Scott Magnus: Nothing Is Bigger Than Loving Yourself

Sometimes people need to hear that no mistake is bigger than us. Sometimes a song can remind us to love ourselves. Manchester-based actor and musician Scott Magnus's debut single “Diamond In The Rough” is the first in a series of singles being released from his six-track EP Comeback Stronger. It teaches us to accept ourselves and our mistakes, loving ourselves without thinking about what others say about us. Scott Magnus has amassed an ever-growing fanbase who not only enjoys his covers and original songs, but also the sketch comedy he creates and performs prolifically. He is an outspoken supporter of people with disabilities, particularly those with learning difficulties because he has ADHD, Autism, and Dyspraxia. Scott turns the experiences he encounters as someone with disabilities into music that can heal, and inspire anyone facing difficult obstacles. Check out our interview below to find out more about Scott Magnus.

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 36Başak YirmibeşogluSeptember 21, 2021#music, #scottmagnus, #autism, #ADHD, #actor, disability, disability rights, learning disabilities, ADHD, musicComment

Melissa Lamm: Finding Happiness Right Where You Are

When pandemic pessimism is back on the rise more than ever, it makes some of us more productive. Toronto-based musician Melissa Lamm is one of them. She spent last summer's lockdown on her balcony. While the pandemic upset her honeymoon plans, she wrote a song about it. Her latest single ‘Balcony’ is about appreciating every moment wherever you are. Other than her chill pop melodies, she does a lot of live-stream fundraisers on her Twitch channel. She has been raising money for different organizations such as Alzheimer's Research UK, Australian Brushfire Disaster, and NAACP Legal Defense And Education Fund with her live streams. We talked to Melissa Lamm about her music and lockdown days. Check out our interview below to find out more about Melissa Lamm.

Art, zIssue 36Başak YirmibeşogluSeptember 8, 2021#melissalam, #music, #popmusic, #pandemic, #covid19, #balcony, music artist, female artists, covid, lockdown, melissalammComment

Nadine Gagne Sings for a Better World

There are many things wrong happening in the world, but there are also outstanding ones. And one of them is Nadine Gagne and her work with Indigenous children in British Colombia. In the past months, hundreds of children were found in unmarked graves at former residential schools across North America, and still, many people are unaware of when and why this happened to them. Socio-economic marginalization is a vast topic, but it needs to be discussed. Gagne recently launched a song with The Star Collective Nations, called "All Nations" to bring awareness to their community and to call for love for a better and more united world. Jejune had the opportunity to interview Gagne and learn more about this beautiful project, how the Indigenous community has been dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, and much more. Please, keep reading to inspire your soul.

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.

KG Crown Sings For Righteousness

Every day is a change for the better. KG Crown is the living proof to always embrace your own individuality and never stop fighting regardless of the challenges. Why do we say that? Because she fights against all odds to pursue her dream as a Pop singer even though she (including her family) was bullied by her peers, grown-ups, and even worse, mothers and teachers from her town. Her dedication to performing resulted in her quickly garnering over 155K+ followers and 500K+ views across her platforms. She recently released an anti-bullying anthem, Bad, standing up for herself and her loves one. KG Crown is truly admirable as she further uses her platform to bring awareness to bullying and inspires her followers to stand up for themselves. Read our interview below as KG Crown gets candid about her take on bullying and her sensational journey in pursuing her dreams.

Patricia Espinosa Paints Her Mind Through Art

Art has the power to evoke emotions and allows aesthetes to ponder the meaning behind the creations. And what makes people ponder more than arts that question and challenge the perception of society’s norm? One artist that is creating art triggered by social, cultural, and political events is Patricia Espinosa. Inspired by her mother’s passion and love for the concept of simplicity, the Mexican-born artist creates artistic works that highlight neglected issues with the use of everyday objects. Espinosa further inspires the world by working with Choose Creativity and Sing for Hope to uplift people in need through the power of art and creativity. Read our interview with Patricia Espinosa below to find out more about her artistic journey and the significance behind her thought-provoking yet captivating work.

Into the Hidden Dangerous World with George Gittoes

You definitely don’t want to miss out on George Gittoes! No one is more daring and adventurous than him. The Australian native is not only an artist and photographer, he’s also a filmmaker. Gittoes has spent over 25 years witnessing life-changing moments in some of the most notorious places in the world. Despite the uncountable encountered dangers, he continues to strap on filming equipment and goes into battlefields to fight for justice and equality. The talented director and his lovely wife, Hellen Rose, have brought positive social change and shun light on the local community through a non-profit they founded, The Yellow House. Come with Jejune to understand more about his experience in the hidden dangerous world and the impact his artwork has brought to the world with our exclusive interview below.

Erika Severyns: Raising A Voice Through Music

As we grow, we start to realize the truth about being a woman in this society — we face pain, assault, unjust gender roles, voices of judgments, and discrimination. But despite this, there are so many incredible women who fight to be strong everyday. Berlin-based songwriter Erika Severyns reminds us every woman has to be the strongest woman she knows with her single Strongest Woman. She gives courage to all women, writing a song about a traumatic event in her life and opening the door to discuss sexual assault. All the proceeds from her Bandcamp album are being donated to Good Night Out, a non-profit that’s creating a safer nightlife by training spaces, event organizers, and communities to respond to and prevent sexual violence. We talked to Erika Severyns about her music career, latest album, and the MeToo movement. Check out our exclusive interview with Erika Severyns to learn more about her.

Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez: Reckoning With Male Gaze

We’re all familiar with social patriarchy —a social world organized under compulsory heterosexuality. Only the heterosexual male desire is accepted as “natural” and “normal,” whereas all other sexual practices and desires are considered as “abnormal” or “an exception.” It’s a structure prioritizes men's pleasure. Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez who is a Brooklyn-based singer/composer created her latest single “Better For You” highlighting how women contort themselves physically and emotionally to be more desirable. It shows clearly the impact of the heterosexual male gaze on women but at the same time, it shows us how women can prioritize their pleasure. She invites us into her unique sonic world with harmonic nuance and lyrical poetry. We talked to Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez about her music and personal life. Check our exclusive interview with Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez to learn more about her.

Crys Matthews Makes Us Believe America Again

Due to recent political events, we cannot stop asking ourselves these questions these days: What kind of country do we want to live in, work in? What kind of America do we believe in? There are many social justice issues in the country, but social-justice singer-songwriter Crys Matthews feels like all of these issues are human issues. Even with all that happened in the country, she is hopeful for this country, which is why she made ‘Changemakers’ which is her latest, hope-fueled, love-filled, social justice album. "Call Them In" the second single off of the album and a very powerful song, is meant to honor John Lewis. Crys Matthews reminds us America is going to get a chance to be America again no matter what happened in the past and she makes us believe in a brighter future. We talked to Crys Matthews about her music, politics, and personal life. Check our exclusive interview with Crys Matthews to learn more about her.

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 34Başak YirmibeşogluJuly 19, 2021#music, #folkmusic, #politics, #blm, #lgbti, #crysmatthews, #johnlewis, #homage, music, blm, LGBTQ, LGBTQ rights, LGBTQ+, lgbtqComment

Delicious Sounds With Jérémie & The Delicious Hounds

Bonjour! Are you a new age funk lover? Well, keep reading because this is the band for you (with a bilingual twist). Canada-based group Jérémie & The Delicious Hounds is the French-English fusion band you didn’t know you needed. With their latest single “Stuck in Quarantine,” they explore romance and isolation all in one track. The song channels feelings of seclusion with funky soul-pop beats and melodies. No doubt “Stuck in Quarantine” is the ultimate theme song for all of the restless souls sick of FaceTime and ready for the real thing.

Let’s introduce the band members: Jérémie Brémault, the lead vocalist and guitarist, Ryan Toupin, lead guitarist, Nelson Sprout, bassist, and Diego Guzman, drummer. What makes this band different from all the others? They value and take into account all voices, ideas, and concepts from each band member. This inclusive mentality shines through on their debut LP, “Cruel,” and latest single alike. This interview covers the message behind “Stuck in Quarantine,” the creatives that came together to produce it, and the band’s experience sponsoring a child from World Vision. For our exclusive interview with Jérémie & The Delicious Hounds, please continue reading below!

Li Dong: Be Kind

Li Dong, the Canadian-born Asian filmmaker, pushes boundaries to spread inclusivity through films. The multifaceted risk-taker, from undertaking med & law school to becoming a strip club DJ before settling on directing and screenwriting, released his first feature film - Stealing School - which was debuted in the USA by Vertical Entertainment recently. “Stealing School” reflects on systematic racism happening in higher institutions. Dong gets candid with Jejune on film directing and racism faced as an Asian creative. Keep on reading to find out how we can follow his example to create more inclusive spaces!

#MeTooMpls —The Music of the #MeToo Movement

The power of a single story becomes stronger when that story becomes a movement for change. That is what the #MeToo Movement is about: survivors sharing their stories of harassment, assault, and violence in order to promote awareness, change, and empathy. In using music as a catalyst for storytelling, Mischa Suemnig organized the #MeTooMpls project, a songwriting collective of Minnesota Women/Femmes/Trans/Non-Binary Folk. The mission of #MeTooMpls is straight forward: It is aimed at creating songs to raise Minneapolis Women/Femmes/Trans/Non-Binary Folk voices; Supporting sexual assault survivors; And raising funds for Planned Parenthood. All the songwriters involved were asked to write and record an original song on the subject of #MeToo. Without any further guidelines, the artists delivered songs ranging from heartbreaking songs about surviving sexual assault to inspiring songs about feminist icons and their influence on their lives. The album that they created is at once polyvocal and unified —it is a a mixture of lamentation, hope, and demand for change. It is the music of #MeToo.

Lalalow- The Electro-pop Duo Taking the World Of Musical Expression By Storm

Music has proven to be a cathartic outlet for many. But Lalalow takes that notion to the next level. Finland-based group Lalalow has integrated electric pop sounds with psychedelic aesthetics that will liberate your mind. The group consists of two members. Nina Jackson, vocalist and keyboard player, and Tommi Laivama, guitarist. Lalalow’s mission is simple: They let the sounds, rhythms, harmonies, and melodies do the talking. In a world where words often fail to capture the true essence of meaning, music serves as a direct form of expression. On the topic of expression, Lalalow’s latest single “Sensory Deprivation” will certainly get you into your feels. Most importantly, it reminds us we are all in this together. In our interview we cover all things “Sensory Deprivation,” the collective struggle of mental health, and Nina’s course, Generations ‘Lab, which is suited for creative thinkers who value inclusivity and wish to dedicate their time solving societal problems with modern solutions. Please read our exclusive interview with Lalalow below!

The Emoji Story: Emojis As The Voice Of The People

Have you ever spent hours thinking about an emoji that was sent to you? Trying to make sense of it and/or attaching new meaning to it? Trying to see symbols within symbols or personal meaning of you who are in character form. Maybe it is about who you are and sometimes who you aren't. In the current digital age, emojis are the voices of people. These little visual symbols have a big world which consists of infinite meanings. They aren't just for communicating, they’ve become an accessible symbol of activism, sexual identity, and politics.

Art, zIssue 33Başak YirmibeşogluJune 4, 2021#theemojistory, #documentaries, #film, #jennifer8lee, #emojis, representation, Art, generation, gen-z, emojis, emojiComment

Pockets Warhol Will Paint His Way Into Your Heart

Ok, to say I’m obsessed with Pockets Warhol might be a little bit of an understatement, but you don’t meet a monkey who does paintings for charity everyday! His style is a bit more Pollock than Warhol, but his abstract pieces of art are colorful and raw. Pockets, who lives in Canada, was once a therapy animal eventually handed over to his current home, the Story Book Primate Sanctuary. Story Book is a beautiful space created to give primates a second chance after being research animals or victims of the exotic animal trade. It is also the only primate sanctuary in Canada. When Pockets came to Story Book they were quick to notice how smart he is. He would constantly be playing with toys to entertain himself, and since his handler was a big fan of primate art, it seemed worth a try on Pockets. It was love at first paint stroke! Now Pockets’s pieces are being used at charity auctions and sold to help support the sanctuary. To learn more about this adorable artist and Story Book Primate Sanctuary, please read our exclusive interview below.

Sarah Podemski - Celebrating Indigenous Content & Perspectives

As an actress, media entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Sarah Podemski is making her mark in Hollywood and in her local community. Most recently, Sarah has a recurring role in the new sci-fi mystery comedy-drama series Resident Alien airing now on Syfy. She also brings her passion making room for Indigenous perspectives with her new project, Shine Network, which is the first-ever digital platform celebrating Indigenous content from a female perspective. Outside of acting, through her business Totem Designs, she designs unique dreamcatchers which give back to her Indigenous communities. This past year, she was able to donate over 100 dreamcatchers to raise funds for charities including, Black Food Toronto, The Regis Korchinsky Paquet family, Six Nations Child and Family Services, and the Navajo nation. Sarah is truly a shining star as a professional and as a person. We’re so excited to share our interview with Sarah with you. Continue reading below!

Tsu Nami: A Party You Just Don't Want To Be In

You are at a party. The music is loud and you are surrounded by many strangers. The anxiety wave is coming to your body. With Covid-19, we forget this feeling with the craving of socializing, but this feeling of anxiety has always been there. Producer Tsu Nami makes us feel this emotion with her recent song 'Party'. It is not like any other song about partying; it reflects the social anxiety of not wanting to be at a party, and even the energy of the song holds the anxiety. In addition to her music, Tsu Nami inspires other women, especially women of color, who want to pursue a career in electronic music, which is a male-dominated industry. She has some very illuminating ideas on the topic. Currently, Tsu Nami is sharing her music to thousands with the emergence of virtual festivals. We talked to Tsu Nami about her music career, anxiety, sexism, and being normal again. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about Tsu Nami.

Springtime With Izzy Frances

Singer-songwriter Izzy Frances reintroduces us to the wonders of nature. The indie-folk artist is nothing short of sophistication, finding inspiration from the natural world and her own life experiences. A trained neuroscientist, Frances gracefully intersects science with art, and we couldn't be more excited to talk with her about how she does it. Frances discussed the story behind her latest songs, her ode to Earth with Beautiful World, her fascination with the BBC’s Big Cat Diary and her partnership with the Sacred Nature Initiative. To learn more about Izzy Frances, continue reading below.

Art, zIssue 32Jejune ContributorMay 13, 2021environment, climate change, nature, singer, songwriter, activism, UK, indie, women in scienceComment

rIVerse Is Going Viral - The Future of High Concept Art Pop

rIVerse is the viral, multi-racial, LGBTQ+ and body-positive pop group that is breaking the internet. An independent Canadian pop and R&B group, rIVerse is a band known for making international waves for their high concept art pop and inclusive messaging. The group is comprised of band members Dizz, Monroe, Khadija and Zak. rIVerse recently released their newest music video for “BaeBeeBoo” off their critically acclaimed album, Poison IV. The album has been heralded for its innovative, genre-bending aesthetic and inclusive messaging which tackles themes ranging from body positivity, self love to systemic racism. We couldn’t wait to talk to the members of rIVerse and share the impact of their music and creativity. Please read our exclusive interview with rIVerse below.

Art, Editor's Pick, zIssue 31Forrest JohnsonApril 27, 2021music, musician, inclusivity, LGBTQ, LGBTQ+, body positivity, women, womxn, band, singer song writer, k-pop, producer, youtube, viral, content, canadaComment