Aidan Tulloch, artist and activist, spoke with us on how the nationwide lockdown helped him to push forth to create his new EP “Somewhere With Out Lights.” With songs like “Song For Armageddon”, Aidan is already discussing what we are all currently feeling in his music. When Aidan isn’t busy writing music or at school, he is actively sharing music with elderly, refugee asylum seekers, and adults with learning disabilities — after all, “music is something that unites us all together”. Please read further to learn more about Aidan, his music, and how he is giving back.

Art, zIssue 26, zIssue 26.2Jejune ContributorSeptember 24, 2020music, musician, youngmusician, songwriter, singer, singer song writer, artist, covid-19, elderly, Immigration, UK, poetComment

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.

Robert Eberle Has Had Enough

Robert Eberle, Long Island, New York native and musician, has had Enough. Like many of us, he has been watching the mounting issues with police brutality towards the Black population with anger and frustration. Taking to his craft, Robert teamed up with Versa the Band and Don Da Menace to help get the message out that this is Enough and things need to change. Please read our exclusive interview below with Robert Eberle.

Get Colorful With Creative Curls

Creative Curls (Erina Nyonyintono) is known for her colorful and creative acrylic paintings that celebrate and bring awareness to the traditions and cultures of predominantly black and ethnic minority groups. Through her art, she hopes to teach others about how representation matters, giving a population the ability to see themselves in her paintings. She "just wants to share colour, light and positivity to all those that follow.” To learn more about Creative Curls, please read our exclusive interview here.

Ashley Zarah's Empowering And Fun Feminist Escapades

In times where social injustices are at the forefront of the new media cycle and in digital discourse, it only makes sense that those seeking justice would similarly have a powerful presence. Iranian/American pop artist Ashley Zarah not only offers a distinct light-hearted take on feminism, she does so with a uniqueness that leaves an imprint on those who listen.

Ashley recently released a new music video for her fan-favorite single "My Boyfriend", a feminist empowerment anthem retelling Zarah’s courage in a relationship gone wrong. Other tracks, like “Control”, take a true introspective investigation on perceptions of ourselves internally and external labels built on facades and powerlessness.

Zarah's highly anticipated project, the Better Mess - LP, is currently in pre-production for release in the Fall of 2020, leading with fan-favorite, "My Boyfriend," as its first single. For this single, she is donating $5 to the Yemen humanitarian crisis for every pre-save the song gets. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more abut Ashley Zarah.

Art, zIssue 25Jejune ContributorAugust 27, 2020music, singer, singer song writer, #singerComment

Budda Oeuvre: Art Through A Shared Experience

Art is a conflation of our minds imagery, personal experiences, and intellectual or creative wherewithal, immortalizing each piece as a symbol reflective of an idea or concept. When art becomes culturally relevant and reflects a specific viewpoint within a mishmash of conflicting contemporary thought, we attach prolificacy, when it would be apt to declare society at large late to the experiences of its own people. Many artists, regardless of race, creed, or sexuality, will naturally have a heightened understanding and capacity of expression, due to first hand world experiences — both good and bad.

Maryland based free-hand artist, Maché Turner aka “Budda Oeuvre”, creates her works via inspiration from her thoughts and experiences. Much of her art features bright dynamic colors in a cartoonish style. Her pieces vary in subject matter ranging from pop culture, to social issues, race, and more. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Budda Oeuvre.

Art, zIssue 25Jejune ContributorAugust 7, 2020Art, art, artist, #artist, black lives matter, women in business, blackgirlmagic, black rights, paintingsComment

Reunited, Ebony Buckle's Fight For Immigration

The debate on immigration is riddled with controversy and divisiveness, yet distinctively universal. In America, we commonly think of the debate of immigration being associated with illegal immigration through the influx of aliens via the U.S. southern border. The UK faces a similar discussion. Those in favor of loosening stringent migration standards argue that countries can benefit from a greater cultural diversity, flexible labour markets, and a solution to aging populations. Those in favor of more secure borders often state free borders can result in lower wages for unskilled workers, overpopulation, and a negative impact on GDP per capita. With all said, it seems that like most political debates, an agreeable consensus seems distant. However, despite this, what remains true are the families and individuals suffering through the process.

UK artist Ebony Buckle experienced the impacts of tight UK immigration laws first hand. Her new single “Ghost” chronicles her plight with immigration when her marriage visa was refused shortly after her wedding, resulting in a two year separation from her husband. This experience inspired her to partner with the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) to help fight for Asylum Seekers’ rights and provide legal support, food, medical support and more. Please read our exclusive interview to learn more about Ebony Buckle.

Art, zIssue 25Jejune ContributorAugust 4, 2020music, musician, singer, singer song writer, #singer, Immigration, immigrant, covid-19, humanity, human right, human rightsComment

Brandon Ash-Mohammed: A Place For Black Queer Comics

What does it mean to be a comedian in 2020? The etymology of comedy is derived from 14c., it was "narrative with a happy ending; any composition intended for amusement," from Old French comedie (14c.), "a poem" (not in the theatrical sense) and directly from Latin comoedia. Comedic styles have differed throughout the ages, some more performative in execution, some story driven, and others purely satirical.

Comedians have become the layman’s philosopher, they tackle topics, personal, relatable, controversial. They dissect our societal norms and provide a humorous analysis on our values. Brandon Ash-Mohammed is part of a new generation of comedians carving his own lane in stand up. For starters, he is the first ever queer black Canadian comedian to release a comedy album, Capricornication. Brandon is also the creator of The Ethnic Rainbow, Canada’s first and only comedy show for LGBTQ comedians of colour. Please read our exclusive interview to earn more about Brandon Ash-Mohammed.

Art, zIssue 25Jejune ContributorAugust 3, 2020comedy, performers, performing, gay, LGBTQ+, lgbtq, LGBTQ, lgbt, LGBTQ rights, racial justice, black rights, African AmericanComment

Let Them Eat Cake (LTEC) - The Show Must Go On!

Let me tell you about Let Them Eat Cake (LTEC)! LTEC is a super fun aerial/circus/pole/burlesque show, and they were one of the first shows to quickly transport their show to the internet. While the rest of us were still shell shocked, Ina Du and Brenna Bradbury were planning on how they could keep us sane in the midsts of all this. Basically, within two weeks of the NYC lockdown, LTEC had their first online show, Homemade Edition, and they have been having a show every Thursday since (although, we believe they will be moving to every other Thursday now). To learn more, read our exclusive interview here, and tune into their show tonight!

Francois Klark Bring ASL To His Music

As a well decorated artist, Francois Klark has won a number of awards, including the Oscar Peterson Award, Standard Bank Award for best original composition, and Most Promising Performing Solo Artist. His latest song, ‘Always’, recently got picked up by Resonate Entertainment to appear in their Netflix dance film, ‘Feel The Beat’, where the company, which has a deaf member, played by deaf actress Shaylee Mansfield, beautifully brings American Sign Language (ASL) into the choreography. This, along with Shaylee Mansfield’s instagram movement, #InstaCaptioning, inspired Francois to include an American Sign Language interpretation of the song, in addition to choreography that is influenced by the restraints of COVID-19, for his music video ‘Always’. Please read our exclusive interview to learn more about Francois Klark.

Art, zIssue 24Jejune ContributorJuly 21, 2020music, musician, singer, singer song writer, #singer, ASL, deaf, deaf cultureComment

Bear Walker: The Skateboard Craftsman

The skateboarding subculture has long thrived on it rebellious inclinations. Quite like graffiti and punk rock subcultures, skateboarding held an anti-establishment sensibility derived from pure instinct. In the late 80s - 90s, when the popularity of vert skating was on the decline, many skaters turned to street skating as a means of accessibility to complex spots. However, in recent times the modern perception of skateboarding has changed drastically. Skateboard decks are now seen as genuine art pieces and even designed by revered artists, designer fashion houses, and collected in mass with brands like Supreme at the forefront of the revolution. Some skateboard artists are even taking their art and using it for good.

Bear Walker creates custom boards by incorporating intricate carving techniques, encompassing aspects of art and functionality. For every board sold, the Bear Walker brand plants two trees. In addition, they’ve also partnered with Shazam’s Zachary Levi to help create a limited edition run of skateboards that were auctioned off with all proceeds going to Covenant House. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Bear Walker and his beautiful boards.

Art, zIssue 24Jejune ContributorJuly 13, 2020sports, #sports, #positivity, Art, artisans, art, artist, environment, eco friendly, climate change, Eco-Friendly, #eco-friendlyComment

Minhee Jones - 6 Feet Apart...

Musician Minhee Jones is an international melting pot of harmonies. Originally from Los Angeles, the London based artist denotes early classical influences from the likes of Beethoven. Her identity as biracial, born Korean and Black, helped to bolster the complexities of her artistry.

Directly off her new EP, the single “6 Feet,” was an almost prophetic analysis of mindfulness — of course more relevant, and literal, now amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. With lyrics like “we stay 6 feet apart to stay 6 feet above”, this song is essentially an anthem to what we are living through right now.

In addition to being a powerful musician, Minhee teamed up with Fender, Ford, and Co-op Food and broke three Guinness World Records by playing concerts in 51 cities in 7 days to raise money and awareness for Music Venue Trust. Minhee encapsulates a mix of soulful rebellion, perhaps an ode to her punk bass playing roots. As an instrumentalist, specializing in drums, bass, analog synths, piano and vintage harmonium, it is her prolific style and adventurous nature that enables her to march to the beat of her own drum. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about Minhee Jones.

KaylaRae Resin Designs: Coast Conscious Art

It is well known that natural occurring phenomenon bound by the confines of nature exists within the scope of divinity and omnipotence. Nature is mystifying, powerful, yet fragile. It serves to inspire and enlighten; it helps grapple with mortality in a system of reciprocity rooted in life and death — the circle of life.

Laguna Beach based artist, Mikayla Gierut explores natural oceanic and seaside geographical theme using epoxy resin. It is a direct nod to her coastal upbringing and environmental science background. She creates one of a kind cheeseboards using renewable materials such as ethically sourced wood, diverting almost all studio waste from the landfills via reutilization, and using a non-toxic, no VOC, natural based/food safe resin. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Mikayla Gierut and her art.

Welcome to Polartropica's Queer Celestial Dimension

Dreams Come True, Polartropica's debut album, creates a sonically tangible nexus into her ethereal fantasy dimension. The LA based, Taiwanese born pop star uses a unique combination of futuristic synths and classical string arrangements to generate her signature celestial sound. She remains true to her indie electropop roots, as seen in her 2016 EP Astrodreams.

The 10 track album explores the complexities between the reciprocal elements that make up Polartropica. It is an examination both fleeting, yet crucial. The album dials in on Polartropica's relationships, world news and her experiences as a queer Asian-American living in California.

Polartropica’s beliefs and values can seen through her actions and lifestyle. She embraces her LGBTQ identity and holds fundraisers for the LGBTQ community and the Los Angeles LGBTQ center. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Polartropica.

Art, zIssue 23Jejune ContributorJune 1, 2020music, musician, Asian, #singer, singer, singer song writer, LGBTQ+, lgbtq, LGBTQ, lgbt, #positivity, community, Pride Month, prideComment

Feminism and Mental Health: The Diary of Sravya Attaluri

“Today I choose to be happy.” These are very powerful words coming from artist and illustrator Sravya Attaluri. These are words we can all learn to live by a little more. Art is used for many things, but one of my favorites is when it is used to make you happy and to celebrate yourself. Well, I’m also all about it being used to fight the man and bring light to important issues. The beautiful thing about Sravya’s work is that she does all of the above! Born in India, raised in Korea and Hong Kong, Sravya uses her artistic and creative prowess to encourage feminist thought and debunk mental health stigmas. Please look here to read our exclusive interview with Sravya and see some of our favorites.

Hilary Roberts: From Pain to Happiness and Everything in Between

For Hilary Roberts, music goes beyond a top spot on the Billboard top 100 (she's got plenty of those); it’s multipurpose in function and personal. Hilary, as a victim of abuse, creates music to help encourage and strengthen the many who suffered through similar experiences.

She founded the Red Songbird Foundation which aims to help survivors of trauma caused by sexual, physical, and verbal abuse, by providing counseling, assisting members to enter treatment.

Hilary is currently working on finishing her first LP. Her past chart-toppers released this year include “There For You,” (charted #3 on Billboard Dance Club Chart in the US) and “Back To Life” (charted #1 on Billboard's Dance Club Chart in the US) and "Fight to the Other Side”. Please read our exclusive interview to learn about Hillary.

Just Comics' Commitment To Reduce Suffering

Amidst all the corporate deceit and uncertainty, there are some individuals who remain undeterred and true to their own values. They use their platforms to speak their hearts and hope others follow suit. Comic book artist Joan Chan, also known as Just Comics, makes it her duty and obligation to help mitigate the suffering animals and harm to our Earth. How? You may ask. Of course through comics! Read more here!

The Highway Women Are Creating A Buzz

Comprised of band mates Drew Haley, Amanda Pruitt, Heather Harper, and Kristen Kae, The Highway Women are creating a buzz in the country music scene. The Highway Women are an all female music band bringing a feminist perspective to the modern country sound. In their new single God Made Me Right, themes of women’s empowerment are celebrated through self-love and confidence. God Made Me Right is an anthem embracing body positivity and the power of womanhood. Please read our exclusive interview to learn about The Highway Women and their work.

Annie Tisshaw Is A Firecracker

Are you a woman, or man, who goes to the Women’s Marches? Are you looking for the right music to pump you up for the ever increasing revolution of our time? Wonderful, you need to immediately download all of Annie Tisshaw’s music now. You are welcome! This no nonsense Brit will have you cheering with her tunes in no time. Annie’s feminist nature comes out in her music as she sings about men sexualizing her and her body. Please read here to learn more about this fierce woman, her bad ass music, and her experiences with sexual assault and helping others.

Eco Art of Natalia Kapchuk

Many people worry about ecological challenges we face nowadays such as global warming, plastic pollution, biodiversity loss, glacier melting and many others. How does climate change reflect on contemporary art? Natalia Kapchuk is an artist, art ambassador for The Parliamentary Society of Arts, Fashion and Sports (UK), ambassador for Monaco Better World Forum (MBWF) and philanthropist, supports charity organizations dedicated to protecting the nature and oceans, and creates environmental-centric artworks about our world and ecological problems. To learn more about the eco art movement and Natalia’s art project ‘The Lost Planet’ read further in our interview here.