Coast Arcade on their debut EP ‘Next To Me’
Already having opened for Aussie legends Teenage Dads, Bootleg Rascal and The Grogans as well as kiwi icons The Beths and Princess Chelsea, the vibrant and energetic indie pop-rock band Coast Arcade have burst onto the music scene with an irresistible sound. Their new EP encapsulates their infectious high-energy live performances, addictive melodies and how they effortlessly embrace authenticity - proving why they are steadily making waves in the Aotearoa scene and beyond.
Known for their high-energy performances, Coast Arcade injects a playful energy into every show they play. Their music is equally as captivating as their live performances, with addictive melodies, driving rhythms, and catchy lyrics, Coast Arcade create an irresistible sound that resonates with audiences long after the show ends. With a growing fanbase and a reputation for delivering unforgettable performances, Coast Arcade is undoubtedly a band on the rise. Since their formation in 2021, Coast Arcade have been steadily making waves in the Aotearoa scene. Their debut EP, "Next To Me," was released in May, drawing attention from both local and international audiences. The EP showcases their versatile songwriting abilities with singles: fast-paced ‘Highest Heights’ ( #2 Hot NZ 20 Singles Chart ), ‘Surf Club’ (#20 Hot NZ 20 Singles Chart), and infectious debut ‘Tattoo’ (#11 Hot 20 NZ Singles Chart). Coast Arcade remains dedicated to pushing boundaries and embracing authenticity. With their infectious energy, powerful melodies, and insightful lyricism, this captivating band is poised to leave a mark on the music scene both in New Zealand and beyond.
Hey guys! Thanks for much for taking the time to chat! First of all, we'd love to know about your musical journey from when you first started making music together?
Thanks for having us, we are big Hype Medium stans. Well, we first started making music together back in 2021 when Bella asked us to play in a band with her. She'd been in a band for the last 4 years competing in Rockquest and that band ended before she had a chance to compete in her final year. So Coast Arcade was a challenge Bella had set for herself to see if she could get a band to the national final in a few short months. She clearly thought we were the guys for the job.
Congrats on your new EP 'Next To Me'! What were you main creative and artistic influences going into this project?
The goal of this EP for us was to capture who Coast Arcade is right now. We want each work we release to be a reflection that we can look back on. The EP reflects where we are now as a teenage band that started in high school. It discusses friendships, love, being annoyed, and all things that come with being young. We wanted to make sure this project really captured our energetic and bright sound to really get across the vibe of the EP.
We absolutely love 'Highest Heights'! What's the concept behind this track and the inspiration behind it?
Thank you so much! We are stoked with how it has been received. I (Bella) got the idea for this song while sitting in an airport waiting to fly down to Hawke’s Bay to see family. I'm sure everyone has experienced the airport phenomenon where suddenly every young person your age in the airport is super attractive and you start fanticizing about the what if's. What if they are on my plane? What if we are sitting next to each other? And on and on. The sappy lyrics in ‘Highest Heights’ are done with purpose, to make the song sound a little overdramatic and very teenage haha.
'Next To Me' is another one of our faves! What was the writing and production process like for this track?1 response
‘Next To Me’ is one of our personal favourites to play. It's our fastest song yet and so much fun to play live. We just wanted something that captured the more pop-punk side of us and ‘Next To Me’ is definitely that tune! Our goal was loud noise and that's absolutely what we got! Bella writes all of our songs so when she brought it to us, we were both excited and terrified of playing this song live, especially Thom with those drums.
What were some of your main highlights made throughout the journey of making this EP?
Just the process of creating something with your mates. Going into the studio together, driving home late listening to updated bounces of the songs, excitedly staying till 12 am to see your song release. Every small milestone was a big success for us and we can't believe that something we've created is out in the world.
Who are some of your favourite NZ artists right now and are there any songs in particular that you especially love?
We are massive fans of Kiwi music. The Beths are our all-time faves. At the moment we've been listening to lots of Park Rd and their new single 'Ride', Wet Denim's 'As They Come' and so much more.
What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt in your career so far, and what advice do you have for other artists out there?
Don't sit and wait for opportunities to come to you - create those opportunities. You want to record and release a single? Do it. You want to play a show? Do it. You could sit and wait around for someone to make it happen but that could take years. I hate to quote Nike but literally just do it. That's all you have to do haha.
Lastly, if you could say one thing to every person in the world, what would it be?
Not sure, listen to Coast Arcade? Hahahaha.
Thanks heaps Coast Arcade! Make sure to keep up with them on Instagram, Facebook, Spotify or Apple Music.
