Interviews: 53 West

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Country Rock band 53 West, from England. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name — was it planned or did it just come out like that?

Naming the band became its own mini‑saga. We spent what felt like months throwing ideas around, overthinking every option, and getting nowhere. Then our band photographer casually dropped “53 West” into the conversation, and it just clicked. It turns out 53° West is the longitude line that runs through our hometown of Wigan, so the name felt rooted, authentic, and connected to where our story began. Sometimes the best ideas come from outside the rehearsal room.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

For us, it’s always been about the storytelling. Country music has this rare ability to make you feel like you’re living inside someone else’s memories for three and a half minutes. You can instantly connect with the emotion behind the lyrics, heartbreak, joy, nostalgia, resilience and that’s exactly the kind of music we want to create. It’s honest, it’s human, and it brings people together in a way few genres can.

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

53 West actually started as a simple two‑piece: vocals and guitar. But after one rehearsal, it was obvious the songs needed a full band to breathe properly. We rang Andy, someone both Dans had played with for years, and he jumped straight in on bass. Then came the hunt for a drummer, which led us to Chris. He gelled with us instantly, and from that point on, the lineup felt complete. Within weeks, we were writing, arranging, and shaping the sound that would become 53 West.

4. Each band member’s favourite band?

Daniel F (Vocals & Rhythm Guitar) — Meatloaf

Dan B (Lead Guitar) — Luke Combs

Andy B (Bass) — Fleetwood Mac

Chris W (Drums) — Tom Petty

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Honestly, inspiration comes from absolutely anywhere. Sometimes it’s a single line someone says in passing. Sometimes it’s a title scribbled in a phone note. Other times it’s a breaking news story, a moment at a gig, a personal memory, or someone we’ve loved and lost. We don’t limit ourselves. If it sparks an emotion, it can become a song.

6. Where was your last gig?

We had the honour of headlining Saturday night at the Wafsville Country Music Festival. The energy, the crowd, the atmosphere, it was one of those nights that remind you exactly why you do this.

7. Where would you like to perform?

Ask any country artist this, and you’ll probably get the same answer: The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. It’s the heartbeat of country music, and stepping onto that stage would be a dream come true.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Working with artists like Luke Combs, Megan Moroney, or Chris Stapleton would be unreal. Their songwriting, their voices and their presence. Having any of them on a track would be a milestone for us.

9. Whom not?

We’re genuinely open to collaborating with anyone. It might sound like the safe answer, but every artist brings their own flavour, experience, and creativity. Collaborations push you, challenge you, and help you grow. If someone’s passionate about the music, we’re all in.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Stage fright hits everyone at some point. The best cure we’ve found is practice and not just musical practice, but simulating the gig environment. We’ve rehearsed in the dark, played to photos of crowds on an iPad, and made absolute fools of ourselves in front of each other. It helps you get comfortable being uncomfortable.

Most importantly: mistakes happen. Forgetting a capo, missing a cue. It’s all part of the journey. Laugh about it, learn from it, and move on.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

We’re inspired by the artists who can tell a story so vividly you feel like you’ve lived it yourself, the ones who pour everything into their lyrics and put on unforgettable live shows. Those are the musicians who set the bar for us.

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

We once had someone ask if we could sign their cowboy boot while they were still wearing it. Not the pair, just the one. They stuck their leg up, nearly toppled over, and insisted it would bring them “country luck.” We still have no idea what that means, but we signed it anyway.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Our fans are the heartbeat of this whole thing. They show up, sing loudly, share our music, and make every gig feel like a family reunion. We’re constantly blown away by their support, whether it’s someone driving hours to see us or someone sending a message saying a song helped them through something. We don’t take any of it for granted.

14. What do you think of our site?

Your site does a brilliant job of championing emerging artists and giving bands like us a platform to share our story. It’s clear you care about the music and the community around it, and that kind of support makes a huge difference.

15. Something to add?

Just a massive thank you to everyone who’s been part of our journey so far. We’ve got new music, new shows, and a lot of exciting things on the horizon, and we can’t wait to share them. If you see us at a gig, come say hello! We’re always up for a chat, a photo, or signing another cowboy boot.

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