The Isis Nicole Magazine Issue 2, Starring Gita + Mess Kid, 2013 by The IN Mag

The Isis Nicole Magazine

THE IN CROWD S/S ‘14

Issue #2

GITA | FLOSS GLOSS | DANNY THE DRIVER | SOPHY ROBSON | MARIA PIZZERIA

www.mdmflow.com MDMflow

Letter from the editor While my mom packs the last of her life before she takes off to California - for good - I sit on the floor hunchbacked, facing an opened window to take in the last bit of Ohio air I'll have for awhile before I return to Illinois. It's kind of sad but kind of pleasant. New beginnings take a little adjusting for me, but no doubt, I always adjust. Which brings us to the present and all the things that go on between now and never. S/O #LittleFinger. Holy shit, we did it. We made it to issue #2, and all it took was a little elbow grease and some faith. It's summer and now we're here because anything is possible. As you enjoy THE IN CROWD responsibly, please be aware that this is not a hot 100's list. If you're looking for hype, you've come to the wrong place. IN here, we're pretty grounded; finding our way through life just like you. Each artist selected exemplifies a sincerity that makes the fangirl in me squeal, hence THE IN CROWD, as in, Isis Nicole's kind of people. Of course there's a splash of sex-cum-INTELLECT, some thoughts on emojis, and a look into the lives of Gita and Mess Kid (both featured on the cover), because it's twice as good. Hey, but in all fairness - just in case and just to be cute - if you happen to be one of those people in need of a top [number of your choice] list, here's three ways to cool off with your copy of IN this summer. 1. When you finish reading every single page of THE IN CROWD at the pool, turn your magazine into your very own tres-chic reversible fan! It's the ultimate poolside accessory. 2. Take an ice cube across your neckline (or your lovers) while reading Commes Des Fuck Over: Sexting for Dummies written by Samantha Rose. 3. Show off your latest copy of The Isis Nicole Magazine in that transparent Furla Candy sunset bag, knockoff or not! I won't tell if you don't. Which interview was your favorite? Who would you like to see in the next issue? Let me know @isisnicole

Table of Contents Arbeta H책rt, Spela H책rdare! An Angel in LA Hot Damn Hot Lanta A Chat With Chapman: Microphone Check 1, 2. It's Not Spaghetti, It's Spaghetto Eye on the Prize Wheels on the Bus: Ridin' Around with Danny The Driver On Cloud Nine Commes Des Fuck Over - Sexting for Dummies Emojis: The Visual Manifestation of Visceral Perception Ring Leader : Gita Interview Bass & Beyond: Bring The Noise: Mess Kid Interview American Nail Hustle: Welcome To Brooklyn In the Streets with Sophy Robson Kiss N Tell Whoo Gives A Hoot? We Do! Seoul Searching Gun$ Louder Than Bombs Bell of the Ball INTELLECT

06 14 22 32 38 46 56 60 66 68 70 75 83 87 91 93 99 109 117 121

Maria ‘Pizzeria’ Maleh

Maria ‘Pizzeria’ Maleh sporting Beanie Babes.

Arbeta Hårt, Spela Hårdare! Maria Maleh Interview Words By Isis Nicole

Arbeta Hårt, Spela Hårdare! Katrineholm-born, London-based blogger Maria Pizzeria dreams big about her future, but she ain’t wishing on no shooting-stars to make it happen. Whether traveling around the world, designing Drake intimates or dishing out her latest collaborations on Nylon Japan, the 22-year-old Thai-kitten puts the B in burgeon, all while self-managing her visual pursuit. This summer she invites us in on her journey throughout Lisbon as well as Stockholm at a Yung Lean show. Pizza and palm trees included.

JUICY FRUIT 7

Isis Nicole: Can you describe your most humble moment? Maria Pizzeria: It was the time when I gave away my Gameboy Color to my cousin. IN: What would you consider to be the biggest misconception about bloggers? MP: That they are stupid and shallow, I guess. But it’s true sometimes. IN: What’s some shit you would never do? MP: Give up my dreams! IN: I know that’s right! So what’s your art background? MP: I don’t really have an educational art background, but I have always been interested in visual language. Just a few years ago I started to shoot and draw a little. I would love to be able to spend more time on it! IN: So how did you get your start with Lazy Oaf? MP: I tried to get in touch with Lazy Oaf for ages having entered loads of their competitions and I actually won one! I did a Gif where I changed my outfits but kept on the same Lazy Oaf creepers. I did uni, then I moved to London and finally got myself an interview. After that I stayed there as an studio assistant for six months and got to work with the brand of my dreams!

IN: That’s awesome! So now that you have a bit of a design background, did you make those Drake panties? MP: Yes! I googled “Drake with a puppy”, cut the image out and handed it in for print at Tealer. Thanks to the homes, I actually did them. I tend to just have loads of ideas and let them rotten on a napkin. IN: Tell us more about Coffin On Cake. MP: I started at Coffin on Cake by working with JuJu Jellies. I took care of their social media, which developed into more days, more accounts, and now I’ve got my amazing team to work with and I finally got myself a business card that says Maria Pizzeria! We have a showroom with amazing Cat boots alongside super sporty Roxy and Alpinestars, and super cool sunnies from Quay. Beyonce wears them! IN: How do you make the most out of London? MP: You have to decide weather to sleep or not. Right now I am blaming my lack of time on the fact that I love to sleep, but when I figure it out, I just sleep four hours anyways… so what the fuck am I supposed to do? Not spend too much time on Facebook maybe. To make the most out of London, you just have to be open and dreamy and dare to do stuff. Dare to talk to people. The most important thing is to figure out what do you want, where do you want to be and then just do it. But don’t forget to be nice! IN: So what’s your definition of your success? MP: When I am making loads of money by doing what I love! And when I can go to holidays whenever I want to… these can be business trips as well… and when I have a kitten and a ring on my finger and a nice house. That’s success! IN: If you had one fuck left to give, who would you give it to? MP: I don’t give a fuck...

meow. Couples making out.

Maria â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Pizzeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Maleh hanging out with her homie.

MARIAPIZZERIA.TUMBLR.COM @MARIAPIZZERIA

AN ANGEL IN LA 14

An Angel In LA Valerie J. Bower Interview Words By Isis Nicole

AN ANGEL IN LA By way of Wilmington, CA, 27-year-old Valerie Jocelyn Bower hustles hard with a proclivity behind the camera in hopes to shoot documentaries around the world. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also got this dream of being paid to be Marc Jacobsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; best friend. And truthfully, for the tenacious photographer, the desire is not unlikely.

Coastline.

Flower Bouquet.

Angel girl.

In the tropics of the Philippines.

Isis Nicole: Who’s your celebrity crush? Valerie J. Bower: Leo. No, Jessica Alba. Both. IN: How did you get your start with photography? VB: I took photography in high school, by default, because I couldn’t draw. Luckily, I ended up loving it. I also took a screen-printing class to make up for some credits in order to graduate. Printing your own band tees is pretty cool. I met some friends in that class who were into punk, and started photographing them hanging out and going to shows. Towards the end of high school, for some reason, I wanted to be a graphic designer, but then I gave that up. I’m computer savvy, but there are way too many computer programs to learn to be a graphic designer. My inspiration comes from real life, so photography is ideal for that. IN: Can you share a little bit of your art background? VB: I don’t really have an art background. A few years ago, I took some photography courses at Art Center College of Design. The program hours were ideal for me because I could go to classes after work. Right now, I’m interning on the weekends for this amazing documentary photographer, who has some really big projects coming up. I’m excited and grateful to be learning from someone who’s actually working in the industry. To see it all first hand is really inspiring. IN: Tell us more about working with singer-songwriter Kali Uchis? VB: She performed a party for my friends at Freak City. The next day, they asked if I wanted to shoot pictures of her getting a new tattoo at a shop in Venice Beach. She styled herself for the shoot and when we got to the shop, she drew what she had envisioned on her own hand. She took the pen right from the tattoo artist! It was funny, but she has a strong vision and knows what she wants. She’s super talented and a sweetheart!

IN: Can you describe your most humble moment? VB: During last year’s Coachella weekend, I was sent out to Palm Springs to do photo coverage for a UK music magazine that I was working with a lot at the time. My job was to cover the events they were throwing over the weekend, which one of those events was a pool party thrown in conjunction with Urban Outfitters. When I showed up to the event, the marketing director looked at me and my equipment, my film camera, asked if I shot video, and looked pretty annoyed that I didn’t have the typical giant digital camera at hand. She went on and immediately emailed the magazine… she also CC’d me… complaining and said the ‘photography was very limited.’ The editors at the mag completely backed me up and vouched for me. They basically told her to screw off in the nicest way possible, even putting their own relationship with UO at risk. They emailed me separately reaffirming their confidence in me and my work. The photos came out great. The magazine posted them all over the internet and published them in their last issue. IN: What’s the easiest way to piss you off? VB: I’m a very mellow and zen personality. It’s really hard to make me mad, but wake me up too early or deprive me of coffee and I will verbally body slam you. IN: What’s some shit you would never do? VB: Never leave the house without at least one camera and at least one extra roll of film! Everyday, at any time, going anywhere. Sometimes, I take extra batteries. [Laughs.] It’s pretty serious! There’s a lot of moments still in my mind that I kick myself over for not being able to take a picture. As time goes on, I’ll slowly forget what those moments were, 18

so that’s why documenting and keeping my camera ready is really important to me. Also, I would never turn down the opportunity to travel! IN: How do you make the most out of LA? VB: Some people may not agree, but there’s so much to do in LA! Usually, you have to decide between a few things to do because they likely overlap each other. I like to take pictures of everything, so it’s important for me to keep up with events online and maintain a calendar because there’s always so much happening. It’s the worst when you find out about something amazing the next day, after it’s over and the moment is gone forever. I hate that! IN: And on an ideal day? VB: My ideal busy day is lounging around with my boyfriend in Long Beach, shopping in Newport Beach… Orange County, I know, but still… , seeing some low-riders in East LA, walking around Little Tokyo, catching a punk show, maybe a warehouse party, late night food, then go home and crash. That day might have happened, actually. Maybe even a few times. IN: Where’s your absolute favorite place to escape? VB: Other than actually traveling, the best place to escape is my own apartment. No one comes over and I do whatever I want. IN: What do you want to be remembered for? VB: I will be remembered for being a good and honest person but I really don’t feel the need to be remembered! Hopefully my work will stand the test of time.

Lunch date with a friend.

Rapper Sasha Go Hard performance.

Another day in LA

Low rider art

East LA punks.

WWW.VALERIEJOCELYN.COM 19

21 Evening with pro-skateboarder Antwaun Dixon.

CHALANE BAUZO

Hot Damn Hot Lanta

Words By Isis Nicole

CHALANE BAUZO

The impassioned-cum-contemporary-sharpshooter Chaláne Bauzó realized her life had changed after moving to Atlanta subsequent to high school. Now at just 20-years-old, the ripe and resplendent photographer by way of Florida explores what’s possible in the rise of her métier. From birthday selfies and portraiture’s with THE ATL TWINS to conceptual lingerie shoots favored by American Apparel, Bauzó’s collision of street and sexuality will without a doubt win you over. Let’s head down south for the summer.

Isis Nicole: 2 truths and a lie? Chaláne Bauzó: I’m a vegetarian. I love shoes. I don’t smoke. IN: What’s your summer soundtrack? CB: Double Bubble Trouble - M.I.A. Sun Is Shining - Bob Marley Jet Blue Jet - Major Lazer Passing Out the Pieces - Mac Demarco Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down - Puff Daddy Man of the Year - Schoolboy Q One More Time - Daft Punk Happy - Best Coast IN: What’s your dream job? CB: To be Anthony Bourdain. He is beyond lavish. IN: Which would you fuck, kill, and marry: Mac Miller, Chance The Rapper, G-Dragon? CB: Can I just kill them all? IN: Sure, if you want. So what’s the most annoying thing about guys? CB: I think guys are misinterpreted as being annoying when they’re actually hilarious. IN: Joseline Hernandez or Mimi Faust? CB: [Sighs] Do we have to go there... IN: Moving along. Is it a sin to not be a Ciara fan in the south? CB: Most definitely! Ciara holds it down. IN: Can you describe your most humble moment? CB: Probably graduating and moving to Atlanta. went to high school in a small town 24

and found my escape pivotal in my journey to independence. IN: What’s some shit you would never do? CB: I would never mountain climb. Reason number one being fear, and reason number two is the possibility of death. IN: How did you get your start with photography? CB: I have always been passionate about photographing and documenting the culture I’m exposed to, but up until I moved to Atlanta, I never really knew what niche I could fit into. This past August my friend approached with the concept of a lingerie style shoot in my apartment and we just went for it. From that point, I haven’t really stopped shooting anyone I know or come across that intrigues me physically or mentally. IN: Did you shoot for American Apparel? CB: I didn’t but I have had work accepted by them. IN: Can you tell us more about working with the ATL Twins? CB: I wouldn’t even say we’ve “worked” together so formally. I met them a few months ago at a pop-up shop for Fresh.i.am, then they invited me to chill at their place and take photos afterwards. I of course gladly accepted the friendly gesture. That’s when I first got a feel for who they were and their personalities came through. Since then, we’ve come to be well acquainted with each other. They’re so inviting and interesting to be around, stemming from the fact that they’re so comfortable with themselves and could give not one fuck about what you think.

IN: So they are as cool as their feature in Harmony Korine’s Spring Breakers? CB: I would say that they definitely present themselves boldly. They have the “cool” stamp of fame, women for days, and luxuries other people desire but yet, they know how to keep it real. Their image is an integral part of their marketability as well as their approach to the party scene, however, they are like you and me, and know when to include maturity into the picture. They are two of the most down to earth human beings I’ve ever met. IN: Did you like that movie? CB: Loved it! If anyone could present Spring Break in the most extreme manner while keeping presentation in mind, it’d be Harmony Korine. He’s visionary. IN: How do you make the most out of ATL? CB: I have a mild addiction to spontaneity, so finding things to do and people to meet is never an issue. Atlanta has so many scenes dwelling within its city limits, whether that be the heavy rap culture or its art hub. Taking it all in for what it is and exploring is the key. IN: What do you have planned for the summer? Any music festivals? CB: I’ve applied for a few interning jobs but I’m really just going to coast through and take is as it comes. I am planning to attend Bonnaroo because I mean... Elton John. IN: And lastly, if you had one fuck left to give, who would you give it to? CB: My mom, because she is honestly the only other person I care for more than myself.

chapman photo credit: Alexandra Barket

A CHAT WITH

CHAPMAN CHAPMAN INTERVIEW WORDS BY KEVIN QUIN

Having worked with producers Saint and FELIX SNOW, the Chicago native, FKA Pizza Pimp, doesn’t plan on slowing down for anyone, so if you’re still sleeping on CHAPMAN, it’s time to wake up! Now based in NYC, the rapper-at-rise has already released several impressive bodies of work including ICHAP VOLUME1, an 11-track mixtape boasting his playful rhymes and aggressive delivery, which can especially be heard on his remix of PTAF’s Boss Ass Bitch. We caught up with Chapman to discuss his creative process, the state of queer rappers, and of course… Drake, in anticipation of his 2K14 takeover.

Kevin Quin: How did moving from Chicago to New York affect your creative vision? Is making music in each location different? Chapman: I think being here [in New York] helped me learn about different types of music. I was just coming out of high school and going into college, and I had lived in Chicago my whole life. I think pretty much anyone can tell you that when you move to New York from another place, it changes you radically. The work ethic here is way more intense. People here are constantly moving and it just feels like a way more dense and busy place. There’s so much music coming through here and it’s amazing to have the opportunity to meet so many artists. I got to interview a lot of artists and become friends with them, which, growing up, I did not have my many artistic friends. [Giggles.] Most of my friends were like jocks, but I think now its actually helped me reflect back on living in Chicago. I can reflect on my time period growing up in my hometown, and write about that more because a lot of stuff happened that shaped me as

KQ: What’s the creative process for you like when making music? C: It feels almost like a sport in a way. Like my mind is just moving and constantly working and spinning and trying to put things together. It just feels like I’m building something in my brain, I guess. I work really quickly, like I write really fast, and I’m actually trying to slow myself down so I can really formulate what I’m going to say. I do enjoy getting really involved in something and just hammering it and finishing it in one session, you know? Obviously mixing and stuff takes a while, but really, just banging out vocals in one session is always something that I really like to do. I prepare a lot before I go into the studio; I have a mic at home and I do a lot of reference recording and even then, there’s just something about letting it all spill out that’s kind of one of my favorite feelings. I’m definitely trying to take it slower but I don’t know, there’s just something about it… it feels more like a release when I’m pushing myself to keep moving. KQ: What do you want people to feel when they listen to your music?

C: It all depends, but I just want them to feel that it’s honest because…well it is. That’s one thing that’s really important to me. There’s a lot of mimicry and a lot of people who are just out there trying to be an artist just because it’s a thing to do. Now with technology, everyone has the resources but like… people should know that I really love doing this and music has been a huge part of my life forever. Like from the day I was born. I just like for people to feel that honesty because I think genuine hearts will triumph everything, and making a connection through that type of feeling is really powerful. KQ: A lot of your songs have pop culture references, which makes them fun to listen to. What else inspires you to write a song? C: Personal experience is like the number one thing I would say. A lot of times I’ll cloak things and make them a little bit more general because I want people to be able to relate. We all experience a lot of similar and overlapping feelings. I like to be able to relate with those listening to me. I want them to understand what I’m saying, so that’s a huge part. I pretty much draw from what I see and what I feel around me.

KQ: What is your take on queer representation in Rap/Hip-Hop music? Do you think there’s a crucial need for more gay male and trans* artists? C: I think there’s a crucial need for more gay and trans* everything. I see way too many straight people everyday, everywhere. The queer representation in Hip-Hop right now is really… diverse, I would say. Think about it – you have YOUNG FLY RED, and that’s so different from anything that I would do. That’s a whole different perspective. I think that it’s still growing, and it’s still new, and it’s just open for us. From people like LE1F and CAKES DA KILLA and MYKKI BLANCO, all of those people are the ones that pioneered this. I think people should really give it some time and allow all the gay artists to make these waves because there are a lot of gay and trans-people that are being recognized right now… at least in New York. I think a lot of people have international reach that are killing it, like HARI NEF. I mean, they are playing all around the world. There’s ways to go, obviously, but I would want people to have patience and confidence and really boost these acts and help them happen because I do see it as a revolutionary time for that aspect.

KQ: Do you think you will face any challenges being among only a few openly gay rappers? C: Honestly, the thing about it is I really don’t care about the challenges I would face. I was reading this Rolling Stone interview today with Julia Louis-Dreyfus where they asked her if sexism is something that she feels she has to deal with and she said sexism is something she has to deal with for sure but “I’m not dealing with it.” I’m just like… anyone that tries to give me that I’m like… NO. And that’s how I feel… I don’t care. Any challenges? I will overcome them. No one’s going to stop me. I feel like those challenges are the same as any other challenges I’ll have. I’m going to work hard and prevail because that’s my plan. KQ: Speaking of challenges, I heard that you are looking for a bae for those lonely NYC nights. What does a guy who wants to date Chapman need to know? C: Whoa. I don’t know! That’s such a hard question. I think someone needs to be just a real, genuine, relaxed person. Just someone whose vibes are very real. I really like chill guys and I have not met that many. I don’t know… I don’t mean to say that. A lot of it has to do with timing and all those other things. I always feel like every time I meet a guy… he’s dating someone and I’m like… cool. So I don’t know… I think you just have to be genuine and chill, and we’ll get along.

KQ: Fuck, marry, kill: Hulk Hogan, Drake, and Dylan Sprouse. C: Definitely marry Drake because he is just the sweetest little thing on the planet. Beautiful. Jew. I love him. I would… wow this just got awkward! I’m not going to say fuck Dylan Sprouse because we’re BFFs! But no really, we are friends, and I feel like that would be awk to say. But he is a cutie. I would do it with Hulk Hogan. I feel like he has a lot in him still and could get it poppin’.He’s the fucking champ. I used to love Hulk Hogan and like all those other wrestlers in… what was that? The WWE? Anyway. Hulk Hogan. Down.

KQ: What’s next for Chapman? C: A lot. Duh Fridays is obviously going to keep going, and we want to it keep going as long as it’s fun, so that is going to be a big project for me. Music wise, none of which I can really speak on right now but people are going to be really excited and really surprised. I think. Fashion wise, I’m definitely going to keep taking pictures in cute outfits. DIESEL gave me some clothes to wear when I played out in Westgay and that was amazing. I hope I get to work with them again. Shouts out to DIESEL and my boo CJ. This is the year of the Chap for sure, so keep your eyes on moi

Spaghetto at Swingers

It’s Not Spaghetti, It’s

SPAGHETTO

Spaghetto Interview Words By: Isis Nicole

The forever young Milano-born, LA-based director, better known as Spaghetto, has always fancied lowbrow American culture. Working with the likes of Too $hort, Kreayshawn, and E-40, Manfredi's latest film titled #Twerkumentary explores the phenomenon of, well you guessed it… twerking. If you haven't yet fallen in love with her accent or her videos found on Spaghetto.tv, you should at least fall in love with her riot grrrl way of life. Get in losers, we're going to Fairfax.

Isis Nicole: Can you tell me two truths and a lie? Spaghetto: I’m addicted to peanut butter, Ryan Gosling is hot, and I speak Chinese. IN: Ryan Gosling is so hot! That is the truth. So where’s your summertime getaway? S: Sicily. IN: Which girl group would you have most likely been in, Wild Orchid or TLC? S: L7. 39

IN: What do you consider to be sexy? S: Sense of humor and a big ass smile. Oh and cleft chins. A guy with a cleft chin is pretty much automatically hot to me. IN: Who does your nails? S: I do! I’m super into nail art. IN: Can you describe your most humble moment? S: I have the worst memory ever so it might not be the MOST humble moment but I remember one time at a show in DTLA I was selling my Spaghetto x Chill Black Guys tees and a guy bought one of each graphic, passed me a marker and asked me to sign them. I tried to convince him not to get my autograph [laughs.] I told him 'Oh no! Are you sure? How are you going to wash them?' He said, "I am not, I'm gonna frame them". That possibility didn't even cross my mind... I probably felt more stupid than humble [laughs.] IN: What’s some shit you would never do? DM: I would never put ketchup on pizza. IN: What is your art background? S: I went to an art high school that was pretty much anarchy. We used to smoke dope in class with the teachers, occupy the school and sleep there for months. The place was covered in graffiti, we were throwing hardcore shows in there at night. The ratio was 20 percent normal kids and 80 percent punk, metal and hardcore kids, skinheads, graffiti writers, skateboarders, riot grrrls..it was awesomely nuts. I loved getting high at school and also painting and taking photos. One day my friend Camilla gave me a super old video camera and I started filming punk shows with that. I think I was 15-years-old. I’ve been to hundreds of shows in my life, music has always been a huge source of energy and inspiration for me. After high school I was on my straight edge shit for a few years. That gave me my balance and focus back. I started shooting and editing skateboarding videos with my boyfriend at the time that was a pro skater. My first documentary I wrote, shot and directed was about my friends and skateboarding in my home town Milano. It sold out a few theaters in Italy and won some money. It all started from there. Got my BA in the History of Art and video art and left Italy.

Girls at a Ham On Everything party

IN: What attracts your use of animation? S: When I started doing videos I stopped painting and drawing. Writing, producing, shooting, and editing a video is the most time consuming shit ever. Especially when I started, I was doing everything myself. I put all my time into that and kinda stopped all my other artistic activities. One day, three years ago, I was chilling in LA with a really good friend of mine from Italy who is a super talented illustrator. I had just moved here a week before. He was adding some of his illustrations to a video and doing some simple animations. I asked him to show me. I’m very smart with computer shit… [laughs] here is my least humble moment. I’m a total nerd pretty much so after two hours I had already figured out how to use the program and done my animated Spaghetto Productions logo… a purple dolphin with mustache, gold teeth and a gold chain. I kept using animation in my videos since then. My subjects are really silly and colorful. It’s pretty much like painting and doing videos at the same time, so I feel my art background didn’t get wasted. I’m

still drawing, painting, illustrating and I can animate! I try to put everything I love to do into my videos. Even my nails [laughs.] IN: What would you say is the biggest misconception about being a director? S: I don’t know but I can definitely say that a lot of people don’t understand how much work is doing animations. I hear a lot, “let’s shoot something simple and inexpensive… put all your animations on it and make it look super cool.” They don’t understand that shooting a video on a red camera, with lights, a whole crew, extras, props, catering and everything costs less than shooting some low quality shit that I have to spend a month of my life animating. My animations are frame by frame, it’s 24 drawings per each second of the video, it takes forever and I charge for that.

Gorilla Biscuits show

IN: How do you overcome insecurities? S: I have a lot of self-motivation and I’ve been hustling all my life, so I guess that helps. Also rejection is a huge part of my job so I’m used to that and I don’t stress about it as much as I used to… you know… sponsors that don’t give you money, labels that don’t pick up your video treatment, videos that you put so much time and energy into that end up not getting released because the artist dumps the label or vice versa. Most of the time everything works out great, but sometimes it just doesn’t. It’s in the nature of filmmaking struggling to get your project done against all odds. It’s like skateboarding,

you hit your ass on the ground hella times, you get hurt, but you keep getting up and trying again. You don’t give up until you land your trick. Only adrenaline, creativity and passion keep you going and progressing. That’s how I feel about my work. I really have no time to be insecure, I need to keep pushing. I have goals in mind that are bigger than my insecurities. But as a general advice, if you have selfmotivation and don’t let negativity get you, you are pretty much already at the stage of overcoming your insecurities and turning into a confident person. It’s

IN: What’s the story behind your #Twerkumentary? S: Twerking is one of those American things that makes me curious, we never had that growing up in Europe. Dancehall yes, grinding yes, but not twerking which is a solo dance. It’s literally just you and your ass. That can be really empowering for people who do it. Guys do it too, and they are usually really good. I’m really into diversity, also into different styles of dance and music. I’m a curious person who has traveled a lot and seen a lot of different scenes and cultures all around the world. Twerking gives me the chance to talk about diversity, empowerment, freedom of expression, plus the melting pot of genres

and cultures through music, YouTube and other parts of the Internet. It shows how technology can open up new platforms for younger generations to create and distribute content independently.

Kid on Fairfax Classic Hosoi

Jahmai bleaching Spaghetto's hair

IN: How do you make the most out of LA? S: I love LA cause you can work your ass off and get hella shit done but you can also chill and have a good time. Everyone is busy doing something here, it’s really inspiring. Even when you go out, just by networking and talking to people about projects and shit you are being productive. So it’s perfect for a workaholic like me who also loves to havve a fun social life. IN: What’s your definition of success? S: Success is different for everyone, it has to do

with your personal goals. A lot of people identify success with money. For me, the fact that I’ve my amount of work, and all the sacrifices were worth it. Success for me is the feeling I have when I accomplish making a private idea that I had in my mind go public for people to see and relate to it. Success for me has to do with the feeling of sharing and having feedback. The feeling of knowing that my ideas reached an audience lets me know that the hard work was worth it. It doesn’t matter how big your audience is. Every person can set their own goals for their own personal success. 44

IN: Do you believe in destiny or can circumstances change fate? S: I believe in destiny but I also believe that we have

the power to change our fate everyday throughout our decisions. IN: Who are you hoping to work more with this year? S: I’m producing some campaigns for Vogue

and I hope to work more with the same agency because they are really cool people and taking a break from music videos is good for me right now. People started putting me in the category “music video director” and that’s dangerous because then they only call me for music videos. I’ve done way more than that in my life, I directed T.V. shows, commercials, documentaries, short films… I need to show that more to people and keep expanding or I’m gonna get stuck directing music videos, which I love doing, don’t get me wrong, but directing shouldn’t be limited to one small category. Putting out #Twerkumentary this year will definitely help me in that sense too.

View from Spaghetto's office

IN: Can you leave us with some words of wisdom in Italian?Â S: Un linguaggio diverso Ă¨ una diversa visione della vita. www.spaghetto.tv

EYE ON THE PRIZE. G-G-G-GAIA.

When asked to consider her heroes, 20-year-old Denver-based Gaia Dinehtah answers, “Myself.” Makes sense upon browsing through her self-assured Tumblr page, fetchingly made up of inherent models for friends properly photographed by none other than Dinehtah herself. She’s a fervent sharpshooter worth keeping an eye on this year, but for now, we’ll just be hanging out this summer. Gaia Interview

Isis Nicole: Let’s start with two truths about yourself and a lie. Gaia Dinehtah: I skipped kindergarten, I’m double jointed, and I can’t swim. IN: What’s on your playlist this summer? GD: “Bright Lit Blue Skies”- Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti, “ATLiens”- Outkast, “Cry Me A River”- Lesley Gore, “5 Seconds”- Twin Shadow, and “Goodbye Weekend”Mac Demarco. That’s what I’ve been listening to lately. IN: What’s by far the worst movie you’ve ever seen? GD: Hood Angels starring Juvenile. IN: [Laughs.] I haven’t seen that one! I’ve seen A Miami Tail starring Trina. It was so bad which kinda made it so good. But anyways, who’s your celebrity crush? GD: [Laughs.] Ashton Kutcher.

Words By: Isis Nicole IN: And what’s your dream job? GD: No idea. Something where I can create my own schedule and travel.

IN: Can you describe your most humble moment?

only things, besides taking photos, that I’ve done consistently.

GD: I’m humbled anytime I witness greatness. The world is such a huge place, yet so small. There’s always going to be something bigger, better, faster, smarter than us. That’s really humbling in itself.

IN: How did you get your start with photography?

IN: Who’s your hero?

IN: What materials do you work with?

GD: Myself.

GD: I have several 35 millimeter cameras I really like and a Fuji Instax that’s super fun to have around. I’ve been making collages and designing more zines as well.

IN: What easily pisses you off? GD: Midday traffic and people who chew loud get me heated too easily. IN: What’s some shit you would never do? GD: I would “never” base jump. I’m so afraid of heights. IN: What is your art background? GD: I’ve always had creative hobbies and my parents supported that. I danced when I was in elementary school and competed in culinary arts in High School. That and art class are the

GD: [Laughs.] Probably MySpace photo shoots. I started using film a few years ago.

IN: How do you prepare for each shoot? GD: Not a lot. Almost all my subjects are my friends. Sometimes I’m inspired by an outfit or a location and then we go from there. More often than not, we’re just hanging out and taking photos. IN: Does anyone ever try to hit on you while on the job? GD: A group of girls on the side of the street are bound to get honks and whistles.

IN: Tell us more about Glitter Babes! What’s it all about? GD: It was the first zine I made, and I asked Nicole and Jessica to back me up. All summer we gathered content… mostly pictures of other girls we know and cute illustrations. I designed it and sent it to a local printer! It was a really cool experience because it was the first time any of us tried to market our works as a group. A zine was a good medium for us to collaborate on and have a tangible result. IN: And lastly, how do you make the most out of Denver in the summer? GD: The key is to spend as much time outside as possible. Sometimes we’re camping doing outdoorsy shit, and sometimes we’re just roaming the city looking for something to get into. I love the sunshine, but summer nights are usually when everything happens downtown.

gaiad.com

WHEELS ON THE BUS: RIDIN' AROUND WITH DANNY THE DRIVER

Danny the Driver Interview Words By: Isis Nicole If you’ve ever wondered who’s responsible for getting pusha man Chancelor Bennett, a.k.a Chance The Rapper, to and from each city look no further than the rather winsome driver man, Danny Cerone. By way of Wilmette, IL, 25-year-old Cerone, better known as Danny The Driver, invites us in on his tour with friends plus his waggish fantasies with Emma Stone. Isis Nicole: I think a lot of guys have tried at least once in their life to break the ice with some sort of pickup line. What's the best one to use on a PYT?

DC: 10 Day, Acid Rap, Channel Orange, James Blake and maybe a little Frank Sinatra at times, ya know keep it classy. IN: What makes you happy?

DC: I don't really have one because I usually have them at 'hello', but do fries come with that shake? IN: I counted two! Can you tell me two truths and a lie? Danny Cerone: I don't have my license, I can't dunk a tennis ball, and I can swim under water for about 54 seconds. IN: What's the story behind Danny The Driver? DC: All I can say is this, my name is Danny but they call me driver.

DC: Traveling, being outdoors, golfing and just having fun with my family and friends. IN: What pisses you off? DC: It’s people who don’t know how to drive and people who just aren’t polite. IN: How often do you get compared to Mac Miller? DC: That’s a good one, it happens every once in awhile. Mac’s the dude though. IN: Which boy band would you have most likely been in, LFO or 98 Degrees?

IN: Who gave you that name? DC: What about N’sync... DC: It was Chance the Rapper or Pat the Manager. IN: What are the three most necessary essentials for the road? DC: Coffee, music, and a skateboard.

IN: Are there any misconceptions about brotherhood? DC: I haven’t really experienced any misconceptions to be honest. We’re all one big happy family!

IN: What's the soundtrack for your road trips?

IN: Is 'girl power' a myth? DC: It's far from a myth. Women are the only one's who can keep a man in check. That's gotta be saying something. IN: Did you sit in the front or the back of the school bus in middle school? DC: Never took the bus in grade school, I just rode my scooter.

N: With great power comes great responsibility, so what's it like having to get rappers to and from places across the country? DC: It most definitely is a lot of responsibility but it's also a lot of fun as well. It's crazy but it's a ride in the end. When a successful tour is over, there's not a better feeling than to say you were a part of that. IN: Who's allowed on the the bus?

IN: Can you describe your most humble moment? DC: When I returned home from two months of touring, I discovered that I'd driven about 20,000 miles. Thats a trek!

IN: Who's not?

IN: What's some shit you would never do?

IN: Where do you like to hangout during the summer?

DC: Jump out of a plane but hell, I'll probably end up doing it one day.

DC: The Social Experiment.

DC: I'll leave that up to TJ.

DC: All over the city, the beach, going up to Lake Geneva, and just being at the spot kickin' it with the crew.

IN: Do you get homesick? DC: I throw up every once in awhile just thinking about it... IN: So what are you up to when you're not on the road?

the board in the city. IN: People are always saying they give zero fucks, but seriously, if you had one last fuck left to give, who would you give it to? DC: If you're speaking in a literal sense, I'd give my last fuck to Emma Stone. Sex would be hilarious and great.

DC: Just trying to figure out what my next move is in life, seeing what's out there. IN: How do you make the most out of Chicago? DC: By living in Bucktown, driving around, taking the L places, going to Cubs games and just cruisin' around on

ON CLOUD NINE

Interview By Isis Nicole and Helen Koh Meet 29-year-old Andrew Aged, a benevolent bloke by way of California, and member of my favorite music duo known as inc. (joined by Daniel Aged.) Helen Koh and I met the Aged brothers last summer at Empty Bottle - which changed my life - and got the opportunity to interview Andrew just as he promised us exactly one year ago. I was nervous. Koh was collected. And um… yeah in true fangirl fashion, here it is.

Isis Nicole: What’s the soundtrack to your summer? Andrew Aged: Feeling an abundant California summer here. Heart Opening Sounds - Mantra, Daniel Lanois - Belladonna, Navajo singers, Harold Budd, and Jimi Hendrix. Helen Koh: What’s something that is just so fucked up to you? Like, if you’d want to obliterate one thing because its so fucked up, what would that be? AA: [Smiles] I feel things are arranged as they are, and put the focus towards creation of my internal realities.

AA: When I’m with the plants and feel the expanse in the heart of all things. I can only be humble there. IN: What’s boring about music? AA: Nothing. All truths can be found in music; every note. There’s always something to see. IN: What’s the story behind inc.? AA: inc. no world is a space for me and Daniel Aged and our friends to make music. It’s what we love. IN: Why did you drop the teen?

IN: Which boy band would you have most likely been in, 5ive (Five) or O-Town? A: [Smiles] I haven’t heard of either. IN: Which band would you have play at your birthday? AA: Probably the Grateful Dead.

AA: Just felt right. I’m/we’re always changing. HK: What’s the most resonating lyric segment from no world to you? AA: I like, ‘nothing more, nothing less.’ IN: How did inc. and FKA Twigs end up collaborating?

IN: Would you play at a fan’s birthday? AA: Oh yeah.

AA: We met and felt music together, [then] kept working more and more, all so natural. Beautiful person.

IN: Good to know because that was a question for myself. Can you describe your most humble moment?

IN: Your collaborative video makes me think of Ken Park. Have you seen that movie? AA: [Smiles] I haven’t. IN: What’s the biggest misconception about brotherhood?

AA: Yes I do. I have been doing it more lately, and started playing my guitar and using my voice in a free-way (1cl0ud). I’m still growing into it. IN: Cute! How do you overcome insecurities?

AA: Not too sure. Maybe assuming things about two brother humans when they are as same and different as any other two. We’re all brothers.

AA: Smoke tobacco, sing, and breathe.

IN: So everyday, I would check the Boiler Room for an archive of your San Francisco performance, but it never showed up, so I just sort of gave up. Then I got desperate again after a month, and started to surf the web for the clearest live set YouTube had to offer. To my surprise, there was this link to your Maida Vale session with Benji B (it’s totally gone now) - but I was yearning for your music. I wanted to relive what I had experienced in real life from your show in Chicago, and I haven’t felt like that for an artist in a long time. I’m sure I’m not the only lover and listener whose had this feeling. What is it about your music that resonates with total strangers? Is it the tenderness? The heaviness of it? Its vulnerability?

AA: Sitting on the ground, breathing, playing guitar, making love, smoking tobacco, feeling the life.

AA: Thank you Isis. I’m not too sure, but I am so grateful for music and to be able to share it. I heal through music. It’s a craft, for us both. We love to do it [and are] thankful for those who share this feeling.

HK: Do you write your own music?

IN: How do you make the most out of LA?

IN: When can the Midwest expect to catch you on tour? AA: [Smiles] Soon I hope. Summer I think! HK: And lastly, fantastical living: a world in the ocean – or – a world in the sky? AA: The Sky for this cloud. IG: @1cl0ud www.official-inc.com Resonating song lyric comes from the song “The Place” - inc.

Commes Des Fuck Over: Sexting 101

Illustration By Cameron Derby

By Samantha Johnson @essarrjae Let’s get one thing straight: sexting is a lot like actual sex. The same in general, but different with each person. While our sext lives are none of anyone else’s business, we could all use a little advice in that area, especially if we’re new to it. Here are some tips for successful sexting. Have fun. The kind of sext you’re having naturally depends on who it’s with, so go with the flow. It can be casual. It can be whatever you both want it to be. Make sure it’s consensual in that sense. A fun part about sexting is how flirty and cheeky you can be with your words. And emojis, for that matter. Those sexy lip emojis might not be nudes, but they can be like sexting foreplay. This isn’t actual love-making, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be romantic either. The great thing about sexting is it can be either at any moment. Be creative. It’s obviously a fantasy between the two of you, right? Scenarios play a huge role. Since it is a fantasy you’re creating together, say what you would do to that person if you were there. Include phrases like, “I wish I could _____ right now.” You can also ask questions of what they might do. Make it fun like the actual sex you would be having if you were in person. Which leads me to… DETAILS. DETAILS. DETAILS. Generic, boring sexting is fine but not as fun. Details are steamy, sexy, and a huge turn-on. Isn’t it the details in person that grab us the most, too? This kind of goes hand-in-hand with tip #2. No one wants to read, “mmm, I want to touch your butt.” No. Expand. Elaborate. Entice. “I wanna slap and squeeze that ass before I kiss it,” is much sexier. Details paint the picture and make it into as much reality as you can have since you’re not physically together.

Respond quickly… Most of the time. Look, people are waiting on you. They’re teasing themselves and most likely pausing the nasty waiting for your reply. Saving themselves for that perfect sext before they explode. So don’t hold off too long. If you’re busy, it’s probably not the best time to engage in or start a sexting sees! Set aside time if you must to make sure you both are actually engaged, that is if you’re planning to fully enjoy the perks of sexting. It’s also understandable that sometimes your mind goes blank and you can’t think of a next step, so a reply could take longer, especially if the sext is longer. If you’re stuck, think about what you would genuinely do in that moment! Real life certainly applies to sexting because it comes from our minds and what we do or want to do in real life with that person. It’s a reflection of your real life sex and your fantasies, and it could lead to some new in-person stuff with the person you’re sleeping with. That’s the fun part. You could hold off a few minutes… just to tease. But don’t for too long. Be yourself. I’m sure many have made this mistake. Pretending to be into something sexually that they’re not for the benefit of the sexting partner? Just like in real life, you don’t have to pretend to like anything you’re not actually into sexually. This can be awkward especially because you may feel like you don’t want to ruin the moment by not being into something they are. Remember, this IS just sexting, not real sex, so feel free to go along with it if you desire. But if this is someone you’re preparing to eventually have actual sex with, or are currently having sex with, maybe speak up or ignore that part until after when you can actually discuss sexual interests.

If you like to play sexting games with people you’ll never actually sleep with and like to be extra creative and wild and unrealistic, that’s all between you two, just be safe if it ever leads to something in person. Both parties should know where they actually stand if it ever comes to that. Open communication is key, and people don’t always want to be fooled. Respect the person you’re sexting and make sure you’re respected too. If they start to get crazy with you or violent with you in a way that doesn’t turn you on or is clearly getting uncomfortable, remove yourself. Yes, this is only through a text message and not so “serious,” but if you know this person in real life it’s important that you’re safe, number one! If you don’t know the person, make sure you are not giving them information about where you live or other real life details just in case something does go awry. Trust is also a substantial factor here. Sexting is one thing, but only send nudes to those you can trust with nudes! And to people whom you actually don’t mind looking at you naked and potentially saving those pictures for a lot longer than you’d expect. It might seem silly to get this serious about such a flippant topic, but no one deserves to go around sexting just anyone, just like they don’t deserve to go around just sleeping with anyone in reality! Keep your standards where you’d keep them in real life too.

Illustration By Marissa Antionette

Emojis: The Visual Manifestation of Visceral Perception Words By Zac Maur Emojis have manifested into their own esoteric language so much that they could be considered a modern take on the ancient Egyptians’ hieroglyphics. The intrinsic effervescence of humanity completely fits inside of pixels that more accurately represent natural human emotions than linguistics ever could. And though not to generate any contention, the reality is that some emojis are better than others. We all know the A-list emojis include the moon, the manicure, the disturbing dancing twins, and the infamous caucburnette-bitch with the pink shirt, but even still, there are different levels of insight when it comes to the modernized pictorial tongue. You see, a Gen-Y post college student accustomed to the unsaid undertone of emojis would be more apt to use the tongue emoji either ironically or in a yucky sext whereas the devastatingly self-aware-lacrosse-mom cum Pinterest addict who made the big switch to the iPhone because she wanted the Shazaam app, would probably use it to “lick” you in a playful way. Neither scenario is better than the other; it’s just that they both exist. So rather than focusing on the worldview and context of the emoji sender, the emojis themselves have a more objective metaphysical aura about them. For instance, a kissy face emoji sends a completely different type of message to someone than the seemingly equivalent lipstick mark emoji. Both emojis are rooted in the idea of a smooch, but the former has a more direct implication as in, “I have just kissed you; this is my virtual embrace” while the latter insinuates a more sophisticated feel.

The lipstick mark emoji in reality is more similar to the cigarette emoji giving it a more Kate Moss-esque superiority. It says: I am too polite to be direct, so I’m going to suggest my feelings with this incognito kiss. And if we take a deeper look at some of the staple emojis such as the series of smiley-like yellow emojis, minor differences can infer completely different meanings. The third and fourth emojis in the third row of the very first page of emojis are almost identical. The first asserts a mood of shame or sorrow, but if you flip the eyebrows upside down, slightly raise the eye slits and give it a modest smirk, you get the next ultra-chill emoji who literally hasn’t given a fuck since before 9/11. Also considering the ideology and advancement of emojis as a hi-tech visual language, one couldn’t ignore the close link to religion. With the presence of numerous religious emojis—such as the hand praise and pray emojis as well as the church emoji—makes me conspire whether or not the Pope and his clergy have an agenda deeply embedded into the motherboard of modern society. Perhaps the Pope and his celestial devotees have devised an intricate plan to brainwash the developed world by directly targeting native emoji speaking people. Perhaps using the hand praise emoji is more post-ironic meaning, emoji senders are subconsciously furthering the Pope’s agenda and the dominance of Christianity in the 21st century. Before long people will be attending the Church of Emoji where the pastor will be iMessaging his sermon and posting Instagram videos of the unknowing congregation. In today's digital age, hey just saying… it could happen!

R I N G L E A D E R

R I N G L E A D E R 70

Gita Interview By Isis Nicole

I was introduced to 23-year-old recording artist Gita, by way of the Bay Area, at a nightclub known as Berlin in Chicago - just a year after I had became a fan of her “Hood Rich” anthem and “Let That” Fool’s Gold Loosies feature. IRL she was just as I imagined: a pink haired Gerlan Jeans armored super girl, whose stage presence commands attention when she takes the mic. The self-described spontaneous and intense MC is full of passion and proverbs, and recently released her latest album Ring Leader produced by the likes of DJ Two Stacks, All About She, and Calvo Da Gr8. Taking some time out of her fast-track tour and residence abroad in Asia, Gita let’s us IN on her experience as an independent artists, a last fuck with James Franco, and the importance of being true to you boo. If you know where she from, then you might need a gun. Go and cop one. Pow!

Isis Nicole: Can you tell me two truths and a lie?

G: Ceelo Green.

Gita: I’m weird and I love to eat a lot! A lie would be someone saying Gita is disloyal.

IN: What would you say is the biggest misconception about rappers?

IN: What makes you happy?

G: That we’re not creative individuals, that we do crazy amounts of drugs, that we aren’t faithful and that we don’t make executive decisions.

G: Fun people, creativity and vinegar chips. IN: What pisses you off? G: People that are very unhappy with their bodies. Embrace how you came to this world in this life time. And people that blame others and take no accountability. No bueno.

IN: Having moved away from your native Oakland to the Big Apple do you consider yourself a New Yorker? G: It takes balls to live there! I can’t consider myself a New Yorker. I’ll always be a California girl. IN: What is your art background?

IN: What’s some shit you would never do? G: Theater, poetry, surrealism, and fashion. G: Be unprofessional. IN: Who’s your dream collaboration other than Aaliyah or Prince?

IN: What are some risks and challenges you’ve faced as an independent artist? G: I think in life generally everyone faces risks with high or low challenges. That’s the beauty of the paths we take. Life wouldn’t be life without it. Naming specific risks or challenges isn’t a small answer to give. I’d say I’m happy I haven’t committed to anything that could have held me back versus pushing me forward. That is a challenge - being young or eager and making a poor decision stemmed from ego. IN: Describe the most rewarding experience in your career? G: [Smiles] Doing this interview for [you] Isis and seeing people light up when I hit the stage. Meeting the coolest people who do what I do or better, and learning [that’s rewarding.] IN: Aw! Thank you! Moving forward as a woman working in a male-dominated industry, as well as an industry with a number of bitches who hate bitches, how important is it to be assertive and where do you find your strength? G: Be assertive in anything whether it’s culinary, design, or fashion. My profession isn’t the only career that happens to be male dominated. Our world is entirely male dominated, so find strength in knowledge and balance. I get my strength from those two things. IN: That’s great advice. Can you describe your most humble moment?

G: [Laughs] My grandfather, who’s a Jazz musician, reminds me that what I do isn’t anything new under our heaven meaning, “shorty don’t be feeling yourself ‘cause when I was your age we was the rappers and the rockstars.” That is a humbling reminder in a moment of time to me. IN: Which producer could you not live without? G: Hmm... that’s tough. I don’t have a producer to name, I have a few I like, but I can live with or without producers. IN: How did you and Gerlan Jeans end up connecting? G: Through DJ Venus X from GHE20G0TH1K. IN: Do you have your own fashion line coming out? G: I have things sketched but I haven’t pursued production for it to be made as of yet. If I have anything out in the fashion department it won’t be for a while. IN: What’s it like traveling the world? G: Traveling is an experience for sure. You learn about the falsehoods in beliefs we have back home. IN: Do you ever get homesick? G: Not really. I’m use to living away from home. I think I’d get homesick if I wasn’t traveling. I’m a nomad.

R I N G L E A D E R

IN: What city has shown you the most love?

IN: What do you want to be remembered for?

G: I don’t keep up with the love I get from cities, I get global love from online. People from Japan, Peru, Africa, Europe and so many places. I haven’t toured [enough] to receive a ton of love from one city. One day I hope it’s my hometown Oakland. That’ll be wild.

G: For how I made people feel personally on a positive scale and realizing I never forgot where I came from which isn’t much, in the material world. IN: And lastly, if you had one fuck left to give, who would you give it to?

IN: What’s the best thing on the menu in Shanghai? G: The best thing is anything spicy, although I eat at these Muslim spots that are slamming. The people are from a place close to Kazakhstan near Russia. It’s a fusion of that food and Chinese.

G: [Laughs] James Franco! I know why him, but it’s James Franco. Yum. www.soundcloud.com/gitaofficial @GITA_SPEAXDAILYz

IN: What advice do you have for artists trying to be recognized IRL? G: Be yourself! People know when you’re not and your shit comes tumbling like dominos. IN: How do you set yourself apart? G: That’s something I wouldn’t want to fully understand or figure out myself. Go with the flow, live life, be yourself. IN: What artist(s) are you hoping to hear more of this summer? G: Kendrick Lamar, Grimes, Lorde and Mykki Blanco.

MESSKID Bass & Beyond: Bring The Noise

Mess Kid Interview Words By Isis Nicole

We found a spot nestled in the bricked intimate venue, and there he was, Monsieur Mess Kid himself, veiled under his black hat and all black everything else behind the DJ booth playing my first taste of REAL houseparty music [I hadn’t gone to a Teklife function just yet - rest in paradise]. By the grace of Twitter we were able to keep in touch, and I asked for an interview.

Back at the start of February 2013 I had been introduced to 26-year-old Artem Emelianov, better known as DJ Mess Kid, during my first wintery New York Fashion Week. From what I recall, after 25-minutes of waiting outside of this cocksure-VIP-only Hood By Air party as a nobody from southern Ohio, Logan Jean and I soon after bailed to attend what I remember as Born in Riga, Lativa, Mess Kid, who later Bible Study. relocated to New York at 18-years-old, credits his parents and Detroit as the influence to his The derision of the name alone gave me the artistry. His track record includes spinning creeps, but I didn’t want to be that Christianfor Balenciaga, touring with rappers Le1f and killjoy who turned down a night out in the city M.I.A., and being deemed as Alexander Wang’s that never sleeps all because of a title. So we favorite after DJing for his SS14 after-party. made our way to the Lower East Side, entered These days Mess Kid’s to-do-list is set on in on the former If Mom Only Knew, and had a starting his own label, giving back to those ball. he believes in. Totes a majorly impressive trajectory for such a no big deal attitude. 76

77 photography by Eric Johnson, Hells Kitchen, NYC.

Isis Nicole: Can we start with two truths and a lie? Mess Kid: I moved to New York City when I was 18-years-old, I had a gun pulled on me for my iPhone outside of sound check in Pittsburgh and got away, and my favorite food is pizza.

IN: And what pisses you off? MK: Middle seats on the airplane. [Laughs] When you’re tired it’s the worst. IN: Where is your favorite place to escape? MK: Jürmala, Latvia. IN: What would you say is the biggest misconception about DJ’s? MK: That they don’t work hard.

Mess Kid photo credit: Photography by: Mary Beth Dupain & Le1f Features from Elements Festival Brooklyn, NYC & Detroit, backstage after playing show with M.I.A, Le1f & Venus X, and an evening in London. Leather jacket by Nick Alan.

IN: I’ve heard that one before and still find it crazy. So what’s some shit you would never do?

IN: That sounds awesome. Is that what keeps you inspired?

MK: Ask a DJ for a track ID.

MK: The city inspires me a lot. I’ve lived in four out of five boroughs so I’ve seen a lot. The city can be bright and positive or dark and depressing. I like both. I think both are necessary.

IN: What’s your art background? MK: I’ve always been a creative kid from painting to making music at an early age. I never went to art school or anything like that… I guess I was always a bit of a loner, so I kept myself busy in creative ways. My parents are both pretty artistic in their own way. My mom used to design her own clothes and my dad is really into music and technology.

IN: Can you describe your most humble moment?

IN: When did you start to DJ?

IN: How do you make the most out of NYC?

MK: I got my first turntables when I was 12-years-old. My dad took me to Street Corner Music near Detroit where they sold used-vinyl, and I got my first records to practice with. IN: What can the music industry use more of?

MK: I love to explore. I’m constantly walking around and discovering new places around the city to eat or just kick it with friends. I think I’ve found every single record store in this place. There’s like 15 or something. I never get sick of it here. [Laughs] I say I wanna leave but when I do, I miss it.

MK: Leaders. Producers and DJ’s who take risks.

IN: What city has shown the most love?

IN: How do you set yourself apart from other artists?

MK: Hmm… it would either have to be Sydney or London.

MK: I try not to fit in.

IN: Can you tell if you’re going to have a crowd receptive to your set or not?

MK: I was playing a show in Budapest with Le1f and someone recognized me on the street and asked for a picture. [Laughs] I was like you mean Le1f right, and they said, ‘no you’re Mess Kid aren’t you?’

IN: What’s the role of a DJ? MK: To push things forward.

MK: You can usually tell [but] I try to be prepared for any situation. Six years of spinning every kind of party in NYC has definitely taught me that.

IN: What are you up to when you’re not on tour? MK: Cooking everyday and working on music! I love to BBQ… I have a little backyard in Harlem. Other than that, I’m usually just record shopping.

N: Are you currently producing for or collaborating with any artists? MK: I’m currently working on records for Class Actress, Le1f, Boy/Friend, Don Christian, and Maluca.

IN: Any plans to start your own podcast? IN: What do you want to be remembered for? MK: I’ve had a radio show in the past. I’m actually working on starting a label and putting out music by some young kids [whom] I think are super talented.

MK: Inspiring others to push things forward.

soundcloud.com/messkid

MESSKID 83

contributing photography by Jeremiah 84 McNair www.jeremiahmcnair.tumblr.com

American Nail Hustle: Welcome To Brooklyn

Floss Gloss Interview Words By: Isis Nicole

Janine Lee CEO of Floss Gloss We’ve been fans of Floss Gloss for quite some time now, so it only made sense to follow their big move from San Francisco to Brooklyn courtesy of its 25-year-old CEO, Janine Lee. The ultra-cheeky nail lacquer line (also co-run by Aretha Sack), sets the summer off with All The Fixins made for playgirls and gangster-boo’s alike. If you’re looking for Mariah Carey in a bottle, you’ve come to the right place. 1-800-SWANKY. Happy Fourth of July!

Isis Nicole: Can you tell me two truths and a lie?

IN: What was your most humble moment?

Janine: I am my own boss, I’m an optimist, and I’ve never inhaled.

JL: Living in central India on a factory campus for six weeks.

IN: Would you rather star in The Players Club or B.A.P.S?

IN: What’s some shit you would never do?

JL: The Players Club but B.A.P.S. is very lavish. Great costumes and nails.

JL: Heroin

IN: Does Jemima Kirke wear Floss Gloss?

IN: What’s the biggest misconception about being an entrepreneur? JL: Being able to pay yourself out.

JL: Not that I know of. If she does that is awesome. Alana Haim of the band HAIM definitely rocked in some Floss Gloss.

N: Tanlines, Moon Baby, Faded, Wet… how do you pick such perfect names? JL: Dream job, right? But sometimes it can be really hard. Most of the time the name ends up being something similar to what we’ve been referring to the color as it’s gone through the creative process. Aretha and I have a quick brainstorm session, we stew, we come back and then we’re normally happy.

IN: What three words best describe Floss Gloss? JL: Color, conceptual, and excessive. IN: If you had one fuck left to give, who would you give it to? JL: B.E.S.

www.flossgloss.com 87

IN THE STREETS WITH SOPHY ROBSON

Sophy Robson Interview Words By: Isis Nicole Age ain't nothing but a number for Sophy 'So Fly' Robson, internationally known as fashions coolest premier nail artist. Robson's invigorating talent, favored by the likes of Kate Moss and Kanye West, paves and predicts many of the manicures seen on the streets and on the runways to date. Just ask Henry Holland or Jeremy Scott! In our very first #INCrowd issue, the London-based babe spills the tea on love, Lindsay, and longevity. Wherever nail art may take her, God bless the queen, Isis Nicole: What's a lie? Sophy Robson: Everything in fashion is a lie.

IN: Do you ever think you'll go back to DJing?

IN: Are you in love?

IN: Who would you most likely take on in a rap battle, Roxanne Shante or MC Lyte?

SR: If the price was right, sure. You never forget how to mix and cut a little bit. Seriously, I really want to study Serato and the new digital technology. I never seem to have time. I like to leave it to the experts [but] I'm still obsessed with music.

SR: Probably Roxanne Shante. They'd both obviously slay me.

IN: Can you describe your most humbles moment?

IN: What's your favorite American food?

SR: I had a house fire a few years back and lost everything. I was literally out on the street in nothing. I had my kit in the car and I had to start again. I learned who my true friends were and what was important in life.

SR: Yes.

SR: Mel's Drive-In diner in LA. IN: What turns you on? SR: Graffiti. IN: What turns you off? SR: Flip-flops with bad pedicures. IN: What's your art background? ST: I don't really have one. I was good at art in school but I never studied it properly. I started earning money through DJing when I left school and forgot about it. Doing nail designs awoke my creative urges. I've started to get better at drawing. I find it easier to draw on nails but that needs to change. I'm learning and love it.

IN: I remember you sharing that story with me when we first met. You've come along way since then and I admire you for being such a strong woman. Diving into the next question, what's the biggest misconception about being a nail artist? SR: Being good at Nail Art or having followers will not mean you get paid for it. If you want to make a lot of money, the big budget clients generally want something pretty plain. It's more about who you know and how you work within a team to get on with people.

IN: What's some shit you would never do?

IN: Can you tell us more about your MasterClass and if you have plans to take it on tour?

SR: Shit on the train. IN: You have a penchant for mixing high and low art into fashion. How did you manage to nail this successfully? SR: It's my natural style. I never had the budget for 100-percent-high-end, so I had to be creative with the cheap stuff and make it look expensive. IN: How did you end up working with Kanye West in Paris? SR: As soon as I heard he was showing again in Paris I was on to it. I think someone put in a good word for me. Working with him was everything. IN: What's it like working with Kate Moss? SR: She's the baddest in the industry. It's always fun with Kate… she's a ledge in her own lifetime. IN: Did you do Lindsay Lohan's 'Fuck U' nails? SR: They were in the Sun newspaper, my mate sent me a photo of it and I posted it. There weren't so many nail blogs then. I never met Lindsay. IN: Being that you've racked up a very high-profile clientele, you probably get tons of nail artists who want to work with you. Do you scout talent or do artist find ways to introduce their work to you?

SR: I really want to take it on tour yes, but everything revolves around money these days so it's figuring out how to make it work. IN: Money seems to make the world go-round. So how do you make the most out of London? SR: London is so frigging expensive so you got to know all the system hustles to get by. I know some really romantic spots which make you appreciate it. My favorite place is down by the river. Driving over the bridge by the South Bank lit up in coloured lights at night is so sexy. IN: What's your definition of success? SR: I've still got a long way to go in terms of what I want to achieve. I guess it's reaching your goals and feeling happy as a person. It's definitely not just about money. I think the hardest thing to achieve these days is longevity. IN: And lastly, can you leave us with some So So Fly words of wisdom? SR: Wise men speak because they have something to say. A fool speaks because they have to say something. *Robson ended up doing Lindsay Lohan's nails on May 18th!

SR: I get my girls Neringa and Lauren to check them out. This industry is very small so everything gets back to me.

Kiss N Tell Submissions

While my girlfriend at the time went out of town for her summer internship, I hooked up with an old friend that I ran into at a music festival. My ex-girlfriend never found out, but we still broke up at the start of the semester. -Matt, 19 Sometimes I send anonymous questions to this DJ I have a crush on. I'm too embarrassed to ask him if we can fuck on his tour bus, but I love to see him answer my wildest fantasies. -Lauren, 22 I had been visiting a friend from school during summer break and she introduced me to this guy who was extremely sexy. Of course we had hooked up, but things got awkward once I found out I was pregnant. Just kidding! But that would be so awkward! -Kristen, 25 Last summer after the Pitchfork music festival, I hooked up with this producer who had been following me on Twitter. Pretty boring sex, but at least I can say it went down. -Candy, 22 This guy I dated briefly had this thing where he liked to shower together. At first I thought it was cute and romantic until I realized I was dating Mr. Clean. The boy was super particular in regards to the whereabouts of the bubbles and suds, wouldn't accept a hand-job without his own trusted stash of toilettes, and almost puked all over me when I leaned in for a kiss post a few salted-rim margaritas. -Editor's Edition, 24

illustrated by Marissa Antionette 93

OWWWLS

Photography by Gabrielle Flora 94

WHOO GIVES A HOOT? WE DO.

WHOO GIVES A HOOT? WE DO. OWWWLS Interview By Zac Maur New York based producer Christopher Lare, better known as OWWWLS, assembles the future of music through his metallic cyberspace sounds with a repertoire of beats produced for artists like Azealia Banks and Princess Nokia. In our very first WHOO GIVES A HOOT interview, OWWWLS takes us inside his wonderland of creativity that includes inspiration from the likes of Bjork to Gucci Mane. Zac Maur: How would you describe your fashion? OWWWLS: Pretty basic overall. Clean lines, hardly any logos ever. I like a minimal look. I skate, so I have sort of a skate look if that's a thing. Half-cabs, T-shirt, and hoodie. I'm into fashion, but not for myself. It's more like admiring the artistry and subtleties. ZM: Where did you grow up? O: I grew up in Muncie, Indiana. It's a pretty small city with not much going on besides a university. Not diverse at all, with a lot of backwards and outdated ideas on race relations and culture. ZM: What type of kid were you growing up? O: I was always outgoing, sometimes too much, always clowning and trying to make the best of the situation. Pretty typical overall, though. I was obsessed with music and skateboarding for the most part.

O: Hmm… probably a Hasidic man getting head on the dance floor at Dark Room in the Lower East Side when it was still open and the L.E.S. was still cool. I've seen a lot of sex on the dance floor type situations at various warehouses. [Laughs] I also remember meeting this chick in Chicago that inhaled a whole nitrous balloon. She immediately passed out and hit her head on the speaker and was out for like a minute. She got up then started raving super hard again like nothing happened. She was feeling it i guess! ZM: To date, what track are you most proud of? OWWWLS: I'm super proud of the Princess Nokia tracks "Young Girls" and "Dragons",[because] they have a depth and

before, while still keeping it minimal. The fact that they're both lyrically heartfelt songs with a purpose helps even more. feeling that I wasn't able to reach

ZM: Who’s your celeb crush?

ZM: Who’s one artist you want to work with?

O: I'm feeling Cassie all day long. She needs to drop Diddy and come slum with the boy. Hit me up!

O: I'd like to try something with Twigs or Kelela. Both of them have an amazing fresh vibe. Also Drake at the moment. He's unstoppable with his timing and ability to relate. [Laughs] Sorry that's more than one.

ZM: What’s the most outlandish thing you’ve seen at a party?

ZM: Who are your musical or creative inspirations?

ZM: What is the future of music?

O: I honestly listen to everything besides Country. Timbaland… like 1995-2006, he was unstoppable and so ahead of the curve sonically. Early Drum & Bass, Jungle, Metalheadz crew, Dillinja, and Goldie. I'm a huge Gucci Mane fan. I'm an R&B head as well. I also have an Emo-side, so definitely The Cure's early stuff, The Smiths, Bjork, Siouxsie and The Banshees. Also a lot of underground dance music, Night Slugs, Fade to Mind, etc. I'm always scouring Soundcloud, and finding so many dope kids making original stuff. That's still one of the best resources at the moment.

O: Who knows. [Laughs] Some kid in his room in Iowa that is about to start a Soundcloud probably. I feel that the underground has more of a hold on the modern "urban music" sound. Trippier textures in R&B songs, ravey sounds in trap beats. The lines are blurred because most of us in the underground now actually dig and respect pop music. It used to be a lot more snobby. You can't deny the production quality and catchiness. That's something I definitely strive for. We all want to create a feeling and memories for people. Internet changed everything. Everything is accessible, so now we have a mix of everything. I'd say look toward the UK. They're always ahead of the curve and more open-minded than American palates in my opinion.

ZM: What’s the first thing you do when you begin to produce a track? O: It's funny, I always used to start with drums. Now I'll get motivated by listening to stuff on YouTube. I'll open up Logic and mess around with some chords or create a new synth patch and kinda noodle around with something until I have something hooky or substantial. Starting with drums can be super limiting as far as feeling and swing. If it sucks, I'll take a walk or skate and clear my head. ZM: Can you tell us about your work with Princess Nokia? O: It's been a super organic process from the way we met to the way we vibe. We both share similar influences - dance music, and we're both metal heads. We met through a mutual friend and became super close really quickly. We have a great friendship and see it more as a band than a producer-artist combo. We come up with most of the stuff on the fly. I'll usually make the beats in front of her and we'll record and arrange as a team. She's super creative and constantly inspired. She's definitely pushed me to be a much better producer since she wants to try everything stylistically. I'm flexible and diverse enough to pull it off, so it's a win-win. There's a lot of trust and respect involved.

ZM: Any advice to aspiring producers? O: I'd say just keep going. A few times in the last few years I've had potentially life changing opportunities slip through my hands. Don't get discouraged, because if you put enough work in whilst constantly feeding your talent, you'll get to where you want to go. It may not be exactly as you planned, but that's the fun part. Exploration. Always try to learn new stuff, and work with others with scrutiny of course. Don't waste your talent with the wrong people. Take criticism and use it as fuel to get better. That's the only way I got better. Seeing people's reactions, then adjusting the product. It's a big puzzle that I'm still figuring out, but most importantly you have to love it. I've sacrificed romantic relationships and potential memories with friends just because I'm dedicated. It's really my life, and I can’t imagine another existence for me personally.

OWWWLS 99

SEOUL SEARCHING 100

101

Seoul Searching N’Ouir Interview By Isis Nicole I came across 23-year-old N’Ouir, by way of Seoul, on Tumblr - and to my surprise, she cannot get enough of Pharrell’s “Happy.” In fact, nothing makes her happier these days than his 24-hour video! Okay, so there are actually other things that makes her happy like her dreams of becoming an actress and living in what she calls Korea Fantasy, for instance. I adore N’Ouir’s whimsical spirit and I am proud to introduce her photography that includes portraits of recording artist Qim Isle and Bad Joyscoutt, in our very first Seoul Searching series.

Isis Nicole: Who’s your favorite recording artist?

IN: How did you get your start with photography?

N’Ouir: Baek Hyeonjin.

N: I realized that I have talent in photography around the age of 15.

IN: Who’s your celebrity crush? N: Harmony Korine, Chloe Sevigny, and Vincent Gallo. IN: What’s your dream job? N: To be an actress. IN: Describe your most humble moment. N: When my ignorance is exposed.

N: I know some young talented friends and they also work with me. IN: My friend put me onto EXO-K and Girl’s Day. Is Hip-Hop and R&B really popular in Korea?

N: Work in an office.

N: Of course. Korea is a small country but has strong nationality. If something gets popular, the whole country is shaken. Hip-Hop and R&B is pretty hot among young people at the moment.

IN: What is your art background?

IN: What do you do for fun?

N: Korea fantasy. The many interesting scenes in Korea constitute my daily life and my country might be very different from what foreigners mostly imagine, thus, I call it Korea fantasy.

N: I often hang out with my friends at a club called Cakeshop. I am an introverted person so it takes time for me to chat about my work, but with some drinks and dancing I can get along with people pretty soon and talk about what I do.

IN: What’s some shit you would never do?

102

IN: Do you work with a lot of rappers and producers in Korea?

103

104

105

www.n-ouir.com

106

107

108

109

GUN$ LOUDER THAN BOMBS 110

Gun$ Garcia Interview Words By: Isis Nicole Meet third-wave-DJ Regina "Gun$ Garcia", rightfully described as an honest obsessive workaholic, by way of Maryland, based in Philly. Like many ladies with an Instagram account, she's into nail art and emojis. But what makes this dauntless DJ's e-presence different than the rest is her off the chain mega-pussy playlist and "girl power" dedication IRL and on the dance floor. She invites us in on her day-in-the-life and hell of a night featuring Amanda Blank, Dirty South Joe, Kid Sister, and Yolo Ono. Isis Nicole: Let's start with two truths and a lie. Gun$ Garcia: I used to play in a handbell choir, my dad was the director. The first concert I ever went to was DC Talk, a Christian-Rap boy band, and I'm really laid back and easy going. IN: What makes you happy? GG: Seeing my family, Instagram likes, getting my nails done, Rap, emojis…

Rye Rye and her dancers for the "Shake It to the Ground" video, and the dancers in 40 Cal's "The Big Boys" video. In 2008, I finally asked Dirty South Joe to teach me how to DJ. There was an open night at the Barbary called Fight Club where anyone could come and put their name in a hat and once your name was called, you would have 20 minutes to DJ for a panel of judges. From my success at the these DJ battles, Jhn Rdn, a Philly DJ and part owner of the Barbary, offered me a night at the Barbary and the rest is history. IN: Can you share your most humble moment?

IN: And what pisses you off? GG: Rules, boundaries, limits and authority. IN: Lets go over your art background. When did you start to DJ? GG: I started off in Philly going to Moore College of Art and Design studying textile design. While in school I met Gair "Dev79" Marking, PJ "Starkey" Geissinger and TeeJay "Dj Stumble" Zajak and started making promotional items for their DJ crew, Seclusiasis. I would make t-shirts and bandanas in my basement, and then sell them at their parties and other festivals. This was my real introduction to the Philly music scene. It gave me exposure to the Hip-Hop at the time and the beginnings of EDM. Soon after, I got interested in styling rather than manufacturing. I got cool styling gigs including working with

GG: So I recently put out a mix called "B i T C H S L A P" and I included PU$CEE DRIVE YOU CRAZY by DJ Diamond Kutz. If you're not familiar with DJ Diamond Kutz, she's a huge Philly radio DJ and producer for Nicki Minaj, Lee Mazin' and others. When I hit her up to tell her about the mix she responded, "YOU ARE THE SHIT, THIS MIX CRAZY!" I about died. In my brain I was like, "NO YOU ARE THE SHIT YOU MIX CRAZY!" But instead I just said, "Thank you!" IN: What would you say is the biggest misconception about DJ's? GG: The biggest misconception about DJ's is that we're really "cool." We're not. We nerd out and are obsessively into everything that we're into, and music just happens to be one of them.

111

IN: As a woman working in a male-dominated industry as well as an industry with a number of bitches who hate bitches, how important is it to be assertive and where do you find your strength? GG: Every industry has its biases, stereotypes and obstacles no matter who you are or what you do, so I just keep it movin'. I think the most important thing is to stay true to who you are as an artist, and then come out with some quality product. People will either get it, or they won't. It's as simple as that.

wanted to draw girls in from a couple different groups to be sure that the whole scene felt like they were part of the party. Fast forward to today, I am now part of Factory Girls, and we just threw our annual Galentine's Day rager. Do I feel like a stronger woman after working with other women to accomplish a common goal? Yes, of course I do. Katie "K|Rex" Brazina, founder of Factory Girls, told me constantly through our planning, "We are some of the most talented and creative women I know..." and she was so right. Call it Girl Power, call it whatever you want… but no, it's not a myth and I try every day to be the embodiment of the concept.

IN: Is Girl Power a myth? GG: I guess I should give you some history before answering this question. As I said earlier, the reason why I moved to Philly was to attend Moore College of Art and Design. What I didn't mention about this school is that it is the only all women's art college in the nation. The ONLY one. Going to school there really had a huge impact on my outlook on society. I did not realize it until years later. When given the opportunity to start my own party in Philly, I knew I wanted to have an all female talent night, so that's when I started Double Dutch with Lady Prowl. At the time our scene was divided into a couple different cliques. I really

112

IN: What is Factory Girls? GG: Katie K|Rex, my good friend and fellow Moore graduate, founded Factory Girls over two years ago and it has since become the biggest all female DJ party in Philly and beyond. Factory Girls is not just a party though, it's a way of life. Factory Girls are mostly artsy girls that like going out with a purpose. We look at our individual fashion as a way of transforming into the most glamorous version of ourselves while partying and having fun. The full cast of Factory Girls includes DJs K|Rex, Suga Shay, and Yolo Ono, performing artist and house MC, Rena, drag-queens Luna Luvey and Ann Artist, and photographer Ellei Jhondro of Shadowscene.com.

We are plotting our massive global takeover, so get ready! IN: How did you become the touring DJ for Lil Debbie? GG: I first DJ-ed for Lil Debbie last year at SXSW's Moodswing Showcase. Mike Fazio at Moodswing knew how big of a fan I am of her's and asked me to do it. That tour was so fun. I don't know if people know this but Lil Debbie is so funny. Remy Fox, her twerker, and her manager, Dannie had me crackin' the whole time as well. I can't wait to do it again. IN: What's some shit you would never do?

who they're beefing with this week on Twitter, or how hot they look at the latest Hollywood function. I set myself apart by this being my mission. I've always been heavily influenced by bad bitches throughout my life, and now I can do for them what they've done for me! It's actually pretty awesome when I think about it. IN: What artist(s) are you hoping to hear more of this summer? GG: Sasha Go Hard, Lil Debbie, Misun, Wet, Childish Gambino, Princess Nokia, MØ, Chanel West Coast, Iggy Azalea, Mapei... I could probably do this all day, so I'll just stop there.

GG: Crack, probably? IN: Which city has shown you the most love?

IN: If you had one fuck left to give, who would you give it to?

GG: Philly! Of course!

GG: Dirty South Joe. <3

IN: How do you set yourself apart? souncloud.com/gunsgarcia GG: I am the Rap-bitch-DJ! There is no other. I ride for the rapper chicks all day every day. I want all of them to be successful. I want female rappers to be considered mainstream for how good they are, just like male rappers are. I want articles to be about their mind blowing music, not about

113

114

115

116

117

Bell of the Ball Interview By Isis Nicole I had been officially introduced to DJ SIOBHAN BELL, by way of London, at a Nail Porn party that we both attended at BUMP in Brixton back at the start of February in 2012. Fast forward to my wanderlust trip to New York in February of 2013, Bell had also been in attendance as a guest DJ for what I recall as Bible Study at the former If Mom Only Knew in the Lower East Side. As you can imagine, the coincidence became robust. I couldn’t get over the allure of all the odds during each winter. T’was real cooooool. *bad winter pun* and now she’s doing us the honor of a summer 2014 interview sharing her bits about groupies, chicken wings, and spinning for NASIR MAZHAR.

Isis Nicole: Can we start with two truths and a lie? Siobhan Bell: I have 23 tattoos, so far… I sew in my own weave, and I own a Jeep [which is] not really a lie just hasn’t happened yet!

SB: [Chuckles] That’s all I do, eat as much chicken and pizza possible… its hard not too. I’ve never seen so many options of fast food joints so I need to try everything. IN: Worst party experience ever?

IN: What’s your dream job? SB: To own a hot wing truck with seven different hot wing varieties.

SB: When there’s a really shitty DJ [it] really hurts my vibe. IN: Do lady DJ’s have groupies?

IN: Who’s your current crush? SB: Hell yes. SB: Just a little one on Rejji Snow. IN: Have you ever hooked up with one? IN: Which girl group would you have most likely been in, Cleopatra or 3LW? SB: This is tough. I do love Cleopatra but defo, I would have joined 3LW. IN: What’s your favorite Favorite American food? SB: Wingstop in New York! IN: What’s your favorite thing to do in NYC besides eating Crown chicken and drinking Strawberita’s?

118

SB: [Laughs.] IN: Have you tried any dating apps like Tinder? SB: [Laughs] Yeah I actually signed up to Tinder when I was in New York just for jokes, then I came back to London and had to delete it ‘cause I kept seeing people I knew on there. Too embarrassing.

IN: What is your background? SB: I started off studying Law and just couldn’t concentrate. I knew I was meant to be something else so I went into PR, as I’m a social butterfly, and was really good at networking. I interned at public relation companies and Atlantic Records [but] I still didn’t feel a connection. While I was figuring out what I actually wanted to do and be I took on DJing as a hobby. My first public DJ set was every Sunday at Niketown, and from there things just kept coming. I loved it! IN: How did you get introduced to Niketown? SB: I literally just walked in the store and asked to DJ simple as that! IN: Your frequent commute goes from London to NYC. What’s it like DJing in both the USA and the UK? SB: I’ve only visited New York and Washington D.C. so I haven’t really explored enough, but New York is amazing with its cultures within different parts. London is of course my home. I love the diverse music we have such as Grime, House, Jungle, Garage and Drum and Bass.

IN: Do you prefer playing at a lowkey party or a fashion show? SB: I like both. Fashion stuff are really cute, but I can turn up properly at a party and make people twerk. IN: What was it like spinning for fashion designer Nasir Mazhar? SB: It was really amazing, I love Nasir! I was excited and nervous when he asked. I actually thought I would just be DJing in the background somewhere but I was put in the show and in his clothing. IN: Are you a designer for Cat Footwear? SB: I’m not a designer no, but I did submit a design and they show me lots of love by providing me with boots. IN: And lastly, what is your definition of success? SB: To have patience because if you’re working hard it will come back to you sooner or later. www.siobhanbell.net

IN: Have you performed in other places like Paris or Berlin? SB: So far I have DJ’d in Dubai, Amsterdam, Paris and of course NY but I will definitely be traveling more. I really want to go to Atlanta.

119

120

IN tell

ECT

1) if you want to date an actor, become an actress. 2) there’s two sides to every story, and then there’s the screenshot truth. 3) keep it on the DM. 4) it’s totally okay to Google search ‘Yahoo answers’ to solve your deepest darkest concerns about facials, anal, and best songs of 2002. 5) what happens in Vegas goes straight to Instagram. 6) do what you’re supposed to do, even if it scares you. 7) friends with benefits ultimately become friends with detriments. 8) things get weird, but life goes on. 9) practice your franglish: turn down pourquoi?

121

Contributing Artists Andrew Aged, Chalane Bauzo, Chapman, Danny The Driver, Gaia Dinehtah, Gita, Gun$ Garcia, Janine Lee, Maria Pizzeria, Mess Kid, N'ouir, Owwwls, Siobhan Bell, Sophy Robson, Spaghetto, Valerie Jocelyn Bower. Contributing Writers Zac Maur is a writer and artist whose work encompasses themes of fluidity and plight in sexual orientation and Judaism. Practically raised by the Internet - mostly Neopets.com - his curious nature leads to his constant exposure and cultural awareness through means of technology. www.zacmaur.com Music junkie and Chicago native, Kevin Quin is a journalist with a strong passion for storytelling through all creative mediums. His interest lies in arts and culture, incorporating humanistic elements into his stories that speak to the soul of the subject. His ideologies about artists and their craft are central to his goal in bringing light to those who are unrecognized in mainstream media. www.kevin-quin.com Samantha Rose is a sassy Sicilian seawitch sent from the moon to change the human world with language. Her favorite human food is anything Mexican and her favorite position is straddling your mind. Hobbies include watching Rupaul's drag race and setting souls on fire. Illustrations Cameron Derby www.cameronderby.com Marissa Antionette www.lolitahaze.bigcartel.com

122

Creative Director Damon Shuler www.damonthenomad.com IG: @damonshuler Special thanks to Blossom, Earl, Teniya Jones, Diana Long, Edward, Jade Dyer Spicer, Disclosure, inc., Damon Shuler, Helen Koh, Sasha Kremenetsky, Freak City LA, Vally Girl, Marine Buffat, The Glazed Shop, The Dogshow USA, Jeremiah McNair, Ayanna, Metta Francis, Sara M. Lyons, Zoe Zoo, Showyousuck, Sasha Attoh, Ronald Simms, Aris Theotokatos, Chelsea Greene, Gloria Mills, Virginia Geer, Lili Nguyen, Florence Adepoju, Jendella, Lauren Gerlockie, Correlationsss, The ATL Twins, Binti, Charne Graham, and everyone who made this issue hella icy and possible! Text and photography copyright © 2014 by The Isis Nicole Magazine. www.theisisnicolemagazine.com All rights reserved. No part of The Isis Nicole Magazine may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. For all contribution, distribution, and advertising inquiries please contact: theisisnicole@gmail.com Made in USA IG: @TheIsisNicoleMag Twitter: @IsisNicoleMag Soundcloud.com/TheIsisNicoleMag

123

MESS KID

THE IN CROWD S/S ‘14

GUN$ GARCIA

SPAGHETTO

ANDREW AGED x inc.

The Isis Nicole Magazine Issue #2

CHAPMAN 124