Surf Music

Surf music is a genre typified by its reverb-soaked guitars, steady uptempo beats, and an overall sound that evokes the sensation of carefree days basking in the coastal sun and riding the waves. Emerging in the early 1960s in Southern California, the genre comes in two main forms: instrumental tracks, characterized by twangy, reverberating guitar riffs—inspired by the likes of Duane Eddy—and the vocal surf harmonies of bands such as Jan & Dean, which often featured lyrics about surfing, beaches, and summer romance. Bands like The Surfaris and The Chantays delivered iconic instrumental hits, while groups like The Hondells and The Rip Chords infused pop sensibilities into their music. Surf music's golden era may have been brief, but its influence endures, capturing the spirit of a quintessential American youth culture obsessed with the allure of the ocean.

Top Sub-Genres
Exotica

Latest Follows

Latest Surf Music Release
undefined album image
TUKI
Single - Released November 20, 2025
Top Artists Spotify Logo
The Ventures
The Trashmen
Link Wray
The Champs
Duane Eddy
The Surfaris
Top Playlists
Halloween Monster Hits 2025 🎃 1 Surf Music artist
Mornings with kids. 1 Surf Music artist
Top 50 Global 1 Surf Music artist
The Sound of Canadian Latin 1 Surf Music artist
The Sound of Water 1 Surf Music artist
NPR Music's New Music Friday 1 Surf Music artist

RecentMusic users are tracking 33 Surf Music artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 633 releases

Join them and feed your new music addiction, and add the Surf Music artists you love!

Get Started Browse Arists
  1. November 20, 2025
  2. September 19
  3. August 11
  4. July 10
  5. June 9
  6. May 25
  7. May 16
  8. May 12
  9. May 12
  10. April 29
  11. April 29
  12. April 25
  13. April 14
  14. March 22
  15. March 22
  16. March 22
  17. March 21
  18. February 28
  19. February 7
  20. February 3
  21. January 31
  22. January 31
  23. January 31
  24. January 17
  25. January 17
  26. December 13, 2024
  27. November 1
  28. November 1
  29. September 20
  30. September 13
  31. September 10
  32. September 6
  33. September 6
  34. August 30
  35. August 23
  36. August 21
  37. August 16
  38. August 15
  39. August 13
  40. August 9