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"CHERRYSMASH by Lance Mathews" Early 1999....

The Washington DC band Cherrysmash has been back in the studio working on the follow-up to their debut CD "grin". I recently had a chance to get the lowdown from one of my favorite new groups. Cherrysmash is: Shane Heselius, vocals/guitars, Eric Kern: Keyboards/Vocals, Dan Aylestock: Bass, and Jon Bumbrey: Drums.

Q: When we last spoke, the band had recently released your debut CD "grin", and was called "Euphoria". Other than the name change, what has transpired since then?

Eric: Its been an exciting time. Not just the touring, and airplay, and getting a lot of our songs out to a national audience, but some very positive lineup changes….
Shane: The band went through a total Metamorphosis in which all the parts from the original lineup that were not working were amputated.
Dan. Basically, the band has been transformed from a really good college band into a fully professional originals band with national contingencies.

Q: I understand that "grin" had enormous college radio success for an independent band, and that many tracks have been selected for nationally released compilations. To what do attribute this strong response?

Shane:I think the song writing from Eric and myself is very strong. The lyrics are relevant and the songs have passion.
Jon: These songs are very well written and the music is great. People know great music when they hear it.
Eric: I guess people have always responded to songs that meant something, that had some melody and depth of emotion, despite the style of the day. Maybe that’s what we’re ultimately aspiring to - songs strong enough to transcend any certain stylistic trend. I’d be lying if I said we weren’t influenced by many of today’s sounds though.
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Q: Your songs demonstrate a fair degree of stylistic diversity within the modern rock genre, from punk to folk to power pop. What have been some of the primary influences on your music?

Dan: Cleverness, diversity of style and the almighty 'Groove"
Shane: Just being alive and aware of all the styles of music that have been done in the past, and trying to create an original body of work.
Eric: Yep. We all seem to have the ability to appreciate a wide body of styles, yet we seem to have a common idea of what is really good. Its a pleasure to work in such a positive creative environment, where we actually agree and we’ve gotta give Dan & Jon a lot of the credit for that.
Jon: Personally, I’ve been influenced by Tool, STP, Tonic and many many more.

Q: Dan and Jon: As the newest members of the band, what are your thoughts on joining the band, and what directions do you see the music taking in the future?

Dan: I feel like this is the band I've been preparing for all my life. Cherrysmash is not the kind of band that is going to play the sort of songs that people are anticipating, but rather, the kind of songs that take people by surprise.
Jon: Joining this band is one of the best things that has happened to me. These guys are great, the best players I have ever played with.
Shane: And man, those two guys have inspired us to work even harder, not only are they truly great musicians, they are excellent people to work with. I think with a stronger foundation you can only write better songs.

Q: You've been working with producer Don Zientara, who has been known for his work with other DC indie rock success stories such as Fugazi, Shutter To Think, Spur and Jawbox. How has this experience been?

Shane: Yeah Don is great, He's real easy to work with and is very honest about how things sound to him. I think if we had the budget worked out we would already have the next CD finished with Don.
Dan: Up to this point (recording) has been very calculated and deliberate, which has not been a bad thing......we have just known exactly what we were going to do. In the future, I as the bass player hope I can take advantage of the studio offerings and do a few more creative things.
Jon: It’s been a very cool experience & we’re looking forward to going back.

Q: You're newest material seems to be some of the strongest yet, continuing and expanding the emphasis on melodic, energetic and emotionally driven music displayed on "grin". When do you anticipate the new CD will be available?

Eric: The new CD (View from the Floor) should be out in early 2000.
Dan: I'm hoping by the end of the year!
Jon: Look for at least an EP by late fall.

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