Read the Feb Issue #62 of Athleisure Mag and see Style Files: FW21 in mag.
ATHLEISURE LIST | MIFUNE NEW YORK
MIFUNE New York launched in 2017. When dining at MIFUNE New York, one can expect a completely unique 8 course tasting menu experience from the restaurant’s talented Executive Chef tag team Yuu Shimano and Tomohiro Urata. They are known for their Japanese cuisine with a modern French flair.
The menu changes every single day and is completely seasonal. Inspiration comes from whatever the chefs get that day at the farmer’s market! Past examples of appetizers that have been presented include Black AngusBeef Tataki served with a ponzu sesame sauce, and Octopus Frites, served under a green bean salad tossed in a Japanese onion dressing and a roasted red pepper-yuzu kosho sauce. Mains have included Squid Ink Seafood Bouillabaisse Rice, which is topped with a medley y of vegetables and seafood such as shrimp, octopus and clams, and speckled with dollops of creamy lobster aioli.
The concept of omakase is incorporated within the culinary aesthetic of this restaurant. Although this term seems synonomous in American culture with sushi and is thought of as a chefs choice. At MIFUNE, this term is brought into the scope of Japanese culture and broadly means, "whatever the chef recommends."
The cocktail program is curated by Shingo Gokan, who was the winner of the 2017 Tales of the Cocktail International Bartender of the Year Award. Signature cocktails, which are all cleverly named after Torisho Mifune movies, include the Oharu with Lychee-cello, Dassai 45 Nigori Sake, Grapefruit and Orange Blossom, and the SevenSamurai with Rye Whiskey, Aged Sake, East India, Sherry, Bitters, and Smoke.
The menu has an array of sake for every kind of sake drinker. Whether diners are looking for something rich and bold, or clean and crisp, we have it all. Because our cuisine involves Japanese and French influences, the tasting menu is well-paired with both wine and sake. For those who are looking to eat-in, MIFUNE currently has outdoor seating on their patio, which includes four private bubble tents. They offer their eight course tasting menu for $120 per person which changes daily.
For those looking to do pickup/delivery, they have a Friday-only, 18-course tasting menu, which serves two or three people for $130. Select dishes include Beef Tataki with garlic ponzu sauce, Grilled Eggplant with ginger dashi, and FoieGras Terrine with strawberry ginger jam and house-made focaccia. We also sell raw Japanese Miyazaki Wagyu Ribeye for guests to make at home!
MIFUNE NEW YORK
245 E 44th St
NY, NY 10017
PHOTOS COURTESY | MIFUNE New York
Read the Feb Issue #62 of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure List | MIFUNE New York in mag.
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FORCE TO RECKON WITH ALEKS PAUNOVIC
With the second season of TNT's Snowpiercer back on, we're excited to checkout more from Aleks Paunovic who plays Breachman Bojan Boki Boscovic! We took some time to find out more about this character as well as his show SYFY's Van Helsing. We also find out how he got into the industry, his music and more!
ATHLEISURE MAG: Before getting into your acting career, you were a boxing champion and you’re a descendant of 3 generations of champion boxers! What was it that drew you to the sport?
ALEKS PAUNOVIC: Watching my dad shadowbox and watching fights with him when I was younger was always a good memory. What really attracted me to the sport was the idea of challenging one’s self. I never looked at boxing as fighting the other person, or wanting to hurt the other person. It was about my skill and seeing how I can adapt to a situation with someone that wants to do the same thing to me. It’s a lonely sport but one you can take a ton of life lessons from. Walking through fear, relaxing in tense situations so you can perform your best, getting knocked down, getting back up, and never quitting. I like to think it’s shaped me for my career in film and television.
AM: You parlayed this to initially being a stunt actor, what was that like?
AP: That’s right, boxing helped me get my foot in the door in the business, but it’s a tough gig. You have to be a special kind of human to do what stunt performers do. I personally wanted to tell stories. My goal was acting, but stunts has helped me tell my stories at a physical and emotional level.
AM: We know you’re remastering and have released your songs from your band, Specula Black on Spotify. These songs were recorded 30 years ago, why did you decide to release them now?
AP: Ahhh!! I love that these songs are out in the world now. Not only is it on Spotify, but it’s on all streaming sites. Please check it out if you like heavy metal and rock. Having our songs released 30 years later is largely attributed to our showrunner for Van Helsing, who asked if I had a song for one of the episodes. When he asked, the guys and I got on a chat and we started thinking how cool it would be, so we took those recordings and remastered them and sent it to the show. They liked it. Then we were off and running. Very proud of the boys in the band—those days were some of the greatest times of my life. I need to give them a shoutout, Tony Brenda, George Lazic, Scott (Ham) Botham and Rob Bjornson.
AM: What is it about storytelling that has drawn you to the characters that you play?
AP: There’s something about finding the missing pieces and puzzles in telling acharacter’s story. The script analysis and my creative filter to make it something no one else would think about -- finding the truth in there. It’s quite fulfilling.
AM: What is your process like when you're reading a script to see if you want to be attached to the project?
AP: It’s usually about how the character fits in the story, and how I can make them compelling. I love a conflicted character. Finding the moments that make him struggle to make decisions, and then going for it. Sometimes the simplest character is the most complex.
AM: We loved Snowpiercer as a movie and were excited to see it as a series on TNT last year! Of course, we’re enjoying the 2nd season right now. Tell us about your character Breachman Bojan Boki Boscovic and what it’s like to film this show?
AP: Ahhhh, I love Breachman Bojan BokiBoscovic! He has the most dangerous job on the train. The train can’t function without the Breachmen. He’s from Serbia and he’s a devout Wilfordite. There’s a history with Wilford and myself, which connects me to him more. This season there are trials and tribulations with Boki and he runs the gamut of emotion and physicality. I can’t wait for people to see this season. Working on the show has been a dream... Great team in front and behind the camera. I am so grateful to be a part of it.
AM: Many are fans of your character Juliusin Syfy’s Van Helsing and the 5th and final season will air this fall. Is there anything that you can share about the upcoming season and what we should keep an eye out for?
AP: Well, I'm not going to give you any spoilers if you’re looking for that. lol. But it’s been bittersweet. Such an amazing family we created in the 5 years of the show. All of them are lifers with me now. It’s been glorious, and I think it’s one of our best seasons. Fans are going to see us wrap up the characters on the show in such an epic way. So thank you to SYFY and Netflix for giving us one more season to say goodbye.
AM: You were in Stargate Atlantis along with Jason Momoa and now you guys are on SEE on Apple+ TV. What drew you to this show and what do you enjoy about being apart of this cast?
AP: Well one of the things that drew me to SEE was my man Jason Momoa. We've been friends for over 10 years and when your buddy, who has blown up in the industry to megastar, so well deserved, and is still the crazy life-loving man you first met, you just gotta hang with him. I was very lucky that a role came up and we got to reconnect on a working level. All of the amazing things he’s been doing for the environment has made an impact on the world. I'm proud to be his buddy.
AM: As someone that has been in a number of films and TV series, are there roles that you would like to add to your body of work that you have yet to be involved?
AP: I like the idea of being in a show like True Detective. I’m never the dude investigating, I'm always the dude getting investigations... lol. The first season of True Detective when it comes to character struggle and storylines are what I would love to do soon.
AM: Are there upcoming projects that you have coming up that we should keep an eye out for?
AP: Yes, I have one called CHAINED that will be released soon, and a Zoom movie I did during the beginning of the pandemic. It was quite the trip to shoot a whole film without shaking anyone’s hand. lol. One of the coolest parts of the movie is an acting legend that signed on. Can't wait to share it. We have to keep it hush hush, but check back to with me and I'll tell you when I can. And as we are having this interview, I’m in Atlanta shooting a very exciting project; that’s another one I can’t wait to share with the world when I'm allowed to. Eeeeek. It’s killing me!
AM: Tell me about your film studio in Winnipeg as this sounds like such a great thing for the industry.
AP: Winnipeg is my hometown. I cut my teeth in the industry there. Not only do they have amazing talent but it’s a hotspot for shooting in Canada, and one of the best tax credits in North America. The locations and the crew are top-notch. Our team (Eric Mark, Bill Sarine) feel really strongly that we can contribute to the industry there in a big way. It’s definitely an exciting project.
AM: What is a general week like in terms of your workout?
AP: A good week of workouts is 5 or 6days a week. 2 or 3 days doing HITT train-ing switched with 2 or 3 days of boxing. If I can get 6 days a week in I feel like I accomplished my workout goal for the week. Also, I like to have meditation and visualization before and after my work-out, and about a 15 min cooldown after I workout. It helps me to stay mentally and physically on point for the day.
AM:As we have all been navigating these times, how have you been spending your time when you’re not prepping for a role or filming?
AP: I do a lot of Facetime calls with my folk and friends. I want to stay connected. This pandemic has been a kick in the gut on so many levels, but as long as I can listen to music, make music, work out physically and mentally that’s a good day. Can’t wait until I can actually hug people again. lol
AM: You are an advocate against bullying and have partnered up with the Canadian Red Cross’ Anti-Bullying Initiatives. How long have you been involved with this and what is your role with them?
AP: My role has been more of an advocate to let people know they are not alone. They are not an island in this big world. We all have gone through tough times and there is always help. To be there and listen and so show people even though I’m a 6foot 5 dude that boxes and is enjoying an amazing life, there are still times I need someone to talk to, to get a perspective in life, to let me know it’s ok. I think If we can give that to young people -- kids that have a hard time controlling their emotions and only react to hurting others so they don’t hurt. WE can end bullying if we just are available and are there to listen and guide -- and also be vulnerable. It’s ok to be vulnerable with people you can trust. I like to think I’m one of those people.
IG @AleksPaun
PHOTOGRAPHY | Brendan Meadows
Read the Feb Issue #62 of Athleisure Mag and see Force to Reckon with Aleks Paunovic in mag.
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ROCK THIS WHEN YOU'RE NAVIGATING COLDER WEATHER
Read the Feb Issue #62 of Athleisure Mag and see Rock This When You’re Navigating Colder Weather in mag.
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SHEA BUTTER
Read the Feb Issue #62 of Athleisure Mag and see Shea Butter in mag.
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STAYING MOTIVATED WITH BOB HARPER
We had a candid talk with one of the top Celebrity Trainers, Bob Harper. You know him as one of the trainers and eventually the host of The Biggest Loser, he has been on countless shows encouraging those to take care of themselves and their health and is known for the way he engages with others. We catch up with him to talk about how he got into the fitness industry, including TV into his brand, his latest project and how he has navigated these times.
ATHLEISURE MAG: We’ve been fans of yours since we saw you on The Biggest Loser as a trainer and then as a host – when did you know that you wanted to work in the fitness industry as your expertise has spanned over 3 decades!
BOB HARPER: Wow 3 decades! That makes me sound so old!
AM: Oh no it doesn’t! It makes you sound experienced and amazing!
BH: That’s true! I’m embracing my 50’s. I’ve been in the industry like you’ve said for over 30 years now. When I got into fitness, it was something that I fell into because I was living in Nashville, TN and there was a gym that I lived next door to and all of a sudden I just started going to the gym and I definitely got the bug of fitness. I decided that this was something that I really wanted to do so I got my certifications, started to do group fitness and then I decided that I would move to Los Angeles, CA to really make a full-time career out of health and fitness and then the rest is pretty much history! I went from being a Celebrity trainer out of Los Angeles to getting this gig on a new show called The Biggest Loser and at first, I was super skeptical because listening to the name, I didn’t know what it was about and then I found out that it was all about diet and exercise – it was something that I thought, “ok, let me try to pursue this a little bit more.”
AM: Did you ever imagine that when you first started in this industry that you would take the different avenues that you have taken and really expanding your brand as being as you said, a TV personality and being more than just a trainer and having your group sessions?
BH: It was never anything that I ever thought that would I do in terms of being on television because I was very happy with where my career was, but when I got this opportunity to work on Loser, I thought, you know what, it’s going to give me the opportunity to work on this platform to be exposed to this whole other demographic and I really found that as much as I loved all of the celebrities that I had worked with, this was just something that was just so much more rewarding in a completely different way.
AM: How would you define your approach when you’re working in a group setting or with your personal clients? Do you have a certain approach, focus or modalities that you like to focus on?
BH: Yeah, I have always described myself as a very pragmatic health and fitness trainer. I have never been one to beat somebody down as I have tried to lift them up. I want them to see themselves through my eyes when they are unable to do. That’s just something that has always been in me. That has always been me to be someone that has always looked at that glass as half full no matter how far off track someone has gotten. I realize that in health and fitness and especially when you’re working with people that are overweight, it’s something that they have to embrace for the rest of their life. There’s no endgame here when it comes to weight loss, managing weight loss and when I speak to people in that pragmatic way, it just me saying, “these are the cards that you have been dealt. This is something that you're going to have to be thinking about for the rest of your life.” I think that once you're able to swallow that pill, it makes it a lot more manageable. I feel like that there are so many avenues of health and fitness out there that kind of go, "I have all the answers, this is it and once you do what I’m telling you to do, then life is going to be great.” And I’m like, “ok, well once you have lost all of that weight or achieved the goals that you have achieved, what then?” I always try to look at the what then.
AM: Before we get into the Next Fitness Superstar, how did you decide to work with NEOU Fitness and what was the synergy there?
BH: Since the pandemic happened last year and it feels like –
AM: Like five years!
BH: Yeah, I’m going insane ha! Yeah, before the pandemic, I was never an at home fitness person. You would think when you look at my career – I mean people would say, “I’d love to see your gym at home!” I’ve always loved being in gyms, group fitness and being around other people. Then with the pandemic, I was forced to approach fitness in a completely different way. I started doing all the workouts that I like doing and I tried doing them from home. It wasn’t until I met with the people at NEOU that I really decided that I knew that I was really responding to the situation that we are in. NEOU has so many different options of working out and that’s what I wanted! I don’t know about you, but I was really getting bored with the things that I was doing and I really needed to mix it up and I also wanted to do things that was going to put a smile on my face. I don’t want to sound cheesy.
AM: Totally get it! We’ve been to NEOU for editor events, we miss our hot yoga studios and being around others in working out and having that experience with other people as well as enjoying the amenities –these past few months to keep it fresh has totally been a challenge!
BH: It’s totally been a challenge! I have to have those conversations with myself that I have had to have with my clients over the years when I’m saying to myself,“ I don’t want to work out” – those days when I’m dealing with low-level depression throughout this year and being like, “oh my God, this is never-ending, I can’t get motivated” and having to say to myself – “I know I’m going to feel better about myself when I work out.” My fiancé will say to me, “honey, you know you’re going to feel better after you do it. Just turn on the computer, get your workout going, jump in the pool and do whatever you’re going to do” and it’s true and I’m always having to remember that feeling. I remember telling that to every single person that I have ever worked with and I like NEOU in the way that it gives me so many different options and those options are what keeps me motivated.
AM: Tell us about The Next Fitness Superstar as the concept sounds fun and what’s your role in this project?
BH: I’m really excited about this creative idea. It’s something that I came to them with and I said this was the first thing that I wanted to do with them. I found it to be interesting and dynamic. Since the pandemic and looking at the different trainers, workouts, health professionals out there – people are always asking me how can they go to the next level? Going to the next level, whatever that means for you is trying to put yourself out there in a completely different way. That’s what the Next Fitness Superstar is about –show me what you’ve got! I remember being very clear, it’s not about the way a person looks. I see people with the best bodies in the world and their training ability for themselves is great – but what are you able to give that person that you're working with? So with the Next Fitness Superstar, I want to see how you are able to communicate, are you able to deliver, what your brand is, how you are able to get the workouts in to get me engaged and to keep me engaged. I think that when you deal with trainers, you have to see them from so many different points of view. It can’t just be you have great abs or you have great legs – what else do you have after that?
AM: It’s cool to see that you guys had over200 people competing, and you narrowed it down to 10. Can you share if you have any favorites or if you’re leaning towards anyone or anything that is standing out with you?
BH: Well I don’t want to talk about favorites, but I will say that it was super hard to get to the top 10! I love the top 10 that we have and I think that they’re really strong and really dynamic so it’s exciting! Let me tell you, we’re about to give it to the audience for their vote. I’m glad that they’re going to have to do it and not me!
AM: For sure! What’s going to happen over the next 4 week period with this?
BH: Well what is going to be really fun is that when we get to the top 3, we’re going to be putting them through a workout, a live workout on NEOU – I want to be able to talk with them and to hear how they are able to communicate. I think that that’s really important since I have been in this industry for a long time. Going from being a trainer to going live on the Today Show and a number of shows throughout my career, there’s an art there. There is an ability to speak and be concise. WhenI watch people and I see that people are starting to ramble, saying a lot and you're wondering if they’re really saying anything – I think at one point and I say this with any trainer that I have talked with or worked with, “don’t be afraid of the silence.” Especially if you’re in the midst of a workout. Don’t be afraid to let the room breathe. You know what I mean by that?
AM: ABSOLUTELY!
BH: I have been in a number of workouts with trainers that there is so much dialogue and it starts to make me a little insane it's like, enough with all of the talking. Let me know what you need from me, guide me in this way and allow for the magic to happen!
AM: Agreed! A lot of times when we’re working out, we just need that space so you have that moment for your body to go through what’s happening and to feel like the movements are becoming a second nature. When you’re talking too much, it becomes noise after a certain point and then it’s too distracting.
BH: Oh my God! I have actually done workouts where to the computer screen I'm saying, “stop talking!” Give me a minute!
AM: And sometimes you just hit that mute because you can’t!
BH: It really takes away from the times where they really have something important to say and people have to learn how to edit themselves! That’s the bottom line. I love that people are going to be able to vote by going to NEOU to vote for their favorite trainers. We have gotten really great responses from it.
AM: It looks like it. So when we get to the 3 people, they have the activities that they will do and people can vote. What does the winner get for winning it all?
BH: That’s what’s really exciting. Not only will they get a contract with NEOU, the publicity from doing it, being placed in a different arena for doing it which I think is the best part of the prize, there is also a $5,000 cash prize too. I thought that was pretty great!
AM: Sure. Even for the 10 people that were announced initially, there’s something to be said that you went through that process to get there. Will this be something that will continue to take place to have these kinds of competitions or are you just feeling this out to see how it goes?
BH: We’re definitely feeling it out, but I also have other ideas that I have been playing around with on what we can do. I do believe that at home fitness is here to stay for a while now and I want to be able to inspire people at home that aren’t working out with large groups of people anymore. How can I keep you going? I mean, that’s what it’s about as you know! You’ve got to be able to change it up and people are asking, what’s the best diet out there and I’m like, “you know what? It’s the one that you’re able to stick with and that you're able to continue to do!” That’s when everything changes. I have done every single diet that’s out there and it’s good for people to try different things because it keeps your head in the game.
AM: Outside of Next Fitness Superstar, are there other projects that you are working on that you can share that we should keep our eye out for?
BH: I know that one thing that has been very near and dear to my heart – literally and figuratively, is my partnership with AstraZeneca something that we call, Survivors Have Hearts. I used to travel around the country with heart attack survivors. Now with COVID-19, it’s been a virtual thing. So this year, I’m hoping that we can get out on the road maybe. The response that we have been able to receive by doing it virtually has been super successful and that’s something that as a heart attack survivor who is coming up on 4 years in 6 months, being a survivor – it drives me even more. Being able to talk to heart attack survivors, people who took care of them during that hard time has been super rewarding for me.
AM: During this pandemic, we enjoy your photography and being able to see the world through your eyes and seeing your pups, Karl and Vivienne because they’re so cute. How did you get into photography?
BH: Thank you for saying that! Photography means a lot to me and it’s always been something that’s really important for me. Ever since I was a kid and I got a little Instamatic camera – I’m really dating myself here.
AM: I had one growing up I’ll be 42 this year, so I know what you’re talking about!
BH: Well you’re a little younger than me, but you know what I’m talking about. I was very drawn to that media of art where you’re able to grab a second in life and that you can never go back to it. You have to remember that every photo that is being taken, especially the way I go about it– it’s that instant and that instant is gone and you’re able to document. I love being able to tell a story in that range finder of my camera. That’s how I look at it. I tell people all the time, everyone can take a picture as we all have iPhones, smartphones or whatever you call it. But whenever I am able to have my real camera in my hand and to not just take a picture but a photo and tell a story, it’s just something that I have loved for a very long time.
AM: I’ve loved looking at that second Instagram that has those photos. Growing up, my dad has the 35mm cameras where you go into the darkroom and we actually had one in our house. So seeing these single stories that you’re telling and how poignant that they are – I didn’t know that about you prior to the pandemic, but very cool to see the world through your eyes.
BH: I appreciate that and as far as your dad and working with film, that’s always been something, of course, I work with digital mostly, but I have my film camera and when I’m in NY, I have a darkroom that I go to in Brooklyn called Gowanus Darkroom and I develop my own film, print my own photographs and there is something very therapeutic about that for me. You’re in that darkroom and creating art and it just stimulates me.
AM: It’s been so fun talking with you. Who are 3 people that have inspired you to be where you are whether personally or professionally?
BH: Oh wow, that’s such a big question! I mean an immediate answer would be that I would talk about people like the trailblazers, Jack LaLanne – that man was in the business forever and continued to just inspire and be so inspirational. I’ll tell you another one – Richard Simmons, I mean what he did with his career – the heart on his sleeve. Everything from Sweating to the Oldies and what he did, people tried to emulate it. He had those diet cards, a deck of cards – that’s just what everything was built on!
If I’m going to stay in the old school world, I’m going with Jane Fonda! Jane Fonda and everything that she has done! I don’t even know how old she is, but LOOK AT HER! I like looking at people that are growing old gracefully because I’m of that world so when I look at Jane Fonda, I want to drink the water that she’s been drinking!
AM: To this day, as I’m the Co-Founder and Style Director here, there have been a number of shoots that I have styled and I have used her iconic fitness looks as an inspiration to the shoots that we have created. She is a style icon and a fitness icon and her look is something that has been a classic.
BH: I’ll tell you what and I’m thinking about the new and younger generation, there is someone on Instagram and TikTok if you have not seen him and I highly recommend – he has gotten me through 2020 in the darkest time and he’s called The Fittest Wizard. Have you ever heard of him?
AM: No, but just wrote it down!
BH: Oh my! He’s like a Crossfitter and he’s super fit and that’s beside the point! He does all this dancing and his physical ability and what he’s able to do and he’s having so much fun doing it. I’ve really become such a proponent of making fitness fun especially in 2020 and he has made me laugh and smile throughout this whole year!
AM: I’m looking at it now – wow!
BH: Wait ‘til you see him dancing around, he’s insane!
IG @BobHarper
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Bob Harper
Hear Celebrity Fitness Trainer Bob Harper on an upcoming episode of our show, #TRIBEGOALS - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multimedia companion podcast network! Subscribe to be notified when the episode drops. Listen on iHeart-Radio, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, AmazonMusic, Google Podcasts or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.
Read the Feb Issue #62 of Athleisure Mag and see Staying Motivated with Bob Harper in mag.
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PHOTO COURTESY | ABC/The Bachelor
THE BACHELOR S25. E9. | THE WOMEN'S TELL ALL
If you have yet to see tonight’s 9th episode, spoilers are ahead! Tonight is the Women’s Tell All where we see all the women who competed minus those that are still on their journey. Watching this episode which was taped a few weeks ago, makes you think about so many things that have taken place since the episodes have aired. This includes Chris Harrison stepping down for a period of time and with a new host being named for The Bachelor: After The Final Rose show that immediately follows after the finale, author Emmanuel Acho a former linebacker for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles and an analyst for Fox Sports 1.
Of course, going back to the actual episode, we have to say that this is a very uncomfortable tell-all that seems to leave Chris throwing a question in and allowing the women to take it in a number of directions without him drilling down on the issues. Brittany comes to the hot seat and is able to share how her experience was peppered with the rumors of her being an escort in addition to her being in the second group that was brought into the house. Once again, this stirs up a lot of issues that were left unresolved, additional apologies and continued hurt feelings.
With so many hot button issues going on, we can appreciate how they always add a bit of levity. Seeing the dates that didn’t air was a cool way to see other things that took place that maybe wouldn’t have worked in the episodes. They should share more of these kinds of things just like they do with the bloopers.
Next up in the hot seat (and previously rumored to be the next Bachelorette - which seems to not be happening) is Katie. Katie came into the house with a dildo and later became someone who would not only call people out when they crossed the line, but she would also give Matt a heads up on what was happening while leaving him to find the details out for himself. We thought that she would go the distance, bu that didn’t happen.
Abigail is up next and is another one that we loved watching and hoped that she would get the chance to Hometowns. Although we saw a bit of magic between them, it seems that Matt just couldn’t get there completely. It’s always hard watching the women looking back on their stories and seeing the bittersweet look on their faces and then the moment that they are sent home. What we thought was interesting to hear about Abigail is that although she is Deaf, she represents an interesting section of the community as she was born profoundly deaf and wears a cochlear implant. If she is not wearing it, she is unable to hear. At the same time, because of the implant and because she can read lips, she also doesn’t use sign language. As she states in the tell all, she feels that she is in the grey area and wondered how she would be received. It’s her vulnerabilities and her ability to put herself out there that is why we enjoyed having her there.
Pieper left right before Hometowns and she was someone else that we enjoyed seeing. We thought that her and Matt had clicked; however, we felt our hearts twinge listening to her in the car as she was driven away. Even during the Tell All, you can see that she is still grappling with her emotions.
The much-anticipated interview with Serena P has finally arrived. She admits that she thought at many points that it would be her and Matt; however, she is still sticking by the fact that they weren’t a fit ultimately. We think that when the Tantric Yoga date happened that that started making her think that she wasn’t ready of course along with her family meeting him and their comments to her - combined, it seems to have culminated in the end of their relationship. She’s flooded with emotions watching the end of their relationship as it’s the first time that she had seen the footage. She explains that going into Hometowns, she was feeling great and thought that she would get the assurance that she needed from her family. The lack of getting that affirmation made her really reflect on what was going on and brought clarity that she wasn’t expecting. Chris asks her if she is conflicted because to him, it seems like she is. She explains that she still cares for him and didn’t want to lose him and she didn’t want to hurt him either. She feels that if she stayed, she would have been doing a bigger disservice because she was not 100% there.
Matt James finally joins the show with a beard. It’s interesting to think about the fact that Matt had never been on the show, so he didn’t really have a point of reference to what being The Bachelor would be like. He talks with Victoria on saying that he thinks she’s a good person even if she was involved in drama, he talks with Katie and lets her know that he is appreciative that she was courageous in letting him know what was going on in the house. Chris brings in the levity again and says that he notices that Matt likes to keep his eyes open when he’s kissing. Matt says he didn’t really know that he did that; however, he likes to be able to see them up close. Now seeing himself during the show, he can see why one should keep their eyes closed.
Matt provides closure with Abigail and Pieper. Chris asks Matt what he thinks about Serena P. He shares that it was hard for him, but that he understood if she didn’t want him, he hoped that she would be closer to finding the person that would be. Just in case it got a little heavy, Chris ended with some Bloopers that were probably the best that we have seen across various Bachelor seasons.
Each night, we’ll tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
Hometowns tooks place last week; however, we’ll continue to say who we think should take it all.
We also suggest a podcast that we’re newly obsessed with, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour which is hosted by Rachel Lindsay (contestant on The Bachelor Season 21; The Bachelorette Season 13) and co-hosted by Becca Kufrin (contestant on The Bachelor Season 22; The Bachelorette Season 14) to get their feedback!
LAST WEEK
Last week we felt that Abigail, Bri, Jessenia and Rachel are moving forward to Hometowns.
THIS WEEK
Well, this week definitely had a bit of drama sprinkled throughout and for those that have watched the drama unfold outside of what’s going on in the house, it’s interesting to see what future Bachelor/Bachelorette seasons will look like. As that unfolds, here is who will be going into Hometowns. Pretty early on we predicted that Rachel would be in this group.
TODAY’S HOMETOWNS
THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
Featured TV Show
#TRIBEGOALS
Read the Feb Issue #62 of Athleisure Mag and see #TRIBEGOALS in mag.
Featured
IN OUR BAG | FOR INSPIRATION WALKS
Read the Feb Issue #62 of Athleisure Mag and see How To Dress | When Working From Home in mag.
Featured
HOW TO DRESS | WHEN WORKING FROM HOME
Read the Feb Issue #62 of Athleisure Mag and see How to Dress | When Working From Home in mag.
Featured
ATHLEISURE MAG | #62 FEB ISSUE
In this month’s issue, our virtual cover shoot is actor, director, producer and writer, Peter Facinelli of Twilight, The Vanished and Nurse Jackie to name a few. Peter talks about how he got into the industry, his versatile roles, working in front of and behind the camera as well as upcoming projects that he has coming up. Our photoshoot shares fun menswear looks for WFH, Out & About and Fitness. We catch up with multi-platinum record producer, A&R executive, songwriter and lawyer Jeff Blue. We talk about how he was integral in finding and establishing the careers of Linkin Park, Macy Gray, Korn, Limp Bizkit. We talk about what he looks for when he takes on his projects, stories from the industry, the importance of authenticity and the iconic sound. He also shares his upcoming projects that include his iHeartRadio podcast, his upcoming docuseries focused on A&R stories and the script that he is working on. We check in with Celebrity Fitness Trainer Bob Harper who talks about being in the industry for over 3 decades, his NEOU partnership, how he has embraced at home fitness as we navigate the pandemic and we talk about industry icons that have inspired him. We’re enjoying the 2nd season of Snowpiercer and are looking forward to finding out more about Breachman Bojan Boki Boscovic who is played by Aleks Paunovic. Aleks talks about how he got into the industry, shows he’s apart of and his band Specula Black. We also delve into how he approaches his projects as well as his anti-bullying initiatives with the Canadian Red Cross.
This month, EDM DJ/producer Valentino Khan shares 9 songs that we should listen to in this month’s 9PLAYLIST. Former Racer Car Driver and Entrepreneur Danica Patrick shares her favorites and why in our 9LIST STORI3S.
Our monthly feature, The Art of the Snack focuses on Tiger Lily Kitchen. This month’s Athleisure List comes from MIFUNE New York. As always we have our monthly roundups of some of our favorite finds.
See the Feb Issue #62 here.
Featured
PHOTO COURTESY | ABC/The Bachelor
THE BACHELOR S25. E8. | IT'S HOMETOWNS WEEK
If you have yet to see tonight’s 8th episode, spoilers are ahead! We start off tonight’s The Bachelor episode with Chris Harrison talking with the women and letting them know that their families are on site as we are living in extraordinary times. He lets them know who will be there for each contestant. We kick off the show with Matt James working out in prep for this big week. Michelle is up first with her date and family who is from Minnesota. We always like seeing how the dates incorporate their hometowns since they can’t be there. Michelle’s date is a bike ride which is something that her family usually does at night. They continue their date going to her “classroom” where her students are Zoomed in. Seeing Ms. Young’s class and hearing the questions that they have for Mr. James is pretty cute. The cutest part is when he’s asked if they have kissed and he says that they are at the part of just holding hands which is when you know that you really like someone. The questions are pretty tough and it’s nice to see the bond that she has with her students.
Matt meets Michelle’s parents and they catch them up on their journey since Michelle arrived 2 episodes in during a rose ceremony. Michelle chats with her father and he definitely seems like he understands that she is in love with him. When he meets Matt, he tells him that he would be supportive of whatever Michelle wants. Michelle then talks with her mom and lets her know that she has never felt like this before. It’s clear that Michelle had a bad relationship and that her parents rallied around her during that dark time. Seeing him play basketball with her, her mom and dad - was pretty cute. Before Matt heads back to his place, she lets him know that she is falling in love with him, especially after seeing him around her parents.
Next up is Rachael. It’s been tough to watch her interact with Matt as they obviously have great chemistry, but in light of some of the things that have been revealed about her leaves us with so many questions. He hops in her car, she blindfolds him and takes him to a plane where they will go skydiving. Although they have a great time, Rachael crashes into the ground, although she is ok, you can see his concern for her.
We can see that her family feels that there shouldn’t be a rush when it comes to them being together as they feel that this is so soon. Her dad let him know that he felt that it’s strange that they could see that they are ready to take such a big leap. Matt tells her that he had a great chat with her dad, but he didn’t ask for her hand because he didn’t want to do it to “check a box.” If he ends up getting to that point, he lets Rachael know that he will call her father and ask, but there’s no way that he would ask him when there are other women still involved. Although Rachael is bummed about this, we think it’s really the best way to go about something like this.
The next date is with Bri. They enjoy a day of off roading. Matt meets her family which includes her mom, best friend and her baby sister. Although her mom asks the tough questions, Bri hears her mom tell her that she needs to be vulnerable and honest so that he knows where she is at. Bri tells him that she is falling in love with him.
The final Hometown date is with Serena who brings Canada to him by sharing things that he needs to know. She asks him to find where she is from on the map, he learns words and terms that are Canadian and she introduces him to Canadian delicacies. They share poutine, beaver tails, desserts and more. They even play hockey together wearing Canadian jerseys.
Matt and Serena walks through the door and we definitely love seeing her family! They’re all sweet, grounded and have a great sense of humor. Serena’s sister tells her that there is something missing and she thinks that it’s because she is in her own head. When she talks with Matt, she tells him that she is grappling with a lot and he lets her know that that’s ok as he has been there too. She doesn’t tell him anything else and he has now completed all of the Hometown dates. She does know that she’s not there yet and she was hopeful that the dates would have confirmed it.
Next week will be the Women’s Tell All so we’ll get to hear more about everything that happened in the house and even outside of it for the women who are no longer on the journey to Matt’s heart. She goes home and Matt gives roses to the 3 remaining women.
Each night, we’ll tweet about The Bachelor and you can chat along with us (@AthleisureMag + with our Co-Founder/Creative + Style Director, Kimmie Smith @ShesKimmie) to see what’s taking place!
We’ll continue to loop you in on who we think should take it all.
We also suggest a podcast that we’re newly obsessed with, Wondery’s Bachelor Happy Hour which is hosted by Rachel Lindsay (contestant on The Bachelor Season 21; The Bachelorette Season 13) and co-hosted by Becca Kufrin (contestant on The Bachelor Season 22; The Bachelorette Season 14) to get their feedback!
LAST WEEK
Last week we felt that Abigail, Bri, Jessenia and Rachel are moving forward to Hometowns.
THIS WEEK
Well, this week definitely had a bit of drama sprinkled throughout and for those that have watched the drama unfold outside of what’s going on in the house, it’s interesting to see what future Bachelor/Bachelorette seasons will look like. As that unfolds, here is who will be going into Hometowns. Pretty early on we predicted that Rachel would be in this group.
TODAY’S HOMETOWNS
THE BACHELOR CONTESTANTS
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
Featured TV Show
9LIST
Read the Jan #61 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST in mag.
Featured 9LIST
PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Corinne Kutz
BEST HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS 2021
Did you get married in 2020? If so, chances are you’re still dreaming of getting away for a honeymoon due to the pandemic. Don’t fret, as there are many couples all around the world in the very same situation. And yes, it may take a while for tourism to open up again but that doesn’t mean you can’t start looking into possible destinations for 2021. On that note, if you need a little help, the following are some of the best honeymoon destinations for this coming year.
St. Lucia
St. Lucia is a dream destination for lots of different reasons. Think luxurious hotels, white sandy beaches, sparkling Caribbean water, drive-in volcanoes, amazing hiking trails, breath-taking waterfalls and some of the most unique mountain views in the world. St. Lucia really does have it all but, be warned, this level of luxury does not come cheap. If you really want to splash out and have the honeymoon of a lifetime, it might be worth looking for personalized offers and take out a personal loan. This will give you access to cash quickly and you can pay back the money overtime in manageable monthly repayments. St. Lucia is the perfect getaway for couples that are looking for top class luxury and a little bit of adventure.
Bora Bora
Again, a trip to Bora Bora does not come cheap but the level of luxury you’ll enjoy will make it worth every single cent. Picture sapphire-colored skies, total seclusion, and the clearest waters you’ve ever seen. You’ll get to enjoy French champagne and world-class foods whilst you and your new hubby/wife relax and take in the breath-taking views. Bora Bora is ideal for couples that are looking for a celebrity style experience at a discounted price.
The Maldives
A honeymoon destination guide would not be complete without a mention of the gorgeous Maldives. Known as a tropical paradise, the islands of the Maldives are surrounded by one big lagoon and most resorts are built on the lagoon. The exotic corals are what sets this destination apart from the rest making it the ideal choice for couples that love to dive and snorkel. Fancy a bit of island hopping? You’ll also love the Maldives as you can move onto a new island and a new resort every few nights during your trip.
Hawaii
Hawaii stirs up all kinds of images. Stunning beaches, perfect waves, colorful flower garlands, majestic mountains and towering volcanoes are just some things that come to mind. The natural beauty in Hawaii will totally blow your mind as it’s home to some of the most incredible geology the world has to offer. Book a trip to Hawaii if you’re a nature lover, avid surfer or a beach lover.
Bali
Looking for a cultural experience where you’ll be immersed in a tropical paradise? Bali is the perfect place to visit. Think stunning beaches, magical temples, sprawling rice fields, lush jungles and gushing rivers and waterfalls and you’ve got a good picture of what you’ll get to enjoy when you touch down in Bali. This choice of destination is ideal for couples that want to pay less without having to make huge compromises on luxury.
Featured
PUSH THE SOUND FORWARD WITH VALENTINO KHAN
Valentino Khan is a DJ/Producer with a lot of personality and a passion for his favorite teams - LA Dodgers and LA Lakers, where he had an epic concert celebrating their wins last year! In addition, last fall, he re-leased his EP on Diplo's label, Mad Decent. We caught up with him to find out about his passion for the industry, how he works creatively and more!
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you first fall in love with music and when did you realize that you wanted to create music?
VALENTINO KHAN: I think my earliest exposure to who and what a producer was came through listening to stuff that The Neptunes, Dr. Dre and Timbaland were making. It gave me an understanding that there was a lane for people that “make the beat.” I became fascinated with the idea of creating something that gave people a wow factor in some way.
AM: You started in the music industry as a hip hop producer and have worked with artists such as T.I., 2 Chainz and B.o.B, when did you transition into doing music for yourself?
VK: It all happened for me at the same time more or less. I discovered dance music and began taking a shot at creating my own interpretation of it around the same time I started getting placements on rap projects. The artist side has just kept growing in such a great way for me and I’m thankful I still have my hands indifferent things both as a producer and an artist.
AM: Who were your mentors or sources of inspiration when you began your journey as DJ?
VK: I was inspired by nothing and every-thing at the same time. I’ve always want-ed to be versatile and try whatever I was feeling at the moment. So I gravitated to-ward having a catalog like someone like Diplo who has been involved with so many different genres. I wanted to be able to showcase a wide spectrum of sounds that I could create.
AM: What would you say is the Valentino Khan sound?
VK: I think a lot of people associate me with a very bass driven house music sound and that’s fine. But I think people that actually have listened to my discography know I’ve done many things outside of that too. I try to not get too caught up in that and just put out dope music.
AM: When you begin working on a new song or album, what’s your process in terms of how you begin to create it?
VK: It all depends on what the first point of inspiration is. I think I’ve been doing this long enough and I’ve put myself in situations where I can jump off from a number of different points. It could be the vocals, a synth line, the drums, whatever. I think the ability to take that original component and be able to have a vision for what the rest of the track will sound like is so important.
AM: How do you go about deciding to collaborate with others and what do you look for?
VK: I think it’s gotta be organic. I just look for people that try to push the sound forward because that’s huge for me. I want to continue to make music that raises the bar and pushes the envelope for every-one. It’s so important because that’s the same energy that has inspired me to do what I do.
AM: From a creative standpoint, is there a difference between when you’re doing a remix versus collaborating with an artist on a new song?
VK: I think the biggest difference when working with an artist is the focus on building a track around their vocal to let them shine. A huge part of it is giving your beat an identity but leaving space within your track for the artist. Otherwise, it can end up sounding too convoluted. I always try to keep that in mind when I’m doing a session or producing for someone else.
AM: When did you realize that you had made it?
VK: I don’t think I’ve ever had that moment. My career seems to have the most gradual steady climb but I’m fine with that. There’s more value in longevity.
AM: How have you been spending 2020 and how have you stayed inspired?
VK: Mostly making music and cooking at home. Or learning how to be a better cook at least. I think my goal is that I want to come out of this a better artist and a better person. Hopefully, I can achieve both of those things.
AM: How have you stayed connected to your fans to continue sharing your music with them?
VK: Streaming has been a huge way that has allowed me to stay connected with fans. Most of us haven’t been doing itas often as we were back when this first started, but I think it’s been cool to provide people with a brief distraction from the craziness that has been going on in this past year. Social media as a whole really helps me connect with my fans in the most organic way.
AM: I know you’re a Laker and Dodger fan and you did sold out shows for the Lakers Championship Victory Stream as well as one for the Dodgers! How did this come about and why did you want to do it?
VK: The new normal for now has been doing drive-in shows that are socially distant. And unfortunately, we never got to have proper parades for the Lakers and Dodgers winning it all in 2020. So I thought what better way to do the closest thing to a parade in a safe environment? I did back to back shows at the NOS Center in SoCal and sold out both nights. It was great to have that theme with those shows and celebrate together. It really gave perspective as to how important live music is and I’ve tried to not take for granted that it gives people a bit of joy.
AM: You’ve been doing drive in shows which is a great way to still be on stage and to have a version of fan inclusivity as well, how has that been and do you have more planned.
VK: It’s been an awesome experience. It’s a bit trickier to organize those but it’s become the solution for now until things get back under control. I’m definitely looking forward to doing more of these whenever the opportunity arises.
AM: We look forward to seeing you at E-Zoo later this year, what is your favorite festival to play?
VK: Fingers crossed on the festivals later this year. My favorites include all the Lollapaloozas and EDC of course because it feels like the Super Bowl of all of them.
AM: When you’re about to perform, do you have a routine that gets you ready for the show and do you have things you do after the show?
VK: I just stretch because I move around a lot, that’s it. I don’t really get any pre-show jitters so things are pretty simple for me.
AM: What have you learned about yourself this year as we have all had time for self reflection?
VK: I’ve learned that I can’t take for granted that I have a unique career that provides people with fun every night. There’s very few people that can say that, so I'm blessed I’m in that position. It’s also been a gut check in many ways and I’ve learned I can be alright when touring suddenly comes to a halt.
PHOTOS COURTESY | Valentino Khan
Read the Jan Issue #62 of Athleisure Mag and see Push the Sound Forward with Valentino Khan in mag.
Featured Music
BINGELY BOOKS
THE QUEEN'S GAMBIT
Vintage
Walter Tevi
We know that a number of you have enjoyed Netflix Series' Queen Gambit. We always like to read books that have a TV series/movie equivalent. We're introduced to 8 year old Beth Harmon, an orphan that is quiet, to herself and not someone that you would take notice of a significant way. It's when she plays chess that she becomes a different person! She realizes that her senses become sharper, she can think clearly and she has a sense of control that she has never been able to have in other aspects of her life. When she is in this mode, she is able to be the most optimized self that she can be which is control.
At the age of 16, she is preparing to compete at the US Open Championship. This competition requires her to work at the highest level that she has ever had to. As she is focusing on doing this on this professional stage, the stakes couldn't be higher. She feels the weight of her efforts which leads to feeling isolated, being scared and to potentially escape everything that she has worked so hard for
LOVE IS SERVED: INSPIRED PLANT-BASED RECIPES FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Avery
Seizan Dreux Ellis
We could all use a few bright, clean and tasty recipes that are perfect for vegans, vegetarians and omnivores. Love is Served brings recipes from L.A. dining scene's Café Gratitude. Originally founded in the Bay Area, their dishes are named to double as affirmations of self. "I Am Fearless," "I Am Humble," and "I Am Open-Hearted"nod to the restaurant's core belief that food is just as much about spirit as it is about appetite. Over time, the restaurant evolved, changed location, expanded and became fixture as a background in paparazzi shots.
Executive Chef Seizan Dreux Ellis continues to focus on the principles of celebrating the flavors of plants, healthy ingredients, organic, made from scratch, free of animal products and in most cases refined sweeteners.
Key recipes include "I Am Awakening" (Raw Key Lime Pie), "I Am Warm-Hearted" (Grilled Polenta with MushroomRagout) and "I Am Gracious" (Radicchio, Roasted Butternut Squash, and Sundried Tomato Pesto Grain Salad) to name a few. With easy steps, unfussy methods and easy-to-access ingredients. It serves as a method to inspire you to change the way you look at food.
DRINKING ANIMALS COLORING BOOK
Caffeinstar Press
Caffeinstar Publishing
We could all use some relaxation and this coloring book for adults allows you to take a bit of self-care! Each page contains illustrations of animals drinking an array of cocktails - complete with recipes should you need an additional activity while taking a bit of a mental break.
Read the Jan Issue #61 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Books in mag.
Featured Bingely Books
#TRIBEGOALS
Read Jan Issue #61 of Athleisure Mag and see #TRIBEGOALS in mag.
Featured #TRIBEGOALS
NEXT LEVEL BEATS WITH SIDEPIECE
We caught up with SIDEPIECE, the collaborative project from respected producers Party Favor & Nitti Gritti. Their breakout hit, ‘On My Mind,’ was co-released with Diplo on his underground label Higher Ground. With over 75 million global streams, the song is nominated for a GRAMMY in the "Best Dance Recording" category, marking their first-ever GRAMMY nomination as SIDEPIECE. We wanted to find out more about their work, their creative process, how they came together and more.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we get into your collaborative project, tell me when you realized that you wanted to create music individually as Party Favor & Nitti Gritti.
NITTI GRITTI (RICKY): I started making music in 2012 as a hobby during college. I was just so competitive and determined that I ended up quitting everything to focus on it full time. Something about pro-duction and EDM blowing up at the time gave me the inspiration to really try and make music my career.
PARTY FAVOR (DYLAN): I got into electronic music when I was in my freshman year of college. It hadn't really popped off yet as dance music in the states and was still relatively underground. The only main-stream artists pushing a similar sound were the Black Eyed Peas/David Guetta at the time. The energy of the music and the unique soundscapes really attracted me and made me want to make dance music. It stirred something in me if you will haha.
AM: As producers, both of you have worked with amazing artists and have had a number of hits, how would you define the Party Favor and the Nitti Gritti sound?
PF: I think both of us are similar in the sense that we make all types of genres and I’ve always had a hard time being boxed into one thing specifically. The Party Favorsound originally started out as fun booty shaking music and over time I have been bringing in more songwriting and serious subject matter into the project. As I get a little older, my tastes and interests are changing and I like to constantly challenge myself. My upcoming album I’m finishing up right now is going to be a complete departure from early Party Favor and it’s very conceptual. Doing a full visual experience with it as well.
NG: Nitti Gritti is my project that allows me to release almost any genre and getaway with it. From Trap to Dubstep to Future Bass to Pop, I try to take inspiration from virtually any sound I want.
AM: Who have been some of your favorite collaborators that you have produced for/with?
NG: Getting to produce for artists like Major Lazer, Bad Bunny, SAINt JHN, Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull has been incredible. Seeing songs racking up huge streams over the years is always a great feeling.
PF: For me, early on working with Diplo was a great eye opener into thinking outside the box and how the process and industry works. He’s always thinking of what’s next and that inspired me to be better and not get complacent when I was starting out. I have worked with A$AP Ferg a few times both for his and my projects and he is one of my favorite people to work with. His vision for how he wants a song is crazy and he loves to make stuff up on the fly in the room which is how I work best as well.
AM: What is your process when you’re individually working with other creatives?
PF: It depends on each song and each situation. I love working in person because I think when you have that energy feeding off each other, there's nothing like it. The best music gets made that way. If I can’t get in a room with someone, I like to first take at least 45 minutes to chat/catch up and get to know the person before even discussing one bit about the song. Making music is all about feeling. For other records though, I might not even work with another person and maybe do everything on my headphones.
NG: I usually like to just hangout for an hour before we even start making music. Talking about life helps to open up the flow of communication, and then I like to start from scratch on a guitar or piano so the vibe is natural and we don't force the production process.
AM: How do the two of you work together when you’re creating music within this SIDEPIECE project especially with the craziness of 2020?
NG: We usually work remotely by sending Ableton sessions back and forth, but I go to LA to work in person with Dylan all the time. There's no doubt that we haven't been able to work face to face as much as we would have liked to this year, but we're making it work however we can right now.
PF: It’s been great because we have been on the same page mostly about the music and our skills really complement each other. So when I’m feeling lost on an idea or start something and want to hand it off, I know Ricky is going to be able to take it to the next level or fill in the blank of what’s missing. We both have our own separate projects so the SP project never feels like there's too much pressure and that's why I think it works so well. We treat it like our SIDEPIECE. Working in person for us is where we’ve made our best music, but we FaceTime all the time and show each other ideas. Going back and forth, we just make do with the situation. We’re sitting on so much music because all we’ve been doing is producing haha.
AM: How would you define SIDEPIECE’S sound?
PF: I guess Tech-House with a twist. We wanted this project to honor house music and its history and styles but wanted to bring something new to the table. I think coming from the world we do as PF and Nitti, we approach songs a little differently in the house world. We aren't in it for a fad, we're here to stay :).
NG: I'd describe it as "timeless house mu-sic that also pushes boundaries."
AM: What was the thought behind coming together as SIDEPIECE and tell me about ‘’On My Mind” and co-releasing it on Diplo’s underground label, Higher Ground.
NG: SIDEPIECE happened after Dylan and I showed each other some music on Face-Time one day. In about an hour, we realized we should try something together. It was cool how quickly we clicked mak-ing this style of music. As far as "On My Mind," I actually made it with Diplo in Bali on a writing trip we did, then almost a year later we made SIDEPIECE and all agreed it would be the perfect collab release for us.
PF: Ricky started this song with Wes (Diplo) before the SP project even started. When we initially started working on the project, he showed me the record as it was at the time and we both agreed it was perfect for the project. We worked on it more from there and turned it into what you hear now. We didn’t really have a choice on where it would end up label-wise because Diplo had a label haha, but we knew it was the right fit regardless.
AM: Not only has this song been successful streaming-wise, but you just scored a Grammy nomination for it in the “Best Dance Recording” category. How did it feel to get this nomination?
PF: Such a surreal feeling. We knew the song had potential and the response has been crazy but it was still such a surprise seeing our names up there. Honored and humbled by the response and the nomination. It’s chosen by our peers so that's even more of a big deal to me than the actual award. Now we gotta somehow top it haha.
NG: I've been a part of a Latin GrammyAward but I never got the actual trophy, so this time I'm really pumped to attend the GRAMMYs and try to win the damn thing! Haha!
AM: What are your plans for SIDEPIECE in 2021? Have you penciled in any festivals, drive-in shows whether virtual or live?
NG: We have a lot of music coming out and a few plans for future shows!
PF: Festivals, tons of new music, traveling the world, and just generally taking over is the plan.
AM: Are you working on new music that we should keep an eye out for?
PF: Way too much new music haha. We have a new one coming out in February called “Temptation” that we are stoked for. It was one of the first projects we made when we started SP. Hopefully some collabs this year too. We are open to anything and everything!
NG: We're always working on new stuff, it's just a matter of getting the songs out with a good plan behind them!
PHOTO CREDITS | PG 42, 44 + 47 Koury Angelo | PG 48 Tati Bruening | STYLIST Corynne Burrows |
Read the Jan Issue #61 of Athleisure Mag and see Next Level Beats with SIDEPIECE in mag.
Featured Music
PHOTO CREDIT | Unsplash/Alexandru Acea
HOW TO BE STYLISH AS A MAN
How to be Stylish as a Man
It’s not only women who can be stylish—men can do that too. The only difference is that men’s fashion is relatively simpler and more standard as compared to women’s. Men’s wear traditionally is made up of limited kinds of clothing, though that depends on the time period and culture. So, the question is—how can you stand out from the traditional look and be more stylish?
Being stylish is not something you’re born with—it’s something you learn along the way. Over time, you learn how other men, especially celebrities, dress themselves in the movies or award shows, and you subconsciously absorb that information. You slowly start to recognize what styles appeal to you, and what styles suit you. While you may assume that you’re not naturally stylish doesn’t mean you don’t have an eye for style.
In fact, that eye you have for other men’s style can be incorporated into your own style. Don’t worry, it’s not about perfecting your style right away. It’s about slowly turning yourself into a stylish man and rocking every outfit you’ve hidden in your wardrobe. To start, here are a few tips to up your game:
1. Get the Right Fit
The first and most important thing to remember when it comes to a great style is getting the right fit for your body. You can have the most expensive suit or most stylish shirt in the world, but if it’s not your fit, it will never look stylish on you. Wearing clothes that are not properly fitted will only throw off your body proportions. Baggy clothes will only make you look shorter, sloppy, or bigger than you actually are.
Start by going through your wardrobe right now and see which items you think perfectly fit you and which ones don’t. Replace all those baggy clothes with outfits that fit you better. If you’re still doubtful, you can find more information here and expand your knowledge about filling your wardrobe with the right clothes for you.
2. Avoid Wearing Clothes with Logos, Graphics, or Extremely Wild Prints
This doesn’t mean that men who wear printed clothes are not stylish but, when you’re just starting out, it’s best to avoid them for now. Clothes with logos or graphics might make you look like you’re still in college or you’re about to watch your favorite soccer team. If you want to look stylish while looking mature, replace your logo shirts with solid-colored shirts. This will make you look more refined and sophisticated.
3. Wear Unique Accessories Wisely
Selecting accessories for men requires careful attention. This may sound like a big risk for you if you just started experimenting, but a brilliant accessory may make you stand out among the rest. You need to incorporate an accessory that looks confident and classy, but not too loud. Your accessory should serve as a finishing touch to your overall look in order to sharpen your style.
One of the most common accessories that men wear is a watch. It’s classic but it’ll never go out of style. Not only is it functional, but a high-end watch will make you look more professional and confident too.
4. Commit to a Signature Scent
To enhance your overall look and style, pair it with a signature scent. Committing to one signature scent means you’ve built your personality and character around that scent. Isn’t it amazing whenever a particular fragrance reminds people of you?
There are some things that you may have to consider when picking your scent. Make sure it’s not too strong yet not too weak. Also, ensure that you put the right amount of scent so it wouldn’t look like you’ve only used it as a substitute for your shower—wearing a perfume that’s too strong for the nose might keep other people away from you.
5. Get a Hairstyle That Suits Your Face Shape
One way to become stylish is to maintain proper grooming. The first thing to consider for your grooming is your hairstyle. Your hairstyle can make or break your overall look. Make sure to visit your most trusted barber regularly and have your hair trimmed to a hairstyle that matches your face shape and highlights your features. Keeping your hair trimmed will surely make you more stylish than a man who rarely visits a barbershop.
Finishing Up
There are still other tips out there to make you more stylish, but the ones mentioned above will surely help you get started. Always remember that styling yourself is not about copying how others dress—it's about owning your style and showing your personality through it. Soon, styling yourself will become easy as you figure out which clothes and accessories work best for you.
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9PLAYLIST | APRIL ROSS
Read the Jan Issue #61 of Athleisure Mag and see 9PLAYLIST | April Ross in mag.
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