Spoken Word Artists
I sing sometimes for the war that I fight
‘Cause every tool is a weapon if you hold it right
-Ani DiFranco, Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist
‘Cause every tool is a weapon if you hold it right
-Ani DiFranco, Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist
It is without question, in my opinion, that Ms. DiFranco welds her strongest weapon when articulating uncompromised lyrics and tenaciously persevering, all while continuing to evolve musically. Though Ani weaves her words (more or less) exclusively through song, she nonetheless shares words in common with slam/spoken word artists. It’s funny how both mediums can blend into each other, muddling the boundaries humanity creates in its desire to explain boundless human expression.
Similar to song, spoken word can be one of the most powerful aural experiences a person can encounter. The medium literally demands its content to be heard. Often it is also felt in goose-bumps, spine tingles, and the quiet silence that accompanies the audience’s critical thinking. As a form, it requires a powerful control over rhythm and melodies of language. The results can be mind-blowing, especially if such a perspective has never been considered before.
Like Ani’s music, much spoken word artists’ performances are deeply political and highly personal. Indeed, DiFranco’s record company, Righteous Babe Records has produced for spoken word poet Buddy Wakefield, so without a doubt, there is overlap. The medium can serve as a platform to lay thoughts bare, to open up conversation, to demand voice, agency, justice, and hope….the possibilities are endless.
Traditionally, many marginalized cultures have shared rich oral histories, passing wisdom, culture, and identity through generations. Though our institutions still privilege the written word (after all, you are reading this right now), spoken word certainly qualifies as both a literature and an art form. For many people such as people of color, women, poor, queer, and others, spoken word transforms into a tool that can cut through silencing oppressions, literally giving voice to each’s message. Many poems reveal some sliver….of individual specificity …of universalism …of ethics …humanity …humor …of silenced sorrow…passion…truth ...beauty ….desire …forgiveness …of healing So many things!
I fell in love with spoken word so much that I wanted to share some of my favorites here. They are in no particular order so please skim through the videos to find something of your liking. Rather than comment on the individual performances, I invite you to listen to these voices, and think about them yourself. After all, spoken word is about stopping for a moment to listen to someone else, and to share a moment of connection with the author, with your own self, and with the world. Check my playlist out here; I've kept the playlist on YouTube so that I can add material with greater ease and share talks with you for maximum viewing convenience.
These artists’ identities might be different than yours, and as such, there may be some content that you may find objectionable or offensive. Please note that is not my intention. However, it is of my most sincere hopes that you find something among this collection that speaks to you. I hope as well that you might step a little out of your “comfort zone,” selecting ones you might not normally choose. Enjoy.
Similar to song, spoken word can be one of the most powerful aural experiences a person can encounter. The medium literally demands its content to be heard. Often it is also felt in goose-bumps, spine tingles, and the quiet silence that accompanies the audience’s critical thinking. As a form, it requires a powerful control over rhythm and melodies of language. The results can be mind-blowing, especially if such a perspective has never been considered before.
Like Ani’s music, much spoken word artists’ performances are deeply political and highly personal. Indeed, DiFranco’s record company, Righteous Babe Records has produced for spoken word poet Buddy Wakefield, so without a doubt, there is overlap. The medium can serve as a platform to lay thoughts bare, to open up conversation, to demand voice, agency, justice, and hope….the possibilities are endless.
Traditionally, many marginalized cultures have shared rich oral histories, passing wisdom, culture, and identity through generations. Though our institutions still privilege the written word (after all, you are reading this right now), spoken word certainly qualifies as both a literature and an art form. For many people such as people of color, women, poor, queer, and others, spoken word transforms into a tool that can cut through silencing oppressions, literally giving voice to each’s message. Many poems reveal some sliver….of individual specificity …of universalism …of ethics …humanity …humor …of silenced sorrow…passion…truth ...beauty ….desire …forgiveness …of healing So many things!
I fell in love with spoken word so much that I wanted to share some of my favorites here. They are in no particular order so please skim through the videos to find something of your liking. Rather than comment on the individual performances, I invite you to listen to these voices, and think about them yourself. After all, spoken word is about stopping for a moment to listen to someone else, and to share a moment of connection with the author, with your own self, and with the world. Check my playlist out here; I've kept the playlist on YouTube so that I can add material with greater ease and share talks with you for maximum viewing convenience.
These artists’ identities might be different than yours, and as such, there may be some content that you may find objectionable or offensive. Please note that is not my intention. However, it is of my most sincere hopes that you find something among this collection that speaks to you. I hope as well that you might step a little out of your “comfort zone,” selecting ones you might not normally choose. Enjoy.