Looking for a change of scenery to work on a new project, multi-instrumentalist Sam Owens left Brooklyn for the west coast and what he describes as his “beachy sanctuary”. Setting up in Los Angeles, the result of months of work was California Eden, a dazzling four track set of pretty harmonies, shimmering guitar licks and touches of experimentation that owes much to the sun-kissed city it was recorded in. With friends filling out the sound, Owen’s EP was released under the moniker of Celestial Shore, and as a fully-functioning band, the group are gathering pace, playing several shows and preparing to release their first album.

How did you end up recording out in West Hollywood and did it influence the sound of the music?

Sam Owens: After spending a good deal of time in the northeast we figured that California would offer us a sort of beachy sanctuary to get a project together, so we made arrangements to meet out there one way or another. I was able to get an internship with Blue microphones and spent about 5 months working in their studio. After a couple months I started bringing mics home more frequently, and would record either sitting in my living room or in our practice space in South LA. It was just Max [Almero], our friend Alec [Pombriant], myself and the taco trucks. LA became an incredibly frustrating place to exist, but I suppose it was hard to keep California out of the sound. It sure is a beautiful country.

Your vocals are reminiscent of The Beach Boys. Is that something you picked up out there or would you say they've always been an influence?

SO: My parents gave me Pet Sounds with my first walkman in kindergarten, so I grew up with that sound in my ears, but Alec and I listened to a ton of Brian Wilson when we were driving. We spent a lot of time in vehicles.

My favourite track on California Eden is 'Lost'. Can you talk us through where that song came from?

SO: ‘Lost’ briefly recounts the story of the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island, NC. Sir Walter Raleigh sent a bunch of folks over from England and they settled in Roanoke. Realizing that the colony needed support, Governor John White took off for England with his ships, promising to return in a few. Turns out he got hung up in port for several years by the Spanish Armada. When he made it back the Colony was gone. There are many theories to the disapearance. I felt like a Colonist at the time.

Do you find self producing an essential part of the process or would you ever consider working under the guidance of another producer?

SO: We've spoken in favor of having someone get involved, but at the moment we're working on our first full length by ourselves and are tickled in doing so.

"My parents gave me Pet Sounds with my first walkman in kindergarten, so I grew up with that sound in my ears, but Alec and I listened to a ton of Brian Wilson when we were driving"

Celestial Shore "Celestial Shore"
what it is	Sun-kissed Californian indie rock

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