A prolific singer / songwriter with a solar, soulful sound, Kris Cherry’s been serving it sweet lately with tracks and collabs abound… as well as some major upcoming live gigs. [Cover photo: @millironstudios]
Thotyssey: Kris, hello! Thanks for chatting! How has summer been treating you?
Kris Cherry: Summer has been solid so far. I’ve been doing some shows and preparing for a show I’m in August 15th.
You were part of the lineup for “Hot Mic” at Berlin on Avenue A earlier this month, and you’re frequently part of large cast shows. Is it fun to mix it up with a lot of different performing artists at once? And is it usually a supportive environment, or are you all secretly battling for the spotlight, lol?
Oh yes, I love working with these cast style shows. It’s such a pleasure to watch such different, brave artists show how unique their art is. And there is no competition whatsoever. Everyone is being so supportive and kind to each other, and cheering everyone on.
I listened to a bunch of your music this week, and it’s gorgeous but hard to describe! There’s definite soul, hip hop, rap and pop sounds, but it can also be quite avant garde and even classical / symphonic toned. How might you describe your own sound, if you can?
In the least amount of words, I describe my music as Alternative Soul. But I honestly go for the avant garde, classical symphonic sound. I want my music to almost be a genre of its own.
Love that! Where did you grow up, and what sort of music did you grow up with?
I grew up in New Jersey. We had to move around a lot when I was kid due to having a single mom family and financial issues. I definitely grew up being inspired by Luther Vandross, Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder. More recently my music influences are definitely Willow Smith, Lianne La Havas, Moses Sumney and Laura Mvula.
When did you start writing and then recording your own music?
I would say as early 12-13 years old. There was a group of guys from my church while I was growing up. We would write and record songs together, with one of the older teens in the church — his name is Kenien — and we called ourselves Prime Time. We would write and record songs at his place after church, and that is definitely some of my favorite early memories writing music as a kid.
You have accumulated a pretty prolific discography, with two albums plus several EPs and singles over the years. What are the joys and challenges of being a queer indie artist today?
The joys are creating the art itself. I think of it as how a visual artist would paint a painting. The harmonies, the layers, the production… I love having my hands and ears on all of it. I love the collaboration of working with an engineer / producer to bring the vision to life.
The challenges are, of course, not having the resources to do the things I want to do with my music. For instance, I want to make so many more music videos. So, in general, just wanting to bring my visions and music more to life and perform more, and travel more. I would love to be able to do those things, but my finances do not allow me to.
Do you think being a queer artist greatly affects your music or the business of performing, as far as the content of your songs, who listens to them, where you get to perform, etc.?
Absolutely. My image, the way I perform, my sound — whether I like it or not, it’s infused with my identity as a black queer person. But I am so proud to be a queer artist, and it has been the queer community who has granted me the vast majority of the opportunities I’ve been blessed to have. It’s been the queer community that has given me a chance. So I’m so grateful for them, and grateful to be a part of this community.
What inspired your latest single, “Beam?”
So I wanted to create a lo-fi track about escaping to another place. I think we can all attest to the fact that life can be very overwhelming at times, with everything going on. And love often provides that escape into feeling like you’re in another world, and feeling protected. So that what inspired me in writing this song: leaning into love, and being transported to another place.
You’ve also collaborated with Jayse Vegas on a track on their own release last year, The Gay Agenda 2.… what was that experience like?
Amazing! Jayse is such a phenomenal artist, and a pioneer in NYC music nightlife. Four time Glam Award winner, and they deserve every single one.
You’re joining Jayse and several other local queer music artists for “The Popstar Party” Friday at 3 Dollar Bill! This will be a great showcase for you…. tell us more!
It’s exactly what you said! An amazing showcase of original queer music artists doing what they do best. August 15th!
And on Monday the 18th, you’ll return to the Stonewall stage for Chauncey Dandridge’s monthly “Freak Out” variety showcase, which you regularly participate in.
The Stonewall stage makes me feel very free and at home. Chauncey gives us the space to explore our art and perform our material in front of people who are just looking to enjoy a fun show. A lot of times, our energy and artistry can really touch the audiences though, and uplift people in the room.
Have great shows! Lasty: what’s your best advice for someone who wants to “make it” as an indie recording artist?
Get out and perform whenever you can. Hit open mics, put yourself out there and continue to show up. That is how you will find your tribe, and find people who will want to give you more opportunities to perform and collaborate with other artists. Also be kind and supportive when you meet other artists. Graciousness, patience and consistency will truly take you a long way.
Thanks, Kris!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Kris Cherry’s upcoming appearances, and follow him on Instagram and YouTube. Download and stream his music across multiple platforms.
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