Neu Beach Day: ‘There’s So Much Beauty In Imperfection’

There’s being a beach band - y’know, the kind concerned with hanging out on the seaside and riding the waves and using that vibe for the bulk of their nostalgia-led music - and then there’s Beach Day. These guys don’t just love the beach, they are the beach. They reside in Florida, they live together and they work at the same place: ‘Smoothie Palace’ (like a more creditable version of the banana stand in Arrested Development, we’re guessing). Their debut album ‘Trip Trap Attack’ is out via. Kanine in June. In mind and spirit its head is directly, unswervingly, placed within the waves. But there is more to these guys than a mere love of the glorified getaway. We spoke to the trio about their smart balance between casual escapism and something more wholly substantial.



The artwork for your debut album is hilarious, but also a touch sinister. Even though your name might suggest complete escapism, there’s more to it, right?
Yes! I agree, the artwork is funny and sinister. Just like living in Hollywood, FL. It’s a little bit escapism and a little bit doomed. But mostly it’s all about good vibes, the good times.

What is it about the ’60s that you feel so connected to? Did bands from that era just instinctively seep through into your own sound?
I’ve just always had this longing for that time, ever since I was like 10 years old. Maybe I’ve time traveled to the future and I’m just trying to fit in. Like a dark comedic sci-fi movie of the week or something.
But then again, I’m obsessed with that show Merlin. Maybe I’ve time traveled from Camelot. I think the music from that era is just so ingrained in me. I feel like it’s the first time in my life I’ve completely connected to my songwriting. The heart of it.

Is it just the music or is it stuff like people buying records, going to shows, doing things the old-school way that you admire from a nostalgic perspective too?
I think I really connect with all aspects of that era. Just like the grass roots feel of everything. Like you mentioned, buying records, doing things the old school way. Like receiving an actual letter in the mail from a friend. That sort of stuff. I’m a very nostalgic person. I also just feel like it was a purer time. People were more pure in their motives, intents, it seems anyway. On the other hand, I’m really big on technology too. I love getting a new toy, like a camera, phone whatever.

You live on a beach town, you call yourself Beach Day. What is life like away from the beach? I take it you’re all good surfers?
We do live super close to the beach and my dad was a surfer and a scuba diving teacher. We’re there all the time. When I was growing up, we were on the beach like every weekend. And in the pool all week up until then. I feel like it’s my heritage, playing surf-y music that talks about escaping. And what a better escape than being on the beach in the sun away from everything. When we’re on tour and we’re away from Hollywood, I appreciate the ways that other people live and I like to experience all the ways the locals live and do things, when there’s time. But In the back of my mind, I always wonder why everyone doesn’t want to live close to the ocean.

When you’re in the studio how do you like to record? Do you have ornaments decorating the walls to remind you of the beach vibes?
I really believe whole heartedly in recording live together as a band, all in the same room. And I believe that getting a good feeling in the studio is so much more important than using a click track and making sure everything is perfect. There’s so much beauty in imperfection. Especially in music. Those imperfect moments can show vulnerability. And that’s what makes us human. And that’s what connects us all. It’s so powerful. Music is the one language that everyone can understand. I do like having candles & incense in the studio. But we don’t need beachy posters. That beachy vibe is inside of us. We all grew up in technicolor, sunny Florida. It’s inescapable.



Pre-order ‘Trip Trap Attack’ via Kanine. It’s out 18th June.