Paper Rain and Lyrical Poems
Pre-2010, I fancied myself a bit of an interviewer after one interview. But, like my 5-year old self learning ballet I gave up this dream, too. And not because I was only doing it for the fancy, yellow tutu. Directions change. I can safely say for interviewee, Indigo Greenlaw (now Rowe), however, the dream only got bigger. This was her brain at the beginning of her journey musing over influences and inspirations as a singer, songwriter and pioneer of The Paper Rain Project (now Paper Rain). A nice lil' reminder that everyone starts somewhere.
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What is The Paper Rain Project?
Well, it’s a mixed bag. It’s about creative ventures, photography, missions and adventure. At the moment, the main product is custom made longboards and skateboards. But I’d like it to become a whole mixture of things, products and a part of art/street culture. I would love to involve other people so the Co. can exhibit a whole range of people who are like minded in one way or another.
How did it start?
I didn’t really mean to start it. I started making boards before I was interested in skating. My ex-boyfriend used to longboard and his board got stolen. I wanted to make him something useful, but personal. I met Chris of Kotahi Longboards who shaped me a blank and showed me how to put everything together – the tools, the lingo. I loved making it. I loved the satisfaction and being able to give it to someone else, and I have gone on from there… board #17.
What’s the story behind the name?
The reason I called it The Paper Rain Project is for a few reasons. Paper and rain don’t really work together. Paper plane and paper crane have visual images that immediately go into your mind whereas The Paper Rain Project doesn’t really mean anything, and I like that because it doesn’t have to be longboards, it can be photographs, it can be creative writing, t-shirts. I like the word ‘Project’ because it sounds like something is happening and in the making of, which is the whole idea.
What inspires your designs?
Everything I look at. Visually, for graphic design, it’s seeing different cultures. Art history’s really interesting too because people make art for reasons which is why I like custom designs because you are making it to portray what someone wants so it’s usually aspects of their personality or interests. I like working with ideas and I think imagery can say a whole lot. Graphic design can speak volumes, but everyone can read it differently.
When did you start singing and songwriting?
I can’t remember when I started singing, maybe I always have. I wrote my first song when I was 14 but never played that on stage! The first full song was written when I was 16. I always liked writing poems as a kid and that just evolved into lyrics. Even now, the lyrics come before the music which I think is a bit back to front, but hey, that’s how it goes for me.
What do you love about singing and songwriting?
I love music’s ability to mean something to everyone. I think successful songs make people think about things in their own lives but it’s hard to write a song that connects with people without really revealing yourself. I love singing because it feels right. I like songwriting because you can create something from nothing. It doesn’t really matter if no-one ever hears it.
What song/song lyric of your own is your favourite at the moment?
My newest song ‘Black & White’ is one which lyrically means a lot to me. It’s about making decisions based on your heart instead of your head, or not knowing where you’re meant to be. I guess it’s about being open to new things, new people and new places… about change. Possibly the song which ended up in yet another ticket to Europe! Haha.
What would be the philosophy you are living by right now?
Hmm. Hard question. I am learning a lot, through other people and through my own mistakes – but I don’t think you should regret anything. I think where you should be/what you should do really depends on what feels right and sometimes that answer isn’t what you’d have expected or what you thought you wanted. I am going to say that right now, I am trying to remember that: ”Not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.” But on the whole “Make the most of every moment and every opportunity.”
Where can we see more of your creations from The Paper Rain Project?
www.thepaperrainproject.co.nz and hopefully, carving around a corner in the high street.
How can we listen to your music?
I have a recording with Blair Gibsone which I could make into more CDs. Otherwise, over a cup of coffee at mine, or at Open Mics in Wellington city, haha. Actually, I am going to go back to learning guitar again, probably Blues. I have a lot of lyrics at the moment which need some Blues tunes.
