Artwork by Mariacristina Romano. Art concept by Greg Griffith.
Greg Griffith is no stranger to this blog as I have interviewed him before with regards to his comic book Mr Grimez – The Anti Hero. In this interview he talks about his latest project, a poetry album entitled Path of 13 which was “authored” by Mr Grimez – Poet Warrior.
Mr Grimez has become a Poet Warrior. What has happened to the Anti Hero?
The Anti Hero still exists somewhere else. But he may return at some point. The Poet Warrior is on the scene due to a change of direction. Since poetry is the mission, a Poet Warrior is needed in this situation. Due to the events of 2010 “A Battle Against The City Of Madness” (an album collaboration with a producer called Junior Fuller). The Anti Hero spirit has disappeared from this dimension apparently. At that time music was heavily associated with Mr Grimez The Anti Hero. But due to the politics of the Drones and Hyperons there had to be a new me to deal with the barricades of musical creativity.
Where this the inspiration for Path of 13 come from?
I discovered that the number 13 was my companion number. It would follow me everywhere I go. I know that some people would be scared of this number due to Friday the 13th and all types of fear based concepts. But I never got a bad vibe from it and the number 13 has helped me out a lot in my life over the past year. As I have been coming across alternative information since 2008 it finally lead me to the number 13 in spring 2013.So as a tribute and a concept for my creative journey the Path Of 13 was created this year.
Why did you choose poetry as the medium for this project?
Well I have been writing poetry for the longest while.My first album “A Battle Against The City Of Madness” was a poetry album in my book. Okay it had music behind it, but nevertheless it was poetry. I didn’t feel it fitted in with the dynamic of what people expected it to be a Hip-Hop album. My style is blatantly poetry and I feel that me and poetry get along without the need of music behind. I believe it’s best for me to express myself this way.
But why didn’t you just publish the verses as opposed to recording them?
I don’t hear many recorded poetry albums out there.I do feel poetry maybe overlooked these days.So I wanted to make the awareness of “it’s awesome to be a poet don’t be afraid to be one.”Plus if people are on their way to work or university, they can listen to it while they travel.
Photography by Greg Griffith. Copyright © 2014 Greg Griffith.
Are you planning to write and publish more in this genre and this platform?
Yes, hopefully people will see more work from Mr Grimez – Poet Warrior. I say that now but things could easily change in months to come. But hopefully the Poet Warrior will create more poetry for the world to see.
Who helped you with the album’s cover art?
The name of the artist is Mariacristina Romano from Romania; I hope to collaborate with her more in the future.I appreciate her craft with this album cover so it would be great to see what else she can come up with.
What about Mr Grimez – The Anti Hero? When can we expect the next comic issue?
As for the comic book, the first issue is being revamped so expect different artwork. That’s all I can say about it. The best thing for me to do is not to give it a date of completion as I’m not trying to rush it.But, on that note, stay tuned for more projects from Greg Griffith aka Mr Grimez – Poet Warrior!
