BORN IN A CROSSFIRE HURRICANE | THE ROLLING STONES

Without a doubt, The Rolling Stones will have an amazing Summer this year! On July 10th, the anticipated 14-track album, Foreign Tongues will drop and they have been releasing tracks and videos; such as In the Stars dropped earlier this month. While we wait for the full album to become available, The Rolling Stones have another launch that is worth noting! This Spring, they debuted Crossfire Hurricane Rum, a super-premium spirit that celebrates the bands connection with Jamaica in a relationship that has spanned more than 5 decades! This launch and product illustrates the band’s music heritage, its Jamaican provenance, and modern craft.

Starting with Jamaica, this is the first brand to utilize rums from 4 of the country’s most respected distilleries - Hampden Estate, Long Pond, Worthy Park, and Clarendon. These 4 styles come together in a single blend that showcases its complexity and the island’s rum-making tradition and is 100% Jamaican with no added sugars.

“Jamaica got into everything we did in the early seventies - the music, the rhythm, the pace of life. Jamaica was one of the few places that would let us all in. The island said come in and we recorded Goats Head Soup. It’s never let us down since. Crossfire Hurricane is a continuation of that story, more than fifty years on,” said The Rolling Stones.

It’s worth noting that prior to The Rolling Stones’ arrival in Jamaica, they had been recording on Main Street in the South of France; as well as touring in the US. When they arrived in Jamaica in 1972, it became a breath of fresh air their label head, Ahmet Ertegun of Atlantic Records knew that this island was the centre of emerging musical influence. By recording Goats Head Soup in Kingston, they were immersed in a new flow that Keith Richards said that the “1970s Jamaica felt a lot like 1960s England when we started out. There was something in the air - a new rhythm, a new imagery.”

The band continued to record at Dynamic Sound Studios where the connected with iconic reggae authors - Sly & Robbie, Peter Tosh, and more. Mick Jagger recorded, “There was something in the air. You could feel it from everybody on the street - a vital thing happening with reggae.”

The rum brand’s name is from the opening lyric of Jumpin’ Jack Flash (Editor’s Note: The opening lyric: I was born in a crossfire hurricane and I howled at the morning drivin’ rain) as a means to capture the raw energy and enduring spirit of one of the world’s most iconic bands.

The Rolling Stones partnered with Ian Burrell, Global Rum Ambassador to be a co-creator due to his expertise in Jamaican run and its cultural significance.

The bottle reflects the band’s iconic lips logo in a prominent way and is surrounded by wave patterns that showcase echo sound. By visiting the website, the storytelling continues by sharing the band’s time in Jamaica in the 70s, along with the recording of Goats Head Soup in Kingston.

Fans of the band and rum should visit the website to see never-before-seen images of the band on the island along with the moments that established their time there from the music as well as the spirit behind the rum. As their global rollout continues, Crossfire Hurricane Rum’s social account will share upcoming drops, collaborations, and new ways to interact with this story.

The portfolio includes Crossfire Hurricane Gold for mixing and Crossfire Hurricane Reserve for sipping.

IG @crossfirerum

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT | Crossfire Hurricane Rum

Read the MAY ISSUE #125 of Athleisure Mag and see BORN IN A CROSSFIRE HURRICANE | THE ROLLING STONES in mag.

ATHLEISURE MAG #125 | DAVID "BIG PAPI" ORTIZ

In this month’s issue, our front and back cover story is with 3X World Series Champ, 10X All Star, Boston Red Sox DH, FOX Sports Analyst and Owner of Ozama Rum, David "Big Papi" Ortiz. We talk with him about baseball, his love of the game, his career, being an analyst for FOX Sports, competing in Masked Singer, his latest venture Ozama Rum, being a family man, and his legacy.

Next month, BCB Brooklyn will take place from Jun 9th + 10th where the hospitality industry comes together to learn about new spirit brands as well as those that have been on our bar carts for quite some time! We always love checking in with Jackie Williams, EVP of BCB Brooklyn to see what we can expect when we hit the trade show floors in Industry City next month. In addition, next month we will have a post recap of brands and offsite events we attended as well in our JUN ISSUE #126.

We kicked off the beginning of this month with our DEC ISSUE #60 cover, EDM DJ/Producer Benny Benassi. With the release of his album, Feel the Bass, he launched it in a number of events around the city from Marquee, Marquee Skydeck, riding and DJ'ing at the TD Five Boro Bike Tour, and more! We talked with him about his passion for music, why he came to NYC to drop his album in this way, and what he loves about his latest album.

We've been fans of the iconic band, The Rolling Stones and with their launch of Crossfire Hurricane Rum, this spirit is the merge of the band's love of Jamaica and their time recording there as well as creating a spirit that embraces their music and pushing the envelope.

We have enjoyed seeing Hemky Madera play a number of roles including one of our favorite shows, Queen of the South as well as Perry Mason! Currently, he is in Netflix's The Lincoln Lawyer, HBO's Euphoria, and is back in Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu. We talk about how he approaches his characters and what he looks for in his projects!

We head into the world of Hip-Hop Freestyling when we sit down and chat with Red Bull's Marlee Hightower to talk about her MOTIV crew and MOTIV Dance Studio. She shared how she got into the industy, competitions that she participated, her work with artists that have included Janet Jackson, Pharrell Williams, and Coldplay. We also talk about her upcoming projects.

This month we had our THE 9LIST Event Series at Lore Bathing Club in NYC's NoHo. We had members of our readership/community attend this newly opened bath house where you can enjoy cold plunges and saunas in a 75 mins session. We sat down with the team of LBC to find out more about bathing culture, its historical roots, and what can be enjoyed when you come to this destination.

Next month, we will be at Gov Ball and ahead of this jammed pack weekend of music, food and vibes, our pre-coverage will share what you can expect from this festival.

This month's The Art of the Snack takes us to Midtown in NYC to an amazing experience of Indian cuisine at Chatti by Regi Mathew. Having a meal here is not just an amazing series of dishes, but it is an immersive experience that starts from the time you walk in until you take your last bite.

This month's Athleisure List comes from The Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection and Four Seasons Mykonos! 

Our 63MIX ROUTIN3S comes from EDM DJ/Producer Benny Benassi, ABT principal ballet dancer Christine Shevchenko, and Muse New York Hotel. All 3 share what they do, enjoy, or have in the Morning, Afternoon, and Night. Our 9LIST STORI3S comes from Red Bull Hip-Hop Freestyler, Marlee Hightower where she shares her must-haves in beauty, style, and fitness. Our 9PLAYLIST comes from global icon and fashion designer Victoria Beckham whose collaboration with GAP has made everyone excited! She shares with us what is on her playlist in her GAP X Victoria Beckham playlist. Our THE 9LIST 9M3NU comes from Chef Regi Mathew of Chatti, Chef Henry Laprte of Salt Hank's, and Big Papi.

Read the MAY ISSUE #125 of Athleisure Mag.

THE RED ROCKER | SAMMY HAGAR

We have been fans of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Sammy Hagar whether from his solo career, as a member of Van Halen, or in super bands! He is a noted singer/songwriter, guitarist, an entrepreneur with an amazing portfolio, and philanthropist. Whether it’s his music, restaurants, spirit brands, etc. he is about loving life and enjoying it to the fullest.

His latest venture is one that is important to him as it is about longevity and nourishing your body as he continues to tour and has his residency in Vegas at Park MGM. Red Rocker Essentials is a line of vitamins that he partnered with noted wellness supplement guru, Wayne Gorsek, who founded and sold Vitacoast, and with Nature Labs, has this new line of products, as well as Sammy’s own supplements. We sat down with this duo to talk music, life, and the importance of vitamins as we navigate our day to day.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we delve into Red Rocker Essentials, we’d like to talk a bit about your music.

When did you first fall in love with music? I have been a fan of yours for decades. And so being able to connect with you is definitely a pleasure, Sammy Hagar.

SAMMY HAGAR: Well, I’m thrilled. Thank you! But, you know, I think probably the first time I went crazy and said, “wow, I want to do that,” was when Elvis Presley - I was like 4 years old or something... My teenage sisters were watching his debut on TV or it might have been the Ed Sullivan Show or whatever it was, but Elvis Presley comes on and my sisters are sitting there going crazy right? Screaming, holding their faces - watching a guy in black and white on TV you know.

I’m going, “wow, that’s pretty cool you know?” I might want to do that right? I want to be that guy. But really, my dad was always singing and whistling and he could yodel country music. He was listening to Hank Williams and Hank Snow and people like that. I’d sit in the car and hear him sing to the radio. That kind of got my attention too. I was kind of raised around music, even though no one played music around me. Everyone kind of liked music. My sisters would dance and they’d dance with me, you know, and my dad would sing to the radio. I guess I was influenced by music right away.

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to be a recording artist? You’re an amazing guitarist, a vocalist, you write songs...

SH: Well, I had an older friend that used to go to school with my brother and he played guitar. I used to always dress the part. My sisters always had me looking like the latest rock star, whoever it was. It was Elvis Presley or whoever the next person was, my sisters would comb my hair like that and roll up my sleeves. I swear, they dolled me up all the time like I was their playmate.

I think this guy who played guitar, he came over to my house to see my brother. He’s going, “did you ever think about being a singer?” And I’m going, yeah, you know, and he played guitar. So he started playing guitar and I started singing a couple songs. I knew a few songs from the radio, same kind of thing. So I started a band with him. He took me to see The Rolling Stones when they came to San Bernardino Swing Auditorium the first time they played in America and that was where I lived. George Babcock from a radio station, 590 AM, brought The Stones and we went to see them. And I just said, that’s it. Boom. I saw their first American performance and I wasn’t even driving a car yet, you know. So this guy had a car and we drove over and I think that’s what really did it.

Then to play guitar, that was just wanting to be a singer. My friend played guitar and I just sang all the time. Then I went to see Cream’s first American performance with Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker at the Whiskey A Go Go, I went into a music store the next day and I stole my first guitar! I mean, I hate to say it, but I wanted to play like that and I knew I was going to sing like Mick Jagger and I’m going to play guitar like Eric Clapton!

That really set me on my course and that’s all I wanted to do. You couldn’t have talked to me out of it. I thought I was going to be rich and famous someday and I was determined. Pretty lucky guy, I’d say, you know? But I did the work.

AM: Oh, you did the work. I mean, you have been part of so many different bands as well as being a solo artist!

Before we delve into Red Rocker Essentials, Wayne, can you tell me a bit about your background and what led you to the wellness industry?

WAYNE GORSEK: I just learned a little more about Sammy! I didn’t realize Elvis inspired Sammy. Look at my shirt (Editor’s Note: Wayne’s shirt is a button down that has Elvis on it).

SH: What a trip!

WG: It’s actually made by the clothier that supplied Elvis in Memphis.

AM: Oh, wow.

WG: It’s made in America. I got like 5 of them. I’ll answer your question 2 ways. What got me into music as I grew up in Illinois. My family had horses, so I started out learning, Glen Campbell, Country Western music. And then as I got in my teen years, I watched Smokey and the Bandit. I got a black Trans Am. I started to get into Classic Rock. First concert was Eddie Money. Then I discovered Sammy.

In fact, Sammy, I grew up by St. Louis. You said that you had the record amount of tickets sold in St. Louis I think you said.

SH: Yeah, I still do! I think I still hold the record of the most tickets ever sold by one artist in in one city in St. Louis and I don’t know how that happened! But you know, Wayne I’d tell you in a second if I knew how that happened! I would have made that happen in every city!

WG: Well, I think Sammy, his songs relate to us folks in the Midwest. I Can’t Drive 55.

AM: I’m from Indianapolis originally. So yes, it definitely syncs in with the Midwest.

WG: Yeah! Trans Am and Eagles Fly. I mean, so many great songs and the St. Louis rock station really supported you.

SH: Yeah, yeah, they definitely did.

But Wayne, I think your question is not how you got into Sammy Hagar. It’s how you got into vitamins, then you met Sammy Hagar, and then we did vitamins together. Now, can you follow the damn questions here, Wayne?

WG: Haha Yes! The way I got into vitamins, I grew up believing that doctors could fix everything. My grandparents raised me, adopted me, and I have a lot of good memories, but the bad memories were when I entered my teen years, they entered their 70s. This would be in the 80s, and they got a lot of diseases. They got Parkinson’s, arthritis, depression, heart failure, you name it. I thought the doctors could fix them, took them to a lot of doctors, and I saw a lot of side effects, a lot of big bills. The bills now are probably 4X higher now if you go to the doctor. I saw lots of side effects with the drugs, and I thought there’s got to be a better way.

So I went to the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Library, nights, weekends, and I studied what is Parkinson’s, and what is arthritis? How do you fix these things? I came across nutrition. I came across herbs, vitamins, foods.

So I take these articles from the medical journals to their doctors, and the doctors admitted they knew nothing about it. They don’t teach them in medical school. So I started going to the vitamin stores and buying 8, 10, 12 bottles of all these herbs, vitamins, and I saw that they helped them. I realized that the average person isn’t going to do all that research and they’re not going to go out and buy 8-12 bottles so I decided to start a company that made a good multi that would work. Put it all in one and it did work. My last company we sold billions of dollars, we did IPO, sold to Kroger, and this is my second now!

AM: Wow I am very familiar with your first company, Vitacoast so you are definitely well versed in this space!

How did the two of you guys come together? Sammy, you’ve always been focused on wellness and longevity. How did the two of you come together?

SH: Well, I guess Wayne came to see me in concert in Las Vegas, and this is a story that he told me. But he said, “wow, this guy at his age, sure has got a lot of energy! Of course he needs that energy to keep doing what he’s doing if he wants to keep doing this, you know.”

We had a little conversation and I said, no, I’ve always been in the supplements and here’s what I take and here’s what I do. He’s going, oh, “you can do better than that. You know, some of these supplements have things in them that really aren’t good for you, or they’re not the best quality of Vitamin B, or the C that has a little bit more, and those organic products out there. He asked me if I read about everything that I take. I’m spending about two seconds on the back of a bottle! It’s got the stuff I want and then he’s going yeah. but where’s it coming from?

He just said come on down to my lab and let’s work on some stuff. So I went to the lab. I didn’t just say, “oh throw my name on some vitamins.” No, hell no man! I went down there and put on the suit, the hairband and went through a sterilization program. And we spent the whole damn afternoon in there. I was really impressed and I was very interested in upgrading my supplements. So, here we go, you know?

AM: Wow.

SH: I also want to say that there were things that were important to me like energy, natural energy without the crash, heart health, and flexibility!

Over time, I have figured out what I needed because I know as I get older, my joints are getting stiff. I need flexibility on stage. If I go out there and I’m not warmed up and I really haven’t really stretched well before I get out there – it can be tough. You get out there in front of thousands of people and your energy level – that adrenaline spikes and you do crazy stuff and if you’re not flexible, you’ll throw your back out, which I have done many times. I have thrown my neck out. You’re coming off the next morning feeling like I have head banged too hard. But, yeah, things like that.

I’m concerned about my heart because my mother had heart disease. My brother had heart disease. It’s in my family. I get myself checked out all the time about that. So, you know, I mentioned that. And I like an energy boost, but I can’t stand the products that are out there. I won’t mention the names, but I cannot even take 1 sip out of 90% of the assortment that exists right onw of those energy drinks. I don’t do it. I don’t drink coffee before a show either because it dries out my throat. So I used to take a little sip of a Coca-Cola and stuff like that with my rum or my tequila in there to get the relaxed buzz for a relaxed energy rush.

But anyway, Wayne says, no, I got you. I got you on all this stuff. The energy without the crash. You’re crashing because of the caffeine. You have to have different intake for it. So he knows all the answers to all that stuff. He’s the one that created this stuff for me to fit my lifestyle and my fans are you know almost my age some of them are my age and older even and um so I thought, “hey this is a good thing to pass on to them.” If it works for me with what I do, it’s going to [likely] work for you in your everyday life and that’s kind of the way I’ve always went about my restaurants, the way I’ve always went about my music.

If I have a message in my music it’s usually something that I wanted to tell my fans that this is a cool way to live. You know, I wrote the song Cabo Wabo, because I discovered Cabo back when it was undiscovered sand I said, “man you guys got to go to this place, you know you got to go there!” I mean, I’m telling you right now you go there you’re gonna be happy. So, I built a place down there for them, it’s really the way I think about my fans. It’s my family first, and my fans, they’re my extended family. So I think about them right along with the rest of my family, you know? And so that’s why I wanted to create this stuff. I want to upgrade them. Everyone takes vitamins. I bet you 90% of my fans take them, but half of them are probably taking stuff that’s been sitting on the shelves too long. It’s about taking a better supplement. So I’m trying to help them out.

WG: Well, you know, Sammy, you’re accurate. The typical multi, there’s tons of studies showing they don’t work because they got too little actives and they use forms of B vitamins that most people can’t utilize and absorb. So, we put in the active Bs that you can utilize. And we put in enough to work, levels that are much higher than the worthless daily values. If you want to be healthy, you cannot take the minimum. You’ve got to take optimal levels, which are much higher than the minimum DVs.

SH: I didn’t mention when I take my supplements. I personally don’t take my supplements until I have a decent meal. You know, like I don’t take them first thing in the morning because I just don’t like the way they feel on my stomach. A lot of times I take my supplements if I have a big lunch, I take them with my lunch, but I take them with food. And I think it’s really important that that’s half of what they do. You’re not living on the supplements. You’re living on the food you’re taking. You take supplements with it and you. get more of the nutrients out of the food and out of your supplements and it goes into your body better. It’s all about assimilation to me.

WG: Well said, well said, spot on.

SH: Yeah, so he didn’t teach me that. I knew that already. It is better with food. It is better with food. I really recommend that. A heavy vitamin can be rough on your stomach in the morning with just water.

WG: When you look at Sammy’s supplements, it’s a vegetarian capsule, you absorb that in just minutes. It breaks down in minutes, not hours. Some of those tablets from other brand never break down.

AM: So you have the initial products that launched last month. Are there going to be additional products that you plan on adding to this line?

WG: Oh, yes. Absolutely. We started Sammy’s line with Men’s, Women’s, Multi Energy Drink Powder.

SH: I’m open to new products as I get older for more brain health and a little bit more cutting edge stuff. Right now, we’re doing a good job. We’re putting good stuff in the normal stuff.

AM: Right.

SH: I’m an experimental guy. I’m willing to say, let’s go for some life extension products here. I rely on Wayne to guide me through that because I don’t want to get out there and just start taking a bunch of stuff and find out later, oh, no, you shouldn’t have taken that. So Wayne’s my guru here, you know. He’s my nutritional guru, substance guru, you know. I’m so happy since I ran into Wayne because he’s just so knowledgeable about all this stuff. You know, a lot of people will just try and do anything. And, you know, you can do more harm than good sometimes. So, yeah, we’re looking to expand as soon as we get everything just right.

AM: And what does this look like in terms of like rolling it out to consumers? Obviously, people can go to the website and different distribution/retailer points. But when you’re on tour or on your residency, will you be sharing this with fans in terms of awareness?

SH: Well, the awareness part, I always wear shirts. Like right now, I got my Red Rocker Beer shirt. I’m always sharing my apparel with my products and I get tattoos on my arm like Cabo Wabo, Santo, Beach Bar products and that’s Bogus Otis. I’m just one of those guys like a NASCAR person, but I don’t have to put the suit on. I just put the tattoos on. I don’t want to take my shirt off. Rather than shove it down their throats or talk about it too much. I drink my tequila on stage. I drink my rum on stage. It’s real. It’s organic with me. I own these companies except for Wayne here, but it’s still my stuff. I can’t make vitamins. So I have Wayne to do it. I don’t just endorse things and I never have. So that’s why I’m willing to get the tattoos. That’s a real endorsement.

I wouldn’t sell vitamins in concert. People that follow me, they go to my website and look at it all the time and tell them where they can get things. You know, the world’s so much about online right now. But I think Wayne’s got it covered. That’s his distribution thing. He’s got it down with his stuff. His stuff’s good stuff. It’s in all the good stores.

WG: I currently manufacture about a million bottles a month for some of the largest retailers – my customers. As Sammy grows, he’ll never outgrow us you know and we do plan to expand as he said - products for brain memory, cognitive, and joints. We can pretty much help people with any health concern with the right nutrients.

AM: That’s amazing. Sammy, We’ve been a fan of yours musically as well as an entrepreneur. Santo is a great tequila, Cabo - we went with friends because we heard the song growing up.

What do you want your legacy to be known as since you have been involved in so many things in your life as a musician and as a successful entrepreneur?

SH: Oh, my! I want my legacy just to say that, you know, I want people to smile when they think of me. I want to make people happy to make their lives better. I want to help people that I can help. You know, Paul Newman said something one time I saw him in an interview and it just changed my life. It was years and years ago after he had died. But it was at a benefit where he said, you know, “when you’re in a position to be able to help people and you see someone that needs help, you have to do it. If you see a person fall down, you’ve got to stop and pick them up.” I thought, wow, it just really touched me. I thought, yeah, I can help people. You know, I got extra money and I’ve got the ability to make people happy. So, when I walk out on stage. I want to make people really happy. I want to bring them joy. And I want to make them cry, too. I want to touch them deep in their hearts. I always want to leave them at my concert with a ballad. I don’t leave you with this big, crazy, high-energy song that makes you want to run out in the street and get in a car wreck. I’m going, no, no, no, no. You’ve got to settle down. I like to touch their hearts at the end of a show so that they remember it. In the morning, they smile. They wake up, and they remember the show, and they think about it, and they start smiling. And it makes them feel good. That’s my legacy. I’m gonna make people feel good and enrich their lives in any way I can.

IG @sammyhagar

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT | Rob Shanahan

Read the APR ISSUE #124 of Athleisure Mag and see THE RED ROCKER | Sammy Hagar in mag.

YAGP GALA 2026 POST COVERAGE

This month, we attended the Youth America Grand Prix which has its World’s Largest Ballet Scholarship Competition for their 2026 Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow Gala at David H. Koch Theater in NYC. This event began with a VIP Cocktail hour during Golden Hour as we waited for the performances.

After cocktail hour, we made our way into the theater and for nearly 2 hours, we were able to enjoy young talent, up and coming stars, as well as noted ballerinas! The evening was hosted by Misty Copeland who was joined on stage by Tamar Greene, who is currently the longest running George Washington in Hamilton!

After their remarks, we were treated to a number of performances with our favorite being Rainbow which was choreographed by Melanie Hamrick and was set to She’s A Rainbow by The Rolling Stones with a special arrangement for this performance by Melanie’s partner, Mick Jagger! The performance was done by Christine Shevchenko and Calvin Royal III of the American Ballet Theatre. Their outfits were created by Rebecca Hessel Cohen, Founder and Creative Director of LoveShackFancy and was such a moment. There was also a phenomenal performance of Carmen with 3 male ballet dancers, which was a great performance.

At the conclusion of this portion of the night, we made our way back to the cocktail party area for the start of the dinner portion of the gala. We enjoyed sitting next to one of the choreographers from the night and it was interesting to hear how she created it.

We also watched both Melanie and Rebecca get honored and to hear from them about the passion for ballet! Guests also had the opportunity to participate in The Pointe Project where shoes were available for auction.

IG @yagp

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 46 - 53 LK Studio | PG 54 - 57 BFA |

Read the APR ISSUE #124 of Athleisure Mag and see YAGP GALA 2026 POST COVERAGE in mag.

STILL SNOWIN' | JAY "JEEZY" JENKINS

As we settle into the Fall, we know that the weeks ahead will be productive and busy! We’re navigating a number of projects while looking ahead to 2026! This month’s cover is definitely on that same wavelength! Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins is a 4X Grammy nominated artist, New York Times Best Selling Author, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist who is known for a number of songs that have been on rotation on our playlists and more.

We wanted to know more about how he got into the industry, his passion for music, and his creative process. We also wanted to delve into his national TM: 101 Live Orchestra Tour which has been sold out. Due to the success of this tour, he announced his residency in Las Vegas at PH Live at Planet Hollywood with The Masquerade (Oct 31st + Nov 1st) and The Nutcracker (Dec 19th + 21st). On Sept 28th, he dropped his latest album, Still Snowin’! We had to find out this and more from the man himself!

ATHLEISURE MAG: It’s a pleasure to speak with you as I have been a fan, and I have enjoyed your body of work musically, as well as being an entrepreneur, so we’re thrilled to have you as the cover of Athleisure Mag this month!

JEEZY: I love that! Thank you so much! This is amazing!

AM: So, you’ve said that for you, music was a vehicle for business. When did you fall in love with rap, and when did you realize you wanted to be an entertainer?

J: I fell in love with music at a very young age. I think my mother bought me like a Fat Boy’s tape, EPMD tape, and that’s kind of when I was just like, “okay, this is something I love, and when we moved from abroad and came back to the States right before my parents separated, we moved into this small apartment complex. The lady, her name was Dimitri. She lived next door, she was, you know about my father’s age and she played Supersonic. Like, all day, every day, I mean, like J.J. Fad, Supersonic, and it was like, I heard this song literally from when the sun went up to when the sun went down. Because she would play it, and I would just put my ear to the the wall and just listen to it. I just couldn’t believe, like what I was hearing, because I was feeling it. As I started coming of age and you know, I found the people that I liked, I ended up discovering Tupac and I just felt like he was for me. Like, I just couldn’t believe somebody else had the same views I did, and that’s why I really like fell in love with it. And I was, like, okay, you can learn from this. I can enjoy it. This is it. That was the moment.

As far as the artistry, I think I was forced more into being an artist more than I chose to be. I learned from music like music has always been my teacher. One of the real reasons why, I still, you know, listen to podcasts is that I’m learning something. I feel like I always learn from the people I listen to. But the first entrepreneurs that I ever saw were the local hustlers or when Cash Money or No Limit, when they were taking off. I was, like, okay, I could do that, but I want to be a CEO, so I basically, was grinding up money to be a CEO of a label, so I would put my money into the artists, and it didn’t work, you know. And over time, I kind of left with no money, a studio, and really a dream. And one of my guys said, “man, you might as well, just try it yourself, because, you’re the most dedicated and devoted to it, but also, it’s your life.”

AM: Wow!

J: I thought about it and I was like, you know what, you’re right. And I just started to, you know, get in the booth and it took me 10 years. But I stuck with it and the next thing, you know, I was dropping, Tha Streets Iz Watchin, Trap or Die, and then Thug Motivation. It’s been on ever since then.

AM: I mean, where do you get your inspiration from when it comes to creating new music and what is your creative process like?

J: Hmm, creating new music for me, so I never looked at it as music. It’s almost like a journal. You have to live to journal. Like, if you’re not living, you don’t got nothing to journal about. You’ve gotta go through some good times, some bad times, some setbacks, some adversity.

AM: Yup.

J: For me, my process is living. You know, I go out. I have all these new experiences. I learn all these new things. You know, I’ll take a couple of chances, take some risks and with that, I’m able to basically journal about what I’m going through right or what just happened. I navigate through it, and that’s how I go into albums. They’re more like journals.

It’s like, what happened? How did you deal with it? How you feel? What are you gonna do better? What are you inspired to do? What’s in line with your purpose? That’s how I write the music. Now, as far as like the temperament of it, and the sound just depends on where I’m at. If I’m in a place where I’m in a great space, like, right now and this project that I’m about to release now, the music’s going to feel that way, you know, like, Still Snowin’ it feels like I’m in a good place, but, my last project I Might Forgive ... But I Don’t Forget, I was in a bad place, so the music was darker. The sound was darker, the production was deeper. The tempo was slower. So it just depends on how you feel. So, my process is where I live. It’s about enjoying your life no matter what state you’re in and when you take a break from the world and you start to journal, let that come out in the music. The rest is pretty much art.

AM: Right?

J: It’s almost like, if you’re trying to keep up with the trends or trying to stay on the radio and stuff like that - it might be a little more tricky because you’re not yelling it from a real place.

AM: I love the idea of you saying, you’re coming from a place of when you’re living, and so it is very interesting. When you’re hearing your music, but it’s always so super authentic, which I really appreciate.

J: Mmm yeah I receive that – thank you. I think the key to this game - any game really is to stay true to yourself. Staying true to how you really feel, stay present and stay in your flow. Don’t really get caught up in the noise because as artists, you have a million people to tell you how to do it, but they have never done it. And then you have people telling you what you should do and it’s almost like a recipe you get from your grandmother. She taught you how to do it and you understand it and nobody else can come and tell you how to remix this recipe if it has been a family secret. Culture is like our family secret. Nobody can come in and tell me how to remix culture. I’ve had people try and you know, I made some unpopular decisions to stay in my flow. Of course, I went through some turmoil, but it all came back around because I stayed solid, and I kept the Integrity of who I am, what I’m doing, and what I’m saying. So, I don’t want to be the guy at the park you know, out with my daughters and somebody’s like, “oh, that’s got to make that whack something!”

AM: Right!

You’ve been in the industry for 20 years, which is not only incredible, but it’s a cultural milestone. You’ve been on this live orchestra tour focusing on your debut album and performing in like some insane venues at the Apollo Theater here in New York. How did you come together and decide that you wanted to incorporate a 26 piece orchestra and and really pushing the boundaries of what blending hip-hop and classical music is together?

J: Well, the thing is, growing up, you know, we watched all the mafia movies. So, John Gotti stuff and all that, and we just associated that with the good life, right?

AM: Yeah.

J: You get to that point in life you just us see it through a different lens because you made it to this point, which is why we were always fascinated with the narcos and all of that.

As far as our culture, we just want to get it to a place where - you know, it was once a dream, a hope, and a prayer that you made it past 21 because of the circumstances you were in. As you make it past 21, you start to think, like, “damn, what am I going to do now?” And as I have matured into this, to meet the next level is this or that, and the next level for me is 20 years later. Staying in my truth was something that I always dreamed of doing with an orchestra. I was able to do that in Atlanta at the High Museum. It was the first time at 45 years old that I had even seen an orchestra! So, you know, on top of being, nervous, because I’m like, “okay, how does this work for me?” I wondered whether people would accept it. By the third song, I was, like, “oh my God, I gotta take this around the world because this is aligned with my purpose, It’s inspiring and uplifting my culture.”

There are people that I see in this crowd that have suits on that I’ve never seen in suits, Right?

AM: Right!

J: There’s people here celebrating life and just happy to be here because they feel as good as they look – and that’s a feeling right? I said to myself, for my 20-year anniversary, I’m going to take this around the world because there’s somebody in Kansas City that’s never been to an orchestra before, there’s someone in DC that hasn’t, there’s somebody in Miami, there’s somebody in Detroit and they deserve that! The best thing I could do is bring this experience to them and present it in a way that’s cool. It was a date night to see all these married couples are out having a great time together because they grew up on the music. But now they get to celebrate together.

It’s the first of its kind and to do it as a tour and to do it independently as well!

AM: That’s quite an undertaking to do for you to personally back it yourself. The logistics that are around that, like, how has that been to put all that together?

J: I gotta say, I have an amazing team, you know? We tight, but we’re strong. Everybody believed in the vision, and we hit the ground - boots on the ground, and we hit the ground running. The experience of some of the orchestra members and their dedication. You know, the people that were breaking down the equipment, and like everybody was just in on this, like everybody gave it, they’re all it’s one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever been a part of, especially in the touring world.

I heard a lot of whispers out there, like, “Jeezy, don’t come to the West Coast.” I was, like, “no, we love the West Coast.” So, just for that, we just got a residency in Las Vegas. We’re bringing a 101 piece orchestra - first time to ever do it and we’re doing it at Planet Hollywood. We’re doing The Masquerade on October 31st, and November 1st, and then we’re coming back with The Nutcracker on December 19th and December 21st with that 101 piece orchestra members, Adam Blackstone, Derrick Hodge, DJ Drama, DJ Ace, and we bringing the whole show to the West Coast, and we want to make it a destination, so it’s more of an experience. Now, mind you, everybody else in the world is more than welcome to come. But I wanted to set up in the West Coast, just for the West Coast.

AM: It sounds amazing. We have previously interviewed Adam Blackstone a couple years ago. I find his artistry to be top notch and he is everywhere! Derrick Hodge, DJ Drama, DJ Ace - all of you coming together, creating this. How has that been?

J: It’s been amazing. I mean, I tell them all the time. Man, you know, I’m rocking with the best.

AM: Yup!

J: Adam Blackstone, brilliant. He’s brilliant, Derrick Hodge is phenomenal. Like, I’ve never seen someone that understands the way he understands how to mobilize the orchestra. Color of Noize Orchestra, has been phenomenal. Everything they’ve done doing, this tour has been nothing less than great. DJ Drama is the legend! The records that we have created and the synergy we have to see him open up the show - it’s almost like I’m getting hyped in my dressing room. Me and DJ Ace, we’ve been together almost 12 years now and we’re like Batman and Robin – you can’t have one without the other! We still give people that so you’re really getting 3 shows!

To me, it’s just like seeing everybody go down memory lane and really, just celebrating! By the way, it is not just a celebration of 20 years of Thug Motivation! 20 years ago, they were not in tuxedos listening to this music. That means you’ve done well for yourself to even be here. I’m just the guest of honor, and I’m coming to help you party! What I love is, in the beginning, a lot of people didn’t understand what an orchestra was because they hadn’t been to one before. So they were thinking more like they were going to come and my music would be playing. They didn’t think that I would be there. Once they realized that no, this is still a party, and when you get here and you stand on your feet, you never sit down - it’s been a party ever since!

AM: Wow!

What do you think your takeaway is going to be once the orchestra tour is completed, and obviously, this residency is an immersive environment. What are your takeaways going to be from doing these kinds of shows?

J: So always bet on yourself. To always stick with your vision no matter how many times people will tell you that it won’t work and what people won’t do and just hold your nose and jump in.

AM: Alright now!

J: That’s it! You have to take chances. You’ve gotta do things that are great. You gotta push the envelope and I just feel like, when you’re independent, you can do all those things. You don’t have to go back and forth with someone and try to get them to see what you see – you just take a chance. I hope and I pray that the generation behind being a generation behind them actually get a chance to see that you can evolve in this. You can give yourself permission to evolve. You don’t have to stay in this box that they put you in because that’s the way you came out in the beginning. You don’t have to stay that person you’re allowed to grow in this, you know?

We didn’t get to see Tupac get to his full potential. We didn’t see some of these greats get to their full potential. We didn’t see that from Bob Marley, you know - you get the right to grow in this. You get the right to evolve in this. Just be unapologetic of yourself and lean in and just be present meaning - I know where I’m at in my career, I know it’s been 20 years, but I feel younger than I’ve ever felt.

AM: Yeah.

J: I feel more creative than I have ever felt. I have more wisdom, more knowledge than that, I have more resources as well as relationships. And it’s just like, the thing that I don’t like when it comes to our culture and our music is that they feel like they can put a timeline on you.

AM: Facts.

J: You don’t get that with country music or rock music. Matter of fact, the older you get in rock, the greater you are. You know what I’m saying? Why can’t you be like that for us?

AM: As you know, sometimes we’re harder on ourselves?

J: Right!

AM: You’re absolutely right! I see Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Metallica, The Rolling Stones and it’s like oh my God, iconic – they’re still doing it and killing it, but we have that, too, and that should be respected within the culture.

J: And by the way, Richard Pryor when he was young he was probably cold but, Richard Pryor when he got older ha ha – he was a whole different beast, a whole different monster! He was a whole different animal!

AM: Facts!

J: That’s what I’m saying! For me, we’ve got to grow up as a culture! We have to grow up as a people. We have to grow up as men. We can’t shy away from that. I’m listening to classical music in the morning, I’m not negating that. No more Patron for me, but I’ll take some red wine! That’s my life!

AM: There you go!

J: You know what I’m saying, ain’t nothing wrong with that!

AM: As someone as busy as you are and you’re on the road touring, how do you stay in shape to optimize yourself? Here at Athleisure Mag, we’re always talking about fitness and/or wellness routines. So, what are 3 things that you do, because you’re always on the go?

J: Yeah, I mean, the good thing is, I’ve been busy pretty much 90% of my life, so I have been dialed in. I would say first, you know, you got to start off, you know, with your mental health. For me, that’s waking up meditating, praying about how grateful I am even when things aren’t going well. Taking the time to journal in the morning and step outside to get some fresh air. I’m definitely gonna go to the gym, and sometimes you know you might not have as much time as you would like, but you still got to do something.

AM: Exactly.

J: That’s my thing, just do something every day. And also, you know, of course, your vitamins, your nutrients, and stuff like that. I think eating right is a big part of that, but also like to be honest with you, the biggest thing I’ve learned through all this is like, don’t let none of this stuff stress you.

AM: That part!

J: If it’s not in your control, there’s nothing that you can do, it’s in God’s hand. He can handle everything.

AM: Exactly!

J: There is nothing for you to worry about.

AM: There’s many a time that I’m like, that’s on you, Lord – I know you got that and this.

J: Then just make decisions! Try your best to make decisions, you know, as quick as you can, so you don’t dwell on them. If you can’t make you that decision, just make sure you got some people that you trust that you can run things by just to get some insight.

I would say, you know, eating right, working out, taking care of your mind, taking care of you, and just knowing when it’s enough because you gotta have a work/life balance. I think that’s how you stay young. If you’re just working, and you’re not playing or doing things that charge you or fuel you, then you’ll be depleted.

AM: Absolutely.

J: Start with God first, then start with your mind, and then start with your physical health and just take care of yourself. Just treat yourself how you would treat your best friend!

AM: Pretty much!

You celebrated your birthday by dropping another project Still Snowin’ on your birthday, September 28th with DJ Drama. The live IG with you. hosted by DJ D-Nice was great, The office went nuts!

J: Yes!

AM: Tell me more about this, and why did you want to do this? I mean, you’re putting on a whole orchestra, and you’ve got this going on.

J: I know right? I couldn’t resist it! We were in Miami and I was getting ready for the tour, and I was just like, “you know, come out and put a studio in this bedroom!”

AM: Ha!

J: I know when it’s time. It was time for me and I felt with the orchestra and all of these things inspiring me this time, you know and getting back into my art bag as far as art collecting and stuff like that, which was one of the reasons why I tapped, Dr. Fahamu Pecou to do the cover art and actually paint the painting for the project.

For me, it’s just like, when you feel it, you gotta go. Because when you’re forcing it, it’s when you shouldn’t be doing it. If you’re doing it for money, you definitely shouldn’t be doing it. But if you’re doing it for the love of it, the passion of it, and it happens to come with some kind of monetary gain – absolutely! I’m doing this for the people that have always had love for me. I feel like they deserve it. In the words of the great Andre 3000, “if you want to hear something, make it yourself. He told me that one time, if you like something and you want to hear it, make it yourself.” That’s what I did, and this project is definitely where I’m at and I feel like, culturally, we need this, the fame needs, the people need this. It’s got to be a higher vibration. This is that. I want people to feel good, you know? I want people to feel good while they out here grinding, anybody out here, you know, solving the puzzle of life. I just wanted them to have some theme music!

AM: Well, one of the things I appreciate about you, is that you’re always involved in various projects, and I recently saw that you were in Trap City. What did you enjoy about being in this film and can we expect to see you more in TV /film as an actor?

J: This film to me was really cool because I had a lot of creative control. I was able to play a preacher that has street ties. I had to preach a sermon, so imagine that!

AM: Right!

J: It was actually fun, though it was one of those things where there was some down time. I was like, let’s try this again. Being in front of a camera, shooting music videos and doing this for most of your career, you just get really comfortable in front of the camera. It’s always those things you do when you have time, and you want to push yourself.

To me, it’s like, that’s another challenge - remembering lines, and showing up on time. Capturing those emotions because they told me that I had to cry and I said, I don’t know about that, but we’ll figure it out.

AM: As someone who is an entrepreneur with an ever growing portfolio, you most recently collaborated with Eastside Golf for their limited edition collab this past August. What was that process like, and what do you think the synergy is between hip-hop and golf?

J: I think it’s the synergy between men and golf and Black men in golf? I think that we looked at the sport as if we had no say in it. Shout out to Olajuwon Ajanaku who just went pro and he is the CEO over there at Eastside Golf. He’s one of the best players that I’ve ever seen, but we joke all the time about making golf cool. Golf is a part of my mental health if I’m honest. When you’re out there on that course and you’re able to have that fellowship, deal with people and be out there in that fresh air and listening to great music - it’s really how these meaningful conversations take place that helps your mental health. It brings up a level of peace you wouldn’t believe, and I think that’s what it is, I think us as Black men - we’re in a place right now, where we love peace, and this adds on to it. So I think that’s what people are actually doing, and the love! Golf is like like, you can never beat the course – you just play it. Sometimes you play good and sometimes you play bad. You’re not going to beat the course. You’re not going to go out there and get a hole in one every time you play the ball. The lesson is, every shot sets you up for the next shot. That’s how you have to live life. Every thing sets you up for the next thing.

AM: You also launched EDGE Energy Drink. Love the packaging. Love the can. Why did you want to add this to your diverse portfolio, and what can you tell me about the assortment of beverages?

J: Well, I’ve never been an energy drink guy. But the first time I had a taste of this, I was, like, oh my God, this is amazing. No aftertaste, it’s fresh. I had them bring down the sugar content in it.

AM: Nice.

J: I love the packaging. I love what it stood for, and I’ve had energy drinks and some of them could be really harsh. Some of them could make you really jittery. This was nothing of the sort. What I really love about EDGE is the opportunity to promote it and market it as a mixer as well.

You know, these signature drinks you like these signature cocktails. Instead of putting all this stuff in it with all this sugar and all this caffeine, you can go with something like EDGE and enjoy the taste and still get the energy you want. I like to do things that align with my purpose and my lifestyle.

You know, I might have 1 a day, 2 a day. I want to run it around so that it gives me the energy to get my work done. If I do, you know, ever, ever have a cocktail or something, I’ll just throw some EDGE in there instead of putting all this other stuff in there. It’s an amazing product. I’m actually excited about it. We’re gonna have a great year next year with Edge, for sure!

AM: When you’re not on the road or working on projects, how do you take time for yourself?

J: I really like to take a lot of time to work on myself spiritually, mentally, healthwise and to say grounded. So a lot of my free time, I’m really looking to be the best version of myself and really making sure that I am balancing my life. I know that balance is a word that doesn’t really exist, but you know, at the same time, I think that it is important to make sure that you are pouring into yourself and that you continue to grow so that when it is time for you to share back into the world, you’re more prepared.

AM: Are there any upcoming projects that we should keep an eye out for?

J: I mean, as far as right now, my philanthropy is the next thing on my table. My annual Snowball will be on Oct 9th in Atlanta, GA. It’s the gala for my non-profit foundation, Street Dreamz Foundation. This foundation is for at risk inner city youths. It’s a big, big, big, big deal this year. This year, the theme is Forever I Love Atlanta. Ludacris Bridges will be hosting. So it’s going to be amazing! I have some special surprises for all of my Atlanta folks. We’re going to raise a lot of money for a great cause and for some great kids.

AM: What do you want your legacy to be known as? You are a 4X Grammy Nominee, you have sold over 10 million albums worldwide, you’re a profound storyteller, NYT Best Selling Author, you have an impressive portfolio entrepreneurially - what do you want people to feel or say about you when they think about you and your body of work?

J: You know, I want to be a great father and to continue to be a great brother. As far as my legacy, I want to be known as somebody who took all of the risks that he had to take to pour back into his community, to pour back into his culture, to pour back into his people, and also the younger generation that it’s 1,000% ok to evolve. It’s 1,000% ok to be in your truth. It’s 1,000% ok to who you are.

AM: It was so great to sit down and talk with you as I know you have a busy few weeks ahead! As a fan of your music, I’ve enjoyed hearing about your vision, purpose, your com mitment, and your focus on community. I think that’s super important and that you’re a reflection of what people should look for when it comes to someone who is resilient and just doing it.

J: I appreciate that and receive it!

IG @jeezy

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | FRONT/BACK COVER Matt Swinsky | PG 16 - 33 + PG 36 -39 JWJ Enterprises | PG 34 Erika Goldring |

Read the SEP ISSUE #117 of Athleisure Mag and see STILL SNOWIN’ | Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins in mag.

COUPLESHIP ROCK WITH PERRY + ETTY LAU FARRELL

We had the pleasure to connect with rock powerhouse couple, Perry Farrell and his wife, Etty Lau Farrell. Perry is known as the Godfather of Alternative Rock and is noted as one of the people to push the genre forward. From Psi Com, Jane's Addiction, Porno for Pyros and his solo projects, this frontman can do it all from lead vocals, writing and more. Etty is a classically trained dancer who toured with Ricky Martin, Madonna, Bon Jovi and joined the Jane's Addiction tour in 1997. She would go on to being a bandmate and being in a number of projects with Perry including being a vocalist in their band, Satellite Party and Kind Heaven Orchestra and being on the board of Lollapalooza.

We caught up with rock's glam power couple to find out about their love for performing, how they work together, Lollapalooza, and Perry Farrell: The Glitz; The Glamour box set.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Perry when did you first fall in love with music and when did you realize that you wanted to perform?

PERRY FARRELL: I was so fortunate to be able to be introduced to so many artists by my big brother and sister. He turned me onto The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and The Who which was my starting point. My sister loved fun and soul so I got to know about James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone and George Clinton as well as the Funkadelic - loved that.

I didn't really think about performing until much later in life in my early 20s! I felt that I had the frame for it as a skinny guy and that I could be a frontman. I knew that I could dance, but I had to have that voice.

So, I taught myself to be a lead singer! I would look into the mirror and imitate Mick Jagger and David Bowie. I wanted to create music that people could feel so I had my mixer, headphones, microphone and I would write songs.

AM: Etty, what was your journey to coming into music and being a vocalist, dancer and songwriter?

ETTY LAU: I had been dancing my entire life as I am a classically trained dancer as a ballerina! I was born in Hong Kong and I went to the Royal Academy of Dance and when I moved to Seattle while being in a dance studio there, I also attended the Pacific Northwest Ballet and the Cornish College of the Arts. I came down to LA on a scholarship at 19.

We met in 1997 when Jane's Addiction was going back out on tour and I was on tour with them ever since.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Athleisure Mag is cofounded by a couple so we always like talking to couples who work together. You guys have worked together for decades from Jane’s Addiction, Satellite Party and your latest project, what is that like and how do you navigate the dynamics of work along with your coupleship?

ELF: We have a bit of an odd codependency with one another. So we share everything - a car, a stage, a hotel room.

PF: Even a toothbrush!

AM: Oh my!

ELF: No not a toothbrush, that's gross ha!

AM: Definitely have to have your own on that one haha!

ELF: When it comes to working together, I think of Perry like my boss in many ways. I know that when I'm on tour dancing for Jane's Addiction, he is the boss. I'm on the board of Lolla and I do a lot of the logistical things and make recommendations - but he is the boss.

PF: Absolutely not. I am not your boss, it's a partnership. When we work together, there is a give and take and it's all about immersing yourself and bringing all of these experiences together to make something meaningful and heartfelt.

ELF: We know our strong suits and we're able to play off of one another. What he has, I may not have and what I have he may not have - but together, it works as a true partnership! I know that he respects my opinion, but the final word is with him - I can only advise.

AM: The first music festival that we remember going to was Lollapalooza in 2007 and again in 2008. We saw Satellite Party, Daft Punk, Kanye, Lady Gaga - so many great acts and series of days. It literally started our path to attending festivals.

Like many this past year, it has been insane and between lockdowns, quarantines and pauses, plans were in the air and there were pivots. You guys had Lollapalooza virtually, but with vaccines being available, are there plans to resume this festival this year in Chicago and or global cities?

PF: Lollapalooza is a microcosm of music that has a massive amount of people that enjoy music over a period of days in various cities.

Because of COVID, we did a digital platform in 2020. We did 4 days online and reunited Porno, Janes and had people play live. It was fun because we went into archives and it was a great way to give everyone hope and something to enjoy.

If we can all stay on course, getting vaccinated, socially distant and mask up – maybe please God, we’ll get to go to Chicago in early August with an audience in one capacity or another for Lollapalooza – not a large one but maybe a half capacity. We can only respond to the people and what the city/government professionals say that we can do.

I listen to Joe Biden when he says that July 4th could be when we have our first small celebrations, then I’m going to say, that mine will be in August and I want to have it in Chicago. So I’m planning for a party in some kind of capacity for Kind Heaven Orchestra to come out there.

AM: Definitely hoping that we can go back to in person events! The fact that you guys use your platform to continue to drive the point home that wearing masks is a must and that they need to get vaccinated! It's a shame that it's become so politicized!

PF: Why do you think it's politicized?

AM: I'm not sure why! I think that wearing a mask is just being a good citizen and keeps yourself as well as those around you safe. It's such a small effort with a great impact to show that you're doing your part. The more we're able to do it, engaging in social distancing and safe behaviours, then we can begin to embrace the things that we have done before. It may be in a different way, but baby steps!

ELF: Without a doubt. I mean we have ideas of things; however, it's based on a number of things and ultimately, it's based on what the city will allow. But we're hopeful so keep checking our site and our socials for the latest information on that!

AM: One of the things that I have loved about your music Perry is that it has such a jazzy element to it. My great uncle was tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson who was with Blue Note Records and was part of the Hard Bop era.

As a power duo, you guys formed The Kind Heaven Orchestra. Can you tell me more about this and this 9 piece ensemble?

PF: Thank you yes and that's phenomenal! I love jazz, I love Duke Ellington, Miles Davis - their sound as well as their sense of style is just really something that I vibe with - that was great music.

The Kind Heaven Orchestra is an art collective and a music collective - an installation. We install for more than one day and I want to keep that going with that intimate scenario to see where it goes. Of course, it can be blown up too!

Before COVID, we were performing and I look forward to getting back to it when we're able to do in person events again!

AM: Your box set, Perry Farrell - The Glitz; The Glamour is a 35 year retrospective of your solo and artistic explorations outside of Jane’s Addiction and Porno for Pyros. With 68 tracks, vinyl, blue ray discs and remixes with Maceo Plex, Groove Armada, UNKLE and Hyper to name a few, photos and art - it's an epic and stunning box set to have. Why did you want to embark upon this project and how long did it take to put together?

ELF: We put it together during quarantine. It became our project!

AM: Wait, you just decided to put out this massive retrospective? Some people were making sourdough and you guys decided to showcase history!

PF: I tend to look forward and don’t look back. I like to keep it fresh. I had music all over the universe from Porno for Pyros stuff to Psi Com stuff and solo stuff. I had tracks floating around like they were comets and stars. I wanted everything in one place and to have my body of work. With the Internet, I love that you have a place where you can have all of your history and I had boxes of photographs which every picture tells a story!

ELF: It was going to a 50 page autobiography with photos . It's all vinyl and all solo work - so not Jane's Addiction. So it starts with Psi Com, Satellite Party and Kind Heaven. We have a few new songs in there too. It ended up being 100 pages with photos and about his childhood.

PF: There are 2 songs in the boxed set with Jim Morrison. I received an unearthed recording of The Doors’ Jim Morrison, written and recorded with Starcrawler. I had one of the tracks mixed by a Palestinian woman as well as an Israeli man who created mixes that are in the box set.

AM: When you look at 2020 and as we continue into 2021, there was a lot going on from COVID-19, the election, social justice, facing the need to talk about equality within Black Lives Matter as well as Stop Asian Hate – how are you guys utilizing your platform to lend your voices to this?

ELF: A lot of people don't know that I was born in Hong Kong and I know growing up when I came to the states, I had instances of prejudice and scary situations, but it is nothing like the trauma that is going on right now. We have to educate and bring awareness to what is happening and to speak out!

There are so many things that I want to do to continue to let people know about this. I'm even educating myself as well. When I open my mouth to speak, I'll know what I'm talking about. I think the more we learn about this topic, the more we learn about what we don't know.

AM: Couldn't agree more. It's so important to realize that this is going on and then to be an ally! As a Black Co-Founder whose boyfriend is Italian American/Jewish, he finds it important to not only be aware of what's going on but steps in to be an ally. I think this is so important when it comes to underrepresented groups whether we're talking about Asian, Blacks, LGBTQIA+. This is one of those issues that we need get people to realize that we will not continue to allow these horrific activities to take place!

PF: Absolutely. We need to stand in solidarity, love each other and to unite.

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Perry + Etty Lau Farrell

Read the Apr Issue #64 of Athleisure Mag and see Coupleship Rock with Perry + Etty Lau Farrell in mag.