Spoken Word Blog

By now, you should know that this will publish your spoken word poetry if you send it to us. However, you may not know how to record yourself on your computer. I will explain how to do that below.

First, you need a computer microphone. If you do not already have a microphone, you can find some from most computer hardware stores or electronic stores such as RadioShack. You can probably find one for between $10.00 and $20.00. You just need a simple microphone and nothing to complex or expensive.

Second, you need computer software that will let you record MP3 audio files through your computer’s microphone. I suppose you could pay for such software, but I suggest you just find a free program. You can search for a program on download.com. I suggest you filter the results on download.com to “free,” so that you do not get a trial version with limitations that may render the program useless. I downloaded a program called “Easy Mp3 Sound Recorder,” which has worked perfectly fine for me.

Next, once you have got the microphone and software program installed, you can fool around until you figure out how to record yourself. In other words, make a few quick test audio files so that you make sure everything works and find out the best voice to use and the best distance for the microphone. Then, record yourself performing one of your poems. And, finally, can email the MP3 as an attachment to mail@spokenword.scotthughes.biz.

Any questions?

I read an informative article today: “Spoken Word Movement” by Mark Miazga

It seems like a research paper by a student. Of course, it goes into detail about the history of spoken word poetry, its presence in contemporary society, and its future. At some points, it also compares spoken word and rap, and explores their relationship.

If you like to read and have an interest in the spoken word movement, I recommend reading the article.

Do you know of any spoken word events near you? We are considering making a directory of events, such as open mics, competitions, and other events for spoken word and performance poetry.

Our directory would help fans find shows to attend as well as help artists find gigs and places to perform.

What do you think of this idea? If you have any suggestions, tell me now so that I can work them into the plan.

If you do know of any up-coming events anywhere, you can use the comment function to post them. Please include the location (including the city and state), the date, the time, and any other important details such as age restrictions or phone numbers.

While driving today, and listening to the radio, I heard an old song by Gang Starr called Discipline. The first part of the first verse greatly appealed to me. I thought to post the lyrics on this blog, which gave me the idea to post good lyrics on this blog every Thursday.

So, from now on, I will post some lyrics I especially like. I won’t post the lyrics of whole songs, just a passage that sticks out to me. I know this blog is for spoken word and performance poetry, but I’ll post lyrics from songs as well as poems. As fans of poetry, I assume the lyrics of lyrical songs appeal to us especially.

For today, I will post some of the lyrics from Discipline by Gang Starr:

Yo… just because I want to it don’t mean I will
And just because I’m angry it don’t mean I’d kill
And just because she looks good it don’t mean I’d hit it
And just because I’m horny, it don’t mean I’m widdit
Just because I make records, don’t mean that I’m gassed
And just because I’m rappin, don’t mean I chase ass
Just because I’m whylin don’t mean I can’t stop
I got discipline baby, and I use it a lot

What do you think?

If you have any lyrics that you want to send to me, you can use the contact form to send it them to me. Make sure to include the artist’s name and the song’s name.

Today I have something different for you than a spoken word poem. BET aired the following animated music video that satirically mocks the current state of mainstream hip-hop. D’Mite wrote and performs the song, entitled Read A Book:

I like the video and song, which literally made me laugh out loud. I like how it uses humor to not only mock mainstream hip-hop, but also to actually deliver some positive advice, such as reading, hygiene, and investing (in land). Of course, the positive advice contrasts to mainstream rap which now mostly promotes self-destructive behavior and stereotypes.

Unfortunately, commercialism controls mainstream hip-hop and rap, and all mainstream music for that matter. Record companies make money by getting young “artists” to act like nasty idiots. Sex, violence, and name-calling sells. Stupid sells. This results in bad role models and the furtherance of negative stereotypes.

Luckily, spoken word has mostly escaped commercialism in comparison to rap and pop music. You can find talented artists all over the spoken word scene, rather than a bunch of people who sell out to make a few bucks from crooked record companies.

What do you think?

Do you have a website about spoken word or performance poetry? Are you an artist with your own webpage? If so, then tell us about your site. Who knows, you may make it onto my blogroll.

You can use the comment function to post a link to your website or another good website and tell us about it.

Are you an artist but don’t have your own website? Then you can add yourself to this website.

A recent article by Aasiya Townsell, entitled Spoken Word is alive, described a night of spoken word and art at Harrison Auditorium, starring Black Ice. I post the link because I think the article demonstrates the excitement and power of spoken word and performance poetry.

If you have never been to a spoken word or performance poetry show, I highly recommend it. At the very least, give it a try.