Cheryl Murdock: Press

Burning Desire
Cheryl Murdock is one self-determined songstress

Cheryl Murdock found herself at a crossroads last spring,
The 34 year old singer songwriter’s band Shine hand just split up, moved on, and left Murdock with a handful of her own songs. After a lot of debate and what she refers to on her cd’s sleeve notes as “a rollercoaster of emotions” she took those songs and ran with them.
“I was determined to get them out,” Murdock said “Songs are like children, and I wanted to get them out there so I could move on past them.” I was just really torn between going out under my name vs. having another band name.”

The San Marcos high school graduate chose the former, and several months later her LP “Starting Fires” is a result of her resolve.

Ironically (or not so much so) Murdock’s songs continually discuss going after what you want and pushing through the tough times to achieve it. Kind of like a Dr. Phil Best Seller with a beat, and slightly better syntax. But the listener knows that Murdock’s going out there and getting it done.

On the last track “ This is Me”, Murdock sings “This is what I want – this is who I am – I ain’t taking a backseat – I ain’t changing my plans”

“I have goals like anyone else, and I sometimes have to tell my self “are you going to talk or are you going to do” that’s kind of what This is me was about. Kind of a message for anybody.” Mudock said.

And as one might expect these songs aren’t to be sung nestled down onto a stool strumming a Martin acoustic with a timid voice – though a few could be. Most of Murdock’s songs are sonic burst rants that rattle the ears into absorption. They leave no room for sulking over yesterday – they’re alive and kicking and looking forward to the next big bang.
Now that the songs are out – Murdock says she’s happy where she is. Playing the familiar role as an IH35 Troubadour, she goes back and forth between Austin and San Marcos trying out some new ones at open mic night at Triple Crown and playing 6th st. gigs regularly. You better believe she’s got goals – but she’s just taking it a day at a time. “I just love music and that’s a blessing and a curse” Murdock said “if you have a lot of talent people listen to you and that’s a blessing. The curse is that you keep wanting to do it even if they don’t.”
(Murdock will perform Friday at the Triple Crown live in San Marcos.)

January 6, 2005