EQUATE Introducing Cherise
"My creative process is trusting my gut. And as more and more time passes, I realise just how smart my gut is."
Cherise is a superstar on the rise. From studying at the prestigious Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music to performing at the Royal Albert Hall and Washington DC’s Kennedy Centre to being awarded Jazz FM’s Vocalist of the Year Award - the list goes on, and it’s certain to say that the singer-songwriter is one to watch. Only recently, she has released ‘Remedy’ featuring Moses Boyd on drums - a new track which is highlighting her stunning soulful sonic palette and effortless songwriting abilities. It’s the first taste of what we can expect from her debut EP - out in September. We spoke to her about the new single, her upbringing and other things!
Read the full interview below..
EQ: Has music been something you’ve always wanted to do?
C: Yes! Growing up, my Grandmother was my favourite person. And she always told me that from the age of 5 I would tell her with certainty that I was going to ‘Be a singer and buy her a house with all my monies!’, haha. She always encouraged my dreams and told me that they could become a reality
EQ: You’ve studied at Trinity Laban and performed at the Royal Albert Hall as well, among others. How were those experiences?
Studying Jazz at Trinity Laban gave me time and space to build skill as a vocalist and composer while absorbing the history of the culture. Now I hope to build a soulful house with the tools Jazz has given me.
Singing at the Royal Albert Hall always feels surreal, especially because it’s balancing with a portfolio career that often means I’m performing at a gig with a completely different tone the day before and the day after! From a pub gig, to the Royal Albert Hall, to a wedding in a stately home. Each experience has is unique value
EQ: Was your family musical as well? How did your up-bringing shape you as a person and as an artist?
C: I’m the only musician in my family, but music is really important to our culture. My mother describes herself as a ‘Soul girl’ so there would always be Anita Baker, Luther Vandross, Barry White, Toni Braxton, En Vogue, Sam Cooke… the list goes on. So it makes sense that I’ve grown up with a deep desire to honour and contribute to Soul Music.
EQ: Considering you’ve had such an impressive journey as an artist already, what’s your favourite musical memory so far?
C: Ooooh…that’s tough. A lot of my favourite musical memories are watching other people perform. Like watching Cécile McLorin Salvant perform at Ronnie Scott’s about 5 years ago when I was still a Jazz student. I cried instantly!
” Growing up, my Grandmother was my favourite person. And she always told me that from the age of 5 I would tell her with certainty that I was going to ‘Be a singer and buy her a house with all my monies!’ “
- Cherise
EQ: Can you talk us through your single ‘Remedy’?
C: ‘Remedy‘ was written by myself and guitarist/producer Ed Black. It was in-between lockdowns in 2020 and we were reflecting on the pain that physical separation from the ones we love can cause. I asked the question ‘What would be a Remedy for loneliness right now?’. And the answer we found was ‘touch!’. From that moment on, the song creatively flowed out of us…
EQ: What can we expect from your EP as a whole?
C: I offer ‘Remedy‘ as a musical Remedy for the past 19 months. Expect to be taken on a journey, the single is the first stop. Thematically we start with ‘Heart’. Then move to ‘Honesty’, ‘Healing’ and end with ‘Hope’.
EQ: When you’re planning a new video or writing a new song, what’s usually your creative process?
C: Yes! More to come very soon. This is just the beginning…
My creative process is trusting my gut. And as more and more time passes, I realise just how smart my gut is.
EQ: Which artists are you listening to on your playlist non stop right now, anyone you can recommend?
C: Oooo, good question. SZA, Snoh Aalegra, Serpentwithfeet, Hiatus Kaiyote … just to name a few off the top of my head
EQ: Who is someone you’d love to collaborate with and why?
C: Emily King. Because her songwriting is stellar and classic. And of course Stevie Wonder, for the same reason!
EQ: With your EP out soon, will you be doing some shows as well? Or is there anything else you’ve been working on that you can share?
C: Look out for a launch gig in Autumn. I can’t wait to perform this new material live. It means so much to me 🙂
Listen to ‘Remedy’ below!
Keep up with Cherise on socials
Instagram: @cherisemusic
Twitter: @cherisemusic
Facebook: @cherisemusic
Tik Tok: @cherisemusic