“There’s a full spectrum to my music,” Able Heart begins, his voice a mirror to the depth and diversity of his sound. “It started way darker, a lot of things that I went through in life,” he admits, hinting at a past marked by struggles and silence, now vocalized through his art. This spectrum isn’t confined to his music alone; it’s vividly illustrated in the living canvas of his skin.
“I’m blasting over old tattoos,” he shares, a metaphor for his life’s journey. “It’s kind of like my music,” he muses, “You evolve, and your art evolves with you.” His tattoos, once markers of a darker time, are now overlaid with images that reflect the man he’s become: a phoenix rising from the ashes of his past.
His mother’s influence, a constant beacon of support, is immortalized in ink on his skin. “My mom’s lips here,” he points to a seemingly fading tattoo on his forearm, “She always said, ‘You’re able to do anything your heart desires.’ That’s where ‘Able Heart’ comes from.” It’s not just a name; it’s a philosophy, a salute to the limitless potential within each of us.
The transition from a world-class snowboarder to a musician wasn’t without its scars — both physical and emotional. “I used to ride with a company that helped support people that couldn’t pay to travel and go to competitions,” he recounts, a nod to the community that once uplifted him, now mirrored in theFull of Heart Fam group he’s fostering through his music and online presence. The glimmer in his eyes as he speaks about his community only echoes how important the outreach to his fans truly is.
His continued commitment to his fans also comes through in a unique (but also seemingly popular) way. In discussing his virtual concerts, Able Heart’s enthusiasm is palpable. “They’re unique… intimate,” he says, his eyes lighting up. “It’s all about connecting with people, even if it’s through a screen.” This sense of connection, of reaching out and touching lives across the digital divide, is what drives him. “Music is the best funnel… for people listening and being able to resonate with things,” he explains.
Yet, it’s not just about the music or the tattoos; it’s about the journey — his relentless pursuit of happiness, his unwavering belief in the power of manifestation, and his dedication to helping others realize they’re not alone in their struggles. “I care about other people in the sense that, if they see something, I want them to also know that they’re able to do anything their heart desires,” he says, his voice earnest, his message clear.
Able Heart’s tattoos do more than decorate his skin — they tell his story, a narrative of overcoming, evolving, and embracing every facet of his being. From the sonic depths of his darkest hours to the vibrant beats of his brightest moments, his life is a testament to the power of resilience.
As we trace the contours of his tattoos, we’re not just observing art; we’re reading chapters of a living, breathing autobiography, one where every line, every note, and every cover sings of a heart that’s truly able.
Ángel Manuel Soto is a cinematographic rebel with a cause–a visionary who sees many similarities amidst his background, before the fame, and the protagonists that he has brought to life on the big screen with films such as Blue Beetle (2023). The success story behind this story-teller has been shaped by a litany of risky decisions during his upbringing as a poverty-stricken teen on the streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Instances like trespassing onto reggaeton music video sets for a BTS look at professional film production and shoplifting a novel written by Robert Rodriguez called Rebel without a Crew from Borders bookstore (Soto and Rodriguez would go on to share a laugh about this incident years later upon an introduction) are standout moments from his ascension over the years. But perhaps the most career-defining gamble he has made thus far was when he chose to permanently alter the pigment particles on both of his hands with microscopic drops of ink. Soto procured a tattoo on his right hand from an artist named Juanky (Employed at Senzala Tattoo & Body Piercing) back in 2010. Three years later, he enlisted the services of Juan Salgado (Owner of Color Conspiracy Tattoo Gallery) to complete a tattoo design on his left hand.
“I got my hands tattooed as a guarantee to myself thinking, ‘Now you have to make it work because nobody’s going to hire you now,’” Soto recalled. “’Nine to five jobs in an office? You’re not going to get that because you have tattoos that are visual.’ It was a motivation to keep me from conforming [because filmmaking] is all I wanted to do.”
Eventually, Soto’s riskiness paid off. Subsequently, nearly a decade and a half of hustling as a freelance director in the Caribbean and stateside resulted in his independent film La Granja (2015) landing on the radar of Tim League (founder of the Fantastic Fest), who then offered him a premiere at his annual film festival in Austin, Texas. The critically acclaimed sports drama garnered attention from Javier Alvarado, an agent with CAA who went on to become his manager.
Years after relocating to Los Angeles, the Puerto Rican native returned to his home island in May of 2022 to make his breakthrough film, Blue Beetle. The full-circle moment added $20 million to Puerto Rico’s economy while also manufacturing nearly $76 million worth of jobs, some of whom included friends and crew members from his arthouse film La Carta (2010). Now, the same hands that used to slap basslines for the ska-punk band known as Los Chéveres in the late 1990s are writing scripts, roll cameras, and closing clapperboards for a wide variety of Hollywood’s biggest motion pictures. You cannot depict Soto’s timeline as an aficionado in moviemaking without conveying his passion for tattoos because they go hand in hand.
At first glance, Soto looks like more of a rock star than a filmmaker who spends much of his time out of the limelight. His long hair and black fingernail polish are supplanted only by the tattoos that cover nearly half of his upper body. Soto’s introduction to tattoo needles and round shaders occurred during the year 2000, when FIBZ, an artist from Wizz Tattoo, inked a Dave Quiggle-styled crucifix on his right forearm. Nearly twenty-five years later, the 41-year-old from the Santurce neighborhood of San Juan frequents a pair of his countrymen named Javier “Che” Rivera (Owner of Tattoos by Che) and Juan Salgado (Owner of Color Conspiracy Tattoo Gallery) to conduct the long tattoo sessions that he compares to therapy. The theme on his body carries a traditional Caribbean undertone with engravings, Catholic Nautical sensibilities, and random patches throughout his arms and upper torso. Soto and his wife also frequent Sashatattooing Gallery Co-Owner and Artist Nora Lyashko when he is stationed in L.A. for filming.
Blue Beetle
“I think I’ve done all of [my tattoos] around the island,” Soto said. “The biggest ones have been with Che and Juan Salgado, who has already called dibs on my back (laughs). I don’t have anything there yet. I’m trying to do something with that Juan Salgado style, but I want to do it with black and grey…My left arm is all patched with an engraved aesthetic…the theme is mostly about letting go of things that keep you from growing while moving onward with what gives you strength. And my neck tattoo is from Nora. My wife has a sleeve from her.”
Nora tattooed a peony flower on Soto’s neck shortly after Charm City Kings (2020), starring Meek Mill and Jahi Di’Allo Winston, wrapped filming during 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. Additionally, Soto, his Director of Photography Katelin Arizmendi, and the camera operator Stewart Cantrell all inked themselves with friendship tattoos, inspired by the 12 O’Clock Boys, the dirt bike riders from their movie, during the production phase. Soto’s tattoo is a Molotov cocktail that says, “12XII.” Around that time, he also procured an inner lip tattoo of the word “help.” In a recent interview with Inked Magazine, Soto revealed that it was a light-hearted response to his wife, whom he says is already starting to outnumber him in tattoos, for playfully encouraging the concept after he floated the idea.
Soto’s most elaborate tattoo is a chest was completed by an artist named Omar Velazquez in 2013. It includes a script that reads, “Honor, Lealtad, Respeto.” Like many ink enthusiasts, he’s also the owner of a “drunk tattoo.” The whimsical memento was completed by José Guerra at the Harisumi Tattoo Studio in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Guerra inked the word “true” just above the fingers on Soto’s right hand. It may take a while for his filmography to surpass his growing tattoo collection. However, Soto has indicated that he would like to add anime, romantic comedies, Western movies, and horror movies to his repertoire someday.
Soto is currently in Los Angeles, preparing for Wrecking Crew, a buddy-comedy starring Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista. Although pre-production has kept him busy, he is already thinking of his next tattoo.
“The next one is a face tattoo, but my wife is like, ‘no’ (laughs); I’ve always wanted something little [on my face], like the 787 area code of Puerto Rico next to my eyebrow,” Soto said. “Or my mom and father’s initials.”
He added, “There are a couple of things that are very iconographical from our Puerto Rican revolutionary legacy. But what I like the most is a native name for Puerto Rico besides ‘Borinquen,’ and it’s ‘Oubao Moin.’ That means ‘Island of Blood.’ It was a name that the Taínos (the indigenous people of the island) called it. I’ve always liked that way of honoring our ancestors.”
In the ever-evolving music industry universe, there are those rare talents that completely transcend boundaries. These days, artists who can utterly captivate audiences with their raw talent, creativity, and unapologetic individuality are few and far between. Doja Cat, born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, is a shining example of such a rare character.
Breaking through the surface of the music industry, a product ushered in purely by the digital age, the Grammy Award-winning superstar planted her roots firmly in the SoundCloud scene before headlining an international arena tour. The tattoo-clad icon’s rise to global stardom is nothing short of extraordinary, indicative of her pure and unflinching star power.
Born and raised in the vibrant cultural hub of Los Angeles, Doja Cat’s upbringing was steeped in a rich pool of musical influences. With a childhood that found the star lost in the eclectic sounds of artists like Busta Rhymes, Erykah Badu, and Nicki Minaj, coupled with an enthralling passion for piano, Doja’s love of music and innate talent ignited a spark that would set the world on fire. These early influences laid the groundwork for pop-focused rap which the star finds herself consistently breaking records in today.
At 16 years old, Doja Cat made her mark on the music scene in 2013 with her first upload to SoundCloud, a platform that served as the launching pad for her historic rise to fame. From there, it wasn’t long before the star’s undeniable talent caught the attention of industry insiders, leading to a pivotal moment in 2014 when she officially signed with Kemosabe/RCA Records, setting the stage for her rapid ascent to stardom.
The release of her EP “Purrr!” and debut album “Amala” paved the way for Doja Cat’s burgeoning career, but it was her August 2018 single “MOOO!” that catapulted her into the mainstream consciousness. With its infectious beat and irreverent charm, “MOOO!” captured the attention of fans worldwide, earning critical acclaim and labeling Doja Cat as a rising star to watch.
Her sophomore album, “Hot Pink,” released in November 2019, further solidified her position as a musical powerhouse. Boasting more than 6 billion streams worldwide, the album showcased Doja Cat’s versatility as an artist, with hits like “Streets,” the soundtrack behind the viral Tik Tok Silhouette Challenge that blew up on everyone’s FYP during the COVID lockdown, and the Grammy-nominated “Say So” drawing in audiences and critics alike in record-breaking numbers.
In June 2021, Doja Cat released her Grammy Award-winning album “Planet Her,” a tour de force of creativity and innovation. Dominating the charts and generating a historic number of streams on Spotify, “Planet Her” is what solidified Doja Cat as a global superstar. Collaborations with fellow artists like SZA on the multi-platinum hit “Kiss Me More” further elevated her continuous influence and widespread appeal.
The release of her fourth and most recent studio album, “Scarlet,” in September 2023 marked yet another milestone in Doja Cat’s illustrious career. Featuring the smash hit single “Paint the Town Red,” which made history by becoming the first rap song to top the Billboard 200 chart since August 2022.
“Scarlet” showcased Doja Cat’s evolution as an artist and solidified her reputation as a trailblazer in the industry. A complete shift from her previous public persona, “Scarlet” is a horror-infused era for Doja. Shifting away from the divine femininity that simply oozes from “Planet Her,” “Scarlet”showcases the scarier side of the star. Once again, captivating the masses and maintaining a steady hold over pop culture and the A-list music industry she’s had for the better part of a decade.
Doja’s impact extends beyond music, as the pop culture icon recently brought tattoos to the forefront of the fashion and beauty industry during the 2024 Grammy Awards. Styled by Turkish-British designer, Dilara Findikoglu, the singer found herself gloriously drenched from head to toe in faux tattoos that peeked out beneath a sheer floor-length gown. This iconic look became arguably the most discussed appearance of the night, with Doja Cat garnering immediate praise for her boldness and individuality, further highlighting her fearless approach to self-expression. The highly decorated star continues to push boundaries and challenge the status quo, on and off the runway.
In 2024, Doja Cat shows no signs of slowing down. Recently treating fans to two electrifying singles: “n.h.i.e.” with British rapper 21 Savage and a feature on “Jeezu” with the multi-faceted artist Jeymes “The Bullitts” Samuel. Lending her production capabilities to the latter, “Jeezu” was featured in Samuel’s most recent cinematic foray, “The Book of Clarence” released in January 2024. These collaborations underscore her versatility as an artist and her unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of her craft.
Perhaps the most exciting news is the recent announcement of the U.K. and European dates for the Scarlet Tour 2024. Kicking off in June, Doja will grace the stages of iconic venues in cities such as London, Paris, and Amsterdam. And before embarking on her European adventure, she’ll captivate audiences at Coachella in April, solidifying her standing as one of the most sought-after performers in the world.
As Doja Cat prepares for this new chapter of her journey, her dedication to her craft and her fearless approach to self-expression continue to inspire fans and fellow artists alike. With each step, she reaffirms her status as a true visionary in the world of music, leaving a scarlet mark on the hearts and minds of all who have the pleasure of experiencing her artistry firsthand.
In the realm of modern-day prize fighters, one name reigns supreme: Conor McGregor. As McGregor embarks on his latest adventure in Hollywood, stepping into the villainous role of Knox in Road House with characteristic aplomb, he brings a wealth of experience and passion. With his chiseled physique, steely gaze, and undeniable charisma, McGregor electrifies audiences, making a smashing mark on the silver screen.
McGregor’s aura doesn’t end with his tattoos or legendary UFC stats. From the iconic tiger sprawled across his abdomen to intricate designs adorning his arms, McGregor’s ink goes beyond body art, a visual tribute to his journey and unyielding spirit.
What makes his leap from the ring to the reel so intriguing? It’s more than the mere allure of a cool celebrity crossover. It’s a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment, where boundaries between sport, entertainment, and lifestyle blur to transcend convention. His journey from the gritty streets of Dublin to the glitz of Hollywood speaks volumes about the power of unflinching self-belief. Buckle up and brace yourself as McGregor unleashes his inimitable brand of magic.
SP: Your journey from MMA fighter to cast of Road House is remarkable given your working-class Dublin street-cred roots. I’m sure you have turned down multiple movie roles in favor of this robust opportunity to remake an iconic film. What did Director Doug Liman say to you to get you fired up?
CM: Doug and producer Joel Silver presented the total package. First off, I’m a big fan of Patrick Swayze and the original Road House. Hearing Jake Gyllenhaal was involved, alongside Billy Magnussen, that really pricked my ears up — the opportunity to join an amazing cast. Shooting in the Dominican Republic, with the backing of Amazon Prime and MGM Studios —that was a big draw too. Then there was sheer lucky timing. [I was] recovering from an injury from my last contest, so I had time off to allow for the shoot.
SP: As someone known for their fierce competitiveness, how did you temper down your inherent “alpha-ness” to embrace collaborative engagement with castmates?
CM: We had an amazing team that encouraged me to add my flair in the right places. That was key. Action director and stunt coordinators Garrett Warren and Steve Brown gave us lots of free reign — they laid the foundations and the bricks, then we added our own throttle and drama to it. They were so receptive and gave us so much confidence with doing that, that we continued to evolve the action sequences every step of the way.
SP: Road House is a beloved cult classic. Tell us about a meaningful scene that made it into the final cut — where you feel you truly embodied the Knox character.
CM: Right off the jump, busting into the roadhouse, I wanted to establish the character in an impactful way. Each time I added a layer to this “man about his business,” and I had a clear objective. You know it’s all business and pleasure with Knox, and that was really fun to play up in key scenes.
SP: Jake’s take on Dalton is much more philosophical than just a guy with a moral compass. In the original, Dalton is a bouncer with a sense of justice. How do you think Swayze’s 1989 rendition of Dalton would fare in 2024?
CM: Jeez, not so well. He probably wouldn’t last too long. This is why you see a more complex, sinister side of Dalton. Total credit to Doug Liman for reimagining this character for a new generation. It wasn’t written in the script this way; the Dalton character evolved as we shot, deepening as Doug got a sense of the way Jake and I amplified the conflict when we went head-to-head. Doug suddenly saw a wild look in Jake’s eyes that he wanted to draw out more, exploring darker shades. I was fascinated by this, that the mood could veer off in interesting directions based on chemistry the director sees on set.
SP: That must have been cathartic, sensing the movable feast of a moment on set. The film industry often requires actors to undergo physical transformations for roles. Since you didn’t have to “get ripped” for Road House, what out-of-your-comfort-zone challenge would you welcome leaning into for a deeper acting role? Singing, surfing, dancing, drumming… anything come to mind?
CM: I’m open to it all. My life experiences lend well to any role. I look at my life and feel I’m so far removed from reality at times, so why wouldn’t I give a new challenge a shot? Sometimes I feel like I’m an animal in the zoo, you know? No one really knows the real Conor. They’ve got estimations and assumptions, but that’s it. Let’s see what happens. Maybe more acting projects down the line, but right now it’s back to the fight game for me.
SP: When I saw how intricate, visceral, and “full send” the Road House fight sequences played out, I was gobsmacked, thinking… this is how McGregor gets over an injury? Ironically, your UFC trainer has to “protect you from fake fighting” in order for you to crush it on your return to the octagon. Were there any specific stunts that your trainer or attorney forbade you from engaging in on the set of Road House?
CM: No, nothing was officially off-limits. I do all my own stunts.
SP: Seriously? Even enduring simulated body blows and leg sweeps? Would you say you did 50 or 60% of the stunts that made it to the final cut?
CM: I’d say 98%. I was pretty much healed from the injury, but not to the point of returning to competition. The only thing they wouldn’t let me do was the scene where I fell backward down a flight of stairs.
SP: I’m glad they drew the line at the catastrophic stair crush.
CM: On the heavy fight choreography days, they had stunt doubles standing by at the ready. I just really didn’t think the guys looked like me, so I did it myself.
SP: I suppose that’s your “quality control” on the image and likeness front.
CM: Exactly. I was invested in the outcome at every stage.
SP: I assumed a team of lawyers would have had a list of 20 things that you’re forbidden to do.
CM: They do have a short list, but not for what happens on movie sets.
SP: You have come of age in the UFC arena — rewritten the rules and broken ceiling after perceived ceiling. After such a long and storied association with the league, straight up, what’s your take on Dana White?
CM: Height of respect for Dana. No Dana White, no UFC. He was all in — the boots-on-the-ground foot soldier working 24/7 from inception to rise and is still very hands-on as CEO.
SP: Your animalistic hype screams are legendary and rally up your most loyal fans. To me, it sounds like one part saber tooth tiger to two parts silverback gorilla. What hybrid beast or primal energy are you channeling in that moment?
CM: Gorillas! Check out my upper chest tat. This is my beast mode — my gym’s logo is my version of a gorilla. Straight up, when the silverback sounds, I’m gonna throw down. I channeled this famous image of a Siberian tiger diving for meat when we filmed the insane speedboat fight scene in the Atlantic Ocean. There’s a moment when I have to dive right down, practically into the camera lens to get that effect.
SP: I bet that scene got a visceral reaction at the South by Southwest premiere.
CM: They let out a roar for that one, yeah. Boom!
SP: The Dominican Republic has pretty solid nightlife options. Share memorable behind-the-scenes male bonding moments with co-stars Jake, Billy, and Post Malone that filming fans may get a kick out of.
CM: The most memorable bonding for me was the afterparty at SXSW. That was just wild; we partied till dawn. I made compadres for life on this movie. That we’re all in it together is the most powerful part of it all.
SP: Tell us about the temporary tattoos you sported for this movie. How did the special effects ink help get you into character?
CM: It helped greatly, you know, psychologically, in terms of embodying this hard-as-nails badass. An hour and a half in the chair every day on set, and “Knock-Knox” became the big thing. I actually love the character’s tattoos. The back tattoo was very cool.
SP: As one of the most-followed UFC fighters on social media with more than 70 million followers, what do you consider the most meaningful purpose that you used your social media platform for?
CM: Showing people a positive outlook on life, despite what you’re facing. For me, it’s about promoting positivity. You know, fun and happiness. I try to show fans a glimpse of my life.
Thousands of music fans stepped back in time to the exhilarating days of the ’90s at the When We Were Young music festival in Las Vegas. Over the weekend of October 21-22, the festival grounds were filled with roughly 70,000 enthusiastic fans, all ready to relive the golden era of punk-inspired tunes. Despite the unusually hot October weather, with temperatures reaching an unrelenting 90 degrees, the nights brought cool breezes that added to the magical atmosphere.
The energy was electric as fans eagerly awaited performances from iconic 90s bands such as Green Day, Blink-182, and Sum 41, among many others. The festival grounds were a sight to behold, with a multitude of food stands, bars, and relaxing spots equipped with misting systems to help festival-goers beat the heat. It was a true haven where fans could unwind, connect with fellow music lovers, and revel in the incredible performances for a remarkable two-day extravaganza across four stages.
Photography by Leanne Leuterio
The success and smooth execution of the When We Were Young festival is nothing short of extraordinary. To entertain and cater to such a massive crowd without any major incidents is a testament to the organizers’ meticulous planning and dedication. In a city known for its big celebrations, this festival has undoubtedly left its mark as an unforgettable event.
When We Were Young brought together a lineup of prominent and fresh-faced cross-genre bands, each offering an unforgettable performance that left the crowd in awe. From surprise collaborations to wild stage antics, the event was a true spectacle of music and entertainment.
There were so many stand out performances that we can’t list them all here, but here are a few highlights.
Yellowcard took the stage by storm, celebrating the 20th anniversary of their iconic album “Ocean Avenue.” But that wasn’t the only surprise they had in store for their fans. Singer/songwriter Cassadee Pope made a special appearance, joining the band to sing their hit song “Only One.” The crowd erupted with excitement, savoring the unique rendition. Not to be outdone, Pierce the Veil delivered an emotionally charged performance, highlighted by a heartwarming gesture. During their performance of “Hold on Till May,” the lead vocalist brought a lucky fan onstage and gifted her his guitar. It was a touching moment that confirmed the band’s connection with their audience.
Photography by Leanne Leuterio
Good Charlotte returned to the stage after a five-year hiatus, and they made sure to make it a weekend to remember. In an unexpected twist, on Sunday night’s performance they brought out the legendary rapper Lil Wayne, who delivered an electrifying performance of “A Milli” and “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.” The collaboration was a fusion of genres that had the crowd in a frenzy.
Photography by Leanne Leuterio
Simple Plan brought the element of surprise to a whole new level. Not only did they showcase their own high-energy performance, but they also invited special guests on stage. Members from Plain White T’s, Bowling for Soup, and MXPX bands joined forces with Simple Plan while their lead singer, Pierre, showed off his drumming skills. The stage was transformed into a collaborative hub, leaving fans with a medley of cover songs, including “All Star,” “Sk8r Boy,” and “Mr. Brightside.”
When it comes to stage antics, Blink-182 never disappoints. Travis Barker took his performance to new heights, quite literally. His drum set floated on risers during “Miss You”, captivating the audience. And to top it all off, the band concluded their set with a grand display of fireworks, illuminating the night sky and leaving the crowd in awe.
Green Day brought their signature energy to the festival. Before even starting their set, a bunny-suited hype man wearing a black tee with a red tie worked fans into a playful spirit. Their opening song, “American Idiot,” set the tone for an electrifying set. Throughout their performance, they commanded the audience to put their hands in the air, clap, and jump, creating an infectious energy that reverberated throughout the fesrival grounds.
Photography by Leanne Leuterio
WWWY 2023 was a testament to the power of live music and to the love of retro bands, offering an array of unforgettable moments. From surprise collaborations to awe-inspiring stage antics, each band brought their unique flair. It was a celebration of music that united fans and artists alike, leaving everyone with memories that will last a lifetime.
Soto is currently in Los Angeles, preparing for Wrecking Crew, a buddy-comedy starring Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista. Although pre-production has kept him busy, he is already thinking of his next tattoo.
