If you are searching for the perfect addition to your summer playlist look no further than Ghost Beach. The Brooklyn duo formed by Josh Ocean and Eric Mendelsohn has been called NYC’s next big thing and for good reason. In late October they released their first EP titled Modern Tongues that is filled with summer electro-pop songs that are infectious, and instantly make you feel good. With summer right around the corner, it’s safe to say Modern Tongues will be our soundtrack for the next couple months.
We spoke with vocalist Josh Ocean to find out a little more about Ghost Beach.
Can you tell us a little about your backgrounds and how Ghost Beach got started?
Eric and I met in another music project but both were bored with being in a traditional band set up and wanted to do more with our love of pop and electronic music. The goal was to create a live experience that was a hybrid between a DJ set and a live band. With the help of friend and producer Nic Hard we started recording and programming parts that would ultimately be the Ghost Beach songs.
We’ve heard your music described as “tropical-grit-pop.” Who would you say are some of your biggest musical influences?
We love 80’s pop stuff, but we are also influenced by all kinds of music. I’d say The Police, Tears For Fears, Peter Gabriel, Depeche Mode, Thievery Corporation, Brazilian Girls, Sade, Daft Punk.
Summer/tropical music has been making a mark recently with acts such as yourselves, Viceroy, St. Lucia, among others. How do you think this trend came about and where do you see it headed?
It’s really weird how this is a trend right now. My only explanation is that is a feeling in the collective consciousness of people right now. I grew up on a tiny island, went to college in Hawaii and my middle name is Ocean…so for me it seems to make sense.
Who are some of the artists that you are currently listening to that we should check out?
Been very excited about Chad Valley, Jensen Sportag, Madeon.
You recently released a 5 track EP titled “Modern Tongues” that has been receiving lots of love from the public and music bloggers. When can we expect a full length album?
Right now our focus is writing another batch of songs. Depending on what we come up with you can expect at least a new EP in early 2013 and maybe an album later in the year.
What are you guys up to now and what can we look forward to in the future?
You can expect lots of new music as well as lots of tour dates. We are currently writing new material and plan on being on the road heavily in 2013.
http://www.ghostbeachmusic.com
https://www.facebook.com/gh0stbeach