We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Poet22. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Poet22 below.
Hi Poet22, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
I think the most meaningful project I’ve worked on would have to be my first EP I released in when I was like 17 through SoundCloud titled Perfect Timing. That project although unmixed and unpolished; was the leap of faith I needed to take. Looking back it helped me have the courage to make something as vulnerable and raw as my album Chrysalis. I am a big believer in trying your best and just putting things out there. I (surprisingly) still get DM’s from supporters because of that project til this day. That taught me you never know who your work is going to touch; so stop letting your insecurities get in the way of God.
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’ve been making music since I was a child; But I think I became a “performer” around my junior year of high school. I sang at a lot of community and fundraising events so I didn’t get to perform much of my own music unless it was in my free time but I cherish all the experiences they provided nonetheless. My senior year, I had the pleasure of meeting Tamira Slade who helped me form Chrysalis into something tangible for others. I think my favorite part of working with Tamira is the way we both can sit down, think up all these thoughts and plans and literally watch them unfold together. She is truly one of the best coaches and colleagues I could’ve asked for, especially at that point in my career. I think I’m most proud of the way we both push each other because of the way we love the music so much. It could be as simple as her suggesting I sing a note differently or me mentioning an instrument we could use in a song. Being in the studio with her most times feels like I’m on a playground.
I think you can hear that a lot through my music too. I like to live my live structured, but still at play. Never too serious. Sometimes when I’m writing I get worried that people won’t get where I’m coming from because I can switch in between those two feelings so quickly but I think that’s what makes my music different. Like yeah we crying in the club but we also shaking ass, and getting rowdy. Two things can be true at once; so I just try my best to show who I am in every song. Expressing vulnerability while maintaining eclecticism is something all great artists have mastered in my opinion. My sadness today will likely not sound or feel like the sadness I will experience in my 30’s because I’ll be wiser. I’ll have more of a grasp on the things I feel; maybe it’s not even sadness maybe it’s disappointment? And what will that feel like in the Spring of my 30’s versus the summer of my 20’s. I just think all the greats allowed themselves to feel whatever they felt even if it wasn’t pretty or mature and they let that sound lead the way. That’s the way I want to create.
I think If I keep treating the studio like the playground, and my notebook like a diary; people will resonate with me and get it.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Tamira and I made Chrysalis during the pandemic, so we were struggling to find funding since everything was shut down. After applying to various artist grants with no avail; through the power of social media (and an artist friend Julia Cannon) we were able to run a crowdfunding campaign. The community I had built across all of my platforms was there to support me every step of the way. Even though it was something entirely out of my comfort zone, I again, took a leap of faith. I think that shows my resilience because while it could’ve been easier to struggle in silence and let my pride keep my community from being able to support me. It opened me up to so many new community members! I later found, their first time being introduced to me was because of the campaign. It showed me that asking for help doesn’t make you weak, and that there are people who believe in and support you. It was truly eye opening and humbling to realize that there were people I hadn’t even met yet who wanted to support me and my music.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I think the most rewarding aspect for me is the confirmation that I am not alone in the things that I feel. I am not the first to feel this way and nor will I be the last. My album Chrysalis was a very confusing time for me personally and professionally, creating that album was truly a leap of faith. So watching all my little leaps add up to this entire online community who is so diverse and beautiful is something I dreamed up, but was still stunned by. My Butterfly Club reminds me of the little girl at the playground performing on benches to empty audiences. They give me hope that what I dream up is possible and the lyrics I wrote down can heal myself and others.
Contact Info:
- Website: poet22.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poet22music/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/poet22music
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-nmKo_fIG8STkCaC6K5Lyw
- Other: TikTok: poet22music Spotify/Apple Music: Poet22
Image Credits
Monze Cam Niajea Randolph Bliind Media