PHOTO COURTESY CHERRY CHROME
There are often stories told by previous generations of a moment that shaped music. For anyone making their rounds at music venues today, they might recognize something similar taking shape in the Valley.
The artists emerging from the scene are pulsating with a primal energy that is both calculated and authentic. One group entering the ring with a fresh point of view and introducing a sound as mysterious and vibrant as its creators is Cherry Chrome.
In an interview with The Rider, the duo, composed of Hannah Rocha and Anthony Perez, pulled back the curtain on its creative process, revealing a world shaped by friendship, community and a refusal to be confined by a single genre.
The duo’s genesis began about two years ago when they met through a mutual friend. After a few jam sessions, they “clicked,” according to Perez.
Rocha said her interests in high school were always musically inclined, but it was not until she started attending more shows that she felt the drive to form her own band.
“It was always so inspiring to see how people can come together and just put on a show and create amazing music together,” she said.
When Rocha shared her inspiration with Perez, Cherry Chrome was born.
Describing its sound as a “slush” of musical genres, with an ethereal quality that shifts into a more electronic form, its music prominently features synth elements alongside acoustic work.
The duo is also known for their DJ sets, which is another facet of its musical identity. It is more of a “party mode,” where they play music that is more Euro and funky.
“I like the duality of having songs that we write to be a lot more intimate and structured,” Perez said. “But when it comes to DJ sets, I think we like to have fun and kind of keep it, like, more, not outgoing, but crazy.”
The duo said the creative process for Cherry Chrome is deeply collaborative and communal.
Their music is born from countless jam sessions with friends who are also musicians. The bonding through musical experimentation was a crucial part of shaping their distinct sound.
With the “privilege and honor” of having a platform, Rocha said they hope to share the stage with their friends and incorporate their music, be it a violin or cello, into the performances.
Spanish also plays an important role in the duo’s music, according to her, who was born and raised in Mexico and finds her native tongue more expressive and comfortable.
Rocha said she enjoys the “poetic nature of Spanish lyrics,” which allows for a more nuanced and creative songwriting. Though they are not limited to it, they also create music in English and sometimes mix both languages.
For them, singing in Spanish is a way of expressing their cultural roots and personal experiences.
“Whenever it comes to, like, writing songs, I feel like getting things written in Spanish provides a lot more fluidity in the music,” Perez said.
The duo strives to create a live atmosphere where everyone feels a personal connection to the music and believes music is a “universal language” that can transcend barriers.
Perez added they want their fans to have fun and feel safe. The experience is designed to be a dynamic mix of “high energy dancing and intimate, low-key moments.”
Ultimately, their message is “come as you are,” and they hope the point that the human experience is a unifier comes across in their music.
“Everybody is safe in the cherry bubble,” Rocha said.
Looking to the future, Cherry Chrome is working on an EP with the goal of releasing it before the end of the year. As independent artists and self-proclaimed perfectionists, they are taking their time to ensure the music is the best it can be.
To learn more about Cherry Chrome, visit its Instagram @chxrrychrxme.
