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We are lucky enough to talk with the talented Cinder Ernst. We are loving your unique sound. Tell us a little about yourself.
Thank you for making me lucky right now too!
I remember toddling around my suburban NJ backyard singing before I could even really talk. My parents got me a guitar for my 7th birthday and I learned to play by ear. In the 70’s I spent most of my free time singing and playing with friends. In the 80’s sex, drugs, and rock and roll in New York City kicked my ass. I moved to San Francisco looking for a softer place to land, and continue my songwriting and performing. In the late 80’s following the money, I took a 30 year detour from professional music and enjoyed a highly successful career in fitness while still singing and playing at church and with friends.
2019 I got off my motorcycle and couldn’t walk. Cancer metastatic to the bone. After the shock and awe of the diagnosis and initial treatment wore off, I asked myself “what if this (cancer) was the best thing that ever happened to me?”. Turns out it was! I found myself back to making music, ensconced in a community of heart based music makers collaborating, recording, learning and writing together. I’ve never been happier than I am right now.
You have SUCH an amazing story. When we read about all you have to share we were so inspired. Is it difficult to share so much of yourself with the world?
The music community I mentioned above…I shared my truth and story with them first. We were in a 6 month zoom based songwriting course just as the lock down started. There were 350 of us music makers from around the world. I decided I was gonna show up 100% real. These people loved me and “the shine” I brought to everyone in the group. My nickname became Cinder Shine. Having been a fitness coach for those 30 years made me a great uplifter and teacher, so my wisdom was appreciated. When someone first called me OG Cinder Shine I thought they meant “old gal” haha.
Last fall when cancer came back with a vengeance, my music community crowdfunded a way for me to make my LP “Trace The Sky” quickly and easily before radiation on my face and skull could steal my voice. My story got out to the world. The outpouring of love, support and money was an unexpected reflection of my life well lived. I accepted the gifts coming my way. I made an amazing record in LA with producer Billy Lefler. My friends came from near and far to be a part of the project. It was magical. So much magic in the midst of what was a scary and difficult time.
For anyone that has not been lucky enough to hear your music yet – how would you describe your sound?
One listener said my songs are the experience of being carried away by the truth and wisdom of the words, the heart warming sound of my voice, and a catchy melody. I’ve been compared to Joni Mitchel, Natlie Merchant and Jewel. When I was young I wanted to be the female version of BRUCE.
Any dream collaborations come to mind musically?
Michael Franti!
Do you have plans for any new music?
I am always writing new songs with my various partners including rock, hip hop and funk. I will be releasing each song of “Trace The Sky” as the summer progresses, leading to the “She’s Still Alive” tour in the fall of 2023…providing I’m still alive.
Where can we get your latest music and find you on social media?
Cinder Shine streaming everywhere you listen to music On Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/0GAsfhD85PFT7H82RICYFk
On Pandora https://www.pandora.com/artist/cinder-shine/AR7n27fn9tpcVbV
https://www.instagram.com/cinder_shine_ernst/
