We have been hearing some wonderful things about a Bristol based quintet going by the name of COASTS recently, so much so, we wanted to find out more.
They recently released THIS LIFE which was produced and written with Dan Bryer (Rag ‘N’ Bone Man, Niall Horan), Tim Larcombe (Lana Del Ray) and Duncan Mills (The Vaccines, Jake Bugg). This is the follow-up to their hugely successful 2016 debut album.
They will be embarking on a massive 38-date nationwide UK tour in September/October 2017 to showcase tracks from the new album and entertain the masses with their most lively and energetic shows to date.
We caught up with vocalist Chris Caines to chat about life on the road, their plans after the tour and what three items they cannot live without....
You're heading out on a 38 date live tour of the UK in Sept/Oct, I take it this is the largest tour you've ever done?
I think it is, although we have done 19 shows in a row before so we are not adverse to a busy schedule!
How are you planning on staying sane on the road?
I don't think there's a drop of sanity left in this band.
Are you in a tour bus or will you be in hotels every night?
We are doing hotels on this tour because the distances are tiny between each place. It wouldn't have made sense to have a bus.
Will it be full on rock n' roll every night or do you think you'll need some rest days to calm things down a bit?
We like to have a party but I'll definitely have to keep a check on myself. I would hate to lose my voice!
What 3 items can't you live without whilst on tour?
Gin, tonic water and limes.
You're playing some pretty iconic venues on the tour, any that you're looking forward to more than others?
We love playing shows no matter the venue size or how well known they are. It's all the same to us. It's much more about the connection between them and our music.
You literally cover the entire country, do you find that the crowds react differently to your music depending on where you play?
A little bit. There are loads of factors, like the day of the week, that can sometimes play a part. It differs much more from country to country.
I have seen multiple posts on Facebook about 'This Life' and the tour (which is selling very well), who covers all of your social media campaigns (as they're doing a fab job!)
Our label is a small independent called High Time. They do everything themselves.
Your album reached number 17 in the official album chart, how does this make you feel? Who would you like to thank in getting it there?
We feel really fortunate that we have a fan base that cares about us and that has stuck with us over the last few years. We want to continue to grow. The chart number is a point from which we want to kick on.
Please would you describe a typical live show (if there is such a thing?)
Our live shows are just a huge celebration of life. We put absolutely everything into it and so it's a show full of energy!
What will be the first thing you do when you wake up the morning after the last show in Nottingham?
Go back to sleep!
Please tell us the name of a band or act that you're into at the moment and why we should take time to listen to them?
There's a band called Mulan that have been releasing some really interesting stuff over the past year or so. I'm looking forward to seeing what they do next. It's a blend of soulful, almost r&b vocals over jerky guitars and wobbly electronics.
What's been the most rock n' roll thing that you've ever done?
I don't think there is really any room for that sort of stuff anymore. Some recent bands have done it and everyone just thinks they're idiots rather than rockstars. We don't feel the need to prove how 'rock n roll' we are.
What are your views on streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music?
There are pros and cons. Ultimately they have sprung up because they had to after pirating. The industry will figure it all out and hopefully redistribute the wealth a bit more fairly.
Lastly, tell me about any embarrassing moments you might have had whilst on stage
I'm pretty clumsy to be honest so I've had quite a few. I once threw a broken tambourine into the crowd thinking that everyone knew I was going to. One girl was on her phone and not looking and it hit her between the eyes. It was her fault for not watching the show though...
We thought it was only fair to turn up the heat a little and put Chris on the spot, we sat him down and rolled out the famous quickfire questions....
Coffee or Tea? Tea
Coca Cola or Pepsi? Coca Cola
Sid Vicious or Jonny Rotten? Sid Vicious
CD or Vinyl? Vinyl
Car or Motorbike? Car
Acoustic or electric? Electric
Shower or Bath? Shower
Noel Fielding or Mary Berry? Noel
Digestive or Hob Nob? Hob Nob
Tattoos or Piercings? Piercings
God or Google? Google
COASTS will play the following dates on their 2017 tour (tickets available HERE)
September 15 Aberdeen, Scotland - The Tunnels
September 16 Edinburgh, Scotland - Liquid Rooms
September 17 Glasgow, Scotland - The Garage
September 18 Carlisle, England - The Brickyard
September 19 Sunderland, England - Indiependent
September 20 Newcastle, England - Riverside
September 21 York, England - Fibbers
September 22 Sheffield, England - Leadmill
September 23 Manchester, England - Sound Control
September 25 Liverpool, England - Studio 2
September 26 Stoke, England - The Exchange
September 27 Gloucester, England - Guild Hall
September 28 Cardiff, Wales - Clwb Ifor Bach
September 30 Bath, England - Moles
October 1 Oxford, England - The Bullingdon
October 2 Southampton, England - Joiners
October 3 Plymouth, England - The Underground
October 4 Southend, England - Chinnerys
October 5 London, England - Electric Ballroom
October 8 St Albans, England - The Horn
October 9 Hitchin, England - Club 85
October 10 Bedford, England - Esquires
October 11 Cambridge, England - Cambridge Junction
October 12 Leicester, England - The Cookie
October 13 Coventry, England - Kasbah
October 15 Leamington, England - Zyphyr
October 16 Norwich, England - Arts Centre
October 17 Peterborough, England - Met Lounge
October 18 Birmingham, England - Mama Roux's
October 19 Hastings, England - Brass Monkeys
October 20 Brighton, England – The Haunt
October 22 Reading, England - Sub 89
October 23 Leeds, England - Church
October 25 Lincoln, England - The Platform
October 26 Exeter, England - Cavern
October 27 Guildford, England - Boiler Room
October 30 Nottingham, England - Glee
COASTS are
Chris Caines – Vocals
Liam Willford – Guitar
James Gamage – Bass
David Goulbourn – Keyboards
Ben Street - Drums
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