The Power of East Coast Surf

Name: The Coffin Daggers

Genre: Surf Psychedelic Punk

Geographical Area: U.S., Europe (based in NYC)

Interview by email with the band on 9/5/08

1. What is the current line-up of your band?
 

Viktor Venom - Guitar, Theremin, Echoplex

Eudocia Rodzinak - Keyboard

Peter Klarnet - Bass

Pete Martinez - Drums

2. How and when did you get started with your band?

Vik started this thing back in 1999. We've gone through quite a few lineups since then. Peter Klarnet joined up in late 2000; Pete Martinez in 2006; and Eudocia joined us in early 2007.

3. What bands or music have influenced you most?

 

Link Wray, The Ventures, Shadows, Henry Mancini, Dick Dale, Early Pink Floyd, and The Cramps

 

4. What is the breakdown of cover vs. original material in your live shows and/or recordings?

Approximately 70% original and 30% covers.

 

5. What recording have you done?
 

One full-length album, two 7in's and an EP. The band has been on numerous compilations including most recently, Live at Asbury Lanes on Headshop Records. We're currently finishing our next full length album to be released...as soon as possible.

6. What kind of gear do you use?

Vik plays out of a mid-60s blackface Fender Pro Rerveb together with a tank and an echoplex. Eudocia normally plays a Vox Continental.

Peter's a heretic and plays with a mid-70s Peavy but out of an old blackface Fender bassman. Pete (the other one) sports Ludwig most of the time.

7. What is your band’s favorite food/beverage?
 

Things that don't taste awful.

 
8. How do you get gigs?

Mostly luck, with a little pluck thrown in for good measure.

9. What are the difficulties you find playing your kind of music in your area?
 

New York is a dreadful place to play gigs. So we now only play at Otto's when we do play in New York. Otherwise we play elsewhere. Life is too short for a room full of uptight hipsters on trust funds who are too worried about looking cool to act impressed.

 

10. What positive attributes does your band have that sets you apart from other bands (of any genre)?

Our sound. We're not overly consumed with reproducing a particular sound from the past -- we're far more interested in producing something that sounds interesting.

 

11. What have you found to be the single most effective promotional tool you’ve used to further your band’s musical path?

There is no single magic bullet, but the at the core is pure persistence.

 

12. What do you hope to get out of being a NESMA member?

Connect with like minded musicians. Thanks NESMA!