Surf Hat is a trio based in Squamish, BC, and they’re on their way to Alberta. We reach Adam Ravalia and Evan Camm by phone, to ask them about life in the Sea-to-Sky region, and their upcoming tour.
“We’ve been a band for about three years,” says Ravalia. “When we tour, we’re trying to grow our fan base across the country and into the US. We’re three best buds who make music together.”
Recent trips to Alberta have seen them opening for The Velveteins at The Starlite room in Edmonton. They also played the Big Winter Classic festival in Calgary.
The trio consists of Ravalia on bass, Camm on drums and vocals, and Jon Allan on guitar and lead vocals. The group travels light, able to pack all the gear into an SUV when they hit the road. “Because we’re a trio, we can make that work,” they laugh.
They call their style “psychedelic surf rock,” says Camm, “with a bunch of different influences.” They love The Tragically Hip. They also bring an East Coast flavour into their music, since Ravalia and Allan are originally from Newfoundland. “We draw inspiration from all kinds of musical genres.” The result is casual, spirited music that brings the fun.
Their new album, released in March, is called Surf Hat Ranch. “We tried some new sounds on this one. Got out of our comfort zone, blended our folk roots with the surf hat thing. We feel each song has a unique story to tell, and we’re super proud of this project. We hope everyone enjoys the journey as much as we have.”
Surf Hat will play The Drake in Canmore on May 9, The Palomino in Calgary on May 10, and The Aviary in Edmonton on May 11.
