FWIW, while I'm in Frederick, MD, Matt is in Fredericksburg, VA, and our drummer is in McLean, VA, where our rehearsals will be held. Currently recruiting for a bassist or guitarist (as I'm happy to play bass) to fill up the line-up.

Thanks to Matt for motivating me to play out again - as I mentioned before, I had scratched the gigging itch a while ago and I'm happy doing my very inconsistent YouTube guitar stuff as it's fun and fulfilling. Also, I'm very much a homebody now with my wife and our dogs - this is my heaven.

Still, Matt has re-stoked the fire to play out again - more importantly, play in a band context (whether on rhythm/lead/bass). It's fun and exciting to once again be a part of something and play music we all love.

Totally agree with Paul's post. My old surf/punk band, World Famous Philistines (2014-2015), comprised of me on guitar, our drummer from Loudoun County, VA, and our bassist from Winchester, VA. We played out in Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD, and Winchester, VA. Fun times and memories!

The doofus formerly known as Snorre
Surfysonic on YouTube
World Famous Philistines: 2014 - 2015
K39: 2013 - 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gv9JADQ4ukw

Yup, have guitar (or bass), will travel. I think being in the tri-state area is ideal - Maryland, DC, and Virginia offer a variety of cities and towns to play out.

The idea of playing even down in Richmond, VA would be great - I have family down there to visit. A big part of my childhood was spending time there at my grandparents' home in Richmond.

I've had the pleasure to catch the Atomic Mosquitos a few times and hang out with them for a bit some years back. As an outsider looking in, they were always the kind band (no matter what genre) I aspired to be a part of - people who share a passion for the music, good friends having fun, and total pros loving what they do.

I'm confident we have the makings of that and I haven't even met in-person or spoken with our drummer, Drake, yet. Just got that feeling in our communications!

The doofus formerly known as Snorre
Surfysonic on YouTube
World Famous Philistines: 2014 - 2015
K39: 2013 - 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gv9JADQ4ukw

Last edited: Oct 01, 2023 16:24:22

CaptainSensible wrote:

What gear are you using to play out in the DC area? How loud to these venues allow you to play? Are we talking bars with a stage or stages with a bar?

Bars with a floor, usually. We (The Luau Cinders) have been picking up gigs here and there as we start rolling again after Covid. Sky Stage in frederick is a cool place to play. Ground level but there’s seating in levels. We played a distillery today as part of a private tour. Hoping to get picked up for some of their weekend gigs next year. We played Archipelago (tiki bar in DC) a couple of times back in the corner, but they closed down recently. It’s a hustle to find gigs for surf bands around the area.

We don’t play with any PA support usually. I’m using an Ampeg B100R, one of my guitarists has a Quilter, the other a smallish Fender. Seems to cover enough ground for us.

Will

"You're done, once you're a surfer you're done. You're in. It's like the mob or something. You're not getting out." - Kelly Slater

The Luau Cinders

Last edited: Oct 01, 2023 16:33:22

Surfysonic wrote:

...like when we played at the Velvet Lounge (U St, NW DC)

I still have nightmares about load in/out at the Velvet Lounge. Great place to play, but hooooooo those stairs!

--
Project: MAYHEM by Hypersonic Secret now available!

Hey guys, I gave it a try for a bit but I've found myself simply no longer interested in playing out any more and would rather spend time with my family.

Chiba, if you're still interested, maybe reach out to Matt22?

Cheers, guys!

The doofus formerly known as Snorre
Surfysonic on YouTube
World Famous Philistines: 2014 - 2015
K39: 2013 - 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gv9JADQ4ukw

SixStringSurfer wrote:

I hate to hear that... I actually stopped using the word "surf" when trying to get gigs. When they ask what I/we play, I say instrumental rock!

I think this is a good strategy. The general public will not appreciate the distinction, and Instrumental Rock is a term that will probably appeal to a broader audience.

The artist formerly known as: Synchro

When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar.

SixStringSurfer wrote:

Thanks for the confirmation, synchro. I never thought I would try to distance myself from using the word "surf." I no longer get "you mean like the Beach Boys" anymore. Instrumental rock just sounds more appealing, generic, and has a wider audience. Occasionally, I'll say I play Dick Rock. I usually get a funny look with that one.

I find that the term Instrumental Rock is more relatable to many listeners. Later on in the conversation the term Surf will be more meaningful, once it’s established that we’re not talking about the abeach Boys, or Jan & Dean.

The artist formerly known as: Synchro

When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar.

ArtS wrote:

Agree with Synchro. In MD/VA/DC area, surf = Beach Boys, except a few who know who Dick Dale is. Then they say "Oh yeah, Dick Dale and the Beach Boys".. ugh.

Probably a good idea as background instrumental music is more and more vogue each year.

I listened to First Wave Surf, in real time, as a child, and I probably would not have recognized Dick Dale’s name until the resurgence of Surf music, after Pulp Fiction.

The artist formerly known as: Synchro

When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar.

Surfysonic wrote:

Hey guys, I gave it a try for a bit but I've found myself simply no longer interested in playing out any more and would rather spend time with my family.

Chiba, if you're still interested, maybe reach out to Matt22?

Cheers, guys!

On it, but I'll be up front & say I'm not willing to drive to McLean for rehearsals. Spent too many months driving from Richmond to Arlington for work. That drive sucks no matter what time of day it is.

Now, Fredericksburg... that's a different story ;)

--
Project: MAYHEM by Hypersonic Secret now available!

Wipe_Out wrote:

Hey Chiba and everyone- Drake here, surf (instrumental rock) drummer in McLean. First post! I’m moving to Alexandria in a week so the drive would be a few minutes shorter - but still awful most of the time as you know. Here are my gold sparkle Ludwigs !

You gotta love those drums.

The artist formerly known as: Synchro

When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar.