Crimson Coast

Crimson Coast is a band of experienced musicians from the Coromandel who play their own original Kiwi music. The band’s name is a direct reflection of the Pohutukawa coastlines that surround our beautiful coastlines.

They’re a group of friends who love performing melodic music and singing harmonies together. Their music ranges from Country Rock, Pop, Reggae, and Blues. This wide range of music keeps them growing as musicians and is fun for audiences.

Band members: Lance Strong (guitar/vocals), Ava Strong (drums/vocals), Ray Simpkin (lead guitar/vocals), Paul Matthews (bass/vocals), Kelly Peihopa (vocals/percussion), and newest member Becky Antoinette (keyboards and vocals)

The ‘Crimson Coast 101’ album was described by Dylan Pellet, General Manager Independent Music NZ, as a real “Summertime Record.” The album also received great review in NZ Musician magazine. 

Crimson Coast perform regularly at many music local Festivals and Concerts including: Keltic Fair, Tairua Wine and Food Festival, A Taste of Matarangi, and Matariki Celebrations.

Recently the band was featured playing live on Jesse Mulligan’s Radio New Zealand show and were the Kiwi support act for Greenstone Entertainment’s ‘Summer Concert Series’ in Whitianga opening for Billy Idol, George Thorogood, Anastacia, CCR, and Smash Mouth.

Their album ‘Crimson Coast 101’ and singles produced by Dave Rhodes at Depot Sound in Devonport, are available on Spotify and iTunes on the links below:

iTunes – https://geo.itunes.apple.com/nz/album/id1345132138?at=1l3v9Tx&app=itunes Spotify – http://open.spotify.com/album/4cYjCnPCtzyCw1KlrFUuXv

One of our latest single releases “Do What I Can” is now on CFM’s playlist and getting plenty of airplay. There’s also a You Tube video of the same song at - Crimson Coast, Do What I Can.

The band is currently recording their next album with Dave Rhodes at Porch Studios in Hamilton, and also aim to produce music videos.  

Crimson Coast are focused on increasing their number of live performances at Festivals and Concerts, and doing more gigs in major centres, throughout New Zealand.

To find out more and/or book Crimson Coast contact: Lance Strong – 021 502 333, (07) 869 0180 or email lstrong@xtra.co.nz

Google ‘Crimson Coast 101’ to get lots of info about the band

NZ Musician Magazine – Darryl Kirk: Roots rock depends on the roots you have. Crimson Coast is a Coromandel-based group of life-experienced friends blending acoustic rock styles with their own unique local heritage and worldview.

In the ‘net-based planet it’s refreshing to hear a band with a distinctive sound that can be traced back to their own proclivities, and not an idea coming from elsewhere. All five sing and play an instrumental role. 

Blessed with a choice of vocalists they have a harmonic pallet that is beyond many bands.

The tunes on this debut album are a blend of ‘70s / ‘80s country and pop, with touches of rock here and there. 

The production is clean and balanced. Dave Rhodes at Auckland’s Depot Sound has excelled, especially in the delivery of Ray Simpkin and Lance Strong‘s tasty lead licks. 

The drums and bass (Ava Strong and Paul Matthews) are a solid and lyrical foundation for the rest of the band to layer over.

‘Crimson Coast 101’ is a balanced affair, making trying to pick a favourite a tough call. 

Let It Fall Away with its tremolo western noir feel morphs into a chorus of epic proportions.The mandolin-driven Matter of Time reinforces the band’s credentials as a country-folk unit with things to say about their environs.

What happens next is astounding – Stand in Line is the best song I’ve heard this year. It could be a hit for anyone I kid you not.