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 rockandrolltru...
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 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

[@starlord1637]

Woot 😜

[@floogelhornzzz4770]

". . . we noticed another another group . . ."? Two "another"s?

[@SolamenteVees]

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

[@lancelotthanksalot7777]

I agree. It is truly a phenomenal record.

[@floogelhornzzz4770]

Then how come no one ever heard of them?

[@gwts1171]

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

[@al1976-v7m]

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.

[@Driver8takeabreak]

Blonde on Blonde is oneo of the prettiest songs ever written.

[@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.

[@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

[@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 😎

[@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

[@dcut74]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 . .

[@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

[@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…

[@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

[@Ian_utero]

And this is an underrated comment! 100% agree.

[@1manAF84]

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

[@andyherrin]

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

[@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! 🎺

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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".

[@scottlosey4978]

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

[@jmason61]

That's a great one

[@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 ❤

[@floogelhornzzz4770]

You mean they just take the posters for free, or they have to pay for them?

[@adamscenna]

@@floogelhornzzz4770 these were free…. Sort of lol. They were taped up on the walls at the venue. When the show was over people would rip them down on the way out.

[@astrosquirrel5038]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. 🤘

[@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

[@SirAdamMeek]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@wandasewell4501]

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

[@matthewneal800]

It is a complete travesty that the Proximity Effect wasn't released in the US. I don't know how I got a copy of it, but I had one when it came out. This was one of my absolute favorite albums as a kid and I still love it. High/low was good, but it wasn't incredible. The Proximity Effect and everything that came out after cemented Nada Surf as one of my favorite bands of all time.

[@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.

[@lancelotthanksalot7777]

I once saw Nada Surf in this dingy New Brunswick bar called the Court Tavern. A dark basement as many of these places are. Their bassist was out sick so a bassist from another band stepped in. This was around the time of the proximity effect. Matthew hung out with everyone as he usually does after the show. It was really unforgettable.

[@MrSilentStorms]

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

[@jr2904]

Weezer is fine, they gave us some great albums even into the 2010s

[@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.

[@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.

[@TheGentlemanScholar]

The Proximity Effect was a lifeline to me. A straight up lifeline. 13:41

[@exsleepyink]

One of my favorite bands of all time. Such beautiful songwriters. They’re insanely talented and the emotions run very deep. Popular is definitely not a great representation of their overall catalog.

[@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.

[@thehand6948]

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

[@jamesfaragoza5782]

Inside of love is a great song

[@paulthomasbranda7591]

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

[@richardslifer1052]

Great album. 👍

[@gypsydildopunks7083]

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

[@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.

[@1nittmo]

I heard a new single from Nada Surf tonight and I was excited. I'm glad Nada surf didn't throw in the towel they've long made good music that deserves to be heard.

[@dollaranarchist]

Whose Authority & Always Love are much better songs than Popular.

[@poindextertunes]

Man that video was SO 🔥 when it came out!

[@egads3696]

Ima go watch " disturbing behavior".dont know why but theres that.

[@jeremyb7206]

Saw them at what I believe was named the Odeon in the flats in Cleveland in the late 90's. Great album, great times.

[@airforcex9412]

Nada Surf is my all time favorite band. Their current music is even better.

[@northofnashira2575]

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

[@OpunktSchmidt1301]

I'm going to see them live in december. It will be a blast! 😃👍🏻🎵

[@roycrowley2674]

Nada surf started putting out gold on proximity effect and after.

[@mrdeatheli]

This band was so lame that my high school teacher went to see them when their one hit was still being played on pop radio in the 90s.

[@Androth12]

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

[@AnimeLover4Life3395]

By time i was in high school they were long gone, but i still feel in love with their music and wish i could of seen them live

[@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]

🤣

[@shaimann425]

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

[@elosoguapo8137]

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

[@bradwinfield5672]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jr2904]

Nah, Weezer gave us blue, Pinkerton, maladroit, white, and everything will be alright in the end. Great albums

[@elosoguapo8137]

@@jr2904 all Green Day level pop rock for casuals

[@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!

[@McFlurryMachineIsDown]

I always enjoy nada surf ..way more than Weezer.

[@lancelotthanksalot7777]

They are one of my favorite bands of all time. They consistently put out amazing records. There are really amazing songwriters and artists people say this all the time, but I genuinely believe there are one of the most underrated bands of all time.

[@donafox6888]

Yes, and Matthew's voice has become more angelic over the years.

[@cynthiamigliore2627]

I love the song Spooky by Nada Surf

[@GaryDGuitar]

Moon Mirror is a banger of an album

[@DanPantzig]

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

[@michaelmathes1991]

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

[@leonmellingen3633]

Do you think you can do Addis Black Widow?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@laupert9021]

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

[@rnrtruestories]

You’re welcome!

[@soppingclam]

wicked background

[@justinwilliam4644]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@roycrowley2674]

Just because of the shower scene?

[@death265]

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

[@ChairmanMeowNZ]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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😂😂

[@fussreise]

My favorite band ever...

[@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....

[@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

[@thebestchannel5456]

A good 1 hit wonder band

[@richardslifer1052]

🚫 🏄‍♂️

[@yvettevitacaponigro]

👍🏻🤘🏻✌🏼😊

[@poindextertunes]

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

[@jsmith6259]

The cure plz

[@Fizzyphukoff]

Some say kosom.