The UNTOLD STORY of NADA SURF & 'POPULAR'

NADA SURF POPULAR: The documentary on the band who are more than just a one hit wonder
Have a video request or a topic you'd like to see us cover? Fill out our google form!
bit.ly/3stnXlN
----CONNECT ON SOCIAL----
TIKOK: / rocknrolltruestory
Instagram: / rocknrolltruestories
Facebook: / rnrtruestories
Twitter: / rocktruestories
Blog: www.rockandrolltruestories.com
#nadasurf #popular #rickocasek
I cite my sources and they may differ than other people's accounts, so I don't guarantee the actual accuracy of my videos.
These videos are for entertainment purposes only. READ OUR DISCLAIMER rockandrolltruestories.com/yo...
Nada Surf's journey through the tumultuous waters of the music industry is a testament to resilience and artistic evolution. Initially touted to follow in the footsteps of alternative rock giants like Weezer, the band catapulted to fame with their breakout hit "Popular," which drew comparisons to Weezer due to its success and shared producer with the Blue Album. However, despite the initial hype surrounding "Popular," Nada Surf faced challenges as they struggled to replicate its success and were eventually labeled as one-hit wonders.
The band's history is intertwined with the personal experiences of frontman Matthew Caws, whose upbringing in a family marked by academic pursuits and cultural diversity shaped his musical journey. Raised in various locales including Paris and influenced by his older sister's extensive record collection, Caws eventually found his way back to New York City in the early '80s, where he formed early musical endeavors with future Nada Surf bassist Daniel Lorca.
The band's trajectory took a turn with the formation of Nada Surf in 1992, marked by a determination to confront personal demons and navigate the complexities of depression and self-doubt. Despite initial setbacks, including a drummer's departure, Nada Surf persevered, recruiting drummer Ira Elliott and forging ahead with their musical aspirations.
Their debut album, "High/Low" (1996), featuring the iconic track "Popular," thrust Nada Surf into the spotlight, albeit briefly, as they grappled with the pressures of sudden fame and expectations from both fans and the music industry. However, subsequent albums faced challenges, with the label pushing for another hit akin to "Popular," while the changing landscape of alternative rock posed additional hurdles.
Undeterred, Nada Surf embarked on a journey of self-discovery and artistic reinvention. With the release of their third album, "Let Go" (2003), the band found a new home at Barsuk Records and garnered critical acclaim for their mature and introspective sound. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for Nada Surf, characterized by steady growth and a loyal fan base that appreciated the band's sincerity and authenticity.
Subsequent albums such as "The Weight is a Gift" (2005) and "Lucky" (2008) further solidified Nada Surf's reputation as a band capable of crafting thoughtful and evocative music. Collaborations with renowned artists like Dan Wilson of Semisonic showcased the band's willingness to explore new creative avenues while staying true to their artistic vision.
As the years progressed, Nada Surf continued to evolve, releasing albums like "You Know Who You Are" (2016) and "Never Not Together" (2020), which demonstrated a blend of introspection and social commentary. Their music found resonance in popular culture, with placements in films and television shows, reflecting the enduring relevance of their artistry.
Through ups and downs, Nada Surf's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative nature of music. From the heights of fame to the depths of uncertainty, the band's unwavering commitment to their craft has solidified their place in the pantheon of alternative rock, proving that sometimes, the greatest success lies in resilience and authenticity.

[@lunchbox12000]

My mom says I'm a cat. I'm popular.

[@joeanthony7759]

It’s “catch”

[@allouttabubblegum1984]

​@@joeanthony7759I like cat better 😂

[@TravelatorH8r]

I like 😻

[@luisvilla799]

Just remember if you see Johnny football

[@ghost_to_a_ghost]

JUST loling at this comment section 😂

[@penelopealizarin234]

In 2003 my band was on tour in Louisiana and stopped for food. After we sat, we noticed another another group of what we could tell was another band also on tour. We finished eating around the same time and got in our tour vans. As we pulled out of our space behind the other van, their back door was wide open! CDs were spilling into the street but they didn’t seem to notice! We pulled alongside and yelled to them to let them know. We both pulled over and my band helped them pick up cds from the road. We exchanged cds and went along our way. That other band was Nada Surf

[@The-anti-Pick-fish]

What’s your band named ?

[@BEEZYS-WORLD]

That is an awsome story

[@penelopealizarin234]

@@The-anti-Pick-fish ChoExperiment. It was in Ol Slidel Louisiana

[@gwts1171]

Great band. "Let Go" is a nearly perfect album. I'd like a video on Superdrag!!

[@alexlackner1945]

It's called LET GO but otherwise you are right!

[@claymccoy]

I second Superdrag!

[@vtdownthestreet]

I saw Superdrag and Nada Surf together in a small club in Burlington, VT right when Popular and Sucked Out were all over MTV. Both were phenomenal live.

[@t.sheppard5940]

Superdrag's "Slot Machine/Phaser" is the greatest opening supertrack of all time. Ah, 1996.

[@SolamenteVees]

Their talent goes so far beyond Popular. Let Go is full of unforgettable, well-crafted somgs. A true desert island record.

[@warmspell7562]

High/Low is one of my favorite albums of all time. Thank you for this video.

[@rnrtruestories]

you're welcome.

[@happyjellyfish2008]

Excellent album all the way through

[@tenebrousoul9368]

I have a feeling this is going to be a *popular* video!

[@ghost_to_a_ghost]

it's got a cheerleader chiiiick 😎

[@kenterminateddq5311]

I remember Nada Surf's "Popular" video being played on MTV many times. It looked like a mini-version of teen movies that dominated the 90s. This is a cool video, mr.truestories. Thank you. 😊

[@rnrtruestories]

you're welcome.

[@jsan2548]

“Let Go” and “The Weight is a Gift” are masterpieces in my mind.

[@Jafiveon]

I have always had a very special place for The Proximity Effect. Very underrated. It's also a very sad and emotionally heavy album so that may be why it never did well.

[@KurtChristensenPhoto]

I@@Jafiveon I love that record, but Nada Surf is definitely in their wheelhouse when they do more melodic, less crunchy/heavy songs. So while I still really enjoy that record, it has more weak spots than Let Go, or The Weight Is A Gift and Lucky. Let Go is easily in my top ten favorite records ever, and the others are up there too.

[@elosoguapo8137]

Agreed, yet what do people think are the alternative masterpieces of that time…Weezer’s blue album and Pinkerton! Who opens for the pixies? Weezer!…what?! This is a backwards ass world

[@blueyedream]

Just rediscovered this band after Popular popped into my head randomly after a 27 year hiatus. So glad I did. Their depth of work is actually pretty amazing, and they really matured their sound as they went along. Honestly now feel like they're one of the most underrated bands of the last 30 years

[@ktothec24]

Love nada surf, they never “ fell off” to me. I’ve seen them several times live , they have a really good relationship with Seattle ( where I live ) and so they play here often, which is fortunate for me . .

[@Belaraniel]

Thanks for this, Nada Surf is one of my favorite bands and highly underrated! I always felt their label did them no favors by making Popular their first single. It was not an accurate portrayal of the band, and many people never discovered their true sound. I'm so thankful that they didn't quit and become one-hit-wonders, because their music is brilliant and evolved perfectly over the years.

[@rnrtruestories]

No problem!

[@adamscenna]

I saw them in Detroit on their High Low album tour. I was one of 10 people that showed up. The whole time I was thinking how so many people missed out. They still played a great show and I stayed to get an autographed 12x12 poster; bands used to tape them up in the 90’s for people to rip off the walls on the way out. Still have it. Such a great band ❤

[@yaledelay]

I am in the band Ifihadahifi, so I have had a few dealings with the Nada Surf guys (we put out a EP called Nada Surf) I am happy to report they are really nice dudes, and pretty great live.

[@dcut74]

never heard 'always love', man, what a great song.

[@JohnnyParrotJoe]

One of my favorite bands ever!

[@rnrtruestories]

Lots of requests for this band so here it finally is…just 2,000 requests to go…

[@scottlosey4978]

Always Love one of my favorite songs of all time.....

[@jmason61]

That's a great one

[@phonojam3486]

this band and their music has an massive impact on my life, i appreciate them, and everything they have done musically for me. thanks for covering Nada Surf! and a great video.

[@rnrtruestories]

You’re welcome!

[@genghis_connie]

Hearing, “because, because, because” makes me want to hear the story of the band CAKE. One of the more original bands of their time, I’d say. They did the Muppets proud with their cover of ‘Manamana.’ :)

[@jakerandolph5053]

Finally, someone says it, CAKE is such an underrated band and they are one of my favorite band of all time.

[@genghis_connie]

@@jakerandolph5053 F-k yes, my friend! Cheers.🍰🍰

[@paulianhodgson]

Cake are amazing, I love their guitar sound.

[@genghis_connie]

@@paulianhodgson And trumpet! 🎺

[@savoieadam]

The weight is a gift is one of my fav records. Discovered it randomly from a music torrent site that was featuring it back in the day. I hadn’t heard of them since Popular. Was blown away and have owned several copies of that record.

[@andyherrin]

Love nada surf so much. Creeper Lagoon would be a rad video to do too man.

[@1manAF84]

Just a wonderful band with a GREAT discography. Supremely underrated.

[@deborasouza6973]

Nada Surf is just great! I’d love a video on Teenage Fanclub please please please

[@paulianhodgson]

Ah yes! Flipping love Teenage Fanclub

[@Dick_Weapon]

I second that! Been a huge fan since they played on Saturday Night Live doing songs from "Bandwagonesque".

[@JoelMatton]

I discovered Nada Surf from their cover of If You Leave by OMD being played on The OC, which I was a huge fan of. Let Go quickly became one of my favourite albums and it still is.

[@aerotiff]

Amazing cover I stumbled on back in the Limewire days. 11/10

[@astrosquirrel5038]

They’re still a spectacular band. An underrated treasure so sure!

[@lethianrock]

Love your videos man. That first Nada Surf album was really damn good. Every track on that album is 5 stars. They should've been bigger than Weezer. 🤘

[@SirAdamMeek]

I was a radio personality at 88.7 WDBM East Lansing MI Impact 89 FM where I was introduced to Nada Surf there!

[@poindextertunes]

Man that video was SO 🔥 when it came out!

[@adammarsh956]

Nada are so underrated so many other good songs apart from their one hit! Would love to hear a video on Silversun Pickups and history and whatever happened to Fraz Ferdinand post take me out

[@laupert9021]

One of my favorite bands, thank you for sharing their story!

[@rnrtruestories]

You’re welcome!

[@Dick_Weapon]

I have a tradition of listening to "Lucky" when I drive from Portland to the mighty Pacific Ocean. It's such a perfect album for that. ❤🎸💕⚓

[@ZapperRS]

I'm head of the class I'm popular I'm a quarterback I'm popular My mom says I'm a catch I'm popular I'm never last picked I got a cheerleader chick

[@BillyReplies]

"Clear Eye Clouded Mind" on the album Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy is a truly great song. Great video. I would love to see one about Magnapop, a band you mentioned in this video. They were terrific.

[@gwts1171]

Magnapop were so good!!

[@williamz7011]

Hey thanks for the suggestion. I just listened to that song for the first time. It's great

[@BillyReplies]

@@williamz7011 Great! I am glad you dig it!

[@FriendOfTheNight24]

Perfect opener

[@dsholt]

Nada Surf is still killing it to this day. Go listen to "In Front of Me Now." One of my all time favorite bands.

[@astrosquirrel5038]

Agreed. They have yet to disappoint me and the new single is great!

[@hi_fi_lo]

The span from Let Go to The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy is one of the most underrated peaks in alt-rock history

[@jmason61]

Matt played with Juliana Hatfield in a band called Minor Alps. They have a song called Maxon that's one of the prettiest songs ever written

[@paulianhodgson]

Very cool, thanks for this!

[@astrosquirrel5038]

Minor Alps was a great project. Matt and Juliana’s voices go so well together.

[@j.dovales8713]

I never really got into Nada Surf, but Cost Of Living released an album in the mid 80's called Day Of Some Lord that was given to me by a friend that knew Daniel Lorca. That record just kicks ass, Matthew Caws is a great songwriter, if you get the chance i would advise you check it out.

[@BaseballRoadTripper]

They have matured brilliantly. While entangled with Weezer in the beginning, their careers have diverged so much, and what I wouldn’t give for Rivers to take a page from Matthew and company. Chasing hits was never the goal, writing earnest songs and building that core fanbase seem to be the cornerstones of Nada Surf. I cannot wait for the new album to drop.

[@chuckppyro3137]

Great story! Thanks for the upload👍

[@rnrtruestories]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jaimeflor4181]

I saw Nada Surf for something like $10 at a local venue. I never got too into their 90’s music, but I’ve had a few positive online interactions w/ Caws. I also like his side project w/ Juliana Hatfield “Minor Alps” and I’m liking their new songs.

[@escherpainting8622]

First time I ever heard Nada Surf was La Pour Ca, after it's English translation was quoted in a video by The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows. Had no idea they were ever considered a "one hit wonder", and still to this day never heard that song. Listened to "Let Go" after about four years of only knowing La Pour Ca (guess they were a one hit wonder to me, in a way) while on a weekend trip to Paris to see Kendrick Lamar in 2022. First time I heard the chorus of Paper Boats I knew they were one of the greatest bands of all time.

[@bossyspaghetti]

Yesssss! I loved High/Low so much in highschool, before every detail about a band was on the internet, so I never knew anything about them.

[@AJeziorski1967]

My favourite song of theirs was always 'The Way You Wear Your Head' - three minutes of pop-punk perfection. Caught them live in a club in Vancouver back in about '08 and they were amazing.

[@chuckppyro3137]

How bout a story on Jimmies Chicken Shack?

[@rnrtruestories]

yeah, that would be a cool story.

[@happyjellyfish2008]

Please do 🙏 😊​@@rnrtruestories

[@lethianrock]

👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀 Yes yes yes yes yes please

[@cynthiamigliore2627]

I love the song Spooky by Nada Surf

[@gypsydildopunks7083]

Thanks again, Rock n Roll guy.

[@rnrtruestories]

You’re welcome!

[@paulthomasbranda7591]

Home base is the bathroom where the lights are bright. (Proximity Effect❤)

[@richardslifer1052]

Great album. 👍

[@michaelmathes1991]

I have all their stuff and waiting to get their new one this year.

[@mattburke4073]

"Popular" was on several of my mixtapes back in the day. I'd love to hear a story on the band Revis. They had great songs like"Caught In The Rain" and "Seven".

[@t.sheppard5940]

There's a live version of Straight Jacket Labels from around 2003 thats incredible, but the crowd is clueless.

[@nickk7425]

I used to love the "popular" music video and song when I was a little kid. Always wondered what ever happened to these guys....

[@fussreise]

My favorite band ever...

[@allanvanuga9196]

Great video.

[@rnrtruestories]

Thanks!

[@shaimann425]

i still listen to them often, "popular" isnt even one of their best songs imo, they have so much more

[@brandonpage7087]

I discovered them because of Popular, but i actually first heard Popular, in the late '90s, when no one liked it anymore, & i was in highschool by then, & the song really spoke to me. I understood it right from the start, & definitely dug all the humor & sarcasm, in the song, lol. I also really love the track "inside of love", from their comeback album Let go. I'm glad they were able to make a comeback, as they are truly more than just their first hit, & definitely not Weezer rip-offs. Sucks that they had to deal with so much BS, over the "popular" video, & being dropped from their label, & everything. Again, i ask if you could cover Fishbone, sometime in the near future. Also, Better than Ezra, too.

[@anthonyaiello4343]

My wife is good friends with their longtime manager. I never got into any of their music except the album Let Go--which is one of the greatest goddamn albums ever recorded.

[@adammarsh956]

Their song The Plan is a classic too and Stalemate

[@poindextertunes]

“Why did they break up?” “Because, because, because…”

[@Ms21272]

The I think the album The stars are indifferent to astronomy was recorded in Shoreline Washington. The studio is under a house across the street from my in-laws. I wish I knew at the time. I would’ve gone over and Said hello.

[@justinwilliam4644]

Not into nada sird, except i loved "BLONDE ON BLONDE". song is amazing!!!

[@Androth12]

Honestly the only song I ever like from this band. They were a 1 hit wonder to me.

[@death265]

Popular is a great song, but that whole album rocks! My two favorite songs from it are Zen Brain and Ice Box.

[@ronjames4151]

I saw them in the marquee with less than jake at the beginning. Ltj an awesome band

[@popandroid]

I don't know about a real 'comeback' but they def. DID destroy with "COLD TO SEE CLEAR" a few years ago, still one of my fav songs of the past 10 yrs. sadly it made me go back and listen to everything else by them since the 90's to see what else I missed, and it turns out, NOT A LOT, except a ton of modern REO Speedwagon ballad-y trax...though they could have some better shit out now from the past couple yrs, maybe.

[@austintrousdale2397]

+: Extra motivation to check out much more Nada Surf’s back catalog -: No mention of “Popular” being covered by Pom Pom Squad a couple of years ago? 🙁 PPS got Mr. Caws to sing on it and PPS opened for Nada Surf on tour.

[@TheShreddDude]

Love Nada Surf

[@avengedking8029]

Can you do a thing on the Norwigen band TNT?

[@ColtenTylerWilliams]

You should do one on the band The Flys. They had a song called "Got you(Where I want You" :)

[@rnrtruestories]

Already done please search my channel

[@raingirlcat2245]

I like eating flies. Yummy yummy in my tummy.

[@jamesfaragoza5782]

Inside of love is a great song

[@DanPantzig]

I saw Nada Surf in 2000 opening for The Impossibles in Chicago. Nada Surf didn't play Popular, so The Impossibles did.

[@temu2044]

High speed soul 🖤🖤🖤

[@craigrock8444]

Have ever heard of the band Cry Of Love? Man they were good and i loved his vocals. He had some pipes but i guess once on the road he found that lifestyle was not for him. Think he has passed on now. Just curious. Thanks

[@dlwseattle]

I watch all this guys videos but i feel that a grand misstep was made by not even mentioning Doug Gillard from Guided by Voices being a big part of their band for the past 14 years and playing on the 3 most recent albums

[@MarkHower-ne5zc]

Thinking the same thing. Gillard is fantastic with GBV too!

[@dlwseattle]

@MarkHower-ne5zc can't argue with that

[@40beretta1]

haha... there is still the push for Why Privledge; How many of these "Story's"... shows how many of these band members we indeed Privledge. Front man grew up in Paris and went to Columbia. Principle was correct... Today its encouraged and those to male athletes will be in the women's lockroom

[@yvettevitacaponigro]

👍🏻🤘🏻✌🏼😊

[@leonmellingen3633]

Do you think you can do Addis Black Widow?

[@ChairmanMeowNZ]

I saw them live in New Zealand in a small venue, vocalist Matthew was eyeballing me. Maybe he liked my Mohawk not sure 🤨

[@raynebirkin6726]

I saw so confused with the “if i had a hi-fi spelled backwards” comment 😂 cause i read it backwards and it didn’t make sense. I figured it out eventually lol

[@thehand6948]

Didn't they cover "where is my mind"? Pretty sure it was on a Samsung commercial around 2016-17

[@kyledutton6550]

Killian's Red is one the best songs ever.

[@michelvondenhoff9673]

They were pretty big, they played Pinkpop festival Netherlands.

[@bradwinfield5672]

🤣

[@northofnashira2575]

High/Low only sold 200k? I have one sitting in a box in my closet.

[@MrSilentStorms]

Nada Surf and Weezer came about around the same time, Weezer got worse and Nada Surf got perfect. Nada Surf forever!!!

[@thebestchannel5456]

A good 1 hit wonder band

[@gypsydildopunks7083]

Whenever I hear the beginning of that Weezer song I expected Popular. Glad that wasn't just me.

[@jonbourgoin182]

Having what is essentially a spoken word song become so...ahem, popular, was really something. I can't recall anything that's been done like it before or since. If I'm wrong please correct me.

[@randall9000]

One I can think of, Somewhere Down The Crazy River by Robbie Robertson in 1987

[@rnrtruestories]

King missile comes to mind

[@happyjellyfish2008]

"I need a map, I need a map, I need a map to get me out of this town"

[@jsmith6259]

The cure plz

[@ZER0--]

I got into Nada Surf just cos I like music, and when I heard the song Popular I thought it was pretty average. And wtf is a break through song anyway? I pondered the name of the band and I thought it meant..... well there's no waves to catch, so lets make some music. Anyway they've wrote some proper good songs imho.

[@bradwinfield5672]

🤣

[@felicetanka]

I'm special.

[@TheSuburban15]

Make sure to keep your hair spotless and clean Wash it at least every two weeks

[@Bethenypixie1982]

I read the book "I Don't Care About Your Band" by that redhead comedian, can't think of her name- but she dated the lead singer and said he was a douchebag Lol. Yes I'm old.

[@infernicide666]

I can’t believe they never had a follow up single. There was never a failed follow up single or attempted 2nd hit. I would’ve thought another video might’ve premiered on 120 minutes in the Fall of 96’ after popular was played in heavy rotation that summer but it never happened and I watched 120 minutes all the time back then but yeah they just fell off the face of the earth.

[@allouttabubblegum1984]

I don't know why that music video creeped me out as a kid, maybe it was the cheerleader making out with the football player and the fact that the teenagers look like adults😂😂

[@wandasewell4501]

Just sad what happened to the universe by hating themselves using dope. Self distruction and DEATH. WHATEVER HAPPENED TO PEACE?

[@cactaceous]

Popular was a novelty song that almost everyone knew the lyrics to when I was in high school but nobody bought the album because it wasn’t that great of a song or even gimmick. Meh.

[@unmitigated-claustrophobia]

Popular grew the concept of Undone (the sweater song). but you can't get that close wo risking being a blatant ripoff. Good song though.

[@Fizzyphukoff]

Some say kosom.

[@JamesCraigWhoop]

Never liked the song Popular. It seemed more of a gimmick in the mid 90s. I will listen to their latter album mentioned though

[@themydnighthour]

Dude. HEAD. PANTS. NOW.

[@richardslifer1052]

🚫 🏄‍♂️

[@elosoguapo8137]

Nada surf may not have been popular, but they were far superior to Weezer.

[@bradwinfield5672]

🤣🤣🤣🤣