The Decade of Doing it Differently
An Interview with Brian Coakley, Still Making Noise—and Meaning
Why the punk scene veteran believes the best songs—and the boldest moves—are still ahead.
At 62, Brian Coakley isn’t just still playing music—he’s redefining what it means to live and create freely after 50. Best known as the guitarist and songwriter for the Cadillac Tramps, Coakley helped shape Orange County’s punk rock roots—Madonna even signed his other band, Rule 62, to her label, Maverick Records.. These days, he’s fronting a new band, Razing Jane, embracing dark wave sounds and emotional songwriting—and still chasing the perfect song.
We sat down with him for The Raad Life’s debut feature, The Decade of Doing It Differently, to talk reinvention, raw emotion, creative freedom, and why he’s not done yet.
How would you describe this chapter of your life?
A wild adventure. It’s scary, fun, erratic—all at once. Honestly, it feels like jumping in a van with a band and no roadmap and no GPS. The unknown keeps it exciting.
What does “doing it differently” mean to you?
It means wearing blinders—on purpose. I don’t care what anyone else is doing. I’m making music that makes me happy. I used to chase trends. Now, I just want to please my inner fan.
What feels like unfinished business versus legacy?
The Cadillac Tramps—that’s legacy. We still play reunion shows, but that chapter’s closed. Razing Jane, though, is full of untapped potential. That’s what’s ahead.
If someone only knew you from the Cadillac Tramps era, how would you describe what you’re doing now?
I’m coming home to sounds I loved before the Tramps even started. Razing Jane pulls from new wave and dark punk. It’s emotional, not political. And I’m singing now, which changes everything.
Do you think about reinventing midlife, or are you just doing your thing?
Once I stopped caring what the industry wanted, I found clarity. I’m here to make music I love. A love that moves the soul. Whether that reinvents midlife or not, I’m good with it.
Has your creative process changed?
Definitely. I used to be all energy on stage. Now I’m more focused on musicianship—learning new skills, refining what I do well. It’s about intention now.
What’s pushing you into new sounds with Razing Jane?
Grace [Parris]—my partner on and off stage—and I built this band around music we love listening to. Deep, danceable grooves, dark wave. It’s more emotional. It’s also more honest.
What’s your mission these days?
Just showing up can be powerful. With the [Cadillac] Tramps, people told us we inspired their sobriety. Now, I see Grace inspiring young women to pick up instruments. That’s impact. Just being who we are.