a note...
Welcome to Issue 13 - get ready to dive in and meet some incredible creatives. Each issue I am blown away by the talent we get to feature and
work with, so thank you for taking the time to read this and support us. Putting the magazine together is always a stressful, though incredibly
rewarding effort and I am so proud of the final product each time. Each
issue is able to reflect our growth and changing tastes so I hope you’ll stick around to see what’s next.
I don’t need to tell you about how weird this year is - you already know that. However, I do want to mention the importance of grieving in order to
progress. I am really thankful that I allowed myself to grieve in the Spring. So many opportunities, plans and rewards were taken away. It felt like
there was nothing but challenges and darkness ahead, but as time has progressed I have found the opposite. When I started viewing all of these
challenges as opportunities something lit up in my brain and has stayed aflame since. In a weird way, I have felt more inspired and motivated than
ever before. Nothing is possible but everything is possible at the same time. The box we have known for so long no longer exists and getting
creative to make things work has been taken to a new level. Acknowledge your grief, take time to heal and then - move on. View this as an opportunity to adapt like never before
Thank you to everyone part of this issue for having such good spirits about
this all. I feel so lucky and grateful to be able to continue to make such amazing projects and bring people together. Let us keep moving forward and bringing everyone up with us.
xox, Sophie
Join our community Exclusive interviews, photo series, submission open calls, creative grants & so much more.
Some Tunes For You Kari Faux - While God Was Sleepin’...
Zanski - Threes
Cruza - Plastic World
Serena Isioma - Valentina
Omar Apollo - Stayback
marcos g - switch up
Charlotte Day Wilson - Take Care of You (feat. Syd)
MICHELLE - Sunrise
Killumantii - Rules
Samia - Big Wheel
Aminé - Pressure In My Palms (feat. slowthai &
Elais Park - Been Busy
Vince Staples)
SZA, Ty Dolla $ign - Hit Different
Reijie Snow, MF Doom, Cam O-Bi - Cookie Chips
Gus Dapperton - Medicine
Alfie Templeman - Obvious Guy
Christian Blue - Leave It Unlocked
Arlo Parks - Hurt
The Hails - Heartbeat Pt. 2
Khamari - The Heart
Wallows - Nobody Gets Me (Like You)
A.K. Paul - Be Honest
Still Woozy - BS
St. Panther - Highway
Declan McKenna - The Key To Life On Earth
Spencer. - Maybe
girl in red - rue
Dava - ASOS
Deaton Chris Anthony - Tuethday
Ashes To Amber - Miss Future
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SAMONE ZENA Story By Saachi Gupta | Photos Provided By Samone Zena | Design By Will Catto
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Story By Isabella Vega | Photos By Carina Allen | Design By Olivia Boryczewski
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WITH ROOTS IN POP MUSIC AND EMPATHY, MICHELLE HAS STEPPED ONTO THE SCENE WITH AUTHENTICITY AT THE CORE. Consisting of Sofia D’Angelo, Julian Kaufman, Charlie Kilgore, Jamee Lockard, Emma Lee, and Layla Ku, MICHELLE is based in New York, though their upbeat and fresh sound transcends distance. After independently releasing their debut project
HEATWAVE in 2018, MICHELLE has crafted a charming sound that you can’t seem
to get enough of. Their summer release “SUNRISE” served as a breath of fresh air during a time of unrest and uncertainty in the United States, providing a temporary
moment of positivity for many. With a passion for their music of course but a deep commitment to activism, the members of MICHELLE are finding a balance between it all.
Despite the ongoing uncertainty of the world, all of the members of the collective have more or less gotten used to life in quarantine. D’Angelo, who is a current
student at NYU, has had to adjust to the odd world of online schooling, but is able to
find the positive. She notes, “It’s nice that I can do everything from home. I had class earlier, then I got to work out in my room, shower, and now I’m doing this interview!”
Along with their learning styles, their creative process has been affected but the group sees this shift as an opportunity rather than a road block. Writing sessions
that usually would take a more casual, relaxed route became hyper-focused and
preciously savoring every moment in each other’s company, while using masks and
social distancing, of course. Kaufman is excited about this new opportunity, and sees it as a way to grow as pop artists, “Pop music has been being made remotely
for almost a decade now, the song “Moves Like Jagger” was written over Skype.” Kaufman explains, “It’s nice to get those kinds of skills under our belt as we try to move up in the music world and get experience working remotely because that’s the reality of the pop world.”
While their last few projects have taken on the stylistic elements of New York in the 90s, their upcoming project finds the band going back a few decades. D’Angelo
mentions that there will be “lots of 70s disco” and “earworm melodies that get stuck in your head”, and Kilgore attributes this sound to “a more experimental writing space, where we would throw around ideas of what we truly wanted our music to sound like.”
In truth, as Kaufman explains, this new project is the compilation of four writing sessions: one from two winters ago, one from that preceding summer, one from last
fall, and one from this past summer. A large contrast to their creative process for
HEATWAVE, where they put together the whole project in two weeks, this array in time will reflect their growth over the course of the project. Though the four sessions are drastically different time periods, Kauffman describes the new project, with an upcoming single, as “having more intention than our last album.”
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The visual aspects for their newest releases have all been
The Freedom Arts Movement MICHELLE’s commitment to
created while in quarantine, from their self-shot music
these causes is simply second nature to them.
videos to an animated video for “SUNRISE” created by
their own friend, Kohana Wilson. With plans to work with
Ku explains, “I think that we’re messengers and facilitators.
idea and shift to an animated video. “It was a post-COVID
little bit of that weight lifted off of their shoulders, which is
Wilson before quarantine, the group was able to adapt their
The people doing the groundwork are the ones who need a
decision, since the video allowed us to get that message of
lifted when it’s a communal effort to distribute information.
hopefulness and sunlight out during a time of quarantine.”
That responsibility can’t all fall on those people, especially
explains Lockard.
the people of color for whom these experiences are intrinsic to their everyday lives. If you look at us most of us
Not only is there a notable stylistic difference in this era, but
aren’t white. I think it’s definitely been a practice for us that
this is the first time MICHELLE is producing a body of work
extends beyond just what we think we should be doing as
with the support of a label, after being signed to Atlantic
a group with a platform, because this has definitely been
and Canvasback Records. Though hearing the word “label”
real life experiences for all of us in different ways. It’s not
in the indie music scene can sound like hundreds of eyes
difficult to just do the correct thing. I don’t feel like we’re
controlling your every move, the band has had an overall
doing some sort of laborious chore. It is a responsibility, but
positive and supportive experience with their record labels.
it is very simple when you boil it down, so it’s ridiculous as to
Each member has nothing but positive things to say about
why it’s not common practice to anybody with a connection
it, Lockard stating that, “Our label has expressed that they
to the Internet, the world or their community.”
are very much here to support us in any way we need.
They’re willing to be as hands-on or hands-off as we need,
Kauffman adds “I think it’s important to contextualize things,
“as we’ve grown into them, we’ve found this mutual trust,
500 in an issue that has been occurring for a very long time.
but we’re pretty self sufficient,” with D’Angelo mentioning
like thinking of this past summer not as Step 1, but as Step
which we are so blessed to have.”
Understanding that activism ebbs and flows, and when it
ebbs, it feels new, but it’s really the continuation. It never
For the members of MICHELLE, the current social uprising is
really died down, but it’s just that people weren’t paying
so much more than just a hashtag or posting a black square
attention. Trying to educate yourself and contextualize
on their feed: it’s using their platform as a mostly non-white
yourself in the time period of activism, we see how we can
band to uplift marginalized voices. The group recognizes
move forward.”
the varying roles people can take on to be part of this
movement in a meaningful and effective way. Lee Notes,
Lockard closes out the discussion by stating “People love
are good at one thing and someone that’s good at another,
they conveniently ignore that he said that he said ‘One
“It’s like the way people make music. You have people that
to quote MLK when he talks about peaceful protests, but
so it’s about bringing those things together, whether it’s
of the number one issues in America is Police Brutality’,
utilizing the art you create or the platform you have…All of
exactly what people are protesting.”
that is important, it’s not one thing over another. Everything is important to make this move.”
Getting to know MICHELLE’s happy and upbeat pop sound
By using their platform to educate their audience, provide a
lead the charge of authentic activism, while balancing their
is inseparable from their deeply rooted empathy. As they
space for those from underrepresented background to find
own mental health, self care and musical journeys, they
comfort as well as raise money to organizations such as The
make an impact in every community their music takes root
Loveland Foundation, the NAACP, The Okra Project and
in.
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SHIRLEY CARD Photos & Words By Zachary Francois | Design By Jas Calcitas
Shirley cards were used to determine how skin tones on portraits would be developed, being that whiteness is centered in everything. Often times skin tones for Black subjects would not be properly lit. The only reason that this became an issue is when furniture companies complained to film providers that they couldn’t tell the difference between wood textures and colors (yes really) they only cared to focus on darker skin tones because of furniture. Kodak rolled out a multi-racial Shirley card in 1995, but this still didn’t really solve the problem because the very chemicals used to develop film were catered towards white skin. For this project, I decided to make my own Shirley cards that highlight the underrepresented voices in photography in a positive light.
“Diary of the End of the Summer”
By Athena Merry
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Story By Astrid Ortega |Photos Provided By Blackksocks & Alfie Templeman | Design By Olivia Boryczewski Born from a musical family that led him to be
can never really process that as an artist because it’s
Templeman dived into making music at the young
of different people connecting to it.” Beyond
surrounded and open to the world of music, Alfie
just unbelievable how you have literally thousands
age of 13. Now at the age of 17, he’s released
grateful for his fanbase and listeners, Templeman
multiple EPs, including his most recent project
believes the best way to say thank you is to keep
Happiness In Liquid Form, and singles full of
putting out more music.
vibrancy and flowing sounds. Inspired by rock and
indie music, Templeman takes his favorite elements
Since he’s been making music from such a young
truly one of a kind and true to himself.
always stays true to himself. His earliest work is rawer
age, Templeman’s sound is constantly evolving yet
and creates his own unique sound, making his music
as it’s made in his bedroom from bursts of creativity,
Based out of Bedfordshire, England, Templeman
though as he’s grown he still enjoys producing on
has become quite the hit in the U.K. and was
his own. One of his proudest accomplishments has
honored as one of the U.K. indie’s brightest lights
been getting better at music engineering thanks to
supported by Radio 1, BBC Radio 6 Music, Radio X
a music technology class at his school. Influenced
and Beats 1. His rise is no surprise after his debut
by Radiohead, he started experimenting with more
single, “Like An Animal,” that now alone has over
digital elements like synths and kept asking himself,
two million streams.
“What would Radiohead do?” You can see these
aspects in his latest EP, Happiness In Liquid Form,
As his inspirations vary, Templeman’s music has
in songs like “Obvious Guy” and “Maybe This Is
many elements to it. His music has layers of different
Time.”
genres ranging from indie-pop to bedroom pop to
hints of psychedelia and funk. Finding inspiration in
Quarantine has become a significant part of many
day he can include a more edgy sound like theirs in
into new hobbies and flows, as well as producing
Led Zeppelin in particular, Templeman hopes one
artists regarding their creativity. Many have gotten
his own music.
their art seamlessly. For Templeman, he’s been
writing about everything that has been making
Through his side project, Ariel Days, Templeman
him nostalgic. Being home a lot, he has more time
creates a space for music that doesn’t fit his typical
to sit at home and try new things. One of those
sound but still wants to share with his listeners. His
new things is stepping out of his comfort zone of
range in sounds, and feelings, shows how his music
playing the guitar to make music and instead using
is capable of bringing in new people and letting
the piano, which makes things more unpredictable
them find what resonates for them. He notices how
for him. This has opened him up to making more
people vent under his Youtube videos and how
mistakes but he says, “the best ideas for songs
much his music means to them, explaining “You
come from mistakes.”
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Despite the circumstances, quarantine has not kept
Coming off as an outgoing person due to the nature of
artists. “It’s not different because we’re still coming up
notes that he’s actually rather quiet and shy. His label
Templeman away from wanting to collaborate with other
his videos and his music being so upbeat, Templeman
with good stuff,” he explains as he’s used to it. The only
allows him the flexibility to do what he desires and voice
difference between being in person and doing work via
what he wants without feeling like he has to follow a
online is that it just takes longer and it’s not as easy to
certain path. His social media presence is sparse though
bounce off ideas. The atmosphere when making music
genuine, checking in with his fans once in a while and
is also really important, Templeman shares, “If you’re
using his platform to touch on social and political
writing in a really nice place the song sounds good
movements. As a supporter of the BLM movement,
straight away but it’s more hard writing in a place that’s
Templeman tries his best to get information out to his
pretty dull between four grey walls and you’re trying
audience via his social media, “It doesn’t matter who
to make something sound good in such a dull place.”
you are, on the internet everyone has the same amount
That’s why he finds comfort and ease making music in
of power.”
his bedroom because it feels more like a process that he’s used to.
Admiring Greta Thungberg for being young, passionate
Templeman’s projects serve as a little recap of his life to
keep people from doing what’s good and changing the
and making a change, he sees that age is not a limit to
show what he’s been up to, what he’s thinking about,
world. At the end of the day, the younger generation
what music he’s been listening to and what lessons he’s
has to deal with the things ahead and grow up with that
learned. “I put out an EP every six months and it’s like a
responsibility so he believes the time to make a change
little segment of my life,” he explains. Just like people
is right now, “It’s about coming together instead of
his age are going to school and learning new things, he’s
staying apart,” he says.
doing the same but with his music and at the end of that he wants to show his audience what he’s learned. Rather
Templeman has a positive attitude for the rest of 2020,
just keep putting out more music without thinking about
COVID-19 or the social and political movements going
than peaking and then just falling down, he wants to
hoping for some more peace whether it be about
the results that follow, Templeman shares, “Even if you
on. Right now the only thing getting him through all
don’t have the same amount of fans than the previous
of the world’s troubles is making music. Focusing on
album it’s better to know you’re not lying to yourself
positivity, moving forward and putting out music for his
and you’ve actually done what you wanted to make and
audience to enjoy, Templeman notes, “Even the smallest
you progressed as an artist.”
things can make a big difference”.
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FROM HOUSE TO HOME
Nash, Malakai & Taylor By Logan Delaney
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I R A K FAUX Photos By Quil Lemons | Inte
rview By Sophie Gragg | Desig
n By Khristine Le
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KAR FAU KAR I FAU X KAR IF FAU XK
SLOWING DOWN FOR NOTHING AND RISING ABOVE IT ALL KARI FAUX MOVES FORWARD REGARDLESS OF THE TIMES.
With constant ideas and creativity flowing, Faux doesn’t
FAUX: It was very strange. I already had the date picked
have time to put anything on indefinite hold - rather
out way in advance, I had everything set. I was already
she adapts and is making the best of the circumstances.
gonna do it. So it just kinda felt like a test of “Are you
After releasing her hit mixtape Lowkey Superstar at the
gonna still put it out? Are you gonna hold off?” So I just
beginning of the pandemic in April this year, Faux took the
stuck to it because I felt like I’ve been working hard at this
time to reflect on the release and what it could have been
and I’m just gonna go with it.”
- and then moved forward. Shifting her creative energy to clothing for the time being, the artist continues to show
Granted, I didn’t get to do a whole press run or any of this
her versatility and ability to be so much more than just
physically, so I do wish that I could have done that aspect.
one thing. Her hands-on nature comes through in every
But it is what it is. At the end of the day, you can’t control
project she touches, with an authentic and individualistic
what’s happening in the world. I’m happy with what it is,
nature always at the core.
I’m happy that people enjoyed it.
With a newfound excitement through clothes, Faux makes
LUNA: Ultimately that’s what’s important. I also like to
it clear the sky is the limit when it comes to her creative
think by now, there’s kind of a slight wave of optimism
endeavors. Home decor, some music futures and maybe
since we are having to adapt. Do you think there’s any
even vlogs - plenty is on the table for her. While we were
kind of opportunity that this pandemic can create in the
in sunny Los Angeles we hopped on a call with Faux in
music industry at all?
stormy New York to talk her clothing line, the color purple and plenty in between. Read what’s the latest with Kari
FAUX: It’s so funny because I literally just said this
Faux and keep your eyes peeled for her slew of projects
yesterday to my best friend. I was like, “Isn’t it so weird
planned.
how you get so optimistic when everything around you feels so bleak?”
LUNA: You really hit 2020 running with the release of your mixtape, Lowkey Superstar, which was released just
LUNA: I think something shifted in July - the energy in
at the beginning of quarantine in April. I’m sure you’ve
July just shifted where it was like, “Okay, this is what’s
had a lot of time to reflect on this release and everything
good. Let’s figure it out.”
that came with it, so how did it feel to put out a really FAUX: Yeah, and I think that in this time it’s an opportunity
long-awaited project during this time?
to self-reflect for the entire music industry.
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RI F AUX UX K ARI KAR F I A F U I FA A X U KA XK UX ARI KAR XK ARI FAU I FA F UX AUX FAU K A XK K R A RI F ARI KAR AUX FAU I FA XK UX ARI KAR I FA UX
LUNA
There are so many fucked up things that happens in the
but just what direction do you see this new music headed
music business. I think now that the plug has been pulled
in compared to this previous work?
on a lot of things, it’s making people in the industry who perpetuate and turn a blind eye to the fucked up things
FAUX: Oh, I haven’t been making music. I’m just focused
sit completely still. Then on the other end of that is the
on just making tangible things. It has kind of restored this
people that have to deal with the fucked up things.
joy in me that I haven’t felt with music recently.
They’re starting to realize that they don’t have to play by LUNA: Oh, that’s awesome. So is that just clothes or
the industry’s rules if they don’t want to.
are there other mediums as well that you’re getting to I feel like for a lot of independent artists that felt like,
explore?
“Oh, I need to be signed. I need to be this and that to have the success that I want.” I think a lot of them are
FAUX: Right now, it’s just clothes, but I eventually wanna
understanding that all of these systems and structures are
make home decor. I just wanna do other shit!
bullshit. I feel like the pandemic has really pulled back LUNA: Yeah, why be limited? Why be limited to one
the veil.
thing? Just because you make music doesn’t mean that’s It’s really evened out the playing field for indie and
your title.
mainstream artists, you know? There are a lot of mainstream artists who just aren’t doing anything because
FAUX: You’ll be surprised the amount of people that
they don’t know how to be resourceful in that way like an
when I tell them I’m not really focusing on music right
independent artist would be.
now are confused. They’ll say “What? You don’t wanna make music?” I’m like, “No. Not really.” I can do it. I can
LUNA: When your come up and your foundation is you
always do it, I just want to do other things right now.
doing everything or being hands-on with everything, that just will carry you so far because you don’t have to rely on
LUNA: That’s been proven for sure. So when you’re
anyone or anything.
saying you’re working on clothes and other projects, are you able to create for yourself? Or is it more so like you’re
FAUX: Yeah, you’ll know how to quickly pivot.
creating with the intent of for others?
I think this is definitely a moment for everybody to reflect
FAUX: I think now I’m more consciously trying to create
and understand how we can make the music industry a
for myself. I know in the past I’ve said like, “Oh, I make
better place instead of it being something that just sucks
music for myself.” But it’s like, “No, I make music because
and takes from us.
I want other people to listen to it.”
LUNA: Well, I agree, I think that this could definitely,
With the clothes, granted I’m gonna make clothes for
hopefully, change our shit. The whole system needs to be
other people, but I think with the colors and the graphics
completely redone.
that I put on these, they’re very me. So it’s just another way of me expressing myself while also allowing other
FAUX: Everything’s gotta go. We gotta rebuild it.
people to enjoy it too. Since I’ve made this hat, I literally wear it everyday.
LUNA: Yeah, and we’re ready! Going back to the mixtape - it really has a fun, good energy, good flow to it, very
LUNA: I guess it probably changes a lot, but with more
palatable. It’s so easy to just listen to on repeat no
recent work, what are some of the key elements that
problem. I have no idea where you’re at with new music,
you’re drawn to when you’re putting together clothes or a look?
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FAUX: Right now, I love purple and green. I’m very attracted to those colors. Today I have on a lavender button-down shirt. I have on a green and purple hat that I made and then under my hat, I have my hair wrapped in a lavender bandanna. My nails are also lavender and dark purple. I’ve been on a purple wave for the last two years, I would say. I was really into purple, just any shade of purple. When I started DJ-ing I called myself Violet Waters. I went and got my aura picture taken for the first time, and my aura was fucking purple! LUNA: What does purple symbolize? FAUX: Mine was purplish and pink, which means I’m very concerned with my relationships. So not just romantically but my relation to other people, I care a lot about other people. It also has to do with creativity and intuition. They also said that I think a lot - I think a lot and I may tend to overthink and that I have a lot of ideas, which is all very true. Purple is like the crown chakra, so it’s the mental aspect of your personality. LUNA: Is that something that you’re into or is this a new territory for you, the aura stuff? FAUX: Oh, no, no, no. I guess you can say I’m spiritual. I would like to think that I am. All my friends say that I am, but I feel like I’m not as spiritual as I could be. I could get really into it, but I’ve been feeling spirits and ghosts and all that shit, which is a little scary, so I’m like, “No, thank you.” I don’t really wanna communicate with people on the other side. I would rather not. LUNA: Yeah, you’re like, “I would rather just mind my business, enjoy my aura readings.” FAUX: Right, I’ve definitely had these moments where I feel like there’s a spirit in my space and I just try to act like I don’t know what’s going on. LUNA: Have you ever gotten your tarot cards read? FAUX: Oh, yeah, I read cards. Before I started reading cards, I used to get tarot readings from this woman years ago. And she was like, “You know you’re a card reader right? You know you’re a profound card reader,” and I was like, “What?” She was like, “You’re a card reader, you’re supposed to be
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reading cards.” And I’m like, “Girl, what?” [chuckle] So
LUNA: Agreed. Has that been something you’ve been
I bought cards and started reading. I would never make
able to translate into clothing now? Are you able to
a business out of it but it is something that I do. And my
work with others on that as well or has that been a pretty
friends will come to me and be like, “Hey, can you pull
independent project?
some cards for me?” And I’d just be like, “Oh my God. FAUX: Yeah, it has. Actually, the first drop that I’m putting
Yeah, I’ll do it”.
out, a couple of the designs were made by a homie of LUNA: No, that’s very cool. I’m so into this stuff, I can
mine named Theo Martins. He has a cereal brand called
literally talk about this forever, so I’m just gonna put the
“Cereal & Such”. He also has a clothing brand called Good
cap on that ‘cause I love this stuff. That’s very cool. One
Posture. He’s just a super creative dude. So I just reached
more thing with the music and we’ll move forward to the
out to him and asked him to help me start a clothing line.
visual side of things, but I did see the recent track and
We sat down and we had a bunch of conversations about
video with Tkay Maidza - fire! How did you guys kind of
what I’m trying to do, and he sent me some designs. He
get together for that?
literally went through my Twitter and pulled from there. So I got to have a shirt that says “Beat yo meat 4 world
FAUX: It was 1000% during quarantine. She hit me up
peace,” and another shirt that says, “In 3 easy payments
on Instagram and said she had a song she thought I’d
of Free.99, you too can mind your own business.”
be great on. I said of course because I love her - I think she’s great. So she sent me the song and I loved it and I
He found tweets where I said those things and then just
recorded my verse for her. She then said “Oh and by the
put ‘em on a t-shirt. He did his research and was just like,
way we wanna shoot a video.” And I’m thinking, “How
“Oh. Yeah, if this is Kari’s clothing line, let’s put Kari’s
the fuck are we gonna do that?”
personality into it.” Which I really appreciated. I’m very excited about it. I hope people fuck with it as much as
So basically, her team reached out to a company that
I do.
does camera work and backdrops and green screens in Little Rock. They pulled up to my house and they set up
LUNA: I’m sure people will. With that been said, how
the green screen and then my cousin shot my part on an
has quarantine impacted this creative process for the
iPhone, and then we sent it to them and then they edited
clothing?
it and put it in the video. I’m really happy for her. The last FAUX: The thing is, I was supposed to be releasing
few singles she’s put out have been really fire.
these clothes with the mixtape, and then the pandemic LUNA: Yeah, she’s really blown up. In addition to her,
happened. The person that was supposed to print them
you’ve been able to work with a lot of awesome artists
couldn’t print them. So I basically was sitting on these
like Childish Gambino, Black Party and Amindi. Can you
designs wondering if I was ever gonna put them out. Then
touch on the role of collaboration in your career and the
I decided I’ll just do it because I don’t have a reason not
value that has had for you?
to. Granted, it was supposed to come out with the music, but this line is gonna exist long after Lowkey Superstar.
FAUX: Very important to me. I think honest collaborations
It’s the same name, the brand is called Lowkey Superstar.
are the best ones. When I say that, it’s people that I could hang out with even if we weren’t making music. If we
LUNA: That branding really comes through whether it be
never made a song, I would never feel any way about
through music, through fashion. That’s tight.
not collaborating. I thoroughly just think that the more authentic the relationship is, the better the collaboration
I was kinda going back through some older stuff and I was
will come out.
watching the video for “Gahdamn”, and one of
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the comments mentioned how they could see
If you love my music or you love my clothes or you
the track being a “TikTok” song had it been
love something that I created with my friends or
released now. I was just thinking how crazy is it,
anything, that’s cool, but for you to be obsessed
that”TikTok” songs really are a thing now? How
with me as a person, to me it’s weird. I don’t care
do you think TikTok or social media has impacted
for it. That’s how you just have people in your
the way artists are creating and people are
business a lot. Then you’ll have people put you
consuming stuff?
on a pedestal just to try to tear you down. I’m not interested in any of that.
FAUX: I understand that TikTok is necessary in the way it can help artists out. There have been
LUNA: So we won’t be seeing vlogs from you any
independent artists whose songs have been out
time?
and TikTok is what boosts it forward. I remember there was this one guy who had a song from
FAUX: Well, honestly, I don’t know. If I made
the ‘90s and he was an independent artist from
a vlog, it would be a very random-ass vlog.
the ‘90s. I don’t know how true this is because
It wouldn’t be, “We’re going to the grocery
somebody told me this, but I guess somebody
store, guys.” I would probably try to shoot it
found the song and made a TikTok and then it
documentary style where it’s little to no talking.
went viral. So, of course, I’m sure he got hella
It’d just be me doing random things. I might
royalties from that shit, which is beautiful, you
make a beat to use for it and just treat it more as
know what I mean?
an artistic film than a vlog.
But then also, I think on the other side of that, is
LUNA: Saweetie is doing kind of what you’re
when artists are creating for the sole purpose of
saying. It’s definitely professional and more of a
TikTok. It’s like their sole purpose is to go viral on
docu-series vibe. I feel like that’s a different kind
TikTok. It’s definitely a whole genre now.
of route with vlogging where, yeah, it’s not the, “Hey, guys, today I’m doing this.”
LUNA: Also in terms of longevity if you pop off on TikTok who knows how long it’ll last you know?
FAUX: Yeah, yeah, yeah, I think it would be more
I saw in an old interview with Vice, you mentioned
of just trying to document the time. I was honestly
you don’t really wanna blow too fast because you
thinking about doing it for Lowkey Superstar, just
want people to stick around long-term and make
like starting to document the process of me doing
sure there’s that space to grow, which I think is so
all these things. So then I may not put it out now,
smart, and I don’t think we see that as much these
but in years to come, I’ll have enough footage to
days. Do you think you’ve been able to build a
put together something that’s really cool.
fan base open to that change in artistry? FAUX: Yeah. I was just definitely one of those
LUNA: That’ll be really cool. This is more big picture but of course, now especially more than
people that was not trying to blow up too fast.
ever, there’s an expectation for an artist to be
I definitely had the opportunity to do that, but I
an active advocate for something and use their
felt like I needed to think about 10 years ahead
platform for more than music. I saw in the Pitchfork
of my time.
interview from earlier this, you mentioned you don’t want that to really overshadow you just
I’m also a pretty private person. I share what
expressing yourself in your music. So how are
I wanna share, but I’m very private and I’m not
you finding that balance between advocating
really interested in the idea of people obsessing
for what you do genuinely care about, but also
over what I’m doing or who I’m dating. People
keeping the focus on your creative work?
don’t need to be obsessed with my person.
Y E K W O L Y E K W O L R A T S R E P SU R A T
LUNA
FAUX: Well, I don’t really think I have to find a balance. I
FAUX: It’s just gonna make you understand that I also
just live my life and I care about the things that I care about.
understand what’s going on but I already understand it and
I don’t really see the things that I care about or that I speak
I don’t need to prove that to anybody. I don’t need to prove
about overshadowing my work per se. I also don’t want
to the world that I care about Black people or that I care
to center myself to make people care about me because I
about LGBTQ rights. I don’t need to prove that to anybody.
speak about certain issues. It’s bigger than me.
I live that shit every single day.
It gets really tricky to not be put on a pedestal. I guess you
LUNA: I really like your point about just being open to
can’t really help what people do or if people choose to
growth and change because I feel like that’s the most
idolize you. You can’t really help if people do that, but I
important thing. This can be as broad as you wanna take it,
know for me, I’m just very conscious of how I present myself
but what intentions do you have for the rest of 2020?
or come off because I don’t want people to idolize me. FAUX: Staying sane. The thing is, it’s literally something I need people to understand that people need space to
every fucking day and so I just feel like I can’t plan for
grow and I’m not saying that for everything that a person
anything. I can only just try to stay sane in this moment and
could do or every action that could be seen as inappropriate.
make sure my friends and family are good as well because
I’m saying there are certain things that a person could do
I can’t make any plans. You see I made plans this year and
or could say that I feel like if they got different information,
look what happened.
they may have a change of heart, and should be given the space to change their mind.
LUNA: Despite not being able to make plans, what can we expect from you in the coming months?
I think more for me, I would just rather find a way to do something through action than speak on it, you know what
FAUX: Right now, it’s just the clothes. I’ve been working on
I mean? Because I feel anything I want to say has already
music features too - I still do music. It’s just my own music
been said and 1000 times better than I could articulate.
I’m not super focused on. So you’ll see me on features,
I don’t need to reiterate points that have already being
you’ll see me on people’s projects.
made, I just need to find ways of making actionable change. LUNA: Your tweet isn’t gonna necessarily change the system.
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UNITY
Photo By Josh Murray / Eugene Spread Design By Julia Im
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Evie Grimmittt / Indianapolis
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Unity When we come together, we create a catalyst effect for positive change. The bright smiles and voices that collectively unite to be heard, the shouts of our greatest ally’s that brings hope into our hearts. In the face of uncertainty, we fight, we chase, we strive. There is always something to share, something to hold and I feel for every person searching for love. The kind of love that makes them feel a part of something. In this world, we can never be truly alone. We are all the same organic matter that remains universally connected. Together, we can create a better world. Together, we can unite and become something beautiful. - Alessandra Salviani / Melbourne
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Alicia Karsonopoero
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Victoria Campa
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back to my childhood home i walk through the door straight into the warmth of open arms, beaming smiles greet me from frames on the wall. i sidestep the creek of the seventh step, making my way to the second door on the right to see everything is exactly as i left it. as the harmonious kitchens sounds and laughter from my brother reach me i realise i will never belong anywhere as perfectly as i belong in this home - Holly Berry / Essex
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Sarah Ritter By Alex Rose Lang / Los Angeles
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two sun obliterated
on the blade that is
— you
breath like a murmur just like dusk under
the moon’s commentary silver discs
balanced upon the
shoulders of our youth spanning out quietly across a body that is
— yours
things that belong to
the sunshine on tuesday
or green swimming pools the pinpoints of light a chosen malady
we drape around us beads made of clay
and children outside
running through houses remind us of
— youth
not a greased token
to simply be swallowed but water pulsing on the bottom of the riverbed
sometimes early
sometimes sleepy
but all the same to
— me
- Kari Trail / Menlo Park
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Kate Anderson / Oakland
Le Quyen Nguyen / Berlin
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Spencer.
Story By Joy Saha | Photos By Michael DeCristo | Design By Cassiel Arcilla
INCORPORATING LO-FI BEATS AND ELECTRONIC INFLUENCES, THE GENRE-BENDING SPENCER. CONTINUES TO NAVIGATE THE CREATIVE SCENE WHILE SEARCHING FOR HIS OWN DISTINCT MUSIC IDENTITY. In 2018, Spencer Allen, better known as Spencer.,
D’Angelo and Erykah Badu – 2000’s music, new jazz and
Back” --
that he “fucks with Thundercat” and loves any music that
made his musical mark with the hit single “Want U
modern rap. As an honorable mention, Spencer. adds
a silky tune that showcases the richness,
melodious and almost honey-like qualities within his
features a thumping beat he can bounce and vibe to.
prominent vocals. Continuing his streak of viral hits,
Spencer. released his popular bop “Automatic” in
Spencer.’s own creative artistry and music define
latest singles “2much”, “Hold It Down” and “Maybe.”
months have introduced an extra bit of creative
2019 and now in 2020 he’s back yet again with his The
20-year-old
setting
off
and
artist’s
he
creative
recently
journey
transitioned
is
his identity as a musician. Although the quarantine
just
from
stagnation, Spencer. is going against it all and striving
a
to pursue his passions and goals to the fullest.
solo musical project into a collaborative one after signing a record deal and partnership with 4AD.
During the past couple of months, he’s been bouncing
“I feel like the label’s just been a nice powerhouse
-- experiencing the best of both worlds in each
back between Rochester, his hometown, and Brooklyn
for my music and I just definitely get to focus more
city. Even though the ongoing pandemic has put
on making songs,” says Spencer. “It’s cool because it
a halt on his tours and live performances, he’s not
doesn’t really interfere with my process that much…
letting those setbacks dampen his creative aura.
it’s definitely like leaning on each other which is nice.”
“Being in Rochester made me feel a little more
Within his new musical chapter, Spencer. is experimenting sonically and
and
synthetic
transitioning sound
that
to
a
more
incorporates
creative than if I was going to be in New York,”
electronic
he
software
said.
“So
yeah,
[quarantine]
has
definitely
impacted me positively in terms of creativeness.”
instrumentals and beats. His signature lo-fi sound
and drum-break features are now being intertwined
His time in Rochester and his own upbringing in New
evidence that he recognizes his range and isn’t afraid to
a “cooler” sense of style. Musicians in Rochester and
with software drums and more electronic elements –
York have impacted his music and inspired him to adapt
expand beyond the creative box he was previously in.
the local shows he attended – like live rap shows – all inspired Spencer. to experiment with the musical beats
“I love a lot of electronic stuff like Charli XCX, that
featured in his tunes. In New York, Spencer. found
whole group of super future girls are so sick to me,”
inspiration amongst different forms of music and the
he shares. But his music taste goes beyond that and
flourishing creative and urban scenes within the city.
stretches back to old school R&B – like the works of
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LUNA
“I definitely was [drawn] to a lot of musical stuff
platform, it’s important to set an example
everyone in New York was making music that’s
recently organized a T-shirt collaboration to
and instrumental detail,” he says. “But then
really cool. So I was like, ‘Yo! I also want to make music that’s really cool.’ It definitely has an impact
for others.” Spencer. adds that his roommate
raise money and give back to their community.
on how I make my own music too,” he adds.
Currently, Spencer. is writing new music and also
Dapperton,
he’s exploring more of. He’s working on a few
Spending part of 2019 touring with Gus collaborations
and
musical
features encourage refinement in Spencer.’s
work, even though such opportunities usually arrive towards the end of his musical projects. “The people that I collaborate with are super
special to me because they get the musical vision of what I’m going for,” he says. “It’s cool because right before or right after I finish doing all my touches, I’ll bring it to somebody and…we get to build a whole track together.”
Within the current political landscape and amidst the ongoing social justice movements, Spencer. is striving to use his platforms for
change,
some video-work for other artists and creatives.
“Music is a little bit thematic and it only feels
right to be paired with a visual and sometimes it helps to get the point across just a little bit
more,” says Spencer. “Also, making videos is just so fun and having multiple videos is sick!” After
releasing
a
collection
of
individual
singles and EPs over the last three years, Spencer.’s main goal for both 2020 and
2021 is to finally put out a full-length album. “I feel like [an album] can also connect with
organizations. Spencer. recently raised money
get attached and listen to it for a while
governments,
particularly
self-directed projects but hopes to one day do
within
local
social
dabbling in videography – another creative outlet
administrations
and
and donated proceeds to the Rochester chapter of the Boys & Girls Club of America.
“It’s a very big time for activism right now,”
a bigger body of work where [people] can
and digest it,” he adds. “So I’m definitely
looking forward to doing that because it’s not
Spencer. says, “To me, if you do have a
89
something
I’ve
done
100%
before.”
Photos By Darrell Jackson
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MIDSOMMAR Photos By Andrea Riba
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LUNA THE
COLLECTIVE
The Luna Collective is a platform for the creative community spotlighting a variety of young artists. Our film only magazine highlights talented individuals we come across as well as the work of our readers. The magazine is only one part of The Luna Collective so join us to see what else we get up to.
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THIS ISSUE’S TEAM Founder & Editor In Chief: Sophie Gragg Creative Director: Nikoli Partiyeli Graphic Designers: Cassiel Arcilla, Olivia Boryczewski, Jas Calcitas, Will Catto, Julia Im & Khristine Le Photographers: Carina Allen, Donnee Buetussa, Michael DeCristo, Logan Delaney,
Zachary Francois, Darrell Jackson, Quil Lemons,
Athena Merry, Andrea Riba, Jonathan Roensch & Samone Zena Writers: Saachi Gupta, Astrid Ortega, Joy Saha & Isabella Vega
FUELED BY CREATIVES, FOR CREATIVES www.thelunacollectivemag.com
THE LUNA COLLECTIVE â„¢ 2020