After spending the last few months building and developing her sound, Bradford-based artist Cherry Seraph has now released her stunning new EP 'someone, somewhere'.
Channelling a broad mix of bold and captivating alt-pop aesthetics from start to finish, 'for someone, somewhere' makes for a wonderfully captivating listen. Jam-packed with bold textures, brooding production, and her own shimmering persona layered throughout, it certainly feels like she has tapped into something very special on this release.
So with the new EP available now, we sat down with her to find out more about her background and what has inspired her most over the years.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Oh, this is so hard! I think it would definitely have to be flute. It has such an amazing range and is one of the first instruments I learnt when I was about 8 years old. I remember the first day I saw a flute being played within this music workshop at primary school – there was this quartet playing John Williams’ ‘Imperial March’ and it was such a lightbulb moment for me. I haven’t looked back since. I just seemed to have gained more instruments and an ongoing love of Star Wars!
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
My Dad is a scouser, so I grew up on lots of folk and skiffle music, as well as rock ‘n roll from the 60s. Plenty of The Beatles, The Kinks and The Swinging Blue Jeans. Aside from that, I liked lots of classical music too – I think that was due to being in orchestras at the time. There’s something that is so captivating about the emotion which classical music can capture like no other genre. Of course, though, I loved Avril Lavigne and her punky vibe and the classic Busted days.
What was the first album you remember owning?
CD-wise, I think it was something really embarrassing and cheesy like NOW 63. I am sure that was the early 2000s! I have always had a lot of vinyl around me though, more than CDs sometimes. The first record I owned was definitely either Art Pepper or Lou Reed. One of my favourite CDs that I will ever own is definitely by The National.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
This question is really easy. I wish I could have written The Stranger Song by Leonard Cohen. The man was a wizard in his words! I take huge inspiration from him in my poetry when I am not making music. There is something so incredibly universal about his lyrics and mindsets. I feel like all of his music transcends the time in which it was written and, to me, that is exactly what makes good music. Plus, E Minor is a great key for this track.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I don’t force anything. My habits and rituals are just created when something comes to me, whatever time or place that will be. I tend to write a lot of things down onto my notes on my phone when I’m out and about. The lyrics always come before any chords or melodies within the songs, for me. I always try to capture my mood once I have the message I’m trying to send out. I’ve tried to sit down and force myself to write new music because some people say that works for them but... definitely not for me. I end up stressing that I am not being productive and wasting time just being sat there.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Agh, there are too many to list them all. I always try to keep broadening the artists I discover. I have never enjoyed finding myself boxed into any particular genre. I love listening to Tash Sultana and Marika Hackman. If I’m not in the mood for them, I enjoy a lot of the chilled vibe from MUNA or The Japanese House. I guess for any mood or day though I’ll always go towards Leonard Cohen – can you tell I like him a lot?
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Tash Sultana, hands down. They are quite literally mind-blowing in their talents and abilities. That would be the dream. If you haven’t heard of them or checked them out, you seriously should. An Aussie with a beautiful voice!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Definitely hearing that someone resonated with the themes conveyed in my tracks is so rewarding. It makes all of the feelings of struggle within this world feel a little more weightless when you know that someone else has been there and felt what you’ve felt too. Especially during this last year more than ever. I think, as well, one of the other most rewarding parts about being a musician is finding the courage to finally release music. It has taken me so long to feel comfortable in doing that and taking ownership of my craft to give it to the ears of others but it’s worth it.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Sometimes just if I have an idea in my mind and I can’t always execute it the way I had first envisaged. This is one of the weirdest, and most stressful things, at times of self-producing every aspect of my music. I have to trust my ears and trust the process of everything. However, if I can’t always find the particular synth I would love or capture the right snare then I find it really irritating. Usually, it just adapts into something even better than what I first thought I ‘needed’.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
The best piece of advice I have received as a musician is just to trust your ability and gain comfort in the fact that you can create something wonderful. Imposter syndrome can be so incredibly difficult to overcome at times no matter what level we’re at, so the reminder that you are actually capable of doing things you want to do if you put your mind to it is ridiculously useful.
-Cherry Seraph's new EP 'for someone, somewhere' is available to stream now. Check it out in full via the player below.