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“I get by with a little help from my friends” is an understatement. It’s more like, “None of this could have happened without my friends.” Pop To It is completely a group effort. I have never before been so thankful to have the friends that I do. Every contributor has different and unique talents and skills and they are all displayed in Pop To It. Pop To It is a collection of work from across the country. From LA to NYC, my friends were there to help me. Collectively,
we decided that we have yet to see a Zine that encompasses all that we want. So, naturally, we started our own. It wasn’t easy and the idea for a piece about Crocs was pitched countless times. People were kicked out of the group chat for talking about memes too much and I’ve had to explain what a Zine is to too many adults. But it’s done and we did it. This project turned out better than I could have ever imagined and I owe it all to my friends.
- Ashley Hoffman
CONTENTS 1. Pop To It Crew 3. Learn about the editors, designers, and contributors who made issue one of Pop To It possible.
6. How To Learn how to get bright and vibrant hair all on your own!
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13. Playlist Explore the top pop hits of the 2000s The Eternal Importance of Music and all Surrounding It 14.
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9. 17.
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Moons On 20. Beginnings
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Pop to it CREW Ashley Hoffman
Adele Sakey
Sophie Minello Sophie Minello is an aspiring artist from Cleveland. She has an undying love for music and beautiful things. @soph_ix @soph.ix
Ashley Hoffman is an Atlanta peach in Boston. She is currently studying journalism and public relations at Emerson College. You can most likely find Ashley with her French bulldog, Petunia, browsing record shops and sipping on overpriced lattes. Co - Creator, Editor in Chief
@ahoffz Adele Sakey is a 17 year old Taurus who, despite constantly using the word “y’all,” is from the northeastern city of Boston. In her free time she likes to watch unrealistic reality televison and contemplate the inner workings of Sufjan Stevens’ mind. Co-Creator, Layout Designer @sah.key @mangolakos
Christina Casillo
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Cover Design by:
Social Media Coordinator Christina Casillo is a senior communication design major at Elon University who loves social justice and Harry Styles. @chrisrosecas
Patrick Moran Patrick Moran is a senior baking and pastry arts major at JWU and also doubles as a live music photographer. He enjoys long walks in his crocs. @iampatrickmoran
Taylor Muñzo From Los Angeles, Taylor Muñoz is a second year communications major and journalism minor at Seattle Pacific University. @adifferentship
Nicole Zuhse Nicole Zuhse is a double major in studio art and a minor in digital media at Elon University. She also really loves dogs. @n_zuhse @nicthepainter
Monica Hamilton Monica Hamilton is a 19 year old art major who finds immense pleasure in talking about the power of art and music over a cup of coffee. @santa_monica @monica.harmonica
Jason Crouse
Rebecca Gibbons
Jason Crouse, originally from North Carolina, is a first-year computer science and math major at Northeastern University. @esuorc
Rebecca Gibbons, a music junkie and coffeeholic, is an advertising & marketing communications major at FIT @rebeccag17
Jane Seidel Jane Seidel is a college student captivated by the world of media. When she’s not in the newsroom or pouring lattes, she is probably sleeping. @jane_seidel
Madison Specht Madison Specht attends the University of South Carolina where she enjoys ice cream and fun socks. @mspecht315 @mspecht_
Madison Sharp Erin Christie Lydia Velazquez Lydia Velazquez is an east coast writer with a love for Van Gogh & veggie pizza. @earthislovely @lyd.vel
Erin Christie is an aspiring journalist from Connecticut who has a deep passion for music, social justice, and film. @eerinchristie
Madison Sharp is an Atlanta native with a passion for music and film. If she’s not taking photos of a show she’s probably watching Bob’s Burgers. @sharpnado22
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PHOTOS AND INTERVIEW BY CHRISTINA CASILLO
Bodysuit American Eagle Lipstick NYX Liquid Suede (Sandstorm) Shoes Adidas Skirt Topshop Necklace Madewell Watch Michael Kors Bag Vintage
@styledbystitt
@megancstitt
FASHION
Megan Stitt, 21, attends North Carolina State for Fashion and Textile Brand Management, with a minor in Art and Design.
What are some of your How did you get into the fashion field? I came into favorite things about college knowing only that I wanted to be creative in some aspect of my career. I was in a program that my dad and I had almost picked randomly from the course packet. But they had a fashion industry class as an elective, which I thought sounded cool enough and a friend wanted me to take the class with them. I ended up having the best teacher and absolutely loving the course. Around that time I also found inspiration in Eva Chen and Leandra Medine, two fashion influences that were making fashion fun instead of all about rules. Everything just seemed to click and I made my transfer to the College of Textiles!
working in fashion? Least favorite? Most challenging? One thing that
makes fashion fun and challenging at the same time is definitely the pace. Things are constantly changing, new brands are popping up, lines are coming out, and seasons come and go. It can make keeping up difficult but it ensures that you never truly get bored. My favorite thing about working in fashion would be how much the marketing uses social media. For me, it’s just so interesting to watch how different brands address their consumers and try to make things work.
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FASHION
I think what I’m struggling with most in fashion right now is sustainability. This industry is doing so much harm to the planet and the people that live on it. Very few brands are looking to change this. It’s a bit frustrating honestly, but hopefully our generation will rise up and make this change.
What are your favorite current trends? I’m loving bodysuits, bralettes, and bold shoes. I’ve always loved tucked in shirts and bodysuits make it effortless and sexy. Bralettes honestly just make life more comfortable while adding
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another layer of interest to your outfit. Right now there are so many varieties of shoes out there. I’m loving those that make a statement and draw the eye with their pop of color or intricate design.
Do you have any fashion pet peeves? When
everybody tries to dress the same- where’s the fun in that?
Finally, do you have any advice?Don’t let the current trends or fashion rules completely control your style. If you like it, wear it and make it work!
How
To...
FASHION
IMAGE AND WORDS BY NICOLE ZUHSE
Achieve OBNOXIOUSLY FUN HAIR Without Wrecking Your Mane
Bright hues are all the rage right now when it comes to hair. However, getting your hair dyed professionally is expensive and often times can leave your hair damaged. Here’s how you can become part of the trend without blowing your budget or ruining your hair;
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Pick Your Bleach! If your hair is darker, make sure you pick bleach that doesn’t contain ammonia. Ammonia strips the hair of vital nutrients and ends up “frying” your hair in the process. It’s also extremely beneficial to your hair to mix your bleach with Olaplex, a treatment that blocks the bleach from breaking down your hair. Bleach it! When bleaching, make sure you apply from tip to root, not the other way around. Your roots will bleach at a faster rate than the rest of the hair. Pick your dye! There are many hair dye brands that now offer “fashion” colors, such as pink, blue, and green. The two best brands in the bright hair game are Manic Panic and Good Dye Young. Both of these dyes are cruelty free and condition your hair while dyeing. Dye your locks! Separate your hair into four equal sections and work counterclockwise to get equal distribution for an allover, badass look. Let the dye sit for at least 45 minutes, but no more than that. Rinse and condition! Use a conditioner such as Bleach London’s Live Forever conditioner to lock in the color.
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6 Debut your badass new color to the world and kick ass at life. 6
FASHION
Hidden Gems in the Drug Store WORDS BY ASHLEY HOFFMAN
After admitting to a friend that I had just spent over 100 dollars for just a couple ~trendy~ makeup products, I decided that I needed to reevaluate my spending habits. There’s just no reason to splurge like that when you can find the same quality makeup, if not better, at the drugstore! I have tried all of these products and have loved them! I have even traded in my high end products for these gems.
L’OREAL’S MAGIC SKIN BEAUTIFIER L’oreal is not lying; this product is magic. Color correcting is a hot trend right now that you don’t have to break the bank to obtain. Simply apply this product after your primer and before your foundation for a nice and even finish. For $8, you cannot go wrong with L’oreal’s Magic Skin Beautifier.
MAYBELLINE’S LASH SENSATIONAL Maybelline has been in the mascara game since 1915. They’ve been around the block and are still kicking. I would recommend any of Maybelline’s mascara formulas, but lately their Lash Sensation has been gaining traction. On Ulta’s best seller page, this mascara stands out among expensive high end brands. Those high end brands may be rumored to be better than sex….but what’s better than a quality mascara for under $10?
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L’OREAL’S PRO-GLOW FOUNDATION
FASHION
The dewey look is definitely in right now. I’m all about the dew but I also need some good coverage in my foundation. L’oreal’s Infallible Pro-Glow foundation offers both. If you have more oily skin and the dew just doesn’t work for you, L’oreal also offers this foundation in a matte formula (both around $13!!).
ELF’S HIGH DEFINITION POWDER I could sing praises for E.L.F until the day I die. They have perfected the art of quality makeup that is also cruelty free at an affordable price. There’s no reason to pay upwards of $50 dollars for a loose powder when E.L.F does it flawlessly for $6. My only problem, a small one at that, is the packaging. The container that the powder comes in is a little bulky. But, I am willing to look past it because this powder rocks.
NYX’S MATTE LIP CREAMS Forget Kylie and breaking the bank because NYX is, and will forever be, the go to for matte lip creams. I had never tried NYX’s matte lip cream before but as soon as I did, I never looked back. Always wanted to try that crazy color but didn’t want to drop a heavy load of cash? Don’t worry because these beauties are only $6. Go wild.
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Pat Curren Of The Band Cleanspill
INTERVIEW AND WORDS BY ASHLEY HOFFMAN PHOTO COURTESY OF @ALEXGUIRY ON INSTAGRAM
n
MUSIC Pat Curren
is a typical 19-year-old from Santa Barbara, California who enjoys the beach and hanging out with his friends... except, he’s a professional surfer and also happens to be touring the United States with his band Cleanspill. Maybe not so typical after all. Pat comes from a background of both music and surfing. His dad, Tom Curren, who is also a professional surfer and a musician, taught him to love music from an early age. Growing up playing the guitar and drums, Pat now fronts his own band, Cleanspill. Not only is Pat a genuinely nice guy, but he is humble. I spent most of the night hanging out with the boys and I only knew that Pat surfed in his spare time. After doing my own research, it’s a bit more serious than just “surfing in his spare time.” Pat is a professional surfer. Currently with Rip Curl and Channel Islands, Pat has surfed all over the world pulling in some big titles. The rocker has surfed waves from Indonesia to Hawaii. While hanging out with the Santa Barbara four piece after their first show in Atlanta, I had the familiar feeling of hanging out with old friends. It makes sense because Pat has been playing with these guys since high school. Pat met Charlie, the drummer, through surfing along the California coast. He met Cam, Cleanspill’s guitar player, during their time at Santa Barbra High School . They came across their bass player, Geoff, in a rather different way.
During a routine trip to the Montecito barber shop, Cam stumbled into a conversation with Geoff. Geoff revealed that he plays the bass. This was convenient since the friends, which would later make up the band Cleanspill, were looking to complete their surf rock ensemble with a bass player. Cam walked out of the barber shop that day with a new haircut and a bass player. The Californians, who just finished a 13 show run with Kitten, handled their first tour beautifully. After watching them perform in Atlanta, you could never tell that this was their first tour. They played like experts. Pat and the rest of the band hold high standards for themselves and their music. After their set, Pat revealed to me that the show didn’t go as they planned. There was a mishap with their pedals. However, I never would have known. They held their poise through the technical difficulties. If you’re not familiar with Cleanspill, become acquainted real fast. They’re gaining momentum in the music scene at a rapid pace. Follow along with Pat and the rest of the boys in Cleanspill on Twitter and on Instagram both under the name @Cleanspill.
“We went into our first tour without any expectations. We just expected to be tired.”
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MUSIC
tending a numerous amount of shows
“You are such a fan girl!” and meeting other music fans, I met This sounds so degrading. I can admit, I can be VERY enthusiastic when it comes to certain bands. But, is this something I should be ashamed of? Absolutely not! Going to concerts and indulging in the music scene is a hobby of mine. Becoming a part of this “community” has opened me up to so many opportunities. Two years ago, with only a few friends in my repertoire, I packed up and moved to New York City to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology. Through at
some people that I would now consider lifelong friends. I cannot sing enough praises to the artists and bands that helped me connect with these people. The music scene in the city made me feel so at home. It made the transition from my hometown to a new environment seamless. I can admit, my twitter is 98% dedicated to music. I use it to keep up to date and connect with the bands that I like, discover new bands, and connect with more people that share the same interests as me. Hearing
“You’re going to ANOTHER concert?”an artist’s
I became so immersed in the music scene because of how the music makes me feel. I love the way a certain song, sound, or even lyric can create such a strong and emotional connection. Sometimes the music can transport you back in time to a specific moment every time you hear the first chords. Or when you physically can’t get enough of an artist’s music to the point where you wish you could plug an aux cord into your bloodstream. Literally.
music come to life at shows is a whole other experience. I enjoy making new friends in line and hearing about their experiences. I love the energy at shows and the excitement that floods the room when a band is about to take the stage. Everyone is from different backgrounds but we are all brought together as one for the same reason. It’s a time where I can leave all of my stress at the venue’s door and live completely in the moment.
The Misconseptio
WORDS BY REBECCA GIBBONS
MUSIC “It’s a waste to see the same artist over and over again.” Every show is a different experience
regardless of it being the same artist/band/ setlist. A terrible simile here, but just like
“Are you a groupie?” It’s unfortunate that I often hear these common stereotypes thrown at female music fans, myself included. Even if you decide to have relations with a band member, that should be no one else’s business but your own. I personally find it a very rude thing to ask. Would you be saying this to the guy behind me that has been to as many shows as I have? Doubtful. I will usually hang around after a show to talk to the band. I do this because I want to thank them for a great show and
a snowflake, every show is different. Each one is a different experience regardless of it being the same artist and setlist. The crowd, venue, city, etc…It all plays a big role in the experience. Don’t ever say it’s a waste of money if it makes someone happy. I love supporting my favorite artists/bands. for providing me with music that inspires me everyday! Some bands that I’ve been seeing for years become like old friends during this time. We joke around and catch up just like I would with any of my friends. I hope that people read this and understand that the “fangirl” stereotype can be hurtful. I’m tired of my passion not being taken seriously by some of the people in my life, solely because of the “fangirl” stigma. I love being involved in the music community and it has opened me up to so many incredible opportunities. It is where I feel I belong the most and hope to continue to be involved in the future at a professional level.
ons of a Fan Girl
S, IMAGE BY PATRICK MORAN
MUSIC
CURATED BY JASON CROUSE
All Star Smash Mouth Beautiful Soul Jesse McCartney Chandelier Sia The Climb Miley Cyrus What Makes You Beautiful One Direction Fergalicious Fergie Bad Day Daniel Powter Fireflies Owl City Girlfriend Avril Lavigne Someone Like You Adele Firework Katy Perry Call Me Maybe Carly Rae Jepsen Friday Rebecca Black Love Song Sara Bareilles No Air Jordin Sparks Pocketful of Sunshine Natasha Bedingfield Party in the USA Miley Cyrus Since U Been Gone Kelly Clarkson Whatcha Say Jason Derulo Year 3000 the Jonas Brothers Hollaback Girl Gwen Stefani I Gotta Feeling the Black Eyed Peas
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The Eternal Importance of Music and All Surrounding It
WORDS BY ERIN CHRISTIE
I have always found it incredibly impelling how a combination of words and of notes can create an impact in people, regardless of background, socioeconomic, or cultural. Music and people seem to fit together like pieces of a puzzle. It’s this childish game continuing on for what seems like decades as the sun rises and sets with the placement of each piece and the seemingly never-ending loop of radio waves wrapped around the world’s collective headspace. Is it possible for a musician to know just the amount of change their art can make? Even if only concerning the mindset of a teenager living in suburban Connecticut, dreaming of chorus lines and writing them? Or that of a young child learning the art of playing the recorder and discovering their inclination for sheet music and filling in the vast span of lines on the page? Music is almost conniving and secretive in that sense. It sneaks up on you at the most unexpected moments, whether in your impulse decision to pick up the saxophone when you had had your heart set on majoring in engineering or your sudden discovery that the wire-like
MUSIC
strings of a violin could make your world feel a little bit more whole. It’s almost too difficult to articulate just how much a composition can caress the memory of two, twelve, a million minds, and do so in a different way each time. Music in itself has a quality through which it can grasp at your shoulders and shake you violently, or pull those tears from your eyes. Whether through the dull yet steady rapping of a pencil on a tabletop or an orchestrated and produced set of strings, undulating down, it is as if the feeling of walking on a cloud could be simulated through sound. My heart, and the hearts of many, skip along to the beat of a drum, and it’s as if they do so simply to remain in pace with the tempo. The slight tap of a cymbal, echoing in the halls of my racing mind, welcomes the thread of the thoughts and dreams and ambitions that flow upon my hearing the entrancing whisper of words. A near constant strain of lyrics pours into my earbuds, having the ability to entangle me in their golden tendrils, honey-suckle syllables dripping from each line and staining my memory with the sweet feeling of their embrace. I am home. Those sugarcoated kisses of a low bass line affect my restless mind, putting it at ease, while also, whether I can acknowledge the fact or not, affect the minds of others living miles away, countries away, and worlds away. It’s such a beautiful idea that the warm squeeze of a sweet melody could envelop so many souls with a single reach.
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WORDS BY MADISON SHARP IMAGES BY ASHLEY HOFFMAN
MUSIC
Ashley captures Chris Baio performing to a crowd at Atlanta’s Terminal West.
A DJ, bassist, vocalist, and a world renowned dancer are a few words I’d use to describe Baio. Chris Baio is best known for being the bassist of popular indie band Vampire Weekend, but, don’t be fooled: the sounds of Vampire Weekend have virtually nothing in common with Baio’s solo music. In his solo work, Baio explores a more experimental sound filled with funky beats and basslines. Baio lights up any stage with excited energy. As soon as he stepped on the stage of Atlanta’s Terminal West, it was evident that the crowd would not be stationary until he left the stage. He came out dancing and smiling while sporting a brand
new white coat and bow-tie (he made a point to let us know it was brand new and just for us). The New Yorker turned Londoner’s show was full of dancing to his home-made rhythms and striking visuals. Not only is Baio insanely talented, but he is also unbelievably nice to his fans. At the end of the show, he greeted each member of the crowd at the merch booth. He was all smiles and was more than happy to snap photos with anyone while holding lively and attentive conversations. Baio puts on a show like no one I’ve ever seen. If you haven’t heard his solo word, be sure to listen to his full length album, “The Names.”
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MUSIC WORDS
AND
IMAGES
Fade Away by Susanne California Sundfør
10:57
Criminal
by
by
Beach
Fiona
by
MONICA
Grimes
HAMILTON
Let it Happen by Tame Impala
House Here Comes the Night by Arcade Fire
Apple
Hannah Hunt by Vampire Weekend
Casimir Pulaski Day by Sufjan Stevens 17
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I feel music in different parts of my body. I am able to connect emotionally to the the interplay and synergy between the beats and the lyrics and thus, completely and unequivocally feel the music. There are particular songs that evoke sensations in distinct parts of my body. For instance, I feel 10:37 by Beach House in my forehead and Let It Happen by Tame Impala in my knees. I cannot explain why I react to music in various ways. But, I do know I love listening to music because it opens up my soul and puts me in tune with my emotions. These feelings are truly ineffable.
MUSIC
WORDS BY LYDIA VELAZQUEZ, ALBUM ART BY HENRY CRANE
Album Review: Carlito by Frontyards Hailing from Philly, the garage rock band, Frontyards, is a rising force to be reckoned with. Despite their youth, Frontyards have spent the last year working hard at their craft, resulting in the release of their first full length album, Carlito. Carlito is a compilation of summer jams. Each track has it’s own respective feel that manages to convey the band’s overall, relaxed vibe. Such a vibe is heard throughout with surf rock-esque guitar riffs, casual yet impressive harmonies, and the inclusion of obscure minor instruments. Despite the given instrumental playfulness, each track from Carlito communicates an abstractly written message, on both personal and universal levels. One of the most obvious being the one within “Lemons.” The chorus warns, “while cutting lemons that life has gave you be careful not to lose a finger/ while on the other side of a knife be careful not
to let your life linger.” Nonetheless, Carlito is a soundtrack fit for a suburban summer, filled with ice cream, skateboarding, and late night adventures. My favorite track, if I had to pick, is “Bleached.” This is mainly because of its opening lines, “college is a lie/knowledge comes from spirits and higher power,” and the other witty lyrics that follow. I also enjoy “Adonde Waltz” because of its contrast to the song “Adonde Vas” from Frontyards June release, People Who Look Like Their Pets. “Adonde Vas” is a song with a lo-fi surf vibe and no clear message. “Adonde Waltz” is a good gauge of the band’s growth. It is more indie with a retrospective message on growing up, a theme that subtly reoccurs throughout Carlito. Frontyards describes themselves as, “We’re fine I guess” on their Facebook page. I’m sure you’ll agree.
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WRITING
Moons
The moon cycles through 8 different phases a month but I’ve taken a personal liking to the quarter moons. Quarter moons are cut straight down the middle. One part hides away at night; the other illuminates the world as it slowly dozes off. Most people think quarter moons are called half moons. I suppose it’s easier to think about them that way since only one part is visible at a time. When I was young, if I tried really hard, I could see the invisible outline of the other half of the moon. I sat and fixated all my attention on searching for something that I couldn’t see at first glance because my curiosity of the missing piece outweighed my ignorance. I didn’t see it as just half a moon. I still think to myself, “Do people recognize the importance of what they can’t see? Do people understand that a quarter moon couldn’t be itself without the half that is sometimes hidden away? That it would explode, or fall out of the sky, if it didn’t have the other half to balance it out?”
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“Do people see the difference between first and third quarter? when a different half of the moon shines brighter than its counterpart? Do people understand that the moon couldn’t be itself without both equal halves? That the two work together to create its color and light?” I’ve been asking myself these questions more and more every day. I cannot speak on behalf of how the world looks up at the moon. I cannot attest for the worth people put into it. No one can pinpoint which half of the moon serves a better purpose. But at night, as I try and determine which side of the moon shined brighter when I believed I was conscious enough to have a say in it, I nod off. I am comforted by the promises the moon makes to the world. It is a ritual in repeat. I can track days and cycles, but who’s to say which part of the moon is more prominent, especially when humanity sees the same one? The moon doesn’t need justification; it just simply is. A silence settles in my room, the moon continues to shine, and the world turns slowly outside of my window.
WORDS BY TAYLOR MUNOZ
On Beginnings WORDS BY JANE SEIDEL
The day before my 8th birthday, I cried because I did not want age 7 to be over. I was going to turn 8, against my will, and there was nothing I could do about it. I cried myself to sleep, woke up the next day, and opened presents begrudgingly. That night, as I rang in 2003 in my living room with my parents, I cried as the clock struck midnight. I didn’t want 2002 to be over, but it was, and there was nothing I could do about it. This has been the pattern for over half of my life, as endings never really sit well with me. The outbursts have shifted from crying to my parents to mild inner turmoil, and my birthday is usually marked with a lot of sitting quietly in my room and journaling (holy shit, am I fun at parties or what?!). I hate endings. I’m perpetually sad on the last day of school, because there will never be another year or set of teachers just like that one. Summer doesn’t hit me as hard, because there seems to be an infinite amount of summers. There seems to be an infinite amount of most things, like people to meet, or coffees to drink, or conversations to have.
Obviously, there is a finite limit to what we experience, but the promise and delivery of the Next Thing make us feel like it’s infinite. I don’t finish books. I leave the last chapter unread so that I feel like the world within the book is still alive, like I could revisit it at any time. It’s my way of making a finite thing infinite. How do people move from one thing to another with such grace? How can you move on from something, from someone, knowing it will never exist in the way it once did? It feels as if by closing the door on something in the past, it erases its meaning entirely. To leave the door open, ajar, even barely cracked, though, makes it feel as if that thing could last forever. Even if I never try to go through that doorway again. Everything is finite. Everything ends. I can try to keep up the illusion of being infinite by revisiting my old school and professors, but college ends. I can reach out to “check in,” but relationships end. I can look back on photos from my 8th birthday, but this year I’ll celebrate 22 laps around the sun, and there’s nothing I can do about it. And that’s alright. Maybe one day I’ll finish one of the books sitting on my desk.
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