We are honoured to end our Flow Features 2022 series with the formidable Fisky. If there is one spoken word artist that has shown consistency across multiple art forms over the years that has inspired so many new and established poets, it’s this artist right here. We had to round off with this powerhouse who has elevated the spoken word community and cemented his name in modern spoken word history. Who is the man behind the words? Fisky has been writing from a young age like many poets, but school was a memorable turning point when his first poem was published at the age of 12. He continued writing on and off until the age of 16 when his mother passed away from cancer and his struggles with mental health began. I continued to lose people throughout my life and I couldn’t turn to anyone about it so I turned to writing. I found my love for hip-hop around the same time. Fisky Although Fisky didn’t think his initial writings were the standard that he wanted them to be, after university he and a friend started to experiment with music which inspired him to take the craft further. He released his album ’10 Years’ in 2014 which was filled with themes based around certain experiences that he felt like he couldn’t talk about between the ages of 16-26. The album did well among his audience, but creating music wasn’t enough to fill the internal void that he was feeling. He needed more. How did Mind Over Matter become a reality? There came a time in Fisky’s life where he could barely recognise himself. Seeking help through therapy proved to be disappointing and the creative found himself tired of the way he was living. At the age of 36 he launched Mind Over Matter; a poetry and multi-genre event that has encouraged many poets to do amazing things with spoken word or their chosen art form. Fisky launched the event to help himself during what he considers one of the lowest points of his life. Little did he know that after launching his first event in collaboration with the Mind Charity, Mind Over Matter would become a crucial stem of the arts and culture community that promotes mental health through expression. I’ve never really wanted to write but I always felt like I needed to. Fisky Mind Over Matter have since hosted events across London including Balham, Camden, Brixton, Hackney and Shoreditch which have inspired hundreds of poets to perform their work and develop their skills. He has had the opportunity to work in Melbourne, collaborate with Ted X, and expand his platform by hosting events in Manchester, Birmingham, and Northampton. The expansion has bridged a gap between the blossoming London poetry community and brilliant poets based outside of the capital. What inspired your latest project ‘Cheaper Than Therapy’? Fisky released his most recent project ‘Cheaper Than Therapy’ earlier this year whilst running his series of poetry events. The project took longer to produce due to mental health struggles he was experiencing along the way, but once released it was received with the utmost praise from his creative audience. Feeling as if many people have minimised his feelings about his grief and depression, Fisky has relied heavily on expressing himself through words to provide him with a form of therapy that works for him. I write because therapy let me down. I’m not saying that writing fixes everything, but when it comes to grief and addiction, it works. Regardless of the ‘is poetry therapy?’ non-debate. I’m living proof that it is. Fisky It is not uncommon for creatives to use their personal experiences as a basis for their work. The way Fisky is able to share some of his darkest moments in a beautiful way is only one of the reasons that makes him exceptional at what he does. When asked if he would change anything about what he’s been through he responded: Nothing. Without all the depression and challenging experiences, MoM wouldn’t exist and I’d probably be dead. Out of all that sadness, misery, and chaos, the purpose I was always missing was born. Fisky Cheaper Than Therapy (2022) What can we expect to see in 2023? Mind Over Matter events will return to its usual spaces based in Brixton, Shoreditch, and Manchester starting from February 2023. The platforms creative and psychotherapeautic workshop ‘Connect’ will continue every 1st, 3rd, and last Monday of the month online facilitated by their Resident Psychotherapist, Anna Sinski. With hopes to start delivering workshops live in the near future, we know there is a lot more to look forward to from this staple of the arts community and the great mind behind it. Creative Director & Writer: Tannika Taylor @tannikataylor Photographer: Matty @mattys.gallery Cover Design: Simplexcity Creative Council @simpelexcitycc
Tag Archives: Mental Health
The Creative Free Fall of SpaceTu
Being creative is often a way for people to make themselves heard through their craft. Our Flow Feature 2022 series continues with SpaceTu; a creative that uses words to make sense of how he feels and his place in this life. With an extensive portfolio of musical projects that has taken him out of his comfort zone in many ways, we get an insight into the inspirations behind these projects and the mind of the man creating them. Freefall Who is SpaceTu? A man of adventure yet a man of introversion. Two traits that many creatives across all industries can relate to in one way or another. SpaceTu considers himself a writer rather than a rapper, but music has had a heavy influence on the work that he puts out to the world. Coupled with becoming more comfortable with busking in public spaces such as Central London, he eventually started to go with the flow and evolve into the free spirit he describes himself as today. When asked about some of the thoughts that motivate him to write in the way that he does he said: Sometimes I feel like I’m not heard but being the centre of attention has never appealed to me. I like to let my words do the talking. SpaceTu As someone that has experienced social anxiety, SpaceTu found peace through attending open mic nights and busking regularly which encouraged him to be more open about what he was doing. His real love for rap emerged when he heard a rap cypher that made him want to take the art seriously. He realised that it was something that made him fundamentally happy and he was good at it. It wasn’t about fame or recognition it was about expressing himself on his own terms. SpaceTu wanted to pursue rap purely because he enjoyed it. How would you describe your style of music? When it comes to describing his style of music, SpaceTu doesn’t stick to just one approach. His work often gets compared to spoken word but he still considers it rap even though it doesn’t always sound like it. Inspired by genres such as jazz and neo-soul he often says that his work is referred to as bedroom music. My music hits best when you’re chilling on your own catching a vibe. People who are more introverted relate to my music more. SpaceTu His first project ‘Freefall’ was named as a metaphor for him falling from space and the feeling of being in that free fall for too long starting to make him think about the end. Influenced by his battle with depression this project is filled with angry, bitter, and lonely emotions portrayed in a subtle way that resonates with those who indulge. Many creatives have the ability to adapt their work based on how they feel and this process often produces the most authentic art that we share with the world. SpaceTu’s second project ‘Sage & Cigarettes’ is where his style shifted. Although it still reflected on his life experiences he was able to develop a more positive and upbeat energy that showcased his growth as an individual as well as an artist. Sage & Cigarettes What can we look forward to from the one and only SpaceTu? Earlier this year we saw SpaceTu and RVJ Poet collaborate on RVJ’s debut album ‘Closing Doors’ and we’ve caught him on stage doing what he does best more than a few times, so of course we had to explore what else the humble creative has coming in future. SpaceTu’s love for music is ever expanding and he has recently started a band called ‘Handshake Emoji’ where he is both a drummer and a pianist. The musician is working on his new project ‘Excuse The Mess That Is My Mind’ which is currently in the works and set for release in 2023, and when he was asked about his goal as a musician and creative he said: It can be difficult to get inspiration from beats that I produce myself sometimes, but I’m becoming more patient with that side of the process. I would like to get to a point where I can just rap. SpaceTu As I grow as an artist I’m getting closer to what SpaceTu means to me. SpaceTu Freefall and Sage & Cigarettes are both available on streaming platforms including Spotify and we’re sure that Handshake Emoji will be coming to a stage near you soon. Creative director: Tannika Taylor @tannikataylor Writer: Tannika Taylor @tannikataylor Photographer: Matty @mattysgallery Cover Design: Simplexcity @simplexcitycc
Poetic Unity Supporting the Youth of Our Communities
Brixton based charity organisation, Poetic Unity have been creating poetry based initiatives which provide support and safe spaces for young people and wordsmiths alike. Launched by Ryan, also known as Ragz, Poetic Unity has become a fundamental part of the arts community with the aim of using poetry to help youth express how they feel, and use what they discover to navigate through life. Fast forward to 2021, the organisation was awarded £100,000 from the National Lottery Fund to continue their brilliant work showcasing the beauty of spoken word, and supporting the mental health of those who need it. Since being awarded funding, the platform has expanded on their work to provide opportunities for creatives to get involved and develop their own skills whilst helping the charity fulfill their goals. They host weekly virtual poetry events and mental health workshops to keep the words and our minds alive during what we still consider to be an ongoing pandemic. 2021 saw the organisation achieve major goals including providing support to 730 young people directly, engaging over 6000 people who have attended their events, and contributing to over 150 services that have supported the community. We can’t wait to see what Poetic Unity has lined up for 2022, but one thing we do know is that every little helps. To find out more about how you can get involved, donate, and spread the word visit their website. We appreciate all the art based initiatives that are still pushing through these hard times to reach the people who need it most. From events to workshops, Poetic Unity is uniting people through more than just poetry. They are inspiring people to think outside of the box creatively, and use their experiences to excel in what they do best.
Four Poetry Collections Every Poet Should Own
We have gathered four poetry collections by four exceptional poets that you should know about and dive into next year. 4. Helium Rudy Francisco’s ‘Helium’ is what all poetry collections aspire to be: memorable. Somehow, Rudy’s anthology manages to be thought provoking, resonant, occasionally funny, and incredibly honest. The award-winning poet skilfully addresses an array of relatable themes, including self-esteem, mental health, love, and trauma, with an artistic flair that compliments each poem delightfully. Francisco’s stunning use of metaphor is both majestic and admirable, and will have readers returning to select poems with hope of discovering new meaning with each individual read through. 3. Heterogeneous Anthony Anaxagorou’s ‘Heterogeneous’ is quite literally the literary embodiment of a powerhouse poetry collection. The 224-page anthology features poetry from the eminently gifted Anaxagorou on a wide array of pertinent subjects that range from politics and oppression to love and relationships. Anaxagorou combines a candid and forthright approach with a studious and eloquently artistic style to create a reading experience that lingers in the mind long after the final poem is read. 2. Medusa Wore a Weave ‘Medusa Wore a Weave’ is the debut collection from rapper and spoken word artist, Tommy A-Man Evans, and collects some of the wordsmith’s best work. Evans, known for his superb lyricism and intellectually driven wordplay, manages to adapt his work for the page in seamless fashion without compromising the integrity of his refreshingly unique and piquant style of poetry. As a result, the reader is treated to an extraordinarily well-written collection that is as much a glimpse into the author’s mind as it is a lesson in structure and storytelling. 1. Postcolonial Banter The debut anthology from Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan, ‘Postcolonial Banter’, is as strikingly evocative as it is felicitous, collecting some of the 2016 Roundhouse Poetry Slam semi-finalist’s greatest work to date, such as ‘British Values’ and ‘This is Not a Humanising Poem’, along with many anthology exclusives. The author’s keen sense of purpose and altruistic motivation remains present throughout the collection, which features poetry on a variety of relevant topics including politics, oppression, and identity, and firmly establishes the writer as one of the most accomplished, and equally uncompromising, contemporary poets. Written by: Liam Spencer
Breaking Boundaries Through Spoken Word and Theatre with jodY
With another intense year coming to an end we wrap up our 2021 Flow Feature series with the magnificent writer and performance poet, jodY. With his comedic energy coupled with his free-spirited personality, we have enjoyed seeing this creative evolve over the last year both on and off the stage. With aims to break both personal and professional boundaries through his work we explore where jodY plans to take his art next. What has 2021 been like for you as a creative? 2021 has been an active year for jodY, but he never thought that he would be headlining multiple shows doing what he loved due to the pandemic. From open stages, to headlining events, to performing on the Bafta winning Sky Arts programme, Life & Rhymes, this year has been one of opportunity, growth, and development despite the global challenge we have all had to face. He began performing snippets of his play that blends spoken word with seamless acting and subtle comedy. His previews have received grand responses from all the audiences that have had the pleasure of getting to watch one of his biggest projects in the making come to life. The play is about specific memories relating to my childhood. I touch on themes such as masculinity, abuse, alcohol, and general mental health issues that aren’t spoken about as much as they should be. jodY – Poet & Creative What can you tell us about the play that you’re producing? I don’t want to rush it. I don’t believe in half-assed performances if you’re going to pay money to see me. I always think about people that sculpt ice. You can either rush it and get your 15 minutes of fame, or you can take your time delicately crafting away and people will remember you for years to come. jodY – Poet & Creative In order to make sure that what he reveals to the world through his play is worth it, jodY is working at his own pace; a trait that all creators should embrace where possible. He has been working on the project, entitled Divulge; Evolve, for over four years as he peeled back the layers of how he came to be the man he is today. Divulge; Evolve has revealed a lot about jodY’s capabilities to himself as he exposes the darkest experiences of his life in an artistic way. The semi-colon is used to support the semi-colon project that focuses on mental health. The semi-colon tattoo is used a message of solidarity against suicide, addiction, and other mental health issues. jodY – Poet & Creative Where do you want to take your craft in the upcoming future? Taking poetry to the theatre stage isn’t the only thing that jodY wants to achieve in the near future. He has grown to love the thrilling and competitive nature of slam poetry which he believes would fit his unique performance style. After making his mark within the UK poetry scene and being ready to take to the theatre stage, we have no doubt that slam poetry will bring out even more slick and comedic wordplay that we love so much. I believe I’m a great performer, and I’m a big believer in giving yourself positive words of affirmation. jodY – Poet & Creative If you’re a fan of slam poetry, then you definitely know that the US has some brilliant events featuring some of the best wordsmiths on the scene. jodY aims to go international to explore what the poetry community has to offer outside of London. He would love the opportunity to perform at The Poetry Cafe in LA and experience the Public Theatre in New York City which will allow him to connect new creatives, and develop his talents across the board. We look forward to seeing where jodY’s journey takes him in the New Year. Photographer: @souldiaries Creative director: @tannikataylor Writer: @tannikataylor Videographer: @themetaphorest
How the Poetry Community Survived Through the Pandemic
The year 2020 was, without a doubt, one of the most difficult and event-filled years in the last decade (perhaps century), as panic and pandemonium filled homes all over the world, leaving nations in complete and utter disarray, with concerned parties being forced to ruminate over the very essence of their day-to-day living, expecting answers from a government often incapable of providing a solution. Some chose to clash over false notions of a shortage of everyday necessities such as toilet paper, inevitably enkindling mass hysteria, while others used news of the pandemic’s origin to blame and brutally attack members of the East Asian community, ignorantly making scapegoats of the innocent, as though expecting them to take responsibility for matters outside of their control. It was… terrifying. Fast forward to 2021, where, after an extremely harrowing and undeniably frustrating year, we witnessed the revitalisation of the poetry scene. Event venues once again opened their doors to breathe life back into the scene we all so dearly missed. For the first time in a year we listened in awe as poets returned to the stage to share their thoughts on the Coronavirus pandemic, government ineptitude and vaccine passports, and suddenly, despite everything that suggested otherwise, all seemed right with the world again. Poetry… was back. Now as 2021 draws to a close and we approach the year 2022 with talk of new Covid variants, vaccine passports and another potential lockdown firmly on the tips of most tongues, I want you to remember, no matter what, we still have this. Whether it’s in front of an audience of many at the FLO Vortex or Poetics, or in front of an audience of one at home stood before a mirror, poetry is always relevant. And more importantly, YOUR poetry is always relevant. Keep writing. 2022 is just another year to be great. How great? Well… that depends on you. Written by: Liam Spencer
The Power of Healing Through Words with Kali Gld
Our 2021 Flow Feature series continues with the one and only Kali Gld. The musician, producer, and poet gave a magnificent performance at ATL’s Word On The Street’s debut open mic event earlier this year, and has so much more to come as the New Year approaches. The Jamaican-born creative is determined to make her mark whilst sharing her raw truths with the world. What encouraged you to start writing? Kali started writing at the age of 12 after her mother passed away. The loss of a parent isn’t easy at a young age, but the bereavement was a significant trigger for her creative process, and over time her process of expressing through a pen evolved into a passion that has brought her to many stages across London. Although she had love for her craft, life took Kali in a different direction where she became a chef for eight years. Whilst in this line of work she still had a great passion for music and poetry which led her to study music production at London Metropolitan University. This was the first step towards her pursuing what she believed was the path that was truly meant for her. My Dad was also a musician who used to sing. I performed with him once and loved the feeling that I felt. I knew that this was what I wanted to do. Kali Gld – Musician, Producer, and Poet Tell us about one piece that explains the inspirations behind your writings? My piece called Anxiety was written when I was in a delicate place in my life. Kali Gld Kali eventually came to a crossroad when it came to what she wanted to pursue in life. After being a chef for so long, it seemed like the most secure option, however her love of music and poetry wasn’t going anywhere. The more she was inspired by the life around her, the people she met along the way, and the world in general, she realised that these art forms need to be a part of her life, and took a leap of faith. Kali works from a place of healing. When people listen to her music, she wants them to feel a sense of progress; a sense of power. She is an advocate for overcoming hardship by doing the things you love the most where possible, and we couldn’t agree more. What are you currently working on? Music has been Kali’s main focus recently. She hasn’t been working on poetry as much, but alongside studying music production, she is now working on her debut EP. The project titled ICU (Intensive Care Unit) draws upon her experiences this year between April and July. All the lyrics for this project were written during that period of time, and now I’m working on the music side of things. Kali Gld – Musician, Producer, and Poet Tapping into our life experiences is something that many creatives do and use to produce some of their best work. The same goes for Kali Gld. Despite her personal experiences, music and poetry has been arts that have allowed her to discover her own way to deal with those experiences. It’s safe to say that Kali Gld’s new project is going to be one of a kind just like her, and we can’t wait to hear what this great talent has coming in 2022. Keep up with her journey on socials via: @kaligld_ Photographer: @souldiaries Creative director: @tannikataylor Writer: @tannikataylor