"I'm just a chip off the old tooth my daddy knocked out of my mama's mouth....."
Tripp Fontane is a Dayton, OH native blazing the poetry scene for the
past several years. He is heavily affiliated with Dayton's own and
growing poetry crew Metaphorically Speaking which caters not only to
the adult poetry lover, but also poetry performers and slammers of tomorrow.
Tripp's poetry along with the Metaphorically Speaking brand has
extended its arms throughout Ohio and is bulldozing its way through the Midwest.
Q&A
Q. What city are you from? Where do you live now?
A. I'm from and currently reside in the lovely Dayton, Ohio!
Q. How long have you been writing/performing poetry?
A. I've been writing poetry since I was like 10 I believe. I didn't start performing or writing seriously until 2009-2010.
Q. What made you start writing poetry? How old were you?
A. I started taking poetry seriously because no one
would listen to my music lol. At the time lyrics and messages still
didn't matter. I was about 19 when I decided to just do my songs with no
music and say I did poetry.
Q. What type or style of poetry do you write the best? Worst?
A. I love writing persona pieces. Fully taking on
the character in the poem makes it extremely fun to perform! I suck at
writing love poetry though lol. Well happy love poems anyway. I don't
really have enough experience in that field.
Q. Which poet(s) do you idolize or emulate?
A. Honestly, I try to learn from everyone I come
across! There's always room to get better so I'm constantly studying
those around me. Theon Lee is definitely one of my favorites though. My G
is NICE!
Q. Do you get stage fright?
A. I get stage fright every single time I perform lol. I
was taught that it was a good thing though. It means I still have
respect for the craft and the audience.
Q. Why do you think poetry isn't more main stream?
A. I could go on all day as to why poetry isn't
mainstream. Art, in general, just isn't as highly valued as it once was.
I also think English class gives the worst first impression to poetry
ever lmao.
Q. How would you fix this?
A. I don't think I would fix it. Not yet. Spoken Word
is still somewhat pure. The higher up you get in most industries the
less people care about the art. It's about a marketable product and a
paycheck. If Spoken Word is to be taken mainstream it should be by
people of the culture so there's a healthy understanding of how things
work.
Q. How long have you been rocking with Metaphorically Speaking?
A. I've pretty much been with MS since day one. I got
invited to judge the slam from the third show and I've been rocking with
them ever since. This is our 3rd year.
Q. As a poetry clique or group what would you like to do in
your community and where would you like to see yourself and the group
go?
A. We've kinda set the company up into three different
branches that way we can effectively expand on all fronts. As far as the
community goes I'd like to see us become a safe haven for the youth and
other artists. I'd like to also see the brand become a powerhouse in
the Midwest.
"When ya'll fucking he just pull out and leave residue on your belly, baby, maybe you should ab...stain."
Q. Have you ever used poetry for evil?
A. I don't think I have lol. I wouldn't exactly say I'm a good guy but I would never use my gift for actual evil.
Q. What is the best thing about poetry for you?
A. To me the best thing about poetry is discovering
that space for expression. Whatever you're going through, you can create
something special from it via poetry.
Q. What is the most difficult thing about poetry to you? What is the easiest?
A. The hardest thing about poetry? Hmmm... It takes me
FOREVER to finish and memorize my pieces sometimes lol. I have
unfinished poems from years ago.
I honestly haven't found anything easy about this whole being a poet thing lol.
Q. How do you keep your gift giving to others?
A. A few members from the team teach slam poetry and
creative writing workshops for children! It's pretty dope watching these
young writers come into their own as artists! 
Q. Are you married?
A. Not at all lol. I'm very much single. I don't see myself getting married any time soon.
Q. Do you have kids?
A. Noooooooo! I would love to have a few little Fontanes running around but not until I'm ready.
Q. Any secret talents?
A..I'm a pretty decent music producer. That's not really a secret I just don't ever tell people lol.
Q. What turns you off?
A. One of my biggest turn offs is someone unwilling to learn new things. Voluntary ignorance if you will.
Q. What turns you on?
A. I'm turned on by a woman that can make me laugh as well as a woman I can learn from!
Q. Tell me something about yourself that would surprise people.
A. Ummm... I've never broken up with any of my exes. I'm always the one that gets dumped. 
Q. Have you ever considered quitting?
A. I've considered quitting poetry quite a few times
lol. Only reason I'm still at it is because I know the impact the
movement can and will have is way bigger than my own plans.
Q. What advice do you have for aspiring writers and poets?
A. I urge every writer and poet to study the craft as
much as possible. Find any possible open mics and practice! And network
your tail off! Always follow through! If you say you're gonna call
another poet or hit an open mic then do it!
Q. What's next for you? Where do you see yourself professionally in 5 years?
A. I'm currently working on my next musical project
which I plan on having finished come February! I'm also working on a
book about my experiences with love. I'm taking my time on that though
lol. I'm also going to be getting involved in the slam poetry scene as
well!
~
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