Hollow Coves When We Were Young Interview

Featuring Classic Elements of Indie Folk

This acoustic duo have composed a stunning piece that features all the classic elements of indie folk; lyrics capturing a reminiscent recount of a youthful past, gentle vocals, captivating acoustics, minimal percussion and subtle orchestral instrumentals. "When We Were Young" is an incredible addition to the band's previous work and is guaranteed to melt the hearts of even the heartless.

Listen to "When We Were Young" here.

Interview with Hollow Coves

Question: How would you describe your music?

Hollow Coves: We're an indie folk duo and we write cinematic acoustic songs with simple melodies and good vibes, taking the listener on a journey of escapism.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Hollow Coves: Our EP 'Wanderlust' was inspired mostly by traveling but after that we received so many messages from fans saying that our music had helped them through difficult times. This motivated us to want to continue writing songs that were uplifting and had a positive impact.


Question: What specifically inspired When We Were Young?

Hollow Coves: We realised that many people in the world reflect back to their childhood and wish their lives could be as simple as it was then. Reminiscing on the simplicity and joy of how everything seemed, without the stress and busyness. But we wanted to finish the song with the message that even though we all do get older, life can still be beautiful, we can still be adventurous and have the same positive outlook as of a child.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Hollow Coves: We like them both for what they are but they're completely different. Performing live is a lot more fun though and it's the best feeling when you hear the crowd singing your songs with you.


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Hollow Coves: At the moment probably Coastline because that's the song people engage with most but there's some new ones that we are really excited to play live.


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

Hollow Coves: We tried to think of someone but there's not really any famous people that we would really be too fussed about having. We'd rather just have anyone that would be excited and have a good time.


Question: What is the story behind the band name?

Hollow Coves: It was a painful task that required scrambling through a lot of words but I guess we wanted to find a name that complimented the music and 'Hollow Coves' are the kind of thing you'd find along a rocky coastline; the sort of place we love to explore.


Question: How did the band come together?

Hollow Coves: Ryan and I met through mutual friends. We wrote some songs together and the went traveling separately for a few years overseas. While we were both away we decided to finish the songs by messaging over the internet and eventually put the songs on Soundcloud. We weren't really expecting it to be anything. We both had regular careers lines up. I'm a qualified Carpenter and Ryan has a degree in Civil Engineering. We were kind of just expecting that to be our path. Then the songs just started to take off online. I ended up going and meeting Ryan in Toronto and we wrote some more songs and made the Wanderlust EP.

Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Hollow Coves: Bon Iver, Bombay Bicycle Club, Bear's Den, Dope Lemon and The Middle East.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Hollow Coves: Just the love of music we both shared. We never planned to be doing this as a career. I guess in a way our fans inspired and enabled us to keep pursuing music.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Hollow Coves: Bon Iver.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Hollow Coves: We live by the beach on the Gold Coast in Australia. For me I'm an early riser so I'd get up around 7am, go get a coffee down at the local café, and then if the waves are good I usually go for a surf. Then I'd come back and work on anything music related then hang out with friends for dinner and into the night. Ryan is similar but his day doesn't include the early start, coffee, or surf.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?
Hollow Coves: As hard as it is at times, the lifestyle that comes with it is pretty sweet. It's pretty amazing that we can write songs that get heard all around the world. We've met so many incredible people and have gotten to see so much of the world.


Question: Can you share your socials?

Hollow Coves: @hollowcoves


Interview by Brooke Hunter