COFFEE time with ABROAD
Abroad @La Perouse by Carlos Walters-34
Coffee is ABROAD’s first release for 2022 and is the follow up to their hugely successful single, Waves which amassed over 1.1 million streams on Spotify! The duo are about to set out to give fans a real taste of Coffee with a three show NSW tour, so before the lads hit the road we took time out to ask them about the how it feels to be apart of the 1 million club, when we can expect an album out and how to finish a gig on a buskers amp.
For those that haven’t heard your music before, how would you describe the ABROAD sound?
Will: I would describe our sound as atmospheric synths and airy vocals, floating on top of driving drums and bass. We aim for ABROAD to be something for the dancefloor and to chill out on the beach with.
“Coffee, on its surface (the foam if you will..) is really about love”
You have just released ‘Coffee’, Tell us about the new song? What does the song mean to you?
Coffee, on its surface (the foam if you will..) is really about love. It’s about the person that gets you out of bed in the morning and keeps you energized. It is also literal for me as I work in the specialty coffee industry and it’s always fuelled my creativity.
Are there plans to release an album or another EP soon?
There are! Coffee is the first single off our upcoming debut album, which will be released later this year.
ABROAD have three shows planned for late April, are you excited to be playing to live audiences again?
We truly cannot WAIT! For us, live performance is the best part of making music. Sharing our work with people and having a boogie is my idea of a good time.
What's your favourite thing about touring and being on the road?
Being ABROAD, as the name suggests. This project is all about being on the road and letting our music take people to far away places.
What's the worst part about touring and being on the road?
So far, it's been too short. We’ve mainly stuck to the East Coast and we’ve only done 2 or 3 runs of shows, so I’d love to go a little further around the country or overseas.
How big is the part you play in the production side of your music?
Outside of Dale Becker at Becker Mastering, everything is done by us. We write and record our songs together, then I produce and mix. We have our own studio so we can really take our time and get it sounding just right.
“Even though we make dance music, I still primarily write on my beautiful 1972 Fender Telecaster”
You are both musically gifted, playing multiple instruments. If you could play only one for the rest of your life which one would it be and why?
It would have to be the Guitar, it's the first instrument that I learned to play and it will always hold a place in my heart. Even though we make dance music, I still primarily write on my beautiful 1972 Fender Telecaster.
You met twice before forming the band, first at Uni in Wollongong, then again in London. Did you take this as a sign from the universe, that you should join forces to make music together?
When we initially met, I was recording and producing for Jack and his (then) band - we worked together really well and hit it off. So when we both ended up in London, separately looking for new music projects, it was a no-brainer! We’ve ended up living in different cities until quite recently, but we’ve worked really hard to keep the writing process moving despite the distance.
Where was your first gig as ABROAD? Was it a success or flop?
I will always remember our first show, we played to a bunch of our friends, who were packed into a tiny flat in London. The space was way too small, we had 80 or so friends literally bumping into us as we played, but the vibe was amazing. About halfway through the set, we blew up the PA and it looked like we’d have to pack it up, but someone held up this little busking amp that we happened to have, and we pushed on to finish the set.
It wasn’t a perfect set and I’m not sure everyone could hear us, but it was definitely memorable - so I would say it was a success in the face of a flop!
“The first track of ours to hit 1 million was All I Want, and I NEVER expected that!”
The band have amassed over 1 million views on Spotify, which is a huge number to reach, did you ever expect to rack *that size number up? How did you celebrate this milestone?
The first track of ours to hit 1 million was All I Want, and I NEVER expected that! Then Waves crashed through 1 million and we were floored. I’m so happy and grateful for the support we’ve had, I’m still struggling to describe how happy that makes me feel. The celebration was many, many beers and laughter with my best mate!
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
Our manager, Elliot. The poor guy has to wrangle us, two overgrown Golden Retrievers, reminding us to do everything, keeping us on track and being an amazing support. He’s our go-to guy for everything and we couldn't do it without him.
After the 3 shows in April, what else can fans look forward to from ABROAD in 2022?
We have a lot of music to release, but the main focus will be refining our live show and taking it on the road!`
Stream: Coffee + SOUNDCLOUD
ABROAD Tour Dates
29/04 MONA VALE NSW - 18+ (free) Park House
06/05 BONDI NSW - 18+ (free) Beach Road Hotel
19/05 WOLLONGONG NSW 18+ La La La’s
Tickets available from MOSHTIX
Interview by Michelle Symes
April 2022