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Some artists are born from studio lights and talent show spotlights, but Paul Cherryseed’s origin story is as humble as it is heartwarming. In July 2011, nestled in the quiet Dutch town of Eck en Wiel, Paul played a single Bee Gees cover during a community evening— and didn’t stop until midnight.
The crowd’s response sparked something in him, and the next day, armed with his guitar and a bag full of cherries, he played again. The nickname “Mr. Cherryseed” stuck after he topped breakfast plates with leftover cherries, and with it, the troubadour Paul Cherryseed was born. Since then, he’s taken his guitar, his heart, and his hope to prisons, festivals, Brazilian streets, and everywhere in between.
A New Sound: Gospel Grooves Meet Brazilian Rhythms
Cherryseed’s music isn’t just a sound—it’s an evolution. Initially steeped in folkpop and singer-songwriter stylings, his work has transformed into something far richer and harder to pin down. With the soulful swing of black gospel, the vibrant pulse of Brazilian rhythms, and a core of progressive folk, he calls it “Progressive Brazilfolkpop with a gospel swing.” Whether he’s writing about healing, unsung heroes, or spiritual awakenings, his music carries a sense of purpose—something akin to the lyrical depth of Paul Simon or the storytelling strength of Don McLean. His latest album, Eyes Of The Blind, blends complex rhythms with thematic depth, creating tracks that resonate on a spiritual and sonic level.
Writing by Night and Dreaming in Song
Cherryseed’s approach to songwriting lives somewhere between craft and calling. Sometimes a chord or comment sparks a track. Other times, the music literally comes to him in dreams. Songs like “The Girl With The Coloured Pencils In Her Hair” and “Graceful Swan” were born from subconscious storytelling—entire verses and melodies surfacing as if delivered by a muse. “I didn’t understand it all, but I wrote it down,” he says. For Cherryseed, the process isn’t just creative—it’s spiritual. That balance between discipline and divine surprise makes his discography uniquely sincere and often otherworldly.
Stage Moments and Silent Eyes
Among his many memorable moments, Paul recalls playing to inmates across Dutch prisons, bringing spiritual and original songs that stirred souls and shed tears. There’s the castle built from apple crates at L’Abri, his first duet with his wife Ilse, and a moment on the street when a child asked who was singing with him—despite Paul performing solo. “He must’ve heard the voice of an angel,” Paul reflects. That kind of mystique surrounds his performances, where music often becomes more than just sound.
But one of the most powerful moments came during the release of Eyes Of The Blind on April 5th, 2025. Just days after recovering from surgery, following a rectal cancer diagnosis in May 2024—discovered shortly after a successful crowdfunding campaign on Voor de Kunst—Paul stood on stage and sang the title track. The song, rooted in struggle, hope, and the longing for healing, carried new meaning in that moment. “I didn’t know what would come,” he says. “But I sang.”
Visuals with Vision
Cherryseed doesn’t stop at sound. For him, visuals carry stories too. His music videos— featuring dance, shared vocals, and thoughtful symbolism—add another layer to his narrative. His artwork, often rich in sketches and metaphors, becomes a treasure chest for fans to explore. “It isn’t always clear what it means, and that’s fine,” he explains. “The mystery is part of the gift.”
Conclusion: An Artist Rooted in Hope and Humanity
Paul Cherryseed is more than a musician—he’s a messenger, a builder of bridges between people, and an explorer of life’s layered melodies. Whether singing in prisons, sketching out dreams on album covers, or channeling divine harmonies mid-sleep, his art feels lived-in, full of depth and discovery. And while he humbly admits he doesn’t know exactly what comes next—maybe electric soundscapes, maybe medieval instruments— you get the feeling that wherever Paul Cherryseed goes, songs and cherries will follow.
Explore Paul Cherryseed’s latest album Eyes Of The Blind here: https://paul- cherryseed.bandcamp.com/album/eyes-of-the-blind
