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
Tag Archives: Rapper
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