instrumental surf music

Riding the Wave: A History of Instrumental Surf Music

“Wipe Out” isn’t just a song, it’s a feeling.

Instrumental surf music, a genre synonymous with sunshine, beaches, and reverb-drenched guitars, rose to prominence in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It was a product of the California surf culture boom, capturing the carefree spirit of the era.

Origins: The roots of surf music can be traced back to Hawaiian guitar music, with its distinctive steel guitar sound. Pioneers like Dick Dale, influenced by the “exotica” craze of the time, incorporated elements of traditional Hawaiian music into their own electric guitar sound, creating a unique sonic landscape that was both exotic and energetic.

Rise of the “Sound”: The early 1960s saw surf music explode in popularity, with bands like The Ventures, The Surfaris, and The Chantays churning out hits like “Walk, Don’t Run,” “Wipe Out,” and “Pipeline.” Their music, characterized by driving rhythms, tremolo guitar effects, and a distinct “surf” sound created using echo chambers and other studio trickery, became the soundtrack of the California beach scene.

The Influence of Hollywood: Surf movies, like “Gidget” and “Beach Blanket Bingo,” further propelled the genre into the mainstream. These films featured iconic surf scenes set to the infectious beats of surf music, cementing its association with the cool, carefree image of the beach.

More Than Just the Beach: Despite its association with surfing, surf music transcended the beach scene. It found its way into popular television shows and even found its way onto the charts. The genre also spawned numerous imitators, resulting in a wealth of music that captured the spirit of the times.

The Legacy of Surf Music: Although its peak popularity was in the 1960s, surf music never truly died. It continued to influence musicians in various genres, from punk to indie rock. Bands like The Beach Boys and The Ramones, both with their roots in surf music, proved that its influence remained strong.

Funny Facts:

• Dick Dale, the “King of Surf Guitar,” was so dedicated to his craft that he once refused to play a show unless the stage was covered in sand! This ensured he was surrounded by the beach atmosphere he loved.
• The song “Wipe Out” by The Surfaris was inspired by a real-life wipeout experienced by the band’s drummer! While surfing in the ocean, he wiped out and was nearly swept away. This experience served as the basis for the song’s dramatic and chaotic instrumental breaks.
• Surf music is so closely tied to surfing that some bands even named themselves after surfboards! For example, The Ventures, one of the genre’s most successful acts, originally called themselves “The Impacts,” before changing their name to reflect their love for surfing.

Surf music remains a testament to the power of a genre that captured a moment in time. It’s a sound that continues to resonate with its unique blend of excitement, nostalgia, and a touch of rebellious fun.