Today we’d like to introduce you to Arrie Lane.
Hi Arrie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Arrie Lane, I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. I was introduced to Spokenword through my grandmother. She was an excellent orator and storyteller amongst her many hats. She taught me, my twin brother, and our younger sister our own poems to recite. Mine was “Myself ” by Edgar Guest. A poem I feel still resonates with me today. I started my journey in performing arts in choirs and singing. Writing songs and music became my first creative outlets. As got older I would add writing poems and short stories. Writing was fun. It was freedom and though I had no idea then, it would be a huge part of my future. By the time I was in 11th grade I had notebooks and computers filled with stories, songs, and poems though I rarely shared them. I was also introduced to Theater through my High school’s Drama Club at Henry Ford High School in Detroit. There I fell in love with Theater and the stage. My first role ever was Mama in “A Raisin In the Sun”. This was also the year I would have the privilege of singing for the Tuskegee Airmen. An honor afforded to me and a few of my peers by our vocal teacher. Though I would go on to do both Theater and sing in the Wayne State Gospel Chorale, my heart was with the stage. In 2011 I gave birth to my son Ayden. I took some time off to focus on balancing Motherhood and school. Always writing. 2014 I went full force back into my acting. Classes, plays, books, you name it. During this time, I had begun sharing one or two spoken word videos a year on Facebook. I’ve had the privilege to perform at the Detroit Opera House, The Fox Thester, The Music Hall as well as a host of other stages around Michigan, Chicago & Indiana. In 2018 I wrote a Suicide/Mental health awareness piece that ultimately turned into a Spokenword short film called “UnTie-tled”. In 2019, accepted to a few film festivals and I was be asked to perform it. June 2019 at a friend’s open mic birthday celebration, I was introduced to the poetry and open mic community in the city. The love, support & creativity captivated me. After a few open mics, I was getting features. By August 2019 I was competing and placing top 3 in slams locally. When Covid 19 emerged, I used online platforms to share my art and connect with other creatives. Summer 2020 brought outdoor bookings for performance and occasional slams within safe perimeters. In 2021 I placed 2nd in Detroit’s Motown Mic: The Spokenword Competition and quite a few out-of-state slams. This year I find myself a top 10 finalist again battling it out for Artist of the year in the Motown Mic The Spokenword competition which Airs April 15th 7 pm on Comcast and the Motown Museum website.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Things that I don’t often discuss is dealing with autoimmune/ autoinflammatory disorders and chronic pain since I was 15 years old. The battle with myself is a journey mentally physically emotionally. Surgeries, hospital stents, regaining mobility and other factors have all tried to hinder my journey, but resilience, my son, and choosing to fight have been reasons not to give up. I still battle, but I will never cease to LIVE!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
To some, I’m a poet. To others, I’m an actress, but to me, I’m a creative and a storyteller. I create. I use my acting, poetry and writing to paint pictures and take my audience on a journey. I am currently a finalist in the Motown Mic” The Spokenword Competition. The Grand Finale which airs April 15th, 2022. What sets me apart from others is that I am ME and I’m aware of the power and beauty that comes with and from being your authentic self.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice is do your homework. Study your craft(s) and hone your skills. Offer your best EVERY TIME! Even if you’re afraid, do it anyway. Don’t let your “No’s” stop your journey to your “Yes’s.”
Remember, input equals output! So, invest your time & money accordingly.
Most importantly, be you because no one does it better! And enjoy the journey. Every lesson, every triumph, the highs, and the lows.
You absolutely CAN!
Contact Info:
- Email: ArriesLane@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arrielane/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/LANEofMyOwn/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArrieLane?t=EKHxJM8GMaJBBUS_E6HZXg&s=09
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/ArrieLWorld
- Other: https://arrielane.hearnow.com/organized-chaos
