GET TO KNOW: poet.rhi
Los Angeles born, Inglewood raised, poet.rhi is a singer/songwriter/musician who expresses herself in a fusion of funk and heartfelt soul, while dipping her toes in pop and indie styles. She can be found with a notebook in hand as she has been writing songs since she could hold a pencil. Her first release, “wonder” is a collaboration with Toys On Fire, an indie collective she occasionally jams with. With her relatable themes of unrequited love and the questions of youth in addition to her Erykah Badu/ Amy Winehouse reminiscent tone, she provides a powerful voice of realness. She is looking forward to releasing an album next year.
What is your artist name?
poet.rhi (sounds like poetry)
Describe an average day in the life of Rhi.
I wake up, usually start the day with volleyball practice and weights, then I try and get something to eat before I head to class. After class, I head back to my dorm to write songs, record vocal ideas, and practice the guitar. Before I go to bed, I usually work on a new beat or melody and then, try get some homework done.
What drew you to begin creating your own music?
I’ve been writing poems and stories for as long as I can remember. I think that writing has been cathartic and helps me deal with “life”. I also always loved music and wanted to share in case other people might feel what I feel when I listen to a song that connects with me, or if the song explains something I am going through. I don’t really know how else to truly express myself without music.
Do you play any instruments?
I play the piano, ukulele, and am working on the guitar and bass. I took drum lessons when I was young, but it didn’t really stick.
Being born and raised in LA, which performance venue is your favorite to attend?
I live super close to the Kia Forum, and that is where I saw my first concert ever. I also performed on the outdoor stage at The Music Center LA, so that will always be special to me. The Greek, Crypto (used to be Staples) and the Shrine are cool too. But, I’d have to say my favorite place is the Hollywood Bowl.
What artists/ songwriters inspired you growing up?
Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse, Denise Williams, Erykah Badu, Corrine Bailey Rae, Norah Jones and Frank Ocean. My dad played music constantly for my brothers and I growing up, so there are probably dozens of names I am forgetting. I loved music that felt soulful but also music with great instrumentals. We listened to everything in our house from Steely Dan to Queen, and a LOT of Prince.
Where do you like to go to write music?
I write most of my songs in my room, or when I am traveling. I keep a lot in the notes app on my phone, or in an actual notebook that my brother gave me as a gift.
How does pursuing your passion for music help you in other areas of your life?
I think that you can really like a song, and other people might not be feeling it, or vice versa. It teaches me to have the confidence to promote myself and share things that are close to me. I’ve also been taught that it's ok to be vulnerable. I’ve learned that you can't please everyone and you have to sort of stick to what you know and trust yourself, especially when there are a lot of people in your ear telling you what to do or how to be.
During the creative process for your single “wonder”, which element would you say was the best part? The most challenging?
The best part was definitely layering the vocals and finding new harmonies and vocal textures that sounded good with the song/melody. The hardest part was writing the song at first. It was really difficult to find a way to convey such complex feelings like loneliness and heartache using simple words.
If you could trade places with any artist, who would it be?
H.E.R. I would definitely trade places with H.E.R. because she is such a talented musician as well as a singer and I wish I played the guitar as well as she does. I saw her at the Hollywood Bowl with a full orchestra and it was incredible.
