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L.A.’s Dynamic Duo: Coast Modern

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Nothing says good vibes quite like L.A. We can’t put our fingers on it, but there’s something about the Los Angeles duo Coast Modern’s upbeat warm sound and lighthearted quirky lyrics that reminds us that warmer days are right around the corner. Although Luke Atlas and Coleman Trapp have only been working together as Coast Modern for just over a year, they’ve undoubtedly captured a wave. Their first single “Hollow Life” is already pushing 1 million streams on Spotify, and they’re keeping that momentum going with their second single Animals”. Lucky for us, Coast Modern took some time out of their busy SXSW schedule to discuss their sound, future moves, and the roller coaster year they’ve had so far.

“Our music is like dropping a two-ton Mentos into an Olympic-sized swimming pool full of Diet Coke.”

How did the two of you meet and when was Coast Modern officially formed?

We were introduced by a mutual friend and soon after got a gig making rap music for NASA that teaches kids Newtonian physics. We vibed well during that process, so we kept writing together for other projects. It wasn’t until the beginning of last year, tired of trying to please everyone but ourselves that we realized we could make our own project. Coast Modern came out of those first few songs we sat down to write.

How would you describe the music you make?

Our music is like dropping a two-ton Mentos into an Olympic-sized swimming pool full of Diet Coke.

There’s a certain airiness and ease to your sound. It feels like you guys have caught a wave and it’s really effortless and unforced right now … does this sound like a somewhat accurate assessment?

Yeah that’s a great way to put it. When it feels like we’re manhandling a particular idea too hard, that’s when we take a step back and look at the big picture. Usually the best stuff hits us in an instant when we’re just messing around.

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The song “Hollow Life” is ridiculously catchy – how did the song come about and what message is the song trying to communicate?

Hollow Life came at a time when we were disenchanted with the music industry “game,” and culture of fame and money over art and substance. We’re playing with the fantasy of reaching a place in the sun with dirt and water and friends and moments of real human interaction.

When did you first know you had a potential hit on your hands with “Hollow Life?”

I don’t think we could have predicted the reaction, but in the studio we definitely felt some great vibes tingling around the edges of the song. It felt true to us, so maybe it’d be true for others.

What are the expectations you have for your new single “Animals?”

The reaction to “Hollow Life” was such a surprise to us that if “Animals” is just out in the world being appreciated by people we dig, that’s cool with us. It’s already above and beyond our expectations.

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“The album is going to be like surfing a surreal tidal wave.”

The anticipation is currently at fever pitch for your debut album. Are you feeling the pressure and what can the fans expect from it?

That’s a fun feeling… it’s a pleasant pressure. The album is going to be like surfing a surreal tidal wave with different effigies of the past and future popping out of the water left and right before you glide into the sand. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll paddle back out for more.

SXSW can be a bit of madhouse for the uninitiated. What was your experience like playing there this year?

Before our first show our label dude took us aside and whispered, “Embrace the chaos.” That’s a perfect way to frame what went down in Austin. We had our first shows ever as Coast Modern, so to feel people in the audience reacting in such an energetic and visceral way was amazing. We also consistently hit 20k steps per day running around, meeting people, doing this and that on the way to this and that. Sprinkle in some BBQ and cliff diving into the creek and that’s a pretty good summary.

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You’re currently based in Los Angeles – would you say that your surroundings reflect the music you create?

LA absolutely influences our sound, but it’s trickled in more of subconsciously. In some ways the city’s lack of overbearing history or central geographical hub lend a certain lightness and freedom to living and creating here (OK the weather doesn’t hurt either). It feels like everything is possible, and we try to bring that into our music. Anything goes as long as it feels real and stimulates us on a personal level.

What would you say is the absolute best thing about making your music on your own terms and receiving the overwhelming response you’ve gotten?

I guess it’s proof that Mr. Rogers was right… being yourself is where it’s at. There’s so much less anxiety when it’s not about trying to please anyone and fit in with what’s cool, but trusting that the fountain is somewhere deep inside and it’s infinite.

To hear Coast Modern’s latest tracks, check out their soundcloud and follow them on Instagram: @coastmodernmusic


All clothing shown is from the O.N.S SS 16 Collection currently available at 71 Greene Street, Soho.

 


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