THE DAILY SHUFFLE JANUARY 2020
MACKENZIE PORTER
contents 05. Jacky Lai 07. Adwin Brown 09. MacKenzie Porter 17. Evan Roderick 19. Taylor Belle 21. Nicky Whelan
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
CREATIVE DESIGNER
@xonessa
@karlas.jpg
Vanessa Salles
Karla Silva
Follow us at
@thedailyshuffle
January Playlist yummy JUSTIN BIEBER wrong direction HAILEE STEINFELD miss you 2 GABRIELLE APLIN & NINA NESBITT all me KEHLANI & KEYSHIA COLE the coolest JUDE sinning with you SAM HUNT changes LAUV
letter from the editor Hey, readers! Happy 2020! I’m so excited to be sharing our first issue of the year with you and I hope you love it just as much as I do. Gracing our cover this month is the lovely MacKenzie Porter, aka the country starlet that’ll be topping all your favorite playlists this year. It was so much fun to chat all things music, self-care, and more. Be sure to check out her cover story to read all about it! In this issue, you’ll also find a roundup of this month’s musthear albums and must-watch films. As always, let us know who you’d like to see featured in future issues - we can’t wait to see what this new year will bring for us! Be sure to follow TDS on all social platforms to keep up with everything!
Vanessa Salles Editor-in-Chief
jacky lai
If you haven’t already binge-watched V Wars, it’s time for you to change that. We caught up with Jacky Lai to get the inside scoop on her role, behind-the-scenes moments, and more! words by VANESSA SALLES photo by NOAH ASANIAS
Tell us about V Wars! What is it about the series that drew you to it? The realism of V Wars really drew me to the show. It is based on science and deeply rooted in current political issues. The writing and the characters felt real and complex; it’s not your typical vampire show. How would you describe your role as Kaylee Vo? Kaylee Vo is a snarky online journalist who uncovers the biggest story of her life. She is on a race for the truth and gives voice to the unheard. For those who haven’t streamed the series yet, what should they be expecting from it? A lot of gory action, depth and complex characters fighting for love and equality. Are there any memorable behind-thescenes moments from filming that you can share with us? My first day on set was a 10+ page day for Kaylee. I was so nervous, then to have a huge day like that to start, I remember feeling all
the nerves, no sleep, and the pressure to perform. After such an intense first day, I felt like I was flying from all of the excitement and adrenaline. When you think of your ultimate dream role, what comes to mind? A Marvel superhero. What are you loving on TV lately? I’ve been loving The Morning Show with Jennifer Anniston and Reese Witherspoon. Brooklyn 99 and The Good Doctor are also my go-tos! What would you say is on your 2020 bucket list? Would love for a season 2 of V Wars. I started writing my first screenplay so it’d be great to have that completed this year. I’d also like to do some travelling to Europe, to visit Nice, Monaco, Positano, Amalfi, and Spain. Any special message for fans/viewers? Don’t forget to tune into V Wars! Heard it’s bloody good!
THE DAILY SHUFFLE
6
adwin brown
Starring on Netflix’s hit series YOU, Adwin Brown has quickly become a fan favorite. We talked to the rising actor to get the inside scoop on behind-the-scenes moments and so much more! words by VANESSA SALLES photo by SHANNA FISHER
Tell us about your experience on You! What is it about the show that made you want to be involved? Working on the second season of You was absolutely incredible, and to be honest, kind of an out of body experience because I was already such a huge fan of season 1. I really enjoy how the show plays with the idea of love and how far someone would go to attain it. Throughout the show, you watch this man do some horrible things and yet you still find yourself rooting for him...it’s the kind of show that makes you take a step back and examine your own moral compass, and I think that’s really intriguing. For those who haven’t streamed the second season yet, how would you describe what to expect? I think the best way to describe this new season is a fresh start. Joe finds himself in Los Angeles, trying to start a new life while simultaneously escaping his old one, and of course, his old habits eventually catch up with him. Season Two takes all of the ideas and nuances that you loved in Season 1 and truly elevates them in the most exciting way. The writers have really figured out how to make this season’s storylines darker yet completely addictive. Are there any memorable moments from filming the season that you can share with us? On the last day of filming, Penn Badgley rented an In and Out food truck for the whole cast and crew. Just when you thought he couldn’t get any cooler! He’s a boss. What’s the biggest lesson you learned on set? I’d say the biggest lesson was just being able to
roll with the punches. I think the best kind of actor to work with is a flexible actor who isn’t 100% married to any particular ideas and who can adjust to whatever is needed. When you’re not busy on set, what are you usually up to? For the most part, I’d say eating. I follow so many different food instagrams, it’s honestly ridiculous. I live in Los Angeles so there’s always a new hot spot opening up somewhere in the city, and I’m always down to try something new. If I’m not eating, you can probably find me in the audience of some random theater around town. I love seeing all different forms of entertainment...stand-up, improv, theatre, concerts, etc. So many talented people live in this city, so I try to take advantage when I can. What have you been loving on TV lately? I’ve been loving a lot of television lately! I’m currently in the middle of The Morning Show (Apple+), which is fantastic. I’m also in the middle of Dollface (Hulu) and Atypical (Netlix). Euphoria (HBO) was also a great watch! Are there any big things on your 2020 bucket list? I’m definitely trying to travel more! That’s a big one. And I want to get a puppy by my birthday in April...wish me luck with that! Any special message to your fans? I really hope you guys enjoy Season Two! The love and dedication that y’all have for the show is incredible and so greatly appreciated. Hit me up at @adwinbrown and let me know what you guys think!
THE DAILY SHUFFLE
8
mackenzie port words by VANESSA SALLES photos by BREE MARIE FISH
ter
With a sound and style that’s uniquely her own, singer-songwriter MacKenzie Porter has cemented herself as an artist on the rise. Scoring back-to-back #1s on Canadian country radio, the songstress became the first female artist in 22 years to achieve such a milestone. No stranger to the music scene, MacKenzie’s worked to develop an electric style, treading the line between traditional heart and modern energy. With new music releases and tour dates already set for the new year, it’s safe to say that the record-breaking singer is on the fast track to the top. Since making the move to Nashville from her native Canada, MacKenzie’s musical journey has been years in the making. “Music has been apart of my life since I can remember,” she says. “I started playing piano and taking singing lessons when I was just a child. At 18, I started expressing myself through songwriting and that’s when I went to recording school and got my certificate in music engineering. I knew that I wanted to do country music and I knew that I had to be in Nashville to make that happen; over the span of a few years, I met my favorite co-writers, my team, and started releasing music. It hasn’t always been easy but it’s been a journey that I’ve enjoyed every part of.”
11
With all the recent fan love, Mackenzie’s eager for the chance to connect with everyone. “The reaction to all my music has been so positive,” she gushes. “I think ‘These Days’ has been the one that’s related to the most people so far. I think we all have that nostalgic first love that we can look back on and remember all the good times. It’s about that first feeling of loving someone and all the little things that made them who they are. I think the song takes people back and that’s why they’ve reacted to it in the way that they have. ‘These Days’ is my second single that went #1 and it’s also the one we’re about to take to US radio; I’m excited for even more people to listen to it and hopefully relate to it!” With Nashville’s collaborative spirit, Porter’s creative process is one that churns teamwork into magical hook-laden tracks. “Every song I’ve written has been a co-write,” she says. “That’s my favorite way of creating because I love working with other like-minded people. There are just so many good and talented people around so why not take advantage of those amazing artists?” As for how the song concepts are created, the singer’s thinking all things music from sun up to sun down. “I’m such a morning person,” she notes. “I usually wake up at 5:30 every day and then grab a cup of coffee, sit down and just think about life. I have a list on my phone that I usually add ideas to throughout
the day. Then, when I go into my writing session, I’ll go through my list and think of what I want to expand on and how we can turn it into a song.” Though country music can often be a maledominated genre, MacKenzie’s happy to be apart of the recent shift in which more talented women are being spotlighted. “I think the shift is definitely happening,” she explains. “There’s certainly a long way to go but I’m happy it’s happening now. It’s crazy to me that the last female to have consecutive #1s on Canadian country radio was Shania Twain, 22 years ago - so many amazing artists have deserved that recognition since then. I’m really hoping that I can be apart of this new shift and help pave the way for new female artists to break out.” Having toured extensively on her own and with big-time Country artists, MacKenzie’s found a comfort on stage that can’t be taught. “I love being out on the road,” she says. “There’s something so special about seeing the crowd singing your words back at you. I’ll be heading out on tour this month with Chris Lane and I can’t wait to perform, especially since I’ll be sharing some of my new material for the first time! Making sure she gives her fans a show to remember, MacKenzie’s always looking for a way to make her show bigger and better. “There are so many people that I look up
THE DAILY SHUFFLE 14
to for different things,” she explains. “I went to a Michael Buble show awhile ago and he was so good at just talking and engaging with the audience. When I saw Pink recently, I was just in awe of her creativeness and how she worked the stage. I feel like every time that I’m at a show, I’m just pulling out my phone and writing down different ideas for my own shows!” Being on the road so often, nothing’s more important than self-care. “I work out a lot,” the singer shares. “If I don’t feel good physically, I usually don’t feel good mentally. That’s a big thing for me. Every time I go to a new city, I try to go to a workout class or just hit the hotel gym. Another form of self-care for me is shopping! Something about retail therapy just always works. When I’m feeling my best, that’s when I can be my best self and put on my best performance!” As for what fans can be expecting this year, MacKenzie’s been hard at work and getting ready to release new music. “There’s a lot coming,” she says. “There’ll be two songs coming this month and a few more in February. The full body of work will hopefully be out before the summer! I’m so excited for people to listen to the full-length album and hear what I’ve been working on!”
15
evan roderick
Looking for your next binge watch? Add Spinning Out to your list! We talked to Evan Roderick to learn all about the show, what you can expect and more. words by VANESSA SALLES photos by IAN LANTERMAN
Tell us about Spinning Out! What is it about the series that made you want to be involved? Spinning Out is a story that centers on Kat Baker, an elite figure skater who is thinking about hanging up her skates after a disastrous fall. Through a series of events, she gets an opportunity to try pair skating, and that’s really where the story begins. There were so many amazing things about this project, but I think the main reason I wanted to be involved was the writing. I read the first few scripts and was so drawn to the characters. What can you tell us about your role as Justin Davis? What should viewers be expecting from him? Justin Davis is a high-level pair skater who has finally met his match when he pairs up with Kat. However, he has a bad attitude and a penchant for partying that can sometimes make things difficult. Are there any memorable behind-thescenes moments from filming that you can share with us? The three weeks leading up to the shoot were so much fun, we had the opportunity
to learn some of the basics of figure skating. I remember the first couple days training with Kaya and some of the other cast, trying our best not to fall flat on our faces. Fond memories. How would you describe the vibe on set? Inviting. Everyone was so kind and welcoming. We also got the chance to see some amazing figure skaters do their thing every day on the ice, so that was super inspiring. If you had to describe Spinning Out in three words, which words would you use? Enticing. Dynamic. Well-written. When you think is your ultimate dream role, what comes to mind? Ah, I don’t know! I think the little boy in me still really wants to play a cowboy. So I think that would have to be my dream role. What are you loving on TV lately? The Sopranos! Can’t stop watching it. What would you say is on your 2020 bucket list? Skydiving! Every year I say I’m going to do it and I chicken out. 2020 is my year.
THE DAILY SHUFFLE 18
taylor belle
If Taylor Belle isn’t already on your radar, allow us to change that for you. We talked to the rising songstress about her creative process and more – get to know her below! words by VANESSA SALLES photos by AUBREY WIPFLI
Tell us about your newest single, “Luxury”! What’s the story behind the track? I made “Luxury” a few months back when I was visiting Cali. It was definitely a transformative time in my life where I was setting new standards and really identifying what I want in all of my relationships. I was really over people who didn’t fully see my value and appreciate me fully. It was less about telling me, and more about showing me. From that point on my mantra was “can’t be with me till you see I’m a luxury”. Any memorable moments from writing/ recording it? The whole process of writing it was really dope and natural. I was staying at a friends place and he was producing it in the studio room when I woke up. I walked in and was like ‘okay, this has to be mine’, and wrote the whole song in a few minutes! What’s the reaction been like from fans so far? The reaction has been amazing! Lots of people have been DM’ing me saying how it makes them feel confident and that just makes me so happy. That’s really the goal with everything I make. How would you describe your personal sound? It ranges from confident, to sultry, to vulnerable. I’d say that, as a whole, it’s just genuine. It’s
pure. Everything I make comes from my soul and is authentic to who I am and how I feel at that time. What’s the creative process usually like for you? I like to have a lot of crystals around, sage, set a whole vibe. Sometimes I’ll even astral project to the world I want the song to be in When it comes to stage presence, which artist(s) do you admire? Beyonce, for sure. She’s my queen! Who are you loving in music lately? Who would you love to collab with? I’m digging a lot of different artists right now. I’ve had a ton of Doja Cat and Summer Walker in my rotation these past few weeks. 6LACK is also an all time fave; I’d definitely love to create with him in the future. With a growing following on social media, what’s the best way for fans to get your attention online? A personal convo! Stories, how they relate to my music, spiritual questions or teachings.. I love connecting on a deeper with all of them. What’s on your 2020 bucket list? So many things ... growing spiritually and musically. Music Videos, touring, recording and releasing a full project. I’m going to create my best music this year!
THE DAILY SHUFFLE 20
nicky whelan
Having cemented herself as one to watch, Nicky Whelan is headed straight to the top. Starring alongside Bruce Willis in the action-packed Trauma Center, the actress opened up about behind the scenes moments: words by VANESSA SALLES photos by ROSANNA FARACI
Tell us about Trauma Center – what is it about the film that made you want to be involved? Trauma Center is about a woman who is trying to get back on her feet after losing her mother and now having to raise her sister. The script is action field and really intense. I haven’t had an opportunity to work on a lot of movies like this. And it’s a female lead who goes through an incredible journey; as an actress, it was a really fun role to take on. Any memorable moments from filming that you can share with us? How would you describe your time working alongside Bruce Willis? I loved getting to work with Bruce because I’m such a huge fan. My favorite movie is The Fifth Element so I spent a lot of time asking him about that, haha. I’m always grateful for getting to work with such talented people. I always find that I learn so much and my performance on set is always elevated. Tell us about your upcoming film, The Binge! How did it come about for you and what can viewers be expecting from it? I was really excited to be a part of The Binge. It has incredibly talented actors in it and I love being on a comedy set. The director, Jeremy Garelick, is one of my favorite people. I worked for him on the movie The Wedding
Ringer. He called me and asked me to play the DJ in this movie and it was a no brainer. I had a blast! When you’re not busy on set, what are you usually up to? Most of the time on set, I am prepping for the next scene, especially if I’m a lead! If there’s downtime, you will usually find me at craft service lol! What have you been loving on TV lately? I just watched the latest season of Peaky Blinders I think it’s brilliant television. It’s been one of my favorite series I am the biggest fan of the show. Are there any big things on your 2020 bucket list? I don’t usually use the new year as an excuse to start or set new goals. I think you can do that anytime! So, as we flow into 2020, I Hope to keep up the same momentum that I had going in 2019. Any special message to your fans? I’m always grateful my fans - One of the positive things about social media is getting an opportunity to hear directly from your fans. I get wonderful messages on a daily basis and I’m constantly appreciative of all the support always.
THE DAILY SHUFFLE 22
JANUARY 2020
What to watch ...
Like a Boss, 1/10
Underwater, 1/10
Dolittle, 1/17
What to listen to ...
EchoSmith - Loney Generation 1/10
Selena Gomez - Rare 1/10
Halsey - Manic 1/17
TDS IS ALSO AVAILABLE IN PRINT!
THE DAILY SHUFFLE DECEMBER 2019
BRENDA SONG
www.thedailyshuffle.com/digital-magazine
www.thedailyshuffle.com