Music duo discuss how lockdown has helped diversify their offering
HURLINGHAM MANOR – Kristel Birkholtz and Rory Gaddin of Cherry Pill Band secured positions as finalists in the International Acoustic Music Awards (IAMA).
Local musicians Kristel Birkholtz and Rory Gaddin of Cherry Pill Band recently secured positions as finalists in the International Acoustic Music Awards (IAMA).
The duo from Hurlingham Manor who perform a mix of instrumental, gypsy jazz and French café music said the recognition received through the competition gave them a boost during a tough season in the entertainment industry.
The competition, which is in its 17th year, promotes excellence in acoustic music performance and artistry and entrants are judged based on performance, songwriting, music production and originality.
Cherry Pill Band, featuring Birkholtz on violin and Gaddin on guitar, was selected as one of 10 finalists in the Best Duo Group category with their song The Wheel Keeps Turning [https://youtu.be/OXDNoehUiQg].
Chatting to the Chronicle, the pair spoke about how Birkholtz had been writing music for the past 10 years with them performing at open mic events, markets, year-end functions and shows for just as long.
“Prior to lockdown, we were performing over 70 shows a year, with some covers and some of our own music. Since Covid, we have pivoted into the online space and performed at smaller, more intimate functions and events,” said Gaddin.
Having entered the IAMA’s in the classical genre last year, Birkholtz decided to push the band to enter this year. They are focused on producing independent music, doing their own production and building their own brand and songs.
“Being selected as finalists gave us affirmation that digital is not always a grind and recognition that someone out there is listening,” said Birkholtz.
“Covid gave us time to focus on our music and do some digital learning. We hope to build and learn from this opportunity and will definitely enter again,” said Gaddin.
He added that the pandemic also helped them become aware of different ways of doing music.
“Playing music online from home and watching the chat box was something new and exciting. It also taught us that through online, we can reach people from a broad spectrum,” said Gaddin.
The pair said it had been encouraging to see fellow musicians rallying around each other during the lockdown and no longer just soldiering on their own mission.
Follow them on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @cherrypillband or their YouTube channel Cherry Pill.
