There's something undeniably liberating about riding waves under a sunrise sky, tapping into that elusive flow state that balances the adrenaline of the moment with a sense of deep calm. Surf culture is built on the philosophy of staying present, embracing nature, and finding peace in simplicity. This tropical, laid-back lifestyle is one that DJ, model, and actress Paloma Monnappa embodies effortlessly. Recently, she brought her love for the ocean and surf culture to life in eejebee’s debut hit, Surf Club, alongside French multi-instrumentalist FKJ.
Surf Club has all the makings of a quintessential summer anthem. Its cha-cha-like beat evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the groove in Drake’s Hotline Bling. Powered by eejebee’s rhythmic pulse and FKJ’s smooth synths, Paloma’s vocals glide seamlessly across the track, adding an easy, breezy vibe that perfectly captures the essence of tropical relaxation.
“I’ve always loved singing but it took a while for me to come out of my shell. My partner Emanuel keeps pushing me. Secretly, I always wanted to be a singer when I was a kid. I’ve been DJ’ing for over 12 years now & I do feel jaded especially when I’m on tour and playing too many gigs. It becomes less inspiring.”Paloma Monnappa
The collaboration between Paloma and eejebee came about serendipitously. The two met in the Philippines through FKJ, where eejebee, a seasoned session drummer who had worked with artists like Lil Simz, Cleo Sol, FKJ, and Sault, was eager to explore his own music. Later, eejebee visited Paloma in Galle, Sri Lanka, and took part in an artist residency program run by Tropical Wax, a creative initiative founded by Paloma and her partner Emanuel. It was during his three-month stay that eejebee wrote his entire album.
For Paloma, Surf Club represents a deeper chapter in her musical journey, one that feels more intimate than her earlier work as a DJ. It’s only her second release as a vocalist, following Amiga Mi Corazón, a soulful track recorded in the bedroom of her previous home in Sri Lanka with the Sri Lankan act Flowers on Both Ears. The creation of Surf Club was equally organic. One night, during a casual studio session that turned into a small party, eejebee simply asked Paloma to hop on the track. When FKJ later visited Sri Lanka for a New Year's Eve party, he heard the demo, loved it, and added his signature synths, shaping the final version of the song.
While Paloma has long used DJing as a form of storytelling, weaving her global experiences into her vibrant sets, hearing her sing adds a refreshing new dimension to her artistry. Drawing inspiration from genres like soul, jazz, and blues, and from artists such as Hope Sandoval of Mazzy Star, Chet Baker, and Arlo Parks, Paloma’s vocals offer a rich, soulful sound that stands apart from her DJ persona.
Looking ahead, Paloma is excited to work on more vocal projects. In addition to working on her debut solo EP, she’s also collaborating with a range of artists, including Bristol-based dub specialist Versa and New York’s godfather of soulful house Victor Simonelli. With Surf Club receiving well-deserved praise online, there’s a growing sense of anticipation for what’s next in her musical journey. We’re eager to see how her unique voice continues to evolve across these exciting collaborations and future releases.
Follow Paloma here & listen to the track below.
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