Deep in the city, down Singer’s Lane in Melbourne’s CBD this Saturday night, Jemma Cher, one of Melbourne’s finest singers, will perform with her band at Bird’s Basement. Jemma recently released her debut album “Let’s Do It”, featuring well-known Australian musicians including Lior, Simon Starr, Ben Grayson, Daniel Farrugia and Joshua Moshe playing sophisticated and detailed new arrangements. Jemma’s album also includes a special original composition written by Gideon Cher and Jemma Cher, titled, “I’ll Stay”. We were lucky enough to grab a moment with the songstress herself to learn more about her music and upcoming show at Bird’s.
Congratulations on the launch of your debut album! Can you tell us a little bit about the studio experience of bringing this together?
Thank you so much! Creating my debut studio album Let’s Do It was a deliberately short but highly productive experience, and overall very positive. It was important to me that the album captured a live energy. I wanted it to feel authentic, rather than overproduced or too polished. We recorded eight tracks on the first day and two on the second. It was vocally challenging and intense, but that high energy was exactly what I was aiming for. I was also very lucky to work with such highly regarded creatives in the industry.
The album features original and covers, how do you decide what is in and what is out?
Deciding what would make the cut was surprisingly easy. Nine of the ten tracks on the album were both my favourites and crowd favourites, plus one special original co-written with my brother, I’ll Stay. The great thing about being an artist is that there really are no rules. I wanted this album to feel versatile, unscripted, and an honest reflection of who I am at this stage of my life and career. Each track comes from a different corner of music, blues, jazz, ballads, folk, and theatre, which isn’t the most common way to shape an album, but it’s fun, it’s free, and it’s me. I’ve always been inspired by contrasting artists, and growing up, Australian songwriter Lior was a huge influence. Having him feature on my debut album with his song Sonja was an incredibly moving experience and something I’ll always treasure.
You’re a seasoned performer, can you tell us some of your favourite gig’s you’ve had over the past couple of years?
I’ve had the privilege of performing my own shows at many renowned venues across Melbourne, sharing the stage with the incredible Emma Pask and the B# Big Band, and even performing at the iconic Birdland in New York City. Each experience has been unique and unforgettable, offering me the chance to connect with audiences and collaborate with many different musicians.
Let’s Do It, is your first album, has releasing this album made you hungry for a second?
Absolutely! Releasing my debut studio album was an incredible experience and a real learning curve. I’m currently in the studio working on my second project, and I’ve discovered so much about myself, my craft, and my artistry along the way. I can’t wait to share my new music and collaborations with the world very soon!
What do you hope listeners will take away from the experience of the album?
I hope listeners experience the versatility woven throughout the album, alongside the incredible talent of the musicians featured. It’s a studio album with a live feel. Youthful, fresh, and full of energy.
How was the experience of working with Simon Starr and your brother Gideon on the creation of the album?
I was privileged to work with so many talented creatives on this album, including one of my favourite artists, Australian singer/songwriter Lior. Collaborating with Simon Starr was an absolute treat, he’s a brilliant artist and, in my opinion, a true creative genius. Surrounding yourself with people who bring out the best in you is so important. No challenge is ever too big, and no idea is too bold. His vision is a huge reason our arrangements are so intricate and unique. Working with my brother, Gideon Cher, is also a huge advantage. We share a deep understanding that allows us to create seamlessly, even when we’re not side by side. Each week we spend time writing, recording, and developing music together. Gideon is a brilliant songwriter, and music truly flows through him. We’re currently working on an exciting, unreleased body of work.
You’ll be at Bird’s Basement this weekend, will you be playing the entire album or will there be some surprises for the audience?
I’m really looking forward to our show this weekend at Bird’s Basement! I’ll be playing some of the crowd favourites from the album, along with brand new tunes. Playing songs you know and need to know.
Spring has arrived and so with it the festival season, what are your upcoming plans for future gigs?
Spring is finally here, Next year we are planning new venues, new music and a bigger lineup! Keep up to date with everything I am up to through my socials or my website.
You can listen to the album here on Spotify and learn more about Jemma at her website. Book tickets at Bird’s Basement. Follow Jemma on Instagram.
