When one usually thinks of the rock scene in LA, bands like Guns N’ Roses, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mötley Crüe, etc., mid 80s, glam rock, metal, and “Sex, Drugs, and Rock N’ Roll”, famously coined by British musician Ian Dury, come to mind. The impact of these words could be felt far across the ocean, and would eventually become a lifestyle rockstars would live by, and were revered for. It built a larger than life image that would come to define an era of music and culture.

The modern depiction of rock fails to conjure any real notable tropes. Good or bad, no matter how the genre shifts, individual bands are now dissected on a case by case basis, devoid of stereotypes. Trope is an alternative progressive/rock band located in Los Angeles. Formed in 2016, lead singer Diana Studenberg’s vocals help create their dark aura and introspective angst. Tropes debut album, Eleutheromania, expands on the ideas on truth, human behavior, and our ability to navigate through life challenges with faith in mankind. Please read our exclusive interview to learn more about Trope.

Ainsley Ross Advocates In Support Of Music Theory For The Blind

Ainsley Ross has proven to be a an absolute treat of a human being, thanks, in part, to her extensive resume and talent. Actress, model, martial artist, singer, writer, and more, the Texas native began her career in entertainment at an early age. She began writing music and acting in a community theater when she was only nine, and had written over 80 songs by 14. Combining her love for martial arts (Taekwondo) and performing, Ainsley has honed her skill to compliment her stunt work. Her work in the entertainment industry also includes her role as a composer for “The Reins Maker” soundtrack. In her spare time, Ainsley is a mentor and public speaker, and volunteers at the Academy of Music for the Blind, teaching music theory. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Ainsley Ross.

Bernard Hiller - Your Life Is A Work Of Art

One may think that most actors are born perfect for the stage, but it takes years of training and the right teams behind them. Bernard Hill, life coach and acting teacher, is just one of the many people who can make a career. He has worked with stars such as Cameron Diaz, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Al Pacino. When he is not teaching the next star, he is focuses on giving back, especially fighting against climate change. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Bernard Hiller, as he helps us to stay creative during unusual times.

Montana L. Jacobowitz Proves You Can Do It All

At 18 years old, Montana is an accomplished actress, musician, and writer. As a musician, she is a multi-instrumentalist, skilled in the electric and acoustic guitar, ukulele, piano, alto saxophone, etc. At the mere age of seven years old, Montana created her first play, in honor of her brother, Arizona, who is autistic. Her call to advocacy runs deeper than familial ties. She can be seen working hard to assist children and adults with special needs via the Special Olympics, 401 A League Of Our Own, and Power Of You Teens, an organization that helps young women in New York City plan their future through mentorship. Montana and her brothers even created an organization, Children’s Voice, which gives kids a platform to speak out about issues that affect them. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Montana Jascobowitz.

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.