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Background
Cherry Monroe have come far in a short period of time. Looking for something big to happen, singer/songwriter Matt Toka hooked up with 3 members of the band Outbound, from the Youngstown, OH / Pittsburgh, PA area, and journeyman guitarist Frankie Bennett to form Cherry Monroe in the spring of 2004. The five band members shared an interest in glam-edged rock and the production work of Butch Walker, former leader of the Marvelous 3 (the creators of "Freak Of the Week").
The group released a self-titled album on local indie label Rust Records in October, 2004 and were soon top 10 in sales in Cleveland, Youngstown, and Pittsburgh. At the end of the year the band signed with Universal Records to prepare for their major label debut.
Sound
Take a foundation of classic guitar-based rock and add a big dollop of glam on top. The glam elements extend from the musical influence of David Bowie to the band's penchant for electric stage performance. It's not surprising that the "Monroe" in the group's name is in homage to film icon Marilyn, not the president James. Big guitar riffs and anthemic choruses are key elements of the Cherry Monroe sound.
On the Horizon
Cherry Monroe's single "Satellites" has been getting good response nationally on radio. Their major label debut album The Good, The Bad, and the Beautiful will be in stores August 16th.
Listen to "Satellites":
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