The Sound Cafe is excited to introduce Sheron, a seasoned musician from South Africa whose career spans over three decades. Having been a key figure in the South African alt-rock scene, Sheron has also performed internationally, collaborating with renowned artists and playing on global stages. Now focused on his solo career, Sheron’s latest release is a new single and lyric video called ‘Glow’ available from 25 October. In this interview, we’ll take a closer look at Sheron’s musical journey, his experiences across different bands and countries, and the creative process behind his latest work, offering a perspective on his expansive career.
Q: Sheron, you’ve been a prominent figure in the South African music scene for years. For an international audience unfamiliar with your work, how would you describe your sound and artistic identity?
Sheron: It’s difficult to describe my sound in just a few words. While I draw from many influences, I’d say it’s a hybrid between Collective Soul and Matchbox Twenty. I also have a bit of Metallica in me, but not as heavy, and even some boy-band styles mixed in. Honestly, it’s tough to define my style within one or two genres.
Q: You’ve toured extensively within South Africa and internationally, performing in places like Hong Kong and China. How have these international performances influenced your music, and how do different audiences around the world respond to your sound?
Sheron: I’ve been fortunate to perform for a wide variety of audiences, and the common thread is always trying to read the room and hoping the audience reacts positively to me or the band I’m with. I aim to make people happy. I’ve had both successes and failures, but both have been great learning experiences for future gigs. There are always a few classic tunes in every set that never fail to connect with the audience.
Q: With the release of your new single ‘Glow,’ what do you hope international listeners, particularly those in countries like Canada, will take away from this track?
Sheron: My goal has always been to create a great experience, and ‘Glow’ is about just that. I’d be humbled and honored if anyone listens to ‘Glow’ and it makes them move, sing along, and have a good time.
Q: You’ve worked with iconic bands and artists throughout your career. How have those collaborations shaped your solo work? Are there specific lessons or influences that have stayed with you?
Sheron: I love being a sponge and learning from everyone I work with. It wouldn’t be fair to name just one or two artists, or to limit my growth to only the iconic ones. I’ve worked with many artists, some lesser-known, and I’ve learned just as much from them as I have from the legends, I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with. Each experience teaches me something new.
Q: The South African music scene has a distinct identity, but your music seems to blend multiple influences. How do you balance the unique flavors of South African music with the global sounds you’ve encountered?
Sheron: It’s hard to pinpoint. Most of the time, there isn’t much planning when it comes to recording, production, or even songwriting. I let the music come to me naturally. I hear it in my head and try to bring it to life in the recording process. Sometimes it works perfectly; other times, it’s a challenge. I grew up in Israel before moving to South Africa, where the music scene is quite different. However, I’ve always been drawn to American and UK rock and pop-rock.
Q: ‘Glow’ touches on the highs and hard work of being a musician. How have your experiences as a global performer shaped the message of this song?
Sheron: I’m incredibly grateful and lucky to have worked as a musician for my entire life, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. It’s hard work, and I believe it’s one of the most rejection-prone professions out there. That’s made me work even harder. Longevity and continuity in this career are tough to achieve, and it takes a lot of self-drive. It’s easy to get distracted or lose focus, and that’s something I battle with daily.
Q: You’ve been involved in every aspect of your music, from recording to producing. How does being in control of the entire creative process impact the final product, and how important is this DIY approach to your sound?
Sheron: Having creative freedom is fantastic, but it’s also a double-edged sword. Collaborating with others can either enhance the process or complicate it. I’ve experienced both. Ultimately, you must accept your creations and enjoy the journey. I’m very critical of myself, and for years, that self-criticism kept me from releasing my music. When working alone, it’s hard to know when a song is truly “done.” Having others involved sometimes helps push a project to completion.
Q: For international audiences who may not be familiar with the bands and artists you’ve worked with, such as X-Over (Crossover), Amersham, and Watershed, could you share some standout moments in your career?
Sheron: There are too many memorable moments to count, but I’ll try! I remember a specific show with Watershed by the coast (I can’t recall the exact city), but we performed two days in a row, and both shows were amazing. With X-Over, we’ve played thousands of gigs, including a special function for the Australian embassy in China in 2004. We didn’t sleep for four days traveling between Hong Kong and Beijing, but the show was fantastic, and despite being worn out, we stayed up almost until sunrise. Another highlight was playing at a venue called Tempos every Sunday for a few years. I even have some old footage from 2003 on my YouTube channel. And, of course, I can’t forget playing for and meeting the president of South Africa—that was an unforgettable experience.
Q: With a long career spanning decades and continents, what motivates you to keep creating new music and exploring different aspects of your artistry?
Sheron: I absolutely love music, and I feel blessed to have spent so many years doing what I love. That passion keeps me going. There’s nothing more gratifying than standing in front of an audience and giving them a good time.
Q: Looking ahead, do you have plans to expand your audience further internationally, perhaps with tours or new releases in places like Canada?
Sheron: I’d love to tour with my own music - it’s been a dream of mine. I’m hoping one or more of my songs will catch on and reach a wider audience. If that happens, I’d love to go anywhere and everywhere. Canada has produced many great artists, like Alanis Morissette and Bryan Adams - two songwriters I truly admire. It would be an honor to tour there.
A big thank you to Sheron for sharing his story and insights with us. His upcoming single ‘Glow’ promises to captivate listeners worldwide, and we’re excited to see what lies ahead in his musical journey. Be sure to stream or watch ‘Glow’ on all platforms from 25 October and keep an eye on The Sound Cafe for more interviews and features on artists from around the globe.
All Streaming Links linktr.ee/sheronmusician
FOLLOW SHERON
Facebook www.facebook.com/Sheronmusician
Instagram www.instagram.com/sheronmusician
YouTube www.youtube.com/@sheronmusician
Website www.sheron.co.za
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