vinspired Lake of Stars uses volunteers to bring the festival to fruition, and to help organise fundraising events across the UK.
Sparlha Swa is performing at one of these, at the Rich Mix Arts Centre in Shoreditch, London, as part of their Autmun Series of world music gigs presented in conjunction with vinspired Lake of Stars.
One of our volunteers, Asso, had an exclusive chat with Sparlha ahead of her performance on Tuesday 6th October...
vLOS: What are your thoughts on volunteering - have you ever done any in the past?
Sparlha Swa: I've performed pro bono at many benefits, non-profits and CD release parties put on by my artist friends. It's a beautiful gift to be able to share your artwork for its own sake for a cause that's close to your heart.
There's two kinds of highlights for me. There have been the moments that helped boost my career, like getting the first music video my brother made for me onto BET Jazz globally for 6 months, or getting to play a lead role off-Broadway last year. And there have been the moments that really stand out for me as just really really special, like getting to travel to Hawaii to play with Paula Fuga and sharing the stage with everyone from Shae Fiol, Ainsley Burrows, Climbing Poetree to Carvell Wallace, brilliant creators in their own right.
vLOS: What advice would you give a young person with a passion for music who is unsure as to where to start and how to get in the industry?
Sparlha Swa: Set a comfortable pace balanced between your ambition and your simple enjoyment of being alive. If you are not happy with life outside of music you will not be happy with music. Do not let the dream of success be your only fuel. Create a lifestyle outside of your music that is enjoyable, sustainable, and supportive to your music, so that whether you make it or not, you are happy, alive, fulfilled.
vLOS: You have travelled a lot in your time, where would you say the best place you have been?
Sparlha Swa: Going to Jamaica to visit my father with my partner Kevin.
vLOS: Finally, do you have any encouraging words for young people looking for a break?
Sparlha Swa: You have no idea how very special and beautiful you really are.
Sparlha Swa Tues 6th Oct @ Rich mix/ 8pm / £8- £11
37-47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA
Box office: 020 7613 7498 www.richmix.org/booking
Sparla Swa's discography:
- Live From NYC
- In The dDistance
- Uprising (The Home Recordings)
- Hive Vol. 1
Links
If you're 16-25 and would like to volunteer, find opportunities at vinspired.com
Words by: Asso Tono
