This week we conclude our four-part series with Paul db Watkins, author of Soundin’ Canaan: Black Canadian Poetry, Music, and Citizenship, by reflecting on the power of remixing. Digging into the book’s unique design elements, Paul explains that he wanted readers to “feel a little bit like a kind of DJ themselves” through an active, auditory reading experience. We also talk about Paul’s website for the book, which offers resources like relevant poems, lectures, discussion questions, and audio files. In addition, Paul shares how he aimed to disrupt traditional scholarly communication practices by holding poetry readings, open mics, and interviews at the book’s launch events to underscore the title’s multimedia elements. Last, Paul reflects on the willingness (or lack thereof) of major musical acts to speak about political or social issues. Though perhaps not a solution to today’s ongoing crises, Paul underscores that poetry and music can act as an “antidote to apathy…[and] a catalyst for change.”

Missed an episode? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, Choice Podcast Updates, and check out the Authority File Round-Up on our blog, Open Stacks!