April Lee Fields is a self-published Author, Shamanic Songstress, and internationally recognized Spoken Word Artist. Performing live readings from her works, April effortlessly brings the quietude of the written word to life by submerging her audience in the sacred and ancient art of storytelling. Her original poetic performances take her audience on an epic Spoken Word journey across continents; from small-town America to hippy communes deep in the Australian Outback, from the linoleum suburbs of her hometown in Cornwall, UK, to overgrown jungle temples deep in the heart of Asia.
Each performance is set against a gentle instrumental backdrop where her vivid descriptions of both the exotic and the mundane are effortlessly entwined with a soulful observation that will completely transport her listener into a world of pure literary and melodic magic.
In 2017, April self-published her debut novel, ‘A Version of You.’
‘A Version of You’ is a spellbinding 550 page travel memoir that narrates one year of the author’s life on the road. Within its pages, a myriad of topics are shamelessly versed and delicately tackled; such as personal development, the kaleidoscopic depths of love and loss, as well as the powerful remembrance of magic & spirituality in a world where such things are often forgotten.
‘A Version of You’ is available in paperback, e-book & audiobook; narrated by the author. https://www.amazon.com/Version-You-April-Lee-Fields/dp/154233568X
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In 2019, April self-published a book of poetry entitled, ‘Wild Flower.’
‘Wild Flower’ is a 250 page book of thought-provoking, tantalizing poetry that, whilst delving deep into the reflections of the self as well as the inner workings of humanity, also serves as the sister piece to her memoir, ‘A Version of You.’
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In 2019, April composed a spoken word album entitled, ‘WanderLust.’
Comprised of a mixture of poetry & literature, the album is an eclectic mix of varied musical projects that April has embarked upon over the years and then selectively scattered throughout this unique body of work.
https://aprilleefields.bandcamp.com/releases
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In 2020, during the midst of a global pandemic, April also independently produced a spoken word album entitled,
‘Steeped in Story & Song.’
The spoken word album is a musical demonstration of April & accompanying bandmate, Twiggman’s, selective pairing of cover songs, original musical compositions and poetry.
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April has been the lead singer for several genre-diverse bands across the world:
In Australia April provided lead vocals for Craigus McVegas and the Sistahood: A collection of three soulful women who, steeped in improve artistry, rap, chant and groove to the eclectic sounds of electronic funk.
In New Zealand April was the vocalist for Chai Sol: Two tea maidens offering a musical ceremony of ethereal trip hop, spoken word and Zen wave soul.
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In America April joined band, the Swamp Rats and together they created a fusion of blue grass inspired spoken word that took them on a 1400 miles tour across the United States.
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Story & Song:
A Performance
Performing live readings from her works, April effortlessly brings the quietude of the written word to life by submerging her audience in the sacred and ancient art of storytelling. Her original poetic performances take her audience on an epic Spoken Word journey across continents; from small-town America to hippy communes deep in the Australian Outback, from the linoleum suburbs of her hometown in Cornwall, UK, to overgrown jungle temples deep in the heart of Asia.
Each performance is set against a gentle instrumental backdrop where her vivid descriptions of both the exotic and the mundane are effortlessly entwined with a soulful observation that will completely transport her listener into a world of pure literary and melodic magic.
Live Gigs @ The Pearl, New Orleans:
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Performing her craft at many of Australia’s leading festivals, such as Rainbow Serpent, Earth Frequency and Newkind, April has travelled across the world with her poetry and literature. She has performed in and won a number of Spoken Word competitions such as the New Zealand 2014 Regional Slam Championship, and played in a multitude of venues throughout New Zealand, Australia, Europe and America.
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Volunteer Work
With youth work also being of great importance to her, April has previously partnered with organisations such as Share Mentoring Program (UK), dedicating years of her life to working with young and troubled youth. April has also offered motivational talks at Universities across New Zealand, such as Kāpiti College & Wellington University and, through her uplifting journey towards her own literary craft, April draws from her own turbulent past and shares a powerful message of creativity and the importance of following one’s dreams amidst any and all adversity.
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April is currently working on publishing a collection of 10 short stories. Each digestible booklet offers a mixed medium of classic literature and modern QR code supported audiobook files; narrated by the author. At the end of each booklet, a chapter related musical download is offered, correlating to the production of April’s third album.
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April has not only created her very own niche style within the world of spoken word but also beautifully curates her own shows; hosting open mic slots and booking feature poetic performers, fire twirlers and burlesque performances to accompany her own act of Story & Song. April produces her own music, writes, edits, formats, designs, self publishes, campaigns and markets her literature completely independently and, further adding to her world of beauty and spirituality, she also models; using these powerful images to support her cover work.
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April Lee Fields is the epitome of a one woman army and, ultimately, a diverse force to be reckoned with.
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https://www.aprilleefields.com/
https://www.instagram.com/april_lee_fields/
https://www.facebook.com/aprilleefields
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4Jv5Y8SStxM4Gi35LmbPMA/videos
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Testimonials
“April takes strands of the ordinary in her nimble, adorned fingers and spins them into pure magic in the form of her words… Reading, listening, watching April in performance is like eating your favourite meal, curling up by a fire, like kissing a stranger… do yourself a favour and indulge in the ethereal, animated, wonderful world of April.” Rosana Rosli (editor)
“Alongside of the unique literary detail that pounces from her pages, the surreal visualizations that pour out of her cheeky British mouth, the hope and spiritual undercurrents that reside within her message and her soulful songs that are sure to reverberate you to the very core, the unique performance of April Lee Fields is unlike anything that has been done before.” Review by Mon Cirque Wine Bar
“April Lee Fields was a guest in our classroom of 13-14 year olds. She quickly established a warm and engaging rapport with which to share her creative process and several of her vivid, lyrical poems. A very generous, sparkling and encouraging presence who I highly recommend as a mentor and role model for younger writers.” Review by Nicola Easthope: Teacher of English and Psychology at Kāpiti College, New Zealand.
“Readers encounter in April Lee Fields a questing, curious, and inquisitive soul as she travels across continents. Her memoir is rich and while the literal aspect of the story is hugely entertaining, it has deep currents that explore spiritual realities. In ‘A Version of You’ by April Lee Fields, the author captures her own journey towards self-discovery, her path to personal development. The author evolves as she faces new challenges, falls in and out of love, and learns to practice the art of letting go. A Version of You is an exciting read that discusses the humanity of the protagonist, her love for travel and adventure, and her personal growth. This is one of those books that will inspire readers to pursue the things they love. It is deftly written.”
Review by Christian Sia for Readers’ Favorite
“There are so many positive aspects of this book that it is nearly impossible to choose just one as a favorite. The phrasing and wording April Lee Fields uses in A Version of You are absolutely beautiful. To some the wording may seem a bit dense, but the level of detail and variety of words she uses are absolutely astounding. She captures both visiting and living in completely different cultures in a respectful and meaningful way, and the imagery and metaphors she uses easily reinforce the lessons she learns and imparts to the reader. Each of the relationships that come into her life and eventually fade away touches the heart and allows readers to think about similar people in their own lives. Truly, the book embodies its title, not only showing April but also a version of yourself as she goes on her journey. I derived messages of overwhelming beauty and harmony from this book. Each word is purposefully chosen and serves to further draw the reader into the narrative. I rate A Version of You 4 out of 4 stars. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.” Review by Online Book Club
“If I only had one word to describe ‘A Version of You’ it would be this: Real. I have never before read a book that has so vividly drawn me into an author’s mind, into an experience. April brilliantly draws the reader into her world in such an incredible way which makes you feel what she has felt, loved what she has loved, grieved what she has grieved, rejoiced in what she has rejoiced. April has a truly unique way of communicating her experience so completely. I cannot recommend this read enough to any traveler, thinker, lover and human.” Review by M. James
