Cherry Dragon
Interview conducted on April 26, 2021
By Dan Locke
Cherry Dragon- is a female singer-songwriter/producer hailing from Dublin,Ireland. She is Nigerian-Irish and infuses her Afro-Celtic heritage colourfully throughout her music. “In a world obsessed with selfies and driven by celebrity I want Cherry Dragon to be a platform to express music, art and visuals”.
You are a French-Algerian singer. What is your upbringing?
“I was born and raised in Dublin Ireland.
Father is Nigerian mother is Irish.
How did you discover electronic music?
Cant remember when I discovered it. It was always there always something I just loved
How did you start to write music?
I started to write shortly after I sang in class that day. There was a piano no one played at school. I’d go there in my lunch break and start writing.
How did you come up with your name?
I didn’t want an individual name I wanted something that felt inspiring to me. I kept playing with names and one day it’s just came to me I knew it was the one.
Describe your music.
Alternative r’n’b pop
What was your first performance at like?
I was terrified, I was a very shy kid and I never snag before.
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP?
Bmi
What makes a good songwriter?
Honesty. As long as your honest. that’s real, that’s truth.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
Skyline, recorded it on my laptop when I was younger.
What is the process of writing your music?
Usually on the piano I just vibe with chords.. melodies tend to start to pop out as I mumble words that flow out. Once I’ve got something I really like I will put it down on a track and then focus on tightening the melody and writing lyrics
What is your favorite track on your album “Libra”?
Altar is a song about breaking free from the chains of your past, tired of running away from the bits of yourself you don’t like. Facing oneself and then walking a new path.
It was fantastic. And it fit the scene perfectly.
6 months ago, you released Conflicts. Which was a unreleased track that was on your laptop. Are there any more gems that are locked away on your laptop?
I will be releasing singles throughout the year. Next single drops end of may/early June.
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
I think streaming gives music lovers more choice to listen to music than before. It’s the way it is now. A natural evolution.
Digital vs. vinyl?
I will already choose vinyl but I value to choice on digital.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
Summer games by drake.. makes me want to write. Love the production.
With the Pfizer, Moderna and other vaccines being release. How long before the whole world will be vaccinated against the virus. You have to remember there only has to be a 70% for Herd immunity (Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of a community (the herd) becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. As a result, the whole community becomes protected — not just those who are immune.)
Will have to play that one by ear. Nothing stays the same things will get better but maybe a little bumpy before then.
If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that the Covid-19 virus has killed live music? Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
Music cannot be killed. Ever. The music industry is also changing anyway. It will just become more inventive. People need music like air.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
Writing.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
I’ve been taking guitar lesson on zoom.
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merchandise to them at the show?
I think new platforms will arrive. Artist are creative people.
Is pay to play still a thing? Now pay to play also means thinks like playlist on the internet and opening slots for a major band on tour.
True fans will remain it will take a little time that’s all.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
Unsure
Governments around the world are hearing the call of thousands of music creators and included protections for the music community in the omnibus bill. In addition to extended and improved unemployment benefits and small business loans for freelance creators, the package includes several bills which the Recording Academy, its members, and the larger music community advocated for. From the Save Our Stages Act, provided a lifeline to performance venues and promoters, to the CASE Act, which creates an avenue for smaller creators to defend their copyrighted works, Congress has ensured that both music creators and those who act behind the scenes to bring music to life are given the support they need during this difficult time.” Do you think this will save music venues?
Sounds interesting I think keeping an open mind is what we all need
Did you know that the Grammys MusicCares can help artist. The MusiCares COVID-19 Relief has helped thousands of music industry artists and professionals during these difficult days. This is the most recipients helped, for any single event, in MusiCares’ history. The need remains great, and these unique times remain critical for music people. It has taken a community uplifting one another to get through this pandemic, and MusiCares has pulled together a list of additional organizations and resources to further support you. https://www.grammy.com/musicares/get-help/relief-resources. Have you applied for it yet?
In the past if a musician stop doing music they find a new career. For example David Lee Roth from Van Halen became a licensed EMT in NY for 6 years, San Spitz (guitarist for Anthrax) became a master watchmaker, Dee Snider (Twister Sister) voice over work for SpongeBob SquarePants.. If you can’t do music what would you like to be doing?
It’s very possible it could help.
What is your happy place?
Happy place is my little shrine were I meditate each morning.
Alot of musicians such as Stevie Nicks, Bob Dylan, Taylor Swift, Journey, Def Leppard, and Shakira have sold their catalog rights within the last year. Bob Dylan sold his entire catalog for a reported $300 million. Once you get to the age of about 70. Publishing is far more lucrative then the mechanical royalties paid to artist based on sales, airplay and streams. A good example of this is Michael Jackson brought the rights to the Beatles catalog in 1985. And in the late 80’s the Beatles Revolution appeared in a Nike commercial.
The lump sums being offered by publishing firms are more tax friendly concerning estate planning.
Do you think you would be willing to sale your back catalog if someone like Universal is will to buy everything, such as all the rights to all your songs? Another factor is mortality.
I do music, always have and always will. It’s hard to tell until you are in that situation.
Anything you would like to say in closing.
I think artists need to priorities their art. Focus on what you can. Good music will always be heard and needed. If we get bogged down in all this stuff it will only create fear.
I’m open to it much more now yes”
