With the recent release of their debut mini-album (‘Taken Under’) Kent quartet Coastline received a wave of praise for their mix of bold choruses, introspective lyrics and overall tightly-crafted songs. Formed in 2011, Coastline are one of the latest British rock hopefuls and with ‘Taken Under’ they’re certainly a band to look out for in the coming months.
Vocalist/guitarist Simon Gearing recently took some time out to answer our “If I…” questionnaire and told us which legendary classic rock frontman he’d like to perform with, which Blink-182 album he wish he had wrote, who would be part of his dream festival line-up and more.
If I could re-record one song it would be…
Simon Gearing: Fall Out Boy – ‘Sugar We’re Going Down.’
If I could re-live one tour/show it would be…
SG: Our tour with Hildamay last December. Now that was a party.
If I had the chance to play one venue it would be…
SG: It would have to be Wembley Stadium. It’s epic.
If I could play with one band it would be…
SG: Jimmy Eat World.
If I could play with any person living or dead it would be…
SG: It would have to be Freddie Mercury, what a legend.
If I could bring back any band that have split up, it would be…
SG: Every band seems to be getting back together at the moment, but an old favourite of mine would probably be The Police.
If I wasn’t playing music, I would be…
SG: An electrician.
If I could play a different genre it would be…
SG: That’s a tough one, I’d like to give singer/songwriter stuff a go.
If I could have written any song it would be…
SG: Bohemian Rhapsody, that song is mental and a classic.
If I could have written any album it would be…
SG: Blink-182’s ‘Take Off Your Pants and Jacket’ album is one from my youth, with no tracks you skip. Would love to have written that.
If I could headline any festival, it would be…
SG: Reading and Leeds.
If I could organise my own festival, the bands playing would be…
SG: Ohhh, Jimmy Eat World, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Blink-182, Run Kid Run, The Starting Line, Fall Out Boy, The Early November, Kings of Leon and The Lonely Island to add some humour to everything
If I could play any other instrument, it would be…
SG: I think something like the violin or a harp. Something that would take a lot of dedication to master.
If I could give one piece of advice to a new band, it would be…
SG: It would be play shows, shows and then some more shows. Nothing gets you tighter then playing live and it’s the whole reason we do it. Tour as much as you can, and work hard.
‘Taken Under’ by Coastline is available now.