Our lineup has been pretty rad so far but this particular act announcement really gets us going. Introducing a new group we are extremely happy to see playing, Coasters. Two halves of one funky cool whole, Coasters is the happy amalgamation of Katarina Staines and Luke Verrezen and will be taking to our stage in their debut performance at Up Close and Personal.

Any creative will tell you just how important timing is. After hearing Katarina’s vocals a few years ago, I have been convinced of this young artists future successes and heights. With a soulful, raw and striking voice, full of timbre and range, and a lyrical writing ability that cuts deep but reads simple, Katarina’s sheer talent was undeniable. Having collaborated with local muso’s and different creative projects, the timing became right when meeting and jamming with Luke Verrezen.

Luke in his own right is nothing short of inspirational. With collaborating influences in multiple live groups in Cape Town, Luke is not only one of the best bassists in our scene but one of the truly nicest people I have the pleasure of knowing. With a passion towards music, Luke’s ability to flick through genre and style to create driving and engaging music from a latticework of knowledge built through each of the incredible rooms of music, leave him easily as one of the most active and captivating musicians and artists in CT.

Put these two people together?

What you get is a dream boat of catchy indie alternative music and love songs that’ll hook you. We caught up with the new act in the build-up for Up Close and Personal to get to know a little bit more about the duo.

NT: As a two-person band, do you ever argue over who gets to hold the imaginary Grammy during your acceptance speech?

Coasters: “No. Because we would be sharing a suit.”

If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only bring one album with you, what album would it be and why? 

“Depression Cherry, Beach House”

What’s the most ridiculous rumor you’ve heard about yourselves as a band, and how did you react to it?

“A couple of people have assumed that we are dating. We aren’t.”

Have you ever considered incorporating unusual instruments into your music, like a kazoo or a didgeridoo, just to keep things interesting?

“Nothing is too unusual. I wouldn’t use an instrument just to make something interesting, I would use it if the song needed it.”

What’s the weirdest place you’ve ever performed as a band, and how did the audience react to your music in that unexpected setting?

“Got booed off the main stage at Glasto last year. They said they wanted Radiohead, not Coasters…”

If Coasters had a mascot, what would it be and what would its name be?

“Mac Demarco in a Santa suit.”

If your music was a seasoning, what would it be called and what dishes would it complement perfectly?

“Salt ;), on everything, especially gazpacho.”

If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

“The Beatles post-LSD. Not sure if the music would be good, but we’d know we’d have a good time.”

If you could create a soundtrack for any movie, what movie would it be and why?

“Twilight. This is the skin of a killer, Bella.”