Interviews: Coastal Fire

We have had the opportunity to interview the Alternative Rock/Grunge band Coastal Fire from the UK. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1.Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

Ollie: I was walking along one evening and saw the French coast was all red as if it was on fire. I wondered if there was a fire brigade to deal with that and when I got home I checked out Coastal Fire Dept. and noticed there was no such thing. I thought it would be fine having a band name that meant nothing although we have been mistaken for an actual Fire Brigade a few times!

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

Ollie: Well, Bob & I formed the band and we wanted to play harder grungy alt rock music because although it’s not particularly popular it resonated with us. 

3.Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Saad: Ollie and Bobby are from the Vale parish of Guernsey and knew each other a little when forming the band. Saad and Ollie first knew each other as they worked at the same company and Ozzy was known to all band members through gigs, the local music scene and being the drummer for The Risk (iconic local power pop band).

4. Each band member favourite band?

Ollie: We don’t really have any standout favorite bands. We often talk about bands and we all have different favorites but not one big favorite.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Saad: The songwriting process starts with Ollie coming up with ideas and riffs on acoustic guitar, then we jam ideas as a band and see what works and what doesn’t! Most of our songs have the quiet/loud vibe and we try and put our own spin on Grunge/Alt rock from the early 90's. However, bands such as the Pixies, Nirvana, Balance and Composure etc have a massive influence on our sound. Lyrically Ollie tends to write about feelings, observations and some times stories already told (books, films, historic events etc).

6. Where was your last gig?

Saad: Our last big gig was Chaos Festival in Guernsey playing on the mainstage. It's a festival organised by the Greenman bikers in Guernsey and is the biggest rock/metal festival locally. We love playing at Chaos and it's our favorite festival in Guernsey. Bikes, beers and heavy riffs, what more could you want from a festival?

7. Where would you like to play?

Saad: We would like to gig in the UK, and we did have a series of gigs lined up for example at the Hope and Anchor in London, however COVD-19 messed up our plans. Our London gig at the Hope and Anchor has been rescheduled for 27 November which is excellent and we are looking at more UK gigs. We’d also love to play a UK festival or two (big or small)…so if anyone is reading this and wants some grungy alt rock near them next year, hit us up!

8. Who would you like to support?

Ollie: Of the bands still going…maybe a classic 90s guitar band like the Pixies or a more recent band like Violent Soho or Superheaven.

9. Who not?

Ollie: Any boy or girl band or commercialised band or artist!

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright?

Saad: We don’t tend to suffer much with stage fright because we practice hard and regularly. And just before we go on we do have a drink or two to calm any nerves we might have! Our main tip is to practice hard and then practice harder! When gig day arrives enjoy it, take in all the sights and sounds then give it everything you have!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Ollie: We can’t hide the fact we have been heavily inspired by the Pixies, Nirvana, Dinosaur Jr and bands like that but more recently we’ve been inspired by bands like Superheaven, Violent Soho, Balance and Composure, Title Fight, Teenage Wrist, Citizen…bands in that sort of vein!

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Ollie: Well we don’t have that many fans but we do seem to get a few funny requests. Saad once had a girl in the front of the crowd who motioned for him to call him all gig and then waited for him to ask for his number! When Saad said he was in a relationship, the girl said she would wait as long as it takes!

13. What do you think of your fans?

Ollie: We seriously don’t have that many…and we really appreciate every comment and message we get either online, at gigs or even when we are out socially!

14.What do you think of our site?

Saad: It's great and provides exposure for a lot of bands, also the music genres are diverse so there's something for everyone regardless of your musical tastes. We like the countries tab as it's great to discover new and emerging talent in different countries from your own. Also allowing bands to submit a track for a Spotify playlist is good as this can provide bands with an opportunity to get new listeners and fans.

15. Something to add?

Ollie: Thank you for the opportunity to talk about our band and music we really do appreciate it so much. And if anyone out there likes our music or a particular song of ours let us know…we’d love to hear from you!