Somewhere in the shadows beneath a consummate sun-drenched pace of life lies hidden occult fantasies that keep you up at night, wherein Tropical Popsicle beckons you into their veiled world. Take the jangly melodies of 60’s garage jams and surf rock inspired by Southern California beaches and cast a psychedelic gloom across the whole coastline; Tropical Popsicle brings the doleful feel of the end of summer, over and over again. After years playing in straight forward pop bands like the Stereotypes and Lights On, Tim Hines has ventured into his latest solo project, Tropical Popsicle. While still grounded in smart, pop sensibility, Hines’ new sound is layered with complexity and cryptic vagueness. We recently chatted with Tim about is favorite gig, how he discovers new tunes, and where you can see Tropical Popsicle next.
When did you decide to make a career/focus of music?
I decided that music was my calling when I was about 18 after I started messing around with recording songs I had onto a 4 track. Layering instruments on top of each other and making noise was an instant addiction.
What’s the best gig you ever played?
A tie between opening up for the Buzzcocks or Supergrass, both sold out.
Back in the day, most people found music on the radio or MTV. Obviously, today there is a plethora of ways to hear about new music. How do you find new bands or artists that you like to listen to?
I actually discover most of the new stuff out there from listening to KCRW (Santa Monica College Radio) or from posts that friends put up on Facebook.
What’s the most challenging thing about being an emerging artist personally, for you?
Competing with a million other emerging artists! The rapid and unpredictable rise and fall of buzz via blogs. It's a roller coaster, you’re hot for one week and than gone until you make your next move. Fortunately, the tricks continue to fall out my sleeves...
What’s your next big gig coming up? When/Where?
We’re playing the grand finale at The Desert Daze Festival on April 22 in the Palm Springs Desert with Here We Go Magic, Akron/Family, Mini Mansions and a bunch of other great bands.
Check out more on Tropical Popsicle here.
