Interview: Coast Modern

Coast Modern is an up-and-coming indie pop duo. The Los Angeles based duo consists of Luke Atlas and Coleman Trapp. The group started after Luke Atlas moved from Seattle, Washington to Los Angeles, California. They started collaborating shortly after where they released their first song – “Hollow Life” – which was released in 2015. We got the opportunity to chat with the two where they told us more about their writing process and what life on the road is like.

TYF: Luke is a Seattle native and Coleman is from L.A., so how did you guys meet and how did you guys come up with the name Coast Modern?
Coast Modern: A mutual friend introduced us in the studio where Coleman was working. We played some tracks and like each other’s vibe, so we started writing. It wasn’t until years later that Coast Modern popped into existence.

TYF: You guys gave received a tremendous amount of success early on your career. What about your music, do you think, attracts such a wide fan base?
Coast Modern: I think it’s not being afraid to be a little weird and different, and we put a lot of ourselves in the music. There’s a freedom that I think people respond to.

TYF: What’s your writing process like?
Coast Modern: We write and record at the same time in Luke’s little home studio. Usually we show up in the morning high on coffee and chat about stuff we’re kicking around. We mess around on a beat or guitar and start humming gibberish until words appear and we pluck them from the ether, recording them while they’re still fresh.

TYF: Any hints as to when fans can expect a full album?
Coast Modern: It’s pretty much done and we can’t wait for people to hear. Early next year sometime.

You guys got the opportunity to tour with The Temper Trap. What’s it like sharing the stage with The Temper Trap and what’s life on the road like?
Coast Modern: The Temper Trap are the coolest collective of dudes we’ve ever run across. They’re so relaxed and authentic, makes sharing the stage a breeze!

TYF: What’s your favorite city you’ve been to so far on tour and why?
Coast Modern: Charleston, South Carolina stands out. Before going there we hadn’t heard anything about it. It had thick old vibes like New Orleans with less stink. Great southern architecture and tons of history all around!

TYF: Any funny or memorable stories from the road that you’d like to share?
Coast Modern: Besides the cities we play in, there are quirky stops all along the way. Driving through Texas we experienced Buc-ee’s. It’s like a truck stop that also serves as a theme park of sorts for Buc-ee the Beaver. They have TONS of Buc-ee merchandise and serve up all kinds of food… but supposedly the bathrooms were the thing to see as they brag about having the largest in the business. It’s so cringe worthy that it actually passes through the other side and becomes charming.

TYF: Besides jamming out, what do you guys like to do while you’re on the road?
Coast Modern: We like exploring. We’re culture hounds always sniffing up some aesthetic experience. Coleman also has a strange dark side where he gravitated towards old cemeteries. There’s something enchanting about seeing 1705 on a stone and reading the person’s name and wondering who they were.

TYF: You guys have already played in large venues such as music festivals. How do you engage your fans during your set?
Coast Modern: We engage with our fans by staring at them directly in the soul and we don’t let them go until they’re all fuzzy inside. Sometimes we flail around to communicate with the people way in the back. Flailing is equal to eye contact.

TYF: Lastly, where’s the best place music lovers can go and check out your music?
Coast Modern: Our music is everywhere! But if we have to name an outlet then by all means check us out on Spotify. They’re good peeps. Give us a jingle on Instagram and Twitter too.