Interview: Danielle Sweeney of Lovecoast
Just over a year ago, Squamish locals Danielle Sweeney and Scott Verbeek formed the band Lovecoast. One year, two members and several gigs later, Danielle talks about jazz roots, dreamy vocals and the importance of living in the moment.
RB: How long have you known each other and how did you meet?
DS: Scott and I both grew up in Squamish, so we have known each other since elementary school. Andrew, Jesse and I all met at Vancouver Island University in the Jazz Program 3 or 4 years ago. They are all so talented, I’m so lucky to have them around.
RB: Tell me about your sound.
DS: We classify ourselves as indie RB/Pop…if that’s even a thing. We like to mix things up and blend all the styles we love together. Our jazz roots tend to bleed through which brings an old soul feel to our sound, but we aim to make music people can’t sit still too.
RB: Congratulations on your soon-to-be-released debut EP which I understand is being produced by The Zolas’ Tom Dobrzanski. What can we expect?
DS: Thank you! Tom is amazing, we are really excited to be working with him. I’m not sure if we even know what to expect yet! It’ll be a 5 song EP entitled Chasing Tides. Our sound is evolving constantly, especially during this whole recording process. The boys and I are really excited to finally lock it down and put our first real piece of work into the world.
RB: You recently performed at the Tall Tree Festival with Dan Mangan, The Dudes and Good for Grapes, among others. How awesome was that?
DS: It was a dream! We had such an amazing time, it was surreal to play along some of those artists. We actually won our spot out of 60 bands through a contest so we were extremely lucky! Tall Tree was a highlight of our summer for sure.
RB: Pet peeves?
DS: Oh man, this one is going to make the boys laugh. I probably have a list of pet peeves somewhere. I hate when things are unorganized because I’m a total control freak, loud chewing makes me nauseous, and I can’t stand being tickled! It is not funny!
RB: Favourite musician ever.
DS: I have too many to name just one! Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac, Sara Bareilles, Ella Fitzgerald, Adele, John Mayer, and Dan Mangan just to name a few…
RB: You’ve played a lot of live shows in the past year. What has been your favourite?
DS: Hmm, that’s a tough one too! The four of us have only been Lovecoast for about 6 months and we’ve had the chance to do a lot of cool things. Opening for Five Alarm Funk at the Whistler Ski Snowboard Festival was such a blast, we all admire them as musicians and dig their music so I’d have to say it takes the cake for favourite show.
RB: Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
DS: Lately I’ve been all dreamy for male vocals. I would love to do some collaboration with a male fronted band or solo artist. Vancouver’s Luca Fogale is insanely talented and majorly swoon worthy.
RB: You’re emceeing the upcoming Squamish Talent. What advice would you give a kid who wants to be a rock star?
DS: Find what you love, and do it. There’s no time like the present and good things come to those who work for them.
RB: And finally, I have to ask: How do you like your grilled cheese sandwiches?
DS: White bread, cheddar cheese, butter everywhere. Simple as can be, oh and you have to let the cheese goo over the sides and get crispy, that’s the best part!
Lovecoast performs this Saturday at O’Siyam Pavilion Park during the Celebration of Music, part of the District of Squamish Summer Event series of free community events. For full event details visit www.squamish.ca/heart.
Article source: http://squamishisawesome.com/interview-danielle-sweeney-of-lovecoast/
