Denver indie pop duo Cherokee Social turn grief, remembrance, and fearless living into a shimmering new single.
Denver-based indie pop duo Cherokee Social have released their heartfelt new single, “Maya,” a dreamy, emotionally charged tribute to frontman Julian Navarro‘s late mother. Blending shimmering guitars, soaring vocal harmonies, and deeply personal storytelling, the song celebrates a life filled with joy, courage, and meaningful connections.
Inspired by memories of his mother’s fearless approach to life, “Maya” explores the emotions of losing someone while holding onto the moments that made them unforgettable.
Cherokee Social Find Beauty in Remembrance on “Maya”
Candles glowing across a front lawn, neighbours dancing beneath the open sky, and a cherished voice that follows you everywhere you go. These vivid memories form the emotional foundation of “Maya,” a song that honours the full circle of a life lived with an open heart.
“Maya is a consequence of getting older and realizing that so many of us are afraid to be ourselves and remembering how my Mom used to live before she passed away,” says Navarro. “Maya is about the full circle of somebody’s life.”
That spirit of fearless, open-hearted living shines through the chorus, transforming a joyful memory into an invitation to embrace life without hesitation.
A One-Session Recording With Powerful Vocal Harmonies
Remarkably, Cherokee Social recorded “Maya” in a single session at their home studio, using Ableton, one microphone, a guitar, and a bass.
“We recorded this song in a single session at our home studio with Ableton, one microphone, a guitar, and a bass,” says guitarist Alex Creighton.
The song’s towering vocal harmonies became its defining feature, with Navarro layering his voice across multiple registers to create an ethereal, almost choir-like sound.
As Navarro explains, “the vocal stacks fit perfectly for the theme of transitioning from life into death.”
Navarro produced the single and performed vocals and bass, while Creighton contributed the shimmering guitar work. Vince Chiarito mixed the track, and Tyler Lindgren handled mastering.
At its emotional centre, “Maya” captures the fear of losing the sound of a loved one’s voice, turning a deeply personal experience into a universal reflection on memory, family, and connection.
Meet Cherokee Social: Denver’s Indie Pop Duo
Navarro, who is Cherokee, began playing drums at just three years old before expanding into bass, vocals, guitar, and music production. Growing up in Baltimore’s music scene helped shape his musical identity before a move to Denver inspired a new creative chapter.
There, he transformed his earlier project, Faceless Ones, into Cherokee Social and welcomed guitarist Alex Creighton into the lineup.
Together, the duo combine nostalgic warmth, reverb-drenched guitars, and modern indie pop melodies, guided by their playful philosophy of “old waves meet new ways.”
Their momentum has continued to grow since selling out their first Denver headlining show in January 2024. They have since shared stages with Macy Gray and Fitz and the Tantrums.
In summer 2025, Cherokee Social embarked on a six-week West Coast journey through California and Washington, drawing inspiration from the landscapes, experiences, and people they encountered.
Those adventures helped inspire their debut EP, The Garden, a collection of energetic indie pop songs filled with reverb and personal meaning.
Cherokee Social Continue Their 2026 Tour
“Maya” marks another exciting chapter for Cherokee Social as the Denver indie pop duo continue their extensive North American tour.
Following performances across the Midwest and East Coast, the band will bring their energetic live show to cities throughout the Southeast, Pacific Northwest, and California before wrapping up with a hometown celebration at Denver’s Lost Lake on November 20, 2026.
Cherokee Social – Remaining 2026 Tour Dates
- October 15 – Philadelphia, PA – Nikki Lopez
- October 18 – Washington, DC – Pearl Street Warehouse
- October 19 – Norfolk, VA – The Annex
- October 20 – Raleigh, NC – Kings
- October 21 – Salisbury – Shugs
- October 22 – Orlando, FL – Will’s Pub
- October 23 – Tampa, FL – New World Music Hall
- October 25 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade (Altar)
- October 31 – Susanville, CA – Diamond Mountain Casino
- November 4 – Eugene, OR – John Henry’s
- November 5 – Portland, OR – Kelly’s Olympian
- November 6 – Seattle, WA – BYC
- November 9 – Seattle, WA – Fun House
- November 12 – Sacramento, CA – Rink Studios
- November 13 – Los Angeles, CA – The Three Clubs
- November 15 – San Diego, CA – Banshee Bar
- November 17 – Salt Lake City, UT – The DLC at Quarters
- November 20 – Denver, CO – Lost Lake
With its soaring harmonies and deeply personal message, “Maya” offers a moving reminder to celebrate the people we love and the memories they leave behind.
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