An east Auckland singer-songwriter and producer with natural talent for writing songs that trigger emotions has been acknowledged in an overseas arts contest.
Out from the Mist, an international arts competition for mental health awareness, has awarded indie-pop music artist Raging Flowers, aka Amy Shuang Wang, first prize for her song, Tissue Paper, which she wrote this year in July.
She told the Times today she heard about the Australian-based initiative online and decided to enter her new track in August.
The Pakuranga self-producing music artist is known for her high-productivity in songwriting.
Since we last talked with her, she says she’s written another 20 tracks that are still been worked on musically.
An unreleased song, Tissue Paper, was judged first in the music category of Out from the Mist staged in Queensland.
For her recognition, she’s receiving AUD$1200, mentoring sessions with one of the judges, and having her artwork exhibited at the Judith Wright Arts Centre in Brisbane for 18 days.
“Out from the Mist is a photography, short movie and music competition,” says Raging Flowers.
“It’s about using the arts to showcase the challenges of mental illness and promote the hope of recovery.
“Tissue Paper is a souvenir from a depression. It’s a sad song with lightness and humour.
“This song was written during a time when you eat and sleep just to get to the next day to cry more, and you feel intensely sad for every object around you.
“I didn’t find it funny at all when I wrote the song. Looking back now, I can appreciate the humour in it.”
Raging Flowers says she wrote Tissue Paper during her APRA Aotearoa mentorship programme, under the guidance of Steph Brown.
“The mentorship was an unforgettable learning experience. I’m deeply grateful for the knowledge and support.
“I believe in the power of songwriting to help people face their emotional challenges.”
She’s planning to host songwriting workshops, “aimed at creating a supportive space for individuals to explore and express their feelings through music”.
Yet to be officially released, a demo version of Tissue Paper can be heard at https://www.outfromthemist.com/
Raging Flowers, who has a presence on most online streaming platforms including Bandcamp, is in the line-up for the next concert of The Bridge, a showcase platform for musicians and performance artists creating original material, at Uxbridge Arts and Culture in Howick on Sunday, November 24: https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/92756/The-Bridge—Poetry-And-Blues.utr
Proceeds from The Bridge goes to MusicHelps, a charity that uses music to help and heal and provides counselling and emergency assistance to New Zealand music players and workers.
