(Interview was conducted on Sunday, April 29, 2012)
RG: How would you define your brand of musicality?
CWB: It is Soul music at best. Lyrically, it's classic enough to appeal to the masses. It's modern Soul, meaning that the message in the music is also about what love, life and relationships are like in the new Millenium. It is also Rhythm and Blues, literally!
RG: You were indoctrinated into music at a very young age in the church singing Gospel tunes. Looking back, how gratifying was it to have gone through that initial training, especially with your mother being such an integral part of things?
CWB: That initial training was probably the best thing that could have possibly happened to me. Not only did I learn to sing, but I began to understand how important and powerful the meaning of a song was to a listener. Gospel music is ministry. As I matured in this business, I became mindful of my lyrical content. I also developed an attentive ear to harmony and pitch. I could easily jump from singing soprano to alto, and alto to tenor....It just became second nature for me. I was fortunate to have been born into a family that had a very public life, and it happened to be in the entertainment industry. My mother taught me how to be a dynamic entertainer, and made me realize the ethics of being a professional at such a young age. She required my sister and I to rehearse faithfully and taught us everything from knowing to simply smile while performing, to bowing off of the stage. I made costumes and choreographed dance routines for my sister and I in high school talent shows - all of which I learned from my mother. I would not know how to be an independent artist if it were not for my mother!
RG: Now you just recently released your new album, 'MY FIRST LOVE' independently. For consumers of good, quality music, how would you promote 'MY FIRST LOVE?'
CWB: I am promoting MY FIRST LOVE by appealing to those who enjoy good music, raw talent, and can relate to the emotion of love. That encompasses people globally. However, I am seeking to target the same type of listeners who have come to appreciate songstresses such as Jill Scott, Chrisette Michelle and Marsha Ambrosius. Some of my promotional material has depicted people in a happy relationship, and I hope to keep the movement of 'falling in love' alive in today's world. Looking at the data that I and my staff collected leading up to the release of the CD, we found out that women of ages 25-45 years old are playing my music, and men of ages 35-55 years old as well. Social networking has become a very useful tool in getting the word out on my music. With internet radio websites, most subscribers can hear the entire CD before making a purchase and have the opportunity to hear snippets of my songs along the way. I have truly tried to create a reality setting along the entire MY FIRST LOVE project to pull people into my real-life journey as an Indie artist. Thankfully, I am acquiring fans in India, the Virgin Islands and Sweden! As an Indie artist, I do want to move beyond the American borders.
RG: Who were some of the producers and songwriters you collaborated with on the CD?
CWB: I am blessed to have come from a family of musicians. I collaborated with my cousin Ron Smith, who lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and has worked with a number of independent artists. I worked with my cousin Jim Walton from Chicago, Illinois, who primarily produces Gospel music. I also worked with my cousins Phil and Thomas Egler, who are from Chicago as well. Last, but not least, I collaborated with Sabre 'Franchise Tief' Johnson from Atlanta, Georgia, who wrote the track NOBODY. Franchise has worked with several artists who are signed to major record labels, such as the talented male group Hamilton Park. Most of the songs on the CD were written by myself, and I vocally arranged and performed the background singing as well.
RG: What are your thoughts on the current landscape of the R&B/Soul and Gospel genres of music?
CWB: No matter what people may say or think, R&B/Soul music is still alive and well! It has been transitioning into Neo-Soul, but at the end of the day, it's still just Soul music. Many of today's younger generation who listen to Hip-Hop also listen to artists such as Anthony Hamilton, Mary J. Blige, Musiq Soulchild and Chrisette Michelle. It's good music because they simply make great songs. With Gospel music, it has made a radical change as far as the mainstream goes. There are times where I can't differentiate the sound of some Gospel music from R&B and Hip-Hop. I think that those changes have done more good than harm. A younger generation who may not attend church service or who just don't gravitate to the traditional sound of Gospel music may have now been drawn in to fully appreciate and enjoy it.
RG: Outside of your music, you have a few nice endeavors that you currently have going on. Share with us what you do on the side.
CWB: Well, while staying at home and taking care of my infant son, I decided to start sewing again. It led me to start my own accessories company called NILAJA. I even received a design patent for one of my handbags. Thanks to a few friends, plus good marketing, my products have made it into the hands of some very well-known celebrities, such as Venus and Serena Williams, Kanye West, Beyonce, Kim E. Whitley and Common. I plan to devote more time to the business once my schedule permits. I've been growing NILAJA for eight years to this point. I also work with my husband, caring for 12 boys at a private boarding school.
RG: What is the most important piece of advice you can give to a talented young lady who has aspirations to become successful in the current climate of the music industry?
CWB: Know yourself, and then know the business. And when you understand the music business, then you won't fall victim to what anyone tells you. You should understand how the money is made, and you should carefully read and understand your contracts. If you want to be taken seriously, respect yourself. Harness your skills, so that when an opportunity presents itself for you to play a larger part in your career, you are prepared and ready. It is more to this industry than being visually attractive and talented. You must learn to take constructive criticism and be open to change. Stay focused on your goals, take chances and don't be afraid to walk away from something that conpromises your integrity.
RG: In five-to-ten years from now, with God's Will, Cheryl Woodruff-Brooks will be - on tour with about at least seven to eight CDs under my belt. I also see myself writing songs for other artists. I would love to write songs for the Country music genre. I plan to hopefully in the future compose music for stageplays, TV programs and motion pictures, so I am currently taking piano lessons in that regard. I will also be nurturing the development of my son Akiva's career, all along the way. He currently shows great potential at the age of nine in Film and Dance. And if I can dream a little bit, a Grammy award on my fireplace mantle! (Laughs)
RG: Thank you so much for allowing me to interview you, multi-talented and beautiful lady! May God bless you with everything you're doing.
CWB: You are so very welcome and may God continue to bless you, Ross!
http://www.sangcheryl.com/
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