About the Band
Image Credit: Ryo Nishikawa
Coast Arcade are an indie-rock powerhouse from Auckland, New Zealand, breathing new life into guitar-driven music with their fresh take on the classic sounds of the 90s and early 2000s. Founded by singer-guitarist Bella Bavin and drummer Thom Boynton, the band emerged from countless hours spent in school practice rooms, driven by an unwavering passion for live music.
The band took shape quickly, diving headfirst into gigging, determined to soak up every last moment of their teenage years as a band. When bassist Leo Spykerman rejoined the fold, reigniting an early musical chemistry built on Bella’s indie-rock roots and his metal-inspired edge, it took only three rehearsals to realise he was exactly who they’d been missing. Shortly after, guitarist Arlo Birss, whose jazz background and love of shoegaze added new dimensions to their sound, casually arrived on the scene, plugged in, and immediately felt like family. (The band jokes he’s still not allowed to leave.)
Fully committed, fiercely driven, and determined to turn their passion into a career, Coast Arcade quickly built a loyal following through catchy songwriting, authentic storytelling, and electrifying performances. Their early singles made swift impacts: debut track “Tattoo” landed at #11 on the Hot NZ Singles Chart in 2022, and their 2023 EP Next To Me further elevated their profile, with standout tracks “Highest Heights” (peaking at #2) and fan favourite “Surf Club.”
Sharing stages with artists such as Lime Cordiale, Peach Pit, The Beths, The Terrys, The Grogans, and Teenage Dads, they’ve captivated crowds at major festivals – including Rhythm and Vines, Le Currents, White Out, and Spring City, as well as sold-out headline shows in Hamilton, Tauranga, and an unforgettable night at Auckland’s Tuning Fork
2024 marked a definitive turning point with singles “Baited” (#3 Hot NZ Singles Chart) and “City Limits” (#8) gaining rapid international attention:
- “City Limits” clocked 36,000 streams and 250,000 YouTube views in five weeks.
- “Baited” reached 65,000 streams and over 33,000 YouTube views.
With earlier tracks like “Highest Heights” and “Surf Club,” the band’s collective streams surged past 1 million. Coast Arcade have consistently featured on major editorial playlists from Spotify and Apple Music, including Fresh Finds Global, Best New Rock, Today’s Rock, and New Music Daily – firmly establishing themselves within the global indie rock landscape.
Radio has embraced the band wholeheartedly, with thousands of spins in 2024 alone across Australia, the UK, Belgium, Switzerland, France, Brazil, Mexico, Japan and the US – including significant airplay on BBC Introducing, and plays on BBC Radio 1. At home, they’ve topped Radioscope’s Airplay Charts and earned regular rotation on Radio Hauraki, 95bFM, Radio One, and student stations nationwide.
Currently crafting their highly anticipated debut full-length album, Coast Arcade explores themes of youthful rebellion, emotional discovery, and the realities of growing up. To the band, this album represents far more than new music – it’s a clear statement of intent about who they are and where they’re heading.
Yet despite their growing success, Coast Arcade’s true home remains the stage. Whether it’s a packed club or buzzing festival field, every show is driven by the same unwavering ethos: honest songs, unforgettable energy, and performances that linger long after the final chord fades. Coast Arcade are not just a band to watch, they’re a band to follow.
Bella
Bella is Coast Arcade’s grunge-loving, guitar-obsessed frontwoman whose riffs and melodies set the stage alight. Raised on a steady diet of Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and indie surf rock, she always had a guitar in hand. Singing wasn’t in her plans, but the mic found her, and she’s been owning it ever since.
Whether she’s crafting a chorus, booking the next gig, or blasting alt-rock at full volume, Bella lives for loud guitars, big energy, and packed crowds singing every word.
Arlo
Arlo brings an indie edge and jazz wizardry to Coast Arcade’s guitar lines, effortlessly blending modern shoegaze with his Hardbop roots. A proud music theory nerd, he loves pushing the band’s sound into fresh territory.
When he’s not dialling in pedals or diving into theory, Arlo can usually be found scaling climbing walls at the local bouldering gym, where he’s equally famous for epic climbs and even more spectacular falls.
LEO
Leo, Coast Arcade’s bassist, lays down grooves inspired by his love for grunge, doom metal riffs, and (secretly) 2010-era Lady Gaga. With musical roots stretching from Black Sabbath heaviness to Nirvana’s raw power, he adds grit and depth to the band’s sound.
Offstage, Leo dives deep into psychology studies, occasionally submitting uni assignments from green rooms before soundcheck. Fascinated by human emotion, his insights often find their way into Coast Arcade’s lyrics. When not performing, you’ll likely catch him collecting dinosaur action figures or geeking out over Star Wars, Alien and obscure 80s sci-fi.
THOM
Originally from North East England, Thom traded chilly winters for New Zealand sunshine and hasn’t looked back, except perhaps when missing a proper English pint and watching Newcastle United F.C at the local. Music has always been his life, growing up in a home filled with loud tunes and louder rhythms. Annual childhood trips to Glastonbury Festival from the age of five ignited his passion, so he picked up drumsticks and never put them down.
With over a decade behind the kit, Thom channels his drumming heroes, Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), Mat Helders (Arctic Monkeys), and Ben Thatcher (Royal Blood) to power Coast Arcade’s explosive live sound. For Thom, nothing beats a packed crowd and a killer beat; his dream is simple: drums, noise, and playing music full-time around the globe. Howay the lads!
All Band Member Images by Chloe Tredgett