Artist Spotlight: Surf Curse
Surf Curse has mastered the art of blending nostalgia with modern energy, making waves in the indie surf rock scene since their formation in 2012. Originating in Reno, Nevada, and now based in Los Angeles, the band—featuring founding members Nick Rattigan and Jacob Rubeck along with Henry Dillon and Noah Kholl—delivers a sound that’s equal parts punk grit and dreamy surf melodies.
Their breakout moment came in 2020 when their 2013 track “Freaks” went viral on TikTok, cementing their place in the cultural zeitgeist. The angsty anthem struck a chord with millions, earning Platinum certification and amassing over a billion streams. Fast forward to 2024, their 2019 single “Disco” followed suit, topping the TikTok Billboard Top 50 and debuting on the Billboard Hot 100.
Despite their meteoric rise, Surf Curse stays rooted in their DIY ethos, gaining fans through raw, cinematic tracks like “The Strange and the Kind” and crowd favorites like “Jamie.” Their fourth studio album, Magic Hour (2022), showcased a maturing sound, earning critical praise and featuring a viral hit, “Sugar.”
From their early days playing all-ages punk venues to sold-out tours and Coachella performances, Surf Curse has evolved while maintaining the infectious energy that made them a staple of the indie scene. With their tracks soundtracking everything from TikTok trends to introspective road trips, Surf Curse is proof that timeless sound finds its moment—again and again.
Listen to “Buds” here: https://too.fm/qvpvp35