Shantez:I think that the “Sunday Morning Juke Joint “concept is fascinating. Can you explain how this has become your brand?
Avery:I didn’t make it a “brand” or “niche”. I was asked to name it. So, it’s actually a fluke! (laughing)But I like to think of it as the negotiating between the sinner and the saint. In Black culture, this is a person who is moved and understands both in the same divine energy. You see, this was how I was brought up. I have to honor that aspect of myself. I’m just keeping the tradition. This concept challenges the idea that Jesus jukes too! (laughing) [It challenges the idea] of humanizing the spirit. Mixing music with poetry came from my ‘momma’. We [the black community] have always used art as a form of ministering. So that mixture is the idea of praising the work of our ancestry.
S:Wow, that’s impressive. I never thought of it like that. What are some of your current projects?
A:I am working on a manuscript called Afro Faux Realism. It will combine music, visual art and “Black signage”. It will be written in the fictional character that I created called Booker T. Soultrain. He is, in essence, my alter ego. He makes the music that I want to make and is a recorder of his people’s experiences. This project is exploring how politics regulate our sex and how sex is politics. We will lose these stories if we don’t talk about them.
S:That’s deep. But I totally agree.
A:Yeah. Black art form has always been about what makes us human too. Current Black music now dehumanizes us…creates the image of superficial relations. The ways in which colored folk get represented in the media is the reason why art forms such as .:Seeds:. exist. .:Seeds:. is the break from media’s idea of our identity. It is meant to enlighten, re-mold and re-shape our minds.
S:I love this convo! So, Mr. Avery, what would be your advice for amateur poets?
A:Number one:There is NO such thing as an amateur writer. A “beginning” or “curious” writer should arm themselves with your own language. Get your artillery together. Formulate your vocab.
Number two:Put yourself in situations to get critiqued. Your work has to get past you. Find outlets like writing workshops and spoken word events.
Number three:PUBLISH!
Number four:Don’t be afraid of rejection! Make it your “Kelly Rowland”….your motivation! (chuckles)
Number five: Research the places where you are submitting to.
Number six:KEEP WRITING!!!
S:Well, thank you Avery. I thought you were fabulous tonight. Can I get a hug?
A:Girl, come here! I never turn down some love.