VOL. 002 | Tinashe / Hebru Brantley

VOL. 002

RIDEshotTOUGH by george jeff

TINASHE H E B R U B R A N T LE Y | G O L DL I NK | S X S W | KA R I FAUX

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Summer is all about the heat.

Hot tracks, hot weather and major LITuations but it’s as equally about cooling down. We’ve found the perfect mix this season for our Summer Sixteen issue. Tinashe is one of the most exemplary artist within her genre. From her sensual tones, sexy moves and tracks ranging from the hands of Metro Boomin’, Cashmere Cat and DJ Mustard — she’s easily the heat.

Hebru Brantley is effortlessly — the cool. I met Hebru Brantley in one of the most welcoming environment that I can think of. It was in the hallway at the United Center for Kanye West’s YEEZUS Tour. I doubt he remembers the encounter but it was brief and definitely memorable. I couldn’t help but look up to the guy because he’s such a tall figure just like his tight-knit empire.

We take a look inside the world of Hebru’s brand and Flyboy’s past and upcoming destinations.

VOL. 002

Also, in this issue, we explore some of our favorite prolific individuals on our radar and spotlight those curators who are worthy mentionables due to their subtle but huge contributions to music, art, style and culture.

We also take you with us to SXSW and we get to know Goldlink and Kari Faux a lot better. We also been to a lot of major shows in our home base in Chicago including Beyoncé’s Formation World Tour, Rihanna’s ANTI World Tour, Tory Lanez and many more.

We’ll share those experiences in Vol. 002 of our latest issue.

This summer let’s try to live in the moment more and create memories worth capturing.

TERRELL JOHNSON Founder & Editor-in-Chief

GOLDLINK’S

TOUR BUS

Goldlink talks stage name origin, relationship with Soulection and being inspired by Go-Go DC-native Goldlink shows up in Chicago to perform to loyal fans at sportsbar-turned-concert-venue Chop Shop. Goldlink took the stage at 10:00PM. Passing the merch stand stocked with vinyls of his latest LP And After That, We Didn’t Talk.

After his set, Goldlink granted us an interview on his tour bus with my friend photographer and videographer, Bianca Garcia and Jordan Chollette, to capture elements of the interview.

As we walk on the bus, Goldlink has his Xbox 360 paused Goldlink went through crowd fa- line up alongside an impressive vorites like Dark Skinned Women, line of gaming consoles such as Dance On Me, Spectrum, and green-transparent Nintendo 64, many more.

PS4 and Super Nintendo. We all cop seats on the crowded couch Wearing a denim dad cap, gold parlaying with Goldlink’s entoulink chain and a long-sleeve rage as we prepare for him to join baseball shirt marked “TONY” us in the room.

Goldlink grooved through a slew of classics that helped influence his sound.

Story by Terrell Johnson Photography by Jordan Chollette & Bianca Garcia

AS

Goldlink enters the room, he recognizes my friend Jordan whom he, ironically, attended high school with. My friend Jordan asks him, “Do you remember me?” Goldlink responds, “I do remember you.” Jordan adds, “From where?” Goldink engaged, “You was the light-skinned dude! I don’t know.” with a shrug. The entire bus laughs. Goldlink continued, “I remember people’s faces more than I remember names.”

I hand Goldlink the first print issue featuring Kehlani and Elise Swopes and he’s immensly intrigued as he recognizes faces that he’s familiar with. Magazine in hand, we jump right in the interview.

Where did the name Goldlink derive from?

I was bullshittin’ with some homies watching An American Pimp documentary. And I was fascinated by the names that people came up with for themselves. I just said it one day as a joke — and it stuck.

That’s dope.

Your sound is super refreshing and nostalgic, who were some influencers for you growing up listening to music?

I didn’t really have one. I’m from Maryland, for real, so growing up we just listened to Go-Go all the time. My mother, my father, they listened to Go-Go. What was your first concert?

Lowkey, I believe, Drake. Some drug dealers took me to a Drake concert on some random shit.

We notice Soulection is a big support system for your music; what your relationship like with that collective?

We’re cool! Affiliates. We help each other out. They respect what I do. I respect what they do.

DMV Go-Go’s scene is similar to Chicago’s House scene; how did that Go-Go culture scene influence your latest projects?

Man, Go-Go is like super rhythmic. And it varies. Like, my father’s generation of GoGo is like Chuck Brown, E.U., and bands like that were really bouncy like ‘Let Me Clear My Throat’ Kool Herc — this crazy tight ass percussion. Whereas, when we were growing up the music got faster. It was more trap’d out. So the beats I pick are really bouncy because that’s the sound I heard growing up.

I noticed your Instagram bio says: ‘I don’t want to be famous’ why is that?

Because it’s going make me famous faster.

Who has heard your music that you personally admire?

Frank Ocean, Rick Rubin, Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole.

You recently just spent a lot of time in Australia; what was the wildest thing you seen over there?

Ok, a million fucking things. It was insane.

I’ll pick one though. I did a show in Adelaide and the stage was completely clear when I got on. Once I got on, everybody rushed it. It was packed from the front to the back. It was fans standing on rocks throwing toilet paper, not at me, but around me excited [laughs]. People were crowd surfing.

Your fans were crowd surfing each other?

“Some drug dealers took me to a Drake concert on some random shit.”

Yeah, I’ve seen a lot of crazy things thus far.

You’re selective when it comes to collaborations. Your vibes seems to have to match with the other artist you collaborate with..

Are there any dream collaborations you’d like to get?

Nah, not really. I get to work with the people that I really fuck with. Everything that will happen — will happen or I’m currently working with them.

Any new albums you’ve came across that inspire you?

April + Matt Vista‘s Lanterns last album was really inspiring.

Any clothing labels you like to follow?

Saint Laurent. I wear a lot of YSL. Last thing you couldn’t wait to purchase after your first rap check?

Man, I got a lot of crazy shit in my house. I bought two Curved TVs off my first rap check.

I bought me and my mom a curved TV, Xbox One and a couch.

who is kari faux?

Story by Shahrnaz Javid Photo by D’Andre Cooksey

Being noticed and starting a career from the internet is like auditioning for America’s Got Talent?

Or- The internet is a solid path to building a name and brand?

With the blessing of hashtags, internet trends and communities have easy access to fall together and form. But then there is the hurdle of running into too many like-minded pages. It’s got to be one hell of an account to be noticed, followed, RT’d, reblogged, etc.

Most soundcloud links in bios come off as a hoax that could either go really right or really wrong. Luckily for a Little Rock rapper her links went right when Childish Gambino’s best friend made a self-note to give her a real scroll.

Her name is Kari Johnson, better known as Kari Faux. If there’s one thing to say, it’s that her word play is no joke.

“I feel like people call you fake when you don’t do what they want you to do or when you have your best interest at heart. If that makes me fake thenshit, I’m just gonna be fake because I got to get me and you got to get you and I’m not gonna call you fake for doing you,” said Faux in regards to her rap name,”You know how it be.”

Yes, many could probably agree with that statement. Self-interest and drive have always shared a fine line of separation with the real and phony.

Seeing an artist so blunt and upfront about that pesky grey area is refreshing.

In addition to being a twitter diamond in the rough, Faux’s sound and image have deemed her not internet rap princess but internet rap queen. In 2014 Faux was one of 22 artists featured on Pitchfork’s “Overlooked Mixtapes 2014” for Laugh Now, Die Later amongst Future, K-Camp, Childish Gambino, Kehlani, and more.

Going back and forth between L.A. and the home-front, “at first I was stressed out, and now I’m taking it all in,” said Faux.

Most of her inspiration is derived from real life situations anyway so traveling here and there isn’t too bad for the young, internet-sound visionary.

At the time of interview Faux was cozied up under her friend’s Basquiat inspired painting that overlooks her room. Her favorite space is her desk, the one filled with all her art supplies, computer, and speakers. In her room she’s got damn near everything she needs.

That’s not to say she doesn’t seek more, just that she appreciates where she is and where she’s headed; there’s really no need to be stressing... while simultaneously being hard on herself.

“I know I could always be better,” said Faux.

“I’m lazy and I shouldn’t be as lazy as I am and I’m working on it. As far as being satisfied, I don’t think I’ll be satisfied until I get where I’m happy and can take care of the people I love. I don’t think I would ever be like ‘alright I did it, I’m done!’”

She was working on another mixtape but decided to hold off and switch to releasing more singles and collaborating with other artists. There are a few people on her radar which she hopes to drop on her supporters but until then her headspace is all about making music and making art.

Mostly her focus is branding herself as herself.

Instead of molding her aesthetic and topics to what will get her more attention and plays.

“It’s a lot more work trying to be someone else then to just be yourself,” said Faux in a Q&A with Saint Heron.

She’s rather cynical too, but in the best way.

“I feel like I’m pretty funny, it depends on the other person and their sense of humor too. Some people get it and some people don’t and ultimately I’m like ‘it’s whatever I don’t really care’,” said Faux. “It depends what mood you catch me in really, if I’m drunk, if I’m having a good time, I might have a bad attitude, I don’t know.”

What’s not so faux about Faux is that she is indeed- a human, and a pretty down to earth one at that. She likes the crazy, over dramatic, cult films just like the rest of us!

“It’s so cliché but one of my favorite cult films is Scarface. It’s so cheesy but also the ultimate come up story and it’s also a good lesson in learning that you can’t just go on a complete ego trip once you get where you’re tryna go. You can’t just eliminate everybody because then that makes you a target,” said Faux. “Once you get to the top you become the target if you shitted on everybody on your way up.”

Sounds like a lot of life lessons.

“You can’t just be a fucking egomaniac.”

“andre 3000 and debbie are parent goals.”

Interview by Terrell Johnson Photography by Renell Medrano

We just seen you at the MTV Woodies at SXSW; did you happen to perform anywhere else during?

Actually, I just went out there just to do the MTV event.

During SXSW, did you see any artist that you could possibly collaborate with for the upcoming album?

Well, the album is done. It comes out April 22nd. I got a bunch of dope collaborations on the album. Everybody from Missy Elliott, DJ Mustard, Chris Brown to the [A$AP] Mob. My grandmother is on a track on the album with Chuck D.

What? That’s crazy?

Yep. Granny cut a track with Chuck D. (continued on next page)

Why did you decide to name the album after the derivative of ASAP Mob, Always Strive and Prosper?

Some people just need to be reminded of what the name means — what the acronym is. My grandfather really sparked the idea because he didn’t really know what ASAP meant — he thought it meant ‘as soon as possible’. I figured a lot of people are like him and doesn’t know fully what it means so I wanted to name it ‘Always Strive and Prosper’ to take it back to square one.

What was your first concert, if you can remember?

First concert was in the backyard at ALIFE in NYC. That was my first show.

What was your inspiration in music growing up?

A lot of East Coast artists. Bad Boy-based artists: Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, Biggie Smalls of course. Tupac, too, on the West Coast.

What are some of your favorite brands at the moment? I see you rocking the young Averix jacket. I don’t know if this is old school or new.

It’s old. I actually got it from Japan. It’s an Avirex store out there. They discontinued Avirex in the states they only got a store in Japan.

I used to wear Avirex as a shorty so I’m familiar.

I’m not really digging nothing that’s out right now.

Everything is over saturated. That’s why I’ve been designing a lot of my stuff. Only just wearing my stuff.

You just recently collaborated with adidas; how did that transpire?

That went well. adidas has been apart of the mob since day one. When Rocky did the collar with Jeremy Scott.

I stood in line for those joints: The Black Flag x JS Wings Yeah. Earlier on I went to a bunch of those meetings with them. They were always feeling the brand. They finally did a collaboration with ‘the Trap’.

Last thing you purchased yourself?

‘FERG’ iced out 4-hole ring, chain, with the 90s influence.

O G W E B B I E

This young Chicago-based DJ/ Producer dark styles has been heard under the voices of Kanye West and Big Sean under the watch of Grammy Award winning producer Mano. Safe to say Webbie has an illustrious bright future.

Interview by Terrell Johnson Photography by Bianca Garcia

How has Treated Crew help solidify your work?

Treated Crew has helped significantly. Knowing Mano, Mic Terror, everyone at St. Alfred’s, St. Millie, and etc. It’s really done a lot for me. It’s put me in a position to where I can succesfully branch off and do my own thing. They’ve already had a great amount of success and being able to talk to them because they’ve done it before.

Working with Mano, the placements I’ve been able to get and still waiting on has been great. A year ago, when I worked the Big Sean and Kanye West ‘All Your Fault’ with him.

Talk about that: How did that ‘All Your Fault’ record for Sean come about?

That was a year in the making. I sent Mano that beat when he was still DJing for Kanye. He was like, “Yo! Send me some beats!” At that time, I didn’t know who he was playing these beats for. I assumed he possibly wanted the beats for himself to work on. I sent him the one beats which now known as “All Your Fault” which was originally known as “Tom Cruise” for an album Ye was gonna put out…

Oh shit! So ‘All Your Fault’ was supposed to be on ‘The Life of Pablo?’

Yeah, originally, but of course he re-worked the album and Big Sean took it cause he wanted the beat too. Travi$ Scott was also shopping for the beat too. He was truly a fan of the production as well.

When did you know you wanted to produce music?

Ever since I was 5, my dad put a piano in front of me. It was songs from the 1920s on the piano and I learned every song by ear. When I started pursuing music more when I got older I was introduced to Fruity Loops and everyone used FL then hopping from that to Logic and learning that Mac was a better fit but I’ve been alternating back and forth now between PC and Mac. Logic has a lot of features that Mano put me on, like, getting my drums a certain way and things of that nature.

What was your first concert?

First show that I went to that blew my mind was the Yeezus Tour, surprisingly, and I was like 18 so that just shows how much I never got out as much growing up.

Wow. The Yeezus Tour was the first?!

Yeah, that was the official showcase of lighting, explosions and cinematic feeling into a show that I’ve never experienced before. Mano brought me backstage where I met Mike Dean, King Louie and lots of cool artists for the first time so having that all-access opportunity was a blessing. It was sick and to go both days was dope.

Now you can say you’ve worked with one of the biggest artists out of Chicago.

Honestly, one of the biggest hip-hop artists’ over the last 10-15 years.

Imagine what’s next? What other artists do you see yourself working with or desire to work with?

It’s so much dope talent in the industry right now. The Weeknd is a personal favorite of mine.

I’d like to work with PARTYNEXTDOOR, he has an amazing sound.

PND is definitely one of my favorite, if not my favorite, new artist out right now.

He’s got the sound that I feel like everyone’s attempting to shoot for right now. That whole R&B/Rap-sing, deep cut, dark sound so my production also has a dark tone in my aesthetic.

It’s so many artists that I feel like I can work with because of that sound and the way the industry is gravitating towards it.

“First concert I went to that blew my mind was the Yeezus Tour”

Who are you working with right now?

Treated Crew artists. Me and Sonny Digital been going back and forth trying to figure something out. He’s a dope artist too as a producer-turned-artist.

He’s rapping too?

Yes, he raps. He got a song called ’50 On My Wrist’ and it’s fire.

The GTA-connotation is dope but then it’s like a place to kick it too.

I actually made it up for the ironic use to just being somewhere to be safe and have fun doing it.

Have a nice time. When you think of ‘safehouse’ whether it’s luxurious or something you’ve built from the ground up — it reminds of somewhere comfortable.

You’re working on his project?

Right now, we’re working out ideas. He’s a real humble dude too but we’re throwing ideas around regarding music. My guy Friday Octoba from New York we got this joint called ‘After Taxes’ that dropped, it’s got a dope run right now.

Who are some of your favorite brands at the moment as far as fashion houses?

I love undercover. It’s a Japanese-based brand. The guy Jun Takahashi is one of the original creators of streetwear. Actually, Jun and NIGO had a store that they ran together at one point so I love Undercover.

Bounty Hunters is another favorite. VANS too on the comfortable side. On the high-end side, not to be cliche, but Balmain, Saint Laurent. Of course, all the local boutiques, I support all of ‘em. RSVP Gallery, Jugrnaut, St. Alfred’s. I got love for all of ‘em. I know most of the homies in the stores and they always show love. That’s what I like about the city: For the most part, everyone knows everybody and that’s dope.

You’re a resident DJ at Safehouse on Thursday’s nights at {club}. How’s that been?

It’s been awesome, man. We’ve been hitting capacity. I been having people come through for their birthdays’ and booking DJs you don’t hear on the regular just to switch up the sound. Myself and Gio really been trying to push the Chicago club culture forward. It’s not a lot of places where you can get in for free and what what the fuck you want — dress comfortably and see the people you want kick it with. It’s something that I want to keep around as long as I can. People are so focused on how to make money that they forgot how to have fun.

The title “Safehouse” is a dope play on words who came up with that?

I came up with that idea. [laughs]

“EVER SINCE I WAS FIVE, MY FATHER PUT A PIANO IN FRONT ME”

R

O

B

B

Y

19-year old photographer, art director and architectin-training is constructing a hell of a presence with some of Chicago’s prominent rap acts.

B E C K M A N

Interview by Terrell Johnson Photography by Bianca Garcia

When did you capture your first photo?

My mom used to have a film camera. We used to have disposables anything we went anywhere. The times when I got into photography and doing something artistic with it would be the trips I would take with my dad. Before San Francisco Giants’ games we would travel and I’d stick my head out the window of the car and just take pictures of buildings surrounding us.

You do have a great affinity for architecture, too.

How did that transpire?

Before buildings, I think I’d have to say rollercoasters were an inspiration. I was terrified of rollercoasters for a long time but I was really into playing Rollercoaster Tycoon video game for the PC. I’ve always played with building toys like K’NEX, Legos and stuff like that which essentially got me interested in constructing forms and the venturing into a digital form like Rollercoaster Tycoon and Sim City.

Similarly to photography, I was in SF walking down the street and asking the question, “What do people who design buildings are called? Architects, right?” and that was around 6th grade.

From your online presence you seem a lot more experienced that an average person.

I take that as a compliment.

I believe it’s a good thing because when you cement yourself that hard in a field and no one really sees your face, it’s a ‘my work speaks for itself’ standard.

That one thing I try to aim for is to let the work speak for itself. Like Mark Rokoth, he wanted his paintings alone in a room alone in big studios and wanted the work to resonate with you. That’s something I want to convey through social media, my portfolio. I enjoy speaking about architecture especially through the perspective of a 19-year old when there’s just so much content and design that’s just really bad. But consumers around my age doesn’t know any better so they’re gonna consume it anyway. I believe it’s important to bring something fresh to our perspective. I feel like I have an obligation to elevate the cultural perspective of hip-hop to the relevance in architecture so that the consumer isn’t this dumbed-down version of itself.

That’s ambitious, man. Having the same affinity for music and design is not something you see everyday in reference to Hip-Hop. It’s not anybody’s fault but people who are usually in these hip-hop circles haven’t really been to art + design schools and haven’t been through the refinement like an architecture school. I think it deserves to be a lot better because people making amazing music in the genre.

Your contribution is going to be appreciated. At 19, you’re conceptualizing artwork for artists for prominent Chicago-based and visiting artists; how did that happen for you.

When I came from Sacramento, it started freshman year.

I remember it being a Saturday and some Ben Baller event was happening somewhere in the loop. I figured I’d grab my camera and take pictures of it. That brought me to LPZ Studios where the event was taking place.

Then, I got introduced to PZ and I told him I was a architect student who does graphic design, photography etc. After the conversation, he wanted me to do some interior design work for him for the gallery space on the bottom floor. We worked on that project for about a month and that’s how I met Vic Mensa and Rockie Fresh because they were working there at the time. I used those connections from that space to help jumpstart my beginnings in live performance photography. It was a privilege to take pictures of Vic, doing most the SAVEMONEY shows. For visiting artists I just work off the connections I can find that day. [laughs] But if someone asks, “Hey, do you want to take pictures of Young Thug?,” its like, “Yeah, I don’t not want to take pictures of Young Thug…”

I think it’s cool that you turned your fun into something substantial.

What it comes down to is taking your passions and interests seriously. Photography was a hobby for me and now it’s turned into a company that can possibly make money for myself.

Of course, especially, with your portfolio at 19, time is our most valuable asset and you’ve already set a bar for yourself.

It’s funny because, my portfolio is like 25% of my professional and student work that’s been published.

I’m actually working on new media forms and different lines of expression — seeing where that takes me.

“I feel like I have an obligation to elevate the cultural perspective of hip-hop to the relevance in architecture�

Y

Your most recent work is Joey Purps’s iiiDrops album, what was the concept going into designing for that artwork?

Joey had a reference image for me by some artist he likes and liked this one painting they did. I used that a precedent. he wanted something that had a illustrated repetitious distortion on the eyes which doesn’t sound too hard until you execute. We worked on it for awhile until we found a permutation that and refined it until the day before the release date.

Wow. It was a bit of pressure. I find myself under pressured deadlines a lot.

Is conceptualizing artwork something you’ve always wanted to do?

It began as an interest when I took a graphic design class in high school. I’ve always appreciated good artwork for music and design, in general. I took a graphic design class my senior year in high school and that inspired me to do more graphic work.

That used to be a dream job of mine which will forever be cool to me.

I think anything is a tangible thing. You want to be a designer, photographer — I think it’s all within reach once you’ve a certain point. I can really only speak for myself. People have different situations that prevent them from pursing that like growing up in marginalized communities and I get a glimpse of that everyday living in Bronzeville. The chances aren’t always given to aspiring youth growing up in those communities.

For me I was able to land a scholarship at one of the best architecture schools in one of the best cities to be an architect in. So I’d say once you geographically find where you want to be you can begin to build a network and not waiting for someone to tell you to start to do something and work on it for yourself.

Yeah, that inspiringly true.

I was reading a Virgil Abloh interview and he was saying, “Off-White would’ve happened without that first PYREX tee shirt.” That first PYREX t-shirt was probably a minimal speck of what Virgil wanted to do with his career in fashion but he had to do that thing first. When I was interning at PZ Studios, I was, like, taking care of social media, photos and do store runs and things that some would say is beneath them but it was character building and breaks you in. Seeing that dedication is crucial.

Who are some of your favorite visual artists?

For architects, it’ll probably be Tadao Ando & Herzog and deMuron. Mies van de Rohe also pretty much re-invented the college I currently go to which ended up influencing modern architecture around the world. I also get a lot of inspiration from paintings too like George Condo.

I know George Condo that only cause Yeezy taught me.

No, I also discovered Condo through Kanye West but that lead me to an interest in paintings. I like the work Daniel Arkham has been putting out as well. I believe he has some formal training in architecture — they way he does his sculptures and his floor plans were intriguing.

What about music that you’re listening to?

I listen to Joey Purp a lot. When the project dropped I was anxious to hear the finished versions of what I heard being recorded.

Right, because you heard them previous but having the finished product you was happy.

I was very happy. [laughs] You have a lot of dedication to the things you do.

I enjoy living through my work. I’m a workaholic.

You built yourself up to a standard that would make some of the most substantial designers intimidated.

Yeah, there is a lot of competition in design sectors whether it’s artchtieture, art + design, photography fields.

I believe we should be celebrating each other more often.

Architects love to hate on shit. I think it’s a lot because the education is really intense but they tend to down play a lot of other shit.

I was the probably that same person two years ago and in another two years someone could potentially be where I am but I feel like we should encourage that to happen.

There’s plenty of albums to design and photos to shoot.

Stylishly, do you wake up with an idea of how you want to look? Any brands that’s apart of your daily aesthetic?

In high school, I used to be into dressing up and looking nice but now its to the point where i’m working more often and little bit more laxed. I ultimately know a lot less about clothing now and can’t be hip to everything but I really like what adidas has been doing. They’re really killing it.

They’ve really re-invented their entire brand have a grasp on our attention span.

I shop at H&M and Uniqlo a lot for my basics. I stick to really basic shoes like Converse and Vans. I used to be the guy to save up to buy a Marigela sweater but I was into dressing up but now I’ve multiplied that into my design work.

As a tech student, you have a good balance of the two cultures at the same time.

My plan is to find a way to marry both the design culture to music. I some ideas to do it but it’s always easier said than done.

INSIDE THE BRAND OF HEBRU INTERVIEW BY MAYA IMAN

We talk to one Chicago’s most notarized names in the art world regarding his last showcase, his character Flyboy and his latest branding endeavors.

LEA RNING THE INAND-OUTS AND WHAT’S NEXT FOR HEB RU’S EMPI RE

The recent release of the Flyboy figure was a huge success what was the process like?

Do you plan on release more figurines for collectors?

I’m still in a place where I’m still looking for a large shipment of the Flyboy figures to come through. It’s a really grueling process. It’s even nerve-wrecking to dealing with third-party vendors that are overseas can be an arduous situation because of your lack of control of this product. So, it’s been tough. It’s been a learning experience as well. Absolutely, I want to do more figures in the future. We’ll be doing more as a follow-up.

Photo by Anthony Trevino

What inspired you to start your own studio?

I was just inspired by the notion of being able to constantly create on different platforms and mediums. As time grew on, opportunity grew and I had the means to take on certain projects. The studio grew from that aspect — It happened organically beyond myself.

What inspired you to start your own studio?

I was just inspired by the notion of being able to constantly create on different platforms and mediums. As time grew on, opportunity grew and I had the means to take on certain projects. The studio grew from that aspect — It happened organically beyond myself.

Do you have any expectations for production? Are there any dos or don’ts that you have for your team?

I think with any job you act in accordance to what’s expected of you and I think everyone who works with my understand my expectations of them and move accordingly.

Your Jordan Store installation was an iconic moment in your career, tell us how that transpired?

It all came about through Carmelo Anthony. He’s a collector, him and his wife [Lala Anthony], of my work. I think when the conversation was had about bringing in an artist signature shoe he threw my name at the top of the list and the rest is history.

What can we expect as an expansion of merchandise as far as clothing and collaborations?

I have a few eggs in a few different pans its just a matter of what comes into fruition first. With collaborations it’s always the ‘matter of time’ situation especially when dealing with bigger brands. A few things I can’t particularly speak to but there are more merchandise like t-shirts, prints, poster, etc. available on our website to feed the fandom in the best way possible and give our core audience the opportunity to buy into the brand that they’ll be able to access through our website.

Flyboy character at Jordan’s Flagship Store in Chicago

What were some of the take-aways from the ‘Angels’ shoot for Chance the Rapper’s music video?

It was a great experience. It was fun. I’m always grateful when people trust me enough with the end result of their projects. For him to trust me enough to bring me in on the project, it’s great. You always grow from every experience from that, not just myself, my team we all learned a lot in terms of animation, motion graphics and things of that nature. We grow and learn more each time on every project.

Why were you attending Comic Con earlier this year? How was experience?

Honestly? I got lost. I thought it was an African Anteater Ritual and they said it was some ‘big booty bitches’ there and I took the wrong turn [laughs] No. I’ve always gone to Comic Con. I love that world. It’s one of those things that now that I’ve built a larger cache for myself and dipping into merchandising I felt like I now should be on the other side of the booth and offer up what I can provide to the audience.

I always go to Comic Con. I go to New York’s to San Diego’s. I’m a nerd. It doesn’t get more nerdier than Comic Con. [laughs] Tell us about your show you recently did in Pittsburgh? What was your viewpoint aesthetically?

It was at the August Wilson Center there. The show I Wish I Knew (How It Felt To Be Free) and the idea sort of came from a Nina Simone song. It was sort of the most personal I’ve gotten with the work as far as a collective group of work.

It’s that conversation of be careful what you wish for in the idea of celebrity. Sometime you wrestle with something becoming too big or larger than the creator and taken out context from the original meaning that it was intended for… it was sort of a hate-love letter to that creation — my character, Flyboy. I wanted to do that show and make it almost overtly Flyboy. All the images and things that were shown were images of Flyboy in variation. It was purposeful overkill because I think that’s what good ideas can become in a contemporary setting where if it’s a good idea and the whole concept of ‘striking while the iron’s hot’ can constantly regurgitate this thing over and over again in different forms and reiterations to appease an audience to keep them clamoring but after doing that you feel spent… you feel dry and depleted as a creative because again at your core you know you’re more than just this one thing. But it’s that fight, it’s that struggle. I think some creatives all have it and at that moment I wanted to work through that feeling by having these pieces that spoke to that in a way… Letting that be the last Flyboy-heavy related art show that I do for sometime now in a way of retiring the character a bit and getting back to other conversations that I’ve been neglecting for awhile.

PHERA SS16 COLLECTION BY

RON LOUIS

Photography by Bianca Garcia

photo by Dolly Ave

prof iles

Meet some standout creatives we’re watching and noticing for all the right reasons. Pick the brains and learn some interesting facts from some of the intriguing subjects here. Add, follow, and keep up with these creative rebels.

@tripleeeog

“if i had a choice the world would dress better.”

olivia goodman 23

What you do: Design a bunch of cool shit within the same color scheme. I do what I do because without any type of creative outlet, I’m pretty sure I’d be crazy as fuck. Office jobs are for a very special type of person. I am saving up for my own manufacturing facilities because the hardest part of creating something is mass production. You want to get your things in front of and on people, finding ways to do that is difficult. I love people who are about their money and have goals. Those without goals are very dangerous. My all-time role model is my mom because she is the most fabulous and hardworking woman that I’ve ever met in my life. My childhood was lit because I was always like day dreaming and pretending and performing for other people. I honestly thought I’d grow up to be a actress, then I decided I liked clothes more. Last thing I bought was an amazing breakfast sandwich and coffee with a shot of espresso. Recently played track on my iPhone/Apple Music/Spotify was Right Now x Drake + PartyNextDoor / Where The Party At x Jagged Edge (Dupri Remix) If I could have lunch with a person (dead/alive) it’d be Michael Jackson and we’d talk about how we managed being the most amazing artist to ever walk the face of this Earth. If I could choose a closet full of one designer it would be Comme De Garcons. If I had a choice the world would dress better.

photo by Shahr Javid

@maxmwhitfield

@khalfaniglobal

khalfani 25 max whitfield 22

What you do: Student / e-commerce logistics manager / freelance model I do what I do because it’s what I do ;P I am saving up for nothing particular because you can’t take it with you when you’re gone. I love people who are who know what they want and act on it, because sometimes I don’t and it bugs me. My all-time role model is my father because he raised one hell of a son. My childhood was lit because I came from a good household where love & freedom was enforced Last thing I bought was a pack of cigarettes and an uber.

Recently played track on my iPhone/Apple Music/Spotify No Problem by Chance the Rapper featuring 2 Chainz & Lil Wayne If I could have lunch with a person (dead/alive) it’d be my late grandmother and we’d talk about just catching up with each other one last time If I could choose a closet full of one designer it would be Polo Ralph Lauren If I had a choice the world legalize weed and criminalize bigotry.

photo by Dolly Ave

What you do: I make good music I do what I do because its who I am and its the universe’s plan for me to be myself.

A lot of people said I wouldn’t be myself and there are a lot of individuals afraid to be who they are deep down inside. Its takes courage to be yourself and I want to show people they can be quote on quote “different” and still succeed in society. I am saving up for trips out of the country because I need worldwide inspiration and travel is key I love people who want to make the world cooler, has a sense of humor, seeks truth and has love for me and themselves.

My all-time role model is Prince because he changed so many lives as an artist. He was a full on artist, writing the illest songs, producing his own plus other’s records and was very business savvy while never seeming to do anything solely for money. My childhood was lit because my mom was a chef also because I got to experience the 90’s with Pac, Michael Jordan, Michael Jackson and Nickelodeon at their peak and the 2000’s with the Internet-age, Yeezus and Black men getting billion dollar deals! Last thing I bought was fried chicken and kush from the same place Recently played track on my iPhone/Apple Music/Spotify was Not Invited by 2Chainz / Heaven by IMONSTER If I could have lunch with a person (dead/alive) it’d be my dad and we’d talk about what’s it like to live and die in Chicago. If I could choose a closet full of one designer it would be Balmain (also Undercover / KHALFANIGLOBAL) If I had a choice the world would unite as one.

photo by Dolly Ave

26

27

asha & kwame

What we do: Creative Direction & Design We do what I do because aesthetic and innovation is life for us we’re both extremely passionate about design We are saving up for global travel and freedom to take risk based on instinct.

We love people who are who take pride in their passion and live life to make an impact on the universe. Our alltime role models are our parents. Kwame’s dad because he believes in innovation an invention. Asha’s role model is her mother because she delegates unconditional love and is a high performance business woman. Our childhood was lit because our athleticism led us many adventures which characterize our individualism now. Last thing we bought was two plane tickets to LA Recently played track on my iPhone Drake’s “Come Thru” If I could have lunch with a person (dead/alive) it’d be Ayn Rand and we’d talk about the talent and force of genius vs. society’s conformity. Also, Ryan Leslie because we’d talk about utilizing your talent to make a living and just being the best.

If I could choose a closet full of one designer it would be Kwame Nkruma and Alexander McQueen. If I had a choice the world elevate its design aesthetic and pay us in gold to do so.

jordan chollette 21

What you do:Chicago based photographer and videographer I do what I do because Being an artist is my God given purpose and I’m fulfilled each day I have the pleasure to create art. I am saving up for Plane tickets! I believe in putting my money towards experiences over material things. I love people who I don’t know but highly admire from a distance by their ambitions, character or beauty My all-time role modelAdam Elmakias who tours worldwide each year with bands as a music photographer. My childhood was lit because at a very young age my mother would send me to foreign countries because she believed traveling the world was one of the greatest gifts she could give me. By the time I was in 10th grade I had already been to China, Australia, Greece, Nicaragua, London, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. Last thing I bought was 20 Ultra Balls and a few Hyper Potions Recently played track on my iPhone was the live version of Ghost Love Score with Nightwish’s new lead singer Floor Jansen If I could have lunch with a person (dead/alive) it’d be poet and genius Dante Alighieri and we’d talk the Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradisio! If I could choose a closet full of one designer it would be Profound Aesthetic If I had a choice the world zero gravity because we all would love to fly am I right?

creative direction by Asha & Kwame

creative direction by Asha & Kwame

yuya ohashi 24

What you do: Photography I do what I do because I want to show people what I see. I am saving up for “World Travel” because I want to experience different cultures. I love people who are who knows what they love to do/people who make mistakes. My all-time role model is Arnold Schwarzenegger because what ever he says, he makes it come true. My childhood was lit because I get to live in multiple places. Last thing I bought was hair gel. I can’t live without it. Recently played track on my iPhone Daydream In Blue by I Monster If I could have lunch with a person (dead/alive) it’d be my grandpa that passed away and we’d talk about his whole life experience as a sailor traveling the ocean. If I could choose a closet full of one designer it would be All Saints If I had a choice the world should give more credits to the creatives instead of taking it for themselves.

ezkiel 23

What you do: I interpret life I do what I do because To reach nirvana and communicate. I am saving up for A set design I want to bring to life. I want to create adistinct universe when I do live performances. I love people who ask questions and live how they want to. My all-time role model in life, mi madre for reminding me that thinking can change you. Creatively, Kanye West for being so meticulous with everything he does. My childhood was lit I grew up in a Latin house hold in an unincorporated neighborhood on the same block as all my homies Last thing I bought was an uber to the studio Recently played track on my iPhone Nine Inch Nails “Right Where It Belongs” but the Japanese exclusive version. If I could choose a closet full of one designer it would be All Saints or Rick Owens If I had a choice the world be more like it says it is.

@p.hil on instagram

“I’ve never ever imagined I’d get to work with J. Cole, ASAP Rocky, Weeknd, Chance the Rapper, Kehlani on a personal level — 18 year old me wouldn’t believe it.”

phil shaw 21

What you do: Music & Lifestyle Photography I do what I do because I wanted to be a videographer but I realized how much experience I would need to shoot videos and photography ended up progressing myself light-years into the music industry I love people who Go out and get it. My all-time role model Michael Jackson. Even though his rough times, he managed to inspire millions of people and still continues to do so even today. My childhood was lit pull off being a class clown, a technology/internet “nerd”, and maintain above average grades Last thing I bought was A new camera and lens. Recently played track on my iPhone Vic Mensa’s whole “There’s A Lot Going On” album If I could have lunch with a person (dead/alive) Kanye West. The media makes him out to be so crazy, but any creative knows what the fuck he’s actually talking about. If I could choose a closet full of one artist it would be Future. I don’t think he’s a fashion icon or anything like that, but he has a lot of dope ass fits. If I had a choice the world Have more common sense, less violence, more leaders, and be less lazy.

SWERVE, TINASHE Story by Terrell Johnson Photography by George Jeff

One of R&B’s most prolific singer-songwriters just finished up her first solo tour, rounded up Metro Boomin’ and Young Thug for her sophomore album and she just got off the stage from performing on Beyoncé’s Formation World Tour. Tinashe might be having one of the best year’s yet.

This spring, Tinashe was ultimately one of the best live performances Chicago has witnessed and there are only two other acts that resonated in that same breath Rihanna and Beyoncé.

It’s a rarity to see a performer in music, especially the R&B lane, to perform live and vocal range to sound as good as the choreography looks. Tinashe completely surprises and excels past all expectations.

It was a post 60-degree weather day but snow was falling for the “2 On” singer/songwriter who showed up in Chicago on the afternoon before her show. Tinashe was scheduled to do a meet-and-greet at local streetwear boutique Leaders 1354. Not only did Tinashe show up on time, she was one of most pleasant encounters that I noticed since the last time we got a chance to interview her back in 2014. The snow made showing up to the event more difficult but that didn’t stop her fans from wanting to share a brief moment with her.

Tinashe noticed her fans was willing to see her in Chicago in the rain, cold, sleet and snow. She was so observant she ordered the boutique owners to let more people in from the cold to allow them a moment. Besides, her concern she even took a 5-minute call with a fan’s relative who shared an affinity for her catalog.

I read a tweet earlier that day that read, “Tinashe is the perfect mix of sexy and cute.” I believe that’s an understatement.

Meeting Tinashe for the second time was a gratifying experience for myself and her. The first time we met she admired my vintage ’93/94 janet. World Tour tee which was 2 years ago. At the 2014 BET Awards, Tinashe was able to tribute Janet Jackson during her Ultimate Icon Tribute.

Oh, and let’s not forget the Future-laced track from Aquarius, “How Many Times” also features a sample from Janet’s 1986 single “Funny How Time Flies (When You’re Having Fun).” Meeting her for that additional second time after this time has passed gave me the opportunity to get her an official ’93 janet. World Tour tee of her own. She was grateful of the gesture in more ways than one, she allowed us access to her tour.

Last time we saw Tinashe she was on tour promoting her single and video for “2 On.” This time around she’s giving Chicago a show at the House of Blues for her Joyride World Tour. On the 3rd stop of the tour, we got the opportunity to go backstage and experience her flawless soundcheck. We also interviewed tour opener, Jahkoy, who played an game of FMK and chose to marry his tour mate, which we can’t blame him for.

The time was 7:45PM when Tinashe was about to appear on stage for the first time in Chicago. She opened the show with her latest single “Ride Of Your Life” and transitioned into “Party Favors.” Dressed in a bomber jacket, sequined bra and a pair of NSW Nike Sweatpants for the first half of the show moving to even the smallest nuances in the sly, slinky tracks all while keeping an intact vocal arrangement is stunning.

During the hour set, Tinashe skimmed through her extensive catalog from her mixtapes, debut album Aquarius and some new records from the upcoming LP Joyride. She performed tracks like “Far Side of the Moon,” “Bet,” “Dreams Are Real” and slowed it down to a cover of Janet meets Selena Gomez “That’s The Way Love Goes / Same Old Love“.

Tinashe has solidified a slot in the game with this tour differentiating a high level of energy, sass and intricate dance numbers.

photo by Bianca Garcia

D I S S E C T I N G

D

O

Chicago-based illustator and designer helps us discover his latest art series, upcoming collaborations and designing for Chicago’s most recognized brands.

Interview by Terrell Johnson Photography by Dolly Ave

Growing up how did art and illustration effect you?

Art affected me in a major way. It was one of my escapes y’know. Everyday around a certain time your favorite cartoon show would come on and for 30 minutes to an hour you were taken on another trip. It made me believe in the unbelievable. It helped towards my creativity to this day.

What inspired you to start inception art?

Actually, it was Joe Freshgoods. We had a conversation about me doing an EP cover for his artist Lucki Ecks and he wanted it to be really trippy and drug induced. The artist wanted to go another way so they ended up scrapping the concept. I told Freshgoods that I would use that art to spawn my new art lane which turned into ‘Infinite Inception’ art.

I just added more details and research to all of my pieces which is why people are calling it either ‘infinite art’ or ‘inception art.’ Both are right. Never thanked Freshgoods for planting that seed. Thanks Freshgoods!

Being from Chicago artistic scene how hard has it been to penetrate the scene?

For me, honestly, not as hard as I thought. The biggest thing for me was to stay true to myself and stay super consistent.

Soon enough someone was going to find out about me and once that happened it was pretty much ‘on’. I’ve been a legitimate “artist” for 8 months. It just goes to show that your gift will always shine through. It just takes the right platform and patience to attract views -- but definitely patience.

How does it feel to get the taste of the recognition you’ve been chasing?

It’s been everything to me. I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t care about people noticing my art. No, I want everybody to notice it. I have something to say and I want people to hear and see it. The looks I’ve been getting have been nothing short of amazing but that means that I’m going to grow content with being the new face of the young art scene. I’m never satisfied. So we move along.

As a designer, you’ve worked with some of the most vibrant Chicago-based brands like Leaders, DBM and more; how has that experience been?

Super awesome, honestly. Growing up in high school I always told myself that I would design for Leaders1354. That was a real dream of mine. Now I’m doing full collections.

Like, that’s still so crazy to me. I’ve been on a high for awhile now. But always staying humble about situations. I’m meant to be here. I’m going to change things.

Who are some of your favorite designers and why?

At the moment Kolor, Y-3, Raf Simons, Rick Owens to name a few. I’m really future based with fashion so I tend to really just wear conceptual pieces that I’ve created.

Can we expect more design collaborations with brands in the future?

Me and my team are in talks with a few boutiques and companies to collab with in the future. I’m not going to speak on the moves because they’re level 7 top secret (laughs) but yes, super dope opportunities soon to come!

Music is a big influence in your artwork, any new inspirations from any new musical works?

Honestly, I’m so weird with music. Each day its something different. I’ve been listening to a lot of Nirvana & Daft Punk lately though. It kind of shows in my work.

Vector art is a big part of your brand; will be see your work in different artforms such as paint?

Yes. I’m actually laying now learning how to paint.

That’s definitely the next step for me. For sure.

You’ve repped Treated Crew since day one; how influential is that group of individuals to you?

Treated Crew, it’s a brotherhood, for sure. A collective of genuine hardworking guys who took a young guy in and partially helped shape me into the guy I am now. The cult is super influential. Overtime, I talk to Mano, he’s always always talking about what’s to come and then it happens.

Crazy. Proud to have those guys believe in me and ride for me. Cult life or no life, infinitely.

What can expect from your next set of illustrations?

My next showcase is titled INFINITE INCEPTION 2: THE LOST. I’m super excited for this collection. It’s super personal, vulnerable, fresh and its just a time stamp of where I am in my life at the moment. Good or bad -- put it in the art.

What’s your advice to young creatives that you inspire?

Stay true to your craft. I’ve dealt with crazy things in this business due to the sharks but once you know your worth nothing can penetrate your skin. You gotta have to tough skin as well. And also patience. Patience is super important.

I’ll see you guys on the other side for sure. Dream, Infinitely.

“I want everybody to notice my art, I have something to say and I want everybody to see it.. ”

THE SERVERANCE OF SIR Interview by Terrell Johnson Photography by Johnny Fan

We speak to Sir the Baptist on his new recording deal, thoughts on Gospel-rap and how he’s contrirbutioning his devotion to the cutlure.

We catch Sir the Baptist on his way to New York City to appear on Late Night You in New York right now? with Seth Meyers.

We’re actually a few hours outside of New York right now. We’re riding in a sprinter right now.

You just did Manifest, how exciting was that, how did that transpire?

Oh man, that was dope. Columbia lost their mind. Most of those students never seen me perform. Once they seen me perform they understood the picture. It’s made the year that I’ve had worth all the craziness.

I seen you perform and it doesn’t matter the size, you always deliver an amazing level of performance.

You also recently signed to Atlantic. How does that feel having a label home with so many reassuring artists?

It’s dope because they’re like family now. We’ve been working really hard together. The label is amazing. Very creative which is hard to find.

I know you guys had been shopping around for deals and why Atlantic?

You have to be able to pair artistic value to business value and no other company could bring that at the time. There were some other labels taking their time. Before we signed ‘Raising Hell’ had hit one million streams on Spotify. They knew we were audibly platinum. They got the picture immediately after.

With a sound so pure, it’s hard at times to generate that level of acceptance but you’ve been pushing the envelope of what can be called urban hymnals for awhile — Have you heard the Chance the Rapper and Kanye West’s latest albums?

Yeah, I have. You can tell they’re inspired as well.

You were definitely doing that sound before it was really thrown out there by Chance and Kanye West; what are you immediately thoughts on Chicago sound remerging to this Gospel-rap mixture with your contribution?

I think it’s dope. I think anyone from Chicago, who comes from church — they’ll understand what this is. For them doing it, it only shows that this genre is necessary. Gospel music is really important to my sound. For them to do an example of what Ghetto-Gospel is, it’s ok, it’s enough space for everyone.

Once you hear my album, you’ll get the full idea of what it really is. You’ll get the uninfluenced by Gospel, you’ll get ‘I am Gospel mixed with the most ratchet shit you’ll ever hear’ You’ll get music that’s honest to the culture. I’m not just being inspired by culture and applying it. I’m actually apart of and contributing to it.

Not trying to say those sounds were forced but your sound was organically creating with that sound, you are making music that is innately Gospel rap whereas it’s undertones of Gospel.

Yeah, and this isn’t a form of Gospel-rap in the form of a LaCrae. This is Ghetto-Gospel.

They’ll get the idea of what I’m trying to do once I put this album out its going to contribution to the culture. For example, I didn’t put a choir over a trap beat and then rap about how cool I am. I put the choir over a cool beat and important to things that resonate in the culture. I’m trying to speak to the culture and give them a voice again.

Like niggas that go to the club and have to collect their spiritual side to go in the club whereas 2Pac had both of them.

That is appreciated. I’m excited for the album. Do you guys have a timeline for the project to be released?

Yeah, we said May 2016 but we’ve pushed it back but it has to be soon since we’re doing Seth Meyers, it has to come soon.

Yes, speaking of Seth Meyers, being on late night that’s insane. Are you nervous at all?

I’m good, man. I got the best team in the world. It’s hard to be nervous when you have an amazing team that’s behind you.

I’m excited to see you on Seth Meyers.

The style aspect of you and the robe — just seeing you have custom robes and seeing that’s a conscious fashion choice. What made you start having the robe as your style identifier?

My dad made me wear robes when I was little and we’d used to have to follow behind him wearing the robe going up to the pulpit. As I’ve got closer to working on the album, I wanted to get closer to those moments so I can identify with my kid self, the preacher’s kid. I threw on a robe before I was to perform before Sasha Go Hard and it was like, “What the fuck?! You’re about to go in front of a trapstar’s crowd in the drill scene?

They’re not gonna rock with that!” But at that moment the robe was connected to me.

Speaking style in itself, what clothing labels excited you at the moment?

I rock with Converse. I wear clothing based on relationship and story so I don’t really follow trends. I do think that anybody that makes good clothing. Although I don’t follow trends I understand quality. If the trend is terrible quality, I can’t go with the trend.

That’s admirable.

I’m not gonna just wear something just because Ye got it on. [laughs] Throughout this experience what’s been the most humbling experience?

Jay Z giving me a Roc Nation hat was probably getting a hat.

Sir the Baptist with Seth Meyers

Wow. How did that happen?

It was me, my guy Fleaux, my homegirl and we were going up to TIDAL he was in the elevator getting off and Emory Jones and Jay comes to the back and he’s like “Give him a hat.”

Amongst other things like the Head of Warner.

Bros come to a meeting he wouldn’t come to normally just because he wanted to share a story of him getting beat by a father in a Catholic church.

You’re performing at Lollapalooza this year.

Yeah, this year is crazy. After Seth Meyers, I’m about to open up Nas. I’m proud to see your preserving and even having to re-invent yourself. And I know you must feel a certain amount of gratitude and reassurance that you’re doing the right thing.

Yeah and I have to make sure that I contribute to the culture and not getting too big headed.

Any collaborations that you have on the album?

I’ve worked with Estelle, Musiq Soulchild, Elle Varner, Twista’s on the album, Muddy Waters, Billy Branch and my mom is on the album. [laughs] I was hanging with Lacrae the other day and he’s asked to be on the album.

There are a lot of gospel artists that have reached out but I warn them to not skew their own brand fucking with me because I’m gonna be honest.

It’s dope to see an artist that will resonate with a Gospel audience but still resonate with the Hip-Hop world in the same light.

Yeah, because we all go to the club, we hang out, have sex before marriage and all that it’s just like — stop lying. It’s funny cause me and Lacrae was hanging out and I spit a bar “Most of my Gospel icons died or living with HIV” and at that moment he paused for a second and realized that I’m probably gonna say some out of the box type shit.

Anybody you enjoy listening to right now?

Not right now, I’m focused on my album. Beside Beyoncé’s new album. I’ve been focused my own. Unless, Jay Z come out with an album, fine.

jordyn woods

S X SW x W CW words and photos by Sahahrnaz Javid

Planning and bringing #WCW was a blessing, granted we started planning the showcase maybe middle of January? I had stayed the night at one of the Cliché girls home for almost two nights straight staying up until 4am building our proposal to send to sponsors.

We knew the idea was gold, SXSW hadn’t had an all-women showcase yet and even though me and four other girls had just come together as Cliché and were fledgling we just kept thinking “when there’s a will there’s a way”.

For Vans to take us on and allow us to kick off their 50th Anniversary at Mohawk Austin was HUGE. #WCW was during the hottest day of the week and we had the most colorful crowd. By night Erykah Badu had taken the stage and even though not technically, in my heart I felt like the girls and I got to open up for her and set the mood.

kehlani and lil’ debbie

Our line-up was crazy, Kehlani popped out for a song during Noodles’s set with a couple dancers and seriously the energy was amazing. Aside from our all woman line-up, we had an all women crew. From lights and stage design, to photographers, videographers, and runners. We rounded up a group of boss ass girls to come in and simply do the damn thing.

I had girls DM’ing us from cross-country and it felt so good to respond positively like “Yes, we would love for you to join us”.

Being inclusive is way cooler than dismissing and marking another woman as competition.

I think it’s super important for women to identify each others as peers and creatives, we could all work together, and we all should. Literally all of us have beautiful minds and something to bring to the table, so why not everyone eat?

brittany sky

raven lenae towkio