Cailin Russo: Princess of Pop-Punk

Magnetic, energetic, and full of electric attitude, Cailin Russo is a straight up pop-punk rock star. It’s no surprise, really. Her dad, Scott Russo, is the front singer of ‘90s punk band Unwritten Law, so guess you could say it was always going to be in her DNA. The 26-year old started her as career as a model while creating music for her self-fronted band, Russo. She later quit to go solo, and began working on what would become her EP, The Drama.

Released February this year, The Drama is a selection of 6 explosive songs that wax poetry on toxic relationships, good for nothin’ exes, and introspective life lessons. She launched it in L.A. with a headline show, dressed in a FULL wedding gown (complete with a six-foot train, obviously), stripping down later to end in a leather bra and panties. Hell. Yes. One thing is for certain, Cailin does not do anything lightly.

We caught up with the San-Diego born artist to chat about the magic of Stevie Wonder, success, and being a fucking nice superstar.

Do you remember your first musical memory?

My first musical memory is listening to Stevie Wonder in the shower. I know it’s definitely not the first musical experience, but the most vivid memory comes from that moment–me dancing in the shower. I purposefully brought the CD player in the bathroom to listen to “Songs in the Key of Life” and was mesmerized by Sir Duke.

What do you want your fans to take away from your music?

I want my fans to feel free. Like hanging out of the back of a truck driving across America kind of free.

What’s the most badass thing you’ve ever done?

The most badass thing I’ve ever done is…independently supporting my life as an adult??? Lol. Also probably singing in the biggest arena in Paris for the League of Legends opening ceremony. I sang the final song when the trophy was revealed. I had a slinky silk grey slip on that allowed me to glide around the stage, big boots I could stomp in, and a HOLOGRAM OF MYSELF. It was low-key, high-key super badass.

What do you want to be remembered for?

I want to be remembered for being a fucking nice superstar.

You have amazing energy on stage. What goes through your mind when you perform?

Delivering emotion, being present, and really feeling what I’m saying so I can transmit those feelings. I check in and out.

What drives you?

Success drives me. Period.

Name a song you wish you had written.

Warm Winds by SZA and Isaiah Rashad. And pretty much anything Billie Eilish or Bibi Bourelly have touched.

When was the last time you laughed hard, and why?

I laugh really hard all the time. the last time was about 20 minutes ago when I was on FaceTime with my brother and he told me that his boss needs him to be more social media engaged so he logged on Facebook (first time since 2017) and typed “hoppy Easter every bunny” and we both laughed our asses off.

Who are your style icons?

My style icons were always Alexa Chung, Gwen Stefani, Courtney Love, Lisa Bonet. I always flirted with boho and grunge eccentric style. As I’ve gotten older I think I’m channeling a more avant-garde/contemporary style (at least that’s where I want to be). My references are more brand/esthetic inspired.

Explain your writing process.

My writing process is like a snowball effect, like everybody else I’m assuming. It starts with a melody or a concept and you just run with it until the song feels right.

Where do you get inspiration for your music from?

I get my musical information almost always from love and relationships.

Your go-to karaoke song?

Lovefool by The Cardigans.

Do you have a secret talent?

I would say my charm, but it’s more like a secret weapon.

Tell us something not many people know about you.

Some people may not know that I’m a gymnast. And I like to joke rap. A lot.

What bar should everyone check out in LA?

My personal favorite bars are Bar Stella and The Black Cat. But I have a feeling after quarantine I’m going to really explore and might find some new spots!

And finally, what’s next?

World peace… I hope. Punk bands. Smooth sounds. What isn’t next?

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No.11 Essay

By Darcey Taylor

Well, well, well—where to begin…Over the past few months, all across the globe, life as we know it has completely shifted. We’ve been thrust into the midst of pandemic; something many of us believed was beyond our lifetime, and as such, we’re having to deal with everything that comes with it. But hey, to quote one of the greatest musicals of all time, we really are all in this together. With social distancing, lockdowns, and quarantine, I’m sure many of us are experiencing our own revelations, challenges, and lessons (oh, lots of lessons) of life in the meantime. And I do say meantime babe, because this too will pass.

So, in the spirit of staying connected, I’m here to share with you my experiences of living life while in lockdown (and spoiler), it actually hasn’t all been doom and gloom. I’ve had good days, great days, dark days, and low points. I haven’t been able to go to the gym in weeks (semi-yay), I panic bought a coffee machine (fantastic decision), and drinking most nights is now apparently my new thing. And currently? My boyfriend is literally stood in front of me eating dried cereal with his hands, so that’s kinda where I’m at. The whole thing really is proving to be both a testing and surreal experience in equal measure, but one I can’t help but feel is bringing along life changing lessons with it that are shaping me for the better. Let’s get into it.

Here’s to You, Gratitude

I’m currently working from home and have been for a few weeks now; a luxury I know many people won’t have been afforded. But with that, it is certainly bringing its challenges. I used to whine and groan about getting up in the morning (bed is very much my happy place). About having to drag myself away from the sanctuary of my quilt, to go and sit in an office in actual clothes, when I believed my true calling in life was to be able to laze up from bed, stay in my PJs ‘til at least midday, and watch reruns of my fave series. Heaven, right? But as the days of indoors roll on (and pajamas all day is actually an option), I find myself missing more and more the comradery of all my work buds. I’m craving the smallest parts of my routine, like watching the world go by from my desk window, my favorite selfie mirror in the office toilets (hey, don’t judge me), and running to the great coffee shops across the street for my usual mid-morning flat white and croissant—all after responding to my emails, of course… I think I took for granted the small things in my day-to-day, the little innocuous things that made me so happy, without even realizing. I actually can’t wait for that 7:30 am wake up call to come back around, so I can drag myself in again, back through those doors; no makeup, hair kinda done, and hug my friends once more through half-shut eyes.

Locked in With Your Loved Ones: The Reality Show No One Signed Up For

You know where this one’s going… The initial premise of this doesn’t sound too bad at all, right? You love these people; they are your heart, your soul, your parents, your partners, your best friends—but when you’re cooped up together 24/7, they can get a little (maybe a lot) on your last damn nerve. And you know what I’ve realized—that’s fine. None of us have been in this situation before, so we’re all just figuring it out the best we can. I have been v fortunate in the fact that my boyfriend and I are getting along really well since we’ve been isolating together; a balance both of us are working hard to maintain (we bring each other coffee and sit on separate sofas—winning). And in all honesty, I couldn’t have got through this whole ordeal without him. I know he’s missing his family, and I’m missing mine. I know some of you out there will be missing your loved ones and isolating alone, or going crazy in the house not being able to get some alone time away from them. It’s hard. The whole thing is hard. But I know that on the other side of this there will be a completely new appreciation for those we hold dear. Even if we do have to get there the hard way.

The Value of Friendship Has Never Been So High

After going to University and working in such an ambitious and competitive environment like the fashion industry, it’s no wonder I have friends splintered across the globe; working, travelling, and just being general badass women who aren’t afraid to follow their dreams (go, sisters). Not only that, but I have best friends who are still in Manchester, who work in the city centre like I do, who I’m used to seeing often. And even though we have always text regularly, a lot of the times daily, nothing has been filling my heart with more joy than catching up with them over the phone, getting their wisdom and advice on the whole situation, or just seeing them on FaceTime—even if it is while they’re rockin’ a bun, doing the dishes. And while these circumstances are driving a physical wedge between us, just hearing from them has never been sweeter. Friendship is one those things, for many us, that’s just kind of expected to be there, but in times like this you realize it is something created, maintained, and one of the most special things we can hope to feature in our lives. It might just even be the thing that gets you through.

To summarize—what have I discovered about myself? Well, I now know I’ll never be one of those people that workout alongside an IG live gym class, I can tell you that much. Paying perhaps a little too much for some sushi at lunch is something I miss (and I mean, A LOT), and will be resuming once this is all over. But of course, more than that, this whole thing has made me realize that the things I hold dear, the things that I truly couldn’t live without, are the moments created through the everyday.

Okay, so there’s no solo coffee trips RN, no spontaneous drinks after work, no hugging my friends while listening to their stories from the weekend. But there is carbonara on the sofa with my boyfriend, there is walking during the warm spring sunset for a little fresh air, there is making my mom laugh on the phone after she’s worked so hard at the hospital. There is still joy—even when our lives have been stripped back to the essential. And that feeling of unwavering appreciation, even for the smallest of things, will now continue to ripple through my life as I remember the luxury of my own normality.

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Are you submerged in a sweaty sofa looking over old photos of yourself at festivals, your local dive bar, or just, y’know, outside breathing fresh air? (Those were the days.) As quarantine has become a necessary part of our daily routines while we help stem the spread of COVID-19, some of us are at a loss as to how to spend our newfound time and are in need of a distraction. So to put an end to the neverending channel-surfing, the bread making (ENOUGH ALREADY) and the daily scrolling through your ex’s grid, we found a bunch of dope live Instagram streams for you to check out instead. Stay connected, take a break from the news, learn something new, or what the heck - just sit back and enjoy.

LOU DOILLON (@loudoillon)

Musician, certified babe, and Renaissance woman Lou Doillon has been gracing our IG screens with everything from live poetry readings, (Bukowski, anyone?), dreamy acoustic covers, and general chat.
Consider us wooed.

WHEN: Catch her everyday
8am PDT/3pm GMT.

MARK KANEMURA (@mkik808)

Tired of your live HIIT classes and starting to miss the days when your cardio mostly involved hitting the dancefloor all night long? WELL. Dance pro Mark Kanemure hosts a virtual dance party, complete with wigs, confetti, and only the best pop, live on his channel on the daily.
Let’s dance it out.

WHEN: 2pm PDT/5pm ET/9pm GMT.

LAURA MARLING (@lauramarling)

British folk singer-songwriter Laura Marling has been live-streaming guitar lessons from her (v. cute) living room. Who can say they got taught how to play guitar by an award-winning, world-renowned songstress? Uh, YOU can.

WHEN: Every Thursday and Sunday
at 12pm PDT/7pm GMT.

AFRICA BROOKE (@africabrooke)

Mindset Coach and Motivational Speaker Africa Brooke is hosting live inspirational talks on her feed to help you move away from self-sabotage and remain positive. AKA, the perf pick-me-up.

WHEN: Check in on her IG for deets on her next live session.

THE GETTY MUSEUM (@gettymuseum)

Okay, okay, so this one isn’t exactly a live stream, but we just had to include it for the lol-inducing content. The Los Angeles-based museum has invited people to recreate famous works of art using only three objects found in your home in a bid to bring people together and promote creativity during this time. Get involved in the comp #BetweenArtandQuarentine or just take a look at their grid—it’s all kinds of amazing.

WHEN: Ongoing.

Don’t forget to hit up our ‘gram @nastygal for stellar inspo, positive vibes, and so much more. Let’s get weird.

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