Licia Chery — I'm A Fool

Licia was born under a lucky star. Some people just have it like that; those on whom destiny keeps smiling down upon, despite the difficulties and hazards of life. They often have a fiery temper, magnetism, and contagious. Licia Chery is no exception to the rule.

She was born in Switzerland, where her Haitian parents fled the Duvalier dictatorship 8 years before her birth. Licia Chery grew up cradled between two languages, two cultures, and two countries as extreme in their habits as they are similar in size. She jealously guards the treasures of this diversity.

From a very early age, Licia has been aware of the notion of otherness. In a bubble, she spends hours listening to Michael Jackson that her sister, 5 years older, had the bright idea to introduce her to. Registered very young at the Conservatory, she wrote her first songs at 10 years old, in both French and English (at least in "her" English).

Hardworking and good in class, Licia rapidly gained the reputation of being the playground’s entertainer, improvising choreography and other dance/singing lessons during the interclass.

It was now obvious, music was her calling She quickly published a first self-produced album, tasted a little bit of success where she grew up, tried to canvass the French labels, got dismissed, and finally enrolled in a music school. But Licia had a mission. At 22, she decided to leave for the USA without any money. To prepare for her departure, she found a job instead of going to college and lied to her parents. After 6 months of savings and secrets she flew to New York and Canada.

While walking along the streets of Montreal, she came across an ad announcing a casting call for interpreters, the following day- at 5 pm – 530 kilometers away in New York City..  Determined, she hopped on a bus, travelled all night, arrived in New York at 7am with two large suitcases, and  was chosen! A beautiful as this victory was, it was also ephemeral victory due to the fact that  money was running low. Deflated but not defeated, she returned to Geneva and re-enrolled at the University.

She then became aware that her music could also include a political message. After all, the story of her life is a story of exile, assimilation and second generation, isn’t it?

In 2009, she exemplified the title "Mental disease" with a clip featuring the actress Isabelle Caro, to denounce the daily hell of those living with anorexia. She participated in the concert for Haiti, alongside Laurent Voulzy, Raphaël, Pascal Obispo, Youssou N'Dour, Nolwenn Leroy and many others.

Her writing is evolving. Topics such as self-confidence ("Vibrations", "Gossip"), Love ("I'm a fool", "You make me blue"), Family ("She"), coexist with texts more universal, referring to cultural heritage ("Proud"), immigration ("M'pa ladan'l"), and injustice ("Please").

During the production of the album “Blue your mind”, with Xavier Plèche and Alban Sautour on achievement, the chemistry was quickly formed. Licia has a clear idea of ​​sounds and instruments (including Haitian ones) which she wants to record, and both Xavier and Alban provide technique, expertise and ideas: "we worked on the songs one by one, and each one gave his ideas. It was a pleasure working with such talented musicians." Licia, who has been the opening act in Switzerland for Patrice, Ben l’Oncle Soul and Ayo, knows how sharing and complicity are two engines in creation.

The musical influences of Licia are extremely varied. From Otis Redding’s, Donny Hathaway’s and Aretha Franklin’s rich soul, to the jazz of Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, and Nina Simone; From the revolutionary rock music of The Beatles, Queen and Janis Joplin to the ‘Neo Soul’ of Lauryn Hill, India Arie and Adele. Her latest album reveals the emotions of a feminine and touching modernity, with Norah Jones, Corinne Bailey Rae and Amy Whinehouse as spearheads. "Choosing among these musical greats? No way! I prefer to take everything they have to offer," explains Licia Chery.

A lucky star, head in the clouds and feet firmly on the ground, Licia Chery definitely has it all.