Q&A with the prolific pop/soul powerhouse, Sherie
We sat down with Haitian-American superstar Sherie (world renowned songwriter from her work on ‘Positions’ by Ariana Grande, among many others) to discuss her music and her expertly-produced and brilliantly captivating music video for her latest song, ‘ETA’. Based in LA, Sherie is a classically-trained violinist and singer-songwriter has gained previous support from the likes of NPR Radio, KUVO Radio, FORBES, Earmilk, LA WEEKLY, West Coast Styles, Spotify playlists Fresh Finds and R&B Weekly, & many more. She has toured all over the world performing her songs and also opening for superstars such as Alicia Keys and playing strings for Grammy Award winning artist, H.E.R. Sherie has played for the Oscars, Espys, Grammy award shows and many more! In the video, Lauren Hashian and Spicy Ricothey capture brilliant hip hop choreography, as well as Sherie’s violin stylings to illustrate the lyrics of the song. From the colors, to visual effects to set changes, this music video is a true work of art.
Read our interview with the talented musician below.
Describe your sound for us. What do you want people to feel when they hear your music?
My sound is Pop Soul. I’ve always wanted to experiment with my music playing strings. Throughout and it gives it a pop feel but the music is so soulful and has live drums and bopping to it I’m very excited to share this next era of music!
Which 3 artists have influenced you the most growing up?
Alicia Keys, Minnie Ripperton, and Jean Luc Ponty. Alicia Keys is most definitely an inspiration to me and a friend. I got the opportunity to tour with her and do shows with her and it was the most incredible experience! I am inspired by her artistry with her instrument which is what I resonate with. Minnie Ripperton is just an essence that I love to live in. Her aura and voice is special. I most definitely am influenced by her high register and tone of singing. Jean Luc Ponty is an incredible violinist and my absolute favourite. He has mastered the art of showcasing the violin in a way I’ve never seen. I have spent hours learning His song and watching his shows so he has most definitely influenced my violin style of playing.
What outside of music inspires you to create?
What inspires me outside of music to create is nature, reading, new life experiences that are fun and that challenge growth. I love to read about new things and even talk to friends about situations that spark ideas all the time. I love to travel most of the time by the ocean. I am a water sign so it probably plays a part to how water/the ocean inspires me.
Do you have a favourite memory of your career so far that you will take with you forever?
A favorite memory of my career is going on tour in Europe. The people out there were such a breath of fresh air and being in new terrain and places I’ve never been to explore was so special. Another special moment and milestone of my career was co-writing the song ‘Positions’ by Ariana Grande. It was such a moment in the beginning of my career. Where I was coming in for her creative sessions just as as a violinist but ended up writing (with her and another writer) a song that made #1 on the Billboard charts! It was a beautiful moment and blessing which gave me more opportunities as a songwriter for others as well as myself.
If you could work with, or perform alongside any artist living or passed, who would it be?
I would have loved to work with Whitney Houston. She is my most favourite vocalist of all time. From her tone to her runs to the conviction in her voice I mean just to be there while she’s singing in a session would have been a blessing to me.
Take us through the inspiration and making of the stunning music video for ‘ETA’.
My official music video for ‘ETA’ was so fun to make! The video responses got over a million views in just two weeks, which was a beautiful milestone. I teamed up with Lauren Hashian of Seven Bucks Productions and Spicy Rico of Reel Goats to create this masterpiece. We wanted to create a world where singing, dancing, and violin playing can exist and make it ART. The three different worlds in the video express different sides of me: the classy and violinist background, the fun dancer side, and the vulnerable side of me. We had two days of production time and it all came together beautifully. Go check it out if you haven’t yet!
What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
I have another single coming out next month and another video coming! Following that I have an EP coming so get ready because I’m here to stay!
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