As the voice of British metal band, Defences, Cherry Duesbury has helped carve out a space in the UK’s modern metal scene for woman of colour. On stage, she’s a force to be reckoned with. Offstage, there’s an openness and sharp self-awareness that makes her just as compelling to talk to as she is to watch perform. It was a pleasure to sit down with her and talk about her journey so far, the realities of building a career in metal as a woman of colour, and the person behind the powerful voice.