been in the industry since the age of 10. What do you enjoy most about acting ?

I think the best part for me is getting to not be me. I read so many crazy scripts and character descriptions that it’s just fun seeing what’ll be next because you really never know.

Who are your style icons ?

It’s hard to choose just one person as a style icon because I see new things I like every day. Some people I like are Travis Scott, Brad Pitt, and Johnny Depp, just to name a few.

If you had to choose two actors to collaborate with, who would it be and why?

I’d have to start with Steve Carell. That’s an easy choice. He’s my favorite actor and was part of the greatest television show of all time, The Office. The next one would be Viola Davis. I would be so intimidated but I think it’d be really cool.

What does the color pink remind you of ?

Off the top of my head, I’d say pink reminds me of cotton candy.

SUIT OCEAN REBEL

TOP KAFTAN STUDIO

NARISSA

Photo by Ryan Jerome @ryan_jerome Hair + Makeup by Brenda Ferrell @B-Ready Beauty Writing by Prerna Srikantappa @prerna_srikantappa

Known as the "bossbae" of hip hop, Narissa, a Los Angeles based rapper had the world on the edge of the seat with her latest tracks ‘Ough’ and ‘Thick N Heavy’. Inspired by her songwriter uncle, she knew her one goal in life was to become an artist. After making her mark in the music industry, she wanted to be her own boss and launched Lash Trap, a lash bar located in Los Angeles, California.

Where do you get your confidence from ?

My mom is a very confident woman and raised me to be confident.

Who would you most like to collaborate with for a song?

I would need a drake collaboration pronto.

Tell us about your album Bossbae, what would you say is the most boss thing about you ?

My album is a short soundtrack to the life I’ve built for myself. The most boss thing about me is I’m always working to boss up. Constant elevation is my favorite sport.

If music wasn’t in your life, what do you see yourself doing ?

If music wasn’t in my life, I’d be focused on my businesses full time and venture out more, which I plan on doing anyway but if there was no music, I could fully dwell into it.

Along with being an artist, you’re an entrepreneur. What inspired you to start Lash Trap ?

I started the lash trap to work for myself and make music freely. I wanted to travel, live, and spend my time on my terms. Lashing was still new and I thought it was the perfect thing for me to do while chasing my dreams.

Can you live your life in pink ?

Pink is my favorite color. In the last 10 years pink has been everywhere in my life. I would absolutely live in all pink except my steak and my burger! That needs to be black.

ELLIOT TAYLOR

Photo by Ryan Jerome @ryan_jerome Grooming by Brenda Ferrell @B-Ready Beauty Writing by Prerna Srikantappa @prerna_srikantappa

Meet Elliott Taylor, the writer behind some of the greatest songs of all time such as Falling In Love Again by Celine Dion and Leaving Heaven by Eminem. As a solo artist himself, he has a powerful voice that is incomparable. After releasing his first song “Let It Out” co-written by his fiancee, the singer has made his own niche in the industry. But he didn't stop there, the real estate mogul and businessman has several companies under his name.

Who inspired you to make music ?

For me, it has always been about a feeling. A feeling I get when I hear something that absolutely connects with my energy, I feel the dopamine releasing, it stands me up, my body just wants to move, there’s a rush, an adrenaline. All I want is to feel that so I try to make music that only does that for me. Thinking back on my life, I remember growing up listening to my parents play everything from Frank Sinatra, to Elvis, the Doors, Pavarotti to Johnny cash, all different styles and genres and I quickly learned that certain sounds, beats and melodies would make me feel different, incredible and confident and so I wanted to find more of that.

If you could open a show for any artist, who would it be ?

There are so many artists that I love and look up to, the list would be long but, I do know I want to be a part of something that takes listeners into another world, away from the earth, a total experience, big, epic, grand, off planet type of a journey. Out of the gate right now I would say Drake, Post Malone, the Weeknd. I also love how the dance takes shows to another level with a full sensory experience, so I would love to tap into that dimension for some of my shows and take flight with the crowd, maybe even light the sky with lasers and pyrotechnics.

You have written songs for great icons, like Celine Dion and Eminem, which of them would be your favorite ?

That’s really difficult to answer. Every experience I have had working with all of these incredible artists has been so unique and perfect in its own way and moment. Each of them are my favorite moment while in that experience at that place and specific time in my life. When I know we are about to write for someone amazing I get so hyped, I lock in and forget everything else in my life while I’m on that mission. So, I love all of the incredible artists I have had the honor of working with, they are all my favorites. It's been a total dream come true, but honestly writing songs for myself is my favorite thing to do !

Can you tell us more about any new music you're working on ?

I’m really focused on making music that makes me feel a certain way. The feeling you get when you hear a certain beat or song and your confidence explodes, you feel big, loaded, pumped, a feeling of glory, pure epic-ness, ready to ride into the storm, that’s what’s coming from me. I have this craving to make my own version of what I call superhero music, that’s what’s next.

You’re a singer, song writer and an entrepreneur. Which of these roles is the most fun ?

They really all are separate things but work perfectly together. When I’m making music for myself I lean on all of the songwriting experience I have had from working with other artists. When I’m negotiating deals or looking at the business side of this game I lean on all of my entrepreneurial successes, failures and invaluable lessons I’ve learned over the years. I’m completely independent but I know what I’m doing, I have a plan. Truthfully though, I sacrificed many of my early years in music to hunt down entrepreneurial wins so that I could support my music dreams financially and make the art I wanted to on my own terms. Thankfully, that is where I am at right now, no limit, uncontrollable art.

How do you think your personality resembles the color pink ?

Well I see pink as positive and a happy color. It gives me a feeling of a new beginning. I try to wake up every day and live my life in a state of gratitude and positivity, always looking forward. I also think the color pink reminds me of a woman’s beauty in many different ways. So, yes, I LOVE pink !

FAUX FUR COAT MELI

SUIT MISTER TRIPLE X

ROBBIE COUCH

Photo by Ryan Jerome @ryan_jerome Grooming by Brenda Ferrell @B-Ready Beauty Writing by Prerna Srikantappa @prerna_srikantappa

Robbie Couch is here to make us believe in our teenage dream. Through many of his novels including the newest one “If I See You Again Tomorrow”, set to release in 2023, the writer is reassuring to the queer community that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Some stories inspired from his own life, and some fictional, stay tuned to see how Robbie makes us all fall in love through his words.

How has your personal life influenced you to write books ?

As a kid, I loved getting swept away in stories in order to escape my reality. I think that's something many closeted queer kids can relate to. Books, movies, and TV became therapeutic. And as I grew older and discovered I could be the one creating the stories, not just consuming them, it was over! I knew I wanted to be a writer.

Which character do you relate to the most ?

This is a tough question! A couple years ago, I would have said Sky Baker, the protagonist of my debut. But more recently, I've felt really connected to Clark Huckleton, the lead in my book coming out in a few months, If I See You Again Tomorrow. He battles loneliness while navigating the disorienting emotions that come with falling for someone—and falling hard. I didn't realize how much of myself I wrote into his character until the book was complete.

Why do you feel gay representation is important in novels ?

As a marginalized person, being able to see yourself in the culture around you helps to validate your lived experience and imagine a future for yourself. Books can be such a critical way for young LGBTQ+ people to feel seen and know they belong. Young-adult literature has come a long way in becoming more inclusive, but there's still progress to be had—especially when it comes to telling stories that center BIPOC and transgender characters.

Can you name a few authors you looked up to the most growing up ?

I remember getting lost in the Animorphs series by Katherine Applegate and Michael Grant, and eating up a bunch of R.L. Stine's Goosebumps too. I used to worship She Who Must Not Be Named of Harry Potter before she started using her platform to peddle a bunch of harmful garbage. What a disappointment, honestly. But I think I have to credit Patrick Dennis, who wrote Auntie Mame in 1954, with sparking my love of storytelling. It was the first book I couldn't put down!

Who has been your biggest supporter in your journey ?

This is difficult to answer! So many people have championed my books. I just started seeing readers dress up as my characters for Halloween, which has totally blown my mind! But if I had to choose just one person, it would have to be my sister. She's always begging me for an advance copy whenever a new book is about to come out, encouraging her friends and colleagues to support my work, and giving me words of encouragement when I need it most. She's the best.

What’s next for you ? Do you have any new releases in store for us ?

Yes! My latest book is a speculative romance called If I See You Again Tomorrow. It follows a lonely teen who falls in love while he's trapped in a time loop. I've gotten some early feedback from readers who've loved it, which is beyond thrilling because it's my favorite of my first three books! It comes out in a few months but is available for preorder now. You can find the link on my social accounts!

Do you think pink is masculine or feminine ?

Neither! I think we have an addiction to needlessly gender everything. That's just silly. Pink is pink. Anyone can rock and relish in it, regardless of who they are or how they identify!

MAGIC WHATEVER

Photo by Ryan Jerome @ryan_jerome Grooming by Brenda Ferrell @B-Ready Beauty Writing by Prerna Srikantappa @prerna_srikantappa

An emerging alternative rock solo artist from Los Angeles, California, Trever aka Magic Whatever, always knew he wanted to pursue music. At age 17, he saved up whatever money he had at the time and put it into fulfilling his dreams. The star, after facing many challenges in the industry, is motivated more than ever and tells us about some exciting new music he is set to release. Keep reading to learn about how his childhood shaped him into the person he is today.

What is the story behind ‘Magic Whatever’?

My uncle won a karaoke contest when I was about 6 or 7 years old, and I was too young to go into the bar to watch him perform, so my cousin and I waited in our rust bucket farm truck. I remember hearing him sing “Bohemian Rhapsody” through the aged cement walls and cheap stained glass of the small town dive bar. From that moment on, music was the only thing that mattered to me. Magic Whatever is a culmination of all my experiences and musical influences. I’ve been in countless band projects, and I finally decided that if you want something done right, you do it yourself - that’s how Magic Whatever was born.

What's your favorite song in your album and why does it mean so much to you?

I have an EP coming out next year ( I haven’t officially announced yet. Wink wink), and there’s a song on there titled “Monsters”. The song tackles my personal experiences with drug addiction. I’m currently putting together a plan for 100% of the proceeds to go directly to drug addiction resources, so stay tuned!

What was the first concert you went to?

I wish I had a story of going to an epic first concert, but mine was Hoobastank! Still epic, just in a different way.

What inspired you to write your new single, Sentimental?

Sentimental is a song about missing something that has only hurt you in the past. I didn’t want to be too melodramatic, so It’s a grungy rock/pop anthem reclaiming the power of feeling sentimental towards your vices.

Who are your musical icons ?

I was raised by my grandmother so my OG icons include Etta James & Frank Sinatra. My first CD was Green Day's International Superhits! - if anything has changed my sonic path in life, it was Green Day.

Given an option to have something pink in your home, what would it be and why ?

I'd love a lil pot bellied pig for my puppy to play with!

“PINK IS THE COLOR OF STRENGTH, A COLOR OF CONVICTION, A COLOR OF DECISION MAKING.”

Till the next issue ....

This article is from: