By Cherisse Moe, HER Magazine
By day, she navigates the complexities of subsurface data, a reservoir engineer by trade. But by night, her creative spirit takes flight, crafting melodies and harmonies from the heart.
In July, the Couva-born vocalist, Cherise Ransome, released her debut album The Bridge.
This six-year labour of love is a 14-track compilation featuring collaborations with renowned musicians British-Jamaican reggae musician Julian Marley, soca artiste Lyrikal (Devon Martin), and Jamaican drummer and percussionist Bongo Herman (Herman Davis). Blending pop, R&B, and reggae with a distinct Caribbean flavor, ‘The Bridge’ takes listeners on a journey of personal growth and triumph, filled with messages of resilience, faith, and positive vibes. Standout tracks like ‘Tears and Olive Oil,’ and ‘Police in the Hills’ resonate deeply.
Ransome, who holds a Bachelors in Process Engineering and a Masters in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Trinidad and Tobago, has been harmonising since she was four. She began singing in her church’s choir. Now 35, her passion for music remains unwavering, especially for clean, uplifting tunes. To maintain artistic control and ownership, she launched Island Rich Entertainment in 2016. As she puts it, “no one was going to hand me anything, so I invested in myself and my dreams.”
In her younger years, Ransome performed at the Tobago Jazz Festival as part of the music outfit Rhapsody Next Generation from 2014-2017. More recently, her career highlights include performing at the Bob Marley 75th ‘Earthstrong Celebration’ hosted by the Marley family in Jamaica in 2020. She shared the stage with reggae heavyweights like the Marley Brothers, Richie Spice (Richell Bonner) and Bongo Herman.
HM: In your younger years, you spent some time in Atlanta, USA to pursue music, where you performed at clubs. But you felt it didn’t align with your values and your authentic self. Tell us about that.
CR: I was probably around 19 and very shy. At that time, I was figuring out who I was, my path, what’s my sound, where do I fit in? Like every other artiste the “in thing” was to be signed by a major label. My then management was shopping around my press kit and entering into negotiations on my behalf. I came back home with the intention of returning abroad.
However, shortly after, I got a call from a friend of my mother with an urgent message that pretty much confirmed some of the questions I battled with internally. In summary, the message was that it was not the right environment for me, and that God will open the right doors for my music. I didn’t return. I completed both my degrees in Trinidad and found employment while I continued doing music simultaneously.
I was able to connect with notable producers and songwriters in the local industry doing demos, advertisements and background vocals. I wrote and released new music, the most notable record during that period was ‘Beautiful’ produced by London Future, released by Ultra Records. This song peaked on the Canadian Top 40 charts in 2016.
The negotiations at that time also opened my eyes to the inner workings of the industry which motivated me further to work toward my vision of starting my own label for artists like me who do not have a platform or community. During that time, I was also navigating personal relationships which became a key component of growth and inspired new music.
HM: As a songwriter, what inspires you to create? Did you pen all the songs on the album?
CR: I’m inspired by life. Sometimes my life, or observations made from those around me, or my perspective after reflecting on societal trends.
You can say that. The exception being ‘Back To You’ which was written alongside local producer Michael Montano during a studio session in 2018. For the songs with collaborations, in most cases the featured artist wrote their verses.
HM: You describe your time working on the album as a journey of trial and error. Tell us more.
CR: Releasing this album was a bridge in itself. Being a songwriter and creator, my songs become my babies and I always want the best possible output. I am guilty of being a bit of a perfectionist but my ear is tuned and I know what I want to hear from my music. The process of creating music is likened to a relay race.
As a songwriter and vocalist, I have to hand over to mix and master for that final balance and polish, and truthfully there were many times where I was dissatisfied with the output and had to try again with new engineers.
That was something that I didn’t necessarily anticipate, but I was not willing to settle on the quality of my music. I’m grateful to Azikiwe Kellar of Next Level Studios who sat with me to make the final album adjustments.
HM: Like many other artistes, you began singing in church. Today, you’re still a member of the worship team. How does your faith influence your life and music?
CR: From a young age I understood that life is spiritual. There’s always more than what meets the eye but there was a lot that I still did not understand. Over the years, I’ve had various experiences which drew me closer to God and He has opened my eyes and answered some of my questions.
Music is a weapon. Worship is a weapon. Many times we don’t understand the things that happen around us because we don’t see that the material world lags/ reacts while the spiritual leads. When we start to connect to the Creator, He reveals. I am now confident that all of my steps are ordered.
Even when things look bleak, I don’t worry because there truly is safety in that relationship, so I’m always hopeful. That’s faith. I apply it to every situation. Being able to get this far in uncharted territory was a journey of faith.
HM: So far, you haven’t really gotten much airplay on local radio. Does this bother you?
CR: Interesting question. I would say both yes and no. The music was sent to radio stations however there has been very little response locally which is disappointing and note-worthy.
There are other avenues for musical exposure globally that are being pursued and I’m continuing to chart the way forward with the opportunities that are available. I’ve experienced many hindrances over the years, the ‘no’s’ are no longer debilitating to my progress.
My faith has developed to a point where I remain hopeful that the right doors of opportunity will open at the right time as I continue to put in the work and trust God.
HM: What’s your advice for up and coming artistes, especially female singers navigating the industry?
CR: Be authentic. Go inward, seek God and figure out your purpose. Perfect your craft and aim to be the best at what you do. Stay humble.
To female singers – in addition to the above, do not cheapen yourselves to fit in. Understand your value and your power and walk unapologetically in it.
