Converse releases first vodcast series, ‘Splittin’ Fares’
The Australian/New Zealand arm of iconic shoe brand Converse has released a vodcast series to celebrate diversity and creativity.
The announcement:
Converse ANZ is championing the voices of Australia’s emerging creatives, with the release of its first ever vodcast series, ‘Splittin’ Fares’.
Created as part of the brand’s efforts to amplify and invest in young creative talent, the series brings together diverse voices from the brand’s esteemed All Stars; a global program that exists to propel the careers of 2,000 emerging creatives in 32 cities around the world.
The five-part YouTube series features an All Star cast including ARIA-nominated R&B singer PANIA, LGBTQIA+ rapper JULAI, entrepreneur/MC Lydia Tesema, reggaeton artist Jalmar and singer-songwriter PRICIE.
Set in the backseat of a rideshare, each guest chats candidly about their story and what inspires them as they travel through the streets of their neighbourhood.
As part of its commitment to propel the careers of All Stars, Converse ‘Splittin’ Fares’ sees creator and editor Aysha Nanai-Leifi, also known as @mrs_fallback, take on her first vodcast hosting gig as she digs into the roots of her guests artistry, influences and milestones.
Melbourne-based rising star PANIA features in episode one, recapping her trajectory as an All Star and artist, from meeting Tyler the Creator at Sydney’s Converse All Star Series event to recently performing alongside international stars on tour. Episode two, which drops today, is a raw discussion with music artist and dancer JULAI, who shares his unique experience as a queer rapper in Australia, and the legacy he’s creating for the next generation.
“I’m a queer Pasifika artist from the South East, and I make music for the girls, the gays and the them/theys. I’ve come to realise that I’m the first of my community to do something like this. I really hope that other queer rappers, or just queer Pasifika people in general see this and go, I saw JULAI do that, I want to do that. And I know I can, because I see the example right there,” said JULAI.
The vodcast series builds on efforts of Converse to support creative talent in Australia, and across the world, as part of its global All Stars program – connecting emerging creatives to each other and the brand via funding, global experiences and commissions.
Over the past 12 months in Australia alone, All Stars have participated in the Converse Music Camp, an All Star Series in Sydney with long-time collaborator Tyler, The Creator, produced their own music merch and had their individual creative projects funded by the brand.
Splittin’ Fares Series One features five episodes on Converse Australia’s official YouTube channel.
Source: Hopeful Monsters
