Nashville’s alternative scene has another band making serious noise. Pop-punk outfit Cherry Vance is kicking off a new chapter with their latest single, “better,” an emotionally charged track that pairs nostalgic pop-punk energy with a modern alternative edge.
Self-produced by the band and recorded at Nashville’s East Iris Studios, “better” dives into the complicated space between heartbreak and hope. While the song begins in the aftermath of a breakup, its story isn’t necessarily about accepting the end. Instead, Cherry Vance explores what it means to love someone through their lowest moments while still believing they can grow into the person you know they’re capable of becoming.
“‘Better’ is about loving someone through their darkest moments and holding onto hope that they’ll choose to become the better person you know they can be,” the band shares. “Even though the song opens with a breakup, it’s really about not wanting that goodbye to be permanent.”
That emotional push and pull sits at the center of the track, with hard-hitting instrumentation giving weight to lyrics rooted in longing, reconciliation and the difficult decision to hold onto hope. The result feels familiar enough to appeal to longtime pop-punk fans while establishing a sound distinctly suited for today’s alternative landscape.
Comprised of Liv Haynes, Jude Maloy, Gigi Haynes and Dom Toso, Cherry Vance has already been building momentum throughout Nashville and beyond. Recently praised by the Nashville Scene, the band has shared stages with Slow Pulp, Cameron Whitcomb, and Josiah and the Bonnevilles, while becoming a familiar presence at Nashville’s Emo Night and Grunge Night events. They’ve also performed at Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival and are set to join Ian McConnell for select tour dates this September.
Behind Cherry Vance is a lineup with an impressive amount of live experience. Liv and Gigi were the youngest touring act on the 2018 Vans Warped Tour and later returned for its 25th anniversary alongside pop-punk heavyweights including blink-182, Simple Plan and Good Charlotte. They also toured the UK with Bowling for Soup and Simple Plan. Jude, meanwhile, is a four-time performer at Nashville’s legendary Bluebird Cafe, sharing the stage with some of the city’s respected songwriters.
Those experiences come together in Cherry Vance, where the nostalgic spirit of pop-punk meets the band’s own contemporary alternative identity.
With “better,” Cherry Vance offers another glimpse into the sound shaping this next chapter. As the band prepares for a busy fall filled with touring and new music, “better” positions the rising Nashville group as one to keep on your radar.
“better” by Cherry Vance is available now on all streaming platforms.
