Meet Emma Geerts | Spoken Word Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emma Geerts and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emma, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
My decision for my pursuing a career in poetry doesn’t really feel like a decision. It might sound weird, but it felt like my mind left me no choice. Since I was a young girl I was interested in reading, writing and performing. So when I got older, that always remained a hobby. I did painting, dancing, made music, but really found my love in poetry. It’s what gives me meaning. When I noticed there was a ‘market’ out there for it and people would hire me to perform poetry at events and such, I knew this was what I had to pursue.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have been a spoken word artist for over 10 years now. When I started, it was relatively new. Nowadays, a lot of people became familiar with the art of spoken word. When I was part of a hip-hop group, we got asked for a spoken word performance. I had never done it before, but I had a history of writing poetry before so I just said yes to it. I fell in love with it and continued writing spoken word poems. The hip-hop group gave me some worthy connections which helped with getting little gigs in the beginning. And then people saw me at an event, and would then ask me to perform at their event. That is still how I get most of my gigs: people saw or heard about me, and the moment they need an artist I come to mind. I have regular spoken word performances nowadays and I couldn’t be more grateful for that.

Getting experience is so important. Because it also means putting yourself out there and getting yourself in the minds of others. And most of the time that starts small, and will expand.

10 years later I was able to do performances I never thought I ever would. I performed at huge festivals and even for the king of The Netherlands. But the most valuable thing is that I have been able to touch and help people with my poetry. I write a lot about getting through the hardships. People have come up to me and said it felt so liberating to hear my words, acknowledging they have been hurt and were able to accept it better because they heard me speak about it. That is something so valuable and I feel so grateful that my poetry is able to do that.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My city is full of beautiful, historic buildings. So I would probably give them a tour sightseeing all the history. When it comes to drinks and foods, if the wheater allows it, we eat besides the city canal. It gives such a cozy vibe in a busy city. And a must is going to a place called ”Fraterhuis”. It’s a small film theatre and way less known than the big cinema we have here, but so worhtwhile.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
@legestoelen ; a open podium where they welcome all kinds of talents

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmageerts_schrijft/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmageerts1/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emma.geerts.31

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@emmageerts

Image Credits
Arjan van der Scheer