Surf Culture in San Diego’s Music Scene

 

The music to come out of San Diego, especially more towards the coast, has been heavily influenced by the beach. “Surf Punk” is a distinct sound that has evolved from artists like The Beach Boys into a more punk, lo-fi, and modern genre. It is prominently seen throughout San Diego from local bands such as Fake Tides, Los Shadows, Beach Goons, and The Frights.

 

We hoped to inform people about this unseen history of our city and why we are so strongly impacted by the ocean. When people think of San Diego, the first things that come to mind are usually the beaches, the surf culture, and the constantly clear skies. Not only have these things guided how the world views our city, but it has guided the way that our music sounds.

 

To illustrate this story, we created a video compiled of different clips from concerts all over San Diego and interviews with some of our more prominent local musicians. We focus on the ways musicians see themselves and others, major influences, and the local music community that supports it all. Not only will this video show you another way to look at San Diego, but it will shine a light on an entire world of passionate, like-minded people whose love of music and art has brought them together.