“This project is about creating music that celebrates growing up on the shores of the Great Lakes and embracing the music, artists and the city that we love.” Cities & Coasts is an indie rock and alternative band from Cleveland, Ohio. The band is actually a studio collaboration between Nathan Hedges (Silverlights), Michael Gould (Welshly Arms) & Jimmy Weaver (Welshly Arms). Danielle and I got a chance to see them perform an awesome set at Ottawa’s album release show last month. The band released their debut album in October of 2014 and my favorite tracks include “Sail Into the Sun” and “Don’t Scratch the Vinyl.” Cities & Coasts is playing a ‘Halfway To Summer’ show with Summerays and These Knees at the Happy Dog on Saturday, January 31. Be sure to check out Postcards from the Great Lakes below and get more event details here.
Three words we’d use to describe us are….Hooks, Harmonies & Handclaps
The meaning/story behind our name Cities & Coasts is….We wanted to come up with a name that embraced where we are from & what we like about where we are from, that also fit the vibe of our sound. Growing up and living downtown Chicago & Cleveland on the shores of the Great Lakes = “Cities & Coasts”. It is almost too simple.
We met each other….We all met playing in various bands in and around the Cleveland music scene over the past 10 years. This is a collaboration of good friends that wanted to create music that pays respect to our favorite influences.
The pickiest eater in the band is….None of us are picky eaters. We will eat anything. However, our drummer Mike Gould doesn’t get along with lactose.
The most OCD member is….Probably Nathan Hedges. He get’s worked up over things he can’t control sometimes.
For fun we like to….Play music, go see our friends bands play & have a few beers.
We’re currently listening to….Alt-J, Ryan Adams, Dr. Dog, Stars, Jellyfish, Lana Del Ray, Mogwai, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Smokey Robinson. A lot of 60’s pop.
We find inspiration from….We are obviously influenced by the bands we loved growing up that inspired us to create music. We also find inspiration everyday being working musicians, living in a great city surrounded by so many great local bands and musicians. Having close friends in other bands that are having success pushes us all to want to work a little harder. We all support each other but we kinda have an unspoken friendly competition. It makes us all work harder, which results in some great local bands and music here in the Cleveland music scene.
One thing we want you to remember while listening to our music is….Have fun, enjoy life, and don’t take yourself too seriously. I guess that is three things but it is one sentence.
The member who does most of our writing is….Nathan Hedges. He writes the foundation of all the songs and then we expand upon them together.
Postcards from the Great Lakes was recorded in….Right here in Cleveland Ohio in our good friends studio. It was awesome making a record at home with your close friends. It was the most relaxing and creative environment we could ask for.
If we play another band’s music it’s….Is probably more than 40 years old.
Our craziest or most memorable gig was….NEO cyclefest was pretty great and memorable. Standing on a stage, right on the beach, in the summer time, playing music with your friends. Enough said.
Our last meals would be….Beer. If we knew we were gonna die, we wouldn’t bother eating. We would be out partying.
In the next six months you should expect….To hear a lot more NEW music from us. We are currently in the studio already halfway done with our next album. Stay tuned!
– Victoria
Kryptonite Music Magazine 