About 3 1/2 years ago I had the pleasure of getting to attend a Say Anything concert along with having passes to a meet and greet. At the time Sherri Dupree-Bemis of Eisley was on tour with Say Anything because she was pregnant with her’s and Max Bemis’ first child, Lucy. Of course my friend and I brought presents for Sherri and the new baby and had asked to see her to give them to her. Meeting Sherri was amazing and I don’t think I’ll ever forget how genuine and kind she was.
Anyways, long story short, Sherri has done a lot for my family over the years and continues to be incredibly kind and generous to us. She was kind enough to let me interview her via email and here it is! I hope you enjoy all of the lovely things she has to say about being an artist while juggling having two beautiful daughters, how to reach your dreams and so much more.
A Q&A WITH SHERRI DUPREE-BEMIS
I KNOW YOU GREW UP AROUND MUSIC AND HAVE A VERY TALENTED FAMILY, BUT AT WHAT POINT DID YOU REALIZE YOU WANTED TO WRITE AND PERFORM MUSIC?
Honestly I wanted to be a singer as far back as I can remember…by at least age five it was on my list of things that I wanted to be when I “grew up.” I believe that even when you’re that little you have a deep understanding of the things that move on and make you feel joy on a deep level and for me, singing was one of those things…That and ice cream.
When I started learning how to play guitar around age twelve and had the realization that I now had the tools to write my own music, it was game over. I’m thankful that my parents put those things into my hands and encouraged me or it may never have happened!
WHAT HAS BEEN THE DRIVE BEHIND YOUR CREATIVITY OVER THE YEARS?
The circumstantial things change constantly and inspire my lyrics, bad breakups at an early age, falling in love with my husband, marriage, having children, things my loved ones go through…But the base things that inspire me are always the same and constantly play into my art, no matter what medium. I have a deep sense of wonder and appreciation for the mysterious and whimsical things of the earth and I read a lot of C.S Lewis and Neil Gaiman growing up and I think that literature really planted that seed at a young age and still comes through my art stylistically.
HAS MAX MADE AN IMPACT IN YOUR LIFE CREATIVELY? IF SO, HOW?
Absolutely! Even if you don’t factor in all of the love songs and beautiful self-realization he’s brought into my life; the fact that he is so passionate, driven and uninhibited creatively as a person endlessly inspires me to push myself on deeper levels. Plus when a song or lyric stumps me, I literally just tap on his shoulder and he can spew out the perfect solution. It’s a real gift!
HAVING CHILDREN CAN MAKE LIFE EVEN BUSIER THAN NORMAL. HOW HAS MOTHERHOOD EFFECTED YOU AS AN ARTIST?
While our babies are young (which is SO SO brief) the biggest challenge can be making yourself set aside the time to work on your creative projects, but I can’t even begin to express how important it is to do so. Kids are everything and I try to always put my kids first, but you can’t be a good parent if you just bury yourself in them and forget about all of the things you love that make you who you are. Your kids need you to be passionate, inspired and happy because then you are a passionate, inspired and happy parent…(albeit an exhausted one but who cares!). It’s all a balancing act, but one that’s very important. Even if you spend only an hour or two working on your passion, it makes all the difference in your heart and mind and you and your kiddos need that, so I’ve always made a conscious effort to do and it’s made all the difference in my life.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO BALANCE ALL OF THE ASPECTS OF WHAT SEEMS LIKE SUCH A BUSY LIFE?
Asking for help. It sounds so easy and yet is one of the hardest things for parents sometimes. You feel like ‘I should be able to do this all by myself, if not what good am I?’…But that’s what family and friends are for. Human beings are put on this earth to support and be there for each other and we need each other. Just ask for help!…You’d be surprised how many people want to come and sit with your sweet babies for an hour or two while you write a song, or do whatever it is that you love and need.
Write a book, organize your pantry, wash your hair! I wouldn’t of been able to write my record without help from the people who love and support me.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BEING IN EISLEY?
Singing. It satisfies my heart on such a deep level. The fact that I get to do it at shows where other people sing with me too…There are few words to describe how awesome that is.
WHAT IS THE HARDEST PART OF BEING IN A BAND AND SUCH AN AWESOME MOM TO TWO CHILDREN?
Learning to ask for help so that I CAN juggle it all! Even as I’ve been trying to finish this email interview, I’ve had to get up about nine times to help one of my girls do something…you just have to accept that everything, in general, may take a little longer but it’s ok!
I HAVE TO SAY, I WAS PRETTY STOKED TO SEE YOU GUYS WERE HITTING THE ROAD WITH THE DEAR HUNTER THIS FALL. WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT WITH THIS TOUR?
Playing new songs! We just wrapped tracking on our fifth LP this past week so we’ll be playing a few new songs on this tour and I’m super excited and a little nervous to play them for fans.
WHAT CHALLENGES, IF ANY, HAVE YOU FACED WHILE MAKING AND PERFORMING MUSIC?
Writing songs can be really hard sometimes. I’ve found when I’m writing a bunch I can start to lose perspective and feel like everything sounds the same, or that I’m out of ideas. But the best trick I’ve found is to just stop, and take a break…even if it’s for a few weeks. Reset your brain, read books that you know you love, watch films that inspire you, listen to your favorite records…those things comfort me and remind me why I fell in love with art and music in the first place. Because it’s so fulfilling and gives me peace and joy and that spreads to others.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ANY ASPIRING ARTISTS OUT THERE?
I believe that if you love something enough, nothing can stop yo
u from doing it. No person, no thing…Love always finds a way and true love burns brighter and stronger than all things. If you have found the thing you love, and know what it is in your heart, don’t let anyone try to stop you from doing it! Push through. The most satisfying (not easiest…but most satisfying) life is in your hands if you do.