Rachel Bochner has been growing, learning and evolving a whole life, as we all do. Her upcoming debut album “I Guess A Sure Thing Couldn’t Go Down Gently” drops on September 25 and details heartbreak, self-discovery and exploring her queer identity and the freedom that comes with that. Bochner wants her queer fans to feel heard and loved by her music, and she raises money and spreads community through her work with The Wild Honey Pie.
Read MoreEverybody has a skincare routine nowadays. Everyone’s desks and vanities are littered with product upon product of serums and creams meant to make us age in reverse or glow like the sun. In the constant noise and hurricane of social media promotion and online pop up ads, however, how can you trust what will actually be the healthiest choice for your skin and what is just a bucket of glitter. Here are some examples of brands that carry vegan, cruelty free and overall sustainable sunscreen options to add into your skincare routine.
Read MoreDarius Oon is branching out on his own in the music industry. After a childhood of playing guitar and piano and listening to The Beatles with his parents, he’s been a proud member of a number of bands before releasing his first single as a solo artist this past June. Taking inspiration from Djo and Wallows, he describes his sound as having a certain “nostalgic quality.” Oon is also a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and cancer research, and has worked closely with many organizations that support these causes.
Read MoreDuring mid-July in New York City, our beautiful skies were clouded and invaded by blown over smoke from a patch of Canadian wildfires. While the air quality here has significantly improved for the remainder of July, over 900 individual wildfires are still raging throughout Canada and covering about 3m hectares of land and diminishing air quality in those areas, other sectors of the United States and even reaching northern areas of Europe.
Read MoreG’Ra Asim finds creative outlets for self-expression in everything he does. Teaching, writing, reading, making music and more are all pursuits he has delved into as a means of connecting with others through their share in their beliefs and passions. He has worked closely with multiple bands, sets of students and political organizations like the New York Immigrant Coalition, Say Her Name, and the African American Policy Forum to stand up for and support the rights of all people of color across the country.
Read MoreRosalee Mayeux has had a thoroughly full and satisfying career. From modeling to acting to stand up comedy, she has experimented with every aspect of the industry possible and has worked very hard to make all her dreams and goals a reality. She has also recently overcome a devastating cancer diagnosis that she did not think she would survive, and works closely with the American Cancer Society to help other people that were once in her place.
Read MoreBiriba Union is a band that celebrates unity, cultural expression and the warmth and authenticity that comes from playing a real instrument. Their advocacy for democracy and freedoms for all translates into their work as musicians and their humanitarian work through the organization “Play for the Vote.” You can stream all their unique and creative music through the links at the bottom of this article and be on the look out for more music from them at the end of the year.
Read MoreCA in LA have been friends and collaborators since 2012, and always found a connection to one another through their passion for all things media. Whether it be film or music, they derive their greatest joy from creating and working together creatively. In an industry where standing up for yourself and your visions as a woman can be very difficult, this team wants to remind other women to find solace and comfort in their female friendships and peers. Be on the look out for their new single “Waking Up” that drops at the end of August.
Read MoreIn the world of makeup and skincare, the 2020s have been defined by little to no visible product on the face. “Clean girl” minimalism and the “no make-up make-up look” have long lapped the 2010s passion for big, blocky eyebrows, cut creases with thick eyeliner, blinding highlighter and overdrawn lips. As someone who began her makeup journey during that heavy, colorful era, I yearn for the days when people wanted to go outside wearing more than the latest in an endless parade of lip oils.
Read MoreFashion means the world to me, and nothing gets me more excited to leave the house than the chance to style a new outfit for whatever my plans may be for the day. I love layering, I love accessorizing, I love creating new combinations and I just love my closet. However, eventually, the months speed by and the seasons catch up to me and I realize that summer has arrived, and, wow, do I hate summer clothes.
Read MoreAmy Jo is a rising star in the UK’s, shockingly buzzing, country music scene, and she draws inspiration from her coastal hometown and passion for gender equality. Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgraves, Alicia Keys and more have all inspired her style of sound and storytelling over the years as she releases music with her own unique point of view. Her Master’s degree in gender studies informs her songwriting about topics like men’s mental health, and she has plans for new music in the coming weeks.
Read MoreCEO of Crate 61 Organics Alexandros Hanou knows that sustainable skincare is not only a possibility we can aim for, but a standard we must strive for. He shared his insights into top-notch, sustainable ingredients, production and shipping methods and even marketing tactics. Crate 61 Organics provides customers with satisfying soaps and other products without any bells and whistles regarding scent, plastic usage in their packaging and other stereotypes that plague the skincare industry.
Read MoreLynn Hollyfield has been releasing contemporary folk music on Spotify since 2011 with messages ranging from grief, mental health, addiction and how we as a nation could use a lot more unity. She is passionate about songwriting and playing the guitar as well as her work with PEO, an organization that promotes and encourages all women to receive the education they deserve. She speaks about the relationship between art and politics and how music has the ability to cause positive change. Her new album, “Diving In” will release July 24 (today!) and will cover all of the emotions that make us human and whole.
Read MoreAs we officially enter the month of July, New York City temperatures have already hit the 100 degree mark. Trying to stay cool can seem impossible when faced with numbers that extreme, but I promise you can avoid a sunburn this summer, and even healthily take care of your environment in the process. Here are the best ways to keep yourself, and the planet, cool and cared for.
Read MoreOn June 24 at around 6 p.m., the country of Venezuela was struck by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake along their coastal areas, followed 39 seconds later by a 7.5 magnitude tremor, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), (ABC News). Primary damage was found in Caracas with ripples and tremors felt through the country and even in Colombia. These dual earthquakes were the biggest to hit Venezuela in a century, leading to immense destruction and death across the city of Caracas, which over 2 million people call home.
Read MoreSince moving to New York City for the summer at the beginning of the month, I have reveled in all the new freedoms and opportunities the city has to offer. Of course, this city’s reputation for being overcrowded, humid and, at times, a little dirty precedes it, and staying sustainable and clean can seem like a challenge.
Read MoreFreya Everest is a London-born musician with strong electronic and folk influences that are inspired by other lyrically-focused women like Florence Welch, Lily Allen and Joni Mitchell. She advocates passionately for women’s rights, trans protection, mental health awareness, and the promotion of he Green Party. Her music career is just officially getting off the ground, but her storytelling abilities shine through her debut single “Monique” that dropped in May.
Read MoreLauren Gottshall is a “true Chicago girl at heart.” and knows the value of working hard to give back to the communities that made her the artist she is today. Her songs uniquely reflect her experiences and stories and she wants to find topics with every one she writes. She has dedicated her time and effort towards fights for literacy and cancer research and believes positivity is key to success.
Read MoreIntegra Pink is a Southern California-based band that specializes in delivering the unexpected. Whether that means playing with all different genres from punk to disco, or constantly raising the bar for immigration advocacy, they know exactly who they are as musicians and advocates. Their work with immigration rights organizations like CHIRLA is inspired and their music makes people believe in a more optimistic future.
Read MoreOregon-based punk band, Triple Lutz, embraces a lack of labels in everything they pursue. Their music and their identities are constantly evolving and changing beyond what can be seen inside the box. They work closely with organizations that promote mentorship and community among musicians of all kinds to spread their sound and make connections.
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