KrisH:First, let the people know who you are, your location and the city you rep?

Red: Red Summer, I am from Chicago and I’m living in Atlanta now.

KrisH: As they enjoy giving out in the corporate world, what's the title you go by (for example, I introduce myself as Kris.H; marketer/writer/entrepreneur/stylist and fly ass, bad ass summa chick).

Red:The list of my hyphens would go around the corner. So, to simplify things, I am an artist.

KrisH: Good choice, so what's the story behind your stage name?

Red:Red Summer was a series of events (race riots) that took place in 1919. I was teaching at an alternative high school a couple of years ago and my students were studying how the events of 1919 led to the artistic Renaissance of the 1920’s. My students talked about how going through something horrible can inspire you to do something wonderful. That is what I’m doing, taking the downward spiral of past events to propel me forward creatively. So, they gave me the name and I kept it as a reminder of my commitment to myself and to young people who are overcoming difficult pasts to become something beautiful.

KrisH:And that is definitely a beautiful thing - How long have you been practicing your craft and when did you decide this was what you wanted to pursue professionally?

Red:I have been reciting poetry since 2^nd grade and writing since high school. I started doing spoken word performances of my own work almost 10 years ago; hosting and then became a board member of Pow Wow Chicago (a women’s safe space and weekly open mic). I published my first book, First Person, in 2007 and I quit my day job and became a full time artist in June of 2008.

KrisH: How would describe your art in 3 words?

Red:Naked, Honest, Evolution

KrisH:What projects are you currently working on?

Red:I’m touring, I’m finalizing my cd Shades of Red and I’m publishing my second book Raw Sugar. I’m also in the planning phases of getting back into independent film making and doing my first documentary.

KrisH: Sounds like you definitely have a lot of great projects in the works. What's been the best experience for you as a female artist of color?

Red:The best experience for me is going to some of the women’s music festivals around the country. Being around so many talented and beautiful women is always amazing and awe inspiring. I also enjoy bringing light to issues that affect girls and women around the world.

KrisH: .... And the most challenging?

Red:The most challenging part is dealing with the fact that I am an artist by profession in an industry that does not feel that it is necessary to pay for the service they enjoy. You expect to pay for a movie or a book or a cd, people are not accustomed to paying a poet. So, I have to accept that I may go into a city where people don’t really know me and are not willing to pay me much to come and I have to get my hustle on from the time I stand up to go on stage until I leave the event and the last book or cd has been sold. Also, as a lesbian, I am never really sure how I will be received in some spaces. It is a risk I am always aware of.

KrisH: I love the collaboration you did with Lover of the Keys (pictured below) - how did that come about?

Red:I adore Lover of the Keys. She is absolutely amazing to me. We just fell in love with each other as artists and decided to work together. It is my dream to have her come out with me on a tour sometime soon. The song Love’s Not for Me was her song. She wanted me to do a verse on the song - It wasn’t until we were actually in the studio and she was recording her vocals that my verse just came out. We work really well together and she did all of the music for my cd.

KrisH: Who is your dream collaborator to work with?

Red:I actually had a dream that I was on the stage at the House of Blues doing a song with Common (left). He always represents home for me. It’s difficult for artist from Chicago to make it mainstream. I had to move away before I could establish myself as a credible artist.My goal is to do the next cd with musicians and artists from Chicago. So, I’m interested in Khari Lemuel, Amun Miraaj,Kafele, Cuzo, Jocelyn Winston, Avery R. Young, Bro. Mike, Phenom, Bethany Pickens and of course, Lover of the Keys. Also, my photographers, visual artists, fashion designers, make-up artist, engineers and graphic designers are all from Chicago.

In the women’s art community, I love Hanifah Walidah (left), Deepa Soul, Shelley Nicole Blackbushe, Miss Money,Fiona Simone, Climbing Poetree, Kandi Cole, Sisters in the Pit, Ri Ri Garcia and Ashley Phillips. I could go on and on with that list… I’ll give you a break.

KrisH: Who would say are your main influences or motivations, personally and professionally?

Red:My family is my main motivation. My mother was one of the first black women to be on billboards. She was a model and artist who had to give up her art to be a mother. My children are the reason why I am doing what I am doing now. I want them to see me struggling to fulfill my dreams rather than struggling to make ends meet. As an artist, C.C. Carter is my personal hero. She is taking on the world and defining herself as a beautiful, talented, successful lesbian of color. She is not bound by any limitations people put on her. I love that.

KrisH:One quote you live (or die) by?

Red:On a show called Iconoclasts, Maya Angelou told Dave Chappell “I don’t pick it up and I don’t lay it down.” By that she meant that if you take it personally when people say “you are so wonderful, you are the best” you also have to take it personally when they say “you are the worst, you are terrible.” So, I don’t pick it up and I don’t lay it down. I take compliments and criticism with grace and I give the credit to the creator.

Red Summer’s books First Person, Shades of Red and Raw Sugar are all available onwww.twofingerspress.comand check her out as Red Summer on Myspace, Facebook, Serafemme and Organik B.L.U.