ETERNALLY TIMELESS, JON BON JOVI

Bon Jovi, the Grammy Award®-winning band who came together in Sayerville, NJ is currently on This House is Not For Sale Tour which includes songs from their 14th album (of the same name). Vocal leader, Co-Founder and front-man, Jon Bon Jovi is a triple threat as an entertainer, actor and designer of apparel and accessory line, Hart n' Dagger. We took time between rehearsals and his show schedule to talk about the clothing label, his music and why it's essential to support local talent.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we talk music, tell us about Hart n' Dagger and how you came up with this line, we feel that it is an extension of your personal style!

JON BON JOVI: If you consider that the style, it is simply what makes me comfortable. It needs to be timeless and classic.
 
AM: We love the denim in the line, but you have accessories as well which is great for men and women - why did you add this and will there be additional products in this category?

JBJ: I’m not big on accessories, so they better have a meaning. We will continue to look at these items and perhaps look at watches and sunglasses, but those are long-term goals.
 

AM: Who is the Hart n' Dagger guy and will you bring women's apparel into this line in the future?

JBJ: The HnD man doesn’t buy into fads or fashions. We believe that torn jeans better have been torn on the playing field or because they’ve been worn out – not torn by some fashionista. If you’re looking for timeless and classic jeans for any situation, from work to play, HnD are for you.

AM: As an iconic band with worldwide fame, how do you stay grounded and connected to your roots to continue releasing songs that resonate with fans?

JBJ: Well, you still are who you are. You can never get away from where you grew up and where your roots are. So, that’s who we are… We’re a bunch of guys from Jersey that made it. 

We’ve worked our tails off. And we got lucky through the hard work, and we’re proud of it, and that's reflected in our songs and our attitude.

AM: You're in great shape and are currently on tour, what's your favorite workout? 

JBJ: I've been a runner for 40 years. When I do it, it gives me an hour to think. Fresh air, blood flow, and clear thoughts.”

AM: This House is Not For Sale Tour is offering bands the opportunity to open in their city - which is an amazing opportunity and such a great way to show local support. This is the third tour  (2006’s Have A Nice Day Tour and 2010’s The Circle Tour) where you have invited local and regional artists to share the stage with you for the Live Nation - promoted concerts. Why do you think it's important to have them open an arena show? 

JBJ: Every great band starts small and builds their rep one show at a time. That’s the opportunity we were given and now we want to pay it forward. If you’re ready for the arena stage, submit your audition tapes and join us in playing for the best audiences in rock music.”

Stay connected to Bon Jovi, their new talent and the This House is Not For Sale Tour by visiting the band's website.

Read more from the Feb issue as well as see the in mag story of Eternally Timeless, Jon Bon Jovi.

LIFE POWERED BY HYGGE

As connected as we can be, it's refreshing to know that there are still things that can be embraced even if it has a strong heritage and culture that we have yet to adopt (or maybe have unbeknownst to be engaging in it without being aware). As the Co-Founder/Style Director, part of the rewarding experience is to find how I have been aligned to a number of concepts within Athleisure that I have done for years (as well as learning about things that I was previously unaware). 

I say this as anyone who knows me knows that I am all about comfort (while looking chic), being cozy and being able to take moments for myself as well as intimate gatherings with others. I feel that in the midst of a fast paced lifestyle, these moments are essential to our wellness survival and it keeps my batteries charged when I work at dizzying speeds!

So when I started hearing about hygge, I became curious as I wanted to know more about this integrated way of being that has its roots in Danish culture and is making waves across the globe. There was no better person to talk about the intersectionality of hygge happiness,  socializing and more, than Meik Wiking who has literally written the book about the practice for those of us who are not familiar! Clearly, he is well versed on the subject as he is from Denmark and is the CEO of Copenhagen's Happiness Research Institute. 

Following this interview, I have curated items that you should have on hand in order to embrace hygge especially with the winter season when we could use a little extra comfort and centering!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background and how you came to creating a career that focuses on the study of happiness and the creation of The Happiness Research Institute?

MEIK WIKING: As CEO of Copenhagen's Happiness Research Institute, I study what makes people happy across the world. In 2011, the UN published a resolution which stated that “the pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal” and in 2012 it released its first World Happiness Report. Denmark regularly topped the list, and occurred to me that somebody should be trying to gather some intelligence about why we were doing so well in the happiness rankings, and then I thought “maybe I should do that.” In a matter of two months, I had quit my job and started paying even more attention to the global interest in what makes us happy.

AM: How did your work in the research of happiness bring you to creating The Little Book of Hygge?

MW: On a weekly basis, I am asked questions like “Why are the Danes so happy?” and “What can we learn from the Danes when it comes to happiness?” from journalists, researchers, nalists, researchers, and policy makers around the world. Denmark does have a strong social safety net, but so do other Scandinavian countries and Denmark still ranks highest on happiness surveys.  I came to realize that there might be an overlooked ingredient in the Danish recipe for happiness, and that is hygge.

AM: Throughout the book, you share the feelings and sentiments that create hygge and how it can be experienced alone, as well as in a collective, what are your favorite moments of hygge?

MW: Hygge is something I practice every day. I try to build a little pleasure and gratitude into my daily routine.

AM: In your opinion, is hygge a component of mindfulness?

MW: Not to us Danes. We have been talking about hygge for the past two centuries, whereas mindfulness is a recent trend. Also, we don´t see hygge as a trend, but more a part of our culture and national DNA. But I understand why this question is being asked, because both mindfulness and hygge share a focus on being present. 
 
AM: With an increase in meditation studios, candlelight yoga sessions, spaces where silence is encouraged to reconnect and retreats what elements of hygge can be included in these activities?

MW: Hygge mainly has to do with the absence of sounds, which enables you to hear even very quiet noises such as raindrops on the roof, wind blowing outside the window, the sound of trees waving in the wind, or the creaks of wooden planks that yield when you walk on them. Also, the sounds of a person drawing, cooking, or knitting could be hyggelig.

AM: For those who travel extensively, how can they make their hotel rooms or create a traveling hygge kit in order to feel that sense of comfort, when they're away from home?

MW: In THE LITTLE BOOK OF HYGGE, I talk about hygge emergency kits which can include candles (good quality), chocolate, tea, a blanket and, naturally, a scarf. In Denmark, we suffer from scarf withdrawal syndrome, so it’s important to have one on you at all times. If you pack this up and take it with you, this can easily be your hygge travel kit.
 
AM: Although you grew up in the world of hygge, why do you think that other countries have begun to adopt it?

MW: There is so much interest in Denmark and the rest of Scandinavia because these countries often rank highly in the happiness lists. Also, I believe more and more people are recognizing that our societies have become richer, but we as people have not become happier—and that we in a lot of countries are failing at converting wealth to well-being—and therefore people are looking for new sources of inspiration to improve quality of life—and looking towards Scandinavia in general and Denmark in particular

AM: The book shares a number of stats that reflect the happiest countries, is there data that reflects the happiest US city or state or one that reflects a region that is the most hygge like?

MW: In the US, you have, for instance, the General Social Survey, which would tell you the level of happiness around the country—however, I think we have yet to see a hyggeindex—even in Denmark.  
 
AM: We enjoyed hearing about how extroverts and introverts can experience the benefits of hygge, can you share with our audience how it can assist both groups?

MW: Introverts derive their energy from within, while extroverts derive theirs from external stimulation. Hygge can be labelled as socializing for introverts, because it is about being with others without it being draining. And extroverts can light some candles, put on some soothing music, and embrace their inner introverts on occasion.

AM: After reading this book, there are many notions of hygge that I have done for years without knowing the culture behind it and as the Co-Founder/Style Director of Athleisure, in addition to showcasing an active lifestyle, we are a major proponent of wearing garments that are comfortable and work with your lifestyle, taking moments to connect with friends in a myriad of ways and more. How can those within the athleisure culture mindset adopt hygge?

MW: It sounds like many of your readers are already maximizing hygge. I would suggest just talking about it more because our language shapes our behaviour and our behaviour shapes our happiness.  

More from the Jan Issue

NATURALLY NERVO

With the new year, we're all about getting on the right foot from being well to truly taking on those goals. We took a moment to chat with EDM DJ's NERVO - super cool and focused Australian twin sisters who have been taking the world by storm! As models, songwriters, producers, DJ's and more, we could seriously bottle their energy for any time we need a pick me up! 

We talked with Olivia and Miriam Nervo them on what they are up to from being sisters who work together, how they travel so much from set to set, their personal style and more! 

ATHLEISURE MAG: So how did you two realize that you wanted to be DJs and what was your background to getting there as we know that you started as songwriters. 

NERVO: We used to be full-time songwriters, working purely for other artists. When a song we wrote for David Guetta and Kelly Rowland - “When Love Takes Over,” won a Grammy, we thought we should give it a try ourselves at being artists. Besides, we had so many songs on our hard drives that we thought it would be such a waste to leave them there - so we had to become artists to release them. And NERVO was born :)

AM: As writers, producers and DJs what has been some of your favorite projects and people that you have worked with?

N: Everyone we have worked with has been truly amazing, but writing our own album and having it reach #1 was truly an honor. We were able to work with some really awesome artists like Afrojack, Steve Aoki, Nicky Romero, Alisa Ueno, Kreayshawn, and of course a favorite of ours and truly one of the funnest projects was getting to work with everyone on “The Other Boys,” with Kylie Minogue, Jake Shears and Nile Rodgers!

AM: You guys travel quite a bit, how do you stay centered when you're on the road going from stage to stage and where is your favorite place to perform?

N: Well we have become experts at the quick nap. We can literally sleep anywhere, on planes, in airports, in lobbies - literally anywhere, probably even standing up. To be honest, the energy we get from our fans always brings us back to life. Even when we are dead tired, we get to a gig and we see their smiling faces or their signs and we find some more energy. 

We love performing in Ibiza and also Mykonos. Actually, everywhere in Europe during the summer is incredible. Europeans really enjoy their summers. They stay out late, they eat great food and they party hard. Of course playing the major festivals like Tomorrowland and Creamfields is also a real buzz.

AM: In addition to being talented songwriters, composers, producers, DJs etc - you have also left a fingerprint on the fashion industry as well from modeling, spokeswork and just having great distinctive style. How has all of these skills advanced your brands collectively as well as individually? 

N: The fashion side of our business is just a lot of fun. We are lucky enough to travel to some of the most fun places in the world where we often pick up unique pieces of clothing. Tokyo is a favorite city of ours to shop in. We also wear clothes that are practical. We are constantly touring so Lycra is always good as it washes and dries quickly and is also very light weight - it’s a win win.

AM: As sisters, what is the process like in working with one another from behind the scenes as well as on stage.

N: We couldn’t imagine doing it without each other. Being able to travel and see the world with your sister is truly an amazing experience. We are each other’s support and also best critic so it really works out. There is an honesty that we have with each other that really helps our creative process too. We wouldn’t change it for anything!

AM: When you're about to play a set, what is the day like leading up to it and after, do you guys have rituals or things you do to relax after it?   

N: Honestly, usually it’s traveling to that specific show, maybe catching a nap and a good meal, preparing a strong set for that specific venue, getting girl ready and then just having the most energy we can to put on a great show. We are constantly working on something new for the shows - whether it be a new intro, a new edit, new visuals, so we always have a bit to discuss before the gig. 

AM: Describe your personal style, what do you wear on stage versus what you wear when you're going to brunch or running errands?  

N: On stage, we love leggings or short leggings with platform tennis shoes (that must be comfortable) and a body suit or comfortable top because we do jump around a lot, so our clothes need to be something that do not affect the performance.  In everyday life, we also really like to be comfortable and love comfy tees and cool jackets and definitely no makeup. We like to let our skin breathe whenever possible.

AM: What artists are on your bucket list that you have yet to collaborate with it?  

N: We have had the pleasure of working with so many great artists and each one brings their own texture and vibe and would work with all of them again! But our future bucket list would include Lauryn Hill, Imogen Heap, Eminem, London Grammar, Jack Johnson… we could go on foreverrrrrr :)

PHOTO CREDIT Chloe Paul

AM: With so much time on the road, how do you stay in shape and where do you like to go to get away?  

N: We stay in shape on stage!  Think we must burn so many calories on each and every show haha… 

We love to get away when on the road and sometimes take extra days in great locations like Mykonos, Ibiza, Mexico, and even skiing in Austria! Oh, and we always take a few months off a year to be with our family in Australia. 

AM: Tell us about #TittiesTittiesYeah and will you continue to do shows that include this initiative?  

N: We will continue to do everything we can to help raise money and awareness for Breast Cancer. Our mum is a survivor so we saw first-hand how important charities were not only for cancer victims but for their families, providing emotional support and also of course to the research that goes into finding a cure.  We started #TittiesTittiesYEAH so we could raise money and donate it to various hospitals or organizations and can’t wait to do more in 2017!

AM: As female DJs who have received phenomenal achievements, do you feel that you're role models to women who are looking to be in the space?  

N: We hope so and would love to be the inspiration for any woman in any career field to help them show that achieving your goals is possible and hard work and determination breeds success.  We recently did a campaign for our “People Grinnin’” release alongside Made By Me in Australia that helped show how women can get into engineering and that even though some of these fields are male dominated it shouldn’t stop women from going after what they want. 

AM: What are you working on that fans should keep an eye out for? 

N: More music and touring.  We have a big release coming out in February, as well as some great collabs we are super excited about. We’re also really excited to be launching NERVOnation in the snow in Solden, Austria this April. And of course, we will be launching NERVOnation in Ibiza at Ushuaia. 

To stay connected to NERVO while they're on tour or enjoying their next trip to destinations unknown, follow them @NERVOmusic on Instagram.

Read more from the Jan Issue here.

LANDMARKS & SOUND

Sometimes it's all about immersive experiences that allow you to escape. We took a moment with Producer/Director/Creator Daniel E Catullo III to talk about his new series Landmarks Live in Concert on PBS which is Great Performances x Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown x Sonic Highways which will release two episodes this month with additional destinations and artists starting in June. We talked about how he came up with this show, his background and how he got Red Hot Chili Peppers' drummer, Chad Smith as a host!

ATHLEISURE MAG: We are so excited to talk with you about the show and had a great time at the launch at the Dream Hotel Downtown! We love telling stories, music and travel - so the fact that this new show has all of this is really phenomenal!

DANIEL E CATULLO III: Thank you so much for recognizing what we are doing. I'm just so damn passionate about what we are doing and it has been a long road and I am really happy that you see that!

AM: Tell us about your background and what led you to creating this show. Your roll is massive as the creator, director and producer - what do you do and how did this get to PBS?

DEC III: I have been in the industry for about 25 years. Believe it or not, I started out as a roadie years ago after college. I was in the music business for years and all through the 90's I traveled with hundreds of bands from Guns and Roses to Live to Extreme. In the late 90's I met a nice couple Michael and Glenis Gross. Glenis became my partner and Michael (her husband) produced Ghostbusters, Kindergarden Cop and Twins and all of these really big films.

Glenis and I became partners and she brought me in on the industry on a business level. The first thing that we did was to buy a concert theater together called the Ventura Theater and I was a promoter for a couple of years. It was a tough business, because back then they were starting to do all of the roll ups - Live Nation was just beginning and it was funny because when we sold the theater, I told Glenis, "Ok I corrupted you into music - take me into film now," which was kind of a joke - but we were actually going to start a film company that focused on low budget features. This is around 1999/2000, I told her that I knew all of these bands and that I believed that this DVD thing was doing to take off. Remember that in 2000 DVDs weren't really there and people still had VHS. So we came up with an idea to do music DVDs that was quite a risk. I went to Universal and all of the major record labels and said I want to do these music DVDs for all of your artists, I will fund it but I want to own the copyright. They all said I was freaking crazy, but I could do what I wanted because if I was gong to fund it, then I could have it. So we got the sign off on the label and we started to do bands. We started off with a lot of rock bands - Godsmack, Marilyn Mason and The Cult. The next thing I know, music DVDs go from selling at 1500 units to 200K units to 500K. In 2003 I did Rush in Rio and it sold like 2M copies.

The risk took off! All through the 2000's I was doing live concert DVDs. I was pretty fortunate as I have done over 200 live DVD concert specials. I have really enjoyed the mix of people as I have done everyone from Rage Against the Machine to Mariah Carey to Etta James - it's really all over the map. I did Dave Matthews Band in Central Park and when I was doing that whole thing, I always had an idea to do a TV series because one of the things that fascinated me about music on TV, is that when our parents grew up, music programming was really family programming.

Families would gather around the TV set to either watch American Bandstand or Ed Sullivan Show and they watched it for the music artists. It was something that everyone had in common and somehow there has been this disconnect. This has been happening over the past 30-40 years as new genres have started to come in. It's very seldom that parents share the same musical taste as their kids. I'm just like, how do we bridge this gap and create something that is kind of like this appealing thing to everyone. I started thinking of ideas for shows and sort of took a break from music around 2011 and started doing documentaries and got pretty heavily involved in the doc business. I started understanding a whole other level of filmmaking and worked with some of the world's biggest documentary filmmakers. The first one I produced was called The Square and it went on to getting an Academy Award nomination and won a few Emmy's, Sundance and went on to Toronto and the second one I was involved with as a producer won Sundance again.

We won Sundance two years in a row and the cool thing that happened is 1. I still had an interest and was missing music and 2. I saw another side of filmmaking and that I needed to take my show idea and make it into the docuseries, while adding in lifestyle, travel etc with the music. I realized that if we hinged on the lifestyle doc side that I could make something that would appeal to my parents, myself and my kids. That's when we started screwing around with it and for the past 3 years we have done nothing but this. We took $2M of our own money and this is the only thing that we have worked on the show. We shot a couple of pilots and the first thing that we had ever done with the show, I shut down Grand Central Terminal for a few hours and brought the Scottish band CHVRCHES in and that was the initial pilot. We then took that concept and tweaked it again and did Alicia Keys (this aired Jan 20th). It was a never-ending process that brought it to what it is now and there was a lot of input from a number of people - probably well over 200 people have worked on the past 2 shows and it has been a really great process in getting our 2 shows. I think we have the magic sauce now. About a year and a half ago, we started aggressively meeting with TV networks - about 20. One of the things that I was pretty adamant on and why it took so long to get to a deal was I didn't want to sell the show, as I wanted to retain ownership of the show. I would meet with the network and they wanted to acquire the show and give me a big check - but let's face it not to sound like a dickhead but I didn't want them to fuck the show up and turn it into a variety show that would canceled after one season. I have done enough music stuff that I wanted to stay in control of it and to be the showrunner. Literally, we were turning down big offers and interestingly enough, originally our first choice was to work with PBS, but they didn't have a slot for us! They wanted me to go to American Television and get a syndication deal and I didn't want to do that so we walked away from them. 

So we went back to other networks and almost signed with them and then Stephen Segaller from WNET (NY local PBS channel) - a big champion of the show, told me that the network wanted to get behind us for this show. He knew they could secure a national spot for the show as right around that time, Downton Abbey had just gotten canceled and there were a number of spots available. I was like, now PBS National is knocking down our door. I mean if you look at the history - the most successful music shows are on PBS. Great Performances, Live at Lincoln Center, Austin City Limits etc all of these shows are 40 seasons deep!  The average network if you have a big show, it's on for 5 or 6 seasons. If we wanted to build something that could last forever, then PBS was the natural home and it's the most flexible from a creative standpoint. At the same time, it's in almost every home in America! We have the opportunity to bring the younger demo into the show and this network. This past week has been awesome because when they started promoting the show, the execs at PBS have seen the response to Alicia Keys and they see that millennials are having an interest in this. Even cooler, they're starting to give me a longer leash so I can do what I want to do! We're all over the map! I have everyone from will.i.am to Andrea Bocelli but that is the challenge is that I can do a show with him in it and get a 16-year-old to watch!

That's why we have Chad Smith as our host - he has a wide demo that likes him. He can be very compelling interviewer that I would enjoy watching and he is also hip and fun enough that a 16-year-old would enjoy watching him! His job is to bridge the gap and so when we are in Venice, Italy filming behind the scenes on Bocelli  - we'll make sure that we have enough in there that a millennial will enjoy watching it! It really is a travel show.

AM: Was Chad always your idea in terms of the host attached to this show?

DEC III: Yeah I love Chad. I worked with him years ago and did a DVD live concert film for Chickenfoot (the rock supergroup with vocalist Sammy Hagar/ex-Van Halen,  bassist Michael Anthony/ex-Van Halen, guitarist Joe Satriani and drummer Chad Smith) and he was a blast. When we were trying to figure out what to do with bonus features and everything, Chad is such a goofball - I gave him a microphone to go out with people in the street to mess with them. This was back in 2009 and I loved what he was doing and I told him that I wanted to do a show with him. Matt Pinfield who was one of the initial hosts and is one of my best friends is an EP who also developed the show. When we did the search for a host, the first call we made was to Chad. At the time, Chad had a web show called, "In Conversation With". I was like I know you want to do that, but you have to hear me out on this concept and come into my world. I knew he would be happy with it. Interestingly enough, there was a massive feeIing of concern from the network and sponsors because they thought of him with the picture from the Red Hot Chili Peppers with the sock. They wondered if he was going to be crazy and I said, "trust me, he will be great". They even had language in my contract that it wouldn't be valid until I showed them footage of Chad. Now, they are the biggest Chad Smith fans in the world. 

Chad is so cool because he is a music buff. He is just as happy to interview someone like Brad Paisley (his episode airs on Jan 27th) as he is Alicia Keys. He has something in common with all of them because he listens to and appreciates an array of music and he knows how to connect. Even though Chad is older than me, the cool thing about the Chili Peppers is that they have managed to stay relevant and to connect with the younger demo even though older people love them as well. I am so happy with our choice and wouldn't change it for a million years!

AM: Why are you doing 2 episodes in Jan and then releasing the rest in June?

DEC III: It took us 9 months to get our contract. No one thought it would take that long honestly so we just went into production early last year. It's how it ended up and for Alicia we wanted the episode to coincide with the launch of her record. Unfortunately, the way it worked, we have to do things in order so you had to do your TV deal and then do your international deals, then your digital deals and then your sponsors. Unfortunately to get them all aligned and processed it takes over a year. 

When I talked with PBS, I knew there were some slots in Jan, and suggested we tease out two special one off presentations episodes to the world so they can talk about it and know what it is. There will be some people that will say "oh another music show on PBS" but this one is really different. When the official series runs in June, people will know what to expect. We wanted to show viewers and sponsors to see their reaction. We don't consider ourselves a music series, we're more travel based. My goal is to go after the millennials and it's a learning curve. Unfortunately, the way music shows have performed in the last 20-30 years, that variety category got very dull and dry. 

You're judged by a genre and if you want to get interest for your show you have to show them and let them see why you're different. Honestly, we were so damned excited, we couldn't wait any longer!

AM: How did you decide on the artists?

DEC III: It's interesting. Alicia, I have worked with 50 times, so she is a friend.  I wanted to do a show in New York and there is no one in the world who encompasses this city than her as she is New York. When I was developing it, I was doing other projects with her and during lunch I would talk to her about it and she would say that is dope and I  told her I wanted her to do it! She was amazing as she stepped up to do it, not once but twice - actually three times. We did a show on the Circle Line,another at The Apollo and an interview with her. Then Brad Paisley came around, because I went to West Virginia Univerity and both Brad and I have a connection there because I'm an alumnus and he is from the area and we both support the University. I have an endowment at the university and I was down there for a dedication of the new football stadium that I helped build and I was like I was to do a show there so bad! I went to the President of the university and explained that I wanted to do a show there to give exposure to the university to let the world know. It was suggested that Brad should do it and they had been trying to get him to do something there for awhile. They had been trying to get him there for 10 years and I knew I was going to figure it out so I reached out to his management and no one would call me back. Weirdly enough, I was at Sean Penn's party for the Golden Globes and he has a Haiti benefit. I also have a Haiti charity as well called Global Adolescent Project. Anyway I'm at the party and who am I sitting next to? Brad Paisley and we hit it off right away and I told him about the show. He said he would have his manager call me on Mon and he did, and we put together an organic show which turned out to be the biggest party thrown at the univeristy. It was a show for 30K people, we paid for everything and it was a free show. I can't wait for that episode to air on Jan 27th!

Throughout the show, we highlight all of these amazing historic landmarks over the world. People can look at it and get why we are there as we have the Statue of Liberty, Eiffel Tower etc, and then they will be like West Virginia University? Viewers will say how is a football stadium a landmark, but when they watch the episode, they will see that the stadium means the world to that state, because there isn't anything else there. The stadium is a landmark there and it was so cool to showcase my alma mater. Then Bocelli, I'm a music buff and so I was hanging out with Dave Bryan (keyboardist for Bon Jovi) and he lives by me in NJ and we were hanging out in an apartment in NY and he gets a call at midnight as I was about to drive back to NJ and he asked me if I wanted to hang out with Bocelli for dinner. I was like it's midnight and he explained that he just finished hs concert at the Garden and that they were heading to a restaurant. So we go to La Cirque and they shut the restaurant down and it's Bocelli and his family. I hang out with them and had such a great meal as he was charming and his wife was lovely. I said that they should be on the show and I ended up working with him twice as he did my show as well as an ice skating special that took place in Verona. They're wonderful people and any chance I get to go to Italy I jump on it. A lot of the artists are through friends or people that I have worked with before. Especially before your show airs, if you want to have a big artist, it is going to be through friends and family. 

Now that the press is hitting, we're getting blitzed. We're having over 70 artists that have submitted and record labels are reaching out. I have a meeting next week at Sony. I'm glad that PBS is giving me more of a leash to book younger acts especially with them seeing the results of Alicia Keys. We are doing Sting in Sweden on June 16th and we're going to start finalizing the rest of the lineup. 

AM: Have you finished production on this season?

DEC III: NO, we're only 4 shows in and have 8 more to go! We go back into production the end of next month and will shoot through June. After the two that are being shown this month, we only have 2 in the can (will.i.am and Andrea Bocelli). All the other shows are being shot when we're back in production. We will do one every other week and once we get into production mode it's pretty easy. We get our team together, we spend a week in each city and you'll see that after the first two episodes, there is a lot more travel in them. A lot more interactive travel so you'll see kind of like in Anthony Bourdain that Chad is walking around, going to restaurants and seeing landmarks with the artists. We were a little handcuffed with Alicia and Brad because we couldn't get Chad to be with them as he was touring with the Red Hot Chili Peppers and it was crazy scheduling along with deadlines via PBS so, we had to shoot those episodes a little differently. In the future, Chad will be at the show, we'll see the city with them and it will be very Anthony Bourdain like. We're Great Performances X Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown X Sonic Highways.

AM: Who are some of your favorite artists that are going to be participating, but that you haven't shared with us yet?

DEC III: It's one I can't announce - we have one of the biggest bands in the world that is one of my favorites, but as we are still going through contracts I can't say, but I can say that they will be in Jamaica! That one and I am doing a huge show in Cuba, both are super great!!! We have some big ones coming up and it's surreal as I have worked with so many artists in my life. But now it's really cool as I can pick and choose who I want to work with! Sting's manager was at the party last night and she was telling me how excited he was to be at the show. We're honored to have him at the show. 

We have a behind the scenes reality show being done on us which is kind of funny but we're like a traveling circus and I bring my wife and kids with me. My daughter is 12 my son is 5 and they were brought up around this and I have pictures where they sit in the TV truck with me and my daughter has met Alicia Keys a few times now. My daughter got to bring 10 of her friends with her backstage to hang out with her and my daughter has directed on her own and she is actually a better music director then I am! She has a real eye and when I brought them to Italy with me, I took her on a remote camera and I had Ben  (he does Super Bowl halftime, U2 and the biggest shows in the world) and he was like she's better than he was. The kids today have a great eye and to be able to do this with my family - my wife works with us and to bring people to great places to meet the artists and to  have the next 6 months to go around the world - I am so stoked! My kids get to see different cultures and as I think about it, I should give my daughter a producer credit because she's 12 and I ask her opinion all the time to see if she gets what she's seeing, if she would watch it etc because if you can't connect with the kids then you're screwed.

AM: You must be so excited from all of the feedback that you've been getting!

DEC III: Yes, if you're going to play the long game and want to have the longevity of 30-40 years, PBS was the right fit for what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go. Now we're seeing the love from them and it will be the beginning of a very long relationship. They know that if they have a show that the public reacts well to, they don't care about the ratings, they will keep it going. They are about delivering quality programs. That is without a doubt - the best choice that I made and I don't regret it. Some people - investors wondered why I made that choice and I was happy to give them all the reasons why it was a sound decision. 

They are phenomenal partners. I kid you not, go look at Great Performance's and they have put a social media post up about Alicia Keys every 20 mins for the past 5 days straight! It's just crazy.

PHOTO CREDIT Courtesy of PBS/Landmarks Live in Concert

See more from the Jan Issue 

XOXO, BOY MEETS GIRL

Brands are born for a number of reasons, but some emerge to simply mark a moment as well as an extension from a lifelong passion that needs to be shared with like-minded individuals! Stacy Igel is the powerhouse behind Boy Meets Girl® which she states is the original athleisure brand and is coveted by celebs, "IT GIRLS," and more. We talked with her about how she came to fashion, the story behind the advancement of the brand, upcoming brand achievements and of course how she stays on top of it all as a wife and mom of her young son.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We think it's pretty appropriate to have you in this issue as our Style Director has always mentioned your brand as one of the early athleisure brands. Walk us through your journey in fashion that led you to creating Boy Meets Girl®!

STACY IGEL: I knew at a very young age - I tell people in the womb, who I wanted to be – a fashion designer. It was a pretty direct path in terms of getting here, but also there are hurdles. I dressed my classmates, had my own little lookbooks in 1st or 2nd grade and would make catalogs. I would make them without Instagram or social media. I just used polaroids to create them – this was pre-photoshop or even using computers! 

My mom was an entrepreneur. She created a lumbar support and she was always going to Hong Kong and Taiwan. She would bring back these trinkets from these places that were super cute. I just loved them and I started making catalogs and selling these items in there. Like I had the first charm necklaces back in the day so it was so cool. So I was this budding entrepreneur and I learned how to run a business. 

Then, while my mom was building her business she went from doing it at home to expanding to factories, tradeshows, etc. So even though it wasn’t designing, a clothing collection, it was a back machine that came in one color and one price point and she was a physician’s assistant – she was still making something and it was the things that you did to start a business. Creating something, selling, producing a product and dealing with factories. So when I was young, I knew I wanted to have my own business and to design. She definitely inspired me. My father was also very encouraging in my dreams. He is a doctor. Therefore, I had no family who was in the fashion business.

I started taking classes – there were opportunities at Columbia College in Chicago as my grammar school and high school at that time didn’t have the opportunities that people do now to learn those skills. I had to take a lot of extracurricular classes to learn more about design.  

I worked in retail at the Gap and in college worked in a retail store in Madison-Wisconsin where I made my first product and sold it there. I was always just on this track that I knew I would do this as well as understanding all facets of this business. My mom taught me that you can’t just do one thing you have to understand all facets from design, retail and manufacturing.                                                                                                                                                                     

Rosario Dawson in Boy Meets Girl

When I went to school I triple majored at the University of Wisconsin in Design, Retailing and Business. I got a Certificate of Business and I was able to carve out the 360 of how to be in business, do design and more. I took internships where I was able to learn more, did fashion shows etc. During my Junior year, I was able to study in London with Zandra Rhodes who is a very famous designer. I also worked with Donna Karan and Elsa Klensch (host of CNN's Style With Elsa Klensch), I was dabbling in a lot of areas and I even interviewed in '98 Marc Jacobs at one of his first NYFW shows in SOHO and I got to see behind the scenes and what it took to be in it. Seeing all these things, my parents asked did I still want to do it?  Of course I did!

When I graduated, I designed for Elie Tahari and was hired by him. I left there and went to Izod and learned high fashion as well as mass and branding. In 2001 right before Sept 11th, I left to pursue my own thing. Then the 11th happened and my first tradeshow was right around that time. 

My collection at that time had a lot of ribbons as well as the original Boy Meets Girl collection as it was focused on the Fourth of July and I was showing it in Sep as it was showing my Spring/Summer collection for the following season. My first department store who bought the line was Bergdorf Goodman at this trade show which was my first in NYC. It was crazy to sit in this booth showing it there and my mother kept nudging me saying, “it was the best store in the world.” There were about 60 designers that were showing; however, I was a hot booth as I had something new and fresh that resonated with all the customers (not to mention I had my awesome mom working with me at that show ... those were the days). I had a purchase order that was a nice amount and I was handmaking and screen printing everything – I did it all myself and then I realized that now that this was a thing, I’d have to get a factory as it was a big company and I was in business and had to ship all these goods. 

I am the direct line of having the passion, wanting to do it, being involved in every facet and a budding entrepreneur. I never stopped working – I have been working since I can remember as it’s what you do when you love it.

AM: Who is the Boy Meets girl customer?

SI: We like to say that she has a young attitude, she has a bit of an edge, she’s fun, she doesn’t take life too seriously. She really believes in being good and doing social good to help change the world. It’s not one specific thing, but she is into music and what’s happening. She loves going to concerts, traveling, etc. We like to say that it’s not only runway, it’s about being on the go and not taking things too seriously and having a good time. We’re the original athleisure brand which is why we love that this is in Athleisure Mag!

You’re on the plane, you’re on the go it fits your personality and it’s not about a specific age - just our attitude and how you feel. It’s amazing for me as the person who has built it to see what they come for, how they come to the brand, what they buy and why they buy. It makes me pinch myself sometimes.

Eva Longoria wears Boy Meets Girl

AM: How did you come up with the logo?

SI: I have a cool story on this – as it came from meeting my husband. I was going to dinner for the first time with my husband – at that time he was my boyfriend to meet his parents. On his wall, he had silhouettes of his brother and sister. When I was younger, we had something like that of me and my sister. The logo isn’t us per se but when I looked at it I was like, oh “Boy Meets Girl” – the first time you meet someone, the first concert, travel experience. It’s a moment and a story. 

After that night, my husband (who was also a graphic designer) and I started playing with the silhouettes, poofing the hair up, playing with the layouts etc. We then focused on trademarking everything, did the IP, spent a lot of time to protect the name across all apparel as well as internationally. You have to learn about all the protection and we deal with IP and protection on a daily basis. I always say that the logo is us in some ways but it’s really everybody as it’s about the story. Being young and having a good time.  I am also grateful my husband is a fashion/entertainment lawyer so the early days of putting this all together definitely inspired him too!

AM: What collabs have you done that you liked and of course, tell us about Care Bears.What collabs have you done that you liked and of course, tell us about Care Bears.

SI: One of my latest collabs that I partnered with was a very intimate NYFW show this past Sept where we partnered with Justine Skye and subway talent that were dancers into this space. I worked with Randy Jackson and he had an artist from Singapore named Will. What I did in this show (I’ve been known to partner with a number of artists/talent such as Wyclef Jean, Pharell, Leah Labelle, Natasha Bedingfield, and many more) was different then my other shows due to venue space. We could only invite 120 people and showcased the brand alongside new artists. A lot of artists I have worked with, we work together right before they hit. I mean when we worked with Justine she had never performed a NYFW live show before and then right after, she was opening for Beyonce which was crazy! It was really about showcasing the talent and infusing them in a great spot with great people and it’s the heart of who we are as a brand. I love this! Working with Wyclef was amazing as it was 3 months of working with him and it was a dream for sure. He is a musical genious.

I love working with artists on the rise and infusing music into our shows and keeping it fresh. We also did a Buy Now Wear Now concept in 2016 in partnership with Shopify and we did the same in 2012 with Wyclef and made a microsite which seemed crazy then compared to how you can do it now. For me, I am always doing things before its time.

Care Bears is iconic and I love being involved in bringing them back. Working with them has been great. We did a sneak peek collection back in Aug which was also at Collette (an iconic store in Paris) and it sold out. I am doing it again in a much bigger collab for 2017 as they felt our brand had a lot of synergy and it is their 35th Anniversary! They felt it would be cool as they are collaborating with a number of brands but no one has created what I have for this collab! Excited to share more. Follow @boymeetsgirlusa and @stacyigel on Instagram as we reveal more in Jan/Feb 2017!

Justine Skye stuns in Boy Meets Girl.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Stacy Igel

Read more from the Dec Issue.

WELLNESS MIND BODY SOUL TRENDS 2017

The Wellness space continues to change with innovations, its players, and new findings. With so many offerings out there, you want to enjoy what you've been using and doing but it's also nice to check out what is the upcoming trend. We took some time to talk with mindbodygreen's Founder and CEO Jason Wachob about how he came into the space, his company and their Annual Wellness Trend Report 2017 (as seen recently on Dr. Oz). Following this interview, we talked with some of the people and brands that he highlighted to share with you as we head into 2017 with this new knowledge.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Can you tell us about your background and what led you to creating MindBodyGreen?

JASON WACHOB: I am 42, I played basketball at Columbia a long time ago and became an equities trader. This was the 90’s, there were no startups. I always joke that people did one of these three things when you graduated, if you had really good grades and wanted to help people, you became a doctor or you went to law school and if you were looking to increase your wealth, you went to Wall Street – which is what I did. I quickly found that money did not buy happiness as 9/11 happened – I was a block away when it happened. I left and became an entrepreneur. I worked at a few startups that didn’t work and I found myself flying 150K miles domestically in one year. 

An old basketball injury compounded with stress (I’m 6’7” in a coach seat)  - I had 2 discs pressing on my sciatic nerve – my right leg was like a lightening rod with excruciating pain. I went to the doctor and he said that I needed back surgery and I got a second opinion and he said the same thing. Then as an afterthought he said, “maybe yoga could help.” I started doing yoga and saw things differently by changing my sleep, environment, and nutrition. It was a big part of it and I was completely healed and never had to do surgery. I was like “holy cow” there are so many people that have things wrong  and are looking to heal, lose weight, and change. There are so many ways to do this from spiritual, nutritionally, and physically – it’s all connected. So I decided to launch the site, MindBodyGreen – one word in ’09.

AM: What can readers who are first time visitors expect to get when they come to your site?

JW: I think that they will find something good for them wherever they are at in their life. I talk about those pillars: mental, physical, spiritual, emotional and environmental. Wherever you are, no matter your age, fit, whatever is going on – you will find something that resonates and inspires you to live your best life and to provide you with the content and inspiration to do so.

AM: What led you to creating the Wellness Trend Report? How many years has this been out, how do you go about finding the data and ultimately choosing what is on this list?

JW: I think we have been doing it for 5 or 6 years! It just started to become apparent that we would see things before they happened and it is a blend of art and science – looking at the data of what is trending and what people are reading combined with all the entrepreneurs that come through our office. We sometimes get the first look 6 months to a year before they come out and we have 10M readers and 5K contributors that are tapped into what is going on. This tells us what’s going to happen before it happens. 

AM: Of the items that you were able to uncover, what are some of the standout trends for 2017 that stuck out to you? 

JW: I think on one hand, it’s sort of interesting that sobriety is a trend and that the other one is alcohol is as well.

AM: We were struck by that too!

JW: It’s super interesting, on one hand people are not drinking and on the other hand there is this liquor which a lot of people in terms of health benefits think it’s bad. But this plant based liquor which is gluten free and has a spiritual element to it – which allows it to trend the other way. To me, it’s very interesting

AM: I liked in reading your report, that you included Daybreaker, which I have attended a few this year as I am also the Fashion Editor of DJ Mag. The first time that I went, I didn’t know what it was and couldn’t believe that attendees get up to attend a 7am party which includes dancing, yoga, etc and there is no alcohol there – it’s a wellness party – this is definitely in the trend for sobriety.

JW: Yup! It speaks to this idea that there isn’t a one size fits all for people. For some people sobriety works and for others it doesn’t.

AM: Do you feel that these trends are more apt to be seen in cities like here in NYC, LA, and Miami or that they do roll out to other cities that aren’t on the coasts?

JW: I think it tends to start on the coast, but what I have seen lately is that things are picking up in the middle of the country pretty fast. Like Atlanta is one of our fastest growing cities in terms of our audience. So I think that things start here but because wellness is seeping into the mainstream in a really big way – we talk about this in trend 11, you have some pretty big brands like Target, IHG (hotel group), and Whole Foods. The fact that you have some pretty big brands making this accessible in terms of price point, they are changing the landscape where 15 years ago this would have been exclusive to LA, San Francisco, Boulder, NYC. Things that start here but they spread pretty fast.

AM: What are the trends that you felt would be on this list but didn’t make it or do you feel that everything did make it?

JW: I think that everything we thought would be on here did make it on here. We look at a lot of stuff and we felt really good about everything that was on here.

AM: Who are some of your favorite contributors on your site in general and how do you go about selecting them?

JW: You know, I think it’s like picking your favorite child, we have so many – we have feature contributors. Anyone can be a contributor. If you’re a celebrity, a doctor or a wellness enthusiast – it’s very much so a democracy. It comes down to whether you’re sharing something that’s quality content. We don’t publish everything that we receive and we turn down way more then what we publish. To me, I don’t necessarily have any favorites as I love a number of our celebrities, doctors and enthusiasts. We love all of them but they all have unique perspectives which are equally important.

AM: What trends that are on the list are you looking to adopt into your routine now?

JW: Good question! Well, the women only spaces would not be for me as they wouldn’t allow me in. The personalized nutrition one is something that I want to try out for sure. That is interesting to me and purports my belief that there is no one size fits all aspect to wellness or to life in general. To have this amazing new science to validate that is something that I am going to test this year. Nutrition is very exciting and it really shows the future of this movement that merges east and west as there is real science saying this is why you need to eat Brussel Sprouts or on the flipside that it could be terrible for you.

AM: This is also true. In the last year alone, we have learned that there are a number of workouts, and foods that you thought were good for you and you find out that they’re not. There are so many interesting trends that are highlighted for 2017 that MBG has pointed out which you can see in the full Annual Wellness Trends Report. 

We went through the Annual Wellness Trend Report and reached out to a few movers in these categories to find out more about what they are doing and why we should be aware of it. 

MINDBODYGREEN ANNUAL WELLNESS TREND REPORT 2017

1. Personalized Nutrition
2. The Age of Fashion Minimalism
3. The Sobriety Movement
4. Wellness Is More Than Yoga & Meditation: It's A Sensory Experience
5. Ugly Greens Take The Spotlight As Restaurateurs & Brands Take Steps To Fight Food Waste
6. Mezcal Moves To The Top Of The Cocktail Menu
7. Communal Gathering And Women-Only Social Spaces Are The New Wave In Wellness
8. See Ya, Acai: Medicinal Mushrooms Are The New Superfood Staple
9. Infrared Saunas Are The Trendy New Spa Treatment
10. Affordable, Accessible Wellness Is Starting To Go Mainstream
11. The Ketogenic Diet Becomes The Diet Everyone's Talking About

AM: mbg listed Mezcal in its Annual Wellness Trend Report as a cocktail that is moving to the top of the cocktail menu. Tell us how you decided to embark on this particular business and what is your background in this space which ultimately created GEM&BOLT?

GEM&BOLT: We (Elliott and Adrina, co-founders) are both artists that grew up together in a bohemian outpost in the mountains of Virginia. For many years, we collaborated together as artists which eventually took form as a speakeasy in the Bay Area, which we called GEM&BOLT. We served mezcal infused with various superherbs which people loved! When we started serving mezcal with Damiana, we were amazed by the dynamic of the two together. It had perfect synergy. Our growing interest in Mezcal led us to Oaxaca to explore the origin of Mezcal and it's surrounding culture. Everything about Oaxaca stole our hearts immediately. Within two months, we closed down our California project and re-located the GEM&BOLT speakeasy to Oaxaca where we began hosting similar music and arts events. Little by little, we immersed ourselves in the world of mezcal. One day we chanced upon the origin myth of mezcal, which speaks of a lightning bolt striking the heart (gem) of the agave, roasting & fermenting it's sugars into what became known as mezcal. The serendipity prompted us to embark on a brand of our own. The whole process and growth has been very organic.

AM: How is Gem & Bolt differentiated from other alcohol offerings in the beverage space? 

GB: GEM&BOLT mezcal is distilled with Damiana, a lovely herb that brings a subtle botanical element to the mezcal. Damiana is mythically believed to elevate and enhance... People call it a heart-opener. 

AM: What are the benefits of Mezcal and why did you focus on this as opposed to tequila? 

GB: There was never a question in my mind between mezcal and tequila as we walked down this path. Mezcal called us for it's spiritedness, it's honesty as a product. It's hand-made, with patience, integrity and intention. From the first sip to waking up the next day, you feel the cleanness of mezcal in every respect.

AM: Why is Mezcal slated to trend for 2017 in the area of wellness? 

GB: By nature, as an artesanal product, mezcal is very clean and free of additives. In the same way people seek clean, high-quality food, there's a growing interest in high-quality small-batch craft spirits. For me, it goes hand-in-hand with the slow-food, farm-to-table movement. People want to know where their products come from and the story behind them.

AM: Womens-only spaces are a trend highlighted in the Annual Wellness Report. Can you tell us about your backgrounds and what led you to entering this space?

MELISSA WONG: When Sandra and I met, we were introduced because we both had our own organizations for women. She ran GIRL PARTY events, focusing on a range of topics like body + sex positivity, entrepreneurship, skill building workshops and I ran Up Speak, a peer mentorship groups for women. We met at the beginning of this year and after learning that we both believed in the power of in person gatherings, we decided to embark on a one month pop up. Eventually that month snowballed into a year-long lease after a space presented itself and we realized we wanted to grow a community beyond a months time. We each have a background in hospitality and events and had similar office based experience in tech and advertising, so we were easily able to speak the same language and get on the same page for this project. 

AM: What is New Women Space?

MW: New Women Space is a project cultivation and community event space, placing the ambitions of women of all experiences at its center. We believe that through conscious event design and warm hospitality that we can help create a supportive space for women to connect with each other and grow their projects. We operate from the standpoint that women have not had equal access to resources like space, mentorship, and encouragement. We aim to help create a positive environment for women to realize all they are capable of.

AM: What are the benefits of being a member of NWS and why would one be in this space as opposed to other options of this nature? 

MW: We don't currently offer membership at New Women Space. We wanted our programming to be accessible and inviting and didn't want to create any sort of in-group feeling at the space. We hope that women would be attracted to New Women Space based on our diverse programming, our approachability, attention to intersectionality, and opportunities to interact with other women in an intimate setting that feels more like a home away from home where you can instantly get comfortable and feel at ease. 

AM: What community and interests does NWS serve and will you expand?

MW: We serve women who wish to learn and connect with other women, who believe that through collective conversation and action that we can create a more welcoming and empowering reality. We offer programming that will nourish your head, heart and spirit - from professional development to wellness classes, accountability programs that help women make progress in their work to carefree nights like our all women's comedy night. 

We don't have any plans for expanding to an additional space just yet. We want to ensure that we grow with intention and thought and tend to the space and community we are seeing evolve everyday.

AM: What requirements are involved to be a member at NWS and what amenities and services do you provide?

MW: We don't have any requirements to host an event at New Women Space. We entertain all kinds of ideas and ensure that each woman who submits an idea for a workshop or event receives support and attention to see how best we can accommodate them in the space. 

Our ground floor is bright and open and steadily growing a plant collection. Our basement floor is cozy and intimate, ideal for hosting wellness classes or performance based events. We have seen time and time again how the energy and ideas of the women that come through our doors fill up the space and make it come alive without the need for any fancy amenities.  

AM: Why is this a community slated to trend for 2017? 

MW: We didn't open New Women Space because we foresaw a trend or wanted to jump on any bandwagon. Yet, since we opened a few months ago we've already been included in several articles that address a growing number of spaces dedicated to women. It is clear that there are other women in the NYC area and across the country who have made supporting women their mission. 

We heard from many women after the election results that they were so grateful that we existed. I think it's an important time for women to feel that someone is looking out for them, carving out safe space for them, and trying to create opportunities for them. We're honored to be a part of any movement that aims to do just that.

AM: We're always looking to up our game when it comes to our beauty treatments and are intrigued about your backgrounds and how you came to embark on this particular spa treatment which is in this year's Annual Wellness Trend Report in MBG?

HIGHERDOSE: Lauren and Katie met almost two years ago through a mutual friend.  Lauren had just left a startup called Aloha and was inspired to bring infrared to health/fitness based on what she learned from doctors/health experts while working there. Part of her job was to seek out health trends, but no product on the market made her feel the way the infrared sauna did. Once she researched the benefits of infrared for an article she was writing. She knew it was going to be the next big thing in the space.

Katie had recently left an executive role at Tough Mudder and was consulting for a detox center.  Lauren told Katie her idea, so Katie tried the infrared sauna, and was immediately "hooked" and gung-ho to launch the company with Lauren. Their backgrounds are very complimentary (Lauren as a nutritionist/health coach; Katie as a financier/entrepreneur), so they make a great team.  

The girls started off by installing infrared heating systems in yoga studios (which was Lauren's original vision).  Along the way, they were convinced New York needed a spa dedicated to infrared saunas since 1) they're in love with the product, 2) New Yorkers are so stressed and need to chill, and 3) because these types of places are doing well on the West Coast.  

AM: What is and the purpose behind HigherDOSE?

HD: HigherDOSE is a lifestyle brand that aims to change the way people think about health & wellness. Instead of focusing on achieving a certain or mile time, we focus on ways to get high naturally (especially through infrared and other next level therapies).  In fact, DOSE stands for Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, and Endorphins, which are your four main happy chemicals.  We promote a lifestyle centered around healthy ways to up your DOSE.  We believe this captures the zeitgeist of our generation, as millennials are investing more in their own personal happiness vs. short lived highs of the past....

AM: What are the benefits of this treatment as opposed to a traditional sauna?

HD: Infrared heat is very gentle. The experience is similar to lying in the sun on a warm day and feeling the heat radiate to the core of your body. Unlike traditional (hot rock or steam) saunas--which operate at well in excess of 200°F--infrared heat has the benefit of being effective at a more comfortable operating temperature of 100°-150°F.

Traditional saunas heat the air vs. the body directly which can make the experience unbearably hot and difficult to breathe. Because infrared heat penetrates human tissue vs. simply heating the surface of the skin, infrared saunas are seven times more effective than traditional saunas at detoxifying the body. By raising the body's core temperature, infrared saunas can produce a sweat composed of 20% toxins vs. only 3% toxins with a traditional sauna.

AM: Do the four colors of lights provide specific benefits to those who use this service?

HD: There are actually many colours in our chromotherapy and each colour works on mood, chakara's and different alignments within the body. LED light's are super powerful and are used to grow healthy cells in plants and does the same for humans.

In a nutshell - Red is energizing, Blue is calming, Yellow is awakening, Orange is galvanizing, Green is healing and promotes creativity and Violet promotes spirituality. 

AM: What role does music play in this treatment?

HD: We love music!  Who doesn't really?  The reason is listening to music, and even the anticipation of listening to music, releases dopamine in your brain (the pleasure/reward happy chemical which is also released through food and sex).  Our saunas are equipped with soundsystems so clients can play their favorite music and get the dopamine flowing (which is what our brand is all about).  We also make sure to play cool, vibe-y, burning man style DJ sets in our lounge to get you feeling good before and after the treatment.  

AM: Why is this considered a natural high?

HD: Because it's designed to up your DOSE!  You release DOSE in every session, for example - Music and knowing you're doing something good for yourself releases Dopamine, enjoying the sauna with a friend, lover, or colleague releases Oxytocin.... even if you go alone and take the time to appreciate your body (or even admire your sauna selfies), this also releases Oxytocin. Infrared itself releases Serotonin and downs cortisol, because infrared also increases your heart rate to the space of a light jog, Endorphins are released.

So it's pretty much the perfect natural high, which explains why the hashtag #addictedtoDOSE is so popular with our clients. 

AM: Why is this a service that is slated to trend for 2017? 

HD: We feel our offering spans many major trends, ncluding: reinventing the sauna/spa experience; rise of meditation and focus on mental health; athletes focus on recovery; Millennial's are looking for experience instead of product; and people want to feel good which equals looking good!

AM: What is your background and how did this lead you to creating DayTwo?

LIHI SEGAL: I have an extensive background in business positions at various start up companies. Over the years, I’ve been the CFO and COO of companies specializing in communications, semiconductors, and healthcare.

After I first became involved in healthcare (at a company called dbMotion, which specialized in information exchange and analytics, and was later sold to Allscripts), I knew there was no going back and it became difficult to consider taking a position in a company that isn’t involved in this area. Working in healthcare ignited a feeling of purpose in me that I haven’t felt in previous positions - we were touching people’s health, helping prevent disease, and improving their lives.

I later joined up with Yuval Ofek (former CEO of dbMotion) and Marius Nacht (founder of cybersecurity firm Checkpoint, among many other ventures) to found DayTwo. This came about after we were all fascinated by new gut microbiome research conducted at Israel’s Weizmann Institute of Science and its potential to improve people’s health and prevent disease. With our background in various tech companies, we hold a strong belief that using big data is the new way of developing effective healthcare solutions, and this ties in nicely with the Weizmann Institute research.

AM: What is DayTwo?

LS: DayTwo is the world's first provider of health improvement and disease prevention solutions based on Gut Microbiome research. Its first product, based on groundbreaking research led by Prof. Eran Segal and Dr. Eran Elinav from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, and exclusively licensed to DayTwo, is a personalized nutrition platform. It aims to normalize blood sugar levels and reduce risk for metabolic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, leveraging the world's largest and most detailed microbiome database. DayTwo's product pipeline includes additional microbiome-based diagnostic and therapeutic solutions.

AM: What is the gut microbiome?

LS: The gut microbiome is the collection of all microbes that exist in each person’s digestive tract and help us digest food. In our gut alone we have around 100 trillion microbes, similar to the number of cells that we have in our entire body! Each person’s microbiome is unique to, and influences the way, our body reacts to different foods. Unlike human genetics, we can change and manipulate our microbiome over time.

Microbiome research revealed that gut microbiome also affects our energy levels and our immune system. Recent research even showed that dieting may affect the microbiome in such a way that might lead to rapid weight gain once normal eating habits resume.

Since our gut microbiome is tied to so many different aspects of our health and well-being, it is extremely important to base our nutrition on our own unique microbiome composition.

AM: What are the benefits of using this and how does it enhance your lifestyle?

LS: People have been struggling to come up with a definitive answer to the question “what is the best diet for humans?” For many years, dietary trends have come and gone, and still, there is no clear answer.

The groundbreaking scientific research at the core of DayTwo’s personalized nutrition algorithm shows that we have been asking the wrong question. The right question is “what is the best diet for ME?”.

By basing our personalized nutrition recommendations on individual gut microbiome, as well as an extensive review of each customer's lifestyle and health, we are able to provide a plan that aims to normalize blood sugar levels.

DayTwo is not a diet, but a lifestyle and

wellness product. Maintaining healthy and normalized blood sugar levels can lead to better weight management, higher and more consistent energy levels, and, most importantly, can help reduce the risk of symptoms and diseases related to high blood sugar, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and more.

We encourage keeping a healthy and active lifestyle to go along with clean and balanced eating, based on our personalized nutrition recommendations.

AM: Why is this a service that is slated to trend for 2017 as you were included in this year's Wellness Trend Report? 

LS: With genome-based personalized medicine being a hot topic of conversation, and new revelations on how our microbiome affects multiple aspects of our well-being published often, our product is at the forefront of these health trends.

Personalized nutrition that is specifically tailored to individual gut microbiome and meant to help balance blood sugar levels also addresses some of the most worrying health concerns of the past few decades, namely the rise of obesity to epidemic levels, and the growing number of individuals classified as either diabetic or prediabetic.

It is our strong belief that the path to a better, healthier life starts with better nutrition, and we are certain that in 2017 and beyond, more and more people will look to a tailored solution to improve their overall wellness.

 PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | IMG 1 UnSplash | IMG 2 MindBodyGreen | IMG 3 Dr. Oz | IMG 4 Gem & Bolt Mezcal | IMG 5 New Women Space | IMG 6 + 7 HigherDose | IMG 8 Day 2 |

Read more from the Dec Issue.

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2016

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR THE COMMUTE | ARAMLEE Hana Convertible Bag  | MONDAINE Helvetica No 1 Bleu Marine Light (26mm) | TECH21 Evo Check | SPORTO Dena Cold Weather Duck Boots  | WAFF Medium Notebook with Blank & Letter Cubes |

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: CHASING THE SUN | MICHAEL KORS Allie Mixed Media Sneaker Sierra | TANZEE The Original Fake Tan Sheet Protector | EVEN EARPHONES Earbuds |

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: FOR YOUR STOCKING | THE BODY SHOP Olive Body Scrub | BEEKMAN 1802  100% All Natural Goat Milk Lip Balms | BLISS Zest Wishes | EOS Lip Balm Sphere | PATCHOLOGY Travel Size FlashPatch Eye Gels | COMPARTES x J CREW Chocolates |

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: #ATHSPO | L*SPACE BY MONICA WISE Sierra Top + Runaway Swim Capri Pant | ADIDAS Stan Smith | HAVAIANAS Mini Bags Black | PRESSED JUICERY Spiced Almond | TRIGGER POINT THERAPY Grid Foam Roller | DECLÉOR Hand Cream |

See more from the Dec Issue!

Music Sounds Better With You

by Ed Maguire

Want to improve your memory? Sleep better? Improve your visual and verbal skills? Improve your mood and reduce depression? Exercise better and have more energy? What if you could gain these benefits at no cost to you? Music is the answer – the benefits come from listening, and particularly from learning to sing or play and instrument.  There’s a reason why we use music in rituals – in religious ceremonies, chanting and mediation. Athletes use music to get themselves pumped up (look at Michael Phelps’ pre-race rituals for example).  

The benefits of music are multi-faceted, and there’s a growing body of scientific evidence exploring the how listening and playing music benefit mind and body.  I’ve been a musician most of my life, growing up in a household full of music. I picked up violin and piano from the time I was 7 years old, and the skills and experiences from listening and playing – both for fun and professionally.  There’s nothing quite like the high one experiences when playing music – it’s a sensation of getting “in the zone” – a state of heightened awareness, where you feel like you’re floating. 

It's great for your mood. Neuroscientists have found that listening to music improves positive emotions through stimulating hits of dopamine to the reward centers of our brain, making listeners feel good or elated. Listening to music impacts almost every brain center, suggesting there are widespread unexplored effects and potential uses for music.

Music helps with language learning. A 2013 study of adults learning a foreign language (Hungarian) found evidence that singing can facilitate short-term phrase learning in an unfamiliar language. Sixty adult participants were assigned to one of three “listen-and-repeat” conditions: speaking, rhythmic speaking, or singing. Participants in the singing group showed the best recall on a collection of Hungarian language tests after a 15-min learning 

Music can preserve your brain power. A recent study found that in people over the age of 65, 4 or 5 months of playing a musical instrument for an hour a week resulted in changes in parts of the brain that control hearing, memory and the part that controls the hands. The effects are long-lasting too: adults aged 65-80  performed better on tests of word recall, nonverbal memory, and cognitive flexibility the more years they had spent playing an instrument.

There’s growing evidence that music helps with memory.  In a 2008 experiment, stroke patients in rehab were assigned to listen to music, audiobooks or nothing in addition to regular care.  Based on follow-up testing on mood, quality of life and several cognitive measures a week, 3 months and 6 months post stroke, those in the music group improved significantly more on verbal memory and focused attention than those in the other groups, and they were less depressed and confused.

Musical training improves verbal skills in kids. A 2008 study found that children who received at least three years of instrumental music training outperformed counterparts on two outcomes closely related to music (auditory discrimination abilities and fine motor skills) and on two outcomes distantly related to music (vocabulary and nonverbal reasoning skills).

Music is good for the heart.  Studies of adult choir singers singing the same piece of music found they synced breathing and heart rates which produced a group-wide calming effect. A 2015 study of heart patients in India found that listening to calm music benefited the patients in multiple ways. The study found that music-listening produces significant decreases in the blood pressure and heart rate of coronary patients, music-listening reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, enhances life satisfaction, optimism, and hope, and makes life more meaningful in both coronary patients and healthy controls. Notably, the benefits -  decrease in blood pressure and heart rate were more intense in coronary patients than healthy controls.

Music helps to control pain. There are a number of studies that show the beneficial impact of listening to music for patients dealing with chronic pain. A 2013 study of 60 patient diagnosed with fibromyalgia — a disease characterized by severe musculoskeletal pain found that patients were randomly assigned to listen to music once a day over a four-week period experienced significant pain reduction and fewer depressive symptoms. A recent study of patients undergoing spine surgery found that patients that listened to music before and after surgery experienced less pain than those that didn’t. 

Music can improve the immune system.  An intriguing development from a Wilkes University research study found that music affects levels of IgA, which is a ley antibody for the immune system to defend against disease. The study measured undergraduate students’ salivary IgA levels measured before and after 30 minutes of exposure to either listening to a tone click, radio broadcast, soothing music or silence. The students exposed to music had significantly greater increases in IgA than any of the others.

Music is great for exercise. Why do you think aerobics and Zumba classes blast up-tempo music. Listening to fast paced music can help improve your performance when you are running or biking, especially if you listen to “pump-up” music to improve your motivation beforehand.  Listening to music also can increase endurance in a demanding workout.  This works through distraction – when concentrating on favorite music, it's easy to run an extra mile without realizing it.  

Lastly, listening to calm music can help the body recover faster by enhancing a relaxation effect post workout.

A key point is that it really doesn’t matter what style you want to listen to – whatever genre works for you is good. Certain styles like classical music, have been proven effective to enhance learning or for relaxation, but any style that connects with you can create benefits. If you really want to get maximum benefits, pick up that instrument you played in school and give it a whirl. If you’re a beginner don’t be intimidated.  You can get a starter guitar for around $100 and start taking lessons off YouTube. It’s the process of learning music as a new language that spurs new connections in your brain and fires up your pleasure centers.

Ed Maguire has worked as an equity analyst covering the technology sector since 1999 for a variety of firms including CLSA Americas, Merrill Lynch and CIBC. Previously he led sales for independent music distributor Twinbrook Music while working as professional musician performing on bass, violin and keyboards, composing, arranging and producing a variety of styles of music. Ed holds a B.A. in Music from Columbia and an M.B.A. from Rutgers in Finance and Management Information Systems. He lives in Millburn, NJ with his wife Lily, their two kids and the dog Spock.

ATHLEISURE HOUSE NYFW SS17

Today, Athleisure Mag launched its first New York Fashion Week event, ATHLEISURE HOUSE which showcased active fashion, fitness, wellness and lifestyle activities in luxury Manhattan residences in Hell’s Kitchen (535 W 43rd St NY, NY). Invited attendees were treated to three stylish presentations in the property’s bi-level courtyard, lounge, and game room.

Athleisure, lounge and swim brands included: HOM (men’s active/swim), MAAJI Swimwear (women’s Columbian swimwear line), and NOLI YOGA (NYC based yoga line) presented by Athleisure Mag via ATHLEISURE HOUSE NYFW SS/17.

These shows were complimented with accessories from Big Mouth Inc, Dharma Yoga Wheel, Kemi Designs, Melt, Misfit, Pikolinos, Sand by Saya, Quilted Koala, Soundchick Accessories, and Yosi Samra. The shows were styled by Celebrity Stylist and Athleisure Mag’s Style Director, Kimmie Smith. Backstage teams created the edgy and tribal hair and makeup looks led by Lead Makeup Artist Nydia Figueroa of Eve Pearl (Official Cosmetic Sponsor) and Assistant Key
Makeup Artist Kat Osorio, and Lead Hairstylist Brooke Bogle.

Attendees included fashion and fitness industry, athletes, actors, celebrity fitness trainers, Bravolebrities, celebrity publicists, personalities, and influencers. Guests of Athleisure House enjoyed food and beverage sponsored by Truly Spiked Sparkling Water, JUST WATER, Bai, Organic Gemini, Maple Water, MacroBar and Truth Bar. While enjoying a sunny NYFW evening,
attendees listened to Athleisure Mag’s NYFW Slaylist mix which played during and after the show. Goodie bags included items to continue the athleisure lifestyle courtesy of Green Blender, HOM, Nature Republic, Quilted Koala, and Trilogy Products, and Victorinox.

Click here, for ATHLEISURE HOUSE sponsors.

Fashion Stylist: Kimmie Smith
Official Makeup Sponsor by Eve Pearl: Led by Nydia Figueroa
Hair Team: Led by Brooke Bogle
Music by: Athleisure Mag Slaylist & DJ Eloy

GET ON POINT

Athleisure Mag was excited to sit down with Craig Smith during his busy schedule. We created a fashion x dance photoshoot with celebrity personal trainer, Craig Smith. We talked with him about his passions; being Madonna's personal trainer; Creative Director, and Head Master Trainer for Hard Candy Fitness – her international gyms; who he is influenced by; and how he keeps everything balanced. 

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ATHLEISURE MAG: What goes into becoming a top choreographer?

CRAIG SMITH: Talent, creativity, artistry, vision, discipline, fortitude, and hard work.

AM: Do you have any fun stories to share from iconic music videos or tours you were part of through the years?

CS: When I danced for Rihanna on a short Japan spot date tour for Nike, the audience was silent every number of our performance until the very end of each song. It was funny to me at the time because I had never experienced that before.

AM: Tell us about Hard Candy Fitness.

CS: Hard Candy Fitness is an international luxury gym brand inspired by Madonna - the artist, athlete, and icon. Our signature and exclusive premiere programs are created and inspired by daily workouts I create and do with Madonna, her worldwide tours, music videos, music, and fitness philosophies. We’ve had great success with the brand since 2010 with club locations in amazing places like: Italy, Chile, Russia, Germany, Mexico, and more. I have the awesome roles of Creative Director, and head master trainer of the Hard Candy Fitness Sweat Crew (a team of professional dancers & fitness coaches).

AM: As Creative Director and a Master Trainer at HCF, give us the scoop on where things are headed.

CS: We are launching a variety of incredible new programs to add to our current premiere programming roster and are opening locations in more amazing regions around the globe!

AM: How did you come to work with Madonna and what's it like to train/work with her on tour and personally?

CS: Madonna extended a personal invitation for me to work with her personally 2 1⁄2 years ago after having already worked with Hard Candy Fitness as both a Master Trainer and consultant for 1 year prior. Working with Madonna both personally and on tour is demanding, fun, chill, educational, and more all at the same time.

AM: What's it like to balance being a multi-faceted creative and coaching others at the highest level?

CS: I've always been a person of variety and multi-faceted. To maintain balance, I do my best not to overwhelm myself by taking on too much of a workload nowadays. I’m not afraid to say ‘no’ to things, or say ‘yes’ to things that inspire me.

AM: You have a wicked sense of style, first off what makes a good cap? 

CS: Style, fit, versatility, comfort, construction, and functionality are things that make an excellent hat to me.

AM: How would you define your style?

CS: Urban, high fashion, classic, modern, edgy, conservative, funky, and everything else in-between.
 
AM: We know you love kicks too, what details do you like on them?

CS: Color, high top, edgy, and fashionable are all details that describe most of the kicks I own.

AM: You have a pretty busy schedule, what are your top 3 places to eat in NY and some of your favorite international destinations that we should add to our list?

CS: My top 3 places to eat in NYC: Peacefood Café, Candle 79 and/or Café, & Hangawi Restaurant. One of my favorite international spots I love is Mae’s Deli in London.

AM: How has vegan life helped shaped you?

CS: Vegan life has literally helped save and change my entire life for the better.

AM: We know you’re super reflective, how often do you jot thoughts and ideas down? What's being in the zone for you?

CS: I jot down thoughts and ideas every single day. Being in the zone is usually when I’m listening to instrumental jazz music; which helps me maintain incredible focus and concentration while I download all concepts/ideas.

AM: How big is organization in your day? Walk us through some typical routines.

CS: I’m a Capricorn; which means organization is everything! Typical daily routines range from prayer/meditation, emails, conference calls, reading, quality time with family & friends, personal workouts, planning workouts for clients, creating some form of art, and more.

AM: What’s next for Craig Smith after moving forward with HCF?

CS: Jumping back into music, dance, fitness, and some new & exciting entrepreneurial endeavors!

AM: What kinds of things do you like to do to have fun?

CS: I love watching documentaries, supporting live creative arts performances & shows, dining out, traveling, reading, writing, museums, sports, and much more.

AM: What are your must-haves for a dance, workout and chill playlist?

CS: My must-haves: comfortable stylish gear & footwear, awesome workout spaces, and my personal music playlists I create for my workouts and/or classes.

Photoshoot taken at Modern Arts Loft - NY, NY

See more from the July Issue

DJ DREZ | JOURNEY OF SOUNDS

Whether he's on the stage or in the studio - DJ, producer, musical director and sound ambassador DJ Drez is about the journey into sound. By cutting and composing original tracks his sounds assist the body's movements when dancing or doing yoga asana.

He integrates elements of hiphop, world music, soul, funk, jazz, and reggae into his signature sound. He has worked with a number of top artists, including KRS 1, Black Eyed Peas and Macy Gray, as well as brands that include Adidas, X Games, and ABC to name a few. We talked with Drez to find out more about his style, his recent solo work and Alpine Swift.

ATHLEISURE MAG: How is a Yoga DJ different then other DJs that we're familiar with?  

DJ DREZ: I actually don’t consider myself a “yoga DJ.” In that I dj all kinds of music in many different kinds of venues which include everything from a hip hop club and world music festivals to yoga studios and yoga festivals.  I do play a huge range of world music that is appropriate for a practice.  I think the fact that I practice yoga and have many related spiritual practices adds to my ability to connect the students and teacher in any given environment.   If anything, that's what makes me a very good “yoga DJ.”  

AM: What music do you focus on for yoga?

DJ DREZ: I play a lot of instrumental world music. I also produce specifically for the practice and again I draw upon my own experiences on the mat. Practicing yoga has helped me tremendously in how I am able to support students and teachers sonically. It is actually a careful play of energy between us all. I never have a set play list and instead let the music flow organically with what is actually happening in the room.

AM: What styles of music do you play/produce?

DJ DREZ: I come from a hip hop, soul, jazz and world background. So this always heavily influences anything I play and produce. You can hear my roots in the music I play. Even if it has elements of Africa or India you can feel the hip hop and soul, Vice Versa.

AM: 'Alpine Swift' recently dropped. What was its inspiration?

DJ DREZ: My literal travels, my mind travels, my family and my art. I realized how often I am on a plane, train or in a car.  Starring out of a window. Meditating or imagining.  Always in flight to create and do what I love, which is make and share music. My art. Traveling has been a big part of my career and journey, with pockets of touching down here and there. I wondered if there was a bird like that, always in flight and Alpine Swift came to mind. Did you know that bird can fly for hours, days, and months, while sleeping, and eating mid-flight.  Its not by choice for me, but part of the unglamorous road I have to walk in order to do what I love to do and make a living. Now can you imagine what that feels like sometimes? Can you imagine what that might sound like? Alpine Swift.

AM: What other artists have you worked with and do you have a genre you like to work in?  

DJ DREZ: I love working with my wife Marti Nikko. She is an amazing singer and we released an album last year called Dreaming in Sanskrit which is a sweet, boomin' mantra album supported by hip hop and reggae beats.  It's really something special. We have already started working on its follow-up. I also work with many MCs, singers and some super fresh musicians. I really enjoy collaborating with others.

AM: What's your favorite music to listen to?  

DJ DREZ: Thats difficult to answer. That's like asking which child do you love more. I love what I love, especially what is really done well.   I don’t worry about boundaries and categories so much. If it sounds good, is well made and moves me then I can listen to it. I do come across music that sometimes isn't for me, but I can appreciate i because it's well done. No matter what, it has to have soul.

AM: With your busy schedule (solo projects, collaborations) of being a family man, working with a number of artists and sought after organizations, how do you stay grounded and balanced?

DJ DREZ: Yoga, mantra, breath, good nourishing food and great yummy sex!  Those are all super important.  I wouldn’t be able to work it at this level without those practices supporting me.

AM: When you're not working - what do you when you have time for yourself?

DJ DREZ: I try to spend my off-time with my family and in nature. I nurture them and they also nurture me. It's one of the reasons i do what I do. They inspire me to be the best me.  Nature supports these qualities too, helping me to feel the earth under my feet. To be in quiet when I am alone and with them. I even hear my son differently in nature. So we try and take many nature walks and spend a lot of my off time at the beach or hiking up our mountain. Included in this are practices of yoga, mantra, breath, good nourishing food and great yummy sex!

1. Sound Ambassador - Anahata Ether

2. Bombay Dub Orchestra - Dust (Pigment of Your Imagination Mix)

3. Marti Nikko - I Am Love {Plum Mood edit)

4. Sound Ambassador - Anahata

5. Moby - Memory Gospel

6. Bonobo - Terrapin

7. DJ Drez - Light Me Up

8. Trevor Hall - Who Ya Gonna Turn To

9. DJ Drez - Sugar Drop 77

10. Domonic Dean Breaux - Morning

Read more from the Jun Issue.

AS I AM: THE LIFE & TIME$ OF DJ AM

'AS I AM: THE LIFE AND TIME$ OF DJ AM' looks at the meteoric rise of Adam Goldstein aka - DJ AM. He was  a talented DJ and changed the game by increasing the payscale, establishing the field in the celebrity world and more. While he created a platform, he never forgot his friends and those that he felt made him better as a professional. He truly believed his mantra of "starving the ego, to feed the soul." But behind the fame, he was a man that coped with his own issues rooted in his sense of self and escaping deep unresolved portions of his life. 

In addition to telling the story of DJ AM from birth to death and his love of music as a genre, this film has a number of interviews with luminaries in the industry whom he worked with: Mark Ronson, Samantha Ronson, Steve Aoki, Paul Oakenfold, Diplo, and A-Trak to name a few. 

Throughout the film, you hear from DJ AM himself talking about his influences, his performances and thoughts on the DJ world at large. More importantly, you see how he amassed his empire as a seven-figure DJ which, included collaborations, appearances in films, co-founding a DJ management firm, Deckstar (co-owned by Steve Aoki) and his work in DJ Hero.

We sat down with producer/director Kevin Kerslake (who has produced a number of music videos that include Nirvana, Joan Jett, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stone Temple Pilots; documentaries, live productions, mini-series and more) to find out about the monumental task of creating this documentary, what he aimed to achieve by releasing this film and the greater message at large that he wants to provide to DJ culture, fans and others that are struggling with demons.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you realize that you wanted to take this project on?

KEVIN KERSLAKE: It's funny - Adam lived the life of 10 men in half the time that those men get. He died at such a young age and there was a lot of story to tell. And as you know, in a film, you don't have a lot of time either. But there are so many aspects of his life that are alluring from a film/story standpoint. Historically, he changed the game in music and culturally. All of those various components are enticing and would be to any filmmaker.

But the thing that pushed me over the edge was that we have lost some really incredible people over the years to this deadly cocktail of fame, celebrity and substance abuse. Andrea, AM's mom, had reached out to me a year before, and  at the time I said no as I was concerned that since she reached out to me then I wouldn't be able to tell the full story and the truth. Ultimately, I lost a friend and it felt like we couldn't keep having this story happening. I went to AM's mom and said that we have the power to help stop that streak of great artists that are lost to the world. I let her know that I was on-board as long as we told the story and the truth from the inside and the outside. As long as I could tell the story and get final cut without having to sugar coat it, then I was on board to tell the story. AM lived such an explosive life that I think the personal life of someone is what turned the corner for me. 

AM: How close were you to AM when he was alive? 

KK: My interaction with him was purely professional as I did all the film and video for Insomniac. Adam played their events so our encounters were strictly backstage and I never hung out with them. I actually think that although I knew his past and certain facts of his life - it was in your face (tabloids, journalism and as a figure in the music world), that objectivity that I had is probably what made the film more legitimate in a way. Even people who knew him didn't know certain aspects of his life because he didn't share it with them or they didn't care to know/ask. The logical aspect of this, in terms of doing research and being able to go into it without a personal agenda, is pretty critical for any filmmaker I think. 

Even when there are stories that I have been asked to tell, I know my own limitations when I have known the artist. It's like talking about your own family member. You get blind to certain truths that are important to share.

AM: There is so much information when you're watching the film as a lot comes from him, how long did it take in terms of pre-, production, and post?

KK: To the day, it almost took 4 years to make! The first thing we did was to go through his laptops and desktop. There was so much material that we estimated that in the end we had over 100,000 stills, 10,000 video clips, 100's of mixes, letters and text messages that he had saved. In a sense, there was no pre-pro we just put things together. Documentaries are made in the edit. They don't follow the normal production pro- cess. You just start putting things together. Early on, we were given an audio element that was critical to the story. It was the Share that he did on his 11th sober birthday.

AM: Seeing that audio run through the film really struck us, we didn't think that people could have access to things that are said in Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

KK: Adam put a recorder in his pocket and he did a Share at the meeting. He really tells his story. This film is really DJ AM from the inside- out. He narrates his own autobiography and like you, I thought that this might be (due to anonymity in AA) crossing a threshold. But in further research, I found that there was an entire network of Shares that were available. People who were unable to attend meetings but needed the inspiration that they provided could access them from downloads online to get the assistance that they need.

AM: In addition to his Share, the meditation video was another dynamic element in the narrative.

KK: It's funny, when you see these relics of what he used to bring him peace, they are very evocative of his state of mind. It showed what he yearned for that he didn't have living a life on the road or in the city.

AM: Documentaries pay homage to the person but, you see DJ AM providing tributes to a number of his friends within the DJ world is that something that you planned?

KK: What that said to me was, that he cherished his relationships and was a man for others. He was selfless in that regard. It tells you a lot about someone when you know who their heroes are. DJ Jazzy Jeff was really a central figure in his life. Just as a fan and someone who just has a great heart and is so solid.

AM: What do you think of what AM would think of the state of music now for DJs and doors that he opened?

KK: There is some speculation involved of course, but I think that people are pretty dialed into him within the scope of the music industry. He would be one of the biggest DJs on the planet still and would have gotten into production. He would have followed where that world was going when DJs started to produce more. Who knows where the Travis Barker and AM collab would have gone. Would they have added more people in the band?  Would it have been more of a visual spectacle? That's more speculation too. 

I think that what impressed me about Adam is, he was just a fan of music and I think that his ability to see the virtues of all sorts of genres, the power of music and how it was able to bring people together and move people. I think that would have continued on. The dark underbelly of that is what DJs are doing. A lot of sets are preprogrammed and maybe he would have been able to highlight some of the weakest aspects of where DJ culture is going and to arrest its slide into a bit of a robotic sense.

AM: What were your goals in creating this movie and how did that correlate to the expectations of those within the DJ culture and fans at large?

KK: This film exceeded my expectations, to be honest. My intention was to dive in and tell the truth and the whole story of AM, his musical impact and import as well as the story of his personal life. Once we got into certain periods of his life and found out there was an episode or circumstance that he had to plow through - they entailed a lot more adversity than what I was aware of and even his family and friends. Once we uncovered his secret stuff, the story took on great dimension and in the end you have a real sense that you know him and that you have lost a friend. It's someone that should still be here walking amongst us. 

When you do a film, it involves a lot of things. Obviously, it includes story, structure, tone, laughs, tears and all of that. I think that my intention was to hit all of those different corners in AM's universe, but to do it in a style that had a certain fidelity to what he did musically. The film is a mashup in its own right and could pinball all  over the map with a velocity that he spun. I feel that the film does that and with what I am seeing in terms of the reaction to the film, it's super rewarding.

AM: As the person who dedicated 4 years to the film - what do you do after this - take time off or go into the next project?

KK: Throughout my career, I have been fairly promiscuous with style. I can go from a miniseries to a music video to a documentary to a commercial to still photography. This is the longest time that I have been on a single project. It's also the most difficult job I have ever done politically, emotionally, financially - it brought everyone (especially me) to their knees. 

In the past few years, we started putting the finishing touches on it to get it out to the world. I have been working on various projects as well. Releasing a film entails a lot of work as well and it's not like I am not working on it anymore. Now that we made it, it's making people aware that they can see it and share it with friends. This is less a commercial venture than extending Adam's legacy forward and it takes work and we're still working hard on getting it out there.

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If you have yet to see AS I AM: THE LIFE AND TIME$ of DJ AM, visit their site to see where it airs in your city as additional theaters will be added throughout the summer. 

Read more from the June Issue

Athleisure Mag May Playlist by DJ Xenia Ghali

Xenia Ghali is a Greek DJ, producer, songwriter, and classically trained musician. She continues to  shake up the dance music scene with her debut single ‘Broken’ featuring Katt Rockell (released on Pitbull’s Mr. 305 Records), and her follow up ‘Get Dirty,’ a collaboration with Grammy winning rapper Wyclef Jean. With performances in the US and in Europe, she's always on the go! We caught up with her between sets to share a playlist for our Summer rotation (including  'Under These Lights').

ATHLEISURE MAG: We all have our go to workouts, what sets are in your routine?

XENIA GHALI: I’ll start with 20 minutes of cardio, specifically I love the elliptical machine. Then I do a full-body circuit routine consisting of squats, lunges, crunches and arm exercises using light weights and many reps. 

AM: How do you maintain balance with such a busy schedule?

XG: I work both in the US and in Europe so I travel a lot. Being on the road regularly means that it can be very challenging to maintain a balanced lifestyle. I do my best to see my family and friends any chance I get. When I am physically unable to spend time with them, I always make sure to keep in communication with them. In addition to this, exercising really helps me with being physically and mentally balanced. 

AM: When you're not DJing a set, what's your personal style?

XG: My personal style is what I call ‘chill but edgy.’ I love fashion so I incorporate it even when I am casual. I love jeans (specifically G-Star), drop-crotch pants, oversized t-shirts, and of course accessories such as hats!

Read more from the May Issue

Nashville in Concert

We kicked off our month at Madison Square Garden Theater to see the NYC leg of Nashville in Concert, which includes musical performances from the stars of ABC's Nashville from the season.

Pictures courtesy of Paul Farkas

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Avery Barkley (Jonathan Jackson)

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Gunnar Scott (Sam Palladio)

Read more from the May Issue

GAME IS MINE REMIX

This month, we have a mix for you to enjoy whether you're off to work, rocking it at the gym or wherever your tunes take you. Check out our latest mix on Soundcloud, The Game is Mine Mix.

Read more from the April Issue

Fold Festival 2015

Festival season continues with a new city being added to the list. FOLD Festival kicked off Aug 4th for its two day event of musicians across genres coming together to perform at Martha Clara Vineyards in Riverhead, NY. Athleisure Mag attended this inaugural festival which focuses on Grammy winning producer and musician Nile Rodgers' love for Freak Out Let's Dance. Check out exclusive behind the scenes as well as performances that took place on both days.

The festival included performances from an array of musicians including Pharrell Williams, Keith Urban, Chaka Khan, Duran Duran and Janelle Monae.

SOUND CHECK

Nile Rodgers

Pharrell Williams

Nile Rodgers

Nile Rodgers

Keith Urban

Keith Urban

Nile Rodgers and Keith Urban

Keith Urban

Pharrell Williams

Nile Rodgers and Pharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams

Chaka Khan

Nile Rodgers and Chuck D

Nile Rodgers and Duran Duran

Duran Duran

Duran Duran

Duran Duran

Janelle Monae

Nile Rodgers, Duran Duran and Janelle Monae

Duran Duran and Janelle Monae

Duran Duran and Nile Rodgers

Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae

Duran Duran and Nile Rodgers

Nile Rodgers, Janelle Monae and Duran Duran

Nile Rodgers and Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae and Duran Duran

Janelle Monae