By Maddy Yen
This Indie surf rock playlist combines all my favorite things: surf rock, indie rock, and garage rock. What could be better? My best friend and I bond over anything indie surf-related, and it inspired me to make the ultimate playlist. It includes the classic artists who paved the way, The Beach Boys, The Strokes, and The Chantays, mixed with the new wave (pun intended) of my favorite bands like The Happy Return, Sun Room, and Skegss.
“Wipe Out” - The Surfaris
Starting with a song that started the craze, released in 1963, “Wipe Out” became a surf rock anthem — covered by many other artists. This instrumental surf tune is one of my favorites, encapsulating the frenzy of surfing in Southern California.
“Blue” - The Happy Return
Speaking of Southern California, one of my favorite bands, “The Happy Return,” is an Indie Alternative Rock 4-piece with a beachy influence. “Blue” is one of my favorite tracks because of its heartfelt lyrics paired with a unique sound that feels like the ocean. If you don’t believe me, give it a listen and it’ll make sense, I promise.
“Pink Skies” - Saint Luna
Another band out of San Diego — do you see a pattern? — Saint Luna is a 5-piece more psychedelic-sounding indie rock band. “Pink Skies” is my most played song of theirs, but in my opinion, what makes this band so special is their love presence. The energy from one of the shows they were an opener for in San Diego was unmatched.
“Move It” - The Chantays
You can’t have a surf rock playlist without The Chantays. While their most well-known work is “Pipeline,” I absolutely love the flipside “Move It.” The sound this song has is so hard to describe because there’s so much going on — in the best way possible. The surf beat with the guitar solo sums up the sound of summer.
“coast to coast” - almost monday
A 3 piece indie pop trio, almost monday has some of my favorite feel-good songs, with “coast to coast” being one of them. The music video is one of my favorites of last year shot in Southern California at the beach, being the perfect visual for this track. If you want to hear almost monday on a Sunday, tune into KWVA at noon!
“Sunset Garage” - Sun Room
If you know me, you know my love for Sun Room is made loud and clear. One of their newer tracks, “Sunset Garage” is about falling in love with a girl working at a mechanic shop. And yes, the Sunset Garage is an actual shop — located in Ocean Beach, San Diego. With a ‘50s influence, this song will forever be one of my favorites.
“Last Nite” - The Strokes
I know putting The Strokes’ biggest hit on this playlist is a little bit basic, but I had to. This song hits every time, and “Is This It” is one of the most iconic rock albums ever. I love the guitar intro, and it’ll get anyone singing along.
“L.S.D” - Skegss
Skegss is an Australian surf and garage rock duo with a unique sound. They blend punk, indie, and garage rock while maintaining a clean, refined sound. I love “L.S.D” and also “Spring has Sprung,” they fully encompass the feeling of the sunshine while driving down the coast to the beach.
Wanna hear these songs and even more Surf Rock LIVE on air? Tune into KWVA 88.1 from 12-2 p.m. this Sunday, February 4th for my radio debut!