The Daily Shuffle - September 2019 by The Daily Shuffle

THE DAILY SHUFFLE SEPTEMBER 2019

JAKE MILLER

contents 05. Jean Watts 07. Elle Winter 09. Alex Kinsey 11. Navia Robinson 13. Jake Miller 23. Cxloe 25. Jackie Castro 27. Miranda Rae Mayo 29. Teenear

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CREATIVE DESIGNER

@xonessa

@karlas.jpg

Vanessa Salles

Karla Silva

@thedailyshuffle

September Playlist last text JAKE MILLER love like that SNOH AALEGRA lover TAYLOR SWIFT people THE 1975 teeth 5SOS i warned myself CHARLIE PUTH

letter from the editor Hey, readers! Happy fall! I’m so excited to welcome in the new season and share our newest issue with you! Our cover star, Jake Miller, knows all about new eras and it was so much fun to talk to him about what he’s been up to! Read all about it in his cover story! In this issue, you’ll also find our top picks for the must-watch movies and must-hear albums for September! I hope you all enjoy the exclusive interviews! As always, let us know who you’d like to see featured in future issues! Be sure to follow TDS on all social platforms to keep up with everything! XOXO

Vanessa Salles Editor-in-Chief

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jean watts

If Jean Watts isn’t already on your radar, you’re doing it wrong. We talked to the rising songstress about her musical journey and more. words by VANESSA SALLES photo by MALIKE SIDIBE

Let’s talk music! Take us back to the beginning; when/how did you find the passion for it? Honestly, music was always everything to me! I was always singing, playing piano, writing, dancing to music in my room and performing for classmates as a kid. During high school is when I really started making my own music and I’d write lyrics to songs I wrote on the piano. What inspired you to take the leap and finally pursue it as a career? It all started with my aunt showing my music to someone in Chicago who owned a label. After that, I started working on an album. I posted a video of me singing on Facebook and it got shared around and I was asked to play at a festival in Chicago! The rest is history. I fully took the leap and moved to LA to pursue music full-time. Tell us about your latest single, ‘Evicted’ – what’s the story behind it? ‘Evicted’ is my second single, produced by Macgregor Leo and co-written by Geena Fontanella. It’s a song about being emotionally abandoned by your loved one. I experienced that from my past relationship and it still crushes me thinking about how it made me feel. How would you describe your personal sound?

I don’t want to put myself in a box so I can’t really describe it. I make music I enjoy and whatever that sound is, the fans and music world can describe it how they’d like to! With an EP in the works, what can you share about the vibe/sound that listeners can expect to hear from it? I don’t want to give too much away but BE PREPARED! The vibe, sound and energy of this project is insane! Can’t wait to share it with the world! Should fans be expecting any live performances in the near future? Yes! We’re going to start performing right after this EP drops, stay tuned! Who are some artists you’d love to work with? Coldplay, Lizzo, Rufus Du Sol, Childish Gambino, 21 Pilots, Diplo, Bazzi. What’s the best way for fans to get your attention on social media? Just comment or message me! I love interacting with my fans so I always try my best to answer everything! Any special message to them? I can’t wait to show you all the EP and be able to tour. I’m excited to meet all of you and fully open up and show the world who Jean Watts, the artist, really is.

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elle

winter 7

A pop force to be reckoned with, Elle Winter is a name you’ll want to get familiar with. We talked to the rising singer about her latest single and what’s to come. words by VANESSA SALLES photo by ANGELO KRITIKOS

Tell us about your latest single, ‘Cave In’! How did the song come about for you? I wrote this song with the production duo The Orphanage and writers Ricky Manning and Dale Anthoni. I went to the studio and had this note on my phone that read, “if you had said let’s try again, I wouldn’t have said no.” From that line, we delved into writing about this idea of “caving in” to an ex. I was also really into creating a song that brought out this juxtaposition of emotions, where the listener would feel the urge to dance yet cry. I voiced this to The Orphanage and they brought out this feeling in the song through their incredible production. I love that this song is multi-dimensional in that way. What has the reaction been like from fans so far? It has been truly inspiring and motivating to get messages from fans telling me their personal experiences and how they connect with “Cave In.” It is definitely challenging as an artist and songwriter to open up about more intimate subjects and experiences, but in doing so, I have been able to form these deep connections with fans and with my listeners, and it is so special and fulfilling. The track is off your forthcoming EP, what can you share about what fans can expect to hear on it?

All of the songs tell unique and personal stories of mine. From uptempo, funky dance songs to organic, acoustic tracks, it is an authentic and genuine body of work. Should fans be expecting any live performances in the near future? Yes! I performed a lot this summer and am touring in the fall/ winter; I’m looking forward to announcing those details soon! How would you describe your personal sound? While it’s sometimes a challenge to articulate my personal sound, I would say it is a mix of organic, rhythmic pop music. When it comes to stage presence, which artist(s) are you inspired by? I am super inspired by Bruno Mars’ stage presence. I find he radiates positive energy and puts on an incredible show! When you’re not working on music, what are you usually up to? I feel like I am constantly working on music in some way, but I am also a rising sophomore at the University of Pennsylvania, so if I am not auditioning or in the studio, I’m in class! Any special message for your fans? To know that everything happens for a reason and to not give up!

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alex kinsey

Deserving of a top spot on all your favorite playlists, Alex Kinsey is an artist you need to get familiar with. We talked to the musician about his newest EP and how he’s making a name for himself. words by VANESSA SALLES photo by NICK GILLIGAN

Is there a track off ‘Party of One’ that holds the most significance for you? ‘Don’t Let Go’ is one that holds a particular place in my heart. I wrote it with 2 of my best friends, Johan Lindbrandt and iLana Armida. We never actually sat down to write it; the song just sort of oozed out of us in the span of three days! Any memorable moments from writing/ recording the EP that you can share with us? There were a lot of random cool things that happened throughout the creation of the EP, but shooting both of my music videos was super special for me. I flew to New York and shot both videos with my cousin, Bruce Bohman, and some of our closest friends. My cousin and I have always talked about making a real music video together and the first one we ever did (‘Simple’) premiered on Billboard, so we were pretty happy with that. What’s the creative process usually like for you? I like to keep it fresh when I’m creating. I really enjoy feeding off of the energy of whoever I’m writing with. It’s fun to try to write differently with different people; it makes you think about music in new ways. Generally, I tend to work on the music, melody, and then lyrics. Having worked in the industry for years now, what would you say is the biggest lesson you’ve learned? I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that knowledge is your best friend. Knowing what is right and wrong. Knowing when to say yes and when to say no. Knowing what you’re talking about when you’re in a meeting and just knowing

as much as you can about music and how it works is super important. How would you describe this new chapter/era of your music? Fun! I like to have fun and I like to make music that makes me happy and excited. I like to make music that makes other people happy and tell jokes on stage. I like to have fun when I perform and when I write my music. I think being able to have fun is something that we tend to lose the older we get and I really don’t want to ever feel like I have to stop having fun. Can fans expect any live performances in the near future? I’m working on some shows right now; I’d love to tour as soon as possible. That’s one of the main focuses right now. That, and writing more music. With a growing following on social media, what’s the best way for fans to get your attention online? If you can make me laugh, you’ve won my heart. I love when people are clever and go back and forth with me. What’s on your bucket list for the rest of the year? I’d really love to finish another EP this year. Maybe not release it, but at least get enough songs together to have it ready to go by 2020! Any special message for fans? I wanna thank you, for making me who I am and putting me where I need to be. I wanna thank you for the opportunity to do my thing in this industry.

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navia

robinson

Delivering some of the show’s funniest one-liners, Navia Robinson shines as Nia on Disney Channel’s hit series, Raven’s Home. We talked to the rising actress about her time on set, dream storylines and more! words by VANESSA SALLES

Let’s talk Raven’s Home! Take us back to the beginning; what is it about the show that initially drew you in? I always enjoyed watching That’s So Raven with my four older brothers, so finding out that they were doing a spin-off to that show was what initially excited me! Three seasons in, how would you describe your experience/time on set? I describe these past three seasons as a major learning experience. I can see my growth as an actor on screen and additionally, my growth as a person off screen. Working within the third season of the show is great because we’ve settled into a routine and are able to move through episodes more efficiently. Working closely with Raven and Anneliese, what are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned from them? They’ve taught me a majority of what I know about comedic acting. Even down to the tiny tips and tricks of navigating a set daily. Everything I’ve learned from Anneliese and Raven is helpful and applied constantly! What are some storylines you would love to see for Nia in future episodes/seasons? I would love to see Nia dive deeper into activism and exploring her own selfconfidence. Teenage girls are often portrayed as awkward and socially unaware, so I’d like to see Nia contradict that portrayal even more. If you could have anyone guest-star on the show, who would it be and what kind of role would they have?

I think my life would be made if Michelle Obama were to guest-star on our set. I believe what Michelle Obama advocates for would fit perfectly into a storyline with Nia‘s passion for activism and environmentalism. Aspiring to be as amazing as Michelle Obama is definitely something that both my character and I have in common. Is there an episode of the show that’s been your favorite so far? I am partial to the stepping episode. I thought it was a really unique and original concept. Throughout filming that week, I was able to learn something new; stepping. In fact, I still remember my choreography from the episode! When you’re not busy on set, what are you usually up to? When I’m not busy on set, I’m usually doing my schoolwork. When time allows for it, I’ll go to dinner or hang out with my friends. Each weekend, we try to do something unique. If I’m with the right people, we enjoy ourselves regardless of what we do. Writing is also a hobby/passion of mine. You’re also a very talented musician - can fans expect any new music projects in the near future? Yes! I’d say possibly within the next six months to a year, trust me it’s worth the wait! Any special message for fans? To all of my fans: thank you for continuing to support me, it’s appreciated and doesn’t go unnoticed!

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JAKE MILLER words by VANESSA SALLES photos by MALCOLM JORIS & DERRICK FRESKE

With a sound and style that’s uniquely his own, Jake Miller is fearless in the way that he creates. Best described as a chameleon, the singer’s discography mirrors different eras from his life. “My sound is forever changing,” he says. “That’s the best part of my job! I enjoy keeping people on their toes, not knowing what’s coming next from me. Most of the time when I sit down to start a song or new album, even I don’t know where the direction is going to go.” Though his releases evolve with time, there’ll always be one constant in Jake’s music: his commitment to authenticity.

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His latest tracks, ‘Nervous,’ and ‘Last Text’ serve as a reminder that the multitalented artist’s life experiences are instrumental in all aspects of his music. “’Nervous’ was the first song I wrote when I moved into my new NYC apartment,” Jake explains. “I originally began to write the song about how NYC made me nervous, in a good way, but then it morphed into more of a love song. It’s interesting to see where a song can end up and that’s why the creative process is so much fun. I remember showing the track to my best friend and roommate when it was finished and he totally flipped out. If my friends like my music, I feel like I’ve done my job.” “’Last Text’ is actually one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written and produced,” he adds. “It’s about finally letting go of something that you’ve held onto for way too long. A song like that is definitely cathartic and it’s an incredible feeling to have people relate to it.” Like any and all of his previous releases, Jake’s fan base have welcomed the new songs to their favorite playlists with no hesitation. “The reaction to this new music has been amazing,” he beams. “It just inspires me to want to work harder and put out more and more music.”

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With an influential presence on social media, Jake’s built a fiercely loyal following over the years. “My fans are everything to me,” he gushes. “They have completely changed my life in ways that I could have never imagined. I owe my whole life to them and for that, I try to always make them proud and deliver the best music possible.” Heading out on tour later this month, the singer’s eager to reconnect with all his supporters. “These shows are going to be our best shows yet,” he notes. “Guaranteed. I’ll be playing a lot of new songs and a lot of the old fan favorites. I’m even going to be doing some covers! I can’t wait to get back on the road and see the fans; that’s my favorite part about tour because I love being able to connect with them in person. It’s also really cool to be able to see how the music I created only weeks ago, can be out in the real world and be affecting so many people in so many different ways.” Working in such a chaotic industry, Jake makes sure to always prioritize his mental health. “The gym has become my favorite place to go and tune out the world,” he explains. “I can get off social media for an hour and have no distractions. It’s an amazing release from the real world and

it has truly become one of my favorite parts of the day. When I go to the gym, it’s more about getting my mind right, not just my body.” He adds, “I also talk to my parents all day, everyday. I truly don’t know what I would do without them. They keep me sane in this crazy industry.” As for what’s up next, Jake assures fans that lots of new music will be on the way. “I’m putting out a brand new song every two weeks for awhile,” he reveals. “A personal goal of mine is also to have a European tour in the near future!” His advice to anyone looking to pursue music? “Never let anyone else tell you what kind of music to make or what to sing about,” he says. “Make whatever feels right in your heart. By doing that, you’ll never go wrong.”

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CXLOE

A rising force in pop music, CXLOE is a name you’ll want to get familiar with. We talked to the songstress about her newest track, creative process and more. words by VANESSA SALLES photo by JADE EHLERS

Tell us about your newest single, ‘SICK’! How did the song come together for you? How did gnash get involved? “SICK” came together with myself, Casey Smith and Boyboy. I came into the recording session with the title and knew I wanted to write something about the extreme emotions I have. The best example I put forward with having so many damn emotions was the feeling of someone loving me until it made me sick. My writing style is often quite dramatic in that sense, so I felt like it was a great reflection of me as a writer and a human. We finished the song and sent it around for a potential feature and gnash sent something back straight away! He was so genuinely excited and hyped for the song so it felt like a great fit! What’s the reaction been like from fans so far? It’s been super responsive! Everyone seems to be loving it online! It’s been added to AUS radio which is also a good indication of it reaching fans that aren’t just online. Any memorable moments when writing/ recording the track? Yes! I think how fast we wrote it was the most memorable moment. It doesn’t always happen like that but it literally vomited out of our mouths. What’s the creative process usually like?

It usually consists of myself, another writer and a producer. It’s always a very open and safe space where we all feel like we can express how we feel without judgment. We play around with a chorus progression and sing over it until anything jumps out. I always come into the session with a song title; this helps me get to the point of what I want to say faster. How would you describe your personal sound? Dark Pop. Who are some artists you’d love to get into the studio with? Julia Michaels, Charlie Puth, Lizzo, and BANKS! What’s on your bucket list for the rest of the year? Keep releasing music and stay happy! When you’re not working on music, what are you usually up to? Playing with dogs or spending time with my boyfriend and family! Any special message for your fans? Whatever you’re feeling, you’re not alone! I’ve felt like an alien a lot of my life so any way I can make someone feel less alone, I’ve done my job.

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jackie castro

Primed for stardom, Jackie Castro is one of the newest forces in pop music. We talked to the rising songstress about her new single, fan love and more! words by VANESSA SALLES photo by HANNAH BURTON

Tell us about your new single! What’s the story behind it? “You Want It, I Want It” was actually written when I was still in a band with my brothers. We decided to experiment with pop music which was super different from the music we had been making, and this was one of the first true pop songs I ever wrote. I think we all had our different inspirations behind writing it but for me, I drew from my experience with young love. Any memorable moments from recording/ writing the track that you can share with us? I remember the excitement I felt that day so clearly. It was a really important moment for me because hearing myself on this song made me start understanding who I really was as an artist. It was like, ‘ohhhhh, this is what the insides of my brain actually sound like!’ How did you know this was the perfect song for your debut? Out of all the songs for my solo project, this is the oldest one. It was written exactly 2 years and 1 day before it was released. I STILL love this song as much as the day we wrote it, which is usually not the case at all! A lot of times, I get sick of my own songs after hearing them too many times but this one has never ever gotten old. I think that’s what made me the most confident about putting this one out first. I think I also love the idea of kicking off my solo career with the song that made me realize the kind of music I wanted to be making. Very full circle for me.

What’s the reaction been like so far? It has blown me away and made me cry way too many times! My only experience in the music industry so far has been with having a record deal and a label behind me. This is the first time in my career that I am 100% an indie artist and it’s a really scary change! I don’t have hundreds of thousands of dollars backing me, but what I DO have are incredible fans that are listening and sharing and putting so much of their heart into helping ME be heard. That has been so overwhelming to me because I can feel how much they care about me and my music and that is so special. Take us back to the beginning of your solo musical journey - how did you know it was time to take the leap and pursue it? It kind of came out of necessity. I always pictured myself being in the band and hadn’t really thought about doing a solo musical career, but it was clear to me that it was time for the band to end and all I knew is I wanted to continue making music. So, I moved to Nashville from Dallas to figure out what that would look like. I was extremely lucky to have a couple writers and producers in my life who told me they believed in me before I even did. They gave me the confidence and I quickly figured out I had a LOT I wanted to say. Any special message for fans? I am grateful for every amount of encouragement and love you’ve given me over the years. I can’t wait to continue to grow this thing with you! We’re just getting started.

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miranda rae mayo

A fan favorite on NBC’s Chicago Fire, Miranda Rae Mayo is nothing short of brilliant, both on and off screen. We talked to the actress about the hit series’ upcoming season and more. words by VANESSA SALLES photo by KENNEDI KOOZER hair and make up by KAREN BRODY

Let’s talk Chicago Fire! What is it about the show that initially drew you in? David Eigenberg. Honestly! I heard that he was on the show and was so excited to see his latest work and then fell in love with the show. The characters, the action, all of it. How would you describe Stella’s evolution throughout the seasons? She has really made a home for herself at Firehouse 51. I feel like when she first came in, she was a lot more carefree about her choices and her life. Now, here she is at season 8 in a committed relationship to the firehouse and her firehouse family. What’s it been like for you an actress to portray that growth/character development? It’s been fun and challenging. I feel like the more she grows, the more I grow. I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself to tell Stella’s story well because I idolize the career path she’ chosen. It’s ironic how playing her inspires me to just keep showing up the way she does to her job, day in and day out. Though the writers do a fantastic job on their own, what are some storylines you’d love to see for Stella in future episodes/seasons? I agree! I think the writers do an incredible job. I’m so grateful for the way they see her and continue to paint her in the heroic light she deserves. They also write so many great comedic moments for her which are my favorite to play. I’d love to learn more about her family, where she came from and some of her first experiences with trauma. Childhood stuff.

How would you describe season 8 and what’s to come? Season 8 is heavy and action-packed so far. We kick off the season with an unexpected tragedy that rocks everyone of our characters to their cores. Everyone from the writing staff to our incredible crew has been working their butts off to make sure this season is the best one yet and I’m proud to be a part of a crew that continues to deliver in the way that we do to our fan base. Tell us about your music! How’s the process going for writing and recording your debut album? Slow and steady. It’s like therapy, I’m just continuing to show up and breathe and enjoy the process. How would you describe your personal sound? Who are some of your musical influences? I think my sound is soulful and jazzy. I love Billie Holiday, India Arie, Dinah Washington, Rickie Bears, Amy Winehouse, Adele, Andra Day, Solange and Beyoncé. Those are just a few women who inspire the hell out of me, but there are at least 75 more. Any special message for fans? Thank you for choosing to follow us on this incredible journey! We all love you more than we say. Don’t miss the first episode of season 8; bring tissues, and, as much energy as you put into loving the shows, make sure you take some time to pour some love and energy into yourself and all that you are. It’s important.

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TEENEAR

With a sound and style that’s uniquely her own, Teenear is ready to take the music scene by storm. We talked to the singer about her latest single, dream collaborations and more. words by VANESSA SALLES photo by MALIK ALRAHIM

Let’s talk about your latest single, ‘I Like It’ – what can you tell us about the creation process? ‘I Like It’ started off as a hook introduced to me with the title of ‘Square’ from these producers out of Miami called The Wisemen. When I heard it, the beat alone made me want to turn it into an entire song and that’s exactly what we did! Before it was even ‘I Like It,’ I knew it would be a vibe. What inspired the concept for the music video? This song gave me a chance to just have fun with the visual. I wanted to be able to experiment with lights, colors and scenery to create a different vibe. I was so happy to be able to see what myself, my team, and the director Damian Fyffe created in the end. It was such a fulfilling moment. What’s the creative process usually like for you when making new music? Recently, working on new records usually starts with a beat and whatever thoughts or emotions I’m feeling in that moment. I can say a lot of my new records reflect emotions I was feeling the day that they were being created. How would you describe your personal sound? Out of the box. It’s not a specific genre so it’s hard to label it. It’s just a vibe! Should fans be expecting new releases anytime soon? New releases should definitely be expected extremely soon. I’ve been recording a lot and

I’m super excited to let everyone hear what I’ve been working on! When it comes to stage presence, which artist(s) are you inspired by? Which artists would you love to work with? When it comes to stage presence, my number one artist that I look at is, of course, Beyoncé! She has mastered the art of performing and really showing so much confidence in everything she does and that is definitely a huge goal of mine. Right now, I’ve been absolutely in love with artists like Dani Leigh, Megan Thee Stallion, H.E.R, Summer Walker and Bruno Mars; I would honestly love to work with all of them! When you’re not working on music, what are you usually up to? If I’m not working on music, I’m probably in the gym or baking. Those two don’t go hand-in-hand but I’m obsessed with both of them. What’s on your bucket list for the rest of the year? Honestly, for the rest of the year, I really just want to focus on growing in every aspect of my life. A lot has been going on that I’ve been so happy about so I just want to make sure I remember to be grateful and prepare myself for everything that’s to come. Any special message for your fans? I really just want to say thank you so much for all the love and support I’ve been getting. I’m super excited for all that I have to share in the future and I hope you guys are, too!

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SEPTEMBER 2019

What to watch ...

IT: Charpter Two, 9/6

Hustlers, 9/13

Judy, 9/27

What to listen to ...

Melanie Martinez - K-12 9/6

Charli XCX - Charli 9/13

Tove Lo - Sunshine Kitty 9/20

TDS IS ALSO AVAILABLE IN PRINT!

THE DAILY SHUFFLE JUNE 2019

NAZANIN MANDI www.thedailyshuffle.com/digital-magazine