Soulful Femme's "It Is Well With My Soul" is an incredible album that shows the versatility and artistic maturity of these outstanding artists!

With their excellent debut album, Soulful Femme sign an important new chapter in their music career. Positive vibes, brilliant songwriting, and exceptional performances make their album “It Is Well With My Soul” a true gem of contemporary music!

Today, at Planet Singer, we have the pleasure of discovering more about this dynamic duo with an exclusive interview!

Soulful Femme, thanks a lot for being here with us today at Planet Singer! Your debut album, “It Is Well With My Soul,” is a fantastic release, and we are thrilled to know more about you and your artistic journey. But let’s start from the beginning; how did you meet, and when did Soulful Femme come to life?

We met at an annual cancer fundraiser where I was the guitarist in the band, and Stevee was one of 6 vocalists. We formed a five-piece group shortly after that and won the regional International Blues Challenge, and performed in Memphis in Jan 2015. It was in 2017 that we decided to form the duo Soulful Femme.

“It Is Well With My Soul” is one of those albums you love from the first track to the last! Can you tell us more about this project?

The concept began three years ago when we fell in love with the hymn and its’ meaning. We decided to bookend the album with the hymn. Most of the compositions were completed when we first went into the studio, but Covid hit, and we ended up switching studios and writing an additional three songs, plus adding “Ribbon” by Mark Byars.

Where do you find your inspiration?

My writing inspiration comes from my personal life experiences as well as listening to other musicians/groups.

Your songwriting is truly unique. Can you reveal what your creative process is? How does your music come to life?

Most often, a song idea comes from an experience, then the chord progression and melody take shape. Lyrics are usually last, although the title and tone come from the emotions I am writing about. Ex: Set You Free began as a syncopated funky guitar lick based on anger and frustration I was feeling. The words reflect that anger, and I added horns to emphasize that.

Cheryl, your playing is just outstanding! What’s your relationship with your guitar, and where do you find your inspiration for your riffs and solos?

Thank you for the compliment! Guitar has been an extension of me since as far back as I can remember. Although I have many guitarists as inspiration (Duane Allman, Jimi Hendrix, Jerry Cortez, Jeff Beck, Kenny Burrell, Denny Diaz, Skunk Baxter, just to name a few), I have never been one to copy other guitarists licks and riffs. I am just as influenced by groups and performers such as the original Allman Brothers Band, Tower of Power, Steely Dan, Marvin Gaye, Jerry Butler, and Burt Bacharach.

Are you planning any gigs or live streams anytime soon?

Soulful Femme performs, on average, twice weekly. We are booked solid through the end of September, and I am planning a southern tour in the fall.

“Ribbon,” feat Mark Byars, is another fantastic song from the album. What’s the story behind this track?

Mark actually wrote that song, and we arranged it together. His inspiration for that song was a long-distance relationship that was a source of great frustration for him. That is why the guitar solo is eruptive.

What are your plans for the future?

We have been asked to perform and record out west, so that will definitely be in our upcoming plans. We are beginning the writing process for the next project as well.

It was such a pleasure having you with us today! Is there anything you would like to say to our readers and to your fans?

Soulful Femme is so appreciative and grateful for all the love and support from our fans as well as others in the music industry. Big shout out to Shocaroff Management for believing in us!