What kind of music do you listen to? Music is an integral part of surfing that created an ideal environment for the surf culture.
The early 60s is when California surf music came into the spotlight. The Beach Boys inspired the first modern surfing generation, and had a big influence on surf culture. They created an interest in surfing and provided a playlist for surf trips through California. Their music was even adopted by Australian and European surfers.
Instruments like the Fender guitars, electric pianos and the saxophone are elements of the surf music vibe. Music groups like the Bel-Airs, The Challengers, The Shadows, The Atlantics, Dick Dale and the Del-Tones and the Surfaris are all popular groups who influenced the surf culture. The song “Pet Sounds” from the eleventh Beach Boys album is an iconic surf song.
Some other original surf classics are Donavon Frankenreiter, Jack Johnson, The Phantom Surfers and Reef. These classics plus many more have rephrased original surf classics with fresh and new sounds.
Many surfers see Weezer, the band, as a perfect example of new alternative surf music.Weezer first came out in the 90s and has always provided the best music to get you fired up for a surf session. A couple great songs to get you stocked are “Surf Wax America” and “Island in the Sun.”
“Sound of the Surf” is a documentary film about surf music, and discussed surf songs that influenced the rock genre. The film starts with the early music in California in the 1950s and 1960s.
Surf music is an important part of the surf culture, and has successful and influential history to prove it. Here is a list of some surf bands and artists you can listen to today:
Al Casey
Bob Vaught and The Renegaids
Corky Carroll
Donavon Frankenreiter
Eddie and The Showmen
Frogmen
Jack Johnson
Reef
The Beach Boys
Tom Curren
Weezer
Further reading: http://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/5329-the-best-surf-music-bands-ever