Venezuelan-born actress Jolene Legrand radiates enthusiasm when discussing her craft. Settling in London in 2019, she’s steadily built a reputation through award-winning performances that draw from her rich multicultural background. We caught up with her just as she was wrapping up her latest project, a noir-inspired short film that’s already generating buzz.

What drew you to acting in the UK film scene?

Since I moved to the UK in 2019, I wanted to create something to showcase my acting range. This industry gives you so many opportunities to tell meaningful stories, and I knew this was where I wanted to be.

How would you describe yourself to those just discovering your work?

[Smiling] I’m an ambitious and resilient person with a bubbly and kind personality. My work and art fulfill my life the most. I’m not perfect – one of my flaws is being quite anxious, but I’ve learned to look at the cup half full! Always start with the positive!

We hear you’re reinventing film noir with your latest project?

Yes! [Laughs] It actually started when a friend described me as a femme fatale. I dove into noir films and fell in love with the genre, and that’s how “Dance with the King” came to life. I’m working with the incredibly talented director Sonia Amino, and we’re currently in post-production. The whole vision was to create a female character who isn’t just mysterious and dangerous, but deeply human, with real emotions. It’s been amazing collaborating with Compact Film on this project, both as an actress and executive producer.

What kinds of roles and projects speak to you most?

I love thrillers, action, and psychological movies. As an actress, I want to use my voice to shed light on issues we still face nowadays, especially regarding how women are portrayed. I love my career, and I’m looking forward to seeing more growth and opportunities on the big screen.

What do you hope viewers take away from your performances?

[Thoughtfully] I hope my work inspires people. I like to think that if someone else can do something, so can I. So if I can, you can too. Never stop pursuing your dream and enjoy the ride.

What’s coming up next for you?

“Dance with the King” (currently in post-production) releases in Summer 2025! We’re planning a festival run first, then it’ll be available on platforms like Prime Video and Mubi. Meanwhile, I’m working on a feature film and continuing to audition – always staying busy!

Between takes, Legrand continues honing her craft through masterclasses. Her technical skills as a mezzo-soprano, combined with stage combat training and fluency in Italian and Spanish, make her a remarkably versatile performer.

You can follow Legrand’s journey on Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses, check out her work on IMDb, or find her latest updates on Linktree.

As our conversation wraps up, it’s clear that Legrand’s thoughtful approach to her craft and genuine passion for storytelling are setting her up for a meaningful career in cinema. In an industry often focused on instant success, her dedication to authentic character portrayals and meaningful narratives feels refreshingly sincere — and we’re here for it.

Something clicks during our conversation with clovers daughter (Noor Shami) – her presence somehow manages to transcend the distance between us. The emerging American-Palestinian artist, gearing up to release her debut single “are you coming home?” on January 22, radiates an authenticity that cuts through the digital static. Running just shy of three minutes, the track grabs you right away – it’s one of those rare songs that stops you mid-scroll, showcasing a sophisticated blend of indie-folk and pop that feels surprisingly lived-in for a debut release.

Your musical journey has an interesting start. How did it all begin?

“Music was never prominent in my family home growing up but it was always in my head,” she shares, her words carrying a genuine warmth. “I would make up words and run around the house with my $20 kids guitar strumming nonsensical chords hoping my entire neighborhood would hear me.” A soft laugh punctuates her memory before she continues, “Through years of playing in my bedroom writing terrible songs and singing along to my favorite music in my car, I knew this is what I wanted to do forever.”

For someone who hasn’t heard your music yet, how would you describe your sound?

She takes a moment to gather her thoughts. “You can find yourself getting lost in the indie-folk sound,” she explains, choosing her words carefully. “Imagine yourself fully immersed into the warmth of an acoustic guitar, the grit on an electric guitar and the rhythm of a heavy drum. My music is something you can sing along to, reflect to, cry to or sing along to. It’s uniquely different but universally relatable!”

Let’s talk about “are you coming home?” – there’s a striking maturity to it. What’s the story behind the track?

“The song is really a poignant exploration of distance, longing, and the bittersweet ache of holding onto fleeting connections,” she explains. “It captures moments of vulnerability—stumbling in the kitchen, whispered apologies left unanswered. The track grapples with themes of aging, wisdom, and authenticity. It’s about those moments that resonate with anyone who has questioned the fragility of relationships and self-growth.”

What do you hope listeners take away from your music?

“I hope the fans know that they aren’t alone in this world,” she reflects. “More people than you know are experiencing such complicated feelings about how they fit into their world. I want them to know it is okay to feel all the emotions: the ups and the downs.”

What’s next for clovers daughter?

“This single will be the first of many. I’ll have a lyric video, music video and a live acoustic performance of the track! And I’d say be on the lookout for some easter eggs on my social media hinting at my next project!”

You can find clovers daughter’s debut single “are you coming home?” on all major streaming platforms through her Linktree starting January 22. Follow her journey on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Merchandise is available through her online store.

There’s no shaking the feeling that we’re catching the first glimpse of something special. For an artist just stepping onto the public stage, clovers daughter brings both the technical finesse and emotional depth that hints at staying power. Watch this space – she’s just warming up.

Pakistani musician Ahmad Arain continues to make waves with his compelling fusion of hip-hop, rap, and drill music. His recent single “DEADLINE,” which dropped in late 2023, has been turning heads with its fresh take on these genres, while building anticipation for his next major project.

The rising artist recently shared exciting news about his upcoming four-track EP “Daku,” set to hit streaming platforms in 2025. While fans eagerly await the release, they can currently enjoy “DEADLINE” – a punchy 2-minute-30-second track that perfectly captures Arain’s signature flow and fresh take on the genre. The track, which can be streamed on Spotify, Apple Music, and Deezer, has also been reimagined as a lo-fi version, showcasing the artist’s range and overall versatility.

Discussing his musical roots, Arain doesn’t hesitate to name Sidhu Moose Wala as his biggest inspiration. “Man, Sidhu just changed the game for all of us. Everything about his music – the way he wrote, the way he delivered – that’s what made me want to make music in the first place,” Arain reflected. This admiration shows in his work, as he blends traditional Punjabi elements with modern hip-hop/drill beats.

The young artist’s dedication to his craft extends beyond performing – he pens his own lyrics and is heavily involved in the production process, ensuring each track authentically represents his overall vision. His music video for “DEADLINE,” available on YouTube, offers viewers a glimpse into the track with a nice heavy weapon visual nuance.

Fans can keep up with Arain’s journey through his active social media presence on Instagram and Facebook, where he regularly shares updates about his work and connects with his growing audience. His emergence in the Pakistani music scene marks an exciting development in the evolution of Punjabi hip-hop and drill music.

As the countdown to “Daku” begins, fans are watching closely to see how this promising artist will continue to push boundaries and redefine the genre. If “DEADLINE” is any indication, listeners can expect a powerful blend of hard-hitting beats, solid vocals, and innovative sound in his upcoming EP.