Faces of Antyx: Rebecca Dawn
This week we’re featuring one of our former Antyx staff members, Rebecca! She has such an extensive history with us and we’re so happy to finally add her story to Faces of Antyx!
Q: What was your experience like working with Antyx? What projects did you collaborate on with them?
A: Together with the Antyx team I worked on some wonderful programs like "What Feeds Us" at the Alex Community Food Centre, and "Iksokapi" at Pathways Community Association (now Miskanawah). We created art such as poetry, painting and dance, and we had a community meal together every week. We also had talking circles, yoga and meditation. Those were really special times! (Editor’s Note: Rebecca was once full time with Antyx and also did Respect programs, Culture Shock and Youth Voices with us!)
Q: How did you find your passions and how have you incorporated them into your art?
A: I found my passion for RAP (rhythm-and-poetry) while I was at university and travelling a lot as an international student. I was inspired by the Tibetan Buddhist monks and the Zapatista Rebellion in Mexico, and I wanted to use my voice as a force for positive change in the world, for environmental and social justice, and universal Love. So, I started to write songs. I also got into Yoga at the same time, and those two practices are very complimentary, because Yoga teaches us about life and helps with breath control so it's a beautiful practice for a rapper.
Q: What does your work aim to say?
A: I hope everyone who hears my music will feel loved and included. Of course we all have different life experiences, but I hope when you hear my lyrics we can relate. Each of us has a unique light to shine in the world. My songs are my light bowing to your light.
Q: What was the biggest opposing force that you encountered on your creative journey?
A: The journey of an artist can be very blessed if we remember to take care of our mental and physical health and wellbeing. So, it can be challenging to budget our time, our money and our energy. Sometimes we feel pressure to be out in the scene performing all the time. But we need to make sure we are taking time for ourselves and to get that sweet, sweet paper. Not just getting money, but also saving it. My biggest challenge was dealing with people telling me I couldn't do it and that music is just a hobby, and people telling me I was no good, and people taking advantage of my talent and open-heartedness for their own profits and glory. Those people weren't the challenge. I had to do my own work to overcome those mental barriers and energy dynamics, and remember to invest in myself as a professional musician, and also to care for myself to be a more balanced and grounded person. Now, other people's intentions can't drain me and knock me off track anymore. I learned to elevate my frequency and protect my energy and creativity.
Q: If you could give your younger self some words of advice, what would they be?
A: Practice your music, save your money and meditate every day, please. Don't believe the hype or the hate, just stay humble on the middle path. Be your own best friend. Make sure the people you love treat you as well as you treat yourself, or let them go.
Q: What are you currently working on?
A: Right now I am building a website to showcase my music, Spanish lessons, voice acting and Yoga classes. I'm bringing everything I have to offer to one virtual, fun & interactive space (rebeccadawn.world ... coming in November 2020!). For the winter months in Calgary, it makes sense to stay home and off the dark and icy roads. I hope we can stay safe and cosy and still remain connected and committed to artistic joy, leisure, and learning new things. Working on the online platform reduces our carbon footprint, saves travel time, and allows us to go international with our community. Plus you can stay in pyjamas all day if you want! The quarantine taught us how to stay motivated with our passions online, so I think the cold months are a perfect time to relax and try doing things in the new way.