8.29.2014

interview // justina x R5

 image courtesy of hollywood records
guess who's going on tourrrr

spoiler alert: they're siblings and their names all start with R.

Last week I got to talk with R5's sole female member, sister Rydel (Yes, the very one mentioned in that infamous shower singing question) about EP's, tambourines, tour, and cheeseburgers. 

J: You guys are going on tour!

R: We are! Today is actually the last day of rehearsal, we're just working out positions, getting everything tight.

Whats the best part of rehearsing, for you?
 I think the best part, for all of us, is figuring out new things to do. We don't want it to always be the same, and we don't want to perform the songs exactly as they are on the record, we want to mix it up. Ellington adds scales, maybe I'll do a cool keyboard part, I don't know, just add as much as we can to surprise people, like "Oh, I haven't heard that before!" A new experience.

Well is there anything special we can expect from the show? 
You can expect a lot of loud, excited energetic-ness from us. Going on tour is our favorite part, so we put a lot into it. You're going to hear new songs, like our EP Heart Made Up On You, which we've never played live, and what's else..oh, I got a new tambourine!

That is VERY exciting. 

It is important. I tied some little streamers to it, it's very fancy. 

You have the tambourine, you can do anything!

I know, like that's my instrument right there.

Speaking of the EP, in an interview, one of your brothers said this was totally different than anything else you've done, really a new sound. Do you agree with that? How would you describe the sound? 

Yeah, I agree! It's definitely a new take on R5, we've grown up a lot in the last year. We've become better writers, better musicians, so that makes a huge difference. I guess you could say it's a little more mature, I think it's cooler. But I do love the last record. You could say it's a step up. Hopefully we do that with every album though, each one getting better than the one before it, you know? We just keep climbing the ladder.

 Yeah, it's a new game. How would you describe the sound of the EP and what you guys are going to be doing on tour to someone who's never heard your music?

Well it has the same R5 roots, sort of punk rock. Then there are a few songs that are a little darker, and we have more percussion. There's a lot more drum aspect, and I actually get to help Ellington play drums live, which is cool, I have this whole pad. So just a lot more drums, I like to think of it as jungle-y. 

I understand you completely.
What's your favorite song off the EP to perform, and favorite to listen to?
Favorite to listen to is Easy Love, it's a super sick vibe, and at the very end we did this special thing for the fans to laugh at. We haven't performed it live yet, but my favorite to perform is Stay with Me, in the rehearsals we were really jamming on it and it sounds so cool.

Does the band have a dressing style that goes with that when you're on tour, or is it more like "Hey dude I like this, I'm going to wear it today"?

Well with the boys it's definitely more "hey I like this". They just throw on something, it's chill, and it looks great. They're like that, they can just be cool. I put a little more time into it,  picking out my jewelry, what shoes I'm going to wear. The boys wear the same converse every night. Sometimes I wear dresses, and I'm feeling really girly, other times I'm feeling extra rocker, and it's jeans and a vintage t-shirt. It varies night to night, which is fun for me, because I get to change it up.

LIGHTNING ROUND:

If you could tell everyone something about the band that they probably don't know,
 what would you tell them?
Something people probably don't know about us is how involved we are in the whole process. We get to plan our own show, I'm a lot of the creative side. I pretty much design all the merch. I come up with the stuff we need, like "okay we need beanies, we need new shirts". I'm really involved in that part. The EP cover was on me. A lot of people don't know that, because with a lot of artists, other people can do that for them, but we like to be very much involved. 

On your last tour, you guys did R5 TV.
 Are you going to be doing any behind the scenes stuff this tour?
We were actually talking about that the other day, and we're going to try and put together like a tour diary, especially for the fans who are over seas, where we aren't getting to them this time around. That way they can keep up with what's going on while we're on the road. Hopefully a lot of fun vines will be going on, we're sort of newbies at that, but we're working on it.

What's a typical day in the life of Rydel?
Okay, an average day for me is I wake up, make the boys breakfast, or me and my mom, she's not here right now, so I'm doing it myself. If rehearsal isn't too early, I try and go to yoga or on a walk or something. I've been slacking on the yoga, but usually I can make it. Then we go to rehearsals right away, and rehearse all day. Then if we have a writing session or a recording session, we go straight to that. When we get home, I'll try to make dinner or we just order out, and we watch a movie, go to sleep, then do it all over again. 

Sounds like a good day to me! Any funny stories from today or yesterday?
Yes, actually! So we've been doing these "Ask R5" on our vine, yesterday was Ratliff's turn, and someone asked him if he could like do a leapfrog jump over Rocky, and in the vine (you can look it up,) he's like "I don't know, you tell me" and he shows a rock and his car key. Rock + key = rocky, and then he's jumps over it. For some reason, I thought that was the funniest, cleverest thing ever. I was 
laughing SO hard.

Just keep up the puns, and you guys will have a solid vine following in no time. 
Now, last but not least: one word to describe every member of the band?

I get to do my own? Sweet, okay.
Riker - Silly
Rocky - Hilarious 
Ross - Creative
Ratliff-....Sexy. 

:)

Do I have to do myself?

You do.

Okay, Um....smiley. 

Solid choice. Also, I'm just noticing on your twitter bio that you like food. What's your favorite?

Right now, I'm actually really enjoying sushi.  I used to not like it, but lately we've been eating it a lot. Also, a solid cheeseburger, with the works


R5's tour kicks off in Orlando on Sept. 3rd (there's still a couple of tickets for loads of stops!), '
and their EP, Heart Made Up On You is available now on iTunes.
 You can find details on everything at r5rocks.com

you should also probably follow them on vine

xx 
Justina






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8.25.2014

justina's thoughts from the emmys

woke up - flawless

I have never watched the Emmy's before, 
so I had zero expectations, which was good, 
because it was a bit slow. 

HOWEVER, there were some really good moments. 

Including a gentle reminder that we are nothing but molecules hurtling through open space.

So now, in no particular order, my thoughts from the 2014 Emmys:


1. (before the show has even started) Why isn't Amy Poehler hosting this?

2. We don't really need to read the other nominees if Breaking Bad is at all involved in the category.

3.  Forget man buns, man braids is where it's at. Who is he?
 (It was Cary Joji Fukunaga)

4. Okay guys Modern Family wasn't THAT funny.

5. New writing strategy inspired by Game of Thrones: 
KILL 'EM ALL. 

6. The secret to Matthew McConaugheys eternal youth is in his tan. It has to be.

7. I predict "None of Us Will Ever Make As Much Money as Kim Kardashian Did For Her iPhone Game and Other Truths as Told By Jimmy Fallon" will make the NYT Bestsellers list.

8. Does anyone actually watch The Big Bang Theory or is that just a long running joke?

9. Why am I never on the same street as Billy Eichner?

10. Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey are the ultimate Hollywood Bromance
 and should stay together forever.  #TrueDetectiveSeason2

11. Ricky Gervais is everywhere and I am shocked and alarmed about it.

12. Jessica Lange is pretending she didn't know she was going to win that award 
and I am laughing because she definitely did.

13. Andy Samburg should have been Jofferey from the start.

14. Aaron Paul should always win awards, just for his speech.

15. When I was little, Aladdin was my favorite movie, and Genie was the greatest character in the world to me. I must have watched that masterpiece of a Disney cartoon hundreds of times. 
The Robin Williams tribute was a proper goodbye to a free Genie. 



Seriously though,
Beyo-I mean, Amy Pueblo should definitely host next year.

xx
Justina




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8.23.2014

backpack backpack




backpack c.o. sunny dushanka 
shirt: vintage ralph lauren// short: vintage levis//shoes: keds via teen vogue


It is the strange power of Dora the Explorer that I have only seen one episode in my entire existence and yet know every word of the backpack song

This is just a cheeky little post to show off my snazzy Sunny Dushanka backpack 
and to shamelessly promote the video I made to prove
(watch in 720hd for best hair definition)

I truly adore this backpack though. 
It's a gorgeous color, 
all leather (sturdy), handmade in Greece (sturdy) 
and all the buckles are real metal buckles (sturdy). 
Overall, it's perfect Justina gear
aka it's in it for the long haul


Lately, rucksacks have been calling me. 
Between all the travel, long days, and even longer nights,
 I need a bag that holds more than lipstick and half a stick of gum, ya feel?

 Speaking of long nights:
winter is coming.

I'm having serious GoT withdrawels.

But seriously, my two favorite seasons are on their way, 
and with them come some very great things:

my first days of college (!!!)
my birthday
apple picking
my birthday
sweaters
my birthday
all the best holidays
like my birthday
pumpkin spice errythang

Oh and it's my birthday in a few weeks!

 Until then though, 
I have all sorts of good stuff lined up.

Lets just say this backpack 
won't be going into retirement anytime soon.

xx
Justina

 ps. 
I am livetweeting the Emmy's on Monday,
and you should be there.


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8.20.2014

gonna have a good day // #goodthingshappen


buddha + flamingo necklaces c.o. dogeared // shirt c.o mnkr


16. Happy little necklaces full of good wishes.



Do you ever have a spectacularly good day? 
Nothing huge in particular happens, but it's just really good? 
Your hair was on point, your neighbor waved back,
 it was Taco Tuesday


 I have this theory that nearly every day could be like that if we focused on it a little more.
 So much good stuff happens and then gets totally run over by everything else. 
Taco Tuesday isn't so great when your taco shell goes kaput

who am I kidding a taco is a taco 
but YOU GET MY DRIFT 

So when Dogeared, my favorite makers of my favorite little necklaces, 
asked if I wanted to get involved in their #GoodThingsHappen campaign, 
I moved so fast I could have taken out Flash.

Rather than just swinging about some golden wishes,
 I thought I'd show you 15 very specific everyday things that I think are good

Books, rollerskates,
 and when people smile for no reason.
Number 10 is actually "hugs" but I like hogs too so take it as you will

I then got on Insta and asked you guys how your day was happening,
 and got some very happy news:

 "I ran 1.5 miles at field hockey practice & finished 13th out of about 60 girls!" - Yael

 "I got to hug my best friend!" - Colleen

"Karma was nice to me today. I bought coffee for my activities director and I made almost all my lights. I drove completely at peace with the world." - Sallie

"I managed to jump off an island into the sea in Italy from 9 metre!" - Isabella

 If all of these things were happening in one day,
 there's no reason they shouldn't the next.

So here is my very specific question I'd love to have youa nswer in the comments:

What good thing (or things) happened to you today?

While you're thinking about it,  check out Dogeared's classic Make a Wish collections. 
Every piece represents a different quality,
 and they're very helpful reminders of what you want to see in yourself. 

I've rubbed my Buddha so much there's no way he's not lucky.

xx
Justina
ps.
THIS MNKR TSHIRT MAKES ME ALL OF THE HAPPY ALWAYS.
that is all
 
pps. 
I nominated Jack for the ice bucket challenge and he made my day doing it






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8.13.2014

If I'd have known you were going to be here // TEEN CHOICE AWARDS 2014


(for best quality watch in 720hd)
dress + dr. martens: c.o asos

I WENT TO THE TEEN CHOICE AWARDS.

IT WAS GREAT.

I don't know how to properly sum it up other than that.
 I had such a fantastic time getting to see some old friends, make some new ones,
 and bear witness to the extremely strong eyebrow game that was happening.
 (see: Charlie Rowe + Willow Shields)

I talked about glow bowling with The Band Perry, 
fangirled over Hailee Steinfeld with Laura Marano,
 oh and HUGGED JOSH HUTCHERSON
 but no big deal not at all

I took some amazing selfies (as promised)
and then some even better ones.
 see my video for those ha ha wink wink

I even eyebrow wiggled with Tyler Posey, 
and let me tell you, 
that is a life experience everyone should have. 

And I realized that I was doing life right,
when Alli Simpson came over to me and said:

"If I'd have known you were going to be here, 
I would have worn my overalls."

xx 
Justina

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8.08.2014

video//after school is where the party is at


 
 featured pieces l-r:
knapsack c.o. BAGGU//tshirt c.o MNKR//flannel: arizona jeans//overalls: calvin klein//
headphones: c.o. skullcandy//dress + jacket: romwe//dr. martens c.o. asos//heels c.o. bc footwear

on me:
rings: c.o. stella & bow// shirt: forever 21//pants c.o. living doll LA


I may not go to school,
 but I know a thing or two about what to wear once it's over.

Football games, parties, the occasional mass mud fight...
wait, does your school not do that?

Never mind

The point is, 
out of uniform doesn't need to mean Uggs and sweatpants. 
In fact, no situation ever should mean Uggs. 

So make like Selena Gomez and shake it up a bit. 

Okay that was bad.

In my defense,
 I'm packing and writing this blog post at the same time.
LA,
 I'm coming for ya.

I know I said this last time,
 but make sure you're following me on allllll of the platforms (including huffpost teen
to witness what will definitely probably maybe 
 be the most epic livetweeting you've ever seen.

And lots of photos of palm trees, 
which we both know is definitely more exciting than red carpet selfies.

xx
Justina


 

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8.06.2014

whatever wednesdays//big news




Now for the day of the week in which I write about literally whatever comes to mind.


 First things first, 

Dear Mr. President,
may you see this video and never doubt that you're the realest. 


Second things second,

I'M GOING TO THE TEEN CHOICE AWARDS.

THIS SUNDAY.

AUGUST 10TH.

They don't have an iconic carpet color, 
but they do have surfboards. And the entire cast of Teen Wolf, 
which was more than enough to convince me.

I'll be covering the carpet for HuffPost Teen again,
hopefully with far less technical difficulty, and far more selfies,
so make sure you're following me on all of the internet haunts,
which you probably are already.

Right?

xx
Justina


 

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8.01.2014

when's my birthday // chinchar maloney

 photo 1 - courtesy of chinchar/maloney // ring c.o. chinchar/maloney


sorry for the cringey bare hand selfie
 (helfie?? ringie??)
 but check out this teeny tiny ring


I love my birthday. 

I mean, seriously, check out my instagram/twitter/general internet haunts when it's getting close.
 (as in, like, two months off) 

I pass up no opportunity to tell everyone that I was born on October 2nd 1997. 
Naturally, I wear birthstones all over errythang
but it can be quite hard to find anything thats not basically paste mounted on plastic.

So when the lovely Lorien at Chinchar Maloney
 offered me the chance to customize my own birthstone ring,
 I jumped for it like a five year old at a pinata.

The product is an absolutely beautiful and dainty gold ring with my birthstone, 
pink (obviously) tormaline and my favorite gemstone, amethyst.
which, ps, is used to put out happy vibes, which we can all use a couple extra of

 It's handmade an incredibly sturdy, which is fantastic with my
er..
...track record.

Every piece is made by hand
 (thats actually my ring being brought into existence in the first photo) 
 in Portland by the Chinchar/Maloney family, who've been running this show since 2010.
 Each family member has their own part,
and it comes together in the form of some gorgeous jewelry.

I love that it's so subtle but is still a standout personal piece. 
Getting to choose my own stones also created an instant bond for me. 
I want to wear it CONSTANTLY. 

Could be a bit of a problem with the amount of clothes digging I do, 
but hey, 
it's sparkly.


Just like my birthday outfit. 
Which I'll be wearing on my birthday. 
In two months.

xx 
Justina

ps. 
MY BIRTHDAY IS TWO MONTHS FROM TODAYYYYY


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