Q&A With The Growlers – Where Psychedelic, R&B, Surf and Country Collide!

The Growlers aren’t your average band. Sure, that statement might be sort of cliche, but take the time to listen to these guys and you’ll be convinced they’re far from traditional. Blending elements of surf rock with psychedelic pop and intriguing lyrics, they’re part of the recent re-emergence of no-holds bared, garage-pop influenced bands such as The Fresh and Onlys, Sonny & The Sunsets, Girls, and Thee Oh Sees. Unlike those bands though, The Growlers have more of an experimental approach to making their finely-crafted tunes. Think of their music as sort of a journey through a mind-bending cultural experience.

Bill Murray with others audience members (and a banana) checking out The Growlers at SXSW last year.

Heck, even Bill Murray loves their music! Yes, it’s true there’s a sweet YouTube video of one of The Growlers shows last year, and Bill Murray was present (and dancing) in the crowd.

All Access Music writer, Nicole DeRosa caught up with The Growlers during their current tour. Peep their short and sweet Q&A below.

How would you describe your music to those who have not had the pleasure to be introduced to your sound yet?

Psychedelic, R&B, and Surf and Country

Where did you all grow up? How did your location influence your style?

We grew up in Orange County. Its a stale place with a lot of opportunities. We we’re lucky enough to get sucked into the surf and skateboarding world. We we’re also close enough to Los Angeles and Long Beach to get touched by rock n roll. That helped us not become real estate agents. And it made us little sh*ts but we’re slowly growing out of that.

What’s the vibe of The Growlers ? What could we expect at your shows?

We are chill and relaxed. Sometime this comes off as arrogant, be we enjoy this job. You can expect to hear what you came for…

What’s your favorite song that you guys have written and what was the influence?

I don’t have a favorite yet.

What was the first piece of music that you fell in love with growing up?

Bob Marley – “Soul Rebel”

How has the tour been so far? How has life on the road been treating you all? Can you share with us any memorable stories from the road so far?

The road is heaven and hell. Its a gamble and a sacrifice and its rewarding if you have the endurance.

If you were on an island and could only bring 3 things, what would you bring?

My fiancé, my dog and my surfboard.

What is in your current music playlist? Any guilty pleasure songs?

Currently all gay and drag songs. Im developing a stage show with a drag queen named DMTina for our September USA tour, with songs like, “Jet boy, Jet girl.”

Do you have any hidden talents we don’t know about that you would like to share with our readers?

I’m excellent at dog whispering.

What’s on tap next for The Growlers this year?

Touring and recording. Our album, Chinese Fountain will be released through Smack Face Records on September 23rd.

To check out more about The Growlers, including upcoming tour dates, visit them here

About the Author

Nicole DeRosa joined the All Access Music Group family in February 2012. She loves the infectious energy and enthusiasm of the music industry and she feels right at home having music compliment her every day. Nicole blends her experience and skills which she has culled from her time working in New York as a photo researcher and editor at Entertainment Weekly and Harpers Bazaar Magazine. After New York, Nicole moved to London for school and there she stood in line for hours on Oxford Street to hear Paul McCartney play an impromptu concert on a rooftop. Another notable experience while living in London was her first time ever calling into a radio station, she won an invite to a record release party with the Beastie Boys for their album 'Ill Communication'. "I love London as it has such a vibrant and diverse music scene and I couldn't help but go out every night to check out gig after gig. It was a wonderful time." Living near the notable Sherpards Bush Empire music venue one of her most favorite concerts to date was seeing Bjork. Nicole has also worked for Walt Disney World in Product Development and later went on to work at Disney's Feature Animation Archives in Florida. Nicole has a passion for travel and adventure and has always wanted to live in California so she packed up and moved four years ago to the "left coast" and has been loving it ever since.