ooberfuse
...is a creative collaboration between two songwriters, Hal St John and Cherrie Anderson. They have a passion for exploring the depths of human emotions and expressing them through music.
Their songs are colourful and vivid, reflecting their diverse influences and backgrounds. They are also sonic traces of people who are on a quest for the invisible, the transcendent, the spiritual. The band’s new single “Show Me Love” reveals the harsh reality of millions of refugees fleeing from hate. In a world gone dark, they seek a new light. But will they find hope or horror in the eyes of strangers?
Who are the artists behind ooberfuse and how did you get into music?
Cherrie Anderson and Hal St John are the artists that make up Ooberfuse. They met in South East London when Cherrie responded to Hal’s call out for a backing vocalist… :)
“Show Me Love”, your latest release, sounds amazing. What is the story behind it and what message do you want to convey?
We collaborated with Kurdish singer Newroz Oremari who fled Iraq as he was threatened with execution for singing his songs. The song came about after an honest confrontation with our own personal existential crises, such as being pushed out from our comfort zones into unfamiliar and often hostile worlds.
The song invites listeners to confront their own experiences of being uprooted, a topic that people often avoid, right?
Yes not many people want to openly talk about these uncomfortable moments but it is important to get this out in the open.
What are some of the influences that shape your music and your stories?
We like the music of Tracey Chapman, U2, Sting, Billie Eilish, Japanese Breakfast. We also take inspiration from our friends who are also amazing underground artists such as Japanese chip tune artist Hibari and Myanmar punk band Rebel Riot.
This song features Newroz Oremari as well, how was your experience working with him?
Newroz is an amazing human being and a talented songwriter/vocalist. Working with him in Abbey Road has been an unforgettable experience. We also have done some music/songwriting workshops for asylum seekers and students with him all over London as well as some concerts.
Out of the hundreds of gigs you have played around the world, which one stands out the most for you?
Hal - for me, it has to be playing for a young offenders’ prison in Wolverhampton, England.
Cherrie - last year we played London Palladium - one of the UK’s best venues. That was epic.
When can we expect to see you on stage again?
19 June - Home Office, London, UK
20 June - The Dissident Club, Paris, France
22 June - Refugee Week market, London,UK
24 June - Refugee Week concert, Dover, UK
Then we will be on tour in Portugal from 7-15 July and from 1-5 August.
What are some of the upcoming projects or plans that you have in the works or that you are excited about?
We have many exciting projects in the pipeline - expect more new music and new shows soon, as well as more fantastic collaborations with musicians and artists!
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