The Coast Interview: SXSW 2010

Toronto's the Coast have been gaining rave reviews since they released their 'Take a Walk Outside' EP -- under their old band name July 26th Movement -- back in 2004.

Since then, the group has released their debut album, been remixed by Toronto indie-rock brethren Tokyo Police Club and been acclaimed by local critics.

Having just completed work on their sophomore release with Rush producer Chris Stringer, the group is prepping for a hectic 2010, which includes their second round of shows at SXSW.

Spinner spoke with singer Ben Spur about the band's name change, 'Golden Girl' crushes and being accosted by a 300-pound woman.

Describe your sound in your own words.

We like melodies, we look hooks, and we like to be loud.

How did your band form?

Luke and Jord are brothers and have been playing together for a while. They saw Ian play guitar at this open mic thing on College St. in Toronto. He was completely drunk on whiskey and pretty shit, but he looked like an indie Marlon Brando, so they asked him to play with them. I was singing in some other band when they asked me to join.

What are your musical influences?

Wilco, Jay Reatard, Wolf Parade.

How did you come up with your band name?

It's the name of our favourite Paul Simon song, from 'Rhythm of the Saints.'

What's your biggest vice?

Alcohol and junk food.

What's in your festival survival kit?

A good book for the drive down, plenty of Gatorade, a sturdy pair of sandals and clean underwear.

Who was your first celeb crush?

Bea Arthur.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

Vampire Weekend, but I'm not feeling so guilty about it.

What's the craziest thing you've seen or experienced while on tour?

A 300-pound woman accosted us in Brooklyn once. She showed us her tits before lifting Luke up onto a dumpster and rubbing his crotch. Then she just kept walking down the street. Luke was pissed that we didn't help him, but we were laughing too hard.