The Cherry Bomb – Live at the Star Bar

Listen to the new song from The Cherry Bomb – Live at the Star Bar

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Exclusive Interview

Tell us about where you are from and how you got to this position today.
The Cherry Bomb is an Atlanta-based band that consists of musicians hailing from the school of St. Joan and the Blackhearts. Front-woman of the Cherry Bomb, Amy Rollinson, found herself covering Joan Jett songs with her original band Flat Cat and the response from the crowd was always exhilarating. Songs like Road Runner and Cherry Bomb became requests from Flat Cat fans, so it only seemed obvious that starting a tribute band was the direction to go.

For the past two years, The Cherry Bomb has prided itself on focusing solely on playing the music of Joan Jett including her time with the Runaways. The Cherry Bomb has played fine shows such as the infamous Clermont Lounge in Atlanta, GA and ended 2012 as the opening act for Vince Neil at the Tybee Island Pirate Festival.

What do you have coming up? What are some of the new projects we can expect to see?
We are planning on expanding our set list to include not only Joan Jett, but other influential women of rock such as Lita Ford, Debbie Harry, Courtney Love, Kim Deal, Brody Dalle, and so forth (just to name a few). By adding other artists we would like to take on playing longer sets at bars, parties, etc.

Tell us more about the current song you are promoting to everyone.
The Cherry Bomb live at the Star Bar in Atlanta, GA. 2012.

How does your music separate yourself from other artists and bands out there?
Playing music in a tribute band is a lot different than playing in an original band. In some ways it’s easier because you aren’t having to create the music, but at the same time it’s harder because you are trying to emulate somebody else’s music and want to do it justice.

Tell us about one of the hardest challenges you had to face in the industry?
The hardest challenged that I have had to face in the industry is criticism. Whether it comes from your band mates or the audience, you have to be able to listen to someone’s critique, good or bad, and be able to learn from it. Being able to get up on stage and channel the confidence of rock legend Joan Jett is not always an easy thing to do. People can be critical. It’s important to shut out the negative.

What was one of the biggest set backs in your career and how did you bounce back?
Having to learn to be a front person and manage a band for the first time, you are bound to make mistakes. Luckily, there have not been any major setbacks, but more like little bumps in the road. The important thing is that we simply keep moving forward.

What are some things artists need to be careful of?
Artists need to be careful not to sell themselves short. You should go and get all that the world has to offer. Don’t just take what you can get. Go and get more and more!

What suggestions do you have for other artists like yourself?
For other artists like myself that are playing in tribute bands I suggest rocking out for as long as you can until it isn’t fun anymore. When music starts becoming a chore and not a passion, it’s time to move on to something else.

What is one of your favorite ways to promote yourself and your music?
One of my favorite ways to promote The Cherry Bomb is through word-of-mouth. I want audiences to be so enthralled with our performance that they can’t help but talk about it. If our audience has fun at our shows, they are more likely to come back again and bring friends!

Where can people visit you?
www.thecherrybombatlanta.com