A chat with Nocturnal Coast
NSGs Sophie Gossage sits down with Liverpool band Nocturnal Coast to talk about their new single titled ‘Dance’, their favourite venues, and what it’s like to be back playing live again after so long!
SG: Where did the name Nocturnal Coast come from?
NC: The name of the band was inspired by a couple of films. Firstly I’d like to start off with the fact that the film Nocturnal Animals resonated with me on such a level personally, that I wrote a collection of songs entitled Nocturnal shortly after the film came out. The name Nocturnal Coast mainly came from the fact that when I never used to be able to sleep, I would walk down the coast near where I live and write my lyrics there. – Luke (Frontman)
SG: If you had to describe the bands sound in three words what would they be?
NC: Ambivert moonlight synergy- All the lids
Nocturnal Coast, Credit: Billy Vitch
SG: How did it feel to play your first live show back?
NC: Our first live show was in Alexander’s in Chester which was a lot of fun but our first show in Liverpool was in our second home The Jacaranda, it was an awesome night and it also helped that we sold out the gaff. It was just great to be back in our hometown with such amazing people coming to support our music and have a top class night. It was amazing to be back after such a long time! – Alex (Drummer)
SG: Favourite venue in Liverpool?
NC: The Jacaranda- Joe (Bassist) The original Zanzibar was my favourite and I hope that when it opens again it still has the same spirit it once had and supports lots of local unsigned talent, RIP Tony Butler- Alex o2 Academy 2, we only gigged there once but the acoustics were amazing. Would love to do it again- David (Lead Guitar)
SG: Your latest single ‘Dance‘ has a definite 80s feel to it, especially with those chorusy guitars, how did this song come about in terms of writing it and choosing a sound palette for it, and can we expect more 80s dancey tunes from you guys soon?
NC: I had originally written ‘Dance‘ as a poem in June 2019, and had the intention of keeping it as a poem. During a practice in January 2020, Alex, our drummer started playing this really cool slick beat (later becoming the beat to Dance) and Joe came up with a boss bass line to go with it, so when I had the chords down, I told the rest of the lads to bring their usual charm to the table, and away we went. I just knew the lyrics had finally found a home. I do believe our new song has been created because of Dance, but with a twist. I guess we will wait and see what people think – Luke
Nocturnal Coast
SG: What’s the best place for food after a night out?
NC: Nabzys- JoeI’d like to say Nabzys as well coz I walk past it on the way home to my flat after every night out and it seems to have this gravitational pull on me but I’d also like to give Burger King an honourable mention coz they’ve changed the game with all this vegan stuff!- Alex My house. I make amazing midnight food- David
SG: Who would you say your biggest musical inspiration is?
NC: Rush. They appeal to nerds like me and make amazing music while they’re at it- David the Beatles- AlexDavid Bowie- Joel grew up with my dad playing piano and guitar, and attempting to teach me, and show me music, but it wasn’t until I was a young teenager that I discovered the likes of Blur, The Strokes, The Doors, and many others. I’d say if I had to name a musician, I’d say Damon Albarn is my biggest inspiration. His attention to observational lyricism and silly melodies are my honourable mentions. – Luke
Nocturnal Coast, Credit:Billy Vitch
SG: How did the lockdowns affect your motivation or ability, positively or negatively, to write and play music?
NC: During Lockdown, I had the choice of putting things on hold, or developing our new sound. Personally, I found the great motivation to write. I was obsessed with people on their phones and the idea that we were already in lockdown because of them. I wrote a collection of songs and sent them to the rest of the band who added their parts and changed some things, and now we play the majority of these songs live and will hopefully have them all recorded soon. I’m glad we were quite proactive during it all, and I don’t think it’s silly of me to say I’m proud of us all.
SG: What’s your favourite gig you’ve been to in Liverpool?
NC: John Grant at the Phi- Joe Paul McCartney- The Echo Arena- Alex Mac Demarco in Mountford Hall, 2019- David
SG: What’s a song you secretly love but are ashamed to tell people?
NC: Don’t, by Ed Sheeran is a banger, I know people like to skit Ed but he did proper graft until he made it big and the guy can write some tunes not only for himself but for other artists too so I do respect the guy, plus he’s nice to listen to all chilled in the bath hahaha- Alex It’s got be a bit of Doja Cat but to be honest I’m not that ashamed the songs are sick- Joe Literally any song I still likely Avenged Sevenfold. 16 year old emo me never truly died- David
Nocturnal Coast
SG: Best album of 2021 so far?
NC: W.L.- The Snuts- Alex, Blue weekend – Wolf Alice- Joe, Royal Blood- Typhoons- David
Many thanks for the interview guys!
To follow the band on social media, click on the links in pink below!
