Albert asks James (Wintercoats):
Why the name Wintercoats?
Well other than having the dull name of James Wallace, as well as sharing that name with the ACL leader, I spent a while cycling through names that didn’t fit. I pretty much just saw one of my coats and thought “that works”.
If you had to describe your music how would you?
Ethereal chamber pop? It’s pretty much centred around dream pop sensibilities.
What are your plans for the next 12 months?
Things are getting pretty busy from now. I’ve got a string of releases lined up with a tentatively titled EP called Heartful coming before the album next year. January is pretty busy with the Beach House tour, as well as Spunktones and Perfume Genius.
When did you start writing music?
Props ably back when I was about 13, but I don’t like to talk about that. I was listening to way too much Van Halen back then. (I still have a soft spot for Van Halen.)
If you could choose one musician to collaborate with who would it be?
Kate Bush. That voice, oh god that voice! I’m going to add Jens Lekman to that as well.
James (Wintercoats) asks Albert:
So we’re both originally from Hamilton, has the transition to Melbourne influenced you in musically in any way?
Really? I had no idea! Well I moved to Melbourne when I was 12, so I guess it influenced me in a huge way. I didn’t really listen to anything but classical music when I was living in Hamilton.
Any records you’re currently listening to at the moment you’d like to share?
Ahh.. I guess The Information by Beck and Ghosts by Nine Inch Nails – seriously, seriosuly great music.
What artists have influenced your sound?
Radiohead, Beck, Justice, Death Cab For Cutie, Sufjan Stevens
So if the Mayan Calander allows us to live another year, what are your plans for 2013?
Release more music! And try to get as many people listening to it.
I’m going to steal your last question, and ask if there was a musician you would like to collaborate with, who would it be?
I’m also going to say two, Thom Yorke and Beck.
