Nominee - September 2021 Edition
. Best Music Video
INTERVIEW
Hello Cherish Alexander. Where did you learn music and filmmaking?
I’ve been writing music since I was 7 years old. I do believe it was something I was born with. As I started to release my music at a very young age, I have always been super involved in the videos, design, every edit, every concept.
It’s been an evolvement that has brought me here today. Songwriting and Design, (and now directing and producing) have always been a natural process for me. Being creative in all artistic areas is just something that has always motivated and inspired me in my life ever since I can remember.
Are you a "native Angelena"? What's your story with Los Angeles, past and current?
I was born in Dallas, Texas but moved to Los Angeles when I was 9 years old with my mom to be in show business.
In your statement, you explain that you composed the song at a time when U.S. society was particularly agitated. Would you care to tell your viewers a little more about how the inspiration came?
My song was inspired by a quote written by Gandhi, “Be the change you wish to see in this world”. It was the summer of 2020, and it felt like it could be the end of the world. Contemplating the sentiments “Can one person really make a difference? How can I be the change?”
As a songwriter, I usually write what I need to learn. Thus "CHANGE CAN START WITH ME" was born. With no intention of releasing it, there was a little voice in me that would not let it go. Maybe some people could relate? With all the hate, confusion, loneliness, loss in the world, how can people know they aren’t alone? How can we make this world a better place not only for all human beings but for our children’s children?
My job as an artist is to put my vision and creative endeavors out there to reflect society. Hoping there are many people who would relate to wanting to be the change and are passionate about making the world a better place.
Did you have Michael Jackson's "Black or White" video in mind at all, while you conceived yours?
YES it was def. one of them…but when I started this process of realizing my vision of all different ages and races coming together to sing about one thing CHANGE!
I found there to be many morphing music videos out there? I wanted to use the same idea…but also, I wanted to create my own vision that would set me apart.
What were the biggest technical difficulties you had to deal with making the video?
There were so many different stages and processes in this journey. Having the vision was the first part…then creating the vision how I see it in my head wasn’t as easy and flawless as I thought it could be. There were many hurdles. I wouldn’t say there was any difficulties…but I would say there were a lot of learning experiences.
Who are your favorite Musicians on the current scene in your city? Have you heard of Eyedress for example?
The truth is, the scene is constantly changing…it’s so hard to keep up. LOL. But there are many musicians in Los Angeles that I’ve grown up with and also admire deeply, having been part of the L.A. scene my whole life and also being part of many L.A. bands. I haven’t heard of Eyedress, will def. check them out.
A piece of advice for the young generation?
Follow your heart. Follow your gut instinct. Don’t care what people think. Be yourself cuz everyone else is taken. Don’t ever give up or lose hope on your dreams!! Only you can see life the way you see it, so it’s important to share your art the way you view life.
BIO
CHERISH ALEXANDER
DIRECTOR, PRODUCER & WRITER
CHERISH ALEXANDER - BIO
Cherish Alexander has a magical pen that dips into the dark crevices of the human heart that often haunt us. She draws strength from her experiences and exposes the raw emotions of her soul through her songs. "Songwriting has always been a natural process for me," she reveals. Cherish began singing and playing the piano at age seven and playing bass and guitar since age thirteen.
Early on Cherish landed a multi-album deal with major label RCA/BMG and publishing powerhouse Warner-Chappell. This partnership enabled her to hone her instinctual gift for songwriting. She has collaborated with songwriters such as John Shanks (Goo Goo Dolls, Jane's Addiction, Alanis Morrissette), Gregg Alexander (New Radicals) and Billy Steinberg (Madonna, Demi Lovato, Cyndi Lauper). Since then, she has written 11 successful records and has recorded and worked with many different artists/bands including playing bass with the all-girl Led Zeppelin band Moby Chick and playing lead guitar for Cyndi Lauper. She is currently recording and touring as the bass player for 80's New Wave icon Josie Cotton.
Her repertoire includes three albums as lead singer with the Los Angeles based rock band the Painkillers, one album and two singles as the lead singer/bass player for Bella Bazzaria, as well as three solo albums "Fallen Awake" (distributed in Europe on XYZ Records), “Broken Open” (on Red Queen Music with Paul Roessler in a duo called 'Forever My Love No More') and her latest "Meet Me Where You Are". Her music has been used in many TV and film soundtracks such as the theme for "The Crow", E! Entertainment TV Lifetime Television has had her songs covered by pop artist Tiffany and a top 10 single with Korean singer Sally Yeh in Taiwan.
Look for Cherish Alexander's latest single and music video released September 20, 2021 called "Change Can Start with Me" as well as several song placements including the movie "Oro Arrowhead" due out Winter, 2021.
"Today, my greatest aspiration is to write songs about the realism of life. In hope that through sharing and healing my own journey, I may be able to help heal someone else’s along the way." Cherish says.
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