By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Surf’s up.
West Coast instrumental punksters The Surf Serpents just served up a whole lot of new music by way of both a new EP called ‘Vampiress’ and a ‘Singles & B-Sides’ album.
The Music Bugle had the chance to catch up again with guitarist/founding member Troy Ounce about what they’ve been up to lately and more.
Music Bugle – How did you decide the name “The Surf Serpents”?
Troy Ounce – I had released a surf record with my old punk band Raincity Ghouls, but we were never a surf band. I’ve always wanted to start an instrumental surf project, so one afternoon, I just smoked a bunch of weed until I came up with a name.
Music Bugle – What were your goals for your latest release?
Troy Ounce – To just get it out and hope it will get people stoked for Summer!
Music Bugle – How would you describe the West Coast to someone who has never been there before?
Troy Ounce – Beautiful. It’s hard to beat the palm trees and ocean air. It’s very nice most of the year.
Music Bugle – What excites you the most about your style of music?
Troy Ounce – We don’t have to write lyrics! (Laughs) It’s nice to just be able to rock out and not worry about vocals!
Music Bugle – Does social media help or hurt musicians?
Troy Ounce – Depends how you use it! It has always seemed to help us.
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Troy Ounce – We been spending more time in the studio than usual. I’d say it has forced us to be more productive, in some weird way.
Music Bugle – Where do you go when you need a break?
Troy Ounce – We go to the beach or the skatepark.
Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep doing what you do?
Troy Ounce – “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Troy Ounce – Been listening to a lot of Tiki Creeps, The Pukes, Rancid – their old stuff – and Batmobile.
Music Bugle – What do you hope for from the rest of 2021?
Troy Ounce – That one of us doesn’t get eaten by a shark.