Seawhorse is a fairly new band hitting the Richmond scene with the release of their first studio album, Galaxified on November 12.
Seawhorse is a fairly new band hitting the Richmond scene with the release of their first studio album, Galaxified on November 12. The band brings a fresh face, or should I say mask, to a classic genre of surf-rock.
Nick Michon (Guitars), Sammy McCasland (Bass), Griffin Sisk (Sax and Keys), and Seth Petersen (Drums) make up the band and have been playing shows throughout Richmond as well as some additional east coast states for a little over a year. The band originally started with Michon and Petersen as a duo and has progressively expanded to include the rest of the members.
Seawhorse recorded the 11-track album in just two days with Lance Koehler at Minimum Wage Recording, a local studio which has churned out a number of records for RVA artists including Sideways Orange, Cavum, Moossa, and Black Girls.
“He’s definitely someone you want when you’re recording, he knows exactly what he’s doing,” said Petersen.
Although the group relates to a specific genre, they are adamant that it does not limit them. “We’ll continue to expand within our genre but we’ll always keep our surf rock roots.” said Michon.
And if you’re not one for shenanigans and sillyiness in your music, then this band is not for you. That’s right, looking at you hipsters. The band mates don horse masks and are quite the spectacle when they perform live.
“I just said why don’t we put on masks and horse ourselves all over Richmond,” said Michon.
With an attention-grabbing name and an eccentric stage presence, the group describes their appearance as a way to reach a broader audience. “[Surf music] is very stripped down,” Peterson said. “ If you’ve only listened to our music without seeing us perform you’d be very surprised.”
While the idea seems to conceal their identity, the group said the equestrian attire feels very intimate at the same time.
“When I’m playing this music and wearing this mask, you’re not self-conscious in it or doing it,” said Petersen. “I feel like that’s communicated to the audience and then it’s communicated back to us. Everyone feels comfortable.”
The album won’t be out until next month, but Seawhorse gave RVA Mag a sneak peek into Galaxified with the release of the catchy single, “Hooks”.
With a little tribute/snippet from the comedy “King Pin” and then morphs into a groovy beat with each instrument distinctly represented.
“Hooks” will have you up on your feet jamming to their splendid surf rock sound. This single paves the way for their album release and what is in store for listeners.
Catch Seawhorse at The Camel November 12th as they debut Galaxified while supporting headliner Daniel Romano.
And Petersen has a few words for those who have yet to catch their live act:
“If you haven’t been, come on out see if those hips still work.”
