Victoria G Interviews Charlie Coe

Victoria G: What inspired you to become a music producer?

Charlie Coe: Honestly, it's something I kinda fell into. I'd been doing the demos for the bands I was in since 2016 when I first got into recording, and over the years ended up building that skillset to the point where I got offered a job working at Sunnyhill Studios with Ben Sansom when my old band went in to record with him. He went to grab some coffees and I'd hopped on the computer whilst he was out the room. When he came back he just sat and watched me for a few minutes before revealing he was looking for a new assistant engineer and offered me the job later that day. Working with Ben producing several bands over a 9-month period gave me the confidence to say 'screw it, I'm going to produce and mix the Near Blue EP', and considering it was my first pop at producing a record I'm happy with it - though it taught me a lot of lessons about what I'll do differently next time.

VG: What is your favorite thing about making music?

CC: Recording each instrument and layer bit by bit, building up the soundscape, and hearing what was once just a demo be brought to life as a proper song. Recording the drums is my favourite part, followed closely by locking myself in the studio to track my guitar parts.

VG: Who are your musical inspirations?

CC: Mark Trotter from Lonely the Brave is my favourite guitarist of all time. He's such a humble and lovely guy as well as writing some fantastically emotive and powerful guitar parts - but also the likes of Deftones, Lower Than Atlantis, Letlive., Nothing But Thieves, Loathe, Pierce the Veil, Plini and Thrice have had a big impact.

VG: What is your songwriting process?

CC: Typically I'll sit with a guitar and/or drum software until something comes out that kicks the process off. My studio is set up to eliminate barriers to creativity so I can access any sound I'm envisioning as quickly as possible. Once I'm in the flow state the songs generally feel like they're writing themselves in my head and I just have to get them out and into the computer.

VG: What messages are important for you to express through your music?

CC: Not so much a message, but I want to write songs that make people feel something. It can be joy, sadness, or anything in between. That's what's so beautiful about music to me - its ability to connect with you and make you feel things so strongly.

VG: How long have you been playing guitar and what inspired you to start learning how to play it?

CC: No idea what started it, I just remember turning to my mum one day around age 10/11 and saying "I really want a guitar", despite not being that interested in music.

VG: How did Near Blue form and where did the inspiration for the band's name come from?

CC: After I decided to leave my last band I wanted to start something fresh and was determined to have a fantastic singer and make it work even if it had to be an online project. After scrolling vocal-related hashtags on Instagram for about 4 hours I found and messaged Chas as I loved his voice and wanted to work with him. I had a few demos together already which I sent over to him, and a week later he sent me his first vocal demo for what turned into Peacekeeper. That was in May 2022, and we clicked as mates soon after, calling most days now despite the time difference. He's a really fantastic guy in many ways who I'm so thankful to have met. As for the name, honestly naming a band is a pain in the ass most of the time. Everything is either taken or feels cringy. We were just sending messages in the group chat for a couple of weeks (most of which were horrible suggestions, but we did it anyway just in case it sparked something for someone), and at some point, someone suggested [something I can't remember] Blue. I didn't like the first word so went on my Spotify looking at songs and album names hoping something would jump out; I saw the song 'Near' by Bilmuri and thought "Near Blue. I like that. Vague enough we can do what we want sonically but also has a nice feel to it" and we ended up running with it.

VG: How would you describe yourself in three words?

CC: Really very ginger.

VG: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

CC: Hopefully touring and recording with Near Blue full time! But if life has taught me anything the last few years it's that life has a way of throwing you pretty huge curveballs so who knows!

VG: What are your social media handles?

CC: The band handles are all @nearblueofficial except Twitter which is @nearblueband. @charlie_coe_ is my personal Instagram, which is pretty much the only one I use nowadays.

VG: What advice do you have for an aspiring music producer?

CC: Practice, practice, practice. Experiment with techniques and sounds and eventually, you'll find your style. You never run out of things to learn too. I'm still quite new to doing it professionally and am learning more with every project I take on. Stay humble but don't undersell yourself.

VG: What advice do you have for an aspiring guitarist?

CC: Tone, tight timing, creativity and feel will get you so much further than mindless shredding.

VG: What advice do you have for an aspiring songwriter?

CC: KEEP DOING IT! And learn how to record yourself at least at a basic level. A good demo makes it much easier to visualise how the song will turn out. Also many people will tell you to always finish the song you're writing, but for me if I stopped caring and it's not even done yet then the song is dead and I'll move on to something you - you can always go back to it later.

VG: What's next for you?

CC: Oh, you'd have to go and follow @nearblueofficial to be kept in the loop with that!

VG: RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS What's your favorite genre of music?

CC: Rock, particularly modern and alternative but honestly anything that makes me feel something I'll enjoy.

VG: What is your favorite pastime?

CC: Probably going to have to say making music.

VG: Who's your favorite superhero?

CC: Not hugely into my superhero, but probably Spider-Man, but Venom if anti-heroes are allowed!

VG: What's your favorite candy?

CC: I try to eat pretty healthily these days, but if I had to pick one it'd be Cadbury's chocolate.

VG: What's your favorite movie?

CC: Star Wars, Revenge of the Sith.

VG: What is your biggest fear?

CC: Spiders and Needles. Disgusting both of them!

VG: Do you have any pets?

CC: Dogs - they're the best creatures on the planet (sorry cat people but this is a fact).