Today we’d like to introduce you to DS Will.
Hi DS, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Ah, the origin story! I’ve always felt the need and desire to express myself and I was fortunate enough to discover that through writing. I used to enjoy creating these fanciful superhero tales that were heavily influenced by my love of comic books and video games!
Hip-Hop and rap then became a very integral part of my life during my adolescent years. At any given time, you could catch me in the back of a classroom, writing rhymes and mouthing, what I thought, would be an instant chart-topper!
However, it wasn’t until my junior year in HS that I realize I could utilize my creative energy for the betterment of myself and others.
During that time, I was exposed to the Spoken Word artform. My life was forever changed! Never had I heard such passion, wit, pain, and pride delivered in such a manner. From that point on, I knew “This” is how I wanted to channel my creativity.
From there, I honed my skills at various college events and dabbled in the open mic scene in my early twenties. Once I relocated, from NJ to NC in 2009, I began to really take my craft much more seriously until I was able to land some coveted feature opportunities.
Once I began to build a name and reputation for myself in the Triangle area, I decided that I wanted to not only create more opportunities for myself but for my contemporaries and others following in our footsteps. With that, The Press Play Poetz was born in 2018 and the rest, as they say, is history!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Anything in life that is worth having is worth fighting for. The path to arrive at where I am today, which is just the tipping point of my journey, has been one filled with challenges and heartbreak.
Broken promises, strained and severed relationships, and even doubt of self have all served as culprits when it comes to disappointment. Like all aspiring artists, I’ve had those existential moments in which I pondered over purpose and the like.
However, I came to the realization that with every defeat, an opportunity is waiting to gift you with success. I owe a great deal of my perseverance to my support circle, my will to create change, and a desire to leave a lasting imprint! These motivating factors have allowed me to enjoy many blessings and various forms of recognition for my craft!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I wear a couple of different hats actually. Nevertheless, I am primarily a spoken word and hip-hop artist. My dedication to these two art forms has allowed me to evolve into a creator and facilitator of poetry showcases underneath the Press Play Poetry banner. Through that work, I have allotted opportunities to a plethora of established veterans as well as upstarts in the craft.
I currently serve as the Director of Poetry and PR Chair for The Raleigh Film & Art Festival. I am responsible for the creation and managing of all things “Poetry” within the nonprofit organization.
My PR duties, however, allow me to work alongside our founder, Artist Christopher Terrell, in the creation and distribution of promotional materials for our upcoming festival, and other offshoot events, as well as fostering professional relationships with various media entities through continued correspondence and appearances.
When I’m not busy juggling those duties, I periodically contribute thought pieces to the premier men’s lifestyle magazine SUAVV which is based out of Atlanta, GA.
My proudest moment had to be creating The Voices 2 Reel initiative through the Raleigh Film and Art Festival. This initiative allowed us to direct six young poets of the Triangle, display their artistic gifts, and showcase them at last year’s event. Being able to play a role in providing that moment to those talented souls was one of the most rewarding experiences in my artistic career.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m looking forward to growing in my craft and continuing to advance in my current roles.
In addition to that, I plan on publishing my collection of poems entitled “The Storm Before The Quiet”, spearheading the continuation of Voices 2 Reel, and working on a soon-to-be-released documentary. Don’t be surprised to see some new music and visuals heading your way as well!
Contact Info:
- Email: ifyouwontdswill@gmail.com
- Website: DS-Will.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/ifyouwontdswill
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ifyouwontdswill
- Youtube: DS-Will.com
- Other: https://dswill.bandcamp.com/
Image Credits
Oxran Bella Photography, Shot by SP, and Michael Harper Photography
