Singer-Songwriter Amy Jo on the Rising Country Music Scene in the UK and Mental Health Advocacy

Amy 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.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 58.3Olivia WeberJuly 31, 2026olivia weber, amy jo, country pop, women, singer song writer, music, mental healthComment

Alexandros Hanou, CEO of Crate 61 Organics, on Craft, Sustainability and Building Something Real

CEO 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.

New Music From Lynn Hollyfield Spreads Awareness About Grief and Addiction

Lynn 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.

Art, zIssue 58.2Olivia WeberJuly 24, 2026olivia weber, lynn hollyfield, folk music, songwriting, mental health, womens rights, education, AwarenessComment

8 Ways You Can Sustainably Beat The Heat In NYC

As 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.

Articles, zIssue 58.2Olivia WeberJuly 20, 2026olivia weber, new york city, summer, heatwave, Sustainability, enviornment, greenliving, #summertime, nycComment

How You Can Help in the Aftermath of the Venezuela Earthquakes

On 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.

Articles, zIssue 58.2Olivia WeberJuly 17, 2026olivia weber, earthquake, venezuela, news, world, global, world issues, climate change, donation, advocacy, AwarenessComment

Staying Clean and Green in the Busiest City in The World

Since 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.

Art-Pop Singer-Songwriter Freya Everest on Storytelling, Womanhood, and Freedom

Freya 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.

"Chicago Country" Singer-Songwriter Lauren Gottshall Lifts Up Her Community

Lauren 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.

Integra Pink Blends Political Activism With 'Mixtape Music'

Integra 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.

zIssue 58.2, SWAC: InfluencerOlivia WeberJuly 6, 2026integra pink, olivia weber, Immigration, music, ICE awareness, california, punk, songwriting, bandComment

Punk Band Triple Lutz Talks their New EP “In The Hands of An Angry Mob”, Cancel Culture, and Celebrating Queerness

Oregon-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.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 58.2Olivia WeberJune 30, 2026triple lutz, olivia weber, punk, LGBTQ+, Musicians, rock bandComment

Notep Draws Strength Through Coral Reefs for Upcoming EP

Notep is an electronic musician from Thailand who obtains inspiration and power through the beauty of the oceans, the coral reefs, and nature as a whole. PAKARANG is her upcoming Earth Day-themed EP that details how humanity and nature are one and the same more than they are opposites. She has done work with many environmental organizations including her own initiative called High on Your Own Supply that promotes environmentalism and sustainability to the younger generation through events, projects and lessons.

Editor's Pick, Art, zIssue 58.2Olivia WeberJune 25, 2026notep, olivia weber, oceans, music, electronicmusic, coral reefs, Thailand, enviornment, songwritingComment

Maren Davidsen Knows Her Worth and Isn’t Afraid to State It

Maren Davidsen is a Norwegian singer and songwriter who blends Nordic Americana with country influences to tell stories of growth and change both in her relationship with others and her relationship with herself. She discusses her latest single releases, how she balances existing in so many places at once and what her debut album means to her. She is passionate about encouraging empathy and aid for the homeless in her country and beyond.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 58, zIssue 58.2Olivia WeberJune 23, 2026maren davidsen, olivia weber, country, music, singer, songwriter, activism, homelessness, travelComment