“Surf music is best understood as the west coast regional variation of the larger rock-instrumental form, which had enjoyed enormous acclaim nationwide all through the prior history of rock ‘n roll.” – Paul Johnson
This insightful quote perfectly encapsulates the essence of Surf Rock, highlighting its roots in instrumental rock and its unique regional identity. For many outside of California in the early 1960s, understanding surf rock was a matter of perspective, a concept heavily influenced by geographical distance and cultural exposure. Growing up in the upper Midwest, my perception of California was shaped by hot rod magazines, model car artwork, and television shows like the Beverly Hillbillies. California was a mythical land of beaches, cool cars, and endless summers. Surf culture, and by extension, surf rock, was a somewhat distant concept.
From 1,900 miles away, the connection between California beach culture and the instrumental music emerging from the West Coast was not immediately obvious. Bands like The Beach Boys and Jan & Dean, who sang about surfing, were more readily associated with the surf scene than the instrumental music itself. However, as Paul Johnson points out, the instrumental rock format was already popular, and surf musicians carved their niche by capturing the auditory essence of the surfing experience. This is where the iconic Fender reverb unit comes into play. Anyone who has stood on a Pacific coast beach can attest to the persistent roar of the ocean. It’s not a stretch to connect that powerful, echoing sound to the rich, dripping reverb produced by a cranked-up Fender 6G15 reverb unit, a sound that became synonymous with surf rock guitar.
Shifting Perspectives: From Midwest to Malibu
Understanding surf rock requires acknowledging the frame of reference. If you had asked an eight-year-old in Minnesota in 1962 what surf music was, The Beach Boys might have been the answer. This perspective, geographically removed from Southern California, lacked the nuances of the burgeoning surf scene. Asking where surfing happened would have correctly pointed to California, but the distinctions between Huntington Beach, Malibu, and Doheny would have been lost. Similarly, musical distinctions were blurred. Dick Dale, The Chantays, Duane Eddy, and The Ventures might have been lumped together, their subtle differences indiscernible from afar. These nuances, crucial to defining true surf rock, were essentially invisible without direct experience or immersion in the California surf culture. It wasn’t until my first visit to the Pacific coast nearly three years later that the full picture began to emerge.
The Authenticity Puzzle: Defining the “Surf” in Surf Rock
The definition of surf rock becomes even more complex when considering authenticity and influence. The philosophical “Ship of Theseus” paradox comes to mind: if a ship is gradually replaced plank by plank, is it still the same ship? Similarly, if a musician from outside Southern California in 1962 learned and played a surf tune, could it be considered authentic surf rock? By one definition, it’s a copy, an imitation. But what if that musician is a dedicated surfer who regularly travels to California to ride the waves?
This illustrates the challenge of rigidly defining genres. The tighter the definition, the more exceptions and nuances emerge. While surf rock undeniably originated within the Southern California surf culture, its appeal and influence quickly expanded nationwide and even globally. However, the “frame of reference” remained crucial. A surf band in Southern California might have a very different definition of surf rock authenticity compared to a young fan in Minnesota simply seeking the thrilling instrumental guitar sound they heard in “Pipeline.” For that fan, bands like The Marketts delivered exactly what they were looking for.
Instrumental Rock: A Bold Step Beyond Orchestras
The rise of surf rock also needs to be understood within the broader context of instrumental music in the early 1960s. Instrumental music was not new, but it was largely dominated by orchestras and big bands. Lawrence Welk, known for his big band sound, even had Top 40 hits during this period. For young musicians to embrace instrumental guitar music as a serious artistic form was a significant departure from the norm. The idea of a band composed of “kids” with guitars, bass, and drums gaining mainstream acceptance was revolutionary. Yet, surf rock did precisely that, capturing the zeitgeist and paving the way for a broader appreciation of guitar-based instrumental music.
Throughout the 1960s, the distinctive twangy guitar sound, often enhanced by reverb and tremolo, became a staple in various instrumental genres that had no direct connection to surfing. This “long tail” effect of surf rock extended into lush orchestral arrangements, spy themes, space-age instrumentals, and Western soundtracks. Even movie themes like “Charade” incorporated the twangy electric guitar melody, a pairing that would have been unconventional before the surf rock explosion. The Ventures, with their prolific output and broad appeal, further solidified the popularity of instrumental guitar music, reaching audiences far beyond the youth market. Surf rock, alongside pioneers like Duane Eddy, played a crucial role in bringing this sound to a wider audience and bridging the gap between youth culture and mainstream acceptance in film and popular culture.
Influences Beyond the Waves: Jazz, Exotica, and Hawaiian Music
As bigtikidude astutely noted, jazz, exotica, and Hawaiian music were significant influences on surf rock, particularly in shaping its melodic sensibility. The emphasis on strong, melodic instrumental lines being “out front” in surf rock can be traced back to these genres. These influences, combined with the raw energy of rock and roll and the sonic textures inspired by the ocean, coalesced to create the unique and enduring sound of surf rock.
In conclusion, defining surf rock is not simply about listing musical characteristics. It’s about understanding its cultural context, its evolution, and the diverse perspectives that shape its meaning. From its regional roots in Southern California surf culture to its broader impact on instrumental music and popular culture, surf rock is more than just a genre; it’s a soundscape that evokes a specific time, place, and spirit. And as the saying goes, “When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar,” highlighting the rebellious and enduring spirit of this iconic genre.
