The power of words n’ music and the rhythm of the spoken word are necessities in the life of performance artist Ravi the Poet.
By his own admission, he’s nourished by wordsmiths and “been devouring the works of countless poets, songwriters, and rappers” since his first experience of love turned to dust in the wind.
He says: “It reminds that we’re never alone in our struggles”.
“Music gives so much,” says Ravi the Poet. “It’s the soundtrack of our lives, a time capsule of our favourite memories, and it gives me a reason to get up in the morning, and it’s where I find my self-confidence and identity.”
Ravi the Poet is one of three sensationally talented musicians performing original New Zealand music compositions at The Bridge, its third edition, this Sunday, along with powerfully soulful blues-roots man Solomon Cole, and the lively and entertaining indie-pop player Raging Flowers, aka Amy Wang, of Pakuranga.
The singer-songwriter showcase has a format where the artists play their songs and get to tell the story behind its being and of their personal musical journeys, in the acoustically impressive warmth of the historic Uxbridge Theatre at Uxbridge Arts and Culture in Howick, show from 4pm on November 24.
The Brightside Productions’ concert also raises money for charity Music Helps which assists people in the New Zealand music community who are facing challenges and fallen on hard times.
It’s a cause Ravi the Poet, and Solomon Cole and Raging Flowers, are fully supportive of.
“But what music doesn’t give is financial stability, which can be a problem when it comes to mental health,” says Ravi the Poet.
“I think there are a lot of undiagnosed people who diagnose themselves as artists, and use creativity as therapy, because a real diagnosis costs money.
“But a real diagnosis can change a life. It changed mine.
“Right after I got meds, I heard this song by an artist called Bridges and the hook goes, I think these pills have changed me, I think they might have saved me, which made me cry, and so I took those two lines and wrote my story around them.
“I’ve just come back from touring my show, For My Family, And Yours. It’s songs about family, and it’s dedicated to you and your loved ones.
“The goal of the show is to create lovely conversations. At the beginning, I give out postcards which say, ‘I just wanted to call and say’ and during the show you’re invited to write down memories and moments, and thank-yous and sorrys, whatever comes up, so that when you get home, you’ll have a reminder to call someone and share a lovely conversation.”
Maddy South, of Brightside Productions, says after teaching himself how to write meaningful songs and soothing music, Ravi the Poet began performing his unique blend of spoken-word, acoustic songs and message-driven raps at open mic sessions across Auckland before producing and performing his own music-theatre hybrid shows.
“He’s known for his authentic, heartfelt and courageous pieces.
“His infectiously captivating charisma guides his audience through deeper aspects of humanity, always leaving on a hopeful, loving note.”
Ravi has also played at the Melbourne Fringe Festival, Auckland Fringe, as well as being part of a musical cabaret exploring the Asian/Kiwi experience at Off Centre Festival, performing at Wearable Arts and Manu Aute Kite Day, and opened for touring artist C.R. Avery.
After the successful run of For My Family, And Yours at Whangarei, Hastings and Melbourne Fringe, he’s been awarded funding to take the show to the New Zealand and Dunedin Fringes early next year.
- An earlier story about The Bridge, featuring Solomon Cole: https://www.times.co.nz/art-entertainment/most-diverse-line-up-yet-for-the-bridge/
