The UNTOLD STORY of NADA SURF & 'POPULAR'

NADA SURF POPULAR: The documentary on the band who are more than just a one hit wonder
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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 😂

[@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?

[@keithkoenig5320]

From 'LET GO' on, I have been all-in for Nada Surf. They are consistently great.

[@ronaldsprinkle720]

Treehouse is an awesome song

[@felipebello8488]

I WANNA KNOW WHAT ITS LIKEEEE ON THE INSIDEE OF LOVEE

[@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.

[@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

[@dcut74]

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

[@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?

[@tenebrousoul9368]

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

[@ghost_to_a_ghost]

it's got a cheerleader chiiiick 😎

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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…

[@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 . .

[@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

[@HippoOnABicycle]

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

[@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.

[@scottlosey4978]

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

[@jmason61]

That's a great one

[@TripleS-Oz]

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!

[@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".

[@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! 🎺

[@michaelsmith-bn6no]

I love CAKE, and I also love cake.

[@andyherrin]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@astrosquirrel5038]

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

[@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.

[@poindextertunes]

Man that video was SO 🔥 when it came out!

[@1manAF84]

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

[@laupert9021]

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

[@rnrtruestories]

You’re welcome!

[@LemonTree9280]

Blizzard of 77 is one of my favorite songs

[@SirAdamMeek]

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

[@jacobfitzgerald7028]

I'm from Farmington Hills Michigan

[@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.

[@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. 🤘

[@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.

[@randomdude2531]

Since I first saw the video on MTV, I’ve thought “Popular” was a perfect anthem. It encapsulated the angst of the day. Since then I’ve discovered their body of work, and I am truly impressed. High/Low is a great album overall. Since then I’ve been chronicling the rest of their albums with my ear and I’m impressed. It’s also nice to see the current indie scene give them their due credit. Pom Pom Squad, a band consisting of members half Nada Surf’ members age, covered “Popular.”

[@curtisbush5728]

After nirvana and green day, majors threw millions of dollars on great bands that ended up having one hit or never hit it big! Bands like samiam, jawbreaker, wax, and the muffs are all great examples amongst countless others! Not every band is gonna get an indie to sign them before a major snaps them up, like nada surf, jimmy eat world, and Weezer...so people assume they're industry plants or whatever, which there are plenty of those. But it's easy to trace a bands lineage! I'm glad Nada surf stuck around, theyve put out lots of quality material over the last three decades! Also, I'm from northern NJ and I never knew the video was filmed at Bayonne high! That's awesome! Thanx for telling me something I didn't know! 😊

[@TheGentlemanScholar]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@haroldfridkis3536]

I bought Nada Surf's debut album High/Low back in the day, after hearing their hit "Popular". Speaking of Popular, it remains one of my favorite songs of all time!

[@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!

[@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.

[@DanPantzig]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@ipperz12]

Fair play to Nada Surf for persevering. I actually think their new album Moon Mirror is my favourite out of all of them.

[@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

[@iricandescence]

They were just on tour in the US all of last month they start a European tour this week. I've seen them twice. You have a chance is all ik

[@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.

[@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.

[@gypsydildopunks7083]

Thanks again, Rock n Roll guy.

[@rnrtruestories]

You’re welcome!

[@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.

[@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.

[@paulthomasbranda7591]

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

[@richardslifer1052]

Great album. 👍

[@chuckppyro3137]

Great story! Thanks for the upload👍

[@rnrtruestories]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@OpunktSchmidt1301]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@airforcex9412]

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

[@change1ing]

I hated that song growing up cuz I thought it was an actual anthem for preps/jocks, but getting older I realized how ahead of the time that song actually was!

[@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.

[@roycrowley2674]

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

[@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....

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@poindextertunes]

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

[@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😂😂

[@shaimann425]

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

[@jamesfaragoza5782]

Inside of love is a great song

[@GaryDGuitar]

Moon Mirror is a banger of an album

[@death265]

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

[@michaelmathes1991]

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

[@adammarsh956]

Their song The Plan is a classic too and Stalemate

[@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

[@allanvanuga9196]

Great video.

[@rnrtruestories]

Thanks!

[@publicguy1664]

They just released another album this year also.

[@chrisschwanger8248]

"Popular " is a high-school blue print

[@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

[@fussreise]

My favorite band ever...

[@cynthiamigliore2627]

I love the song Spooky by Nada Surf

[@happyjellyfish2008]

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

[@collothen]

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.

[@MrSilentStorms]

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

[@jwr2904]

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

[@ronjames4151]

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

[@temu2044]

High speed soul 🖤🖤🖤

[@michelvondenhoff9673]

They were pretty big, they played Pinkpop festival Netherlands.

[@bradwinfield5672]

🤣

[@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.

[@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.

[@soppingclam]

wicked background

[@TheShreddDude]

Love Nada Surf

[@rjohnson573]

Lol I was 11 when that song dropped and I got it. We all got it

[@justinwilliam4644]

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

[@ChairmanMeowNZ]

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

[@avengedking]

Can you do a thing on the Norwigen band TNT?

[@egads3696]

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

[@northofnashira2575]

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

[@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

[@kyledutton6550]

Killian's Red is one the best songs ever.