Start Listening To: Cherry i

London duo Cherry i open up about fear, film, and finding confidence in the city’s underground.

Cherry i began as the project of two best friends, Nikol and Nastya, and has since grown into a London band carving out their own corner of grunge-leaning indie rock. Their new single Mistake is one of their most personal yet, written during a period of uncertainty and built around the idea of feeling defeated before you’ve even begun. In this Q&A, they dig into the themes behind the track, what they’ve learned from working with Ali Chant, how London’s DIY spaces push them out of their comfort zone, and the strange moments that stick with you when you play shows in pubs with secret doors.

For those unfamiliar with your music, can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?

We are an indie rock/grunge band based in London started by two best friends, Nikol and Nastya.

‘Mistake’ explores what you called “a relationship with defeat.” What first drew you to that theme, and how did it begin to take shape as a song?

My intense fear of failure and fear of being a burden to others is what inspired the track. I first wrote the lyrics for it 4 years ago when I was going through a really intense moment of transition in my life and felt absolutely defeated and lost.

You’ve now worked twice with Ali Chant. What did he bring to these sessions that surprised you most?

I knew the experience of recording with someone who’s work I admire was going to be great and it was. Ali always knew when something needed to be added in or taken away to give it the right balance in terms of emotion. The thing that surprised me I guess was how long the high of recording can last, I still think about it when I’m sad.

How do you feel your live performances differ from the recorded versions of your songs?

They’re more intense and theatrical at times. I also try to tell jokes sometimes which.. can go down well or horribly - so there’s the added bonus of going to see a rookie comedian.

London’s underground scene, particularly places like The Windmill and The George Tavern, has a real sense of community. How has that shaped your approach as a band?

Those places not only provide me with inspiration but also bravery. Seeing other bands perform in a way that would make me terrified to do allows me to really step out of my comfort zone and try and go there too. Wherever “there” is. Also it’s just an unlimited resource of free music and cool people and beer isn’t it?

Cherry i feels both intimate and cinematic at once. Are there visual or filmic references that influence how you write or imagine your songs?

I would say that mostly books I’ve read or am reading influence the songwriting because I manage to find parallels to my real life within them. In terms of visuals, the 80s movie “Possession” inspired the editing for Mistake a little bit. As well as my nightmares.

What’s the weirdest or most memorable thing that’s ever happened at one of your gigs?

Well, we got yelled at by a man who appeared out of thin air from behind the bar. Turns out he was the ex manager of the pub who still lived upstairs. He descended from his chambers and appeared from this secret little door to tell us to shut the hell up. Was a mystical and memorable experience.

Who’s the most chaotic member of the band?

Nikol. Me. The lead singer answering these questions.

What do you love right now?

Bram Stoker’s Dracula! Visually stunning. Just re-watched it recently. Though I must admit the acting is questionable and there’s the plot holes… “I have crossed oceans of time to have sex with you… and your best friend just while I’m at it.”

What do you hate right now?

The 4pm darkness that feels like it will swallow you whole.

Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why it’s still important to you?

When someone hears your music for the first time, what do you hope sticks with them?

The emotion and the storytelling aspect of it.