A lot has happened in the past two years. In 2016, Barack Obama was president, fake news was an oxymoron, and the South Florida rock 'n' rollers of Beach Day played their most recent hometown show. "I moved to Detroit," singer/guitarist Kimmy Drake explains. For someone who grew up in Kendall and named her band Beach Day, a move to the frozen tundra of Michigan wasn't exactly expected. "I love it," she says. "The winter-wonderland thing is still new to me. Plus, the music scene is great. It's based on Motown and garage rock, which is exactly in the middle of where I should be."
Drake started Beach Day in 2011 with drummer Skyler Black. In 2013, they recorded Trip Trap Attack, and Native Echoes was released the following year. After adding bassist Connor Lawhorne, Beach Day toured and gigged quite a bit, but it has been crickets for the past couple of years. That will change July 27, when they play Las Rosas to celebrate the release of a seven-inch vinyl. Beach Day's contribution to the split record is called "Run Away With You." "It's a classic Beach Day track," Drake says. "It's fun with melancholy lyrics and cool instrumentation." For now, if you want to hear the song, you either have to go to the show for the live version or buy the record. "It's only available on the record. You can't find it anywhere digital. It's a vinyl exclusive, which is something we figured we should do for once."
The record also includes a song from the California band the Saucy Jacks, which will also perform at the Las Rosas show. "We played with them in Oakland in 2015," Drake says. "Their label asked if we wanted to do a split record with them. We said yes since we're big fans." Also joining them on the bill will be Orlando's the Woolly Bushmen. All three bands will be new to the eyes and ears of many South Floridians. Asked to describe Beach Day's live show, Drake says, "Our live show is super-energetic. It's more rock 'n' roll than anything — loud, fun, and upbeat. We'll be playing new songs you can't hear anywhere, along with all the old ones you love."
After a trio of Florida shows, Drake will head back to Michigan to work on her solo record, as well as a side project, Monster Hunters, with her fiancé. Does that mean this outing will be the last hurrah for Beach Day? Not necessarily, Drake says. "We might make more music. It's wide open. I'm up for anything fun."
Even if it's a Beach Day in subzero temperatures.
Beach Day. 7 p.m. Friday, July 27, at Las Rosas, 2898 NW Seventh Ave., Miami; 786-780-2700; lasrosasbar.com. Admission is free.