music
Gimme More : The dawn of a new era
Alternative rock artist Cherdericka talks her latest record Gimme More, motherhood and choosing herself
By Daija Green | Posted on February 27, 2022
“
The song just speaks about wanting more for myself and also being able to take on more. I deserve a beautiful life and I know how to create a beautiful life, who doesn't want more beauty?” expresses Cherdericka.
.Detroit-born, LA-based alternative rock artist Cherdericka possesses a free-spirited energy that manifests vividly in her artistry. Her sound is electric and her style, sultry - which she gives us a taste of in her latest record, Gimme More. For this self-taught vocalist and producer, Gimme More marks the beginning of a new era: one in which she embraces her power valiantly. For years, Cherdericka has played tug of war with the concept of undertaking music wholeheartedly. After years of back and forth, she has chosen to commit to music. Ultimately, committing to herself.
Gimme More is beautifully raw, edgy, and alluring. A ballad to authentic feminine energy. It has the power to guide you through a sea of emotions undergone by a woman who is hungry for more. It is a mantra - A perfect combination of vulnerability and power, that offers us the confidence to set the bound versions of ourselves free. Recently, Cherdericka sat down with Trutuyou to talk about her unique sound, motherhood, and choosing herself.
Gimme More is beautifully raw, edgy, and alluring. A ballad to authentic feminine energy. It has the power to guide you through a sea of emotions undergone by a woman who is hungry for more. It is a mantra - A perfect combination of vulnerability and power, that offers us the confidence to set the bound versions of ourselves free. Recently, Cherdericka sat down with Trutuyou to talk about her unique sound, motherhood, and choosing herself.
Who is Cherdericka and what do you do?
I'm a Detroit, MI native currently living and working in Los Angeles, CA. I love to problem solve and that has turned me into a somewhat multimedia artist however, I'm currently focusing on music. The journey to committing myself to music has been long! However, I'm so happy to finally be choosing music with intention and commitment, because it's been healing for me and since choosing music I've been able to create some beautiful things.
When did your love story with music begin?
I love this question. My love for music begins with my granddad Fletcher, he is my best friend, biggest supporter, and inspiration. He has inspired me to do many different things and I've drifted between a few things, but music is where a deep love lives for me. My granddad is a self-taught guitarist and his sister, my aunts, are amazing vocalists. Although no one in my family ever really pursued music seriously, they are ridiculously talented and I was blessed to grow up learning from them. My granddad and I would have jam sessions when I was little and he would say, "Cherra, how that sound? Can you hit a note to that?" That's one of my favorite memories of my childhood, sitting on the bed jamming with him.
How would you describe your artistry in three words?
Explorative. Strong. Risky.
I'm a Detroit, MI native currently living and working in Los Angeles, CA. I love to problem solve and that has turned me into a somewhat multimedia artist however, I'm currently focusing on music. The journey to committing myself to music has been long! However, I'm so happy to finally be choosing music with intention and commitment, because it's been healing for me and since choosing music I've been able to create some beautiful things.
When did your love story with music begin?
I love this question. My love for music begins with my granddad Fletcher, he is my best friend, biggest supporter, and inspiration. He has inspired me to do many different things and I've drifted between a few things, but music is where a deep love lives for me. My granddad is a self-taught guitarist and his sister, my aunts, are amazing vocalists. Although no one in my family ever really pursued music seriously, they are ridiculously talented and I was blessed to grow up learning from them. My granddad and I would have jam sessions when I was little and he would say, "Cherra, how that sound? Can you hit a note to that?" That's one of my favorite memories of my childhood, sitting on the bed jamming with him.
How would you describe your artistry in three words?
Explorative. Strong. Risky.
Let’s talk GIMME MORE
What inspired this record?
This record means so much to me. The beat was created during my pregnancy, which was such a difficult time for me emotionally. So I sat with the beat for a while. About two years to be exact. I couldn't bring myself to create much while I was pregnant. So when I made the beat, I didn't know what I wanted to say, it was during the pandemic and I was isolated most of the time, by way of the pandemic and by choice. Becoming pregnant put a stillness on me that I never knew was possible, I just knew I had to change a lot of things about myself, and I wanted to be able to approach it with a clear mind.
Fast forward to my baby boy's first birthday and we have the words to match this sound. The pregnancy was so transformative and I thought at one point I would lose myself or that I would be condensed into a certain image because I had a child, but as I grew into my motherhood; I just discovered I wanted more. More for myself and more to give to others, especially my son.
What was the creative process like?
The creative process for Gimme More is actually crazy. As mentioned I had this beat for about two years, but I knew it was hitting. The challenge was finding myself as an artist for this record. It couldn't be simple. I needed to speak to myself and I needed it to mean something. Originally when making the beat, I thought this would just be a quirky fun song, but it turned out to be an affirmation for myself which I love.
I remember getting back home to LA from Detroit and sitting down to begin recording the lyrics and figuring out the melodies and it was like lightning struck; I had found my sound! I think that's what you desire most as an artist, your own style and I can confidently say I have that now.
This record means so much to me. The beat was created during my pregnancy, which was such a difficult time for me emotionally. So I sat with the beat for a while. About two years to be exact. I couldn't bring myself to create much while I was pregnant. So when I made the beat, I didn't know what I wanted to say, it was during the pandemic and I was isolated most of the time, by way of the pandemic and by choice. Becoming pregnant put a stillness on me that I never knew was possible, I just knew I had to change a lot of things about myself, and I wanted to be able to approach it with a clear mind.
Fast forward to my baby boy's first birthday and we have the words to match this sound. The pregnancy was so transformative and I thought at one point I would lose myself or that I would be condensed into a certain image because I had a child, but as I grew into my motherhood; I just discovered I wanted more. More for myself and more to give to others, especially my son.
What was the creative process like?
The creative process for Gimme More is actually crazy. As mentioned I had this beat for about two years, but I knew it was hitting. The challenge was finding myself as an artist for this record. It couldn't be simple. I needed to speak to myself and I needed it to mean something. Originally when making the beat, I thought this would just be a quirky fun song, but it turned out to be an affirmation for myself which I love.
I remember getting back home to LA from Detroit and sitting down to begin recording the lyrics and figuring out the melodies and it was like lightning struck; I had found my sound! I think that's what you desire most as an artist, your own style and I can confidently say I have that now.
It feels like you are entering a new era with the release of this record. What does “Gimme More” represent for you?
You couldn't have said it better. I am definitely entering a new era. I have always been somewhat afraid to step into my power, but not anymore, I embrace it. I have a power and I want to use it for myself and see how that power can transcend me as an individual. This record is a strong representation of all my glory. “Gimme More” will forever be etched in my mind as a reminder to choose myself and that when you choose yourself, amazing things happen.
You couldn't have said it better. I am definitely entering a new era. I have always been somewhat afraid to step into my power, but not anymore, I embrace it. I have a power and I want to use it for myself and see how that power can transcend me as an individual. This record is a strong representation of all my glory. “Gimme More” will forever be etched in my mind as a reminder to choose myself and that when you choose yourself, amazing things happen.
On motherhood and her unique sound
How has motherhood shifted your perspective on life, self and your artistry?
Motherhood has changed me completely. The stillness I mentioned earlier was the most impactful. It was one of the first times I was deliberately intentional. I became very particular about things and I set up boundaries for myself and others. I had to also really learn to choose myself, which is an ongoing lesson, it's crazy to say but women are almost always the least thought about; so you have to be vocal and you can not care what the response is.
Motherhood was a choice that I was ready to take on all that came with it and in that, I really learned how to deal with opposition in a whole new light. Primarily learning other people's worries and hardships are not my own and I'm only responsible for how I show up for myself and my son. Which is the most important to me.
Motherhood and artistry
It's important to me to keep my life outside of art first, because it is the most important and that's where all the magic happens. I now have to learn to balance it all. Motherhood has also helped me approach my art with a different type of patience, so I don't mind running a marathon to reach my goals, because I know what patience breeds.
Alternative rock is not a common sound for black women. You going this direction is power within itself! What inspires your sound?
Rest in love to the greatest woman I personally think is the best to ever do it, Betty Davis. That's the inspiration. I discovered her a few years ago and fell down a rabbit hole. How could this woman have existed and I had not known all that time! Her style was impeccable, her approach to life was godly, and her voice.. her voice. Her voice is the most interesting I've ever heard and it was the first time I heard someone that sounded like me.
I love playing with my voice and sound overall and I hadn't really discovered anyone who put infliction and emotion in their vocals the way she did. I love rock overall, I think it's the genre that has the most fun storytelling because it doesn't have to be clean or pretty. That's what I love the most and you get to be freeeeeee!
Motherhood has changed me completely. The stillness I mentioned earlier was the most impactful. It was one of the first times I was deliberately intentional. I became very particular about things and I set up boundaries for myself and others. I had to also really learn to choose myself, which is an ongoing lesson, it's crazy to say but women are almost always the least thought about; so you have to be vocal and you can not care what the response is.
Motherhood was a choice that I was ready to take on all that came with it and in that, I really learned how to deal with opposition in a whole new light. Primarily learning other people's worries and hardships are not my own and I'm only responsible for how I show up for myself and my son. Which is the most important to me.
Motherhood and artistry
It's important to me to keep my life outside of art first, because it is the most important and that's where all the magic happens. I now have to learn to balance it all. Motherhood has also helped me approach my art with a different type of patience, so I don't mind running a marathon to reach my goals, because I know what patience breeds.
Alternative rock is not a common sound for black women. You going this direction is power within itself! What inspires your sound?
Rest in love to the greatest woman I personally think is the best to ever do it, Betty Davis. That's the inspiration. I discovered her a few years ago and fell down a rabbit hole. How could this woman have existed and I had not known all that time! Her style was impeccable, her approach to life was godly, and her voice.. her voice. Her voice is the most interesting I've ever heard and it was the first time I heard someone that sounded like me.
I love playing with my voice and sound overall and I hadn't really discovered anyone who put infliction and emotion in their vocals the way she did. I love rock overall, I think it's the genre that has the most fun storytelling because it doesn't have to be clean or pretty. That's what I love the most and you get to be freeeeeee!
What advice would you give another woman who is struggling with stepping into her power?
Let go! Let go of whatever it is you THINK is preventing you from taking that step. At times we all mask our power because we're afraid of how people may interpret it. The lesson is to be loud, bold, and unapologetic. Make them all respect you. I've had moments where I've dimmed myself for others, but never again. Often your power is the reason why they love you and hate you, so do you anyway.
What can we expect from you this year?
This year for me is going to look like a lot of growth, a lot of new spaces, and trying things without fear. As things constantly change and evolve, I hope to grow as an artist in front of my peers and supporters. A lot of music and a few more visuals can be expected from me this year.
In your own words, what does it mean to live true to self?
To live true to myself, would mean that I am unapologetic, graceful, and empathetic. All three of those combined help me to live the most peaceful life I can envision, with a strong emphasis on me. I owe myself empathy and grace, my authentic self may not be perfect every day but she deserves that space to grow and evolve.
︎ : Cherdericka
Credit
Photographer : @JassieUO
MUA : @Jasmineminori
Seamstress : @Holyshitc
Let go! Let go of whatever it is you THINK is preventing you from taking that step. At times we all mask our power because we're afraid of how people may interpret it. The lesson is to be loud, bold, and unapologetic. Make them all respect you. I've had moments where I've dimmed myself for others, but never again. Often your power is the reason why they love you and hate you, so do you anyway.
What can we expect from you this year?
This year for me is going to look like a lot of growth, a lot of new spaces, and trying things without fear. As things constantly change and evolve, I hope to grow as an artist in front of my peers and supporters. A lot of music and a few more visuals can be expected from me this year.
In your own words, what does it mean to live true to self?
To live true to myself, would mean that I am unapologetic, graceful, and empathetic. All three of those combined help me to live the most peaceful life I can envision, with a strong emphasis on me. I owe myself empathy and grace, my authentic self may not be perfect every day but she deserves that space to grow and evolve.
THANK YOU CHERDERICKA! ︎
︎ : Cherdericka
︎ : Cherdericka
Credit
Photographer : @JassieUOMUA : @Jasmineminori
Seamstress : @Holyshitc
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