Power of the Riotgrrrl, Feminism, and Self-Love: The Cherry Club
Fem Rock Trio, The Cherry Club from Santa Barbara, California released their debut album, “Let It Burn” that features strong messaging of female empowerment, political activism, and the lasting influence of the Riotgrrrl punk scene.
Raging Fem-Rock Trio, The Cherry Club from Santa Barbara, California comes rocking out with their punk and alternative rock with a politically moving abrasiveness and the push for feminism and women's rights. The band consists of Jessica Werking (vocals/guitar), Emily Conway (bass), and Alex Ayscough (drums). The power and attitude that these groups of women incite is an electric feeling that alters the sound waves with their magnetizing feminine and teen-like angst. Their authentic live band and DIY signature sound dominates their artistry as it is one of the concurrent elements that appeals to their authentic innovation and energy. If you're a fan of Amyl and The Sniffers, The Regrettes, Mannequin Pussy, The Last Dinner Party, or even Wolf Alice, you’ll fall in love head over heels with The Cherry Club.
The Cherry Club is highly inspired by the raw and dominating force of women in the rock and punk scene that arose from the RIOTGRRRL movement from the early ‘90s with bands such as Bikini Girl, Bratmobile, and Sleater-Kinney. For those who are unfamiliar with one of the most important parts of music history, the RIOTGRRRL movement introduced political activism and heavy thematic scenes and elements that often portray issues that women consistently face in terms of the patriarchy and societal expectations. The depths and pure angst from the mistreatment and sexism of women throughout the scene among dealing with the male dominated scene and extortion of being part of the underground punk rock scene. Its dealings became a massive uproar that led to the rebellion of the rise of the feminist movement.
Taking in all of their musical inspirations and divinely guided female heroes, The Cherry Club took their stance on the scene in 2024 dropping their first singles, “Get Out” and “Nightmare” that sound like a revival of the RIOTGRRL punk genre with a more indie rock approach with pop melodies making it all their own. The band has also released a rocking rendition live cover of “Boys in The Better Land” by Fontaines D.C with their added flair and grunge sound. A year later the band began setting out and releasing new tracks that will eventually end up on their first record.
The Cherry Club released their debut album, “Let It Burn” in June of 2026 record that features 12 brand new tracks including some of their past singles. “Let It Burn” is one of the most critically outspoken indie records of the year that amplifies the voices and opinions of their own critical mind from topics that range from romantic love, adversary rivalry, feminism, and freedom of expression. It is a documentation of the representation of women and breaking away from their girlhood and coming into their own individual terms. With “Let It Burn” the band exonerates a high driven energy, DIY live studio sound, and a dynamic strong friendship between the women that makes the band completely authentic and raw passion for the music and the rock scene subculture. The record shows the wide range dimension of the band as they lean into both the accelerated punk realm with tracks such as “Right”, “Star”, and “San Francisco" to a more reflective indie alternative rock heard in, “Ghost”, “Rock ‘N’ Roll”, and “Insane”.
The album begins with a pure fury of driven low bass lines and vibrating thunderous guitars with their opening title, “Hit” that is expressed by fuzzy distorted elements that showcases the raw nature of the band and their true power. Right at the beginning, the band’s sharp and vivid personality is shown setting the tone of the unapologetic and phenomenal record. The track is an outward confession of a reckless abandon relationship on the brink of the falling edge. A bitter taste is still left in one’s mouth and is asking for full transparency on the sour and resentful romantic situation. In direct convection the lyrics, “Are we running out of time? You don't even ask yourself if what you do is wrong or right, because you're the only one in control.” are real and upfront with the hopes of leaving with a better perspective and understanding. The bottom line of the song showcases the true confidence and self empowerment of knowing your own worth and demanding to be seen and treated as an equal whether it's a relationship, friendship, or even as a person.
One of the biggest and most important tracks on the record is the indie rock- punk tune, “American Dream”. The song is the poster child track of the album that explicitly communicates the broken political system and its withering policies that alter the lives of ordinary people trying to make their way out of a structured way of life to achieve their own dreams. It displays the hardship battle of what is sold to individuals in order to possess financial security but is turned into a betrayal that keeps the rich in a high status of power as those under them struggle to make basic ends meet. In a brief moment in the middle of the song, tension builds as it breaks reality with honest vocal opinions criticizing the government makes a bold statement that unleashes the contradiction of what is advertised and the ultimate fate. The band makes statements such as “At this point I’m not even going to be able to afford a house, what happened to the American Dream”. The rawness of Werking’s loud and enthusiastic voice makes its own statement that is filled with fury and resentment of the government's upholding demanding attention to the issues.
The track, “When I Think Of You”, is another additional signature Cherry Club song that embodies the feminine perspective of the wish fulfillment and experience of a devoted love. Its grungy riffy guitar introduction blended with blaring guitars, punchy live drums, and profound musing bass contains the core structure of a pure rock and grunge sound straight from the 90s of No Doubt. The characteristic of the song highlights a heated and overwhelming romantic interest that makes you lose all sense of control that you see both in your dreams and one’s current reality. The pop inflections of “When I Think Of You” harnesses the youthful and lovestruck spirit of an embellishing love interest that becomes an obsession. It demonstrates the need and longing of a connection that becomes infinite. The songwriting depicts the ranges of an lovesick infatuation from looking for various traces of the familiar face in shadow remnants hoping to see them again until the moment of reality catches up and becomes a real manifestation. The lyrics are requited with a lustful aspect that illuminates Werking's emotional intensity as she sings, “I love it when you show up, when you're holding me tighter, I'm the girl who takes you home.” encapsulating the relentless force of power that is exerted by her love interest with just one glance.
Additionally, the title track of the album, “Let It Burn” is one of the most essential Cherry Club songs in their discography as it fuels the fire with never ending sparks of heated rage and intensity. It is both a metaphorical and practise of letting go of something that does not contribute to your own needs or improvement. The rolling guitars, dizzying bass, air tight drums, and heightened vocals and unfiltered rawness with a luscious breathy yet gritty vocals, all coincide to make a forward sounding alternative-grunge inspired track. The message of the track is full of uplifting words of advice that foretells the crashing down of a situation that makes you want to rage out and let it all end to pursue your own endeavors without means of validation. A remarkable piece of advice that was given to Werking is revealed as the spoken word commentary sings, “You know I had a friend recently tell me something that I’ll never forget - he said Jessica, “My life ended the day I stopped making art” and I’m glad he told me and if you have something in your life doesn't serve, then you can say let it burn… go on try it.” The track defines the grind and dedication of The Cherry Club in spirit of making their music be heard while also serving points of following your passions and true calling to avoid being caught in a wildfire. As the means of everyday routine of work and responsibilities becomes a major part of an individual’s life, creating a separate piece of time for your own hobbies and interests dwell which can lead to a depression and a soulless life. The human necessity of creating many various forms of art and self expression is an integral part of being alive in this world and without it many fall apart. It is a form of bonding that creates connections with another that leaves your heart bursting with inspiration and optimism. The illusionment that the arts are a deplorable venture that carries no value is the biggest misconception of a capitalist ruled society as it is in every corner of the earth within design, architecture, films, and all aspects of artistry.
Another track on the album that stands out from the rest is the slower paced track, “Butterfly”with its western folk-rock breeze that dwells with fluttering fragments of a soulful heartfelt guitar that eases you in with a cinematic sunset scenery. The mid-tempo lightness of the instrumentation highlights the individual talents of each member at its truest form. What makes this track special as a listener and understanding of the foundations and background of The Cherry Club is the influence of the California music scene. It progresses with a smooth and dazy feel in tangent with its psychedelic stylization, experimental distortion, and including extended instrumental jams that brings the unity together. In this specific track as the thrashful and bold fast punk paced tempo is stripped back, this version of the band showcases the bond of music that the girls truly love. It can be heard with their voices, their soul connection of playing their instruments, and the joyous fascination of playing together as a group. The vocals from Werking establish a soulful and dreamy state of mind that lures you in as the drums from Ayscough keeps the rhythm steady yet vibrant with its spacing rhythm. Additionally, the inclusion of Conway’s jazzy and mellow bass guitar settles the mood into a more bluesy atmosphere. The sonic instrumentation of this song displays the tight knit composition of the band that allows The Cherry Club to fully expand on their sound.
As the recent political climate is at its downfall, the rise of a chaotic, oppressed, and highly separated political climate has affected and endured many hardships and casualties that has affected the lives of individuals, more specifically POC, LGBTQ+, and Immigrants/Refugees. However, there is always a glimmer of hope and unionship among these groups of people and activists who stand behind them fighting for their opportunity and god-given rights to an equal and prosperous life. Politics, fashion, and art all coincide and influence one another as they make statements ridiculing and acting as a mirror for societies upheaval. In this case, The Cherry Club band is one amongst many who are actively choosing and screaming for their voices to be heard among the airwaves.
The Cherry Club is a group of talented women who are the basis of what the underground music scene needs in terms of a righteous and powerful stance within politics, feminism, and embracing one’s own individuality. The band incites a message that consistently pushes the narrative norms of a withering society in hopes that those feeling lost or wronged will be heard.
The reason why new listeners and fans gravitate towards their music and songwriting is because it establishes a home for a loving and strong community that can all benefit and support one another without the fear of judgement or ridicule. The band advocates for the rights of young women to be a mighty powerhouse, stand their ground, pursue their dreams without any form of hesitation, and to grab the world with both hands to take back what is rightfully theirs. Within their songwriting and fearless attitude, The Cherry Club takes on the grift of what women can and have been contributing to the music scene for many generations. Female artists are consistently in the whirlpool of being labeled into a box and in fierce competition that misconstrues and diminishes their ability and authoritarianship of obtaining their own autonomy and ownership of their own artistic expressions.
In adding more fuel to the fire, “Let It Burn” by The Cherry Club is a staple debut record album that possesses the potential into being listed as one of the most critical RIOTGRRRL and punk albums to listen to as a newcomer within the scene and overall album that incites and progresses the movement towards younger generations. The record includes prominent inclusive self righteousness of female empowerment and resistance of conformity of a rigid and damaging culture. The Cherry Club promotes authenticity and the daring pursuit of making their biggest dreams come true to take every opportunity with a feverish and fearless devotion. It is a must listen to album for girls, women, LGBTQ+, activists, and creative artists everywhere.
We had the chance to be able to interview The Cherry Club for With The Band Magazine. Thank you so much for taking the time out to collaborate with us. You can read the full exclusive interview below!
WTBM: What is the meaning behind the name, The Cherry Club? And one thing everyone should know about the band?
Emily: “Our collective femininity as an all-women rock band has greatly influenced the meaning of our band’s name and music. The Cherry Club represents an inclusive space where people can be themselves and have a supportive community. Anyone can join the Club!”
Jess: “We really cared about creating something that you can be a part of, the meaning behind the band name is inclusivity. The Cherry Club is everyone who attends our shows and bounces around in the mosh pit uncontrollably. We went with something that truly felt like an invitation. Of course we had to throw in a little feminine vibe to our name because we stan women in the scene, but one thing we want everyone to take away from our name and our band is that when you come to a show you’re free to be yourselves. It doesn’t matter what you look like, your gender, your age, where you’re from. It starts with each of us to create that wave of love.”
Alex: “It’s crazy because I feel like the name was an accident that ended up making a lot of sense for our band. To me it symbolizes being a part of a movement of badass women reclaiming their power, embracing queerness, and it can resonate with anyone who identifies with being true to themselves regardless of what anyone thinks.”
WTBM: What is your songwriting process in creating a new song and how does it all begin?
Emily: “Our songwriting process usually begins with Jess bringing in lyrics and a chord progression to rehearsal. Alex and I will then create a drum beat and bass line by looping each section and experimenting until the vibe feels right. We’ve all learned to really listen to each other and play intuitively, so the music clicks quickly! Our songwriting is a very collaborative process where all three of us are sharing and receiving ideas. Since we are a trio, I have the responsibility of writing bass lines that fill a lot of space and really drive our songs forward. The backup vocals are usually always written last as an embellishment to our songs, but they are a key part of our sound.”
Jess: “I was very inspired by punk music my whole life, the takeaway was that it doesn’t have to be perfect, you don’t need to be the most technical, that will come with time, but the overall message you want to portray is there. It can’t be a forced process, but when I’m feeling a type of way and need that therapy I'll write a chord progression first, some lyrics, and we take it to the practice room and usually pump a song out in one session. Sometimes there’s a lingering chord progression for months that doesn’t get finished until I have a conversation with someone, it could be a stranger, but the missing puzzle pieces of the lyrics and message click into something that feels right, something that feels like I can write a whole story out of it. Cause songs are short stories.”
Alex: “Usually, it starts with Jess writing the chords and lyrics. Then Emily and I will jump in the help shape the song and set a vibe. It’s always such a fun fulfilling process writing together. When I’m writing the drum parts it all just comes from the feeling that I want to create for the song.”
WTBM: Your sound carries the raw and electric energy of early 90s grunge and inspiration from the RIOT GRRRL movement. When was the first moment you encountered this genre and the impression it left behind?
Emily: “I was really into rock and jazz music throughout high school and college which has shaped the way that I play bass. I started listening to more grunge and Riot Grrrl music near the end of college, but I was mainly dedicating my time to playing in jazz and funk bands. My love for punk music was sparked again when I heard Jess’ voice for the first time at rehearsal. Playing music in this genre feels very raw and empowering.”
Jess: “I remember the first time I saw the Joan Jett music video for “I Love RocknRoll” when I was probably around 10 years old and that feeling never left me. I decided that that was it right there, that was magic. I feel as though I rejected modern conformity of how women should be my whole life, maybe because my father highly regarded female artists. He was always showing me old footage and guitar solos from women with a sense of pride, and that overall perspective of life transformed into something bigger as I developed my taste and discovered the women singers I idolized. Then in my early 20s is when I really started to put those artists on a pedestal, like Dazey and the Scouts, Amy Taylor from Amyl and the Sniffers, the loud and proud Courtney Love, Pat Benatar, there’s a lot more. I felt the genre was an honest take on the female experience and I found a sense of purpose as a singer who felt everything at max capacity.”
Emily: “I’ve always loved this genre so it’s hard to pinpoint when I first encountered it, but I remember being really young when I first heard bands like Bikini Kill and L7. They’ve been so inspirational and so empowering for me. I’ve always thought it would be so cool to be in a band like that.”
WTBM: Being in an all female rock band, how do you persist upon the constant struggles and misandry as women in the rock scene? Do you have any advice for young female artists or creatives trying to break out in this genre?
Emily: “As a female bassist, I’ve unfortunately experienced a lot of disrespect between sexist comments and being excluded from decision making in bands. Being in The Cherry Club has been a completely supportive experience where my opinions and musical abilities feel respected, valued, and heard. My advice to young female artists is to find a group of people that respect you, and surround yourself with people that inspire you. Don’t be afraid to create your own space for your artistry!”
Jess: “I feel like we’ve experienced it all, you know? But nowadays we’ve learned from the past and gain respect where we go. I like the way Amy Taylor puts it, “we like to win people over.” The gear that we use is highly regarded by the bands we play with, I am not afraid to kick a disrespectful person out of the venue myself and chase them down the block, and the boy band that has a smart comment to make typically does not match to our playing skills - that’s just kind of how life works when you hate on others. My advice for young female musicians is don’t be afraid to try and fail at things. Start that band, be unapologetic about it, you have to be bold. And walk right into a music store and try out all the gear you want to test and find the sound that you decide is good for you. I spent a long time in music stores choosing my gear myself. You belong in the scene and you’re actually needed more than you know. I can’t tell you how much of a pet peeve it is of mine seeing music shows that have zero women on the bill. Cause there’s some insanely good acts of women and I think we should all be holding these event organizers accountable for inclusivity because it’s getting old. And this goes beyond gender representation but broader diversity in the music scene, it’s incredibly important and should be regarded as an event curator. It’s the part of music that deeply means something.”
Alex: “It’s something that encountered when I first started playing the drums. I feel like I’ve had to prove myself more in so many ways. I would say use your voice and speak up for yourself and never allow any man to undermine your worth because you hold so much power as a woman.”
WTBM: The Cherry Club band is set to release a new album this spring! What can you tell us about it? How does it build off your current singles and extend into a full record?
Emily: “Our debut album, Let It Burn, is out now! Our current singles were released in chronological order as we recorded them, so it tells a story of our process over the past year and a half. For example, “American Dream” was recorded when we were first developing our sound, and “Star” strongly reflects the friendship that has grown between the three of us.”
Jess: “This album is really a starting point for us. It’s raw, it’s true to sound, it’s a DIY recording process, we hope it’s relatable and it’s an introduction to how dynamic this band is gonna be. There’s a lot of mix of genres going on, and I hope the overall message to our fans is that we understand the struggles of growing. Cause these songs have been years in the making and as much as we hold them to a place in our hearts, we’re ready to keep writing. We believe in the sound and we’re excited to share who we are cause there’s really not enough music out for us to go touring right now.”
Alex: “We’ve put so much work into this album and it’s been such a beautiful process to write and record these songs in the last year and a half. "American Dream", “Butterfly” and “Right” were the first songs we wrote and recorded together and I feel like those songs are so special because we were still figuring out our sound and how to create together. Throughout this time It’s felt so natural continuing to develop our sound and I feel like it’s something you can hear throughout our album as you listen.”
WTBM: How does you deep friendship change with the way you write songs or perform compared to just hanging out and having fun?
Emily: “My friendship and trust with Jess and Alex has grown so deep over a short time. There’s a lot of trust and collaboration involved in every aspect of this band. We all listen to each other and respect each other’s feelings. When we write our songs and perform, it’s the same as hanging out and having fun because we are good friends!”
Jess: “There’s a profound friendship and love for one another that has definitely turned into something of magic through the music. I’ve known Alex since I was 12 years old, and we only met Emily about a year and a half ago, but the connection is enough to make us all tear up with gratitude. We’re on the same page, we love what we do, we love watching each other crush a performance, it’s hard to describe the feeling in words. To have a shared passion and a connection through the love of art is an indescribable thing. To believe in each other and see each other as larger than life while we play these small bars is definitely different than just hanging out. I like the way we look at each other and the way we laugh and support each other. I like how others can feel it too, a lot of the time if we’re just out and about we get strangers approaching us and they can feel the magic too.”
Alex: “I feel like we’ve gotten so close in the last year and a half. I’m so grateful for the relationship I have with my bandmates. They are my best friends and I feel like everything we do together feels like magic whether we’re creating art or just hanging out. That synergy overlaps into everything we do together.”
WTBM: The Cherry Club band recently moved its headquarters from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara. Has there been any significant changes within the scenery and its music scene that has influenced your sound and creative outlook during this transition?
Emily: “Being based in Santa Barbara has allowed us to breathe and let the music flow naturally. We all live within ten minutes of each other, so we can hang out and rehearse any time we want! Living in SB has allowed us to tap into a sound that’s truly ours and not be as pressured to perform music that doesn’t resonate with us. It has been a great place to come home to as we play more shows in LA and other cities around the world!”
Jess: “While Santa Barbara is definitely quieter than LA, it’s been really, really good for us. In Santa Barbara, you can’t get away with being a bad band. You have to develop a high standard of skillset because there’s some really good musicians here. You just can’t get away with it here and that was incredibly important to push us. There's aspects of a small town that might test a musician, but it's pushed us to be the best we could be and walk into any room and deliver the same performance we promise to give. It’s been very good for us. It’s made me want to go harder and tap into who I am.”
Emily: “Leaving LA was definitely a big change considering the music scene is much bigger and diverse there. Santa Barbara has chiller laid back vibe so it’s actually been a great place to write and record our album. It’s made me appreciate both places for different reasons.”
WTBM: Do you have any pre-show rituals or a crazy chant you say before hitting the stage? Anything that gets you energized and pumped up to rock out?
Emily: “We’ve learned that we need to warm up our bodies before our shows; performing is a real workout! We enjoy dancing and jumping around together right before we hit the stage. If there’s a band playing before us, we’ll warm up in the pit.”
Jess: “This question is making me realize that we should probably create one!! I will say, watching the band before us always gets me PUMPED to play. I think every musician feels that way.”
Emily: “I don’t have anything in particular that I do but if we’re not first on the bill I actually love to just watch the other bands. It gets me super hyped and inspired to play!”
WTBM: What do you see in the future in your wildest dreams for The Cherry Club? <3
Emily: “One of my main dreams for The Cherry Club is for our music to spread love on a very large scale. I want to play shows all over the world with the girls and really inspire people to love themselves and those around them. I hope that people of all backgrounds and identities can find joy, hope, and community through our music!”
Jess: “Sky is the limit. The exciting part is we don’t even know what could happen. But I hope we get to curate some exciting live shows. We like to put our own shows together that feel like a party, and we're currently planning some events for later this year!”
Emily: “I would love to see The Cherry Club go on a world tour, put out more albums, make awesome music videos and spread love and positivity to as many people as possible.”
WTBM: If you could pick one song from your new album, “Let It Burn” to play over the closing credits of a movie, which one would it be and why?
Emily: “The title track of our album, “Let It Burn”, would sound so epic at the end of a movie!! The song is very high energy with a fiery motivational message. The lyrics encourage the listener to let go of things that no longer serve them and embrace new beginnings which is very universal to the human experience.”
Jess: “When I Think of You because the whole song feels like one big kiss!”
Alex: “I feel like it depends on the vibe of movie but the songs that come to mind are “Let It Burn" and "Butterfly." "Let It Burn" has a fun and upbeat energy that keeps the energy going after the movie ends while "Butterfly" would be a relaxing ethereal vibe that could fit very well with something more chill.”