We were lucky to catch up with Jeremy Brownlowe recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jeremy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
There are a growing number of typewriter poets out there — but I am the only Typewriter Troubadour. After I had typed from the Southwest to New York City, using my tips to fund the adventure, I started to think that I could actually make being a poet my real job. I had met other poets in New Orleans, but I needed a name for myself. I went to sleep one night in the back of my car in Brooklyn, musing upon what to call myself. The next morning I woke up, and the first thought that came to my mind was “Typewriter Troubadour”. I actually had to look up the word “Troubadour” to make sure I knew what it meant, and sure enough, it described perfectly how I was living my life… a traveling poet who composed poems on the nature of love — just like the troubadours who went from village to village writing/singing for spare change.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Since 2015, I have been traveling the country as Typewriter Troubadour — where I take a typewriter to public places and compose custom poems on a variety of topics in a matter of moments. I have written over 25,000 poems and have released 3 anthologies of poems, including my latest, Poems For Other People’s Lovers, featuring nearly 100 poems about the love stories of strangers. In addition to my work as a street/event poet, I am a novelist, writing stories inspired by my adventures on the road, and the characters I meet along the way.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
First, I think it is important to note the lineage of typewriter poets that came before me. I started doing this after a woman in Flagstaff, Arizona saw my potential and suggested I start writing poems on the street like Kevin Devaney (whom I am now good friends/colleagues with). Before Devaney, came Zach Houston — who claims to be the first typewriter poet in modern types. Legend has it Houston coined the name “Poem Store” in the late 90s by typing custom poetry at parties before passing it down to Jacqueline Suskin who popularized the concept of “Poem Store” in Los Angeles. Since then, the generic names “Poem Store” or “Poet For Hire” have appeared on countless street poet’s signs, or have showed up on social media or mainstream shows like “The Bachelor”.
Typewriter Troubadour has had such a far reach because of the dedication I have put into my travels. I have typed and toured the Southwest, West Coast, and Deep South many times over, gaining recognition as a true troubadour, a modern day beatnik. What sets me apart from the growing number of street poets? Perhaps it’s my customer service skills that are memorable. Unlike some of the surly-wired street poets I have encountered, I show up with a professional attitude that is welcoming and kind. Visually, Typewriter Troubadour has a certain aesthetic – vintage and classic – and is often recognized for the unique “vibe” I give off. People seem to be transported back in time – not just by the typewriter – but by the nostalgic essence I give off… whether it’s the old jazz I’m playing on the radio while I write, or my old school fashion sense. I think people can tell that I’m showing up as who I really am – a self-proclaimed old soul – and they appreciate that authenticity. Over the years, I have taken myself more seriously, and that’s been reflected back to me. People can tell Typewriter Troubadour isn’t a hobby, it’s not a part-time job, it’s not a costume, it’s a way of life.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Making a living as a creative person can be draining at times, but it’s still a matter of “suiting up, and showing up”. There have been times when I just didn’t feel like hitting the streets, but I forced myself to show up anyway. Having my office literally in a public space as a street performer (protected by the First Amendment, thankfully) grants me a lot of opportunities. Most of my private paying gigs were scored because I was found writing on the streets first. Then I would take the gig, and make new contacts from there in a domino effect of sorts. Just like any career, the more things you do help build your resume. Working for noteworthy festivals, farmers markets, or clients has opened the door for other opportunities. Selling and distributing my books nationwide has helped me gain traction. In recent times, I’ve been getting more private and corporate gigs from people seeking a typewriter poet for their event online, now that the word is out.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.typewritertroubadour.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/typewritertroubadour
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Typewritertroubadour
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkuBzd4PU1Z9L68p4ljNtArk-qpz55LlU
- Other: ONLINE BOOKSTORE https://typewritertroubadour.bigcartel.com PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/typewritertroubadour
Image Credits
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