Quarters of Change: Lifelong Friends Turned Rockstars

Written and Interviewed by Veronica Anaya

Photography and Production Managed by Mark Bluemle

PA: Veronica Anaya, Gabby Sirianni

From lifelong friends who would practice in the basement of their high school to rock stars touring the country alongside incredible names, Quarters of Change, the alternative rock band from New York City, have made a name for themselves. The band consists of members Ben Roter (vocals, guitar, and lyrics), Ben Acker (guitar, bass, synth), Attila Anrather (drums), and Jasper Harris (guitar, bass, synth). They formed in 2017, initially as a cover band in high school, with Acker joining in 2019 to finalize the lineup. Since then, they have released multiple EPs and an album, Into the Rift, with their newest project, Portraits, set to be released in January 2024. Their influences fluctuate between Prince, The Strokes, The Who, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Police, but they do not shy away from experimentation as they continue to develop as a band and as artists.

We talked with Quarters of Change and discussed their upcoming album, Portraits, performing in NYC, and so much more.

How did everyone meet?

[Ben Acker]: Jasper and I met in pre-school, the rest of us met in 8th grade.

[Ben Roter]: We all joined the music program at our high school, and we were all best friends, so we decided to be a band.

Where did the name Quarters of Change come from?

[BR]: We have an affinity for money.

Most of you have been playing together for a while, has the dynamic changed since?

[BR]: It’s changed for the better. We’re all continuing to grow as musicians. It doesn't feel like our personal dynamic has changed, though. We’re still best friends.

[BA]: Our writing process is super different. At the root it’s the same, but it’s more efficient now.

What is it like growing a band in NYC?

[BA]: It’s challenging. When we were in high school, rock was not a thing. I wasn’t even listening to rock at that time.

Do you think being from NYC and the music culture that is here, impacted or affected your band in any way?

[BA]: It’s developed our healthy sense of competition. We’re not the only people in this city, certainly not the only people trying to do music. Definitely different from being a band in a suburban garage.

[BR]: Cutting through this giant metropolis has been challenging, it’s driven and pushed us.

You are touring and traveling a lot as a band, what is it like when you perform or come back to NYC?

[BR]: That’s homecoming, you know. Nothing like it. But, my favorite thing about being from the city and touring outside of it, is then coming back to the city where you become one of 8 million again - that anonymity can be nice.

[BA]: Yet we still have our biggest shows here. That’s always reassuring. Especially because people are nicer everywhere outside New York.

What have been your greatest moments in your musical career?

[BA]: Probably when we signed. It made it all feel real. The music has always been real, but to be able to do this, actually do this, it didn’t feel real until we signed.

[BR]: When we were on our first tour support with Bad Suns, driving through California. I was listening to The Smiths, there were all these snow-capped mountains, and I thought to myself - “You know what? Life is pretty cool. I like it a lot..I’m gonna keep doing it.”

[Jasper Harris]: Some of the earlier shows felt bigger than the shows we play now. Some of those moments before getting on stage for not that many people were pretty exhilarating, feeling those butterflies. Pretty crazy shit. You get that once or twice –

[BR]: – In your life.

[Attila Anrather]: They’re all great.

Do you like the smaller shows you performed at the beginning of your band's journey or your bigger shows?

[BR]: There was something more nerve wracking about the intimate, smaller shows. Feels more personal. My stage fright has gotten better as we’ve moved to bigger rooms. In high school, my hands would shake if I had to speak in front of class. I had such trouble doing that in front of smaller crowds. As the crowd gets bigger, it feels like more of a dream and easier to do as a result. I can’t comprehend how many people are in the audience.

[JH]: I completely feel that. I was definitely more nervous when you can actually distinguish faces.

[BR]: – And you can hear little conversations.

[JH]: It used to be mostly family, and performing in front of family is so nerve wracking. As opposed to tons of strangers, which doesn't freak me out at all.

What is your favorite part of a show day?

[BA]: The show.

What is your dream venue to perform at? Why?

[BR]: I really wanna play Red Rocks. Or the Sphere in Las Vegas. That shit looks fucking dope.

[AA]: I’m gonna go with the Sphere.

[BA]: The O2 Arena.

[JH]: Wherever Glastonbury is.

If you could play swap instruments with another member, what would you play?

[BA]: Drums.

[JH]: Drums.

[BR]: Drums.

[AA]: Drums.

Your process for Portraits was an interesting one, as you did it all while in a cabin for two weeks, how did that change your musician process or even the way the song came out?

[BR]: Yeah, we decided to go all out for it. We decided to write everything in a live room. Play it, and write it like that. We made demos for everything, and then went back into the studio and recorded everything again. It had to hit in a live room before it hit on a recording. We’ll definitely take the lessons we learned from it into account, but I don’t really like to do anything twice.

Is there a meaning behind your artwork/ creative direction for your upcoming album?

[AA]: We really focused on capturing the members of the band for this project. Both in a literal sense of pictures of each member on the single covers, the group picture of the band for the album cover, but also the drawings on the covers that represent us as people in a more abstract sense.

Has your musician influence changed from the music you made in 2018 to the music you make now?

[BR]: We were 18 and now we’re 23, so take from that what you will.

[BA]: It’s better.

A lot of your music is vulnerable and written from personal experience, what does the writing process look like? Does it ever get too difficult to write and be vulnerable?

[BR]: When you have inspiration, it’s easy. When you don’t it’s harder. For this project, writing in the live room and crafting the lyrics to fit the live performance vibe was definitely a new process. There are a lot of different writing tips and tools that I’ve added to my arsenal. But a lot of it is closing my eyes, letting a stream of consciousness come out, and revising that stream of consciousness.

Are there any of your older songs that you would want to revisit and revamp to your sound now?

[BR]: Yeah, we did. Depression II on the new project.

Which song you are lyrically/ instrumentally proud of?

[BR]: Keep My Blood is my favorite.

[JH]: Turn It Away.

[BA]: I’d say Turn It Away as well.

What do you want people to get out of Quarters of Change?

[BA]: You can do anything you want. If you want it bad enough.

The beloved Quarters of Change are ending their fall/winter tour on Saturday, December 9th, at Webster Hall performing, alongside The Backfires, another NYC-based rock group, and Laundry Day, a band that happens to have gone to the same high school as Quarters of Change.

Get your tickets before you miss out on the show of the year!!

Written and Interviewed by Veronica Anaya

Photography and Production Managed by Mark Bluemle

PA: Veronica Anaya, Gabby Sirianni

10 Travel Tips to Help You Through the Holiday Season

Written by Lucy Anderson

Photographer: Hailey Pickens

Creative Director: Catalina Torres

Production Manager: Sophia Querrazzi

Featured designer: @gisessories on instagram

Talent: @claude.paolucci @Willflashnick @kaleb.pereira922 @ellyadira @eastzu_ on instagram

The holiday season is a difficult time for traveling anywhere, even if you’re avoiding the more touristy attractions. Getting from store to store to complete your Christmas shopping can be a hassle. As someone who has been able to travel frequently, even if it’s mostly by subway, and someone who hates dealing with people (especially during the holiday season) here is my collection of tried and true travel tips to get you through the busy bustling streets that holidays produce.

Head Up!

This one feels obvious but we're all guilty of doing this at some point or another. When you’re walking down the street (especially if you’re in a brand new city) it’s easy to get completely absorbed in whatever map app you’re using. However, this can make you look like the ultimate tourist, and disrupt the flow of traffic (especially if you’re somewhere as busy as NYC.) The best thing to do when you need to check out your map is “pull over” - aka stand aside so you’re not taking up the entire sidewalk - and figure out where you’re headed before blindly gluing your eyes to your phone screen.

Plan Ahead

Planning ahead can feel like another obvious travel tip, but it doesn’t hurt to be given a reminder. Planning ahead can make or break your entire trip. Research ahead of time what and where the best restaurants are, especially if you’re like me and have dietary restrictions, and decide how far away from your hotel you want to travel to make the best of your holiday!

Hydrate

This tip is one that people tend to forget about. Staying hydrated, especially if you’re traveling by plane or walking a lot more than you’re used to, can totally change how you feel. If you stay hydrated and take care of yourself as much as possible, vacation should be a breeze.

Pack Light and Consolidate

Packing light is something we all say we’re gonna do, and yet somehow when we reach our destination our suitcase is almost completely full with no room for souvenirs or new purchases. So, to prevent the stress and struggle that an overstuffed suitcase can bring, make sure to pack light and consolidate what you bring. I mean, do you really need 10 pairs of socks for a 3-day trip?

Know Where You’re Going

Knowing where you’re going goes hand in hand with tips one and two, but it’s so important I’m giving it its own bullet point. This doesn’t mean you need to know exactly where you’re going and where you are, but looking at maps ahead of time (hey Google Maps I love you) and getting a sense of what’s around you can make you feel so much better. Having at least a small sense of familiarity with the area you’re visiting is always a great idea, and can improve your traveling overall.

Give Yourself Wiggle Room

This especially applies to trips that involve a lot of reservations for meals or other activities. Being on time (especially for more expensive experiences) is super important. Be sure to give yourself travel time between activities, and always check if there’s a late window for reservations you make. Most restaurants are kind enough to allow a 15-minute grace period after the scheduled reservation, but it doesn’t hurt to double-check.

Always Carry Cash

I know my parents aren’t the only ones to give this advice, but with so many places going cashless, and our cards being saved on our phones, we can forget about cash. But, when traveling to a new place, it’s important to remember to bring some cash. Some small businesses and markets only take cash, and it’s good to be able to leave a tip when you’re going out to eat.

Don’t Overbook

Your vacation should be relaxing! Yes, it’s always exciting to visit a new place, but it won’t be as fun as it could be if you’re running around from place to place. Personally, I love seeing/doing/experiencing as many things as possible when I’m traveling, but for some reason, a nap in a hotel in a different state is the best nap of all time. With that being said, make sure to get plenty of rest and relaxation, while still exploring as much as possible.

People Watch

People-watching is one of my favorite activities in the world. It’s free, it’s entertaining, and it is so easy to do. If you’re visiting a major city, especially if you’re visiting NYC, people-watching can just kind of happen without even trying. So if you have nothing to do, or if you need to take a break and figure out where you’re going, sit in a public park or somewhere similar and just enjoy the many different facets that humanity has.

Make the Most of It

Traveling can be stressful. It can be expensive, exhausting, and frustrating. BUT (yes, there is a but) it can also be part of a time that holds some of the best memories and experiences you’ll ever have. Or it can just be a normal, fun, exciting, familial, or adventurous vacation/trip. No matter what type of travel you’re doing, be sure to make the most of your experiences wherever you go, with whoever you’re with.

Happy holiday season and happy traveling! Be safe!

Written by Lucy Anderson

Photographer: Hailey Pickens

Creative Director: Catalina Torres

Production Manager: Sophia Querrazzi

Featured designer: @gisessories on instagram

Talent: @claude.paolucci @Willflashnick @kaleb.pereira922 @ellyadira @eastzu_ on instagram

Day to Night Fashion

Written by Chloe-Kaleah Stewart

Photography by Leonardo Amaral

CD/PM: Jazzi Almestica

PA: Chloe-Kaleah Stewart Talent: Mentioned below

My winter fashion Queens and Kings, our time to shine has arrived! Bundle up in cozy layers and accessorize with fashionable hats, scarves, and boots to conquer the cold weather runway. Remember, winter fashion is not just about looking stylish, it's also about staying warm and comfortable. Although we all adore and will truly miss Autumn, it's time to embrace the beauty of winter fashion and make a statement in the season of snowflakes and hot cocoa. As the seasons change, fashion lovers eagerly welcome the opportunity to showcase their winter style and the latest trends in street styles, social media, and even fashion blogs. When expressing your winter fashion that also comes with daylight savings time, it gets dark earlier, and sometimes those warm tones don't match that dark and edgy vibe you're trying to match. Dividing day and night winter fashion becomes essential, allowing for a seamless transition from cozy daywear to glamorous evening attire. And it's a must to incorporate versatile pieces into your winter wardrobe, such as chunky knit sweaters, stylish coats, and statement boots. Now let's dive into this winter wardrobe and explore the different ways to stay stylish and warm during these colder months.

As the temperatures drop and winter settles in, it's time to revamp the wardrobe with cozy layers, warm accessories, and beautiful boots. But first, we must discuss the separation between day and night winter fashion, day fashion of course all about balancing comfort and style but doing that with warmer tomes and colors that reflect the serene atmosphere of the season. For daytime fashion, opt for the classics, like chunky knit sweaters, long coats, or hats in earthy, neutral tones like sage green, cream, and a deep rich brown. These colors not only align with the winter aesthetic but also create a sense of warmth and coziness.

- Bill @billphxm

When one thinks of day fashion, bright and warm tones almost immediately come to mind. Adding a nice contrasting color pulls the fit together even more and creates a visually appealing outfit. With Bill's fit, we see that combination, a warm black leather fur jacket, the cozy cream sweater matched with the white cuffed jeans, and finished off with the BEAUTIFUL Christian Dior Converse sneakers that add a pop and elevate the overall look. In my opinion, his glasses are paid actors to this outfit as well, they add a touch of sophistication and complement the other elements of his outfit even more. When selecting the OOTD (outfit for the day), it is crucial to think about colors, textures, and accessories that will complement each other enhance your style, and make you feel and look as confident as you possibly can.

- Onyi @onyi.chukwu16

We can all agree that as New Yorkers, the first thing you need to buy is a good quality winter coat, the puffer. When it comes to the puffer all forms are accepted for winter, whether it's the classic long puffer coat or a trendy cropped puffer vest. For Onyi's style choice, she opted for the cropped puffer vest and a black graphic hoodie matching her warm wool beanie and khaki cargo pants. This fashion choice demonstrates how Onyi incorporates practicality and style into her winter wardrobe. Many look at the style as streetwear-inspired because of the combination of casual and functional pieces, her outfit is comfortable and the perfect way to embrace the winter chill while remaining stylish. When it comes to winter fashion in New York, the puffer coat is always a must-have item for both practicality and style.

- Elena @elena_riveraaa

The best way to describe Elena's outfit is warm winter chic, with layers of cozy fabrics and stylish accessories. The large range of clothing options open in different periods reflects the evolving norms and fashion trends of those times and our time. Elena pairs a dark blue cropped top with a pair of loose-fitting orange pants and brown heeled ankle boots, finished with a sage green scarf and knee-length tan trench. Elena’s outfit showcases a combination of trendy and practical elements, creating a warm winter chic style. Fashion has always been influenced by the cultural context and societal changes, and Elena's outfit is a perfect example of how personal style can be a reflection of both individual expression and current fashion trends.

Winter night fashion embraces cozy and glamorous styles that keep you warm while still looking chic. Some popular choices would be dark-toned oversized sweater dresses, fur coats, knee-high boots, velvet dresses, and thick/large statement accessories, the go-to would be black but adding casual basics like white, silver, dark blue, or shades of brown can also bring variety to your winter night wardrobe. These fashion choices add an element of luxury and elegance to your winter night look, allowing you to make a stylish statement even in the coolest of temperatures.

- Camilo @camiloj0se

Night fashion can be interpreted in many ways, it often involves layering different pieces to avoid wearing large scarves and jackets. Camilo keeps his outfit minimalist yet stylish by opting for a baggy pair of black pants, a white button-down shirt with a red striped tie as the statement piece, and completing the look with an overside black leather jacket with a pair of sleek black Doc Martens boots. This fashion choice reflects a unique blend of contemporary and vintage layers while displaying Camilo's individualistic style and attention to detail. This outfit not only offers a sense of confidence and sophistication but also offers practicality and warmth for winter nights.

- Jazzi @shes.so.dope

Winter tends to be a bumpy ride when it comes to fashion choices. There are windy days when you layer three outfits to stay warm, and there are calm days when it's definitely cold but you can still manage to look stylish without sacrificing comfort. In Jazzi's outfit, she's demonstrating being a "hot" girl in winter, styling her brown mini dress with a pair of brown fur-lined knee-high boots to match, she tops this with a white fur coat and white lace to accessorize her look. The combination of the pieces creates a stunning winter fashion look that is both hot-girl-certified and comfortable for the winter season. In order to navigate the unpredictable winter weather, it is crucial to find a balance between warmth and style.

- Gi @d34dgi

As I mentioned, winter is a rollercoaster when it comes to weather, with drastic changes in temperature and conditions throughout the night, it could feel like 30 degrees one second and 60 with light wind another, either way, it is a hit or miss with picking out an outfit that will keep you comfortable and chic throughout the evening. In Gi's case, they opted to go with a stylish weather risk by wearing loose blue jeans with a black belt with silver studs on it and pairing it with a white tank top, black leather jacket, and black tie with a flame design as a statement piece to finish it. If you're struggling to find the perfect winter night outfit that balances warmth comfort and style, it's okay to sacrifice comfort or warmth a bit to prioritize style and make a fashion statement.

Well, my winter royalty, good luck this winter finding those perfect outfits and essentials to keep you warm and fashionable during those chilly nights. Don't forget to bundle up at the end of the night with your hot cocoa after an OOTD well done, remember, winter fashion is not just about looking stylish, it's also about staying warm and comfortable but it's ok to sacrifice one to look your hottest.

Written by Chloe-Kaleah Stewart

Photography by Leonardo Amaral

CD/PM: Jazzi Almestica

PA: Chloe-Kaleah Stewart Talent: Mentioned above