Apogee: How did you become interested in fitness & when did the idea to combine your passion for fitness and your passion for music come together?

Cherie Lily: I fell in love with fitness while I was in high school.  One day I was venting to my Dad about feeling unhappy and out of shape.  That’s when he recommended I join the local gym.  After I became a member, I was instantly fascinated with the idea that I had the power to change my body through exercise.  In that moment, I became a lifelong fitness enthusiast and a super fan of group fitness classes.  When you’re in a group fitness class, it feels like you’re a part of a team.  Everyone is going through the same extremely intense experience together and there’s an amazing feeling of accomplishment afterwards.  Music has always been a passion of mine and it’s also the driving pulse of group fitness.  The beat is our leader.  It sets the pace and encourages us on.  I decided to join my two passions of fitness and music in 2006 by creating a genre called HOUSEROBICS, which is original, high-energy dance music that I produce with the sole purpose to inspire people to move their bodies and burn calories on the dance floor, at home, and in the gym.

A: How far back does your music/ recording & fitness history go?

CL: I’ve been songwriting, singing, and playing guitar in various bands, mostly hardcore and punk bands, since I was 17 years old.  I started to dive into producing and recording dance music in 2006.  That’s also when I started to create custom high-energy DJ sets for my fitness classes.  You can download some of my fitness mixes, called MUSIC TO BURN, for free off my Soundcloud (www.soundcloud.com/cherielily).  You can find my HOUSEROBICS releases on digital retailers everywhere.  I released WERK – The Remixes in 2010, THE DRIPPING WET EP in 2013, and remix packages for both my tracks BODY and KISS MY LIPS in 2014.

A: What’s your setup like & how are you using your Apogee ONE these days?

CL: I record everything on my Macintosh laptop using Ableton Live.  I use my Apogee ONE to record all my vocals and guitar tracks.  My vocals go through a Shure SM58 microphone and I use a Fender acoustic guitar.  I love how simple my set up is and that I can take it everywhere around the world easily.

A: What past, present or future projects would you like folks to know about? (please provide any and all links to your work that you’d like showcased)

CL: I’m currently working on releasing another dance EP with legendary ballroom and vogue DJ/producer, Vjuan Allure, who produced my track BODY off THE DRIPPING WET EP.  I’m also excited about my collaboration with NYC rapper, Cazwell.  I’m featured on a few songs off his new album HARD 2 B FRESH.  You can also catch me on tour with my husband, Andrew W.K.  I’m Andrew’s hype-woman and back-up singer in his band.  I love collaborating with other artists and submitting top-lines and melodies. If any other Apogee-using producers out there want to join forces, you can email me at houserobics@gmail.com. You can find out more about my music, tours, fitness schedule, upcoming releases and more at www.CherieLily.com and follow me on twitter @CherieLily for some fitness inspiration!