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An Interview with Sherise

If you're not too familiar with the sounds of Sherise, then let us be among the first to introduce you to the artist, who recently dropped a new single that brings on a lot of uplifting spirit and delves into coming up from the ashes, rising above, feeling good, and getting ready to boogie.


"Funk Train" is certainly not just a clever name. This single brings on the funk like no other, and does it with this old-school approach as well.


Very Soulful too. It's like a soul-funk banger, and at no point in time throughout the song does the energy let up. It's full on, heavy-handed, and brings that addictive and flavorful feel.


The song is packed with some great keys that bring on classic melodies and sit those on top of each other so that you have some keyboards that add a little vastness in the song's underbelly, and then you have a main keyboard that's more upfront. The upfront keyboard is the one delivering those hooks, while the background keyboards give it depth.


One of the biggest things I get out of this track is that boisterous Spirit. You can't get around that.


Sherise obviously had a blast recording this. That comes through in the song itself. Her performance is fiery, but in a good way. It's very positive and again talks about getting past being hurt, rising above, and taking the reins.


Certain aspects of the lyrics feel like they're about finding herself again and being so excited about it that she had to write a song. 


I like that. I like the idea of dropping a song that just has this beautifully produced dance approach and digs a little into personal aspects. 

There's definitely a bit of a blend in terms of influences that feel both old and new. The production style has a bit of a classic tone, but again, this is a soul-funk single 


In reality, the pop sensibilities are slightly overshadowing. Although the song has loads of soul and funk obviously, that pop attribute is always there, and that's part of what makes the song so radio-friendly as well.


Sherise's voice throughout the song is the thing that draws you to it. She hits great notes and has a lot of gusto in that performance, making it a bit of a head turner.


It's definitely a party song. This track will go over super well at a party of almost any kind. It's the kind of song that gets people on the dance floor quickly.


I would suggest listening to this song first thing in the morning. I know it sounds crazy, but if you pop this on right when you wake up, you will be setting a certain kind of tone and mood for the rest of your day.


We all know plenty can happen in our daily lives, but if you set the tone first, it can change everything.


"Funk Train" is the kind of song that can accomplish that.

Turn the song up in the car, and you will be singing along by the second time around.


There's a lot about this song that is completely and totally infectious, and it doesn't waste any time getting there.


Right from the beginning, you can jump right into the groove,


After listening to this single, I took a bit of a deep dive into the artist's back catalog on Spotify and can honestly tell you that she's been dropping some amazing tracks.


I would also check out "Take Me Away" as it has a bit of a classic Michael Jackson feel to it.


While you listen to these songs, have a read through of our interview with Sherise below as well.


I wanted to talk about where "Funk Train" came from, along with what might be coming up next for the artist.


Don't miss this.


Hey and thanks so much for taking the time! Let's start with Funk Train! This track had a lot of groove and classic sounds! Where did this song come from?


Thank you so much for having me! 'Funk Train' really came from a place of just wanting to create something infectious and uplifting. I wanted to capture that undeniable, get-up-and-dance energy that classic funk and soul tracks have, but bring my own modern spin to it. It’s all about forward momentum and getting on board, leaving the heavy stuff behind, and just letting the rhythm take over. It felt like the perfect sonic escape.


I am hearing a few different styles on this track. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?


I’ve always been drawn to artists who know how to blend raw emotion with an incredible groove. I grew up listening to the legends of funk, soul, and R&B artists such as Prince, Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, Pointer Sisters who built their sound on live instrumentation and powerhouse vocals. But I also pull a lot of influence from contemporary pop, funk and global sounds. Having a Goan influence gave me a really deep appreciation for rhythm and melody, which naturally bleeds into how I structure my music and vocal arrangements.


What are you performing on this track?


I sang lead vocals, backing vocals, I wrote the lyrics and I decided the song structure and composition and the resuling vibe. The rest of the magic was by my producer and mix/master engineer- Jonathan Lowe. Like all my other songs, for 'Funk Train’ as well, the backing vocals were just as important as the lead. I wanted the harmonies to be punchy, tight, and driving the groove forward alongside the rhythm section.


Do you play live shows?


Absolutely, the stage is where the music really comes alive for me. I recently had an amazing time performing 'Funk Train' at the MusicFuze LA showcase this past January where the proceeds went to charity for the LA fire victims. Shortly after that, I played a really special "Pulse of Passion" Valentine’s set at the Hard Rock Cafe. There is nothing quite like the energy exchange between me and a live audience and most of my original songs are high-energy songs. 


How did this all start for you as an artist and songwriter?


It started as a purely personal outlet. Writing songs was my way of navigating the world and understanding my own emotions. Over time, that private passion just kept growing into something I knew I had to share. It takes a lot of vulnerability to put yourself out there, but seeing how the music connects with people is the ultimate reward. Winning the Silver International Female Songwriter of the Year at the ISSA Awards in 2025 and many other awards before that was a huge, surreal moment that really validated all those years of writing and trusting the process.


What's next for you? Working on more new releases?


Always! I'm constantly writing and conceptualizing. I recently put out my album Dimensions on vinyl, which was a huge milestone. Right now, I'm focusing on bringing more of my musical visions to life. I also have a huge passion for learning design, video creation, conducting training sessions and coaching as well as technology so I'm in the process of planning the aesthetics for the next era of my music.


Did you record this at a home studio setup, or a big studio?


It was a bit of a hybrid process! The skeleton of the track: the initial songwriting, the melodies, and the core concept: was born in my home studio. I love starting there because it’s such an intimate, low-pressure space where I can just experiment. But to get that massive, classic funk sound, we definitely had to take it into a bigger studio space to capture the right sonic depth mix for instruments and organic energy that a song like this demands.


What kind of advice would you give to other up and coming artists trying to get heard?


Stay relentlessly true to your own voice. It’s so easy to look at trends and try to mold yourself into what you think the industry wants right now, but authenticity is the only thing that truly resonates long-term. Keep writing, keep refining your craft, and don't be afraid to take up space. Celebrate the small milestones just as much as the big ones, and surround yourself with people who believe in your specific vision.


What would you say people can expect to hear on this release?


They can expect a whole lot of joy, a really tight groove, and a track that doesn't take itself too seriously. It’s a feel-good anthem meant to make you move. If you need a quick mood booster or a soundtrack for a Friday night or a weekend or even after manic Monday of long hours of work, this is it.


Before we go, what would you want to express to fans of the music?


Just a massive, heartfelt thank you. Whether you've been listening since my earlier releases, purchased my vinyl album or you just hopped on the 'Funk Train' with me recently, your support is everything. Knowing that my art finds a place in your daily lives is the greatest privilege. Keep dancing, and I can't wait to share what's coming next with all of you!

Here is my profile and social media links:




Warm regards,



Sherise


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