Hello everyone, it’s your host Tehillah from DULAXI, and today I’m delighted to be joined by independent singer-songwriter and musician Cheryl Craigie from Woburn, United States. Known for her heartfelt approach to songwriting and her ability to explore meaningful human experiences through music, Cheryl joins us to discuss her latest release, “What’s Going On,” a soulful cover of Marvin Gaye’s timeless classic released on June 30, 2026.
Blending elements of soul, classic sound, and nostalgic influences with her expressive vocal style, Cheryl brings her own interpretation to a song whose message continues to connect with listeners across generations. Before we begin our conversation with Cheryl Craigie, here’s what you need to know about today’s featured project.
ABOUT CHERYL CRAIGIE
Cheryl Craigie’s musical journey has been shaped by a lifelong connection to music, storytelling, and emotional expression. Singing since childhood, Cheryl developed her passion for songwriting over the years, creating music that reflects themes of love, life, personal experiences, and the shared emotions that connect people.
As an independent singer, songwriter, and musician, Cheryl has built a diverse catalogue that reflects her willingness to explore different musical landscapes. Her creative journey has taken her through genres including folk, rock, country, pop, rap, Christian music, and original compositions, with each release guided by the story she wants to tell rather than a desire to follow a specific trend.
Her latest release, “What’s Going On,” sees Cheryl offering her own interpretation of Marvin Gaye’s iconic 1971 song. Originally known for its powerful message surrounding compassion, unity, and concern for humanity, the track remains deeply relevant decades after its original release. Cheryl approached the cover with respect for the emotional weight of the original while bringing her own voice and perspective to the song’s enduring message.
The release reflects Cheryl’s belief in music as a way to create connection and encourage reflection. Through her warm and expressive vocals, she captures the emotional depth of the lyrics while allowing the message of the song to remain at the center. Rather than attempting to recreate the original recording, Cheryl’s interpretation focuses on sincerity and personal expression, creating a version that carries the spirit of the classic while reflecting her own artistic identity.
For this recording, Cheryl performed all vocals and instrumentation, bringing a hands-on approach to the creative process. The production was shaped with longtime collaborator Eric Goldberg, who has worked with Cheryl across multiple releases, including her original songs. Their partnership has developed through trust, creativity, and a shared commitment to bringing each song’s emotional message forward. Mixing engineer Lenny Delorey also contributed to the final sound, helping create a balanced and inviting listening experience.
“What’s Going On” represents Cheryl’s ninth release and continues a creative journey built around honesty and meaningful storytelling. Her original songs, including “Migraine,” “Soft Place to Fall,” and “Martini Morning,” explore different emotional experiences while maintaining a common thread of authenticity and human connection.
Throughout her music, Cheryl focuses on creating songs that allow listeners to recognize their own experiences and emotions. Whether exploring personal challenges, moments of reflection, or universal messages of hope, her approach remains centered on creating music that feels genuine and relatable.
Having this brief introduction to today’s featured project, I’m sure both new listeners and longtime fans are excited to hear directly from Cheryl about her journey, creative process, and the story behind “What’s Going On.” So, without further ado, let’s begin today’s interview.
INTERVIEW SESSION
Tehillah:
Singing has been a part of your life since childhood, and over the years that passion has developed into a journey of songwriting, performing, and creating meaningful music. Looking back, what moments or experiences first showed you that music would become such an important part of who you are?
Cheryl Craigie:
I have such fond memories of singing around the piano with my father. He was a graduate of the New England Conservatory and was the one who introduced me to music. Those precious times left an everlasting impact on my life.
Tehillah:
Your catalog reflects a willingness to explore different genres, from folk and rock to country, pop, rap, Christian music, and original compositions. How has exploring such a wide musical landscape helped you discover your own voice and understand the type of stories you want to tell through your music?
Cheryl Craigie:
When writing a song, I typically write the lyrics first. From there I pick the genre that I feel will best tell the story I’m trying to convey. My song Migraine, where I share my lifelong experience of dealing with debilitating migraines, had to be rap because that was the only genre that matched the emotional and physical impact I experience. I enjoy so many types of music that when I’m working on a song I really can’t stay in one lane. It’s the music that dictates the style.
Tehillah:
Your original songs often explore themes of love, life, and personal emotions, while your music carries a strong sense of authenticity and reflection. What personal values or beliefs guide you when deciding which stories and messages you want to share with listeners?
Cheryl Craigie:
For me, it always comes back to honesty. I want every song to come from a real place, whether it’s inspired by something I’ve lived through, something I’ve witnessed, or an emotion I know others have experienced. I believe music has the power to remind us that we’re not alone, and that’s something I never take for granted. I hope listeners hear my music and know that every lyric comes from the heart.
Tehillah:
Throughout your career, you have continued creating music that focuses on meaningful human experiences rather than simply following trends. How do you define authenticity as an artist, and how does that philosophy influence the way you approach each new song?
Cheryl Craigie:
I believe in staying true to who I am. Trends come and go, but authenticity never goes out of style. The stories I choose to tell are rooted in hope, resilience, love, and the lessons we learn along the way. Life isn’t always easy, but even in the difficult moments there’s usually something meaningful to be found. If a song can help someone feel understood, offer a little comfort, or inspire them to keep moving forward, then it’s done exactly what I hoped it would.
Tehillah:
Taking on a song as iconic as Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” comes with both a responsibility to honor the original and an opportunity to bring something personal to it. What inspired you to record this particular song, and what did you hope to express through your own interpretation?
Cheryl Craigie:
“What’s Going On” is one of those rare songs that remains just as relevant today as when it was first released. Its message of understanding, compassion, and concern for one another transcends generations. I wanted to record a version that honors Marvin Gaye’s masterpiece while sharing those sentiments in my own voice. My hope is that listeners will connect with the song’s message and find inspiration in its call for unity and kindness.
Tehillah:
Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” has remained powerful for generations because of its message of compassion, understanding, and concern for humanity. In your own life and artistic journey, what aspects of that message feel especially meaningful to you today?
Cheryl Craigie:
As a songwriter, I’m drawn to stories that reflect our shared human experiences—the joys, the struggles, the questions, and the hope that keeps us moving forward. While my songs are often more personal than political, I hope they encourage people to see themselves in one another and to remember that kindness, empathy, and understanding can make a real difference.
Tehillah:
Your version allows the lyrics to remain at the center while bringing your own emotional expression into the performance. How did you approach finding the balance between respecting Marvin Gaye’s original vision and creating a rendition that reflects your own identity as an artist?
Cheryl Craigie:
I don’t analyze it to that degree. It’s a natural process which occurs while I’m singing. Music has a unique way of bringing people together across generations and backgrounds. If my songs can create a moment where someone feels less alone, more hopeful, or inspired to look at life with a little more compassion, then I feel like I’ve accomplished something meaningful. That’s a message that will never go out of style. I hope the fresh perspective I’m trying to bring to this timeless anthem will honor the emotion and significance of the original.
Tehillah:
The song carries themes of unity, kindness, and hope during challenging times. When you perform or listen back to your version of “What’s Going On,” what emotions or reflections do you hope it creates for people experiencing the world around them?
Cheryl Craigie:
When I perform or listen back to my version of What’s Going On, I’m reminded that kindness, compassion, and understanding are choices we can make every day. Those values may seem simple, but they have the power to bring people together and help us see one another with a little more grace.
Tehillah:
Your warm and expressive vocals play a major role in communicating the emotional weight of this song. How do you approach using your voice as a storytelling instrument, especially when performing a piece where every lyric carries such deep meaning?
Cheryl Craigie:
When I’m performing, I try to put myself in the mindset of the story I’m telling. I think about the people who may be listening and what they might be going through. If I can deliver a song in a way that feels genuine and allows someone to connect with it on a personal level, then I’ve done my job.
Tehillah:
You performed all vocals and instrumentation on “What’s Going On,” while working with Eric Goldberg on production and Lenny Delorey on mixing. How did this collaborative process help shape the final sound, and what elements were most important in creating the atmosphere you envisioned?
Cheryl Craigie:
Eric’s production didn’t get too fancy and the emotional truth of the performance is the focus throughout. Lenny made sure the instruments, vocals and layers of sound sat comfortably in the mix, making the song sound balanced and inviting. Eric and Lenny make collaborating joyful. Their experience and professionalism bring so much to the artistic process. I feel quite lucky to work with them.
Tehillah:
Having worked with Eric Goldberg across multiple releases, including your original songs, how has that creative partnership developed over time, and what does he bring to your music that helps transform your ideas into finished recordings?
Cheryl Craigie:
Eric is not only my producer but my mentor. Working with him has been one of the most rewarding parts of my musical journey. Over the years, we’ve developed a level of trust that allows us to be honest, creative, and always focused on what’s best for the song. He understands my style and what I’m trying to express, even when I can’t always put it into words.
Tehillah:
Your original songs such as “Migraine,” “Soft Place to Fall,” and “Martini Morning” have each explored different emotional spaces. How do you approach songwriting when transforming personal experiences and feelings into stories that other people can connect with?
Cheryl Craigie:
I don’t write with the expectation that people will relate to the exact details of my life. Instead, I hope they’ll recognize a feeling that’s familiar to them and make the song their own. Sometimes a lyric means one thing to me when I write it and something completely different to someone who’s listening—and I love that. That’s one of the beautiful things about music.
Whether it’s a song like Migraine, Soft Place to Fall, or Martini Morning, my goal is always the same: to write honestly, stay true to the emotion, and create something that makes people feel seen, understood, or even just a little less alone. If a song can do that, then it’s done exactly what I hoped it would.
Tehillah:
As “What’s Going On” becomes your ninth release, it represents another chapter in an ongoing creative journey. How do you feel you have grown as a songwriter and musician from your earlier releases to where you are today?
Cheryl Craigie:
Looking back, I think the biggest change has been learning to trust myself more. With every release, I’ve become more comfortable sharing my own perspective and writing from a place of honesty, even when the subject matter feels deeply personal. That confidence has allowed me to grow not only as a songwriter, but also as a performer and storyteller.
Tehillah:
Many artists discover new confidence and creative freedom as they continue making music. What have been some of the most important lessons you have learned about yourself through creating and sharing your songs?
Cheryl Craigie:
I didn’t start on this journey with the expectation that I would be recording and releasing music. I was motivated by something I love. I’ve learned that a song doesn’t have to have all the answers. Sometimes it’s enough to express a feeling or ask a question that others may be asking, too. I’ve become less concerned with trying to make everything perfect and more focused on creating something that’s genuine and emotionally true. I’m grateful for how far I’ve come, but I’m just as excited about where the journey will lead next.
Tehillah:
Music has the unique ability to connect people who may have completely different experiences and backgrounds. What kind of connection do you hope listeners build with your version of “What’s Going On,” and what do you hope they carry with them after hearing it?
Cheryl Craigie:
Each release has taught me something new, and What’s Going On feels like another meaningful step in that journey. Recording a song with such a timeless message reminded me why I started making music in the first place—to connect with people, tell stories that matter, and hopefully leave listeners feeling a little more hopeful, understood, and inspired.
It’s amazing how a song can bring us together to share a common emotion. It speaks to the power music.
Tehillah:
Looking ahead, how do you see your artistic journey continuing, and are there new musical directions, stories, or creative ideas that you are excited to explore in the future?
Cheryl Craigie:
When I first started writing and recording music, it was purely for my own enjoyment. Sharing it with others wasn’t part of the plan—it just happened naturally over time.
Looking back, I realize my musical journey has been guided more by curiosity than by a roadmap. I hope to keep challenging myself, exploring different genres and ideas, and seeing where the music leads.
Tehillah:
After years of creating music that focuses on emotion, reflection, and human connection, what kind of impact or legacy would you hope your songs leave with the people who discover them?
Cheryl Craigie:
I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about legacy. For me, it’s always been about making music that comes from an honest place and hoping it connects with someone in a meaningful way.
If my songs can bring a little comfort during a difficult time, inspire hope, encourage reflection, or simply remind someone that they’re not alone, then I’ll feel I’ve accomplished something worthwhile. Music has an incredible way of connecting people through shared emotions, and it’s a privilege to know that something I’ve written might become part of someone else’s story.
“Cheryl Craigie’s interpretation of ‘What’s Going On’ reflects the rare ability of music to preserve important conversations across generations. Through her thoughtful performance and genuine connection to the song’s message, she reminds us that some melodies are not simply heard, they are experienced as moments of reflection, understanding, and shared humanity.”
~ Tehillah (DULAXI Team)
MY EDITORIAL PERSPECTIVE
Cheryl Craigie’s “What’s Going On” carries the weight of a timeless composition while allowing space for her own sincerity as an artist. Her expressive delivery, careful arrangement, and emotionally focused performance create a version that feels personal rather than imitative. The recording highlights Cheryl’s ability to use music as a bridge between individual experiences and universal emotions, creating a thoughtful listening experience centered around connection, reflection, and compassion.
~ Tehillah (DULAXI Team)
CLOSING
A heartfelt thank you to Cheryl Craigie for taking the time to share the story behind “What’s Going On,” her musical journey, and the experiences that continue to shape her as an artist. Through this conversation, we gained a deeper understanding of the creative intentions behind her latest release and the values that guide her approach to songwriting.
“What’s Going On” is a reminder of the lasting power of music to encourage reflection, bring people together, and create moments of connection. We encourage listeners to experience Cheryl’s interpretation of this meaningful classic and continue following her journey as she explores new stories, sounds, and creative directions.
Thank you for spending time with DULAXI. We look forward to bringing you more conversations with artists from around the world and sharing the stories behind the music that continues to inspire us.