Surf Mesa

Biography

Powell Aguirre (born April 10, 2000), known professionally as Surf Mesa, is an American electronic musician and producer from Seattle, Washington. He is the son of jazz saxophonist Tony Aguirre and began making music in the third grade using FL Studio and watching production tutorials on YouTube. His stage name was inspired by a map in the video game Counter-Strike. After a leg injury left him bed-bound for three months, he dedicated his time to music production.

Career Breakthrough

Surf Mesa gained significant recognition with his 2019 single "ily (i love you baby)," featuring singer Emilee. The song, which samples a cover of Frankie Valli's 1967 hit "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," went viral on the social media platform TikTok. This success led to his signing with Astralwerks and Universal. By June 2020, "ily (i love you baby)" had become an international hit, charting in the top 10 in multiple countries and reaching the top 5 on Billboard's Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. The track has amassed billions of streams globally and is certified 2x Platinum by the RIAA.

Musical Style

Surf Mesa's music is often described as electronic, dance-pop, and "aloe vera house," a term he uses to describe his euphoric, low-key style characterized by soothing synths and upbeat drums. His sound seamlessly blends electronic beats with pop melodies, creating an uplifting and escapist feel. His influences include artists like ODESZA, Petit Biscuit, The Killers, and Coldplay.

Collaborations and Other Works

Following his breakout success, Surf Mesa has collaborated with several notable artists. In 2020, he released "Somewhere" with Gus Dapperton and an official remix of Marshmello and Halsey's "Be Kind". Other collaborations include "Carried Away" with Madison Beer (2021), "Another Life" with FLETCHER and Josh Golden (2021), and "Lose My Mind" with Bipolar Sunshine (2021). In 2023, he released his debut EP, "Come True," which features collaborations with artists like Whethan, SUPER-Hi, and Griff Clawson. He has also performed at major festivals such as Lollapalooza, Life Is Beautiful, and Firefly.