All that music in "So-California"
Surf videos were once a place of musical discovery. A pre-Shazaam universe where we could go and stock up on tunes for those long road trip drives and cold morning missions. Surf vids were a guidebook for the record store. Something to punch into Spotify when the mind goes blank. The latest trend in surf vids however seems to be retreading vintage tracks — which can definitely hit in the right moment and lead you into a lot of music you probably should have known about — but it’s nice when you discover something right on the brink. Like Taylor did with Blink and Pennywise. Or Kai did for White Fence and Dirty Beaches. And Dane did for Beat Happening and (early) Grimes, etc. Which is why we looked for new bands to include in “So-California".” To get back to that traditional of rad new bands in rad new surf vids. Bands with ties to Southern California too was a plus which both these guys have. Also because there is no way we can afford to license the Stones or the new John Fruciante joined Chili Peppers or something like that.
So if you enjoyed the tunes in “So-California” between the KHJ classic radio hits, we wanted to direct you toward the bands making those tunes. Because they’re on their way up. Here they are for all your Spotify and Bandcamp needs.
Vaguess: “Have a Good Summer” and “One Man’s Trash”
Since "So-California” came out, I can’t tell you how many people have asked about the opening song, “Aint Hard To Find” by Vaguess. It is a quintessentially California sounding tune. As are a lot of Vaguess’ music (and I mean that in the best way possible). Garage-fidelity with an earnestness that’s only possible when talent collides with authenticity. Vinny Vaguess has just that, and his tunes in the film bring a California sound I couldn’t have designed more perfectly if I had the magic formula in a test tube. Check out all his records on Spotify and Band Camp above.
William Alexander: “Magic”
Every song on William Alexander’s record “Magic” is one that instantly connects with people. “Wait, whats’ this?” will come up every time you put it on. And it’s the kind of music that always sounds good when you put it on. It is upbeat, cruisey, therapeutic, uplifting, fun, cool with just enough melancholy to remind you that it was made in the shit show known as now.
