November 30, 2025 • 42 mins
Check out Amanda's conversation with Keys Will!
Keys Will is a poet, author, and educator whose pen-seasoned lines rise from lived experience and the work of becoming. Under her moniker Keys Will, she crafts poetry and prose with quiet power: inviting readers and listeners into spaces of healing, introspection, and reclamation. Her chapbook Chrysalis (and upcoming works) mark her as a vital contemporary voice reshaping what it means to season language with truth. Whether in classrooms, reading rooms, or virtual spaces, Keys Will bridges the personal and the universal. Making every stanza a place to belong.
Key's Links: @Onlykeyswill
CHECK OUT AMANDA'S NEW TV SHOW: The Poet Speaks with Amanda Eke! Now airing on the Archaeology Channel, PBS and Roku!
SUBSCRIBE AND STREAM HERE:
https://heritagetac.org/programs/the-poet-speaks-with-amanda-eke-i28z2vn9bsc?category_id=65263
PBS: https://www.pbs.org/show/the-poet-speaks-with-amanda-eke/?source=social
Be sure to check out The Poet Speaks Podcast on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thepoetspeakspodcast/
And listen to,The Poet Speaks Podcast, on the go on ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS WORLDWIDE!
Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1cM1rdF...
Did you know The Poet Speaks is also Amanda's touring global workshop?
She teaches people all about how to make, create and the history of Spoken Word and Indigenous oral traditions! To make a booking for The Poet Speaks Workshop with your organization, apply for mentorships with Amanda, book interviews, as well as writing consultations, please use this link: https://www.amandaeke.com/services
Music by: Buzu Buzu
https://www.instagram.com/bbuzu/
Keys Will is a poet, author, and educator whose pen-seasoned lines rise from lived experience and the work of becoming. Under her moniker Keys Will, she crafts poetry and prose with quiet power: inviting readers and listeners into spaces of healing, introspection, and reclamation. Her chapbook Chrysalis (and upcoming works) mark her as a vital contemporary voice reshaping what it means to season language with truth. Whether in classrooms, reading rooms, or virtual spaces, Keys Will bridges the personal and the universal. Making every stanza a place to belong.
Key's Links: @Onlykeyswill
CHECK OUT AMANDA'S NEW TV SHOW: The Poet Speaks with Amanda Eke! Now airing on the Archaeology Channel, PBS and Roku!
SUBSCRIBE AND STREAM HERE:
https://heritagetac.org/programs/the-poet-speaks-with-amanda-eke-i28z2vn9bsc?category_id=65263
PBS: https://www.pbs.org/show/the-poet-speaks-with-amanda-eke/?source=social
Be sure to check out The Poet Speaks Podcast on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thepoetspeakspodcast/
And listen to,The Poet Speaks Podcast, on the go on ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS WORLDWIDE!
Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1cM1rdF...
Did you know The Poet Speaks is also Amanda's touring global workshop?
She teaches people all about how to make, create and the history of Spoken Word and Indigenous oral traditions! To make a booking for The Poet Speaks Workshop with your organization, apply for mentorships with Amanda, book interviews, as well as writing consultations, please use this link: https://www.amandaeke.com/services
Music by: Buzu Buzu
https://www.instagram.com/bbuzu/
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
This is the Poet Speaks, a show all about.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
Or tradition, hip hop and cardboard boxes on the Bloc
rege Bandolero so your heavy metal punk rock and La
Junior Hyde pop.
Speaker 1 (00:14):
What makes poetry so amazing, so incredible is this absolute
fascination and ability to change our lives, the old tradition,
the reason why we speak.
Speaker 3 (00:25):
This is the Poet Speaks. Hello everyone, and welcome back
to the poet Speaks podcast. Now our next Best is
a spoken word smith, lyricist, teaching artists, and a published
author from Queen's New York. She's been writing poetry for
(00:48):
over two decades and performed on many stages including The Bowery,
New York, and Post Cafe, Lemon College, Poetry met Please,
jc Al and Wan Poetry Us, to name a few.
Now they're also published author of Chris Sales Not Quite
the Butterfly, poetic memoir now available on i Amazon. Everyone, please,
(01:11):
welcome to the Post Speaks podcast. Keys Well, Keys.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
How are you?
Speaker 4 (01:15):
I'm good? I'm good, Thank you, Thank you for that intro.
Man that beautiful.
Speaker 3 (01:20):
I feel like everyone everyone needs an intro. Everyone deserves
a nice intro to whether you're starting.
Speaker 4 (01:25):
Your day ending your day, Milia day.
Speaker 3 (01:26):
It also feels good, right, yes, yes, absolutely, we alls
need that reminder of how great we are. But no,
it's such an absolute pleasure to have you on the
show today. Tell me, I mean, first and foremost, I
ask every guest on the podcast, where are you speaking
to us from today? We're in the world.
Speaker 4 (01:45):
I am in bestar Brooklyn, New York today.
Speaker 3 (01:49):
Okay, Brooklyn, New York, all right, in the borough?
Speaker 4 (01:52):
All right?
Speaker 3 (01:53):
How's New York?
Speaker 4 (01:54):
Teeing you?
Speaker 3 (01:54):
How's New York these days?
Speaker 4 (01:55):
With a lot of time.
Speaker 2 (01:59):
Well, first, first and foremost, it's weather is trash. This
is the fakest spring summer I've ever seen. As I
mentioned earlier, I did just get back from Jamaica. So
to come from beautiful ninety degree weather to this, I
don't know, seventy degree cold weather not exciting. But aside
(02:19):
from that, I mean, New York is New York, man.
It's overpriced, crowded, but still good vibes, still good vibes
for sure.
Speaker 3 (02:28):
Okay, but of course for sure tell us a little bit.
I mean, tell us what is I mean? I think
everyone knows New York is the epicenter of culture. I
swear I've been all around the world. I don't think
many places still to this day are like the hub
that is New York City as a poet that lives
there and as just the artist that lives there. What
(02:50):
is it like to be in the place that is
the envy I believe of many other creatives from around
the world, What is it like to be in New
York City as an artist?
Speaker 2 (03:00):
So to be in New York specifically in Brooklyn, because
I'm originally from Queens and I moved to Brooklyn for
that reason, because especially in Bedstide, it's it's still a
lot of culture here despite the gentrification.
Speaker 4 (03:13):
But one thing that I do love.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
And appreciate about New York is that there's always something
to do, especially for creatives. Like there's always an outlet,
there's always an open mic, there's always some type of
event for us to go and be able to, you know,
express ourselves and share our artwork.
Speaker 4 (03:28):
And the community is very supportive everyone.
Speaker 2 (03:31):
I haven't experienced any like conflict or like any envy
or any jealousy or it's like, oh, your poem is whack,
or it's like very much like we go out to
each other's shows and support each other.
Speaker 4 (03:42):
So the community here is really great.
Speaker 2 (03:44):
I've built a lot of great relationships with people, And yeah,
I think that there's so many different platforms that you know,
you'll you have the opportunity to be able to share
your creativity regardless of what day of the week it is.
There's something from Sunday through Saturday with time of the day.
You have early days, you got weekends, and the evenings
they have after hour spots.
Speaker 4 (04:05):
Like it's just it's it really is here.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
If you want to be able to, you know, put
yourself out there, the opportunities are absolutely here.
Speaker 3 (04:12):
You had mentioned earlier how expensive it's still overpriced for
people that let's say, you know, you hear the kind
of famous you know, famous lore move to New York
City with ten dollars in my pocket.
Speaker 4 (04:24):
Here you can make it anywhere.
Speaker 3 (04:26):
Do you suggest, I mean, do you suggest what just
how expensive it is for like an artist that wants
to make it moving to New York City. It's just
so many pros and cons I would.
Speaker 2 (04:35):
Think, Yeah, yeah, I think I think the pro to
that would be, as I mentioned before, the community.
Speaker 4 (04:42):
You know, like if you come out here and.
Speaker 2 (04:43):
You're really on your grind, you really will get the
support because once people see how you know, how into
what you are, and they see how much you want,
you make those connections and people will start plugging you in.
Speaker 4 (04:54):
So in that sense, yeah, I would recommend it on the.
Speaker 2 (04:57):
Expenses part, as far as like living here for real,
I mean, like you got to have about four or
five jobs just to you know what I'm saying, be
able to like really see your money because just the
cost of live in even for like, for example, if
you wanted to rent a room.
Speaker 4 (05:12):
Let's say someone comes.
Speaker 2 (05:12):
Here, they just want to rent a room somewhere, You're
easily looking at paying maybe like thirteen fourteen hundred just
for a room.
Speaker 4 (05:19):
This ain't even for a whole apartment, you know.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
So it's just like you don't really get your bang
for your buck in that sense. But if you're if
you're someone who's going to be on your grind and
really are committed to your craft whatever it is, I
think definitely you'll you'll do good here.
Speaker 3 (05:36):
No, No, that's a I think that's just valuable information
for people to know because people don't always talk about
that side of you know, especially a romanticized city like
New York City. But kind of moving a bit along.
Tell us a bit about I mean, tell us a
bit about I mean your name Keys, Will tell us
is that stage name or is that you for real?
(05:56):
Tell us what is the kind of origination of Keys?
Speaker 4 (05:59):
Will you name?
Speaker 2 (06:01):
So it is my stage name, But it didn't start
off that way.
Speaker 4 (06:06):
A long time ago.
Speaker 2 (06:07):
I was living in a youth shelter and this was
like my late teens, early twenties, and there was a
staff member there that I got really close with, and
he just started calling me Keys. Like I don't know why,
but that's the first I had ever heard anyone. Because
people got all types of nicknames from me, but Keys
was the one that stuck with me for several reasons.
Speaker 4 (06:29):
One because Alicia Keys is like my like I love
Alicia Keys.
Speaker 2 (06:34):
That speaks for itself, you know, And when she came
out I had that was around the time I had
started writing poetry, and like, I just that stuck with me,
and I was like, hey, so whenever I introduced myself,
I'm like, he's like Alicia, and you know, it's like.
Speaker 4 (06:49):
A like a whole thing.
Speaker 2 (06:52):
But it's also I would say, like a derivative of
my full name, like my given name, which is Ikea Williams.
So I kind of just like took that and Keys
will and it just it just stunk.
Speaker 3 (07:03):
So yeah, for sure, that's what's us. Okay, Yeah, since
you live in Okay, So Alicia Keys, since you live
in the city, and have you seen her the Broadway.
Speaker 4 (07:14):
Play Where is it Our Hell's Kitchen? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (07:17):
Have you seen it?
Speaker 4 (07:18):
I have not yet, but it is on my summer
bucket list.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
I have been trying to get to that show for
months now, but I absolutely will be going this summer
for sure. I've heard nothing but great things about it,
and I just feel like, as a New Yorker and
an Alicia Keys fan, I have to go.
Speaker 4 (07:35):
So I'm definitely going.
Speaker 3 (07:37):
Absolutely. No, I've heard great, great things about that one too.
It's interesting, though, it's kind of you know, you talk
about how that name kind of came to be and
how it's been inspiration from obviously your love of you know,
the artist Alicia Keys, just derivative of your actual given
born name. It's kind of interesting how that kind of
plays a role as we are as artists, you know,
(07:58):
we take from different parts of our life to create
what has kind of been your main inspiration for how
you write poetry. Is it very similar to how you
kind of crafted together your stage name, you know, in
terms of you know your whether it be from your
memoir to your day to day writing. What kind of
is your inspiration to create and write?
Speaker 4 (08:19):
Most importantly, mainly, my poems have been about.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
Just anything that's happening, like current events, social justice issues,
just anything that I feel like, you know, it's happening
to either myself or just.
Speaker 4 (08:35):
A community or people around me. I like to speak
to that mainly.
Speaker 2 (08:39):
But my vision is to get a little bit more personal.
I think a lot of my work is more broad,
and I feel like as long as I've been performing,
I feel like people still don't know me. So I've
been wanting to tap into, like geting a little bit
more personal, telling more of you know, my story through
my poetry.
Speaker 4 (08:59):
So that is what I've been working on, because.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
I mean, being on the stage is a vulnerable position,
you know, and I really applaud the people who really
get out there and bear their souls for real, for real,
and I just feel like as an artist, I have
a responsibility to really just share more of myself.
Speaker 4 (09:16):
So that's the direction that it's going. But typically it's.
Speaker 2 (09:20):
Usually like social justice issues or just you know, some
current event stuff things of that nature.
Speaker 3 (09:26):
For sure, how do you for you, I mean, like
you said, you mentioned something really pivotal. They're getting on
stage is such a vulnerable act. Talk to me a
little bit about how for you you did you ever
have anxiety jumping on stage being a poet, And if
you did, how did you ever get over that vulnerability
to really open up that part of your self performing poetry.
Speaker 4 (09:49):
Interestingly enough, I.
Speaker 2 (09:53):
Never really had stage fright, like even when I started,
so I started performing really like in school, like high school,
they had opportunities for us to like do spoken word.
Speaker 4 (10:03):
And it was just so it came so natural to me.
Speaker 2 (10:06):
I don't have a problem like speaking in for the
crowd and and you know, big rooms of people, like
for some reason, I just I.
Speaker 4 (10:14):
Just enjoy it.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
I don't know, I know, and that's weird, like certain
people like what I can never do, but I don't know.
Speaker 4 (10:19):
For me, it's it's always been second nature for me.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
I do still get like that little bit of nervousness
right before I perform, and that's I feel like that's normal.
But I actually embrace it because I feel like, because
I'm feeling that way, that means that I still love
what I do.
Speaker 4 (10:34):
That means that I still care.
Speaker 2 (10:36):
You know, if that feeling is not there, then I
don't I don't even want to do it. So yeah, yeah,
that's that's so true though, because it's you know, when
you don't have that feeling of it, like if you
just felt whenever you jumped on stage, it's whatever, let
me just try.
Speaker 3 (10:53):
I'm ready to go, that means that you don't really
have much to work towards cause you're already You've already
reached the finish line, right, So it's like, I possibly
still have that feelings of butterflies and things like that
means that you know, you definitely you still love, you
want to perfect what you do, so I guess that
plays a big, big role in it. Tell us a
bit about I mean, you have a poetry collection out
(11:16):
called Chris Sales Not Quite the Butterfly. That's a very
kind of the gravity of that title alone, Not Quite
the Butterfly. Tell us a bit about that. You describe
it as a poetic memoir. Tell us a bit about
how that came to be. That's your first that's your
first publisher.
Speaker 4 (11:33):
Correct, Yeah, tell us how.
Speaker 3 (11:35):
That came to be when that came out, and just
kind of the DNA of that project for you.
Speaker 4 (11:41):
Yeah, for sure. So Chrysalis is the so.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
As we know it as a cocoon, right, Like, that's
the stage that the butterfly or the caterpillar rather is
and as they're becoming the butterfly.
Speaker 4 (11:53):
Right.
Speaker 2 (11:53):
Hence the reason why I put not quite the butterfly,
because I was still in that phase of like growing
and you know, changing, right. I chose that because that's
where I felt like I was at in my poetry
journey at that time.
Speaker 4 (12:07):
The book is the book will.
Speaker 2 (12:10):
Be nine years old this year, So at that point
in my journey, I was still in the beginning phases
of performing. I don't think I actually even started performing yet.
I was just writing. And I just wanted to show
that growth from when I was younger, because I started
writing at nine, So from I have poems in there
(12:31):
for when I was like nine, ten eleven up until
I believe I was like when I published the book,
I might have been like twenty three, twenty four or
something like that. So you know, I just wanted to
show that evolution. And I think the butterfly, because I
also love butterflies. But I just think that that was
just the perfect metaphor to show like the evolution and
the growth, but not quite the butterfly, because I haven't
(12:53):
yet arrived at where I want to be yet. So
that was that was kind of how that all, you know,
came into play man.
Speaker 3 (13:01):
That's insane though, I mean, poems from when you were
nine years old to the age of twenty four. How
did you even unearth those poems? Where'd you get them from?
Did your just from your Where did you even get
them from? How did someone on poems from nine years old? Oh?
Speaker 2 (13:16):
Yeah, I still have Luckily, I still have like all
my poetry books. I think I might be missing about
two which got lost and like you know, moving around.
Speaker 4 (13:24):
But for the most part, I've always made sure to.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
Keep all of my notebooks and poems and everything with
me because that's, like I said, like I love poetry,
you know, and that's like if my house was burning down.
Speaker 4 (13:36):
I'm grabbing my poetry books first, you know.
Speaker 2 (13:40):
So yeah, so I just kind of sifted through, you know,
which poems I wanted to select and I thought would
help to create the picture because I want to show.
I wanted to show it's a biography or autobiography rather,
so you know, showing like my thought process at this
age and how I felt.
Speaker 4 (13:57):
About it as I got older.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
There are some to post poems in there where you'll
see a poem from where I was at a certain
age and then later on my new perspective on that
same you know.
Speaker 4 (14:09):
That same topic.
Speaker 2 (14:11):
So yeah, yeah, that was just it just kind of
fell into place that way. I didn't really plan it
out like that, but to me, it was the only
thing that made sense.
Speaker 3 (14:20):
So tell me a bit about what that kind of
process was for you then unearthing those poems and you
really at that point. I don't even know what your
distributor who that was in terms of press or publishing,
but tell me about what that kind of even just
journey was for you to see from age nine to
(14:42):
now you were twenty four to twenty five, whatever may
have you early twenties, What was that even processed? Just
was it cathartic for you to look back on that?
What was that feeling like seeing stuff you wrote from
then and now, like, do you see how much of
a change you've made?
Speaker 4 (14:56):
What was that like? I think for me.
Speaker 2 (14:59):
When I read some of the poems from when I
was younger, I really sat with them and I was
just like, I wrote that, like just to think like
my mindset, like what was I going through at that time?
Speaker 4 (15:11):
Like why why did I Why did I write that?
Speaker 2 (15:13):
And just seeing how powerful those pieces were, because even
though they were simple, they were still powerful, like they
spoke to whatever I was going through at that time,
and I didn't even believe that I had wrote them.
Like reading back at them, I was just like I
wrote that. Like I still feel that way about some
of my pieces. I'm just like my mind at those
(15:34):
times was really just like there's so much depth to
it and it still shocks me even but I loved that,
being that I picked poetry up at such a young age,
being able to really craft it in a way where
it speaks to who I am, and that was something
(15:56):
that was consistent.
Speaker 4 (15:57):
It has been consistent throughout all of my poets.
Speaker 2 (16:00):
Like I can hear my voice and I'm like, yeah,
that that rang truth for me, Like that was me.
It wasn't me making up this, you know, poem just
for the sake of like, yeah, I wrote a poem.
Speaker 4 (16:10):
It's like no that's that's me. So it was very reflective, and.
Speaker 2 (16:17):
Yeah, the experience was I don't I don't even know
where I got the idea to create a book out
of it. I think I just felt like it was
time and I did self publishing.
Speaker 4 (16:25):
So you published self publishing through Amazon. It's called uh, I.
Speaker 2 (16:30):
Forget the name of the program, but it's a self
publishing program through Amazon that I did. And I just
did research on, you know, how to do everything, how
to get the ISBN number and the bar code. I
worked with an illustrator on fiver to do some of
the little images in the book. But it was pretty
(16:51):
much a DIY process and I was very proud of
myself at the end of that. You know, it was
just seeing something through to completion and yeah.
Speaker 4 (17:02):
Yeah, it was. It was a dope experience.
Speaker 3 (17:04):
Where'd the name chrysalist come from?
Speaker 2 (17:07):
So that is the that is the name of the
So it's the I guess the just for lack of
better better words, the correct term for what a cocoon is.
Speaker 4 (17:16):
It's called it's actually called the chrysalist.
Speaker 3 (17:18):
Yeah, got you got you? Okay, Wow, tell me out
of that whole process. Now, you said that was about
nine years ago, you said, I believe that that got published.
What is the most what is the most profound or
most important thing you learned about yourself during that whole
process of getting that book published, reclaiming some of those
poems that you wrote in childhood. What was the most
(17:41):
what was the most significant or important thing you learned
about yourself?
Speaker 2 (17:45):
Definitely like perseverance, you know, and like I mentioned, just
seeing something through to completion because it's tangible, right, It's
something that's like, you know, I did this thing. I
had this idea and I followed through with it. I
complete it, and now it's something that lives on forever,
Like you know, you have a book, and it's just
(18:05):
like it's not something that expires. It's like, no, I
have this thing that really represents like this is me.
This is at some point in my life, I wrote
a book. So I really just learned like that perseverance,
that determination. Not making any excuses, especially because during the
time that I published the book wasn't the best living
(18:25):
experience for me either. But throughout that time I still
was like, this is the goal and I'm gonna get
it done. There's I have no excuse, there's no reason
not to do it. So yeah, I would say that
perseverance in the determination.
Speaker 3 (18:39):
Absolutely and tell us how was that kind of how
was that poetic memoir even nine years later? How is
that still received? How is it still being received and
kind of how is that still such a epicenter of
your your career as a spoken word artist today still interesting?
Speaker 2 (18:57):
Interestingly enough, because I don't talk about the book and
up a lot of people still don't know that I
have a book.
Speaker 4 (19:04):
Like I have people that are like, wait.
Speaker 2 (19:05):
What, you got a book, and I'm like, yeah, the
book is almost like you know, ten years old now,
it's over a decade old.
Speaker 3 (19:10):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (19:12):
The only topic because I also have this thing where
and I've spoken to other artists and poets as well,
it's like when I release something, even if I perform
a poem or I write a poem after our performance
and if it's recorded, I won't watch it. Like it's
like once I let it go, it's gone. So that's
kind of how that went with the book. So it
was just over time that like I would do events
(19:34):
and they'd be like, oh, if you have any merch
or any books for sale, make sure you bring them.
And I'm like, oh, I do have a book, and
then I would like go order a couple copies for sale.
But aside from that, I'm still getting better at like
promoting the book like it exists.
Speaker 4 (19:49):
You know, something that I did.
Speaker 2 (19:51):
I create it, and I'm still just like, oh, yeah,
by the way, I have a book, So.
Speaker 3 (19:56):
Tell me what's up with that? Why?
Speaker 4 (19:59):
Why?
Speaker 3 (20:00):
Why? Why? Why is that? I'm so curious because you did.
The way you describe it, it seems like such a passion project.
I mean from I mean you literally birth that, I mean,
you created the illustrations, the self publishing. Those are such
labors of work. Like I said, the pull poems from
when you were childhood till now, that's like even an
(20:21):
emotional labor that. So what what made you? Then?
Speaker 4 (20:27):
What's up with that?
Speaker 3 (20:27):
I'm just so curious what made you not want to
press that as much as I like, I.
Speaker 2 (20:33):
Don't know, honestly, I really don't know. Like in the beginning,
I did, like I had two book releases, you know,
book signings and everything, and then I celebrated it on
its one year. I did like a one year birthday
party for it, and then like after.
Speaker 4 (20:50):
That, it just kind of was just like Okay, onto
the next thing.
Speaker 2 (20:54):
I think for me, because I'm so creative and I
have so many different creative ideas that it's hard for
me to just hold on to something when I know
I have way more to do.
Speaker 4 (21:06):
So I think that's what it is for me. I
just kind of just like move along, like once it's done.
Speaker 3 (21:11):
So that's an interesting thought process because when I think
of the things I've done, I always look at it
from the perspective and this isn't even good, but like,
this is just my perspective. Keep talking about the things
you've done, because it's easier to get more when you've
done things already. So if I had a book, I
keep mentioning, oh yeah, I have a book to them,
(21:31):
people are like, oh, you're trying to write a second one.
I can give you even more, you know what I mean?
Speaker 4 (21:35):
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 3 (21:36):
But then I guess there's also the side of me,
the well mental wellness. Just celebrate the fact that you've
even accomplished this. Most people can't even self publish a book.
Speaker 4 (21:45):
That's hard as.
Speaker 3 (21:46):
Heck, you know.
Speaker 2 (21:47):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm getting I'm getting better, you know,
celebrating my wins, I'm learning. If that in itself is
a process. But yeah, I'm learning.
Speaker 3 (21:59):
Well, tell me more about kind of you know, moving
on from your first poetic memoir?
Speaker 4 (22:05):
What it for you?
Speaker 3 (22:06):
I mean in between you know, as we see you know,
you've been writing poetry now over two decades. You've performed
in places like New Riekn's posts, cafe, colleges, poetry me.
Please tell us now kind of what is that journey
looking for you? Are you interested in you know, you know,
just becoming more solidifying your place as more of a
performer or do you really plan I want to write
(22:27):
another memoir taking a more of an introspective Look, where's
the kind of your direction now that you want to
aim your talent at?
Speaker 2 (22:36):
Yeah, so there's it's it's several different areas, but all
in alignment. As far as the second book goes, I've
been in my mind for years like I'm going to
write the second book, going to write the second book
because I want it to be like a part two
to Chrysalist. But I didn't feel like I've grown enough,
or I didn't feel like I had enough new experiences
(23:00):
to talk and write about, you know, to even just
show the evolution, you know. So I was given myself times,
which is why it's been almost ten years, because I
mean a lot happens, you know, in ten years, my mindset,
my perspectives on things, you know, everything. So I do
want to do a two part to that to just
you know, continue to show.
Speaker 4 (23:20):
That evolution I have been.
Speaker 2 (23:24):
I've been performing, but I also started slamming a couple
of years ago, So doing more of the slams for
people who may not know, Like, it's different from just
performing because it's competitive, right, Sometimes it is for you know,
cash value, or other times it's just for like you know,
bragging rights, depending on the platform, you know, and that
(23:45):
does push you to sharpen your pen for real, because
I mean the New York scene alone, these poets out here,
which are some of my friends, but like their pen
game is crazy, you know.
Speaker 4 (23:57):
So it pushes you to grow because you can't just
be like, oh, oh yeah I wrote.
Speaker 2 (24:00):
It's like nah, like you gotta do some reading, you
gotta do something, some research, you gotta like you know,
really put put put in that work. So just for myself,
despite aside from just the competing part of it, it's
just for myself to be able to grow as a writer.
And then also I do perform private events. So I
(24:24):
actually have a wedding this Thursday that I'll be performing at.
So I customize poems for like the you know, the
briding groom or the you know, the people getting married
because it's not specific, but to anyone's getting married, I'll
you know, customize a poem for them and then surprise
them at the wedding. They don't get to hear the
poem until live the wedding gage and that's been that's
(24:44):
been one of my favorite things to do because I
by nature am a gift giver, Like I love giving gifts,
especially personalized gifts, and being able to use my poem
as a gift, and you know, being able to create.
Speaker 4 (24:59):
That memorable moment for people.
Speaker 2 (25:02):
Has been like, it's just one of my favorite things
to do and I really enjoy it. So that's more
I guess, I would say, like on the professional side
of it. And then in addition to that, I also
started my greeting card company, so I do, Yes, I
do make greeting cards.
Speaker 4 (25:20):
You know, for all occasions, all events.
Speaker 2 (25:22):
Right now, I have an Etsy shop for it, and
I'll be eventually moving that to my own website, which.
Speaker 4 (25:29):
Is being built right now. So yeah, all in all
in alignment. You know, different different little little pockets.
Speaker 3 (25:36):
But absolutely no, I see, I see the absolutely uh,
all of it is all in alignment. It's about that
poetic expression, right. A little bit more about that. I
remember I talked to a guest on this on this podcast,
like about two years ago. I remember her telling me
one thing she loves about poetry, and one thing she
(25:57):
advits people is, you know, expand your read of poetry
beyond just writing a book, right beyond writing and performing.
And it's like, when I hear you talk about that
from the greeting cards to You're the first person I've
seen a poem, a poem wedding agrapher, you know what
I mean.
Speaker 4 (26:15):
I love that one because.
Speaker 3 (26:18):
I've never heard of someone a poet doing that, I think.
I mean, I've heard I've definitely seen poets perform. I
guess maybe it was like in a movie, but I
don't think I've ever seen that in real life. I
don't think think people think enough of that, right, tell
us a bit about how you've been managing to really
expand poetry outside the bandwidth of what we consider just
(26:41):
what a poet does you're in so many your hands
in so many pots that are so creative and innovative.
I really think tell us a bit about how you
kind of got to this point.
Speaker 2 (26:52):
Yeah, So going back to your point of like you know,
you're saying like you've never heard or seen it in
that arena before and not just plishing a book, right,
because that's everyone's go to, right, Like, you become a poet,
you write a book, you perform, and for me, my
mindset has always been like, but is that it?
Speaker 3 (27:08):
Right?
Speaker 4 (27:08):
Like, is there more?
Speaker 2 (27:09):
Because for poets, even though musician music and poet goes,
poetry goes hand in hand for poets.
Speaker 4 (27:17):
Like so, for example, as.
Speaker 2 (27:18):
A musician, right, like, if I was to be making music,
the goal typically is to be mainstream, right, and like
be you know, at this pinnacle, right, I want to
get a Grammy, I want to do.
Speaker 4 (27:27):
All these things.
Speaker 2 (27:28):
But for poetry we kind of hit a ceiling very
fast because as far the furthest we get typically is
just on like major stages, which is great, right, but
you do have to constantly do it and do it
and just you know, put yourself out there and be like, Okay,
you're one of the top poets in the country or
the world even, but then what else, you know what
I'm saying, like what comes from that? And even thinking
(27:50):
of it from a monetization standpoint, because this is our craft,
Like this is an art and we get to not be.
Speaker 4 (27:58):
The starving artists, know stereotype.
Speaker 2 (28:01):
It's like, no, we really can monetize this and in
ways that are that are tangible and actually like sufficient
for us. So that was what my mindset was when
I was really thinking, like what can I do with this?
Where can I take this and how can I do
it in a way where it's actually like wanted and
needed and beneficial, you know, because I'm like, yeah, I
(28:21):
can write poems for people, but like, okay, you know,
how do how do I do it in a way
where it's actually impactful? And for me, I had first
did it for one of my really close friends for
her wedding, and to this day, I think she got
married maybe three or four years ago into this day.
Speaker 4 (28:36):
I mean, people are still like that was.
Speaker 2 (28:38):
Like the best part of the whole you know, ceremony,
and it was.
Speaker 4 (28:43):
It was It's still one of my.
Speaker 2 (28:44):
Favorite things that I've done so far because the way
that I'm able to craft these pieces in a way
where it's super personal for you know, both partners, but
also including the families and friends in it as well.
Speaker 4 (29:00):
And it's all like immersive experience with the poetry.
Speaker 2 (29:04):
And that's my way of exposing people to like, because
people I still meet people that are like, I've never
been to a poetry show.
Speaker 4 (29:10):
I've never seen it. You know, it's like do people snap?
Speaker 2 (29:13):
Do they And it's like people have this idea of
what poetry is, but it's just so much more. It's
so much more, you know, even from a creative writing aspect.
So yeah, I think my my thing is always just
like what's the next thing?
Speaker 4 (29:28):
And how can I do it in a way where
it's innovative?
Speaker 3 (29:32):
Yeah, And I guess the next natural question for anyone
that's listening would be kind of how does someone even
begin to get inside those spaces? Because I'm sure it's
like a lot of people that'll hear that, but they'll
be like, well, how do I even find people that
would want me to perform my poems at a wedding?
How do I even get a greeting card business with poetry?
Speaker 4 (29:51):
How do I even get that off the ground?
Speaker 3 (29:53):
So what is your advice for people to even start
that want to be more innovative with their craft.
Speaker 4 (29:58):
This is where like unity comes in for real.
Speaker 2 (30:01):
You know, just you in any arena that you're in,
whether you're an artist and anything that you do, culinary, whatever,
you have to put yourself out there, right, people are
not coming to you, especially in the age of social media.
It's an oversaturated place and it's really hard to like,
you know, stand out. You got to really push out
(30:22):
the content and you know, maybe even put some money
behind it, you know, marketing and all of those things.
It really is one of those things that you have
to really put in the time and the and the
work into. I think for me, I love talking to
people so and I and I still believe in like
(30:45):
that interpersonal connection as opposed to digital.
Speaker 4 (30:49):
So for me, like I'll just be.
Speaker 2 (30:50):
Talking to people or I have I'm at that age
where a lot of my friends are getting married, right,
so it's like I'll hit them up like, hey, I
would love to write a home for your you know,
your wedding kind of thing, and just being in the
top of their mind and reminding them like this is
what I do and I can do this for you.
So it's still that like, you know, reaching out to
people individually as opposed to just putting up a post
(31:11):
and hoping that, you know, it finds you.
Speaker 4 (31:13):
And I'm not saying don't do that.
Speaker 2 (31:14):
You know, it's a both and kind of thing, but
I think going back to like hitting the ground and
really putting yourself out there to be like, hey, this
is what I do, this is the service I offer
kind of things.
Speaker 3 (31:25):
So yeah, I mean, yeah, I think it's really like
a networking game.
Speaker 4 (31:30):
I completely agree with you, and like.
Speaker 3 (31:32):
It's not even who you know, but who knows you
kind of score those types of jobs and things like that,
and that's why, Yeah, I think that's the tough part
for most people, you know, if you don't have that
kind of and it's one of those things I'm with
you on that. It's the in person vibe is so
much different than sending an email. That setting email really
(31:56):
like I could go straight up in someone's spam people.
Someone gets that on a Friday afternoon, they'll forget all
about it. Next week, they'll be like.
Speaker 4 (32:05):
Yeah, I'm not responding.
Speaker 3 (32:07):
They'll never respond back to it. So it's like with email,
it's very tricky, right, So it's all those things and
then some kind of starting from the network that you
have on the ground in person and really build it
from there. But I think that's the issue too. It's
a grind. It takes time to really make relationships and
really get on people's radars. For you, I mean, what
(32:28):
what does that grind look like? You know? Have you
ever found yourself being having that kind of maybe impatience
and being like, dang, this is this is a lot.
This is not love my dream, but this is a lot.
I think a lot of artists maybe face that, like
I've been you know what, someone may say, I've been
grinding for the past ten years. Where's my break? You
know what I mean?
Speaker 4 (32:49):
Yeah, yeah, for sure.
Speaker 2 (32:51):
I think for me what helps because I'm big on
timing and like I feel like, oh, it's been this
amount of time.
Speaker 4 (32:57):
Why isn't this happening yet? Right?
Speaker 2 (33:00):
What I've learned and this is within I would say
the last the most recent year to two years, is
not comparing my journey to anyone else's and just knowing that,
like the opportunities are gonna come right, Like I am
who I am, the people who know me and know
what I.
Speaker 4 (33:16):
Do, like the opportunities come to me.
Speaker 2 (33:19):
Right in the beginning, it was very much like, you know,
you got to reach out and say.
Speaker 4 (33:24):
Hey, can I you know, perform or things of that nature.
Speaker 2 (33:27):
And that's in the beginning, right because you're still you know,
putting yourself out there. But now it's like people will
be like, hey, I got this event, can you come perform?
Speaker 4 (33:34):
You know, So that.
Speaker 2 (33:34):
Already is a testament of itself of like, Okay, I
got you know, I got that part down packed.
Speaker 4 (33:39):
I don't still have to go looking, which is a
blessing absolutely.
Speaker 2 (33:43):
But like I said, not comparing my journey to anyone else's.
Speaker 4 (33:47):
So whenever I'm working on something, I just know that I.
Speaker 2 (33:51):
Have to commit to at least ten years, right, Like,
if I'm going to do this, it could take ten
years for this to pop off for real, you know
what I'm saying. But being okay, being okay with that
and being realistic about that, because like, if I know
myself and I know that I'm not putting in that work,
I can't expect this thing to just pop off.
Speaker 4 (34:11):
In a year, right, Like I haven't put enough work,
I haven't.
Speaker 2 (34:14):
Put it out there enough for people to really know, Like, oh,
she's doing this thing, you know. So for me, it's
just you know, remaining consistent and knowing that really, consistency
is the name of the game for real.
Speaker 3 (34:27):
No, you're totally You're completely correct. It really really is.
And it's like I said, yeah, it's it's consistency, and
it's it's keeping that positive attitude. You're right, But also
I like what you said being realistic about it as well.
It's like I really yeah, ten years is definitely probably
the benchmark. I mean, people see people see overnight success,
(34:50):
but you don't really see what they've been through that mark.
And even when you quote unquote hit the mark, it's
always well, how do I.
Speaker 4 (35:00):
There's always something else right, right? How do I maintain that? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (35:04):
I mean, and maybe because you can speak more on that,
you know, it's one of those things, you know, people
talk about getting to your dreams, climbing up there, but
then once you achieve your dream, how do you now
maintain your dream?
Speaker 4 (35:18):
Yeah? Yeah, I think.
Speaker 2 (35:21):
For me because someone someone wants to ask me like, oh,
like how are your dreams going, or like are you
living your dream or something like that, and I'm like, yeah,
I'm I'm living the part of the dream that I
had before, right in terms of like me being able
to get on stages and travel and perform and people
know who I am. It's that right, Like that's part
(35:43):
of the dream, but that's not it. I think knowing
what your end game is is really is super important, right,
Like you gotta have some type of like this is
where I see once I reach here, I'm like, Okay,
I'm good, but taking everything into consideration and like I
said before, financially right, because the goal isn't just to
(36:06):
be out here like Okay, I'm performing, that's cute.
Speaker 4 (36:09):
But like, how is this going to sustain me? For real?
Speaker 2 (36:11):
Yeah, like this this gets to go from just a
dream to like a lifestyle. So really just being intentional
around why you're doing it.
Speaker 4 (36:21):
If it's just for the joy of doing it, that
is great too.
Speaker 2 (36:24):
Write not saying that it has to be like this
big old turn it into a business, this empire or whatever, right,
but if you're gonna be in it, and if you
really this is what you see yourself doing whatever, that
is really having an end goal and then creating those
micro goals along the way to reach that. So I
think for me, because I have that end goal in mind,
(36:47):
and it's very clear to me everything that I'm doing,
regardless of how tired I am, regardless of how frustrated
I get, regardless of whatever, it's still in alignment and
it's still working towards that goal. And I know that
those emotions are a part of the process.
Speaker 4 (37:02):
Right. It's not always gonna be yeay I get to
get up and write a poem.
Speaker 2 (37:04):
There's days I'm just like, I really don't want to
perform today, But you.
Speaker 4 (37:09):
Know what I'm saying.
Speaker 2 (37:09):
But it's like that's part of you know, you just
never know what could come out of that, whether it's
exposure where you connect with someone who connects with you,
someone else somewhere else, you know what I'm saying. So
this is part of that grind. This is part of
the process. And for me just reminding myself, like this
is something that I chose to do, but I mean, honestly,
I feel like it chose me and it's a gift
(37:31):
and I feel like it's only it's only.
Speaker 4 (37:33):
Right to share that gift.
Speaker 2 (37:36):
So any opportunity that I get to do so I'm
like this, as long as it's in alignment with the goal,
I'll do it.
Speaker 4 (37:43):
So absolutely absolutely.
Speaker 3 (37:45):
Now kind of talking about that gift, I mean, can
you pinpoint a time when did you know you were
a writer? Was there a time in your life, just
an exact moment where you said, I know now that
I am a writer.
Speaker 2 (37:59):
Well, I started, I mentioned before, I started at nine,
and I literally, like I can still see the day.
Speaker 4 (38:04):
I literally just picked up a notebook.
Speaker 2 (38:06):
That I had laying around, and I remember it was
raining outside and I just started writing about the rain
and I was so excited because I was just like,
I don't I just did something like I wrote this
thing and I love it. And I remember going to
show it to my older sister and we have an
eight year age gap, so she was like sixteen seventeen
(38:28):
at the time, so she's kind of just like I
showed her a poem and it was just like go.
Speaker 4 (38:32):
By, like you know what I'm saying.
Speaker 2 (38:33):
Like she wasn't even like pay me no, like she
was going through whatever she was going through, so like, oh, okay,
you know, and I was just like, Nah, she don't
even know, like this is dope, you know what I'm saying.
Speaker 4 (38:44):
It wasn't until I think, maybe like high.
Speaker 2 (38:46):
School, where I really realized that like I had a gift,
or maybe even earlier than that, because I remember writing
poems in elementary school or like little raps. I would
write little raps and like all my friends would like
to learn the words and stuff like that, and I
was just like, oh, like this is this might be
actually this actually might be good.
Speaker 4 (39:06):
This is pretty good, you know.
Speaker 2 (39:09):
So I would say definitely from nine was a moment
where it started, I think where I really pinpointed that.
Speaker 4 (39:16):
I was a writer writer for real. Might have been
in college.
Speaker 2 (39:22):
Because and this is before like the era of chat GPT, right,
so I was chat GBT. I have people who literally
are like, oh, you don't use chat GBT right because
you are chat ept because I can bang out a
ten page paper in like a few hours, you know
what I'm saying it, and it'll be like grammatically eloquent,
everything is, you know, like and it just it comes
easy to me.
Speaker 4 (39:42):
It's natural to me.
Speaker 2 (39:43):
So for a long time I didn't see it as
a gift because I thought that gifts were something that
you really had to work hard at, and for me,
I didn't have to work hard like I have to
work at it. Don't get me wrong, but it's not.
Speaker 4 (39:58):
Something that I have to like, it's not forceful. It
just comes so easy.
Speaker 2 (40:04):
So for a while I didn't really I didn't really
see it for what it was, you know.
Speaker 4 (40:09):
I think until I started like getting on stage, and.
Speaker 2 (40:12):
That's when I was like, oh, okay, like this is
really an art, you know, this is really a gift.
Speaker 3 (40:18):
So yeah, wow, okay, awesome, awesome different points in your life.
All right, now, Keys, the last question I have for
you on today's podcast, all right, please tell me why
do you need to get your words out? Hmm.
Speaker 4 (40:35):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (40:36):
So, going back to what I said about the gift,
that goes right into that, you know, it's not gifts
are meant to be given, you know. And I think
that in the beginning it was more so just about like,
you know, me wanting to.
Speaker 4 (40:49):
Get my thoughts out there.
Speaker 2 (40:50):
But one of the joys of my journey so far
has been people who have come to me and said, like,
oh my god, you really inspired me, like that pone
that you said, I love that, like I would love
to write like that one day, or just you know,
ask me about.
Speaker 4 (41:04):
My process to support them with their journey.
Speaker 2 (41:07):
So because it's bigger than me, and it's not about
me is why I feel like I have to write,
I have to create, I have to share my work
because it's it's it's not just about me.
Speaker 3 (41:18):
So yeah, absolutely all right, not just about her? All right,
Thank you so much, Keys, We really appreciate you being
on the cop podcast today. Now before we end, and
for real, for real, please tell us what is next
for you in twenty twenty five as the year is
almost halfway done. What's next for you? Any projects? And
give us where we can check out all of your
(41:39):
amazing work websites, social media handles, all that good stuff.
Speaker 2 (41:43):
Yeah, yeah, so potentially the second book may be coming
that's in the works.
Speaker 4 (41:50):
Definitely check out my ATS store.
Speaker 2 (41:53):
It's that right occasion, as I also have my Instagram
page right occasion for that for the business page for
my personal work. Most of my work is on Instagram,
which is at only keys will to underscores.
Speaker 4 (42:05):
That's only keys will to Underscore.
Speaker 2 (42:08):
And yeah, I mean, who knows, something may come up
and I'll just drop a project, so just you know,
be on the lookout for that.
Speaker 3 (42:16):
Absolutely all right, and everyone. All of keys links to
all of her descriptions as well as her website, all
of her social handles will be down in the description
box below, no matter where you're listening to this podcast.
All right, Keys, thank you so much for being a
guest today on the Poet Speaks Podcast. Thank you absolutely
(42:36):
all right, everyone again, check out off Keys will amazing
work again. All of her links will be down below
in the description box. Everyone listens the Poet Speaks Podcast
will talk to you soon.
This is the Poet Speaks, a show all about.
Speaker 2 (00:03):
Or tradition, hip hop and cardboard boxes on the Bloc
rege Bandolero so your heavy metal punk rock and La
Junior Hyde pop.
Speaker 1 (00:14):
What makes poetry so amazing, so incredible is this absolute
fascination and ability to change our lives, the old tradition,
the reason why we speak.
Speaker 3 (00:25):
This is the Poet Speaks. Hello everyone, and welcome back
to the poet Speaks podcast. Now our next Best is
a spoken word smith, lyricist, teaching artists, and a published
author from Queen's New York. She's been writing poetry for
(00:48):
over two decades and performed on many stages including The Bowery,
New York, and Post Cafe, Lemon College, Poetry met Please,
jc Al and Wan Poetry Us, to name a few.
Now they're also published author of Chris Sales Not Quite
the Butterfly, poetic memoir now available on i Amazon. Everyone, please,
(01:11):
welcome to the Post Speaks podcast. Keys Well, Keys.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
How are you?
Speaker 4 (01:15):
I'm good? I'm good, Thank you, Thank you for that intro.
Man that beautiful.
Speaker 3 (01:20):
I feel like everyone everyone needs an intro. Everyone deserves
a nice intro to whether you're starting.
Speaker 4 (01:25):
Your day ending your day, Milia day.
Speaker 3 (01:26):
It also feels good, right, yes, yes, absolutely, we alls
need that reminder of how great we are. But no,
it's such an absolute pleasure to have you on the
show today. Tell me, I mean, first and foremost, I
ask every guest on the podcast, where are you speaking
to us from today? We're in the world.
Speaker 4 (01:45):
I am in bestar Brooklyn, New York today.
Speaker 3 (01:49):
Okay, Brooklyn, New York, all right, in the borough?
Speaker 4 (01:52):
All right?
Speaker 3 (01:53):
How's New York?
Speaker 4 (01:54):
Teeing you?
Speaker 3 (01:54):
How's New York these days?
Speaker 4 (01:55):
With a lot of time.
Speaker 2 (01:59):
Well, first, first and foremost, it's weather is trash. This
is the fakest spring summer I've ever seen. As I
mentioned earlier, I did just get back from Jamaica. So
to come from beautiful ninety degree weather to this, I
don't know, seventy degree cold weather not exciting. But aside
(02:19):
from that, I mean, New York is New York, man.
It's overpriced, crowded, but still good vibes, still good vibes
for sure.
Speaker 3 (02:28):
Okay, but of course for sure tell us a little bit.
I mean, tell us what is I mean? I think
everyone knows New York is the epicenter of culture. I
swear I've been all around the world. I don't think
many places still to this day are like the hub
that is New York City as a poet that lives
there and as just the artist that lives there. What
(02:50):
is it like to be in the place that is
the envy I believe of many other creatives from around
the world, What is it like to be in New
York City as an artist?
Speaker 2 (03:00):
So to be in New York specifically in Brooklyn, because
I'm originally from Queens and I moved to Brooklyn for
that reason, because especially in Bedstide, it's it's still a
lot of culture here despite the gentrification.
Speaker 4 (03:13):
But one thing that I do love.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
And appreciate about New York is that there's always something
to do, especially for creatives. Like there's always an outlet,
there's always an open mic, there's always some type of
event for us to go and be able to, you know,
express ourselves and share our artwork.
Speaker 4 (03:28):
And the community is very supportive everyone.
Speaker 2 (03:31):
I haven't experienced any like conflict or like any envy
or any jealousy or it's like, oh, your poem is whack,
or it's like very much like we go out to
each other's shows and support each other.
Speaker 4 (03:42):
So the community here is really great.
Speaker 2 (03:44):
I've built a lot of great relationships with people, And yeah,
I think that there's so many different platforms that you know,
you'll you have the opportunity to be able to share
your creativity regardless of what day of the week it is.
There's something from Sunday through Saturday with time of the day.
You have early days, you got weekends, and the evenings
they have after hour spots.
Speaker 4 (04:05):
Like it's just it's it really is here.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
If you want to be able to, you know, put
yourself out there, the opportunities are absolutely here.
Speaker 3 (04:12):
You had mentioned earlier how expensive it's still overpriced for
people that let's say, you know, you hear the kind
of famous you know, famous lore move to New York
City with ten dollars in my pocket.
Speaker 4 (04:24):
Here you can make it anywhere.
Speaker 3 (04:26):
Do you suggest, I mean, do you suggest what just
how expensive it is for like an artist that wants
to make it moving to New York City. It's just
so many pros and cons I would.
Speaker 2 (04:35):
Think, Yeah, yeah, I think I think the pro to
that would be, as I mentioned before, the community.
Speaker 4 (04:42):
You know, like if you come out here and.
Speaker 2 (04:43):
You're really on your grind, you really will get the
support because once people see how you know, how into
what you are, and they see how much you want,
you make those connections and people will start plugging you in.
Speaker 4 (04:54):
So in that sense, yeah, I would recommend it on the.
Speaker 2 (04:57):
Expenses part, as far as like living here for real,
I mean, like you got to have about four or
five jobs just to you know what I'm saying, be
able to like really see your money because just the
cost of live in even for like, for example, if
you wanted to rent a room.
Speaker 4 (05:12):
Let's say someone comes.
Speaker 2 (05:12):
Here, they just want to rent a room somewhere, You're
easily looking at paying maybe like thirteen fourteen hundred just
for a room.
Speaker 4 (05:19):
This ain't even for a whole apartment, you know.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
So it's just like you don't really get your bang
for your buck in that sense. But if you're if
you're someone who's going to be on your grind and
really are committed to your craft whatever it is, I
think definitely you'll you'll do good here.
Speaker 3 (05:36):
No, No, that's a I think that's just valuable information
for people to know because people don't always talk about
that side of you know, especially a romanticized city like
New York City. But kind of moving a bit along.
Tell us a bit about I mean, tell us a
bit about I mean your name Keys, Will tell us
is that stage name or is that you for real?
(05:56):
Tell us what is the kind of origination of Keys?
Speaker 4 (05:59):
Will you name?
Speaker 2 (06:01):
So it is my stage name, But it didn't start
off that way.
Speaker 4 (06:06):
A long time ago.
Speaker 2 (06:07):
I was living in a youth shelter and this was
like my late teens, early twenties, and there was a
staff member there that I got really close with, and
he just started calling me Keys. Like I don't know why,
but that's the first I had ever heard anyone. Because
people got all types of nicknames from me, but Keys
was the one that stuck with me for several reasons.
Speaker 4 (06:29):
One because Alicia Keys is like my like I love
Alicia Keys.
Speaker 2 (06:34):
That speaks for itself, you know, And when she came
out I had that was around the time I had
started writing poetry, and like, I just that stuck with me,
and I was like, hey, so whenever I introduced myself,
I'm like, he's like Alicia, and you know, it's like.
Speaker 4 (06:49):
A like a whole thing.
Speaker 2 (06:52):
But it's also I would say, like a derivative of
my full name, like my given name, which is Ikea Williams.
So I kind of just like took that and Keys
will and it just it just stunk.
Speaker 3 (07:03):
So yeah, for sure, that's what's us. Okay, Yeah, since
you live in Okay, So Alicia Keys, since you live
in the city, and have you seen her the Broadway.
Speaker 4 (07:14):
Play Where is it Our Hell's Kitchen? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (07:17):
Have you seen it?
Speaker 4 (07:18):
I have not yet, but it is on my summer
bucket list.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
I have been trying to get to that show for
months now, but I absolutely will be going this summer
for sure. I've heard nothing but great things about it,
and I just feel like, as a New Yorker and
an Alicia Keys fan, I have to go.
Speaker 4 (07:35):
So I'm definitely going.
Speaker 3 (07:37):
Absolutely. No, I've heard great, great things about that one too.
It's interesting, though, it's kind of you know, you talk
about how that name kind of came to be and
how it's been inspiration from obviously your love of you know,
the artist Alicia Keys, just derivative of your actual given
born name. It's kind of interesting how that kind of
plays a role as we are as artists, you know,
(07:58):
we take from different parts of our life to create
what has kind of been your main inspiration for how
you write poetry. Is it very similar to how you
kind of crafted together your stage name, you know, in
terms of you know your whether it be from your
memoir to your day to day writing. What kind of
is your inspiration to create and write?
Speaker 4 (08:19):
Most importantly, mainly, my poems have been about.
Speaker 2 (08:25):
Just anything that's happening, like current events, social justice issues,
just anything that I feel like, you know, it's happening
to either myself or just.
Speaker 4 (08:35):
A community or people around me. I like to speak
to that mainly.
Speaker 2 (08:39):
But my vision is to get a little bit more personal.
I think a lot of my work is more broad,
and I feel like as long as I've been performing,
I feel like people still don't know me. So I've
been wanting to tap into, like geting a little bit
more personal, telling more of you know, my story through
my poetry.
Speaker 4 (08:59):
So that is what I've been working on, because.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
I mean, being on the stage is a vulnerable position,
you know, and I really applaud the people who really
get out there and bear their souls for real, for real,
and I just feel like as an artist, I have
a responsibility to really just share more of myself.
Speaker 4 (09:16):
So that's the direction that it's going. But typically it's.
Speaker 2 (09:20):
Usually like social justice issues or just you know, some
current event stuff things of that nature.
Speaker 3 (09:26):
For sure, how do you for you, I mean, like
you said, you mentioned something really pivotal. They're getting on
stage is such a vulnerable act. Talk to me a
little bit about how for you you did you ever
have anxiety jumping on stage being a poet, And if
you did, how did you ever get over that vulnerability
to really open up that part of your self performing poetry.
Speaker 4 (09:49):
Interestingly enough, I.
Speaker 2 (09:53):
Never really had stage fright, like even when I started,
so I started performing really like in school, like high school,
they had opportunities for us to like do spoken word.
Speaker 4 (10:03):
And it was just so it came so natural to me.
Speaker 2 (10:06):
I don't have a problem like speaking in for the
crowd and and you know, big rooms of people, like
for some reason, I just I.
Speaker 4 (10:14):
Just enjoy it.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
I don't know, I know, and that's weird, like certain
people like what I can never do, but I don't know.
Speaker 4 (10:19):
For me, it's it's always been second nature for me.
Speaker 2 (10:22):
I do still get like that little bit of nervousness
right before I perform, and that's I feel like that's normal.
But I actually embrace it because I feel like, because
I'm feeling that way, that means that I still love
what I do.
Speaker 4 (10:34):
That means that I still care.
Speaker 2 (10:36):
You know, if that feeling is not there, then I
don't I don't even want to do it. So yeah, yeah,
that's that's so true though, because it's you know, when
you don't have that feeling of it, like if you
just felt whenever you jumped on stage, it's whatever, let
me just try.
Speaker 3 (10:53):
I'm ready to go, that means that you don't really
have much to work towards cause you're already You've already
reached the finish line, right, So it's like, I possibly
still have that feelings of butterflies and things like that
means that you know, you definitely you still love, you
want to perfect what you do, so I guess that
plays a big, big role in it. Tell us a
bit about I mean, you have a poetry collection out
(11:16):
called Chris Sales Not Quite the Butterfly. That's a very
kind of the gravity of that title alone, Not Quite
the Butterfly. Tell us a bit about that. You describe
it as a poetic memoir. Tell us a bit about
how that came to be. That's your first that's your
first publisher.
Speaker 4 (11:33):
Correct, Yeah, tell us how.
Speaker 3 (11:35):
That came to be when that came out, and just
kind of the DNA of that project for you.
Speaker 4 (11:41):
Yeah, for sure. So Chrysalis is the so.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
As we know it as a cocoon, right, Like, that's
the stage that the butterfly or the caterpillar rather is
and as they're becoming the butterfly.
Speaker 4 (11:53):
Right.
Speaker 2 (11:53):
Hence the reason why I put not quite the butterfly,
because I was still in that phase of like growing
and you know, changing, right. I chose that because that's
where I felt like I was at in my poetry
journey at that time.
Speaker 4 (12:07):
The book is the book will.
Speaker 2 (12:10):
Be nine years old this year, So at that point
in my journey, I was still in the beginning phases
of performing. I don't think I actually even started performing yet.
I was just writing. And I just wanted to show
that growth from when I was younger, because I started
writing at nine, So from I have poems in there
(12:31):
for when I was like nine, ten eleven up until
I believe I was like when I published the book,
I might have been like twenty three, twenty four or
something like that. So you know, I just wanted to
show that evolution. And I think the butterfly, because I
also love butterflies. But I just think that that was
just the perfect metaphor to show like the evolution and
the growth, but not quite the butterfly, because I haven't
(12:53):
yet arrived at where I want to be yet. So
that was that was kind of how that all, you know,
came into play man.
Speaker 3 (13:01):
That's insane though, I mean, poems from when you were
nine years old to the age of twenty four. How
did you even unearth those poems? Where'd you get them from?
Did your just from your Where did you even get
them from? How did someone on poems from nine years old? Oh?
Speaker 2 (13:16):
Yeah, I still have Luckily, I still have like all
my poetry books. I think I might be missing about
two which got lost and like you know, moving around.
Speaker 4 (13:24):
But for the most part, I've always made sure to.
Speaker 2 (13:27):
Keep all of my notebooks and poems and everything with
me because that's, like I said, like I love poetry,
you know, and that's like if my house was burning down.
Speaker 4 (13:36):
I'm grabbing my poetry books first, you know.
Speaker 2 (13:40):
So yeah, so I just kind of sifted through, you know,
which poems I wanted to select and I thought would
help to create the picture because I want to show.
I wanted to show it's a biography or autobiography rather,
so you know, showing like my thought process at this
age and how I felt.
Speaker 4 (13:57):
About it as I got older.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
There are some to post poems in there where you'll
see a poem from where I was at a certain
age and then later on my new perspective on that
same you know.
Speaker 4 (14:09):
That same topic.
Speaker 2 (14:11):
So yeah, yeah, that was just it just kind of
fell into place that way. I didn't really plan it
out like that, but to me, it was the only
thing that made sense.
Speaker 3 (14:20):
So tell me a bit about what that kind of
process was for you then unearthing those poems and you
really at that point. I don't even know what your
distributor who that was in terms of press or publishing,
but tell me about what that kind of even just
journey was for you to see from age nine to
(14:42):
now you were twenty four to twenty five, whatever may
have you early twenties, What was that even processed? Just
was it cathartic for you to look back on that?
What was that feeling like seeing stuff you wrote from
then and now, like, do you see how much of
a change you've made?
Speaker 4 (14:56):
What was that like? I think for me.
Speaker 2 (14:59):
When I read some of the poems from when I
was younger, I really sat with them and I was
just like, I wrote that, like just to think like
my mindset, like what was I going through at that time?
Speaker 4 (15:11):
Like why why did I Why did I write that?
Speaker 2 (15:13):
And just seeing how powerful those pieces were, because even
though they were simple, they were still powerful, like they
spoke to whatever I was going through at that time,
and I didn't even believe that I had wrote them.
Like reading back at them, I was just like I
wrote that. Like I still feel that way about some
of my pieces. I'm just like my mind at those
(15:34):
times was really just like there's so much depth to
it and it still shocks me even but I loved that,
being that I picked poetry up at such a young age,
being able to really craft it in a way where
it speaks to who I am, and that was something
(15:56):
that was consistent.
Speaker 4 (15:57):
It has been consistent throughout all of my poets.
Speaker 2 (16:00):
Like I can hear my voice and I'm like, yeah,
that that rang truth for me, Like that was me.
It wasn't me making up this, you know, poem just
for the sake of like, yeah, I wrote a poem.
Speaker 4 (16:10):
It's like no that's that's me. So it was very reflective, and.
Speaker 2 (16:17):
Yeah, the experience was I don't I don't even know
where I got the idea to create a book out
of it. I think I just felt like it was
time and I did self publishing.
Speaker 4 (16:25):
So you published self publishing through Amazon. It's called uh, I.
Speaker 2 (16:30):
Forget the name of the program, but it's a self
publishing program through Amazon that I did. And I just
did research on, you know, how to do everything, how
to get the ISBN number and the bar code. I
worked with an illustrator on fiver to do some of
the little images in the book. But it was pretty
(16:51):
much a DIY process and I was very proud of
myself at the end of that. You know, it was
just seeing something through to completion and yeah.
Speaker 4 (17:02):
Yeah, it was. It was a dope experience.
Speaker 3 (17:04):
Where'd the name chrysalist come from?
Speaker 2 (17:07):
So that is the that is the name of the
So it's the I guess the just for lack of
better better words, the correct term for what a cocoon is.
Speaker 4 (17:16):
It's called it's actually called the chrysalist.
Speaker 3 (17:18):
Yeah, got you got you? Okay, Wow, tell me out
of that whole process. Now, you said that was about
nine years ago, you said, I believe that that got published.
What is the most what is the most profound or
most important thing you learned about yourself during that whole
process of getting that book published, reclaiming some of those
poems that you wrote in childhood. What was the most
(17:41):
what was the most significant or important thing you learned
about yourself?
Speaker 2 (17:45):
Definitely like perseverance, you know, and like I mentioned, just
seeing something through to completion because it's tangible, right, It's
something that's like, you know, I did this thing. I
had this idea and I followed through with it. I
complete it, and now it's something that lives on forever,
Like you know, you have a book, and it's just
(18:05):
like it's not something that expires. It's like, no, I
have this thing that really represents like this is me.
This is at some point in my life, I wrote
a book. So I really just learned like that perseverance,
that determination. Not making any excuses, especially because during the
time that I published the book wasn't the best living
(18:25):
experience for me either. But throughout that time I still
was like, this is the goal and I'm gonna get
it done. There's I have no excuse, there's no reason
not to do it. So yeah, I would say that
perseverance in the determination.
Speaker 3 (18:39):
Absolutely and tell us how was that kind of how
was that poetic memoir even nine years later? How is
that still received? How is it still being received and
kind of how is that still such a epicenter of
your your career as a spoken word artist today still interesting?
Speaker 2 (18:57):
Interestingly enough, because I don't talk about the book and
up a lot of people still don't know that I
have a book.
Speaker 4 (19:04):
Like I have people that are like, wait.
Speaker 2 (19:05):
What, you got a book, and I'm like, yeah, the
book is almost like you know, ten years old now,
it's over a decade old.
Speaker 3 (19:10):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (19:12):
The only topic because I also have this thing where
and I've spoken to other artists and poets as well,
it's like when I release something, even if I perform
a poem or I write a poem after our performance
and if it's recorded, I won't watch it. Like it's
like once I let it go, it's gone. So that's
kind of how that went with the book. So it
was just over time that like I would do events
(19:34):
and they'd be like, oh, if you have any merch
or any books for sale, make sure you bring them.
And I'm like, oh, I do have a book, and
then I would like go order a couple copies for sale.
But aside from that, I'm still getting better at like
promoting the book like it exists.
Speaker 4 (19:49):
You know, something that I did.
Speaker 2 (19:51):
I create it, and I'm still just like, oh, yeah,
by the way, I have a book, So.
Speaker 3 (19:56):
Tell me what's up with that? Why?
Speaker 4 (19:59):
Why?
Speaker 3 (20:00):
Why? Why? Why is that? I'm so curious because you did.
The way you describe it, it seems like such a passion project.
I mean from I mean you literally birth that, I mean,
you created the illustrations, the self publishing. Those are such
labors of work. Like I said, the pull poems from
when you were childhood till now, that's like even an
(20:21):
emotional labor that. So what what made you? Then?
Speaker 4 (20:27):
What's up with that?
Speaker 3 (20:27):
I'm just so curious what made you not want to
press that as much as I like, I.
Speaker 2 (20:33):
Don't know, honestly, I really don't know. Like in the beginning,
I did, like I had two book releases, you know,
book signings and everything, and then I celebrated it on
its one year. I did like a one year birthday
party for it, and then like after.
Speaker 4 (20:50):
That, it just kind of was just like Okay, onto
the next thing.
Speaker 2 (20:54):
I think for me, because I'm so creative and I
have so many different creative ideas that it's hard for
me to just hold on to something when I know
I have way more to do.
Speaker 4 (21:06):
So I think that's what it is for me. I
just kind of just like move along, like once it's done.
Speaker 3 (21:11):
So that's an interesting thought process because when I think
of the things I've done, I always look at it
from the perspective and this isn't even good, but like,
this is just my perspective. Keep talking about the things
you've done, because it's easier to get more when you've
done things already. So if I had a book, I
keep mentioning, oh yeah, I have a book to them,
(21:31):
people are like, oh, you're trying to write a second one.
I can give you even more, you know what I mean?
Speaker 4 (21:35):
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 3 (21:36):
But then I guess there's also the side of me,
the well mental wellness. Just celebrate the fact that you've
even accomplished this. Most people can't even self publish a book.
Speaker 4 (21:45):
That's hard as.
Speaker 3 (21:46):
Heck, you know.
Speaker 2 (21:47):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm getting I'm getting better, you know,
celebrating my wins, I'm learning. If that in itself is
a process. But yeah, I'm learning.
Speaker 3 (21:59):
Well, tell me more about kind of you know, moving
on from your first poetic memoir?
Speaker 4 (22:05):
What it for you?
Speaker 3 (22:06):
I mean in between you know, as we see you know,
you've been writing poetry now over two decades. You've performed
in places like New Riekn's posts, cafe, colleges, poetry me.
Please tell us now kind of what is that journey
looking for you? Are you interested in you know, you know,
just becoming more solidifying your place as more of a
performer or do you really plan I want to write
(22:27):
another memoir taking a more of an introspective Look, where's
the kind of your direction now that you want to
aim your talent at?
Speaker 2 (22:36):
Yeah, so there's it's it's several different areas, but all
in alignment. As far as the second book goes, I've
been in my mind for years like I'm going to
write the second book, going to write the second book
because I want it to be like a part two
to Chrysalist. But I didn't feel like I've grown enough,
or I didn't feel like I had enough new experiences
(23:00):
to talk and write about, you know, to even just
show the evolution, you know. So I was given myself times,
which is why it's been almost ten years, because I
mean a lot happens, you know, in ten years, my mindset,
my perspectives on things, you know, everything. So I do
want to do a two part to that to just
you know, continue to show.
Speaker 4 (23:20):
That evolution I have been.
Speaker 2 (23:24):
I've been performing, but I also started slamming a couple
of years ago, So doing more of the slams for
people who may not know, Like, it's different from just
performing because it's competitive, right, Sometimes it is for you know,
cash value, or other times it's just for like you know,
bragging rights, depending on the platform, you know, and that
(23:45):
does push you to sharpen your pen for real, because
I mean the New York scene alone, these poets out here,
which are some of my friends, but like their pen
game is crazy, you know.
Speaker 4 (23:57):
So it pushes you to grow because you can't just
be like, oh, oh yeah I wrote.
Speaker 2 (24:00):
It's like nah, like you gotta do some reading, you
gotta do something, some research, you gotta like you know,
really put put put in that work. So just for myself,
despite aside from just the competing part of it, it's
just for myself to be able to grow as a writer.
And then also I do perform private events. So I
(24:24):
actually have a wedding this Thursday that I'll be performing at.
So I customize poems for like the you know, the
briding groom or the you know, the people getting married
because it's not specific, but to anyone's getting married, I'll
you know, customize a poem for them and then surprise
them at the wedding. They don't get to hear the
poem until live the wedding gage and that's been that's
(24:44):
been one of my favorite things to do because I
by nature am a gift giver, Like I love giving gifts,
especially personalized gifts, and being able to use my poem
as a gift, and you know, being able to create.
Speaker 4 (24:59):
That memorable moment for people.
Speaker 2 (25:02):
Has been like, it's just one of my favorite things
to do and I really enjoy it. So that's more
I guess, I would say, like on the professional side
of it. And then in addition to that, I also
started my greeting card company, so I do, Yes, I
do make greeting cards.
Speaker 4 (25:20):
You know, for all occasions, all events.
Speaker 2 (25:22):
Right now, I have an Etsy shop for it, and
I'll be eventually moving that to my own website, which.
Speaker 4 (25:29):
Is being built right now. So yeah, all in all
in alignment. You know, different different little little pockets.
Speaker 3 (25:36):
But absolutely no, I see, I see the absolutely uh,
all of it is all in alignment. It's about that
poetic expression, right. A little bit more about that. I
remember I talked to a guest on this on this podcast,
like about two years ago. I remember her telling me
one thing she loves about poetry, and one thing she
(25:57):
advits people is, you know, expand your read of poetry
beyond just writing a book, right beyond writing and performing.
And it's like, when I hear you talk about that
from the greeting cards to You're the first person I've
seen a poem, a poem wedding agrapher, you know what
I mean.
Speaker 4 (26:15):
I love that one because.
Speaker 3 (26:18):
I've never heard of someone a poet doing that, I think.
I mean, I've heard I've definitely seen poets perform. I
guess maybe it was like in a movie, but I
don't think I've ever seen that in real life. I
don't think think people think enough of that, right, tell
us a bit about how you've been managing to really
expand poetry outside the bandwidth of what we consider just
(26:41):
what a poet does you're in so many your hands
in so many pots that are so creative and innovative.
I really think tell us a bit about how you
kind of got to this point.
Speaker 2 (26:52):
Yeah, So going back to your point of like you know,
you're saying like you've never heard or seen it in
that arena before and not just plishing a book, right,
because that's everyone's go to, right, Like, you become a poet,
you write a book, you perform, and for me, my
mindset has always been like, but is that it?
Speaker 3 (27:08):
Right?
Speaker 4 (27:08):
Like, is there more?
Speaker 2 (27:09):
Because for poets, even though musician music and poet goes,
poetry goes hand in hand for poets.
Speaker 4 (27:17):
Like so, for example, as.
Speaker 2 (27:18):
A musician, right, like, if I was to be making music,
the goal typically is to be mainstream, right, and like
be you know, at this pinnacle, right, I want to
get a Grammy, I want to do.
Speaker 4 (27:27):
All these things.
Speaker 2 (27:28):
But for poetry we kind of hit a ceiling very
fast because as far the furthest we get typically is
just on like major stages, which is great, right, but
you do have to constantly do it and do it
and just you know, put yourself out there and be like, Okay,
you're one of the top poets in the country or
the world even, but then what else, you know what
I'm saying, like what comes from that? And even thinking
(27:50):
of it from a monetization standpoint, because this is our craft,
Like this is an art and we get to not be.
Speaker 4 (27:58):
The starving artists, know stereotype.
Speaker 2 (28:01):
It's like, no, we really can monetize this and in
ways that are that are tangible and actually like sufficient
for us. So that was what my mindset was when
I was really thinking, like what can I do with this?
Where can I take this and how can I do
it in a way where it's actually like wanted and
needed and beneficial, you know, because I'm like, yeah, I
(28:21):
can write poems for people, but like, okay, you know,
how do how do I do it in a way
where it's actually impactful? And for me, I had first
did it for one of my really close friends for
her wedding, and to this day, I think she got
married maybe three or four years ago into this day.
Speaker 4 (28:36):
I mean, people are still like that was.
Speaker 2 (28:38):
Like the best part of the whole you know, ceremony,
and it was.
Speaker 4 (28:43):
It was It's still one of my.
Speaker 2 (28:44):
Favorite things that I've done so far because the way
that I'm able to craft these pieces in a way
where it's super personal for you know, both partners, but
also including the families and friends in it as well.
Speaker 4 (29:00):
And it's all like immersive experience with the poetry.
Speaker 2 (29:04):
And that's my way of exposing people to like, because
people I still meet people that are like, I've never
been to a poetry show.
Speaker 4 (29:10):
I've never seen it. You know, it's like do people snap?
Speaker 2 (29:13):
Do they And it's like people have this idea of
what poetry is, but it's just so much more. It's
so much more, you know, even from a creative writing aspect.
So yeah, I think my my thing is always just
like what's the next thing?
Speaker 4 (29:28):
And how can I do it in a way where
it's innovative?
Speaker 3 (29:32):
Yeah, And I guess the next natural question for anyone
that's listening would be kind of how does someone even
begin to get inside those spaces? Because I'm sure it's
like a lot of people that'll hear that, but they'll
be like, well, how do I even find people that
would want me to perform my poems at a wedding?
How do I even get a greeting card business with poetry?
Speaker 4 (29:51):
How do I even get that off the ground?
Speaker 3 (29:53):
So what is your advice for people to even start
that want to be more innovative with their craft.
Speaker 4 (29:58):
This is where like unity comes in for real.
Speaker 2 (30:01):
You know, just you in any arena that you're in,
whether you're an artist and anything that you do, culinary, whatever,
you have to put yourself out there, right, people are
not coming to you, especially in the age of social media.
It's an oversaturated place and it's really hard to like,
you know, stand out. You got to really push out
(30:22):
the content and you know, maybe even put some money
behind it, you know, marketing and all of those things.
It really is one of those things that you have
to really put in the time and the and the
work into. I think for me, I love talking to
people so and I and I still believe in like
(30:45):
that interpersonal connection as opposed to digital.
Speaker 4 (30:49):
So for me, like I'll just be.
Speaker 2 (30:50):
Talking to people or I have I'm at that age
where a lot of my friends are getting married, right,
so it's like I'll hit them up like, hey, I
would love to write a home for your you know,
your wedding kind of thing, and just being in the
top of their mind and reminding them like this is
what I do and I can do this for you.
So it's still that like, you know, reaching out to
people individually as opposed to just putting up a post
(31:11):
and hoping that, you know, it finds you.
Speaker 4 (31:13):
And I'm not saying don't do that.
Speaker 2 (31:14):
You know, it's a both and kind of thing, but
I think going back to like hitting the ground and
really putting yourself out there to be like, hey, this
is what I do, this is the service I offer
kind of things.
Speaker 3 (31:25):
So yeah, I mean, yeah, I think it's really like
a networking game.
Speaker 4 (31:30):
I completely agree with you, and like.
Speaker 3 (31:32):
It's not even who you know, but who knows you
kind of score those types of jobs and things like that,
and that's why, Yeah, I think that's the tough part
for most people, you know, if you don't have that
kind of and it's one of those things I'm with
you on that. It's the in person vibe is so
much different than sending an email. That setting email really
(31:56):
like I could go straight up in someone's spam people.
Someone gets that on a Friday afternoon, they'll forget all
about it. Next week, they'll be like.
Speaker 4 (32:05):
Yeah, I'm not responding.
Speaker 3 (32:07):
They'll never respond back to it. So it's like with email,
it's very tricky, right, So it's all those things and
then some kind of starting from the network that you
have on the ground in person and really build it
from there. But I think that's the issue too. It's
a grind. It takes time to really make relationships and
really get on people's radars. For you, I mean, what
(32:28):
what does that grind look like? You know? Have you
ever found yourself being having that kind of maybe impatience
and being like, dang, this is this is a lot.
This is not love my dream, but this is a lot.
I think a lot of artists maybe face that, like
I've been you know what, someone may say, I've been
grinding for the past ten years. Where's my break? You
know what I mean?
Speaker 4 (32:49):
Yeah, yeah, for sure.
Speaker 2 (32:51):
I think for me what helps because I'm big on
timing and like I feel like, oh, it's been this
amount of time.
Speaker 4 (32:57):
Why isn't this happening yet? Right?
Speaker 2 (33:00):
What I've learned and this is within I would say
the last the most recent year to two years, is
not comparing my journey to anyone else's and just knowing that,
like the opportunities are gonna come right, Like I am
who I am, the people who know me and know
what I.
Speaker 4 (33:16):
Do, like the opportunities come to me.
Speaker 2 (33:19):
Right in the beginning, it was very much like, you know,
you got to reach out and say.
Speaker 4 (33:24):
Hey, can I you know, perform or things of that nature.
Speaker 2 (33:27):
And that's in the beginning, right because you're still you know,
putting yourself out there. But now it's like people will
be like, hey, I got this event, can you come perform?
Speaker 4 (33:34):
You know, So that.
Speaker 2 (33:34):
Already is a testament of itself of like, Okay, I
got you know, I got that part down packed.
Speaker 4 (33:39):
I don't still have to go looking, which is a
blessing absolutely.
Speaker 2 (33:43):
But like I said, not comparing my journey to anyone else's.
Speaker 4 (33:47):
So whenever I'm working on something, I just know that I.
Speaker 2 (33:51):
Have to commit to at least ten years, right, Like,
if I'm going to do this, it could take ten
years for this to pop off for real, you know
what I'm saying. But being okay, being okay with that
and being realistic about that, because like, if I know
myself and I know that I'm not putting in that work,
I can't expect this thing to just pop off.
Speaker 4 (34:11):
In a year, right, Like I haven't put enough work,
I haven't.
Speaker 2 (34:14):
Put it out there enough for people to really know, Like, oh,
she's doing this thing, you know. So for me, it's
just you know, remaining consistent and knowing that really, consistency
is the name of the game for real.
Speaker 3 (34:27):
No, you're totally You're completely correct. It really really is.
And it's like I said, yeah, it's it's consistency, and
it's it's keeping that positive attitude. You're right, But also
I like what you said being realistic about it as well.
It's like I really yeah, ten years is definitely probably
the benchmark. I mean, people see people see overnight success,
(34:50):
but you don't really see what they've been through that mark.
And even when you quote unquote hit the mark, it's
always well, how do I.
Speaker 4 (35:00):
There's always something else right, right? How do I maintain that? Yeah?
Speaker 3 (35:04):
I mean, and maybe because you can speak more on that,
you know, it's one of those things, you know, people
talk about getting to your dreams, climbing up there, but
then once you achieve your dream, how do you now
maintain your dream?
Speaker 4 (35:18):
Yeah? Yeah, I think.
Speaker 2 (35:21):
For me because someone someone wants to ask me like, oh,
like how are your dreams going, or like are you
living your dream or something like that, and I'm like, yeah,
I'm I'm living the part of the dream that I
had before, right in terms of like me being able
to get on stages and travel and perform and people
know who I am. It's that right, Like that's part
(35:43):
of the dream, but that's not it. I think knowing
what your end game is is really is super important, right,
Like you gotta have some type of like this is
where I see once I reach here, I'm like, Okay,
I'm good, but taking everything into consideration and like I
said before, financially right, because the goal isn't just to
(36:06):
be out here like Okay, I'm performing, that's cute.
Speaker 4 (36:09):
But like, how is this going to sustain me? For real?
Speaker 2 (36:11):
Yeah, like this this gets to go from just a
dream to like a lifestyle. So really just being intentional
around why you're doing it.
Speaker 4 (36:21):
If it's just for the joy of doing it, that
is great too.
Speaker 2 (36:24):
Write not saying that it has to be like this
big old turn it into a business, this empire or whatever, right,
but if you're gonna be in it, and if you
really this is what you see yourself doing whatever, that
is really having an end goal and then creating those
micro goals along the way to reach that. So I
think for me, because I have that end goal in mind,
(36:47):
and it's very clear to me everything that I'm doing,
regardless of how tired I am, regardless of how frustrated
I get, regardless of whatever, it's still in alignment and
it's still working towards that goal. And I know that
those emotions are a part of the process.
Speaker 4 (37:02):
Right. It's not always gonna be yeay I get to
get up and write a poem.
Speaker 2 (37:04):
There's days I'm just like, I really don't want to
perform today, But you.
Speaker 4 (37:09):
Know what I'm saying.
Speaker 2 (37:09):
But it's like that's part of you know, you just
never know what could come out of that, whether it's
exposure where you connect with someone who connects with you,
someone else somewhere else, you know what I'm saying. So
this is part of that grind. This is part of
the process. And for me just reminding myself, like this
is something that I chose to do, but I mean, honestly,
I feel like it chose me and it's a gift
(37:31):
and I feel like it's only it's only.
Speaker 4 (37:33):
Right to share that gift.
Speaker 2 (37:36):
So any opportunity that I get to do so I'm
like this, as long as it's in alignment with the goal,
I'll do it.
Speaker 4 (37:43):
So absolutely absolutely.
Speaker 3 (37:45):
Now kind of talking about that gift, I mean, can
you pinpoint a time when did you know you were
a writer? Was there a time in your life, just
an exact moment where you said, I know now that
I am a writer.
Speaker 2 (37:59):
Well, I started, I mentioned before, I started at nine,
and I literally, like I can still see the day.
Speaker 4 (38:04):
I literally just picked up a notebook.
Speaker 2 (38:06):
That I had laying around, and I remember it was
raining outside and I just started writing about the rain
and I was so excited because I was just like,
I don't I just did something like I wrote this
thing and I love it. And I remember going to
show it to my older sister and we have an
eight year age gap, so she was like sixteen seventeen
(38:28):
at the time, so she's kind of just like I
showed her a poem and it was just like go.
Speaker 4 (38:32):
By, like you know what I'm saying.
Speaker 2 (38:33):
Like she wasn't even like pay me no, like she
was going through whatever she was going through, so like, oh, okay,
you know, and I was just like, Nah, she don't
even know, like this is dope, you know what I'm saying.
Speaker 4 (38:44):
It wasn't until I think, maybe like high.
Speaker 2 (38:46):
School, where I really realized that like I had a gift,
or maybe even earlier than that, because I remember writing
poems in elementary school or like little raps. I would
write little raps and like all my friends would like
to learn the words and stuff like that, and I
was just like, oh, like this is this might be
actually this actually might be good.
Speaker 4 (39:06):
This is pretty good, you know.
Speaker 2 (39:09):
So I would say definitely from nine was a moment
where it started, I think where I really pinpointed that.
Speaker 4 (39:16):
I was a writer writer for real. Might have been
in college.
Speaker 2 (39:22):
Because and this is before like the era of chat GPT, right,
so I was chat GBT. I have people who literally
are like, oh, you don't use chat GBT right because
you are chat ept because I can bang out a
ten page paper in like a few hours, you know
what I'm saying it, and it'll be like grammatically eloquent,
everything is, you know, like and it just it comes
easy to me.
Speaker 4 (39:42):
It's natural to me.
Speaker 2 (39:43):
So for a long time I didn't see it as
a gift because I thought that gifts were something that
you really had to work hard at, and for me,
I didn't have to work hard like I have to
work at it. Don't get me wrong, but it's not.
Speaker 4 (39:58):
Something that I have to like, it's not forceful. It
just comes so easy.
Speaker 2 (40:04):
So for a while I didn't really I didn't really
see it for what it was, you know.
Speaker 4 (40:09):
I think until I started like getting on stage, and.
Speaker 2 (40:12):
That's when I was like, oh, okay, like this is
really an art, you know, this is really a gift.
Speaker 3 (40:18):
So yeah, wow, okay, awesome, awesome different points in your life.
All right, now, Keys, the last question I have for
you on today's podcast, all right, please tell me why
do you need to get your words out? Hmm.
Speaker 4 (40:35):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (40:36):
So, going back to what I said about the gift,
that goes right into that, you know, it's not gifts
are meant to be given, you know. And I think
that in the beginning it was more so just about like,
you know, me wanting to.
Speaker 4 (40:49):
Get my thoughts out there.
Speaker 2 (40:50):
But one of the joys of my journey so far
has been people who have come to me and said, like,
oh my god, you really inspired me, like that pone
that you said, I love that, like I would love
to write like that one day, or just you know,
ask me about.
Speaker 4 (41:04):
My process to support them with their journey.
Speaker 2 (41:07):
So because it's bigger than me, and it's not about
me is why I feel like I have to write,
I have to create, I have to share my work
because it's it's it's not just about me.
Speaker 3 (41:18):
So yeah, absolutely all right, not just about her? All right,
Thank you so much, Keys, We really appreciate you being
on the cop podcast today. Now before we end, and
for real, for real, please tell us what is next
for you in twenty twenty five as the year is
almost halfway done. What's next for you? Any projects? And
give us where we can check out all of your
(41:39):
amazing work websites, social media handles, all that good stuff.
Speaker 2 (41:43):
Yeah, yeah, so potentially the second book may be coming
that's in the works.
Speaker 4 (41:50):
Definitely check out my ATS store.
Speaker 2 (41:53):
It's that right occasion, as I also have my Instagram
page right occasion for that for the business page for
my personal work. Most of my work is on Instagram,
which is at only keys will to underscores.
Speaker 4 (42:05):
That's only keys will to Underscore.
Speaker 2 (42:08):
And yeah, I mean, who knows, something may come up
and I'll just drop a project, so just you know,
be on the lookout for that.
Speaker 3 (42:16):
Absolutely all right, and everyone. All of keys links to
all of her descriptions as well as her website, all
of her social handles will be down in the description
box below, no matter where you're listening to this podcast.
All right, Keys, thank you so much for being a
guest today on the Poet Speaks Podcast. Thank you absolutely
(42:36):
all right, everyone again, check out off Keys will amazing
work again. All of her links will be down below
in the description box. Everyone listens the Poet Speaks Podcast
will talk to you soon.
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