AUTHENTICITY RULES WITH JEFF BLUE

We took some to catch up with multi-platinum record producer, A&R executive, songwriter and lawyer, Jeff Blue. He is known for his work being integral in the careers of Linkin Park, Macy Gray, Korn, Limp Bizkit and more. He shares how he got into the industry, how he works with his artists, the importance of an iconic voice and his upcoming projects!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we get into talking about your career, what role did music play in your life from day to day before going into the industry?

JEFF BLUE: Music was always a fantasy to me because we didn’t have enough money to actually buy records. So my mom would drop me off at the drugstore and at the market near the magazine rack and I would just gaze through the magazines and it would seem surreal. I’d hear the music on the bus when I was going to school and it was really the way that I connected with I guess the drama and the trauma that I was going through as a kid with a father that had committed suicide. It was hard on me growing up and music was my way of coping and grounding myself. Looking back when I was in college, I felt that the music was literally the soundtrack of my life. I could literally think of any memory that was good or bad and even walking down the street or taking a test, there was a song on my head. That was something that I carry with me forever, because I know that music had the biggest impact on me as opposed to anything else in my life. I knew I wanted to do something with music in my future.

AM: What was your first job in the industry?

JB: Well I had internships. First job – like that I got paid to do?

AM: Well, whatever you felt was a job. Even an internship for some people, that could be like the first position to them that let them know that they were aligned to be in that field.

JB: My first internship dictated to me that I would never be in the music business because my boss hated me ha!

AM: Fair!

JB: The second internship that I had, aligned me with what I wanted to do in A&R and my first real paying job was something that I learned through the second internship where you had to be indispensable and I realized that the only way I was going to get noticed was that I would have to become a journalist and get my name in print to have credibility and a reason for people to listen to what I said. That was as a journalist and I had no experience as a journalist. I called every publication known to man or woman and was rejected by everybody until there was someone that I thoroughly confused into thinking that I was a real writer and hired me to cover a show that she needed coverage of and that was at Music Connection Magazine. From that moment, that night, I wrote about a band that I ended up managing, producing and being the drummer and signing as my first artist at Zomba Music Publishing. So my first paying gig was $10/article at Music Connection Magazine.

AM: It’s always interesting to hear stories like that because a lot of people don’t understand how someone progressed through their career. We see you now, but we don’t know all the things that kind of came together. Just the depth of things that you have done in terms of your roles like you went to law school and you’re a lawyer. How does that help you in the industry?

JB: I think that law school really more than anything helped me with my analytical mind. Being able to separate concepts independent from one another so I can separate facets of something which really helped me with journalism. Being able to discuss performance, crossed with the production, crossed with star power you know as opposed to hit songs and break-ing down the songs into literally the verses, pre-choruses, intros, bridges and break it down to almost an OCD point where you can analyze the drums, the guitars, the vocals and the harmonies. So law school to me, has allowed me to dissect things which is really what the law is – it’s dissecting arguments and points in order to build a case. That was actually the biggest asset that got me into the music business but it had nothing to do with the actual law itself.

AM: I can appreciate that. Our Co-Founder also went to law school and practiced law and he’s the Publisher, has shot our celebrity covers, is instrumental in our biz dev and is also my boyfriend. So seeing his skills and how he draws from them is interesting. Whereas, I sit as the other Co-Founder and focus on the style direction and other areas. So it’s interesting to see how all these things come together and we've both been involved in other music entities and my great uncle was Joe Henderson and I have styled a number of EDM artists so being able to see the music business in so many levels, talking with you who has been in the role of being a publisher, being in a band as you mentioned, the journalism, being a producer, A&R and songwriter, what are your favorite projects to take on as you really do have a 360 of the business?

JB: I like to take anything on that inspires me. I love all genres of music and if you’re talking about music, I happen to love R&B, Hip-Hop, Hard Rock, Rock, Pop and Country. The biggest inspirational moment that I remember ever having and I still talk to this guy. He has to be 80 now and we worked together for the Small Business Administration during the 90s in the earthquake and we worked together as lawyers. It was a horrible job where we made like $6 or $10 bucks an hour – it was 6 days a week. We had a very horrible and rigorous schedule for lunch so we had to run out to get a sandwich and we used to go to Chatsworth Hills and just hang out and this guy was 30 years older than me. He was a nice guy and he was like, “I know you’re a rock and roll guy, but you should listen to this CD.” Because I had my band that I was already talking about and the CD he had was Nina Simone and he put it in the CD player. He was like, “you’re going to hate it, but I’m sick of listening to your rock band when we’re eating our lunch!” I was like, this is amazing and it changed my life. That’s what inspired me in relation to my own band which was progressive alternative rock and just the textures and the sound and when I heard Macy Gray for the first time which doesn’t sound like anything that her music sounds like now for the record that we did –

AM: Really?

JB: Yeah. She was more like a Black Janis Joplin. When I heard her voice, it took me back to that moment eating a horrible sandwich, in a rush, sitting outside in my 4Runner in Chatsworth Hills with this older guy listening to Nina Simone and I immediately lost my mind and I felt that that was the moment and the reason why that guy played me that music. Changed my life!

AM: Speaking of Macy Gray, I remember being in college when it came out and I loved hearing 'I Try' as I was in my freshman year and I went to Indiana University and that song played everywhere! I had never heard a voice like hers and how everything came together. I heard 'Still' and of course I had an epic breakout in college that I thought was the end of the world – it was not, but I literally played that song 55 times in a row crying it out. What was that like finding her, getting her, how was it like working with her and I know you co-wrote Still.

JB: Macy was a demo tape that a woman came into my office with but she was pitching another band with a huge buzz that everyone was trying to sign as a publisher. They were signed with Interscope, but they were looking for a publishing deal. I didn’t like the band and I just said, you're in my office do you have anything else? This is what everyone says because when you’re shopping something, you’re always supposed to have something else. She said, not really, but she goes into her purse and she pulls out this tape. She said I was going to hate it. She said that her publisher, her record label and her manager dropped her. She no longer worked with her anymore. But she said I wouldn’t like it and it was just a reason for her to hang out in my office because I said, I didn’t like her band. I stuck it in the tape deck and my mouth dropped open. She was like, “you hate it right?” But at that moment, I was like this is one of the most awesome things that I had ever heard, but I didn’t want her to know that. So I told her I didn’t like it and asked if I could keep the tape and she said I could. I spent 3 months trying to track her down and the woman didn’t even have her phone number because Macy had gone and left LA because she was having another baby. I didn’t want to ask for her number because I didn’t want to tip my hat that I was going to try and sign her because the price would go up.

So I spent 3 months looking for her and I met her in NY. My boss didn’t want to sign her, but I was convinced. She came back to LA, we started working on new music with a producer named Daryll Swann and this guy Jeremy Ruzumna who is now in Fitz and the Tantrums. We really put it together and literally the label that dropped her, I sent a tape to them and they couldn’t stand her. I had to change the name because Macy Gray didn’t work and everyone hated the music. We changed her name to Mushroom and fooled everybody and we literally had Clive Davis, Jimmy Iovine, Paul Anthony and Atlantic Records whose founder, Ahmet Ertegun who called me personally and said that the Mushroom tape was amazing. It went from being no one wanting to hear to having a bidding war. I was responsible for changing the name, working with her and I was asked to manage her which I should have. All the labels wanted me to manage her and I didn’t think that I had the experience to do that. I was able to get her a deal.

AM: Wow! That’s a story.

Well, Linkin Park is another band that the minute I heard them, I was obsessed with them and I loved their sound and energy. What were you involved with in terms of them and I know that you were connected with Chester Bennington and you brought him into the group. What really sparked your interest with the group?

JB: First of all, I was there again at the inception of that band. The guitar player, I had actually lectured for UCLA last night in a class called Comm 185. It’s the internship class for Comm students at UCLA which I was an alumni of. I lectured every other quarter basically. There was this kid called Brad Delson who was in the class, he infused himself into my life and became my intern. I talk about this in my book and he told me that he had a band that was going to be better than what I had which was Limp Bizkit and Korn. I also had Matchbox 20 plaques up because I didn’t sign them but I tried really hard and I helped them get their deal and they literally gave me their Diamond Plaques and I’m very close with Rob Thomas and Brad looked at everything and said that his band was going to be better than any of those bands on my wall. I hired him as my intern, signed them off of their first show that they had ever played. So one show and they got their first publishing deal and I shopped them for 2 years until we realized that the lead singer needed to be changed. I found Chester Bennington after not being able to get anybody at all to even want to audition for the band because we had played so many showcases and had been rejected so many times that there was a huge stink on the band from a reputation standpoint. It was called Xero at that time. I convinced this kid from Phoenix as a fluke to leave his birthday party and to record a demo based off the instrumentals that I had my assistant send him. I talked with him while I was at SXSW and by the time I got home, he sent me a demo tape so he left his 23rd birthday and recorded the demo and I was blown away. I literally told the band that this was their singer and it took them 6 weeks to get to know him and they kept wanting to audition other singers and I said that this kid had everything that they could have ever imagined with the voice and the persona – super authentic. They eventually had him join the band. Then my involvement was being their music publisher, their quasi-manager – we didn’t have a manager but I functioned as such and I got them their deal at Warner and they were along with my employment contract because I believed in them so much. Still, no record label wanted them even with Chester and they were rejected 44 times. I made them a part of my employment contract and went in as their A&R person and executive produced the album.

AM: As stated before, the credits that you have are insane. Because it seems that you’re so involved with your artists, do you ever have a cap on how many people or projects that you’re working with because it seems so immersive?

JB: Good question. Music is part of my being and so are all creative projects. I always find time to do everything. I don’t have any kids so that leaves a lot of space. I figure that in life, anything that is a passion you make a priority for. I’m always very busy, but I never have a problem getting everything in.

AM: What is your creative process like and does it differ depending on what the project is whether you’re leaning into the A&R side, you’re producing or songwriting?

JB: I don’t necessarily have any process. I just go with the flow wherever the inspiration takes me. To be honest with you, there’s no set way of doing any project that I follow in terms of a regimen. I have tried that where I thought that something worked in the past could be applied and I have found that each project is its own entity and requires its own care and just like in life, any given second of your day will change the trajectory that will maneuver you in that day. So having a schedule that is set and laid out to do a project that is laid out for me will not work for me because I am so integrated into so many different things that different elements will come into play that will change what I would do. That’s one of the things that make me successful in what I do.

AM: Tell me about your new book, One Step Closer: From Zero to #1: Becoming Linkin Park and why you wanted to write this?

JB: Well the book was something that I was asked to write back in 2007 as a counterpart to Donald Passman’s All You Need to Know about the Music Business, but in a story form based on Linkin Park and it was extremely difficult and I gave up which is something that I never do. I just felt that it was exhausting. When Chester passed, it really affected me. I had written a small piece for Billboard Magazine and they were one of the people that had given me a chance early on – Melinda Newman who gave me a job as a writer for Continental Drift which is what gave me my job at Zomba Music Publishing with the credibility of Billboard. So I wrote a small piece for Chester in Billboard and the band’s manager said that he was moved by the article and I went back and looked up through the boxes – about 10 boxes of faxes, CDs, emails, notebooks, hand-written notes and I couldn’t put down my journals. So I thought in this traumatic experience that everyone has dreams and you set out to achieve them. Those that do, most give up after a few rejections and this band and I went through 44 of them. You’re not good enough, it’s career suicide, let it go and through the perseverance of overcoming adversity and being authentic, we followed our true vision and listened to our gut, true talent won out. You can be anything that you want to achieve in life. You just have to really be authentic and persevere. That was a story to me that was inspirational not just for a Linkin Park fan but to any human being.

AM: You have a number of projects coming up that you’re working on from your docuseries, iHeart Radio podcast and your screenplay that’s in development. What can you tell us about these so that we can keep an eye out for them?

JB: The docuseries is called,Unsung Heroes and it’s like my book but takes you on a journey through the decades from the 60’s forward of all genres of music and the socio-political elements that go into the decades and focuses on the A&Rpeople and those putting their careers on the line to discover these artists. It looks at the passion of the A&R execs through the decades of these people that no one wanted to sign. A lot like what I did with Linkin Park is carrying a vision with the artists to affect the world in a positive way. Whether it’s the transition from Disco to Rock and Punk or the transition from Heavy Metal/Hair Bands into Grunge and the rise of Hip-Hop. This is told through those decades and that’s what the docuseries is about.

The podcast is along those lines too. Telling the stories of A&R people and sharing their experiences.

My screenplay is a psychological thriller/horror movie that is about 5 celebrities that find themselves in rehab all with intertwining pasts and each one is facing their own demons, but there is a killer in the rehab facility and it is kind of a combination with Saw X Scream X The Breakfast Club. So it’s very character-driven and it’s all diversity. It goes into diversity issues, #MeToo movement, cultural issues and also deals with depression and the pressures of being a celebrity which is why they are in rehab. The effects of what stardom makes us do and how to keep that stardom so they go on that killing spree.

AM: What led you to wanting to create this kind of screenplay?

JB: Actually, it came out of the book. I had basically finished the outline to One Step Closer and I was dealing with the thoughts of Chester, depression and rehab and substance abuse. How people are dealing with it and how it affects everybody. It’s interesting that you’re making me think about this because I was on a softball team with a guy and the sponsor was a re-hab clinic in Malibu. I just got to thinking that it would be really cool if there was a psychological thriller about these celebrities in rehab and them killing each other and that’s the truth! I wanted to make it a super whodunnit and I love it. I’ve got hopefully, several stars attached and 1 really huge star that I am hoping to get.

AM: Is there a difference for you when you’re working with an artist on their album versus a soundtrack for a film?

JB: When you’re working with one artist on their album, that is a cohesive vision and it’s all supposed to sound like one journey. When you’re on a soundtrack, it’s inspired by the diverse moments in that film. You’re working with several artists. The songs can be inspired by, written for or existing songs that you can choose to emphasize moments in that film.

AM: What is your creative process in writing a song versus being an A&R and then as a producer?

JB: My creative process in writing a song depends on whether I’m writing with another writer or I’m writing with the artist as it matters entirely on the voice and the experience of the artists that are performing it. You want to make it authentic to that artist. I think it’s ideal when it’s co-written by the artist because it’s more true and authentic to them. As anA&R person, the A&R overseas and isn’t as present in the actual writing process. But they oversee the vision and the A&R person works that vision through the record label and to the public as opposed to a producer who is guiding in the studio, getting the right performances, making suggestions on sound, songs and they also oversee and help create the vision. All three are different roles.

I’ve done for example, I had a band that I had known as The Last Good Night, where I played the drums, co-wrote all the songs, A&R’d it, produced it and published it. That was very rewarding because I won a BMI Award as one of top songwriters fora song called Pictures of You and literally that was hands in every role that there possibly is. So rewarding and each role was different. In doing that, it takes a lot of trust from the artist.

AM: You have your entertainment firm, Century Park Entertainment, tell me more about this and what do you offer there?

JB: Century Park Entertainment is where we manage – I have 3 different artists right now who are a variety of DJ, performers, musical artists and songwriters, produce, we have the docuseries, the screenplay and the book. So it houses literary, television, film and music.

AM: How do you define an iconic voice? What does that mean to you and what does it trigger when you hear it?

JB: An iconic voice is an identifiable and unique sound or tone. That could be in a voice. I discovered Daniel Powter who sang, Bad Day, he had a very iconic voice. The same is true for Jonathan Davis, Ches-ter, Fred Durst and Macy Gracy. I think that when you hear a song and it’s playing on the radio and you hear it within 3 notes whether it’s the bass line, guitar line, drumbeat or a vocal and you know who the artists is – that’s iconic.

One thing I always listen to for me, Queen is the epitome of that – when you hear Brian May’s guitar’s tone, Freddie with his voice obviously and the sound that I really believe is Roy Thomas Baker his production on the snare of the snare drum for the percussion is iconic. It’s this mixture of a snare with the high hat and I just love it! Anyone of those things, you can immediately tell who these artists are whether it’s ACDC, Led Zeppelin or whatever. Often the things I look for is authenticity and for the artists to be able to speak their truth and for it to be believable as if you’re speaking towards a friend. On top of that, you need star power, the ability to engage and connect with the listeners, hit songs and above all the quality that a great artist and great songs make you feel like you belong. At the end of the day, we’re all outsiders but at the end of the day, great artists make us feel like we’re not alone.

AM: We always ask our trailblazers who we find to be inspiring, who are 3 people whether personally or professionally that you know or follow that have inspired you to be where you are now?

JB: One I would say is Jason Flom. He’s an A&R executive who started when he was 18 and I just love his passion and immediate belief in artists. He was one of the first people that I met and was really impressed with because he’s authentic and he’s remained a great friend and I have actually worked with him at Virgin. He hired me and that’s where I got The Good Night and where I earned the BMI Award for.

The people that I have encountered in my life – one was Harvey Levin which sounds horrible but I interned for him when he was a legal reporter at KCBS-TV news during college. He took me along on the ride-alongs to the courts. The other assistants rebelled and said I should be licking envelopes. I was an actor during college to get me through and my commercials were playing at the time in the newsroom and Harvey stood up for me and took me with him and said that I should be a legal reporter. He felt I was creative and good on camera. He said go to law school because I didn’t want to just be an actor. I thought it was really cool that he had me interact with him and I learned from that. He inspired me enough to go to law school which was horrible and I modeled my ability to mentor people like Brad Delson from Linkin Park and other people. Almost all of my interns and assistants have all gone on to be millionaires and major senior level executives in the music business. Brad, I took under my wing and his band obviously became Linkin Park and I included him in every single meeting and phone calls, talking to him about the music business and we had synergy with what I was learning because I was a new executive and I allowed him to experience what I experienced and I think that that is extremely important. My last intern helped me guide my book a little bit, he was a UCLA intern and he ended up after I showed him my screenplay, he helped give me some ideas and I gave him writing credit on it. I really believe in interacting with people.

The third person, there’s this guy Richard Blackstone who was my boss at Zomba Music Publishing and he was supportive with my vision even when he didn’t quite understand it. After I became successful, he told me that he always told me no and that he knew he should let me sign some-thing when I kept pushing after a month or two. He trusted my judgment and knew that the stuff that I cared about, I would keep pushing for. It also made me realize that I shouldn’t just jump on a reaction because interesting fades over time. But when he could imagine me jumping on my desk over something, then he could see me signing it. He ended up running Warner Chappell Music and BMG after awhile too.

IG @JeffBlueMusic

PHOTOS COURTESY | Jeff Blue

Hear multi-platinum record producer, A&R executive, songwriter and lawyer Jeff Blue on an upcoming episode of our show, #TRIBEGOALS - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multimedia companion podcast network! Subscribe to be notified when the episode drops. Listen on iHeart Radio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Read the Feb Issue #62 of Athleisure Mag and see Authenticity Rules with Jeff Blue in mag.

FORCE TO RECKON WITH ALEKS PAUNOVIC

With the second season of TNT's Snowpiercer back on, we're excited to checkout more from Aleks Paunovic who plays Breachman Bojan Boki Boscovic! We took some time to find out more about this character as well as his show SYFY's Van Helsing. We also find out how he got into the industry, his music and more!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before getting into your acting career, you were a boxing champion and you’re a descendant of 3 generations of champion boxers! What was it that drew you to the sport?

ALEKS PAUNOVIC: Watching my dad shadowbox and watching fights with him when I was younger was always a good memory. What really attracted me to the sport was the idea of challenging one’s self. I never looked at boxing as fighting the other person, or wanting to hurt the other person. It was about my skill and seeing how I can adapt to a situation with someone that wants to do the same thing to me. It’s a lonely sport but one you can take a ton of life lessons from. Walking through fear, relaxing in tense situations so you can perform your best, getting knocked down, getting back up, and never quitting. I like to think it’s shaped me for my career in film and television.

AM: You parlayed this to initially being a stunt actor, what was that like?

AP: That’s right, boxing helped me get my foot in the door in the business, but it’s a tough gig. You have to be a special kind of human to do what stunt performers do. I personally wanted to tell stories. My goal was acting, but stunts has helped me tell my stories at a physical and emotional level.

AM: We know you’re remastering and have released your songs from your band, Specula Black on Spotify. These songs were recorded 30 years ago, why did you decide to release them now?

AP: Ahhh!! I love that these songs are out in the world now. Not only is it on Spotify, but it’s on all streaming sites. Please check it out if you like heavy metal and rock. Having our songs released 30 years later is largely attributed to our showrunner for Van Helsing, who asked if I had a song for one of the episodes. When he asked, the guys and I got on a chat and we started thinking how cool it would be, so we took those recordings and remastered them and sent it to the show. They liked it. Then we were off and running. Very proud of the boys in the band—those days were some of the greatest times of my life. I need to give them a shoutout, Tony Brenda, George Lazic, Scott (Ham) Botham and Rob Bjornson.

AM: What is it about storytelling that has drawn you to the characters that you play?

AP: There’s something about finding the missing pieces and puzzles in telling acharacter’s story. The script analysis and my creative filter to make it something no one else would think about -- finding the truth in there. It’s quite fulfilling.

AM: What is your process like when you're reading a script to see if you want to be attached to the project?

AP: It’s usually about how the character fits in the story, and how I can make them compelling. I love a conflicted character. Finding the moments that make him struggle to make decisions, and then going for it. Sometimes the simplest character is the most complex.

AM: We loved Snowpiercer as a movie and were excited to see it as a series on TNT last year! Of course, we’re enjoying the 2nd season right now. Tell us about your character Breachman Bojan Boki Boscovic and what it’s like to film this show?

AP: Ahhhh, I love Breachman Bojan BokiBoscovic! He has the most dangerous job on the train. The train can’t function without the Breachmen. He’s from Serbia and he’s a devout Wilfordite. There’s a history with Wilford and myself, which connects me to him more. This season there are trials and tribulations with Boki and he runs the gamut of emotion and physicality. I can’t wait for people to see this season. Working on the show has been a dream... Great team in front and behind the camera. I am so grateful to be a part of it.

AM: Many are fans of your character Juliusin Syfy’s Van Helsing and the 5th and final season will air this fall. Is there anything that you can share about the upcoming season and what we should keep an eye out for?

AP: Well, I'm not going to give you any spoilers if you’re looking for that. lol. But it’s been bittersweet. Such an amazing family we created in the 5 years of the show. All of them are lifers with me now. It’s been glorious, and I think it’s one of our best seasons. Fans are going to see us wrap up the characters on the show in such an epic way. So thank you to SYFY and Netflix for giving us one more season to say goodbye.

AM: You were in Stargate Atlantis along with Jason Momoa and now you guys are on SEE on Apple+ TV. What drew you to this show and what do you enjoy about being apart of this cast?

AP: Well one of the things that drew me to SEE was my man Jason Momoa. We've been friends for over 10 years and when your buddy, who has blown up in the industry to megastar, so well deserved, and is still the crazy life-loving man you first met, you just gotta hang with him. I was very lucky that a role came up and we got to reconnect on a working level. All of the amazing things he’s been doing for the environment has made an impact on the world. I'm proud to be his buddy.

AM: As someone that has been in a number of films and TV series, are there roles that you would like to add to your body of work that you have yet to be involved?

AP: I like the idea of being in a show like True Detective. I’m never the dude investigating, I'm always the dude getting investigations... lol. The first season of True Detective when it comes to character struggle and storylines are what I would love to do soon.

AM: Are there upcoming projects that you have coming up that we should keep an eye out for?

AP: Yes, I have one called CHAINED that will be released soon, and a Zoom movie I did during the beginning of the pandemic. It was quite the trip to shoot a whole film without shaking anyone’s hand. lol. One of the coolest parts of the movie is an acting legend that signed on. Can't wait to share it. We have to keep it hush hush, but check back to with me and I'll tell you when I can. And as we are having this interview, I’m in Atlanta shooting a very exciting project; that’s another one I can’t wait to share with the world when I'm allowed to. Eeeeek. It’s killing me!

AM: Tell me about your film studio in Winnipeg as this sounds like such a great thing for the industry.

AP: Winnipeg is my hometown. I cut my teeth in the industry there. Not only do they have amazing talent but it’s a hotspot for shooting in Canada, and one of the best tax credits in North America. The locations and the crew are top-notch. Our team (Eric Mark, Bill Sarine) feel really strongly that we can contribute to the industry there in a big way. It’s definitely an exciting project.

AM: What is a general week like in terms of your workout?

AP: A good week of workouts is 5 or 6days a week. 2 or 3 days doing HITT train-ing switched with 2 or 3 days of boxing. If I can get 6 days a week in I feel like I accomplished my workout goal for the week. Also, I like to have meditation and visualization before and after my work-out, and about a 15 min cooldown after I workout. It helps me to stay mentally and physically on point for the day.

AM:As we have all been navigating these times, how have you been spending your time when you’re not prepping for a role or filming?

AP: I do a lot of Facetime calls with my folk and friends. I want to stay connected. This pandemic has been a kick in the gut on so many levels, but as long as I can listen to music, make music, work out physically and mentally that’s a good day. Can’t wait until I can actually hug people again. lol

AM: You are an advocate against bullying and have partnered up with the Canadian Red Cross’ Anti-Bullying Initiatives. How long have you been involved with this and what is your role with them?

AP: My role has been more of an advocate to let people know they are not alone. They are not an island in this big world. We all have gone through tough times and there is always help. To be there and listen and so show people even though I’m a 6foot 5 dude that boxes and is enjoying an amazing life, there are still times I need someone to talk to, to get a perspective in life, to let me know it’s ok. I think If we can give that to young people -- kids that have a hard time controlling their emotions and only react to hurting others so they don’t hurt. WE can end bullying if we just are available and are there to listen and guide -- and also be vulnerable. It’s ok to be vulnerable with people you can trust. I like to think I’m one of those people.

IG @AleksPaun

PHOTOGRAPHY | Brendan Meadows

Read the Feb Issue #62 of Athleisure Mag and see Force to Reckon with Aleks Paunovic in mag.

THE DROP WITH STEVE AOKI

We're sure that we have all been listening to a lot more music as we have navigated these past few months as it's a way to transport ourselves to another level even when our environment may look way to familiar at this point. This month's cover of Athleisure Mag is entertainer, DJ, record producer, music executive and entrepreneur Steve Aoki. We've always been fans of the energy that he creates when he's at his shows, his music as well as his focus on putting good into the world with The AOKI FOUNDATION whose primary goal is supporting organizations in the brain science and research areas with a specific focus on regenerative medicine and brain preservation.

In addition to our virtual cover editorial shoot with Steve, we delved into his career, his label DIM MAK, his placement in the Smithsonian Museum, the importance of diversification while being true to the core of business, Neon Future series, Blue: The Color of Noise and his process in music and collaborative projects.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What was the moment when you realized that you wanted to be in the entertainment industry?

STEVE AOKI: Oh man entertainment is such a broad word and some of these answers are probably not going to be straight forward. I got into music when I was a teenager and then that became my whole life blood. Everything I did was involving music in every facet of life. It just became my lifestyle. From the friends I chose, to the food I ate – when I was growing up as a teenager – there was a very specific kind of music that I listened to and everyone was vegetarian. Pretty much everything down to the way that I dressed. It just became – it just became me so. So once I figured out what I wanted to devote my life to, that of course, changes over time. So from when I was a teenager, to college, to post college, young adult – my music style changed and the way that I interpreted music and played music changed as well.

So, I was in bands in the beginning and then I became a DJ and then at that point, in the early 2000’s, I actually started seeing that what I was doing with music was actually making a profit. It was making money. Because up until then, I never looked at music as a profitable enterprise. I never thought about it that way because you give so much to something, if you really care about, it’s not like you care about getting something back. What you get back is the love that it gives you, the feelings that it gives you, the community that it brings to you. As I started DJing, I started realizing that at that point I was DJing small clubs and festivals. That’s really when that major moment came when I was like, “wow I’m on a big stage and I need to not just play records and music” – which some of them were my own and a lot at that time, were of the culture. It then became, how do I engage with these people and entertain these people?

So then that term, “entertainment” came into the fold much later in my career. I would say that it came into the fold when I played Coachella the second time in 2009, not even the first time. It was that moment when I had the budget and I could build out the stage design and I could think about ideas that could present to different parts of my show like stage diving. These stage dives aren’t like a moment where you are methodical, you feel the moment, everyone’s ready for it and you jump into the crowd. There are moments when you think, this is going to engage with people, this is going to be entertaining. I bring my raft out and I start floating on the people, they haven’t seen that yet – that’s entertaining. There’s all these little things that I did with the people like the cakes. It’s an entertaining part of a Steve Aoki show. People remember for the rest of their lives and they’ll say, “40 years ago I saw a Steve Aoki show, I don’t remember the songs but he did cake my friend in the face and it was the best day of her life!" You know what I mean?

AM: Exactly yeah!

SA: I would say 2009 it all came together. Long answer for you!

AM: But that’s a great answer though. It’s all about a progression and just how things come together.

How would you define your musical style?

SA: My musical style is very fluid and of the moment and I like that. I like that like, it’s very much a gut and it’s based on feelings and it’s always going to change. It’s always going to change with my feelings and however way I feel about things or the moment on how I internalize that and not just consume, but how do I create that and how do I create from that?

I think that that’s something that I learned at a young age. When you are inspired or when you absorb something that makes you feel a certain way that it hasn’t made you feel before, like you know the best way for me to engage with that feeling is to create from it. It’s like anything, when you do it over and over again, you just get better at the process of doing it. You might not be great at it in terms of the output, but you get better at the process and that’s what’s more important than the output because the output is entirely subjective. Whether someone likes it or not is not what’s important. That’s another thing that I learned through this whole thing – whether people like my music or my output shouldn’t reflect why I did it and why I liked the process of it. I think about that question and it’s very complex. It’s not just I’m EDM or I’m this. Music is always going to change and it’s based on feelings. If you take down all the identities, all the titles and the genres – if there was no such thing as hip hop or rock or EDM and people were just like, “yo I just like the song.” When you hear a song for the first time and you’re listening to something that is totally different – you shouldn’t be limited to, “this is weird that I like it.” It shouldn’t make you feel weird. If it makes you feel really good, then that’s the whole point of it.

AM: Right and sometimes listening to the same artist and the same song at different points in your life, have a different connection and you can enjoy it. Our co-founder’s great uncle was tenor saxophonist, Joe Henderson and as a kid hearing him, she didn’t respect the fullness of his work.

SA: Yeah.

AM: And then in college, there was a whole other world of understanding that gave those songs meaning.

SA: Right right!

AM: You are someone who has worked with so many artists across so many different genres as a DJ, musician, producer, music exec – what is that process like for you when you’re thinking of collaborating with somebody?

SA: Yeah, when I’m collaborating with different artists, I think that one of the biggest lessons that I have learned is to just go in there and go in with a blank slate. A lot of people want you to come in there with all of your ammunition and basically all of your knowledge base. I’d rather go in there as a student. You know, they want to work with you and at this point in my career, they want to work with you too! I know what I can bring to the table, but it’s almost like when you watch an improv comedy skit, you never know what’s going to happen. Like, “hey someone say an action – running, someone say a sport – wrestling,” and then you kind of take those moments and you just be free on where it will go. That journey is really exciting to come from that place. Of course, your intuition and experience in terms of how and the way you process and supply chain your music and the way you work your music – how you’re going to work all of that – it’s innately going to come out. Sometimes you need the structure, but I prefer having the blank slate for the most part. Unless if you’re on a time crunch – a time crunch is a whole other story. Because then I’m like, “ok I just need to have the hook.” From the hook, I’m able to build you know – I can build that idea. I generally start from there if I can’t get into the studio with the artist. I just need a hook. I just need that part that gets stuck in my head and I will allow that to just linger in my head for a long time and then melodies start coming out in the studio and then I pick the best one. You stay on that melody for a day or two to make sure that it’s the right melody – because sometimes the first time you’ve heard it, it’s the best thing that you have ever heard and then you realize a day later, “oh my God, it’s awful.”

AM: Definitely! What’s that like when you have something that’s already existed. We love Michael Jackson – Thriller (Steve Aoki Midnight Hour Remix) and I also like Steve Aoki & Darren Criss - Crash Into Me cover of Dave Matthews Band. When people already know the songs, do you have a different approach when you’re deconstructing it to make it your own?

SA: Yeah, yeah exactly. When I do remixes of my own tracks – like in the case of Crash Into Me with Darren Criss (Glee, Hollywood, The Assassination of Gianni Versace), I can’t play the original at my own shows because it’s too mellow. When I’m playing an EDM show, I need that energy bursting at the seams and I need that drop to do exactly that. I need the dance floor to be bouncing. It’s all about Darren’s voice, Dave Matthews incredible lyrics, the melody and you combine that with a huge drop that’s signature to my sound and people will just lose their minds you know? You want to push purposeful.

AM: Are there genres that you've yet to do that you want to place the Aoki touch on?

SA: Yes. I mean there is no genre that can limit me. I just – I want to work with every genre and I really want to keep spanning the globe. That’s the other thing to, I travel so much and I’m so fortunate to be able to hear and know and learn about not just what’s happening in different parts of the world that are already popular, but also like what’s brewing. What’s brewing in South Africa, when I was out there, I was listening to some music and it was like, “yo this is the next wave in South Africa.” I want to know about it and I want to meet them. I want to hear the songs and I want to get the vibe, the flow and the dance culture that’s with it. You know, music brings people together so you have to understand what kind of dance moves that they are doing to it. How are they bringing it to their culture. Basically, I just want to keep expanding, keep exploring and it’s limitless. There’s always something new out there.

AM: How did you feel being the first EDM artist to be included in the Smithsonian? How impactful was it to see your gear housed in the same space as DJ Bob Casey’s from the 50's as well as Grand Masterflash’s turntables and now you’re literally being enshrined in such a historical place?

SA: Even when you say that out loud …

AM: It’s mindblowing.

SA: It’s totally wild you know? I remember when I went to the Smithsonian after they asked if we would be part of it. I met with them and did the interview there and walked through it and I felt like I was leaving my body and watching myself and I was like, “holy shit!” I just freaked out. I mean, it’s incredible you know – an incredible feeling. It’s the kind of thing that you’ll say, “wow in 60 years someone is going to say in the 2010’s there was an Asian DJ and there was a thing called EDM and this is what people did when they went out to festivals. And here is a typical show.” It was really cool to think that wow, 60 or 70 years later, someone is going to look at that and say, “that’s cool.” And you know, in that regard to, I’m proud that you know, I’m representing for Asians in that way too.

AM: As someone who is as busy as you are, who does travel so much, why is fitness, health and wellness so important to you?

SA: Oh God, it’s so crucial and integral. You have to train your body and mind to be able to run the marathon over and over again. You can’t just wake up – before you get out and run, you have to stretch. Before you do anything – I mean, I’m stretching constantly and that stretch is mindfulness. And as I do more mindfulness, actively, and I start learning more about myself – my mind, my body rhythms – it’s really fun. When you’re sitting there meditating, some people think, “oh it’s so boring.” When you get into that space, you get into where you’re finally supposed to be – it’s incredible to get into that space where nothing else really matters. That phone call, that schedule – all these things in life – comparing yourself to this person to that person – that thing – the anxieties of the world. If you can calm all of those things, it’s a really wonderful place to learn to get to. I think that it’s not just for someone like me that was running around like I was prior to COVID-19 like I did, I think it’s really helpful for everybody. For me especially, I need to absolutely make sure that I’m on the practice and I just love having it.

AM: Just looking at your portfolio, it’s so expansive between your music, Pizzaoki, your label DIM MAK as well as DIM MAK En Fuego, your clothing lines, companies that you have invested in like Liquid I.V. which we are huge fans of. How important was it for you that regardless of the vertical, to diversify your portfolio beyond your industry that you work in whether it’s creating ventures or investing?

SA: I mean, yeah, in life, I think that diversification is always a positive. Of course, you know it says a lot when you see someone that dives into their craft 110%. I’ve seen that in Japan especially, with artists that’s into their craft whether it’s even sushi chefs that spend their entire life just focusing on that and I love that – I love that. I’m such a fan of that and I admire and I respect that. It’s important that I have that too because my main core the whole of my operation is music. Music creation, music production and playing – playing my music out to the world. That has to be grounded. That has to be an anchor and platform and if I don’t have that, I can’t diversify. I think what the important lesson is here – is that diversification is always positive. You need to have your main business, whatever it is, whatever your main passion is – it has to be grounded so deeply into what you do and you have to be a craftsman in that space. Once you have that, then you can start building outward. You know, we only have one life, experience it. Experience as much as you can. All of these different things that were created in all of these different worlds is extremely fun for me. I enjoy it. I love it and if I didn’t love it, I wouldn’t be doing it. You have to love what you do and you have to love the process – not what is actually going to be in the end result. It’s always about the process.

AM: With so many artists, because of COVID-19 doing their performances virtually and I know that you’re known as a Techno Futurist Optimist with an interest in the intersectionality between humanity and technology, how do you think this digital reliance will impact the industry long term once we’re able to get back into a new normal.

SA: I think that in a hopeful sense that we will all get back to what we all love. You can’t deny live experiences and live shows. There is nothing that compares to that. A virtual show is like 1/10th of the experience and not a 100% of the experience. That’s why they were so big all around the world. We’re social creatures and beings. We love being around people and experiencing things together. We’re not a solo species. We need to feel energy and those feelings with other people. You can’t deny that and I think that hopefully, there will be a vaccine that will be administered around the world where we don’t have to worry about COVID deaths and COVID tragedies that are happening. But until then, the digital space is what I had to do. I think that all of us have had to take that because now there is an infrastructure being built around the digital space of experience and it’s evolving quite quickly. You know, I just played an Oculus show where you put on an Oculus headset and you’re talking to people from all around the world. As a fan watching the show, you can look to your right and your left and there’s another fan watching that same show from a different country. You can actually socially engage with them. The infrastructure is being built in such a way that there’s going to be more of a catch and they will be able to bring more of a better experience. I think that once we get back to IRL shows, there will still be that people will want to do that and be apart of that. I think that at least with COVID and people being in that business, it has created a space for it to grow. But, you can’t compare that when you’re talking about a live show.

AM: Last year, you published your memoir Blue: The Color of Noise, why did you want to write this and what was that process like for you?

SA: It took me about 6 years. It took me a long long time. It definitely wasn’t like, “ok, I’m going to get this done – I just need to do this.” It was an ongoing process and it started out being like the history of DIM MAK first. So I was like, DIM MAK is going to hit 20 years – we’re at almost 25 now. I thought I would do the history of DIM MAK, a 20 year book and I started writing stories about when I started DIM MAK back in ’96 when I was in college. I wrote about the struggles and all of the good stuff that you want to read – incredible stories. Then I realized, this was more about a memoir about my life and DIM MAK is a part of my life. It’s a big part of my life, but I felt that I should expand more and at that point, a few years after as I was touching on the history of my label, I started talking about the harder things that were very difficult to open up about like the death of my father (editors note: Hiroaki "Rocky" Aoki, a wrestler and restaurateur who founded the restaurant chain Benihana), the death of some of my friends that made a huge impact on my life and then as I got deeper, I started seeing a therapist that helped me to actually bring out some more of my introspective feelings that had to be kind of unearthed. You know, it was therapeutic to be able to write the book and a lot of that went into it. I also – you know when a lot of people think about the history of Steve Aoki, they say, “oh yeah, he’s the guy that throws cakes at people at shows.” Well I just wanted people to know that there is a lot more than just that.

AM: You dropped Neon Future IV this spring which I know is part of the Neon Future series that you began in 2015, tell us about the series in general and what can you share about the 27 track album that you just dropped?

SA: Neon Future is a concept that I came up with and is exactly what you said earlier. I really look at the future as an optimist and I look at technology with an optimist lens. I look at tech in a way that can help us and enhance us to be more of a creative or imaginative species. At the end of the day, we want to save ourselves and saving ourselves will be saving our planet as well. With tech, we can advance that and become more of an intelligent species. That’s why Neon Future is a colorful future. And so really making sure that for me personally, the musical concept, I wanted to educate it by having scientists on the album. So it’s not just about having a collection of songs for each album, but to really validate my point, I reached out to scientists that were very difficult to get a hold of. Some of the people were harder to get a hold of than some of the biggest talents that I have worked with. I had to do a lot of explaining, fly and meet people and do a lot of work in that regard because I care so much about that space and I also love bridging the science community and the electronic dance music community in a way that hasn’t been done before.

Like Ray Kurzweil to Yuval Harari to J.J. Abrams to Bill Nye and so forth and so forth. It started off as one album and the second album was going and then I said, you know what, it’s too good to end. Then the third and then I built the studio between the second and the third and I call it Neon Future Cave and then between the third and the fourth album, I started creating the comic Neon Future with Tom Bilyeu because Neon Future really deserves to be graphically laid out with its storyline. Which presents a world that we can imagine and with every comic book story, you need to have conflict so we had to make it like a dystopia that we want to make it like a utopia instead of the opposite. It just kept on growing and it had a mind of it’s own and it became AI! It became its own thing. It’s almost funny that this project almost became it’s own powerhouse that I couldn’t even stop which is kind of cool. We’ll see. Because of my next project, this puts Neon Future IV as the last of the series so far. We’ll see if it continues as I have a few other concepts that I want to develop. My main baby is Neon Future that’s for sure.

IG @SteveAoki

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS

Athleisure Mag's virtual cover shoot was shot by Co-Founder + Celebrity Photographer Paul Farkas. Throughout this shoot, Paul used an iPhone XR, iPad Air 2, Facetime and Clos.

STYLE & GROOMING CREDITS

Athleisure Mag's Celeb Fashion Stylist, Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director Kimmie Smith and Groomer Sheena Zargari share what they used to create this fall menswear style editorial of Out & About Style, WFH and Fitness.

LOOK I | OUT & ABOUT STYLE

FRONT/BACK COVER PG 26 - 37 | DIM MAK COLLECTION X DIAMOND SUPPLY CO Denim Jacket | SIKSILK X STEVE AOKI S/S Oversized Essential Tee + Loose Fit Riot Denim | LACOSTE Storm 96 Lo Sneakers |

LOOK II | WFH

PG 22 - 25 | SIKSILK X STEVE AOKI Oversized Hoodie + Relaxed Short | LACOSTE Storm 96 Lo Textile Sneakers |

LOOK III | FITNESS

PG 16 -21 | ALPHA INDUSTRIES Apollo II Hoodie | DIM MAK COLLECTION Leggings | DECKERS X LAB S/S K-ST 21 Sneakers |

IG @PVFarkas

@Shes.Kimmie

@Sheena_Zar

Hear DJ/Producer Steve Aoki on our show, #TRIBEGOALS - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multimedia companion podcast network! Subscribe to be notified when the episode drops. Listen on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Read the Oct Issue #58 of Athleisure Mag and see The Drop with Steve Aoki in mag.

WE'RE @ THE SPA WITH ICONA POP + SOFI TUKKER

Over the past few months, we have navigated a number of life changes that have given new meaning to the term and ever evolving, "new normal." In the midst of these crazy times, we have also embraced things that we have always enjoyed - even if it is in a new way! Once again, music comes to the rescue as it makes our activities enhanced on all levels. When we first heard of Icona Pop and SOFI TUKKER's song Spa, we loved the fact that it had fun lyrics, a catchy tune and embraces something that we have been enjoying from home.

We had to catch up with both groups to find out how this song came together, how they have been working in these times and what they have coming up!

ATHLEISURE MAG: We have been fans of Icona Pop and SOFI TUKKER for a number of years – from pre partying, at the club, fun dinners, at PROPEL CO:LABS Fitness Festival in NY, Ultra Music’s Party here in NY during NYFW and when we’re cycling in studio. We also love hearing your music in commercials, shows etc. So it’s no surprise that when your team sent us the link to Spa, we’ve been jamming to it for the past few days and feel that it definitely needs to be in the mix of Athleisure songs for sure. Before we get into the song, how have you been spending these past crazy months?

ICONA POP: Wow thank you for all the love and support, that means a lot!

In the beginning, we felt very lost. Everything got canceled and life was just weird.

We decided first to take the time to reflect and breathe for a second. But after that we got so inspired so we locked ourselves in the studio and been super creative from there.

It started with us djing online and then we started our ”rave spa”. We´ve been connecting with all our fans around the world. And the best part is that we’ve had the time to sit down and write a lot of new music.

We’ve come to really appreciate the things you can do from your studio and laptop.

SOFI TUKKER: We started livestreaming on basically the first day of lockdown. At first, it was really random. Soph was working out and Tuck was Djing and our photographer started livestreaming the whole thing. We did it again the next day with Soph also DJing and it was so fun to connect with people so we committed to doing it every single day. We have been doing daily live dj sets every day now for 122 days. It's turned out to be such a meaningful time, being able to connect with people daily and find joy and positivity, even in pretty dire times. The community that's built around the sets calls themselves the Freak Fam and it keeps growing!

AM: In terms of staying fit, what are your workouts like and have you embraced new modalities especially during these crazy times?

IP: Its been very cool to join live stream work outs and also a lot of Swedish gyms have been having outdoor activities.

We try to move everyday before going to the studio. Doesn’t matter if its gym, walking running or whatever. But that really gives you endorphins and makes you stay focused the rest of the day.

It’s also different depending on how stressful it is, how much time and also how you´re feeling in your body that day.

Usually when its stressful or you have a lot in your head and you still need to release some steam, its amazing to lift weights, but also to do things that make you calm down like yoga or pilates.

ST: I've found working out to help so much during these times. I don't feel as stir crazy cuz I really am using all my energy in a day! I go on really long bike rides, I do HIIT training in the backyard, I practice yoga, I use the Peloton, I go rollerblading, I go on runs, I workout on the beach... pretty much anything, I try to switch it up all the time and keep my body guessing!

AM: How has creating music been for you during this time?

IP: It's been both good and bad.

We get a lot of our inspiration from traveling and now we’ve been in the same place for months. But somehow it's like life catches up with you and you can tap in to emotions that you haven't had the time to explore before.

Also the pressure to release music has been very low. But somehow we’ve released more music then in years this year. Feels like people really need it right now.

ST: We've been able to get so much done, since we aren't traveling!! We've created a ton of new music, and we usually test it out during the livestream and then workshop it and bring it back into the studio to tweak. It's a really fun way to make music and really cool to involve everybody throughout the whole process more than ever.

AM: How do you stay inspired as there is more time being at home versus traveling and having in person events?

IP: We absolutely love hugging and kissing our fans, so we really miss that. Even though we love seeing the world, the traveling part can put a lot of pressure on your body. So we guess its been good to stay at one place and slow down for a minute. And also, it's been very interesting for us with all the new ”normal” routines.

ST: The daily DJ sets really inspire us. We are constantly listening to music and testing it out and seeing how people react. And we've started doing a couple days a week of guest dj sets, so we are really active in the livestreaming world and constantly feeling inspired by not just the music we're playing but also the music other people are playing in their sets.

AM: Both of you have found great ways to stay connected with your fans, do you have any virtual events that we should know about and have you started working on IRL events?

IP: We live for our "Rave spa” that we have on our instagram live.

We try to do it once a week and then people can ask us whatever they want while we dj and are having a spa. We also do QandAs with our fans and try to involve them a lot in our everyday life. We also been playing live at empty clubs or arenas and streaming it to different places. We have an amazing live show prepared so as soon as the world opens up for touring, we will be there. We can’t wait!

ST: Yessss! Aside from our daily dj sets which you can find @sofitukkeroffical on twitch and @sofitukker on facebook and IG live, we are doing our first ever eConcert!!!! It's on December 4th and it's really excited because with this technology, the community will actually be present with us during the live show. We will be able to really see and hear everybody who is with us, with big screens in front of us while we are performing live. We can't wait. We haven't done our live show since the pandemic started and this will be truly next level technology we can't wait to all be together! You can find tickets on our website sofitukker.com.

AM: How do you define the Icona Pop sound?

IP: Electronic pop, driving drums, chanting choirs and a punk attitude.

AM: How do you define the SOFI TUKKER sound?

ST: We try not to define it so that we can always stay open to whatever inspires us in the studio. But it's always made to dance to, and we try to keep things joyful. Even in more emotional lyrics, we are a big fan of the cry-dance track.

AM: How did Spa come about and what was the intent behind creating it?

IP: We´ve been big Sofi Tukker fans for years. We bumped into each other in a elevator in New York and fell in love with them and decided to write together. A couple of weeks later we sat in the studio together and we started to talk about how much we love going to the spa. And realized That, that is the best way of ending every evening. After a show, a stressful day, if your being at a club, imagine to end that party night in a spa :) What a dream!

ST: We had wanted to get into the studio together for a while so we were soooo giddy when we finally were in there together. We vibed so well together and had big friend crushes!! So we were just goofing off and having fun and I think spa just came up in conversation and naturally made its way into a song. we were both vibing on acid house and techno and at first thought it didn't even need lyrics, but then we had so much fun with them.

AM: What was the thought behind both groups coming together?

IP: It felt so right from the instant second we met. Its all about the energy, and we really felt how we were vibing the second we met. Like we’ve known them for years.

ST: We have been Icona Pop fans for a while and then we randomly met each other in an elevator in New York and became instant friends. We knew we had to get into the studio together cuz we had such a good vibe among us.

AM: What are you doing in terms of promoting this song?

IP: We've done a lot of online interviews, zoom chats with our fans, playing the song in our dj sets and the response have been great so far. We love our fans, they are so creative. We get so happy when they put up videos of themselves in robes, cucumbers on their eyes, having a sparty in their living room.

ST: Rebranding cucumbers as "cukes" from now on.

AM: Will you guys collab again on another song together?

IP: Absolutely, we've already talked to Sophie and Tucker that we have to write more music asap and go on spa tour together.

ST: We'd love to!

AM: When you’re spa’ing from home, what are 3 things that you have to have to get into that mood?

IP: A robe

A good facial (Zo skin care - sulfur mask) And to lite some candles (its all about the mood).

And some great music off course. Our absolute favourite thing is the sauna. Its the best way to relax :).

ST: A candle

A robe

A bathtub

IG @ICONAPOP

@SOFITUKKER

PHOTO CREDITS | PG 44 Icona Pop's Yoye Lapogian | PG 47 + 48 SOFI TUKKER Squid | PG 42 + 43 Composite Pictures Yoye Lapogian/Squid |

Read the Oct Issue #58 of Athleisure Mag and see We’re @ The Spa with Icona Pop + SOFI TUKKER in mag.

ATHLEISURE MAG | #58 OCT 2020

In this month’s issue as we continue into the fall, our Oct Issue #58 is covered by DJ/Producer/Music Exec and Entrepreneur, Steve Aoki. Our virtual cover shoot showcases fall style within Fitness, WFH and Out + About. We talk about Steve’s impressive career in music, building his label DIM MAK, being an entertainer, the process of creating music and collaborating, Neon Future series, being a Tech Future Optimist and more. Music has definitely gotten us through these times and we took some time to talk with Ultra Record’s Icona Pop and SOFI TUKKER to talk about their newest single Spa, how they have been spending the past few months and how they connected to create this song.

This month, 4 X NBA Champion LeBron James shares 9 songs that we should listen to in this month’s 9PLAYLIST which inspired him as he focused on #RevengeSznCompleted. 30 Olympic + World Champion Medalist Simone Biles of Team USA Gymnastics shares her favorites and why in our 9LIST STORI3S.

Read the Oct Issue #58 of Athleisure Mag here.

LAUNCHING A NATION WITH PAIGE MYCOSKIE

As we transition from the Summer to thinking about the Fall, we love when there's apparel in our closets that's truly seasonless and easy to move around, travel and do an array of activities in. At Athleisure Mag, we became major fans of Aviator Nation and started incorporating it into our celeb shoots last fall. In addition, our team has defintiely rocked these pieces when we've been on set, hitting a day of activities and more.

We took some time to sit down with Page Mycoskie, the brand's founder and designer who launched the brand back in 2006 with a focus on that retro vintage vibe and super soft fabrication. We remember her and her brother Blake Mycoskie (founder of TOMS Shoes) when they competed together on CBS' The Amazing Race season 2.

We wanted to find out how this brand was created, how being an athlete has tied into the ethos of the brand, how she approaches bringing on new designs and styles into the line as well as how she approaches finding and opening her stores at various locations. Along the way, we learned how integral music and specifically music festivals, as well as aviators, play into the brand and how manifesting her passions and interests continue to fuel the direction of this lifestyle brand.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Can you tell us about your background as you’re an artist, an entrepreneur, an athlete – how did this all come together in terms of your background and bringing you to the creation of Aviator Nation?

PAIGE MYCOSKIE: It’s kind of funny because ever since I was a young girl, I really had this mentality that I could do anything that I wanted to do. I really think that that came from hanging with my grandmother a lot. When I was little, I used to spend time with her during the day and she was super creative and super artistic. She would be like, “hey what do you want to learn today?” She was all about teaching me new things and I wanted to do creative things. It’s kind of interesting and I’d be like, I’d like to know about pottery and we’d spend the day learning how to do pottery and a lot of times, it was creative stuff. She was super artistic and she made her own clothes. So hanging out with her, I became very hands on and it’s super interesting now because a lot of what I do is very hands on. I think that that’s something that makes me very different from other people who start companies. I like to be super involved in all of the details at Aviator Nation.

It’s also funny to look back at the entrepreneurial thing. When I was little, I was constantly trying to sell things. Being an entrepreneur extends from that and I love being able to create things from scratch. I just loved the whole interaction of making something, selling something, earning money and then going to shop. Then being an athlete, that was an important part of this too. Now, I’m in a super competitive industry, the fashion world and being an athlete – ever since I was a young girl, I love doing sports.

Team sports was an important thing for me because the team I am building and the culture with the company is directly from when I was a child and on team sports with other people a lot. I think that being super competitive has always been inside of me and l like to compete because I like to win. Being an athlete and learning – the more you practice the better you will be and when you continue with that, you’ll be the best. I’m all about constantly making the best product and every time we do a production run, I’m all about testing the fabrics and new methods. It’s not just about putting out clothes every few months like new designs. It’s about continuing to make the product better. I think it helps that I wear the products because it’s all I wear. I’ll be like, “this is actually a little bit tighter than what I want it to be." Or I'd like to make this fabric a little lighter weight during this time of the year. Being an athlete, learning that the more you practice and the more you work with your team, the better that that team can be.

AM: What was that moment when you realized that you wanted to create this brand and what was the thought process behind the name, Aviator Nation? Your brand is really unique from your 5 stripes, to other designs, its gender fluidity and we love that you can literally look at your Instagram and see you truly building your company and the brand heritage that you present as well as continuity.

PM: It all kind of started with a personal obsession with clothes that are super comfortable and had this colorful look to them. I was living in California at the time and I had a job in a surf shop and I was doing photography. I didn’t go to school for fashion or for business. I went to school for journalism because I always liked to write and to tell stories. When I moved to California, I was interning with Shape Magazine for a little while and I realized that I loved the culture and the stories, but I couldn’t see myself working in an office.

So I got a job at a surf shop and I started to get into the retail world through that. I learned how fun it could be to work at a mom and pop shop and that was the beginning of my experience working in that world. What happened was, I personally had these ideas for clothes that I wanted to find and couldn’t. I would go shopping and the clothes were never soft enough for me. I have always been obsessed with my dads old t-shirts because they are so much softer then anything that was out there. Then I learned, that you could get them at thrift stores and I started shopping there and would look for old t-shirts. I just liked how those broken in garments felt. Then it was of course, not the right fit. So I found myself chopping off the bottom and cutting off the sleeves. I was manipulating these garments that I found at these thrift stores, Then it dawned on me when I found this one shirt – I loved how it fit and I wanted all my shirts to feel like that. I took the t-shirt a part and I laid out paper and made a pattern and bought a sewing machine and I taught myself how to sew. So I literally started doing it for myself because I couldn't find garments that felt the way that I wanted them to feel. Then, when I realized that I could make other garments that fit the way the t-shirt did with patterns and being able to sew, I could do the same thing with the designs that I wanted. So if I wanted sunsets or stripes, it was pretty simple because my skillset was there. I didn’t have experience. So I cut out stripes and put them on this garment and it was looking super cool and it was simple. So the reason why we do this applique technique now (which is essentially sewing fabric ontop of another fabric) was because that’s how we started in terms of creating a design to put on the garments.

Once I started to do that, I was wearing the clothes around town in Venice and wearing it to the surf shop that I worked at and everyone around me was asking about it, the brand that I was wearing and I told them that I made it myself. Not only did it feel good but the clothes felt good because I made them with this comfortable material from soft old t-shirts and the colors were attracting people.

AM: So where did the name come from?

PM: So growing up, my favorite movie was Top Gun and I had the movie poster on my wall, I still have it in my office. I just love that movie and I love the style of Tom Cruise and Kelly McGinnis and the aviator sunglasses were just such a key part of that style and that look. When I was little, I always had aviator sunglasses and all through high school and college – aviator sunglasses were always my go to. So I had this vintage collection of aviator sunglasses on my desk when I was thinking about the name for the company and I looked at them and thought, “I really love aviator sunglasses and I really love that word aviator and I feel that this brand is going to bring people together.” I always thought that aviator shades did that. I could have had a long night in college and then put on those shades and then I would look great. The aviator sunglasses were just the go to and I wanted the clothes to be the go to as well.

AM: Completely agree with everything that you’ve said as we’ve styled it in our shoots and have had great feedback and when we wear it around the city, the feedback is always so much fun. Especially when rocking the velvet ones which have such a retro vibe to them. How do you get your inspiration when you are creating the line?

PM: A lot of times, I will randomly think of something that I want to put into clothes. Sometimes things just pop in my head and I just want to see what that color combo would look like. Color is just a part of my brain. I’m always wanting to put colors together. I have Pantone books everywhere and I am always looking at putting them together. I walk around with a Ziploc bag of fabric in all different colors everywhere I go. I’ll be at the beach and I’ll say, I want to see this color with this color – so it just comes to me and I’m surrounded by old things all the time. I go to flea markets all the time because I love finding vintage stuff. I have hundreds of vintage skate boards and surf boards. I’ve always been really into retro stuff from the 70s and I have a ton of vinyl – album covers are a part of my inspiration because I’m playing vinyl all the time. I think that the old stuff that’s around me plays into it as well as it’s always around me. The color thing is just something inside of me – it’s weird.

Sometimes I’ll go to rock shows and different concerts. It’s what I do for entertainment. I don’t go to bars a lot, I’m not extremely social but I do love concerts and festivals and things like that. I remember when I thought about the velvet for example. I was backstage at a rock show and I was inspired by velvet curtains and things like that. It definitely came from Rock & Roll and there’s a lot of velvet in that world. I think sometimes my lifestyle whether it’s being at Venice Beach or at a rock show plays a little bit into my inspiration.

AM: In terms of product assortment, you have apparel, accessories and surfboards. Do you see other things that could grow into Aviator Nation as it really is a lifestyle brand.

PM: Yeah totally, I love creating new things whether it’s clothing, stores or whatever. I love building things from scratch. I see myself creating new products. It’s funny because I want to do everything, but I force myself to not do that because it could be taken the wrong way. I don't want to be that brand that tries to do everything. I really do try to draw it back and look at what I am really passionate about right now and focus on that. We just came out with outerwear this last year and that was something that I was super passionate about, but that we weren’t doing. I love snowboarding and I love the mountains and I'm always throwing on a jacket. I feel that the right jacket is a game changer and a jacket that you can travel with, stands up to the elements, it’s not too hot or too cold. I found this insulation that was kind of beyond what is being used right now – even with high end performance jackets. I want the best quality because it’s for me too and I like pushing the envelope on quality. Anyone who has my jackets understands. It's a super lightweight jacket that’s extremely warm and it packs down into your backpack. I’m also passionate about high top tennis shoes so right now I have a big collection myself and I’m always thinking that it would be cool to make shoes and doing a collection of high tops. Stuff that makes sense for me personally that I’m passionate about because it is authentic. For people that are fans of the brand, they’re all about authentic. I think everyone is becoming that way and it works well for business. This brand has been this way from day one as I started it making it for myself. If the quality is not good enough for me, then I am not going to put it on the shelf. I’m extremely picky.

AM: We appreciate the pickiness of it. You can literally travel in it without a problem, it photographs well, it‘s great and so soft.

PM: It’s crazy comfortable. I’m turning down washes all the time. I’m like that’s not good enough, it’s not soft enough. The people that work in my production at times they’re like, this is crazy this is soft and I’m like, “not soft enough.” I feel that the best feeling is like you don’t have clothes on at all. So if we’re going to make clothes, we should make them feel like you’re not. That’s what I like to think that the sweats feel like – it’s just an extension of your body.

AM: It seems like you partner with a lot of events including Austin City Limits Music Festival and Global Citizen. How important is it for you to grow your brand and to be aligned in that way?

PM: Yeah, it’s super important. It really happened organically. When I opened my first store on Abbott Kenney and built that stage on the patio, that was kind of the beginning of getting involved in the music world. I always say, “if you build it, they will come” very field of dreams. That’s what I did. I built this stage and I had all kinds of artists wanting to play on our little patio in Venice. Doing that was such a cool experience. Getting to know the artist and creating a place where bands get to play – Foster the People rolled in there one day and played on the stage and it was a couple of years before they got cool. That was happening all the time and now I have other stores with stages as a lot of my stores have these stages and I’m always saying yes to artists that want to play. It’s so fun and one day someone from Austin City Limits came into the store in Venice and they loved what I was doing. I really personally love Austin City Limits Music Festival and so when I met that person it was such a unique moment. When I did that festival, it was funny because I go to music festivals a lot – it’s part of my life and I’m always kind of feeling like I don’t want music festivals to be super commercialized and I felt like that old school vibe. I like to imagine what Woodstock would have been. I love when festivals aren’t super commercialized and built up and the one Austin really is a lot less commercialized than others. The thing is, it’s surrounded by trees and grass. Another big thing is that I felt like the artists as I’m friends with a number of artists now and was back then too – they were 3 years into having stages and a lot of the artists were burnt out I noticed – especially on the festivals. It was something that was fun but exhausting. They’d show up, they’d play their show and get back on the road. I have a lot of friends in the music industry and know how it is when they’re going on tour as I’ve actually joined friends on tour too. It’s grueling. So when the people at Austin City Limits came to my store and asked for me to get involved into what they were doing, they wanted to know that if I could do anything, what would I do?

It was an interesting moment and I said I wanted to do something for the artist. They just have these basic trailers backstage and they have their beer or water. They play their show and then they leave. Back in the day, the artist used to sit around and play music together and sit around and get to know one another. I know that because of my friends in the industry and their parents are people like Grand Nash. People who were in that world, I read a lot of books, seen a lot of documentaries and I know about how it was back in the day. I’m always about restoring the past. I told them, “what if I built a teepee that was backstage” and they could hang out there and it was just a place for the artist to chill in between their sets. They loved it and thought it was amazing. They let me build a teepee backstage where only the artists and friends and family of the artists could be and I designed it, drew it and had these Native American guys make it out of fabric and hand painted it. It has this cool rainbow look to it and we set it up backstage at ACL and it was the most incredible thing that I ever witnessed. Basically, I set it up and then bought some old vintage guitars and instruments and had it in there, candles, a couch and blankets. It was super chill and not commercial at all. They asked if I wanted signage and I said no, I just wanted a teepee. I made t-shirts that I was going to give to the artists as a gift and I make clothes and I wanted to make cool ones. The artists come to concerts but they don’t really get gear. So I wanted to make a shirt that I felt that they would wear and not the typical concert shirt. So I designed this shirt that was a vintage cool looking shirt that said Austin City Limits on it, but it was a cool one that didn’t look like the typical concert shirt. On the back of it, it actually said, “It’s All About the Music.” I felt that it was all about the artists and a festival is better if the artists is super stoked. Literally all day for the full weekend, artists would come into the teepee and they would sit down, pick up a guitar and jam out. We had The Alabama Shakes and Phoenix jamming out together.

We had Leon Bridges come in and sit down and start playing a song. He said he had just made up the song by being inspired in the teepee to make this song. It’s exactly what I wanted to happen and all the artists really started to love the teepee. It was a dream come true to come up with this environment. I think it made their experience at Austin City Limits so much better because it was so much more grounding for them, they made friends and they had the t-shirt.

Everyone wanted the t-shirt because they knew it wasn’t available but they wanted to know where they could get it. It was authentic to the artist because they had met us and hung out with us, the shirts were super soft and they probably had a bag filled with dirty clothes. Now we have done it with ACL since 2012, I’ve done a lot more festival shirts for others as well. We do the same thing where we take the teepee and it allows us to get to know the artists backstage and we make sure to make pieces where it doesn’t feel like the typical concert tee.

My thing is, I want to make gear that people will want to continue on wearing. As the customer myself, I will buy a shirt at a festival and not wear it. What you want to do is to wear a shirt that is super soft from the start and that you will want to wear. I make festival gear that is more fashionable and that people will want to continue wearing.

AM: Do you see the brand being at NYFW or at Miami Fashion Week?

PM: I think that with the swim collection, Miami Fashion Week is a great way to showcase that and I really love Miami. We did a small fashion show at the Soho House Miami when I first released our swim collection with the new velvet collection. I got invited to be a part of an event right at the time that it was coming out and it made sense. It was fun, a small show and I think doing fashion shows is really cool. I love putting the brand in front of a lot of people that love fashion. I think that sweats and swimwear really is fashionable. I don’t say no when I think that something comes about that makes sense doing. I think NYFW and Miami Fashion Week is great for us.

AM: Do you sponsor or have any athlete ambassadors?

PM: We have several athletes that shop with us that come in and a lot of times, managers reach out to us and ask if you want to sponsor. We’ll send them things and it’s about people that specifically and personally like the brand. We don’t have any specific sponsorships but we have a lot of athletes that shop in the store.

AM: As someone who is active and an athlete, what are 3 things that are always in your bag when you’re heading to the beach to relax or to surf?

PM: When I go to the beach to surf, I always have to have my speaker – a portable one that I love and I take everywhere I go. I always have a good book – I love to read and I’m into business books. It’s interesting to read on philosophies that entrepreneurs have taken. Maybe my ukele – I grew up learning whatever instruments I could get my hands on and I have always liked this instrument because it’s small and easy to carry around.

IG @PaigeMycoskie

You can hear Paige Mycoskie on our show, BUNGALOW SK which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multi-media podcast network! Make sure to subscribe to find out when the episode drops. You can hear it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts and wherever you enjoy listening to your favorite podcast.

ATHLEISURE LIST | STRONG BY ZUMBA

When it comes to getting a full body workout, STRONG by Zumba® takes its approach to high intensity workouts through music to another level - as this is not a dance class. They partnered with Grammy nominated music producer Sevn (he has collaborated with Travis Scott's "Astroworld" and Beyonce and Jay-Z's "Everything is Love") to create exclusive beats for this music led program that focuses on the innovative approach of syncing music to moves while pushing and motivating participants beyond their limits.

The Athleisure Mag team had the opportunity to try out the class as well as to hear the track created for the class recently. Their unique process of reverse engineering the beats around the routines so that the high intensity moves are seamlessly melded with the music allows integrative motivation. Previous collaborations have included Timbaland, Steve Aoki and Krewella.

This program is a non-dance, one hour group exercise class that combines body weight, muscle conditioning, cardio and plyometric training moves specifically designed and synced to original music. Driven by beats as the ultimate motivator to burn calories while toning abs, legs, arms, and glutes.

STRONG by Zumba®

Check their website for a class near you.

www.strong.zumba.com

IG @StrongByZumba

Read the May Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure List | Strong by Zumba in mag.

THE FIT SET

A day in the life of Team Athleisure Mag can be in the studio for a session, on set for a shoot, and checking out new brands/products coming to market. Earlier this month we spent the day at Propel Co:Labs Fitness Festival here in NYC at the Seaport District  (the next stop is Chicago on Aug. 11th) for an entire day of workouts, sessions and we took some time to chat with celebrity fitness trainers and personalities in between workouts.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We’ve enjoyed seeing you over the past two seasons on E! Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian – how did you get involved in that show?

HARLEY PASTERNAK: I have been good friends with Kanye for about 15 years. So I’m inherited into the family. I’m good friends with Kim and Kanye, and with Kris, Khloe and the whole family. So when they were doing the show, Khloe reached out – I said let’s go!

AM: How long have you been with Propel and what was it that made you want to connect with the brand?

HP: That’s a good question. My background was originally in performance nutrition so I ran the performance lab/nutrition lab for the military for a number of years and most of the information on performance – a lot of it came from years ago from the Gatorade Sports Science Institute. That was the go to place for us as scientists to get our information to use with the soldiers. So the importance of functional foods and functional beverages has always been a big part of what I do and I really have had an issue with sometimes the sugar content of some of these beverages, and I met the Propel team through some mutual friends and I learned more about what Propel was doing. It reminded me so much of what Gatorade did back in the day and establishing itself as the definitive sports performance information source. Propel has really done the same with fitness and it’s not about the beverage, it’s about the lifestyle, the networking, the fitness community sharing with one another and celebrating together. Then they started explaining to me about Propel Co:Labs and it was really about the future and the present. I got so excited that I became a terrible negotiator because I said, “I’m in”.

The Co:Labs have been really great. As a fitness professional, it's often very individual and almost a very lonely experience. Everyone is so competitive with one another – so competitive but they have created these environments where people are sharing ideas and thoughts and celebrating moving together. They're bringing in pop stars and giving the due and professional attention to the fitness industry that most brands haven’t even come close to.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Gunnar, can you tell us about your background?

GUNNAR PETERSON: I’ve been a personal trainer in Beverly Hills for 29 years. I started working with the LA Lakers last year as  the Director of Strength and Endurance and am reprising my role this year – should be a new challenge and a lot of fun. And I’ve been working with Propel for a number of years because I think that they do it better than anybody in bringing fitness and sports together by collaborating versus all the people that kind of horde information and don’t share and feel that their way is better. I think that Propel opens it up and makes it the way that it should be.

AM: What’s your method or the way that you like to work and train people?

GP: I do different workouts with people because everyone is different as they have different goals, perceptions weaknesses, injury histories, likes and dislikes – although that doesn’t play that much of a part. I'm strength based and I do a lot of cardio intervals to it, movement, mobility etc it’s pretty comprehensive. The one group that we don’t cater to or get asked to do something is body builders or those that are looking to put mass on – that’s not what we do.

AM: A lot of our readers loved seeing you in Khloe Kardashian’s Revenge Body on E! and wanted to know how you got involved in that!

GP: Well I’ve known Kris and the clan – I’ve known those guys for 20 years. I worked with Kris and Kim so when Khloe came to me to make a big change in her life, we got after it. She puts the work in like any athlete that I have worked with and she had her moment. She made huge changes into her body and I wrote the passage on fitness in her book and she created the show and asked me to be on it and there was no way that I was going to miss out on that opportunity to share a small part of what she did with other people and to put it out there for everyone to see. I mean I have had text messages from a lot of people that have had huge takeaways from this.

AM: So how excited are you to be here today for this event?

GP: This is terrific. I have done a number of these with Propel and they have exceeded expectations and they keep going above and beyond. I mean, every venue is great and this one with the Brooklyn Bridge in the background and this giant rooftop with no space constraints – this is going to be a great day today!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Rachel aka Yoga Girl, tell us about what you're doing at the Propel Co:Labs Fitness Festival.

YOGA GIRL: I just taught a class on a rooftop overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s kind of insane. We have 300-400 people here, and it’s been super, super fun. I taught a class [at Propel Co:Labs Fitness Festival] in L.A. and then taught a class here, and it’s been so community building and so great.

AM: What is the best way to get started in yoga practice?

YG: I always give the recommendation to go find a studio and go take an actual class. There’s so many things you can do online. There’s YouTube and there’s online yoga. But, having a teacher who you can ask questions to, especially if you’re a beginner, is great so you can learn the poses correctly and have someone to align you if you need help. It’s good to start off with a teacher and then transition a little bit more to home.

AM: What are several yoga postures you would recommend for stress relief?

YG: Anything forward folding or forward bending, especially seated, is really nurturing. Legs up the wall pose is a super distressing pose. A forward bend, legs up the wall, child’s pose and reclined bound angle are good poses.

AM: How do you maintain balance with your busy schedule?

YG: I try to find pockets of rest in my day. If I have a really busy day full of meetings and things, I’ll make sure that I have a whole hour to eat lunch and not do multiple things at the same time all day. I’ll take a bath with my baby in the morning, always. I keep that a super serious thing, and I rest in between all the hectic stuff. And then I find it’s easy to keep the energy up all day.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Can you tell us what Akin’s Army is?

AKIN AKMAN: Well Akin’s Army is a mindset really. I like to say that it’s a higher standard with everyone that trains with me. The mindset is constant process. It’s a workout obviously but intended initially to tap into the athletes that didn’t have kind of training anymore. But then eventually it became more of a mindset.

AM: Can you tell us a little more about your fitness background?

AA: I grew up playing tennis and I went to IMG Academy which was known as Bollettieri when I went there at age 7. It was everyday except for Sundays which I had off haha. But now I train all day everyday – 7 days a week. So I started there and I got hurt around 16/17 and I was already coaching tennis at the time there too and was looking at playing pro and then when I got injured, I was out for a year and then in that time, I decided to go to college instead of trying to play tournaments. I thought that I would just go back to that when I fully healed. And then, it was tough to heal and when I came back and I was coaching at IMG, at 18, but I got hurt on my right wrist with bruising of the bone – so I moved on from playing tennis as much and started coaching. But it took me awhile before I started making coaching my everything.

I started coaching at Crunch Fitness in South Beach first in 2009. I was already teaching tennis at Flamingo Park in South Beach as well. Then I moved to NYC at the end of 2009/2010 and started teaching at Crunch here and then went onto SoulCycle in 2012 and then I really made it my everything and started teaching 40 classes a week.

AM: We have a number of friends who swear by your SoulCycle classes. How did you get connected with Propel and how did you get connected to Propel Co:Labs?

AA: Now you have to come! For Propel, I did a bootcamp with them awhile back through my sister who had a connection.

We did a roofdeck bootcamp around Chelsea – I don’t even remember the building! I met some of the head people that were putting this kind of a thing together – it was amazing and so much fun! Then we didn’t do anything until this year when they asked me to come back and we did LA and this – it’s been incredible!

AM: What are you doing today as we know you’re on the schedule of events?

AA: My class today is again, it’s a full body workout. The way that I teach, it’s tough but you do as much as you can and it’s more about the perspective and the approach that you come to with it. Staying positive and being in that mindset. I try to keep the people hyped up and just full of energy and to do whatever they can and to give everything that they have got! That’s the point of what today is about!

ATHLEISURE MAG: You train a number of celebs and have been on a number of tours! Can you give us a quick rundown on your background?

NICOLE WINHOFFER: I studied Kinesiology, Alexander Technique, collusive body, Eastern Philosophy of well being and after that, I went on tour with Madonna and started training her dancers. She had an audition after I met her at that, she asked me to be her trainer full time and I worked with her for 5 years and I was the head trainer on her MDNA World Tour and her Sticky and Sweet World Tour, and then after those tours, I started teaching underground classes in NY in the basement of my apartment building in 2013 and we  moved to the Standard Hotel on the 3rd floor of the Highline and I started to train trainers under me. I signed with Adidas by Stella McCartney as the first Global Brand Ambassador in 2014 and I partnered with Propel for the first time in 2016 when they did their first festival. Now we’re on our 3rd year and it has been such a great partnership!

and actresses, fashion designers and wealthy/affluent men and women) to bring my knowledge to people across all demographics across America and to be able to give them results and to instill in them that they have the power in them to achieve what they want. I really liked that process of being able to work with people in that way with those that didn’t really think that it was possible and were never felt to believe that way.  

AM: How cool was it to be able to do your session at Propel Co:Labs in LA with Ludacris performing on stage with you?

NW: It was amazing! I call myself a Fitness Artist because I believe in self expression and music and moving your body as there is no correct way. And when Propel told me that the artist that I was going to share the stage with was going to be Ludacris, I thought – wow! It was so exciting and amazing. We worked with the Ludacris team for 6 weeks to figure out the playlist, timing, and they were so great and we had a soundcheck and the Propel team was so supportive. There were a lot of fun moments – there was one moment on stage where I grabbed the Propel bottle and like landed on a split in the floor and Ludacris looked around like, “what is happening” and I was like “yeah that’s right – this is happening right now”. The crowd loved it because they were all sweating and they didn’t feel like a work out because it was so much fun!

AM: So what is the NW Method?

NW: The NW Method is a 55 minute experience that I take you through in order to free your spirit and to move deeper into your body and accentuate your curves. It’s a type of somatic training – there’s breath work, kundalini and it’s a bit more physical exertion like physical meditation – 20 songs that I match up the BPMs and I play songs that wake up your internal organs. Then it moves people past their brains to their bodies

AM: We saw you on Revenge Body with Khloe Kardashian – what was the process like for you being on that show and what have you gotten from being a part of it?
 
NW: They found me on Instagram! The casting director told me that my moves were cool and different and how I encompass eastern movement and dance. So I flew to LA for the audition and got the job. I loved that the show took my message (which I train a lot of A-List actors so they can feel themselves and move into their personal truth.

AM: Why do you like working with Propel?

NW: They are a collaborative brand, they listen to my ideas, they support my ideas and they are always looking to stand behind myself and the other artists that they have. Their innovation and willingness to try something new is amazing. The first Propel festival was 3 years ago in LA and it was really different because it was the first time that different fitness people came together and they provided this great experience. The last thing is music – they did a song with Jessie J. last year and the first year they did this song that incorporated a music festival and I built my brand around music. They just really support music in general and it makes it really easy for me to work with them.

AM: We love the bodysuits and the cool legwear that you have – what are your favorite fitness items that you love wearing?

NW: Oooo I’m a dancer so I love wearing Capezio and Danskin. I have friends that are seamstresses and they make me personal outfits so that’s always fun. I love my unitards and wearing bathing suits and anything that’s just not too fitnessy.  

AM: You had this really cool look on your Instagram that was like chaps and a bikini bottom and embellished but it looked very cool!

NW: Yeah, yeah, yeah – that was from Patricia Field for the Propel festival. My friend who is a stylist came over and he sent them over for me to try, but they were way too heavy for me to dance in them haha!

AM: How do you give of your time?

NW: I am part of Girls Inc. which supports young girls in urban markets that don't have access to dance so I teach with them on tour and locally. I work with this group called Core Energetics which is a type of cognitive therapy and I work with some mental patients that don’t have things that healthy humans have through dance and time. I also volunteer once a week at an elderly hospital jut spending time, delivering food and playing games.

AM: Since music is so important to you and is so integral to your brand. What’s on your playlist right now?

NW: Well J Cole for sure – he’s my favorite he has a song called, Kevin’s Heart, I just downloaded the Carter’s album and I went ape shit! I love Rihanna – Needed Me, Ciara – Overdose, Disclosure's Latch featuring Sam Smith, those are my faves right now!

ATHLEISURE MAG: We're fans of Icona Pop as it's on a few of our playlists. You guys have a new album that you are working on – is there anything that you can tell us about that would be amazing!

CAROLINE HJELT: We’ve been writing on this album for quite a long time and we were just talking about it the other day saying, “how could it have taken us this long?” It’s just because we’re so bad at saying no to stuff! Like we love what we do and when we get fun things – we’re like, let’s squeeze it in and then we begin to go touring again. So it’s been taking a long time but we’re almost there and it feels amazing. I would say that I’m just as excited about this album as I am on the first one. It feels like when you're born. We've been working on it for so long and sharing situations and we’re very proud of it.

AM: That’s so exciting and your faces really show how much you’re pumped for this. Is there a drop date.

AINO JAWO: We don’t have a date, but the album will be done at the end of this year. It will be out earlier next year.

AM: So are you guys doing festivals right now?

AJ: Yes we’re doing a lot of festivals in Europe and a couple of shows as well here in the states. I think this is the last one here right?

CH: Yeah and then we move onto Europe.

AM: Did the Coppenhagen festival already happen – Soleima who is also on Big Beat was telling us about it.

CH: Oh yes, you're talking about Roskilde.

AM: Yes!

AJ: Yes Rosklide, we did that last year it was so AMAZING! We have big shows all over the place.

CH: It’s a lot of traveling but we love that!

AJ: We also just got a house in LA where we will have our studio in there as well.

AM: Do you guys also live together?

ICONA POP: YES!!!

AM: How cute is that?

AJ: It’s a big house so you get your space and we’re going to build everything – from a fitness center to a studio.

CH: So we’ll never have to leave and you’ll never see us again! But we’ll have everything that we’ll need haha.

AM: It’s like a glam compound – love it. So what workouts do you guys typically do or what are you building into your home to do?

CH: Well we bought our first thing – the Assault Bike, the first one an all retro one! It’s great for us to have all of those things. I think we’re also planning on putting in a mat so we can do different kinds of workouts.

AJ: Yeah like yoga and my boyfriend is our personal trainer – so he is taking care of all the lifting weights stuff there.

CH: We also love working outside so this gym will be outside. We spend so much time in our studios so it’s great to get that fresh air and to hang out with your friends outside. Meanwhile, we’re working out. We also love working out together and like sometimes you have a longer time and other times your schedule is crazy so it’s important to get it in when you can.

AJ: I like circuit training and that’s a good way to get strong with different types. We always say lift weights with cardio as a lot of women don’t lift weights and that’s stupid.

CH: Yeah and also you realize that it’s a thing that you slowly and slowly get better and that’s when you feel your body start to change. Your posture, you have so much more in your muscles.

AM: So how excited are you guys to be here today with Propel Co:Labs – how did that happen?

CH: I think that they reached out to us and we got super excited because we do work out so much and that’s a huge part of who we are and for us it’s important for us to jump on stage for 1.5 – 2 hours and not gasp for breath! We want to deliver to our fans and be in really good shape and that’s why we were so happy to be a part of this.  

AJ: I think that a lot of times, we do a lot of parties and people see us do shots on stage, but that's just a portion of what we do. There is another part!

CH: Yes, it’s just a part as we’re healthy and a lot of our fans say that they work out to our music. It lets them get over the hump and take their workout to the next level.

AJ: When you’re at the gym it just gives you that energy to say – yes! Sometimes I’m at the gym and I’m like “oh my gosh” this is us and I get a little embarrassed and then I sing along haha.

AM: What keeps you guys inspired when you’re making your music?

CH: I think traveling, hanging out with our friends which is so important to us but also what we’re trying to do right now is that every place we go to, we say what can we do here – what can we see? We really want to work on what we can see and to enjoy, experiencing etc. You can travel all over the world and just see a hotel room. But when you can go and taste the food that is special to that place or to meet the people from that region – that is really inspiring.

AJ: Then I feel like sometimes you need to get bored to like let things sink in. So take a little pause, get bored and then say hmm this is what I want to write. It works very well for us.

AM: Love that, it’s kind of like our belief in disconnecting to connect. So when you guys aren’t working, how do you relax and take time for yourself.

AJ: Mmmm Nature

CH: Yeah! It’s one of those things that’s so easy and sometimes you need a couple of days to say ok I can now breath and I’m not thinking about work too much. But when you come to nature, it happens instantly. Because you can look at water for hours and not feel stressed. You can look at the forest and animals and not feel stressed. This way you can connect with your body immediately as opposed to waiting to 5 days to come down.

AJ: I feel like a lot of times you don’t have that many days off. So we try to do mindfulness – just a couple of minutes a day and that usually helps a lot. It’s also about eating good food.

CH: Yeah just enjoying and appreciating eating really good food with people that you like. That’s also a luxury for me.

AJ: And exercise again. I mean you get so much endorphins from doing that. I don’t even see the workout as work as it’s just part of my routine. When I have a day off, I can do it longer and not be stressed about going someplace else. The worst thing is to be stressed in the gym as it breaks my heart.

AM: How do guys prepare before you hit the stage?

AJ: We drink coffee and listen to music.

CH: We usually, put on great music and get ready together as we have to be in sync. We talk about what we are going to focus on during the performance ….

AJ: Andwho we’re going to be on stage.

CH: Yeah like different personalities

AJ: Sometimes it’s David Bowie, sometimes it’s Prince, Michael Jackson – you name it and sometimes it’s just me haha!

PHOTOS COURTESY | Katie June Burton + Stephanie Noritz

Read more from the July Issue of Athleisure Mag and see The Fit Set in magazine.

THE PICK ME UP

Read more from the June Issue of Athleisure Mag and see The Pick Me Up in mag.

HIP HOP X MCM X TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL

Tribeca Film Festival is back for its 17th year for another full season of parties panels and films that span documentaries, thrillers, romances, sci-fi and more. We kicked off our time at the festival by heading to PUBLIC Arts at the PUBLIC Hotel in the LES for MCM's debut of the first global teaser for The Remix: Hip Hop X Fashion Documentary.

The exclusive viewing party paid homage to hip hop. The documentary honored the cultural influence of stylists such as Misa Hylton who defined ’90s hip hop fashion by creating some of the most iconic looks with top artists such as Lil’ Kim, Mary J. Blige, and Missy Elliot. The film's producer, Lisa Cortes and director Farah X talked about the upcoming documentary which will debut in full, this fall.

The night's emcee and TV personality, Bevy Smith welcomed a number of performers who hit stage wearing styles for the upcoming MCM X PUMA collaboration that has yet to be released. Paula Weinstein of Tribeca Film Festival said a few words about the importance of the film and providing recognition to the efforts of those featured in the film. DJ Olivia Dope and 9th Wonder spun throughout the night along with hip hop dancers that hit the stage. The night culminated in two performances with this years 2 time Grammy nominated rapper, Rapsody and one of hip hop's founding father's Big Daddy Kane - all rocking the upcoming collaboration.

Additional attendees at the event included: Stefano Tonchi (Editor, W Magazine) Rich The Kid (Rapper), Naturi Naughton (STARZ's Power), Ryan Leslie (Recording Artist + Producer), Casanova (Rapper), Sheldon Bailey (Actor), Young Paris (Rapper), DJ Trauma, T-Barz (Rapper), Vickatrillion (Model + DJ), Talia Coles (R&B/Soul), Luann de Lesseps (BRAVO's RHONY), Gillian Hearst Simonds (Contributing Editor to Towne & Country), Hailey Laine (Wilhelmina Model) and Makalea Reve Heard (Wilhelmina Model).

Read more from the April Issue and see Hip Hop X MCM X Tribeca Film Festival in mag.

BINGELY BOOKS

THE PERFECT CAKE
The Editors of America's Test Kitchen
Penguin Random House

Creating the perfect cake is not a bad skill to have under your belt (or you may have a friend who wants to showcase his/her skills). The Editor's of America's Test Kitchen have created the ultimate guide to classical, modern and whimsical cakes. These creations are definitely those that are Instagram worthy and
perfect for whatever brunch you might be thinking of hosting when friends come over.

In addition to a dizzying array of cakes that are available - cupcakes are included! Cake education also introduces you to topics that incorporate mix-and-match layer cakes, frostings, and fillings. Essentially, whatever cake you have been dreaming of creating and/or eating can be found in this book.

With Spring Holidays as well as functions with friends and family that are particular to your group, you'll find that this cookbook is an essential for all of your baking needs.

LED ZEPPELIN: ALL THE ALBUMS, ALL THE SONGS
Martin Popoff
Voyageur Press

This coffee table book focusing on all things Led Zeppelin, breaks down their music track-by-track, album-by album with all the details and secrets that fans of the band will truly enjoy.

Enthusiasts will enjoy hearing the roots of the band's creation which was formed with two London studio musicians at the top of their game and two bar-band musicians that would ultimately create the legendary group that would also set the formula for modern rock 'n' roll bands as we know it today.

The four members created 9 studio albums with 81 tracks that were a complex mix of blues, psychedelia, rock, folk, and country.

Martin Popoff, a respected veteran music journalist takes us on an indepth look at the band from their creation, the recording process, historical context and an introductory essay into each song that explores the intricacies of each song.

Fans will enjoy learning about song details that include running time, instruments played, engineers and studios.

THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT
Chris Bohjalian
Random House LLC

One night can change your life and Chris Bohjalian's novel focuses on a flight  attendant who wakes up in the wrong hotel,
in the wrong bed with a dead man and she has no clue what happened and how she got there!

We're introduced to flight attendant, Cassandra Bowden who has had a number of hangovers and blackout moments. When she wakes up in Dubai next to a man that she finds to be dead, she doesn't know what to do but try to go back to her life as if it didn't happen.

Cassandra lies and joins her team to get back to the airport, lies to her team as they continue to travel to Paris and again when she arrived in NYC with the FBI inquiring about what happened. With so many lies, Cassandra can't come clean with the truth and begins to wonder what really happened. Did she kill him or did someone else? 

The thriller focuses on life at forty thousand feet and focuses on memory, alcohol, the consequences of addiction and ultimately murder far from home.

Read more from the March Issue and see Bingely Books in mag.

A MOMENT WITH KAYLA BRIANNA

We love chatting with those that have a few plates spinning while they take on the world, but remember to keep family first as well! Singer, Model and Actress, Kayla Brianna talks about how entertainment was a family affair (her father is Kenny Smith, who not only played in the NBA but is a sports analyst and Emmy Award winner for Inside the NBA on TNT), what it's like for her to be on tour right now, what she's focused on or 2018 and how she balances her time.

ATHLEISURE MAG: It seems like being in entertainment is a part of the family business. Tell us more about your family and how you got into performing?

KAYLA BRIANNA: Growing up music was always in my family. My grandfather, Gerry Goffin is in the Songwriters Hall of Fame and my grandmother sang background for Ray Charles. I started off in girls groups and eventually went solo and landed a deal with Interscope Records.

AM: You have collaborated with a number of artists, what is it like and who would you like to work with?

KB: Each song is different. Working with London On Da Track, we recorded in Atlanta until around 3 a.m. each night. Just being in a creative space is a great feeling. I’d love to work with Drake, 6lack, Sabrina, Claudio Pharrell and H.E.R.

AM: How's touring and what do you do prior to and after performances?

KB: Tour life is a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot of hours driving and you kind of just sleep when you can. Usually we have a performance and then in the morning drive to the next city and do it all over again. Before each performance I'll say a prayer to calm me down and then after, we celebrate!

AM: Will we see you on the stage during festival season?

KB: Hopefully I’ll be performing at some of the parties at Coachella. I performed at the Galore party last year.

AM: Tell us about your style for your shows versus how we would see you running errands or going out to brunch.

KB: For my shows, I’m SUPER full out and doing the most and then when I’m at home you can usually see me in leggings and Nike’s and oversized sweaters, lol.

AM: When you're home, where do you go out and eat, shop and work out?

KB: When I want to go out and eat I love Catch, COD, and of course, In-N-Out. I love to shop at the Americana and when I want to get an intense workout in, I’ll either do Barry’s Bootcamp or Pilates.

AM: What are you focused on in 2018?

KB: I’m excited to release my EP this year and get more into my acting career. I booked a role on This Is Us this season so I’m excited to keep it going.

AM: Tell us about your upcoming album!

KB: My EP will release this year, London On Da Track produced it and I’m just excited for people to get more of an idea what my sound is.

AM: How do you give of your time?

KB: Every year I work with Feed the Children during All-Star Weekend. My family and I host an event and giveaway food, clothes and toiletries.

AM: How can we find out what you're up to? 

KB: Make sure to check out my music on Apple Music and Spotify! Also my social handle across platforms is @kaylabrianna.

PHOTO CREDIT | Marcus Ezell

Read more from the Feb Issue and see A Moment with Kayla Brianna in mag.

FROM LA WITH LOVE, GIA MANTEGNA

When you grow up in a creative family, you get to try your hand at a number of things to find out what works for you. Gia Mantegna grew up in the industry and has been acting since she was a kid, is a singer and in addition to her roles, can say that she has been able to spend quality time on set as a fellow actor with her dad, Joe Mantegna in the nail-biting series, Criminal Minds.

We sat down with Gia to talk about how she got into acting, what it's like to be on Criminal Minds, playing dramatic characters with a twist, her new show that is available now on CW Seed, what's going on with her music and some of her go to places in LA as well as when she's here in NYC.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did the acting bug hit you?

GIA MANTEGNA: I started acting at a really young age in school. I think I was about 11 when I started theater and that’s kind of where I got the bug. I had obviously grown up in the business
because my dad is an actor.

AM: We’re huge fans of him!

GM: Yeah, yeah me too! Growing up around that environment and being in that industry it was just something that was second nature to me. And I was like, "when is it my turn?" Being the second born child and always wanting attention, I was known for having this personality and having a need to be heard. The only outlet for that was to sing and to perform - so that’s how it started. Then after doing theater, I started working in film and going to TV and auditioning. It hasn’t stopped yet – knock on wood.

AM: What are some of the roles that you have been in?

GM: My first big gig was a Christmas film called Unaccompanied Minors which was a film directed by Paul Feig. He did Bridesmaids, The Heat, Ghostbusters (Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy) etc. That was my introduction into really working in Hollywood. It was such a great experience working with Paul and the cast. That was a fun role for me and I have done a lot of
spots on TV.

I’m really drawn to the darker roles naturally. I am a positive person, but I love those really weird roles. I did a role on Perception where I played this girl who swallowed knives and it was a strange one, but I loved it. Now comedy is where things are going for me which I also love because it’s harder and comedic timing is hard to do. The dramatic roles come easier to me but
comedy is where I am falling into and where the world is going, it’s nice to laugh a little bit.

AM: How much has your father been an influence on your roles and how has it been also appearing on Criminal Minds with him?

GM: YES oh my gosh. I can’t watch Criminal Minds – I live alone with a cat!

AM: When we travel, it’s always on as a marathon and we get sucked in, but we have to have a buddy and the lights on to watch it!

GM: Oddly enough, I never worked with him on the show. When I first auditioned for the show, I was 17 there was a different actor playing my father and I never had any scenes with him. Then one day, the writers came to me with an idea where my character came back with Aubrey Plaza’s character as they wanted two strong female characters to come back to shake up the
team. Aubrey and I came out to do it and I didn’t have any good dialogue with my dad, but there was this scene where he pointed a gun at me which was really exciting as that is always fun to work with a family member holding a gun in your face. I mean when is that going to happen? Hopefully not. But it was great because I have worked on a number of shows, but Criminal Minds – that cast is such a tight-knit group, they’re a family. They get along and it’s
been running for so long which is a testament to how great it is to be able to step into that show for a few weeks. It was the greatest gig in the world and to be able to hang out with my dad for a bit. The character was fun too as she was psychotic!

AM: Tell us about CW Seed and how we can watch it?

GM: A lot of networks have digital platforms as I think that they are trying to compete with Netflix and things like that. CW Seed (shows you can catch: Riverdale, Original Dynasty) is CW’s answer to that. It’s their digital platform where they create new media and they also run shows that have already been out on the website. You can watch on their website or their app.

Our show, Life After First Failure has myself and Breanne (who plays my best friend on the show), we received the script and we loved that there were two strong female characters
shaking things up – we fell in love with it. We did 3 episodes in Portland and CW Seed ended up breaking it up into 6 episodes - to make it more palatable for the audience.

The way it seems to be going is that it’s all about quick easy content for quick gratification. At first, I was a little disappointed, but it’s the way that things are going now. I like longer episodes, but the younger generation is easily bored and when they’re bored, you lose your audience. But the character was so much fun to play and it was different and new. Honestly, it was one of my favorite people to play.

AM: Is there a second season coming out?

GM: In a perfect world, yes – the hope was that the network would see that there was a strong response to it – but they’re kind of new. So a lot of it has been left to us and social media has really helped in terms of campaigning for the show. We definitely want to come back to do more episodes – right now we’re not sure so we want people to watch and tweet to request more episodes.

AM: We know that you are also a singer can you tell us about how you started that and what your plans are?

GM: I was always singing at a young age. My parents threw me into everything soccer, piano, saxophone etc. Singing stuck with me – my sister and I took lessons at a very young age. Both of my parents have a musical background and it was just one of those things that I always kept in my back pocket, but I was too scared to use and then it got to a point that I really wanted to do a show so I got a producer and a band and we put it together with a show at The Whiskey in LA. It was so great, but there aren’t really any plans as I was starting to work on an album and then acting picked up, but it's always something I go back to. Right now, I record things and sell them to shows and just kind of do it as a hobby.

PHOTO COURTESY | Scott Bonnie

AM: What is the genre?

GM: It ended up being a rock show when I was at The Whiskey. But the song I’m most proud of, ‘I Won’t Wait’ it’s alternative/electronic. It has a cool vibe to it as I’m inspired by Banks and Tove Lo - just I love that electronic ease and fun. But when I get back into singing, I want to do a lot of oldies covers as I listen to a lot of 70s music. I love Top 40, but I’m inspired by that era. I have been listening to a lot of THEM (Van Morrison’s old band) lately and I thought it would be really fun to do a lot of covers of music that my parents grew up with as that's what I listened to growing up.

AM: What is your personal style when you're going out for brunch versus when you're having a night out?

GM: It doesn’t change – it’s always the same – I’m all black everything – it makes doing laundry very easy. I always dress for winter or fall – I wear Doc Martins all the time, I live in them. I love skinny jeans and a baggy sweatshirt on top. I love jewelry which allows me to go a little crazy and I love makeup! My sister and I went to makeup school just for fun and my sister was really into it – she has autism and is really high functioning, but my parents didn’t want her to go alone so I went as her pal and I ended up loving it. I love playing with makeup looks and it taught me what I could do with makeup – so it’s all about the accessories.

AM: How do you take time for yourself in the midst of your busy schedule?

GM: It’s interesting as an actor, you’re your own boss and there is going to be downtime so you’re always trying to stay proactive. I do piano as much as I can to stay with my music.

I do meditate - big meditator. I tried running for 5 mins. - it was horrible, but I really love yoga. There is a huge yoga culture in LA - which I know is everywhere as well. But I have been doing
yoga for so long that I just do it on my own and I just do it in my trailer. Now that I have this amazing cat in my life, I love meditating and doing yoga at home. I don’t do any high impact – I
don’t. I can’t do it because I have this really weird jaw issue which is a severe form of TMJ where I have to get injections in my masseter muscles. So when I do anything high impact the stress goes to my neck and my face and then I have to go to the Chiropractor and it becomes this whole thing. Everything is low impact and easy – I walk a lot and although LA is not a walking town, I live in West Hollywood so I can do that.

AM: What charity/philanthropy do you do?

GM: Because my sister has autism, I have always been involved in that as it has been a big part of my life and to give back to the community. My family and I do not support Autism Speaks as they have paid celebrities to do endorsements which makes sense, but many don't know what they're talking about and funds have gone to the CEOs and very little of the money is going to autism research. More grassroots organizations is where we go and my dad does a lot of work with veterans so anything that involves them and the military, I am all about it. Autism is big for me and there isn’t one that I champion specifically.

PHOTO COURTESY | Marco David

AM: What's on your playlist?

GM: I’ve been listening to a lot of THEM, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan – I went to a concert of his last year and it was so great. I just really love him. Let me grab my phone out. I love Tove Lo and Banks of course. A lot of oldies - OH - Roy Orbison - he's the best for the holidays - I really love his stuff and I have been getting obsessed with Chris Isaak again. OH Tom Jones is my
go to when I'm getting ready, I go to Spotify, put in Tom Jones and listen to everything. It gets crazy and my dad makes fun of me and asks, “why do you listen to my music?” I love it and everything coming out lately now – it’s cool to vibe out to in the background, but I don’t connect with it and it’s not inspirational to me.

AM: When you're in LA, what's 1 place you work out, 1 place you eat at 1 place you shop? What version do you have for that here in NYC?

GM: The answer to most of those questions is home, home, home haha. In NY, I go to McSorley’s Old Ale House - I was just there last night with my mom and my sister. So only in NY
would this take place, we met these two guys where one had just broken up with his wife and one with his girlfriend and they wanted to recreate this picture that they had taken when they were with them at the same bar a few years prior! One ex was blonde and one was brunette and we re-created the picture.

In LA, people are very "don’t talk to me," but in NY it’s so different and they were from Orange County. It was hysterical and the picture was identical and I even arranged everything on the table the same way. McSorley's is my go to.

In LA, I go anywhere although there is this cool Australian bar called The Eveleigh. Serafina just opened in LA so I love that – they’re on Sunset. I work out at home in LA so I just go outside as there is so much hiking you can do and I want to try boxing. For shopping, I am all about ASOS – they have great stuff, affordable and they always have black options. In NY it’s anywhere.
I’m obsessed with shoes, so any shoe store. I love Opening Ceremony and I love Soho in general. Evolution is here and I love them, we have something similar in LA called Necromance, but I haven’t bought anything. Where am I going to put taxidermy squirrels?

My God mom has a store in Toluca Lake near my parents house called Pergolina and she has these beautiful taxidermy animals which she gets from Necromance. Her store is where I get my jewelry and I wear these bracelets all the time. But I’m not a big shopper – I’m an eater – I love to eat. My mom has a restaurant in Burbank called Taste Chicago.

AM: Wait we have heard of Taste Chicago!

GM: I know a lot of people think that it’s my dad’s, but it’s my moms!

AM: Which one is from Chicago?

GM: Both – my whole family is from Chicago and here. We’re here because one of my family members just bought a house in New Jersey. We’re the only ones in LA. We needed to bring Chicago to LA.

AM: So what are we ordering at Taste Chicago?

GM: Chicago dogs, Sicilian Pan Pizza, Deep Dish, Italian Beef, everything – it’s hard core. You don’t go there to get a salad, you go there to work! But I actually prefer NY style pizza haha but I go there for the Italian Beef.

PHOTO COURTESY | Marco David

Read more from the Dec Issue and see From LA with Love, Gia Mantegna in mag.

NERVO YORK

We end our year the way we began it - with NERVO, but this time, in addition to our interview, we hung out with them right before their Lavo NYC show to shoot the International EDM DJ duo. Liv and Mim have been traveling, DJing around the world, releasing new  music and continuing to connect with their fans.

We brought them to Grammy winner and music icon, Desmond Child's home (we have an exclusive interview with Desmond following this interview), which was the perfect location for this shoot. We talked with them about what they're up to, who they've been working with, where they'd like to perform, their upcoming show for NYE at the W in Miami and what festivals you'll see them in during 2018.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We kicked off the year with an interview with you ladies and it's only fitting that we close it with you as well as you're gracing our Dec cover - what has been a snapshot of this year from what you were up to personally, musically, - whatever you wish to share.

NERVO: We have had a year of absolute madness. Lots of great things going on that we just need to pinch ourselves sometimes. We also are just doing our best to keep our heads above water and enjoy the little moments you know… We think all touring artists or just busy people, in general, are the same. There’s a lot of pressure mixed with a lot of adrenaline filled moments. It can be a lot sometimes!

AM: You ladies are multiple threats as you're DJ's, producers, songwriters, composers, models, brand ambassadors, etc., so it was only fitting to have you shoot in Desmond Child's home
- can you share some of your projects that you did this year or next year?

N: Tell us about it - Desmond Child is a total legend. What an honour to be shooting in his home! Love how we decked his house out.

So… We released a bunch of music this year, including a few collabs - one with New York based band Sofi Tukker and some others with more dance artists like DVBBS and Danny Avila, Oh, and then there’s the collab we wrote with Cheif Keef which was pretty special! We have been touring mainly Europe for the summer, but we also have our residency at Omnia in Las Vegas, which gets us over to The USA about 16 times a year.

We have a bunch of new songs in the works which we are focusing in on now. Quarters 4 and 1 are always for making new music and that means touring a bit less.

AM: What's the process like when you're creating your music and how is it different when you're creating something for another artist?

N: We’re more relaxed when we make music for others or even for a collaboration. Something about it being less pressure. When it’s your own record suddenly you feel like people are going
to hate on you if they don’t like it. It’s a part time job blocking out that noise!

AM: How do you go about finding inspiration for upcoming projects?

N: We are constantly inspired. To be honest we don’t have enough time to not be inspired. We have so many unfinished ideas that we just need an extra 2 days a week to finish. We must be
ADHD or something.

AM: What is a NERVO Christmas like - do you make it home to Australia for the holiday, do you guys cook and what gifts are you looking for this year?

N: It’s pretty low key and is the same every year. We have a huge lunch in our family home in Melbourne, then we all go to our Aunty Mary and Uncle Max’s home for more food, and then we
eventually pass out around 10pm with belly’s so full that we couldn’t dream of eating dinner! Leftovers are eaten for the next 4 days or so. We are Italian/Australian so there’s always SO
much food!

AM: This NYE, where are you playing and what about 2018 makes you excited to ring it in?

N: We are playing Miamiiiiiii! At the W Hotel. We can’t wait!! Miami is just the best for New Year's Eve. We think we might hang around a few days and have some beach time and Cuban food.

AM: What's on your playlist at the moment that gets you up and moving?

N: Massively inspired by what Jax Jones is doing at the moment. Sampling Booka Shade and flipping it into a 2017 anthem! Go JJ!

AM: Where are some festivals/cities that you'll be hitting this year that we can expect to see you performing at?

N: We are playing Tomorrowland in Belgium again. Always a yearly highlight! We are also playing Creamfields in South America. And of course, everyone can catch us at Ushuaia in Ibiza and Omnia/Hakkassan in The USA for our residencies.

AM: What is a gig that you would like to do ie. Super Bowl Half Time show, that you have yet to be asked to do but want to check off your bucket list?

N: Probably Coachella. It’s such a great festival and one of the only ones we have never been asked to play at. We don't think they like us. ha! Maybe we're too bubbly or mainstream or
something... We dunno. But we have been to the festival and it's such a great vibe. Always perfect weather.

AM: You're rocking a lot of fun styles throughout our Dec cover shoot, but what is your personal style when you head out to play a set for NYE versus when you're hanging out?

N: We like to dress things up when we play a gig. We love body suits, lycra, face jewels, creepers, teased up hair, more is more. When we are hanging out we’re a lot more chilled and casual - for example we are loving the Fenty clothes that we wore in the shoot for our travel/studio days!

AM: You guys travel a lot, what are your 3 musts that you take with you no matter what city you're rocking in to feel like you're at home?

N: Iijin snake skin silver and gold shoes (for Liv), Hairspray (for Mim), and our laptops (for both of us).

AM: The Winter Olympics are coming up and we're fans of curling, what teams/sports are you cheering for?

N: Ooohh we’ll have to check it out!! We do love to ski so that’s something we would like to watch. Does Australia even have a team? If Australia is competing then we would have to go for
them but if they don’t then we would go for Italy because that is where our parents were born :).

NERVO YORK CREDITS

COVER + PG 14 | FENTY X PUMA Blocked Track Jacket + Blocked Taped Track Pant | OUTDOOR VOICES Sport Bra | FENTY X PUMA AnkleStrap Sneaker | FENTY X PUMA Monday Cap | FRAME Le Original Patch Jacket |

FENTY X PUMA Hooded Zip Front Leotard | FENTY X PUMA Printed Bra | RUBEN GALARRETA Legging Harness |

PG 16 | BLACK MILK Fatale Dress | LAGOS JEWELRY Black Beaded Caviar Bracelet | ARTISTS' OWN Wrapped Bracelet, Charm Bracelet, Watch + Hat |

PG 19 | MCM Shearling Bag | ARTISTS' OWN Bra, Shorts + Scarf |

PG 20 | SPLENDID Racerback Turtleneck Sport Bra | ELIZABETH ACKERMAN Palazzo Palm Pants | DIANA ROSH FUR Olive + Blue Fur Coat | LOVE KNITZ Hat |

PG 21 | DIANA ROSH FUR Multicolor Coat | HAT ATTACK Arm Warmers | MIRA RAE Velvet Leggings | MCM Shearling Hat |

PG 22 | ROMPLY Blush Wrap Romper | HAT ATTACK Hat | LAGOS JEWELRY Ring | ARTISTS' OWN Bra |

PG 25 | ROMPLY Navy/Gold Tapestry Romper | NINA JEWELRY Swarovski Bangle | MCM Polke Backpack in Starry Eyed Bunny | ARTISTS' OWN Marcher Jacket |

Athleisure Mag readers know that a number of our shoots take place in luxury apartments that have yet to be released to the public or are being sold. We tend to maintain the privacy of the homeowners; however, this shoot was perfectly aligned as it took place at Grammy-winning and Emmy-nominated songwriter/producer Desmond Child's home!

He is one of the most accomplished hit-makers, having written and produced more than eighty Billboard Top 40 hits spanning five decades including "Livin' On A Prayer”, “You Give Love A Bad Name”, “I Was Made For Lovin' You”, “Dude Looks Like A Lady”, “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” and “Waking Up In Vegas.” From Aerosmith to Zedd, his genre-defying collaborations also include Bon Jovi, KISS, Motley Crew, Joan Jett, Cher, Michael Bolton, Cyndi Lauper, Ricky Martin, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, Meat Loaf, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, Sia, Mickey Mouse and Kermit the Frog, selling over 500 million records worldwide as well as downloads, YouTube views and streaming plays already in the billions. His upcoming autobiography LIVIN' ON A PRAYER: BIG SONGS BIG LIFE with David Ritz is scheduled for release the Fall 2018. Desmond Child was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2008 and serves on its Board of Directors as well as the Board of ASCAP. In 2012 he co-founded the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame and serves as its Chairman/CEO. He is also Chairman of The Fountains of Musica Foundation, who’s mission is to complete Alan LeQuire's aquatic bronze masterpiece MUSICA located at the entrance to Nashville’s Music Row.

ATHLEISURE MAG: It was an honor to shoot in your beautiful home and NERVO was very excited to see that they were in your apartment. Please share with our readers about how you got into the music business and whom you have worked with.

DESMOND CHILD: My beautiful mother, the late Cuban poet and Bolero composer Elena Casals, was always writing her romantic and soulful songs at her old upright piano on the dairy farm in Hawthorn, Florida, where I was born in 1953. At that time, I didn’t know that most people don’t write songs as a natural expression of the ups and downs of ordinary life. I would sit on my mother's lap at the piano and bang out long unrepeatable classical sounding improvisations. As soon as I could sit upright, she would make me play for her bohemian friends sitting around on the floor smoking and drinking during the Mad Men era when that was actually still good for you.

Not being able to afford a gift, I wrote my first official pop song titled “Birthday Blues” at the age of 15 in 1968 as a birthday tribute to a beautiful girl I was trying to impress named Laura
Stern. After that, I never looked back and kept writing songs all the way into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, where I was inducted into in 2008. That only took 40 years. ;)

ATHLEISURE MAG: Your home is awesome and there were so many elements that were amazing, but we all enjoyed your piano - when did you decide that you would have these notable talents sign your piano, and are there signatures that you have yet to get, but still
want to have in there?

DC: It was a random day, and I was walking down 57th Street, and when I got to the Steinway showroom, I looked through the window and saw this gorgeous Steinway D lit up like it was on a stage. I went in, sat down at it, and it seemed to just play itself. I ended up buying it on the spot, but I had to put it in storage for 2 years while my apartment was being renovated. When the time finally came to move-in the piano, I had to hire a crane to lift it up on its side in a massive wooden crate and slip it through the living room window.

It was an incredible feat that tied up Fifth Avenue traffic and pissed-off a lot of people.

As soon as I started doing writing sessions with top stars or important visitors, I would ask them to write their names in the piano along with the date. It started to get crowded in there and some names are completely unrecognizable, so I guess I will have to create a map of the stars to keep track of them all.

These are the names I would love to have in the piano: Joni Mitchell, Sir Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson, Sade, Imogen Heap, Paul Stanley & Gene Simmons, Beyonce & Jay Z, Steven Tyler, and Joe Perry.

AM: Are there projects that you are working on that you can share with us?

DC: I am just putting the finishing touches on my auto-biography - LIVIN' ON A PRAYER: BIG SONGS BIG LIFE with David Ritz. I hope to release in the fall of 2018.

AM: What is currently on your playlist?

DC: I only play two records ever… AMOROSO by Jaoa Gilberto, produced by my dear late friend Tommy LiPuma, and Sade’s epic LOVE DELUX. Over the past 5 years I’ve added Concha Buika’s
rare but exquisite albums. Any other music I hear is by accident.

AM: With New Years Eve just around the corner, what's the perfect playlist that we should be creating to celebrate the end of 2017 and the start of 2018?

DC: Any of Amy Grants 5 Christmas albums. Amy is my husband Curtis’ favorite artist of all time…. It just ain’t Christmas without Amy Grant.

We enjoyed finding out more about Desmond Child and his home which is currently on the market. We sat down with Louise Phillips Forbes of Halstead properties to find out more about 1215 Fifth Avenue #8CD as well as the neighborhood it resides in.

ATHLEISURE MAG: There are so many great aspects to this apartment, from its layout to the INCREDIBLE views of Central Park - what can you tell us about this property?

LOUISE PHILIPS FORBES: What’s not to envy in this exceptional home?! It’s a full-floor combination apartment with panoramic views of Central Park that are breathtaking year-round, and an abundance of custom designer details like art-deco moldings and Venetian plaster walls. The grand and expansive formal living room is an entertainer’s dream with four large picture windows (manufactured by Hope's) facing west, high-beamed ceilings and a statuesque
wood-burning fireplace. Plus, the spectacular views carry through to the formal dining room. A peaceful retreat, the master suite also showcases the Central Park views and features superbly crafted built-ins and an oversized walk-in closet that resembles a luxury boutique. You can escape to the spa in the elegant Vitrolite tile and Terrazzo master bathroom with a deep soaking tub, double sink vanity, walk-in steam shower, and heated floors. But it's the park views that will transport you to another world. A culinary delight, the eat-in chef's kitchen is the heart of the home with an open design that includes a substantial casual dining/living and media area. Kitchen highlights are the sophisticated Terrazzo countertops, abundance of pantry storage cabinets, and high-end appliances. A coveted laundry room holds the side-by-side and full-size Miele washer and Asko dryer with a sink and storage. To top it off, there is a new state-of-the-art Lutron lighting system and Crestron integrated surround audio system with built-in
speakers all through the apartment. Two oversized bedrooms and a second full bathroom complete the home with through-wall AC's in every room and great closets throughout. It’s pretty close to perfect!

AM: What amenities are offered in this building for residents?

LFP: A pre-war treasure, the Brisbane House at 1215 Fifth Avenue was developed and built in 1928 by distinguished journalist and columnist for Hearst newspapers, Arthur Brisbane, and designed by the renowned architectural firm Schultze & Weaver. The beautiful 16-story limestone-and-caramel-brick building boasts an elegant lobby and full-service amenities, including 24-hour doorman, live-in superintendent, private courtyard, fitness area, central
laundry room, personal storage, bike storage, and pet-friendly attitude.

AM: Tell us about the neighborhood that is directly around this building and what neighborhood is this considered?

LFP: A premier residence nestled near Carnegie Hill, this elegant gem is conveniently located across from Central Park and along Museum Mile with easy access to world-class exhibits at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Guggenheim Museum, and the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, among others. Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue
beckon with high-end boutique shopping and fine art galleries, plus there is an abundance of distinguished restaurants, charming cafes, gourmet grocers, supermarkets, Equinox Fitness
Club, the 92nd Street Y, and many popular retail destinations.

AM: For those that are interested in purchasing this unit, how can they find out more information?

LFP: It would be very easy to call this stunning apartment home given the grandeur of the rooms, designer details throughout, and abundance of Central Park views! To schedule an appointment, simply contact me directly and I will be happy to give you a private tour and discuss the purchasing details. You can reach me via email at lphillips@halstead.com or at 212-381-3329.

AM: Where can readers find out about additional properties that you represent?

LFP: Visit my website and click on the tab for “My Listings”. You can view pictures, 3D floor plans, and videos along with detailed descriptions of each property I’m working with from
downtown to uptown. The available homes range from a three-bedroom loft apartment in Tribeca to a 6-story grand townhouse on the Upper East Side.

Read more from the Dec Issue and see NERVO YORK in mag.

BINGELY BOOKS

THE COCKTAIL GALAXY
St Martin's Griffin
Andy Heidel

There's always an excuse to celebrate
something! A new job, engagement, friends coming over and beyond. It encourages you to step up your game when people come over or if you tend to be the default bartender.

Just imagine at your next viewing party for X-Men, Agents of Shield and create beverages that merge nerd culture and
cocktails together! Not only are there a number of drinks that are offered, but it is authored and tested by Andy Heidel (he is
known for his Doctor Who Bar), the owner of The Way Station in Brooklyn, NY, a bar and music venue.

This is a fun gift and staple to have by your bar cart and will serve as a great conversation starter/ice breaker.

POWER FOOD ON THE GO
Fair Winds Press
Rens Kroes

What is the relationship between Power Food and Power Foodies? Well, Power Foodies are people that are constantly on the go from work, working out, meeting
with friends etc. In order to continue this pace in a healthy way, Rens has created a book filled with healthy options that allow you to do meal prep and to avoid having to go to other options like eateries, food trucks
etc, that can be time consuming, unhealthy or even just a waste of money/taste.

Those who are fans of Rens' approach to Power Foods will love that she has included
her focus on preparing, preserving and easily taking items along. With a number of options available, you may find that you start a trend amongst your friends to do the same.

DRINK VERMONT: BEER, WINE, AND SPIRITS OF THE GREEN MOUNTAIN STATE
Skyhorse Publishing: Brdbk Edition
Liza Gershman

Reading definitely transforms the mind! When we thought of the state of Vermont,
we thought about maple syrup as well as snowboarding but after reading Liza's book, we now know that this state is a destination for Beer, WIne and Spirits!

With 18 distilleries, nearly 50 breweries, and a dozen wineries - there are a number of drinks to enjoy year around that include hard apple cider, whiskey, and more. The book navigates what the state has to offer and introduces you to brands that you'll want to enjoy when you're in the area or perhaps
find at your local store.

We suggest that this is a giftable book as it's a bit of beverage tourism that you'll want to have handy when you make the journey or just for those that like being in the know of what regions have to offer.

Read more from the Nov Issue and see Bingely Books in mag.

TURN ON THE LIGHTS

"You can't know where you are going, until you know where you have been." This quote always seems to take on more meeting when we find out the varied paths that people get to where they want to be. We sat down with Lights (Warner Bros Records) to find out how she got into the industry, her upcoming tour next year, her new Skin&Earth album, which also includes a series of comic books, her favorite travel destinations and how she defines balance as a songwriter, performer, wife and mother.

ATHLEISURE MAG: How did you get into the music industry – tell us a little bit about your journey.

LIGHTS: That’s a loaded question! I started out having no idea about how to get into the industry and I don’t think that anybody does. And there really isn’t one specific way to do it. I
think at the beginning, I had a pretty skewed view of how it was to be done and how it would pan out. I did music because I loved it and I started writing songs when I was 11 – I had my little
8-tracks and I started producing when I was 13. By the time I was 15, I had multiple albums of music and at that time, it was before MySpace, Peer Volume or YouTube and there was no place to put it. You actually did have to have a way in. So I enter contests like songwriting
contests, local singing contests and stuff – just to see what would happen.

Randomly, my way in came. My mom worked at Walmart. She was an employee, so you could be in the flyer. We took a picture which they selected and we had the opportunity to be in
the flyer. The photo I sent in had me with a guitar and they picked me. They came to my town and shot some pictures of me and a few other locals for the Walmart flyer. I got $30 and modeled their turtleneck – it was great. So the makeup artist said, “oh the picture that you sent in with you in the guitar – do you actually play?” I was like, “Yeah, I have a whole EP.” I was like 14 or 15 at the time. So he asked me to sing for them and I did a Mariah Carey song in the trailer and he asked me to bring the EP by his hotel, which I did and then he brought it to his friend who was in the industry that happened to be coming into the area later that summer for a
festival and he ended up becoming my manager. We worked on the music for a couple of years and then shopped it to the labels and then a couple of years later, I got a development deal with Sony and then I made some connections in the industry and 2 years after I was dropped from the development deal, I got signed to publishing which is songwriting for TV shows as well as working on my own music with sessions with other writers.

At this time MySpace came along and that’s when I was able to put my stuff up and everything changed. It wasn’t the label that launched my career but an online platform that allowed other
people to have access to me. Then Old Navy used a couple of my songs in their campaigns and that is when other people found out about me and then I got signed on from there at 19 with Warner – everything went from there!

AM: We never figured that Walmart would play into this story!

L: You never know where your break is going to come from! The most important thing is to do what you love and to take the opportunities that present themselves. You never know where it
will lead to! With that said, many people ask me what way they can get into the industry and I tell them that they have what they need right in front of them as the access is online to get your music out there!

AM: We’re beyond bummed that we missed your show here in NYC earlier this month, but what can we expect when we go to a Lights show and what kind of music is it that you are doing?

L: It’s really about putting my shows into a story arc and that’s even more imperative now with the comic that comes with the record as we will be implementing that into the next tour. It's an emotional journey and it starts out energetic as I want to make sure that everyone is comfortable and singing along. My favorite part is to see that in a show and then I like to break it down to more of an intimate tone and then end it on a high note. Set lists are always really well thought out. People should come ready to dance and ready to sing and of course there are cool lights – literally, which is really cool.

AM: What is your personal style in terms of dressing at your shows versus out and about with you and your family?

L: It’s interesting how I dress for a show isn’t too far from how I dress day to day, it’s just more amped up. It’s more extreme and over the years, I have come to know that how I dress really affects how I walk and how I am on stage. I need to feel empowered and I need to feel like a woman. It’s somewhere between Lara Croft from Tomb Raider with short shorts and big boots – I always wear big boots and big socks even in the summertime. I love a crop top that channels my whole Anime Manga face with the bright hair. I like a little spice of fantasy mixed in with a bit of a warrior.

AM: Obviously you are extremely talented, how did the comic book into this portion of your music as well?

L: I have always loved comics and have been reading them for years. I think that comics, like music is one of those forms of entertainment that all the fans want to become the creators.
Once you read comments you want to make it, you want to try it – to create the content. I have always wanted to do it and it has been a dream of mine for a long time. Part of that dream has
been wanting to see out in that world a music comic project, by a woman. It just didn’t exist and there were a few things here and there and even with dudes, it wasn’t that common. So I
wondered, when is a girl going to do this? One day I was like, “why can’t it be you – get to your computer girl!”

I shrugged off the fears of not knowing how to do it as I think that is one of the major factors that holds us back from doing what we want to do because we feel that we don’t know how
to do it. I just taught myself how to do it! I did the research, I got the books - went online and watched webinars and tutorials and I just had to start from somewhere. I have seen my dreams come true in putting this together over the last year. It’s just been amazing. I did a lot of work – I write it, draw it, render it, color it, package it and ship it! I send it to the publisher and it’s from my heart and mind and it’s so cool to see it all come together!

AM: That is so cool so do you go to Comic Con with this?

L: Yeah! I have always gone to Con as a fan and last year I was at Toronto Fan X which I have gone to for 10 years as a fan. This year, I was there as a guest with a professional pass and people were CosPlaying as my character! It was so awesome!

AM: This is so inspiring and once again, we’re bummed that we didn’t see you tour!

L: Well, when we came through the fall last year, it was a shorter set as we were supporting Paris but next Feb/March when we come through, it will be a full production experience and a
full set! It will be directly related to the comic.

AM: Obviously you travel a lot, what are some of your favorite places that you love going to?

L: Oh one of my favorite cities to go to is Amsterdam! Everywhere you look is an Instagram shot – it’s so scenic and there are flowers all over the place. It’s gorgeous and I have even more of an appreciation for it especially doing the comics – as an artist now. You have to do studies and backgrounds in art and lighting. I’ve noticed things in the environment that I would have never noticed before like the way a shadow falls – so you notice your surroundings more and Amsterdam is one of those cities that everywhere you look it’s picturesque and inspiring. Another area is Mexico – I love the beaches and it's one of my favorite places in the world.
I grew up traveling and last year, my husband and I went to Thailand and explored the jungles and then we went to Tokyo – that trip itself was a bit of a catalyst that made me really want to
do the comic and a month later I was drawing!

AM: We love Tokyo, being there really changed the way we looked at things for sure!

L: I know – when I got there I was like, “I want to do music and have it played here – how can I make this happen?” So, we have Giants in four different languages and Japanese is one of them!

AM: This holiday season, are you doing a lot of performances, will you be doing festivals for 2018?

L: Yeah it’s going to be a festival summer this year I think and our tour is 2.5 months in the spring with the festivals in the summer and then touring in the fall. The final issue of the comic comes out next month and then we will be packaging it into a graphic novel and then will tour on that in comic shops which will be some pretty cool stuff on that as well.

AM: Clearly your busy, how do you take time for yourself – are you a yogi – what do you do?

L: I do a bit of that. It’s all just balance. I’ve learned a lot over the years and still have a lot to learn about getting work done and taking time. I mean it’s not about saying I’m going to work here this week and then take time out here on this day. There was a time in my life, that I thought that was the way to do it. Instead it’s more like, today I am going to work 4-5 hours and then have dinner with my kid or spend some time tonight to do whatever. Everyday is in
front of you so you need to take the time daily you need to do the work but you need to take the time. I mean life moves and we spend so much of our time waiting for life to happen and
it’s right now and we need to enjoy it while getting stuff done.

AM: What would you like to share with Athleisure Mag’s readers that you may not have been able to share?

L: I’d say check out the album …… it’s my Opus and the greatest thing that I have done so far and I’m proud of it. Listen to the music on its own, read the comic on it’s own and then do so
together – it’s a totally augmented experience and check out the Instagram page @SkinAndEarthWorld – it’s a map of the world from within the comic and its interactive - click through the various accounts and explore the world and go to different locations and find hidden song clips. It’s just a fun way to experience the world without having to pay for anything right now.

BINGELY BOOKS

AND BREATHE
Hachette
Rebecca Dennis

Can you breathe your way to health and happiness? In And Breathe, Rebecca 

Dennis, a London based breath coach and workshop leader who was trained by Judith Kravitz (Transformational Breath) has written a guide on deep breathing for health and happiness.

The average person inhales and exhales about 20,000 times a day; however, most of those breaths are short and shallow and are known as "stress breaths" because they just reach the chest. This kind of breath creates a constant "fight or flight" response in the body and according to the World Health Organization, they believe that by 2020 depression and anxiety will be the number one disability worldwide.

Throughout the book, there are exercises that are described to guide you through deep diaphragmatic, conscious breathing. These are tools you can use throughout your day and can be done anywhere whenever you need. In addition Rebecca reminds us that breathing is natural and we must retrain our mind to this way of being.
 

THE COMPLETE SLOW COOKER
America's Test Kitchen

Crisp temperatures mean that it's time to start preparing your favorite meals via the Slow Cooker. With over 400 recipes, you'll find that there is something for everyone that can be cooked from appetizers to desserts!

You'll find a number of recipes that take 8 hours to cook via the Slow Cooker as well as those that only take 15 minutes to prepare. We have a feeling that you'll tag a number of finds that you'll make this fall and winter season.
 

LEO FENDER: THE QUIET GIANT HEARD AROUND THE WORLD
Leadership Institute Press
Phyllis Fender + Randall Bell

In the midst of some of the greatest inventions that the world has also enjoyed, Leo Fender created the electric guitar. His interest in electronics lead him to open a radio repair shop in his hometown of Fullerton, California. Band leaders and musicians knew that if their equipment needed to be repaired, then they should go to him.

Leo invented the Fender Stratocaster 

which has been embraced and was/is preferred by world-renowned musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, David Gilmour, Eric Clapton, George Harrison and Jeff Beck — to name a few.

Although his work was enjoyed by vibrant luminaries, Leo was a shy inventor who was nearly deaf and had one glass eye.

Beyond designing his notable quitars, in 1946 he founded Fender Electric Instrument Manufacturing Company — the launch pad for his most iconic designs — and later on, G&L Musical Instruments. 

Leo Fender: The Quiet Giant Heard Around the World shares his story.
 

Read more from the Oct Issue and see Bingely Books in mag.

ATHLEISURE LIST | Y7 STUDIO

When it comes to working out, there are as many methods as personality types which is a great way to target what makes you feel your best you. Hot yoga has been around a number of studios but time and again, we always hear about the cool vibes of Y7 Studio and with their recent launch of their newest location in Williamsburg, BK we knew we were going to get a significant workout here.

Y7 Studio combines a vinyasa yoga (which is all about flowing and repeating movements in a fluid movement) with hip hop and beats that keep you focused while sweating your butt off in a candlelit studio. It's during each movement, that you realize that your body can seriously push past its limits to stay in sync and that the moves become central to your core. 

Y7 has a number of locations that you can get your sweat on and those who attend the classes swear by their mantra of "A Tribe Called Sweat" and "We Flow Hard". 

Co-Founded by Sara Levey, Y7 has two kinds of classes which include WeFlowHard™ which is a fast paced vinyasa class while Slowburn goes deeper into your tissue and allows you to hold the poses for a longer period of time. Both allow you to have a very successful sweat as you work out in their specially infrared rooms which make you feel like you have walked into a sauna but also ensures that you will be dripping.  Music for WeFlowHard™ focuses on hip-hop and driving beats while Slowburn is more typical of yoga music and is condusive to the movements and vibe.

Although you can rent mats and towels, we suggest bringing your own as it's a good idea to have the mat that works best for you when you're doing the workouts. We definitely suggest laying a towel down on top of your mat as it definitely gets slippery.

Check your location for full amenities as all Y7 Studios have refresh spaces, but Soho has a shower while the Williamsburg location does not.

We also love that Y7 carries its own line of apparel which is great to wear when working out or after the gym. Their line includes their key phrases and definitely makes you feel like you're part of the cool set when you're entering/leaving the studio or wherever you're going next.

Most importantly, it's worth noting that the instructors really do operate on a "do what you can" mentality so as you're taken through each movement, if your body is not comfortable doing something - there are no judgments whether you pause or sit in the other pose. 

You'll find that as you move and see those around you doing so that as a beginner, you pick up what is going and and begin to get into sync with the group.

Although it's suggested that beginners should do Slowburn first, you can also go right to WeFlowHard™.
 

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Y7 STUDIO

NY

Willamsburg - 170 S 1st St
Flatiron - 25 W 23rd St, 4th Fl
Soho - 430 Broome St, 2nd Fl
Union Square - 58 E 11th St
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Read more from the Oct Issue and see Athleisure List | Y7 Studio in mag.
 

AALIYAH X MAC

We wlll always be fans of Aaliyah who was an icon in R&B and hiphop in the 90/00's. Whether you loved her music, dancing, lyrics, music videos and more - she had a charisma, grace and of course she was beautiful. MAC Cosmetics announced that next summer, we'll be able to get our hands on their capsule collection of this entertainer! There are very few details but we're already thinking about next summer!

We're hoping for glossy nude lip hues, wine color lip stains and great smokey shades for the eyes! We'll keep you in the loop on this one in a million collection that we're already imagining in our collection.

THE BAKER MAN | DUFF GOLDMAN

Duff Goldman of Charm City Cakes is no stranger to Athleisure Mag as we chatted with him in this year's Anniversary issue about coming back for another race with Chefs Cycle (a fundraising endurance event May 16th - May 18th featuring award-winning chefs and members of the culinary community fighting hunger outside the kitchen where proceeds go to No Kid Hungry) and how he was preparing for this activity. We took some time to chat with Celebrity Chef and Food Network personality Duff about his role as a judge for a number of the network's shows, including Spring Baking Championship, Kids Baking Championship (to name a few), his partnership with Bounty, National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day and his inner workings as he continues to embrace the magic of baking.  

ATHLEISURE MAG: We loved talking with you earlier this year about your preparation to participate in this year's  Chefs Cycle - are you excited?

DUFF GOLDMAN: Yes it starts on May 16th! I'm so excited it's going to be great.

AM: We can only imagine! Well, we've been fans of you since your first show with Food Network, Ace of Cakes. In our opinion, you're the first baker that we knew that represented an edgy out of the box style with all of the sweet treats that you created.

DG: Oh thanks!

AM: Oh yeah, watching you while we grew up, we were struck with how this guy - not to say that you're not delicate, but there is a certain idea you have (at least back at that time) of what a pastry chef would look like.

DG: Absolutely!

AM: To see a cool tattooed guy busting out with these really cool friends - it was cool. Even if you weren't a baker yourself, it was cool to see that barrier being broken and changing the idea of what it means to work in a given profession. So how did you bring that into all of these other Food Network shows that you have been a part of especially with incorporating kids and making it look cool and fun while taking your ideas from concept to reality?

DG: Well you know, I think that most of cooking is really fun and interesting. It's not that hard to make it seem that way. When the kids are excited about it, it's not hard for those who are watching to see that they are and to want to know more about it. They watch us do what we do and then they're fascinated. It's like when you pick up a new album from somebody - if someone else has really got down on that record and tells you - you really have to listen to this record, this beat or chord progression, then you really get into it because someone you know has brought you something that they think is cool. 

I think cooking is the same way, especially on TV - you've got to be excited about it. I am - to this day when I put something in the oven, and it starts to rise, to this day, it's still magical for me! I still get really excited. When it's working you're like, 'check it out' it's bubbling, moving, growing and cracking! It's doing what it's doing and it's still neat!

AM: Which is cool and we can totally tell that about you because you look like you're loving life! You can tell that you really love the process, the creation of it and the looks on your face - it's priceless. 

DG: Yeah man! It never gets old!
 

AM: We know that the 3rd season of Spring Baking Championship ends this month with the adults. You also judge a number of children's baking shows on the network. How is it working with these young chefs and bakers?

DG: Um a lot messier! Definitely a lot messier - you always want a lot of paper towel nearby because kids are messy. Other than that, the judging is really the same. I'm honest and fair and when they mess up, I point it out. I think that with kids, I spend a little more time on when there is a mistake on how to correct it. When adults make mistakes it's usually a bone head move and they know better. With kids, they haven't made something enough times. They're 10 years old - how much patachou have they made? So it's like hey you put too many eggs in there - don't put so much in so that you don't have a puddle.

AM: Haha exactly! So how important do you think your role is as a role model to them in terms of giving them that encouragement and feedback?

DG: I think it's really important - the kids see me as this big goofy guy, but then they also see me as this expert as it's what I do and what I'm good at. It's really important that I never want to discourage them and I want any challenge that the kids are having in the kitchen as an opportunity for them to learn. So they don't see a mistake as a mistake, they see it as an opportunity to learn something. That's what makes baking so fascinating. 

I'm still learning at the same pace as I was learning back then. Every day, I learn something and am doing something new. I refine my technique, I try something different and it's important as I have been baking for over 20 years! You have to stay awake and if you go on autopilot, you're putting a stake in your career. You have to be present in the moment and mindful when you're baking. You have to just be fascinated by it as that's what it is.

AM: One of the things we really love is when you take your first bite. Your face lights up, your eyes take it in and we can see there are a lot of wheels turning. What is going on in your head at that moment?

DG: It's funny because I love to eat and I love food. I love taking bites and I love it! The thought process going on in my head is that I want to viscerally enjoy this bite! Then I have to remember that I am judging something so I have to dissect it - but I don't want to dissect it, I just want to eat it - leave me alone haha! There's always a conflict going on in my head like - pay attention - but then it's so good - but pay attention! I just want to chew. But it's usually that when you see that look because I'm confused between the two.

AM: For sure when you have that first bite, we see all the synapses firing and you have the best responses coming off of the taste! It also seems tough because you only have a few seconds to take it in and grasp what it going on. Our team laughs everytime we see it!

DG: I know I take these big stupid bites! It's funny because my girlfriend always yells at me saying I need to take smaller bites because I'm going to choke to death. I'm like, I've been taking these big bites for 4 years now, I'm going to be fine. 

The other thing that's funny is that I take these bites - because I'm watching the shows and live tweeting them and when I'm not on camera and I'm just out and when it's a nice restaurant where there is something new or they are trying a new technique - I do the exact same face. I look up at the ceiling and people have said - that's the same face from the Baking Championship! I'm like, "it's not an act!"

AM: Tell us about your partnership with Bounty and how we can keep having fun while we're cleaning on the go or different tips that you have come up with.

DG: Bounty and I partnered up to celebrate National Chocolate Chip Day (May 15th) and I came up with a recipe that would be really fun for kids to make - a Rainbow Chocolate Chip Cookie. I think it's important to get kids cooking and baking to see the work and ingredients that go into it to get them to start thinking critically at an early age about what they are eating. When you bake with kids, they are really messy but you want to make sure that they are still having fun. You want to make sure that you keep their attention. If you're stopping to clean every 5 mins - it's taking away from the experience. It's important to have a really good paper towel. 

You can clean as you go, because when it gets too messy, you can't do anything. You have to keep it clean, but you have to keep it moving. Bounty Paper Towels really are great, because they don't shred, tear or turn into liquid when they get wet. They're really useful beyond just cleaning up! If you're whisking something in a bowl and don't have another hand free, you can take a sheet of Bounty under the bowl and whisk it and the bowl won't move around. The same is true for the cutting board - it won't slide.

AM: Wow that's really cool!

DG: Yeah it's good! Also when you have a hot pan like you're sauteeing a piece of chicken and you have taken the chicken out of a non-stick pan, what you can do is take a sheet of Bounty, ball it up, take the tongs and you rub it on the inside of the hot pan and it picks up all that grease and cleans the pan really well so that you're not scrubbing with something abbrasive. You can't do that with a cheap paper towel - it's impossible. The other brands start to char and catch fire! It's REALLY good for greasing cake pans. You spray the pans, but you don't want the puddles so you take a sheet of Bounty and run it inside your cake pan or tins and it makes it nice and even so it doesn't burn in the oven.

AM: Okay those are some serious tips and I wouldn't have known some of those.

DG: Yeah it's really cool!

AM: We know you have your own line of cake mixes, baking tools and more - what are your favorites?

DG: Oh man that's a good question. My favorite, I'd say the tie dye or the camouflage cake mix.

AM: Wait - you have camo?

DG: Yeah we have camouflage. They're so neat. Again, speaking to that magic - when you do these things with a kid - you're dropping the different color batters into a pan, that's just fun. You're having a good time. But then when it comes out and you cut it and you see that it really looks like camouflage, kid's minds EXPLODE! They can't believe it and are like, "WHAT, how did this happen?"

AM: That sounds pretty cool! Speaking of National Chocolate Chip Day, we saw the Rainbow Chip Cookies and it reminds us of the whole "unicorning" trend that is popping up throughout various lifestyle verticals - why are these cookies so perfect to enjoy on this holiday?

DG: I wanted a recipe that was going to be good with kids. Kids love touching things and it's a very tactile recipe. There are colors and then you're rolling them out like snakes and you twist that big snake out and then you have that big magical moment that when you cut it, you see all the colors that have mushed together and then what's really fun, you get to place each chocolate chip on each piece yourself. It's fun because kids can make smiley faces or do their initials with the chocolate chip cookies - really decorative things. 

It's a really fun recipe that is pretty involved and is not the easiest recipe in the world. I don't dumb it down. I don't dumb it down when I judge the kids and I don't dumb down the recipes or kids. I think about what kids are going to think is fun and sometimes it's hard, but they're still going to think it's fun!

AM: That's really cool. Last question! So June 2nd is National Donut Day. Do you have a favorite donut that you like to make?

DG: Mmmmm - I have a favorite one that I like to eat!

AM: Ok make or eat!

DG: Have you ever had the blueberry cake donuts from 7-Eleven?

AM: No we haven't haha!

DG: It might be my favorite donut in the world!

AM: We will have to try that!

DG: Yeah they are amazing HAHA - I love those things!!!

Make sure you watch Duff and the rest of the judging team for the season finale of Spring Baking Championship on Food Network at the end of this month. Also, follow him on Twitter and IG to see more about upcoming shows!

Read more from the May Issue and see The Baker Man with Duff Goldman in mag