In a brand new artist spotlight, we chat to Ollie Goddard from Coastal Fire Dept about grunge, and Guernsey.
Tell me about managing L’islet Records, and being in the band – must be hard work?
Not really just gets a bit busy at times! I love music first and foremost so when I put in a few hours it’s all worth it…whether it’s for the label or any of the bands on the roster.
What’s the scene like in Guernsey?
We have a small music scene that caters for all musical tastes. Like all scenes it’s got some amazing talent that really needs to be heard far and wide.
How do you define success as an artist, and as a person? Are they one and the same?
That’s a good question! I don’t think it differs whether it’s as part of a label, a band or me on my own. I measure success on making small achievable goals. And if they all add up, it could be a big success! As part of Coastal Fire Dept. we use 1,000 as our measure of success; 1,000 streams, 1,000 followers etc.
What have you learnedabout yourself since your start in 2013?
Another great question. I’m learning about myself all the time not just from music. I think the biggest thing I have learnt is you need drive, passion and a can do attitude…I think I have more of that now!
What motivates you in life, outside of music?
Hitting targets and milestones plus achieving a truly balanced life. But to be honest it’s mainly music that I am focused on. It’s a counter balance to my heavy day job of advising on laws & regulations!
Tell me about the new single, what does ‘Everything’s Dead’ mean to you?
I realised a while back that modern day society wasn’t going that well. Towns are emptying and communities are struggling. It’s a real shame, community is so so important and I worry about it continuing to disintegrate over time. Everything’s Dead is a reflection on that…I wish I had some answers!
How does your new material, including ‘Come Together’ push you in new ways, beyond 2023’s ‘Outsiders’?
As a band we are working towards getting a little harder sonically as we go and this is the next step. A little looser, a little punkier, a little grittier and a little louder! To get where we want to go means we have to evolve in the studio, songwriting, playing…everything really.
Is there a message for your supporters?
A massive thank you for following and connecting with us. It means so much to us here on a fairly small island in the English Channel! When gigging in the UK we always have an appreciative energetic crowd and we love meeting new people/friends all over. Thank you!
Anything else that I’ve missed today?
Coastal Fire Dept.’s next album is called ‘Bonfire Of Fevoured Egos’ and it’s out in September. Not only have we invented the word fevoured but from our research it will be the shortest ten track grunge album ever released clocking in at just over 21 minutes!! Follow us on Spotify etc and you’ll get to hear it!