Shermanology

There have been so many legendary artists across the years, but to me, Shermanology stands out not only for their infectious beats and soulful vocals but also for the deeply ingrained familial bond that underpins their creative journey.

Comprising siblings Andy and Dorothy Sherman, Shermanology’s musical legacy traces back through generations, shaping their approach to creativity, collaboration, and the very essence of their sound.

The Sherman family’s musical lineage runs deep, with lessons learned from parents and extended family members who pursued their passion for music with unwavering dedication. Andy and Dorothy recall their upbringing filled with melodies and rhythms, where creativity flowed freely and music was a constant companion. “Our family did everything themselves,” Dorothy reminisces. “Even the outfits were made by one of my uncles. We learned a lot from them: have patience and try to give it all you’ve got.”

Lets embark on a captivating odyssey through the realms of family, culture, and creativity with Shermanology. Dive deep into the heart of their musical legacy, where familial bonds intertwine seamlessly with pulsating beats and soul-stirring melodies. Discover how collaboration becomes a harmonious symphony, weaving tales that resonate with the core of human experience.

Explore the vibrant tapestry of cultural fusion as Shermanology’s music transcends borders, inviting you to embrace the rich diversity of sound and language. Immerse yourself in their visual identity, where every note is a brushstroke on the canvas of artistic expression. As you journey through the pages of this article, you’ll witness the evolution of Shermanology’s sound, guided by a steadfast commitment to authenticity and a profound appreciation for their roots. Join us on this exhilarating expedition as we celebrate the power of music to unite, inspire, and uplift. Read the full article to delve deeper into the captivating world of Shermanology.

Collaborating with family members might seem like a daunting task, but for Shermanology, it’s a seamless blend of voices and ideas. Tracks like “Coco Loco” featuring their cousin Cheryl Lispier showcase the harmonious synergy that comes naturally to them.

“The most important thing we learned is that we need to have fun with it. Our family did everything themselves. Even the outfits were made by one of my uncles. We learned a lot from them, have patience and try to give it all you’ve got. Taking our time with creating songs, they are done when we are happy with them. And enjoy the whole process, not just the final result."

We usually write the songs ourselves. But we really wanted to sing it together with our cousin Cheryl Lispier. The funny thing is that our cousin Cheryl and I (Dorothy) have very similar voices.

You really don’t hear a difference. We blend naturally. The same thing goes for when our dad or Andy sings on the track. So luckily we don’t have those problems. We always want what is best for the song, so honesty is key. The most important thing is that there is no ego while creating, so we can always give our honest opinion. We are lucky that we have the same taste, so there are not a lot of creative differences along the way”.

Delving deeper into their discography, Shermanology’s collaboration with their uncle on “Hijos De La Noche” adds another layer of familial connection. Through these collaborations, they weave intricate narratives that resonate with audiences on a profound level, drawing inspiration from their tight-knit family ties and shared experiences.

“We are a very close family. So anytime we can invite one of them to write the lyrics of a song or melodies or record with them, it takes me back to any family get-together. The goal is to get them all on stage with us. We have so much fun when we are together. It’s a beautiful thing to create music with the people who showed you the way”.

Growing up with a father who was a musician provided Shermanology with invaluable insights into the joys and challenges of a musical career.

"When it comes to making music, our dad always tells us to stay true to ourselves,” Andy reflects.

With their father’s guidance, they navigate the industry with wisdom and love, cherishing the familial bonds that sustain them through the highs and lows of their musical journey.

“Have fun with it. The music business can be cold and lonely. We would never want to experience that. Our dad warns us about a lot of things. Stay sharp! He says."

"He is still really involved. It is great to get advice from someone who has so much experience and wants the best for you. Everything he says comes from a place of love and protection. We never take him for granted. We can say the same thing about our mom too. We are very blessed with their guidance and support”.

Rooted in the vibrant cultural tapestry of Curaçao, Shermanology’s music reflects a diverse array of influences, from salsa and merengue to hip-hop and electronic beats. Leveraging their island upbringing as a cultural nexus, they infuse their music with a rich tapestry of sounds and rhythms while staying true to their Caribbean heritage.

“Growing up in Curaçao, you get a lot of cultural influences. Because it’s in South America, you always hear salsa, merengue, bachata everywhere you go, but also hip-hop, R&B, and dancehall are very prominent on the island."

"Dorothy I was in a salsa/merengue/bachata band. We used to go to dancehall parties in people’s backyards, and also hip-hop parties. And we used to be in an R&B group. We were performing in the clubs. We were only 14/16 years old then. We used to sing backing vocals for ranchera song festivals. I think that says it all. And we sang and danced in some TV shows. We used to sing the backing vocals for our dad’s shows. We still do that sometimes. We just love to be on stage with him. Man, what a ride!”

The linguistic fusion of Papiamento mirrors the eclectic blend found in Shermanology’s music, inspiring lyrical content that transcends language barriers and resonates with audiences worldwide. Singing in their native tongue adds an authentic layer to their performances, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of their upbringing.

“The African movement inspired us,” Andy shares.

“It’s amazing that people nowadays don’t have to understand what you are saying, as long as the vibe is right.”

Beyond the realm of music, Shermanology’s visual identity incorporates elements of 90s fashion, editorial aesthetics, and Caribbean culture, enhancing their artistic expression on stage. From vibrant colors to bold patterns, their visual aesthetic complements their musical style, creating a cohesive and immersive experience for their audience.

“We have always been very interested in developing our visual identity. We have been designing our own clothes for shows. It might sound weird, but when you are fully dressed in the clothes you designed, it just gives you a boost even before the show starts. It’s an addition to the music. And we want to try to motivate our crowd to join us. Create your own vision. Wear whatever you feel and represent what you stand for”.

As they look to the future, Shermanology remains committed to creating music that feels good and resonates with their fans. Their hope is to inspire listeners with positive messages, foster closer family bonds, and celebrate cultural heritage through their music.

“We always want to achieve a specific kind of energy in our tracks. We have some elements that will always come back. I think what we always stand for is heavy basslines, a strong groove, and soulful vocals”.

With each track, Shermanology continues to evolve while staying true to their roots, crafting a sound that is uniquely theirs whilst still hearing some of the music they heard when growing up.

“In our house, our parents both love soul music. So we grew up listening to people like Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Bebe and Cece Winans, for example. Stevie Wonder always has positive messages, and he has definitely influenced us on what we make today. We like to make people feel good and be positive, have faith, or hopefully help people get through life. We listen to those people for the same reasons. So what makes our day is when someone says that our music helped them in any kind of way”.

Through their music, they invite listeners on a journey of self-discovery, cultural exploration, and unbridled creativity—a journey that is as vibrant and diverse as the family that inspires it.

“We tend to not look around what is hype at the moment or what other people are doing. We just do whatever feels good at that time. Whatever we want to do, we will just make. And hope and pray that our fans will like it. We like to send positive messages to our fans. Give hope or just feel good. Music can enhance how you feel and it can be very therapeutic."

"We think family is so important and we don’t have each other forever. So if we can inspire people to become closer with their family, it is a win!”

Reading through Shermanology’s insightful answers, it’s clear that their musical journey is not just about creating captivating melodies but also about cherishing the deeply ingrained values of family, authenticity, and cultural heritage. Their commitment to staying true to themselves while navigating the ever-changing landscape of electronic music is commendable, reflecting a profound wisdom passed down through generations.

Their collaborative spirit, seamlessly blending voices and ideas within the familial realm, speaks volumes about the strength of their bond and the richness it brings to their creative process.

Moreover, Shermanology’s ability to infuse diverse cultural influences into their music, from the rhythms of Curaçao to the linguistic fusion of Papiamento, creates a tapestry of sound that transcends boundaries and resonates with audiences worldwide.

It’s evident that Shermanology’s music is not just about entertainment; it’s about forging connections, celebrating diversity, and inspiring positive change. As a listener, delving into their world offers not only a sonic adventure but also a profound appreciation for the transformative power of music.