SLO Surf by Mild Monk: a Tribute to San Luis Obispo

June 26, 2019
Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo

Mild Monk is an up and coming artist with Funnybone Records, and his recent release, SLO Surf, is a tribute to his experiences here in San Luis Obispo County.

We had the pleasure of interviewing him about SLO Surf and are excited to to share more about his inspiration and love for our piece of paradise on the central coast.

For those that haven’t heard the song or seen the video, can you tell us a little bit more about what SLO Surf is about?

SLO Surf is a pop song written with the feelings of summer, warm water, and good times on the surf in mind.

What experiences in SLO County inspired you to write the song?

Believe it or not, it was my very first time watching anybody surf. I have a fond and clear memory of standing up at the pier watching my friend and his uncle in the water.

What brought you to SLO County in the first place?

I was actually in SLO for Thanksgiving! My friend flew in to visit me around that time, so we drove from San Jose (where I live) to SLO to spend the Thanksgiving week at his grandfather’s home in Laguna Lake.

What were some of your favorite places to go or things to eat while you were here?

On a foggy, rainy day… Pizmo Cafe is the place to be. It’s so cozy and comforting – the clam chowder was AMAZING.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences? How did they contribute to your writing process for SLO Surf?

I was very inspired by Brian Wilson’s (The Beach Boys) instrumental song “Let’s Go Away for Awhile” – the lush textures and atmosphere really transported me to a relaxing place. I knew I wanted to convey that kind of feeling somehow.

Then during Thanksgiving week, when I was at Pismo Beach watching my friends surf, I was up at the pier listening to Canadian artist Mocky’s album Saskamodie. The easy listening, mellowness of Mocky’s songs on this album helped me further realized what I wanted to make.

When and where is the next time we can see you perform live?

Although I’m not performing in the near future, I do have plans to perform again after I finish working on the next full length record. However, for those who want to be the first to know when those performances will occur go and follow my page @myoldmonk on Instagram and check in with Funnybone Records.

Is there anything else you’d like us to know that we didn’t ask?

I’d just like to express my gratitude for this opportunity to share my music. And the wonderful experience I had in SLO County. What a lovely place on Earth. Thank you!

Nicole Grant

Nicole Grant grew up in Bakersfield, CA, but spent her childhood visiting the Central Coast as often as she could. After graduating with her degree in elementary education from Cal State Bakersfield, she and her husband moved to Seattle where they spent the next nine years. Nicole ended up working for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation while in Seattle, where she supported the Human Resources and Education teams before returning to California. Since her return Nicole has worked at Cal Poly, Cuesta College, and MINDBODY, contributing her technical and operational skills in support of students and her community. Today she runs San Luis Obispo Guide full time, and is excited to share all the incredible people, places, and products that make SLO County so special.