Editorial Team at WallMag Updated on May 10, 2026 8 min read

From Choir to Center Stage: An Interview with Singer-Songwriter Sherise Dsouza

How did your journey as a singer-songwriter begin?

My musical journey first started when I began singing in church choirs and professional choirs and musical quartets. Being in a choir, I was able to travel to countries such as Germany, France, Ireland and London and be a part of showcase performances for global audiences. That was where I first discovered the profound universal power that music has to connect and heal globally. Over time, I pursued formal training in both Western classical and contemporary disciplines, completing my Trinity Rock and Pop vocal examinations. I also started lyric writing in the year 2021 and launched a book of poetry called 'Directions, Dimensions, Dexterity' in May 2022. I compose and write the lyrics for my own songs and I work with producers and audio engineers to deliver the vibe for every song that I envision. I also work with video editors, stylists and make-up artists to create music videos for every song that I release. What continues to drive my creativity today is the pure joy of creating art that empowers, uplifts, and unites people across different cultures. I also get learn and inspired by great artists who have accomplished great music and messaging such as Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Phil Collins, Blondie, etc.

When was the first time you performed live and realized the power of music to connect?

I still remember the first time I stepped onto a stage as a child singing in my church choir. The lights weren’t grand, the audience wasn’t massive, but the moment was transformative. As I sang, I saw faces soften, smiles appear, and even a few tears glisten. That was the instant I realized music wasn’t just about melody or performance, it was a language of the soul, capable of reaching places words could never touch. From then on, every stage, whether it be a religious place like a church, a small or international platform, the stage became a space where I could connect hearts through sound. That first performance taught me that music is not just heard, it’s felt, and it binds us together in ways that are deeply human. I performed in some of the biggest stages such as NCPA in mumbai to the Desert in Bikaner, it’s always been a transformative experience for my audiences.

How has your experience and sound evolved from your choir days to your current multi-genre work?

From my choir singing days, my sound was rooted in listening discipline, harmony, and the purity of Western classical and Operatic training. Singing in that environment taught me the importance of precision, blending, and emotional sincerity. But as I started recording my solo voice in a studio, I began to explore the vast spectrum of genres such as pop, rock, funk, country, blues, jazz, reggae — each one unlocking a new dimension of my voice and artistry and my ability to portray and paint different emotions with my voice. That evolution wasn’t just technical; it was deeply personal. Choir gave me structure, but stepping into my solo voice and multi-genre songwriting ability gave me freedom. I learned to be flexible in my approach, to infuse raw emotion into polished technique, and to let my voice carry stories of empowerment, healing, and joy. Today, my sound is a fusion — the discipline of my early training intertwined with the versatility and soul of contemporary expression. It’s a journey from singing with others to expanding my own vocal range to be powerful enough to encompass and impact large audience numbers, always with the intent to connect hearts across boundaries.

What personal philosophy guides your creative process and songwriting?

My musical creativity and innovation begins with a simple but powerful philosophy: music and lyrics must serve the heart first. From the earliest days in choir, I learned that songs are not just notes strung together — they are vessels of emotion, healing, connection and spirituality. That belief has stayed with me, and it guides every lyric I write and every melody I shape. I approach songwriting with honesty and intention. If a song doesn’t carry truth, whether it’s joy, pain, empowerment, or love, it won’t resonate. My philosophy is to let the music breathe, to allow it to be both disciplined and free, and to trust that when I pour authenticity into a piece, it will find its way to someone who needs it. Ultimately, my creative process is about weaving stories that uplift, heal, and remind us of our shared humanity. The genres may shift, the sounds may evolve, but the guiding principle remains: music is a magical power and a gift meant to connect souls.

What makes your performances at Hard Rock Café so electric?

My performances at Hard Rock Café are always electric. From the moment I step on stage, I can feel the energy buzzing through the room: it’s always like my band, the audience and I are all riding the same rhythms together. What make these performances truly special is the connection. The crowd is not just listening; they are part of the show-flow. When I hit those soaring notes, I can hear voices singing back to me, and that call-and-response creates a beautiful dialogue between us. For me, it’s a reminder of why I do this — music isn’t just performance, it’s communication at the highest level. The highlight is when I perform my original music - songs like ‘Stepladder’, ‘Heal Me Now’, ‘embrace this love’, ‘you get me’, ‘divided’ etc. I dedicate all my songs to everyone chasing their dreams, and the applause feels less like clapping and more like a collective heartbeat.

What was the inspiration and creative process behind 'Funk Train'?

Honestly, the idea behind “Funk Train” was simple; I just wanted it to be a song about groove. No overthinking, just that feeling when a rhythm hits and you can’t sit still. I’ve always loved that approach you hear where the groove is the song. So it started with lyrics I wrote that would allow for that. I wanted the bass to speak and carry the song, so it was also about that. At the same time, I wanted it to feel like a vehicle of happiness: something that lifts you and carries you forward the moment it starts. So the whole process was just about keeping that energy pure and making it uplifting and fun to listen to.

Tell us the story or emotion behind this particular demo track.

That song is about being caught up and stuck in love with someone when they love you less in return - wishing they would call or meet more often.

How do you prepare for and connect with an audience during a live show?

For me, preparing for a live show is very process-driven. It starts with choosing the set list: I think about the venue, the audience, and the energy I want to create. If it’s an intimate setting, I’ll lean into ballads and storytelling songs; if it’s a festival, I’ll build in high-energy tracks that get people moving. Next comes collaboration with my musicians. We sit down and map the flow of the show — where the peaks of energy should be, where we need space for breath, and how transitions between songs can feel seamless. We’ll rehearse not just the music but the vibe: cues for interaction, moments to spotlight solos, and ways to keep the audience engaged. Finally, I plan the overall atmosphere. That means thinking about lighting, pacing, and even the stories I’ll share between songs or if I should play one song after the other non stop to keep the energy moving. It’s also about crafting a journey, so when the audience leaves, they feel like they’ve lived through something bigger than just a set of songs.

What does this award represent for your artistic journey?

For me, every award is more than a trophy: it’s a marker of the journey. It represents the hours spent shaping songs, rehearsing with my band and my producers, and trusting my instincts as an artist. Each recognition tells me that the risks I’ve taken—whether experimenting with genres or writing from deeply personal places—have resonated with people beyond the stage. It also reflects the collaborative spirit behind my music. My musicians, producers, and the audiences who give life to every performance are part of that achievement. An award validates not just my voice, but the collective energy we create together. Most importantly, it’s a reminder to keep evolving. Awards celebrate milestones, but they also challenge me to push further, to keep writing, performing, and connecting in ways that stay true to my artistic vision.

How does your work in poetry and writing influence your music?

Poetry is the heartbeat of my music. Writing lyrics teaches me rhythm, imagery, and honesty, which flow naturally into the melodies that I compose. A poem’s cadence often becomes a song’s pulse, and its metaphors breathe through harmonies. Words shape emotion first, then my compositions carry them further, connecting deeply with listeners.

Describe how collaboration helps you fully realize your artistic vision.

Collaboration helps me to connect with more people and make more friends. It brings my dreams to life by weaving together diverse talents and perspectives. Working with musicians, producers, and creatives helps me shape songs beyond my imagination. Their input refines arrangements, expands ideas, and builds energy. Together, we create music and media that feels fuller, more authentic, and deeply connected. It also gives me more opportunities to travel, which I love to do.

How do you balance these diverse musical influences to create a cohesive sound?

I balance diverse influences by honoring each genre’s essence while letting emotion, meaning and depth lead the way. My choir discipline grounds me, while funk, jazz, and rock add freedom, style, flair, power and color. By weaving rhythm, melody, and my own lyrics together, I create a sound that feels cohesive, authentic, and uniquely mine.