Into the Vortex and Back

Photographs by Rick Perez

Better Days Festival performer Chorduroy reminisce about house shows, how the San Diego music scene will bounce back post-Covid, and their psychedelic double-single release, “Chorduroy ||”.

San Diego, California, USA

Who is Chorduroy and what is your music about?

We’re four guys on a mission for expression of creative passion and getting crocked. We try to reflect this in our songs.

What does each member uniquely bring to the band?

Taylor: I try to sing nice and convey interesting messages with my vocals while playing guitar as pretty-like as I can.

Thomas: Dr. Green Thumb. Flying high and very unique bass grooves you won’t hear anywhere else. I’m pursuing a masters in environmental health but planning to give that up when Chorduroy blows up.

Andrew: “My goal is as a musician is to inspire sweet dreams and drank memes for my listeners”

Leland: I’ve always been inspired by drums that cut through the mix and bring a lot of the energy to the stage. After having the opportunity to perform with Sitting On Stacy last year, I realized that playing in a band with some of your closest friends is like no other feeling in the world; and I hope to continue pursuing it as long as my old-man body lets me.

**Before Covid, you guys hosted numerous house shows in your living room, one of which was documented in the Reckless article, "No F*cking in the Bathroom." Why were these house shows important?**

We started as a band playing house shows in the San Diego State Area. These shows were hybrid college party/rock shows that became popular due to the stark contrast to the commonplace EDM dominated parties in the area.

We have tried to make some noise around town and we hope everyone in attendance had a damn good time

These shows helped us gain a lot of fans early on and were also a lot of fun.

What was the San Diego DIY indie music scene like, pre-covid? What makes it unique and special?

San Diego has an amazingly unique music scene. Everyone thinks it’s all pop rock/reggae but there’s so much more. Underground hardcore thrives here with bands like HongKong FuckYou and others. The alternative scene is also blossoming here with bands like Free Paintings and Rain on Fridays.

How will the scene change post-covid?

We think it’s going to come back stronger than ever since all the bands have been working on awesome new material and all the kiddos are dying to party after being pent up inside for a year.

You recently released your double single, "Standing on the Sun" and "Falling/Flying". What kind of journey are these songs taking us on?

A psychedelic journey with your best friends. Getting sucked into a vortex that barely lets you snap back into reality. But when you do snap back you’re stronger than before.