“I moved to the city because pre-MP3s/Myspace, I was repeatedly told that if I wanted to build a music career in Canada, I had to be in Toronto,” says Vivek, whose favourite hangouts are “Roncesvalles, the Drake café, Carlton Cinema and my apartment.”
He isn’t shy about his secret talents — “I do great impressions of Barney Gumble from The Simpsons, Toni Braxton and Voldemort” — but he gives full credit to the muses who’ve had an impact on his writing: “I am inspired by the brilliant women of colour in my life and by people trying to be their best selves. It’s such a privilege to get to make a connection with others through storytelling.”
Vivek’s latest book, She of the Mountains, is an illustrated novel that weaves a passionate, contemporary love story between a man and his body, with a reimagining of Hindu mythology. Both narratives explore the complexities of embodiment and the damaging effects that policing gender and sexuality can have on the human heart.
vivekshraya.com
Facebook: vivekmusic
Twitter: @vivekshraya
Instagram: vivekshraya
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