An Interview with Cherry Laurel
Follow @cherrylaurelband on instagram
Cherry Laurel is an upcoming Norman based band with a dreamy bedroom sound and hints of psychedelic influence. In this interview, Cole Kornele, gives a look into the bands processes, their influences, and what they’re seeing in the Oklahoma City music scene. This blog features “Pisces Moon” released November of 2021.
Who are the members of the band and what do they play?
Cole Kornele - vocals & guitar
Easton Fowler - guitar & vocals
Ryan Hesselroth - guitar & vocals
Tater Cowan - bass & vocals
Wes Bergersen - keys
Cole Bergersen - drums
How can people find you?
Bandcamp - Spotify - @cherrylaurelband
What influences have played significant roles in shaping your sound?
Some of our biggest influences include The Flaming Lips, Alvvays, Tyler The Creator and we’d be no better than Greta Van Fleet if we didn't say King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. I'd say when it comes to the production of our music I'm very inspired by stuff that feels flawed. Perfection is boring.
How does the music writing process work for your band? Who writes what? How do you produce?
We do lots of improv jamming and sometimes we play something that itches our brains and we just sort of know that it has to be a song. Then usually I'll open an Ableton Session later that night and try to recreate the jam, give it some structure, lyrics, and make it into a demo. Then from there I'll take the demo to the rest of the band and we rerecord it together in our studio.
What do you like about making music and what has your experience been playing live?
I love making music because it feels like being able to show someone a dream you've had. I think you can explain an experience with sound much better than words.
What are you listening too lately?
The Bambi Soundtrack. I like disney songs a lot, or any music that makes me believe in magic.
Who is your current favorite Oklahoma act right now?
Easier, The Big News, Limp Wizurdz, Ken Pomeroy, Sandalwood Mackenzie, Wet Muscles,Helen Kelter Skelter, Late Night Messages, Stepmom, Keathley, Smokey Motel, World Peace Death Ray. It’s simply impossible to name everyone but there's a mind blowing amount of good music coming out of Oklahoma right now.
What do you see happening in the Norman and OKC music scenes?
There is so much talent in Oklahoma that it used to overwhelm me, but now I feel so grateful for this vibrant scene with so many people who give their lives to creating. I think if this town doesn't inspire you, you're not going out enough.
Is there anything you want people to know about supporting musicians?
Be weird, don't be afraid to dance and have a good time at a show. Obviously not every song calls for dancing, but I think people care a little too much about how they are perceived to truly allow themselves to have fun.
Can you share your first impression of the Opolis or an experience you had here that you would like to share?
We all grew up going to Shows at the Opolis and It was so much fun because you got an electric feeling like nothing else. There's something really intimate about this place that makes every experience feel like the first. Funny enough the cover for our first release “Banana Bread'' was taken on the Opolis’s patio.
Catch them at the Opolis this Saturday March 23rd at 8PM for the venue’s first live listening room experience called Opolis Sessions. Tickets are available online and at the door. Seating limited to 40 people.