It has been an eventful year for Laura Cheadle, to say the least, with new music and winning BIG on a game show! With the Christmas Season still upon US, Laura has got you covered! Her most recent single, “On This Christmas Night” is available now and also enjoy her festive albums ‘Let’s Get Together for Christmas’ and ‘I’ll Have a Blues Christmas’. You can stream & download these Christmas tunes on Spotify and Apple Music. You can also receive physical copies of Laura’s Christmas music by contacting her at lauracheadle.com. With a new album on the way and plenty more screen time, 2024 is looking so bright that Laura Cheadle just may have to throw her shades on! Laura Cheadle encourages US all to “stay positive & stay funky” and to play more Pictionary! I couldn’t agree more with the Funky Soulstress from Philly!
J Rae: Your song “Time Thief” has already passed a million streams online, so first off congratulations on that Laura! Do you personally feel that the timing was just right and that stars aligned on this release?
Laura Cheadle:
I feel like the timing was absolutely in sync with where I am with my personal growth. I have done so much the past few years and I truly believe nothing is a coincidence. When you tell yourself ‘it’s time’ and do the work on yourself to achieve that, everything will start falling into place. I am open to receiving from the Universe and so very grateful! This song really is magical and came from a hard time in my life and has really blossomed into beauty. I am so happy everyone is streaming! Almost at 1 million! What a dream come true.
J Rae: I can’t forget to talk about the incredible music video for “Time Thief” that adds a stunning visual companion, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZbd2CyRS0Q). What was the idea behind the making of this video and what inspired you to record it in the first place?
Laura Cheadle:
I teamed up with John Hoehn of Life After Television Network and this idea was born! We filmed in an 18th century clock shop and truly focused on the idea of time travel. The song ‘Time Thief’ is literally about someone stealing your time, so we worked with that concept. I also am personally obsessed with the concept of time travel. The video turned out amazing!
J Rae: Your brand new album titled ‘Mannequin’ is out now and is highly anticipated! This album is being released through So Bold Entertainment and is being distributed by Sony Orchard. How did this partnership develop originally and what’s the experience been like working closely with Sony Orchard?
Laura Cheadle:
I feel like it came out of nowhere but in reality, it was years of hard work that led me to So Bold Ent/Sony Orchard. They give me musical freedom and I feel like I am relaxed with them as an artist and that, in turn, allows me to create freely.
J Rae: What was the overall thought process when coming up with ‘Mannequin’ and what are some of the themes on this record? Stylistically, how did you approach this album and how does it stack up to your previous releases?
Laura Cheadle:
‘Mannequin’ is literally a collection of my heart and soul over a four-year period. In that period, I left a relationship that was wrong for me, found myself again and truly lived through it all. I collaborated with my father James Cheadle and lyricist Steven Caban on this project. It ended up being effortless and I’ve never, ever been more proud of an album. I go back to my singer songwriter roots with a soulful undertone. You truly see my journey throughout this album and I’m so excited to share it with the world!
J Rae: We have to talk about you appearing on the CBS game show “Raid The Cage” recently—how exciting!! How did this opportunity come about to be a contestant on a nationally televised game show and how much fun was that? Did you win any money and/or prizes? Can you tell the Skope readers more about the hosts of “Raid The Cage” and how was that overall interaction while on set? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkThnKBGijQ
Laura Cheadle:
This fell onto my lap and I ran with it! My wife Michelle joined me, and we truly didn’t know what we were going to get ourselves into! The show is so much fun and I feel like this is the first time people truly see my actual personality. I really am a goofball and people usually think of me as this chill hippie singer. In reality, I’m closer to Kristin Wiig! We ended up winning over $91,000 in prizes! If you haven’t seen the full episode, you must! Clips do not do this justice. You can stream it on cbs.com , CBS or on demand on Paramount Plus! Season 1, Episode 8 –‘Lovebirds Battle’ The hosts Jeannie Mai and Damon Wayans Jr. were amazing and the experience was literally life changing!
J Rae: Going off of your recent game show appearance, I wonder if you are a fairly competitive person in nature? What are some of your favorite TV game shows past & present? Also, what are some of your favorite games to play at home or at a social gathering? This could be board games, video games, party games, card games, you name it!
Laura Cheadle:
The funniest thing is that I’m not competitive at all! I know that’s how we won “Raid The Cage” because we played for the fun of it, not caring either way. In the episode, I talk about how no matter what happens, we are there to represent strong women everywhere. That truly echoed around the world and I have women contacting me due to that comment and how it inspired them. I feel I am not only a singer but an advocate for women’s rights and LGBTQIA+ rights. My favorite games to play are ‘Cards Of Humanity’ and ‘Charades’– So much fun!
J Rae: What is one game you feel has been forgotten about far too long and MUST make a comeback NOW for future generations to enjoy?
Laura Cheadle:
Pictionary! I’m a terrible drawer, but it’s fun anyway. I used to play as a kid and it brings everyone together.
J Rae: Would you like to be on other game shows now and if so, which ones would be at the TOP of your list?
Laura Cheadle:
Of course! sign me up! Haha I would like to be on anything that showcases my personality and singing ability.
Laura Cheadle: There is word that you have even more National television exposure coming up soon and the Skope audience would love to hear more about this BIG news! What exactly is on the horizon for the Funky Soulstress from Philly when it comes to the TV world?
Laura Cheadle:
Oh yes! I can’t reveal *what* exactly but let’s just say you’ll be seeing me in movies and TV very soon :) My hard work has and is paying off!
J Rae: It certainly seems like Laura Cheadle is going out with a BANG this year and so could you sum up 2023 in Laura Cheadle fashion? What are some of your biggest highlights and proudest moments from 2023?
Laura Cheadle:
I would say winning the game show is at the top of that list! I also am so grateful for selling out venues across the country and finishing my album ‘Mannequin’ that I am the most proud of!
J Rae: With Christmas and the New Year upon us, what are your favorite Christmas & holiday traditions? What does Laura Cheadle look forward to THE most this time of year and why?
Laura Cheadle:
I love hanging out with family, friends and my wife and creating new memories. I always make vegan cookies and we sit around singing Christmas favorites!
J Rae: What can we expect to see and hear from the Funky Soulstress herself in 2024?
Laura Cheadle:
You’ll see me on many screens, a ton of tour dates and a new album to boot!
J Rae: Ending on a positive note, as always, I notice that the spirit within many always seems to be much stronger this time of year. How can we keep that spirit alive all year long and what are some things you recommend or maybe even partake in yourself to help achieve this everlasting feeling?
Laura Cheadle:
Affirm to yourself that you can do anything you want in this world. Treat people with kindness and focus on what’s in front of you. You can control your destiny! Stay positive and stay funky!
By Jimmy Rae
