Grammy Award-Winning Artist H.E.R. Hopes To Collaborate With Daniel Caesar Again

Earlier this year, esteemed star H.E.R. became the first Black female artist to create a signature Stratocaster electric guitar for the iconic brand Fender. The 23-year-old, born Gabriella Wilson, is a highly talented guitarist and mentioned that she first mastered her craft with an electric guitar. It’s safe to say she came full circle with this partnership.

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H.E.R.’s design epitomizes the brand’s innovation and aesthetic as it features an Alder wood body alongside a Chrome Glow finish. Its radiance is what instantly makes the musical instrument stand out and players can even enjoy a custom beck plate with H.E.R. engraved onto it. “Fender is a trusted brand with a rich history in working closely with artists and we ensure that they are part of the design and quality standards,” Fender Vice President, Acoustic and Squier Divisions, Billy Martinez, told Forbes. “We pride ourselves in the relationships with our artists as they are the ones that take what we create and drive musical expression.”

In honor of the launch, Forbes chatted with the R&B singer a while back to find out the inspiration behind teaming up with Fender and what she has planned for the soon-to-come 2021. It’ll be here before we all know it and H.E.R. couldn’t resist sharing her hopes for another Daniel Caesar collaboration, a second guest appearance on NBC’s Songland, or if all the stars align, the honor of teaming up with none other than Stevie Wonder for the first time. She’s capable of it all, just ask her three recent nominations for the 63rd annual Grammy Awards. One thing’s for sure, the sky’s the limit for this powerhouse singer. Read through her exciting interview below and stay tuned for all that she does next.

Isis Briones: First, what inspired you to design your own Fender Stratocaster?

H.E.R.: “I’ve been playing Fender guitars since I started. My first guitar was a black and white Strat and throughout the years, we’ve built a relationship. They created my iconic acrylic strap for the Grammys and it’s turned into a really dope collaboration.

I started off playing electric guitar, so I had the idea to make this amazing, iridescent guitar. I really like playing acoustic, but there’s something about the Strat that, to me, is less heavy, easier to bend, and I think you can make it sing a little bit more than the telecaster.”

IB: Do you have any advice for people just starting to play the guitar?

H.E.R.: “Honestly, find your style. There’s no right or wrong way when it comes to expressing yourself with an instrument like the guitar. When it comes to starting out, learn songs that you love. You don’t have to sit there and be so structured about the way you practice. Study the greats and learn songs that you love listening to.”

IB: If you could work with any artist at the moment, who would it be and why?

H.E.R.: “That’s a tough one. Virtually, it’s not really the same, but there are still so many people I’d love to work with. Steve Wonder is one of them. I would have loved to work with Prince. I wish he was still here with us, but I’ve got to perform with some pretty cool people though like Sting and Aero Smith. I don’t know, that’s really tough.”

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IB: How about Daniel Caesar? Your fans would definitely love that!

H.E.R.: “I hope so! I really love working with, Daniel. I haven’t seen him in a long time. I really love working with him, so I hope so. I love him, he’s so talented.”

IB: Would you ever do another episode of Songland?

H.E.R.: “Yeah, that would be epic. I love that show and I had so much fun.”

IB: One more, fun question. Once it’s safe, where’s the next place you’d travel?

H.E.R.: “I really wanted to go back to the Philippines this year, but I couldn’t. So when everything goes back to normal, I’m really trying to go back there and Japan, I had a really great time over there. I also have family in the Philippines, who I miss a lot. You know, my mom, she hasn’t been there in 15 years and we went for the first time in December last year, so to see her reunited with her sister after 15 years was the highlight of the trip to me.”

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