Age: 17 & 18 School: Edward R. Murrow High School Location: NYC

Swag Team reached out to me last week over a cordial email. Within a couple days, we were able to set up an interview in Columbus Circle, and although it rained buckets, we had a wonderful time! A few words about who they are from member, Everton:

“Swag Team is young group of artists focused on creating music and a style that embodies what it is to be a young person in America. We love making music that everyone can enjoy and show our creative skills while doing it. We as a group put together sounds that show our struggle, happiness and more. We just want to spread the love and appreciation with our music to our fans and the rest of the world. With the help of Linda we are able to book studio sessions, stay organized, and have great visual locations, as you can see in our Latest video “Last Identity”.”

Come to Swag Team show on April 23rd, Direct Message them on Instagram @therealswagteam and be sure to follow!

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Age: 19 School: Port Richmond High School Location: NYC

Squidnice contacted me a couple weeks ago asking to meet and conduct an interview. I happily accepted and we set a date. When I first met Squidnice, in person, it was clear that he was an original, open, and optimistic artist. An artist who knew what he wanted in this world and wasn’t afraid of obstacles. Despite the freezing weather, loud trucks, and random bikers, we found a satisfactory seating arrangement in a tiny park and began the interview.

In his own words:

“I was born in Staten Island but not the pretty side lol but I lived in bay ridge brooklyn from 2nd to 8th grade. But I got into trouble so my mom made me move to my fathers house in Maryland and he was crazy and kicked me out after a year with a gun in my face then I moved back with my mom in Brooklyn , my mom got a tumor in her hand so we moved in my uncles house back in Staten Island and I started making songs on soundcloud my junior year.”

Listen the the full version of “Trap By My Lonely” on Soundcloud:

Squidnice’s latest track “MAC”:

BE SURE TO WATCH THE VIDEO AND TELL US WHAT YOU THINK!

P.S. Fun fact : Squidnice had a baby photo that went viral, here it is:

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Age: 17 School: Professional Performing Arts School Location: NYC

The first time I met Taylor (Taylor Nirvana Jones), I knew she was put on this earth to bring joy to others. It’s been six years and nothing has changed. During 2013, Love Jones Girlz – a girl band that Taylor has been a part of ever since she was eight – was signed and began touring, it’s great to have her back for this final school year. Everyday we go to acting class and everyday Taylor delivers an authentic and impossible-not-to-love side of herself – be it through an animated comedic scene or a somber heart wrenching monologue. I’ve seen Taylor working at her craft since we were twelve and her desire to be the best she can has never hindered. I look at her as she performs and realize that her never-ending optimism is a quality that every artist strives to have. We just finished presenting our final scenes in Acting class and her dedication and true embodiment of her character Janice (from Italian American Reconciliation) made her final showing hilarious and completely unforgettable. Watch this video for a guaranteed mood-booster and a glimpse at the exciting talent that Taylor displays!

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Age: 17 School: Professional Performing Arts School Location: NYC

Jason is one of the most dedicated and driven actors I’ve ever met. He is constantly looking to learn more about Shakespeare, the industry, playwrights, and monologues. It is a pleasure to see his talent shinning every single day as he rehearses monologues and scenes. Be sure to watch his video and tell us what you think!

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Age: 18 School: SUNY PURCHASE

Jesse Barovick is a young artist from Larchmont, New York who aspires to be the best musician he can be. Currently playing in two different bands, Jesse has been playing bass, guitar, and singing since a young age culminating in the THOR program in NYC. Earlier this year he released a 5 song EP with his friend Dan McCorkle entitled ‘Bad Dad Sad Man’ and at SUNY Purchase he hosts a radio show, ‘BAD DADS’. Within the last few months he has also joined the Brooklyn based band Fightboat as a bass player and has since played several shows.Watch the video to learn more!

FIGHTBOAT

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Age: 17 School: Midwood High School Location: Brooklyn

Mark is a creative and well-spoken individual, constantly reimagining New York City with his photographs. In his own words :
“My name is Mark Robertson also known as Markthecraft. I’m a 17 year old medical science student at Midwood High School, currently residing in Brooklyn, New York. In my free time I enjoy exploring and capturing moments with my camera. In late 2012, I began to use my first camera and ever since then I fell in love. Just the idea of being able to capture a moment and fine tune it caught my interest right away. In the long run, I hope to show another side of New York that no one has seen before with a variety of photographs.”

Very excited to have him joining the EX LOCUM team!
Watch the video to learn more!
NYC Photography by Markthecraft »

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Age: 18 School: Fordham University Location: Manhattan

Erik is a committed director with a unique vision and a powerful voice. Ever since I met him back in BADA, he’d talk about his experiences directing shows. His Macbeth was always being brought up. He told me stories about this production with such nostalgia and passion that I almost felt like it was happening in front of my eyes! He also shared some funny and unconventional ways they came up with to solve problems, and how he learned to put shows together.

One day last summer, I sat with him and Amanda and watched with admiration as he gave acting notes to Amanda while she was performing a monologue. Every note he gave was powerful and effective. That was the moment I truly saw the director he was. Watch the video to learn more! AND CHECK OUT THESE AMAZING PICTURES OF MACBETH BY IVAN BODEN PHOTOGRAPHY BELOW

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Age: 18 School: Marymount Manhattan College Location: Staten Island

Peter is a funny and charming performer filled with life. Interviewing him was hard because he made me laugh so many times. He is an exuberant actor and his vitality is contagious! No wonder he has played a lead in every show I’ve ever seen him in. He wishes to become a famous rapper and hopes that when that day comes, everyone will know his lyrics and will be able to rap along with him. Watch the video to find out more! ALSO BE SURE TO CHECK OUT HIS SHOW THIS COMING TUESDAY: August 25 @ Lox Lounge (15 Putnam Avenue) in Brooklyn! Doors open at 6pm and tickets are $15!

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Age: 16 School: Lab School Location: Manhattan

Siena is a remarkable songwriter! She has always had a very distinct and clear voice be it in songwriting, acting, or making comics. Every conversation with her is always memorable and intriguing. Ever since middle school I’ve always seen Siena lugging her guitar behind her and humming a new song. Watch the video to find out more!

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Age: 18 Location: Manhattan

Will Callahan is a kind, exuberant and extremely gifted performer. I’ve known him since middle school – he was a year older – and even then his talent was intimidatingly prominent. He’s been in every show or concert our school has ever done and if I were to write a list of the top 5 hardest working people I knew, he’d definitely be on it. We haven’t had many real conversations up until this interview, but I’ve always had an enormous respect for him and his work. So when I found out that he had to differ the college he’d been excited to go to, only to land a role of Shaggy in the Scooby-Doo LIVE tour two days later, I knew I had to get his story, not only as an example of how talent and dedication pays off, but also as an illustration of good karma Watch the video and find out more!

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