Surf Dads

Surf Dads

Surf Dads is a Canadian group led by Gage McGuire and Chris Dimas. Both musicians have roots in Regina’s music scene from their pre-teen years, and both first play together in the hardcore band Bermuda Love. McGuire plays guitars and vocals, and Dimas plays drums.

The pair move from harder music into a more melodic project after Dimas relocates to Los Angeles to live and study. They stay in contact and begin developing Surf Dads as a new band idea rather than a hardcore act. Their first EP comes together when Dimas returns home for Christmas in 2014, and friends respond positively to its release. After Dimas goes back to Los Angeles, the two continue to work remotely, with McGuire sending vocal, guitar and bass recordings for Dimas to add drums and mix on a computer.

Surf Dads begins as a surf rock project, reflecting Dimas’s interest in the style from his time in Los Angeles. The band’s sound later expands beyond that starting point, with their music also associated with shoegaze, indie and indie rock. Both members also have wider connections in Canadian rock: McGuire is a fan of and guest musician with Alexisonfire, while Dimas has similar ties to Billy Talent.