Welcome to Lighter, a quarterly digital magazine for music nerds, film buffs, and literature lovers.
At Lighter Magazine, we believe in the power of narrative. Our world is filled with stories of different forms, and our goal is to share those that we are passionate about. We hope to help readers discover new art, allowing them to break free from the confinements of algorithmically-generated suggestions based on the individual’s own individual data. Our mission is twofold: to shine a spotlight on little-known musicians, filmmakers, and writers, while also offering fresh perspectives on the well-known.
Our magazine is made up of two essential groups of people: our board of editors, and our contributing authors. For each edition, our editors focus on the topics they truly want to discuss and share, like new films, album releases, and up-and-coming artists. We are here to keep you updated, provide recommendations, and share our passion with you.
In the months leading up to the release of each edition, we accept writing submissions from our readers. These submissions consist of short stories, nonfiction essays, and poetry, as well as any other form of creative writing. For more information, check out our “Submit” page.
Emma Ashley • Literature editor
Emma Ashley is a poet and editor originally from Chicago, IL. She graduated from the University of Southern California in 2023 with degrees in Creative Writing and French.
Currently living and working in Chicago, Emma loves reading, writing poetry, getting outside, and rewatching the Harry Potter movies. Her favorite books at the moment are Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison and A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking.
Jared Levine • Film Editor
Jared Levine is a recent graduate from USC with a degree in the Business of Cinematic Arts. He is interested in the space where film and technology overlap. During his sophomore year at USC, he built an app called Telescope, a digital community for aspiring actors looking to break into the entertainment industry. He is currently in post-production on his latest short film, “What’s on your mind, Charlie?” In his free time, Jared likes to cook and spend time with friends.
Andrew Avalos • Literature Editor
Andrew Avalos was born and raised in Southern California. He is a recent graduate from USC with degrees in Creative Writing and Spanish. As a writer, Andrew explores the potential and possibility of fiction, specifically the short story. He writes on themes of Mexican American identity, sexuality, class and beyond. Somehow, he’s always working a painting, a short story, a collage, a journal, and somehow he finishes them all. Andrew intends to apply to doctoral programs in English Literature after his gap year.
Emily Martin • Music Editor
Emily Martin grew up in Santa Barbara before moving to Los Angeles in 2022 to pursue her love for all things music. Currently an undergraduate student, she studies the history of rock and roll as well as the business of the music industry with a minor in American Sign Language. In her free time, she enjoys playing instruments, rock climbing, and collecting vinyl records, cassettes, and CDs.
Lauren Chung • Social Media Manager
Lauren Chung is a rising senior at the University of Southern California studying Communication and Business. Growing up in Orange County, Lauren has enjoyed being able to attend college in LA and has taken the opportunity to immerse herself in the world of marketing and PR. She recently had an internship at Kourtney Kardashian’s company, POOSH, where she worked as a PR intern working on influencer activations and relations. With a love of all things fashion and art, Lauren looks forward to all things shopping, thrifting, and upcycling.
Honor Campbell • Editor in Chief
Honor Campbell originally grew up in New York and Connecticut before moving to California in 2019. At the University of Southern California, she studied cognitive science and narrative studies, and is now on track to earn her master’s degree in literary editing and publishing. She loves her “arts and crafts;” Most of the time, you will find her in the middle of a painting or sewing project. Outside of Lighter, she works with different non-profit organizations and helps Los Angeles museums with their social media platforms.