Like many, I was a teenager when i first heard of "DIY." I was just entering into my local punk scene and the buzzwords surrounding me were "DIY, anti-fascist" and, of course, "house show." I grew up extremely poor so I had already become accustomed to doing many things myself and being frugal as well as crafty- so learning about an entire movement/philosophy based on being self sufficient was really monumental for me. Since then I have held the practice very close to my heart, in mostly everything i do in life. I could always do MORE but i think starting anywhere and doing anything on your own is really important to dismantling the corrupt and broken society we live in where we are slaves to capitalism. Repairing small electronics and clothing, making your own hygiene and beauty products, re-using and repurposing items, learning to cook from scratch, growing your own garden or learning how to forage... all of these are simple things you can learn and add into your arsenal of survival skills. Anything i do or purchase i always ask if it's something i can do myself or make cheaper by modifying it myself. I live at the top of a hill in the woods so I've gotten used to sorting out necessities versus luxuries. I believe we can move into a world where both can exist, but luxury would be for the sake of soul happiness as opposed to monetary growth for some other entity. My music has always been one of my strictest avenues as far as my DIY mentality goes. Often I have sacrificed what others would probably consider 'quality' for the sake of remaining independent, underground, and completely self produced and financed. The few times i have ever worked with others or got involved with indie labels it was a disaster- usually amplifying the misogynistic undertones of the music industry as a whole. I hated the idea of buying tons of fancy equipment to fake what everything really sounded like. My early music was recorded on a shitty gaming microphone and there was always an annoying hiss in the background, but it was RAW and REAL so i loved it. When it finally broke I invested in a nicer microphone, and over the years ive added a few important pieces of recording equipment. I taught myself how to use simple recording software and how to play all of the instruments I own because i was sick of being the singer in other bands, like a little doll doing what i was told. I eventually taught myself how to edit videos, although it is my least favorite thing to do honestly. I make a lot of my own costumes and freeze to death dancing in the ocean just for the dreams in my head to be real. I refuse to have anyone else put their fingers on my visions, even if that means they aren't as perfected as i wish they could be. That's the point. Nothing is or can be perfect. I truly appreciate your time if you read the stuff i write or listen to my music or watch my videos or like the visuals i share- know that it comes directly from my bleeding hands with reverence at even being able to make these things and then share them with you. Know that there isn't anything you cant do- the limitations we face in life are sometimes able to be surpassed and you might just surprise yourself. You dont need anyone's support or approval but your own. I believe in you. XoXo
