Dutch indie-pop quartet SNOW COATS today release their second album “If it wasn’t me, I would’ve called it funny” which is out now via Alcopop! Records on CD and all good DSPs, following a recent run of UK/EU tour dates with Boston’s Future Teens.
The album was recorded during the 2021 lockdowns in their own purpose built rehearsal space and studio, with the band worked remotely with producer/mix engineer Joe Reinhart (Beach Bunny, Hop Along and Modern Baseball) to get the right sound and feel for the forthcoming second record.
“We’d spend multiple hours every day in our rehearsal space in Arnhem writing the songs and recording demo versions,” says guitarist Daan Joost. “After finishing a bunch of songs, we couldn’t wait for people to hear them and also see a reaction from the audience, but it just wasn’t possible as we were stuck in lockdowns.”
Enter producer Joe Reinhart, who has been involved in the creation of some of the band’s favourite records. The band sent demos across to him remotely, and arranged multiple meetings with Reinhart via Zoom where they intricately dissected songs and discussed ways to push them to the next level.
In February 2021 the band began recording the album in their rehearsal space and Anouk’s bedroom, then Reinhart mixed the album later that year in his studio in Philadelphia, PA. “This was kind of a first time for us, to have someone outside of the band have opinions about the songwriting and sonics and stuff,” explains Joost, “but we couldn’t wish for anyone other than Joe to be involved with making a record.”
After toying with a few options for the album’s title, If it wasn’t me, I would’ve called it funny presented itself as the perfect encapsulation of the band’s self-deprecating and lighthearted approach to their own perceived shortcomings.
“Sometimes it’s the embarrassing or awkward moments that make for a good story,” explains van der Kemp of her philosophy and source material. “The idea for the album title came after a night when I left a restaurant, and as I waved and said goodbye to the people who worked there, I did in fact not go through the exit door, but walked into the men’s bathroom. Very awkward for me, very awkward for the people who worked there, but if someone else would’ve told me this story, I would’ve laughed.”
Second album If it wasn’t me, I would’ve called it funny is out now via Alcopop! Records
Live Dates:
23.09.22 – Arnhem – Luxor Live (album release show)
07.10.22 – Leeuwarden – Neushoorn
Snow Coats are: Anouk van der Kemp – vocals/mandolin/acoustic guitar, Frank Peters – bass guitar, Daan Ebbers – guitar, Joost Ebbers – drums
Completed by bassist Frank Peters and twin brothers Daan (guitar) and Joost Ebbers (drums), the four-piece met while studying music at performing arts school in Arnhem.
Snow Coats was originally formed as a final exam project, but after graduating the band decided that they loved playing together so much that they would continue writing, and have been best friends ever since.
The band released their debut album Take The Weight Off Your Shoulders in the summer of 2018. Artfully self-recorded at home in their parents’ attics, the record was named as the #1 album of 2018 by highly regarded Dutch alternative pop platform 3voor12Gelderland.
The album release was followed by an extensive tour of The Netherlands and a 2019 support tour opening for Pinegrove, with word of their sparkling indie pop eventually reaching UK shores and ears in early 2020 as the band signed to Alcopop! Records and released the Pool Girl EP.
Already burrowing their way into the ears and hearts of UK fans with alarming speed, the Pool Girl EP received support from CLASH, Rock Sound, DORK Magazine, The Forty Five, God Is In The TV Zine, Get In Her Ears and more.
The band have also soundtracked the official trailer for the BBC Radio 4 Summer Comedy Festival, scored a #1 in the Dutch Indie XL chart, and received spins from Radio X’s John Kennedy, BBC Radio One’s Indie Show with Jack Saunders, and Amazing Radio’s Audition new music show with Charlie Ashcroft.
The EP’s lead single ‘Pool Girl’ was a featured tune on the Co-Op Edit with Hattie Pearson, playlisted at Idobi Anthm, and also picked up a slew of regional and specialist radio support.
The first two singles from their forthcoming new album were supported by Tom Robinson at BBC 6music, added to the KINK Radio playlist, the Idobi Radio playlist, and picked up heavy rotation at Amazing Radio.
“Effortless, lovelorn indie-pop that bristles with acoustic guitars and gooey melody” – Rock Sound
“A must listen…folk-tinted alt-pop, and music bountiful in heart and warmth” – Noizze [8/10]
“Part of the Dutch indie rock goldrush…astute, humorous, and kinda addictive” – CLASH
“A confident, fascinating second album…highly enjoyable” – At The Barrier
“Won’t remain a buzzy secret for too much longer” – DORK Magazine
“A wonderfully fun listen…fan-favourites-to-be” – The Soundboard
“Fizzes with promise…a joyfully noisy pop gem” – Get In Her Ears
“Pip Blom-meets-Hop Along” – Spectral Nights
