INTERVIEW WITH THE CORONAS
Tell us about the name…is it a homage to the beer?
Unfortunately not. When we were thinking of a name, our favourite film at the time was almost famous directed by Cameron Crowe and in that the main character writes his article on a Corona-Smith Delux typewriter. We were just called Corona after that but we found out there was another band called Corona in Italy so we changed to The Coronas.
You’ve been around for a while now – what’s the secret to longevity in the music industry?
I’m not sure, even though we’ve had a couple of albums we still feel like a new band. We definitely have more to do. I think that’s the key, ambition and hard work and always wanting to improve.
Do you think it’s difficult for Irish artists to breakthrough in the Uk and the States? If so, why do you think that is?
Yeah I think it can be. There’s so many great bands in the UK and because they’re leaders in the UK and Ireland markets, I think they’d sooner look to one of their own. I moved to London only a couple of months ago and I’ve already think its helped our chances of progressing, just being here, meeting the right people and being in their minds when they’re thinking of new acts.
What do you think growing up in Ireland has given you as a band…if anything?
It’s hard to pinpoint because we’ve no frame of reference, we don’t know what it’s like to grow up anywhere else so basically it’s given us everything – exactly what we are today.
You’ve had some pretty high profile support slots – tell us about those…
Yeah we supported Macca, which was incredible. We met him and he was really cool. We supported Pink and The Script a couple of times, which was cool. It’s nice to play and learn from different kinds of acts. The Script are amazing guys, so hard working, ambitious and they write amazing pop songs.
What other music are you diggiing at the moment?
James Vincent McMorrow, Hudson Taylor, Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, loads of stuff!
What does 2012 hold for The Coronas?
Hopefully a lot of touring, we’re releasing the record in UK as Europe and hopefully we can tour those territories as much as possible.
What can people expect from your Bristol gig?
A high energy, singalong, pop rock-tastic music-fest! Or at the very least a good gig!
More info on The Coronas at www.thecoronas.net or see them play live at Bristol Thekla on May 7 or at Cardiff’s Clwb Ifor Bach on May 8.
