In Conversation with Pauli The PSM
AFROPUNK partnership
EVERY THURSDAY AT 8PM ET, HEAD OVER TO THE AFROPUNK IG LIVE CHANNEL FOR THESE WEEKLY CONVERSATIONS CURATED BY HUMBLE BLOOM'S SOLONJE BURNETT WITH THOUGHT LEADERS AND ENTREPRENEURS IN MUSIC, AGRICULTURE, BEAUTY, MINDFULNESS, NUTRITION, SUSTAINABILITY, SEXUAL EMPOWERMENT AND MORE.
Pauli Lovejoy Stanley-McKenzie professionally known as Pauli The PSM was born to Jamaican parents with Senegalese heritage in London, England.
Pauli's debut body of work The Idea of Tomorrow, featuring Idris Elba, solidified the launch of his live shows with an opening slot for Sampha's Mercury winning "Process" album tour. Most recently Pauli has worked as the composer on 'Centerpiece,' Maurice Harris' series on Quibi, directed by Rohan Blair-Mangat and executive produced by Rashida Jones.
2005 Young Drummer of the Year, Pauli has also been credited as a music director for Jamie xx and fka Twigs as well as touring in brands as a drummer with Damon Albarn, Robyn & Kelsey Lu. His recording credits include Alicia Keys, Sampha & Kindness.
What's your current theme song? If you have a reason, please share.
Sounds of Blackness - Optimistic
What are you working on?
Rescuing the world.. protecting Black womxn!
Tell me about your journey to now. What impactful moments led you to your work?
My most impactful moments are generally based on failure. However as I grow wiser I understand that failure creates success. Failing forward, failing up and failing often were always encouraged in my household, the more I made strides towards my goals the more I would fail and the closer I would get to where I am now and living in my purpose.
Who and/or what motivates your passion each day?
Knowing that my ancestors did so much to get to a place where I can actually sit and write this response to you. I am inspired by the immigrant story. My grandparents being immigrants from Jamaica in the UK in the 1950s and now me being an immigrant in the US in 2020. Their vision and hope for a future and resilience against oppression motivates my passion and zeal for life each day.
How do you define Radical Self Care?
Separation. I believe that through separation you can connect with a deeper understanding of self, thus helping you understand what it is that the body requires. A key way for doing this for me is through fasting. Separating my body from food, helps me to understand what my soul is truly yearning for thus allowing me to care for myself in what may be non conventional and radical.
What rituals do you have to help maintain homeostasis of mind, body, and spirit?
As I haven't been able to go outside, I've been mastering the power of going inside through meditation. This has led me to transferring my inner power to escape via astral projection, so i'm now going outside from going inside... woah! lol
How do you incorporate plants into your well being routine? How is the cannabis (THC, CBD, CBN, etc) a part of your plant ritual?
Living in Los Angeles, there is such a wealth of good cannabis based products available. I have 2 uses for CBD.
Prior to the lockdown I would be a frequent flyer racking up on average 6 flights p/ month and was told to use melatonin to help regulate sleep (with jet lag), however I am in the 1% of people this doesn't work for, and for some reason it also seems to have an adverse effect. So CBD tinctures have been my saviour helping to regulate my sleep adjusting to time zones.
Also being a drummer for over a decade with poor technique and sleeping on tour busses led to me having serious back and shoulder injuries. After trying everything from acupuncture to physiotherapy, I started using CBD oils and yoga. Since then I have been injury free and haven't looked back.
Who would you like to experience an altered state (dream elevation + discussion) with and how would you achieve this flow state?
Sun Ra... I do this every time i listen to his music.
Love the phrase "slow down to speed up", what does that mean to you personally and within the present global pause?
I'm hoping that by slowing down, the Earth is given a chance to renew itself, and us as humans are also able to renew our vision for humanity tapping into purpose; however I fear that once this is over we may revert to our old ways and it may speed up and expedite the impending doom of humanity as we know it. Which is maybe a positive if it means that Earth has a chance to be bountiful and plentiful for all to share in its wealth as I believe it was intended.
What is the gift you bring to community?
Light.. John 8:12 levels of light.
What has been the most challenging for you during this time?
Creating a routine without it feeling futile. And remaining optimistic believing that this time will pass.
What made you become an advocate in the space and for the plant?
The enforcement of cannabis has biasedly ensnared thousands of Black people into the criminal justice system. Learning this gave me a sense of responsibility to not only advocate for the plant but for the freedom and justice of my sisters and brothers.