Check out our interview with talented Canadian alt/pop, R&B artist Cherry Lena who just released her new single “EDGE.”
Having first captured the attention of audiences with her performances on The Voice Quebec in 2018, she has since been making a name for her stunning combination of warm R&B tones and subtle 1950’s jazz vocals. Her music is rich and timeless, resulting in a sound which effortlessly displays the musician’s undeniable talent and passionate delivery.
Her latest single, “EDGE” was written a few years ago, and is described by the songwriter as a cry for help. Struggling with loneliness and isolation, Lena emphasises how she’s hit her limit, singing “I’m on the edge,” as she desperately tries to find a way out of the darkness. She confides, “Re-working it years after its initial composition, I was pleased to realize that I had evolved considerably since. I dedicate this song to my inner-strength. To my resilience, to my inner-bad b*tch, who allowed me to become a flower that blooms in adversity. This is for my inner-queen. Back then, I had yet to meet her.”
Follow Cherry @cherrylenaa
Hi Cherry, please tell us a little about you?
I’m Cherry Lena, an alternative Pop singer-songwriter from Montreal, Canada. I started out when I first captured the attention of audiences with my performances on The Voice Quebec in 2018. I have since been making a name for my edgy pop sound combining haunting nostalgic melodies, subtle R&B tones and ambitious music productions.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Sad Girls Music
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
Jesse Jo Stark, Lana Del Rey, $uicideboy$, BANKS, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Amy Winehouse.
Singing was always my path. I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. If reincarnation is a thing, I’m pretty sure I’ve chosen to be a singer in all of my previous lives and the nexts. I write music as a form of therapy but also as an attempt to connect with people. What I want to share with my music is that we’re all connected and our pain isn’t a weakness but a strength.
Do you play any instrument?
A bit of piano and guitar.
Do you ever get nervous?
Definitely! I suffer from anxiety and have to do a lot of sports to shake all the negative thoughts away. Sometimes our brain’s are lying to us by feeding us negative narratives about ourselves. I often have to catch myself.
Tell us about your new single “EDGE?”
Sonically, “EDGE” is channeled by dark feminine energy and feminine rage. Letting my heart dictate my words and melodies, this is some of my most honest and authentic work to date. Blending pop with drum and bass, “EDGE” is a confidence booster and a song to listen to when you want to feel energized and pumped.
What’s the story behind the song?
I think it started as a cry for help. ‘I’m on the edge’ in the sense of ‘Get me out of here, save me from myself.’ I remember that I couldn’t stand my loneliness back then. I dedicate this song to my inner strength. To my resilience, to my inner bad b*tch, who allowed me to become a flower that blooms in adversity. This is for my inner queen. Back then, I had yet to meet her.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
I’m Hoping my music will allow others to feel their emotions. I encourage people to not see their pain as a weakness but as something that makes them grow into the elevated version of themselves. Every time someone tells me my music helped them through anything, that is my reward for all the hard work and sacrifices.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
I’m not sure about entrepreneurs but every artist should read All about love by Bell Hooks and Just kids by Patti Smith.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
To be kinder to myself. I would never say the things I say to myself to anyone. Not even people that I hate. I have been so cruel and mean to myself all through my life. It’s something that I’m working on but it’s still a work in progress. It’s much easier to give love to others than to ourselves.
How would your best friend describe you?
Funny, Weird, hyperactive, stubborn, creative, spontaneous, kind, passionate.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
Resilience. Because I never give up no matter what life throws my way. I’m a flower that blooms in adversity.
What’s next for Cherry Lena in the last months of 2023 and for 2024?
I’m actually working on my first ever E.P and it’s gonna be a french E.P. I’m really excited for this new project!!
What is your favorite healthy food?
Dried mangoes
And your favorite cheat food?
Oreos
How would you explain your fashion style?
Alt Sexy fruity
What is your own definition of happiness?
I’m still trying to figure out what it means to me. For people like me who struggle with mental illnesses, just being stable or not depressed is good enough. Let alone finding happiness.. that sometimes feels impossible. But I know it is possible. I’ve felt it and still feel it. I know happiness is in the present moment. And I try to be present, fully present. That’s all we really have.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Billie Holiday and Amy Winehouse. Two of my biggest inspirations. I would ask them so many things. How their lives were, how they really felt, I have so many questions!
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
Somewhere near the ocean with all my friends. I feel the most connected with myself and life when I’m in the water. Everything goes calm.
Best advice ever given?
Stop giving a f*ck what people think of you. No one cares as much as you do! We’re not that important, just do whatever you want and don’t let people tell you what you should do! And if anyone tries to change the true essence of who you are, tell them to f*ck off!!
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I have no idea but I know I’ll always keep it exciting. I’d love to open for Jesse Jo stark, tour, make albums, and Hopefully own a pool someday.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Feeling Good by Nina Simone.
What do you think of Social Media?
I have a love and hate relationship with it. It can help us connect and feel less lonely..but then we also isolate ourselves by overusing it and it makes it so hard to stay focused on the present moment when you have so much stimulation behind your screen.
Where can we follow you?
Book: Just Kids Patti Smith.
Quote: “I was filled with poison, but blessed with beauty and rage.” – Lana Del Rey
Tv Series: Top boy, Narcos, Ozark, Demon slayer, Sex Education
Favorite Food: Indian food, Italian food.
Travel Destination: Asia
Photos: Adrian Villagomez @adrian.villagomez
