Rochelle D’Silva – Music and Poetry that’s Soul Stirring

March 27, 2017

Bringing to life quiet contemplations in the form of poetry, Rochelle D’silva has a unique gift. As a performance poet, she uses music and cadence to strike a chord with her writing.

The woman who launched her newest album in the city yesterday, tells us all about her spoken word journey.

We hear your album is about creating something beautiful from painful experiences. Why name it the ‘Best Apology Face’?

It’s actually a play on the term ‘poker face’. For me, it just playfully asserts that I have nothing to be apologetic for/about. The title and the entire album is about me reclaiming my power and my resolve to be comfortable with who I am.

One poem that’s closest to your heart from this EP (Extended-play)?

It’s always hard to choose your favourite child! The first track on the album ‘I have perfect bottle opening hands’ is probably one of my favourites. It is one of my earlier poems and has won me a lot of accolades and appreciation. It will always be a poem that is close to my heart.

What are you trying to communicate with your art?

I write to make sense of the world. I have found that the more I share my stories, the more I find connections with people who have been dealing with the same things.
My main message is that we’re not alone. We’re all dealing with heartbreak and worries and pain together.. Maybe talking about it will bring us closer and help us recognise our similarities, instead of dwelling on the things that make us different.

What was the most challenging part of setting up Words Tell Stories?

Doing it all alone in a city where I had no friends and didn’t know anyone. Also, add to that the fact that I am socially awkward and had limited experience with organising events. It was a huge responsibility and definitely requited me to come out of my comfort zone.

Share a couple of lines from a poem that changed life as you knew it?

There’s a quote by Lily Tomlin that I heard in a Buddy Wakefield poem called Gentleman Practice. This is what Buddy said: “Forgiveness is the release of all hope for a better past”

I now have the quote tattooed on my forearm as a constant reminder to be present, to let go of the past and to love myself.

One writer, you’d love to have a drink with, and why?

Buddy Wakefield. I reckon he slips in and out of poetry so effortlessly that even the most mundane conversation would be elevated to epic proportions! And also, because I love his poetry, and would enjoy being in his company.

What do you want the world to know about you?

Everything the world needs to know about me is in my poems! I’ve often joked with friends and partners that if they read/listen to my poems, they would know me.