local wolves — 1
C
reative energy isn’t always a daily vibe. Don’t get me wrong, I feel that everyone has their productive days but I must admit that I have been in a creative slump for the past month, just a loss of motivation with everything going on in the world. I decided to take some time to reflect, spend more time with my family and just moments where I go on spontaneous trips. This brings me to our monthly themed topic of #DareToBeYou, which we have an open discussion about showcasing our daring side through our choice of actions or feeling more confident in your own skin. The team and I are so grateful to have the opportunity to work with content creator, Katy Bellotte. We’ve been a fan of her content for years and along with her down to earth personality, just getting real about particular topics (our kind of gal!) I really hope you enjoy this issue filled with in-depth stories and several lookbooks, which we collaborated with some rad photographers and designers. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts about our #DareToBeYou issue. Much love to our wolfie readers! Lettering (Above): Leah Lu / Illustration (Right): Laura Filas / Photography (Far Right): Erin Krespan.
Cathrine Khom founder / editor-in-chief
“
I’m daring when I choose to defy norms, knowing and accepting that there might be critics along the way. Confidently going in the direction of your dreams regardless of the price— that’s the act of being daring to me.
”
katy bellotte
contents
4
C l a s s ic s 07
playlist
08
munchies
10
do it yourself
12
p.s. positivity
16
wolfie submissions
22
pinpoint
26
safety pinned
86
unfiltered wires
f e at u r e s 28
megan cencula
32
joey bragg
36
olivia stuck
40
new district
44
nico yaryan
48 katy bellotte 56
slow hollows
60
cailee rae
64
cullen omori
68
young innocence
74
still
80
daydreamer
ISSUE 39 // KATY BELLOTTE local wolves is an monthly online and print based publication delving into the most creative minds from the world of entertainment, arts and culture. the magazine is driven by a passion for the best coverage and photography to create an adaptive aesthetic. SAY HELLO // LET’S CHAT general: info@localwolves.com press: press@localwolves.com get involved: community@localwolves.com
wolfie team
many thanks
founder / editor-in-chief cathrine khom copy editor sophia khom music curator sena cheung videography jessica eu, summer luu head stylist katie qian h/mua/grooming jessie yarborough publicity ashley bulayo social media caroline edwards, nicole tillotson front cover logo fiona yeung back cover logo isabel ramos cover photo erin krespan
cailee rae @caileeraemusic studio city, ca
design / illustration kelsey cordutsky, christine ennis, laura filas, lisa lok, leah lu, megan kate potter, lauren wright
katy bellotte @hellokaty maryland, md
contributing writers lexie alley, kamrin baker, sadie bell, kendall bolam, ashley bulayo, orion carloto, karina diez, meghan duncan, morgan eckel, brindy francis, anna hall, alexis jarrett, chloe luthringshausen, hudson luthringshausen, emma matthews, harriet stanley
megan cencula @mcencula nashville, tn
contributing photographers lexie alley, mila austin, pamela ayala, megan cencula, viviana contreras, riley donahue, amanda harle, lindsey harris, katy johnson, rachel kober, chris lampkins, sam landreth, summer luu, lhoycel marie, penelope martinez, jenson metcalf, naohmi monroe, roxana moure, meagan sullivan, melissa tilley, ashley yu
nico yaryan @nico_yaryan los angeles, ca
cullen omori @cullenomorii chicago, il joey bragg @joeybragg north hollywood, ca
new district @newdistrict los angeles, ca
olivia stuck @oliviastuck los angeles, ca slow hollows @hollowsbandla los angeles, ca
connect localwolves.com twitter | instagram | snapchat @localwolves read online issuu.com/localwolves print shop magcloud.com/user/localwolvesmag
playlist + J ULY 2 0 1 6 +
coverage BY sena cheung
local wolves — 7
munchies + mi c a f e ci t o +
Mi Cafecito has graced Pomona with its very first coffee shop. Located in the Arts District this husband and wife business serves your classic pour overs, cold brews, and teas while specializing in Latin inspired flavors such as tres leches, horchata, cajeta, masapan, and cafe de olla. Mi Cafecito also offers a flight of cold brews so that customers can sample a variety during their visit. All ingredients in the menu are organic and sourced straight from Mexico to provide customers with an authentic, quality experience. With a beautifully curated atmosphere and a variety of well-crafted specialty treats, Mi Cafecito is the perfect place to hang and treat yourself!
coverage by Naohmi Monroe
Location: 101 S Main St. Pomona, CA 91766
8
local wolves — 9
do it yourself + D I STRESSE D RA W H E M D EN I M +
SU P P L I ES + 1 pair of scissors + 1 seam ripper + 1 denim piece ( jeans, skirt, shirt, etc) NOTE: this process will be much easier and look far better with true denim from the thrift store (e.g. levi’s, wrangler’s). any denim material with stretch will most likely not yield the desired result. COVERAGE BY MEGHAN DUNCAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY YU
10
STE P S
1
cut the hem off of both legs to desired length. Leave about Âź inch longer than you want, as it will shrink up a bit after distressing
4
using the seam ripper, insert the long side of the needle underneath a white thread and pull away from the hem
7
wash and dry denim to further enhance the look of the distressing
2
using your fingers, grab the white threads poking out of the raw hem and pull them out from the blue threads
3
turn the denim inside out to better see the pattern of white threads running horizontally and blue threads running vertically
5
as you continue to pull white threads out, cut away excess blue threads
6
repeat steps 4 & 5 along different areas of the hem to achieve desired look
local wolves — 11
So I was watching a video the other day on what it truly feels like to experience happiness, or a sense of gratitude, I should say. Personally, for me happiness comes in many different shapes and sizes. Like from petting a dog or beating someone in Mario Kart. Or from writing all of my feeling out in my journal after a productive day to waking up to a strong cup of coffee in the morning. Happiness are all of these little things combined into one, but this video opened my eyes to something we all forget to do as often as we should to experience that euphoric feeling of gratitude. And that’s reminding others how thankful we are for them. I read my mentions on Twitter, look through my tagged photos on Instagram, and journey through my ask box on Tumblr. Every single day I am reminded of the love you all share with not only me, but with each other. And can we talk about how talented you all are at drawing?! Wow! I can’t even draw a tick-tac-toe bored without making the lines all crooked! Through my lightest times and even my darkness, you all always manage to be there through it all. The amount of nights I’ve cried myself to sleep because I felt as though I was never worthy enough of validating friendships has been made up for through the love you all share with me. I wish I could personally hug and kiss every single one of you, but until that time comes around, please know from the very bottom of my heart that I am incredibly thankful and so so so full of love. You all are my entire world. This is for you. X (Illustration above by Ileen)
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– Zahra El-Khazragi / UK, Wales
When I first heard of Orion, I thought, “who is this person”? This girl I follow on Twitter always retweets photos of her. One day, I clicked onto her profile because I wanted to know more about her. This inevitably led me to reading issue after issue of Local Wolves in one night, which I fell in love with. I especially loved P.S. Positivity and I had never felt so connected before to someone I had never met. Of course, I then stayed up all night watching her YouTube videos. From her “Book Corner” video, she mentioned she was reading a book by Keaton Henson and also talked about how she loved his music. I had never found someone who listens to Keaton’s music and it was great to know she shared the same love I felt for him and his music. From that first click on her profile, I could tell that Orion is very beautiful, inside and out, and I think P.S. Positivity is a great column for her to write since it’s exactly what she spreads to the world: positivity. Some could say this is just my personal opinion, but just take a look around at her fans and people in her life and how she has affected our lives by moving us powerfully with her words. There are some people in this world who are naturally captivating, leaving us all in awe. The lovely Orion are one of these people. – Nichole Getz / Oahu, Hi
We all need that person to spark something in us. Someone that encourages us to create. To be the best we can be. To accept ourselves. For me, that person is Orion. Orion continues to inspire me to create art; whether it be writing or photography, there is something about her that ignites the spark in me. Whenever I am in need of inspiration, I turn to past P.S. Positivity, her writings, her photography, her videos or just her in general. She inspires, she encourages me, and she comforts me— all without her even realizing the power she holds. Orion possess something very special about her and I think we all know it. - SOPHIE GRAGG / Los Angeles, CA Orion Carloto is an inspiring soul with lots to offer to her followers. I feel that Orion has shown poetry through photos and has created a base on Instagram to show people those photos as well as her words. Instagram is a place where people can go to feel words deeply and be inspired to write. I’m an aspiring writer and Orion has connected with me without even knowing who I am. She has given me ideas to further my own ideas, because really, we think alike. Her YouTube channel has everything I am interested in and I feel like her friend, laughing with her in her videos. She has the ability to feel so deeply and have empathy and then go share her feelings in poetry like myself. I can relate to her and be her emphatic friend when she releases her emotions and I really enjoy that. Orion is a great writer and is lucky to have the opportunities she does and i love seeing her take on those opportunities. It gives me hope that I can someday go far. So thank you Orion. Thank you for being you. – JAMIE
– Jenapher Moore / long beach, ca
local wolves — 13
Everybody has a person they look up to. For me, that person is Orion. I don’t know how describe the relationship she has with her fans other than a supportive big sister. She has inspired me in more ways than one. I remember not knowing how to be confident. I remember not knowing how to explore the way I felt through words. I remember feeling like nobody knew what I was going through or thinking. Although love never met Orion, in my heart and mind she has been there guiding me through my hardships as a high school student and hopefully one day, writer. She has inspired me to pick up a pen and scribble in my notebook whenever I’m feeling lost. Not only has she aspired to be a writer, but a strong and confident girl as well. I used to hide behind dark colored clothing hoping nobody would notice my body type or the crushing insecurity under my skin. Although I’m not the first girl to take pictures of myself in a two-piece swim-suit, I don’t feel as bad as I used to rocking one at the beach. Orion is such a big part of helping me discover my true beauty and embracing my curves. I hope that one day, I too can inspire girls all over the world to love themselves and appreciate how beautiful they truly are. – Alexandra Moreno One of the most important things that has happened to me over the last few months is self-discovery. I don’t remember exactly when it happened, but I do remember one day waking up, reflecting over my life, my choices, and the people around me, and deciding that I was going to be excellent and that I would put my best foot forward at everything I set out to do that day. Someone great once told me, “you are what you think about.” So why was I spending my time feeding into my genetics surrounding anxiety and depression and allowing my negative and self-destructive thoughts to overcome my attitude and to spill out into the lives of the people around me? One of the greatest influences in my life is an artist and a writer, Vanessa Orion Carloto. Stumbling across this lovely lady was the beginning of the choice I made to only fill my life with influences with goals and strong visions of what they want to achieve, because I now see a lot of potential in myself that (because of her) I absolutely refuse to put to waste. Orion is an advocate for body positivity, women’s rights, rights of people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community and is never shy to express herself genuinely. However, this is a very limited list of the various reasons that I adore her so excessively. Through her writing I am inspired to explore areas of the English language my hungry mind has never been exposed to and through her dedication to people and passion for being a modern woman with class and balls I have found a role model for myself, young ladies, and even women everywhere. There is something endlessly admirable about people who continuously devote time and energy into seeing the beauty in themselves and the world
14
– Mary Kathryn / Decatur, AL around them and this radiates from Orion and her words, her art, her poetry, and even her posts on social media every single day. media every single day. The authenticity of her accounts of everyday life and her perseverance through triumph make her an excellent friend, artist, and big sister figure to all of her viewers. Regardless of the reputation that YouTubers receive on a daily basis, Orion is undoubtedly a gem and is every bit deserving of the success that awaits her. – KYLIE / RALEIGH, NC I can’t pinpoint the exact day a couple of years ago, when I came across Orion. I think I was deep into a marathon of YouTube videos when I found this inspiring, honest personality with not only a beautiful appearance, but a beautiful spirit. I’ve kept up with her work ever since. As a recent graduate from high school, (woo hoo!) Orion’s posts about her poetry, every P.S. Positivity, and her constant promotion of self-love really aided in shaping who I wanted to be as a person throughout a time in life that can feel very confusing and lonely. I used to be so afraid to really be myself and allow people into my life. Through reading the column and watching Orion’s videos, I’m so much further on my journey of self-discovery and self-love. She’s also inspired me to try to pursue my passions, one of my major ones just happens to be poetry (Orion, I can’t wait for you to publish more of your writing). Thank you for this column and for opening yourself up to all of us. You’ve helped me become me and love me for every beautiful flaw. My positivity, creativity, and sense of self has flourished because of it all. – Emma Stefanoff / Dayton, OH
Ever since I found Orion Carloto on YouTube I can say I’ve become such a more open minded person. Her sweet and confident character is something so rare to find, she’s just so genuine. Her writing inspires me and so many other people to become better versions of ourselves and she personally inspires me to become a better writer. The way she voices her opinions helps me figure things out and ever since I started putting my feelings into some kind of writing I’m a much happier person, and that’s all thanks to her. She deserves the world. P.S. Positivity is something I look forward to every month, her words are so strong and real. – carol v I think it’s very rare to find someone who changes your life by just being themselves. That rare gem is Orion Carloto. At 21 years of age, I am learning who I am, what I love, and what I want to accomplish. To see someone that’s only a few years younger than me but is already so secure and talented brightens my heart and hope for my own future. I read her writing and passion floods my soul, which in turn feeds my own writing. I strive to look at the world the way she does, through eyes full of wonder and love. I want to travel and be consumed by new experiences like the ones she continuously immerses herself in. I’m convinced that she and I have a lot in common and we would be great friends if given the chance. But for now, I support her from the state of New York: rejoicing in her success, hoping to one-day shape my own. Orion is talent, she is joy, she is poetry. Orion is hope. – Ciara O’Neill
– Joanna Ibarra Hey Orion! I just wanted you to know how you’re such a wonderful person. I love everything you do because you always do it with such passion and love and you don’t care what others think. I love how you always stand up for yourself and others when people say rude things because most people would ignore it but you always point them out which is so funny. I love how you respond to your fans because you genuinely care for us and care about how we are doing and that is so sweet. You have changed me for the better in so many ways with your advice. You have made me more confident and more open in front of others. I always listen to it because it’s so helpful. This one thing has always stuck to me when you said that “you have friends in high school because it’s convenient” and that has changed the way I act in school (in a good way). I will always remember the time I met you in LA because it was so wonderful and you were so sweet to me. My favorite parts were when you hugged me and called me sweet girl because I came all the way from Canada to LA just to meet you. I relate to you so much so everything you say I always understand and I love that. I love your column in P.S. Positivity because that’s where most of your advice comes from and I also get to learn more about you and how you deal with things. Those were only a small portion of the things I love about you and if I started writing everything then I would never be able to stop. I love you so much! Hope you’re doing well! – Gurpreet K. Singh
– Bianca P
local wolves — 15
16
#daretobeyou + W OLF I E SUB M I SS I ONS +
There are many different ways how individuals express their daring and adventurous side. Here's what our Wolfies shared with us about being #daringtobeyou. ILLUSTRATION (LEFT) / LAURA FILAS Stuck in a shrinking town, Instagram is a pleasant escape. Tanned twenty-somethings slip across my screen like they slip across the planet: Tahiti, Mykonos, Bali, Hawaii. I try not to look up from my phone because I’m afraid the shock of my white walls will be fatal, after another afternoon spent gazing at digital deep blue waters and burning red suns. Fifteen seconds of sky diving, fifteen seconds of Manhattan’s skyline, fifteen seconds of islands and castles and smiles. What do I have to show you in fifteen seconds? My white walls, my loan invoice, my dark circles. What would I give to leap out of a plane and land in a splash of sun-kissed water? Everything. But are those framed fractals the only moments of daring? After all, what does the rest of that minute or that hour look like? Daring: to be fearless, undaunted; to be spirited. That’s what comes to mind when I hear that word. But what kind of action or experience truly defines it? I felt it during my first kiss. I felt it driving home on the 405 at two a.m., hair and windows down. It was there when I danced down the aisles of Amoeba, spinning to smile at my love behind me. To practice daring, all I really had to do was step outside my room, make my payments, and utilize a good night’s sleep. I’ve been at my lowest, scrolling for hours. Don’t let your screens trap you. Submit the artwork, kiss the girl, love yourself. It took me a long time to realize I don’t have to dare the world. I just have to dare myself. – LANEY BURELL / ORANGE PARK, FL Being daring is not something I've always been good at. But not everyone is daring in the same way and that's something that everyone should know. Your limits can be completely different from someone else's and that's okay. Being daring can just be doing something you wouldn't normally do because it gives you a spark of excitement or adrenaline. It means expressing yourself in a way that you normally would never do because it makes you happy. And for me that daringness tends to be expressed through my blog and my artwork because it's what makes me excited and brings me joy. – TAYLOR USSHER / ONTARIO, CANADA
I lived my life cautiously because it was comfortable, it was acceptable. It wasn’t a good thing to have people stare at you as you walked down the street. Comfort was key and I willingly accepted it. I was afraid of the repercussions with marking my individuality. That was until my father told me this piece of advice, “Have fun now and do what you want, you're young and free so embrace that.” I decided the next day that I would do just that, embrace my originality… through my hair. I dyed it my hair black and chopped it into a pixie cut; I thought it was a perfect hairstyle for the summer, for the beach… for a beach in Mykonos. I went on a Mediterranean cruise with my best friend for two whole weeks. Before then I would have never been impulsive but my hairstyle gave me a boost of confidence that made me feel fearless and I gained an amazing memory. Style is an extension of one’s self; it’s the reflection of our inner aspirations, of our various personalities. No, it’s not creating a facade that is false or too ambitious, it’s more like a release of that version of ourselves that would otherwise stay hidden. Having fun with your fashion, hobbies (or in my case hair) allows you to encompass exciting opportunities that flourish into unforgettable experiences. So be bold, be audacious, and be daring. – HEZRA MARTINEZ / NEW YORK, NY
– ILLUSTRATION (ABOVE) / LEAH LU
local wolves — 17
It’s difficult to remember the last time I let myself run free and enjoy everything. Sometimes I get consumed by technology or sometimes by my shyness that presses a pause on my life from time to time (by “time to time” I mean like all the time). Life can be harsh on everybody— to some it doesn’t really matter but some of us just aren’t gifted. Getting lost doesn’t necessary mean actually getting lost in a field of wheat or in an abandoned building. It can be a metaphor. A metaphor for creativity and independence. Getting lost within yourself can be the best kind of lost— maybe even dangerous. Some of us don’t even dare to cross that line. I don’t remember the last time that I was able to run free without being embarrassed or ashamed. Social expectations have always built a wall and stopped my daring side from come through— from art to fashion to my personality. I admire anyone who is able to run through a crowd without caring. I’ve always wanted to learn from those people. What do you when your heart begins to pound through your chest and you feel like it might explode? What do you do when people stare at you like you’re some sort of nonsense piece of art? How do you still fiercely walk without your legs wiggling like you’re a newborn horse? I question the daring because I aspire to be like the daring. I aspire to run through a crowd without a care in the world. I want my chest to explode of happiness. I want to be stared at like a non-sense piece of art without caring. I want to fiercely walk without my legs wiggling like a newborn horse. To be daring is to be happy and I desire happiness. I desire freedom. – FERNANDO REYES / ORANGE COUNTY, CA
– MARINA SUNG MARQUES / SAN PAULO, BRAZIL
– ILLUSTRATION (ABOVE) / LEAH LU – NICOLE ANDERSON / MINNEAPOLIS, MN
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To be daring. What does that mean? To be bold. To be fearless. To be brave. To be undaunted. Showing courage in the face of fear. Not being intimidated by difficulty. But that's just the dictionary definition. What does it truly mean to us as humans? How do we walk daringly? Speak daringly? Live daringly? Am I daring for following my dreams, moving from one state to another? Is the person who works a tireless 9 to 5 job just to provide for themselves or their family more daring than me? Someone getting their degree? Someone starting their own business? Someone moving to a foreign country? Is one more daring than the other? We are all so focused on living a fulfilled "daring" life, that we forget being daring isn’t what we do for a career or something we gain, it’s something that's already a part of us. Our daring hearts. Inspire us to follow our dreams or fall in love. Our daring minds. Give us courage to press forward, help us to be bold even in the mundane parts of life. Our daring words. Tell others they aren’t alone, that we can all heal, that we can be who we’re meant to be. You see, because in your very own being, is the definition of daring. Can you feel it? Will you choose it? Live a daring life. Live a daring life doing what you love, with who you love. – SHANNON COSTELLO / ROCHESTER, NY
– CAMILLE / PH
My life has been a series of steps “I have dared to try many things, sometimes trembling, but daring still.” – Maya Angelou. My life has been a series of steps forward and steps backward. It’s been an accumulation of conquering public speaking to nearly falling in love to telling my parents that I had an interest in a musical career when my education had been STEM centered. I knew nothing about music. I took up playing the bass guitar and joined a band with my friends. It was one of the biggest risks I’ve taken because I knew nothing about music. At the time, the task was so daunting. I was thrown into rough waters without the support of my family. I just wanted to play music with my friends and experiment with being in a band. I’ll never forget the day we played our first gig. I was giddy with excitement, and then 10 minutes before we took the stage the reality of the situation set in. We were playing in a bar, the crowd was small, mostly older men and women who weren’t paying us much attention, but it felt like all of the eyes of the world were on us. While playing our set I had to keep my fingers from fumbling across the fret board even though I had practiced the songs over 50 times. After we had finished, I had the jitters. Adrenaline was pulsing through my veins thinking about what I had done. It felt like a gigantic step in my journey through music. The band didn’t work out and I’m not going to pursue a career in music, but had I not taken the risk, had I not been daring enough to consider and go for joining a band and playing music, I wouldn’t have developed a newfound appreciation for creating and playing music. It just takes 15 seconds of insane courage to go out and do what you’re scared of doing. Like ripping off a band-aid or jumping off a cliff, both are intimidating but once you rip off the band-aid you see that the wound that was there has healed, and that at the bottom of the cliff there’s 20 feet of water to cushion your fall. – EMILY PHUNG / HONOLULU, HI
local wolves — 19
I think the most daring thing I’ve ever done is write. At first glance, that sentence seems quite contradictory. But for me to write, to pluck the words from the veins in my mind, to actually write is the most daring thing I’ve done in my eighteen years of existence. I think of myself as a body filled with glass bottles. Smoothed and rounded like sea glass by the current of my bloodstream, they clang within my ribs. Some bottles I open daily, almost subconsciously. Some I wish I could drink just to relive the memories they contain. The other ones, though, were ones that I was quietly afraid of. These were the ones that held the moments I could never forget, regardless of my efforts to erase them. I kept those closed, lids tight. When I decided to write honestly, I decided to open the bottles. Opening them was the most terrifying and raw thing I’ve ever done. But I’m reassured by the chiming of open bottles within my ribs. Sometimes the scariest things are the things within you, the things you can’t control. But I opened the bottles on my own. They were not pried open by a foreigner’s fingers and they were not fractured from my ribs rattling. From some small pluck within my words, I opened them. And I think that’s the most daring thing I could do— to release the contents of myself from the bottles. – EMMA ROBITAILLE / CINCINNATI, OH I do not consider myself to be particularly daring. However, I have come to find that in some situations, allowing yourself to step out of your comfort zone even just for a minute could be the key to creating some of the most vibrant memories imaginable. If you have ever been to a concert, you know how easy it is to lose yourself in the spirited atmosphere. The closer-knit the crowd, the more you feel it. The energy level at this particular show made every ounce of my body feel like it was on fire, so alive and untouchable. Sometimes that fire is all you need to do something reckless (in the best way possible). From one minute to the next, I went from standing pressed against the barricade among a sea of people to finding myself onstage with my friend by my side. The lights were bright and my heart was racing, and it was just for a fleeting moment but I know that it was a moment that I will remember for the rest of my life. I looked out to see a sea of unfamiliar faces with smiles of pure ecstasy plastered across their faces, screaming along to the lyrics and looking at us with expressions of equal admiration and amusement. We stood there for what seemed like days, soaking it all in. When I returned to my spot in the crowd I was greeted by hugs and laughter, “I can’t believe you did that, that was insane!” I laughed along, half out of nerves and half out of joy and the adrenaline rush. I could barely believe it either. But in that seemingly ephemeral minute, I came to the realization that life is too short for you to allow yourself to live inside the box you create. There is no other way to truly live than to occasionally take a walk on the wild side and do what makes you slightly uncomfortable. You just have to take a deep breath and act because if you let that impulse pass, you could potentially miss out on the experience of a lifetime. – MUMAL TUNIO / MILWAUKEE, WI
in a world where society shames those who attempt singular character, the perception weighing our souls down is to all accustom ourselves. learn each social inclination, the norms, the trends, it’s all for the eyes. but then again, didn’t one say beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder? take what you see inside of you, and turn that into what’s outside of you. dare to become who your soul sees. who you feel you are inside, who you truly believe yourself to be. because there is no such thing more daring than individualism, in a crowded world of casualties. never accustom yourself to the annihilation of disposition. to be, (or, more not to be) yourself, would be a foul shame. dare to rise against the odds, the pressure holding you down, and let your true colors shine through. there is nothing more daring, more radiant, more individual than being you. dare to show yourself. because you, too, are a work of art. how do you think Picasso, Monet, Da Vinci and Van Gogh all lived their lives? Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali would be proud indeed, to know that another soul dared to be an individual. to live freely, without restraint, and create a masterpiece, even if that masterpiece is just you, inside yourself. – MICHAELA GOLD / SALT LAKE CITY, UT
– MIRANDA PIKUL / SAN DIEGO, CA
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Things I want to do, adventures I crave and the person I want to be tumble through my head, caught on the edge of my comfort zone, teasing. They reappear every morning like a roll call, asking eagerly who'll be ticked off today, who can be achieved. My heart starts to ache in apology. How can I make my mark when I struggle to make that phone call? How can I travel across the world when going to her party makes my skin bead and crawl? How can I grow outside of the norm when my head tells me that's exactly where I need to be? When you live with anxiety, your simplest hopes for the future can seem like fantasy. So you take smaller steps to get there. Take daily things as victories. Take little changes in routine, or lack of it altogether, as your daring, daring yourself to be better, daring your worries with two hands thrust straight out in front of you saying defiantly 'Is that all you've got?'. It is daring to be unequivocally yourself when the mind contained within you whispers and then screams to you that's the last thing you should be. Your grand adventures are here. They're waiting patiently outside on the front step. But they'll still be there when you've made that doctors appointment or sent that text. They're waiting. Dare. Go. Live.' – TILLY CONOLLY / LONDON, UK (+ PHOTO ABOVE) Daring. The action of a person that is adventurous or audaciously bold. This could mean backpacking around the world, jumping off of the highest cliff in every city you go to, or simply being yourself. As a high school student, I have to settle on the latter for now, but that’s still pretty damn great. I wasn’t always confident in who I am. I’ve been told that I’m weird for listening to certain music, or talking to someone that others deem a freak and called a nerd for loving to read. As a result of this, I would try to hide myself. This doesn’t necessarily mean I stopped listening to that type of music or reading books, but I did these things in the corner of my room, where no one else could see me. I kept myself locked up and because of this, I kind of lost sight of myself. At the beginning of 2016, things started to change. I began to love myself and realized that whoever doesn’t accept me for who I am, doesn’t deserve to be in my life. I started playing my music out loud and danced to it, I brought whatever book I was reading to school with me so I could continue reading there, and I talked to whoever the hell I wanted to. Being myself in a society that tries to tell me who I should me is what gives me a thrill, and trust me, I will never limit myself again. – NICHOLE / O'AHU, HI
I’d like to think that I have an adventurous spirit - I’m always itching for something new, something different. Yet I never dare to do most of the things I want to. My adventurous spirit is crushed again, and again, by society and the fear that it instills in me; that I could never do what I want to unless I comply with their rules. But while my inclination to seek adventure is crushed, I’m not. I often feel like my mere existence is a revolt against society. I’m too loud. I curse too much. I still sometimes act like a child. I don’t act like a lady and I don’t talk like one either. I care about politics and the environment. I’m good with directions. I’m tech-savvy. I’m not what’s expected of me given my origins, gender and age. Sometimes I try to act differently— I try to hold my tongue, play dumb, disregard disrespectful comments that come my way and not speak up. But I become miserable and it never quite works out. I get sick of pretending and playing along. So no matter how difficult it is to be myself, it’s more difficult to pretend to be someone I’m not. By no measure is it easy; I often feel like I am a burden— to myself and those around me. So I continue to be myself. Here, right now, it’s the most daring action that I can take. To be myself— unapologetically and fully. I have to admit that I’m still working on it. But every single morning I make a decision to be me. Sometimes it’s easier, other times it’s hard. I fit into societal norms only to a degree, so that decision is what being daring means to me. – LIZA LEIMANE / NETHERLANDS My upbringings in the small, conservative of towns of the Midwest insisted on the existence of a traditional binary division between boys and girls. Boys were supposed to be macho and aggressive. Girls were supposed to be dainty and subdued. These stereotypes translated themselves in the activities that I could and couldn’t do as a child. I was encouraged to do things I had no interest in doing like playing basketball or watching Sports Center on ESPN but was scalded for reading fashion magazines or cooking with the Easy-Bake Oven— things I loved. Throughout elementary and middle school, I put up the facade of stereotypical masculinity and manly behavior because it ensured safety from bullying. However, it took a toll on my emotional well-being. I was living a life that wasn’t truly mine. When I reached high school, I couldn’t keep up the lie. I took up performing in the school musical, catching up on the fashion magazines, and dressed in tighter pants, yet pursuing my passions brought back the bullying. I started to wonder why the way I dressed or my creative outlets were perceived as ‘girly’ and why that was even a bad thing. As high school progressed, I came to the realization that the idea of gender roles I was spoon-fed didn’t really exist in the first place. Society just perpetuates it. Sports aren’t only for boys. Fashion isn’t only for girls. Creativity does not fall within a false gender binary; the answer is that it’s for all genders. It’s ‘all-of-the-above’, if you will. Now, living in a college town I adore, I dare live my life outside the imaginary boundary of hyper masculinity. The weird looks and comments I sometimes receive are drowned out by true happiness. The concept of hyper masculinity is fragile. I am no longer. – CHRISTIAN PANEDA / ANN ARBOR, MI
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pinpoint + H ON G KON G & G UAN G Z H OU + COVERAGE BY SELINA YE
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Tucked away in southeastern CHINA are two cities of vibrancy, historic culture, and movement. With a total population of more than 20 million between these two metropolises, you can find a constant flow of life around every corner. In a careful balance between sleek, powerful skyscrapers, to the jungle of old brick and pastel palettes, Hong Kong and Guangzhou boast an inspiring cityscape well worth a visit. HONG KONG, which directly translates into “fragrant harbor”, is a business capital bordering emerald water and backed by lush mountains, every corner accessible by a quick subway ride. Its architecture is founded on the two main principles of structure and simplicity, a lifestyle motto adopted by the residents that live in compact, cubicle like quarters. A quick ferry ride connects the heart of the city with the calmer outskirts. Another brief taxi ride ends at the base of Victoria peak where I take the tram up the mountain, rapidly rising above the formidable skyline. It is up here that I found myself overwhelmed by a sense of humbling greatness. I was quite literally above the city, but I couldn’t help but feel even smaller. You realize how insignificant we are as individuals in the grand scheme of things, and how it is only when humans collectively work towards something, then we can make progress as great as building a city from the ground up. As I walked around the streets later that day, I noticed the purpose in people’s strides as they hustled along their way, I hear the roaring traffic rise up in waves, and I see the faces of many people from different backgrounds, all gathering in this place to pursue life at its fullest. GUANGZHOU is the lesser known city just two hours away from Hong Kong and the place my parents were born. Its population is about twice as large as Hong Kong, but the lower density gives this metropolis a completely different atmosphere. The rural areas are all within a half hour drive away and this is where the more traditional style of living is found. Families here grow their own food and it is a tight knit community where everyone knows each other by name. Despite the luxuries of living in the city, many people of the older generation choose to return here after retirement because of their fond memories associated with the minimal way of living. One of the more memorable days of this trip occurred during my visit to my parents’ childhood homes. I was enjoying dinner as the sun was setting over the fields and a group of construction workers were leaving their worksite at the restaurant to return home for dinner. Three men climbed into a rusty, blue truck bed and one man climbed onto the motor cycle that was attached. Just as they were about to leave, I snapped some photos of them and one man jokingly said that he didn’t appear heroic enough on his motorcycle. I took a couple more photos as they drove off and that was it. It was a fleeting but genuine moment shared with these strangers. I was captivated by how vibrant life felt in Guangzhou, even in the most mundane instances like this. This trip has been a really profound experience for me, and it was through the lens of the camera that I was able to open up to my own heritage and view the world in a new light.
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Being daring is, in a sense, the essence of finding yourself. Freaks and Geeks celebrated the odd and impalpable beauty of the teenage years in which characters on the show were trying to navigate a hurricane of hormonal emotions and existential angst during the cultural passage from disco to rock. I was especially inspired by the MENSWEAR— grungy jackets and ill-fitting jeans meet preppy button-ups and polo’s to make an unrivaled television wardrobe lineup. I wanted to reimagine the looks of the characters with an emphasis on shades of green (the proclaimed it-color for menswear of the Spring/Summer season) and try to combine basic pieces that would capture an adolescent spirit but be wearable for any age. Many of these pieces, like white leather and/or high-top sneakers and oxford shirts as casual wear, have never really fallen out of style since their entry into fashion in the early 80’s. Retro is always in—giving you the best excuse for purchasing risky items because rarely do vintage looking pieces not succeed in pulling a look together. Take chances and happy styling! WRITTEN BY MEGHAN DUNCAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY RILEY DONAHUE BANNER BY LAURA FILAS
LOOK 1 / S I M P LE G RUN G E zara military overshirt uo embroidered rose tee calvin klein x uo ice blue vintage relaxed jean guns n’ roses dad hat reebok club c 85 vintage sneaker
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LOOK 2 / P H YS E D zara military overshirt thrifted polo top levi's 511 hole in the sky destroyed denim short vans canvas sk8-hi reissue
LOOK 3 / G EEK C H I C zara military overshirt cpo '90s wide stripe short-sleeve dress shirt stan ray x uo porkchop pocket pant uo metal round sunglasses converse chuck taylor high top sneaker
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megan cencula WRITTEN BY Morgan Eckel PHOTOGRAPHY BY Nina Lorenz
As a fellow Local Wolves contributor, we have all come to adore editorial photographer, Megan Cencula. At 22 years old, Cencula has already created her own photography business from the ground up and she isn’t stopping anytime soon. Hailing from the windy city of Chicago, and since settling down in Nashville, her artistic journey is just beginning. To say that she is a hard worker would be putting it lightly. “Every day is unpredictable and to be completely honest, it is more insane than it is routine.” In August, Cencula will gain her Bachelor’s degree in Music Business at Belmont University. All while working part time at a booking agency and running her photography business. “Most days will be spent attending a few lectures, working at a booking agency, and then finishing the day off with photo editing, planning my upcoming shoots, and answering my mounds of emails.” Photography is only a new found love for Cencula. Having originally grown up singing and writing her own songs, she auditioned at Belmont University for their opera program, but soon discovered it wasn’t her dream anymore. “I quickly decided that the academia of a classical voice major was far too rigorous, as I have always had difficulty in school. I decided to switch my major to music business my freshman year of college and at that time I started discovering my passion for imagery.” After a year of big decisions, she ended her first year of college embarking on a trip that would change her life forever. In the summer of 2013, Cencula went to Africa for the summer on a mission trip. Convincing her parents to fund a way for her to capture her trip, she bought her first digital camera and from there everything took off. “I had fallen in love with capturing images of people, their emotion, and the way photographs can be interpreted. I came back to school in the fall to begin my second year and decided that I was going to pursue a career in photography.”
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Her trip to Africa was a trip of self discovery. “It is hard to put into words how that summer impacted who I am today. I went to Africa extremely broken and had signed up for the trip on a whim honestly. What I found in Africa not only changed who I am but how I see others. The month before leaving for this trip, I was extremely hateful and had begun backsliding into bad habits. I am so thankful for the timing of my departure because it saved me from a major downturn in my life. I was welcomed into a group of nine women ranging from their early twenties to early thirties. I found mentorship in women that had lived through my same experiences.” “They watched me wrestle with so many issues in my heart that summer and with their guidance I finally accepted love, something I had been struggling with for years. During my time in Africa, I worked with women at a sewing school who were learning skills to help them break out of the poverty cycle and spent a lot of time with the Rwandan locals hearing their stories of survival during the genocide. In their eyes, I found it impossible for God not only to be real, but living and active in the world. I saw that He was renewing these people who had experienced inexplicable tragedy and through them I was being redeemed. It was in Africa that I finally
accepted God into my life, another thing that I was very skeptical of throughout my life. Finding a relationship with God was my turning point as an artist and through Him I saw my creativity begin to flow endlessly. All of the fears and doubts about pursuing photography started to disappear that year. I built my business on this belief and I have worked to bring the love that is within me to my clients by serving them and building lasting relationships with them.” At the age of 16, Cencula made a very powerful decision; to let go of addiction and start a new life. From a very young age, alcohol had taken over as a therapy towards her depression. “On the surface, I was drinking to fit in with my friends and to have fun, but I continued to drink alone to silence my depression at the time. I think everyone knows that alcohol doesn’t do a great job fixing depression, so I spiraled.” In the spring of her sophomore year of high school, she removed herself from a group who was influencing the decisions a vulnerable 16-year-old and decided to stop drinking entirely. “I found freedom in sobriety and was determined not to turn back.” When I asked Cencula what she wakes up in the morning and tells herself, she put it simply:
“You are not defined by who you were in the past and it is never too late to be made new. No great depth of darkness can keep you from breaking free of whatever is holding you back. We have the opportunity every day to learn, grow and decide what we want to be known for and who we will be.”
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joey bragg
WRITten by Ashley Bulayo PHOTOGRAPHy by Kurt Colins & Claire Leahy
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If you Wikipedia search the master list of comedians, you’ll only see four Joeys present: Joey Bishop. Joey Diaz. Joey Forman. Joey Bragg. The last being only nineteen years old and listed with some big names in the industry. Bragg is most popularly known for his role as Joey Rooney in Disney Channel’s television show, Liv and Maddie but it was way before landing the role as Rooney where his comedy chops grew. At an early age before the Disney Channel mania, Bragg took it upon himself to try his hand at stand-up comedy courtesy of his fifth grade teacher who suggested this path for him. He loved the feeling of making an adult laugh versus kids since kids often laugh at almost literally anything. “Getting adults to listen and take me seriously was the difficult part,” says Bragg. Take a gander at Bragg’s early career doing stand-up by simply searching through YouTube and consider yourself impressed. It takes a lot for someone to get up on stage in front of a room full of strangers and try to make them laugh. “Bombing on stage sucks, but commanding control of a full house and really getting to relax and doing your set makes up for that a thousand times over,” Bragg comments. For him, stand-up was much easier versus doing sketches or improv since it’s just you and the audience. This all eventually changed when Liv and Maddie came along and he’d soon have to work alongside a whole crew of people. From performing in front of people on stage to transitioning to being on camera, Bragg was acting and auditioning steadily just a year before Liv and Maddie came about.
He’d done a movie, a previous Disney pilot and a commercial but even after all that, he wasn’t confident in his own acting abilities just yet. “It wasn’t something I felt like I had completely figured out my voice for,” says Bragg, “When I got the script for Liv and Maddie, I elected to not get coached with the scenes and to just go in with how I thought the character should be read. After reading the script I just had such a connection with Joey (who at that time was named Sticky) that I thought I would just give it a shot.” And evidently, everyone in the audition room including showrunner Ron Hart was impressed even if Bragg had an interesting introduction. “I walked into the room, looked [Ron Hart] up and down and said, ‘You look like me in the future if I were to make a bunch of bad decisions.’ I’m just as surprised as you are that I am sitting here after four seasons of a show where that was my introduction.” That’s one way to make sure people remember you after you leave. But now, Bragg has taken the reigns of his character which wasn’t a far leap since they are pretty much one in the same. “I don’t really need to get into character. Joey [Rooney] is just an exaggerated version of Joey [Bragg],” says Bragg. ”There are a few things that I brought to the character. It did not take long for my love of kitty cats and cat related clothing to bleed over into this Disney world. Not all my suggestions or add ons are gold though. There have been a lot of times where the producers have to just go ‘Okay Joey, stop.’”
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Three seasons ago, Liv and Maddie, originally titled Bits and Pieces, was unheard of and foreign to a majority Disney Channel viewers. Today, it’s one of the biggest hit shows but it took awhile to reach this level of recognition. “I remember the first RDMAs we all went as a cast. We were so excited. It was our first event. We were all done up all pretty. We step on the carpet to take a cast photo and the photographers could not care less that we were standing there.” Bragg continues, “That was years ago though. This last RDMAs were different, right? I wish I could say they were. Gwen Stefani stepped on the carpet before us and all [photographers] cared about was getting bad angled pictures of Gwen mid-interview.” The future for any and all Disney Channel shows remain up in the air but for now, we’re happy to know there will be a season four on the way! But what does this all mean for Bragg’s future? It means that even if Liv and Maddie were to end today, it wouldn’t be the end of his career. He wants to continue to create and write more. “My answer to ‘What’s next?’ is always something that I created myself.” Who knows? Maybe he might follow the footsteps of legends like Jay Leno or Jimmy Fallon and become a talk show host which, by the way, is his end game after he accomplishes much more in life. With his determination, there’s no telling what this rising star will do in the upcoming years. He’s in for quite a ride and we’ll be right there to cheer him on.
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Getting adults to “listen and take me seriously was the difficult part.
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olivia stuck written by Kendall Bolam Photography by Kyle Blatchford
“Be happy and spread love.” This mantra written in Olivia Stuck’s Instagram bio describes her passion and exuberance for life and the people around her perfectly. With dreamy photos of green palms, cheery faces, and hazy California skies, Stuck lives the California lifestyle with class. An up-and-coming actress and singer, this fresh face is one that we hope to see more of in Hollywood! Known best for her role in Disney XD’s Kirby Buckets, Stuck began acting early in life. “I have always been super dramatic. I would watch scenes on television and re-create them in front of a mirror hours later, I just absolutely love the idea of being someone else and entertaining people.” Her character, Dawn Buckets is both dramatic and entertaining; giving Stuck the opportunity to showcase what she has been practicing since she was young. Although recognized for her work in television, Stuck has made her way into motion pictures. She appears in films such as The Outfield alongside internet star Nash Grier, as well as Last Vegas, starring big names like Robert De Niro and Michael Douglas. While Stuck displays her artistry through acting, another large part of her creativity shines through her style. When asked to describe her style and how it affects her personality, she says, “I think anyone’s style should be a reflection of their personality. Mine has evolved so much and it definitely changes over time! As I’m getting older, I’m really starting to love the fashion industry.” A modern day flower child Stuck’s ideal era is the 1960s/70s, or how she puts it, “the era of peace and love.”
For Stuck, she finds influence in the people she surrounds herself with. “I have met so many beautiful people in California that I am so incredibly blessed to know. I pull things from every lesson I learn in a friendship and write it down.” As an influence herself, Stuck radiates an aura of positivity, peace, and encouragement. Whether it is through social media, music, or her own craft, she inspires others to live out their dreams and passions. “Enjoy life, eat whatever makes you feel good, and just be kind in whatever situation you are in. Don’t be too hard on yourself.”
“Write down every single feeling and don’t throw it out months later when you reread it. Every single moment whether it’s the best moment or absolutely the worst moment, is going to add to your art.” When asked to counsel those pursuing the arts, Stuck says, “My advice is to live your life authentically, which for me took such a long time and I’m still working on it every single day. Write down every single feeling and don’t throw it out months later when you reread it. Every single moment whether it’s the best moment or absolutely the worst moment, is going to add to your art. I used to read my old work and feel super silly, but it really is a process, it takes time! And photograph every single thing that inspires you whether it’s a person or a place or anything.” Despite what her name may imply, Olivia is far from stuck! She is out living her dreams and pursuing her passions in a way that inspires others to do the same.
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new district WRITTEN BY Karina Diez Photography BY Naohmi Monroe groomING by Leibi Carisa
Sean, Jaden, Devin, and Dylan of the band New District, met only about ten months ago after applying to a talent company. The boys underwent sixteen weeks of media, dancing, and vocal training to prepare themselves for their debut in the music industry. The boys have since then become a tight unit, a relationship they invite their fans to be a part of. “[New District] means that no matter where you’re from and no matter where you’ve been, you’re always welcome to join our district,” said the group. When working on their first music video for their song, “Closer”, they realized their careers as artists were about to take flight. “It was so surreal. All of our dreams were beginning to come true and it felt amazing,” said New District. It did not take long for the group to begin working with Grammy nominated artists, such as Emile Ghantous and Randy Jackson. “We love the encouragement, critique, and the ideas they throw our way to make us sound great,” said New District. The band’s significant rise to popularity has been quick, and they have their fans to thank for that. “We have the best fans we could ever ask for. They are the reason we are where we are today,” said New District. The group was recently invited to attend the Radio Disney Music Awards, where they felt extremely honored to be in the presence of such a variety of talent. When it comes to working with others, New District’s goals lie with Drake, G-Eazy, and Big Sean. They expressed their aspirations to collaborate with these artists, and perhaps one day their dreams will become a reality. New District also explained *NSYNC’s influence on who they are as a group. “They are who we strive to be as a unit,” said New District. In the next five years, New District hopes to be at the top of their game and making music that inspires others. “[We will] hopefully [be] leaving a positive musical influence and legacy behind for the next generation of musicians,” said New District.
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nico yaryan WRITTEN BY EMMA MATTHEWS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CALVIN MA
TOP: TIKI SS WOVEN BOTTOM: FALKON PANT
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The son of Northern California hippies, NICO YARYAN’s interest in music stemmed from an early age. “In high school, I thought I was going to be a hip hop producer. I taught myself how to drum too and played with friends, but never anything too serious,” he laughs. “I loved buying records with weird covers, stuff I had never heard of, hoping that no one else had tried to sample it.” Little did he know that his big break would come when high-school friend, Hanni El Khatib, was looking for a touring drummer. “In my twenties I lived in San Francisco and I stopped making beats, but still collected vintage analog synths and keyboards but never made anything good cause I didn’t know how to write songs. Then I started playing drums with Hanni and got inspired to study classic songwriting,” he recalls. Whilst on the road with the singer-songwriter, Nico fell in love with a student from Amsterdam. It’s his longdistance romance that’s the subject of his debut record, What A Tease. “I wrote it while I was in a long distance relationship with a girl in Amsterdam, so I was bouncing around from Northern California where I worked at a weed farm for a while, to Amsterdam, and to LA to write, then back up north and repeated the cycle,” he explains. ““What a Tease” comes from the song of the same name, it’s about the tease of being with someone you love for short periods of time followed by long periods of solitude.”
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“I APPRECIATE DISCOVERING ARTISTS THAT DIDN’T REALLY MAKE IT IN THEIR TIME, LIKE JIM SULLIVAN, DONNIE AND JOE EMERSON, LEWIS, THEY REMIND ME THAT IT’S MOST IMPORTANT TO MAKE THE SHIT YOU WANT TO MAKE AND NOT WORRY ABOUT WHETHER PEOPLE WILL GET IT OR NOT.” Documenting a whirlwind of emotions like longing, depression, hope, dreams and delusion, the record was written over the course of three years and recorded at Fairfax Recordings (former Sound City Studios) with producer, Kevin Augunas. “Not everything I wrote ended up on this album. I’m generally slow with writing, I’ll try out lots of versions of songs and sometimes just play the same chord progressions for weeks, coaxing out the lyrics. Sometimes lyrics come first, sometimes titles. I wish I was faster but I’m trying to embrace my process for what it is.” With critics and fans praising the album for it’s harrowing heartbreak, if there’s one thing that Yaryan’s musical influences have taught him, it’s the importance of being fearless.
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WRITTEN BY Chloe LUTHRINGSHAUSEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY Erin Krespan LETTERING BY LISA LOK
Putting yourself out there on the internet, whether its starting a blog or creating a YouTube channel, takes not only creativity, but also courage. Just ask Katy Bellotte, creator of popular fashion, beauty, and lifestyle YouTube channel: Hello Katy. Bellotte started her channel as a timid eighth grader who felt lonely and lost during middle school. YouTube became not just her creative outlet, but also her newfound voice. “YouTube has given me the voice that I never knew I had,” says Bellotte. “Not only has the experience helped me blossom as a human being, it has also allowed me to create top-notch content online. Those who experience my content tell me constantly that I’ve inspired and helped them as individuals, and none of that would be possible without the personal growth that YouTube has instilled in me.” Subscribers of Hello Katy know that Bellotte is an expert at anything fashion and beauty related, for her videos feature a wide array of tutorials on hair, makeup, and clothing trends. “Ever since I can remember, I have always been heavily invested in beauty and fashion. I’m the type of girl that dresses up for class when my peers roll up in baggy sweats and sneakers,” says Bellotte. “The way I see it, you can never be overdressed, over-prepared or over-educated. If you seem a little too jazzed up for whatever situation life presents you, it’ll only seem like you’re going or coming from somewhere far better.” When asked who her fashion icon is, she quickly replies, “Karlie Kloss. I will forever be obsessed with her overall look and aesthetic.”
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However, Bellotte admits some of her favorite videos to film are the ones that start with no plan or general idea. Her creative process of “just having a feeling” when she needs to film is what makes her videos so authentic and genuine. “I’m a very passionate person, and when I start talking about something I feel strongly about— whether it’s body image, relationships, self-esteem, etc.— it is very difficult for me to stop until I’ve made my point,” explains Bellotte. The inspiration for her advice videos comes from just about anywhere or anything Bellotte crosses paths with. Whether its celebrity makeup tutorials, inspiring advice talks, or candid vlogs, Bellotte says she gets most of her ideas from talking to her friends over brunch. “You’d be surprised how much inspiration can be derived from an hour spent conversing over French toast,” jokes Bellotte. Bellotte’s inspiration usually comes from just experiencing everyday life and going through the same struggles anyone else would, making her relatable to a large following. “I typically take feelings and concepts I’m especially passionate about, and ask myself how I can dig deeper and really make something great out of it,” says Bellotte. “I’m all about starting a conversation about things that most people probably haven’t given much thought to.” The deep conversations in her videos are what have made Bellotte stand out from the crowd. In her viral video, “Things Guys Wish Girls Knew,” Bellotte asks the questions people are wondering, but maybe are too afraid to ask. When asked what she thinks girls wish guys knew, Bellotte is not afraid to provide an honest answer. “I think it’s a very assumed belief among guys that every single female in the universe is incredibly clingy and craves a Notebook-style love story,” says Bellotte. “Boys, relationships don’t have to suck the life out of you, and they really won’t make you as ‘whipped’ as you assume they will. You don’t have to write 365 letters to a girl anymore to win her love; a few text message replies will suffice.” And what does Bellotte wish her followers knew about her? Simple. “I am not without flaws,” answers Bellotte. “I make more mistakes than I can count on a daily basis! Sometimes you’ll fall down, but that’s an essential component of life. You’ll rarely succeed without failing a few times first.” Bellotte’s complete honesty in her videos and her willingness to accept her flaws has made her a unique creator that dares to be different from anyone else online. “I strive to be that internet girl that says the things that are hard to say, and that people rarely talk about,” says Bellotte. “My goal on the internet is to help my followers feel less alone in their struggles. After all, nearly all of us go through the same ups and downs, although it might seem like some people are simply built without flaws.” When asked what the most daring thing she has ever done is, besides putting herself out on the Internet, Bellotte believes it is traveling to distant places by herself. When she was only seventeen, she traveled to the west coast from her east coast home multiple times, gaining the confidence to take care of herself from across the country. She also has accomplished a lot all on her own, including directing a Macy’s fashion show in Pittsburgh, creating content in Orlando’s Universal Studios, and posing for photo shoots in the Hamptons, just to name a few. These experiences have shaped Bellotte into the courageous individual and creator she is today.
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Not only has her daring attitude set her apart in the YouTube community, but also has helped her put her innermost thoughts into words on her blog, The Katy Project. Her blog was inspired by Carrie Bradshaw and her famous column in Sex and the City. Carrie’s success as a fashion icon and an honest lifestyle writer shaped her into a woman who dared to be different, inspiring Bellotte to create her own outlet for her thoughts and opinions. The Katy Project keeps Carrie Bradshaw’s courageous spirit alive, featuring opinioned posts on selfacceptance, confidence, and even French kissing. One of her blog posts, “I Hate My Thighs (and other lies),” takes on the sensitive topic of body confidence. Bellotte writes that the most courageous thing a person can do nowadays is to stand in front of a mirror and accept their body for what it is, knowing every trait is what makes a person unique and beautiful. Bellotte hopes that people can stop comparing themselves to other people. “I think selfconfidence starts with knowing that there is no easy fix to making yourself feel 100% at ease with yourself. There are going to be good days, and bad days. And that’s okay. It’s about striving to have more good days than bad,” admits Bellotte. However, self-acceptance goes deeper than just physical appearance. “It’s all about realizing that you can be ‘pretty’ in so many more ways than what can be seen on the surface. Being ‘good-looking’ on the outside is just the tip of the iceberg,” says Bellotte. Bellotte hopes that her videos and blog posts not only entertain her followers, but also inspire them to accept their own unique talents, traits, and passions. Bellotte knows that confidence takes time to develop, but hopefully her online content can help others put their own thoughts and skills out there for the world to see. “I hope that my followers realize through my blog posts and videos that sometimes every opinion they hear isn’t always the ‘right’ one, and there are many sides to every story. I’m tired of hearing about young people becoming depressed, feeling as though they are irreparably misunderstood,” says Bellotte. “Above all, I hope that those who experience my online content will feel empowered to take on the world with all of its evils, and have the strength to say: this is me, this is what I believe and I don’t care who knows it.” Traveling the world, directing her own fashion show, and even designing her own Keds shoe line, Bellotte has already experienced many memorable moments in her career. However, Bellotte still has many more goals she hopes to achieve this upcoming year. Along with refining and enhancing the content on her blog, Bellotte also hopes to keep growing as a person. “Personally, I hope to continue on my internal journey of becoming more courageous and daring. I hope to take every opportunity in stride without a hint of doubt, and show the world that I am not afraid.” With her honest videos, courageous attitude, and inner drive, Bellotte dares to be different. Watch out Carrie Bradshaw.
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slow hollows WRITTEN BY HUDSON LUTHRINGSHAUSEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY RILEY DONAHUE
“Teenage life is nothing,” he tells me. He being the lead singer of the indie 5-piece called Slow Hollows, who’s mellow-pop/punk tunes have made quite the name for themselves around LA. SLOW HOLLOWS is not your typical band. With a stronger presence over vinyls than mp3, unorthodox may be the first word that comes to mind when considering their approach, but it sure has paid off. Formed by high school friends Austin Feinstein (on vocals/guitar) and Nick Santana (drums), the band has since added 3 members and torn up the LA-scene, selling out live shows and creating a cultworthy buzz in the underground scene. Impressive to say the least. Cue Ateliophobia, the band’s second album (and only available for streaming), accompanied by a year-inthe-making short film of the same title and its no secret that passion is the driving force behind this group. Their purpose is strictly to play music and, apparently, to embrace as much creative output as they can— which is a lot. In late 2015, Feinstein told i-D magazine, “We just want to keep making art, keep expanding, and make something bigger than just a band.” With melodic strings, horns, and the crooning of frontman Austin Feinstein, it takes only a minute to understand what makes Slow Hollows so fascinating. Then, to think how well-rounded they sound and how mature they act at their age is, too, fascinating; however, for them not so much: “Teenage life is nothing. The idea of achieving things at a young age is bearing less and less weight every year. I don't think that young kids should necessarily be praised for achieving things that are seen as advanced— because they have nothing to lose! Try have all the time in the world to perfect their craft, while adults have responsibilities that limit and restrict.”
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“ T H ERE ARE NE W SOUN D S , AN D NE W I D EAS . I T ’ S E XC I T I N G I N T H E SENSE T H AT I T FEELS L I KE A C O M P LETE P I E C E OF M US I C T H AT C AN STAN D ALONE AN D T H E SON G S E X I ST TO G ET H ER P ERFE C TLY.” However you interpret the attitude of Slow Hollows, their willingness to make things happen is unquestionable. Speaking on the band’s early success, Feinstein commented: “I wouldn't necessarily call the record a "success", but I suppose it just comes down to how the word is defined. I don't see it as a success— rather, a necessary stepping stone. The songs needed to be written and produced exactly how they were to get us to the position we are in now, so there are no complaints in that area. I'm happy with how the music is being received.”
When I ask about the approach to sharing music and playing shows, the band agrees it was initially something deliberate. “We wanted desperately to make a name for ourselves in this scene, but as time goes on, it's turning into something that doesn't feel right anymore. The feeling of performing the same songs over and over again in the same way is not as rewarding as it used to be. This cycle that nobody dares to break is nauseating after a period of time, and it feels kind of scary. It's scary that the underground Los Angeles music scene can create so many barriers and roadblocks. Not to say that it is bad, it's just limiting, and the path we chose is as well.” While we cant predict what the future holds for Slow Hollows, we can certainly expect to see and hear much more from the band. Though he couldn’t share any dates in specific, Feinstein did reveal that an upcoming album has been completed.
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cailee rae WRITTEN BY HARRIET STANLEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY TAYLOR KRAUSE
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YouTube— it’s a platform that almost every person on the planet is familiar with and for good reason, too. From pranks to vloggers, video game commentary and even cats playing the keyboard, YouTube is a host to a variety of different talents all for our viewing pleasure. It comes as no shock to learn that thousands of musicians each and every day dabble on the social media with the hopes of getting noticed but it’s not too often they do. Meet CAILEE RAE, a young, fresh voice on the scene who somehow managed to crack it (with the help of Instagram, too).
The 90s kids and younger have the world at their fingertips through the Internet and especially to start off a music career, it seems as if they’ve got it easier than their elders. “I think it is very important in this day and age; it’s how people can really share their music with people all over the world,” Rae explains, “It’s almost like a portfolio of all of your music and the things you have been up to.” But not only are you able to keep track of everything you’ve produced, it’s a solid way for a fan base to make themselves apparent as she adds:
“Instagram and Vine were the first platforms that I really consistently posted on.” Rae explains, “I loved posting on them because it was a challenge to make a video [in] fifteen seconds or six seconds, but it was fun to twist up songs to make them work.” The beginning of her career began with a simple Instagram post that managed to go viral and thus really offered her a future she’d never previously dreamed of. “When I was younger, I did not think that I would do anything with music,” Rae reminisces, “I think that we all dream, but it can just seem so unrealistic.” Especially to become a successful musician, the idea seems so ridiculous to many kids but it’s not impossible as she remembers, “The second I walked into a studio, I didn’t want to do anything else.” And now? “I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”Social media has become an important tool in the lives of the younger generation.
“It’s a really good way for fans and other people to catch up with their favorite musicians and even get to know them.” However, Rae doesn’t necessarily believe that social media is a better option for gaining fans, despite often being a quicker process. “Everyone is different. You have to customize your journey to what’s best for you!” She comments, whilst going on to mention that she’s still stuck to the traditional routes of playing live shows to promote her music. “I have been on three tours and played a bunch of little shows,” she says, “It’s a great way to make fans in local areas.”
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Just last year, Rae embarked on a tour with none other than Lindsey Stirling, a talented violinist who also found fame via YouTube. Touring life is certainly different to an average day in Rae’s life, however. Usually, “a day in the life of Rae consists of working out, eating a lot, being at the studio, meetings, interviews— just a lot of stuff music wise!” It’s not all work, work, work however, as Rae still makes time for “coming home, cuddling with my puppies and FaceTiming my boyfriend,” she adds with a laugh. Tour life is “abnormal” in comparison, “but it’s one of [the] things that’s just addicting. You get to be traveling constantly and going on different adventures. You get really sad when it’s over.” Rae has plans for future tours, so fear not as she’s desperate to see her “CaiBaes” (the name of her rapidly growing fan base) before the year is out whether it’s “opening for someone or doing mini-shows.” Life has been busy over the past several months for the sixteen-year-old; a music video was released for her song, “Anchor”, a beautiful concept video that tackles relatable obstacles in a charming manner. “I think it was more personal for me,” Rae says, “but not just through one specific situation. You can really relate to ‘Anchor’ in so many ways.” And it’s true, as the video shines light on the difficulties many can face on a day-to-day basis such as feeling as though you’re chained and drowning. “There has been so many times where I have felt really trapped or held back from something because of negativity. I think we all have.” On June 17th, Cailee Rae’s new EP, Overthinking was released and like “Anchor”, each song “really represents its
own emotion. I think they are all really relatable [and] I believe people will truly connect to it.” Rae seeks out positivity wherever she goes to channel her emotionally uplifting style through her music. She cites airports as a favorite space for inspiration and very recently, “I saw this couple saying goodbye to each other,“ Rae says, “You could tell it was really hard for them. They were hugging each other so tightly and then kept looking back at each other as they walked away. Love can be tough sometimes.” But it’s these emotions that transform into songs to truly motivate and move an audience into a positive mental attitude. “You are a reflection of those around you,” Rae believes, “You need a good group of people who support you— people who are fun and loving.” For such a young girl who’s only just beginning to get a taste of what’s to come, Rae has a wise head on her shoulders. “Work hard, be consistent, be dedicated, and be real.” She advises aspiring musicians, “It’s so important; don’t ever settle. Always strive for better.” It’s because of her determination and work ethic that Rae has managed to create such a huge impact in such a small space of time, and she can only hope for “people to relate to my songs and not feel alone. We all go through things and a lot of the time, we feel like the only ones. So when we listen to a song and relate to it, it creates this connection to millions of other people going through the same thing. Music is the one language everyone can understand. I want to share that type of love with the world.”
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cullen omori written by Meghan Duncan PhotographY by Madi Ellis
CULLEN OMORI is unconventional in many senses of the word, but not in the overused and contrived vision that so many artists in indie, and every other kind of music, have come to project. As a newly branded solo artist riding the post-release waves of his album, New Misery, Omori is navigating the balance between the dichotomous reality of the music industry— brutal honesty by which good art is measured and the artistic visage required of a successful project. Besides the strangely visceral borderlands of the music itself, there is an added layer of difficulty in deciding to use your own name as the title of a musical project. Omori voiced his frustration with the common reduction of solo artists as having only one possible goal: “If you do use your name and go down a solo path, people assume it’s because you’re trying to be a singer/songwriter. I think Mac DeMarco does a really good job of going past that. It’s a band and it’s not singer/ songwriter music, which is something that I need to drive home for myself and you can only do that with time and visibility. I’m not this acoustic guitar player guy.” Of course, he is not insinuating any fault in the goal of being an acoustic guitar-wielding soloist, but to be haphazardly lumped into this category with little to no analysis of the differences in message of the music itself will surely lead to misinterpretations or unfair dismissals, which is the heart of the idea to which Omori is drawing attention. Among a long string of snap judgments that are so often adhered to the solo artist project, they are time and again viewed as self-righteously divergent from whatever project their name may have held stake in previously, and Omori spoke once again on how this mold cannot properly contain the true character of himself and New Misery— “For me, it wasn’t going solo in the conventional sense of someone walking away from something and making something, that for them, either means more creative power or just making more money. I’m having none of those things happen to me right now.”
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Talking to Omori makes it easy to grasp his clear-cut vision for what he hopes to accomplish by virtue of his music. He explained, “What I’m interested in is being able to have fans come to my shows that aren’t people that are just coming to check it out because my music is reviewed well or is being talked about. Those people don’t come back. Those people look at music as a commodity. What I want to have is something where I can play next month or I can play in five years and the same people will be coming out. That’s something that’s really hard to have.” Although difficult to accomplish, there is something deeply appealing about his desire to establish longevity in a somewhat fleeting industry. With such a profoundly personal album in tow, it is not naïve to imagine Omori finding such an appreciative fan base, especially in light of his universally oriented mindset he brings to the songwriting process. In writing New Misery he was multi-dimensionally influenced by pop radio— something some indie artists would rather quit their day job than admit— but to Omori the aim of pop has some distinct advantages: “I always liked Top 40 radio, but I felt it was hard to integrate into indie music. There definitely is a certain creative risk-taking and artistic vision that can be lost in Top 40 music, but there is also something to be said about how making something so accessible is really an art form in itself.” He went on, “I’ve always felt like this idea of making something hard for someone to listen to for the sake of making it hard, and making them jump over these hurdles to get to what you’re trying to say, is stupid and a cop out to writing something good.”
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Labels are frequently limiting in nature, and shying away from any particular source of inspiration in an effort to avoid stereotypes is a mistake, as Omori so aptly demonstrates in his beliefs, and will ultimately restrict the reach of an artist. This is an impressively perceptive outlook for a relatively young musician to hold and it is most certainly due to Omori’s comprehension of his own aesthetic combined with his pursuit of accessibility, and avoiding the suppression of either— “My musical history has always been seeped in guitar music from the 70s, and that’s something I’m never going to totally change. I liked the idea of writing something for an indie audience, but at the same time I felt that a seven-yearold girl could be seen listening to my album and it would be cool, and a fifty-year-old man could listen to and it would be cool.” As Omori chooses to lean in to the things he is creatively drawn to, he also articulates that there is an implied risk in doing so, but in the process of creating New Misery and for the sake of all his future endeavors he says:
“I’d rather swing and miss than make something that pushes me sideways in my creative career.”
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young innocence MODEL
SARAH BISNETTE DESIGNER
PRISCILLA BARROS Photography
Tommy Escobar
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still
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PHOTOGRAPHy
Jordan Randall
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daydreamer
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PHOTOGRAPHy
YESI FLORES STYLIng
CRISTINA HORTA MODEL
KATY KACHUROVSKA HAIR & MAKEUP
AMANDA GONZALEZ
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unfiltered wires + W I T H AL I V I A LAT I M ER +
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FULL NAME: Alivia Latimer AGE: 19 CITY, STATE: Los Angeles, CA OCCUPATION: Photographer / Content Creator WOLFIE GOODS: + Camera + MacBook + Music + Sunshine + Support from my friends
TELL US ABOUT THE STORY OR RELATIONSHIP YOU HAVE BEHIND ONE OF YOUR ARTWORK The relationship I have with most of my photographs is, every time I take a photo, I feel this desire to discover places and people who have yet to be exposed to the world. There is so much out there that we ourselves have yet to explore, and with photography, I have the ability to go and capture it all, and then share it, and that's pretty cool to me. So in short, I want to share the stories that lie within my photos, so others can feel what I feel when I take them. IS THERE A ROUTINE YOU FOLLOW IN ATTEMPTING TO CONVERT YOUR IDEAS INTO CREATED CONTENT? Every idea I have is different, therefor my creative process is always different as well. I like that though. Keeps things interesting. WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU FIND YOURSELF FACED WITH AS A CONTENT CREATOR? HOW DO YOU ENSURE THAT THESE CHALLENGES DON’T CONSTRAIN YOUR CREATIVITY? One challenge I often find myself faced with as a creator, specifically a photographer, is this: I have a genuine passion for the great outdoors. Because I love the earth and all of it's God given glory, I am most drawn to taking photographs out in nature with natural sunlight.
CONT’D This is where I feel happy and creatively driven. The downside to this is, I am not well acquainted with indoor studio style photography, which at times creates a bit more of a challenge. It forces me to think more about how I can still create something interesting even when put outside of my comfort zone. BESIDES SUCCESS OR FULFILLMENT, WHAT OTHER EMOTIONS CAN YOU IDENTIFY FEELING AFTER HAVING FINISHED A PROJECT? After finishing a photo session I feel relief; like weight has been lifted. I also feel excitement and motivation, because that means I can then start on my next shoot or project. I feel focused. ARE THERE ANY TOOLS IN YOUR CREATIVE ARSENAL THAT YOU CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT? Instagram. Looking at photos from my friends and those who I look up to really helps fuel my creativity. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUTHFUL, ASPIRING NEWCOMERS TO YOUR INDUSTRY? One piece of advice I would give to anyone, especially the youth, is this: Talent and age do not go hand in hand. You can do anything, create anything, and go anywhere you want to regardless of your age. Stay true to you, have a strong work ethic, and put happiness above all else. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE APP/WEBSITE/OUTLET THAT MAKES YOU FEEL THE MOST OF YOUR “UNFILTERED WIRES” POTENTIAL? Once again, I would have to say that Instagram really plays a large role in my motivation. Seeing and being inspired by a photo, going out and creating based on that inspiration, sharing my work, and inspiring someone else to do the same. That's what it's all about for me. That's what keeps me going.
QUESTIONS BY MEGHAN DUNCAN ILLUSTRATION BY LAURA FILAS
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