Andrej Chernjavskij
Drums
Andrej was born in Moscow and later raised in Riga, the Latvian capital, as part of a family of actors. At the age of 15, he left the world of acting to become a musician, playing drums in the local school band.
He played in many Latvian and Russian bands over the next 10 years and raised his level to semi-professional - even playing with one of Latvia's most famous bands - Mitrokhin's Master Band.
Andrej moved to the UK in 2011 to start a new life in music, finally meeting COAST. His main musical influences include Rush, Manic Street preachers, Iron Maiden, Boston and Mr Big. Interests other than music include travelling, fantasy gaming, medieval history, fencing and boating.
Andrej's solo drumming can be viewed here
Steve Picken
Electric and Acoustic Guitars
Picking up the guitar at the age of 12, Steve was initially influenced by the guitar sound and technique of great blues/rock guitarists like Gary Moore, Jimi Hendrix and Joe Satriani. These styles were indulged in bands from an early age, performing at schools, colleges and charity events.
As his attitude and style progressed Steve embraced a more acoustic approach to playing and so set about applying techniques taken from the electric guitar to a wholly acoustic sound. Meeting fellow musician Mike Muirhead invited the opportunity of imposing a purely acoustic sound to an audience in need of a change. And so the duo, eventually to beome a trio, 'Midway' were formed. As a result Midway developed a well respected following, applying a personal approach to covering music and songwriting with a squeeze of folk.
The development of an acoustic outlook for Steve led to the introduction of music by Certified Guitar Player, Tommy Emmanuel. From this point on technique, generally considered beyond guitar, were identified and put into effect. A solo guitarist that can hold an audiences attention, entertain and inspire became the focal point of playing.
Following the ongoing study and hard practice of such an artist, Steve was given the opportunity to perform alongside Tommy at Tommy Fest 2005. The influence of guitarists in a similar vein to Tommy Emmanuel i.e Pierre Bensusan, Antonio Forcione and John Williams all now play their part in inspiration and influence.
Check out Steve's solo work here: www.stevepicken.co.uk
Hamish Ferguson
Bass Guitar
Nickname: FISH
Town Where Born: Richmond (Yorks)
Musical Influences/Favourite Other Artists: Blockheads, John Martyn, Joni Mitchell
Other bands played in and/or collaborations: The Pookahs/Mooks with Rob Ford and Mongo
Favourite COAST track: To The Windward
Favourite Meal: My own fresh caught fish – Bass or Bearded Clams
Favourite Drink: Bowman Ales “Swift One” for quantity, any 2000 Claret for pleasure
Favourite Sport and Team: Cycling (Tour de France) HTC Columbia (headbutters)
Favourite holiday destination: Barcelona
Other interests: Fishing, boating, cycling, drinking
If you had to kiss another member of COAST (including tongues) who would it be?
Tracy Elliott
Chris Barnes
Percussion
Nickname: Barnzee
Born: Stockport
Lived: Blackpool, Suffolk, GermanyJHQ, Benbecula (western isles Scottland) Raf Lynham wilts, Brunsum Holland, Southampton
Musical Influences/Favourite Other Artists: Rock, folk, metal. Metallica, Muse, Radio head, Lenny Kravits, Prince, Runrig, KT Tunstal, Amy Macdonnald, lots more……
Other bands played in and/or collaborations: Atlantis, blind mans vision,
Favourite COAST track: The Sword Dance.
Favourite Meal: Curry – hotter the better!
Favourite Drink: Guinness
Favourite Sport and Team: Sheep shagging/Wellyboots and woollen Willy warmers
Favourite holiday destination:Majorca
Other interests: Walking, drinking beers....lots of beers.
If you had to kiss another member of COAST (including tongues) who would it be? Id rather lick my Dog!
Paul Eastham
Lead Vocals, Keyboards and Guitars
Born: Stockport
Lived: Stockport , Blackpool, Stanton, Munchen Gladbach, North Uist Ballivanich, Swindon, Brunsum The Netherlands, Southampton
Musical Influences/Favourite Other Artists: Bruce Springsteen, Mark knopfler, Runrig, Big country, Rachmaninov, Beethoven
Other bands played in and/or collaborations: Atlantis, Orpheus, Winter of Clowns, Noisy Toyz, Oran, Duffy, Georgie Cullum, Slava Zenin
Favourite COAST track: Love them all
Favourite Meal: Kung po chicken and duck with hoi sin sauce
Favourite Drink: Peroni
Favourite Sport and Team: Figure skating. Manchester United and Celtic
Favourite holiday destination: North Uist, Cornwall and Center Parcs Longleat
Other interests: Human nature, science, religion, history, model railways, live steam, music, producing and recording studios.
If you had to kiss another member of COAST (including tongues) who would it be? Hahaha!! Mongo because at least I'll get a free drink
Paul's other projects:
http://www.myspace.com/pauleasthampiano
http://www.ilike.com/artist/Paul+Eastham
http://www.myspace.com/aimeeduffy
