Following the release of a string of original tracks, each one building further on the impressive streaming numbers of the last, we caught an interview with producer and artist Sherman de Vries to find out more about his journey so far. Here’s the conversation in full.
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Hi Sherman, thanks for the interview! For those new to your work, how would you describe yourself and what you do?
I am a songwriter, music producer & mixing and mastering engineer. ShermandeVries.com.
Your catalogue has grown extensively in the past year or two, how do you maintain such an impressive workflow – what drives you?
The great people around me. Positive energy keeps me going. Traveling the world, building up inspiration worldwide.
Mona is a personal favourite, a brilliant track – the melody, the loving element, the bounce of the beat – how did the song first come to be?
Well basically me and my buddy Emiz from Nigeria was thinking for a long time already to make a song together. So we started pitching ideas for our record and started writing to an afro beat we made. Then I came with the idea to make it a type of afro dancehall style, which not many have done before.
From there, Emiz went in the booth and started recording his vocals to the Mona song. Then I got started on the mix and mastering and we planned our release just about 2 months ago and it reached over 100,000 hits in just 2 months time, going on 200,000.
How did you manage to get placed in 2018’s Billboard Chart Toppers?
Hard work and consistency
What’s your main intention when crafting a new track – what do you want to present listeners with?
For listeners to enjoy my type of energy to a track. Something new, fresh and vibrant.
How important is networking and collaboration in building a career in music?
Very important. You must network on a daily basis in order to achieve success. Connecting yourself with the right people worldwide. In this time of era it’s now easier for artists and producers to network through the internet.
In what ways do you think having an eclectic background and parents from two different parts of the world has affected your personality and your creative direction?
Well it’s a blessing to be a part of both worlds. Europe and the Caribbean. Being able to travel across both seas was a big inspiration for my music as well. I was born and raised in the Caribbean, St. Maarten, but also lived for 10 years now in Europe. I’ve experienced both cultures in music which are both much different from each other. I am blessed to be able to bring both cultures and style into my own music, which helps me create my own sound internationally.
What’s your biggest aspiration as a producer and songwriter?
Having people to enjoy my sound and one day to be able to get a Grammy.
Is live performance an important part of your plans, and if so – what’s the live scene like where you are?
No.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be, and why?
No idea ATM we are now in the age of independence where everyone has a chance to make a song blow just through the internet. All the resources are now there for us. Let’s get it!
What’s next for you, and what’s the best thing people can do to support you?
A lot of new music on the way a long with music videos.
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Find & follow Sherman de Vries on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube & Instagram.
