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

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!

Laura Marano's New Deluxe EP Has Strong Bestie Energy

Strong Bestie Energy is the best way to describe the actress-turned-singer-songwriter, Laura Marano. Known for the role of Ally on Disney Channel’s Austin and Ally, Laura Marano has always been known as the best friend, the girl next door, and overall, a down to earth star. All of these qualities are manifested in Laura’s EP You. This past month, Laura released the Deluxe EP of You, featuring duets “Honest With You” with Alextbh Duet and “Can’t Help Myself” with Poe Leos and Jean Deaux. Jejune got the opportunity to sit down with Laura in a live listening session of the album from Laura’s cozy home (via Zoom of course) and learn all about the album’s new sound.

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!

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).

Alexa Nisenson Inspires Through Actions

While many teens dream of making a presence in Hollywood, Alexa Nisenson is living it! Aside from voicing a character for Cartoon Network and landed a starring role in AMC’s hit series - Fear The Walking Dead - she is also challenging herself with writing books and music at the age of 15. The rising star is also a passionate humanitarian. She is a mental health activist and cancer research advocate. Alexa is truly an inspiring role model for young teens everywhere. Jejune is excited to share our interview with Alexa to learn more about her remarkable journey as a teen actress.

#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.

Judy Whitmore Is Keeping The American Songbook Alive

Renowned vocalist, pilot, best-selling author, psychologist and theater producer — what a career! Judy Whitmore has an inspiring story that will remind you to chase your dreams. After putting her music career on hold to raise a family, Judy finally took the leap into singing in 2014 when she co-founded the cabaret group, ACT THREE. The trio brought timeless standards to life at legendary venues including Carnegie Hall and the Ritz Hotel in Paris. Their journey to Carnegie Hall was chronicled in the award-winning documentary film, Once Upon a Dream. Through all of those accomplishments, Judy always felt that something was missing. She knew it was time to get that magical box of dreams she had stored away all those years ago, embrace that music career she’d always dreamed of and soar on her own. In 2018, Judy ventured onto the stage alone with her show-stopping, cabaret-style vocal act. Judy just released her enchanting cover of Great American Songbook classic “Moonlight in Vermont,” which is a part of her mission to keep the songs of the Great American Songbook alive. We also love that Judy continually gives back to her music community by serving on the Board of Directors of Pacific Symphony. We’re excited to share our exclusive interview with Judy Whitmore below.

EDITORIAL: Lexy Panterra - Baddie Good

Lexy Panterra dances through life and never says sorry. The singer, rapper, and dancer uses her platform to empower women and girls to be their best, authentic selves. From “TwerkOut” - her online twerking classes to her latest album Baddie Vibez, Panterra leads with an image of confidence, strength, and femininity, encouraging her fans to unapologetically practice self-love. Jejune had the pleasure to get to know more about Lexy Panterra, we got to talk about her music, venturing into rapping, her passion for dancing, and what makes her feel good. To learn more about Panterra, continue reading below.

TROY: Transforming Pain Into Music

Many people have felt the pain and grief that can remain from an old relationship. However, many of them ignore their emotions and tend to reject their pain. Nashville/LA/Artist/Songwriter TROY turned everything upside down and created his latest song Foolish by showing his vulnerability. It makes us feel our heartbreaks, and at the same time, embrace our flaws, and realize that it is natural to suffer. TROY’s music is like a medicine for healing heartache. TROY got his start in New York City musical theatre at age 12, and he continued his acting career in many shows like Victorious, The Last Ship, This Is Us, and New Girl. While he wrote music for himself, one day he decided to pursue music with more purpose and wrote Foolish, which is produced by Marti Frederiksen. We talked to TROY about his acting, music career, future of music, and voluntary works. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about TROY.

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

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

Brooklyn Michelle: Finding Your True-Self With Music

Now more than ever, we need music as an expressive outlet for moving forward in our life more than everything. It can heal us, it can hurt us, or it can help us through the worst of times. San Antonio, Texas-based musician Brooklyn Michelle who recently released her long-awaited single & music video “Retail Therapy” used music as a channel for her emotions. She wrote “Retail Therapy” while going through a breakup and used her music as a coping mechanism. After years of struggling with undiagnosed diseases, she used music as a creative outlet. Her songs focus on inner-self battles, and we can easily feel how she finds true-self with her music. While she is set to release her long-awaited second album, Placebo, she is also in the process of starting her own production company, Waffledog Productions, for bringing her vision to life. We talked to her about her music, production company and future plans. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about Brooklyn Michelle.

Shiloh Verrico: Actress, Singer, and Animal Lover

At just ten years old, Shiloh Verrico is making herself known as an actress, singer, and advocate for rescue animals. Shiloh is making her Netflix debut in the new series “Country Comfort.” The series follows ‘Bailey,’ an aspiring country singer who gets a job nannying five musically-inclined children who lost their mother two years prior. Shiloh’s character is the emotional center of the family, ‘Cassidy,’ who is having an especially difficult time coming to terms with the loss of her mother. Shiloh loves music and was able to use her talents singing and playing guitar and ukulele in the series. When Shiloh isn’t filming or singing, she and her family foster rescue dogs and work with rescue organizations.

Ain't I A Woman? Cheri Moon's Anthem of Empowerment For All Women

It is International Women’s Month and Cheri Moon is here to kick it up a notch. Cheri’s new single harkens back to a staple in women’s rights history: Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I A Woman” speech. Sharing the same name with the famous speech, Moon’s “Ain’t I A Woman” is a powerful anthem for 2021. The message of her music resonates with soulful celebration with the punchiness of a pop-ballad. Outside of Cheri’s music career, you can also catch her working along side Good + Foundation. In our interview with Cheri, we talk about Sojourner’s influence today for women everywhere and what hopeful emergences we have seen in the past year for feminism. For more on Cheri Moon, please read our exclusive interview below.

The Talented & Fabulous Tamela D’Amico

Tamela D’Amico is an established actress and singer, residing in Los Angeles. She is best known for her role on Disney’s “Best Friends Whenever” and Amazon’s “Englishman in L.A.”, for which she was awarded “Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Web Series” by LA WEB FEST. Tamela is also a recording artist and her music has been heard on more than 140 national radio and cable outlets. She sings the theme song “Love and the Gun” in both English and Italian for the film, Rob the Mob. In Tamela’s latest film, One Little Finger, Tamela plays Raina, an American Neurologist researching music therapy in India. The Indian-American film is an inspirational story on music therapy and purpose is to educate people about the abilities of those with disabilities. All of the money earned is going straight into the One Little Finger Foundation. At the moment, Tamela is working on a new antiviral film project that includes short films threaded together from all over the world about the pandemic experience. Please read our full interview with Tamela D’Amico below.

You Will Know Peyton Stilling

At just the young age of 18, Peyton Stilling has already garnered acclaim from the likes of NPR Music and Mahogany Sessions, as well as American Songwriter and Earmilk. Her latest single “Healing” is both raw and honest. Inspired by the heartbreak she’d gone through, her vulnerability and pain are evident through the lyrics and overall song. Her last single “Forest through the Trees” has garnered over 200k streams on Spotify alone. Besides doing music, Peyton makes time to help those with disabilities. From giving back to her community, garnering acclaim from notable media organizations, working with Grammy-nominated producers, to being a talented singer and songwriter, Peyton Stilling is on route to establishing her name in the music industry. Mark my words. Please continuing reading for our exclusive interview with Peyton below.

When All Hope Seems Lost, There Is FIAA's Music

We all have scars that are remaining from something painful. We carry those scars in our souls and take them everywhere with us. However, not all of us brave enough to find the confidence to heal them and converted them into a masterful piece of music. FIAA was brave enough to do that. She showed her vulnerability and scars with her music and embraces her scars that we too often keep bottled up. We saw her talent with BBC1 Little Mix: The Search Talent Show and now, her newest single 'One Day' which is written with Rag'n'Bone Man reveals our heartbreaks, griefs, and pains, but also shows us we can hold on to music when all hope is lost. It reminds us 'No matter who we are, no matter where we are from one day it will all be ok.' The song tells the story of a fall-out that FIAA had with her best friend that she grew up whilst in foster care. Also, FIAA is using her voice for some of the UK's most important children's charities. We talked to FIAA about her career, personal life and future plans. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about her.

in earnest Uses the Power of Music to Battle Mental Illness

Mental illness has always been a difficult topic to discuss openly due to the negative stigma associated with it. But as it is becoming increasingly prevalent and accepted, it is imperative that the subject be brought to the forefront of conversation. That is why UK based songwriter couple Sarah Holburn and Thomas Eatherton, along with Toby Shaer, created their band in earnest. The trio inspires an honest and candid dialog surrounding mental illness through their alternative, melancholic sound. Their new self-titled EP is both emotionally charged and thought-provoking. Aside from their music, the band is ambassadors for My Black Dog, a charity dedicated to providing free help for those who are grappling with suicide, self-harm, depression, and mental illness.

EDITORIAL - Glitter & Gold - Yozmit

At the Indian Canyons, the ancestral home to the Agua Caliente Tribe, stands a lone figure clad in glitter and gold. Her artist name is Yozmit and she transcends more than her surroundings as she is surrounded by the elements of California —Yozmit transcends gender, time, and space. She is a transgender music-visual performance artist who is also a costume designer. Her art and performance intend to spread her message of *DoYou* - "a process of becoming fully self-realized and acting upon self-identity. DoYou is [her] artistic mantra to shift power from external conformity to internal realization/” She has collaborated with the likes of Alex Sandar, Susanne Bartsch, The BOX New York, The Box London, Supper Club, Sleep No More, Queen on the Night, and has performed at Burning Man, Coachella, Life Ball, Lincoln Center, and many other notable venues and events. In our interview with Yozmit, we talk about her identity as “Two-Spirit” and the artistic value of SELF. Please enjoy our exclusive editorial with Yozmit below.