Today VOYAGE LA would like to introduce you to Cherish Alexander.
Hi Cherish, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story begins in 2020.
A worldwide pandemic has affected us all. We’ve been ordered to stay at home now in the United States. No one is immune. How could this happen? Is this happening? What do we do now? So many questions. Watching from the sidelines, life-changing events unfolding; George Floyd, Protests, Political upheaval, Social tensions, Climate disruptions happening all at once? Our beautiful planet is in complete disarray! Why is there so much hate? War? Poverty? Loss? Loneliness? Dividedness? A perfect storm…could this be a divine intervention!!
For me, I turned inward. Asking those hard questions. There must be something bigger going on! Is there anything I can do to help? How can I make a difference? I believe in a higher order of life; could this be a sign it’s time for a complete shift in the way we have all been living on this planet?
I’ve always been a fan of reading spiritual philosophy and Evolution literature all the way back to the 12th century which includes the poetry of Sufism mystics; Rumi and Rilke. But also the journey of healers like Buddha and Jesus. One quote that really stood out for me during this time is a quote by Gandhi. “Be the change you wish to see in this world!”. You’ve heard it said that one person can make a difference, but how? Watching movies like “It’s a Wonderful Life”, where George Bailey experiences the impact on so many different lives just w his kindness and compassion, and that if he never existed, a whole different world was born and the people he had touched went on to lead completely different lives.
Being I usually write what I need to learn, these are the thoughts that led to creating my latest single and video, CHANGE CAN START WITH ME.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Although it only took me 20 min to write CHANGE CAN START WITH ME, it took me over a year to record. I re-recorded it 3x, in my home studio, mixing harmonies, changing lyrics, different tempos. Didn’t feel it was right so I let it go. Six months went by and I just couldn’t stop thinking about it. So in November 2020, I went back into the studio and it all came together magically.
Once the song was mixed, my next challenge was directing a music video on how best to get the message out there. I had the idea of people from all ethnicities, ages 8-80, singing my song in their own way yet experiencing the same emotion. The day of the shoot was filled with such a beautiful intense presence of hope, I just can’t explain. It was a very emotional day! Every single person that showed up that day was meant to be there. After two months of casting, one day of filming, thirty-two actors performing, month of editing w my editor Jennifer Barlow, MY VISION WAS REALIZED.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My only hope with this project is even it only touches one person, that person can be the ripple effect that becomes a wave in creating world peace.
What does it look like if we show a smile or say a kind word to a stranger, volunteer or donate to help the homeless, gladly let the driver go in front, or help to clean up the environment in our neighborhoods? I believe these intentional acts of kindness MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Be sure to check out my new video on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYzebEwrH84
CHANGE CAN START WITH ME
Streets filled with hope
A peaceful fight against the rage
Many who have lost their way
Giving rise to so much hate
Wonder how we all belong
Ask myself “Where do we go from here”?
Where’s the mercy and the grace
Who can hide from what we have to face
*A world that’s divided
Our hearts can unite us
Believing that a Change Can Start with Me
*Not one more scream in silence
No observing the violence
Believing that a Change Can Start with You and Me
Cuts through all the years
Every scar eventually shows
Dive deep into your fears
The time has come for us to grow
Just as a ripple makes a wave
Just a smile can help to ease the pain
Every action that we take
Makes a difference in this human race
Music & Lyrics by Cherish Alexander
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.cherishalexander.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherishalexander/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cherishalexandermusic
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/cherishalexander
