Criminal Records: Meet the men behind the band Vanilla Coast

The dedication and hard work of Vanilla Coast is evident.

Harmonies and effortless transitions are a testament to the many hours of practice and the bonds of friendship. I had the great pleasure of watching them perform recently at the BrickHouse Brewery in Patchogue. Bobbing heads and swaying hips were all indicative of an alluring sound.

They captured hearts and made bodies move as they introduced new listeners to their special blend of East Coast indie.

The band is made up of four members who each contribute in their own unique way to create a sound that is all their own.

Each member has a special story that involves their relationship to music. Through these experiences, they are able to tap into the deeper side of the psyche and materialize in music what they can’t convey in mere words.

Dylan Brown is a vocalist and guitarist. Music became his passion after witnessing the downfall of a family member’s battle with alcoholism. Dylan learned that music is a vessel to help express ideas, perspectives and to explore one’s gifts.

Wes Sullivan is a vocalist and a bassist. Being born with a disability has not hindered his ability to create music. He feels that music is empowering. As a role model for disabled people, he empowers others to persevere and create the world of their choosing.

Tom Phillips is the lead guitarist. He has a great appreciation for both acoustic and electric styles of music, and has developed a love for recording and mixing music.

Justin Doboe is the drummer. Justin comes from a family of well-known drummers; his grandfather was the touring saxophonist for Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Drumming and music is not only a family affair, it is Justin’s form of self-expression and his creative outlet.

Music for Justin is not about the empty quest for fame and fortune, it is about the chance to inspire younger generations.