In this interview, Cheri Lyn discusses “Selfmade Woman,” a bold anthem of independence, sharing her journey, creative vision, and determination to challenge norms while empowering women to embrace their identity.
1. Your new single “Selfmade Woman” carries a strong message about independence and identity. What personal experiences inspired you to write this empowering song?
The experience behind the song is basically building my life as an independent woman and artist. I have two careers: in music and in entrepreneurship. I’ve always loved developing all of my talents. As creative as I am, I also love being intellectual.
I realized that the industry often doesn’t appreciate women who think for themselves, and society still tends to disrespect independent women. I wrote this song to empower women to live their lives the way they want and not play small.
We are still often expected to be quiet, but those times are over. We are equal. I want women to be proud of who they are, what they’ve achieved, and to know they can become whoever they want to be.
2. In your story, you often faced the question: artist or career woman? How did those expectations shape both your music and your personal journey?
When I first entered the music industry in London, one of my tutors told me to leave my “business bitch” off the stage. At the same time, in business, I was often seen as just the artist.
I worked my way up without sacrificing any part of myself. Music has always been my heart and passion, but I’ve also always been intellectually driven. Combining both has helped me stand out in both worlds.
Now I am an independent artist who is business-savvy and manages herself, and at the same time a creative business woman who thinks outside the box. Embracing all of your talents is the key. Don’t let anyone tell you that you have to choose.
3. Musically, “Selfmade Woman” blends 70s-inspired soul with modern pop elements. What drew you to this particular sound for delivering such a powerful message?
The 70s were a revolutionary time for women, with a strong feminist movement fighting for equal rights. Many incredible female artists shaped the music industry during that time — Joni Mitchell, Tina Turner, Stevie Nicks, Donna Summer.
I thought: why not bring back the spirit of those powerful women and reclaim our feminine power?
The sound of Selfmade Woman is a dedication to that era — inspired by powerful women in pop, rock and soul.
4. You wrote and co-produced the track yourself. How important is creative control for you when shaping a song that reflects such a personal statement?
I’m very involved in production. I love experimenting with sounds and creating something new. But what really works well is co-creation.
My producer and I know each other very well, and that allows us to become more and more creative together. We enjoy breaking rules, mixing genres and using unexpected sound elements.
For Selfmade Woman, we combined soulful 70s-inspired pop with heavy 808s and a lot of female harmonies. We also experimented with many effects to shape the final sound.
5. The song celebrates ambition and encourages women to embrace their achievements without apology. What kind of impact do you hope “Selfmade Woman” will have on listeners?
I want people to have fun with this song — but also, in those moments when they feel like playing small, I want them to put on their crown and remember who they are.
It’s an anthem for women to fully embrace their capabilities and be proud of themselves.
6. With this release setting such a confident tone, what can fans expect next from you musically and creatively in the near future?
I’m currently working on my second album, Business Bitch. It will explore the many prejudices women face in business and success.
There’s still this strange reality: women often have to work ten times harder to get recognition, and once they become successful, they are judged ten times more than men.
With this album, I want to challenge those narratives and set new standards for women.
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