A symphony of soulful funk ripples through the British Jazz scene as Classically trained musician Cherise releases her latest single, 2 Steppin. It bursts with summer-ready rhythms and an undercurrent of gratitude and heritage, with an irresistible call to the dance floor that will have you swaying under the summer sun.
Born out of fond memories of her late maternal grandfather, 2 Steppin celebrates life and the art of not sweating the small stuff. Reminiscing about the days in Hackney when her grandfather’s rhythmic saunter down Ridley Road was a spectacle of effortless swag, Cherise has composed an ode to embracing life’s groove. “The release of getting out of my head,” Cherise adds, hinting at the dual layers of joy and catharsis.
Musically, 2 Steppin is a sun-soaked symphony where Cherise’s soulful vocals effortlessly traverse a laid-back composition of retro instrumentation, encapsulating a feel-good vibe that paints aural scenes of lazy summer afternoons and carefree dancing. The retro and laid-back arrangement adds a nostalgic touch, drawing listeners into a space where the past meets the present in a harmonious blend.
Anchored in history and identity, 2 Steppin also pays tribute to Cherise’s Windrush heritage. As the 75th anniversary of Windrush approaches, Cherise’s homage lends depth to the track, becoming a conduit of gratitude towards the elders who made the journey to England. “Being grateful for what I’ve got but having a keen desire to define for myself – and find power in – what it means to be second-generation,” Cherise explains, tying her personal narrative to broader themes of heritage and self-discovery.
2 Steppin is a promising glimpse into Cherise’s debut album, Calling, set for release on July 7th, 2023. The single’s enchanting mix of soul, jazz, and funk, combined with a poignant underlying narrative, foreshadows an album rich in emotion, history, and irresistible melodies.
Cherise’s 2 Steppin is a harmonious blend of past and present, a tribute to heritage, and an invitation to lose oneself in the rhythm of life. If you yearn for a summer hit with feel-good vibes and heartfelt, 2 Steppin is that song.