The Surfrajettes

The Surfrajettes

The Surfrajettes are a surf rock group from Toronto, Canada, active since 2015. They are a psychedelic instrumental surf band whose sound combines reverb-heavy guitar instrumentals with elements of psychedelic rock.

Line-up

The band is a four-piece instrumental combo and includes guitarists Shermy Freeman and Nicole Damoff, bassist Sarah Butler, and drummer Sam Maloney. The wider list of members associated with the group also includes Laura Lunett, Amber Rutschmann, Anna Liebel, Dani Nash, Samantha Maloney, Annie Lillis, and Abby Jo Powell.

Releases and performances

The Surfrajettes first draw attention through homemade performance videos and a feature from Norman’s Rare Guitars in Los Angeles. Their debut 45, “Party Line / Toxic”, appears on Hi-Tide Recordings in 2018 and brings them immediate success. They follow it with “Hale’iwa Hustle / Banzai Pipeline” in 2020, and their debut album Roller Fink appears on Hi-Tide Recordings and Virgin Music in 2022.

The group tours widely in support of its releases and performs at events including The Beach Boys Cruise, The Melissa Etheridge Cruise, Nashville Boogie, Wild O Fest in Mexico City, The New England Shake-Up!, Surf Guitar 101 Convention, Tiki Oasis, and Hi-Tide Summer Holiday in Asbury Park.

Style and image

The Surfrajettes present a retro stage image built around sky-high beehives, go-go boots, and heavy eyeliner, matching their surf sound and psychedelic influences. Outside touring, they are described as spending time woodshedding, sewing miniskirts, discussing vintage gear, and imagining a film appearance in the style of Quentin Tarantino.