Surfaces: The Sunny Sound of Indie Pop

Surfaces is an American indie pop duo known for their breezy, uplifting sound that blends pop, funk, and folk. The group, formed in College Station, Texas, achieved mainstream success with their viral 2019 single Sunday Best, which propelled their album Horizons to chart on the Billboard 200.

Early career

Surfaces was formed in 2017 by Forrest Frank and Colin Padalecki, who began collaborating remotely while attending Texas A&M University. Their self-released debut album, Surf, arrived that same year, establishing their DIY ethos and signature blend of laid-back, genre-fluid pop.

Breakthrough

The duo's breakthrough came in 2019 with the single Sunday Best from their third studio album, Horizons. The track became a viral sensation on TikTok and social media, eventually peaking at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a platinum certification from the RIAA, transforming Surfaces from an independent project into a charting act.

Key tracks

Sunday Best - This viral hit defined their cheerful sound and became their first major chart success, reaching the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100.

Good Day - Another optimistic anthem that further solidified their brand of positive pop and found a strong audience on streaming platforms.

Shine On Top - A track exemplifying their collaborative spirit, featuring fellow artist Tai Verdes.

Take It Easy - A laid-back song that captures the essence of their early, DIY-inspired sound from the Surf album.

Learn To Fly - This song showcases their melodic, folk-pop influences and continued evolution within the indie pop space.

Following their viral success, Surfaces continued to release music consistently, including the 2020 album Pacifico and 2022's Good Morning and Good Afternoon EPs. Their work often features collaborations with artists like Tai Verdes and Elton John, the latter on a remix of Learn To Fly, highlighting their growing reach within the pop landscape. The duo maintains a prolific output, directly connecting with fans through a steady stream of releases that expand their sunny, genre-blending catalog.

Fans of Surfaces' upbeat and melodic indie pop might also enjoy the sounds of Quinn XCII, who similarly blends pop with soulful and alternative influences. The accessible, feel-good songwriting of AJR shares a kinship with their DIY pop approach. For another act crafting sunny, genre-fluid pop, explore Jon Batiste, whose work incorporates a wide range of uplifting styles.