Singer-songwriter Cherish Alexander is a powerhouse in the melody business: She started her musical quest at the age of seven, landing multi-album deals with major-label RCA/BMG and collaborating with some of the most prolific songwriters in the industry, including more recently playing bass for the 80’s New Wave icon Josie Cotton.

Her extensive experience 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 BellaBazzaria, as well as three solo albums “Fallen Awake,” “Broken Open” and her latest “Meet Me Where You Are.” We asked Cherish some of our insane questions for The PROBE, to which she DELIVERED. Read on Below!

1) If a roach crashed into your rehearsal space, would you run or would you kill it?

Ruuuunnnnn. In my band the Painkillers, we had a seedy rehearsal space in Van Nuys that was just a small tiny room just packed with gear. We shared it with a bunch of bands.

I still have nightmares of that rehearsal space it was infested with cockroaches.  You would walk in and turn on the light, and they would scatter (not kidding hundreds, who knows maybe thousands) it was like a horror movie. 

My biggest fear was having one crawl into my gig bag or guitar and have it come home with me. The struggle was real. Ha.

2) Does anyone in the band like to play practical jokes? If so, what’s one of the all-time best ones? 

When I played in the band Bella Bazarria, There were several times I walked into rehearsal and everyone was naked. 

Then they would say ok..’Your turn’….but I am too much of a prude. But it always was a great way to start rehearsal….cuz doesn’t get much more awkward than that. 

I’m still friends with all those guys….and we still laugh about it ’til this day. 🤣 

3) What’s the last gift you received?

I’m a huge ET fan. In fact when I was little…I would look up at the stars and dream of ET coming to visit me. I had ET sheets, ET wallpaper. ET everything.

 My niece recently got me an ET ‘phone home’ candle and before that an ET Christmas ornament. 

I mean do you know anyone THAT into ET? And I’m still into it to this day. Maybe it’s a sign I’m from another planet. LOL.

4) If you could pick one thing about yourself that you’d like your fans to know, what would it be? 

Although I’ve been a performer most of my life. I started at 7yo in a weekly singing and dancing kids cabaret in Encino called ‘LA Cabaret’.  I have also played in bands since I was 13 years old. I’ve always been a performing artist for as long as I can remember. 

Yet, what comes with being a performer is a very public lifestyle. Most people would think I’m very outgoing..but the truth is I’m actually very shy and reserved. 

I really enjoy spending most of my time alone.

5) What music are you listening to lately?

An array of oldies but goodies from the 20’s to the 90’s. I’m a fan of all kinds of music, just mostly depends on the mood I’m in.

Meet Cherish Alexander

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cherish Alexander a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Cherish thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I feel lucky to always have had a clear picture of what my purpose was and what I wanted to create in my life. I was born with a sense of music in me and started writing songs when I was seven. My first song I wrote was called “Love will find a way”! Although my musical path is always refining itself as I’ve progressed, my process in the way I create songs and lyrics has remained the same. It has always been a knowing and a very intuitive visceral process. I was born with music in me.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

The songs I’ve written have been part of my journey of love, loss, heartbreak and healing. My songwriting process has evolved into expressing those parts of me that don’t know GOD yet. I can look back at all of the albums I have released throughout the years and it tells a story. My story. I’m so proud of this…to have always been true to myself no matter how hard life can be. I’m also proud of the fact that I’ve never compromised my story to live someone else’s life. I have lived mine fully 100% and it’s colored the songs I’ve written and the music I continue to write.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

There are many lessons I have have had to unlearn and still continue to learn. I think mostly when I think of my creative career is that being different and not fitting into a mold is actually a good thing. I have learned that not fitting in has my superpower now.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I”m excited to have a song I’ve written over 13 years ago to be featured on the very successful “Need to Know” Podcast with Bryce Zabel and Ross Coulthart. It’s a great song that I never thought would come back around and here we are 13 years later with the song being heard all over the world internationally. I recently just re-recorded a reimagined version of the song with a music video to be released late 2023. The resilience is not giving up. We never know why things happen as they do and to always forge forward not losing hope. Sometimes something you create will not have a resurgence til later. So stay in the moment and enjoy the creative process and know that if it’s meant to be, it will be. Trust your creative intution and trust the process.

We were lucky to catch up with Cherish Alexander recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cherish, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I feel lucky to always have had a clear picture of what my purpose was and what I wanted to create in my life. I was born with a sense of music in me and started writing songs when I was seven. My first song I wrote was called “Love will find a way”! Although my musical path is always refining itself as I’ve progressed, my process in the way I create songs and lyrics has remained the same. It has always been a knowing and a very intuitive visceral process.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions, we had for you?

When I’m not actively writing…something is being written within me. I’m always wanting to feel what’s next. Sometimes it’s in an inspiration, a song melody or lyric idea and sometimes it’s just letting my life speak to me through an incubation period.

Right now, I’m very excited to release an acoustic version of a song that’s been getting a-lot of attention lately called ‘Need to Know – the Disclosure song”. The song is featured on a podcast called “Need to know” with hosts Bryce Zabel and Ross Coulthart. With the recent events happening with disclosure, my song seems to be on the forefront of a movement starting to unfold. Stay tuned for the release of an unplugged version of my song with a music video premiere on the “Need to Know” network with a live Q&A to follow in the fall of 2023. For more info visit NeedtoKnow.today

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. If you’re different or don’t fit in…that’s a good thing. That’s your superpower.
2. Trust your gut and hone your intuition and creative genius.
3. You’re here for a reason, trust your instincts and listen/follow that little voice inside that’s always guiding you. Believe in yourself and make choices that reflect that.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
It’s human nature to want to be liked and/or understood. What I’ve realized is not everyone is going to relate to you or like you. And that’s ok…. I’m finally to a point where I don’t care what people think…and it’s so freeing. The people you are meant to be surrounded with will always find their way to you. Find your people…they are out there. Don’t ever give up!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.CherishAlexander.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherishalexander/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cherishalexandermusic
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/cherishalexandr
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/cherishalexander 

In addition to the interview, Cherish also sent me a load of personal photos from her collection. Some I featured in the article, however there were too many to include overall. So, I’m presenting them in all their glory here. Thank you again to Cherish ALexander, and enjoy!

For more information on Cherish, please visit her website: HERE

www.DougHenningProject.com

What was it like working with the other celebrities in the special?

I was so young at the time so I didn’t really know any of them professionally…yet as people they were all funny, kind and so sweet with me. Especially,  Bruce (Caitlyn) Jenner, we laughed a lot together. All in all, they looked out for me, and gave me good advice on and off set.

Do you have any favorite illusions that you were a part of?

The Cheerleading illusion was a lot of fun…. Although, I can’t tell you much more, or I’ll spoil the trick. My favorite illusion was the Carousel scene where the black and white horse became one (into a zebra)…That was such a memorable day filming on Mickey Rooney’s farm.

Are there any moments that stick out for you on camera or off?

One memory is meeting Lucille Ball in the hallways of NBC. Her manager came to my mom, and said Ms. Ball would like to meet your daughter after her show. Our sound stage was next to Johnny Carson, and she was about to make her last appearance as we know it on his show. I remember walking up to her in a wheelchair, and she had bright red hair, and she shook my hand and gave me a smile. I will never forget it, and said “Nice to meet you young lady,” and proceeded to give me life advice. To this day, I have a snapshot of that encounter so clear in my memories. I also remember when the show came out being super fascinated by the Narrator of the show who was Orson Welles.

As an adult looking back on it, what do you take away now from that experience as a whole?

Looking back today on being part of Doug Henning’s World of Magic TV show, I’ve reflected on what a HUGE influence it’s had on who I am, and how I’ve grown up as an artist and human being. His portrayal of magic was not just a trick, but a belief system in yourself, and others. And that’s the true magic within reach for everyone.

What are you working on now?

You can check out my latest project CHANGE CAN START WITH ME…(It was) written and directed by myself, and was awarded an honorable mention at the Cannes World Film Festival.

Songwriting is my passion. At the moment I’m focusing on creating music from the inside out. Something is being born in the near future, I just can’t put it into words yet? Existing somewhere between the magic of the known and the unknown.

Cherish Alexander, thank you so much. 

For more information on Cherish, please visit her website: HERE

www.DougHenningProject.com

Had you heard of Doug Henning before you got the special?

Yes! I had watched his magic special before when he featured my childhood crush Ricky Schroder.

Do you remember meeting him for the first time?

Yes. He was very kind and friendly, yet mostly professional….one of the first things he had me do was sign a non-disclosure agreement.

At that age, what were your initial impression of him?

Initially, he seemed very focused on getting me straight into wardrobe and rehearsals. Once that was in place, we ended up bonding over unicorns. At the end of the show, he gifted me a satin Unicorn jacket with my name on the front and the shows logo on the back (Which I still have to this day).

What was it like to act/perform with him?

Looking back, it really was so magical. He had an essence of genius and mysticism, mixed with intensity and perfectionism, which was fascinating to watch at such a young age. It was like watching his dreams come to life right in front of your eyes. His wife was also very lovely and kind.

What are your memories of working on the special itself?

I have so many little clips in my head from meeting Bruce Jenner (Caitlyn) for the first time, with Ann Jillian and Billy Crystal. I remember my makeup artist was legendary. He was an actor on ‘The Little Rascals’. I remember filming on Mickey Rooney’s farm with exotic animals, and becoming friends with Mickey Rooney’s grandson (who I’m still in contact with today)!

What was the rehearsal process like for it?

The days were very long, being a majority of the show was to be filmed in front of a live audience at NBC. We only had a week of rehearsals before the magic tricks, camera angles, and actors all had to be perfected live. There was a lot to learn in a short amount of time.

To Be Concluded Tomorrow… 

For more information on Cherish, please visit her website: HERE

www.DougHenningProject.com

I’m delighted this week to be posting a recent interview I conducted with Cherish Alexander. As I’m sure many of you you know, Cherish was Doug’s co-host on “World of Magic ’82,” along with Ann Jillian, Kaitlyn Jenner, and Billy Crystal. She was more than happy to remember her time on the special, and working with Doug. 

“World of Magic “82” ultimately ended up being Doug’s last special under that title. While he did have one more called “Magic on Broadway” after this one, this was the end of the road for the continuous string of “World of Magic” specials stretching back to 1975. To call it a trippy is an understatement. How many times have you seen a magic house, the LA Rams Cheerleaders, and Orson Welles appear in one night of TV? So, without further ado, I’ll hand it over to Cherish.

Cherish, can you tell me a bit about your background? Where you grew up, your family, etc?

I was born in Dallas TX, yet moved with my mom to California when I was 7 years old. We started off in Orange County, and ended up in Hollywood when I was 9 years old. I always like to say I’m an LA girl with strong southern roots!

How did you initially get into acting as a child?

I never really considered myself an actress. I considered myself more of an artist/performer, and a child model. Yet growing up in the last remnants of old Hollywood at such a young age, you were raised to do it all.

Around this same age, I was part of a young kids performing Cabaret for many years where I connected with a young magician named Gary Sutherland whose dad also had a magic shop. I performed with him for many years, including many times at the Magic Castle, and we were featured in PM Magazine with Sally Struthers. I’m still in touch with a few other magician friends I grew up with who are currently lead performers at the Magic Castle.

Can you tell me how you got the “World of Magic” special with Doug?

My agent/manager at the time was contacted to request me for an audition for the show because of recently winning Worlds “Our Little Miss, 1982” (Little Miss World). Or possibly Doug heard about me from my performances at the Magic Castle.

What was the process of getting that job like?

I remember being on hold for the job, yet figured they went with someone else because we never heard from them. Then last minute on a Friday night, Doug’s production team called and asked if I was still available,  and if so, I was to be in wardrobe first thing Monday morning at NBC at the crack of dawn.

For more on Cherish’s first meeting with Doug, be sure to return for Part. 2 tomorrow. 

For more information on Cherish, please visit her website: HERE

www.DougHenningProject.com

“Just Be” (Cherish Alexander) off her 2018 album MEET ME WHERE YOU ARE, is being featured in the new movie LEGEND OF ORO ARROWHEAD now streaming on Apple TV, Netflix & Amazon Prime.  Directed by Bill Rahn, tells the story of a man who searches for a golden arrowhead that seems to have the entire town spooked, while tracing his father’s trail on a mysterious map.

Featuring song written by Cherish Alexander / Performed by Bella Bazarria

America’s Deadliest Rock Concert: The Guest List premieres on the 19th anniversary of deadly event

REELZ has announced the network’s original documentary America’s Deadliest Rock Concert: The Guest List premieres Sunday, February 20th at 8 pm ET/ 5 pm PT presenting the deeply personal stories of lives forever altered by the tragic Station nightclub fire that left 100 people dead, more than 200 injured, and devastated the tight-knit community of West Warwick, Rhode Island. It is also a story of the triumph of the human spirit, as seen in a community’s resilience and the recovery and rebirth of Joe Kinan, who was the last survivor pulled from the fire and the most severely burned.

On the night of February 20, 2003, more than 400 music fans packed into the small Station nightclub. Just seconds after 80s sensation Great White took the stage, pyrotechnics ignited a fire that raced up the walls and across the ceiling of the packed venue. In less than 90 seconds, most of those who hadn’t already made their escape would be trapped inside. They would be burned alive, identified days later only by dental records or tattoos. The Station fire was a perfect storm of human error that became one of the worst nightclub tragedies in US history. It remains America’s deadliest rock concert.

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.

CHERISH ALEXANDER

DIRECTOR, PRODUCER & WRITER

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.