We Say…
Hailing from Seattle, Flying Fish Cover are an indie-pop quartet built around the songwriting talents of Dena Wilber. Their sound is a timeless amalgam of jangling guitars, propulsive rhythms, and vivid, descriptive lyricism. They fit into a lineage of poetic, romantic songwriters that stretches through The Wedding Present, Allo Darlin’ and Frankie Cosmos (from whom Greta Kline, shows her approval in the shape of a guest vocal).
The band released their debut album, At Moonset, last week; twelve tracks that reflect on heartache and exhaustion, while simultaneously celebrating life’s small victories as they find joy in friendship, art and collaboration. Musically, At Moonset is a record that flits between the jangling joys of Sleight Of Hand, to more reflective moments like the synth driven So Slowly and the darker, more gloomy tones of Home Sweet Home. Like many of the best bands, Flying Fish Cove don’t attempt to reinvent the wheel, just subtly shape it into something fresh, exciting and entirely their own.
They Say…
FTR: For those who don’t know who are Flying Fish Cove?
Flying Fish Cove are 4 friends, Dena, Jake, Sean, and Chris. Dena plays guitar, writes lyrics, and sings lead. Jake plays lead guitar, Sean plays bass, and Chris plays drums- and they all sing a bit too. We all have some big affinity and appreciation for indie pop music of the 90s and today and have been playing music in bands with our friends for years. We are big supporters and part of the DIY music scene in Seattle. Dena and Sean are also illustrators/visual artists, Jake is amazing at every instrument and plays in other bands like iji, and Chris is an excellent musician too and runs a record shop/label called Jigsaw Records. Flying Fish Cove is a band influenced by daydreams, sparkling guitar melodies, cartoons, fantasy, and weird poetry.
FTR: What can you remember about your first show?
Dena: My first show in a band ever was with my old band in Athens Georgia called El Hollin. We played at a small blue lit disco “themed” bar called GO Bar to maybe one audience member.
Flying Fish Cove’s first show was at a house show in Wallingford Seattle where members of iji live and host shows. This house has hosted many fantastic, artistic, freaky, and weirdo indie musicians and pop/rock shows. It’s definitely a DIY music beacon of light in our community. I knew I wanted our first show to happen there, where it would be cozy, intimate, and playing for our best friends. It was a full house and a lovely show.
FTR: Why do you make music? Why not another art form?
Dena: well, I am very actively a visual artist as well! But I started writing songs in college when I was dealing with a lot of heart ache. I was a huge indie music nerd at that time (and still am)- going to tons of shows on campus at Purchase College or in NYC, and collecting new records all the time. I think when I was dealing with a lot of emotional turmoil, the idea of playing music as an emotional outlet felt very natural- and was completely therapeutic for me. Today I make visual art and music and they are emotional outlets for me but in different capacities. In my songs I can share in a poetic format the truest feelings inside my heart and dreams. In my visual art it’s more just fun ideas and visions. I can do that in song too, but with songs I am able to take it even farther.
FTR: What can people expect from the Flying Fish Cove live show?
A fun array of melodic pop music that makes you want to move your feet, or stand and smile- and a band that doesn’t take themselves too seriously! We definitely play in a traditional rock band format but our songs are quirky, fun, dynamic, and have a unique quality to them. The songs have similar style threads throughout but at the same time- many of our songs have different vibes, tones, and influences, so we love to really keep things interesting by mixing our sets up. We are silly, approachable and friendly musicians and I think we also showcase that aspect of our personalities when we speak to our audiences on stage. Plus Jake’s lead guitar playing is pretty mesmerizing.
FTR: What’s next for Flying Fish Cove?
We have a 4 song EP in the works that we are pretty excited about! We also just wrote a new song this week and it’s one of my new favorites that I can’t wait to play out live. We’re about to go on a little west coast tour this April , and a big east coast tour in June/July. I’m sure we’ll be making more albums down the line~ possibly with a more electronic vibe as I’m feeling a bit drawn to that genre lately and just purchased a drum machine. Also been sketching out ideas for our next music video, which will be inspired by Kate Bush’s dance style. Jake’s band iji has a new record coming out the year and Sean’s solo project “guests” also has a record coming out soon too.
They Listen To…
1. Heavenly – Shallow
2. Cyndi Lauper – Time After Time
3. Donovan – Celeste
4. Cub – Magic 8 Ball
5.Teenage Fanclub – I Don’t Want Control Of You
At Moonset is out April 5th via Help Yourself Records. Click HERE for more information on Flying Fish Cove.
For The Rabbits 