AIRPORTS on Creativity and Mental Health during Isolation

Mental health, historically, exists in an undefinable facet of art. Pioneers like Edvard Munch and Georgia O' Keeffe coped through a shared legacy of art via mental illness and inspiration. Singer-songwriter AIRPORTS released his new single “U Feel It 2;” a track that induces optimism or sorrow, directly dependent on individual analysis and interpretation. The Australian artist discusses his battle with Aplastic Anaemia and Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH), and how it influenced his music as a healing and beneficial motivator. He chronicles his battle with mental health and depression, most notably his hospitalization, and now during the COVID isolation. Be sure to watch AIRPORTS “U Feel It 2” music video for some positivity during quarantine, and please read our exclusive interview to learn more about AIRPORTS.

Actress Nicole Leier Takes Creating To Deeper Levels

Nicole Leier is a women who ranks amongst superhuman caliber. She is multifaceted in her work as an actor, director, independent producer, and stuntwoman. The Canadian-born actress is most recently associated with her role alongside Nicolas Cage in the film “A Score to Settle.” She is a co-owner of a production company called Black Tree Pictures, credited with works such as “Black Chicks”, which she also stars in, and “Henry’s Glasses”, an exploration of the Japanese living in Canadian internment camps due to their enemy alien status during WWll. Nicole is also an ambassador for the Bite The Bullet Stories (BTBS), a community designed to highlight stories and further essential conversation about mental health, ending brutality and racial discrimination by law enforcement. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about Nicole Leier.

Claire London: The Dark Pop Princess, Romance, & Her Happily Ever After

Using romance as her muse, Claire London has released her single, “Young,” a track that accounts the ups and downs of her journey towards uncovering true love. Claire, now a mix of Neo-Soul-Pop, takes a subtle shift from the sonics of her discography since her debut album “Like A Machine” in 2011, filled with distorted bass lines and bluesy pop/rock. The once hailed as a dark pop princess has settled down, yet remains sharper than ever.

Her move from NYC to LA in 2016 could be considered a life altering fateful moment where she met her husband, developed a love for the outdoors, and co-founded a music community designed to empower women in the music industry called Female Frequency. Female Frequency’s goal is for every component of their music-making to be done by women, from start to finish, including all writing, instrumentation, arrangement, performance, production, engineering, mixing, mastering, marketing and creation of visual media. Please read our exclusive interview to learn more about Claire London.

Turkish Women Are Not Mourning, They Are Uprising

These days, you can come across a woman who is sharing a black and white photo of herself as a "challenge." If you wondered what it meant, you may want to know the feminist agenda of Turkey.

Budda Oeuvre: Art Through A Shared Experience

Art is a conflation of our minds imagery, personal experiences, and intellectual or creative wherewithal, immortalizing each piece as a symbol reflective of an idea or concept. When art becomes culturally relevant and reflects a specific viewpoint within a mishmash of conflicting contemporary thought, we attach prolificacy, when it would be apt to declare society at large late to the experiences of its own people. Many artists, regardless of race, creed, or sexuality, will naturally have a heightened understanding and capacity of expression, due to first hand world experiences — both good and bad.

Maryland based free-hand artist, Maché Turner aka “Budda Oeuvre”, creates her works via inspiration from her thoughts and experiences. Much of her art features bright dynamic colors in a cartoonish style. Her pieces vary in subject matter ranging from pop culture, to social issues, race, and more. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Budda Oeuvre.

Art, zIssue 25Jejune ContributorAugust 7, 2020Art, art, artist, #artist, black lives matter, women in business, blackgirlmagic, black rights, paintingsComment

Jax Malcolm: The Actor, Designer, & Athlete Takes on Hollywood

Jax Riley Malcom seemingly inherited his acting drive out of the void. At just five years old, Jax pondered as to why he wasn’t on television. Soon after, he learned that he would need an agent and would later land his first role for a Smart Power commercial. He went on to work with Comedy Central and IFC with credits including the Kroll Show, Comedy Bang Bang!, and The Birthday Boys.

The Californian born artist has made surmountable progression within the fields of athletics, fashion, and music. He was on the varsity swim team at his high school, competitive USA Swimming club swimmer, and a Junior Olympian / Championship team member. He also has a strong foundation in fashion design and styling. As a fashion designer, he recently came out with his collection Trident. Please read our exclusive interview to learn more about Jax Malcom.

Nadia George Sheds Light on The Indigenous Water Crisis

The indigenous communities across the globe have always been treated terribly, with no move to improve the situations they were forced into. While many countries like to pretend this doesn’t include them, this just isn’t so. Canadian born Mi'kmaq actress Nadia George is advocating to educate and inform the world about the indigenous water crisis happening in Canada (lack of water for indigenous populations in the US is a huge problem too). With COVID raging through the planet, this scarcity of water is a complete nightmare to an already very sensitive population. Nadia helps to spread the word about this water issue in the short film “Alongside the Water’s Edge”, which is a lyrical film that addresses the water crisis being faced by countless indigenous communities across Canada, before COVID. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Nadia George.

Reunited, Ebony Buckle's Fight For Immigration

The debate on immigration is riddled with controversy and divisiveness, yet distinctively universal. In America, we commonly think of the debate of immigration being associated with illegal immigration through the influx of aliens via the U.S. southern border. The UK faces a similar discussion. Those in favor of loosening stringent migration standards argue that countries can benefit from a greater cultural diversity, flexible labour markets, and a solution to aging populations. Those in favor of more secure borders often state free borders can result in lower wages for unskilled workers, overpopulation, and a negative impact on GDP per capita. With all said, it seems that like most political debates, an agreeable consensus seems distant. However, despite this, what remains true are the families and individuals suffering through the process.

UK artist Ebony Buckle experienced the impacts of tight UK immigration laws first hand. Her new single “Ghost” chronicles her plight with immigration when her marriage visa was refused shortly after her wedding, resulting in a two year separation from her husband. This experience inspired her to partner with the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) to help fight for Asylum Seekers’ rights and provide legal support, food, medical support and more. Please read our exclusive interview to learn more about Ebony Buckle.

Art, zIssue 25Jejune ContributorAugust 4, 2020music, musician, singer, singer song writer, #singer, Immigration, immigrant, covid-19, humanity, human right, human rightsComment

Brandon Ash-Mohammed: A Place For Black Queer Comics

What does it mean to be a comedian in 2020? The etymology of comedy is derived from 14c., it was "narrative with a happy ending; any composition intended for amusement," from Old French comedie (14c.), "a poem" (not in the theatrical sense) and directly from Latin comoedia. Comedic styles have differed throughout the ages, some more performative in execution, some story driven, and others purely satirical.

Comedians have become the layman’s philosopher, they tackle topics, personal, relatable, controversial. They dissect our societal norms and provide a humorous analysis on our values. Brandon Ash-Mohammed is part of a new generation of comedians carving his own lane in stand up. For starters, he is the first ever queer black Canadian comedian to release a comedy album, Capricornication. Brandon is also the creator of The Ethnic Rainbow, Canada’s first and only comedy show for LGBTQ comedians of colour. Please read our exclusive interview to earn more about Brandon Ash-Mohammed.

Art, zIssue 25Jejune ContributorAugust 3, 2020comedy, performers, performing, gay, LGBTQ+, lgbtq, LGBTQ, lgbt, LGBTQ rights, racial justice, black rights, African AmericanComment

COVER - Good Trouble

This week marks two months of straight Black Lives Matter protests in New York City, and in many other places across the United States. In the midsts of a pandemic, people from all over the world have come together to support the black community and fight against police brutality. People are waking up and learning about systemic racism and what it actually means to defund the police. But there is always more to be done. Please check out our BLM Resource Book for more information.

This has been a unique time in history because everything has been closed and boarded up and artists are without work. So, the streets of SoHo have had more empty canvases for the incredible and relevant art sprouting up everywhere. Artists are listed last on the list of essential businesses, but as history is happening around us, we are busier than ever. It is the art people will look back on to document the past, and that art is screaming to be heard, for justice, and for change.

Trope Explores Truth On Eleutheromania

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.

Staying Sheek In 2020 - 12 Sustainable Face Masks That Are A Breath Of Fresh Air

Fashion is in a weird place these days, with people leaving their homes less than ever, and many designers still in flux, but there is one way we can still make a huge fashion statement, and do a bit of good with it: a mask!

Soo many amazing brands are coming out with super cute masks these days that it is actually hard to decide which to go with! So, we tried to make your job a little easier. We found 12 great designers who are producing not only fashionable masks, but they are sustainable/give back in some away.

As always, it is important that we look amazing while we save the world. Remember, not all superheroes wear capes, but they do all wear masks!

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.

The Ultimate Guide to Your Best Diet - Part 8: What’s Your Flavor? Discover the Dietary Theory for Your Best Health

Jejune is excited to put out The Ultimate Guide to Your Best Diet in eight “digested” parts. This is Part 8: What’s Your Flavor? Discover the Dietary Theory for Your Best Health.

Rufescent Lips Is The Perfect Shade Of Red

Born under the desire to find the perfect red lip color for black women, Kristin McIntyre created the vegan and cruelty free beauty brand (or according to her “beauty band”) Rufescent Lips. Rufescent — tinged with red, focuses on one thing, rich red lips, and Kristin’s goal is for these lips to empower other black women to feel beautiful while bringing the revolution. To learn more about Kristin McIntyre and Rufescent Lips, please read our exclusive interview here.

Let Them Eat Cake (LTEC) - The Show Must Go On!

Let me tell you about Let Them Eat Cake (LTEC)! LTEC is a super fun aerial/circus/pole/burlesque show, and they were one of the first shows to quickly transport their show to the internet. While the rest of us were still shell shocked, Ina Du and Brenna Bradbury were planning on how they could keep us sane in the midsts of all this. Basically, within two weeks of the NYC lockdown, LTEC had their first online show, Homemade Edition, and they have been having a show every Thursday since (although, we believe they will be moving to every other Thursday now). To learn more, read our exclusive interview here, and tune into their show tonight!

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.

Francois Klark Bring ASL To His Music

As a well decorated artist, Francois Klark has won a number of awards, including the Oscar Peterson Award, Standard Bank Award for best original composition, and Most Promising Performing Solo Artist. His latest song, ‘Always’, recently got picked up by Resonate Entertainment to appear in their Netflix dance film, ‘Feel The Beat’, where the company, which has a deaf member, played by deaf actress Shaylee Mansfield, beautifully brings American Sign Language (ASL) into the choreography. This, along with Shaylee Mansfield’s instagram movement, #InstaCaptioning, inspired Francois to include an American Sign Language interpretation of the song, in addition to choreography that is influenced by the restraints of COVID-19, for his music video ‘Always’. Please read our exclusive interview to learn more about Francois Klark.

Art, zIssue 24Jejune ContributorJuly 21, 2020music, musician, singer, singer song writer, #singer, ASL, deaf, deaf cultureComment

EDITORIAL - The New Norm?

Social distancing — the act of keeping space (six feet) between yourself and other people, and limiting trips to places where you might interact with other people.

Humans all over the world are trying to find creative ways to be close while being apart. Never have we, as a planet, ever been so easily in communication, yet not allowed to connect in a physical way. Even as an introvert, I feel the strain of going months without seeing my family and friends. However, unlike during the 1918 pandemic, we do have the luxury of the internet and video calls. I am still able to workout, have group hangouts, play charades with my mother, and even do photo shoots. We may feel there is a lot to be concerned about, but there is even more to be grateful for.

Editorials, zIssue 24Kira BuccaJuly 20, 2020social distancing, covid-19, fashion, summer fashion, model, female model, Asian, female fashion, stay home, cats, animalsComment

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.