Loud&Clear Magazine - No. 25 by design&print Media

LOUD & CLEAR magazine

MODEL + INFLUENCER + PODCASTER

Interview with MARION RIVERA

INTERVIEW by

DAVID R. NAVARRO

PHOTOGRAPHY by

john mcsweeney

COME TO THE WATER BAILEY ELORA

“COME TO THE WATER” OUT NOW! SONG + VIDEO

song produced by the spot studios | MUSIC VIDEO DIRECTED BY JORGE ARANA

LOUD & CLEAR magazine

LOUD&CLEAR MAGAZINE IS RELEASED AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE. IT IS A DIGITAL MAGAZINE THAT IS DISTRIBUTED GLOBALLY. DIGITAL LINKS ARE PROVIDED TO ALL CONTRIBUTORS. WE DO NOT PROVIDE PRINT COPIES OF THE ISSUE AT THIS TIME.

FOUNDER & PUBLISHER

DAVID R. NAVARRO // @_designprint @loudandclearmagazine

DESIGN

d&p MEDIA

CREATIVE ADVISORS

BAILEY ELORA // Art Direction

ANDRES TRUJILLO // Marketing + Publicity

MELISSA VELASCO // Creative Writing

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

DAVE // @_designprint

AUTHOR RUSS RAY // @eat.travel.type.colorado

MELISSA VELASCO // @ melissa.velasco.31508

PHOTOGRAPHERS (REGULARS)

DAVE // @_designprint

JONATHAN WOODEN // @jzw_photo

DONTE TOUSSAINT // @d_2_shootz

DOUG MUNGAVIN // @dougmungavinphoto

ADVERTISING & PROMOTION dave.designprint@gmail.com

COPYRIGHTS

LOUD&CLEAR ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE is owned by DAVE NAVARRO. The magazine, its staff and writers, has made sure that content is accurate on the date of publication. The views expressed in the articles reflect the author(s)’ opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or editor. The published material, adverts, editorials and all other content is published in good faith.

https://open.spotify.com/track/5MUckurjNf36QYxVwsTLHw?si=24e675f3dccf4b7d

https://music.apple.com/us/album/must-be-the-moon-single/1859692942

SPECIAL SHOUTOUT!

2 INSIDE FRONT COVER

BAILEY ELORA

SINGER-SONGWRITER + ALT ROCK BAND www.linktr.ee/baileyelora

3 MELISSA VELASCO

AUTHOR + STAGE MANAGER www.melissavelascobooks.com

4 KOURTNEY KEMP MODEL @kourtney__torres

9 CHRIS VALDEZ

AUTHOR + BUSINESSMAN @christopher_inspire www.inspiresalon.net

12-13 CHROME & HONEY

MOTORCYCLE WASHING @chrome_honey www.chromeandhoney.com

27 K4CO RADIO

JOSHUA D’ESTRADA + PRESIDENT

SARA DUKE + VICE PRESIDENT

KEVIN STANLEY + STATION MGR

SABINO BARRERA + VIDEO @k4co_radio www.k4coradio.com

50 BACK COVER

SACRED 9 CLOTHING @victorvigill @sacred9 https://sacred9.net/

8 VICTORIA “VICKI” JIMENEZ VEGA // Multi-Talented Artist

DISTINGUISHED ARTIST 10-11 DJBIGSPADE AKA DR.XCLUSIVE // #1 Party Rocking DJ LOUD&CLEAR SPOTLIGHT

14-23 VOID BLEU // Model + Phathology Major Photos by DAVID R. NAVARRO @_designprint

ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY NEWS

24-25 BAILEY ELORA // J.C QUINN // ELEKTRIC ANIMALS

MELISSA VELASCO // SACRED 9 // ANNA SADLER DEAD BOYFRIEND // TONY EXUM, JR. // REVENANT MELODY

INDIE SPOTLIGHT

26 JD THE M.C. // Hip Hop - Colorado

“OH, HELLO SELFIE!”

28-29 SELFIES // Some of the coolest people Dave knows!

10 SONGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

30-31 FUEGOOOO! by Chelley Rose CON CALMA // Daddy Yankee, Snow

DANZA KUDURO ft. Don Omar // Lucenzo TABOO // Don Omar

TE BOTE II // Casper Magico, Nio Garcia, JLO, Wisen, Yandel, Cuscolluela

TODO DE TI // Rauw Alejandro

COMO LA FLOR // Play-N-Skillz, NATTI NATASHA, Deorro X // Nicky Jam, J Balvin

LOCO CONTIGO // DJ Snake, J Balvin, Tyga

MI GENTE // J Balvin, Willy William

SE PREPARO // Ozuna + SOME EXTRA SPICY ONES!!!

SPECIAL FEATURE Vicki

jimenez vega

VICTORIA “VICKI” JIMENEZ VEGA is a New Mexico-based influencer and fashion model specializing in commercial and character-themed modeling.

(Excerp from Loud&Clear’s Issue No. 13 - Cover Feature and Interview).

New Mexico is known for its rich culture and stunning landscapes. How does your Latin heritage and the state’s unique environment influence your work as a model?

My father is from Mexico, so in honor of his heritage and my upbringing, as a first generation Mexican American I often incorporate our Mexican culture into my modeling. My Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) concepts is one such example. It is important to embrace our roots and honor our ancestors, and since New Mexico is so rich in Spanish and Mexican tradition it is easy to incorporate the Mexican aesthetic into my concepts and art. As a proud New Mexican I enjoy choosing locations that will help bring those concepts to life, as well as showcase the beauty of our state.on to a Conservatory program to study full time. I consumed as much as I could… and the rest is history.

As a model, you often express various emotions and moods. Can you share a memorable experience where you felt a strong connection to the concept or theme of a photoshoot or runway show?

A few years ago, I had the honor to collaborate on a Frida Kahlo themed photoshoot. I felt a connection and was particularly honored as well, because I have a deep admiration of Frida, who was also a female artist of Mexican descent, and who also was often her own subject in her art. For me being able to portray Frida felt like such an honor, because her art and her life has always been such an inspiration to me.

Modeling often involves working with diverse teams of photographers, makeup artists, and stylists. How do you collaborate and communicate effectively to bring a vision to life?

Collaborating with others can be very rewarding as well as very challenging. Often times it requires a lot of strategizing prior to the shoot, or also just knowing who has the mastery or the style to execute a certain look, concept, or style. Sometimes, there’s no pre-planning and the talent all just falls into place and a wonderfully unplanned work of art just happens.

Distinguished Artist

djbigspade

aka dr.xclusive

#1 party rocking dj

DJBIGSPADE AKA DR.XCLUSIVE is an allaround solid DJ based in Denver, Colorado. For the past 6 years he has been the main DJ at Scarletts Gentalman’s Club. He has also been djing at PT’s Show Club, Bombshells, and Rick’s Caberet in Central City.

Dr.Xclusive, a.k.a. The Mad Scientist, known to the Colorado nightlife as DJ BIG SPADE, one of the Hottest DJ’s in the West Coast and no stranger to the wheels of steel. Spade has worked with people from all over the world and has even been blessed to share booths with some legendary DJs:

Dj Jam (Snoop Dogg’s Dj), Dj Green Lantern (Eminem’s Dj), Biz Markie, Dj Enuff, Clinton Sparks, Dj Jaycee (Ludacris’ Dj), Dj Whoo Kid (50 Cent’s Dj), Kid Capri, Dj Drama, Monie Love, Dj Magic, Dj Tony Touch, and Dj Jazzy Jeff.

Violator Dj, DjBigSpade has also been booked for many major events and shared the stage as an opening Dj for major concerts with headlining celebrities:

Wu-Tang Clan, Naughty By Nature, Outkast, Gang Starr/Guru, P Diddy, Busta Rhymes, Bobby Valentino, Snoop Dogg, T.I., Red Man & Method Man, Ra Digga, RZA, The Game, The Clipse, Slick Rick, De La Soul, Mike Jones, Damian Marley, Nas, Talib Kweli, YG, Slim from 112, Day 26, Jeremih, Edley Shine, Wiz Khalifa’s artist Chevy Woods of Taylor Gang, Scarface of the Geto Boys, Yo Gotti, Tha Alkoholiks, T.I.’s artist Young Dro, Kelly Rowland, Kid Ink, Das EFX, Salt N Pepa, Soulja Boy, Jhene Aiko, EPMD, Ky-Mani Marley, Rakim, Keith Murray (Def Squad) and many more!

By working some of the biggest and most star-studded events in Colorado such as Denver’s CIROC All White Parties for over 12 years, P. Diddy’s After Party with Jermaine Dupri, Busta Rhymes, Dj Enuff and Clinton Sparks for the 2005 NBA All-Star Weekend in Dallas, Las Vegas, New York, and California; as well as performing live at the infamous “Tunnel” Nightclub in New York City in 1997 and being invited to perform at the Roc-A-Fella Streets Dreams showcase and EBC’s Rucker Park Games in Harlem, to hosting the Official Amy Schumer After Party at Route 66 Casino & Hotels’ Envy Nightlife in Albuquerque, NM, and representing Colorado at the International Dance Festival 3 years in a row! To say the least, Spade has kept his name in the wind and is adding so many other credentials’ to his resume everyday.

Along with celebrity events and major concert promoters, DjBigSpade has aligned himself with major events, corresponding with radios stations such as Denver’s KS 107.5 FM, Jammin’ 101.5 FM, Flo 107.1 FM, Rhythm 105.9 FM (East Bay), and is currently active with WLGK Logik Radio (Chicago) Violator AllStar DJ’s: The Turn Up every Friday night from 8pm till midnight CST. As well as 96.1 FM The Beat (Colorado Springs), heard on the air and online via iHeartRadio.

Even with all the hype, Spade maintains a sense of humbleness and loyalty to his family and the craft he loves. Even now, he still talks with excitement about how he gravitated to the turntables. Spade’s Uncle is Dj Charles Fuller with Fuller Funk Productions back in Hollis Queens, NY. His Uncle-in-law is Dj Rod (Rodrick Jefferson, Altus). From them, in 1989, is when Spade got his first taste of the ones and two’s. You could say, being a DJ runs in the family.

DjBigSpade represents Violator All-Star DJs, X-Squad DJs, DRX MIX Music Video Show, ICONS Concert Series, Refund Doctors Tax Preparation and Accounting Firm, DYME Magazine, and Scarletts Gentalman’s Club.

Photography by

Void Bleu MEET

Model: Void Bleu

AGE: 25

SOCIAL MEDIA: @void.bleu

Hometown: Valley Stream, New York

Biography:

Void Bleu is a a vibrant creative with a passion for both science and art. Currently, training in electrodiagnostic technology analyzing brain waves and received a bachelors of science in psychology, outside of academics Bleu balances intelligence with fun. Enjoying hobbies such as amateur modeling, cosplay, watching anime, and drawing digital and physical art. Known for her cutesy, positive, and fun personality, Bleu brings joy and creativity into every project she works on. Whether it’s behind the camera or in clinicals, Bleu loves to blend artistic expression with scientific curiosity always finding ways to connect to both worlds.

LOUD&CLEAR ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY NEWS

by david r. navarro // @_designprint

BAILEY ELORA PERFORMS LIVE AT DENVERSE MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE RELEASE PARTY

DENVER, CO - Bailey Elora was invited to perform at Denverse Magazine’s Fall Issue Release Party on Sept 26th. The event was for the magazine’s Subscribers Only and of course they were a hit! Follow Denverse Magazine at: @denversemagazine

SIVERIA LANDS GIG WITH INTERNATIONAL BANDS

J.C QUINN RELEASES NEW SINGLE, “GAVE MY HEART AWAY”

DENVER, CO - Latin/Urban hip hop artist, J.C Quinn releases new single, “Gave My Heart Away” on October 10th. J.C Quinn says, “It’s a dark alt-rock track built on obsession, heartbreak, and emotional fallout. Think gritty guitars, hypnotic repetition, and a vocal that feels carved out of regret. If you’ve ever loved recklessly and lost everything, this one’s for you.”

Here’s a lyric preview: “She’s running far away She’s running with my heart She hopes I die this way Still can’t believe I gave my heart away”

The cover art features J.C Quinn in a black turtleneck holding the only thing that stayed...the cat. He says, “It’s surreal, stripped back, and emotionally loaded.”

Listen at: https://open.spotify.com/track/3CiJvKPqA9c5Sk1UluTvZu?si=15458608e2f84cd7 @_designprint @johnmcsweeneyphotography

DENVER, CO - Latin rock band, SIVERIA performs in Dener at Zona Cero’s “La Casa del Rock en Español y del Party Retro” for Comisario Pantera and Pastilla. Follow SIVERIA at: @siveria_co

ELEKTRIC ANIMALS RELEASES “MUST BE THE MOON”

DENVER, CO - Indie band, Elektric Animals releases their latest single on January 15th.

SPOTIFY

https://open.spotify.com/ track/5MUckurjNf36QYxVwsTLHw?si=24e675f3dccf4b7d

APPLE MUSIC

https://music.apple.com/us/ album/must-be-the-moon-single/1859692942

Follow ELEKTRIC ANIMALS at: https://linktre.ee/elektricanimals @elektricanimals

DENVER, CO - Colorado Springs’ amazing saxophonist, Tony

Jr. performed live on Sunday night, October 19th at King

raria Campus) with Ron Bosse, Norman Brown, and Paul Taylor.

TONY EXUM, JR. JOINS AN ALL-STAR CAST FOR DENVER’S

ASHLEY NOVA IS GETTING THE BAND BACK TOGETHER

DENVER - Ashley Nova, lead singer and bassist is getting her band, Dead Boyfriend back togther. So, keep an eye out for new music, new shows, and most importantly, Dead Boyfriend! Get ready by listening to their tunes on Spotify at: https://open.spotify.com/ artist/42iDZ7iW8rtYAxsS9I6nbv?si=aAzGur9yTvGxv13S165cnQ

Exum,

Center (Au-

TONY EXUM, JR. PERFORMS LIVE AT DENVER’S JAZZ IN THE CITY

LOUD&CLEAR

VICTOR VIGIL’S SACRED 9 CLOTHING DEBUTS ON HULU

OCEANSIDE, CA - Victor Vigil’s Clothing Company, Sacred 9 made it’s TV debut on Hulu’s “Murder in a Small Town”, Season 2, Episode 7 on Nov 11th. His brand features the artwork is his late father, a super talented artist and geniune person. He established roots in Colorado and St. Louis, where he was loved by everyone that knew him and his work was praised everywhere it was displayed. Thanks to his son, you can now be a part of his legacy. Follow @sacred9clothing and place your order at: www.sacred9clothing.com

Left: Zay Brown @zaybrwn

Right: Kassie Medrano @everythin_ kassie // Photo by @victorvigill

REVENANT MELODY RELEASES “YOU’RE IN CONTROL”

ALBUQUERQUE, NM - New single, “You’re In Control” by Revenant Melody just dropped. Check it out at: SPOTIFY

https://open.spotify.com/ track/6Rid5X2Vc7clZzA7yjIz9H?si=890440159f124897 APPLE MUSIC

https://music.apple.com/ca/song/ youre-in-control/1871107548

Follow at: @revenantmelody

ALBUQUERQUE, NM - Gear up, Misfits! Pre-sales of Book Seven: Lifetimes, of the #hollywoodhighchronicles are now open! Book seven officially launches December 1st, 2025! Presales available on Amazon, and melissavelascobooks.com #melissavelascobooks #90snostalgia Cover photography: @brokenchainphotography Models: @maddiedcordero @zanesbarber @winslowtrullinger @sierragrace21 @lillian.avery.c @blakeamonticello Riley Wooldridge With @courtneyherickson @dmetalentagency11

Lifestimes: of the The Hollywood High Chronicles Book 7 is available on December 1st on Amazon at: E-Book https://www.amazon.com/Lifetimes-Hollywood-High-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B0CY997ZGD Paperback

https://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-High-Chronicles-Book-Intuition/ dp/1736537350 Signed Copy: https://www.melissavelascobooks.com/

ANNA STADLER STARS IN NEW FILM “FATED TO FIND YOU”

ATLANTA, GA - Actress and Model, Anna Stadler stars in new feature film “Fated To Find You” released on November 6th. After being rendered infertile as a teen when her foster mother sold her eggs, Bailey builds a quiet life as a school janitor. She saves a little girl from kidnapping, who’s father is a secret billionaire embroiled in a custody battle. https://www.imdb.com/title/ tt38813713/

Follow Anna Stadler at: https://www.instagram.com/annaestadler/ https://m.imdb.com/name/ nm11231767/

INDIE SPOTLIGHT

JD THE M.C.

JD the M.C. Is a descendant of migrant workers and the rich Mexican heritage. A Homie to the activist and advocate for the homies, JD uses his lyrical expertise to craft through provoking songs that are focused on enlightenment. Whether it’s spreading love or showing love, this M.C. Is on a mission to liberate the mind and raise the vibration of the collective consciousness.

JD the M.C. released a powerful statement with his first music project, Product of the World, released in 2025, drawing inspirations from greats like Joey Bada$$, J Cole and Kdot to name a few.

You can catch him performing in Denver and across the state of Colorado. His next headlining show will take place in Greeley, CO on February 21st at the Moxi Theater for the Everybody Eats: A benefit concert to Address food insecurity, with proceeds going to Weld County Food bank.

IG: @jdthemedicinechild Tik tok: @jdthemc YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jdthemc?si=D_bJlPQHMGjKRmeI

Booking: elmcjd@gmail.com

Oh , Hello Selfie !

Oh , Hello Selfie

10 SONGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

by Chelley Rose

CHELLEY ROSE @chelley_rose // DAVID R. NAVARRO @_designprint

CON CALMA // Daddy Yankee, Snow

DANZA KUDURO ft. Don Omar // Lucenzo

TABOO // Don Omar

TE BOTE II // Casper Magico, Nio Garcia, JLO, Wisen, Yandel, Cuscolluela

TODO DE TI // Rauw Alejandro

COMO LA FLOR // Play-N-Skillz, NATTI NATASHA, Deorro

X // Nicky Jam, J Balvin

LOCO CONTIGO // DJ Snake, J Balvin, Tyga

MI GENTE // J Balvin, Willy William

SE PREPARO // Ozuna

Extra Spice....

DESPACITO ft. Justin Bieber // Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee

YO VOY ft. Daddy Yankee // Zion & Lennox

PARTY // Bad Bunny, Rauw Alejandro

UPCLOSE WITH MODEL + INFLUENCER + PODCASTER:

MARION RIVERA

INTERVIEW by

DAVID R. NAVARRO // @_DESIGNPRINT

PhotoGRAPHY by JOHN MCSWEENEY // @JOHNMCSWEENEY

Marion

Rivera

Interview by David R. Navarro

Photography by John McSweeney

Marion Rivera is a model and social media influencer who has made her mark in both the fashion and fitness industries. Born on September 21st in New Jersey, she proudly embraces her Puerto Rican heritage. She spent her early years in Puerto Rico — first in Ponce from 1982 to 1984, then in Bayamón until 1992 — experiences that continue to shape her identity and outlook.

With her distinctive look and strong online presence, Marion has become the face of notable brands such as Cocoburry and Hidden Hills Watches. Her dedication to fitness and consistent training has also established her as a sought-after fit model, appealing to both lifestyle and athletic audiences.

Expanding her influence even further, Marion is now preparing to launch a new journey into podcasting on her YouTube channel: youtube.com/ marionriveratv, where she will share insights on fitness, fashion, and life.

LOUD&CLEAR: You move between modeling, influencing, and podcasting like each role unlocks a different version of you. Which version feels the most honest — and which one feels like the performance?

Marion Rivera: The most honest version of me shows up on the podcast. That’s where my voice isn’t filtered, my story isn’t edited, and my strength isn’t posed — it’s lived. The performance is modeling… not because it’s fake, but because it demands stillness, perfection, and silence. And silence has never been my truth.

LOUD&CLEAR: Modeling celebrates perfection. Podcasting celebrates vulnerability. Which one demands more bravery from you?

Marion Rivera: Vulnerability. Anybody can hit a pose, but not

everyone can sit with their own truth. Podcasting forces me to walk into rooms emotionally naked and still speak from the chest.

LOUD&CLEAR: As a Latina in spaces that often misunderstand or flatten identity, what part of that responsibility feels the heaviest — and what part feels like power?

Marion Rivera: The heavy part is knowing some people expect one version of Latina — loud, spicy, dramatic.

The powerful part is breaking that stereotype every time I show up disciplined, intelligent, and intentional. I remind people that we’re not a trope — we’re a spectrum.

LOUD&CLEAR: Do you remember a moment when a room expected you to show up as a version of yourself you no longer were? What did you do?

Marion Rivera: I’ve walked into rooms where people expected the quiet, grateful girl who doesn’t push back. Instead, they got the woman who knows her worth. I stayed grounded, stood in my boundaries, and let my confidence do the talking.

LOUD&CLEAR: What’s the part of you the public sees — but doesn’t actually know?

Marion Rivera: People see my strength. What they don’t see is how much it cost me to earn it.

LOUD&CLEAR: Interviewing athletes requires a certain sharpness. Has a guest ever pushed you into a truth you weren’t ready to admit?

Marion Rivera: Yes. An MMA fighter once flipped the question back on me and said, “But what are YOU fighting for?”

I was completely blindsided, because I realized I wasn’t fighting for validation anymore — I was fighting to finally take up space without apologizing for it. That moment made me stop hiding behind the mic.

LOUD&CLEAR: What’s the boldest question you’ve asked on your podcast where you thought, Marion Rivera: ‘Oh, I really went there’?

“What are you running from when the lights turn off?” That’s when people stop performing and start telling the truth.

LOUD&CLEAR: What’s something you posted purely because you wanted to — not because it lined up with any strategy or aesthetic?

Marion Rivera: Videos of me working out. No filters, no perfect angles — just me putting in the work. Because that’s how I build myself every day, and I don’t need a strategy to honor that part of me.

LOUD&CLEAR: And on the flip side, what’s the most calculated move you’ve made that the audience thought was spontaneous?

Marion Rivera: A workout video I posted after a hard week. It looked random, but it was my way of saying, “I’m still here. I’m still pushing.”

No filters, no angles — just real effort.

LOUD&CLEAR: Fitness culture glamorizes discipline. For you, what part of discipline borders on dangerous?

Marion Rivera: When discipline becomes punishment. When you’re working out to fix a body you think is broken — instead of loving the one that carried you through hell.

LOUD&CLEAR: What’s a belief you held about your body years ago that you’ve finally outgrown?

Marion Rivera: That my body had to look a certain way to be valuable. Now I know it’s valuable because it survived.

LOUD&CLEAR: Name a moment where you had to choose between your values and a major opportunity.

Marion Rivera: I once turned down a collaboration because the way they wanted to portray me didn’t honor the woman my mother raised. I’m Latina — respeto and dignity matter. No opportunity is worth betraying the values that built me.

LOUD&CLEAR: You’ve seen the glamorous side of modeling and the manipulative side. What’s the truth you wish more people understood?

Marion Rivera: It’s not all glam. It’s pressure, rejection, and constantly negotiating your boundaries. The strongest models aren’t just beautiful — they’re unshakeable.

LOUD&CLEAR: As a model, you’re constantly asked to toe the line between art and exposure. How do you decide when a photoshoot concept is empowering — and when it crosses a boundary for you?

Marion Rivera: If it makes me feel seen, powerful, or artistic — it’s a yes. If it makes me feel replaceable, exposed, or voiceless — it’s a no.

LOUD&CLEAR: The industry loves to dress boundaries up as “creative direction.” What’s a moment when you had to stand your ground and say no?

Marion Rivera: I was once asked to do a shoot that pushed me beyond my comfort level under the guise of “artistic vision.” I said no. Standing my ground felt risky, but it taught me that respecting myself is more important than anyone else’s idea

of creativity. Empowerment starts with protecting your own boundaries.

LOUD&CLEAR: Do you think models today have more control over what’s considered appropriate, or is that still an illusion unless you’re at the top of the industry? How do you personally navigate those gray areas?

Marion Rivera: There’s more control today, but it’s not equal. The power shifts when you build a voice off the runway.

I navigate it by remembering: when you own your image, no one can weaponize it.

LOUD&CLEAR: If tomorrow you lost every title — model, influencer, podcast host — who would Marion Rivera still be?

Marion Rivera: A mother. A fighter.

A woman who survived her childhood, rebuilt her confidence, and kept her heart soft even when life tried to harden it.

LOUD&CLEAR: You’ve navigated an industry that can be both empowering and brutal. What’s the real advice — not the polished version — that you would give to up-and-coming models trying to break in today?

Marion Rivera: Know your boundaries before you walk into a room. Don’t let the industry decide your worth. Document everything. Advocate for yourself. And remember: you’re not selling your soul — you’re selling a moment.

LOUD&CLEAR: Since music is one of the fastest ways to understand a person, give us your soundtrack: which five songs or artists played a part in making you who you are and why?

Marion Rivera:

1. Disclosure – “Latch” — taught me to embrace connection and energy in every moment.

2. Calvin Harris – “Feel So Close” — reminds me to celebrate life and stay present.

3. David Guetta – “Titanium” — the anthem of strength and resilience.

4. Solomun – “Somebody’s Story” — a reminder that emotion and rhythm can coexist beautifully.

5. CamelPhat – “Cola” — because it captures intensity, confidence, and presence — everything I strive for in my own energy.

LOUD&CLEAR: Last question. What part of your story are you still writing privately, even if no one else gets to read that chapter yet?

Marion Rivera: I’m still writing the chapter where I finally stop surviving — and start fully living.

LOUD&CLEAR: Marion, thank you for taking time to sit with us. We wish you the best in all your current and future endeavors.

Follow Marion Rivera at: https://linktr.ee/marionrivera

Photography by John

McSweeney @johnmcsweeney

Location: Utah Salt Flats

Postcards

BY AUTHOR RUSS RAY

She came into the restaurant alone. She sat at my mostly empty bar near the well. I greeted her and took her drink order. The dinner rush at The Hungry Farmer was over. I chatted with her as I wrapped up my closing duties. She had a young Candice Bergen look about her. Beautiful, smart, with a dry sense of humor, she was easy to talk with.

I was shy by nature. Constantly moving from one school to the next, from one small apartment to the next, taught me as a child how not to make friends, how not to interact with people. Five years of bartending changed all that. I learned the art of small talk. I learned how to care about a boring story. How to look someone directly in the eyes with confidence. It was all make believe. Not far beneath the surface lurked my pathological shyness.

Directly to my right was the bar’s service station for the dining room. It was a window-like feature where the wait staff ordered and picked up their drinks.

Skylar, one of the waiters, noticed her as he placed a drink order. He was a blond haired version of Rob Lowe. Each time his face appeared in the service station, they engaged in flirty banter.

When the dining room closed, Skylar finished his side work, walked around to the bar and sat next to Tracy. They spoke for a few moments. He (and I) learned Tracy was a flight attendant. She was based in Kansas City and was in Boulder for just one night. Skylar invited her for a drink in a cocktail lounge downtown. She politely declined. Skylar wished her a safe trip back to Kansas City and left. I continued cleaning up the bar and gave last call.

“Do you have plans after your shift?”

I was always bewildered when a woman expressed an interest in me.

“No, not really. I’ll probably go catch some music at the Blue Note on the Pearl Street Mall. Would you like to join me?”

“Yes. I took a cab here. I’ll need a ride.”

“I’ll be done in about fifteen minutes.”

Outside the restaurant I was no longer protected by my role as a bartender. She was no longer a customer. There were several long silences.

The Blue Note was a bad idea. The music was too loud to talk over. It was a jazz night, which meant we couldn’t dance.

Without much discussion we ended up at my townhouse. Without much discussion we ended up in my bed. I remember everything about that night. I remember the music that played in the background. 1980s pop. Boz Scaggs, Wham!, Madonna, Janet Jackson, Mike Francis. Whenever I hear “Lowdown” or “Holiday” or “Surviver”, I think of her.

Waking up with a stranger is awkward. But, by then were we really strangers? She needed to get back to her airline. I needed coffee. We both needed a cigarette. We talked about her quitting her job and staying in Boulder. I said I’d move to Kansas City. Both ideas were the preposterous ideas of twenty-somethings, but in the back of my mind I could see either happening.

In the passenger drop off lane at Stapleton International Airport, we exchanged addresses and telephone numbers. We made promises to call, to write, to one day see each other again. Despite having just done her make up, she gave me a lingering kiss goodbye.

Did the distance between us make what we had more intimate? We exchanged a couple of letters and landline phone calls. Did the cumbersome methods of communication back then force us to think about each other more?

It all could have ended after that one Friday night in Boulder. I wanted to see her again. About a month later, I drove to Kansas City. We spent a weekend together at her place. She showed me a couple local restaurants. We lounged around on her sofa talking, but, just like in Boulder, there were lots of long stretches of silence. We were both comfortable saying nothing. I adored her for that.

It was a ten hour drive from Kansas City back to my place on Bear Mountain Drive in the southwest corner of Boulder. It gave me plenty of time to think. What would become of our two weekends together? I was busy with college and bartending. She was busy flying all over the world. We let the mundane tasks win. Eventually, we stopped talking.

Months and months later I received an anonymous postcard from Paris. A couple of months later another arrived from New York City. Over the next two years I received about six more, each from a different city. All began with “Hi, Russ!”. None were signed. Were the postcards from her?

It’s a mystery to me. My imagination says yes.