contents, 05/ RAFAEL DE LA FUENTE on making his dreams a reality
07/ LINDSAY ARNOLD on her DWTS journey and what’s to come
11/ OLIVIA SANABIA
on joining the Disney Channel family with new series
13/ LYDIA HEARST
27/ NATALIE ALYN LIND
15/ BABY ARIEL
29/ RAYLA
on balancing her passions for acting and modeling
on growing up in the movie industry
on her best-selling book and self-made empire
on musical inspirations and ultimate career goals
25/ MEGAN LAWLESS on representation and telling a powerful story onscreen
31/ MASON COOK on getting involved and standing up for what you believe in
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Vanessa Salles CREATIVE DESIGNER Karla Silva
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@thedailyshuffle
TURN TO PAGE 15 FOR BABY ARIEL’S EXCLUSIVE COVER STORY!
letter from the editor Hey readers! I’m so excited to be sharing this new issue with you! Over the last month, we talked to some incredibly talented folks - all of whom were so gracious and open with us! From music to movies, and the hottest in TV, we’re giving you all the inside scoop. This November issue is our fourth-ever release and, if I say so myself, it’s the best one so far! Not only does it feature exclusive interviews and a look at this month’s can’t-miss releases, we’re also doing a giveaway! (Check page 21 for info on how to enter!) It’s been so much fun putting this issue together and I hope you all enjoy reading it! Xoxo,
Vanessa Salles Editor-in-Chief
styling by FATIYHA JOHNSON t-shirt by ALLSAINTS (BLOOMINGDALE’S) jeans by LEVI’S (BLOOMINGDALE’S)
RAFAEL DE LA FUENTE
words by VANESSA SALLES photo by DAVID RAMS
Currently starring on The CW’s Dynasty, Rafael de la Fuente has proven himself to be a powerhouse in TV. Getting his start in telenovelas, the Venezuelan actor reveals he’s always been ambitious about making his dreams a reality. “I’ve always been passionate about acting and singing,” he says. “When I got serious about pursuing it as a career, I did all the steps to make it happen. I started taking acting classes and putting myself out there for opportunities. I did work in Venezuela but I knew that I wanted to move to America. I ended up in Miami, FL because there’s a big Spanish-speaking market there. I didn’t know anybody in the industry but I kept working and trying. After a year and some months, I booked my first series regular role. That led to more and more roles and I found myself on Nickelodeon, FOX, and now The CW. It’s a been an incredible journey.” A fan-favorite on the hit series, Rafael’s charisma makes him the perfect Sammy Jo. “I was drawn to the role from the very beginning,” he shares. “I was already familiar with the genre and knew that it’d be fun to be apart of. I loved that they were going to do a remake of the soap opera and were going to modernize and diversify it. I knew good people were attached to the project and it just seemed like everything lined up perfectly for this.” Describing his character, Rafael admires his perseverance. “Sam is a survivor,” he says. “He’s had to figure it all out on his own and find a way to move up the ladder. He lives in a dysfunctional world with a very dysfunctional family and grew up poor without a father. He never had a lot of guidance and was just making the best out of what he had. When he gets to the Car-
rington manor, he feels accepted, welcomed and safe. He lets his guard down with Steven and as the season progresses, we get to see more of who he really is. Sam realizes that he doesn’t have to operate the way that he had to for most of his life; that’s really a game changer for him.” Though Sammy and Steven have had a few bumps in the road, Rafael assures viewers that they’ll push through it. “Sam definitely feels betrayed about Steven lying to him about the baby,” he explains. “But, at the same time, Steven did what he had to do to keep Sam in the country. On top of all of that, Sam’s mourning the loss of his aunt. He’s so heartbroken about that and so the news of the baby actually feels like a good sign to him. He sees it as a new project and as something that could bring joy and meaning to his life. I also think it’s a part of him growing up and becoming more of an adult - he’s looking for his purpose.” As for dream storylines, the actor reveals he’d like to see his onscreen persona take on some more responsibilities. “I think it’d be really cool to explore career possibilities for Sam,” he says. “He needs a purpose and I think it’d be interesting to see him try and figure out what he wants to do with his life. He could have his own business and start his own company; the possibilities are endless.” In true Dynasty fashion, each episode is bigger than the last. “This second season is definitely wild,” Rafael laughs. “I think the show has really found its stride; we’re more self-aware, and it’s realer than ever. There are new characters now and they’ve been such wonderful additions to the cast. There’s a lot to come with the new episodes and I think, with this kind of show and this kind of family, it’s always good to expect the unexpected.”
lindsay arnold words by VANESSA SALLES photo by BRANDON SHOWERS
D
ancing her way into America’s hearts, Lindsay Arnold takes center stage on ABC’s Dancing With the Stars. Born and raised in Provo, Utah, the 24-year-old found her love for the craft at an early age and never looked back. “Dancing has been apart of my life for as long as I can remember,” she says. “My family is so close and a lot of that stems from sharing this passion. We all grew up dancing together and that was just something our family always did. My sisters and I would all support each other and go to each other’s dance competitions and it was just something that really bonded all of us.” Working as a DWTS pro for the last twelve seasons, Lindsay’s electric personality and undeniable skills has made her the perfect partner. Currently dancing alongside former NFL player Demarcus Ware, the perfect pairing has the country tuning in week after week. “Demarcus and I immediately connected,” Lindsay gushes. “We had no problem getting in sync with our friendship and since then, we’ve grown even closer. I feel like he’s an older brother to me and it’s been really cool to go through this together. It’s definitely hard and stressful but we’ve maintained a really great working relationship that nothing has really caused us any problems; we’ve just worked together and it’s been really incredible.” For those curious as to what goes on behind the scenes, Lindsay reveals that it takes more than viewers would imagine. “There’s a lot that happens off camera,” she says. “In the rehearsal footage, you see the pros teaching the moves. However, viewers don’t see what happens before that: coming up with the choreography, figuring out the lighting and what we want to see on the screen, talking with the music team about how long we want the song to be and what parts of it we want to use, talking to the wardrobe department about what we want to wear, and so much more. It’s really crazy how that all comes together without people really noticing but that’s one part of the job that I absolutely love because I get to use my creativity and bring the vision to life.” Describing their hectic rehearsal schedule, Lindsay can wrap it up in just one word: dedication. “We actually travel every week and go back and forth between
Denver and Dallas,” she explains. “We do the show on Monday, hop on a flight the next morning and go straight to rehearsal for the rest of the day. We rehearse every single day and fly back to LA at the end of the weekend, do camera blocking on Sunday, and then repeat the whole cycle. It can feel like a lot but we make it work; the biggest thing is just getting in as much dancing time as we can!” A veteran on the show, the dancer’s learned to control her nerves on show days. “It’s interesting because it’s definitely changed over the years,” she says. “I still get nervous right before I perform but it feels different now. In the beginning, I used to get nervous for myself and would stress out over messing up on TV. Now, I’m a lot more comfortable with performing and usually just get nervous for my partner - I want to be sure that they’re enjoying themselves and having a good time!” Lindsay adds, “My favorite part is probably after we perform. We put so much into the week and there are a lot of times where you think you might not be able to pull it off. The huge moment of relief when everything goes well and you hear the crowd is such a big reward.” Outside of DWTS, Lindsay can also be seen in the first season of Dancing With the Stars: Juniors, where she’s mentoring her little sister, pro-dancer Rylee Arnold. “Working on DWTS: Juniors is unlike anything else,” she says. “It’s been the most special thing I’ve done in my career so far and I’m so grateful that I have my sister to do it with because it makes it that much more special. Family, to me, is everything. If I didn’t have them around, my career wouldn’t mean what it means. The fact that I was able to have both my family and my career happening at the same moment was really, really special.” With 2018 wrapping up, Lindsay’s already dreamed up her to-do list for the new year. “I’m crossing my fingers that DWTS: Juniors gets picked up for another season,” she exclaims. “I really want to do it again! I’d love to do another season and experience it all over again so I’m definitely hoping that’s in my future for next year. Beyond that, I really want to start traveling and seeing the world! I don’t think I’ve ever really traveled just for fun so I’m excited.”
olivia sanabia words by VANESSA SALLES photo by RYAN WEST
A star on the rise, Olivia Sanabia is a name you want to get familiar with. Best known for her scene-stealing role as Kelly Quinn in Amazon’s Just Add Magic, the 15-year-old actress has proven herself a force to be reckoned with. “I love being apart of this show because it’s something that’s perfect for everyone in the family,” she shares. “We’re currently on our third season and the mystery, drama, and magic is so fun to bring to life.” For those unacquainted with the show, the series follows Kelly (Sanabia) and her two best friends that come across a magic cookbook. The three find themselves in the craziest adventures and it’s truly a whirlwind from start to finish. “Fans of the show have been so supportive,” the starlet gushes. “We’ve gotten so many amazing reactions from all different age groups; I’m so blessed that viewers have enjoyed what we’ve worked so hard to create!” Once caught up on the binge-worthy show, viewers can watch Olivia take on her newest role as Charlotte Wrather on Disney Channel’s Coop and Cami. Starring as the headstrong and high-spirited older sister, Olivia’s dynamic onscreen presence is undeniable. “Charlotte is such a fun character to portray,” she says. “She’s the oldest of the four Wrather siblings and is very passionate and intelligent. I relate to her because we’re both very nurturing.” When recalling her first impression of the show, Olivia revealed that it was the series’ goofy nature that drew her in. “It’s super silly and heartwarming,” she laughs. “I think I was drawn to the show because it’s a blend of my favorite Disney Channel shows like Good Luck Charlie and Hannah Montana. Of course, Coop and Cami puts its very own modern spin on it! I hope that
fans feel connected and want to be apart of the Wrather family; they have such an infectious energy that is so fun and sweet to watch!” When describing the vibe on set, the actress reveals it’s all fun and games. “I love that the show is about a close-knit family because that’s what it feels like on set,” she notes. “The cast loves to laugh a lot and play pranks on each other; we love keeping the energy light and fun so everyone always has a good time! We’ve all gotten very close and it’s nice to feel like we are a family on and off camera.” Though she’s always busy on set, Olivia’s learned to find balance between her work life and her personal life. In her free time, Sanabia sings and plays the piano, guitar, and ukulele. Hoping to showcase her musical abilities more in the new year, releasing original music lands pretty highly on Olivia’s 2019 to-do list. “I love making music,” she says. “I’m obsessed with musical theater and it’s actually something I’d like so see be incorporated on TV!” When she’s not making music, Olivia turns her focus to movies. “It’s the best way to study the craft,” she says. “Watching movies is like taking tips from my fellow actors! My ultimate dream role would be a strong female lead in a drama film – that’s definitely on the bucket list. Landing Coop and Cami on Disney Channel has definitely been the highlight of my year and I’m just so excited to continue working on it!” The best advice she can offer her fans? Follow your passions. “I’m a big dreamer,” she explains. “I want to encourage everyone to shoot for the stars. Along the way, there are sure to be obstacles. However, if you keep working hard, be kind, and love what you do, you will succeed!”
lydia hearst words by VANESSA SALLES photo by HUDSON TAYLOR
A full-time force in both film and fashion, Lydia Hearst is a woman in control of her own destiny. “Success isn’t genetic,” she says. “I have always wanted to work in the entertainment industry and I’ve been very fortunate and grateful for my career.” Having gotten her start as a model, the 34-year-old has worked with world-renowned photographers and graced the cover of multiple fashion magazines. “I started working as a model in 2004,” she recalls. “My life changed overnight when I did a cover and editorial for Vogue Italia by Steven Meisel. However, if I’m being completely honest, my true creative passion is acting. I find myself drawn to character-driven roles and scripts where I’m forced to challenge and change myself, both physically and emotionally.” Currently starring on SyFy’s Z Nation, Lydia’s proven herself to be a rising star in Hollywood. “I absolutely LOVE the show and was a big fan prior to being cast,” she gushes. “Z Nation is filled with fun characters played by amazing talent, and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to join the team and work on something I watched for so long as a fan. Having the opportunity to join the heroes – even as this season’s villain – and become a key player in this universe, was a dream come true for me!” Describing her onscreen persona, Pandora, the actress reveals her to be quite the challenge. “She’s a bit of a loose cannon,” she describes. “She’s a talker and for those of you who don’t know what the means, it’s someone who died after the fall of the Black Rain, and has still retained full human consciousness.” “In Pandora’s case, she’s a bit of a boarder-line/sociopathic personality. She was built to survive and thrive in the apocalypse. It’s a challenging role but It’s part of what makes everything so fun. As an actor, you have to live the part, own the words and breathe life into the role. At the end of the day, the camera only wants to see something that’s truthful.”
With intense moments on the show, Lydia assures viewers that it’s the opposite vibe on set. Though everyone’s always on their A game, the Z Nation set is all about having fun. “Every single day was a new adventure,” she gushes. “Whether you’re dealing with massive explosions or hiking through rocky terrain, it was always something new and exciting. In the zombie apocalypse, you really need to be able to go with the flow and expect the unexpected.” As for what’s coming up next, fans of the show can expect some twists and turns. “This season is definitely a bit darker,” the actress explains. “Anyone watching the show may have noticed that the characters (despite being in the zombie apocalypse) touch on more serious, socially relevant topics. In my opinion, Z Nation’s fifth season captures the quintessential struggle between good, evil, love, hate, desire and the multifaceted aspects of the soul. I can’t really say much but I can say that I have nothing but love for the cast and crew. I hope that everyone enjoys watching this season as much as we all enjoyed filming it.” When it comes to ultimate career goals, Lydia’s chosen to keep an open mind and heart about the opportunities that arise. “I’m open to whatever possibilities,” she says. “I honestly want to live my life to the fullest and live without regrets. I love everything that I do, and I hope to continue for as long as I possibly can. Every day, I try to grow and learn something new. I am a firm believer that there are 24 useful hours in every day and I think my family instilled a good work-ethic in me, which is very important to the success of any individual along with the willingness to learn and take risks.” A workaholic by nature, the actress recognizes the importance of finding a happy balance between all her ventures. “I truly just want to be happy and continue to work hard,” she shares. “This last year has been a whirlwind and I cannot wait to see what the future holds. I absolutely love acting, but at the same time, my background is fashion and it’s not something that I would truly ever want to say goodbye to.”
hair by MARK TOWNSEND makeup by JO BAKER styling by KATIE BOFSHEVER
BABY ARIEL words by VANESSA SALLES photo by BRETT ERICKSON
A singer, actress, and author to the recently released Dreaming Out Loud, Baby Ariel is the epitome of an entrepreneur. A trailblazer on social media, the soon-to-be eighteen-year-old is proof that hard work never goes unnoticed. “I’ve been acting and singing my whole life,” she says. “It’s always been one of my favorite things in the entire world. When I came across the musical.ly app three years ago, I started posting just for fun. After a while, my videos started getting featured on the app’s homepage, where more people were able to see them. I started gaining a following and it was all so crazy because all I was doing was having fun.” Knowing that she wanted to be an entertainer, Baby Ariel seized the opportunity to make a name for herself. “I saw other people use social media as a platform to entertain and to pursue acting and singing through their videos,” she explains. “I decided to try it out and try to grow on all the social platforms. I started making YouTube videos and practicing my singing, writing, and acting a lot so that I could release my own original stuff. It’s all about being consistent and, since then, I’ve made videos, gone on tours, released a few singles, wrote a book, and finished filming my first movie! It’s been a crazy journey and I think it’s been one of growth and self-discovery.”
Reflecting on where she is now, the multi-talented starlet admits that she could have never imagined her level of success. “I couldn’t have anticipated any of this,” she gushes. “I started on social media just for fun and was making videos for my own enjoyment. I didn’t plan for any of this to happen but I’m so happy that it did. I truly feel like everything’s happened the way that it was supposed to and I’m so grateful for it all.” With a memoir already under her belt, Baby Ariel insists that Dreaming Out Loud is the key to getting to know her. “If you really want to know the real me, read my book,” she laughs. “It’s full of personal stories and anecdotes and my emotions on growing up. You can read about my first boyfriend, my first heartbreak, first day of school, and so much more. There are happy stories and sad stories and everything in between because that’s real life.” “I talk a lot about my time on social media and dealing with hate in school and cyber bullying,” she continues. “Those sorts of things can be hard to talk about but I wanted to be able to share my experiences because it might be able to help someone else. I want my fans to know that whatever they’re feeling and whatever they’re going through, they’re not alone. I really hope that they think of me as a best friend and somebody that they can always talk to. I know I can’t have a conversation with all of them individually but that’s why I wrote this book – so I can share my life and offer advice and tips for anyone who might need it.” Baring her soul in the pages, Baby Ariel gets real and raw about the parts of her life that aren’t readily available to the public. “I was definitely nervous to be so vulnerable,” she says. “A lot of the stories in the book are stories that I’ve never shared before. It was a scary situation but I knew that it was something that I wanted to do and I know now that it’s what I’m supposed to do. I think I was nervous because a lot of the people that I mention in the book are people in my everyday life. It’s all real and that’s what made it so nerve-racking to put it all out in the open. Even though I was hesitant, I know that the only way for me to be happy with what I’m doing is if I’m 100% honest with myself and my fans.”
Describing her creative process for the book, Baby Ariel uses her writing as a form of therapy. “I would write in my journal every single day,” she says. “My co-writer, Sheryl, and I would constantly talk on the phone and she really guided me through the entire process. It was very therapeutic because I was able to talk about some things that I wasn’t able to talk about before. The book was two years in the making and it was definitely a team effort with me and my co-writer. She helped me turn my journal entries and my stories and words into this fleshed out book and bringing it all to life was so rewarding.” Wrapping up the most eventful year of her career, rest assured that the actress is only getting started. Starring in Nickelodeon’s upcoming Bixler High Private Eye, Baby Ariel will make her movie debut as Kenzie, a passionate reporter that’s always eager to help. “Kenzie is a very hard-working and loving person,” she describes. “In fact, I feel like we’re very alike. We have the same kind of emotions and we’re both very passionate people. However, we let those emotions out in different ways so it was really cool to play someone like her.” Drawn to the film’s heartwarming story, the actress admits that she was instantly sold on the role. “I love the story because it’s got a lot of heart and it’s also really funny,” she says. “It’s a story about family and love and fighting for what you want. I can’t say much about the film just yet but it’s about a boy named Xander. His father goes missing and he ends up moving in with his grandfather, in the same town where his father grew up in. He ends up meeting my character, Kenzie, who joins in on the search. She takes her job as a reporter very seriously and when she meets Zander, she genuinely cares about wanting to help him. She becomes very involved with his story and every story that she works on because she’s just that kind of person. She’s very logical and smart and I can’t wait for viewers to meet her.” As for what’s up next, Baby Ariel’s working hard to release new music. “I have a few new songs that I’m very excited about,” she reveals. “One thing I’ll say about these new songs is that they go a little bit deeper and they talk about real moments in my life. It’s a lot of raw emotion and I feel like these songs are very ‘me.’ I’m excited to share it with the world.”
giveaway! We’re giving one lucky reader a signed copy of Dreaming Out Loud!
To enter, make sure to follow @thedailyshuffle on Instagram! Note: Must be a U.S. resident to enter. Winner will be contacted by 11/26.
“I want my fans to know that whatever they’re feeling and whatever they’re going through, they’re not alone. I really hope that they think of me as a best friend and somebody that they can always talk to.”
THIS MONTH’S
TOP 3
MUST SEE We’re breaking down the what’s what of November. From music to movies, here’s what you can’t miss!
MUST LISTEN
Movies: Creed II, 11/21; Bohemian Rhapsody, 11/2; The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, 11/2 Music: Singular: Act I by Sabrina Carpenter, 11/19; LM5 by Little Mix, 11/16; The Pains of Growing by Alessia Cara, 11/30
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megan lawless
words by VANESSA SALLES photo by BENNY HADDAD
Having starred in one of the year’s biggest films, The Hate U Give, Megan Lawless is on the fast-track to the top. Starring alongside movie veterans Amandla Stenberg and Sabrina Carpenter, the up-and-coming actress holds her ground like one of the greats. “I was immediately drawn to this film,” she recalls. “The scenes that I got for the audition were really interesting and I had already known that it was based on the best-selling book. When I went in to read for the role, I don’t think I realized how big it was really going to be… all I knew was that the story felt powerful. I knew I wanted to be involved because the material was fantastic. When I found out I was working with all these big names, I was extremely excited and blown away by the opportunity.” Describing her character, Maya, the rising star appreciates all her core values. “I would describe Maya as the glue that holds the friend circle together,” she says. “Although she’s privileged and goes to the private school with Starr and Hailey, she’s also a minority. She might not be experiencing what Starr is but she can sympathize because she’s also been the victim of discrimination and racism. She understands and she gets it. That’s why she’s there for Starr when she’s needed. What I love about Maya is that she truly represents what a good friend is. She was such a fun character for me to bring to life.” Recounting her time on set, Megan stresses the importance of communication. “There’s an appropriate time for everything,” she explains. “While we were shooting, there was a lot of making sure we were all on the same page. We talked about what our purpose was and the things we were aiming to do. The entire cast
and crew were extremely dedicated to portraying the proper message and telling the story that needed to be told. Of course, with such a heavy topic, it’s important to find ways to decompress. When we’d go to lunch, we were just ourselves and laughed over the silliest things.” A memorable behind-the-scenes moment? “There were so many,” she gushes. “Amandla, Sabrina, and I are all very musical and we were obsessed with SZA at the time of shooting. In our spare time, we’d try to nail down the harmonies of ‘Love Galore’ and we’d just be sitting there singing until the director would put us to work. It was so much fun and I’m so happy that we all became really good friends.” A story that tugs on heartstrings, The Hate U Give is a movie for everyone. “It’s so important,” Megan says. “I’d love for viewers to go into it without any expectations or preconceived notions. Watch the movie as if it’s a story about a girl, because it is. It’s the story of Starr Carter. When you go in objectively and are ready to hear what the movie’s saying, there’s a lot to be learned. I think that there’s something for everyone if viewers keep an open mind.” What’s next for Megan? “I would love to work on another project that’s similar to The Hate U Give,” she answers. “Movies like this are so rare and feel so oncein-a-lifetime. To be able to work on something so impactful and tell such an important story again would be incredible. I’d love to work on something that connects to Asian-American culture and tells the story of being mixed race, which is what I am. I think there’s a lot that can be done with that and it’s definitely on my bucket list to be apart of something like that.”
Best known for her role in FOX’s The Gifted, Natalie Alyn Lind is a name you won’t soon forget. Discovering her love for the craft at quite an early age, the 19-year-old actress credits her upbringing as what ignited it all. “I was born into acting,” she laughs. “My mom was pregnant with me while on the show, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, and my dad is a producer. I grew up surrounded by sets and was fully submerged in all things acting. When I was four or five, I was offered a gig on One Tree Hill, which was the show that my mom was currently acting in. She was hesitant about letting me be involved so young but I was just so passionate about it. Growing up, I had so many amazing role models in my life and I became so obsessed with this industry. My mom knew how invested I was so she let me do the role and I automatically fell in love.” Recalling the moment when acting went from a hobby to a career, Natalie reveals that her time on Flashpoint had a lot to do with it. “That was when I had my a-ha moment,” she says. “I was around ten or eleven at the time. Being on that set and figuring out my character and how best to bring her to life was a magical moment for me. Whenever I find a character that I’m obsessed with, it’s so easy to close the gap between actor and character and that’s what I love doing. Once I realized that, I knew there was no turning back.” Captivating both on and off screen, Natalie’s quickly become a fan-favorite on The Gifted, where she shines as Lauren Strucker. “What drew me to the show was that it was a spin-off to X-Men, which I had grown up watching. What I really like is that the show takes you underground and lets you see the lives of these char-
acters who aren’t necessarily socially acceptable. People see them as a threat and try to get them arrested just for being who they are. Viewers get to see the darker side of things and the struggles of everyday life for these mutants. They’re not running around in capes trying to save the day; they’re just trying to survive as normal people.” With a character development that truly showcases Natalie’s range, the actress uses the challenging role as an opportunity to grow. “Lauren’s evolution is my favorite thing about her,” she reveals. “It’s the best part of bringing a character to life because you get to see all the different places that they go. When we first meet her, she’s this popular girl that has everything going for her. However, she’s keeping this big secret and hiding who she really is from her family and friends. She’s afraid of getting made fun of or being seen as something that’s scary when she’s just trying to be a normal girl. Once something happens and she has to save her brother, she instantly puts everything on the line to make sure that he’s safe. After that, she starts to accept who she is and learns to deal with it. For any teenage girl, that’s not something that’s easily done. When she allows herself to do that, she finds herself being a lot happier. With this new season, we get to see this cool, bad-ass side to her where she’s using her powers to her full potential.” Growing up in the industry, Natalie’s mastered the ropes on staying sane. Her advice to those wanting to pursue entertainment? “Make sure you’re doing it for yourself,” she says. “There’ll always be people telling you to fix or change something so it’s important to know who you are and find a way to stay true to it. Honestly, it’s the only way to stay levelheaded. If you lose who you are as a person, what’s it all for?” words by VANESSA SALLES photo by MARTINA TOLOT make-up by KAYLEEN McADAMS hair by DEREK YUEN
natalie alyn lind
rayla words by VANESSA SALLES photo by ROBBIE JOSEPH
“My goal is to just create music that reaches people and use my voice and platform for good.” Already making waves in the music industry, Rayla is a name you want to get familiar with. Handpicked to open for the likes of HRVY, Daya, and Jana Kramer, the 17-year-old songstress delivers a fresh and unique sound, securing her spot as one of pop music’s newest stars. “I’ve been around music my entire life,” she says. “Growing up, my house was full of it. I got to develop this good sense of music history and have a true appreciation for the craft. I loved everything about it and was instantly drawn to wanting to be personally involved. I started writing songs for fun and eventually, it turned into this incredible pursuit.” Eager to make her own imprint in the music scene, Rayla’s individuality is evidenced in her covers of popular songs and original releases. Her latest single, “LNT,” tells the tale of young love and the late night thoughts of wanting to run away with your favorite person. “When writing the song, I was thinking of all the perfect scenarios and what it’s like to be consumed with those thoughts. ‘LNT’ is about wanting to be crazy with the person you can’t stop thinking about. It’s the person you want to hop on a plane with or drive to the beach and skip school with – those are thoughts that came to my mind.” Describing the reaction from fans, the emerging artist says her favorite part has been connecting to some many different people. “It’s the craziest thing,” she laughs. “I came up with this concept for the song by myself at 2 a.m. and now it’s on the radio. People all over the country are listening to it and being apart of
it. As an artist, you write songs and you wonder if anyone will really get it and when they do, it’s the greatest feeling. It’s cool to realize that you’re not alone and that other people feel the same way. I’m super grateful for how well received the song has been.” When it comes to her creative process, the singer explains that no two sessions are ever the same. “It varies with each song,” she says. “I usually come in with an idea or a mood and then sit down with the producer. I tell him how I’m feeling and he’ll start with the beat and I’ll come up with ideas for melodies and lyrics. It’s definitely a fun and creative time and it’s a group effort with everyone that’s in the room.” Heading out on tour this winter, Rayla assures fans that her live shows will be a feel-good time. “I like to make my shows fun,” she hints. “I recently saw Halsey perform and she was so amazing to watch. Her presence is super powerful and she was just there with the audience. I love watching live performances because I always find myself studying and learning from other artists. Every artist has their own thing and it’s exciting finding your own techniques and bringing your own vision to life on stage. As for what’s coming up, Rayla’s got a lot on her bucket list. “There’s some exciting stuff coming up,” she says. “I think I’m going to release an EP soon so that’s something I’m really looking forward to. Mostly, I’m just taking things as they come and continuing to work hard. My goal is to just create music that reaches people and use my voice and platform for good. I want fans to know that they’re not alone in feeling certain types of ways.”
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fan-favorite on ABC’s Speechless, Mason Cook shines as Ray DiMeo: an anxious overachiever with a heart of gold. Delivering some of the show’s funniest one-liners, Mason’s comedic timing has solidified him as an actor on the rise. “When I first read the pilot for the show, I was instantly obsessed,” he reveals. “It was so different from anything else on TV at the time, related to the topic of disability. It was hilarious, heartfelt, and was based on show creator Scott Silveri’s real life, so it was genuine. I immediately fell in love with the character of Ray DiMeo because his anxious nature and insecurities were balanced nicely with his likeability and goofiness.” With Speechless’ third season currently airing, it’s safe to say that the award-winning show is doing a lot of things right. By tackling real family issues for those facing disabilities and hardships, and finding the heart and humor for the working class, the hit series has found quite the loyal fan base. With viewers invested in the DiMeo family, the show’s writers are free to push the limits and keep the laugh-out-loud moments coming. When describing his character’s evolution, Mason notes that its Ray’s breakthrough moments that keep the viewers rooting for him. “Ray, at his core, will always be an anxious over-thinker,” he explains. “However, he’s definitely made strides over the course of the series. In season two, Ray met and started dating a girl, Taylor, that liked him in spite of his downfalls. That experience helped Ray discover that he doesn’t have to try to be something he’s not for people to like him. Even though the relationship didn’t last, it was a breakthrough moment for him and that’s always fun to have as an actor.” Though life often imitates art, that’s not the case with Mason and his onscreen persona. “We’re nothing alike,” he laughs. “Ray’s insecurities and lack of self-awareness
have definitely led him down some interesting paths. There are so many times when you watch Ray and cringe, thinking to yourself, ‘oh God, Ray NO! Don’t do that!’ It’s kind of like watching a train wreck but with all that being said, Ray’s greatest quality, and the one I connect most with, is his perseverance. He doesn’t give up – even when he has been knocked down 1,000 times. Playing someone so different from myself makes it a challenge, and I love a challenging role!” Never one to shy away from the laughs, Mason’s comedy chops make the writers’ jobs that much easier. “My favorite part of being on Speechless is that there is never a shortage of memorable moments – especially for Ray,” the actor says. “The writers know that I am game for just about anything so they always continue to push the limits. I love doing comedy and they give me such great material to work with; it’s a win-win!” Describing the vibe on set, Mason credits the incredible cast and crew for making it feel like such a safe and welcoming space. “It really doesn’t feel like work on the set of Speechless,” he gushes. “We have a great group, both in front of the camera and behind it. The days can be really long, but it never feels like it. We have a lot of fun on set and outside of work as well. Not to be cliché, but we really are like a big family and I think that translates onscreen.” As for what’s to come this season, Mason assures viewers that there’ll be a lot of feel-good vibes. “In the last season, the DiMeo’s had some serious struggles,” he notes. “JJ didn’t graduate, they lost their home, etc. So, in season three, the writers made the choice to give the family some more ‘wins.’ They saved their house and now Maya, who is realizing her kids need her less and less as they grow up, is considering starting a career. There will be some interesting changes for the DiMeos with these upcoming episodes so I can’t wait for everybody to see it!” words by VANESSA SALLES photo by LESLIE ALEJANDRO styling by ERICA MER grooming by SEAN HARRIS
mason cook
A MESSAGE FROM MASON: Thank you for supporting me as an actor and thank you for supporting Speechless! My next message is... you don’t have to be famous to be a voice for change. Get active in your community! Help keep the momentum that our generation is building to embrace and promote inclusion and equality. For me, it is very important to use my visibility and position as a way to help others. I am a Celebrity Ambassador for two organizations that I am very passionate about! One is the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (www.pedaids.org) and the other is Shane’s Inspiration (www.shanesinpiration.org). Read about them below if you’re interested in supporting! EGPAF started with 3 mothers around a kitchen table in 1998 and now it is the leading global non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating pediatric AIDS and HIV. In my lifetime alone, their hard work has helped reduce new pediatric HIV infections by 70%! Shane’s Inspiration has single-handedly opened the gates for children with disabilities to be able to enjoy one of life’s greatest pleasures... playing on the playground. Started in 1998, Shane’s Inspiration now has over 60 playgrounds on 5 different continents! As Celebrity Ambassador for their Education Program, I visit K-12 schools to help educate typical kids about kids with disabilities to help eliminate bullying and preconceived ideas that disabled kids are different from us, which they aren’t. We all have different abilities and Shane’s Inspiration Education Program does a great job of teaching kids that.
www.thedailyshuffle.com
