We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Joe Mcclain a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Joe thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I learned through trial and error, and taking advice from greats who had excelled in spoken word. Had I not had such an ego when I first started, I could’ve been at the national level a long time ago. However, it’s all part of the growth process. The skills that were most essential to me were improving my writing, learning how to deliver a poem, and controlling my breathing on stage. Many don’t think about the latter, but IMO, it’s the biggest key in a great performance. The only obstacle that stood in my way of learning more, was myself.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started writing and performing poetry during my junior year of high school, in East Chicago(IN). My teacher, Mrs. Brenda Joshua, helped me develop my writing skills. Seven years after moving to San Diego, in 2009, I began to perform at weekly open mics. Slam poetry was something I wasn’t interested in, and something I said I would never do. However, they say never say never, lol. After studying the craft and taking wise counsel, I decided to step into the competitive side of poetry, known as slam, in 2014. Since then, I’ve become a Western Regional Poetry Champion with the 2024 San Diego Slam team. I’ve placed top 25 in the world at the 2019 Individual World Poetry Slam. I have made final (championship) stage at several prominent national tournaments, and featured at Ohio State University, North Dakota State University, and other prominent universities and events. Aside from performance poetry, I am also a 13x author, who has reached Amazon best seller status twice. My latest book, SKETCHES, is now available on my website and all book platforms.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

This is not easy. People see the crowds and the thrill of being on stage. What they don’t see is the constant push to get better. The sleepless nights writing and practicing. The constant travel can take a toll on you. Dealing with promoters can be draining at times. Then, you count in that I am a full time student, family man, teacher, and just human, and you’ll see that it isn’t always an easy balance. You have to really have a strong support system with this. A relationship? Good luck, lol

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Meeting people. When you arrive, you are simply a poet. When you are done, many feel like they know you, because you have released parts of you that only few know about. I enjoy it thoroughly. The people are what make this craft special.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.joemacspeaks.com
• Instagram: @artistjoemac
• Facebook: Only for personal relationships
• Linkedin: joe mcclain jr
• Twitter: @artistjoemac
• Youtube: artist joemac

Image Credits

Rashad Autman, Rudy Francisco, Images By Rosa