In this interview spotlight, I chat with Sherise about the latest release (Never Born), challenges, surviving a worldwide lockdown and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and how do you describe your style of music?
I am a seasoned performer and recording artist from Mumbai, India and I write and perform songs in a range of genres like Funk, Pop, Rock, Country, Blues, Jazz, Rock n Roll and Reggae. As a singer-songwriter, I aspire to touch many lives with my music and inspire them.
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
My parents always inspired me to take up music. Singing gospel and western classical music with professional choirs further helped me develop my groove, voice and vocal style. Singing and performing with musical groups taught me to listen and blend with multiple voices and personalities. I decided to also grow as a solo artist, pursue my passion, and trained with some local experts to have the vocal strength and ability to perform on stage with a band as well as a solo live performer.
How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?
My latest release is the Symphonic Rock version of ‘Never Born’ released on Oct 1, 2021 in association with Jørg Klein and MX Pro records, Germany. The Symphonic Rock version is loaded with dynamic sections of Metal Lead Guitar, and Symphonic String sections which embellish and add to the essence and meaning of the song. My current releases, this year are in the pop/rock genre. I continue to maintain my dynamic nature with all my releases and bring something new for the audience, each time, so that they are always interested and hooked on to my music.
Links: https://songwhip.com/sherise/never-born-symphonic-rock-version
Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?
The biggest challenge I faced is trying to stay relevant, fresh and positive during these unprecedented times. I kept updating my social media with new content to keep my audience engaged and aware of what I am working on.
What was the last song you listened to?
The last song that I listened to is ‘Kids’ by Kylie Minogue and Robbie Williams
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
I actually prefer cassettes as an artist, because the essence of releasing an album could be felt the strongest on a cassette or CD. Listeners were persuaded to listen to one cassette at a time, which would mostly have songs by one artist. With MP3s and Streaming platforms, the attention span of the audience on one artist has reduced, making it difficult for artists to have equal stream time for all songs on their album.
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
I am on all the major social media platforms Offline – Would love it if you attend my shows and groove to my live music and online, I am on all the major Social Media Platforms. Here are my social media handles:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherisedsouzaofficial/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sherisedsouzaofficial/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/SheriseDsouza
I really appreciate your time. Anything else before we sign off?
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be featured on Indie Music Discovery! I can’t wait to share more music with you! Thank you for all that you do for independent artists. Here is my music on Spotify and iTunes:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5aBznOHFeKrqyn0LSOtTyv
