Ep 23 | Conversation with Surf Mesa - a podcast by ECHO

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.

---

This episode is sponsored by
· Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Further episodes of ECHO - The Podcast

Further podcasts by ECHO

Website of ECHO