My Version: Dillon Jo.
My Version chats to stars and people of influence to give a glimpse into their time as a teen and see the things they are currently obsessed with!
Say hello to Betty Smith and Georgie Levien, who make up Kiwi indie-folk duo, Dillon Jo.
Obsessed RN.
Currently bingeing:
B: Black Mirror, I love the new season, it’s all I’ve been watching with my flatmates!
G: The Twilight Saga. I’m rewatching all of the movies, and it’s surprisingly very entertaining.
Song on repeat:
B: Through My Teeth - Spacey Jane. Ever since the album came out, I’ve had this song on repeat.
G: What Was That - Lorde. I am so ready for her next album. It will be on repeat all winter.
Favourite Insta account to follow:
B: @lorde. At the moment I’ve been following Lorde’s account quite closely, looking out for her New Zealand tour dates hopefully!
G: This isn’t really a creator, but I’ve been following this account called @selfcarewithwall for a while. It’s all about self-worth and improvement and it always brightens my day haha!
Must have beauty product:
B: Fenty Beauty Blush. Ever since I heard that’s what Madison Beer uses, I had to get it, and it has lasted me sooo long and it’s so beautiful.
G: I always carry an Essence lip gloss in my pocket everywhere I go. It’s a must have and I feel empty without it.
The item of clothing I’m definitely over wearing:
B: asics x haven gel nimbus 10.1 shoes. I got these from my work and I haven’t taken them off, they’re so comfy and also are a really cool style.
G: My thrifted Kate Sylvester green cardigan. I’ve worn it almost every day since I got it and honestly, I’m okay with that.
Currently reading:
B: Sunrise on the Reaping. I love The Hunger Games series and am loving this one at the moment!
G: Unbounded, manifesting a life without limits by Maria Thattil. It is a very inspiring read and helps me journal more. Couldn’t recommend enough.
Snacking on:
B: Probably sweet and salty popcorn, I always crave it when I put something on the TV!
G: I’m gonna say the skull lollies from Night n Day. It’s not the healthiest snack, but they are honestly so addictive. Either that or I always take an Up n Go to class for when I’m hungry.
Can’t stop watching on TikTok:
B: Bali Vacation Videos. I’m going over to Bali in June and have been getting so many videos of activities to do and places to go when I’m over there!
G: This is really embarrassing but recently I’ve gone down the rabbit hole of watching fox videos, and especially them domesticating themselves. It’s really cute and interesting, but it’s also a little sad.
Next place on the list to travel to:
B: Japan. I’d love to go to Japan someday, I love the food and the culture.
G: I’d love to live in London in the future. I remember going when I was 10 and promising myself I’d be back.
Dreaming of:
B: Travelling! I really want to see more places and experience different cultures!
G: Performing at Laneway. I went to my first laneway this year, and I can’t wait to perform on bigger stages in front of heaps of people.
I’m currently inspired by:
B: New Zealand bands/artists! I think I’ve been really inspired by NZ artists recently and getting our music out into the NZ music scene!
G: My musical friends I’ve gotten to know in Wellington. Massey University has been the best at introducing me to creatives from all around New Zealand. I’m lucky enough to have such an inspiring community of musicians/artists around me, and they’re all so driven and talented.
My favourite way to relax is:
B: A movie cuddled up in bed with a tea is my favourite way to relax at the end of a long day.
G: I love bubble baths. A candle, some relaxing music, and a bath bomb is all I need to totally relax after a long day.
I stay healthy by:
B: Going to the gym, eating healthy, staying active!
G: Getting outside and being amongst greenery. I find it’s not only good for me physically, but helps me balance my emotions and be more mindful.
When I was younger…
One thing I love about Gen-Z is:
B: How progressive our generation is, and how we stand up for what we think is right
G: I love that Gen Z is becoming so interested in mental health and taking care of ourselves emotionally. We are a sensitive generation, which makes us care about breaking generational traumas
If I could give my teenage self one bit of advice, what would it be:
B: Be more confident and put yourself first as I probably would’ve achieved a lot more if I had.
G: Stop caring so much about what people will say and think of you. Always do things for yourself, and the friends around you who judge you for that aren’t really your friends.
My favourite part of being a teenager was:
B: Hanging out with your friends and the excitement of growing up was always so fun.
G: Living for the moment without caring about the repercussions. Not worrying about the future and not missing the past.
My first job was:
B: I worked at a sushi restaurant! It was a really good starting job as I loved the food and running around constantly.
G: Pics Peanut Butter Factory in Nelson, working as a kitchen hand. Giving Pic his coffee in the morning was definitely a career highlight for that job.
My dream job as a teen was:
B: Working at a really fancy retail store. I’ve always been super into fashion, so I really wanted to work at a place that sold clothes I liked!
G: I always wanted to work at the cinema. I’m a big movie person and I studied film all throughout school so I always wanted to work there to be able to see free movies and eat popcorn.
My biggest fashion faux-pas was:
B: Probably low rise flare jeans, I got way too into thrifting and would buy whatever I thought was a relatively good find.
G: I remember being younger and buying a lot of checkered clothing. I’m not sure if it was trendy at the time but I definitely wouldn’t wear some of those outfits now.
Best piece of advice I ever received as a teen was:
B: Have fun but still think about your future and what you want to achieve in life and how you’re going to get yourself there!
G: That it’s your parents’ first time at life too, and not to be so critical of them.
My biggest inspiration was:
B: Probably Billie Eilish, I really looked up to her growing up as a teenager and still do now.
G: When I was a little kid, my biggest idol in the world was Katy Perry. I had her all over my walls, listened to her every day, and even got to see her live on her Prism Tour. She is one of the reasons I knew I wanted to be a musician. She and Micheal Jackson actually. I then, like Betty, discovered Billie Eilish very early on in her career and have looked up to her since.
