Meet Cherokee Fortune

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cherokee Fortune.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Cherokee. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I come from a long line of musicians. I grew up in recording studios and live venues. There was never a time when music wasn’t being written and played around me, so inevitably, it became part of who I was. I told my mom when I was five that I wanted to be a singer and proceeded to sing her a song I had written. She told me I broke into song with full vibrato lol.

I’m a native Angeleno but I actually formed my first band in London. It wasn’t until I moved to New York however that I truly found my voice. I was immediately forced out of my comfort zone, playing themed shows In which I had to perform with total strangers without the benefit of any rehearsal and I had to nail it. There was no holding back. Having to perform under these circumstances gave me a particular kind of strength that’s hard to develop elsewhere, much like being thrown into the water and told to swim.

Shortly after these initiation gigs, I helped form the band Honor Among Thieves, whom I toured with extensively until I decided to move back to my native Los Angeles to reconnect with my roots. Within a year of moving back, I joined the band Absinthe. From that point, I decided I really wanted to work on some solo projects and have been lucky enough to work with some amazing musicians over the past few years. I have since released a few singles and am currently working on more.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Music is never a smooth road, especially as a woman but I’ve found both the ups and the downs to be of equal value. I’m always trying to learn and grow both artistically and professionally. As a teacher of mine once said, “If you’re not falling, you’re not learning”.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a singer with country, blues and rock’n’roll based roots. Over the years, I have had some amazing opportunities and have worked with some extremely talented individuals. Everyday that I get to play music I consider a gift, it is everything to me. I am really proud of the last two singles I released. Throughout my career, I have developed a strong work ethic and I always try to maintain a certain level of professionalism because at the end of the day, it’s about respect for the music and those who support what you do.

Maybe what sets me apart is that I try not to limit myself musically. I draw inspiration from all types of music and try to incorporate that inspiration into my own creations. Music is a universal language, it is the soundtrack to our lives. It is a bridge between cultures and generations and I always want to be part of that bridge.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I believe you make your own luck, especially when it comes to artistic endeavors. Luck is earned by taking chances and facing one’s fears. I’ve had both good and bad luck professionally and personally. The trick is to keep going no matter what and to deal with inevitable adversity in a positive manner.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherokee_river/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cherokeerock/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/cherokeefortune?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/cherokeefortune

Image Credit:
Jerry Avril, Yasmeen Pico

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