interview | maeta

The past decade has seen an electrifying resurgence in alt-R&B. The latest rising starlet on the scene is 21-year-old Indianapolis native Maeta. Recently signed to Roc Nation, she’s crafted a signature sound of crystalline vocals and sultry production. On 30 April the world will get to hear her latest offering Habits. The EP reflects on a toxic relationship and was written while Maeta was in the midst of one. Her lyricism is open, relatable and reminiscent of alt-R&B contemporaries like PARTYNEXTDOOR and Jhené Aiko. Beyond the personal perspective, Maeta’s EP radiates an undeniable tone of hopefulness over pain.

The project’s opening track Teen Scene featuring rapper Buddy and produced by Grammy-winning Kaytranada feels like a balmy summer afternoon. Maeta’s voice is saccharine and silky capturing the warm heartiness that makes R&B female voices so memorable. Her latest single TOXIC is a minimal acoustic number that shows off the crystal notes in Maeta’s vocals. If you’re craving a new addition to your in my feels playlist, Maeta’s EP Habits is worth exploring.

Congratulations on your record deal with Roc Nation. How did you first get your foot into music?

Thank you! Music has always been a huge part of my life. I’ve been singing since I was little as most singers say. My family had music playing at home all day long. I sang in my church choir [and] took piano lessons since I was five.

Where did you grow up and how do you think it influenced the type of music you make?

I grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana. A lot of my friends listened to R&B and I was always around it. I think that definitely affected what I listen to and what I always gravitate towards.

You now live in LA. As a young artist what are some of the perks and downfalls of the city?

Yes, I’ve been living there since I was 19 – about two years. As an artist it’s amazing because music is everywhere and most of my team is there. But of course it’s expensive, hard to make friends, especially outside of music. Not having my drivers license, Ubers get expensive! Especially since everything is so spread out.

Do you think creating during a pandemic has helped or hindered your creativity?

I think it hindered [my creativity] to be honest. I feel most inspired when I’m around people so having to isolate was really hard. But I think it stripped me from distractions forcing me to be alone with myself. I found inspiration from that.

Let’s talk about your new EP. What themes do you explore?

My EP Habits is about toxicity and everything that comes with a toxic relationship. I was finding my way through one during the making of this project so it was like therapy for me during that time. I sing about love, anger, sex, and every aspect of it.

How do you feel social media has impacted the way young people navigate relationships?

I think it’s made people become a little lazy in relationships. I feel like all you gotta do is like an old picture to send a sign which can honestly be a plus to people like me who don’t feel like doing all that!

Where do you usually find inspiration for your songs?

Usually from my own experiences. I fall in love so easily and that can often get the best of me which always ends up falling into a song. Everything I sing about on my project I went through.

Is there a song on the EP that feels the most sentimental to you?

The one that feels most sentimental to me is a song called Gift. It’s a song about how much I love the person I’m singing about. I poured my heart into the song while recording it and I feel it every time I listen!

You’ve already collaborated with some amazing talent like Kaytranada and Skrillex. Can you share a few of your dream collabs?

My two dreams are SZA and John Mayer. I love SZA so much now and I grew up listening to John Mayer. If I ever worked with him it would make my family so proud! My dad used to play him in the car every day so he is a big part of my childhood.

Lastly, what do you hope to get out of the rest of 2021?

I hope to just live in the moment! One thing I’m working on is letting go and letting life take me where it does without feeling like I need to control every detail. I think it’s more enjoyable that way!

Check out Maeta‘s EP ‘Habits,’ out on 30 April.

This Schön! online exclusive has been produced by

photography. Jackie Dimailig

talent. Maeta
words. Shama Nasinde

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romeo santos + prince royce | better late than never

The eve of Thanksgiving, New York hosted a party that was a mix of many things – a homecoming, a release party, a surprise, and a sort of communion. Madison Square Garden – the mythical arena where everyone from Springsteen to Harry Styles has claimed the stage – opened its doors to a crowd that looked less like an audience and more like a family reunion. There were flags – plenty of them – Dominican, Puerto Rican, Mexican – and a great sense of collective excitement and pride. The reason for this get together? Romeo Santos and Prince Royce, finally, impossibly, devoutly – together. The two icons of Bachata – nicknamed King and Prince of the genre, respectively – have been covertly working on a 13-track surprise album, keeping everything under wraps until the very last minute. The news dropped officially when Romeo Santos teased a new album on his Instagram.

‘Better Late Than Never’ is an album that has been years in the making – since 2017 to be precise – and traces the careers of the two legendary singers. The listening party was a celebration of this longstanding friendship. When the lights went up and revealed the two Bachateros on stage, against the backdrop of the New York skyline, the Garden picked up a pulse. A burst of collective euphoria, running from the upper decks to the floor, a joyous roar between pride, memory, and excitement. It was the sound of kids who grew up with bachata leaking from their parents’ kitchen radios, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with their parents, cousins, friends for the release of ‘Better Late Than Never’.

Romeo Santos and Prince Royce have kept this album carefully secluded away from public eyes and ears, to the point of them devising code names – Batman and Robin – for the music video production and any preparatory work on the release. For a surprise release, the energy felt explosive. The two artists appeared side by side, and the arena shifted.

With New York subway cars and the subway stairs onstage, Romeo Santos and Prince Royce began their presentation of their album. Part sung, part presented and narrated, the listening party was a dynamic show that invited listeners into the world of bachata, New York Latin communities, stories of romance, temptation, seduction and community. Focus track ‘Dardos’ made a strong impact, and ‘Jezabel’ also stood out, with the latter having strong R&B influences. ‘Ay! San Miguel’, a Dominican palo, was a vibrant and more hybrid title which also worked wonders on the crowd. Immaculate stage presence and a feverish connection to their fanbase set the pulse for the evening.

What Santos and Royce played felt like a mirror held up to the city hosting them. Better Late Than Never threads the traditional lines of bachata with R&B undertones, and the kind of bilingual storytelling that just screams “New York”. When the final track – ‘La Última Bachata‘ – drifted in with its bolero ghosts and tributes to Selena Quintanilla, Michael Jackson, Jenni Rivera, Prince, and Dominican legends, the room fell into a rare hush. For a moment, The Garden felt like a church.

There was an emotional honesty to the night. For New Yorkers – especially the Dominican and wider Latino communities that built bachata into the city’s unofficial heartbeat – this wasn’t just an album release. It was an intergenerational tribute, a reminder of the soundtracks that raised them, and a tribute to a New York that still belongs to its diasporas.

As the album track reveal came to a close – the two bachata stars reprised some of their classic, closing with Aventura’s iconic track, ‘Obsesión’. As members of Aventura in the audience listened, Santos looked out at the Garden with an expression of gratitude and tribute – aware of what this city gave him – and what he’s giving back. Royce smiled beside him, the younger prince stepping comfortably into legacy.

‘Better Late Than Never’ is out now on Sony Latin.

words. Patrick Clark
photography. Esteban Chacin

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interview | kyler gordon

boxers. CDLP
jeans + shoes. Louis Vuitton
necklace. Miansai
belt. Dolce & Gabbana
opposite
coat. Dsquared2
button up shirt. Frame
jeans. Todd Snyder
shoes + belt. Dolce & Gabbana

Kyler Gordon has always moved differently — on the field, in the locker room, and even in the tunnel before kickoff. Since entering the NFL, the Chicago Bears defensive back has grown into one of the league’s most versatile and instinctive playmakers, earning the nickname “Spiderman” for the way he bends, jumps, reacts, and seems to appear out of nowhere. But behind the acrobatic highlights is a player obsessed with the details: hours of film study, relentless fine-tuning, and a mindset that treats every Sunday like an exam he’s preparing for all week.

Now stepping into his third season, Gordon has evolved from a rookie learning nickel for the first time to a cerebral defender who dissects route stems, formations, and tendencies with precision. Off the field, he’s just as expressive, known for a bold, chameleon-like fashion sense that matches his personality and energy. From the first moment he realized he belonged in the league to the goals driving him toward All-Pro and Hall of Fame aspirations, Gordon speaks on growth, swagger, creativity, and what it really means to play like a superhero in Chicago.

vest + jeans. Frame
shoes. Axel Arigato
necklace. Miansai
opposite
coat. Brioni
denim jacket + tank top. Dsquared2
jeans. Frame
necklace. Miansai

You’ve developed into one of the most versatile defensive backs in the league — what’s been the biggest key to your growth since joining the NFL?

One of the biggest keys has been investing in learning. I mean the extra learning outside the facility — working with my film coach and coaches who aren’t in the league. That extra work gives me more knowledge and play-making ability when I’m on the field. It helped me grow faster, progress quicker, and become the player I am.

How has your approach to the game evolved from your rookie year to now?

My growth has been steady. As a rookie I was learning the basics, and especially for me, learning nickel for the first time ever was huge. Now I don’t focus on those basic things anymore — I’m studying deeper, more niche details that give me indicators about what’s coming. Who’s lined up where, how wide, how deep, what routes match that look. My game now is about constant fine-tuning.

full look. Prada
opposite
shearling coat. Dolce & Gabbana
full look. Prada hat. Stetson

Can you walk us through your preparation during the week — both mentally and physically — before a big matchup?

Mentally, it’s nonstop film: Sunday through Saturday. I break down first down, second down, third down, quick game, gun, play action, different run types, short yardage, red zone — everything. Teams run thousands of plays, all with different tendencies. It feels like studying for a test every week, and Sunday’s the exam.
Physically, I get everything from practice — technique, recognition, reps that make things feel natural on game day. You combine all of that in seven days, and on the seventh day you go out there and kill it. Pressure is a privilege.

What’s a moment in your career so far that made you think, “Yeah, I belong here”?

Two moments: My first training camp as a starter — going against the starters, sticking in coverage, making plays and interceptions on day one. I thought, “Dang, I’m doing this at the highest level.” My second NFL game — guarding a go ball from Aaron Rodgers to Lazard in the end zone. Everything happened fast, but I reacted, sprinted, and got the pass breakup. I celebrated like, “Yeah, I belong here.”

You’ve faced some elite receivers — who’s been your toughest matchup, and what did you learn?

Tyreek Hill and Justin Jefferson. Tyreek’s speed is one-of-a-kind — he ran a 25–30 yard comeback my rookie year faster than seemed possible. With Jefferson, he’s just an all-around great receiver. Competing against guys like that is fun and helps me grow.

jeans. Louis Vuitton
necklace. Miansai
opposite
sweater. Axel Arigato
t-shirt. CDLP
shorts. Dsquared2
necklace. Miansai

What are some personal goals you’ve set for yourself this season and beyond?

Six-plus turnovers, 100-plus tackles, win the conference, make the playoffs for the first time, become All-Pro — and long term, be a Hall of Famer. Every day I just stack the small goals toward that.

The Bears defense plays with a lot of energy and swagger — what’s the chemistry like in that locker room?

The chemistry is great. Everyone brings their own unique personality and humor. It all gels together. On game day we’re on the same mindset and timing. It makes coming to work fun — I’ve got a different joke or bond with everybody.

Fans call you “Spiderman” — how did that nickname start, and what does it represent to you?

It started during my rookie year when everyone saw me play for the first time. People connected my athletic ability, instincts, and play style to Spider-Man — being acrobatic, getting to the ball, moving a certain way. It stuck with fans, teammates, everybody.

full look. Dolce & Gabbana
opposite
full look. Hermès

Do you think the “Spiderman” nickname fits your playing style?

Definitely. My agility, twitchiness, body control — that’s my superpower. I really feel like I can leap, bend, react, and move in a way that fits the nickname perfectly.

You’ve become known for your unique fashion sense — how would you describe your style off the field?

I’d describe it as chameleon. Whatever mood I’m in, whatever vibe I want to give off, I can match it. Loud pieces, formal looks — anything I imagine, I can bring to life.

Where do you draw inspiration for your looks?

It comes from my creativity, my mood, and the vibe I want to bring that day. I like switching things up depending on what I feel.

vest. Frame
necklace. Miansai
opposite
sweater. Axel Arigato
t-shirt. CDLP
shorts. Dsquared2
shoes. Axel Arigato
necklace + rings. Miansai
socks. Scott Nichol

Do you see fashion as another form of self-expression, like how you express yourself through your game?

Definitely. Fashion lets me show a different side of myself the same way football does — just in a more visual, creative way.

How do you decide what to wear on game day — is it about mood, message, or just having fun with it?

It’s all based on mood and what I want to give off that day. I like to have fun with it and create something that feels right in the moment.

What’s one outfit or accessory that really captures your personality?

Anything bold that stands out — something loud or unique that shows confidence and creativity.

If you could design your own clothing line or brand, what would the vibe or message be?

It would match that chameleon idea — versatile, expressive, and adaptable. Something that lets people create whatever vibe they want and bring their personality to life.

coat. Dsquared2
button up shirt. Frame
jeans. Todd Snyder
shoes + belt. Dolce & Gabbana

photography. Tiago Chediak
fashion. R. Cole Stevens
talent. Kyler Gordon
grooming. Jessica Smalls using Danessa Myricks Beauty
production. Cassidy Cocke
photography assistant. Daniel Mercado
location. FD Photo Studio NY
interview. Kelsey Barnes

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Schön! 49 | charlie heaton

full look. Prada
opposite
suit + shirt. Tibi
shoes. Dolce & Gabbana

Shortly after its release in July 2016, ‘Stranger Things’ became a global sensation. The sci-fi show, which is set in a fictional town in the 1980s, was immediately compared to Steven Spielberg and David Lynch’s work, thanks to its hodgepodge group of characters and larger-than-life storytelling. But, as with all good things, it’s coming to an end this year: Volume 1 will be released in late November, and Volumes 2 and 3 will come out in December. “The general feeling among the cast is the same: we’re all excited to watch this,” Charlie Heaton opens up for his Schön! 49 digital cover story. “I’m really stoked about it. I’ve seen the first episode so far. It’s very, very good.”

Although filming for the final season ended months ago, Heaton’s head is still somewhat in the ‘Stranger Things’ world. Most of last year was spent shooting the show, wrapping up a decade of work. “I remember people asking, ‘Will you miss this?’” Heaton recalls. “I’ll miss the people. I’ll miss being on those sets. That whole year, every time we worked on set with the co-stars, it really felt in the moment. It couldn’t have happened more perfectly, the way the filming process ended and how they closed it out,” he smiles. “I don’t have any regrets or anything I’d want to change. It’s kind of like graduating and feeling really good about it.”

Read the full interview in Schön! 49.