The 26 year old multi award winner (MusicOz Singer/Songwriter of the year 2008 & MusicOz Island Records Mentorship winner 2008) was first inspired by early 60’s recordings that sounded “saturated in reverb, wobbly in feel, and emotionally honest” recalls Cherote. These layers are all evident within her debut record.
Along with a handful of gifted musicians, Cherote has written, produced and recorded her debut album in her own time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SYDNEY UNLEASHED.COM INTERVIEW.
How did you get your start in the music industry?
I created my start in the music industry as a teen by doing countless gigs in every possible pub and club. I started out singing Janis Joplin and Rolling Stones covers and progressed to singing songs I’d written.
The first taste of direct acknowledgement from the “music industry” was being selected as MUSICOZ singer/songwriter 2008 and Island Records Mentorship winner 2008.
Best part of the job?
Writing or performing a song that triggers an emotional response always hits the spot, whether it’s internally or from a listener. The best music has to hurt just a little.
Worst part of the job?
Being an independent artist is deeply rewarding on a personal level but at times I do find myself over-explaining and validating what I do to other people. A high percentage of people live in a populist realm and don’t quite consider the worthiness of underground/ hand-made product. This can be rather frustrating.
Any interesting experiences you can share?
The recording process is SO interesting. Performance wise, you’re trying to capture something honest and un self-conscious but there is so much often over-looked technique to master before you’re free enough to let go emotionally.
The relief from that is going all the way with arrangement ideas and sounds and then refining them- it’s give and take!
Favourite CD of all time and why?
Very hard to answer- It is probably I Am The Cosmos- Chris Bell. This record was recorded in the early 70s and unreleased until recently. The songs are melodic, the sounds and performances are unrestrained and it’s all a bit wobbly and unstable- gets me every time.
Tell us about the best live show that you ever saw?
Seeing Neil Young with his original all star band Crazy Horse a couple of years ago at The Entertainment Centre. I was absolutely taken- I couldn’t face reality for two days, I just wanted to bottle the high.
Favourite bars/clubs/pubs to hang out in?
I love The Basement. Its focus remains true to music and is fine-tuned by a great sound engineer- Chris. I’m not a club person, pubs not so much either.
Take us through a typical "day in the life of Stephanie Cherote".
A great start to the day always involves a big bowl of porridge with a soy latte and a glimpse of the weather- depending on my mood, I may try to write in the early morning as I find this the most inspiring time of the day or I may put on my business hat and book gigs, follow up on website stuff and pretend to be a real person for the day. Best possible day is to go in to the studio and track a song until the early morning hours- then land in bed and surrender to a deep sleep.
What advice would you give to someone looking at getting involved in the music industry?
Don’t approach music as though you are in need of the industry. It is in need of artists- always be an artist first, as in- get to the core of what you want to express, get it out and get good at it.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SUNDAY TELEGRAPH SINGLE REVIEW BY JONATHAN MORAN…****4 STARS
It’s an absolute joy to stumble across an artist so refreshingly unique as Sydney singer/songwriter Stephanie Cherote. She delivers a delicious taste of her upcoming album with the single Five Poison Arrows. The album, due in August, promises to provide more husky, emotive tunes, with a hint of darkness. Cherote, 2008 winner of the MUSICOZ singer/songwriter of the year award, has hints of artists from Amy Winehouse to Australia’s Mia Dyson in her voice. But she has her own 1960’s inspired indie pop sound and is well worth a listen- a must hear.
