Feel Better with ALIX

Like many artists, navigating the music industry right now as an artist can be tough, but ALIX doesn’t let that stop her. Bay Area based artist, ALIX, let us join in on her livestream of her album “Feel Better” where she brings a California breath of fresh air to online viewers. Being the young artist she is, she gives us an inside feel of what it’s like to be a young artist in this tough industry and just exactly how she’s navigating through it. Besides music, ALIX is heavily involved in “Clear List Organization”, an organization dedicated to helping struggling teachers during Covid-19. ALIX shares with us why she feels teachers are essential workers and so important to the development of society. Please read our exclusive interview below.

ARIA Won't Let The Conversation Die!

Aria Brooks alias ARIA is a young creative to be on the look out for. When she’s not starring in Nickelodeon’s revival of the hit 90s sitcom, All That, she’s mixing her artistry and activism to inspire others to continue difficult, yet important conversations. ARIA’s latest single, Am I Next? and its music video are powerfully influenced by the Black Lives Matter defining the Summer of 2020 and beyond. Jejune talks to ARIA about her artistic endeavors, how they’ve looked during COVID-19, and how she is encouraging BIPOC and white youth alike to take a stand for social justice.

Tampon Rock Podcast - There Isn’t Just One LGBTQ+ Story To Tell

If you love a good binge-listen and looking for a new podcast to add to your queue, look no further. The ladies of Tampon Rock just completed their first season and let us tell you… it is binge-worthy. The scripted podcast follows two lesbian narrators, Chloe and Deja, as they luckily and unluckily navigate the Oakland love and music scene. There’s quirky music, there’s comedy, and (what we love most of all) there’s relatable and authentic storytelling. In our interview with the team behind Tampon Rock —Alysia Brown, Sarah Aument, and Sophie Dinicol— we discuss the importance of representation when it comes to telling Queer stories of all kinds. We dive into the show’s unique musical nature, the complexity of character creation, and recording during the pandemic. Want to know more? Please read our exclusive interview with the creators of Tampon Rock below.

zIssue 28, ArtForrest JohnsonJanuary 15, 2021podcast, comedy, music, new, queer, Black, LGBTQ+, lesbian, tampon rock, diversity, media, comedian, podastsComment

Staying Curious with The Bachelor's Kendall Long

If there’s such a thing as a curiosity guru, Kendall Long would certainly be one. After she made her debut on season 22 of The Bachelor and later on Bachelor in Paradise, Kendall became a sensation. Her lovable personality, quirky interest in taxidermy, and kind heart are what make Kendal a person we couldn’t wait to interview. We talk to Kendall about her new book Just Curious: A Notebook of Questions, which is exactly that: a book of questions (and a journal too!). And let’s be honest: Just Curious is coming at the best time of the pandemic when Zoom calls and staying indoors during winter could not be more monotonous. We need to stay curious! We also chat about Kendall’s love for animals, represented by her secondhand taxidermy hobby and her rescue pup Pistachio. If you’re curious about Kendall and interested in what she has been up to since her time on reality TV, please read our exclusive interview below.

Audrey Grace Marshall: A Young Star Playing Epic Roles

Audrey Grace Marshall maybe 11 years old, but she has already attracted some pretty interesting roles, playing the young version of Cassie in HBO Max’s The Flight Attendant, and also playing a young 'Trish Walker' in the amazing final season of Marvel's Jessica Jones. When she isn’t busy playing the younger versions of epic women, or running around in her New York City life, she is very passionate about helping mature dogs through Susie's Senior Dogs; a nonprofit organization working to bring awareness to the plight of homeless senior dogs. Please read further to learn more about Audrey in our exclusive interview below.

Sasha Daniel Sings For Freedom

Sasha Daniel is a gifted Russian-Israeli musician, actress, and mental health advocate. She uses her creative talents to explore inwardly as well as create a dialogue about sensitive issues such as love and relationships, vulnerability, and mental illness. Sasha has been writing music for years, using her unique life experiences of living and traveling around the world as inspiration. She spent two years touring across New York, the Mid-West, southern United States, Israel, and Canada until she moved back to Tel Aviv and began producing her own songs. Jejune sat down with Sasha to discuss her new EP and her volunteer work with the Non Profit Organization Latet.

Moving From Canada to Tennessee During COVID-19

The pandemic ushered me into a season of change that was unexpected. I have been a graduate student working on my Ph.D. for the last five years as an international student in Canada. 2020 was meant to be my final year when I would see myself achieve a career goal of becoming a “doctor.” However, months into the pandemic, I found myself needing more financial security and emotional support than being a doctoral student would (and could) allow. So, in November, I packed up my belongings and moved back to my hometown for a job in higher-ed that would allow me to make a livable wage and live in a less expensive area.

Georgia Black - Heroes Stay Inside to Breathe

Many artists have been negatively impacted by COVID-19, especially with the closure of venues and live performances becoming a nostalgic memory of yesteryear. Here at Jejune, we are inspired by those who have found a way to pursue their art and continue creating during these times. For Georgia Black, her new single “Invisible Enemy” is a demonstration of both persistence of art and the unity felt amongst communities during quarantine and shelter-in-place across the world. We fell instantly for the sauntering sound of Black’s smooth voice accompanied by dreamy synths and violins (truly reminiscent of a James Bond Film), which come together in “Invisible Enemy” to positively depict citizens who stay at home as heroes. We speak to Black about her time in quarantine, where she draws inspiration, and about her day job as a Learning Support Assistant in the UK. For more about Georgia Black please read our exclusive interview below.

COVER - Emma Norton Will Dance Her Way Into Your Heart

While TikTok certainly existed before the pandemic, the popular (and might we add addictive) video app became a beloved past time for creators, viewers, and consumers during shelter-in-place. For 16-year-old Emma Norton, TikTok is a place where she can exhibit her mad make-up skills and penchant for entertainment. Her personality is as charismatic as it is authentic, — making Emma a magnet for admiration and attracting over 5.9 million followers on TikTok (and counting!) and over 300 thousand on Instagram. Emma gives us insight on TikToker’s place in speaking out on social issues —a hot and growing topic in 2020— and the positive potential of social media to spread awareness as we move forward into another year with bigger goals for our society and the world at large. We are so excited to share our interview with Emma and we are sure that this TikTok star, actress, and influencer will dance her way into your heart. Please read our exclusive interview with Emma below.

Long Testing Lines Leave New Yorkers Feeling Frustrated

The ever-growing lines at COVID-19 testing sites in NYC are a disturbing indicator of the basic public health crisis we are still facing. New Yorkers are braving insanely long lines in the cold and rainy weather to get tested for the virus, as we brace ourselves for a second deadly wave. Some people wait in these lines because they need the test for work or school. Some fear that they may have potentially been exposed, or are hoping that by getting a test they will be able to safely celebrate the holidays with their loved ones. And some, discouraged by the idea of standing for over three hours in the cold end up walking away untested.

Otoja Abit Is A Quadruple Threat

Otoja Abit is best known for his award-winning debut short, Jitters, in which he wrote, directed, produced, and starred. Otoja expands on his short Jitters’ theme with his first-of-its-kind urban-leaning holiday film A New York Christmas Wedding now available on Netflix. The film touches on some of the themes involving the LGBTQIA Community and religion. Check out our exclusive interview with Otoja Abit here.

Art, zIssue 27, Most PopularJejune ContributorDecember 23, 2020Actor, netflix, film, writers, producer, blm, covid-19, story, christmas, holiday, Holidays, LGBTQ+, lgbtq, LGBTQ rights, LGBTQ, love is love, loveislove, writerComment

Holiday Gift Guide - Top 6 Sustainable Brands to Light Up Your Stockings

What in the world is better than holiday shopping? Buying gifts for your loved ones is a quintessential holiday experience. Especially in this day and age, holiday shopping brings joy and a sense of comfort. But this season is your turn to give back not only to your families, but also to the environment. It is imperative to shop sustainably to reduce waste, make a positive impact on people, and a positive impact on the planet. We have compiled a list of vegan, cruelty-free, ethical, and sustainable brands for you to check out! Each brand mentioned below contains an all exclusive Jejune holiday promotional code. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

Please read further, and add these brands to your shopping list this holiday season.

"Enlighten Me" and the Power of Sarcasm - Kipani

Move over mansplainers! Kipani is about to enlighten you. Bringing a sound of her own, singer-songwriter Kipani is a visionary for equality in the music industry. Kipani’s new single “Enlighten Me” is a unique blend of genres and has a very specific goal: to empower women. In our interview with Kipani, we dive into the struggles and obstacles that women creators face in the male-dominated music industry and discuss how Kipani as an artist has used music to push-back against stereotypes of women that negatively impact their artistic endeavors. Kipani’s art is not only self-expression but a demonstrative outlet of the dynamic force of feminine creativity. For more on Kipani please read our exclusive interview below.

Women's Health & Sustainability? Hello Nyssa!

I maybe a little ways off from having a child, but I’m 100% woman, and I know the struggles and pain of having a period. So, I was very curious to learn more when I found out about the women owned and run postpartum comfort underwear business Nyssa, who also helps with period pain. Like many women, I experience pretty severe pain for a few days a month. I have learned a few ways to manage it: work out more and wear period underwear, but the pain still comes. So, this month I got the pleasure to experiment with Nyssa’s underwear. I tried their Nyssa VieWear Underwear, which comes with an ice/heat pack and a pocket built into the underwear for it! While you still have to find a way to deal with the period itself, I have to say walking around with a heat pack on my back, certainly made me a lot happier this month. Also, as an added bonus, these are great for athletes who are prone to hurting themselves.. I may or may not know a little something about that. To learn more about this super empowering company, please read our exclusive interview below.

We Need Deep Latinx Storytelling - Chrissie Fit

Chrissie Fit is a star on the horizon of change. Chrissie is known for her work in the Pitch Perfect franchise as “Flo” and she has returned to the big screen in All My Life with Harry Shum Jr. and Jessica Rothe which premiered in theatres on December 4th, When we asked if she was involved in any humanitarian work, Chrissie responded: “I feel like I have my hands in everything!”. After speaking with the Cuban actress, it was easy to see that Chrissie brings a critical and inspirational lens to her work behind the camera and in her everyday life to promote a better and more diverse future. In our interview with Chrissie, she dives deep into what it means to have representation for Latinx communities in Hollywood and beyond. Chrissie talks about the intersectional nature of representation in film and television as well as representation at the polls for Latinx voters in the 2020 election. For more on Chrissie Fit, please read our interview below.

Brooke Lewis Bellas' Holiday Contest!

In these unprecedented times when so many people are facing hardships, Brooke Lewis Bellas would love to give 3 lucky winners a personalized Holiday greeting in hopes of raising their spirits and giving them something to smile about! I have included entry instructions below.

zIssue 27Jejeune MagazineDecember 15, 2020

Sirens Of Hope - Diana Sophia

As an individual who lived through the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City, I have been waiting for the music and art that would come from it, and Diana Sophia did not disappoint. If you did not have the experience or if you did, please take a moment to listen to her new song “Sirens.” This song will transport you to those months of 24/7 ambulance sirens and the anxiety we all felt, but she also laces in hope that came with them. This song is heavy, and not something I will listen to every day, but it is true historic art and should be respected as such. Diana might be from Mexico, but in many ways, she is nothing but a New Yorker. She is all about grit and passion. In addition to being an incredible singer-songwriter, she is a survivor and helps support an amazing organization for sexual abuse victims called Hidden Water. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about Diana Sophia.

Cover: Beau Dunn - Art Heals

The glitz and glamor of a glowing neon sign can draw one’s eye from miles away. Artist Beau Dunn is an expert in the neon medium and her tongue-in-cheek approach to art provides commentary on society in glowing and irresistible tubes of color. A well-known portion of Dunn’s repertoire is comprised of sculptures made out of intricately thin neon letters, with phrases like “NEED MORE MONEY FOR BIRKIN” or “NEED MORE MONEY FOR REAL ESTATE.” The series is the epitome of advertising, capitalism, indulgence, and luxury. Dunn’s newest series, “Next Generation” continues her work in neon sculptures. With updated phrases like “NEED MORE MONEY FOR TOILET PAPER” and “NEED MORE MONEY FOR FACE MASKS,” Dunn truly shows the irony and truth of the shift we all experienced this year when essentials turned into commodities. On top of on-point social commentary, “Next Generation” is also in collaboration with eBay for Charity, with a portion of all proceeds benefiting UNICEF USA’s COVID-relief efforts and help provide front-line responders and families in need with resources to keep children healthy and safe during the pandemic. Beau Dunn’s art shows us that art not only inspires, art heals.

Outside of the studio and gallery, Dunn tends to spend most of her time with animals. She was recently named Global Ambassador of Road Dogs & Rescue a non-profit that rescues bulldog breeds, medical dogs, seniors, and special needs puppies. She has always had such a big heart for animals and now gets to help dogs who need a little extra love and attention. Beau is also on the board of The Sanctuary At Soledad, where she is pictured in our cover photos! To read more about Beau’s life as an artist and learn more about her work in animal advocacy in our exclusive interview below.

Brooke Law Reminds Us About The True Meaning of Christmas

London-born British singer and songwriter, Brooke Law, is an electrifying artist with a heart. She has written with leading producers who have worked with Ellie Goulding, Dua Lipa, and Lana Del Ray. In 2019, she was selected by BBC Asian Network and BBC Music Introducing Essex as one of their ‘Artist to Watch’. Her new single for Christmas 2020, “Home,” is a highly emotive song that poignantly conveys the sadness of finding yourself apart from a loved one at Christmas. It also sheds light on the homeless predicament impacted by 320,000 people in the UK. 100% of the proceeds of her new single will go to the UK Charity, Crisis. Brooke hopes that her song will not only reach out emotionally to those in need but also provide practical help through donations. It is from this bedrock of family ‘unity-through-diversity’, strength, and positive action that motivates Brooke to express her values and beliefs through her music. Please read our interview with Brooke Law to learn more about her and her new single, “Home.”

Being Outspoken Through Art With Doomsday Entertainment

We are at a time when art and entertainment manipulate society and the next generations systematically but, also, we believe that these days, art has moved away from the manipulative purpose to involve social engagement and political motives. Doomsday Entertainment is a production company founded by Danielle Hinde in 2010 and this is why we are hopeful about today's art. Danielle Hinde has overseen groundbreaking and award-winning videos for Marvin Gaye, David Guetta, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Childish Gambino, One Republic, J. Lo, and hundreds more. She produced many culture-reset music videos like This Is America and according to Danielle Hinde, the success of these videos is a direct result of combining the right director with an artist — together they can tell a powerful story through the music. Being outspoken through art is her priority because she is passionate about speaking about social issues. We see the reflection of this with the projects and the people she worked with. Recently, she produced a music video premiere by FKA Twigs, "Sad Day," and Nike’s ‘You Can’t Stop Our Voice’ campaign, which was directed by Hiro Murai. We talked Danielle Hinde about Doomsday’s latest projects and the role of politics in music videos. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about her and Doomsday Entertainment.