An evening of surf music is set to electrify Balefire Brewing Co. in Santa Cruz on March 16, 2024, as local band The New Shockwaves takes the stage. Led by drummer Jeff “Stretch” Riedle, the band promises a night filled with instrumental melodies that define the surf genre.
Riedle, who has been a prominent figure in the local music scene for decades, describes surf music as instantly recognizable. “Everyone knows surf music when they hear it,” he explained. “It’s all instrumental and heavily based with reverb. There’s a standard drum beat that repeats.” Riedle emphasized that while the genre typically features two guitarists, the dynamics can vary significantly depending on the personalities involved.
As a veteran of the music industry, Riedle’s background is rich. He began his career in radio at Foothill College from 1980 to 1987 and has worked in various record stores, including a five-year tenure running his own shop. Notably, he was the first employee at Streetlight Records in San Jose. His journey in surf music began in 1985 as the original drummer for The Shockwaves, a band that laid the groundwork for his current project.
Evolution of The New Shockwaves
Reflecting on the history of surf music, Riedle notes the genre’s resurgence in the late 1980s, particularly after the release of Dick Dale’s iconic track “Miserlou,” which famously opened Quentin Tarantino’s film Pulp Fiction. “The Shockwaves disbanded in 1992,” he recalled. After trying his hand in various bands, Riedle felt the need to create a new group that would reflect his growth as a musician.
He approached bassist Randy Hyden with the idea of reviving some of their old songs but wanted a fresh identity. Hyden proposed to simply call the new band The Shockwaves, but Riedle sought to differentiate this project. “I wanted to allow room to expand,” he said. Thus, The New Shockwaves was born, a name that pays homage to the past while embracing new possibilities.
The band aims to attract a broader audience than their predecessors, who were primarily older men in Hawaiian shirts. Riedle noted, “The most natural thing to do was try something that would appeal to a wider range of ages.” Their latest album, “From the Beginning,” showcases this intention. It features a mix of surf covers and original compositions, including renditions of popular tracks like “Batwipe” and “Eddie Goes Surfing,” along with songs from their earlier days that had never been recorded.
Upcoming Show Details
Riedle describes The New Shockwaves as an “instrumental, psychedelic surf band,” emphasizing their departure from traditional surf music norms. The performance at Balefire Brewing Co. is set to begin at 18:30, and attendees can expect a vibrant experience that blends nostalgia with contemporary influences.
As the Santa Cruz music scene continues to thrive, Riedle’s dedication to evolving his sound while honoring the past demonstrates the enduring appeal of surf music. For those in the area, this Saturday’s show promises to be a memorable celebration of a genre deeply rooted in local culture.
