Usoulmag.com
DECEMBER 2009
Nicolay
The Foreign Exchange PRODUCER/COMPOSER/PERFORMER OF
IS CHANGING THE WAY YOU HEAR MUSIC
+ Hp Tracy Cruz Vince Adams Rashid Hadee Cherisse Scott
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Contents
On The Cover
underground gems 4 Tracy Cruz 8 Rashisd Hadee 11 Hassahn Phenomenon 18 Cherisse Scott
on another note 10 DJ Vince Adams featured artistry 14 Alex Kok 15 Ryan Leary
USOUL PODCAST MIX
Tracy Cruz - Emotional Love Rashid Hadee - The Wrong Things Foreign Exchange - Take Off The Blues
nicolay
phonte
14
Nicolay - Meiji Shrine HP - Good Look Tracy Cruz - Sonshine Nicolay - Omotesando Foreign Exchange -Coming Homes To You Cherisse - Another Place Rashid Hadee - Love Lockdown
nicolay of the foreign exchange
rashid hadee
Album credits Tracy Cruz / Feel'osophy Nicolay / City Lights Vol. 2 Rashid Hadee / 808s & Hadee Cherisse Scott / Moans The Foreign Exchange / Leave It All Behind
cherisse scott
dj vince adams
checkout our december podcast at http://podcast.usoulmag.com listen to interview clips and music by our featured artists, hosted and mixed by johnny johnson
USOUL MAG CREDITS
A POETIC WORD FROM THE PUBLISHER
Publisher
Dear Haters
Johnny R. Johnson johnny@usoulmag.com Stonyi Media, LLC
You have a feeling of dislike and it demands some action, because you keep aiming for back with axes, in hopes of a reaction but you'll never get it, trying to block my progress but I'll never give in, kinda like a sit in, but I'll be making moves, while you'll just continue to sit and disapprove, don't I disappoint you every time I follow through, so while you keep talking, I'll just do it, so go ahead and talk and question my will, I think all of my accomplishments makes you ill, a little sick to the stomach just wishing I would plummet but the sad part about it is I’d wish you something much closer to success, best wishes at the least, because what you achieve in life, doesn't really bother me because I just do me, minding my LLC but you seemed too concerned with what's going on with me, because I'm not your opposite nor your enemy, the only person I try to compete with is me, so just do you, it's an old ghetto rule and maybe you won't continue to be a foot stool but this is far from Sunday School, I'm just giving a little wisdom, so stop trying to disrupt the next person's vision!
Contributing Writers Preach Jacobs
Links
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Sincerely, Johnny Johnson
Nicolay "City Lights Vol. 2: Shibuya" Vinyl Rating 4/5 By Preach Jacobs Following up to last year's "Leave It All Behind" Foreign Exchange album, Nicolay continues his brand fusing hip-hop, soul, funk and electronic music with his latest installment of "City Lights." The influence behind the project is based on Nicolay's visit to the ward in Japan that has one of the busiest railways in the world. The production reflects his visit with heavy synths and melodies perfect for the few vocal appearances on the album. The songs have a haunting beauty similar to the production on "Leave It All Behind" showcasing Nicolay's talents for not being pigeon held to just soul and hip-hop. "Lose Your Way" featuring Carlitta Durand is simply beautiful, and the vocal arrangements compliment the production seamlessly. This makes me wonder why more soul singers haven't tapped into the Dutch producer more often? The lion's share of the project is primarily filled with just excellent instrumental interpretations of Shibuya. Tracks like "A Ride Under the Neon Moon" and "Bullet Train" gives me fond memories of my personal trip to the "land of the rising sun." The energy of music like "Meiji Shrine" and "Shadow Dancing" are perfect backdrops for life. Not a movie score, not for a video but to accompany our existence as the music has the ability to speak to our hopes and dreams with very few words. Ultimately the project is more than just an instrumental project. It's not something that a rapper can grab and bust a quick 16-bars at a show with. And that is also the advantage of the project. Everyone can make beats, but not many people in the realms of hip-hop can arrange and produce. "City Lights" holds a high-standard to new age producers and if anything else should be a blueprint for soul production in the years to come.
Nicolay City Lights Vol. 2 Shibuya http://nicolaymusic.com
as new parents and how blessed we felt to be given the opportunity to be great role models to our children and the youth in general. "Son-shine" talks about how we can all make a positive impact in the life of a child as long as we take the time listen to what they have to say, encourage them, set a good example, and nurture their talents. USoul: When I heard your music, I was shocked to see that you were Filipino. Do you have any interesting stories about people hearing you and being surprised that you're Filipino?
An Interview with soul singer by johnny johnson
TRACY CRUZ
Tracy: A lot of people are often surprised when they hear me sing live because they always expect me to sing with a very high pitch, delicate voice since I'm very short-I'm only 4 foot 10. People often ask me "How does a big voice come from such a little lady?" Also whenever people listen to my music for the first time, they ask if I'm of a specific ethnicity other than Filipino. I'm not sure why but I'm guessing maybe it's because there aren't a lot of Filipino Soul artists out there. USoul: Are there any other Filipino singers in indie soul that you are aware of? Tracy: Yes, Joyo Velarde and Renee Sebastian who I think
Expect the unexpected if you come across this 4’10" Filipino Soul Singer. Tracy Cruz has been described by many as a vibrant Soul artist possessing a surprisingly rich voice with incredible range. Working closely with her producer/husband Allen Ross, Tracy Cruz is making her mark on the Iindie soul music industry. USoul: So how did you began your career as a soul singer?
are both wonderful artists!
Tracy: I started singing when I was two years old. My grandmother and mother were both singers so they encouraged me to share my passion for music at a very young age. Then at age 12, I began performing at various talent competitions, showcases, festivals, church and community events. I also enrolled in voice, saxophone and piano classes and joined choirs at the high school and university I attended. However my professional career as a recording and performing artist began in 2004. I started writing and recording songs for my 4-song EP called "Illuminate Love" and released it in April of 2005. Then my husband/producer Allen Ross and I formed a band called "Smooth Session" and we performed around California for one year to promote the project. I really enjoyed being able to create, record and perform my own music so much I decided to make singing my full-time career. For two years, we were on a performance hiatus due to the birth of my two children; however, we continued writing and recording new songs. We released my first full-length album "Feel'osophy" in September of last year.
USoul: You mentioned on your website that you were in the studio making music with you husband. Has this is type of relationship (music wise) enhanced your marriage?
USoul: Can you talk a little bit about the inspiration behind Sonshine and Emotional Love? Tracy: "Emotional Love" is inspired by the feelings you go through with a new found love. I believe we all go through a roller coaster of emotions in the beginning of a relationship whether its joy, wonder, fear, anticipation and so forth because we have so many expectations yet we don't know what to expect. The song "Son-shine" was inspired by the birth of my son. My husband and I were so happy when our son came into our lives that we wanted to write a song about the inspiration we felt 10 Stonyi Magazine Issue Three
Tracy: Yes I feel very blessed to be able to do what I love with the one I love. Our musical relationship has definitely enhanced our marriage because it allows us to connect in a very deep level whether its emotionally, spiritually, physically or mentally. I believe that since we create music together, we're able to completely open ourselves up to each other and see ourselves for who we really are-not just as artists but as individuals. We're also able to deeply express our emotions together in a creative and unique way instead of the usual conversation or public display of affection, which makes our marriage exciting and one -of-a-kind. All in all, music always brings us closer together and give us an irreplaceable bond. USoul: What can people expect from the next album? When is the release date? Tracy: My next album will be more upbeat with hard hitting grooves and intricate arrangements. It will fuse Soul, Jazz, R&B, Hip Hop, Funk and Classical music which will provide a brand new sound. It will also feature more collaborations with artists and musicians. I plan on releasing it either late summer or Fall of 2010 and I'm definitely excited!
http://www.tracycruz.com
"The vocals are brilliant. We are probably talking about the best Soul album this year so far." -DJ Soulswede
Featured Model: Yesenia Peralta
Featured Model: Kimberly Matthews Photo Credit: Hartman Pictures
RASHID
HADEE interview by Johnny Johnson
""A Children's Story" by Slick Rick birthed the rap career of this underground hip-hop phenom known around Chicago as Rashid Hadee. Between obtaining inspiration from Slick Rick and witnessing younger acts make it big in the industry, Hadee began his quest at a young age to pursue his love for hip-hop as a profession. USOUL: At what point to you began producing?
Hadee: I believe I can produce some hot songs with the likes
Hadee: I started getting into producing when I was in high school.
of The Game, T.I., Royce The 5'9", definitely Jay-Z, Young
I started getting into artists such as Jay Dee, DJ Premier and Pete
Jeezy, Ludacris among a few others.
Rock because I loved their beats. Their styles of producing matched my rhymes so I just wound up learning from them through their
USOUL: What are some major obstacles you have overcome to
music.
pursue your passion for hip-hop? Hadee: The main obstacle was believing in myself. It took
USOUL: What makes your music (production and lyrics) unique from
a long time, but once I started believing in myself and my
what's popular in the industry?
talents, things started coming together a lot better for me.
Hadee: My style is different because that's actually my approach
But that goes for anything. If you don't believe you will not
to making music. Most artists will hear a song that's a hit and
succeed.
recreate it over and over again all through their album, just like
USOUL: Do you feel that Chicago has provided an advantage or
with the dance songs. One person makes up a dance then 100 more rappers wanna make up a dance. First we only had one TPain, now we have 100 T-Pains out there. I'm more like the type of person that will see someone go left and I wonder what happens when I go right and vice versa. That's just how I am and that reflects through my music. I just like to use my music to tell the story of my life and not someone else's. USOUL: You recently produced a track for Little Brother. Can you describe that experience? Hadee: It was a great experience because they are two very talented individuals. They recorded "Dreams" on Halloween of of that year and I thought that was pretty cool. And they released their album Get Back on October 23rd which is my birthday. I've gotten so much exposure off of that song and it's definitely a classic. I'm just glad God made me talented enough to be a part of it. USOUL: Who are some other acts that you would like to produce for? 8 Stonyi Magazine Issue Three
disadvantage towards achieving your hip-hop goals? Hadee: A little bit of both. I've noticed a lot of artists from Chicago stay on the local scene their whole careers. Thank God for the Internet because without it a lot of artists, including myself, would not be heard of. I believe you definitely have a better chance with music if you are from LA or New York. But actually so many artists over the years have given hip-hop a bad name and that's a big disadvantage for all of us everywhere. USOUL: Any additional comments: You can stay in tune with me at myspace.com/rashidhadee. PEACE!!
"once I started believing in myself and my talents, things started coming together a lot better for me."
FREE DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE AT: HTTP://HADEE.USOULMAG.COM
chopped not screwed v1: 808s & Hadee
"I haven't been this excited about hip-hop since college dropout, how ironic. rashid hadee is a genius!" Johnny Johnson - usoul mag publisher
photo by Pharrish Lewis interview by Johnny Johnson
An Interview with
Chicago's Legendary
DJ VINCE
ADAMS
The way that carries over now is that I'm very comfortable playing a variety of different music now in my sets. More importantly I try to keep the style that I dj "true" to that kind of music. Meaning that if you're playing house music, it should have a house flow and a hip hop set will have more quick interview by Johnny Johnson transitions and a different flow true to that style. That started before FAMU, but that's where it really took on another dimension for me. USoul: Although you could probably have a more lucrative career as a DJ overseas or in NYC, what keeps you in the chi?
http://www.djvinceadamschicago.com
VA
USoul: First and foremost, thank you for giving USoul Mag an opportunity to interview you. You are one of Chicago's legendary DJs and a true pioneer. Most people recognize you as one of the most significant DJ's for the Chicago House era. Can you talk a little bit about how you got into DJ'ing?
VA: I really started djing just as a hobby. I saw movies like Beat Street and Breakin' in the early 1980's and at the same time dj's were being featured on the radio on house music mixshows during that time in Chicago. I always had a passion for music, so when I got my first turntables and mixer for 8th grade graduation I spent a lot of time mixing. I wasn't really practicing because I never had any thoughts of becoming a "party dj," I always just saw it as a hobby. When I went to college at FAMU good friends of mine encouraged me to dj parties and by the end of my first semester freshman year I was one of the more known dj's on campus. I did many, many parties while in college, but after college my good friend Teddy Gilmore started ClubNet in 1996.
VA: I'll be totally honest and just saw that tenure has its privileges. What I mean is that I've worked hard to carve a successful name in the Chicago market which is the 3rd largest US Market. To create that type of rapport in a new market means starting from the bottom virtually and at the age that I'm at now I can appreciate the stability in Chicago versus the random nature of breaking into more markets. Usoul: So what type of music you listen to outside of House and Hip-Hop? VA: I would say that 80%-90% of the music that I listen to is not on the Top 40 charts. I'm a big fan of hip hop and house, but even when I'm listening to styles of music it tends not to be the same things that the average person is looking for. I am an avid jazz fan and I think that neo-soul, acid jazz
Vince Adams is undoubtedly one of Chicago most recognized DJ's
USoul: You have some serious chi-town roots, but you eventually left to go to FAMU, what type of impact did this have on your DJ style?
VA: Going to college at FAMU had a HUGE impact on my approach to music. I was already a fan of different styles of music, but when I went to FAMU I noticed quickly that dj's were polarized in their approach to spinning a party. If you were from the North you only played music from the North, if you were from the South you only played music from the South. I was one of the first dj's to make a mark by embracing all of the styles from house music, hip hop, bass music (2 Live Crew, Magic Mike, Shy D, etc.), reggae, slow jams, old school soul and go-go and playing music from all of the regions and styles.
and lounge music are some of the best soul-stylized music being made today. I feel that the average person today is so heavily influenced by radio and tv that their appreciation for music that takes true music knowledge and talent is much lower than what it should be. Some of the best music today doesn't have an audience in the general public.
photo by Beverly Lindo
"When I was 8 years old I could recite and write poetry. My parents entered me into all these poetry contests and I would win or come in 2nd place every time. I always had a love for hip-hop but it was not until about the sixth grade . that I realized I could freestyle. I still ignored my talent until I met a good friend and we entered a talent show together as a hip-hop group. A manager by the name of Karl Perteet thought we both had talent and he signed. us as his artists. The rest is history.” -Hassahn Phenomenon by Johnny Johnson
“Hired Hands.” Though he is multi-talented, Hassahn is willing
Hassahn Phenomenon is a Chicago native presently pursuing
to admit hat music is his first love and if given the opportunity
his passion for hip-hop in North Hollywood, California. Prior to
he would love to work with Chicago artists Common, Kanye
recording his own LP, Hassahn made strides in the music industry
West, Twista, Da Brat, R Kelly, and Donell Jones. “The reason
as a writer for several up and coming national and international
I say those Chicago artists is because I would like to build the
hip-hop and R&B artists. Recently Hassahn wrote for R&B
`The Go' brand as a whole. On another level, I would love to
heavyweights Jodeci, on their upcoming album. Additionally,
work with Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, The Neptunes,
Hassahn also wrote a song that appeared in a major
Dr. Dre, Nas, Jay-Z, Dj Premeire, Pete Rock, Mos Def,
motion picture film entitled “Redline” featuring Eddie Griffin.
Yolanda Adams, Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder and a host of others.” Surprisingly, some of Hassahn's favorite artists aren’t
Hassahn presently resides in North Holloywood, California
necessarily his main source of inspiration; citing his inspiration
but credits most of his musical inspiration to his upbringing
as primarily from God and by life in general. “I’m also moti-
in Chicago. “Chicago is not like any other city,” says Hassahn.
vated by those people that don’t believe in dreams. I not
“We have all the drama, beauty, diversity, and swagger of any
only want to prosper for myself but also to show the non-
big city and we have southern like hospitality due to fact that
believers that dreams are possible. I’m a true observer and
most of our Black citizens migrated from the south. Chicago
I pay attention to everything that surrounds me and inspires
is a city that has a soul and its own culture.” Hassahn recalls
me.”
a childhood where he grew up listening to hip-hop, blues, jazz, house, and old school R&B. “We have gang culture, we have
Finally, Hassahn advises aspiring artists not to be controlled
food culture, we have a segregated, yet diverse culture, we have
by fear and to believe in yourself . “Keep God first or what-
beach culture, we have city culture, we have business culture,
ever higher power you believe in. Also study every aspect
and many more things. All those things have influenced my
of your craft. Respect your craft, respect those that came
music." This influence can be heard in Hassahn’s first solo album
before you, and respect yourself. FOLLOW YOUR OWN
entitled, “Return of The Magnificent.” Along with the recent
AGENDA!”
release of his album, Hassahn also acted in his first film entitled,
Checkout "Good Look" by Hassahn Phenomenon on the USoul Playlist
Photo by Tobias Rose
NICOLAY
Producer/Composer and Perfromer of The Foreign Exchange
Interview by Johnny Johnson
Nicolay: There was never really any uncertainty. People ask Phonte the same question. The reality is, it was never really a topic for us. I heard some of his music and I Nicolay: I started producing around 2001 thought it was dope. He heard some of my when I was stopping something else which music and he thought it was dope and the was playing a lot of live shows. I've always only way that we could potentially work played in a lot of bands. That was what I together was through the means of how we did, I played in a lot of bands, did a lot of found out about each in the first place, which shows, and did tours. I got a little frustrated was by being online. So for us it never felt with for the simple fact that it wasn't a like a risk, or taking a chance, even though it recording situation and ultimately I am a (obviously) was. But we never had that creative person that needs to put my ideas down. So that's when I switched from playing feeling because we were working without any pressure, expectation, or goal outside of live to mainly producing hip-hop and soul just making dope shit. So that really was our music and that's pretty much how I got thing, we were making records as they came started with everything. to us and after a while we had enough material to consider doing a full project but Usoul: I read about how you and Phonte in the beginning it was simply about the formed the group and created the first Foreign Exchange album prior to meeting music and nothing else outside of that. face to face. What was it about Phonte as Usoul: Through The Foreign Exchange, an artist that made you feel like this was you've had the opportunity to work with the right move, despite the uncertainty of not having a face to face relationship? Usoul: Can you talk a little bit about how you got started as a producer?
Yahzarah, Muhsinah, and Darien Brokington who are all tremendous artists. If new artists where interested in collaborating with The Foreign Exchange, is this something you would be open to? Nicolay: They need to focus themselves mainly and create a lot of noise and a lot of buzz. The one thing I can tell you is that you won't get there by asking. It's something that we would ask you; if we have come across your material or find out about you and we hear that chemistry that clicks with what we are doing; then we would approach you. That's kinda how that works. It really doesn't work the other way around for the simple fact that even though it's very easy in the online era to collaborate with people, you still need to make sure that the chemistry is there, that the sound meshes together and you really can't find that out by going on a whim; even though (ironically) that's
Usoul: Can you give me 3 or 4 names of artists that appeal to you? Nicolay: I really like Fleet Foxes, they are kinda in between independent and huge. I like Radio Head a lot, I always follow what they are doing. I like Zero 7, they got a new album that I can't wait to check. I am really a fan of more creative stuff like that. Usoul: You relocated to the US from the Netherlands. What has been the most significant difference between the two countries. Nicolay: Everything (lol). There is really no other way to answer that question. Every single thing is different. Usoul: Anything particular that stands out?
"if you ask me who my favorite artists are, 9 of out 10 will be independent" how me a Phonte started out. But at this time, what we are doing is very deliberate, so I'd say to anyone that is trying to work with us, they should work on themselves, work on their music, establish their personality, and establish themselves online and if it is meant to be, it will happen.
Nicolay: Yeah. Everything. You name it, it's different. Going to the grocery store is different. Watching television is different. Getting the mail is different. People here in the U.S don't understand how different it is because a lot of people have never been to There are some similarities but daily Usoul: Do you feel that there are any mainstream Europe. life is very different; political climate is very artists that do a good job of being artistic, while different; the way the country is run is very maintaining commercial appeal? different. For me, I am looking at it from a outside perspective which is interesting. I love Nicolay: I think there are artists in the mainstream living here and getting to see how it really is. I that represent themselves well and do cool stuff, however, if I have to think about artists that appeal to always say America has everything that I love and everything that I hate. So it's kinda of a me that I like to listen to it's normally not in the hipdouble edge sword. hop/r&b category. I can dig a group like U2 a lot because they have been doing it for such along time and they have always stayed together as a quartet in http://nicolaymusic.com all the 30 years or so that they have been performing. I have a lot of respect for that. But if you ask me who my favorite artists are, 9 of out 10 will be independent.
Artwork provided by Alex Kok
Artwork provided by Ryan Leary
An Interview with soul singer
CHERISSE
Cherisse Scott always had a desire to sing professionally, but after she became a mother, she felt a need to leave a legacy for her son through music. A legacy that had a purpose he could be proud of.
USOUL: How has Chicago influenced your artistic crafts? Cherisse: Chicago has been like the incubator for what I do. I have lived in a few different places, but none of them are like Chicago. There is so much culture and positive creative energy in the Chi! I have drawn from that and the people in Chicago to make myself a better artist in both singing, songwriting and acting.
Soul USOUL: What makes your sound unique? Cherisse: I think my sound embodies every genre that I love...gospel, classical, R&B, jazz, soul, rock, hip hop...and I could go on. I listen to everything from Wes Montgomery to Stevie Wonder to Puccini to Mahalia Jackson to Shania Twain to Phil Collins to Common...I love it all. I have taken all of those genres and sometimes they all come out at one time! LOL. I don't try to sound like anyone...however the influences do bleed out in my work. USOUL: Can you talk about your path towards becoming a professional singer? Cherisse: I have never seen myself as anything other than an artist. Sure, I have worked in different types of industries and been successful in some of them, but I have always wanted this! Also I have gotten so fed up with some of the music I hear on the radio...some of it is good, but a lot of it is garbage and I feel it is my responsibility to continue in the footsteps of those before me...those who not only had a melody, but real musicianship...and a message.
USOUL: What do you think has prevented your "big break" in the music industry? Cherisse: Money. Most independent artists don't have the capital to really be exposed to the decision makers with the money. All we can do is continue to hustle and make these CDs sell, rock these gigs as if we were getting paid top dollar, and make the myspace pages pop and make the mom & pop shops and radio folks notice so that we can get on their rotation and in their stores. It is hard as hell...but, I believe in God. One day, I will be where I am supposed to be, doing Cherisse, and someone will notice who can help get me to my next level...I HAVE to keep believing that this WILL happen. The law of attraction must respond. USOUL: In addition to soul music, what other types of music would you like listeners to hear from you? I want to do a remake of Stevie Wonder tunes...like an entire CD of my favorites. I would like to do an all Jazz CD and an inspirational project as well. I hope to sell some of my songs to other artists to express the full extent of my
Check out "Another Place" by Cherisse on the Usoul Podcast
Cherisse: The Internet is a God-send to independent artists. We have a presence there...we have marketing there...distribution there. We can promote ourselves through Internet radio and sites like cdbaby and myspace. I think it would be so difficult to be seen and heard
Ey eP ho to g
ra h
ics
beyond your local city without that. More than that, we don't have to compromise our music or our look there. We can be ourselves and there is no censorship...just raw thoughts and ideas. The Internet has really helped me. rth
Cherisse: That's a serious one...it has been hard being a single parent and a struggling artist at the same time, Motherhood never stops and bills must be paid and I gotta do what's best for my family... FIRST! Then there are the promoters/club owners that don't seem to understand that when we as independent artists hit the mic, it's work...not just fun. So we expect to be PAID and paid properly for our work. I have turned down gigs because there is a certain level of professionalism that I cannot compromise and certain compensation that I require. No I haven't "arrived" so to speak because I am not signed, but I can confidently say that I am better than good and I expect professional pay for professional play, period. Then you have some that try to get over on the independent artist because they KNOW our resources don't stretch as far and our pockets aren't as deep as signed artists so you run into folks who try and take advantage of that. My new CD, Soul Journey dropped last August and my budget didn't allow for me to get CDs duplicated with a more reputable company, so I went to a local manufacturer...and at least half of my order
Usoul: Do you feel like the Internet has hurt or help independent artists such as yourself?
Fo u
USoul: What are some trials you deal with while trying to make it as an independent artist?
Cherisse: The unfortunate circumstance that it is ALL about capital and not enough about substance.
of
Cherisse: I dig Ugochi, Motep, Shawn Wallace, Masters Collection, Maggie Brown, Bethany Pickens, Khari Lemuel, Khari B, Tiaybe, Triple Blak, Amun Mirage, Sparrow, Swaylo, The Poetree Chicago, Rob Goodwin, Alana Mirenas, Jesse Stanford, Tina Brown, Tina Howell, Avery Young, Will Kurk, Dayna Lynn, Yaw...I mean there are so many undiscovered rare jewels in the Chi...The list truly goes on and on and the artists I have just named span from songwriters to singers, to actors to poets... it's unfortunate to see the world sleep on such awesome talent.
Usoul: If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
sy
USoul: Who are some of your favorite Chicago artists?
co ur te
Cherisse: I would tell them to make each effort as close as 110% as possible. Don't stop striving for your ultimate goal because without vision, the people perish...Your dreams really can be achieved!
was defective...he's got my money but I have defective CD's and angry patrons and retailers. My patrons are all over the world...but he's got my money. This is a prime example of the shit we deal with as indies. So...we hustle until we can afford to hire the more reputable company. These are very real issues we deal with.
Ph ot o
CHERISSE
Usoul: What advice would you give to aspiring artists?
"Don't stop striving for your ultimate goal because with out vision, the people perish"