Sonic_Blue
Joined: Feb 22, 2019
Posts: 190
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Posted on Jun 03 2020 07:58 AM
I have a three piece surf band and we are starting to really get our set together. We are on the East Coast of FL and will probably gig around Sarasota, St Pete, and Tampa. We play old school surf covers. Will it be hard to get gigs? What is the crowd response like for surf? Not sure if it matters, but I am 41, my drummer is 37, and the bassist is 51. I am hoping we can play a a variety of shows, from opening for punk bands, to playing at beach bars. There are NO surf bands around here.
Last edited: Jun 03, 2020 07:59:14
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Richard
Joined: Mar 02, 2006
Posts: 1674
Georgia
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Posted on Jun 03 2020 08:30 AM
Man, I really don't know what to tell you. I've been in three bands and all the shows have had varying audience responses, though mostly positive. Sometimes you get indifference, and sometimes that's to be expected based on the venue. My one suggestion right off is to try to judge the audience and play the show for that audience. If you get on a bill with a punk or metal band, blow the doors off. If you're playing a backyard BBQ...
— The Mystery Men?
El Capitan and The Reluctant Sadists
SSS Agent #31
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Samurai
Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2141
Kiev, Ukraine
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Posted on Jun 03 2020 09:18 AM
I am 45 and started a band some 12 years ago in Kyiv, Ukraine with no surf bands, movement, crowd, surf gigs or genre appreciation at all (besides “ oh, this is music from Tarantino movie!” or whatever around the Ukraine.
We did it because we just wanted to play surf, that’s all. No expectations)
In some half a year we got an invitation from a friendly rockabilly band to play on a party with some psychobilly and rockabilly bands. From that time we pretty regularly play on mixed genre parties and festival and even managed to organize a couple of surf parties and fests as some more bands appeared. Now there are some 5 active bands (I guess) and pretty regular events that welcome surf music and got some following and audiences of 50-100 of people.
So I pretty much sure that it depends on you and your bandmates activity, your material, style, energy, performance, records, videos, social networking, contacts with pubs and clubs and so on.
One thing I should say for sure - classic surf covers is a good way to start, but people are interested in the original material much more. I had hard times in trying to go away from classic covers and exploring my creativity, but now I feel much better with it and I even sometimes like my tunes)))
Good luck with your project and do not hesitate asking for a advice, this forum and its members really help me a lot from the very beginning till now!
— Waikiki Makaki surf-rock band from Ukraine
New Single is out!
https://waikikimakaki.bandcamp.com/album/rhino-blues-full-contact-surf-single
Waikiki Makaki
https://linktr.ee/waikikimakaki
Lost Diver
https://lostdiver.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/vitaly-yakushin
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DeathTide
Joined: Apr 13, 2018
Posts: 1341
New Orleans
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Posted on Jun 03 2020 02:25 PM
Samurai wrote:
One thing I should say for sure - classic surf covers is a good way to start, but people are interested in the original material much more. I had hard times in trying to go away from classic covers and exploring my creativity, but now I feel much better with it and I even sometimes like my tunes)))
THIS x 1,000,000,000,000,000
Well said!
My answer to your question - “no money or fame, but tons of fun!”
Dan Izen
— Daniel Deathtide
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fenderfan
Joined: Jul 13, 2008
Posts: 774
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Posted on Jun 04 2020 09:55 AM
We've been fortunate to secure a lot of gigs here in Colorado, but we were not able to do so when playing all surf classics. We also include instrumental versions of recognizable hits, like Born on the Bayou, Memphis, She Loves You, etc. We have found that this keeps the listeners more involved and interested.
The Royal Aces
Denver
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BillAqua
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 1054
Chicago IL.
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Posted on Jun 04 2020 10:16 AM
Prepare for a mostly male audience who will most likely stand around and stare at the guitar player. The guitar player will get asked about their amp, guitar, strings, and reverb tank.
One way to break into a scene outside of the bar world, which I feel most surf bands are totally lost on is to see if there's a rockabilly scene or vintage car clubs, etc. Something that draws people into for a lack of better term "retro music".
If you get gigs with other surf bands come up with some killer originals that will blow them away and then you can develop a name for yourself amongst surf musicians. Back to point 1, the mostly male audience that stands around and watches your guitar player will most likely dig the originals if they are good.
From their, especially if it's a rockabilly crowd add a vocal or two, something dance-able. Or pick some instrumentals people can dance to. This will get both male and female audience members up and moving.
— "as he stepped into the stealthy night air... little did he know the fire escape was not there"
https://www.facebook.com/reluctantaquanauts/
https://www.facebook.com/TheDragstripVipers/
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Sonic_Blue
Joined: Feb 22, 2019
Posts: 190
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Posted on Jun 04 2020 10:48 AM
BillAqua wrote:
Prepare for a mostly male audience who will most likely stand around and stare at the guitar player. The guitar player will get asked about their amp, guitar, strings, and reverb tank.
Oh no! This sounds a lot like the metal scene that I am trying to escape! These responses are more depressing than I expected! I am still optimistic though. I love how my band is sounding. Then again, I loved the sound of my metal band...
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BrentD
Joined: Apr 07, 2009
Posts: 148
Michigan
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Posted on Jun 04 2020 11:12 AM
Sonic_Blue wrote:
BillAqua wrote:
Prepare for a mostly male audience who will most likely stand around and stare at the guitar player. The guitar player will get asked about their amp, guitar, strings, and reverb tank.
Oh no! This sounds a lot like the metal scene that I am trying to escape! These responses are more depressing than I expected! I am still optimistic though. I love how my band is sounding. Then again, I loved the sound of my metal band...
It's not a nice thing to say maybe, but remember: you're the one playing a gig, and the critics are the ones standing around not doing that.
If people are happy and dancing and enjoying the band, you're doing your job.
— Neptune Trojans
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martinblasick
Joined: Nov 27, 2019
Posts: 128
Los Angeles
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Posted on Jun 04 2020 11:15 AM
In the gigs I do with my jazz trio I’ve developed a sense of whether the band is there as service staff or as an artist. Event gigs pay better but people generally don’t care about the band. Being an artist means putting out new content and hopefully sometimes playing gigs that feature the band as such. These things interact and cross pollinate. As an event group I’ve learned to sing and made charts for hundreds of songs I would never choose left to my own devices. It’s made me a better performer. And it also takes time away from purely artistic pursuits. I think this happens for any genre of music.
These days it’s anything goes as far as music is concerned. That’s the good part. Building a fan base is going to be a slow grind, but if you are loving what you’re doing that’ll shine through.
I’m currently mixing the jazz trio’s debut album which is half originals. I needed to get the originals in to have the heart to be able to actually do it. We’ll take baby steps toward being an artist - first single, then a cheap vid then a whole album. Maybe it’ll help our prestige as an event act.
BUT what I’m REALLY excited about is my surf instro album which is about half done. Purely an artistic expression. Not expecting money. But already having the fun. There’s always opportunities for placements and licensing. There’s things that can be done in that arena. A regular supply of content seems to be the way to go these days.
So, keep us posted on what happens - gigs, tunes, fun.
And I believe some instro act will actually break through into the mainstream. Stranger things have happened.
— Squid From Madrid - New Single on Bandcamp
MB Website
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Samurai
Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2141
Kiev, Ukraine
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Posted on Jun 04 2020 11:31 AM
BillAqua wrote:
Prepare for a mostly male audience who will most likely stand around and stare at the guitar player. The guitar player will get asked about their amp, guitar, strings, and reverb tank.
One way to break into a scene outside of the bar world, which I feel most surf bands are totally lost on is to see if there's a rockabilly scene or vintage car clubs, etc. Something that draws people into for a lack of better term "retro music".
If you get gigs with other surf bands come up with some killer originals that will blow them away and then you can develop a name for yourself amongst surf musicians. Back to point 1, the mostly male audience that stands around and watches your guitar player will most likely dig the originals if they are good.
From their, especially if it's a rockabilly crowd add a vocal or two, something dance-able. Or pick some instrumentals people can dance to. This will get both male and female audience members up and moving.
Not exactly so, but yes, we are pretty happy to see dancing girls on out shows)
— Waikiki Makaki surf-rock band from Ukraine
New Single is out!
https://waikikimakaki.bandcamp.com/album/rhino-blues-full-contact-surf-single
Waikiki Makaki
https://linktr.ee/waikikimakaki
Lost Diver
https://lostdiver.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/vitaly-yakushin
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Samurai
Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2141
Kiev, Ukraine
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Posted on Jun 04 2020 11:42 AM
Sonic_Blue wrote:
BillAqua wrote:
Prepare for a mostly male audience who will most likely stand around and stare at the guitar player. The guitar player will get asked about their amp, guitar, strings, and reverb tank.
Oh no! This sounds a lot like the metal scene that I am trying to escape! These responses are more depressing than I expected! I am still optimistic though. I love how my band is sounding. Then again, I loved the sound of my metal band...
In my experience it’s pretty a matter of concept and spreading info to the right audiences. When it’s a conceptual sci-fi surf you gonna have a row of geeks staring. If it’s a dancing stuff - the girls will come and dance. If it’s some heavy punk surf - the punks and psychobills will come and do their slamming and wreking! (The last case is the ours one)))
I just love this game)
— Waikiki Makaki surf-rock band from Ukraine
New Single is out!
https://waikikimakaki.bandcamp.com/album/rhino-blues-full-contact-surf-single
Waikiki Makaki
https://linktr.ee/waikikimakaki
Lost Diver
https://lostdiver.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/vitaly-yakushin
Last edited: Jun 04, 2020 11:43:43
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psychonaut
Joined: Dec 08, 2007
Posts: 1294
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Posted on Jun 04 2020 12:33 PM
A lot depends on where you're located and what kind of music scene is there. We're in NYC so there's no shortage of venues and audience, pre-pandemic/pre-riot that is, i know there are lots of places where the music scene sucks, and there's not a whole lot you can do about that, other than try to get gigs in the nearest bigger city.
We get a very diverse crowd of punks,hipsters, hippies, millenials, geezers, metal heads, weirdos etc...
I can assure you we play many loser gigs too, to five people or a bored bartender. That just comes with the territory, and you get to do plenty of those.
It takes a very long time and lots of gigs to build a healthy following. You've got to find your audience. We play with almost any kind of band, and I almost prefer it when the audience has no idea what's coming.
— https://www.facebook.com/coffindagger
http://coffindaggers.com/
http://thecoffindaggers.bandcamp.com
Last edited: Jun 04, 2020 15:29:48
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JONPAUL
Joined: Apr 29, 2010
Posts: 2460
Venice, CA
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Posted on Jun 04 2020 01:03 PM
Hi Sonic Blue,
Congratulations on the progress you've been making with your trio. Hopefully you've been enjoying the process--the learning, the practicing, the interaction with other musicians, achieving a higher level of ability on your instrument, the deeper understanding of the genre from playing the classics, the sheer JOY of making music.
Because, to be blunt and perhaps sound harsh, if you have to ask the question in your topic heading, perhaps Surf isn't what you should be playing.
The moment you start worrying about anything other than the joy of making this music come alive the best you can, it will be one disappointment after another. Please don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to take the wind out of your sails or harsh your buzz, or be the old jaded, pessimistic, disillusioned voice, but this music requires a realistic perspective.
The best and purest missionaries for this genre play it because they HAVE to--they have a deep, inner driving force that REQUIRES that they play it, whether they want to or not. There has to be a certain confidence in playing a tiny niche genre--a kind of inner secure force field that encircles you and protects you from all the negativity, critics, and "reality" of the genre.
I like to say that it is a "Badge Of Honor" to play and propagate this music and so often, that has to be enough. To aim for and succeed in maintaining a consistent level of excellence, no matter what, is an extremely honorable, noble and admirable goal. It doesn't matter how many people are in the audience. It doesn't matter how much you got paid. It doesn't matter that the crowd is full but no one liked you. It doesn't matter that it is freezing or like a sauna on stage. It doesn't matter that your van broke down on the way to the gig. It doesn't matter if you are feeling unwell. It doesn't matter if your gear got destroyed and you have to use the worst back line on the planet. It doesn't matter that you broke a string, or two, or three. It doesn't matter if your luggage got lost and you had to wear the same clothes for an entire tour. It doesn't matter that your van got broken into and everything was stolen. It doesn't matter that your wife just left you or your dog died. The show must go on because it's what you have to do for the love of the music.
....the only thing that matters is the joy and satisfaction of making that music (that you love so dearly) come alive and be authentic and pure.
Even the very best at the top of the heap that have been at it for decades still play empty rooms for little money because of their LOVE and PASSION for the music. Period.
It is about a pure music-making experience, NOT anything to do with commercial or popular success. If these things are deemed important before you've even played the first gig, than in a sense, the whole experience is tainted and biased and cannot be truly pure. And the audience will know it as well.
So, the question becomes...do you love Surf music enough to play it just for the joy of it? If the answer is no, then learn some Van Morrison, Commodores, Santana and Maroon 5, because you should really be playing in a wedding band and at least making some money playing for a crowd.
— Insect Surfers
The Tikiyaki Orchestra
The Scimitars
Lords Of Atlantis
Fiberglass Jungle - Surf Radio
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MartinB
Joined: Feb 06, 2018
Posts: 54
Birmingham
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Posted on Jun 04 2020 01:15 PM
Some great insights in this thread!
Original material is definitely where it gets interesting.
The fact that you're a "surf band" means your music can probably described as:
- fun, with a retro vibe
- danceable (uptempo, strong backbeat)
- universal (no language barrier or objectionable content)
This gives you a huge advantage when faced with an audience who are unfamiliar with you! You have broad appeal even if folks don't know the songs. Put on your best show and get them dancing. You'll build a following, and venues/promoters will want you back 
Sonic_Blue wrote:
BillAqua wrote:
Prepare for a mostly male audience who will most likely stand around and stare at the guitar player. The guitar player will get asked about their amp, guitar, strings, and reverb tank.
Oh no! This sounds a lot like the metal scene that I am trying to escape!
This doesn't happen by accident - it's the result of the image you project, and the venues/bills you play. Many folks really enjoy performing for the appreciation of other musicians. But if you're not attracting the audience you want (or any audience at all!), be prepared to take an honest, critical look at yourself. It can be easy to blame external factors - I've come across "promoters" who do absolutely no promotion at all - but sometimes a band just needs to make changes in order to progress.
A great gig makes it all worthwhile 
— The Miramars (2017-2022) https://www.facebook.com/themiramars / https://soundcloud.com/themiramars
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ElMonstroPorFavor
Joined: Sep 01, 2006
Posts: 2672
New Orleans, LA
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Posted on Jun 04 2020 01:17 PM
Since we're veering into "what it means" territory, it's nice to be part of a global community. I've made friends on nearly every continent all because we're fascinated with this sound. It's nice to be a part of something, and the deeper you dive in the more rewarding it gets.
That's probably true for any hobby, but the guaranteed failure of a surf career probably chills things out versus other types of music.
— Storm Surge of Reverb: Surf & Instro Radio
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Sonic_Blue
Joined: Feb 22, 2019
Posts: 190
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Posted on Jun 04 2020 02:10 PM
Just to be clear. I played bass exclusively for 23 years and switched to guitar JUST to play surf music. I wanted to play bass in a surf band since the 90's but could never find one. I don't care about making money. I am just curious as to how the scene treats surf music generally because I have never seen a surf band ever.
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stratdancer
Joined: Dec 11, 2013
Posts: 2532
Akron, Ohio
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Posted on Jun 04 2020 04:24 PM
Pick music with plenty of energy and variety. Stay focused which can be hard if the sound is not right or equipment is buggy or you are not hitting all the gears just right. This is tough sometimes. Play so they remember!
— The Kahuna Kings
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Kahuna-Kings/459752090818447
https://thekahunakings.bandcamp.com/releases
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BillAqua
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 1054
Chicago IL.
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Posted on Jun 04 2020 06:16 PM
Well if you played in a metal think about the aggressive vibe that has. A lot of staccato picked surf music attracts that type of listening.
At least what I have found.
Even the lesser aggressive bands like Los Straitjackets, at least from the shows I've been to it's mostly men(I'm not saying this is a bad thing).
I'd also add you're lucky to be in a band don't worry about it. The way the music venues are around here, pay, not playing loud, etc I would only do it for fun. So if your band kicks and you are having a ball that's all that matters.
Surf bands have a knack of gathering fans from external scenes.
— "as he stepped into the stealthy night air... little did he know the fire escape was not there"
https://www.facebook.com/reluctantaquanauts/
https://www.facebook.com/TheDragstripVipers/
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Redfeather
Joined: Jul 30, 2016
Posts: 854
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Posted on Jun 04 2020 08:16 PM
As depressing as the crowd usually looks in the SG101 Convention footage and lots of other (that is, everyone sitting there like goddamn statues), I have to say that at every single Satan's Pilgrims show I've ever been to over the 25+ years they've been slangin' surf, the place has been packed full of people dancing. And that's "people", not "old dudes."
The secret is clearly capes. You must wear capes.
Oh, and also: I've seen Ted Pilgrim, from his drum set, admonish those front row guitar solo gazers who stand there motionless, telling them this is a dance band and if you aren't going to dance then make room for those who are. I wholeheartedly endorse this move and would absolutely recommend it!
Seriously, step one is play danceable music. And I don't think there's anything wrong with forgoing that typical duh-duh....duh surf snare beat and staying with the tried and true 2 & 4 backbeat. I mean.. Chuck Berry. Ain't no one not gonna dance to that.
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da-ron
Joined: Jan 02, 2009
Posts: 1299
The original Plymouth, UK.
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Posted on Jun 05 2020 07:00 AM
You're in a similar position to when I started The Waterboarders. You need members of the band very much into surf music - musical journeymen will not cut it.
You get popular either by having astounding musical ability, being a great band to dance to, or because you look amazing. Once you get popular, you will find ladies dancing and shimmying at the front during s show while blokes stand at the back stroking their chins. It all feels fantastic. The moment you finish, the ladies evaporate to who knows where and you are cornered by one of the chin stroking blokes asking about your strings.
I found that in a town full of punk, rock, blues and metal bands having a clean tone really gets you noticed. It's surprising how rare a big beautiful clean guitar tone it, and how it can really distinguish you from everyone else. We have a unique place in the melting pot of local bands, but it doesn't translate into income (hence my first point).
Lastly - you will always be far more popular outside your home town. I found the further you get from the beach, the more popular surf music is.
Good luck and stick at it.
— http://thewaterboarders.bandcamp.com/
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