Cape Town band returns with a sun-soaked new single celebrating freedom, solidarity and the power of music to bring people together.
Stream “Friends of Freedom” here
In a world pulling us apart, Cape Town band Cherry Vynil are turning up the volume on connection with their brand-new single, “Friends of Freedom”. Blending infectious indie energy with a sun-soaked, feel-good vibe, the track arrives just ahead of the Southern African summer, bringing a fresh soundtrack to longer days and brighter horizons.
Inspired by an unexpected source — a T-shirt bearing the words “Friends of Freedom” — the song transforms a simple phrase into a call for solidarity. For the band, it’s about looking beyond the labels that divide us and recognising our shared ability, as people and artists, to make the world a better place.
“As artists, we have the ability to change the world for the better,” says the band. “Friends of Freedom is a shout-out, perhaps a plea, a cry… together chasing the sun, rising together as one.”
Arriving just ahead of summer at the southern tip of Africa, “Friends of Freedom” captures the spirit of long, sunlit days, open horizons and shared possibilities. With its infectious indie sensibilities, pop-leaning energy and driving ukulele rhythm, the track delivers a distinctly Southern African summer vibe with a message that reaches far beyond the season.
An Indie Spirit Meets a Southern Summer Sound
Building on the sound established by their previous singles, “Simunye” (2020) and “Lights” (2021), Cherry Vynil set out to preserve the familiar feel of those releases while exploring a more pronounced pop direction.
Once again, the band teamed up with legendary producer Dane Taylor, who worked on both previous projects. Most of the song’s stems were recorded at Katalist Studio with Gideon Murray before being sent to Taylor to work his magic on the final production.
The result retains the band’s indie-rock identity while embracing a brighter, more accessible pop sensibility. One of the track’s distinctive features is its driving ukulele rhythm, which brings an unexpected flavour to the arrangement and adds to the song’s warm, sunlit character.
Released just before summer arrives in Southern Africa, “Friends of Freedom” feels tailor-made for long days, open skies, shared moments and the promise of new beginnings.
Music With a Message
Cherry Vynil have never shied away from using their music to say something meaningful. Their 2020 single, “Simunye,” captured that spirit, earning recognition for its message of unity and social solidarity.
Reflecting on the song, Rhodé Marshall wrote in City Press: “In a time that calls for unity and solidarity in the face of an unprecedented challenge, Cherry Vynil’s ‘Simunye’ reminded me of legendary figures like Johnny Clegg, who used their art to contribute to a better society.”
With “Friends of Freedom,” the band continues that journey, offering a timely reminder that music can transcend boundaries, challenge divisions and create a shared space where people can come together.
More than just a summer single, it is an invitation to look beyond what separates us, celebrate what unites us and move forward together.
Different backgrounds. Different beliefs. One shared humanity. We are all Friends of Freedom.
Stream “Friends of Freedom” here
About Cherry Vynil
Founded in Cape Town in June 2008, Cherry Vynil is an indie rock band whose journey began with a debut performance at the V&A Waterfront shortly after its formation. The band released its debut album, Busking Cape Town, in 2015 and has since built a catalogue of singles that reflect its evolving sound and commitment to meaningful songwriting.
Highlights include “Simunye” (2020), “Lights” (2021) and “Townshipjazz” (2024).
The band comprises Vickus Horn, Jasen Solomon, Christo Loots and Harry Vermaak.
Even the band’s name has a story. When the members were brainstorming ideas, Vickus Horne was inspired by the contrast between the words in the name of a friend’s UK band, Paper Radio. After experimenting with combinations such as “Cherry Velvet” and “Vinyl Cherries,” Cherry Vynil emerged as the clear favourite. When the band’s first logo accidentally featured the unconventional spelling “Vynil,” the members took it as a twist of fate and decided to keep it.
With “Friends of Freedom,” Cherry Vynil continue to build on a sound and a message rooted in connection, optimism and the belief that music can help bring people together.
Listen, Connect and Follow Cherry Vynil
Follow Cherry Vynil on:
LinkTree Profile
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cherryvynil
YouTube www.youtube.com/cherryvynilband
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherryvynilband
