Cherry Pill

Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Cherry Pill sound is a blend of musical styles ranging from acoustic folk to upbeat pop rock, with strong influences from classical and jazz music. Thoughtful lyrics and sweet vocal harmonies are underpinned by the soaring melodies of Kristel's classically-trained violin playing and Rory's blues and rock-infused guitar licks.

Cherry Pill was originally formed in early 2004, along with bassist Richard Bodkin, drummer Grant Strugnell and keyboardist and vocalist Margot Kelly. Together the group performed in various clubs around Johannesburg, and were also finalists in the RP Studios Emerging Sounds competition in 2004. Since those early beginnings, the band's music has grown and transformed into a blend of musical styles ranging from acoustic folk to upbeat pop rock, with strong influences from classical and jazz music, as well as influences as diverse as Sting, Massive Attack, Lauryn Hill and Sarah McLaughlin.

The culmination of this musical evolution is their début album in late 2014 titled Chocolate Box, featuring drummer Wynand van der Walt and bassist Cesare Cassarino. Multi-instrumentalist Anthony Caplan also makes an appearance on the exotic "Sahara", playing the Udu (clay drum) and Kundi (a harp-like stringed instrument from Central Africa).

In 2015, Cherry Pill have had the opportunity to perform their songs at MIDEM in Cannes. It was on this trip to France that founding members Kristel and Rory met and collaborated with pianist Tshepo Monareng and bassist Thabang Malete and included them in into the band line-up. Drummer Warren Knocker adds his powerful sense of rhythm to complete the overall sound that is unique to Cherry Pill.

A metaphor for life - Cherry Pill mixes the sweet and joyful with the bitter moments to create a rich experience full of twists and turns. It is a band for sophisticated music lovers who appreciate music that tells a story.