Pop To It Issue Five by Pop To It Mag

Contents 5

TAKE

BREAK

PLAYLIST

an art piece by christina casillo

an interview with doc robinson

MAIN ATTRACTION BY ADAM WARD

"Awaken, My love!" album review

Monsters can't hurt me

Protest photo series and protest artwork

diy peppermint mocha

Travel Piece: Nashville, T.N.

Armours and billie eilish Photographed by Lily duran

19 20

THE IMPORTANCE OF VOICE Holiday hair looks The Naked and Famous Photo gallery

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 2016 took a lot out of me but I also put a lot of myself into things that I love. I started a new school. My friends and I started a publication. I was a member of my college’s dance company. I did a lot. I loved a lot. Here are a few of my 2016 faves: 1. Bon Iver’s 22 A Million 2. Oh, Hello on Broadway 3. Dad Hats 4. Pantsuit Nation 5. Dogspotting 6. Hand Lettering 7. String lights and banners 8. Enamel pins 9. Visiting states I’ve never been 10. Neon signs

Tweet us your year end lists at @poptoitmag to be featured in our January issue!

-Ashley Hoffman

MEET THE STAFF

EDITOR IN CHIEF

artist

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.

PORTIA MELITA is a public relations major and art minor. In her free time she likes to wrtie music, sing, draw and interact with bees in any way she can.

itor-in-Cheif Twitter: @ahoffz social media Instagram: @ahoffz

Resident Artist contributor Instagram: @ portiaapple

layout director

NIC ZUHSE is a double major in studio art and art history and a minor in digital media at Elon University. You can usually find her covered in paint in the design studio or spending way too much money on jeans at goodwill. She also really loves dogs.

contributor

JANE SEIDEL is a college student CHRISTINA CASILLO is a senior communication design major at Elon University who loves social justice and Harry Styles.

captivated by the world of media, when she’s not in the newsroom or pouring lattes, she is probably sleeping. Twitter: @jane_seidel

photographer Instagram: @jane_seidel

contributor Instagram: @chrisrosecas

LILLY DURAN is a Gemini born and raised in southern California. She lives for live music and cute dogs. Twitter: @

lillyduranphoto Instagram: @spookylilly

ADAM WARD is a fashion photographer and marketing student attending Emerson College in Boston, MA. He is also the photo director of em Magazine, Emerson’s longest running fashion and culture magazine. When he’s not shooting you can find him in his bedroom making mixed media while listening to Grimes.

ERIN CHRISTIE is an aspiring journalist from Connecticut who has a deep passion for music, social justice and film. Twitter: @eerinchristine

Instagram: @eerinchriscontributor tine

REBECCA GIBBONS is a music junkie and coffeeholic, and is currentlys an advertising & marketing communications major at FIT. Instagram: @rebeccaa17

contributor

Janadhi Seneviratne is a double major in political science and economics with a minor in international studies at University of Houston. She is very eager to talk about politics and you can usually find her reading updates on her phone while trying to grab coffee. She hopes to become an immigration lawyer one day.

KATE KLASSA is an International Studies major at NCSU who is obessed with cats and compulsivly buys more than she can ever hope to read.Twitter: @n_zuhse Instagram: @nicthepainter

MADISON SHARP is an Atlanta native with a passion for music and film. If she isn’t taking pictures of a show she’s probably watching Bob’s Burgers.se Instagram: @nicthepainter

find all of our staff on social media Ashley Hoffman Twitter: @ahoffz Instagram: @ahoffz

nic zuhse Twitter: @n_zuhse Instagram: @nicthepainter

Christina Casillo Twitter: @chrisrosecas Instagram: @chrisrosescas

Erin Christine Twitter: @eerinchristine Instagram: @eerinchristine

Lilly Duran Twitter: @lillyduranphoto Instagram: @spookylilly

Jane Seidel Twitter: @jane_seidel Instagram: @jane_seidel

portia melita Instagram: @portiaapple

Rebecca Gibbons Instagram: @rebeccaa17

Adam ward Instagram: @adamwxrd

Kate Klassa Instagram: @bluejacketgirl

TAKE A BREAK by ASHLEY HOFFMAN ON HOLD - THE XX REDBONE - CHILDISH GAMBINO MILLION DOLLAR LOAN - DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE SOUTH - HIPPOCAMPUS IT'S OVER - DOC ROBINSON ALASKA - MAGGIE ROGERS HENRY - SOCCER MOMMY SUCH SMALL SCENES - LEWIS DEL MAR HIGHER - THE NAKED AND FAMOUS TEMPORARY LOVE - THE BRINKS PUT A LIGHT ON - GENERATIONALS DRUNK DRIVERS/KILLER WHALES - CAR SEAT HEADREST WASTE A MOMENT - KINGS OF LEON RADIO - SYLVAN ESSO LOOK THE OTHER WAY - FAMILY FRIENDS DISPARATE YOUTH - SANTIGOLD

ARTWORK BY CHRISTINA CASILLO

an interview with

Doc Robinson BY ASHLEY HOFFMAN

How does a band successfully mix Indie Rock and Motown while still telling a captivating story? Pop To It got to chat with Nick D’ Andrea and Jon Elliott of Doc Robinson to find out. P2I: You guys advertise yourselves as a Columbus band. How has the Columbus music scene helped Doc Robinson? DR: We kind of have a revolving door of experienced musicians. We’re lucky because we know a lot of guys who know multiple instruments. It’s nice in the studio when they help us out because we kind of play musical chairs or musical instruments. P2I: What’s the writing process? DR: Every song we write starts a week before the session. We text back and forth about the heart of the song. When we go into the recording session, the song is already 40% done already because we’ve been talking stories for a week or two before. When you’re co-writing, you’re really challenging every line to each other the whole time. The lines that end up making the song are always the strongest line because you have to put them thru the fire each time. P2I: Your Facebook page lists your genre as “Backyard BBQ Breakup Music.” What is this all about? DR: Our very first song, which was “It’s Over,” was a breakup song. It’s this sad breakup story but it’s set to this Motown, Amy Whinehouse kind of vibe. We were like, “This feels like a memorial day party.” We we shot the video for it, we did a “break up” party. P2I: I really like that song. When I’m listening to it, I expect it to pick up and go in one direction and then it goes in the Motown direction and I love it. I think that’s what sets you guys apart in my mind. There are so many white indie bands these days but I think you guys are really set apart from that. How do you guys plan to stand out in the sea of white indie bands?

DR: John has a background and has a great voice for singing that Motown stuff. When we first started gathering the concept for Doc Robinson, we tried to meet somewhere in the middle between Dr. Dog and Smokey Robinson. That’s actually where we got our name. We wanted to have those motown roots but with that modern indie stuff that we like. Everyone is influenced by Motown whether they like it or not. That sounds kind of weird to say but it’s inescapable. The music is everywhere. When we were putting these songs together, we didn’t want to over complicate things. We wanted to keep it simple and to tell a story like a lot of Motown music.

P2I: Are these fictional narratives or real things that have happened to you guys? DR: Both. There’s definitely always real life weaved into these songs. Since we’re co writing, it would be hard not to add personal touches to it. But, we are also trying to make songs that will appeal to other people too. When we’re writing, we’re really thinking cinematically. I think if you’re writing music and you don’t see it being put to a movie or other cinematic work, you’re doing it wrong because they work so well together. What makes it so easy sometimes to write a song is that we have such a strong narrative going even before we get to the recording process. P21: What’s coming up next? DR: We’re in the studio now working on 6 other songs which will be released in the Spring. P21: Do you plan on touring? DR: At first, we didn’t know how to answer that question. It was very much a recording project in the beginning, but I think now we have too many people invested and on our team not to tour. Everyone is very seasoned and very experienced. P2I: Do you have any dream bands to tour with? DR: We definitely have some bucket list artists like Stevie Wonder and Amy Winehouse. But more realistically, I don’t think we’d hate it if Vulkpeck or Mayer Hawthorn asked us to open for them. P21: Thank you so much for chatting with me and I look forward to what Doc Robinson has in store! Doc Robinson released their first EP, “Golden Daze,” on November 21. Take a listen on Spotify or Soundcloud and don’t forget to follow along with this duo on their social media.

FIND DOC ROBINSON ON SOCIAL MEDIA: @doc_robinson_ @doc_robinson_ @docrobinsonoffical

n o i t n c o a i t r c tt a A r tt n A i a n M i a M

PHOTOGRAPHED BY ADAM WARD

E V O L Y M , N E K O A N I B W M A GA H S I CHILD eview R m u b l A on Sharp d by Ma

What do you think of when you hear the name Donald Glover? For many, the automatic response might be actor, comedian, or director. For me, I think genius. He has cultivated a successful TV show, actively raises awareness for mental health, has multiple comedy specials, and with his new release of Awaken, My Love, he has completely changed his sound. Gambino/ Glover continually surprised his devoted fans and Awaken, My Love is no different, maybe even more of a shock than his first two albums, Camp (2011) Because the Internet (2013). For me, Gambino has been stuck in a certain sound for the past two albums. He made songs with catchy beats that were radio friendly. Songs like Sweatpants, 3005, Heartbeat, and Kids drew the masses to Gambino’s “inventive” sound. That’s why Awaken my love was a HUGE shock to many. Over the week that Awaken, My Love has been out, I’ve heard disappointed sentiments from Gambino’s most loyal fans. AML doesn’t have any of the catchy radio tunes that attracted his biggest fans. But, personally this is one of the reasons Gambino is brilliant. He attracted a huge fan base as he released top 40 hits. Now, that he has grown as an artist/ human being, his music has mirrored that growth in a beautiful way. He has re-invented not only his music, but himself. Gambino has always been clever whether that be sneaking his album cover into an episode of Atlanta, releasing a “doomsday device” app counting down the seconds till his album release, or making the vinyl pressings of AML to feature a virtual reality aspect. Now that I’ve rambled about the creative genius that is Childish Gambino, here is my honest opinion of Awaken, My Love. This album has truly awakened my love for this man. Like I said above I’ve enjoyed his radio hits but I’ve never been one to fall at Donald’s feet. But now after hearing the 1970’s funk infused R&B record that is, Awaken, my love, I’m obsessed. The golden era for music started in 65 and ended in 90. This record takes the best aspects of the golden years, the 1970’s. The track Me and Your Mamma truly takes the listener to a different world. This track is a mix of slow instrumentals backed with a melodic evil laugh in the middle. Me and Your Mamma might be my favorite track from Gambino ever. Awaken, My Love is a beautiful mix of inventive instrumentals with Al Green and George Clinton influences. Each track is crafted with precision. Gambino has molded his music into something generations to come will be proud of. This R&B record mixes funk and flare in the perfect way. I imagine him immersing himself completely into each song to create the masterpiece that is, Awaken, My Love.

Monsters Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Hurt Me by erin christine

As a child, I dreamt of monsters: big, furry fiends with white, glistening pearly whites, plotting to steal me away within the abyss of darkness known as night. I would wake in a cold sweat, fearing that such a beast could truly be out to get me, out to destroy the world and home that I hold so dear, only to realize that such was only a conjuring of my own imagination. I would push those towering creatures into the back of my mind, a place where they have roamed for years upon years, their terrible presence no longer having an effect on my psyche and their grippingly horrifying shrieks no longer haunting my thoughts. As a child, I never imagined that those horrible beings would saunter back into my life, obstructing my view of a peaceful and solace- filled future free of fear and pain, but of course, the world proved to be less than forgiving and indeed, they did come. Come, they did, in the form of widespread racism, xenophobia, and general bigotry, their ghastly company creating a world not unlike that of my childhood nightmares, infested with hatred and darkness. As I wander the streets, I encounter countless of those beasts, their gruesome brow and demeanor sending a shiver down my spine and striking an immense horror within my heart. Those monsters, as I have come to know them, surround me on a daily basis, spreading their botched ideology and values like a plague unprecedented. As a child, I hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realized that November 9th, 2016 would become one of the worst that I would ever face, this being the unfortunate and beyond terrible day during which these monsters would come back to claim me, to steal any happiness within my heart and the light from my eyes. I never imagined the crushing weight of utter fear and disappointment that I would feel a mere few years later, upon hearing that a man who may ruin my, and thousands upon thousands of othersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, lives has been chosen to represent our country and become our leader, one with the power to crush my dreams and future with a metaphorical wrecking ball. Waking that morning only to be greeted by the news that Donald Trump, a misogynistic, homophobic, and racist tyrant had won over a majority country that I have called home, I could only feel the vice tightening around my middle, the deafening sound of my heart screaming for mercy among the hundreds of others country- wide giving way to the wave of sadness spreading wider and wider with each passing day. To think that such a large portion of the population, my peers, those I pass on the street, and even those in my family, have the nerve to support a man and a system that stands for threatening the wellbeing and safety of marginalized people and the oppression of millions is beyond disheartening. My anger bubbles inside me as if I am a volcano ready to burst and char my surroundings. As a child, I had a desire to utilize my voice, to share my opinions and thoughts within a large platform, and to let the world know my pain and my joy, and that dream has certainly not died though my hope for the world certainly has. Now, especially, my voice has become a tool for the masses, allowing me to distribute my voice across the sea, across the mountains, and into the sky. Along with hundreds of others, those representing the marginalized, hurting, and in need of a voice, I march in the streets. I scream on the top of my lungs. I spill large, sopping tears out of rage, fear, and disbelief. I stand up against this depraved societal system. In times like this, a time where the lives of countless underrepresented and marginalized people, those of the black, brown, and LQBTQIA+ communities, the disabled, silenced, oppressed, and in pain, are at stake and threatened by the influence of one man and his followers who harbor ideas that are harmful to a degree unmatched, it is so incredibly important that our voices of pure outrage are exemplified. As a white person, it is so beyond important that I, and all white people, acknowledge my privilege due to the color of my skin: I must to utilize that privilege and try to create change within this corrupt system by making an effort to raise the voices of those unheard and stand in solidarity and with support for those suffering immensely. All of us must stand in opposition to those monsters who threaten the future of this country and the future of this world. We are hurt and we are just as equally terrified but we will certainly not be silenced: not in the face of bigotry, not in the face of hatred, and not in the face of monsters, no matter how many crowd the world around us.

ARTWORK BY ASHLEY HOFFMAN

photographed by Christian Wong

D.I.Y Peppermint Mocha BY JANE SEIDEL I work in a coffee shop and we just rolled out our holiday menu. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my take on a classic Christmas coffee. .

You'll need: 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup water 1 tablespoon peppermint extract 1 bottle chocolate sauce A dash of milk Freshly brewed coffee Whipped cream Peppermint flakes Step 1: create peppermint syrup Boil water. Mix with sugar and peppermint extract. Stir until dissolved. (This is enough syrup for a bunch of peppermint mochas!) Step 2: mix it all together Mix approx. 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup with peppermint syrup into mug. Add coffee and a splash of warm milk. Stir together. Top with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and peppermint flakes. Enjoy! Baristas note: swap out white chocolate sauce for your usual chocolate syrup for a lighter, more minty drink!

visit: Nashville, T.N. by Kate Klassa

Nashville, Tennessee has long been one of the South’s most beloved cities. Commonly dubbed the “City of Music,” Nashville is home to some widely acclaimed musicians and it hosts world class artists year round. Here are some of my top picks to get the most out of the city that “music calls home.”

See The Country Music Hall of Fame - This is an absolute must for country and bluegrass music lovers. Ryman Auditorium - Originally a tabernacle, the Ryman is now a music venue that hosts the Opry. The Opry House - Here, you can find the home of the Grand Ole Opry Radio Show. Belle Meade Plantation and The Hermitage - Great for history lovers, this is a traditional plantation and the previous home of Andrew Jackson.

Do See live music - Many of Nashville’s bars and cafes host live music shows every night. Check out the Bluebird Cafe which is one of Nashville’s most famous. Centennial Park - Centennial Park has 132 acres of green space featuring a Parthenon replica. Cheekwood Botanical Gardens - If you want to take a stroll with beautiful scenery, the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens has 55 acres of carefully cultivated gardens.

EAT Bongo Java - Visit Bongo Java and sip some coffee in Nashville’s oldest coffeehouse. Pancake Pantry - A Nashville staple for 55 years, the Pancake Pantry serves up 23 different kinds of pancakes. The Southern - In the mood for some authenticate Southern dining? Visit The Southern for your southern favorites. Loveless Cafe - Established in 1951, this Nashville staple serves all-day breakfast, seven days a week.

billie eilish Photographed by

LILY DURAN

Armours

The Importance of Voice by Janadhi Seneviratne

Growing up in an age after the tragic event of 9/11, I watched as school became a place of fear. Having no concept of race, religion, or even my own identity as a young child, I met the hateful language directed towards me with confusion. I found out later that I was the target of so many people’s fear simply because my skin color fit their profile of a terrorist. I can remember when their fear even changed my upbringing, and my parents stopped speaking Sinhalese to me in the hopes that a purely English background would enable me to blend in. Despite their efforts, my otherness remained apparent to the children at school. The label “terrorist” still bleeds into my skin to this day. Fast forward a little more than 12 years later, I am proud to say I am a double major in political science and economics. I am fairly open about my beliefs. I am not going to deny voting for Hillary Clinton, and supporting Bernie Sanders but recently, it hasn’t come down to a political ideology but something more. The new president elect has added fuel to an on going fight in a country built with oppression and anger towards the marginalized/ minorities. . Donald Trump is a man who has helped aid in enabling racism and normalizing homophobic, sexist, and Islamic slurs to many US citizens. Believing that all Trump supporters are racist is not a fair excuse as Jon Stewart has said before; it would be false and completely hypocritical. This adds to how many people tend to forget the rural areas of the country where majority of the population tends to be lower class whites. Sadly, many programs are to aid in helping minorities of different economic/ social backgrounds. This causes rural workers to become upset as they see “liberals” not caring about their grievances, but rather conservatives who add fuel to their angry by putting the blame onto minorities. Due to this election, the choice of electing a man filled with hate and no awareness of what the actual Republican party stands for puts many people in danger, which happens to include the rural citizen who voted for Trump. Love does indeed Trump hate, but words aren’t going to work anymore. Many previews of his new administration points to an era of backlash towards minorities and this is where we, as American citizens, must come together and fight for each other. Volunteer, donate, talk, and do whatever it is necessary to protect the rights that might be infringed on in the coming years. Most importantly, protect the children who will face labels and judgment in the next coming years. A list of awesome organizations to volunteer/donate to are below!

- Planned Parenthood - Center of Reproductive Rights - NRDC - International Refugee - Assistance Project - PAIR - LDF - Trevor Project - Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund

Holiday Hair Looks BY REBECCA GIBBIONS With all the festivities during the holiday season, sometimes we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have much time to get all dazzled up before heading to that party, shopping, or wherever the season may take you! Here are a few simple and quick hair looks and accessories to keep you looking fresh this holiday season!

1. Crown Braid:

1. Split hair down the middle into two sections 2. Create two front braids (braid hair toward forehead) 3. Like a headband, cross one braid over your head and pin into place 4. Cross second braid over the first and pin 5. Accessory Rec: Add a little gold with a metallic headband (Athena Headband at Urban Outfitters - $20)

2. Knotted Half-Updo:

1. Pull two pieces of hair (size is up to you) from each side of your head to the back until they are crossing 2. Once crossed, like tying your shoelace, loop one over the other with a loose knot 3. Secure the knot in place with a bobby pin (push in until your hair is hiding it) 4. Accessory Rec: To make sure the knot is extra secure, add some decorative bobbies to the look to show off (Gold with Crystal Slide Barrettes at Ulta - $6) Tip: Add a little flair by curling your hair prior to styling this look!

3. Top Knot:

1. Create a top of the head ponytail and secure with elastic (as high as possible!) 2. Spread your hair, pouring it over the entirety of the elastic a.If you have thinner hair -- tease or add texture spray to create a fuller bun! (amika Un.Done Texture Spray at Sephora - $24) 3. Grab a small piece of the ponytail from the opposite side of your dominant hand and spin it around your ponytail. As you do this, the rest of your ponytail will collect into a bun. 4. Bobby pin bun in place 5. If messy, even out the bun to make sure your elastic is still hidden and add extra pins to secure 6. Use some hairspray to keep it in place! Accessory Rec: Tie a festive red ribbon around bun (Find in a local craft store!)

THE NAKED AND FAMOUS

Photographed by

ASHLEY HOFFMAN