Jessii Vee on Breaking The Cycle of Toxicity

Move over Jake Paul, here comes Jessii Vee! A Youtube sensation and TikTok influencer who has garnered over a whopping 2.5 million subscribers and 3.5 million followers respectively by bringing awareness to social issues. The content creator’s mission is to create safe spaces for youth online through her social platforms and most recently, YANA (You Are Not Alone) to encourage isolated and struggling individuals to connect with others. Her impressive experience doesn’t end there as she is also an actress and an advocate for Lyme Disease. Check our exclusive interview with Jessii Vee on her path to break the cycle of toxicity.

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!

Lexie Stevenson Fights Fearlessly for Passion

Lexie Stevenson is inspirational and fearless. After her near-death experience suffering from endometriosis at the age of 17, she comes back stronger fighting fearlessly and positively for her passion. Stevenson made her big break as Mattie Ashby on the CBS Daytime Award-Winning drama The Young and the Restless. On top of being a wonderful actress, she also holds multiple titles (model, philanthropist, theatrical performer, competitive athlete) with a hidden talent in singing. Jejune is excited to share our exclusive interview with her on her incredible journey as an actress and advisory board for the Endometriosis Foundation of America.

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.

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).

Miranda Joan: Home Is Where Your Heart Is

Hard to miss! Miranda Joan, traveler of the world, is spreading her music with positivity everywhere in the western hemisphere. Despite her new recently-released single “Rushed”, the French-English neo-soul singer is unstoppable in spreading her musical talent, and we will even be seeing a new single in French later this year. She further shares her talent through Femme Jam, NYC's first all-female-led jam session which she co-founded. In our interview with Miranda, we talk about her sensational journey in spreading positivity through music. Keep reading!

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.

Expanding Creativity with Dakota Gorman

Best known for her roles in Teen Wolf and Criminal Minds, Dakota Gorman is attaining more attention in Hollywood with her new creative endeavors as a director. She recently made her directional debut, All About Sex, in the Gravitas Ventures film. The movie takes us on a journey illuminating the flaws of the human condition and the inevitable mistakes we make in life as we forever grow into ourselves. What’s more than creating an influential movie is that Dakota is inspirational as she is an active volunteer with Water Drop LA helping her local community. Take a journey with Jejune to learn more about the up-and-rising director in the interview below.

Sir Daniel Winn, Sculpting The History of The Arts

Not many, in fact, only a few in the world, are honored with the prestigious title of ‘Sir.’ Sir Daniel Winn is one of them! On top of raising funds for non-profit aid in the US and Asia, he has created an art empire on his own where his work has been featured at esteemed exhibitions worldwide and even founded one of the most prestigious art galleries in Beverly Hills, Winn Slavin Fine Art. Now, despite the harsh times caused by the pandemic, his passion and determination are leading him to open another art gallery on Rodeo Drive. Sir Daniel has quite a career, and, we think, his story will inspire you to chase after your own dreams. We’re excited to share our exclusive interview with Sir Daniel on his journey in conquering both the world of arts and business.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 33, Most PopularRachel LaiJune 9, 2021artist, sculptor, philanthropy, Art, curator, career, doctor, advocacy, advocate, positivity, anti-hate, EnglandComment

Becky CJ: Losing Your Perspective, Finding Yourself

A loss of perspective makes us feel many different emotions, but, sometimes, we can learn that it is ok to lose something to help us discover new doors in our lives. South London-based Queer artist Becky CJ reminds us with her song Losing Your Perspective that we should lose our perspective to finding ourselves. The song is about falling in love with your best friend because when she and her current partner lost their perspective, they started to explore their relationship again. The song shows Becky CJ’s velvety vocals and her music that blends glitchy electronics and soft hues. We also knew her from hilarious Tinder Nightmares TikToks that she created from the awful tinder messages of people. We talked to Becky CJ about her music, TikTok videos, and queer representation in the music industry. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about her.

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.

New Directions with Paula DeAnda

Paula DeAnda is glamorous and grateful. The Texas native and 2000s' icon comes back stronger and sexier with her latest single, “Freaky.” With her new song, DeAnda shows her maturity as an artist and a woman, encouraging listeners that they can find a source of empowerment within themselves. DeAnda is always looking ahead, finding ways to give back through her music. Jejune had the opportunity to talk with DeAnda about her amazing music career, all things “Freaky”, and what she’s hopeful as we progress into a post-pandemic reality. To learn more about Paula DeAnda, continue reading below.

Avianna Mynhier: Don't Wait For Inspiration To Come

While some people wait for their inspiration, actress Avianna Mynhier creates it. She landed her first gig on the hit series The Walking Dead as Rachel Ward in season 10. Then, more recently, she finished filming, during the middle of the pandemic, the Amazon Prime drama series 'Panic' where she can be seen starring as Abby. But this is far from the only thing she has done during the lockdown. Feeling dishearten by covid she decided to create a place for people to connect, her podcast 'Uprising.' In every episode, she aims to speak with a different kind of inspirational person. She is passionate about women empowerment and frequently participates in conventions including the Women Deliver and Professional Businesswomen of California conventions. We talked to Avianna Mynhier about her career, podcast, and women empowerment. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about her.

Marcelo Deiss Moves Through Music

Brazilian Londoner Marcelo Deiss is a citizen of the world, and he shows this through his music. Embedded with politically and socially conscious messages, his music is a testament of Deiss’ commitment to making the world a more just one. The singer-songwriter latest EP, Hurl, is the story of an artist disenchanted with the status quo, yet hopeful about the future and art’s place in it. Jejune sat down with Deiss to learn more about his vision for Hurl, how he makes music from the melody to the lyrics, and how he uses his multicultural background to uplift others. To find out more about Marcelo Deiss, continue reading below.

Beverley Huynh - Telling Diverse Stories As A Costume Designer

What does it take to create the right aesthetic for super heroes, post-apocalyptical villains, and pop culture icons? As a costume designer for shows like Flash, Arrow, and The 100, Beverley Huynh knows how to make costumes stand out in binge-worthy media. We were excited to speak with Beverley and get her perspective of costume design in relation to representation. Beverly’s main focus is using her her platform to tell her story about needing to have more women of color in entertainment in front of and behind the camera. In all of her career as a costume designer she has always been one of very few minorities in "the room" making decisions, which is where the real power of Hollywood is. Until there are more people of different cultural backgrounds holding power there will always be an uneven balance in the industry, and that is what Beverley is fighting to change. For more on Beverley, please read our exclusive interview 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.

VINOK—A Statement Of Authenticity & Social Change In A Land Unknown

The Ukrainian-based Indie-rock band VINOK is a statement of authenticity and social change to create a new culture of justice in a land of the unknown. VINOK uses its unique sound and powerful lyrics to bring awareness and create discussions about various social issues. Their topics range from religion, women’s rights, and disability rights. Only established in 2019, the band has already graced some of the biggest festivals in Eastern Europe such as Ukraine’s Respublica Festival and Poland’s Slot Festival. Their latest single “Elephant Girl” is a story of transformation and the spiritual awakening of a female person with a disability. The title of the song is in reference to Elephant Man, a true story of a person who was judged and maltreated exclusively because of his appearance. The members of VINOK—Nathalie, Ilya, and Anton—all as individuals, have experienced or seen the hardships and tragedies life can have. To learn more about VINOK, their latest single, and each member, read our interview below.

Di Wav - The Light In The Dark

“Levantar” can mean to “rise up” in Spanish, and that is what Daniela Carpacio Fischer —alias Di Wav— is doing as one of the most unique Latin American artists on the scene. The Guatemalan-Swiss alternative singer finds inspiration in her identity, her love for dark, atmospheric aesthetics, and most recently, the British electronic band Depeche Mode. Her latest EP, Despierta, is an homage to "Depeche Mode. But make no mistake, Despierta is authentic Di Wav. The singer is true to roots, stretching beyond her music. Di Wav talked with Jejune about how she found her style, making music, and her ambassadorship for Save the Children Guatemala. To learn more about Di Wav, continue reading!

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 31Jejune ContributorApril 29, 2021singer, alternative, indie, latina, latinx, children, youth, poverty, #identityComment

Figuring Things Out With Smokelines

Two best friends and a whirlwind of experiences manifested through music. Smokelines was born out of a friendship between Californian Skylar “Sky” Blaze Star and New Yorker Faith Gara. With New York City as their backdrop, they are an ultimate dynamic duo of singer-songwriters capturing what it’s like to be young in the city. Jejune enthusiastically got to learn more about their latest single, Nirvana, a product of adjusting to the new normal as COVID-19 plunged us deeper into a digital reality. Nirvana is also a testament to their commitment to mental health awareness, in addition to their collaboration with The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation. To find out more about what goes into the creativity and business acumen that goes into Smokelines, the meaningfulness of Nirvana, and mental health advocacy, read below.

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