Check out our interview with alternative Pop R&B singer-songwriter Cherry Lena who just released her latest single “Sad Boy.” The single narrates being purely infatuated with a certain person, but eventually realising that you probably spent too much time fantasizing about them, rather than getting to know them in the real world.
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.
Follow Cherry @cherrylenaa
Hi Cherry, please tell us a little about you?
I’m an alternative Pop singer-songwriter from Montreal, Canada. Having first captured the attention of my audiences with my performances on The Voice Quebec in 2018, I have since been making a name for my combination of warm R&B tones and subtle 1950’s jazz vocals.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Bold, Creative and a little dramatic.
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I released my first single ‘Scared To find’ on SoundCloud. Back in the days, I would just record my vocals at home on beats I found on SoundCloud and just release it without thinking too much about it. I remember that I was so happy it got a bit of traction although it was my first track ever.
How has this changed your life?
It changed it in every way. Before doing that, it’s like I just didn’t have the confidence to go after my dreams just yet. The fact that I didn’t have it in me to try also didn’t have a good impact on my self confidence. As soon as I started trying I felt so liberated. It was always my path.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Alternative Pop RnB
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Lana Del ray, Amy Winehouse, Ariana Grande, Jesse Jo stark, Ethel Cain.
I don’t think I really chose to make music, I just always had the calling and sort of repressed it for a moment. As tacky as it sounds, I believe that somehow the music choose me.
Do you play any instrument?
A bit of Piano and guitar
Do you ever get nervous?
Of course! On my release days I am so tensed and I glance at my phone every 2 minutes to see how the song is performing. I tell my friends not to visit because I need to be at home in a safe space to handle the pressure of it.
I also feel a good mix of stress-excitement a few seconds before getting on stage.
Tell us about your new single “Sad Boy?”
It’s about a sad boy I met last fall. He fascinated me. I think in great part because I simply didn’t understand him. At the time, I didn’t realize how greatly I had romanticized the idea of him. I still remember the times when we would text each other for hours like high school kids and how it made me feel, Although, nothing about the idea I created of him in my head ended up being as great as who he was in reality. I often find things to be better in my imagination. It was a gloomy October night. I remember it as the day I had just realized that this boy was going to be nothing but another disappointment. I was in such a bad mood and it felt like no song could match the exact way I was feeling. So I opened GarageBand on my computer and started writing this song.
What is the feeling to have over 8 Million YouTube views in your collaborations and euphonic covers? That’s amazing! Congrats!
Thank you! It feels great to know that our Remix got this much traction! It also seems to keep getting attention although it has been a few years since we released it. I really love working with Apashe and am always looking forward to the next collab.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The way it makes you connect with people. Its like were all the same in the end and somehow music brings people closer together.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
So many. I believe life is a learning experience and every day is a new lesson. I’m constantly learning about myself and about life. Learning how to be by myself was one of the biggest one.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
To trust my authentic self fully and trust my vision.
How would your best friend describe you?
Probably as a major dork.
What’s next for Cherry Lena in 2022?
A brand new single in the fall ????
What is your favorite healthy food?
Fruits, mangoes and cherries especially.
And your favorite cheat food?
Pizza, Poutines and Falafels döners.
How would you explain your fashion style?
I like to dress depending on my mood, I don’t let myself be defined by a specific aesthetic, I find it too restricting. Right now I’m into more of a grungy-ish vibe but it always changes so much and I go thru these eras that make big come backs later on in my life and some never do. I let myself be free of pulling every look that I feel like pulling.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Living in the present moment and having the awareness of fully being present and appreciative of what you have. That means not letting your mind be too much in the future or in the past.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Billie Holiday. She has been such an influence for me. I always go back to her music when Im looking for comfort.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
Probably on an island somewhere with all my friends and a couple of music instruments.
Favorite song? Why?
I don’t have one favorite song in particular, there’s way to many and it depends too much on my mood at that moment to really choose only one, but here are some that really impacted me: Cherry – Amy Winehouse, I’ll be seeing you- Billie Holiday, Feeling Good- Nina Simone, Somebody Else- The 1975, Love you – SiR, Stuck On You- Giveon, Skin and Bones – 070 Shake
What do you think of Social Media?
I think its definitely has its toxic aspects but I do have to admit I enjoy them most of the time. I also believe it’s always good to promote yourself on social media as an artist as it a good way to connect with your audience.
Where can we follow you?
Instagram: @cherrylenaa
Book: Just Kids- Patti Smith
Movie: Love – Gaspar Noé
Tv Series: Narcos, Top Boy, Ozark, The office, Rick and Morthy
Favorite Food: Pastas
Travel Destination: Sayulita
Photo Credit: Adrian Villagomez
