Hailing from Sweden, with a sound that lingers somewhere between shoegaze and fuzz guitar pop, Westkust have released an album to make you feel like dancing in a daydream. Originally comprised of an entirely different line-up, the band has come a long way and, between releasing Last Forever, signing with an American record label and breaking new ground with touring, it seems like Westkust are on a roll, and they are ones to watch. We spoke to singer Julia Bjernalind about the band breaking in America, writing songs for the album and the ‘indie’ brand.
Your debut is entitled Last Forever and the songs do carry a sort of youthful, timeless energy. How did the title come about?
We wanted the record title to have a nice and simple pop feel to it, I guess. We didn’t really discuss the title that much, but I think it fits together well with the songs.
The album is also released under an American label; Run for Cover Records with whom you singed. There has always been a pattern for European bands or artists to want to ‘break into America’. Did that play a part in your decision to sign with them and is it something you regard as a goal?
Signing in america is not really anything I thought that Westkust would do in the beginning, it just happened. They were interested and we said yes. I guess it’s thanks to Rasmus Hansén who’s been really great promoting the album.
The band has certainly experienced a lot of change regarding its members. However, while that can often be a red flag for bands, Westkust seem to have retained its identity throughout. How does that affect the musical chemistry or does it affect it at all?
Westkust was a complete different band in the beginning, I think they started in 2010 or something with the older members. Me, Hugo and Gustav joined in 2011. I think the identity has changed a lot and we’ve written new songs, so yes it has affected the band.
You also share two members with Makthaverskan. How does the creative process differ in between the two groups?
Since I don’t play in Makthaverskan I can’t really tell. We have been writing songs from an idea that either Hugo or Gustav has come up with, then the whole band makes up new stuff to the song. Then me and Gustav write the lyrics and song melodies together.
Your sound has been associatedwith shoegaze and you are considered to be within the ‘indie rock’ realm of sound. But do you think that the term ‘indie’ has become a bit too general and maybe somewhat damaging to artists with an original sound to be constantly put under that label?
I think it’s quite hard to define ‘indie’ these days, it’s like anyonecould say they’re an indie band. I guess it’s like the term ‘punk’, you can’t really say it’s a genre. It’s more how everything around the music is done.
What are your ambitions regarding touring? Any festivals or venues that you really want to play?
We really want to go touring some time soon! I would love to play in the U.S. and around Europe. I guess we’ll see what happens next!