Following the release of our ‘Ones To Watch’ list for 2021, ‘In The Spotlight’ offers the chance to get to know our picks more intimately and find out why we fell in love with them.

You’ve heard about the artists that we’re most excited for this year. Now, get ready to hear from the artists themselves as we shine a spotlight on their personality, the year just past, and their most anticipated musical artists. This week, we catch up with Coach Party, the Isle of Wight quartet who tore through the otherwise monotonous rhythm of lockdown with their adrenaline and charged riffs. Think pummelling drums, electrifying guitars, and raucous vocals – you’re guaranteed all of that in the most hooking way, as the band shares an indie sound you won’t be able to get enough of. After the release of their debut EP Party Food last year, now’s the perfect time to hear about what they’ve been up to, and what awaits us on the horizon.

What’s integral to the work of an artist?

You have to mean what you say, play, paint or whatever it is you do as an artist. Followers and fans will see right through anything that isn’t genuine, and if it’s not genuine is it even art? Maybe.

Are there any behind-the-scenes stories of recording your Party Food EP that you can share with us?

It feels like a long time ago and most stories have passed into legend and mythology. But our dog Harry sung on the Middle 8 of Red Jumper Boy. It was only a ruff take, but we feel like it made the song. Other puns may be available, but that’s the best we can do right now. I shih tzu not.

How would you describe the project to someone at a dinner party that’s never heard of you?

It’s kind of like custard on roast dinner. You’ve never thought it could even be a possibility, but now that the idea is there you reckon you’re gonna like it for some reason. Better and more tasty similes are probably out there somewhere but you get the sentiment.

What advice would you give to your pre-lockdown self?

Own a supermarket and buy shares in face masks. You should get through it ok.

How would you sum up your 2020 in one sentence?

Things didn’t happen.

People walked dogs more often.

Learned to skate, badly.

(THAT IS A HAIKU).

Name one thing you can’t imagine your life without.

In more recent times, pizza. It’s become the thing above all other things that truly unites us as a band.

What is the most useless talent you have?

Playing live.

What are your hopes and dreams for 2021?

Like most people, all the things we took for granted 12 months ago have become kind of ambitious wild dreams for this year (go to a gig, blag through an elaborate handshake with Jim, etc). Oh and we’re gonna make loads of music and hope people like it. In fact if we get to play it live then I don’t think we’ll even care if people don’t like it. It’ll be sick.

Which artists excite you the most this year?

Pixey, Fat Earthers, Girlhouse, still waiting for Weezer to release their new album (please make it soon Rivers mate).

And finally, what does your music say about you?

You see us as you want to see us – in the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain, and an athlete, and a basket case, a princess, and a criminal. Does that answer your question? Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club.