Surfer Girl brought their high-energy, genre-blending vibes to Cornerstone Berkeley, delivering a performance as radiant and dynamic as the man behind the project, Carter Reeves.
Before the show, I had the chance to sit down with Carter to talk about life on the road, the inspiration behind his latest music, and the community that makes the reggae scene so special.
Life on Tour: Balancing the Dream
The Pier (TP): So, Carter, you’re hopping on tour with DENM and The Elovaters—how’s that been?
Surfer Girl (SG): Man, it’s been wild. We’re doing two weeks on, two weeks off, which is great because you get to go home and be with family, but at the same time, it drags everything out. What could be a six-week tour stretches into four months.”
TP: That’s gotta be tough, balancing that with home life.
SG: It is. But at the end of the day, this is the dream, right? The road can be exhausting, but when DENM called, we were like, ‘Absolutely, 100%.’ Then two days later, The Elovaters called, and we were like, ‘How do we make this all work?’ These are two of my favorite bands, and to have them both invite us out at the same time is just unreal.
TP: You’ve toured all over, but how does the West Coast reggae scene stand out?
SG: Oh, it’s such a family. No matter where you go, the love for the music is the same. But the further north you get, the crunchier it gets—more mushrooms, more outdoorsy vibes,” he laughs. “But the spirit is always there. Everyone’s generous, kind-hearted, and really in it for the music.
The Depth of Collecting Dust
TP: Your latest single, “Collecting Dust,” feels like a deeper, more introspective take compared to some of your past music. What inspired that shift?
SG: Yeah, this one’s different. I was spending time with The Elovaters, just reflecting a lot, and this guitar loop I came up with had this emotional pull. It wasn’t the usual ‘summertime beach jam’ – it was calling for something more introspective.
TP: What’s the meaning behind the song?
SG: It’s about looking back, acknowledging mistakes, and appreciating the people who stick with you despite them. I think we all go through phases where we feel like we’re just existing – collecting dust. But there’s beauty in recognizing that and growing from it.
TP: You’ve said it’s one of the best songs you’ve ever made. What makes it so special to you?
SG: It just feels raw and honest. It might not be the biggest song yet, but I believe in it. And I think it’ll make even more sense when the full album is out. Music is so single-driven these days, but some songs just hit harder in the context of a bigger story.
Collaboration and Community
TP: You’ve had some big collaborations; The Elovaters, Jared Watson from Dirty Heads. How have those shaped Surfer Girl’s journey?
SG: Man, The Elovaters gave us one of our first real shots. They didn’t have to, but they did, and now we’re like family. They’ve always been a few steps ahead, but we’re growing together.
TP: And working with Jared Watson—that must’ve been a trip.
SG: Insane. I grew up listening to Dirty Heads, trying to emulate his voice. And now, to have him on one of our tracks? Full-circle moment, for sure.
TP: The reggae scene seems to thrive on collaboration.
SG: Yeah, for sure. You don’t just break into this community – you earn it by showing up, putting in the work, and connecting genuinely. That’s what makes it so special. Everyone supports each other.
A Sunset on the Horizon
TP: Your next album, Sunset, is set to drop soon. What can we expect?
SG: Every song feels like a single. That was the goal – no throwaways, just great songs you want to keep on repeat.
TP: Any special features?
SG: Yeah, we’ve got Bryce Vine, Khalia, and Collie Buddz on this one. It’s a mix of reggae, pop, and introspective lyrics – classic Surfer Girl but elevated.
TP: And after the album drops?
SG: Spring tour, Cali Roots, and then I’m taking a break to focus on my wedding in June. Once the album’s out and the shows are done, I’m off until August. Gotta balance it all, you know?
Cornerstone Berkeley: The Perfect Wave
Surfer Girl’s set at Cornerstone was nothing short of electric. Carter’s energy, the band’s tight instrumentation, and the crowd’s vibe created a night to remember. Tracks like “Collecting Dust” brought an emotional depth that balanced perfectly with the high-energy singalongs of “Rush Hour.”
By the end of the night, it was as clear as staring straight down a barrel – Surfer Girl isn’t just catching waves in the reggae scene. They’re making their own. And with Sunset on the way, this journey is only just beginning.
