On March 14th, 2012, Sweet Soul Records released “Chocolate Coated Dreams” Japan-wide and feel that this album is just what the doctor ordered for the Japanse soul music scene. We’re extremely grateful for Shirma’s help in making this release happen, and we also appreciate her allowing Sweet Soul to play a part in helping to spread the word about her fantastic music.

Throughout the entire release process, I spoke to Shirma on numerous occasions, and I can testify that not only is she super-talented, she’s also a very good person and such a joy to know. We are convinced that she’ll be able to create a large fan base here in Japan, and we’ll be watching her career as it continues to gather strength and recognition. Following the video, read a bit about the lady Ms. Shirma Rouse from her bio…

A LIL SOMETHING SOMETHING ‘BOUT SHIRMA….
Remember how music used to get into your mind, body and soul? Well if you forgot, Shirma Rouse is about to bring it all right back to you with her debut album, appropriately titled; “Chocolate Coated Dreams.”

Her talent for music has been nurtured at an early age. Her family played an important role in developing her talent. Her father, a well-known instrumentalist, was one of her biggest inspirations. Born on the island of Curacao and raised on the island of St. Eustatius, it is in the Netherlands where she would build her 10 year musical career.

Her introduction to the Dutch music scene started off when she was asked to become a backing vocalist of the group Tasha’s World, moving on to performing, recording and touring with a wide range of artists from every genre. Intwine, Extince, Wouter Hamel, Candy Dulfer, Alain Clark, Anouk, Izaline Calister, Randal Corsen, Tribute 2 Bob Marley, Margriet Sjoerdsma, Michelle David, Carlo de Wijs. She has shared her talent and love for music with them and many more.

Her impressive career in music has also been enhanced through an education in music. With a bachelor degree in Pop and Jazz vocals from Rotterdam Conservatorium Codarts, Shirma has been able to pass on her talent and skills to others in the form of workshops, coaching and vocal teaching at the Albeda College in Rotterdam as well as the Artez Conservatorium in Enschede. But her love for music doesn’t stop there. Shirma is also a member a non-profit foundation Instruments 4 Africa. The foundation collects instruments in the Netherlands and then travel to Africa where they give workshops and try to supply community centers, schools and most of all young talent with a musical instrument.

Her debut album, “Chocolate Coated Dreams,” is an independent project by Shirma, containing
15 Hammond jazz/soul songs (3 Japan bonus songs) that will take you back to those sweet old school Motown days.

The album was recorded and co-written with Salle de Jonge and Bas van der Wal. Recorded in Marmalade and Mokosound studios in the Netherlands and mixed at Mokosound studios. Mastering was done by Chris Gehringer for Sterling Sound studio in New York.