Holiday Chats With the Stars at Jingle Ball

Isabel LaRosa, an alt-pop singer who got her start pushing glittery tracks on TikTok, teased new music next year, telling us, "Everybody’s asking me for one thing right now and I can’t say what it is but I’m excited to share in the next year." Dasha (our "Cuntry" music favorite from this years Hangout Music Festival) wore a custom VS PINK Swarovski dress and told us to lean into our naughty list vibes this year. McKenna Grace explained the inspiration behind her mirror ball mini dress, telling us, "I feel like a disco ball. I feel like if you hit me with a light and I just started spinning, it’s a real club." Mark Ambor told us he's ready to get back to his roots after the massive success of his track "Belong Together," and Myles Smith said he's ready to get back into the gym after a successful and delicious US tour. Recent PAPER alum and viral TikToker Harry Daniels also gave us some insights into the New Year (hint: he's embodying being more of a bitch).

Get in the spirit by checking out our chats, below.

Isabel LaRosa

What holiday song is on repeat each year?

It would be “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” It’s so timeless. You can never go wrong with it.

What’s your favorite holiday tradition?

It’s New Years and because I come from a Cuban family, it’s eating 12 grapes underneath the table. I don’t know why in particular I like that one so much, but I do.

If you could make three things happen for yourself next year, what would they be?

I would say playing MSG. We’re here today, I want to do it by myself. I really want to sell out a US tour and I want to have a No. 1.

Mark Ambor

Since you're from here, what's your favorite New York City holiday tradition?

It's super basic, but it's so iconic that I've got to do it every year. I've got to go see the tree. Also there's a spirit in New York around the holidays. You walk around and just feel it.

What song do you have on repeat right now?

I've been listening to Royal Otis, a song called "Oysters In My Pocket." Really good song you should go check it out.

You're about to head out on a sold-out European tour. What are you most excited to share with fans during that tour?

Once I'm on stage I react to the energy and the energy created at these shows is incredible. It's so feel good, it's so fun. People are there to sing loud and dance, so more of that at these European shows and upcoming festivals.

What are you most excited to share with fans next year?

Festivals, new music, continuation of the tour. Just continuing to build on this community energy.

What's your 2025 resolution?

Honestly, to just write more music. It's to go back into the headspace I was in before any of this craziness happened and write songs from that place that's what got me a whole debut album, and I'm excited to go back to that place.

Myles Smith

What's your advice for having a great holiday season?

Turn off your phone, put away all of your devices and be present with your family.

What are you most excited to share with your fans next year?

Next year I'm going on the biggest and best tour I've ever put together so if you're anyway in Europe or North America or Canada come and see it. It should be fun.

What song have you been listening to on repeat right now?

I've been spinning "Beautiful Things" by Benson Boone. It's just never going to leave my mind. It's an incredible song, and it's incredibly written.

For new fans who want to get to know your music, what gateway song would you tell them to listen to?

Probably a song called "Stargazing." It's not too bad, it's alright [laughs]. It's all about love and feeling good.

What's your New Year's resolution?

To sleep more and eat better and go to the gym. Because after touring North America I've put on way too much weight.

Dasha

What are you wearing? Tell us everything about this look!

It’s a custom Victoria Secret Pink look. It has 20,000 light blue Swarovskicrystals on it, which is insane, it’s very heavy. I love her so much.

That being said, we have to know. What are your three tips for dressing for the Holidays?

Layers. Always hot, always cool, love it, very swag. I love dark reds and dark greens. Holidays, but not too much. And I love a hat or a beanie, you can never go wrong.

I know you’re working on new music. What can you tease for what’s coming next year?

I’m working on a new album right now. I will tell you I have a song “Not This Party,” and it bangs. I’m very excited about my sound. It all feels very right and very me.

Are you the type of person that has New Years Resolutions?

I like smoking a joint and going to the top of a mountain and manifesting things. That’s my New Years Resolution, thing. I haven’t really thought about it if I’m being honest.

Off the riff, off the spliff. What would you like to create next year?

I’d like to find more time for myself. Playing pickleball, riding horses, doing things that ground me. I want to start working out in the gym at least three times a week. It’s good for the mental. Also, I want to get a Bronco. That’s my resolution, I want a fucking Bronco.

For fans, what advice would you give them for this next few weeks to get through the holiday season? What do you think they should do?

To get the most out of the holiday season? Hit that person up. I know you’re back home for the holidays. Hit that person up from high school. Run it. Do it for the plot. Make the most of it.

Mckenna Grace

I know you’re working on new music for next year. In three words, how would you describe the overall vibe of your upcoming release?

It’s gonna be hard to [describe] because I’m still figuring out, out of the 100 songs I have which ones are coming out, but I think: fun, sarcastic and raw.

What’s your favorite holiday tradition?

My favorite is baking. My Nona has these crazy cookies and cheesecake. My grandmother makes really great fudge. Love watching Nightmare Before Christmas, Elf, all the holiday movies.

We’re about to listen to a lot of music, so we want to know what song has been playing on repeat for you?

On repeat right now I’ve been listening to “Last Christmas,” naturally. There’s this one Carole King song, “Too Late,” masterpiece. And I’ve been listening to Rage Against The Machine in the hotel while I was getting ready. Got to keep them on their toes.

What are you creating for next year? What do you hope happens in 2025?

That I get to put out more music. That I get to play some live shows. That I just keep doing what I’m doing. I love what I do. I want to keep creating and making things and I hope people keep seeing them.

Harry Daniels

What holiday song are you listening to on repeat right now?

Actually it's so random. It's "My Sad Christmas Song," by Miley Cyrus on her SoundCloud. I love it.

Are you on the naughty list or good list this year?

I don't celebrate Christmas, but like... honestly I'm on the nice list, I think. I guess that's for other people to judge, I don't know.

What's your advice for everyone to get some relaxed chill time in before the New Year hits?

Honestly, I canceled everything. I would cancel everything. Find a good show to binge and just rot in bed for a week or two.

What's your New Year's resolution?

My resolution is to say no more. When you do everything you become super accessible, you become a doormat and people take you for granted. So my resolution is to say no to everything. Be a bitch [laughs].

Photography: G. Arturo Holmes