An Inspired Chat with SpokenbyT of Toronto, ON

We recently had the chance to connect with SpokenbyT and have shared our conversation below.

SpokenbyT, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I’ve spent a lot of time this year working on myself, on Tisania. On the mindset shifts, my physical health, building better habits and improving my confidence. It’s been a difficult path, one that isn’t linear and has constant shifts of success and what sometimes feels like failure. However, it’s something I’m incredibly proud of because of the power I’ve been able to hold within myself.

It takes a while to shift out of the childish ways of adolescence and into the adulthood mindset. It’s tough, especially when you feel like you’ve had to grow up too fast. In my case, it’s felt like that forever so much so where I haven’t found (or made) the time to settle down, breathe, and get to know myself. In this past year, I’ve been making extra time in my day to do exactly that. Learning different methods on how to not only be a better creative, but a better person, friend, daughter, girlfriend and everything in between. It’s been tricky, but the reward is so worth it.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is SpokenbyT and I’m a spoken word recording artist based in Toronto, as well as a Director & Producer. I’m currently paving a way in an industry that hasn’t traditionally made a lot of room for the art I create. As a poet, we’ve usually been restricted to open mic or slam events or being the next narrator in a motivational commercial. While those environments are amazing, and my foundation to the art I create, I’ve always wanted to do more. I’m working on creating a full experience through the use of spoken word poetry and music inspired by artists and composers like Aja Monet, Hans Zimmer and everything in between, in hopes of showing people that poetry isn’t something that’s limiting. It’s in fact the back bone to the art that you see everywhere in the world.

I also Direct and Produce in Toronto, predominantly music videos for other Toronto-based artists. My dream is to follow in the footsteps of Ava DuVernay, an amazing Director who never fails to create a visual experience that not only pulls you in emotionally, but curates vital conversations after the fact. It’s amazing to see what’s possible when art is created and shared intentionally and down the line, I dream to be selling out stadiums as a poet while directing and producing the world’s next best story.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I’m not sure if this is the earliest, but it definitely is one of the most pivotal – and that is when I first performed a spoken word piece on the stage of my high school for the Black History Month assembly. It was a feeling like no other. It showed me that if I say things pretty enough, people will actually pay attention. While that may be disheartening, for me it was monumental as someone who has frequently felt unheard and misunderstood. I felt like I finally found my language – my form of communication that makes sense to me, as is interesting enough to others where they actually want to listen.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
In my adult years, I’ve been experiencing a lot of anxiety. Anxiety about the world, about “what if’s”, about potential failures and even potential successes. Narrowing in on social anxiety as well, which has created an abundance of limitations in my life that I wish I could re-do. It’s something I’ve been learning how to navigate, as being a social person and someone who is outgoing has always been embedded into my personality. It wasn’t until a few years ago when I started to experience this unfamiliarity – tightening in the chest, lack of conversational skills in person, overstimulation from crowds and loud sounds and everything in between. It’s held me back because it’s created a lot of “no’s” in my vocabulary where there used to be immediate “yes’s”. I’ve passed up on events and opportunities that could have propelled me further, due to the fear of the unknown.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of myself is the closest thing to the real me that I have the capacity to give. Nothing is a facade, fake or rehearsed (other than my performances, of course). However I’m realistic when it comes to expressing that there are parts of me that deserve privacy and seclusion. There are parts of me that may never be introduced to the public eye, and I don’t think they need to be. Being an artist and creative is already a demanding feat, as people are constantly keeping their eye on you and judging how you carry yourself. I think that it’s important to stay true to yourself and maintain authenticity, while having balance and not giving everyone your all. If you do – then there won’t be anything left for you!

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop being afraid. I’m constantly hesitant, anxious and afraid of doing new things, climbing outside of my comfort zone and essentially doing things that scare me. If I knew I had only 10 years left, I would immediately stop living life so hesitantly. It’s something I’m working on now – so it becomes a lifestyle instead of a choice being made out of necessity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/spokenbytaccess
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spokenbyt/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tisania-smith-375157259/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@spokenbyt
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/spokenbyt

Image Credits
Shanice ‘VisualsbyShan’ Edwards