Floatfest 2017

By Rachel Wishop

Float Fest is taking place at Cool River Ranch in San Marcos, Texas for its third year on July 22nd and 23rd. Headlining the festival are artists such as Weezer, Cage the Elephant, MGMT, Mac Miller, Zedd, and many more. Besides two days jam-packed with music, there’s all sorts of activities - from tubing down the San Marcos river and free camping, to a carnival and Texas’s finest food vendors. Last year, the two day festival attracted over 10,000 people, with performances from Rick Ross, Metric, Bleachers, Rooney, and more. Unique from other festivals, Float Fest mixes excitement and relaxation with tubing and live concerts. Festival-goers start the day at the Ranch, taking a shuttle a few miles up the river to be dropped off so they can float two and a half miles down the stream back to Cool River Ranch, where all the fun awaits. Tubing is optional, as it takes place earlier in the morning and can take anywhere from two and a half to four hours to float back to the Ranch. Not only does Float Fest give people adventure and fun, the festival helps give back to the community by giving some of the proceeds to an organization called Grounded in Music. Grounded in Music utilizes the power of music to help transform the lives of underprivileged youth. The organization helps build confidence and give hope by introducing music and musical instruction to kids as young as the fourth grade.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to attend one of the most unique festivals of the summer! Float Fest 2017 will not disappoint. Tickets can still be purchased here. 

it's #fanfeaturefriday at heart eyes mag!! starting off our feature with @gabriellahughes's lovely COIN tattoo: "if you were to ask me to select my favorite song by coin, i would simply list off at least ten of my favorites and then continue with another ten explaining that they are my close favorites. whether it's during boyfriend or occasionally stated before malibu, the phrase "sad songs" seemed to be the most apparent way for me to be able to represent a large group of songs that have left such an impact on my life. something about these sad songs makes me the happiest i've ever been. i don't say it enough, but i am so thankful for these boys and everyone i've met throughout this time."

and finishing off this #fanfeaturefriday with our girl @_kysthelimit_'s tat: "TRY! 4.7.17 // @coin you have absolutely changed my life. On April 7, my favorite band played a concert that I booked and coordinated and helped me realize what I want to do for the rest of my life. These boys wrote an album called How Will You Know If You Never Try, and I never would have known if I had never tried with them. June 7, two months later, I saw COIN for the third time with my best friends who I met through this band. I saw the boys after the show & @ryanwinnen wrote out the "TRY!" & @chaselawrence wrote out the date. The next day, I went with my friends to a tattoo parlor across the street from the venue where I saw & met COIN for the first time, and two of us got COIN tattoos. This band, these friends, and these memories mean so much to me, and now I have a forever reminder of the day & people that literally changed my life. Thank you, friends. All of you. The band, the friends I've made through them, the people I worked with to make COIN Abilene happen, and the people who have supported me through all of it - I cannot thank you enough. Ryan told me when he wrote it that he can't wait to see me grow & see what kind of jobs I get. Joe couldn't have been more encouraging about how smooth the show was. Chase hugged the crap out of me. Zach was thrilled by the fact that something he was a part of would be on my skin. I can't wait to make these boys proud. I love you all. I'm crying. HWYKIYNT, amen. ❣️"

#fanfeaturefriday in love with this 'boyfriend' art by @fairyflosszoe: "This lyric always really resonated with me. The first time I heard it, I thought, "Why didn't I write that?" There are a lot of situations I've been in that I won't go into horrible detail with, but can be summed up as 'People playing their sad songs over my own soundtrack.' I think that "Boyfriend" has a lot of those same themes within the lyrics, and serves as a relatable song for just about anyone who has ever felt a little used (especially when set atop an altogether deliciously catchy beat.)"

"When my best friend Cassidy introduced me to a little song called 'Talk Too Much', I had no idea how much my life would be impacted. It's no secret that COIN's second album, How Will You Know If You Never Try, is full of upbeat, addicting numbers you can't help but sing along with, and songs that tug at your heartstrings. But there is something even deeper to this album than just eleven tracks. COIN asks the question, "How Will You Know If You Never Try?" in the very title of the album, which prompts me to think about what we hold back because of fear. We sit back and forever wonder what could have been because we are afraid to take a chance. COIN's question challenges us and invites us into a braver, more exciting, riskier way of life. To me, HWYKIYNT pushes me to be a more courageous, bolder version of myself. It's not just an album title or lyrics in one of their songs; it's ae mantra that dares me to take risks and to live life to the fullest. Speak your mind. Apply for the job. Ask him to prom. Buy the dress. Start the blog. Strike up conversations. Make the first move. How will you know if you never try?" - Rachel Wishop for our #fanfeaturefriday

"I did this drawing back in April when COIN's sophomore album, How Will You Know If You Never Try, was released. I chose to illustrate some small depictions of my favorite lyrics from HWYKIYNT. At the two shows I went to this past tour, it meant the world to me to share my art with COIN, a group of guys that inspire me to work towards my goals and dreams, and to just keep going. In the words of Ryan Winnen, "Be creative every single day. even if what you make 'sucks' by your standard or someone else's. Just make shit until it's not shit." - Alex Silvers about her art for our #fanfeaturefriday

"Do you ever watch a movie and the main character has some defining moment? It seems so cheesy and unrealistic for one event or person to change you so drastically. I honestly never thought this was possible until April 21st, 2017. I remember that day very vividly. I had been anxious for that day for months to finally listen to COIN's new album, How Will You Know If You Never Try? I sat in my bed and browsed the song titles and "Heart Eyes" caught my attention. As soon as it started playing, I felt myself transported to a dreamlike place similar to an 80s high school dance. The melody, the lyrics, the mood just overwhelmed me, and I actually started crying. At that point, COIN became important to my life. They started inspiring me and my art and became a part of daily conversation. HWYKIYNT really opened my eyes to the power of music and of love. I never thought that I would be traveling to far off places, meeting the creators of my favorite album, making new friends, camping on streets, and so much more all because of this band and this album. HWYKIYNT really means the world to me and I will forever be grateful to Chase, Ryan, Joe, and Zachary for this masterpiece. Heart Eyes forever and ever." - Savannah Rico for our #fanfeaturefriday

preview issue ♡

click on one of the links below to read a specific article, or click HERE to read all articles!

table of contents

the birth of heart eyes by Peyton

HWYKIYNT? by all contributors

current faves playlist vol. 1 by all contributors

current faves vol. 1

our contributors’ current favorite songs listed here and compiled into a spotify playlist conveniently linked HERE! Jiselle Don’t Take the Money by Bleachers Perfect Places by Lorde Caleigh Televised by HUNNY   Guru by Coast Modern Gabi You Are the Right One by Sports take me on by joan Ashleigh Feel It Still by Portugal. The Man. Boyish by Hippo Campus Madi Hunk Beach by The Walters Mirror by The Drums Victoria Charlemagne by Blossoms Pleaser by Wallows Ky Genesis by Armors Elevated by RKCB Maggie Garden by Dua Lipa Girls by Life In Sweatpants Sydney Daft Pretty Boys by Bad Suns Certainty by Temples Peyton Tired of Love by The Dig Too Much Time Together by San Cisco

HWYKIYNT?

all contributors to the magazine have written a small blurb on what COIN’s album, How Will You Know If You Never Try?, means to them.

Ashleigh Haddock // Co-head of Social Media

COIN’s sophomore album, ‘How Will You Know If You Never Try,’  means so much to me. Not only the music, but the entire album reminds me of all the friends and memories I’ve made. Without this album, I don’t think I would have any of those things. I wouldn’t have met my best friends. I wouldn’t be writing this right now! For instance, one of the songs from the album, ‘Heart Eyes,’ directly inspired the name of this magazine. Without this masterpiece of an album, this magazine wouldn’t exist. My friends and I wouldn’t be sharing our experiences with the world. My absolute favorite song from the album is “Don’t Cry, 2020” I love one particular lyric, “years go by whether you want them to,” just because I find it extremely relatable and nostalgic. It’s a scary feeling watching yourself change and grow up, but, as Chase Lawrence sings, “it’s all gonna be alright.” I never knew I could feel such happiness and belongingness while listening to an album. Now, I think I will forever strive to live by COIN’s motto and album name, HWYKIYNT, because how will I know if I never try? Thank you so much Chase, Ryan, Zach, and Joe.

Gabrielle Yost // Founder

'How Will You Know If You Never Try' is not only the sophomore album written by my favorite band; it is also a quote I now live by. A domino effect, that has not only changed me, but also the lives of artists around me giving us a platform to create and show our ideas to the world whereas otherwise we wouldn't have the courage to do so. My whole life, I've been too shy to put out anything for fear it won't be good enough; I've kept the music I’ve been writing hidden. COIN has given me this life motto and the confidence to pursue those dreams that I never thought would be possible. Through the never ending support from the boys of COIN and my lovely friends, in the near future, I will be releasing an EP. I have never been so inspired in my life. Big and exciting things are coming. Thank you, COIN. HWYKIYNT amen.

Jiselle Santos // Co-head of Production Management

With the release of the album ‘How Will You Know If You Never Try’  by COIN, the album title itself makes you think about how to embark into the unknown. Following COIN’s journey for the last two years from the release of their self-titled album, opening for some of my favorite bands, to just recently headlining their own tour this spring and releasing this album, this band has truly grown in ways that I can’t put into words. The new album name describes how one should take that chance to do what they want and not let fear get to you. In a way, this album relates to how I’ve been trying to handle the many major changes that have happened in my life in the last two years. I like to say I grow with the music I listen to because it reminds me of memories that I either tend to treasure or even regret, and this album resonated with my experiences. However, being able to grow with the music you listen to and life continues to move forward, you develop some of the best relationships along the way. I'm quite thankful for all the friendships I formed along the way because of music and that’s something couldn't have pictured or said more than two years ago. Taking the chances I needed to, risking and sacrificing your wants and needs, experiencing life as it comes at you, because in the end, you should live that life you want to live - that’s what this album means to me.

Peyton Rhodes // Head of Writing and Editing

The phrase, “how will you know if you never try,” is one that I have struggled to fully grasp. At first, it seemed trite and obvious. However, as I began to face massive opportunities and change in my own personal life, the phrase took on a new glow. An example? This magazine. My dream has been to be a music journalist, but fear of failure, of bad pay, of limited job opportunity has kept me from pursuing that dream actively. When the idea for this magazine became a reality, the same fear plagued me - What if no one read it? What if no one cared? What if I took on too much work, considering the full school year approaching? And then I thought: how will I know if I never try? The simple phrase moved me so deeply in that moment that I decided to pour myself into this project. Recently, a quote from an interview with Chase Lawrence along the same lines nearly brought me to tears: “Missed opportunity: No! Try: yes!” Do not let the profundity of this miss you. Go for every opportunity you have. Pursue every dream you can. Let no one stand in your way. Above all, do not let fear be your guide. How will you know if you never try?

Victoria Taglione // Co-head of Social Media

COIN’s album title “How Will You Know If You Never Try” could not relate more perfectly to my life. Just thinking about the phrase makes me feel like I can magically take on the world, or take a smaller step like trying a new Starbucks drink. From the moment this album was released, I couldn't turn it off even if I tried. These songs relate and mean more than any group of songs have in a while, such as the tracks “Don’t Cry 2020,” “Hannah,” and Feeling”. One minute I feel completely lifted from every stress and worry, and then the next minute I feel extremely empowered to focus on my life and my dreams only. Later in the album, I’m taken back to the amazing memories I will always have of the of the COIN sign lit up, Chase’s back to the crowd, waiting to be hit with the “I’m feeling you, can you feel it too” lyrics that would make me insanely jump for a good amount of time. Without this album, I wouldn't be writing this for you, Heart Eyes Magazine wouldn't be real, and I wouldn't have made the incredible friends I have today. HWYKIYNT has brought so much more than I could have ever imagined, and I'm immensely grateful to COIN for bringing me these new opportunities into my life. A phrase that will always be with me: How Will You Know If You Never Try?

Ky Kasselman // Co-head of Production Management

On April 7, 2017, my life changed forever. I had spent the past five months working tirelessly for my on campus job as an event planner to book and coordinate my very first concert, and I had the privilege of doing business with my favorite band, COIN. Those five months were filled with blood, sweat, and tears, but in the end I put on an event that I was incredibly proud of with the added bonus of getting to hang out with and do hospitality for COIN all weekend. Through this experience and the encouragement of this band that I can now call my friends, I realized that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. COIN released “How Will You Know If You Never Try” and the phrase immediately stuck with me. I would not have known that I wanted to pursue event planning if I hadn’t have taken a chance on these guys. The album speaks volumes to me, as it came out not even a month after my show. “Hannah,” the song that belts the album title, immediately became my favorite track on the album, and I could not get the iconic phrase out of my head. While jamming to my other favorite tracks like “Lately II,” I feel the same freedom that I felt on that April night watching everything I had dreamed of come to fruition. This band, the friends I have made through it, and the people who have supported me these past few months are making my dreams a reality, as I am heading to grad school soon to continue this journey. It’s permanently marked on my heart and my skin, thanks to Ryan and Chase, so I will never forget. HWYKIYNT, amen.

Caleigh Wells // Head of Interviews and Submissions

How Will You Know If You Never Try?: An album, a song lyric, and now, a mantra. This phrase now sits in the back of my mind as I embark on my personal journey through life. With the new chapter of college looming in the future, I often turn to this question to push me to new heights, and to overcome new obstacles that I would previously be too afraid to challenge. I have always been known to be afraid of change, to be afraid of breaking out of my shell and trying new things. However, now I use this phrase, this album name, this song lyric, as if Chase was saying it to me personally, as I face a new challenge. How will I know the outcome unless I try? How will I achieve success unless I push myself beyond the limits of my fears? It’s taking the jump without fearing the fall. The song “Hannah”, which contains the famous lyric, as well as the album as a whole, never fails to boost my spirits, and I can confidently say this album has influenced me as the person I am, and the person I will become.

Madi Mize // Co-head of Social Media

HWYKIYNT. This phrase, or a variation of it, is something we’ve all heard before, but the actual meaning didn't really hit me until recently. I have always struggled with not taking risks because I am deathly afraid of failure. Consequently, this results in me missing a lot of great opportunities. I’ve been better about it lately (thanks, COIN), but I'll probably always struggle with it. HWYKIYNT the album: brilliant, incredible, showstopping, spectacular, etc. In all seriousness, this album is probably my favorite of the year so far. My favorite song is definitely Heart Eyes. The reason that it is my favorite is partly because it is such a beautiful sounding song, and because I feel like I can relate to the meaning so well. In an interview with Hollywood Life, Chase broke down the meaning to each song, and when I read what he said about Heart Eyes, I immediately teared up. Chase said “It’s about this girl who sees the best in everyone, and will go past herself to do anything to  make anyone better, even at her own expense. Her heart is bigger than her eyes. She'll sacrifice anything…but you have to take time for yourself, or else you’re just going to wither away.”, and that hit me like a ton of bricks. The next time I listened to the song, I sobbed, which was bad because i was driving. Would not recommend. This band means so much to me, and it’s not just because of the music. The people that I have met, getting to see COIN live, the interactions that I have had after the shows with the guys themselves, it all makes me feel very happy.

Sydney King // Head of Photography

For me, COIN’s sophomore album “How Will You Know If You Never Try?” has opened up a lot of cool doors in my life, such as becoming a more social person, being more adventurous and thinking outside of the box. I’ve also met some of the greatest friends because of this band through this second album. Ryan and Chase even wrote out “HWYKIYNT?” for me to get tattooed because it means that much to me! Although I have been a dedicated fan of COIN since their debut album, “COIN,” I feel like their fan base has grown so much over the past year and I have met so many talented, incredible people who I now call some of my best friends. If it weren’t for COIN and their music, I don’t think I would be the person I am today. A big shout out to Chase, Ryan, Zach, and Joe and their amazing tunes!

Jared Elliott // Head of Graphic Design

The words “how will you know if you never try” never really spoke to me until COIN set the phrase as the title for their sophomore album. I think for us as teenagers, this phrase is so important. As we grow there’s always a fear of failure. We can be so held back by our own selves a lot of the times. This phrase is almost, liberating. Being sixteen, I have a lot to learn and do. How Will You Know If You Never Try? will soundtrack my teenage years. The good. The bad. It will be there with all of it

The Birth of Heart Eyes

by Peyton Rhodes, head of writing and editing

When you open a group chat, you can usually expect to find a new joke you’ve somehow missed in three minutes of absence, some juicy bits of gossip, or a detailed outline of the drama that went down last night. What you don’t expect to find, however, are the plans for a music magazine, which is exactly what I found when I opened a group chat about two weeks ago.

It began with the most unlikely thing: an anonymous question to one of the members of the group chat. The simple question read, “Why obsess over members in bands?” Screenshots of the question were swiftly sent to the group chat, triggering a massive outcry from everyone, including myself. I have never seen such eloquent paragraphs on the importance of music produced so quickly.

Why would such a seemingly trivial question cause such an intense response? If you yourself are an avid fan of music, you probably already know. If you are not, allow me to explain. Consider the difference between grown male sports fans and young women who listen to bands. At the core, there is no difference. Both groups of people enjoy a certain kind of entertainment, and are often fanatically involved in supporting their choice subcategory of that entertainment, whether it be a preferred sports team or a favorite band. Both turn up in droves to see their team or band play or perform, and both tend to get rowdy during these live performances. Why, then, are male sports fans considered rational human beings with a valid interest in an important part of society, while young female fans of music are labelled as “crazy fangirls” and “obsessive?” As a young female fan, it gets eternally exhausting to be portrayed as an unstable little girl whose favorite band has only assumed that title because of the lead singer’s deep blue eyes. A shocking proposal: music is important because of the way it affects our lives for the better, not because of the facial features of the creators of the music. But I digress.

In the midst of the chaotic mess of justified anger, one message in the group chat stood out to me. One member half-jokingly suggested, “Idea: let’s make a magazine.” Immediately, we all began to respond enthusiastically with ideas for columns, volunteering for positions and creating social media accounts for our new brainchild. The name was suggested: Heart Eyes Magazine. No other options were necessary. We all fell in love with the concept in a moment.

It is hard for me to believe that this whole idea sprung from a half-serious message in a group chat that was fed up with being labelled as crazy for being passionate about something we loved, something that had brought us all together and inspired us in unique ways. The amount of work that has gone into even the initial production of this website is astonishing. The self-organization and responsibility displayed by the young people involved is truly sobering, and is pushing me to reach higher and run faster, even now. This publication is the culmination of video chat planning sessions that lasted into the early hours of the morning, impressive talent on the behalf of every contributor that uniquely made this project possible, and the absolute love of music that demands to be shared.

On behalf of every contributor to Heart Eyes Magazine, thank you for starting this journey with us. We look forward to sharing our passion with you.

preview issue ♡

click on one of the links below to read a specific article, or click HERE to read all articles!

table of contents

the birth of heart eyes by Peyton

HWYKIYNT? by all contributors

current faves playlist vol. 1 by all contributors

June 23rd. Heart Eyes Magazine.