THE DAILY SHUFFLE MARCH 2020
AISHA DEE
contents 05. Haven 07. Genevieve Kang 09. Graham Verchere 11. Aisha Dee 21. Orla Gartland 23. Jessica DiCicco 25. Gayle
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
CREATIVE DESIGNER
@xonessa
@karlas.jpg
Vanessa Salles
Karla Silva
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March Playlist GOLF ON TV lennon stella & jp saxe SELFISH madison beer HONEYMOON FADES sabrina carpenter HABITUAL justin bieber DECLARATION cailin russo NO TIME TO DIE billie eilish FIGURE IT OUT orla gartland
letter from the editor Hey, readers! Happy March! I’m so excited to share our brand new issue with you and even more excited that The Bold Type star Aisha Dee is gracing this month’s cover! It was so incredible to chat about the hit Freeform series and its remarkable impact on viewers. 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’ll always try to make it happen! Be sure to follow TDS on all social platforms to keep up with everything! XOXO
Vanessa Salles Editor-in-Chief
haven
Ready to make her mark on the pop music scene, Haven is about to become your new favorite. We caught up with the up-and-coming artist to find out all about her creative process, latest releases, and more! words by VANESSA SALLES photo by STORM SANTOS
Tell us about your newest single, “Be With You” – what’s the story behind the track? The process for writing “Be With You” was super rare. I was in a session and we had already written 2 songs that day. We had 30mins left and I thought we’d try to knock out one more idea before I left. We ended up writing the whole song in 20mins. It literally felt like “Be With You” fell out of the sky! What has the reaction been like from fans so far? It has been INCREDIBLE. I’m honestly at a loss of words for the support we’ve received. Thank you so much to everyone who’s been listening and supporting the song. I’m so so thankful for y’all! How would you describe your creative process? My creative process is different every time, but I would say most of the time I start with some chords and sing melodies over those chords. The lyrics usually come later depending how the music is feeling. There are some times I’ll have lyrics written out first, but most of the time, it’s melodies for me. Who are you loving in music lately? Who would you love to get in the studio with? My favorite album currently is “RARE” by Selena Gomez! I listen to it nonstop. It’s an absolute masterpiece. I also really love Bazzi and Julia Michaels. I would really love to get in the studio with any of them!
What should fans be expecting from you this year? Is an album or EP in the works? You can be expecting new music and I’m going on tour with Dinah Jane & Agnez Mo! I’M SO EXCITED! When it comes to stage presence, which artist(s) are you inspired by? I’ve never seen Bruno Mars live, but I’ve watched his performances online and he inspires me big time. His energy and talent is undeniable. When you’re not busy making music, what are you usually up to? When I’m not making music I’m usually going on hikes, eating Panda Express, or hanging with my brothers. With a growing following on social media, what’s the best way for fans to get your attention online? I would say the best way is to comment on a post. I try to be very responsive and comment back to everyone. I work really hard at answering because it means the world to get messages from y’all! Any special message for fans? THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I’m so incredibly thankful for the love & support. Love y’all so much and I’m so excited to go on tour and meet everyone!
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genevieve kang
A fan favorite on Netflix’s Locke & Key, Genevieve Kang shines as Jackie Veda. We talked to the rising actress about set secrets, potential storylines and more! words by VANESSA SALLES photo by KRISTINA RUDDICK
Tell us about Locke & Key - what is it about the show that made you want to be involved? After reading the first script, I immediately knew that I wanted to be a part of this project. Truthfully, I couldn’t stop reading, which is always a good sign. The storytelling is so nuanced. It’s not just a fantastical show with elements of horror and magic, but it’s very much grounded in reality. It deals with family and relationships, and real issues pertaining to grief, loss, and what it means to grow up.
favorite? Yes! I was really impressed by the whole series of scenes with Dodge and the Crown of Shadows. That image of Laysla, who plays Dodge, approaching the Keyhouse and summoning the shadow monsters is what every evil demon dreams of! It’s so striking and powerful. It really sets the stage for the series of scenes to follow, where the Locke kids are battling these shadow monsters in the house. So much energy and charge at every turn.
For those who haven’t streamed it yet, how would you describe your role as Jackie? Jackie is confident. She’s ambitious. She knows what she wants. While she always tries to see the best in people, she’s also not interested in playing small to accommodate the insecurities of others. Jackie has a good sense of selfawareness and self-worth. Early on, Jackie befriends Tyler and over the course of the first season, a gradual romance develops between the two.
What would you say is the biggest lesson you’ve learned on the Locke & Key set? One of the biggest lessons I learned working on Locke & Key has to do with stepping into the role of Jackie, who is definitely one of the nicest, sweetest characters I’ve ever played. As an actor, I think that it can sometimes be difficult to make a “good” character interesting and someone with whom audiences connect. I really wanted to ensure that Jackie isn’t onenoted, but rather that she’s multidimensional. With the help of our writers, I was most definitely able to do that. She’s not just a nice girl, but she’s someone who has depth and substance, especially for a young woman. I learned a lot playing her, the girl has solid values.
How would you describe the vibe on set? I think the energy on set really depends on what work we’re doing and who is present. From my experience on this project, I always felt a strong sense of professionalism and collaboration amongst everyone. We all cared about showing up, doing good work, and also enjoying ourselves and having fun in the process, which is really important! And this extends beyond our creative team and cast, to also include our crew, both in Toronto and Nova Scotia. They were fantastic all around and brought a really great, consistent energy to set each day. With all the craziness that happens this season, is there a scene that was your
What kind of storyline would you like to see for Jackie if the series gets a second season? I would like to see Jackie experience more of the magic. As much as she is resistant upon first learning about demons and magical keys, I think if she has to live alongside it then at the very least, she wants to understand it as much as possible. On a personal level, I’m curious about Jackie’s backstory and where she’s coming from. It would be fun to explore more of that in season two. THE DAILY SHUFFLE
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graham verchere
Set to star in the highly anticipated Stargirl on Disney+, Graham Verchere is opening up about his role in the film, behind-thescenes set moments, and more! words by VANESSA SALLES photo by ERICH SAIDE
Tell us about Stargirl – what is it about the project that drew you in and made you want to be involved? Every step of the way made me love Stargirl even more! Sometimes when I film an audition, it just feels like it fits. As we moved further along the process, I read the book and I absolutely loved it – I would still say it’s one of my favorite books. Reading the script, I had the same feeling. Filming was the best experience I’ve ever had on set. How would you describe your role as Leo? What was your favorite part about bringing him to life? Leo’s a normal kid who’s so taken by the intense pressure to fit in at his school that he sticks to himself, hides pretty much anything out of the ordinary about him, and has to learn how to be himself again. I loved being Leo because of how much I related to him. I’m lucky enough to be pretty much past that whole journey, but I feel like I understand everything he’s feeling at any time in the story. What do you hope viewers take away from this project? It can be hard to fit in and be yourself at the same time, but in the end, choosing yourself is always worth it! Are there any memorable behind-the-
scenes moments from filming that you can share with us? There’s so many to choose from. Hanging with the cast was always absurdly fun. A good chunk of the kids were missing school to film so we had to do on-set tutoring to stay on top of things. We definitely did not do enough homework but there was always music and magic tricks! How would you describe the dynamic between you and Grace vs. your characters’? Aside from the obvious romance in the movie, just having different lives than the characters and meeting in a totally different context, I feel like we’re both a little more of a blend of the characters as opposed to having 100% Stargirl and 100% Leo. Grace isn’t as out there as Stargirl and I’m not as in my shell as Leo. What would you say has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned on the Stargirl set? A lot of the lessons from the story are things I needed to hear as well. Playing a character so close to myself, I learned a lot by being able to put myself in his situations. Any special message for fans? Please enjoy the movie! So much love went into it; I hope you guys feel the same way we did filming it. It was something special and I hope you can see that when you watch it.
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aisha dee words by VANESSA SALLES photo by LAURA THOMPSON styling by CRISTINA TEDERICK hair by STARRKYSS ENTERTAINMENT make up by CAMILLE THOMPSON
A fan favorite on Freeform’s The Bold Type, Aisha Dee shines as the fearless, unapologetic Kat Edison. Hailing from the Gold Coast, the 26-year-old actress is no stranger to wanting to push the boundaries. In fact, it’s what drew her to her breakout role. “This show really surprised me,” she says. “At first, I thought it’d just be the usual depiction of feminism and womanhood but it’s so much more than that. When I was reading the scripts, I was really impressed by the topics they were diving into and how much depth they’ve brought to all the characters. I just love everything about it.” With all the misconceptions of “adulthood,” The Bold Type doesn’t shy away from telling real stories about people who sometimes make real mistakes. “I remember being a kid and having older friends who just seemed like they had it all together,” Aisha laughs. “I was looking at people in college and feeling like I couldn’t wait to be that age and have it all figured out, too. What I’ve learned is that my perception of adulthood was so far removed from what it actually is. I’m 26-years-old and I still feel like I don’t even have half of it figured out yet. It’s a long journey of figuring out how to love yourself and treat yourself well, all while making peace with the fact that you and your body are constantly changing. I love that Kat, Sutton, and Jane are all perfectly imperfect; that’s what makes them so relatable.”
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Though it’s encouraging to watch the trio succeed, the same can be said about watching them have their shortcomings. “I think it’s actually important to see people fail,” she admits. “We’re often presented with this idea that you go into the workplace and the the only place to go is up. In reality, you sometimes have to take a few steps backwards and fail in order to learn. I think that, for Kat, losing the election last season is going to be a really big motivator for her in all aspects of her life. She’s definitely going to take some missteps along the way, as we all do, and so we’re going to get to see her make mistakes. I think that’s just as inspiring as watching her thrive.” Four seasons in, Aisha’s connected deeply with her onscreen persona. “Even though she’s a fictional character, I feel like we’re friends,” she says. “She’s inspired me to be more confident in my life and I feel like we learn a lot from one another and teach other valuable lessons. She’s become a part of me that’s easy to tap into while I’m on set.” The best part about bringing Kat to life? Being able to have a say in her development. “I think that’s what makes this show so special,” Aisha notes. “It’s a really collaborative process between the writers and all the other departments. We’ve talked a lot about Kat’s evolution and I’m really excited for people to see the back half of season four; the style evolution is very apparent this season and it was a very fun
conversation to have with everyone. I’m super grateful to have this type of work environment because I love being so involved and I love everything that goes on behind the camera.” In terms of Kat’s personal life, she’s taking control of her narrative and owning the space she’s found herself in. “We see it happen when she tells Jane and Sutton that she’s bisexual,” Aisha explains. “Just the mere fact of her growing up excites me. I think she’s been used to making impulsive decisions and not really thinking long-term. This season, we get to watch her make some more calculated decisions for her life and really own it. It’s going to be really cool to watch how that all unfolds for her.” Romantically, Kat’s in new territory: the aftermath of heartache. “It’s hard for Kat to connect with anyone else after her relationship with Adena,” Aisha says. “I really love being able to tell that story because I think there’s something so relatable about it. There’s something that happens after the first time you get your heart broken or the first time you fall out of love… all of a sudden, dating is so much scarier than it was before. For a long time, Kat was just casually dating and having a great time; she didn’t really move in that world with any fear because she didn’t know what it meant to have her heart broken. Now that she does, she’s a lot more cautious. I think it’s going to take some time before she feels ready to open up to someone new.”
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Staying true to the heart of the show, Kat finds comfort in her best friends. “We’ve been taught this idea that your soul mate is out there and that you’re incomplete until you find that person,” she explains. “I think that, yeah, your soul mate is probably out there but, honestly, it’s probably your girlfriends. They’re the ones that are with you for the whole ride and they’re the ones that are with you for the fall out. Those people are your real soul mates and that connection can be found with your friends and/or your family. I definitely think Kat, Jane, and Sutton are all each other’s soul mates, no matter who they’re linked to romantically.” Unsurprisingly, The Bold Type has impacted its viewers in countless ways. “I think it’s beautiful when people stop me on the street,” the actress gushes. “So many people have told me about their experiences and how Kat has inspired them to do something brave in their life. Of course, there’s definitely a pressure that comes with the role because I want to tell the right story in the right way. I want people to feel empowered by her and it’s incredible how much she’s doing and has done for people in the real world. I’m so grateful for the opportunity and it’s an honor to tell her story.”
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The biggest lesson she’s learned on set? “Confidence,” she says. “I’ve had people come up to me and tell me they wish they were as confident as Kat and I always tell them that I feel the same way. She’s inspired me to speak up for myself and for those that are less fortunate than me. I love that Kat always speaks her mind and is unafraid to be herself. She’s always down to take a leap of faith and be vulnerable; we could all be more like her.” Off screen, Aisha spends a lot of her free time making music. “I’ve actually been writing for years,” she reveals. “It took some time to get brave enough to show people because sharing my music feels very personal. I was really shy about it but I’ve realized how much music actually does for me, in terms of helping me through difficult moments. So, I figured if one person can feel that relief, it’s worth being vulnerable and releasing it. I’ve actually gotten so many amazing messages from people online and it’s been so encouraging. I just want to release positivity out into the world, whether it’s through music or acting.”
orla gartland
With a newly released EP, Orla Gartland is about to top all your favorite playlists. We talked to the rising songstress about her sound and how it all came together. words by VANESSA SALLES photos by JESS TURNER
Tell us about ‘Freckle Season’ - how would you describe the sound/vibe of the EP? It’s sad, then angry, then sad again. It’s full of gritty guitars and very literal lyrics. Is there a track off the EP that is the most meaningful to you? I think track 5, ‘new friends’ means the most. I wrote it on tour and you can hear the tour bus engine in the song. When I wrote it, I thought I had the EP finished, so the stakes were low and I was writing super absent, almost streamof-consciousness lyrics... I guess it turned out sounding honest in a very natural way. Any memorable moments while writing/ recording it that you can share with us? These are my first ever songs with real drums and that day was amazing. It was towards the end of the recording and my co-producer Tom and I had spent weeks on the EP at this point - we set the kit up in the studio and it just felt incredible to hear songs I wrote in my bedroom come together so quickly, the energy of the drums became like a glue that stuck the songs together right at the end. What’s the creative process usually like for you? I start everything on my own in my bedroom or my little studio down the road from my house. There’s a piano there and a bunch of guitars so if I’m chasing down a song idea, I turn my phone off and try to get lost in it for a bit. On
occasion, I’ll collaborate and co-write with friends, if I feel I have an idea that is strong but I’ve taken it as far as I can. When it comes to stage presence, which artist(s) are you inspired by? I like Stevie Nicks, St. Vincent, Vampire Weekend, Phoebe Bridgers, Alanis Morrisette, Darwin Deez, Mitski. It’s cool when an artist can play a chilled set and just let the focus be on the songs... but I also like artists who are super performative and go out and leave everything on the stage. I’d like to have a mix of both in my show. What songs/artists do you currently have on repeat? Declan McKenna, Adam Melchor, Lauren Aquilina, Christian Lee Hutson. What’s on your bucket list for the rest of the year? To write an album! And go to Japan. With a growing social following, what’s the best way for fans to get your attention online? Twitter! Any special message for your fans/listeners? Big love to everyone who has supported ‘Freckle Season’ - it’s been amazing so far and it feels goooood to have this music out there.
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jessica dicicco
With so many incredible projects in the works, Jessica DiCicco is dominating the voice-over animation world. We talked to her to get the inside scoop on what’s coming up, her dream role and more! words by VANESSA SALLES photos by STORM SANTOS
Take us back to the beginning! What inspired your love for voiceover? I was a kid actor and would go on tons of auditions, which I absolutely loved. I think I realized the awesomeness of voice acting on one of my first auditions for an animated character, I didn’t have to focus on what I looked like, I could just act freely and wildly. It felt like the true essence of why I loved acting! Having gained a cult following for your role in Adventure Time, how would you describe your time as the feisty Flame Princess? To be honest, it changed my life! I’ve had so many incredible experiences because of being on Adventure Time; I feel so lucky that I got to play Flame Princess. She truly became part of my identity. I started going to conventions and traveled to so many cities and even countries to meet AT fans worldwide. It was the first massive hit show I’ve been on and successful shows on that level don’t come around that often. To be a part of one is a gift. When you’re recording, how do you get into the zone and make sure you’re bringing the character to life? You have to know what’s happening in the story, and be very well acquainted with your character…and just BRING it! You have to give 110% every time you’re in the recording booth. Sometimes before I record, I’ll watch a clip of the show to get into the zone, and I always say the same line in character that immediately puts me into the right headspace. Tell us about your work on Ballmastrz: 9009! What’s that experience been like for you? This is my first Adult Swim show and it’s been
so much fun to work on. There’s so much freedom with this network; it’s not geared towards kids so there aren’t as many rules. My character, Ace, is basically a parody of Ash from Pokemon, so it’s been fun to poke fun of that. I especially love adding all the over-the-top effort sounds and grunts, we really just go nuts with it. I also play DeeDee on the show, who goes from the sweet, stereotypical anime female character and switches to a psycho in mere seconds. With so many incredible projects, is there one that stands out the most for you? They’re each so different! But Loud House on Nickelodeon first started with an animated short, and now we’re recording our 5th season! It’s the longest running show I’ve been on, and working with everyone for so long has been great because it’s become a family. Another one that stands out is Muppet Babies on Disney Junior - it’s been a dream come true to play the new Muppet, Summer Penguin, and it’s been so surreal watching my toddler get so excited to watch the show. He belly laughs when he’s watching and it reminds me of why we make preschool shows in the first place. What’s something about voiceover that people would be surprised to know? Voice actors do not come to work in their pajamas, despite popular belief. When you think of your ultimate dream project, what comes to mind? Ultimate dream is to be in a Pixar film! Another dream is to play an incredible character in an anime.
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gayle
With a sound and style that’s uniquely her own, GAYLE is making waves in the music scene. We talked to the rising songstress about her inspirations, what’s to come and more! words by VANESSA SALLES photos by JIMMY FISCO
Tell us about your single, ’dumbass” what’s the story that inspired the track? Any memorable moments while writing/ recording it that you can share with us? The inspiration for ‘dumbass’ started with the saying ‘the fear of looking stupid is holding youback.’ I brought that idea into a songwriting session, and I remember when we came up with the idea of changing it to ‘dumbass,’ it was truly like a lightbulb went off in everyone’s head. I wrote the song with Jessie Thomas and Grant Avril. Grant also produced the song. The truth is, the song is about my coping mechanisms to my insecurities. I wrote ‘dumbass’ at a point in my life where I wasn’t confident in anything I was doing and I realized that my self-doubt was standing in the way of everything. What’s the creative process usually like for you? I love the creative process of songwriting. Most of the time, I like to come into the room with a concept and go from there. Then, I start with melodies first and not lyrics--I don’t particularly know why, it’s just the way my brain works. Once we have a melody, then the lyrics start. With a new single on the way, what can you tell us about it? My next song coming out is called ‘z,’ and it’s about general experiences as a generation we’ve all experienced in one way or another. It’s very, very, very sarcastic.
What can fans expect from you this year? Is there an EP or album in the works? I definitely have a lot of music coming out this year. Whether it’s all coming out as singles or an EP at some point has yet to be decided. When it comes to stage presence, which artist(s) are you inspired by? I would definitely say Aretha Franklin has influenced the way I approach performance because it’s all based off her voice. You can feel the emotion in her voice, and it’s truly breathtaking. She is what inspired me to be an artist in the first place. What songs/artists do you currently have on repeat? Currently I have Still Woozy, Natalie Madigan, James Droll, Delacey, King Princess and so many other incredible artists on repeat. What’s on your bucket list for the rest of the year? My main goal is to be constantly releasing music that I’m passionate about and getting to perform more with my band. Any special message for your fans/ listeners? Don’t be afraid to do what you’re passionate about because you might surprise yourself.
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MARCH 2020
What to watch ...
I Still Believe, 3/20
A Quiet Place Part II, 3/20
Mulan, 3/27
What to listen to ...
Mandy Moore - Silver Landings 3/6
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Niall Horan - Heartbreak Weather 3/13
5 Seconds of Summer - Calm 3/20
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THE DAILY SHUFFLE FEBRUARY 2020
EMILY TOSTA
www.thedailyshuffle.com/digital-magazine THE DAILY SHUFFLE 28
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