When the pandemic hit in 2020, the enforcement of new social distancing restrictions resulted in many of us having to adapt to the new situation. While most of us had to get used to working from home during the pandemic, things were a little different for Cheryl Ann Spencer and her band, Evolution Quartet, when it came to creating a new album.
Motherhood Reignited Her Passion For Music
Cheryl’s love for music began at a young age, but when it came to career choices, she nevertheless initially chose to enter the corporate world of banking.
When she decided to stop her career in banking to care for her kids, she also used her spare time to study music, reigniting her love for music and jazz. It wasn’t long before she decided to pursue music seriously, enrolling at LaSalle College of Arts in 2017, where she completed a bachelor’s degree in Jazz music. “I knew then that I probably won’t return to work in the banking industry,” Cheryl explains, of her decision to pursue her passion in music.
Even at 42, Cheryl’s deep passion for music drove her to chase her dream of pursuing jazz as her next career. “Life has different seasons and I believe that this is the season to pursue my love for music. Motherhood makes you reflect on life, and it was then where the burning passion for piano and music ignited,” she continues.
Acting on that passion, Cheryl and her friends decided to launch a jazz band, Evolution Quartet in 2019. However, just when things were picking up, the pandemic struck. This meant having to get used to working around various restrictions, from not being able to meet physically to feeling unmotivated.
Releasing An Album During The Pandemic Wasn’t Easy, But It Became The Inspiration For Evolution Quartet
Creating an album during a pandemic is no easy feat. Cheryl shares how it was hard to get used to the various Covid-19 restrictions when it was first implemented. Besides being mindful of various social distancing measures, the possibility of creating music and conducting live performances were also uncertain.
Despite this, the band pushed through the hardship by constantly encouraging and motivating each other. Having an end-goal of creating a new album, Pandemic Blues, helped too.
Rather than viewing the pandemic in a negative light, the band leveraged on it as creative inspiration. “The pandemic had caused many to experience challenges, from financial difficulties to strained relationships. This inspired us to compose music that was not only relatable but also to serve as a silver lining for others,” she explains.
When creating the album, being able to witness their progress with each practice spurred them on, and when restrictions eased, they continued to meet each week without fail. Cheryl shares that, “despite the restrictions, we felt rejuvenated—we had the vigour to strive for the best once again. More emotions were also added into our music and after trying out various styles, we eventually found our unique sound.”
How Evolution Quartet Found Its Silver Lining Amidst Trials
As Cheryl looks back on the past two years, she shares, “the past few years have been a trying time for everyone, even those in the performing arts industry. While it is good to acknowledge the pain and hardship experienced, it is also important to get back on track and focus on our ‘end-goals’ in life.”
“During this time of trial, make use of your time to compose music and use Skillsfuture and government subsidies to upgrade yourself,” Cheryl shares.
As for Evolution Quartet, creating an album relating to the pandemic was their goal. The band has since released Pandemic Blues as planned, while also holding a sold-out concert in February 2022 at the Esplanade Recital Hall.
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