SHERMANOLOGY
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GET TO KNOW - SHERMANOLOGY
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Hi guys, we would love to hear all about your musical background. How did you first become interested in DJing and producing music, and what inspired you to pursue it as a career?
We come from a musical family, with our dad having a lot of hits in the 70s and 80s. As kids, we would always see them rehearse, so we grew up surrounded by music. We would often hear pops making music on his Atari, which served as a great inspiration for us. During our childhood, many of our friends were dancehall DJs, which further fueled our passion for music.
When I turned 18, I moved to Holland, where my friend Mavdio was already heavily involved in DJing. He showed me the tricks of the trade, and that experience played a significant role in shaping my musical journey. My sister, Dorothy, and I had always made music together since we were kids. In fact, we started an R&B group when we were 14 and 16 years old. Music was always a central part of our lives, and we had a clear vision that we wanted to pursue it professionally.
Growing up in Curaçao, we were exposed to a wide range of musical influences, including hip hop, salsa, R&B, and dance music. Our family was deeply involved in the music industry, with everyone making a living through music. With such a rich musical heritage, we felt compelled to follow in our family's footsteps and dedicated ourselves to giving our best in pursuing our musical aspirations.
Which artists influenced you the most growing up?
We were heavily influenced by a variety of artists while growing up. We listened to a lot of old-school music, including iconic figures like Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Boyz II Men. Their timeless music had a profound impact on us and shaped our understanding of melody, vocals, and soulful expressions.
In addition to these R&B and pop influences, we were also drawn to the vibrant rhythms of salsa. Artists like Marc Anthony and La India introduced us to the energetic and passionate world of salsa music, which added a unique flavor to our musical palette. When it comes to electronic music, several artists played a significant role in inspiring us. Soul II Soul, with their fusion of soul, R&B, and electronic elements, captivated our attention and showcased the potential of blending different genres. Martha Walsh, with her powerful vocals and infectious dance beats, left a lasting impression on us. CeCe Pennington, with her uplifting and energetic tracks, further fueled our passion for electronic music. These artists, with their diverse styles and musical genius, influenced us profoundly and played a crucial role in shaping our own musical journey.
How often do you listen to music in your personal life? And what do you listen to?
In our personal lives, we listen to music constantly throughout the day. It's an integral part of our daily routine and serves as a source of inspiration, relaxation, and entertainment. Our music preferences vary based on our individual tastes and moods.
Dorothy tends to gravitate towards new school artists such as Her, Alexis Ray Parker, Lucky Daye, Rosalía, and Brandy. She appreciates their contemporary styles and unique voices.
On the other hand, Andy enjoys listening to artists like J Villa, D'Angelo, and Musiq Soulchild. Their soulful and R&B-infused sounds resonate with him. In the electronic music realm, he finds inspiration from artists like James Blake, Kaytranada, Disclosure, and Jamie Jones. Their innovative approaches to electronic music and production techniques captivate his interest.
Additionally, we also have a fondness for gospel music. Artists like Kim Burrell and Marvin Sapp uplift our spirits and bring a sense of spiritual fulfillment to our musical experience.
Ultimately, our music choices depend on the mood we are in at any given moment. We appreciate a diverse range of genres and artists, allowing us to explore and connect with different musical expressions.
Your tour calendar is getting busier every year. What has been your favorite place to perform so far and why?
We are incredibly grateful for the opportunities to perform around the world, and our tour calendar has indeed become busier each year. Among all the amazing places we've performed, Italy has recently stolen our hearts. The energy from the Italian crowd is absolutely incredible, and the reception we've received there has been nothing short of amazing. One particular highlight was our performance at the Galactica festival on New Year's. The atmosphere was electric, and the crowd's energy was off the charts. It was an unforgettable experience that left a lasting impression on us.
Looking ahead, we are thrilled to be part of several major shows, including the Kappa festival this summer. Anticipation is building, and we can't wait to take the stage and share our music with the enthusiastic audience.
As our journey continues, we cherish the opportunity to connect with different cultures and music lovers worldwide. Each place we perform has its own unique charm and energy, making it difficult to pick a single favorite. However, Italy stands out as a recent favorite due to the incredible experiences we've had there and the warm reception from the passionate Italian fans.
How did you develop your style and how would you describe it yourself?
Developing our style has been a long and dynamic journey filled with ups and downs. It involved a process of exploration, experimentation, and self-discovery to find a unique sound that truly represents us. We drew inspiration from various musical styles that resonated with us, taking elements from each and blending them together.
For instance, we have a deep appreciation for dancehall vocals, the infectious energy of UK basslines, and the groove of jacking beats. We didn't limit ourselves to conforming to a specific genre or style but instead focused on bringing these influences together in a cohesive way. Our aim was to create a sound that was distinct and reflective of our diverse musical tastes.
Additionally, we constantly push the boundaries of our vocal creations. We strive to explore new possibilities and see how far we can take our vocal performances, adding another layer of innovation and uniqueness to our music.
In describing our style, we would characterize it as an eclectic mix of electronic music blended with vibrant Caribbean vibes. It embodies the fusion of different genres and cultural influences, resulting in a sound that is energetic, dynamic, and evocative.
What kind of releases can we expect from you later in the year?
We are thrilled to share some exciting releases with you later this year. One of the tracks we are particularly excited about is "Sometimes," which will be released on Defected Records. We've poured our hearts into this track and can't wait for everyone to hear it.
In addition, we have a special collaboration in the works with the legendary R&B group Boyz II Men. It's an honor to work with such talented artists, and we believe this collaboration will bring a unique blend of our styles and create something truly special.
Furthermore, we have a remix for Fatboy Slim that will be dropping later this year. Remixing a legendary artist like Fatboy Slim has been an incredible opportunity, and we're eager to present our fresh take on his music.
Beyond these specific releases, we have so much music we will share with y’all.
As a producer, where do you start, what is your creative process when you are about to develop a new idea?
As producers, our creative process varies with each new idea we develop. There is no fixed blueprint that we follow, which makes it an exciting and dynamic experience for us. Sometimes we begin with a beat, crafting a rhythmic foundation that sets the tone for the track. Other times, we start with a vocal idea, where Dorothy gives me a vocal melody or lyrics, and I take on the challenge of creating a production around it. This back-and-forth dynamic between us fuels our creativity and allows us to explore different approaches to music production.
The beauty of our creative process lies in the freedom to experiment and take risks. We embrace the challenge of turning individual ideas into cohesive and engaging compositions. It's a collaborative effort that keeps us inspired and motivated to push the boundaries of our creativity.
Ultimately, the starting point for each new idea can come from anywhere—a catchy melody, a captivating lyric, a unique sound, or an infectious rhythm. We remain open to inspiration from various sources and allow our intuition to guide us through the creative process. This flexibility keeps it fun for us
Who are some new talented names on the scene from your perspective? Who do you fully support on their journey as DJ’s and producers?
From our perspective, there are several new talented names on the scene that we fully support on their journey as DJs and producers. One artist that stands out is Menesix from Holland. We find his work to be amazing, and he brings a fresh and unique approach to his productions. His creativity and dedication to pushing boundaries are truly inspiring.
Additionally, we have a lot of respect and admiration for Honey Love, Coco, and Breezy. These artists consistently strive to do something different and innovative within their music and performances. Their commitment to carving their own path and bringing fresh ideas to the table is commendable.
It's always exciting to see emerging talent making waves and pushing the boundaries of creativity. Supporting and celebrating these artists is essential for the growth and evolution of the music industry. We look forward to witnessing their continued success and contributions to the music scene.
What is up next for you? What can we expect from you and anything special we should keep an eye out for?
We have an exciting lineup of events and projects planned for the near future. Next up, we are gearing up for an incredible summer filled with shows all over the world. We'll be performing in renowned venues and festivals such as Ibiza (including Paradise, Defected, and Elrow), embarking on tours in the USA and the UK, and even making an appearance at Brazil's town festival. It's going to be an action-packed season of live performances and energetic crowds.
In addition to our busy touring schedule, we have a lot of new music in the pipeline. Keep an eye out for our upcoming releases, as we continue to explore and evolve our sound. We're excited to share our latest creations with you.
Furthermore, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our own party called D'eaupe, in collaboration with ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event). This is just the beginning, as we plan to take the D'eaupe party concept on a global journey, bringing our unique atmosphere and music to different locations around the world. Stay tuned for more updates on these special events.
Overall, there is plenty to look forward to. From electrifying performances to new music releases and our own D'eaupe party series, we are dedicated to delivering an unforgettable experience for our fans. Get ready for an exciting and eventful journey with us!
To wrap it up, if you had to describe with one phrase what electronic music is, you would say it is…
If I had to describe electronic music in one phrase, I would say it is a boundless realm where musical rules fade away, allowing cultures to seamlessly unite, transcending barriers of race and gender.
Shermanology‘s label imprint D’EAUPE will launch a brand new event series that combines their passions and strives for inclusivity, and community through tasteful art and fashion - open to all. Watch out for the showcase event at this years ADE.
