A new documentary exploring the early years of Wirral-based band The Coral is set to grace cinema screens this autumn, promising a captivating look at their journey from teenage friends to indie music sensations. The film, titled "Dreaming of You," aims to capture the essence of their formative years and the vibrant music scene that propelled them to fame.
The documentary is described as a "nostalgic, immersive coming-of-age" story, charting the rise of The Coral, a group of six childhood friends from the Wirral who transformed their suburban experiences into a unique musical style. Told through the band's own voices, the film creatively blends reconstructions, archival footage, and animation to vividly recreate the atmosphere of the early 2000s, as seen through the eyes of these six teenagers.
From Hoylake Basements to the National Stage
The Coral's story began in 1996, when the members were all pupils at Hilbre High School. It was in the basement of Flat Foot Sams pub in Hoylake that drummer Ian Skelly and bassist Paul Duffy started jamming together, laying the foundation for what would become The Coral. Over the following months, the lineup expanded with the addition of Bill Ryder-Jones on lead guitar, Ian's older brother James Skelly taking on vocals and songwriting duties, and Lee Southall on rhythm guitar. The final piece of the puzzle was Nick Power, who joined as keyboard player in 1998, completing the band's distinctive sound.
The band's talent quickly attracted the attention of Alan Wills, who established the Deltasonic record label specifically to release their early tracks. This pivotal moment led to the release of their self-titled debut album in 2002, which soared to number five on the UK Albums Chart and earned them a prestigious Mercury Prize nomination.
A Filmmaker's Perspective
Filmmaker James Slater's connection with The Coral began around this time, marking the start of a creative partnership that would see him direct numerous music videos for the band. This collaboration proved to be a turning point in Slater's career, leading him to work with other prominent artists such as Blossoms, Kaiser Chiefs, Yard Act, and The Wombats.
Slater recalls a period where he was on the verge of giving up on his filmmaking aspirations, working in pizza restaurants while trying to create videos for local bands. A chance encounter with Alan Wills changed everything. Wills recognised the band's desire for music videos that reflected their own homemade aesthetic, leading to Slater directing videos for "Pass It On" and "In The Morning" from their second album. This experience transformed Slater's career, taking him from contemplating a complete change of direction to filming in locations like Los Angeles and the Mojave Desert. He credits The Coral with opening doors to countless opportunities in the music video industry.
Capturing the Essence of The Coral
Slater's initial impressions of The Coral were overwhelmingly positive. He describes them as a tight-knit group with a strong internal bond. He likens them to "The Goonies," highlighting their unique dynamic and shared sense of humour. He emphasizes that being around them during that period was incredibly exciting, as they were a true force in the music scene.
The idea for the documentary stemmed from the 20th anniversary of the band's debut album. Slater realised the potential for a deeper narrative, focusing on their coming-of-age story. As Nick Power puts it in the film, "If you’re going to tell the story of The Coral, then it would be about growing up. An adventure that led to an album.”
Slater felt that their story was a compelling coming-of-age tale, exploring themes of childhood, friendship, and the creative journey they embarked on together. He was also interested in the decisions they made as a band, shaping their identity and navigating the mainstream music landscape. Slater aimed to portray their experiences through the lens of growing up in a suburban town in the late 90s, a period he believes is often overlooked in musical history. He points out that The Coral emerged alongside a diverse range of artists, not just The Strokes and The White Stripes, but also acts like The Streets, contributing to a vibrant and often experimental music scene.
Hoylake: A Character in the Story
Slater emphasizes the importance of Hoylake, the band's hometown, as a key element in the film. He describes the Wirral as a "big character" in the story, highlighting the unique environment created by the proximity of Liverpool on one side and North Wales on the other. He aims to create an immersive experience that transports viewers back to Northwest England in the late 90s and early 2000s, capturing the atmosphere and spirit of the time.
The Coral themselves are reportedly pleased with the final result, giving it their seal of approval.
"Dreaming of You - The Making of The Coral" will be screened at select cinemas, including The Light Cinema in New Brighton and The Picturehouse in Liverpool, followed by Q&A sessions with both the director and the band. The film will then be shown at various cinemas across the country.
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