On the Track with Inner Wave

Pablo, Jean Pierre, and Elijah were middle schoolers living in Gardena, CA when they started the band Inner Wave. That was 20 years ago, so things have changed a bit. 

Older, wiser, a tighter band than ever, etc. They’re a staple of the LA indie scene, and now a quintet with additions Cruz and Felix. They took their hazy, twinkling indie rock across the country on tour earlier this year, and screened a feature length film to accompany their most recent album. Light work for these dudes.

Before two sold out LA shows, we invited them to their hometown racing track (Go Kart World) to rip a few laps and chat.

Video by @colewaltonbro. Photos by Tony Accosta.

- Crap 

Any formative middle school moments that shaped the band?

Pablo: When we first started the band we spent the first year only skating and hanging out in Gardena before we even played music together. It was a very bonding time.
Jean Pierre: We used to ding dong on our walks home from Peary middle school
Elijah: Skating together everyday. Making logos for the band on Microsoft paint and printing them out to have on our folders
Cruz: Listening to new wave CDs that my uncle burned me like Tears for Fears & Talking Heads
Felix: I was still in elementary school when the boys were in middle school

Fav place to eat in Gardena?

Pablo: Spoon House
Jean Pierre: Kansha Creamery (ice cream shop)
Elijah: Giulianos
Cruz: Northern Cafe
Felix: Only eaten once in Gardena at L & L Hawaiian Barbecue

Dream gig?

Pablo: Headlining Coachella

Jean Pierre: European headline stadium tour, includes headlining Glastonbury
Elijah: Headlining the forum
Cruz: Touring with Gorillaz
Felix: Sold out tour on any scale

Fav Crap shades atm?

Pablo: The Luv Buzz

Jean Pierre: The Stone Echo in Aqua bio
Elijah: The Nu Bloom
Cruz: The Heavy Tropix in Deep Rose

Felix: Speed Charms in Burgundy