Interview: Cinder Shine
Cinder Ernst got a guitar for her 7th birthday…that was a helluva long time ago. She has always played and sang by ear. Playing by ear has helped her develop a spectacular sense of what makes a great song, and she has the confidence to trust her ears and instinct.
In 2019 Cinder got off her motorcycle and couldn’t walk, cancer metastatic to the bone. She turned away from a successful fitness business and decided to focus on fun. This decision led her back into songwriting and performing. She studied sync, practiced and gained respect, rep deals, placements and countless hours of life-giving satisfaction.
Congrats on the release of your new single! We love the message behind it but would love to know - what does this song mean to you? and tell us about its origin and revolution!
At this exact moment, I start an intense, last ditch treatment for the blood cancer tomorrow. This song is my rally cry…I’ll find my own way, to see the light trace the sky with diamonds”. My friend John Clinebell and I wrote this song last fall as I was facing radiation on my face and skull.
How would you describe your sound? Why do you think people resonate with your music?
A fan said “All of your songs make us feel. They’re an experience, not just something nice to listen to. It’s like if you have doubts, they’re gone after singing this song.” I've been compared to Joni Mitchel, Natlie Merchant and Jewel. When I was young I wanted to be the female version of BRUCE
What was a roadblock you had that made you take another path but at the end of the road was a much better reward?
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.
If you could perform with any music artist, Alive or Dead, who would you choose? And why?
I would love to perform with Michael Franti because I think our combined spirits could change the atmosphere
What is the best thing about performing to a live audience? What’s been the career highlight so far?
The best thing about performing to a live audience is looking right into the eyes of someone. In November 2022 I did a live stream with 20 close friends in front of me and hundreds of loving fans listening. I felt magic!
Name a genre of music that you've never done but would love to dive into? Who would be a dream to collaborate with it on!?
Hip Hop is a favorite of this old white lady LOL. I have an amazing collaborative relationship and friendship with Mr Phelps…producer, rapper extraordinaire. I’d love to write a song with LIzzo.
Where can fans find all your music and keep up with you on socials?
To download the LP with a special bonus track please make a donation to
https://shop.cancercanrock.org/products/productcancer-can-rock-cinder-shine-trace-the-sky-download26
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
