Kenny Sway: To Protest & Unify Through R&B

Music has a strange way of conveying emotions. Our memories, conversations, relationships with people, and their personalities, can be permanently etched into hearts, even if just fleeting. Kenny Sway has an innate ability to evoke these feeling, whether it be joyful, sorrowful, or contemplative. As a student of musical greats, he grew up listening to the likes of R&B and soul legends like Whitney Houston, and Marvin Gaye.

Now Kenny has adopted his own style and approach to music and performance. He was known as a street performer, sharing his grassroots performances directly with audiences. So, it was no shock when he took his voice to the Washington D.C. police brutality protests and inspired the crowd to sing along with him as he sang the Bill Withers classic, "Lean On Me". Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Kenny Sway.

Treasure's "Suffocation & Air" EP Is A Re-Calibration Of The Ego

Music is well known to have a significant beneficial impact on mental health — both for creator and listener. The therapeutic aspects of composition and soothing harmonies are thought to engage a variety of brain areas involved in emotion, motivation, cognition, and motor functions. Musical interventions have been used to increase socialization and cognitive, emotional, and neuromotor functioning. North London musician, Treasure, utilizes his passion to explore the therapeutic and creative components melody. Coincidentally, he works for a mental health hospital, which is a valiant testimony to his authenticity and intrigue in psychology and mental health.

The nine track EP “Suffocation & Air” is a revelation to emotions held close — it’s an entry into the psyche, the trauma, and ego. It chronicles his journey to coexist with his demons. The release skirts on modern genres of R&B, pop, with a blend of funky synthscapes. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Treasure.

Savannah Maddison: How Country Encourages Our Country's Finest

Florida-born, Nashville based singer-songwriter, author, and philanthropist Savannah Maddison takes on Country through the lens of the modern adolescent. The 19 year old country artists explores themes of love and relationships centered in contemporary youth experiences.

Savannah's prowess includes her writing endeavors, one of which is her book entitled “Sincerely: YOU, Letter Writing to Change the World,” which tells the story of her organization’s roots and encourages youth to start their own movements and service projects. Additionally, Savannah founded “Savannah’s Soldiers", an organization that sent over 350,000 letters of encouragement to soldiers deployed globally from students across the country. Please read our exclusive interview to learn more about Savannah.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 24Jejune ContributorJuly 7, 2020music, musician, #singer, singer, empowering girls, female power, #positivity, kids, USAComment

Video Games, Not Just A Man's World, Meet Bad A** Avori Henderson!

It is often thought that women are a minority within the video game industry — both as consumers and game developers. In 2019, 71 percent of responding game developers were men, while 24 percent were women. However, with self declared gamers, the stats differ drastically at almost equal percentages - 54% Male to 46% Female.

Gamer, model, designer, and streamer, Avori Henderson is one of the many women gaining traction in professional gaming. Avori is best known as s PUBG streamer and professional gamer. She gained notoriety as she began her streaming career on Twitch. Eventually, this led her to run the first ever all Female PUBG Tournament that was professionally broadcasted — a natural cascading of events due to her passion for female inclusion of gaming. Now, Avori streams on Facebook Gaming Live, to her 282,000+ followers. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Alvori Henderson.

Aneesa Sheikh: The Miracles of Music

Aneesa Sheikh’s fateful encounter with music began by chance. At eight years old, Aneesa fell in love with her sister skating to Santana’s, “Black Magic Woman.” From then on, Aneesa began taking lessons on a classical 3⁄4 sized guitar and joined the youth choir. At the age of fourteen, she began to write songs on her grandfather’s twelve-string guitar. Soon after writing her first three songs, she was invited to perform on the “Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour” in Lexington, KY. Aneesa’s love for music doesn’t stop there. She founded the non-profit organization, “Music4M.I.R.A.C.L.E.”, which aims to spread music therapy. Her non-profit venture ensued as a result of her fathers declining health — a testament to her sharp and compassionate nature. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Aneesa Sheikh.

Peter Cestaro: R&B's Young Efforts to Give Back

Actor, model, singer, at only 17, Peter Cestaro is only beginning his journey as an entertainer. Detailing his diverse resume, Cestaro has appeared in series such as Orange Is The New Black, Power, The Blacklist and much more. His modeling catalogue includes representing brands such as DKNY during New York fashion. His music background is complex, having connections to hip-hop with artists like French Montana, while crediting early influences by greats like Frank Sinatra. The Connecticut native also integrates musical acumen towards his longing for public service and volunteering. He also plays the piano at senior living homes. Cestaro also works with the CT food pantry providing for the homeless. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Peter Cestaro.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 23Jejune ContributorJune 17, 2020#positivity, music, musician, #singer, singer, Actor, actor, youth, Give back, give backComment

JANOS Rocks For The Wolves

Most modern pop acts glorify a reality unattainable to humans. Songs tend to be driven by enchanting lyrics based in hyperbole or cliche romance tropes. They become larger than life figures basking in the glitz and glamour of fame and monetary success.

JANOS is a pop artist that retains his authenticity. Ironically, his uniqueness lies in his ability to capture the ordinary ups and downs of life. The Swedish born artist marries soulful vocals and dynamic emotion to deliver his pop-punk sound. Tracks like ‘Sicky/Sticky’ provide a glimpse into the world of depression, drug use, and ambition.

JANOS’ love doesn’t exist solely for his passion towards music. Animals welfare is a pressing issue he advocates for. He especially has a love for wolves. He has participated in LOUD! For The Animals and Rock for Wolves, with the goal of providing a voice for animals in need of protection. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about JANOS.

Chase Tang: The Earth Saving Super Villain

The Neflix's adaption of Jupiter’s Legacy, an American superhero comic book series, is set to unveil a new villain, Baryon — played by Chase Tang. Prior to acting, this Taiwanese born performer earned a Bachelor's degree in Business from the University of Guelph in Ontario and went on to be a successful corporate executive, before deciding to pursue his passion for the movie industry. When Chase isn’t playing a super villain, he is dedicating his time to his mental health campaigns and environmentalism, which is evident through his UN environmental campaign. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Chase Tang.

Generosity In The Occult with Sal Santoro & Popi Mavros

Perceptions of the occult are largely met with a of mix skepticism, fear, and curiosity. However, many pagans use their magic for good, such as The Good Witch, Patti Negri, and the fascinating and generous occult specialists Sal Santoro and Popi Mavros, founders of The Crooked Path. In addition to getting all your essential needs in spells, candles, oils, and herbs, Santoro and Mavros are also huge animal lovers. They support a lot of local shelters, like Burbank Animal Shelter, Vice Is Nice, and Frosted Faces. Please read our exclusive interview to learn more about Sal Santoro (SS) and Popi Mavros (PM).

Erin Reese: Country's Anti-Bully

Erin Reese started her working career much younger than most. This 16 year old began as a model and developed a curiosity for entertainment. Now, as a singer and actor, the Florida native has amassed years of experience appearing in movies and shows such as “Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors” and “Chicken Girls”. Reese is also a strong anti-bullying proponent, and uses her platform to support others suffering from bullying. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Erin Reese.

Brains and Beauty: Adaire Byerly's Neural Observations On Human Behavior

As an ex-neuroscientist, I was super excited to hear about Adaire Byerly’s plan to integrate the fashion and entertainment industry with the neuroscience world. As an ex-model herself, she saw an obvious hole in the fashion and entertainment industries where people are not looking beyond the visual, and she wanted to dive in deep, cellularly deep.

Currently, Adaire is looking at the neural exploration of compassion, and she is applying that sensitivity to her company, Entertainment Mindframe, which is bridging the gap between the entertainment industry and science. By incorporating modern-day sciences and her first-hand experience in the industry as an actress/model, she hopes her findings can be implemented into intellectual and developmental training for professionals. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Adaire and her work.

Anjelika Washington Is A Hero In The Making

CW these days seems to be the place to go for your superhero needs, and their new show Stargirl, premiering May 11th, is no exception! As a superhero fan myself, I know I’m excited to see another show that focuses more on the female superheroes in the DC world. I’m particularly interested in seeing Anjelika Washington’s character, Beth Chapel (aka Doctor Midnight). This super smart crimefighter can see in the dark and kick butt! Even though night-vision isn’t Anjelika’s first choice for a super power, she is a hero in her own right. When she isn’t gracing our screens, she can be found working with sick kids, and their siblings, at the Children's Hospital of LA. To learn more about this quickly rising star, please read our exclusive interview here.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 22, Most PopularKira BuccaMay 4, 2020super hero, hero, actress, sick kids, hospital, CW, blackgirlmagic, Give back, youthComment

Leonardo Nam's World of Hope

Leonardo Nam, much like his character in Westworld, has a gift for creation — studying architecture in college before pursuing a career in acting. Leonardo's interests manifest in his works of charity. The Argentine-Australian actor has worked with Habitat for Humanity and many other organizations in an effort to give back. Please read our exclusive interview to learn more about Leonardo.

Allison Munn: The Importance Behind The Vote

Allison Munn - kind, resolute, funny - has an extensive catalog within the entertainment and performance arts. Whether it be her early tenure performing in theater, or roles on the small screen, Allison displays a tenacity that is uniquely her own. “I did that show for two and a half years - eight shows a week, for over 500 performances,” the South Carolina native stated when referring to her lead role of ‘Luisa’ in off broadway's “The Fantasticks.”

Alison's work and passions also extend to her work advocating for political involvement, having worked with Rock The Vote, encouraging voter registration. She believes in female empowerment and using your voice to create change. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Allison.

Reece Caddell: The Next Generation of Comedy

Acting and sketch comedy both lend themselves as something like an intrinsic derivative of performance. Legendary shows like SNL, Chapelle' show, and few in the like, can masterfully execute and package humor, wit, and controversy, while making it digestible for the masses.

The young actress, YouTuber, and star of Nickelodeon’s sketch comedy series, “All That!”, Reece Caddell is pioneering a new comedic generation. Reece's extensive resume includes Reece starting at just five years old in HBO’s “Hello Ladies”. She has stayed busy working on ABC’s critically acclaimed comedy “Fresh Off The Boat”.

Aside from acting, Reece is involved in charities such as Compassion International, which helps raise kids out of poverty all over the world. When Reece turned ten years old, she organized what is now an annual donation drive for the Burbank Animal Shelter Kitten Fostering Program. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Reece Caddell.

Izzy Thomas: Fed Up & Compassionate

Music, as with any art, literature, theatre, visual, tend to take a philosophical stance whether deliberate or not. Once released, every note, stroke, or sentence can be dissected and interpreted, where meaning is relinquished to the observer.

On singer songwriter Izzy Thomas’s new single, “Mad,” Izzy makes it unmistakably clear how she feels towards the modern dating scene. Lyrics like “You’re so full of shit ‘cause you won't admit that you want me,” conclude any lingering uncertainties pertaining to theme and message.

Izzy’s fierceness is equally conveyed in her autism awareness campaigns. She spends much of her time visiting educational institutions advocating for autism awareness and anti-bullying efforts. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Izzy Thomas.

Gwen Hollander & The Transgender Otter We Need

As far as acting goes, ironically, unconventional roles continue to become more commonplace. Today, actress Gwen Hollander can be seen as an anomaly amongst anomaly's, indicative of her role as Sheryl on the hit Showtime series Kidding. Sheryl is a puppeteer of Astronotter, a transgender otter who is also an astronaut. In addition to this being a fascinating character, if you can only knew how perfect Astronotter is for Gwen, with Gwen’s love for otters (more on this in the interview)!

Gwen's work extends beyond the screen. She lost her mother to breast cancer eight years ago and has been singing at the National Breast Cancer Coalitions Deadline 2020 benefit for the past few years. She is an animal lover, volunteers with ASPCA, and also supports Hilarity for Charity. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Gwen Hollander.

Elli Moore: Women Breaking Boundaries in Music Production

Female music producers can almost be considered an anomaly. An alarming gender gap exists, with only an estimated 1 in 47 music producers being female. However, there is an emerging group of women altering norms, composing authentic, innovative melodies.

Elli Moore, one half of the pop female writing/production duo, LYRE, along with music partner Alina Smith, is creating an international buzz in the music scene. The LYRE produced tracks such as Gabbie Hanna's, "Honestly".

In addition to her work as a producer, Elli partners with the organization "She Writes", teaching other young aspiring women how to write and produce music.

Elli has branched out as a solo artist, with her most recent single "OK". Her debut EP, "Confections" is out now. Please read our exclusive interview to learn more about Elli.

Alyshia Ochse: The Power Behind Our Stories

Actress, writer, humanitarian, and podcast host Alyshia Ochse, is as inquisitive and sharp, with a candid and classic journalistic approach to her interviews, as she is delightful to watch act. Alyshia is involved in Young Storytellers, an organization that “sparks creative self-discovery through storytelling.” The program highlights youth as the center of their own story, emphasizing that their stories matter, and celebrates their unique voices. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Alyshia.

Carrie Berk: Peace, Love, and Cupcakes

From a children's book author to a spectacled, no nonsense, high school theatre critic in Stage Fright, Carrie Berk's career is nothing short of astounding - especially given her brief period activing working in entertainment.

In second grade, Carrie wrote The Cupcake Club, which explores relevant and compelling themes such as bullying, self esteem, and more. Today, Carrie campaigns against many of these issues through social media and her fashion/lifestyle blog Carrie's Chronicles, while serving as an ambassador for No Bully. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Carrie.