Surf Rock was invented as a whole new musical Genre at the beginning of the 1960s. The love to the sunny California inspired artists to write songs about the fun of the Beach Life, that many Americans dreamed of. Although Surf Rock music borrows elements from the 1950s, experimenting with exotic instruments and studio effects are also a big part of it. If you want to write your own Surf Rock Hit, just follow these 5 essentials. |
1. Use standard Rock Instruments: Electric guitars and electric bass are essential parts of your own Surf Rock Hit. Consider to use alternate ways of playing the guitar, like Tremolo, which was part of Dick Dale’s songs. You should also use a drum set.
2. But also try exotic Instruments: Surf Rock music has no strict rules about instrumentation. The genre wants you to try new and exotic instruments. An example for that is the Theremin (picture) that was used in the song “Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys.
3. Borrow elements from the 1950s: Your hit can make use of elements that were used by the greatest 1950s Rock and Roll artists. Chuck Berry’s guitar riff style was copied by surf rock artists like the Beach Boys. You can also borrow an entire section of a 50s song. The Beach boys used the intro of Chuck Berry’s song “Johnny B. Goode” in their song “Fun, Fun, Fun” with the exception that the bass uses tremolo picking while sliding down.
4. Have Fun in the Lyrics: Surf Rock was famous for its many instrumental hits, so writing a lyrics is optional for you. But even if you want to have a lyrics, don’t set yourself under pressure. Your lyrics should not be meaningful, but “light”. Sing about the Californian beach life and its girls, but don’t make it serious. Surf Rock music is supposed to be fun.
5. Experiment with studio effects: A Surf Rock artist spends a lot of time in the studio, experimenting with effects, especially with echoing and overdubbing. Don’t be afraid to try new effects. With today’s technology, your possibilities are even bigger than the 60s artists’.
Now listen to the Beach Boy’s song “Fun, Fun, Fun” and try to find the attributes above.
2. But also try exotic Instruments: Surf Rock music has no strict rules about instrumentation. The genre wants you to try new and exotic instruments. An example for that is the Theremin (picture) that was used in the song “Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys.
3. Borrow elements from the 1950s: Your hit can make use of elements that were used by the greatest 1950s Rock and Roll artists. Chuck Berry’s guitar riff style was copied by surf rock artists like the Beach Boys. You can also borrow an entire section of a 50s song. The Beach boys used the intro of Chuck Berry’s song “Johnny B. Goode” in their song “Fun, Fun, Fun” with the exception that the bass uses tremolo picking while sliding down.
4. Have Fun in the Lyrics: Surf Rock was famous for its many instrumental hits, so writing a lyrics is optional for you. But even if you want to have a lyrics, don’t set yourself under pressure. Your lyrics should not be meaningful, but “light”. Sing about the Californian beach life and its girls, but don’t make it serious. Surf Rock music is supposed to be fun.
5. Experiment with studio effects: A Surf Rock artist spends a lot of time in the studio, experimenting with effects, especially with echoing and overdubbing. Don’t be afraid to try new effects. With today’s technology, your possibilities are even bigger than the 60s artists’.
Now listen to the Beach Boy’s song “Fun, Fun, Fun” and try to find the attributes above.
Sources:
- Rock and Roll Its History and Stylistic Development - Stuessy - 7th Edition
- Rockin' in Time - Szatmary - 7th Edition
- Rock Music Styles: a history - Katherine Charlton - 6th Edition
- The Beach Boys: http://bit.ly/1uGpGBL
- Theremin: http://bit.ly/1rjbhFC