LISTEN TO HOLDING SPACE

TUNE IN TO FIRST LIVESTREAM

ON APRIL 29 8 PM EST VIA INSTAGRAM

Toronto, ON – April 24, 2020 – Known for her vibrant artwork and powerful installations, Canadian-born, South Asian Toronto-based artist, Romana, unveils her latest music to the world today with new single, Holding Space. Arriving at a time where space must be given, but questions linger where it should be taken, Romana shares the meanings and messages behind the phrase through song. Listen to Holding Space here and stay tuned for the music video set for release in the coming weeks. 

As the world experiences collective uncertainty and change, it is more important than ever before to prioritize self-care.“Holding Space is a song about creating emotional, mental and physical boundaries to protect the finite space we have in our beings,” Romana says. “When it comes to self-care, physical and mental health are at the forefront of the conversation. There is not enough dialogue around emotional health and well-being, which is honouring your true feelings and expressing them. This song encourages emotional awareness and gives permission to say ‘no’ to the things that don't serve you.” 

Romana will explore and expand on these themes with her community by conducting weekly interviews on Instagram live for a series called Holding Space, where she will discuss emotional well-being and boundaries in times of crisis with authentic and thoughtful women. Before the pandemic, Romana was planning a pop-up experience to educate people on what holding space is and bring awareness to the invisible labour that people experience in the name of love or friendship. As the event will be scheduled in the near future, she decided to shift the conversation to Instagram in the interim. The live series will stream via Romana’s Instagram page every Wednesday at 8 pm EST, with a 35-45 minute performance and conversation. The series will kick off on Wednesday, April 29 with Romana’s live performance of Holding Space, and guest, Raptors In-Game, Digital and TV Host, Kat Stefankiewicz. Acclaimed author, stylist and influencer, Sandy Gill(The Sandylion), will join the live chat on Wednesday, May 6. See below for the current schedule and stay up-to-date with more to be announced by following Romana on Instagram (@romanakassam).

About Romana: 
A self-taught multi-disciplinary artist inspired by the human condition, the cosmos, our ancestors and the spaces in between – Romana experiments with several mediums to express her journey as a woman of colour in Toronto. A true artist, Romana is a singer/songwriter, painter, installation artist and experience designer. As an expressionist and artist, Romana feels that it is her responsibility to use her art as a platform for awareness. Her music specifically lends a voice to the issues and ideas that are important to her and the many diverse communities she belongs to. Romana's music addresses identity, belonging and healing. Topics that are not often addressed in the mainstream, Romana's messages are made accessible and easily consumable through smooth 90s R&B-inspired sounds. Her musical style is definitely a reflection of her experience growing up in a desi household in the 90s. As an experience designer and installation artist, you can expect that any live show or live stream she puts on will definitely be unique and truly something you have never experienced before. Her unique experiences and installations have already been featured in People Magazine, TorontoLife, VICE and the Toronto Star. Romana is changing the way we view artists today and giving people everywhere permission to do it all. 

Holding Space Instagram Live Series:
Wednesday, April 29 – featuring Kat Stefankiewicz – Instagram LIVE at 8 pm EST
Wednesday, May 6 – featuring Sandy Gill – Instagram LIVE at 8 pm EST

Listen to Holding Space: romana.bandcamp.com/releases
 

DOWNLOAD – Holding Space Art | DOWNLOAD – Hi Res Press Photo

www.romanakassam.com