Posted in: Musicouching by Nicki B on August 12, 2008 | 0 Comments
On the forefronts of producing sounds that lead to a trend to sweep the nation and even the world, Orange County musicians are innovative and, plainly, rather talented.
This article is part of the series “Your Guide to the Real O.C.“
Two big movements that have stemmed from the O.C. are ska punk revival and surf rock. In addition, musicians out of Orange County have excelled in genres like pop, r&b, and more. Here’s a sampling of just what they have to offer:
Taking from a broad range of influences, Dick Dale is a pioneer in the surf rock genre. While the King of the Surf Guitar was born on the East Coast, he has spent most of his life surfing the waves of the Pacific and hanging out in the Balboa area of Newport Beach. His music can be heard not only over the radio or on disc, but a famous track has been featured on the big screen, at sports stadiums, and even on roller coaster rides.
The political activist/lyricist/vocalist of Rage Against the Machine (RATM), Zack de la Rocha, grew up in Orange County, mostly in Irvine. Band member Tim Commerford also had spent a portion of his childhood their, and this is where the two future bandmates first met. De la Rocha’s father was very artistic and it’s apparently something that did get passed down in the genes. RATM has rocked huge events such as Lollapalooza and various other festivals.
Coming out of Garden Grove, Offspring singer and guitarist Dexter Holland is more than just a rocker. Holland has a rather nerdy side, and actually did very well in his school years. The Offspring became popular by experiencing the viral effect of their song, Pretty Fly, which mocks your typical suburban white boy and “wigga” (a person who tries to be hip).
The jewel of Orange County, and one of it’s most famous products, Gwen Stefani has taken the music world by storm. She started off as lead singer in the band No Doubt (see below), and spent the band’s down time to launch her own solo career. If your family lives in Anaheim, you’re bound to have some sort of connection to Stefani or her family, as she is the girl next door that made it big.
Featuring a collaboration of very successful individuals, No Doubt started small as a garage-band from Anaheim. The history of the band members is long and intertwined. Before the band even got off the ground, Eric Stefani (founder of the group) had committed suicide. Gwen Stefani and Tony Kanal had expressed the pains of their break-up lyrically in the junior album, Tragic Kingdom. Each member of the band has gone on to their own very successful careers as the songs they created together over a series of five albums continue to be frequently played over the airwaves and on many digital audio devices.
A new sensation amongst the bunch, Lisa Tucker became well known due to her amazing performance on the pop show American Idol. Also hailing from Anaheim, Tucker continues to reside in Orange County and plans on attending university in Fullerton. Once she drops a flawless debut album, of course.
Orange County has much culture, both through sight and sound, to offer. There are many up and coming singers, bands, and various other artists to watch out for, so keep your eyes and ears open for more O.C. flavor that will infuse itself into your life.
