It’s the sort of advice that sticks with you, that bolsters that longing to get out in the world and throw yourself into every nook and cranny. When those words are coming from Blondie’s own Debbie Harry, it’s something to live by - especially when she’s already a big fan of your band.
For a band making waves out of Brooklyn’s scratchy punk scene, Surfbort are becoming quite the movement and in turn, an emblem of change and rebellion that’s set to change the mainstream for the better.
Recent shows have seen a rapturous response, touring across Europe for the first time and witnessing first-hand the unforgettable power and change they’re already causing.
Drummer Sean Powell picks up: “When we played the Shacklewell Arms in London, that was one of the craziest shows we’ve done in a while! That’s a million times better than playing in front of a crowded room of people who are just standing there staring at you, going ‘what the fuck are you doing’.”
Alex smiles, “what’s cool is when you have that and then halfway through you get them, and then you turn them!”
It summarises exactly what Surftbort are all about, a no-nonsense kick to a world struggling to find its way - both protest and party in equal measure. Self-described as ‘Dani And The Dads’, it’s a journey that shows how across generations and backgrounds, music can find a home. It’s a home plenty are going to be knocking on the door of pretty soon.
Naturally forming and shaping into place over the years, the idea of Surfbort was born when Dani first moved to New York.
The band became a true word of mouth hit, something that pulled everyone together to form the unit standing here today. Alex saw an incarnation of the band playing in Berlin which included Dani and Sean, while fellow guitarist David Head joined after being a fan for a while. His second show was appearing at Coachella before heading straight out on tour with the Black Lips. “Just thrown into the fire!” laughs Dani.
A Surfbort show is unlike anything else. A free place for those to express themselves, rally against the world outside the venue’s doors and a carefree explosion of fun and love - it’s a recipe needed for the here and now.
As Dani notes, “super fucked up things are happening with the government and all this shit, but we still should be able to enjoy life and come together and not be suffering because of some dickhead trying to rule over us. We have a lot of privilege, and I want to be able to stand up for people who are being put down by shitty, weird laws. Trump and shit just want to point out differences, which is so wrong to us. We love having fun and enjoying the pleasure of life - so we do a mix, I want to be able to stand up for people at the same time - there’s no room to be silent.”
The world is definitely taking notice. Not just backed by Blondie and Julian Casablancas, you’ll find the likes of Wolf Alice (“Who popped our UK cherry,” smiles Dani), Karen O and Gucci all proudly waving the Surfbort flag. Yep, you read the last one right, Gucci - with the band fronting their first ever beauty range.
Continually learning, evolving and growing - Surfbort are the welcome revolution bringing a brighter day to the skies. With a second album already brimming on the cards, it’s only just the beginning.
Taken from the July issue of Dork.
Words: Jamie Muir
The band became a true word of mouth hit, something that pulled everyone together to form the unit standing here today. Alex saw an incarnation of the band playing in Berlin which included Dani and Sean, while fellow guitarist David Head joined after being a fan for a while. His second show was appearing at Coachella before heading straight out on tour with the Black Lips. “Just thrown into the fire!” laughs Dani.
A Surfbort show is unlike anything else. A free place for those to express themselves, rally against the world outside the venue’s doors and a carefree explosion of fun and love - it’s a recipe needed for the here and now.
