As We Are: Ellen Bennett

“What’s the purpose? What’s the purpose for what I’m doing? There was a point when I had my beautiful office, my fucking swing set that I got installed in the office… I had all these materialistic things that I’ve always wanted. I thought, ‘I have it all!’ Then I realized, ‘Now what?’ What else is there? I had a life epiphany. I decided Hedley & Bennett would not just be an apron company to make money. It is going to be a company that will show people you can do more with the money you make as a business. At that moment, I decided I was going to have an incredible culture as a business and that every single person who works for me, works for me because they love working there. It would be a group…a family that is all united in one direction for the purpose of taking all that money and doing awesome shit like working with Alex’s Lemonade Stand. Now, I know what will keep me driving.” 

Photography by Isaac Sterling   

Creative Direction by Lucia Tran   

*"As We Are" is our new no-makeup portrait series. Learn more here. 

Conversation: Jesse McCartney

*This feature was published in Zooey's Fall 2013 issue.

How does one begin to describe the musical talents of Jesse McCartney? As he walked onto set, Jesse was neither flashy nor loud—he had a quiet confidence about him—a rare quality to have in young artists these days. In the spotlight since he was seven years old, Jesse was born to perform, and has been turning heads with his talent ever since.  In 2004, when Jesse released his first solo album, Beautiful Soul, it went platinum, selling over 1.8 million copies.  His natural inclination towards writing also helped him co-write the lyrics to “Bleeding Love” for singer Leona Lewis, which was a #1 hit in 34 countries. From boy band to acoustic soul, Jesse has progressed into a well-respected artist. Along with being a musician, Jesse has also become a skillful actor, appearing on shows such as Summerland, Greek, and most recently Army Wives.  His accomplishments speak for themselves, which is perhaps why I find it so difficult to describe Jesse. And while the inner 15-year-old in me was screaming with excitement to meet him, the more socially controlled part of my mind took over to ask Jesse a few questions about his career, and what he has in store for the future.  

You’re set to tour with The Backstreet Boys on their 20th anniversary tour at the end of this summer; tell us what it’s been like preparing for such an amazing tour?  Are The Backstreet Boys a group that you admire as an artist?

I’m in the rehearsal studio with my band right now and putting the show together.  It’s been a while since I’ve been on tour so it makes it that much more exciting.  All the musicians that are touring with me have been out with me before so it’s great to reunite with them. I couldn’t be more excited. It’s great that they’re still together and have stood the test of time. There aren’t a lot of pop artists that achieve that kind of longevity.

Being such a successful lyricist, where do you draw your greatest inspiration from?

Of course, I draw inspiration from my own life, but I also write songs where I put myself in other people’s shoes.  For instance, I wrote a song with Hot Chelle Rae in the first person, but my inspiration was actually my best friend, who was going to ask his girlfriend to marry him. I gave the demo to them as an engagement gift!

Do you remember the first song you ever wrote, and if so tell us about the experience?

I’m not ashamed to say the first song I ever wrote was pretty bad. It’s a craft that takes years to learn, so I don’t feel bad about it. At the time, I thought it was an awesome song of course.

Tell us about your upcoming album? For the listeners out there, is there a story your album tells, or maybe a specific vibe you are going for? 

I plan on releasing an EP before an album, just because it’s been a long time since the fans have had any new music from me.  Now that I’m an independent artist, I can release anything whenever I want.  The musical vibe is kind of a throwback.  I’ve been getting a lot of inspiration from early Motown, disco, Michael Jackson and Prince. This vibe comes quite naturally to me.  I grew up with it.

You also have an extensive background in acting! How do you balance both acting and a music career?

I tend to focus on one at a time.  It’s not always easy to try and keep a balance of both, but I think I’m in a really good place right now. I just finished a season of Army Wives and went straight into the studio to record this EP. Now that I’m finished with the EP, I’m going on the road, so I’m keeping the ball rolling. It’s cool when it works out and dovetails nicely from one thing into the other.

What do you see more of in your future, acting or singing, or a consistent balance of both?

Definitely a combination of both. The question I get the most is, "Which do you like more, acting or singing?" The honest answer is both. I never want to stop doing either.

You compose lyrics, you sing, you act…any other special talents we should know about?! 

Yes, but I can’t talk about it in a public forum.

What would you say drives your passions?  

I love to play sports, and I think that same competitive spirit applies to acting and singing. Also, I love doing the work.

And finally, when you first started out in the entertainment industry, did you ever imagine you would end up where you are today, and was it everything you hoped for?  

When you start young and enjoy the work, you don’t think too much about where it will “end up,” you just forge ahead and do what you do.  It was always enjoyable for me - sometimes stressful when there was too much going on at one time, but I think it has been everything I ever hoped for.  If you are working, enjoying the process, growing as an artist and are allowed some versatility, what more could you ask for?  Since I’ve been allowed to work in both music and acting fairly equally it’s shaken out pretty great actually.  I have agents and managers who have shared the vision and hung in with me on this dual journey for quite some time. I’m very grateful for the ride so far. 

Photography by Heather Hixon

Styling by Woo & James

Grooming by Jeanne San Diego

Story by Pauline Aguayo 

Video by Christopher Orrett

Day in the Life: Luke Youngblood

Today, we have the pleasure of introducing you to Luke Youngblood, who takes on the role of Sid in the upcoming ABC medieval musical-comedy (yes, you heard that right) Galavant. We took a stroll in Los Angeles' Larchmont neighborhood where a stop at Salt & Straw (Luke's favorite) is a must. 

Top: Everlane. Pants: AG Jeans. 

We are incredibly excited for Galavant. Tell us, can we expect you to be singing and dancing among your cast-mates? 

I have to say that I am just excited as you are. Especially because I haven't seen any of the episodes in their entirety yet. Filming the (Alan Menken) musical numbers with my amazing co-stars really was one of the highlights of this job. At the beginning of the series, we see three of us (Galavant, Isabella and Sid) on a quest to get Gal's long lost love back. The songs depict the highs and lows of our group dynamic as we go on this journey. Each song has a totally different style, which makes the show so unique; they really help drive the story. In particular, there's a huge musical number in episode 3 which is all about Sid. I won't go into detail, but I will say that it required an entire day of filming, about 50 dancers, me being thrusted up into the air on a chair and waltzing, in chain mail no less. And that is just one of the songs. So yes, I will be singing and dancing. 

You're part of the main cast, which is really exciting. How has life differed since signing onto the show? Do you expect things to change once the show starts airing? 

The biggest difference is that I have become much busier, work-wise. We shot Galavant in the U.K., which was an amazing adventure. We got to travel to so many picturesque locations and film on astounding sets. It was especially nice being able to share the fantastic experience with such wonderful cast-members who have become my family now. I'm not sure what change will come once the show starts airing, but I am excited to see what it'll be. Perhaps someone will gift me a new car so I can upgrade from my '96 Honda Civic (a.k.a. Hondi). I'll miss her though if that happens. She's gotten me from A-Z and beyond! Most importantly, she got me to my Galavant audition on time. 

Jacket: Luke's Own. Top: Everlane. Pants: AG Jeans. 

You're from England, but seem to have been traveling around a lot! Are you still living in England and just staying in different cities for work, or are you now in LA, etc? 

I love to travel, which is why it was quite an easy decision to make the move to L.A., 5 years ago. As an actor, I've had the opportunity to work in some beautiful locations, especially on Galavant. When I was auditioning for the role of Sid, I had no idea that they planned on shooting the series in the U.K., so you can imagine my surprise when I found out that I'd be going back home, and being paid to do so! After seeing the locations, it became apparent that there was no other place that we could have filmed the show. Absolutely breathtaking and authentic. Being based in L.A. has given me the opportunity to see much more of the States, which is one of the best things about living there. But recently, I have ventured a little further. Since wrapping on the show, I have been traveling to Japan, Australia and Thailand, which has absolutely blown my mind! I'll continue to be uploading pics on Instagram if you want to come along for the ride. 

You chose one of our favorite LA ice cream shops to visit. How did you find out about the Salt & Straw shop? 

I was on my first visit to Portland, when my friend (who lives there) said that a stop at Salt & Straw was a must. Ice-cream in mid-November wasn't top of my list, but the fact that Oprah also said that it was a must meant that it just had to be done. Considering Oprah is the ruler of the universe. Plus I have a ridiculously large sweet-tooth. My co-stars will confirm this. Let's just put it this way: it changed my life! After shooting Galavant for 3 months, I came back to L.A. and my roommate told me about a new ice cream place had just opened on Larchmont. Low and behold... Salt & Straw! My life in L.A. was complete.

What's your favorite flavor? 

When it comes to ice-cream, I am usually considered boring because I just go for the vanilla. However, Salt & Straw's almond brittle flavor is off the chain! It has the best of everything. Creamy vanilla swirled with caramel ribbons that has been folded with perfectly formed crushed almond brittle and salted chocolate brownie chunks! What more could you ask for? Perhaps a lifetime supply. They should actually pay me for all of the advertising that I do for them. 

Jacket: Everlane. Pants: Gap. Shoes: Steven Madden.

Are there other areas in LA that you typically hang around?

My friends are dotted all over the city, so I never find that I restrict myself to just one area. One day I may be riding bicycles along the beach in Venice. Another day I may be in the Fashion District buying fabric to make a jacket or something. Then eating at Bottega Louie to get my Downtown city-feel fix. I'll venture over into the Arts District and then across to Silverlake and Los Feliz. There are many outstanding restaurants in L.A. and plenty things to do (like visiting the Getty Center and the LACMA) that I could never pin myself down to one area, and that's what I love about living in LA. You can have whatever experience you want as long as you are prepared to drive. 

And you mentioned you sometimes make your own clothing. How did that start and what's your background in fashion? That's quite a creative hobby! 

Growing up, my mum always had us doing creative things, whether it was drawing, painting, making parachutes for our action figures etc. So from childhood, I'd always had an interest in making stuff. As I got older my interest for fashion, in particular, grew and decided to go and study. I took some time off of acting to focus on my studies and I attended the London College of Fashion for about 4 years, which is where I got all of my technical training. For a long time I thought that fashion was going to be the path that I'd go down, but I missed acting, so naturally it found its way back to me. I still have the passion to eventually have my own line, but for now I am focusing on my acting career and just making pieces for myself in my spare time. 

How would you describe your style? 

Growing up in London, you are surrounded by so many styles that I wouldn't say that I have just one. Nobody fits into a box there, and that's one of the most refreshing things about London. One day I might want to dress smartly with a button up and some trousers. The next day, I'll look like I'm going to the gym. Either way, my outfit has to have that special something. It's usually an accessory of some kind, like sunglasses. They are my weakness. I like that my style is undefined. 

We already hung out with you for a day! Tell our readers: If they were to spend a day with you, what would they find out about you that they wouldn't have otherwise know? 

They'd probably find out very soon that I'm a big kid at heart. One of the first things that I packed for this trip was my Nintendo 3DS. I like to seize every moment that life offers and am a firm believer in the fact that you're only as old as you feel! So if me playing Super Smash Bros. on an airplane somewhere is anything to go by: I'm probably about 9-years-old.  

Photography by Jessica Castro

Styling by Jill McFadden

Grooming by Jeanne San Diego