West Cork alt-rock band First Class and Coach have released their new single, My Oh My, the first song to be taken from their forthcoming second album, Neon Hip. We asked the band's drummer Andrew McNeilage the BIG questions . . .
Formed in 2017 by Reuben Maher (guitars, keys, vocals), Jonathan Parson (bass), Geraldine Thomas (vocals) and McNeilage, the band enlisted Tony Maimone (Pere Ubu) of StudioG in Brooklyn to produce their acclaimed debut album, The Truth About Honey.
Live tour plans were shelved when the pandemic hit, but the band continued to write new material, resulting in the recording of their second album in Black Box Studios, France, with Tony Maimone again at the controls. Neon Hip is due for release later in 2022 on Cork label, FIFA Records.
Tell us three things about yourself?
I am the drummer in FC&C. I just finished reading Levon Helm's autobiography. I will now start reading Neil Young’s autobiography.
How would you describe your music?
Our music is loud guitar-driven rock music. This new album is particularly upbeat, compared to our debut record, The Truth About Honey, which we released in 2020. We like to think of our sound as weirded-out disco-punk.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I guess as a drummer, I go to Levon Helm, Jim Keltner, Chris Bear, Bryan Devendorf, Mitch Mitchel, Jaki Liebezeit, JT Bates. Amongst a huge cast of others.
What was the first gig you ever went to and the first record you ever bought/downloaded?
First gig was Placebo in the Olympia. Silver Sun Pickups supported - I'd never experienced feeling bass like that. 13-year-old me was nearly lifted off the ground by the vibration. First album I ever bought was Fly Or Die by N.E.R.D - still love it.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Been playing Best Behaviour by Gustaf on repeat for ages. They're super fun
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Slow down Willie boy, Your hearts gonna give right out on you, It’s true, and I believe I know what we should do, Turn to stern and point to shore, The seven seas won’t carry us no more". Rockin Chair by The Band
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Echoes by Pink Floyd is my forever song.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Our website and our Bandcamp and we are also on new Irish streaming service, minm.
