[FEATURE] VIPER PRESENTS: CHERISE

Following the release of her EP ‘Butter’, Brit Soul artist CHERISE gives VIPER the lowdown. Get familiar…

What five words define your sound?

Quirky, Soulful, Butterly, Black, British.

Tell me something unique about your creative process.

I wrote this album with three of my mates: Lewis Moody, Benjamin Muralt, Tal Janes, and we didn’t start writing thinking about an EP; we just wrote to re-connect to the creative spark.

Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?

‘Lost Satellite’

What inspired you to make that song?

At the beginning of this year, I was feeling very lost. I had put my all in releasing my album independently and I didn’t know what would come next. I was feeling low, front seat top deck of a double decker and felt like logic and planning weren’t getting me anywhere. In the midst of a quarter life crisis, I just started singing to myself out loud. I imagined a scenario in which I’m lyrically collaborating with Frank Ocean to express the feeling in that very moment. And ‘Lost Satellite’ was born… it’s for the creatives that feel lost in the ether right now.

What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/ making music?

Good question – I felt vulnerable writing ‘Danger’. It’s about being in a toxic relationship and shedding a light on the darker raw hidden feeling of craving the pain of it all. It’s vulnerable and tricky because I don’t want the narrative to validate victim blamers, who shame those who stay with abusing lovers; it’s the opposite! I’ve found that being deeply honest about desires and feelings reveals a clearer path to healing the root cause of the disfunction.

What is your favourite song to perform?

‘Butter’ – it’s such a bop and so fun! I’m ‘talk singing’, which requires a less technique and allows my personality to come out a bit more.

Which artist/song/album made you want to make music?

Tyler the Creator is really inspiring me be authentic stop giving a f*** about what others think of me and I think that’s making my music way better. ‘Call me if you get lost’ is so sick. ‘Lost Satelite’ references this metaphor a little bit.

What’s the meaning behind your name?

Cherise has French origins, as either Cerise (cherry) or Chérie (my dear one). I think this might be why I’ve always had a little fascination with France. I visit Paris a couple of times a year and it’s my time to feel at peace.

If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?

I’d be a yoga teacher, I’m doing that right now too 🙂 My yoga practice and community keeps me grounded, lend perspective and help me have the resilience that the music industry requires. Going forward, I’m gonna explore the ways that the two worlds naturally connect.

What’s success to you?

Being surrounded by good music and good people. Being respected for my art and helping others to create theirs. And having more than enough money to shift focus to family and friends when I want to.

What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction?

Right now! A lot of transformation is happening, I’m the first in my family to do a lot of the things I’m doing and it’s heady but so gratifying. My business/label shadeINDIGO has started monthly showcases, supporting emerging artists and providing a space for artist development. I’m creating space, I’m a curator as well as a musician.

Where can people keep in touch with you?

Instagram @cherisemusic. See you over there, thanks VIPER

Photo by Claire Setian