“You’re alive!
And every second counts,
And as every second mounts,
Every second shouts: “Live Me!” – excerpt from LIVE ME!, by Stephan Johnstone
These are the profoundly inspirational words of Stephan Johnstone, 27-year-old spoken word artist / Bermudian poet, boldly paving his way through Bermuda’s arts scene. As a graphic designer, Stephan makes a living bringing to fruition the visions of his clients, however, through his thought-provoking poetry, Stephan brings to life his own thoughts and ideas, sharing them with those who choose to listen.
Stephan has been writing and performing his own work since 2005. Since then, he has graced the Chewstick stage numerous times, performed in Bermuda’s prisons and opened for Heather Nova at the 2011 Bermuda Festival for the Performing Arts. With the help of friend and producer, James Brookes, Stephan has successfully produced two albums, “Broken Thoughts” (2006) and “The Script Keeper (2009), which won Best Bermudian CD Project at 2009’s Tha Underground Awards. His third album, entitled Librago, is set to be released on September 23rd, 2011.
Through his poetry, Stephan touches on many issues currently facing the younger generations of Bermudians. From the feelings of irrelevance, heartache and the growing gun violence, whether he wants to be or not, Stephan is a voice for many Bermudians struggling to find the words to express their innermost thoughts and feelings. True to Chewstick’s ideology, Stephan is breaking down barriers and encouraging discussion through his work, inspiring all to think harder, dream bigger and live bolder.
Plato once said: “Poetry is nearer to vital truth than history.” For Stephan Johnstone, this could not be truer; as time goes on, his words will continue to voice the struggles, triumphs and visions of our generation.”
The Bermudian Magazine
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