Formed by four worldly Kiwi metallers in Melbourne five years ago, EAST YORK still straddle the Pacific, though their most recent recording work has seen the heavy rock act become more Bay of Plenty-centric. Their 2022 debut EP garnered much praise, radio play and some great tour supports, but there’s been a years-long lull since while they worked up new material. The explosive and groove-heavy anthem Medicine is the first single to introduce a planned full album release, and was included on NZ On Air Music‘s April NewTracks compilation. 

What are your names? Where are you all from and what instruments do you play?

Daz Coppins – Guitar (Kati Kati, Bay of Plenty)
Zane Rosanoski – Drums (Shannon, Horowhenua)
Joel Coppins – Bass (Tauranga, BOP)
Tarquin Keys – Vocals (Mt Maunganui, BOP)

Any other projects that we might we know any of you from?

Daz – Fiona & The Glow and Mother Guru; Tarquin (TK) – Machete Justice and Logic Defies Logic;  Joel – Shedd; Zane – Mammal

What’s the background of how East York came to be a working band? 

Zane and Daz met at a bar in 2019 in Melbourne and threw around the idea of writing some music together. Riff ideas quickly turned into formed instrumentals. Daz and TK have known each other since high school and the stars seemed to align with a chance reunion after many years – and it was all on! Then… Covid hit and we were forced to write and demo our debut EP remotely. We navigated lockdowns and got together to record and film a music video. Tom Larkin (of Shihad) recorded the ‘ORIGINS’ EP at his studio in Melbourne, and we engaged Clint Murphy (Devilskin, Blindspott, Enter Shikari) to mix it.
Fast forward to 2025 and Clint is now our producer! In the studio, we consider Clint a fifth member of the band and couldn’t be prouder of this next batch of songs.

How and when did you come up with the name? 

We must have had a hundred band name ideas in a shared doc! We decided to each pick our top three and EAST YORK was the only name we all chose! East York is also an homage to the city of Toronto in Canada where Daz lived for eight years.

Whereabouts are you all living currently? 

Daz is based between Wanaka and Auckland, Joel in Tauranga, Zane and TK live in Melbourne.

How has East York’s music evolved from the band beginnings to now?

Having Clint involved from much earlier in the process has been a huge factor in the sonic and dynamic growth of the band. We tried to get there on our own with the EP… although it got close and we are super proud of the record, these next songs have taken on a whole new level of sophistication production-wise.

Aside from this release, what’s been the big highlight to date?

Being handpicked as the main support nationwide for Devilskin on their Let Me Breathe tour was a huge highlight and leg up for the band.

What makes Medicine stand out for you as a single choice?

It’s a banger! It was an easy choice to be honest. After not releasing music for a couple of years we knew we had to come out swinging. We road tested the tune at The Tuning Fork in Auckland last year and the crowd whipped into a circle pit during the bridge without ever hearing the song! That was probably the moment we realised the song’s potential.

What is the story behind Medicine?

Lyrically, we want the listener to find their own connection and identity within the music. Sometimes literal explanations can skew an honest perspective and connection to what rings true for them… you know what I mean?

What’s your favourite moment, musical or lyrical, of the single?

The bridge….it slaps!

Who did you record/produce the single with and where?

We wrote and recorded the song in Mt Maunganui between Studio 11b and Clint’s home studio. Clint also mixed the song in Dolby Atmos (Spatial Audio), so if you’re on Apple Music, Tidal or Amazon Music you can hear the immersive version. We are so proud of the production quality… we feel like we’ve elevated to a whole new level sonically and we’re all super stoked and aligned with the direction we are heading.

What would you like listeners to take away from this song?

Find your own truth within the lyrics and hopefully the music makes you swing your hips, bop your head or scream at your car windows!

Who else is in your team? 

We are currently self-managed and book our own tours. (Although are accepting offers!) Our producer Clint Murphy and mastering engineer Ryan Smith/Sterling Sound in Nashville. Distribution is with DRM/The Orchard.

Are there any other musical endeavours you’re involved with that we should keep an eye out for?

Daz: I also play drums with Fiona & The Glow, based out of Wanaka. Fiona is a super talent with new music out now and more to come!
Zane: I play drums with Aussie rockers Mammal. Check out their recent album release, The Penny Drop.

Can you name three other local tunes that would fit well on a playlist alongside your song. 

Pull Down The Sun – Of Valleys and Mountains
Devilskin – Let Me Breathe
Powder Chutes – Straights

Have any of your previous single releases been included on NZ On Air’s NewTracks? 

Yep, Devil You Know from our ‘ORIGINS’ EP in 2022.

How can we find you on social media?

Instagram
Facebook
Apple Music
YouTube
TikTok

Who did you make the video with? 

Joe Murdie from Bunker St Films. The video was produced in Wanaka and filmed at Mt Aspiring College. We even received a grant from the Upper Clutha Community Arts Council to assist with the production of the music video. We’re stoked with how it came out… let us know in the comments what you think!? 

Any final words?

Thanks to everyone who has supported our band to date! We have more where this one came from!
For any new artists reading, remember it’s all about your story. Don’t feel like you have to have a charting single or loads of shows under your belt as a band, find the things that are uniquely yours and run with it. As long as it’s honest, it is yours… people will connect.