Let's Talk Punk with Coastal Fire Dept.
Interview By Lisa-PunkrPrincess
Punk Globe: Hi guys thanks for chatting with us, can you give us a little band history? Including the current line-up.
CFD: We started about 8 years ago & it’s always been about being in & around the grunge genre…probably moving gently towards the harder side. Ozzy on drums, Saad on bass, Jon on lead guitar, and Ollie on vocals/guitar.
Punk Globe: What are the biggest obstacles for bands?
CFD: Maybe controversial here, there aren’t many obstacles for bands. Getting your music heard on mainstream radio or covered by mainstream media is hard but then again if you are an alternative rock sorta band who cares about mainstream?! Bands can & should aim to go as far as they want, make plans & work hard.
Punk Globe: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
CFD: Ollie is the songwriter (at the mo) and will present finished songs & ideas to the rest of the band and cut those down & down! Out of maybe 40 about 20 get worked on, 10 might get rehearsed/gigged and 8 released! Ollie writes songs about observations, feelings and stories already told.
Punk Globe: What’s new in the recording of your music?
CFD: Fairly recently we changed to recording tight to click track. That has made a big difference.
Punk Globe: What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
CFD: We rehearse once a week but sometimes more if we are going into the studio or have gigs coming up. Setlists are worked out months in advance of gigs and when we have no gigs we work on new material.
Punk Globe: Strangest venue or gig you’ve ever played?
CFD: None really stand out but Jon has played in people’s houses back in the day!
Punk Globe: Tell us about your next shows and why we should be there?
CFD: We have local shows coming up when we’ll be playing a few oldies, and current tracks and will road-test new material. You should be there because it will be sounding big and catchy!
Punk Globe: How do you handle mistakes during a performance?
CFD: Everyone makes mistakes. The majority aren’t noticeable to non-band members and occasionally we may have to improvise! Ha ha!
Punk Globe: What is your dream project?
CFD: We wanna record an album that is strong front to back with absolutely no filler!
Punk Globe: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
CFD: No real big challenges really! The biggest is that we live on a small island and have to fly or catch a boat if we want to gig in the UK. If we lived on the mainland we would gig a lot more!
Punk Globe: Who are some of your favorite artists?
CFD: For us it’s a mix of old and new. Bands like Nirvana & Pixies but also later bands like Violent Soho, Balance & Composure, Title Fight even a little Teenage Wrist. Plus there are loads of under the radar grunge bands we love!
Punk Globe: What has been your most enjoyable song to write? Why?
CFD: The most enjoyable to write are the ones that come along quickly & stick straight away. ‘Don’t Wanna Hold Your Hand’ & ‘Gentleman’ for those categories? Not a lot going on lyrically but the whole feel of those songs is just about right and probably a peek into where we are heading sonically in the future.
Punk Globe: What are your hopes for the band’s near future?
TVG Alex: I’m hoping to play more out of town shows and get back in the studio and pop off a new 7”.
TVG Jerry: Yeah, we’d like to play more out of town for sure. I agree with Alex as far as getting back in the studio. It would be nice to get out west and do some shows, but family and work obligations are a priority, especially family. Always has been with this band.
TVG Billy: Also looking forward to getting out some new material in 2023. We are also being considered for Rebellion Fest in England later this year. We’ll see what happens. Pretty cool to even be considered.
Punk Globe: Any shout-outs you would like to make?
TVG Alex: My girlfriend, Jennifer Lewis. She is also an artist and very supportive of my pursuits.
TVG Billy: Colin Kennedy, SA’s South End Crew, and the Palmeranians. Nothing but support from these guys since Day 1.
TVG Jerry: My wife, Sheri. She has put up with my follies since we met in high school. Long time ago- she has seen the good, the bad, and the ugly and still tolerates my misguided pursuits. God bless her.
Punk Globe: Where can we find band info and music?
TVG Jerry: On all the usual platforms. Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music, YouTube, etc.
Punk Globe: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
CFD: Do it! Work hard, practice hard, make plans, engage within your music community, make friends, connect etc etc. And have fun. For us we really care & concentrate on the music and everything required about that…we laugh or ignore everything else that has no real consequence or out of our control.
Punk Globe: Any shout-outs you would like to make?
CFD: Just wanna thank everyone who has given our music a listen, a play on their radio show, written a review, or added a song to a playlist…you music lovers are what makes it all worthwhile.
Punk Globe: Where can we find your music/merch?
CFD: All our music is on the major music platforms (we always like seeing the following on Spotify!). Music videos are on YouTube. Follow us on Insta or Twitter and we’ll share merch news shortly!
Punk Globe: Thanks for chatting with us. And thanks to all the readers. Rock On!
CFD: No…no thank you for connecting with us! Best wishes to ya!
