High Fade – Fur Coat

By starrymag | December 5, 2023

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) You’ve been described as a “funk rock” band, but how would you describe your sound?

 

A) Our sound is hard to tie down to any genre, so many switch ups, a lot of old school and a lot of what has never been done before! It’s really hard for us to tie it to a genre. We don’t think funk rock does it justice!

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Calvin and Harry both are into metal. Oli is into a lot of reggae, dub, jazz and we all love funk, disco, prog, classic rock and a lot of jazz fusion, too!

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Fur Coat.”

 

A) “Fur Coat” was the fastest song we’ve written – a super catchy pop driven funk banger. It’s got that GAP band vibe to it. It came out of busking just messing around and then we had a rehearsal and finished it in around twenty minutes over a pot of coffee! That seems to be our favorite way to write songs!

 

Q) You’ve said that “Fur Coat” is one of your favorite songs to play live. What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) “Fur Coat” is such a driving tune. The fans love it live and there’s a lot of audience interaction in there, too. It’s super easy to sing along to, mixed with that blend of hard rock, proggy stabs and funk groove.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics? 

 

A) Our song writing process usually comes off the back of an eight-hour long jams, busking, soundcheck jams or just humming lines to each other after a show! Lyrics usually come after the music. Sometimes at the same time or we’ll find a line we like and run with it – everyone just spit balling until we’ve got something that we feel works.

 

Q) The band is famed for their videos that go viral. Is this an intentional goal for the band or have you just been coming up with catchy/funny/fun videos that just happen to be liked by so many other people?

 

A) The videos going viral are a byproduct of enjoying what we do. Harry does social media. It’s his bag, to be honest. We all love replying and speaking to our fans. It’s the easiest way to be in touch with the people who genuinely care about your music and shows. We never “aim” to go viral. We just stay consistent and always have a good time in our videos. We love filming shows and playing for an audience, so the two kind of go hand in hand.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) Once we’re back from touring with The Cat Empire and Snarky Puppy. We’re going to be hitting the studio again after spending more time writing…Singles, EP’s and an album for sure! You’re out on tour at the moment.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) We’ve had an absolute blast on the road. Definitely some highlights have been Royale, Boston The Orange Peel, Asheville Webster Hall, New York Belly Up Tavern, San Diego The Ogden Theatre, Denver 9:30 Club and Washington DC. The list is pretty extensive. Each venue has been unique in its own way to us – playing in the hearts of some of the places where our heroes are from and also sharing stages that have been played on by the greats.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) That’s a really difficult question. It’s hard to say at the minute. Definitely down for collaborations. We’ve got some things in the pipeline..

 

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

 

Oli – I’ve been getting into a lot of Lettuce’s stuff lately!

Calvin – I’ve been listening to a lot of Nubiyan Twist

Harry – I’ve really been into Hermanos Gutiérrez lately, super chill but beautiful playing.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Social media is a huge driving force behind connecting with fans and a super easy way to build a beautiful community of people! We do our absolute best to reply to as many people as we can while touring. We love meeting fans and hanging out. Social media has given us so much. It’s nice to give back to the community that got us where we are!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) All the people we have met on this debut tour of the USA and on the road in the UK and Ireland – we’re super grateful to be supported by such incredible people day in and do out, allowing us to chase the dream and fully go after it is mind blowing. All support is never forgotten and we truly do have a love for interacting with each and every one of you!