Jake Wesley Rogers Interview | Austin City Limits
Interview by: Wesley Smoot
Jake Wesley Rogers. If you don’t know the name already, you will. He’s an absolute powerhouse— singer, songwriter, showman, and a master on the keys. At 25 years old, he’s done Madison Square Garden (opening for Panic at the Disco), has been a musical guest on The Ellen Show, and currently has a track featured on the major Universal Pictures rom-com, Bros. His lyrics transcend generations with a kind of depth you’d find hard to believe is coming from someone his age.
I got the chance to chat with Jake Wesley Rogers at Austin City Limits.
Pinkies up, now sip!
Jake Wesley Rogers by Chad Wadsworth for ACL Fest 2022
Weslo: Howdy ya’ll, this is Wesley Smoot (Weslo) with Unleashed LGBTQ, in Austin, Texas at ACL– today I get the chance to sit down with Jake Wesley Rogers. How’s your ACL?
JWR: Hey! It’s very hot. Literally. But it has been so much fun.
Weslo: So freakin’ hot. Texas heat!
Well the crowd obviously loved your performance. What are your thoughts on Texas, besides the heat?
JWR: Well, I'm from Missouri, so I understand what it means to come from a complicated place, but I’m always astounded by how much love there is, even in a state where there is a lot of bullshit going on.
Weslo: It’s a big state with lots of fabulous folks, I’m glad you get to see there are all kinds, plenty of like minded people.
JWR: Of course. You sometimes have to remind yourself, we’re everywhere and we’re not going anywhere. So, I’ll always keep coming back.
Weslo: Please do.
I have to talk to you about the movie Bros with Billy Eichner. One of my favorites of the year, not just because it’s a gay film, but it’s just so well done. You have a song featured in the movie— your single Hindsight. What’s it like having your music on such a groundbreaking film?
JWR: It was mind-blowing to hear my song in a movie theater and be part of such a historical film. I would actually call it a surreal moment for me.
Jake Wesley Rogers & Wesley Smoot in Media Tent at Austin City Limits 2022
Weslo: So you’re on the cover of The Advocate this month, it seems like you’re well on your way to becoming a LGBTQ+ icon. How does that feel?
JWR: I don’t want to speak for anyone. I can only tell my story, I do that on purpose. Tony Morrison says “The function of freedom is to free someone else” so I think if I show up, even if I’m not feeling confident, tell my story, the hope is to allow anyone to feel free to be themselves, because that makes everything better.
Weslo: I agree 100%.
I know some LGBTQ+ artists might not care to be labeled or pigeon-holed as a gay artist, I’m sure with you, there’s a lot of crossover with other demographics.. I mean, you have been opening for Panic at the Disco. Have you seen your fanbase grow with the non-LGBTQ+ audiences?
JWR: I'm always surprised how many straight people are at my shows. I think my favorite thing about being queer is that it shows very explicit on the outside. But we all feel different, excluded, even if only to some degree. I think we’re the superheroes that have no choice but to show it.
Weslo: Well you really go into that with your song Pluto. Which I love by the way.
JWR: Yes! Exactly, and thank you. That is very much what the song is about, using Pluto as a metaphor, as the outsider. And just giving everyone permission to embrace it because I think that’s how things change, when everybody realizes we have this tendency to hide something. It’s the queer life. We’re accustom to it and learn it at such an early age. But not only us, everyone feels that on some level, we’re just the lucky, fabulous, beautiful ones that get to show others that it's ok. It’s ok to be free.
Austin City Limits 2022 | Jake Wesley Rogers | Photo Credit: Jakob Wandel
Weslo: Inclusion is incredibly important. I think ACL, it’s organizers, and bookers do an amazing job bringing in queer artists. I have been able to see so many over the last few years. Did you get to see anyone here? Lil Nas X? Boy George, Izzy Heltai?...
JWR: Sadly, because of the tour, no. We have been doing red-eyes to come in and make these events. Usually I come in, play, and go to bed (laughing). So I’m sad I missed Lil Nas X but hoping to catch Kacey Musgraves tonight.
Weslo: That will be a great show.
You covered I’ll Stand by You by The Pretenders. You did it magnificently. It has millions of streams… Do you plan on covering any other artists' songs in the future?
JWR: That’s a great question.
We have been covering Welcome to the Black Parade (My Chemical Romance) on the tour. But we’ll have to see. I enjoy singing so many… I’ll keep you posted.
Austin City Limits 2022 | Jake Wesley Rogers | Photo Credit: Jakob Wandel
Weslo: Your outfits for live shows are Everything! What inspires you in picking your wardrobe? Are you inspired by other artists?
JWR: This outfit I’m wearing now is like a red dandy number inspired by the movie The Velvet Goldmine, it’s like an unofficial David Bowie bio pic and there’s this one scene where a character is wearing this dandy outfit — I did a photo shoot for Vogue, they had me wear something similar, and when i wore it, I felt I had been there before. So I wanted to make something, something to recreate that feeling.
But you know before every tour, I think about what I want to wear, feel like, and present to my fabulous audience. But yes, I’m proud to say all the costumes from my tours are made by queer designers— which is always very exciting to me. I love a great collaboration between creative minds.
Austin City Limits 2022 | Jake Wesley Rogers | Photo Credit: Jakob Wandel
Weslo: I love that.
Many queer artists I see perform to tracks in the background. You not only have a full band but you are also slaying it on the piano. Has that always been the vision?
JWR: When it comes to music, for me personally, it’s always been me and the piano. I don’t think that will ever change. As far as having a band to perform with, it just feels right to me.
Weslo: Well, I really appreciate you taking the time to talk with us. You’re an amazing talent and we wish you all the success. You have our full support.
JWR: Thank you for that, I appreciate you as well.
Make sure to check out Jake Wesley Roger’s new EP LOVE
The EP includes two brand new songs “My Mistake” and “Call It Love” along with previous releases, “Modern Love,” “Lavender Forever,” which he performed on ELLEN, “Dark Bird” and the most recent “Hindsight” from the Billy Eichner film Bros.
Gender-Bending Queer Artist ALONE Releases “Everything”, An Ode to His Trans Siblings
Debut Single Declares “Opulence is a State of Mind”
“Everything”, the debut single from the gender-bending Queer artist ALONE, pays homage to the shiny, brassy days of Motown while also serving as an affirming ode to the Transgender Community who continue to enrich our world while battling tremendous negativity. “I want my siblings to know that they are blessed, loved and perfect just the way they are,” says ALONE, who’s own lewk blends disco-rock camp fierceness with svelte Hollywood glamour silhouettes. He wrote, composed, and arranged the soulful RnB Pop track, and topped it off with soaring falsetto vocals brimming with joy fitting for a true anthem. The song was recorded in New York City with a full live band on all-analog equipment. “It is meant to be a bright and feel-good reminder that you already have everything you need to be happy and thrive,” he explains. ALONE’s “Everything” is available now on Apple Music, Spotify and all digital platforms. Its music video is available on YouTube.
“Everything” started as a love song to a guy I was dating who had a fabulous life but couldn't stop complaining about everything,” ALONE recalls from his NYC home. “I wrote the song to try to convince him to see how good he had it and help him cultivate a spirit of gratitude.”
During the production of the song, the message grew larger than a simple love song. It became a proclamation for all to appreciate life regardless of unfavorable circumstances. "Your joy is not dependent on external factors," ALONE urges. "Right now, just as you are, you are already as good, as well and as complete as anyone can ever hope to be — and therefore you are already, in fact, everything."
“I wrote the lyric, ‘Opulence is a state of mind,’ while sunbathing on the crumbling roof of an old house I was living in,” he continues. “At the time, I was barely making rent and struggling to find work and ways to bring my music to life. I laid down a patch of Astro turf on that hot tar, covered it with a piece of leopard fabric, treated myself to a box of strawberries and felt like royalty.”
In the song’s music video, ALONE spotlights an all Trans and Gender Non-Conforming cast. “I wanted to assure the Trans and Queer youth out there that there is a family here for them and that they are beautiful, powerful and worthy,” he says. He enlisted some of the leading activists in the Black Trans Lives Matter Movement including Tahtianna Fermin, founder of Bridges 4 Life, an organization that serves Trans youth in the foster care system; Danni Gucci, founder of the #Wontberased campaign for Trans visibility; and Suburbia, a drag queen who has been featured on HBO Max’s And Just Like That, and is the founder of the POC Collective.
ALONE was born Alon and raised in Israel, in a small coastal town called Herzliya. His father died in military action when he was three and a half years old. He grew up in a household of women, with only his mom and sister. His musical influences were Prince, Grace Jones, George Michael and Sylvester. “Growing up as a Queer kid who never fully fit in anywhere, seeing a Queer artist like Sylvester was a beacon of hope,” ALONE reflects. “It made me feel like I wasn't alone, like there was a future for me and that there were others out there like me.”
Upon moving to New York City, Alon changed his name to ALONE to reclaim the word; empowering its meaning from something sad and scary to independent and in control. “Being alone is one thing everyone experiences from time to time. There is beauty and strength-building in it. The binary concept that being alone is bad and being together is good is false. Both are equally important to our growth and well-being.”
ALONE’s next single, "Fine", is currently in production and scheduled to be released on April 8th with an accompanying music video. A sultry tribute to homo- and pansexual attraction, it pays homage to 80s rock strip songs while challenging the prevalent notions of sexuality and gender.
ALONE’s “Everything” is available now on Apple Music, Spotify and all digital platforms. Its music video is available on YouTube. Visit his website and follow ALONE on Instagram @ TogethALONE.
LUCAS LEON: ANDREW CHRISTIAN’S TROPHY BOY OF 2021
Article written by Alexander Rodriguez, host of On the Rocks with Alexander
Eyebrows, and more, started to rise as adult film star Lucas Leon started to pop up in the Instagram stories for Andrew Christian. With a chiseled, handsome face that rivals any telenovela star, a muscled body with perfect pecs, a light sprinkling of body hair in all the right places, and a mischievous grin that could charm a nun and seduce the saintliest of gays at the same time, it is no wonder that Andrew Christian, the Patron Saint of Men’s Underwear, has chosen Lucas as Breakout Trophy Boy of 2021.
So what does it take to become an Andrew Christian Trophy Boy? According to Andrew Christian, it’s more than just a great body and full package:
An Andrew Christian Trophy Boy is a brand representative and must be aware of the image they are projecting. We look for a diverse group of boys that will uphold the Andrew Christian name but show the diversity within our community. There’s a big responsibility with touring the world, getting to know fans, and not only being a face but an entire lifestyle of the brand. All of the boys have strong personalities that are magnified through this role and it is important that they are always professional and appreciative of the experiences they’ve been blessed with. Trophy Boys are positive influences in the world and show love for themselves and the greater community.
You may have seen the Trophy Boys in person during Pride, nightclub, or pool events around the nation. They do have the reputation for causing a little mischief and maybe some romance drama from time to time, but their personalities and charm have established the Andrew Christian blog and YouTube channel as the barely safe-for-work fun place to play. Lucas Leon has some big shoes, or rather pouches, to fill as we look back at the Trophy Boys before him.
Cory Z is Andrew Christian’s longest-running model and has participated in the most touring Trophy Boy events as host, model, guest bartender, and even singing. He is a Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic Champion and has been seen on E! What Happens at the Abbey and MTV’s Ex On the Beach. While some may call him a trouble maker, we call him just plain sexy.
Arad is so hot, his last name says it all - Winwin. Arad fled Iran in search of a better life through the United Nation Refugee program. He arrived in Dallas with $300, huge biceps, and those brilliant eyes, and started working as a model and go-go dancer and then quickly became a fan favorite in the adult industry, finally becoming an Andrew Christian Trophy Boy. He is proof that there is a better life and continues to spread hope for anybody who is in an oppressive environment looking for freedom and happiness.
It’s hard to believe that Nick Masc has been a Trophy Boy since 2016, as his presence in the Andrew Christian world is just as fresh as when he first started. Yes, the boys love his pecs but it’s his personality that has really set him apart as one of the most familiar faces (and booties) of Andrew Christian. A determining factor to the 2016 competition was online personality – he nailed it. His Instagram is a perfect blend of glossy modeling shots, goofy selfies, and naughty teasers. You never know what he’s going to say, or who he’s going to “date” next.
A night with Trophy Boy Walker will probably put you in a walker. He is a force to be reckoned with and has an endless list of accolades. He has toured with Nicki Minaj and Justin Timberlake, and appeared on The People’s Choice Awards, and most recently the 2021 Superbowl Halftime with The Weeknd. When Walker steps into the camera lens, you see the dancer in him spring to life, giving us angles and serving face for days.
When looking for new Trophy Boys, Andrew Christian looks to have a diverse group with everyone bringing something different to the table. Hailing from Brazil, Lucas moved to the US with his family as a teenager. Putting the gay in gaymer, he was a self-proclaimed high school geek. (Geeks looked much different when I was in high school). Falling in love and being young and naïve, he moved his whole life to the West Coast with his ex-boyfriend. The relationship didn’t work out, but his career sure did. Feeling confident and embracing his sexuality, he started sending pictures to adult film studios at random. It wasn’t long before he got swept up into the adult film world and became a quick favorite. He’s quite, pardon the pun, well rounded and his films fit in over 32 categories of themes – whatever your pleasure is, he’s probably filmed it.
As his social media fandom took flight, Andrew Christian took notice:
Lucas first caught our eye on social media with his extravagant cosplay mixed in with his boy next door looks and secret pornstar identity. Lucas was invited to be part of the Andrew Christian team at RuPaul's DragCon and showed us what he’s all about.
COVID has certainly changed the gay nightlife experience and will alter Lucas’ Trophy Boy coming-out parties. Until it is safe to venture out, AC has turned its focus to more interviews and alternative events, especially virtually. But once the world gets the green light, Lucas will tour around the globe visiting various pride events and working with Trophy Boy VIP Card partners. During COVID, Andrew Christian has partnered with over 100 brands worldwide to bring exclusive offers to the fans via the Trophy Boy VIP Card, so that they can feel like the Trophy Boys they are.
I chatted with Lucas for this exclusive rapid-fire chat where we chatted about his past, the adult industry, becoming a Trophy Boy, and what his type is – you may be surprised!
What do you miss most about life in Brazil?
I miss some of my friends and how warm and affectionate most people are.
What was the hardest to get used to in moving to the US?
It wasn't that hard to adapt, the hardest part was holding back when it comes to kissing and hugging strangers after you just meet them!
You moved to the West Coast for a boy! Are you glad you moved here? Would you ever move again for a boy?
When we are young in love and stupid, we do crazy things sometimes but hey, some good things came from it. I do like the West Coast a lot. Los Angeles is very urban and diverse, which I love, but I’m definitely gonna miss dressing up all pretty like I did during those New England fall months.
How did you get used to all the thirsty comments on your social media pics?
I mean, the thirsty comments are usually good feedback that I’m pleasing the audience, I love that.
What made you want to get into the adult industry?
I thought I looked kinda cute and the money is good so... why not? You get to meet all different sorts of people and travel to different places, so that’s great!
What was your first adult scene? What was it like on your first day?
The plot was wild, lol! My brother-in-law just broke up with my sister so I thought that I could cheer him up with a blowjob... hahaha! I was quite nervous at first, but you get used to it.
What do you love most about filming a scene?
I love the camera and the idea of all eyes on me, it’s kinda hot, to be honest.
What do you like the least about filming a scene?
When we have to cut to adjust. I like it when it’s more natural.
What kind of guy do you find attractive in real life but never get paired up to film with?
Big strong, very hairy bears - they're my favorites! But I’m never paired with them - boo!
You are single - how should someone approach you to flirt with you? What do you find the cutest about someone?
It’s easy - talk about videogames, Japanese culture, or anything geeky, those are my favorite things. I think it’s super sexy when guys are nice and caring, it's a big turn-on.
How did you come up with your porn name?
That's quite an interesting story. One of my good friends is named Lucas and I wanted the name to have some connection to my gaymer and geeky side...so Leon is actually the name of a character in the Kingdom Hearts series who’s originally from Final Fantasy 8.
What was your first reaction when you found out that you were the newest Andrew Christian Trophy Boy?
I was shocked and super excited!!! It’s always so much fun working with Andrew and being the 2021 Trophy Boy is a huge deal! It’s really an honor to have been the one picked this year!
What does being a Trophy Boy mean to you?
I feel like, as a Trophy Boy, I should try to convey a sense of embracing and celebrating yourself. Geeky things were not very trendy amongst the popular kids when I was growing up, so it’s really cool knowing that even a videogame nerd can be a sexy Trophy Boy. : )
Which one of Andrew Christian's underwear do you love the most?
I do love briefs the most! Most people would say jocks, but I think briefs make my butt look super sexy.
If you were to design a pair of Andrew Christian underwear, what would they look like?
It would be a cute pair of briefs, either red, pink, or black with geeky elements like joysticks and manga books all over it.
What do you do differently in the bedroom that you don't do on camera?
Top! (Just kidding, I don't do that at all hahahaha!) I'm a big fan of puppy play.
You LOVE gayming! What is your favorite recent game?
My favorite game right now would be Final Fantasy XIV. I’ve played so much during the lockdown it’s not even funny hahahaha!
Are there hot guys in the gaming world?
There are tons of us, we just hide in our gayming caves every once in a while so it’s hard to find us. We are like rare Pokemon! LOL!
If you were to create a video game, what would it be called and what would it be about?
It would be probably a fantasy JRPG that mixes a lot of elements of sci-fi and magical girl anime, set in a digital world. The characters would be 3 E-girls that get trapped in a digital world and it would probably be called E-girl Fantasy… wait, I might have to think on the title a little bit more cause that sounds like the title of a porno, hahahaha!
Who is your celebrity COVID crush?
Right now, Ben Affleck. He was giving me teddy bear daddy looks in the last movie he was in, woof.
Follow Lucas on Instagram: @_potatosenpai
Find out more about the AC Trophy VIP Card: https://www.andrewchristian.com/blog/category/vip
The Thirst is REAL at Unleashed LGBTQ - AussieBum, Grindr, ADDICTED, & RIDE BodyWorx Join Line-Up
Unleashed LGBTQ Virtual is proud to partner with some of the hottest brands to bring you virtual fashion shows, topic discussions, and happy hour panels. Still thirsty? We got you! Here’s a few brands you can expect to see at Unleashed LGBTQ Virtual…
AussieBum celebrates 20 years.
AussieBum: This premier Australian underwear and swimsuit company has reached worldwide success and notoriety by making some of the sexiest mens apparel over the last 20 years. This virtual fashion event will showcase the latest products from their 2021 spring/summer collection. Fashion show will be followed by interview with founder and CEO Sean Ashby.
Grindr is renowned for being the world’s largest gay dating app. With such success, Grindr has learned a lot from a marketing standpoint. While large companies have been eager to show support to the LGBTQ community, for example: ads with gay couples, Andy Kraut explains from his own professional experience In brand partnerships, how many companies today have steered clear, and in some cases, discriminated against businesses like Grindr. Even with large audiences and preferred demographics, many companies are still reluctant to advertise with the tech giant. Advertisements obviously use sex to sell, So why not gay sex?
ADDICTED, the world famous Barcelona based, swimsuit, underwear, and athletic brand has always had a reputation for top-notch quality products, immaculate ads/marketing, and beautiful models. What's in store for 2021? Well, check out the online store, hun. Also, be sure to register to attend Unleashed LGBTQ Virtual, where Addicted will be hosting an exclusive online fashion show that will no doubt leave you wanting more. (Addicted yet? You will be.)
Sliquid- RIDE BODYWORX Part of unleashed lgbtq happy hour
RIDE BodyWorx has grown from a lube manufacturer, creating some of the highest quality lubricants on the market, to a lifestyle product powerhouse, producing grooming products, shaving cream and beard oil. partnerships with Rocco Steele and Buck Angel helped propel RIDE to new levels of recognition. RIDE Bodyworx Also shows its commitment to creating high performance products for diverse consumers. T-LUBE, is a water-based personal lubricant created for trans men based off of tEstimony and personal experience. Bravo! 👏🏽
See full line-up of brands, speakers, and performers here.
Unleashed LGBTQ creates a space for brands, entertainers, and LGBTQ professionals to connect. ATTENDEES can see the latest products, services, and campaigns entering the LGBTQ market including apps, fashion, media, non-profits, travel/desTination, and more.
Unleashed LGBTQ Virtual will host keynote speakers, panels, and performances from some of the biggest names in LGBTQ film, television, & music.
Register Here.
Shedding Light on Dark Room Collection- Interview with Paul McNulty
As an avid underwear shopper, I’m always excited to see new brands and products as they come out. I’m blessed to live in Dallas, TX where the shops in the gayborhood are plentiful and offer a wide selection of undies, swimsuits, jocks, and fetish gear.
While browsing Instagram, I came across, none other than Dark Room Collection. This thirst trap of a post was modeled by two beefy, bearded guys: Paul McNulty (@djpjm1) and Andres Santana (@thesan_edin). So, would a sophisticated lady like myself fall for this trap?
A second later I was on the website. I was pleasantly surprised by their fresh take on, umm… everything. I found at least five items I absolutely had to have right away. Being a London-based company, it took a bit longer to get here, but in the end, it was definitely worth the wait. I fell in love with the fit, materials, and design immediately. But what I loved most was that Dark Room Collection is owned and operated by the two gorgeous models I saw on the website. Not only are they a couple in business, they’re engaged to be married.
Yes, Paul and Andres, pictured below, are obviously hot AF but also ambitious AF. The two saw an opportunity to enter a market and make their mark and they did just that. Respect, queens.
I got a chance to chat with Mr. Paul and learn how he and his sexy fiancé, Andres, came up with Dark Room Collection. Here’s what he had to say. Enjoy. ;)
Andres- @thesan_edin (left) & Paul- @djpjm1 (right)
Weslo: How did you come up with the idea for Dark Room Collection?
Paul: It all started with a calendar of myself that Andres shot back in 2016 (for 2017) It was done in a Dark Room setting. From there we released prints from the calendar and then a t-shirt from it. As things progressed we kept the Dark Room name and expanded on doing jockstraps, etc.
Weslo: How is Dark Room different than other gay apparel brands?
Paul: We model all our own gear. If we wouldn’t wear it ourselves we won’t sell it to our customers. We are completely hands on with it from photography, design, and even postage and packing- all done by ourselves!
Weslo: What has been the public's response to Dark Room?
Paul: Out of the gate, very positive!
Weslo: So it wasn’t difficult to break into the market?
Paul: We have been very lucky. We kind of fell into doing the brand. We both already had a big social media following and had been working with parties around the world while gogo dancing. So we already had the connections to sponsor the parties and a big target market reach for promotion! We just had to make sure we got the products right!
Weslo: Do you have a favorite product/design that you offer? What is it?
Paul: All of the brand new Violation Collection.
Violation Collection 2020
Weslo: Do you have any other favorite gay apparel brands?
Paul: We always love to browse around BOXER shops when we visit Berlin and Barcelona.
Weslo: Where do you get your inspiration for your designs?
Paul: A lot of the time we will have a look at what fetish gear we own and put our spin on it.
Weslo: You own and operate Dark Brand with your husband, Andres— what is that like?
Paul: Great. We definitely make a good team and have completely different skill sets that compliment each other very well.
Weslo: Has traveling as a dancer helped you spend the word about Dark Room?
Paul: 100% - most of our market is in the U.S. Around 80% of our orders. So it’s been great to get around and meet our customers. Last year I made it around to Dallas, New York, PTown, LA, LongBeach and Minneapolis - we always seem to get a spike in customers once we have visited that city!
Weslo: What do you hope to accomplish with Dark Room and what can we expect to see in the future?
Paul: We would love to still to be around in 10 years and have some of our own shops in some of our favourite cities around the world.
Well, there it is. Enjoy the eye candy that is Paul and Andres in the photos below and follow the link to find your next circuit party gear once the Covid-19 gives us our lives back.
Wesley Smoot
Staying Busy and Slaying Henny! - Rising star Stevie Boi is not letting quarantine slow him down
May 5, 2020
Dallas, TX
New York based designer Stevie Boi has gained incredible momentum in the fashion eyewear scene with SB Shades. At just 30 years old, this Augusta, GA born designer has used his over-the-top sunglasses to style some of the biggest stars including Madonna, Ke$ha, and Amber Rose. While this is exceptionally impressive, Stevie Boi is no one trick pony. He owns and operates clothing brand SK8T, and is author of Shade Built my Empire, a book about brand identity and building a business from the ground up. In his self-titled vlog, Stevie Boi, he travels the world showcasing his brand and interacts with other fashionistas making stops in Iceland, Paris, and cities all over the U.S.
Even with so much accomplished, Stevie Boi knows it is imperative for any rising star to keep their momentum if they want to have a lasting career. So when a global pandemic like COVID-19 strikes, what does he do? One word:
Werk!
We got the chance to chat with Stevie Boi about his time in quarantine and some of his latest projects. And yes, he has been staying busy. So if you’re tired of being asked “Are you still watching?” then keep reading. Stevie Boi’s work ethic is enough to make any queen hop off their throne (couch) and get back to work on those passion projects.
Weslo: What have you been doing since the quarantine started?
Stevie Boi: Work! But also lots and lots of cooking. I wanted to use this time to focus on a new book. So with that being said, a cookbook seemed like the logical next step. It’s something I’ve always wanted to sink my teeth into, lol. So I figured, why not? I have also designed two new lines.
Weslo: Yas! What’s the name of this cookbook and what makes it different?
Stevie Boi: My book is titled Stevie Boi Eats presents: Season to Taste. It’s a personal take, based on my travels around the world. I have some unique recipes I’ll be dishing out from my time in Europe, and being the Georgia peach I am, I’ll be fusing them with some southern recipes.
Weslo: Can we expect these recipes to be accompanied by some fabulous photos?
Stevie Boi: Yas Queen! 80% of the book will have photos and I’m excited to say I am working with Michael Antonio and Nikon Don, some of my favorite photographers. Because of this pandemic, we have put our shoots on hold but that won’t stop me from working on everything else I can get done in the meantime.
Weslo: What do you plan on accomplishing with this cookbook?
Stevie Boi: Most of the public knows me for my design work and for being a video personality. But if you really know me personally, you know I love to cook. I think this will introduce that part of me to the world. I have been cooking my entire life. I can’t wait for the day I get to do tours and pop ups at book stores. That seems like so much fun.
Weslo: You also mentioned you have been working on two different lines during the quarantine. What can you tell us about those?
Stevie Boi: I have been working on my current line is SK8T, of course, but I have also recently decided to plan out my next two years of collections. One of them is incredibly vibrant. I think Betsy Johnson would love it, lol. The other line is Olympic-themed and features lots of gold tones. Can’t wait for you to see it!
Weslo: Sounds fun and ambitious. Is the Olympic-theme collection workout apparel?
Stevie Boi: Its a mix of athletic gear and high fashion, same but separate, lol. You’ll know it when you see it. ;)
Weslo: You were part of film that was to be screened for SXSW 2020. We know it was canceled due to COVID-19. What can you tell us about that project?
Stevie Boi: I had a small role as a model in the film. I was promoting my P!NK Collection. I actually still haven’t seen the film myself but I know it will be fab!
Weslo: Do you have any tips for our readers on how to stay motivated during this quarantine?
Stevie Boi: Yes! I would suggest finding three hobbies a day. I like to start with cooking breakfast in the a.m. I start designing until the late afternoon and meditate before bed. I have also been using a humidifier during quarantine to improve air quality, it really helps me relax. Lastly drink lots of water! I like to add lemon and cucumbers. I love to detox at least three days out of the week.
SK8T by Stevie Boi