From her work as the lead singer of GRiZ’s live band to her touring stints with both the Revivalists and Trombone Shorty, Chrishira Perrier has accomplished much through her performances with established artists. But this month, she will launch her long-awaited solo career with the release of her first single “A Day Like Today.”
As a native of New Orleans’ 9th Ward, Perrier has strong roots in traditional gospel, with leanings toward funk rhythms and soulful lyrics. Perrier’s career is an impressive list of collaborations, including her work with Gramatik, Wacka Flocka Flame, Montreal-producer Anomalie, gospel pianist and vocalist Davell Crawford, gospel legend Craig Adams and basque rock artist Fermin Muguruza.
“A Day Like Today” features performances by Nigel Hall of the funk band Lettuce as well as John Culbreth and Nick Ellman of the jazz and funk sextet Naughty Professor. The song was produced by Andrew Block, an R&B guitarist who has also spent time touring with Gramatik. An angelic hum–reminiscent of a harmonic church choir–begins the song, quickly leading into a funky beat accompanied by Ellman’s uplifting saxophone, Hall’s gospel-inspired keyboard work and the powerful gravitas of Perrier’s voice.
To celebrate the premiere, Perrier spoke with us about making her introduction, the production behind “A Day Like Today” and what makes her the boss with the sauce.
What about “A Day Like Today” makes it a fitting introduction for the solo work of Chrishira Perrier? What specifically about this song will draw fans who might not have followed your previous work with Griz and Trombone Shorty?
It’s the perfect introduction because it’s a song that many can relate to. It tells a story of memories so pure and precious and it feels good to be able to revisit those memories for 3 1/2 minutes, like a sense of home even when you’re so far away. The music is rich with vibrant, vintage, comforting tones that I truly believe connect to the soul and I’m looking forward to making someone’s day just a little bit better with this one.
Andrew Block, the producer on “A Day Like Today,” worked with Gramatik. Did you work with Gramatik at the same time as Block? Did your mutual work credentials influence the decision to work with Block?
We met just a few years ago through music and mutual connections. I realized that Block had things that I needed (studio, production, he plays guitar and other instruments) and he also had vision which I loved, and I knew I had a lot to offer him. We worked well together and both were serious about what we wanted, so we took advantage of the opportunity and created an amazing team and have been working together ever since.
Trombone Shorty has named you “the boss with the hot sauce.” What led to this nickname, what is it about you that screams “boss” and from where do you derive your “sauce”?
I believe Troy calls me “Boss with the Hot Sauce” because my voice commands the stage and my personality and presence is another entity in itself. People are often surprised to hear the drastic difference in my singing voice compared to my speaking voice.. My sauce is derived from 9th Ward misbeliefs & pecans, passion, sorrow, love, commitment and the natural relationship I share with music. Troy “Trombone Shorty” is definitely a mentor of mine, a musical genius , a living legend I’ve been blessed to work with.
Perrier will release “A Day Like Today” on October 17, before releasing her solo EP, Butter. “A Day Like Today” will be available for purchase and available on all streaming services.
For more of Chrishira Perrier, follow her on Instagram.
