The Modest One

Sherman Modeste is no stranger to music and its affect on the masses. This very shy man (and very kind) has the ability to draw attention to him without him even trying. His presence alone makes you feel like you’re in the room with a long lost friend.

His first recording project, Modest Conversation is exactly that, modest – with a twist. This cd of mellow moods, smooth ballads, sultry uptempo with Gospel influences will put you in the mind of Musiq Soulchild or Maxwell but on Sherman’s terms.

Sherman took the time to answer some of our questions about what he prays for and his music:

Where are you from? I was born and raised on the island of St. Croix, USVI. I have lived in Connecticut, Florida, New York, and Georgia. I currently reside in Rochester, New York.

When did you start singing and where? I started singing as a child in church. I can remember exactly when that was. It was a Sunday night testimony service, a friend of mine went up to sing a song and asked me to join her and I did. They tell me I got up there and stole the show. I’ve been singing ever since.

How did you get involved with music? Growing up I spent most of my time at home, school, or at church. Music was embraced all across the board. At home my mom played a variety of Gospel, Country, and love songs. In school, I sang in chorus, concert choir, show choir, madrigals, gospel choir, vocal jazz, and glee club….LOL…whew!

Who have you worked with? Currently, I sing tenor with Ricky Dillard & The New Generation Chorale (New G). In the future, I would love to work with Donald Lawrence, John Legend, Musiq Soulchild, Fantasia, and Jill Scott just to name a few.

Who inspires you through your music? Just living the natural course of life gives me all the inspiration I need. My mother also inspires me. Her strength is amazing.

Why did decide you to do an album? I’m most passionate about music and it is time to share my music with the world. Instead of sitting at home praying, hoping, wishing, dreaming about my place in music history, I decided to take my own advice and act now by stepping out on faith and making an investment in self.

You call you album ‘Modest Conversation’. Can you explain the title? When I sat down to consider the direction of the album, I wanted to make music and write songs that music lovers will related to. My goal was to create a dialogue between me and those listening.

Do you consider your album Gospel or R&B? A mixture of both. If I had the power to create my own genre, I would categorize my music as ‘life’ experience music. Each song has a real life story attached to it and was written out of a personal life experiences.

Do you feel Gospel artists are losing their roots? No. Gospel has evolved and will continue to evolve like every other genre.

I looked at the credits in your album and noticed you wrote all of your songs. Why was it important for you to write your own songs? As a singer/songwriter, it was important for me to write all of my songs to keep the conversation authentic and genuine.

One of my favorite songs on the album is ‘Star Struck’. Explain the meaning behind that song? I’m the epitome of a hopeless romantic. I wanted to write a song that will be played as brides are escorted down the aisle and I found the lyrics of “Star Struck” in a conversation I had with a friend about the joy of loving someone.

How do people find out more about you? www.shermanmodeste.com www.myspace.com/spottedmusic Stay tuned. I promise to keep making great music. My goal is to become a world-renown/top-selling artist.

Where can people buy your album? My CD is available at www.cdbaby.com.

When you aren’t doing anything musically, what do you do? I’m a home body. I enjoy being home entertaining family and friends. During my down time, I read, watch a little TV, I enjoy walks in the park and long drives.

Random: When you go to the movies, what do you go to see? I like romance, comedy, suspenseful thrillers, and movies based on true stories that depict courage, strength, triumph, bravery, and hope.