Ep 23 | Conversation with Surf Mesa

10/08/20 • 20 min

File under “mellifluous.” That’s how Los Angeles’ Powell Aguirre likes to think of the music he makes as Surf Mesa. It’s electronic, but full of organic texture. It’s rooted in dance, but sounds best by the light of the full moon. It’s sweet, but also thoughtful. In other words, as Surf puts it, “music for good feels.” That phrase certainly sums up his biggest hit to date, “ily (i love you baby)” featuring Emilee, a tropically tinged bop that was born on TikTok, but quickly conquered listening platforms around the world, amassing over820million combined streams to date, topping U.S. and Global Viral Charts, and debuting on Top 40 radio. Early press has included Rolling Stone, Billboard, HITS, Idolator, Soundazed and Fresh Music Freaks.

Though he’s only 20, Surf has logged an impressive number of hours honing his craft. He grew up in Sammamish, Washington, outside Seattle, where an older brother hooked him up with FL Studio –when Surf was in third grade. The summer after his senior year,Surf broke his leg and was bedridden for months. Unexpectedly, that time stuck at home paid off in the form of an EP, titled bedroom, of course. When the cast came off, he wasted no time moving in with musician friends in Los Angeles.

Then one night scrolling TikTok, he came across Batesville, Arkansas’ Emilee Flood playing an acoustic cover of Frankie Valli’s 1967 hit “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” Captivated by her honeyed voice, Surf dropped the audio into his DAW and, within hours, had posted his remixon SoundCloud. Soon, label reps were blowing up his phone. He signed with Astralwerks.

There’s no shortage of collaborations in the works, beginning with Surf’s remix of Marshmello and Halsey’s “Be Kind” and his new single, “Somewhere” ft. Gus Dapperton. While the electronic landscape evolves at a dizzying speed, Surf knows what he wants from his own music. He calls it “electronic alternative”–a style that balances digital textures with piano, guitar, and even acoustic drums, and focuses on songwriting as much as sick beats. It’s catchy. It’s chill. It’s mellifluous.

We chatted with Surf Mesa about his music and future in the music industry and much more.

We chatted with Surf Mesa about his music and future in the music industry and much more.

Previous Episode

Ep 22 | Conversation with David Whelan and Conor O'Donohoe of Wild Youth

After climbing the charts in 2019, Irish pop group, Wild Youth are poised for global domination with their catchy new single, “Next To You.”

This new track is a “sad banger” that creatively captures the classic concept of love at first sight.

To match the track’s upbeat 80’s inspired sound, the band collaborated with The Tenth Man to create a vibrant and colorful video that features psychedelic visuals and signature dance moves.

Listen to what the band had to say about the single, the video and more!

Next Episode

Ep 24 | Conversation with Kiiara

After exploding onto the scene over five years ago, Atlantic Records recording artist Kiiara has released her highly-anticipated debut album ‘lil kiiwi.’ The incredible project is highlighted by the princess of chop pop’s collaboration with superstar rapper blackbear,“So Sick” as well as six brand-new tracks, recently released singles “I Still Do,” “Never Let You” and “Numb (feat. DeathbyRomy and PVRIS),” and past hits “Gold,” Whippin (Feat. Felix Snow)”and “Feels.” ‘lil kiiwi’ finds Kiiara bringing a new level of self-possession to her music, fully embracing her instincts in every step of the process and capturing the strange complexities of love. This is exemplified in the track “So Sick (feat. blackbear),” a bold but brightly textured tale of a toxic romance. “As soon as I cut the vocals on that song I could hear him on it,” Kiiara recalls. “We hadn’t spoken in a long time but he hit me right back and said he’d love to do it. It ended up being a playful, dramatic song.” ECHO chatted with Kiiara about her debut album and much more!