The Daily Shuffle - May 2019 (Jason Genao)

THE DAILY SHUFFLE

MAY 2019

JASON GENAO

contents 05. Marie Avgeropoulos 07. Olivia O’Brien 09. Coral Peña 11. Sierra Capri 17. Jason Genao 23. Helen Highfield 35. Sophie Reynolds

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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Vanessa Salles

Karla Silva

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May Playlist

ME! Taylor Swift ft. Brendon Urie Don’t Go Changing Aly & AJ Heard It All Before Dinah Jane If You’re Gonna Lie FLETCHER Walk Me Home P!nk Phases PRETTYMUCH Care Less More Olivia O’Brien

letter from the editor Hey, readers!

I’m so excited to share our newest issue with you! Featuring On My Block’s Sierra Capri and Jason Genao as our cover stars, this dual-cover release is taking you behind the scenes of Netflix’s hit series. From memorable moments on set to championing the show’s inclusivity and diversity, the actors open up about it all in their cover stories.

In this issue, you’ll also find our top picks for this month’s must-watch movies and must-hear albums. Of course, what’s a TDS issue without exclusive interviews? We’ve got all that and more so I hope you love this issue as much as I’ve loved putting it together!

Be sure to follow TDS on all social platforms to keep up with our newest releases! Let us know who you’d like to see featured in future issues!

XOXO

Vanessa Salles Editor-in-Chief

photographer TIZIANO LUGLI styling BRANDON NICOLAS makeup NOVA KAPLAN

photographer assistant TSARINA MERRIN styling assistant ART HUNTER hair RUSLAN NUREEV

marie avgerpoulos

A fan favorite on The CW’s The 100, Marie Avgeropoulos’ onscreen presence will keep you hooked from start to finish. We talked to the actress about Octavia’s evolution and what to expect in the new season.

Let’s talk The 100! Initially, what is it about the show that made you want to be involved?

The possibility of taking a character like Octavia, who was initially very sheltered and unsure of herself, and evolve her into a leader and a badass is what drew me in.

What’s going on in Octavia’s mind as she becomes Bloodreina?

As Octavia becomes Bloodreina and a leader of the people, she is faced with brutal decisions... who lives and who dies. She does some horrible things but it’s all in the name of saving and helping her people. Of course, these decisions take a toll and will always haunt her.

How would you describe Octavia’s onscreen evolution?

The audience may see her as a villain but Octavia doesn’t see herself that way. She’s doing what a leader has to do, and she’ll justify it that way to cope with the awful things she does. As an actress, it was a great challenge to let her go dark and then try and redeem her.

Though she hid it well, Octavia’s humanity would sometimes peek through (especially when it’d come to Bellamy), how do you think that humanity stayed alive in her?

Bellamy has a line in season 5 where he says, “My sister died a long time ago.” I think that was a wake up call for Octavia. She could deal with a lot of loss, but not the loss of Bellamy. I think that by the end of season 5, she wants to prove to him and to everyone else that she’s redeemable.

At the end of season 5, Octavia is willingly

bowing down to Madi & relinquishing her power; what’s allowed her to get to that point?

Bending the knee was the best thing she could do for her people. She brought them this far, but it’s Madi that has to take them the rest of the way. In a sense, Octavia is relieved that she can pass the baton and not have to make such difficult choices anymore.

This new season takes place in a whole new world – what can you tell us about what the group will encounter on this new planet?

I don’t want to give anything away but we encounter new allies and new enemies... and one of those enemies is the actual planet itself.

What should viewers be expecting from Octavia in these upcoming episodes?

Things are really changing for her. This is not the woman who led her people in the bunker and in the fighting pits, this is a woman who’s now seeking forgiveness and trying to shed herself from sin. It’s interesting the way she attempts this and whether or not everyone accepts it.

Though the writers do a fantastic job on their own; what are some storylines that you think would be fun to explore in future episodes/ seasons?

Perhaps motherhood. That’s something that Clarke got to experience with her surrogate daughter, Madi. I think that would be a really interesting storyline.

Any special message for viewers?

Season 6 is going to be awesome! A whole new planet with new characters and a whole new set of challenges. Enjoy the ride!

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olivia o’brien

words by VANESSA SALLES photo by LAUREN DUNN

words by VANESSA SALLES photo by BLANK

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With a sound and style that’s uniquely her own, Olivia O’Brien has cemented herself an artist on the rise. With the recent release of her debut album, ‘Was It Even Real?,’ the singer-songwriter documents some of her hardest moments and what it means to be on the other side of it all.

Tell us about your album - any memorable moments while writing/recording it?

All of the moments are memorable. For me, writing is very personal and I remember every session like it was yesterday. It’s never anything crazy but it’s just a very emotional experience for me whenever I write a song that I truly connect to... and I connect to all of the songs on this project.

How long has the album been in the works?

I’ve been trying to make an album since I started, but it just was never right. An album has to be a cohesive project, not just a bunch of songs thrown together. I started writing the songs that made it onto this project in January 2018. It’s cool to finally be releasing it because the music industry can be so slow sometimes.

I am already working on my next project and even the next one after that!

Is there a track that holds the most significance to you?

It’s hard to pick just one because they all mean something uniquely their own, but of equal value. My personal favorite is “We Lied To Each Other,” just because I am proud of the way I wrote it, not because it means any more to me than the others.

You’re very vocal about advocating for mental health, both online and in your music, what has the response been from fans?

I just simply try to share my personal experiences. I’d say I’m more just trying to normalize it, for myself and for the many others who are like me. I just want to be as honest as possible, and that includes sharing my struggles with depression and anxiety. I get messages every day from fans saying that my music and sometimes just my words online

have helped them and even saved their lives.

It’s amazing to know that I’ve helped people in that way when all I did was share my story and express how I feel. I guess it goes to show you 1) How many people are struggling and don’t know how to talk about it themselves and 2) How few people are actually drawing attention to the subject, although I’m definitely seeing more and more of it as time goes on.

Working in such a chaotic industry, what are some of the ways you make sure you to take care of yourself, especially while on tour?

I try to eat healthy and take my vitamins, but when you are on the road, your healthy eating options are incredibly limited. When I’m home, I definitely eat way healthier and the number one thing I do to keep me sane is make my bed every morning. I correlate having a messy room and messy bed to my depression because when I was severely depressed, I had no desire or motivation to clean up. The two, for me, go hand in hand. Keeping my space clean and organized really helps me fight off my depression. I say “fight off” because I think that when you have depression, even if you aren’t depressed in a certain moment, it’s a constant battle to keep it away. You have to work hard at it every day.

What are you loving in music right now?

What’s something you’d like to see more of?

I love how genres are shifting. So many artists are blurring lines by combining different styles and making completely new sounds that couldn’t be defined by one specific genre alone. My favorite genre right now is probably alternative r&b. I’d love to see every possible genre combination happen at least once, whether it would actually be good or just simply for the purpose of curiosity.

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CORAL PEÑA words by VANESSA SALLES hair by NICOLE BLAIS styling by JENN ROSADO

photo by JAMES LEE WALL makeup by JUAN ANTONIO

Starring on NBC’s The Enemy Within and making her off-Broadway debut this spring, Coral Peña is a face you’ll want to remember. We talked to the actress about her rising career and what’s still to come.

Let’s talk ‘The Enemy Within’ – what is it about the show that drew you to it?

I was just really excited to finally get a chance to show a different side of myself. Something sinister and mysterious. To play a character like Anna Cruz is really like playing two characters.

Seeing this character on the page, I was so eager to show people the range that a character like this could have.

For those who haven’t seen it yet, how would you describe your character, Anna?

Anna is just very lost in this world. She wants to belong to something bigger than herself but she also doesn’t know where she belongs nor does she like to play by the rules. She’s innocent at first glance but really fiery when the time calls for it.

Are there any memorable behind-thescenes moments from set that you can share with us?

In episode 5 of the series, Morris [Chestnut] and I were doing take after take of us just walking and talking in the woods, but it had rained a ton the night before, so we were covered in dirt and mud by the end. Luckily Morris is such a great scene partner that I didn’t mind at all!

What was it like to work opposite Jennifer Carpenter and Morris Chestnut?

Both Jennifer and Morris are actors who’ve done this way longer than I have. They were just wonderful to watch and learn from.

Making your off-Broadway debut this spring, how did you know that now was the time to pursue this goal?

I’ve been wanting to get back on a stage since I graduated school a few years ago, but my career almost accidentally fell into a film and TV route. Any chance to do theater, I will take it! As an actor, there is no right or wrong time to get back on a stage – you just have to jump at the opportunity.

What can you say about ‘BLKS’? How are you preparing for it?

BLKS is a magnificent new play written by poet Aziza Barnes and directed by the insanely talented Robert O’Hara. I read this script and saw for the first time black women, and I mean REAL black women, on a stage. Black women who are carefree, black women who don’t have all the answers, black women who are messy and broken and vulnerable, black women who are in control of their own autonomy and not afraid to love themselves. BLKS is about queer women, black women, women in their 20s who think they are invincible (like all 20-somethings think they are) and above all else BLKS is INSANELY FUNNY. I just want to show that truth on the stage, and I prepare for that by allowing myself to be uncomfortable, but mostly by just listening.

Any special message for your fans?

Oh man, I just so appreciate everyone who supports me and my work! And I hope to continue to speak to and inspire people. I hope people see me and feel seen.

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SIERRA CAPRI

words by VANESSA SALLES photos by AMANDA RAMON hair by PRESTON WADA

make up by HARRIET HADFIELD styling by CHRISTINA PACELLI

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Best known for her portrayal of the confident, tell-it-how-it-is Monse Finnie on Netflix’s On My Block, Sierra Capri has cemented herself as one to watch.

“Ever since I was little, I knew I wanted to be in entertainment,” she says. “Both my parents are in entertainment – my mother is a dancer and my father’s a musician.

They weren’t too shocked when they found out it was what I wanted to do because it just felt like a natural step for me.”

Touching on real-life issues, On My Block isn’t afraid to push boundaries and test limits. “I love the realness of the show,” the actress says. “It’s definitely what drew me in, from the very beginning. I don’t think there’s anything like it, on any media platform, that touches on a lot of these real issues and difficult topics. Even though there is a lot of comedy relief on the show, there’s still a lot of things that will touch you and move you. I think that it’s a show for all ages because everyone can find something or someone that they can connect to.”

Recalling her audition process, the starlet reveals it’s been a whirlwind journey. “It all happened pretty quickly,” she says. “I remember submitting an audition tape and getting an email from one of the producers just weeks later. He flew me out for a camera read with the rest of the

cast and a few weeks after that, I got the call that I had been cast! Looking back on the whole process, I feel like this is one long dream that I haven’t woken up from.”

Throughout her time on set, the 20-yearold actress credits her onscreen persona for teaching her the importance of speaking her truth and owning her strength. “I love Monse’s independence,” she says. “She’s unapologetic and isn’t afraid to do whatever she wants to do.

There’s so much to admire about her and it’s been so much fun bringing her to life.

One of my favorite things about Monse is that she isn’t afraid to say what’s on her mind.”

Describing her onscreen evolution from the first season, Sierra explains that Monse, the 14-year-old firecracker who’s fiercely loyal to her friends, is on a journey of self-discovery. “In the first season, Monse is a little more self-conscious about who she is and scared to explore certain avenues of herself that she isn’t familiar with,” she says. “However, in the second season, she realizes that there’s more to life than boys and the friends that she’s grown up with her whole life, even though she loves them dearly. I think season two is when Monse really starts to find herself and discovers the possibilities of what could be.”

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Being the only female in her maledominated friend group, Monse’s working on finding her footing. “I think that, at the end of the day, Monse just wants someone to pat her on the back and tell her that they’ll always be there for her,” Sierra notes. “She’s having a tough time figuring out where she belongs but she knows her friends will continue to support her – I think she just wants them to be a little more compassionate sometimes.”

As for dream storylines, the On My Block star has a few ideas. “I’d love to see the Ruby and Jasmine storyline explored more,” she laughs. “If they become a ‘thing,’ I think it’d be super cute because opposites attract and I am here for it.

For Monse, I’d like to see her focus a little more on herself as an individual, especially since she’s only 14-years-old.

She wants to be a writer so she should take more time to focus on that. I don’t want her to lose herself or ever change herself because of a guy.”

With a genuine friendship both on and off camera, the On My Block set is full of laughs. “It’s always a blast on set,” Sierra says. “There are so many memorable

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moments that happen while filming and it can get hard to keep a straight face because the entire cast is so hilarious. We all get along really well so it was easy to become good friends with each other.”

Championing the show’s diversity, Sierra appreciates its efforts to make sure that people feel seen and heard. “It means everything to be apart of a show that brings representation to the forefront,” she says. “Inclusivity is so important and bringing diversity to the screen is going to push us forward in this country. There aren’t many shows that represent different ethnicities out there so that’s definitely been a highlight of working on this show.

I hope that viewers see themselves in us and are able to relate and learn from us.”

With its sophomore season being one of Netflix’s most-anticipated releases of the year, it’s safe to say that fans are eager for more of the binge-worthy action.

“The reaction to the show has been so amazing,” Sierra gushes. “Everyone’s been loving it and we’re just so blessed for all of the fans’ support. I’m so happy with the responses that we’ve been getting and I hope we can continue to bring this story to life for a long time to come.”

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JASON GENAO words by VANESSA SALLES photos by NINA DUNCAN

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A fan-favorite on Netflix’s On My Block, Jason Genao shines as Ruby Martinez.

Delivering some of the show’s most heartfelt moments, the 22-year-old actor reveals it was his character’s potential that initially drew him in. “When I first read the script, I knew there was room to do so much with him,” he says. “The writing is incredible and I knew that by playing Ruby, I’d be able to show new layers to myself as an actor.”

With a storyline that viewers can’t help but feel invested in, fans of the hit series went through quite the emotional rollercoaster with Ruby. “At the end of the first season, we see Ruby get shot,” Jason explains.

“Fans were going crazy and just hoping that he was alive. Now with season two, fans are just as passionate about wanting him to be okay. It’s so crazy to see how invested the viewers are and how much they feel for this character. I’ve seen so many reactions of people crying/laughing/ etc. while watching the show and it’s so surreal to be apart of something that’s touched so many people.”

Having to deal with the aftermath of getting shot, Ruby now finds himself struggling with PTSD. For Jason, bringing those scenes to life meant digging into his emotions and embracing vulnerability. “I think a lot of people try to suppress their feelings and not deal with them,” he says.

“However, I’ve realized that, as an actor,

it’s important to keep those emotions accessible. That way, I’m able to tap into them and utilize them in my performance.

For me to get into those serious scenes on the show, I’d just focus on the storyline and on Ruby and bring my real life emotions into him. When you’re able to tap into real emotion, it makes everything more believable.”

Mourning the loss of Olivia, Ruby’s also lost his connection to his faith. “Religion is very important in Hispanic culture,” Jason says. “After everything that’s happened, Ruby’s having a hard time holding on to his faith because he can’t understand the reasoning behind it all. I love how accepting his mother is about letting him have his space and letting him question his faith because she realizes that she can’t control the way that Ruby copes. Given how important religion is in his household, I do think he’ll eventually find his way back to it.”

Describing his onscreen evolution, the actor notes that Ruby’s just trying to find himself again. “He’s so young and he’s already gone through so much,” Jason says. “His trauma has definitely made him a bit fearless in the way that he interacts with Spooky and the Santos. He finds this strength to stand up for himself and speak his mind and make the most of the moment because he already went through something so scary and made it out the

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other side. Of course, at the end of the day, he’s just a teenager who wants to feel happy and safe; I think he’s looking for some normalcy again and I think he needs his friends more than ever. They’ve grown up together and there’s definitely a sense of family between the four of them. Even though they have their disagreements, they know that they’ll always have each other’s backs.”

light on the talent and value that POC can bring to a project. Though progress is definitely being made, there won’t be true inclusivity/representation until it’s something that doesn’t need to be pointed out anymore; when it becomes the norm to cast us, that’ll be the shift of change that we’ve been waiting for. Until then, we need shows like ours to become stepping stones for bigger ones.”

As for Ruby’s newfound friendship with Jasmine (Jessica Marie Garcia), the two form a connection over their own hardships.

“I think she’s become a safe space for him,” Jason says. “He feels comfortable to talk about what’s going on in his life and she’s just there with a shoulder for him to lean on. He’s a lot more compassionate with her, or at least he’s really trying to be, and I think their friendship is really sweet.”

As for hopeful storylines, Jason’s ready for a deeper history on Ruby’s family. “I think there’s a much bigger story to Abuelita,” he laughs. “It’d be interesting to explore her backstory and find out what she really knows and who she used to roll with back in the day. It would be cool to see if and how that information connects to the events that are going on in present day.”

Recently renewed for a third season, there’s no denying On My Block’s (wellearned) success. “It’s amazing to to see a show that features an entire cast of POC,” Jason gushes. “When shows like this succeed, it inspires other projects to have the same inclusivity. We need shows like On My Block because it shines

His special message for fans? “I just want to thank everyone that’s ever tuned in,” he says. “We never expected for the show to be so widely accepted and loved and I’m just so grateful for all of the fans. The best part about playing Ruby has just been bringing him to life and having so many people connect with him in the way that they have.”

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helen highfield words by VANESSA SALLES photo by SELA SHILONI

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Starring on The CW’s I Ship It, Helen Highfield delivers some of the show’s funniest one-liners. A romantic comedy that breaks into song, the series is about to become your latest obsession.

Let’s talk I Ship It! What is it about the show that drew you to it/made you want to be involved?

I loved that it was a musical. I loved that it was a romantic comedy. I loved that it was about a strong female lead who was full of ambition but also didn’t shy away from her feelings. I think ambitious female characters are usually painted to be ruthless, harsh, or just powerhungry and we don’t get to see them take a lot of joy in their work. I love that this story is essentially about the complexities of caring a lot.

For those who haven’t seen it yet, how would you describe your character, Ella?

Well for those who’ve seen the first season…

Season 2 takes place in an alternate universe!

This go-round, Ella is a fan-girl who dreams of writing for her favorite TV show, Superstition.

What’s your favorite part about portraying her?

In the opening voice over, Ella describes herself as “intense” which is something I love very much about her. She feels all her feelings strongly and makes no apologies for them. I also love how impulsive she is - I’m very much a planner so that was fun to play. Plus, getting to sing all those songs was pretty much the best!

What can viewers expect from her in the upcoming season?

Ella pretty quickly gets her foot in the door

at her dream job and is then faced with the life-consuming amount of work it requires. So you get to see her try her best to be good to the people in her life while also facing a lot of exciting, new challenges. Plus, there may or may not be a love triangle to contend with!

Any memorable moments from filming season 2 that you can share with us?

One of my favorite days was when we shot in Griffith Park. We had the full cast and a lot of extras and there was such a fun vibe that day. I got to watch some of the Superstition scenes be shot and they’re just so deliciously ridiculous. I also got to navigate eating prop ice cream for the first time. It was so hot when we shot that normal ice cream would’ve melted so instead we were licking mashed potatoes with cocoa powder and marshmallows!

Overall, what do you hope viewers take away from the series?

I hope people leave feeling uplifted and proud of being a fan. And for those new to the world of shipping and fan fiction (don’t worry, I was too), I hope you enjoy learning about the world of fandom!

Any special message for fans/viewers?

Thank you so much for watching our show!

It was such a joy to work on and it’s just icing on the cake to see people’s kind tweets and ‘grams about it. Stay tuned for our broadcast debut this summer on The CW!

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sophie reynolds words by VANESSA SALLES photo by REINHARDT KENNETH photo assistant SKYE AMBER styling by DELA DEWI make up by DUSTY STARKS

Set to star alongside Jessica Alba and Gabrielle Union on L.A.’s Finest, Sophie Reynolds is a star on the rise. We talked to the actress about aging into newer roles, memorable set moments, and so much more: Let’s talk about your newest show, L.A’s Finest, what is it that drew you to it?

I am so, so excited to be a part of L.A.’s Finest!

There were a few things that drew me to the show. The first was the people; working with Jessica Alba, Gabrielle Union and everyone involved has been a dream come true. When I saw who was making the show, I knew they would do it right and that really excited me.

The second was the tone of the show. We have that unique Bad Boys style that balances drama, action, and comedy really well, so I was excited to be able to play with that. The final pull was my character, Isabel McKenna.

I was so excited to get to play this strong yet sensitive teen who is dealing with so much. It was a challenge, but a fun one.

What can you say about Isabel and what viewers can expect from her?

Isabel, we call her Izzy, is never afraid to stand up for herself. She’s a fighter and I love that about her. This season, Izzy is dealing with the loss of her mom and building a new relationship with her stepmom Nancy, played by Jessica Alba. Jessica and I had a lot of fun finding that dynamic, and I think viewers will really get to enjoy seeing their relationship evolve. We also get to see beneath Isabel’s tough exterior a lot this season, which was really exciting for me.

Above all, she’s brave, and I think viewers will really root for her.

Any memorable behind-the-scenes set moments that you can share with us?

The day I shaved my head on camera was a pretty big day for me. The cast and crew were all so supportive of me, so it was special to experience that with all of them. The

producers gave me flowers and a bunch of new headbands for me to wear.

What’s it been like working with Jessica Alba and Gabrielle Union?

I absolutely love working with Jessica and Gabrielle. They are not only extremely talented, they are also really good people. They are two of the smartest women I know and being on a set led by them has taught me so much. The environment they have created feels safe and gives everyone a voice, so it really creates a community atmosphere. Seeing powerful women lead the way everyday was so inspiring to me and I am very thankful for both of them.

Being a former Disney actress, what’s the transition been like for you to be a part of something that caters to an older audience?

It’s been really exciting getting to move into an older space with my acting. I loved being on Disney and it was the best learning experience I could have asked for, but the older I get, the more I want to do stuff that I feel connected to on a deeper level. As I’m getting older, so are my fans, so I love getting to make content they can relate to as they age. I think the transition came at a perfect time for me, so I feel incredibly lucky.

Going forward, what kind of projects are you hoping to be a part of?

I want to do a bit of everything! I’ve found I’m in love with both comedy and drama so I want to continue to do both in my career. I’d love to get more into films and lately, I’ve been loving the idea of a romantic comedy! I think one of the most exciting things about my career is having no idea where it will take me.

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MAY 2019

What to watch ...

The Hustle, 5/10

The Sun is Also a Star, 5/17

Aladdin, 5/24

What to listen to ...

Vampire Weekend - Father of the Bride 5/3

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Carly Rae Jepsen - Dedicated 5/17

The National - I Am Easy to Find 5/17

TDS IS ALSO AVAILABLE IN PRINT!

THE DAILY SHUFFLE APRIL 2019

ASTRID S

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