From her debut on American Idol to her collaborations with Kelly Clarkson, Daisy Close has made her mark in the music industry with her distinctive voice. Emerging as a rising star, Daisy embodies the true spirit of an artist and she is currently in the works on her debut EP for her loyal fans. Amidst her busy schedule, Daisy also finds time to support St. Jude's, spreading joy to children as an inspiration and spearheading efforts to provide school supplies for underprivileged students. Daisy Close stands out as a fresh voice for the next wave of artists, and her journey promises more exciting ventures in the years to come. Explore further to discover more about Daisy!

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 54, zissue 54.1Chelsea ChanApril 26, 2024American Idol, singer, artist, charitywork, christmas, singing, performerComment

Giddy Up with the Americana Rock Band Me Nd Adam

The rambunctious duo, Me Nd Adam, are making their mark in the alternative rock scene. Straight out of Texas, the pair found their way to music through the depths of life, and have since used their talents to encourage others to keep going. With the release of their newest album American Drip Pt.II this July, we got a chance to chat with the group about their inspiration behind some of the singles and the message of the album itself. Keep reading to learn more about these rocker trailblazers and how they not only rock out but give back their community.

The Hoosiers Are Back With Confidence!

Irwin Sparkes and Alan Sharland are the dynamic duo that make up The Hoosiers. These UK Lads got their start in Indiana with their debut album The Trick To Life which became an instant success on the UK charts in 2007. This fall they are back with a new album Confidence which is set to release and begin its UK tour this September. The Hoosiers continue to spread positive messages through their music as well as their variety of charity work with organizations like Off The Fence, Salusbury World, and Sane. Keep reading to learn more about what inspires The Hoosiers, behind the scenes of tour life, and the extent of their charity work.

Dan Pallotta - Back To Where It All Began

Dan Pallotta is going back to where it all began! Pallotta has dabbled in a variety of fields, such as creating charity events and running for politics, but his music career is making a comeback and we are all ready! With new albums and singles, such as "John F. Kennedy," already released and new plans for music in the future, Pallotta is about to dominate the music world! Continue reading to learn more about his return to music, his single, "John F. Kennedy," his philanthropic events, and exciting new music on the way! You don't want to miss it!

Deborah Alessi is Face Forward - Not All Heroes Wear Capes

Not all heroes wear capes! Deborah Alessi, the founder of Face Forward, is changing lives, and if you haven't heard of her yet, now is the time. Face Forward is a not-for-profit organization that provides free life-changing surgeries and emotional support to those who have been victims of cruel acts. Alessi and her organization have witnessed some of the most heartbreaking stories, which is why we are overjoyed that they have grown to over 13 countries and are still rapidly expanding! Face Forward is a truly special and powerful organization. Please keep reading to learn more about Face Forward, upcoming fundraising events, and ways you can get involved.

Laura Turner: The Underrepresentation Of Abuse

East Midlands-based screenwriter Laura Turner gives voices to those who suffer from abusive relationships. With her recent film Lapwing, Laura aids us with a magnificent period piece that highlights the rather underrepresented topics of emotional, physical, and verbal abusive partnerships. Laura makes it her mission to dismantle stigmas around the conversation of abuse and, of course, uses her love of screenwriting to push harrowing stories like Lapwing to the forefront of media. Laura and Lapwing's story is empowering, and Jejune is so excited to share them both! We highly encourage you to check out Lapwing. The film's streaming link can be found at the end of this interview! Please enjoy! And if you are intrigued by Laura's screenwriting talents, her work with domestic abuse victims and organizations, and her upcoming projects, please continue reading below!

zIssue 40, ArtSAMANTHA COLÓNFebruary 7, 2022Film, film festival, producer, domestic violence, #emotionalabuse, movie, Directors, executive, charityworkComment

Remembering Stefan Pruett, aka The Guidance, for his Life, Sound, and Impact

Jejune is remembering Stefan Pruett, aka The Guidance, after he tragically passed away during the summer of 2020. To honor his life and his music, Pruett’s family and his producer Jeremy Dawson have decided to continue with the release of his upcoming album, This Is Now. With the release of the album next year, there will be a memorial and tribute show at Crescent Ballroom in Phoenix, AZ on January 15th, 2022. Proceeds will go to Rosie’s House and Heal International. Read on to learn more about Stefan Pruett and the impact he leaves with his music.

Kaylyn WenzelOctober 29, 2021InMemoryOf, TheGuidance, music, musician, charity, charitywork, impact, arizona, tanzania, InMemorium, Inspiring, RosiesHouse, PhoenixComment

COVER: Susie Abromeit - A Force To Be Reckoned With!

A bombshell beauty with brains! Enter: Susie Abromeit. This Los Angeles-based queen is everything we've been looking for! As an accomplished actress, model, and singer, she has much to offer, and we're in love. You will be too! Before her success in the entertainment industry, she was a ranking NCAA professional tennis player. Talk about a woman who can do it all!

Without a doubt, Susie is a familiar face to many. She is the incredible Pamela (us fans call her Pammy) on the Netflix Original Hit series Marvel's Jessica Jones and Mrs. Hardin on The Forever Purge, a recently released action movie. Susie's range is unbelievable! She managed to do a total 180 in her professional world and still come out on top, as victorious as ever. In this interview. We're so glad she is open to writing a book about her experiences (fingers -crossed) because we can't get enough!

But no chance the inspiration stops there. While off-screen, Susie is hard at work to build a better world. She is heavily involved in philanthropic projects such as Represent.us and other world-altering organizations. With Represent.us, Susie and other beautiful people infiltrate the political system and educate others to reshape a corrupt institution. "We the People" will have a place at the table! Jejune is so excited to sit down with Susie and chop it up with this absolute star! In this interview, we cover Susie's love for tennis, her upcoming projects, and her selfless work as an ambassador with Not For Sale: an operation that counters modern-day slavery. Susie is truly a force to be reckoned! Please continue reading below for Susie’s cover feature.

Creativity Never Stops for Lara Mamoun

What’s the best thing about creativity? You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have. Despite being a multi-Award Winning screenwriter, this artist continues seeking creative challenges to become the best version of herself. The artist is Lara Mamoun! Aside from her directed film — My World — screened at Plaza Theater recently, the driven Atlanta screenwriter is simultaneously working with Netflix, directing her first feature film and assistant directing a dramatic all-Black production. Above and beyond, she expanded her horizons and dove into the Comedy and Music world, where she is a cast member of a live-sketch comedy show and is currently on the move to launch her first EP — Purple Skies. There is no stopping when it comes to Lara Mamoun and Jejune is here for it. Come check out our interview with Mamoun to learn more about her exciting creative journey as she pushes boundaries to become the best version of herself.

COVER - Welcome Tahj Mowry

Anyone looking for an actor to completely obsess over? Well ding ding ding, Tahj Mowry is your guy! Yes, you heard that right, the Tahj Mowry. Based in Los Angeles, this triple threat prodigy is nothing short of an icon. You may know him as the adorable kid from Seventeen again or TJ Henderson from Smartguy. Well not anymore. Tahj is all grown up and bringing bigger and better projects to the acting industry. One of Tahj’s recent flicks, “Welcome Matt”, further enforces this idea. “Welcome Matt” is a movie that represents how all of us have been feeling during the pandemic. He brings the important message of anxiety and mental health to the big screen and serves it with stomach crunching comedy suitable for the perfect movie night. Popcorn is a must!

Besides being a well-rounded actor making waves in the comedy and drama scene, Tahj also spends his time heavily invested in charitable organizations. You can find him sponsoring a child in the Dominican Republic through “Project Mañana”, by supplying necessities and education to those in need. Tahj often forgets he is refereed to as an influential seasoned actor, but we can’t see why. Jejune is excited to speak with Tahj about his upcoming projects, all of his awesome ways of giving back to those less fortunate, and his continued approach to exuding black excellence. Sit down, take a load off, and enjoy this powerful cover feature with Tahj Mowry.

Gabriella Stella: The Power of Healing Through Music

Being born with talent in singing and growing up in a Rock ‘n’ Roll music scene gives you Gabriella Stella. The Dallas-based popstar finds inspiration in her identity, her life experiences, and most recently, her relationships. Her latest single, “Dirty Laundry,” is inspired by the heartbreak she’d gone through which brings out vulnerability yet encourages healing. Despite heartbreaks, she comes back stronger and shares her talent further through her advocacy work for Treasured Vessels and Melody of Hope. Come with Jejune on a ride to explore her journey in finding love for herself through music and advocacy work. Check out our exclusive interview below!

Niki Tonik on Finding Balance With Double Life

What is the first thing that comes to mind about Yin and Yang? Duality. Niki Tonik is the real-life version of Hannah Montana, except for the part of concealing her second identity. The American-Israeli finds balance in life and sharing positivity through her dual identities as a recording artist and a Taoist Tonic Herbalism master. Both identities fulfill and satisfy different areas of Niki’s life and her needs for different reasons. Follow Jejune and dive in together in our exclusive interview with Niki on her perspective from the “Yin” (Israeli–Palestinian conflict) to the “Yang” (her exciting double life).

New Directions with Paula DeAnda

Paula DeAnda is glamorous and grateful. The Texas native and 2000s' icon comes back stronger and sexier with her latest single, “Freaky.” With her new song, DeAnda shows her maturity as an artist and a woman, encouraging listeners that they can find a source of empowerment within themselves. DeAnda is always looking ahead, finding ways to give back through her music. Jejune had the opportunity to talk with DeAnda about her amazing music career, all things “Freaky”, and what she’s hopeful as we progress into a post-pandemic reality. To learn more about Paula DeAnda, continue reading below.

Ålesund’s World of Dreams

The Bristol-based alt-pop band Ålesund is a master of fantasy. Their latest single, Lighting, delivers new age with an edge. Here at Jejune, the song is being played on repeat, and we couldn’t be more excited to learn about Ålesund’s creative vision. Led by powerhouse vocalist Alba Torriset, the band is cultivating a dreamy, Nordic-inspired image of freedom and self-expression. We sat down with Torriset to discuss their upcoming EP, A Thread in the Dark, the message behind Lighting’s eclectic music video, and how Torriset, alongside collaborator and producer Jake Bright give back to causes that matter to them - from food banks to the British Red Cross. To find out more about Ålesund, read below.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 31Jejune ContributorApril 23, 2021band, indie, alternative music, Bristol, british, refugee, Immigration, charitywork, music video, music, UK, Art, artistComment

Connor Dean’s Perfect Ace

Connor Dean is a triple A - an actor, and athlete, and an advocate. From Butch the Bully, to the Young Entertainer Awards, to the USTA (United States Tennis Association), Connor Dean remains humble and relatable. And like many of us, he is having a blast on TikTok - despite his accomplishments. Dean is also passionate about humanitarianism, his collaborations with organizations like the Leukemia Foundation and Starlight Children’s Foundation will not go unnoticed. Jejune, curious as always, sat down with Connor Dean to learn more about his work as an actor and ambassador, as well as his tennis chops. For more on Connor Dean, read below.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 30Jejune ContributorMarch 26, 2021Actor, athlete, Humanitarian, charitywork, cancer, nonprofit, tiktok, leukemia, kids, teens, teen star, tennisComment

Brooke Law Reminds Us About The True Meaning of Christmas

London-born British singer and songwriter, Brooke Law, is an electrifying artist with a heart. She has written with leading producers who have worked with Ellie Goulding, Dua Lipa, and Lana Del Ray. In 2019, she was selected by BBC Asian Network and BBC Music Introducing Essex as one of their ‘Artist to Watch’. Her new single for Christmas 2020, “Home,” is a highly emotive song that poignantly conveys the sadness of finding yourself apart from a loved one at Christmas. It also sheds light on the homeless predicament impacted by 320,000 people in the UK. 100% of the proceeds of her new single will go to the UK Charity, Crisis. Brooke hopes that her song will not only reach out emotionally to those in need but also provide practical help through donations. It is from this bedrock of family ‘unity-through-diversity’, strength, and positive action that motivates Brooke to express her values and beliefs through her music. Please read our interview with Brooke Law to learn more about her and her new single, “Home.”

Who Runs the World? Shannon K

Jejune recently sat down with singer/songwriter Shannon K to talk about her latest single, “RUN,” which was released in September. The catchy song and beautiful music video epitomize her personality, passion, and raw talent. Shannon’s music is known throughout the world and she has an extremely loyal fan base. She has collaborated with numerous high-profile songwriters and producers such as Poo Bear (Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, etc.), and Infinity (Rita Ora, Mary J.Blige, Ludacris). What sets the singer apart is her versatility. She has strong musical and acting talents, well-educated and traveled, and has a unique style. When Shannon isn’t recording or performing, she spends her time working with charities such as Love is Louder (supporting mental health), Animal Equality (go vegan), and Boo To Bully (Anti-bullying). She hopes to use her music as a platform to express herself as well as support the causes she cares about most.

Nadia Vaeh - Rising From Tragedy

With the music industry at a low and mental illness at a high, Nadia Vaeh, a self defined conscious pop singer, gives us an inside look at how she rose from tragedy. From losing her mother at the age of 17 to suicide, Nadia discusses with us her mental illness evolution and how she's giving back. If you listen, most of Nadia's music has a passionate message behind the lyrics, and her new song RiSE is no exception. When she isn't creating works of art, Nadia partners with organizations like “Peace Over Violence”, a non profit dedicated to fighting domestic violence and sexual assault, the Human Rights Campaign, and many more. Read our exclusive interview with her below.