Ryan Meier has been with Cherry Mellow since day one and has seen sixteen different band members come and go. There is something to be said for Meier’s determination to break into the tight-knit Boston music scene. Despite his challenges, Meier is unfazed; he finds new members and continues to make his music. “It’s really sad and unfortunate when members have to move away or move on,” he explains. “But the band is moving ahead at full force and when the group starts being more of a daycare than a band it’s time for the band to make a change.”
Meier is at every basement show analyzing the set and following the success of local Boston acts like Vundabar and Oh Malo with admiration and support. Cherry Mellow‘s sound is comparable to early releases from The Strokes or Kings of Leon with a singer-songwriter vibe. They offer up a more unique sound than the typical grungy-Allston bands that riff on sleepy 90’s rock bands.
Cherry Mellow will release their debut album, Feng Shui, on May 8th. “It’s about unyielding human nature mostly,” Meier said of the record. “And the illusion of control over everything fucked up in your life and how you need to make peace with it or fall on the sword from time to time until it subsides.”
The band recently sat down with The Record Company to film an acoustic set and interview in which they discuss the merits of the Boston music scene. Drummer Peter Geiser’s quote resonates with a community that has seen several music venues close this past year:
“I feel supported by fellow musicians in Boston. I don’t feel supported by the community as a whole.”
“I think people like to ignore how important music is to them,”a discouraged Matthew Reynoso agrees. The band also discusses the struggles an indie band has: little reward, hard work, and needing a thick skin, but Meier is hopeful. “We’re sticking through it,” he says to finish the interview. “We’re not breaking up. We’re absolutely here to stay.” This is a strong message that reflects the attitude of the music scene as a whole. The independent music scene in Boston is huge and it’s not going anywhere.
Cherry Mellow will play their album release show at O’Brien’s Pub with Bear Salon, The Dingo Babies, and a surprise guest on 5/8.