There is a special kind of energy that is generated when someone is doing what they are called to do. When I met with Samuel Gaskin to record this podcast they were in the midst of one of the busiest weeks of their life, in between closing Midsumma Festival and preparing to perform at the Sydney Opera House for World Pride 2023. They were radiant, and generous, and full of positivity and wisdom, and this conversation is full of the inspiration and dedication that has made Samuel Gaskin the one of a kind artist that they are.
Creator of RECKŌNING Te Waiata Paihere Wairua -The Sounds of Woven Souls, Samuel Gaskin uses the term Change Agent to describe their work, as the terms singer, songwriter, dancer, theatremaker, performer, mental health advocate just created a long train of descriptive words that still didn’t fit the magical sum of all of the parts put together.
Samuel Gaskin brings people together to tell stories. They embrace the difficult parts of being human and find ways to beam positive light into the world. As an artist of Maōri and Nigerian descent they are one of the few artists working in the Inter-Indigenous space to create powerful music and theatre. Their work empowers and innovates.
This interview offers a real insight into Samuel’s working process, from listening to the ancestors, to bringing together new and surprising creative teams, to daily routines to support a creative life.