Fresh off their debut performance at 7eventytwo last Friday in which they slayed like seasoned veterans, we caught up with Rickey, Eden, and Carlos of Comatides before and after the show to see what they’re all about.
Where are you guys from, and where did you meet?
We all grew up in different parts of Queens, but we're based in Astoria. We met at LIC High School.
How’d you come up with the name Comatides?
(Rickey): It just came off the top of my head. Eden and I were throwing band names around and this one sounded the least stale. I like having the name personally, because I've heard many interesting different interpretations from friends.
How does being from Queens affect your sound as a band or the kind of songs you write?
Queens is just a melting pot of urban culture... if that's what you'd call it. The shit you see in the streets, online, in your schools will definitely leave you inspired in some sort of profound or absurd way.
Any insider tips on good bites to eat in Queens? Asking for a friend...
(Rickey): Definitely Mama's Empanadas on Steinway in Astoria.
Whats your favorite venue in NYC at the moment?
We've seen some crazy shows at Baby's All Right, House of Vans, and Shea Stadium. We're also opening up for Stuyedeyed and The Parrots at Shea in March.
Whats the biggest show you saw this year?
(Eden): GWAR at House of Vans.
(Rickey): DIIV at House of Vans.
(Carlos): Probably Thee Oh Sees at Warsaw.
Favorite album of 2016?
(Carlos): The Mystery Lights - self-titled
(Eden): Daughter - Not to Disappear
(Rickey): DIIV - Is The Is Are
Throughout your set, Eden and Rickey pass the bass and guitar back and forth. Why the switch?
(Eden): We believe that it adds a bit of variety to our music. We each have our own individual approaches and playing styles; Our different influences result in interesting and different songs.
How do you write songs as a band?
We usually just present our ideas to the band and add parts to construct magical anthems. The music we make together is different from what we could ever do on our own.
How did you feel about the show at 7eventytwo last Friday? I thought you killed it. You played with a lot of raw emotion and charisma, you could see sweat pouring off your faces.
Definitely the most fun and energetic show we've played so far. We had a blast and hope the people liked what they heard from us. More music and shows are to come in 2017. You will see more Comatides.
What are your songs about?
Girls, the election, staying humble, and erectile dysfunction (laughs).
Tell me about the election song.
(Eden): It’s called Recycling Bin. It's about having the beliefs of others forced onto you. People refer to freedom of religion as a value that we have in America, but if you try and tell someone that you're a Satanist (for example), everyone will ostracize you and treat you like a freak.
…are you a Satanist?
Eden: (laughs) Not really... I actually believe in Omnism, which is the recognition and respect of all religions.
Very cool. But what would you actually do if you saw Donald Trump walking down the street later tonight?
(Rickey): Slap his ass.
