Soft Palms: New Music, Old Frustrations and a DIY Guide

In the quiet of their home studio, the Long Beach duo Scott Montoya and Julia Kugel talk about a project that has taken more than five years to finish. Their latest record, “In Echo, ” drops this Friday on Everloving Records and is a reaction to how the world has changed since 2020. The first album was meant as a warm hug, but now the music feels like a sharp jab at current events. The couple first met in 2012 during a festival in Dallas, where they bonded over a dislike for flashy shoes. They later married in 2017 and moved to Long Beach, where they started Soft Palms after feeling tired of touring’s harsh side. Having their own studio lets them write and record without external deadlines, a freedom that helped shape the band’s sound. Their debut came out in July 2020 amid the pandemic, a time that left them feeling disillusioned. The new album’s “Radio” warns against endless conflict, while “Nervous as Hell” criticises Fox News and its impact on older viewers. Even a personal story about a wedding turns into the song “The Wedding Song, ” showing how everyday frustrations feed their songwriting.Beyond music, the duo runs a nonprofit that gives recording gear to under‑funded schools and hosts an annual free festival called Happy Sundays. The event, which has been a community staple for ten years, rejects expensive VIP culture in favour of local talent and inclusivity. They plan to revive the festival after taking a break for their new album. Last month, they published a self‑help book titled “How to Be Self‑Reliant in the Music Business. ” Inspired by a missed royalty payment, they compiled practical advice on contracts, social media and record deals. The guide aims to give artists a realistic view of the industry, offering chapters that cover everything from backstage etiquette to financial management. Now they’re gearing up for a U. S. and European tour, hoping the next album will be produced more quickly. The couple also hints at another book in the pipeline, signalling their ongoing commitment to empowering musicians.