I'm With the Band: Nasty Cherry

"I'm with the Band: Nasty Cherry" is a uniquely refreshing and riveting Netflix original reality series that was first aired in 2019. This exhilarating six-part docuseries delves into the backstage world of the music industry, providing an up-close and personal look at the challenging journey embarked upon by the all-female indie pop band, Nasty Cherry.

The premise of the show is masterminded by Charli XCX, a highly successful British pop singer-songwriter known for her edgy anthems and collaborations with renowned names within the music industry. Channeling her experience and knowledge of the industry, Charli formed Nasty Cherry, handpicking four women - Gabriette Bechtel, Chloe Chaidez, Georgia Somary, and Deborah Knox-Hewson - who each brought their unique talents and personality to create this bold, new band.

"I'm with the Band: Nasty Cherry" hones in not merely on the formation of the group, but also on the gritty perseverance needed to keep it together. The series begins with Charli XCX's pitch and subsequently immerses the audience into the riveting journey of what it takes to create a successful band from scratch. It chronicles Nasty Cherry's trials and tribulations as bandmates navigate through their intense bootcamp-like training period, and teeters on the edge of making their big breakthrough.

The series offers a candid and exciting glimpse into the various aspects of band life, including the gruelling practice sessions, the power dynamics, the creative joys and challenges of songwriting, the weighty demands of performance rehearsals, and the mental and emotional stresses tied to the music industry. The four women are often seen living together in a house that is part home, part band camp, part recording studio, where they rehearse and record their music. Their confines, a house in Los Angeles, serves as a potent backdrop where their bond is tested on multiple instances.

The members of Nasty Cherry bring an incredible mix of backgrounds and talents to the table. Gabriette Bechtel, the lead vocalist, is a former model with a charming voice. Chloe Chaidez is the experienced member, already the lead singer of her own rock band called “Kitten”. Georgia Somary, the bassist, was previously a set decorator, while drummer Deborah Knox-Hewson was a friend of Charli XCX and an experienced drumming tutor.

The show vividly narrates how each member must confront their own insecurities and navigate interpersonal relationships to pave their path within the band. It's a true depiction of the emotional and mental toll that comes as part of the package of being a pop star, building an engaging narrative around the highs and lows of the music business. The series also highlights the less glamorous and often unseen aspects of the music world, offering an unaffected, raw view of the creative process.

Fueled by Charli XCX's vision and mentorship, the clashes and loving friendships, the intense work ethic and the heartwarming instances of camaraderie make "I'm with the Band: Nasty Cherry" a thrilling roller coaster ride. It challenges the stereotypical glamorous depiction of what it means to be a pop star, proving that beyond the glitz and glamour, there's a lot of sweat, tears, resilience, and emotional strength.

The series holds particular appeal for fans of Charli XCX and those keen on learning about the nitty-gritty of the music world. While at its core, it’s about the formation of a band, it's also a series about friendship, resilience, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of a shared dream. "I'm with the Band: Nasty Cherry" is an immersive journey that brings the audience along on Nasty Cherry's quest from obscurity to stardom, providing a rare inside look at the making of a pop band in the contemporary music landscape.