A QUICK CHAT WITH COTERIE

What’s the story behind ‘Good Morning’?

‘Good Morning’ is a throw to positivity. After months of on and off lockdowns and turbulent weeks, things were starting to look sweet for us on the west coast. So, the lads sat around an acoustic guitar and just started expressing what we were seeing around us. People smiling more, sunshine, good times with mates finally, a string of gigs around town - things we’re looking up. We kept thinking; let’s just try surf through the hard times, and here we are! This tune came together simply, and we’re stoked to get this out to everyone!

You lads are of proud Maori heritage; can you tell us how that influences your musical creativity?

Hard! We’re Māori lads, and proud to be. He uri matou no Ngapuhi me Ngai Te Rangi me Te Aupori of the north island. Our whanau (family) come from the North Island, and although we grew up in Australia, we keep a lot of our roots from back home. 

Man, I remember as a kid the whole family would meet at my nan’s place - passing the guitar around everyone knew a song, everyone could sing and harmonise! Was just Tumeke!

What messages do you hope to portray through your artistic mediums? 

Our single ‘Good Morning’ is probably the best answer for this. I’m not too sure what message Coterie will express in the future, but currently we’re just hoping to bring relatable & positive tunes to the country. Songs that make you want to keep going and keep charging on! Heck, songs you and your mates can sing out anthemically while drinking IPA just because you feel good! Sounds simple, but I think we could all do with a pick-me-up sometimes.

How has the journey and experience been moving to Australia and developing a devoted fanbase here?

It’s unreal. The fans are unreal. It’s crazy to have people sing your songs, songs that we’re just written at home… now we’re getting groups in eastern states of Oz send us invites to do a gig in their town. Just surreal. 

What’s your favourite memory as a band?

That moment when you walk out on stage at the start of your set. It’s so sick that we get to do what we do

Is there anywhere in particular you would love to travel to and perform given international borders opening in the near future?

Mate, get me to Bali asap. If not then I’ll take the first flight back to NZ OR, drive a sprinter around the country. Either one, we would be stoked to take our music on the road!