Interview: Tomo of Coast To Coast

Coast To Coast are a pop-punk band from Nagoya, Japan. With the release of their debut EP, Lessons Learned, behind them and an upcoming appearance at Pennsylvania’s Launch Music Conference, the band are looking to make 2016 their biggest year yet, and Legendary Kids Press was able to catch up with Tomo to discuss it all.
How would you describe your sound to those who have never listened to Coast To Coast before?
We’d say our sound is a blend of driving aggression and swelling harmonies; equal parts poppy and fun, and heavy and hard.
How did the band come together?
The band originally came together in 2011, just from the members at the time being in the scene and having a common taste in music. Brent and I started the idea and the band grew to what it is now through meeting new people with better ideas.
Who were your musical influences growing up?
For me, Hit The Lights is one of my favourite bands and, of course, genre-defining bands like Green Day, Blink-182 [and] Sum 41. Everyone has pretty different influences. Brent’s into anyone with a great singing style, as diverse as Memphis May Fire and Justin Bieber (ha); Matty and Lee both love really heavy, brutal stuff most of the time; [and] Yuichi like anything with a good beat (drummer, ha).
How is the music scene in Japan? Is there a lot of support for up-and-coming bands?
The music scene in Japan is tricky. It’s great in certain cities, and could definitely improve in others. As long as up-and-coming bands are out there, make themselves known and try hard to say in the limelight, the fans seem to respond well.
You released your debut EP, Lessons Learned, last year. How has fan reaction been thus far?
Yes! It’s been great. We kind of have a mix of fanbases now: people who’ve liked us since 2011 and more recent fans who are more into the big pop-punk/easycore acts in the scene today. The EP has done well here in Japan. We’re still pushing for more exposure in places like the UK, Europe and the US, though!
Where did the lyrical inspiration for the songs on the EP come from?
From a lot of places. A lot of it is personal to Brent or Matty and what they’ve gone through. Other bits are inspired from philosophical ideals or nostalgia even.
You embarked on a Japanese tour in support of the EP. What would you say were some of the highlights?
Just being able to see new places and faces. Even though Japan is a small country and doesn’t have nearly the amount of cities as the US, bands don’t go cross-country very often. Each city has its own peculiar culture, both in general terms and musically, so it was cool to see that, even as a Japanese guy!
Will you be doing any other tours, possibly in Europe or the US?
We hope to visit Europe ASAP!
The band will be playing Launch Music Conference in Pennsylvania on April 21.
Do you have any word on when we’ll be getting a follow up to Lessons Learned?
We’ve been writing a lot and are wanting to go abroad for the recording process, so we’re shooting for recording in [the] fall/winter of this year, with a release sometime early next year!
Where do you see Coast To Coast in five years?
In five years, we’ll have toured all the place we want to visit (and our homes): Australia, Brazil, Germany and, of course, the US and the UK; working on a new record or touring to support one; living the dream we’re working for.
Any last words?
We just released a new single b-side track from our Lessons Learned EP, which is called “Amiglia”. It and the rest of our discography are all free for download on our website. Also, be sure to follow us on social media!
Thanks! Arigato!
Be sure to follow Coast To Coast on Facebook and Twitter.
