Surf Rock

Surf Rock: 28 upcoming festivals, including 11 with tickets on sale.

Surf Rock is an energetic, largely instrumental genre characterized by a vibrant electric guitar or saxophone carrying the main melody, often driven by a fast, reverberating sound that evokes the power and exhilaration of ocean waves. Emerging primarily between 1961 and 1966 in Southern California, particularly Orange County, it was deeply intertwined with surf culture and significantly influenced the broader rock landscape. Iconic artists like Dick Dale and the Del-Tones pioneered the genre's distinctive sound. While primarily instrumental, a vocal surf pop form also emerged, featuring catchy harmonies and dance elements.

Parent genreRock 'N' Roll