surprise your sweetie. Date night every Saturday at Vino Cellars is a perfect getaway for you and your someone special. Two glasses of wine, two social plates, one dessert, and a take home bottle of wine! JUST $40*!
www.vcellars.com
2137 W. Republic Rd. SPRINGFIELD | 417.883.VINO AND 15038 Business Hwy. 13 BRANSON WEST | 417.739.1985 *Some restrictions apply on glasses, tapas plates and take home bottle. $40 price is per couple
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09things i've learned
editor of DEITRA as the
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EVERYONE LOVES A SCANDAL.
I’m no stranger to being the subject of gossip and rumors. To tell the truth, it doesn’t phase me. I’ve heard it all. In fact, what surprises me the most is that people have so much time on their hands! Ladies and gents, don’t waste your time trying to tear someone else down. It has the opposite effect of what you’re intending. Instead, build others up, get to know new people, their talents, their passions. Meeting new people has been one of the most awesome things about running Deitra. Everyone has something great about them, and everyone has a gift that is worth sharing. That’s one of the many ideas behind Deitra. And one more thing, don’t believe everything you hear, or read for that matter. Almost everything out there is completely false, especially when it comes to gossip. But some of it, I will tell you, is deliciously true!
I’M JUST A GIRL.
Once, I was complemented by a fellow female artist that she was so impressed that I was a woman in business. After smiling and thanking her vehemently, I moved on to other awaiting social interactions and took a giant swig of my vodka soda. What she had said to me though meant to be complementive and empowering - vexed me. So the success of my business is only impressive because I’m a woman? I don’t think so. Anyone who puts forth so much effort toward their dreams, male or female, is impressive in my book.
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DEADLINES ARE FOR THE BIRDS.
Writers are no good at meeting deadlines. Writers hate - nay loathe - deadlines. But as journalists, deadlines are a part of the job. We become pro’s at pushing the limits. I should know. I am first and foremost, a writer.
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PLEASE REFER TO OUR COMPLAINT BOX.
It’s simple. People love to find something to be upset about. One reader sent me a Facebook message referencing our Issue 07 fashion spread and hashing out all the reasons why fur is murder. Um... we did not murder those animals. I assure you, no animals were harmed during the production of this magazine. Most of us on staff have lived on a steady vegetarian diet of grapes and hops throughout the entire process. But all joking aside, we at Deitra are extremely conscious about issues such as animal rights, which is clear throughout each of our nine issues of the magazine. We just choose to express our stance through an artistic approach without going on any sort of political rant. And those very real, gorgeous fur coats we used in the Fawn & Forest spread? All vintage. We also believe in recycling. So, before you start hacking away at your keyboard with a judgmental letter or comment toward anyone, take some time to think it through. You can choose to jump to conclusions, or to find out what others are all about.
TIME CARDS NEED NOT APPLY.
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When it comes to creating, delegating, directing, designing, writing, editing, promoting, rinsing, and repeating, there is absolutely no break in this job. None.
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MIXING WORK WITH PLEASURE.
Sometimes I feel like Carrie Bradshaw. Other times I feel like Ugly Betty. Always, I feel like a glass of wine.
JUST BREATHE.
Every issue, something is bound to go wrong. Every release show there is at least one moment of panic, usually several. But in the end, it all turns out better than I could ever hope for.
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NEVER WORK WITH YOUR FRIENDS.
Oh, pish posh! I’ve made the best friends of my life doing this. Sure, we have our ups and downs, we butt heads sometimes, we cry and laugh and voice our opinions. But what kind of family doesn’t? We are all strong, talented, passionate, and driven personalities, and we have the best of times together creating the pages of Deitra. And the self-dubbed Deitra Crew - my best friends have supported me through thick and thin. And now without further adieu, I present to you Issue 09 of Deitra Magazine. We think it’s our best yet, and we hope you enjoy every last bit. I love doing this job. I couldn’t do it without the support of the Deitra Crew, our local advertisers, and our awesome readers. And we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts! Thank you for reading!
NOTHING IS PERMANENT.
Whenever you find a band that has earned its way to the top of your favorites list, hold onto them. Support them, buy their merch, go to their shows (and pay the $5 cover charge, for freaking sakes). Because they may not be around forever. And when your favorite local band splits up or moves on, it feels like a breakup. All artists subsist by the generosity of your hard earned - albeit few - dollars, word of mouth, and your presence at their concert, gallery showing, or otherwise. It doesn’t take much to help anyone succeed on his or her own path. It only takes the cost of a milkshake and a ton of support.
gift list H O T T R E AT : This chili pepper-infused honey made in Brooklyn, NY, is the sweet-heat combo you’ve been waiting for. Perfectly balanced, this may become your new favorite condiment with biscuits, pizza, salad dressing, and more. This stuff even rocks on ice cream. Mike’s Hot Honey, $10 at mikeshothoney.com.
BOOKWORM: Thomas Keller, one of history’s greatest chefs, has created the perfect cookbook for the home cook. This book features delicious, unpretentious, and approachable recipes, as well as a host of tips and tricks to simply make you a better cook. Ad Hoc at Home by Thomas Keller, $27 at amazon.com.
WHISKEY CLASS: This new label by Jameson is smooth and delicious. It sips well neat, and works perfectly in cocktails. It’s also priced reasonably enough to pick one up for yourself while buying one for the whiskey lover in your life. Jameson Black Barrel, $39 at liquor stores.
INDIE FLICK: A black and white silent series inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft and the early films of Hollywood, this locally made series, created by Nathan Shelton, has been nominated in numerous web festivals across the country. Shadow Bound was also a winner at the LA Web Series Festival 2013. Shadow Bound Web Series on DVD, $15.99 at shadowboundseries.com
SHOEGASM: We love that these babies are an alternative to a traditional black pump, and that the adjustable buckle closure adds a little bit of fifties style fetish (a la Bettie Page) to an otherwise simple shoe. Also in black suede. The Jeffrey Campbell Backup Pump, $212 at nastygal.com.
R O YA L O R D E R : These eye shadows are very pigmented and blendable, and come in beautiful jeweltoned shades. This one is four small palettes that are compact and easy for traveling. Plus, the packaging is cute! The Royal Eye Shadow Collection from LORAC, $38 at ulta.com.
SHAPE UP: This product is easy to work with, smells good, works with almost every texture of hair, and is not too stiff but still has a really nice hold. It can also be used to give definition to layers in long hair. Just put a little in your hands and scrunch your hair. Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Shaping Cream, $17 at ulta.com.
CREASE NO MORE: This primer is the best. It makes your eyeshadow stay longer, won’t crease, and pigments appear brighter and more intense. Urban Decay Original Eyeshadow Primer Potion, $20 at ulta.com.
DARK SCENT: This is an addictive blend of alluring violet, sensual sandalwood, and rich vanilla that strike the perfect balance between masculine and feminine. Plus, the black bottle makes us feel cool and sophisticated. Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black 1.7 oz Eau de Parfum for $75 at sephora.com.
LIP SERVICE: This lip color is thick and stays on really well. They’re inexpensive, and they’ve got lots of good nutrients in them that are good for your lips. The red is the perfect color and doesn’t need to be paired with liner. Burt’s Bees Lip Crayon in Napa Vineyard, $9 at drugstores.
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WE ALL KNOW WHAT the holidays are really about. The food. Here at Deitra, we love our food almost as much as our wine. This issue, we bring you holiday recipes that are sure to impress and satisfy your hungry loved ones, and are perfect for celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, the New Year, or any other day, for that matter. At Deitra, my role as Culture Editor, encompasses both food and art. However, I believe that food can be both, when made with love, care, and the appropriate amount of wine. This holiday season, I have created recipes for you, along with one of my best friends and partners in crime, Miss Erin Hargis. In what little free time we have, we run a food blog called Whiskey & Waffles (whiskeyandwafflesblog.com), where we cook, bake, and Erin captures beautiful images of what we create. Follow along. These recipes are simple, elegant, delicious, and made from the heart. At Whiskey & Waffles, we believe food is an act meant to be shared with those you love. So share, cook, create, and love on those around you this holiday season. Cheers.
Stuffed Pork Loin , serves 8
One day ahead (optional, but seriously recommended):
For the Brine
Combine all ingredients for the brine and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve salt and sugar. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
4 ½ qt. water 1 cup salt 1 cup brown sugar ½ tsp. black peppercorns 1 tsp. fennel seed 3 bay leaves For the Pork 4-5 lb. pork roast ¼ apple, thinly sliced ¼ fennel bulb, thinly sliced ¼ brown onion, thinly sliced 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 3 sage leaves, thinly sliced 1 tbsp. brown sugar 2 tbsp. walnuts, chopped
Place the pork loin in the cooled brine, cover, and refrigerate for 24 hours. Day of: Preheat oven to 450˚F. Remove the pork from the brine and pat dry. Next, butterfly the pork loin. Place the pork loin on a cutting board with the short end facing you. Cut down the length of the pork, about ½” from the bottom. Continue to cut and pull the pork away from the knife, like unrolling paper towels, until the pork loin is unrolled and flat. Combine remaining ingredients in a separate bowl and toss to evenly coat with brown sugar. Spread the combined ingredients across the butterflied pork loin. Roll the pork until all ingredients are secured inside and tie with cooking twine in 1-2 inch intervals. Drizzle the roast with olive oil, place in a roasting pan, and roast for 20 mins. Reduce the oven temperature to 350˚F, and roast for another 40-50 mins, or until an instant read meat thermometer registers 145˚F, basting every 20 minutes with the drippings from the pan. Remove roast from the pan and allow to rest for 15 minutes. When ready to serve, cut the twine from the roast, and thickly slice.
1 Mushroom Turnovers, makes 8 turnovers Olive oil, as needed 1 lb portobello mushrooms ½ red onion 3 garlic cloves 1 large sprig rosemary Salt to taste Pepper to taste ¼ cup red wine 2 tbsp parmesan, freshly grated 2 sheets puff pastry, cut into quarters 1 egg, lightly beaten. Preheat oven to 400˚F. Combine mushrooms, onion, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a food processor and pulse until roughly chopped. Over medium high heat, add olive oil to a pan and cook mushroom mixture until darkened and slightly dried out, about 10-12 minutes. Add red wine to deglaze and continue to cook until moisture has evaporated. Fold in the parmesan. Place the puff pastry squares onto a baking sheet (sprayed with cooking spray) and place about 2 tbsp. of the mushroom mixture on one half of each square. Fold over to create triangles, crimp the edges, and brush with egg wash. Bake 10-12 minutes until golden brown and serve.
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Honey and Pear Tarts, makes 12 slices 4 pears, cut in half and cored ½ cup honey 2 sheets puff pastry, thawed 1 oz fresh basil, thinly sliced 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature 1 egg, lightly beaten Preheat oven to 400˚F. Brush the pears with half of the honey and roast for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to rest until cool enough to handle. Cut into ¼” slices and set aside. Unroll the puff pastry onto a baking sheet and spread with cream cheese, leaving about ½” exposed around the edges. Top with slices of roasted pear, brushing the exposed edges with egg wash, and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown on the edges. Remove from the oven, garnish with sliced fresh basil, and drizzle remaining honey before cutting into sixths and serving.
Winter Trifle, serves 6 Dark Chocolate Brownies, crumbled Chocolate Espresso Mousse (next page) 2 cups whipped cream, sweetened or cool whip, thawed 1 small package fresh raspberries 1 oz sliced almonds 2 oz white chocolate, finely chopped To assemble, in a large, glass bowl, or six small dishes, spread a thin coating of dark chocolate brownie crumbles on the bottom, followed by a layer of espresso mousse, followed by a layer of whipped cream. Sprinkle over half of the white chocolate shavings and almond slices. Repeat the layers and finish with fresh raspberries. Store refrigerated overnight. Remove 2 hours before serving to allow to come to room temperature.
Dark Chocolate Brownies 2 cups sugar 1 ½ cups flour ¾ cup quality cocoa powder ½ tsp salt 1 cup vegetable oil 4 eggs 2 tsp vanilla extract Preheat oven 350˚F. Combine dry ingredients in an electric mixer. On low speed, add eggs, one at a time, waiting until each is fully mixed before adding the next. Add oil in a slow, steady stream until fully incorporated. Pour into a greased 13”x9” and bake 25-30 minutes. Allow to cool.
Chocolate Espresso Mousse 6 oz. high quality dark chocolate 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature Âź cup plus 2 tbsp powdered sugar 2 tbsp espresso powder or finely ground instant coffee 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to form soft peaks In a double boiler, melt dark chocolate. Allow to cool slightly. Whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and espresso powder until smooth. Whisk in melted dark chocolate. Fold in the whipped cream to coffee and chocolate mixture until well incorporated. Note: Spread the mousse while it is still warm. The cooler it gets, the firmer it will become and more difficult to spread.
The Hangover Breakfast, serves 4 2 cups cold coffee 3 oz. chocolate vodka 3 oz. Kahlua 2 oz. sweet cinnamon vodka 2 oz. Baileys Irish Cream Combine all ingredients, except Baileys, and divide evenly between four glasses full of ice. Finish with 1 tbsp Baileys and wash the hangover away.
I WAS BORN IN Springfield, Missouri in 1990, the 29th day of the month of January. Aside from parts of my childhood, I spent most of my teen and early adult life in downtown Springfield. As I grew up I aspired to be bigger than life, and this character that I had made of myself was sure to only exist somewhere else rather than in the heart of the queen city of the Ozarks. Earlier this year, in fact the immediate day after my 24th birthday, I packed up my car and left for Texas, leaving behind my friends, my salon, my position in the cast of Cherry Bomb Burlesque, and the Beauty Editor position in the very magazine you hold in your hands. From these opportunities I was leaving behind, I was allowed to express my creativity in various medias of stage performance, walking runway, creating hair, and featuring it in print editorial. But the metroplex of Dallas/Fort Worth offered a bigger population, and to my very limited knowledge of the area, I was inclined to believe that it offered a bigger artist forum. It seemed more suitable and beneficial to my goals as to who I was as a person, as a professional, and as an entertainer. More than tripling the size of Springfield, I was very sure that the community for gay culture and the arts had to be better than my small town existence. The reality that I would very quickly come to realize was the opposite of what I had hoped to be true of my new situation.
After a couple of months living in Fort Worth, I was very surprised to find how difficult it was to make friends and to find a way to facilitate an outlet. It wasn’t that people were unfriendly so much as they were not as friendly as the people I had met and grew to be friends with in downtown Springfield. I tried to remember how I made friends in Springfield, and I realized that the root of all my friendships started in school, in church, or at work. I’m not in school. I haven’t been to church in several years. The only hope at this point was to make friends at work. After a few months I landed my job at a blow dry bar in the West 7th area of town. The girls I worked with were friendly for the most part, but trying to take that friendship outside of work was nearly impossible, and they were not inclined to do any sort of editorial or collaborative work outside of those walls. So work friends wasn’t going to be an option, and now three months into this adventure, I felt the loneliness beginning to set in. I did find familiarity and a little bit of comfort in the part of Fort Worth known as Fairmount. It was the hospital district of Fort Worth and home to Magnolia Avenue. This was the closest thing I could find to home. In Fairmount you could find more live music, craft beer, and an appreciation for keeping things local. On Magnolia Avenue there were beer houses, traditional sushi, cafés, Mijo’s Mexican/ Asian Fusion, and Spiral Diner, a vegan café. Best of all of these places was a bar called The Boiled Owl. Monday nights hosted some of the best karaoke I have ever heard. Cult classic movies were always playing behind the bar. The bartender, Nicole, was one of the brightest and friendliest bartenders I have ever met, and she never forgot my face or my drink order. Another place on Magnolia was Avoca Coffee shop. This place roasted its own beans like the Mudhouse in Springfield, but had a very clean menu like The Coffee Ethic. The only difference was that the coffee was kind of awful and the staff most always seemed inconvenienced to take my order. This part of town is probably the number one place that helped me to not feel like I was in a complete other world. (Despite the fact to me, it felt as if it were the poor man’s Springfield.) Growing up as a gay man in the Ozarks, I had always thought that anywhere had to be better than here. Surely a larger city would offer more to me than what Springfield was providing. Much to my dismay, the gay scene in Fort Worth was terribly lacking. They had maybe two or three clubs, which isn’t much for a town with a population of nearly 800,000 people.
The Rainbow Lounge Dance and Drag club made Springfield’s Martha’s Vineyard look like a classy, posh nightclub, and Reflections paled in comparison to our own Mix Ultralounge, though it also had decent karaoke and the cheapest drinks I could find in town. They were definitely more expensive and a lot weaker than the drinks at Front of House or The Outland Ballroom. Fort Worth may be seven times larger, but its gay community was seven times smaller and seven times more pretentious and uninviting. This isn’t to say that I didn’t meet a couple of good people there. I did. But more than a handful would be a gross lie. If I thought Fort Worth gays were awful, Dallas was much worse. I only made it into Dallas a handful of times. The clubs were reminiscent of “Babylon” from Queer as Folk and seriously pretentious. In all the lights and driving bass, multi-floored bars with breathtaking views of open courtyards and of the rest of the street outside, I was taken away by the sheer size and by being surrounded by such beautiful people. But with each conversation over a whiskey and coke, I failed miserably to make any lasting connection with people. All these experiences are just a taste of what I saw and felt in my eight months in Texas. Where was the bright and shiny I had looked forward to my entire life? Why wasn’t I thriving in this area? Where were the arts community and the variety in people? At one point someone was saying they had this brilliant idea of getting a space that local artists could get together and work on their projects and then use the same venue as a gallery space. Wouldn’t it would be nice to have a store to feature local artists and their crafts and sell them? In my mind I was slapping myself. Meganne Rosen O’Neal and Laura Provance did that a while ago in Springfield with Arts & Letters and IdeaXFactory. Another person mentioned that their friend had just opened a second hand vintage clothing boutique and it was like a new thing in the area. Vintage Vice was our thing in Springfield for a long time, and now we have Downtown Clothing Exchange, among others. My favorite thing, of course, was overhearing someone talk about how nice it would be to have a magazine that featured local arts, music, and culture specific to that area. One word: DEITRA. So why is all of this important? I had been focusing so long on what I was going to do with my life once I got somewhere bigger and better that I didn’t really take the time to look around and think that maybe Springfield, Missouri could be my “Bigger and Better” idea. I have never been so proud to say that I am from the Midwest and specifically Springfield, Missouri. We may be small, but we pack a punch. What little things we have we do it above and beyond, no matter if it’s our varied genres of music represented, our multiple galleries and artistic outlets, our craft breweries, unique clothing boutiques, and so much more. My year started with a journey of self discovery, and during my travels I have learned a great many things. I am so happy that my journey came full circle, and that it ended here in Springfield with the people and town most dear to me. Never have I been so humbled and have such a respect for what home is. Every day I am inspired by all of the beautiful and talented souls around me. I am very blessed to have developed an appreciation by actually having left to fully understand and own this perspective. As it was put to me, “The grass is usually greener on the other side of the fence because there is a lot more shit on that side.” Hey Springfield. I’m home.
GARDENS ON MARS MOST OF THE GUYS in the Springfield based indie rock band, Gardens On Mars, met through Craigslist of all things. One thing led to another, and they all wound up playing music together and writing songs in a tiny basement. On one such occasion, they were all snowed in together for three days and ended up playing music and the early 2000’s video game Super Smash Bros Melee, and drinking a warm concoction of hot
chocolate and coffee, which they all agree was the best time ever, and what single-handedly formed the strong bond between them. They don’t take themselves or each other too seriously (noted by their prolonged declarations of endearment for Super Smash Brothers), and have so many inside jokes it’s hard to keep up. But these guys keep each other laughing, and anyone who’s around them for that matter. “It’s not a big deal... but that was my game, man. That was my game! Super Smash Brothers is what brought us together,” jokes outspoken drummer Markus Richie, who in addition to hipster glasses dons a rad Jedi Padawan braid.
Other members of the band are frontman vocalist and bassist Travis Cloud, vocalist and bassist Matt Kennon, lead guitarist Caleb Botkin, and Taylor Nunley on rhythm guitar. These light-hearted guys are the true essence of indie musicians, creating their own look and sound from scratch, recording their own songs, and designing their own art work. Their three song EP showcases their musical talent. The first time someone told me about this new band they had heard on stage in downtown, Springfield, I checked them out online, and was blown away. I’m always looking for that fresh, new sound. Gardens on Mars has got it, with their catchy band jams and spot-on vocals from Cloud and Kennon. They are both pitch perfect on the recordings, expressive and emotional despite the danceable tunes they are churning out. “Cruisin,’” sung by Kennon, shouts the influence of the Chili Peppers, but both Cloud and Kennon’s voices resonate as if John Mayer were singing in front of a cool, young indie band. There are a lot of great bands in the area, but it is a rare thing to have such great vocalists in a local band, especially one so new to the scene. The vocals transcend any musical genre, while both artists choose to represent the independent rock scene, and perform with a musically comprehensive band, bringing in a sound that both fans and fellow musicians can enjoy. It’s indie meets reggae meets jam, with musicians who know how to captivate an audience with their melodies, hooks, and jams. Clean riffs meet respectful musicianship. They talk about video games and leisure, but it’s evident that these guys have put time into their craft, and by a stroke of fate, fallen into stride with each other, creating a sound unlike any else on the Springfield music scene. Caleb, Matt, and Taylor live together in a what they call GOM house - standing for Gardens On Mars, obviously and the rest of these guys hang out and know each other like family. But the three song EP is not enough. It leaves the listener wanting more, from the first poppy vibes of “Lost Concept,” which conjures up the dreamy images of reggae meets our long lost love of ‘90s Incubus. How did this new band come to be on the Springfield music scene? What follows is Deitra Mag’s interview with the fun and charismatic band of Gardens On Mars.
Markus: A long time ago, Matt and I started writing music together with our friend Zach. It was kind of nonsensical. We wrote a song that we called “The Unicorn Song,” that was actually about the phrase, “I love lamps,” and no where in the song did it say anything about lamps or unicorns. Travis: It was probably our deepest song yet (laughs). Markus: We played music with him for a while and we thought that we were going to really go somewhere with that initially. We were like, “Yeah, we can write music about nothing. It’s so ambiguous.” But it kind of broke apart and we started playing with [several other musicians in the area]. For a while there were like ten or twelve people in my basement every weekend, and it was just an awkward collaboration of musical nonsense. The music itself was bad. We weren’t doing anything coherent. We were just making noise, but noise is fun.
Markus: I swear to god, if any of you say Red Hot Chili Peppers, I will kill all of you (laughs). Travis: I think we all kind of have a little bit different musical influences. I love the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
came together on that one thing. That’s what I really like. I just like bringing people together, and togetherness (laughs). I’m the hippie of the group. Caleb: Let’s just get this straight. All of them enjoy the Red Hot Chili Peppers a lot. I don’t like them. That’s just my personal thing. Taylor: We take a lot of different influences. Travis has a lot of soul influence. Matt has a lot of soul influence and a lot of Chili Peppers influence. Caleb, Markus, and I take a little bit of aspects of the post hardcore scene and try to blend that into it. Markus: My dad has played reggae music his whole life, so that’s all I’ve heard, so I’ve always loved reggae music. So we have a lot of triplet throw-ins and small things like that that I enjoy. We have one song that has a reggae break, and it’s one of my favorite things to play with everyone.
Travis: I’ve known Matt for roughly ten years. He’s been one of my best friends for the last ten years. I skated with Caleb, and I met some of these other guys through Craigslist. Markus: Like I said, Super Smash Bros. For me that sealed the deal.
Taylor: I would say funky, jazzy indie rock. Markus: Can I tell a story? A while back I went to a Thirty Seconds to Mars concert, and while I was there, we were waiting for the band to come on and there was this woman in front of us who was already trashed. She was maybe in her forties, and just going on for a while about how she’s been to so many of their concerts in her life, and how she loves all their old music, and she loved the new stuff. And then there’s a bunch of kids our age talking about how they love the music too. Right there, that’s what I wanted our band to be one day. I want us to be around long enough to where not only do we affect our generation, but we go along maybe twenty years down the road, and some of our kids will want to listen to our music too. It was really cool to see that togetherness, to see how those two generations
Travis: Note that his Jedi braid was flowing in the wind for that entire monologue (laughs). For me, the way we write music and the kind of music we write is kind of like freedom, because we don’t really get locked down in any one sort of genre. If you came to one of our shows, you would hear a little bit of everything. Some of our songs are just freaking poppy, and then some of our songs are reggae, and then we have one that’s like metal, and a few that are like The Black Keys. So it’s just kind of a mix of everything. We don’t get really stuck on one vibe, and I love that. Taylor: That’s kind of how it goes, though, Travis and Matt always battle on vocals. Me and Caleb always battle on guitar.
Markus: I think what we’re trying to do for now is get a local support going, because all of our friends are touring bands. We’re friends with a ton of bands. They all enjoy coming out to the shows, but it’s hard to get any other support going. Travis: We have our three song EP out on BandCamp, and we’ve been in the studio recording more songs. Hopefully we will have at least two more songs soon.
smokey folk SMOKEY FOLK’S FRESHMAN ALBUM Settle the Score is far from a freshman effort. Self described as Vaudeville Rock, Smokey Folk touts catchy hooks and melodies, with lyrics about love affairs and life lessons of the everyman hipster. Peppered with soulful sax solos and smooth background vocals, their sound embodies the classic, straightforward melodic style of bands like the Beatles. While Jeff Johnson heads up the vocals as well as guitar, he is matched with Cara Johnson on bass, Ryan Dunn on saxophone, Leta Verdugo on vocals, Mike Gomez on lead guitar, and Nathan Gamel on drums. Johnson started the band in 2012, along with Verdugo, and the others fell into place just last year. “It’s been a dream of mine to have a band,” says Johnson. “I have a very extensive background in classical piano, guitar, and cello, and that’s really where a lot of my music stems from. I’ve spent my entire life making up my own tunes, even from a young age. I’ve always had this grand vision of being in an all original band that one day will perform with a symphony and choir in the background.”
Settle the Score is a swing-folk album stirred up in a bowl with indie rock. The upbeat and well-crafted music makes this band not only great to move to on the dance floor, but it’s a great album to plug in for just about any occasion. A back to basics album, Settle the Score incorporates extended solos and improvisation with a solid, seasoned, and refreshing sound that defies the rock and punk garage bands so prominent on the scene for the last five years. With musical influences like Gogol Bordello, Tom Waits, and Amy Winehouse, their sound has begun to captivate new fans in their hometown of Springfield, Missouri. The smooth yet strong vocals from Jeff Johnson and Leta Verdugo are reminiscent of the extravagantly pretty folk duo The Civil Wars. One of the many elements that stand out about Smokey Folk is the soulful sound of the gypsy jazz saxophone artfully moving through the composition. We’ve heard Ryan Dunn before in previous bands and jamming around town, but this is by far the perfect match for his sound. “Cara’s Song” is an acoustic ballad love song worthy of a movie score. The fourth track, “Chips and Salsa,” with its Hispanic influence is hit with a retro throwback to a twisted-up melting pot of ‘60s surf beat and ‘90s pop-rock romanticism, ala Fastball’s “The Way.” “Too Little Too Late” starts out as an acoustic ballad, and ends with a hard-hitting guitar solo and jam session sure to get a crowd moving. The title track, “Settle the Score” is an all out power jam ballad, and “Man or Animal” is a slow Appalachian folk bluegrass tune laced with ‘60s psychedelic, conjuring up scenes of hippies scattered on a grassy knoll, experimenting with mind altering substances and frolicking about. “The Best Inside of Me” begins with heartfelt piano chords and drives up into an acoustic folk power ballad that reminds us of Seattle-based indie rock band Barcelona, with harmonious and piano-based elements of rock, and soaring gut wrenching vocals at the outro.
“I write all the music and lyrics so far,” says Johnson, “though we are working on ways to collaboratively create new music. Though I write all the music, it only comes to life because of the amazing musical abilities of my band mates.” “For this album Jeff wrote the songs,” says vocalist Leta Verdugo. “Nathan, Mike, and myself are all writers also, so expect to see some collaboration on the next album. It will really step up our sound and make for some tasty tunes.” Smokey Folk is currently performing all over Springfield, with talks of a tour and plans for more great albums in the future. “We are working increasingly harder to perform better, to have more presence on stage, and to connect with the people and fans,” says Johnson. “All this is moot if people don’t like your music, and so far we have had an overwhelming response of delighted interest in our songs. Many have said that Smokey Folk is the greatest band they’ve heard in a long time from the Springfield area. We’re going to keep at it until we can make this our life. That is the dream for all of us.” Find Settle the Score on BandCamp, on CD at Arts & Letters in downtown Springfield, or at any Smokey Folk show.
in memoriam kenny reynolds A LIGHT WENT OUT in Springfield on July, 30 when Kenny Reynolds passed away. Kenny, 23, was a great deal of things to a great number of people. Kenny was a son, brother, husband, activist, and musician. His passing was a shock, but his hometown rallied to show its support for his friends and family in a huge and heartfelt display on August 23 at the Outland Ballroom. People came out in droves to show support in the wake of Kenny’s absence, packing out first, Front of House Lounge, to watch performances from acts including Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, The Walkers, and Kenny’s sister’s band, Blue False Indigo, before heading upstairs for a tribute to Kenny’s life unlike any other.
The final band of the evening rotated musicians consisting of close friends, former bandmates, and family, like clockwork, subbing in vocalist, guitarists, and bassists nearly every song to create an evolution of sound that shook the building. The Ballroom moved beneath heavy feet as the band played songs from The Closure, one of Kenny’s very first projects, as well as songs by his favorites, including Thrice and Comeback Kid. Among the most notable, intense, and emotionally driven moments of the night, bandmate Jordan Corbett bellowed, “We’re going to wake him up!” The words resonated within the crowd as the band launched into “Wake the Dead,” by Comeback Kid. Fists were held high, spirits rose, sleeves were ripped from shirts, and the walls trembled as the crowd began to mosh.
It was a night of reunions as bodies pressed against each other like sardines, filling the venue from wall to wall. The night began with At the end of the night, Deitra Editor, Tamara Styer, remarked, “I’ve never seen so many people with blood on them at the end of a show.” a reunion set from local band, Benefit of a Doubt, followed by a reunion of Joplin natives, But no bad blood was spilt. No bitter feelings surfaced. Every This Above All. moment was lived in the spirit of celebrating who Kenny was, what he stood for, and what he loved. But reunions stretched beyond bands and beyond music. The impact which Kenny had Kenny was a lover. His presence filled a room. He was living proof made on both the local music scene and that punk rock isn’t dead. He was pro-feminist, anti-fascist, gayin the lives of those he knew was clear in a positive, and a supporter of animal rights. The proceeds from the distinct and passionate way. Old classmates of Kenny’s reconnected after years, even old show went to support a local, no-kill animal shelter. bandmates, who first started making music “Take Kenny with you,” said bandmate, John Saad, during a moving with Kenny in middle school, joined each speech toward the end of the night. Pointing to his chest, he other, once again, to pay tribute to Kenny’s continued, “That’s all we can do. Just keep him right here.” life and memory. The air was alive and buzzing with energy unlike any show Springfield has seen in a very long time. The night was a party, through and through, packing intense emotions, hardhitting drinks, and music that resonated with everyone in the room.
It was a night truly in honor of the life Kenny lived, a reflection of his passion and his strength. And though Kenny is no longer with us, he will never be forgotten. In 23 short years, he made a lasting impact on the lives of many, and an imprint on Springfield’s downtown music scene. His spirit lives on in the thoughts and minds of many. And we will keep him in our hearts.
new crush THE LATEST RELEASE FROM surf-rock garage band Crushed Out perfects the sound they’ve been working on since they were Boom Chick from Brooklyn. Teeth was released in September of this year, a continuation of their last album, Want to Give. Where the last album left off with honky-tonk melodies and backwoods bluesy riffs, their most recent album begs us to pack our bags and get ready for a trip to the beach. Lead guitarist and vocalist Frank Hoier hails from southern California, which explains the ease with which he introduces us to Crushed Out’s brand of beach themed tunes, “Surfer Billy” in particular. The song builds us up by introducing us to a “locals only” greaser punk, strutting his stuff in Redondo Beach and warning that as the sun sets into the ocean, “I’m on the beach until night time. I skate the strand but what I’m looking for I never do find.” Songs like “Surfer Billy” give what could have otherwise turned into just another mellow surfer album a much needed edge, and remind us that Crushed Out are here to make you fall in love. “Early in the Morning” offers us the perfect end-of-summer anthem and perfectly captures the feeling you get when the sun is about to come up and the fire is dying down. You’re not ready for it to end but you know it’s important to appreciate what happened. If you’re in a weird place and you’re feeling a little nostalgic, a little romantic, and a little bit like sitting next to the open water while you think, this may be your new favorite album. Give it a listen on Crushed Out’s website where you can order it on 12” vinyl, as a CD or as a digital download.
WHAT TO SAY ABOUT the summer release by Springfield based band Heavy Buffalo? Get it. Listen to it. Love it. The album is called The Illusionist and “In The Evening” is only a few seconds in before I’m time traveling back to somewhere in the late ‘60s, if the late ‘60s had a baby with the gutter punk kids of the mid ‘80s. It’s fast and rough around the edges, accompanied by aggressive vocals that will remind you of British indie rock favorites, Arctic Monkeys. My second favorite track is absolutely “The Killing Type.” There’s something about a calculated and punchy drum beat that leads up to roaring guitar and fairly simple lyrics that gets me every time. This is the kind of music that would be the perfect companion to pretty much anything. If psychedelic rock with a hint of blues fusion is what you’ve been craving, look no further and check out Heavy Buffalo’s Facebook page for upcoming show dates and their BandCamp page to hear their album.
DEATHRAYZ IS THE LATEST project by musical workaholic, Kevin Walker. You’ll remember him from our last issue where we covered his band, The Walkers. If you liked what you saw and loved what you heard, give Deathrayz a listen, and be prepared to fall in love with their sleazy brand of stoner pop rock. The debut album is titled Wonderwork and features Walker on guitar and lead vocals with Christopher Bivens backing him up on drums. Jerrod Church and Justin Kearbey play guitar and bass, respectively. Chelsey Sikes brings the Chaos. Deathrayz creep us out with their sludgy guitars and the high pitched whine that Walker has mastered on tracks like “Misery,” that when accompanied by a faraway whistle, sound like something I wouldn’t want to hear if I was caught alone in the woods. The two tracks that stand out from the most recent release are “Ewwie Youie,” a spaced-out psych tune that oozes with bad boy grime, then right after it’s reeled us in, seals the deal with stand alone vocal pops that offset the soft spoken lyrics. The other is “Junkyard Dog Blues,” a song that starts out with fast paced guitar and drums beats accompanied by a devil-may-care attitude lyrically. They’re both instant favorites and I’ll readily admit that I’ve got them playing on repeat. Check out their most recent release on the band’s BandCamp page.
ONCE IN A WHILE you’ll come across an album that speaks to you, and you just can’t stop listening to it. This was that album for me. With song after song of feel good music, The Diamond was something I pleasantly stumbled onto, and haven’t wanted to leave it’s warm and fuzzy grasp. Benjamin Del Shreve is no newcomer, but this is quite the departure from his previous albums. He is already known as a rock god from New York who made his way down to Arkansas, and has gone on to tour and record great bluesy rock records. Now comes his new role as an indie-folk singer-songwriter. He has a raw, soulful voice that only lends to the strength of his melodies and the instrumental work, with lush backing provided by acoustic guitar, piano and mandolin. The Diamond is an absolute thoughtfully written and downright lovely record with notes of bluegrass and blues, tribal beats, as well as hints of Celtic influence. With homespun lyrics inspired by poetry, and instrumentation inspired by the Ozark mountains of Fayetteville, Arkansas, the music is uplifting, but in a serene way, much like the scenery and lifestyle of the place he now calls home. You can’t go wrong with a song title shared by a Robert Frost poem. “Flower Gathering” is like a lullaby with soft falsetto vocals, light strumming acoustic guitar, and lyrics about love lost and memories that last. (If roses are red then why am I so blue / Well I guess that it’s because they kinda remind me of you.) It paints a vivid story of quiet despair through day to day life, despite being surrounded by beauty. (Flowers lent their ear to me / and this is how it sounds.)
Opening track “Mt. Sequoyah” is more upbeat with a catchy melody and a foot stomping beat, set to the tune of a mandolin. Title track “The Diamond” has roots of old blues, and lends to the album’s mood of driving an old truck down a country dirt road with the windows down and the music up. “Good Morning Pretty Angel” has a folksy feel and smooth vocals, and has a raw and disarming candour to it. Shreve describes this new incarnation of his music as relaxed but optimistic. It sounds like a man who likes flowers, and the color of his girlfriend’s hair, but he rocks a beard and has a kickass rock band. Not a bad combination at all. And with the rumor that he is currently recording, we have high hopes that there is more to come from Mr. Shreve in this vein.
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FAIRFIELD, IOWA NATIVE NICHOLAS Sebastian Naioti has released his sophomore full length album, Truth Sound, under the stage name of MR. NASTI. The album starts out with electro-pop tune, “Always Believe,” which made its debut on Huffington Post, and into the similarly dancy “Never Die.” But then the album takes a turn into a more believable sound for the artist. “Change It” softens into a mellow ballad fit for the indie rock scene, featuring Anna Gebhardt of Annalibera, whose airy soprano lends an eerie note to Naioti’s distinctive yet sincere voice. What seems like it’s going to be an electronic daydream album turns quickly into a pretty solid indie rock gem with tracks like “Change It” and “Stand Up Straight.” The remainder of the album could stand strong in its own right as an indie rock record. Naioti shows a multi-faceted view on his music, even including a superfluous chorus of rap in “Bridge,” which otherwise would have stood as a notable homage to the dream pop duo Beach House. Another ballad tune, “Like a Wild Animal,” finds its strength in an acoustic resonance that could find its place among the likes of Death Cab for Cutie. The tracks that stand out on Truth Sound offer slowmotion beats layered with hazy guitar drones, raw and honest vocals, and melancholic melodies. But this album is by no means moody. It is a singer-songwriter album, peppered with offshoots to genres that don’t stand up to the extent of Naioti’s true sound. Listen to MR. NASTI on Spotify, BandCamp, and on blue vinyl released by Maximum Ames Records.
THE CAPTAIN’S SON HAS released their long awaited sophomore effort, and successfully given us another dose of their good old rock and roll, surfer style. The trio is made up of frontman and guitarist Victor Paige Byrd, bassist Craig Golubski, and drummer Jarred Ratley. Their fun and upbeat tunes keep the crowd dancing and singing along. That element of their music hasn’t changed, but the surfer rock theme is the new vein throughout their latest EP, Wild Waves, with influences ranging from Arctic Monkeys to Queens of the Stone Age. The four song EP opens with a guitar riff and distorted vocals straight out of a ‘60s Doors album. The next track, “Get Along,” slaps us with some West Coast sound waves that conjure up images of sandy beaches and surf boards. The coastal theme is continued throughout the rest of the EP. Why all this West Coast influence? The boys have made their way from the Midwest out to California, and are planning on staying put. “Our music has gotten a little heavier since Big Beat, that’s for sure,” says drummer Jarred Ratley. “A lot more ‘60s experimental shit is making its way into our songs. ‘Get Along’ is a Mikal Cronin song, who plays with Ty Segall. We’ve been getting into that West Coast sound, adding in a little ‘50s and ‘60s beat music.” Other than touring the Southern California area, the band is currently writing new material, planning for another full length album by summer 2015. Check out their tunes on Spotify, iTunes and SoundCloud.
JOPLIN NATIVES AND SPRINGFIELD rock scene favorites, Brutally Frank, have released their album Cripples, Bastards & Broken Things, the fifth in a line of hard rock EPs. Formed in 2002, the punk-rockabilly band - complete with Clinton (Klyntt) Cauthon on guitar and vocals, Melanie (Mell) Wamble on drums and vocals, and Steven (Steevo) Wamble on the upright bass - never fails on giving an electrifying live performance at venues like the Outland Ballroom in Springfield, Missouri. Cripples, Bastards & Broken Things, released in 2014, stays true to the band’s heavy rock and roll sound, and this one is sure to get the crowd going with their aggressive and energetic style. Known for being one of the hardest working bands locally as far as work ethic and longevity, they’ve been at it for years, and have a totally kickass chick drummer to boot. We are always impressed that they keep rocking out with their music, writing songs, and staying true to their original sound. A rock solid band, they are friendly and always willing to jump in their van to travel to a last minute gig. Always contributing to the local music scene, Brutally Frank has proven to be one of the best punkabilly bands in the Midwest. Cripples, Bastards & Broken Things is available on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, and Spotify. You can also find their music along with some cool rockabilly merch on their website brutally-frank.com.
FAYETTEVILLE PROG ROCK BAND Friday, Maybe Saturday are showing us how it’s done with intricate guitar solos, growling vocals, and driving rhythms. It’s head-banging, moshing music that’s musically interesting, ultimately unique, and experimental in its execution. Their self-released album, The Cauldron is a testament to prog rock bands before them such as the The Mars Volta. Vocals by Chad Chamberlain are verging on screamo, but lay just shy of the heavier genre because of his ability to actually sing. He’s good, and it’s apparent that he would be able to croon out an acoustic set if the mood so struck. That obvious vocal ability makes the band even more listenable, reminiscent of bands like System of a Down. Chad also lays down the guitar, along with Chase Chamberlain on guitar and piano/synth, Charles Gilbeau on bass, and Jedidiah Brandon on drums. The Cauldron takes its cues from the thrashing grooves of bands like Korn, but are setting themselves apart by embracing progressive rock sounds. The second song on the album starts out with a two minute long solo, with the band jamming out behind the wailing guitar. About halfway through the eight minute song, it becomes a breakdown of hard rock jams full of energetic guitar riffs, swelling dynamics and insane guitar solos floating over the top. The entire EP is solid, expressing the same unique and experimental musical abilities throughout. We are looking forward to more from Friday, Maybe Saturday, and hope to catch them live in action. The Cauldron is available on BandCamp.
AUSTIN ROCK BAND SQUINT’S new album just released by Hoxie Bat Records, The Art of Scarring, lends a polished gem to their repertoire, packed with ‘90s punk rock and alternative references to bands like The Pixies, Jane’s Addiction, Toadies, and The Ramones. This album maintains a list of back to back energetic rock tunes. The album, completely funded through KickStarter, was mixed by Joseph Milligan, guitarist for the hugely successful band, Anberlin, and the final polish was performed by Paul Leavitt, who has also worked with Yellowcard, The Used, and Senses Fail, to name a few. The hard rocking songs are what the band is known for, as well as their mosh-inducing live show, like the pounding “Grand Theft,” the karate kicker “Skirmishes,” and the aggressive recount of a messy breakup in “If You Ever.”
“This album is just part of the natural progression that is our sound,” says front man Dane Adrian. “If you listen from our first album, Beeker, through our entire discography, you’ll hear a natural progression to our current sound and style. It’s all rock and roll, just slowly maturing.” The band is comprised of Adrian on vocals, Matt Fredrickson on guitar, Nathan Snyder on guitar, Ray Murley on Bass, and Matthew Coleman on drums. “We are extra pumped about this album,” says Adrian. “We have the greatest fans in the world, and they really stepped up to the plate to make this album a reality.” Check out this band at squint.com, where you can find music videos, merch, and tour dates. You can also listen to their music on Spotify, BandCamp, iTunes, and more, or get it on vinyl, set to drop before the new year.
the abstract world of shay rainey.
shay SHAY RAINEY IS ONE of the most prolific artists in Springfield, Missouri, and most downtowners will recognize her not only for her edgy street fashion, but as your friendly, neighborhood jack-of-all-trades at the Moxie Theater. She’s incredibly personable, well-spoken, and absolutely stunning. We at Deitra social commentary. Warhol is well known for his work in a wide range of media, painting, are honored to call her our cover model but were photography, sculpture, magazine, and film just as excited to take a little time to get to know – the latter leaving an important impression everyone’s favorite downtown darling. on Shay, who developed a love of the artist community and making art your life. We’ve been itching to get Shay in front of our “I wanted to shoot weird things; I wanted camera for some time, but it hasn’t been easy. She’s an elusive little thing, and due to the nature of her to experiment, and of course being in an art, she feels more comfortable behind the camera academic setting there’s just not a lot of room for that. They don’t have time for than in front of it. that. They just want you to have a clear “I am a photographer, and I’m behind the idea and get it done. When you only have camera, so I’m hyper aware of being in front of one semester to work on a project that’s someone else, and being on the other side of the supposed to mean something to somebody, camera is just hard, because everything you’ve I think that’s crazy. Ridiculous. I’d shoot seen in someone or experienced with someone on a personal level is out in the open,” says Shay. weird things. They were really pretty but weird, abstract sort of things, and it didn’t “They’re seeing you with a camera on you, and it go very well.” freaks me out. It scares the shit out of me.” Lucky for us, Shay didn’t listen to her We decided that the best place to interview Miss Shay would be somewhere that would make her feel undergraduate professors, and decided comfortable and powerful. Choosing Springfield’s to continue her education at Springfield’s one and only independent and foreign film theater, private liberal arts school, Drury University. It was there that she felt comfortable The Moxie, was an easy decision. As a refined focusing on the kind of art she was film aficionado, who incorporates stills and VHS production into her work as an artist, it made sense interested in making. A vested interest in glitch and feminist video artists from the to catch her after her shift at the theater and find past three decades has helped to cultivate out a little bit more about her history as an artist, her enthusiasm for dormant technology as and what her plans may be for the future. “I was really into collage in high school, and all art. “After I did a senior show at Missouri throughout my time at Missouri State it was straight State, I made a decision just to go for it, photography. Most of my classmates would take so I took screen stills, I used video, I used pictures of objects or take pictures of people in really beautiful ways, and had themes like growing archival footage, and I thought, ‘this is what old or living on the street. I was never comfortable I’m doing. This is what I’ve always wanted to do. This is who I am.’ And I got a B on with that,” says Shay. A couple of her major influences include artists my project,” says Shay. “My professors were talking to me about how I planned on like Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Both transferring my show and making money artists are remembered for their avant-garde approach to photography and art. Basquiat found from it and I just thought, ‘not my bag man. I fame in his abstract approach to art, marrying text don’t care about making money or making a living at it.’” and image as well as using his art as a form of
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Despite feeling like Missouri State hadn’t been a great fit for what she wanted to pursue in the art world, she never let that deter her from moving forward. “After I graduated I went to Drury, and they were very open there, everybody had a different medium, and all they wanted to do was talk about your concepts and your context. It was extremely refreshing.” It’s only Rainey’s first year out of school but she’s already had a successful show at Springfield boutique and gallery, Arts & Letters. The show featured colorful, creepy, and personal stills from video she’d taken using an old VHS camera. “The show was really cool and I was super happy to be doing something like that, and that we have people who even cared to see it,” says Shay. “Using VHS is not that weird of a thing. We were just using this technology like fifteen years ago, maybe a little bit more, and that was all anyone ever saw. Then all of the sudden digital hits and everything is clean and clear and looks like it’s not even been touched by human hands.” Though her most recent show proved to be a wild success, with most of the pieces selling on the night of the event, Shay remembers her first show, before she’d figured out just where her art would take her, and being confident that despite those challenges she’d find her place. Her place back in 2007 just happened to be the former venue, The Belmont.
“They had art there and music there. I got a show once, and some girl was doing anime drawing in the front room, so I took the main room where all the shows were going on,” says Shay. “I had hung the show - this collage photo art - and they had a hardcore show going on at the same time. My pieces were just falling off the walls and bouncing around, and I was okay with it. Like, shit is this what happens? No one gives a fuck. People liked it but it fell off the walls. It was perfect.” Shay’s easy-going attitude about the nature of her first art show might just relate to her love of found art, naturally occurring artistic situations, and the beauty in the recklessness of human nature. One of her favorite artists, John Cassavetes, was a pioneer of American independent film and focused on real people, real conversations, and the beauty in the everyday. “Everything felt so real and true, and it was because people were improvising. They’re just really feeling it in the moment. That’s how I take pictures, or I try to,” says Shay. Lucky enough to be surrounded by a family of artists, Shay admits to happily carrying a bag of magazine clippings and Xeroxed copies of her favorite photos with her to high school so she could piece them together into collages before she decided to transition to video. “My brother was extremely good at art, and my sister Amouris is amazing. She’s one of those people who look like they’re doodling and then it’s everything I’ve ever wanted to be. That’s why
I don’t draw or paint, I take pictures,” says Shay. “It’s not self-deprecating. I just don’t have that kind of signature style. I found mine in photography, but I spent so many years trying to paint and draw, and it’s just not my thing.” It was her sister who perhaps unintentionally helped her figure out that even though drawing and painting may not have been where she felt most comfortable, there were other ways to explore. “My sister took a dark room class in high school and she was bringing home pictures. I also used to film my friends when I was younger. I would take little pictures on this camera that held floppy disks, and then in high school I started to make art out of those pictures I would take.” Her art has absolutely evolved since then; exploring the relationship between what she started out making when she was younger, and combining it with elements she has developed an interest in over the years. This even includes a stint at the Kansas City Art Institute that helped her realize that her focus should be photography and not digital film production. “I got fed up and shipped out to the Kansas City Art Institute but I didn’t see any real difference except that it looked prettier. It was expensive. I loved my apartment and I loved being displaced. It felt good and it felt scary, but when I came back to Springfield I just picked up right where I left off. “After I graduated from Missouri State and went to Drury it was an intense year. If I had decided not to sign up for Drury at that time, I would have had to wait a year and a half to attend, and I would have probably fallen off the map or worked instead of doing art. I needed to know I had a new direction.” For her next trick, she plans on continuing to work to put Springfield on the map with her original and unique artwork that focuses on the power of human aesthetic and the beauty in the imperfections. “Hopefully I’ll be working more with bands as well as on my next year’s show. I’m going to do more of a self-portraiture project; an AfricanAmerican woman in charge of her own representation in the art world.” We can’t wait to see what you come up with Miss Rainey.
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EYELINER FROM MEDIOCRE TO MAGICAL.
EVERYTHING FROM TRANSFORMING LAST night’s laziness into a smoky look, to mastering the technique for a sharp winged point, eyeliner can be the best and worst part of anyone’s day. The base of success for pulling off any look is what is chosen to make it happen.
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PENCILS
Pencil liners are a staple product most beginning makeup wearers start with, and with good reason. The application is quick, dries fast, and is easy to use.
Smudging the Liner Some pencil liners come with a spongy tool attached to the lid or opposite end of the pencil and are ideal for making the line appear less harsh and more blended. This technique looks awesome without shadow or can complete a fierce smoky eye. If wearing alone, always smudge it at least a little to prevent the 8th grade raccoon eye appearance. The Inner Rim For the blackest of black looks, lining the inside rim of your eyes makes a more dramatic statement and makes the lashes appear longer. Use a waterproof liner for this, and as always, remember to NEVER share your eyeliner.
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, $20 This product requires sharpening, but the smooth texture more than makes up for the inconvenience. In 25 shade varieties, this is a good liner to play with colors! “Perversion” is their blackest shade, and is fantastically dark.
Simple For a thin and subtle line, these are the way to go.
Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner, $20 The kohl in this liner makes the color super pigmented, and the waterproof makes it ideal for the inner rim of the eye. The coolest function of the liner is its built in sharpener that sharpens the pencil every time the lid is twisted off, so the tip is never dull.
Colors Colored eyeliner is a great way to make any eye color pop, or to make the eyes appear bigger with a light shimmery color on the inner rim. For paler skin tones, try a light gold color, and for tan use a bronze.
L’Oreal Infallible Eyeliner, $9 This pencil is a twist up, but also has a built in sharpener on the end to make the point extra pointy. The liner also has a smudging tip on the base for blending.
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LIQUID
Liquid liners have come a long way from the once popular paint brush model. Now there are the glorious felt tip pen applicators. No mess, no stray brush hairs, and no crusty dry out!
Wings The classic cat-eye look never goes out of style. Liquid gives a silky, defined line for an easier application. Simple Liquid can be dramatic, but with a steady hand it can also achieve a softer presence. Clean Lines Liquids provide the smoothest application giving a precise, crisp line. Glitter Many makeup companies have glitter liquid liners and they are a fun way to call attention to the eye, and perfect for a night out!
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, $18 “Trooper” is a gloriously intense shade of black that doesn’t crack or fade throughout wear. This tip is precise and ideal for maximum control of placement. The Tattoo liner also dries faster than most liquids. Maybelline Eye Studio Master Precise Ink Pen Eyeliner, $8 For a tighter budget, this is a great substitute for the higher end liners. There is more fading throughout the wear, but when applied over primer it holds up throughout the day.
GEL/CREAM Gel liner is a relatively newer type of eyeliner and is perfect for extended wear! The gel formula is ideal for makeup wearers that have struggled with liquid formulas, or anyone looking to try something new. Gels provide more of a matte finish while maintaining a deeper pigment.
Wings Gel is another great form of liner for creating this shape and dries faster on the eye than liquids. Bold Looks If you’re more creative with your liner, this is the formula for you! Gels give a stronger staying power and smudge resistance allowing you to do an Amy Winehouse look, draw patterns and designs, or paint a mask across your face. Getting all the way to the base of the lashes—With the texture of the gel liner you can easily get farther down with the application, giving the appearance of longer lashes.
Lorac Pro Cream Eyeliner, $19 The packaging of this product is brilliant. The lid comes apart revealing a small brush perfectly designed for applying the liner. This product doesn’t dry out with use, as is often the case with the pot/lid packaging. Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Eye Liner, $10 Once again, Maybelline and L’Oreal are both great options for the drugstore makeup shopper. This liner also comes with a brush, but does start to fray with continued use. However, if you are going to be using gel liners frequently, it would be best to invest in a quality liner brush!
cue lights A NIGHT IN THE LIMELIGHT CALLS FOR FLOOR LENGTH GOWNS AND SOFT, SULTRY WAVES. THIS HOLIDAY SEASON BRINGS THE FORMAL GOWN INTO EVERY WOMAN’S WARDROBE. MODELED BY LINDSEY CARPENTIER. PHOTOGRAPHED BY MATT LOVELAND.
ROLL THE CAMERA “Collaborating with the team to put together a look - from brainstorming to building - is euphoric,” says Becca. “Having someone showcase our vision as flawlessly as Lindsey did gives me the goose bumps every time I see it.” Beauty: Urban Decay Heavy Metal Eyeliner in “Midnight Cowboy,” BedHead Cyberoptics Eyeshadow in “Passion,” and Make Up For Ever Smoky Extravagant mascara. Hair: Paul Mitchell Freeze and Shine, set in a curling iron and rollers, then use fingers to create loose waves. Dress from Modern Society.
STRIKE A POSE “Working with Lindsey was a dream come true when it comes to models,” says Kaycie. “She was smart, had a great sense of self, and was effortless on her poses. She was a dream under pressure, and willing to let us run with some pretty avant garde ideas.” Skirt from Nomad.
DRESS SHABBILY AND THEY REMEMBER THE DRESS, DRESS IMPECCABLY AND THEY REMEMBER THE WOMAN. - coco chanel
“The Gillioz Theatre was picturesque and I couldn’t have asked for a space to lend itself so aesthetically. It was radiant and romantic,” says Nigel.
ISN’T THIS GLAMOROUS “Lindsey was a treat to work with,” says Nigel. “She is effortless in her demeanor and beauty, and willing to try any look without complaint or objection.” Hair: The waves in this look were achieved by prepping with Paul Mitchell Freeze and Shine and then clipped with Kevin Murphy wave clips. Use a blow dryer set on high heat to warm the set, then switch to cool to set the shape. Rake fingers through cooled sections to break the waves up. For the finishing touch, Kat Von D pigment was brushed through with fingers to achieve a shimmer highlight, enriching her tone and drawing attention to her new texture. Set with a very light misting of freeze and shine. Gown repurposed by Tamara Styer and Kaycie Surrell.
“Lindsey was absolutely phenomenal, in her presence, her grace, and her patience,” says Tamara. “This shoot was exactly that, a dream. From the dressing rooms at the Gillioz with the flaming bulb lights to the stage to the roof, it was an amazing night for all of us that ended with a dark sunset over the skyscape of our downtown Springfield.”