The New Shockwaves, a local surf music band, will perform at Balefire Brewing Co. in Santa Cruz this Saturday at 18:30. Led by drummer Jeff “Stretch” Riedle, the group aims to bring a fresh take on surf music, a genre deeply rooted in the coastal culture of Santa Cruz.
Riedle describes surf music as primarily instrumental, characterized by heavy reverb and a repetitive drum beat. “Everyone knows surf music when they hear it,” he stated. The typical surf ensemble features two guitarists, and while many bands have opted to include keyboards or saxophones over the years, the guitar remains central. Riedle notes, “With no lead singer, there’s still a front person. The guitarist is considered your lead.” He humorously contrasts the dynamics of bands with guitarists who blend well with the rhythm section and those with a more dominant presence.
Riedle’s extensive background in music includes radio hosting at Foothill College from 1980 to 1987, where he trained notable DJs, and a significant tenure in record retail. He was employee No. 1 at Streetlight Records in San Jose and has managed various music stores, recently overseeing the drum department at The Starving Musician in Santa Cruz.
Originally the drummer for the band The Shockwaves starting in 1985, Riedle recalls the vibrant surf music scene of the late ’80s, which gained renewed attention thanks to Dick Dale’s iconic track “Miserlou,” featured in Quentin Tarantino’s film Pulp Fiction. The original Shockwaves disbanded in 1992, prompting Riedle to explore other musical avenues while contemplating the creation of a new band.
“I decided I needed to put my own band together,” he explained. Riedle aimed to differentiate his new project, The New Shockwaves, from his previous work while still honoring it. The name reflects his connection to the original band while allowing room for artistic growth. “We played some of the old songs, so we weren’t starting from scratch,” he added.
The band’s latest record, From the Beginning, showcases a range of surf covers and original tracks, including unique interpretations of popular songs such as “Batwipe” (the Batman theme), “Louie, Louie,” and “Eddie Goes Surfing,” which reimagines Pearl Jam’s “Better Man.” Riedle expressed enthusiasm for appealing to a broader audience, aiming to attract listeners beyond the traditional demographic of older fans in Hawaiian shirts.
Riedle’s vision for The New Shockwaves is clear: “We’re an instrumental, psychedelic surf band. We’re definitely not traditional.” This Saturday’s performance at Balefire Brewing Co. is set to be a dynamic celebration of surf music, blending nostalgia with modern flair.
What: The New Shockwaves
When: 18:30, Saturday
Where: Balefire Brewing Co., 21517 E. Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
