Stormy Strong

“Nomad on Mars was a song we started writing about a month before the huge lightning born wildfires in California in 2020. Literally one day while working on it in the Santa Cruz mountains, the smoke outside was getting thicker (it was 110 degrees almost every day!) and columns of Cal Fire engines and screaming Sheriff’s vehicles went up the road. We knew what started as a small fire a few days ago was now completely out of control. I stopped my DAW recording and ran out to start soaking down the property with a hose while my wife Surreyya started packing up animals. The skies were literally orange for many days. No work on the song would continue for over a month. But it would remain a beacon of hope for us in a time when we felt all was lost.

The song we take as a message of hope. There are things, places and beings beyond our wildest imagination out there. Just sitting on our hands is not only BORING but dangerous! To whoever you are, Nomad on Mars… bring US to the stars! - Cliche Mag

On the Central Coast of California sits Santa Cruz, home of saltwater rock band Stormy Strong, who released their latest lyric video, “Never Say Never,” just a few days ago.

The band’s sound, which they describe as “saltwater rock,” blends elements of alt-rock, pop, and punk with suggestions of mariachi and flamenco, as well as heady whiffs of the ocean.

Because of their distinctive sound, Tattoo sat down with frontman Stormy to find out more about the band’s influences, writing process, and what defines ‘saltwater rock.’ - Tattoo.com

Santa Cruz, CA, June 5, 2020 – Veteran Punk Rock artist Stormy Strong is at it again with a slew of catchy punk-pop, sea-worthy songs ready for mass consumption. The former frontman and songwriter of Santa Cruz based punk rock band Reliance has been hard at work writing and recording some of his most inspired works to date, and will release the newest “Fragile”. “Fragile” is an homage to his recent near death experience and an unexpected tribute to his wife Surreyya Hada’s loss of her father on Valentine’s Day this year. Surreyya is featured on this track. - Cliche Mag

"Impossible things happen every day, YOU too can create your own destiny," says lead singer Stormy Strong. “Never Say Never," the new single by Stormy Strong, is the true life love story between the captain (Stormy) and his mermaid (his newlywed wife).

In life there are always going to be red flags, the sinking ships, and the obstacles that make you feel maybe you're not going in the right direction. Stormy's song reminds us to follow your heart! With it's soaring electric guitars and powerful lead vocals, "Never Say Never" will make you never want to stop playing this song! - Music-News.com

It’s time to sail up to the sea for the holidays with the infectious and catchy new song from Stormy Strong. “Holiday” may be not your typical cruising anthem song but with its upbeat pop-punk sound reminiscent of iconic names in the genre such as New Found Glory, it’s fun as hell. - Vents Magazine

Santa Cruz, California saltwater rock outfit Stormy Strong unveils the lyric video for “Never Say Never,” on Medium. Narrating the true life love story of a captain and a mermaid, “Never Say Never” suggests that impossible things occur every day, encouraging listeners to follow their hearts rather than logical prudence.
Produced by Stormy Strong and Chris ‘Von Pimpenstein’ Carter and recorded at Monkey Island Atoll Studios, “Never Say Never” features the talents of Doug Polhamious (bass), and Chris ‘Von Pimpenstein’ Carter (drums).
Formed in 2006 by frontman Stormy (vocals, guitar), the son of a California commercial fisherman, the band includes vocalist Surreyya Hada.

Stormy Strong — ‘Never Say Never’
Stormy Strong’s infectious songs have been featured on Apple Music Store’s “What Rocks,” along with winning best rock song at 2017’s West Coast Songwriters, Billboard’s World Songwriting Contest, and the Great American Songwriting Contest, as well a bevy of other awards.
“Never Say Never” opens on swirling oscillating tones flowing into a potent alt-rock melody flavored with tight tinges of pop. Crunching drums and a throbbing bassline establish the contagious rhythm, as muscular shimmering guitars radiate gravitational pulsing energy.
Stormy’s rich supple tenor infuses the lyrics with arousing passion, followed by the entry of Hada’s creamy evocative voice. When the two voices merge in harmony, the result is electrifying layers of dazzling timbres and resonant surface hues.
“Slowly colliding / Under a dim red-lighted hue / Revealing our shadows / Recognizing me in you / Everything’s spinnin’ round / You realize we’re off the ground now.” And then the opulent chorus: “My heart’s unglued / Never say never / Because of you / I’ll never say never to you.”
“Never Say Never” is marvelously wrought, combining galvanizing rock textures sparkling with filaments of supercharged sonic relish, all crowned by frissons of scrumptiously creamy vocal textures. - Medium

Stormy’s new singles have already been featured in the “What Rocks” section on the front of the iTunes Music Store and his cover of the Pixies “Where Is My Mind?” continues to net fans around the world while currently receiving major U.S. terrestrial radio airplay. Stormy has worked with #1 hit record producer Chris “Von Pimpenstein” Carter(Bec & Sebastian, Mr. Rally, Christabelle) industry icon Lyle Workman (Frank Black, Sting, Todd Rundgren, Beck), Sean Beavan (Black Veil Brides, Guns N’ Roses, Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails), Tim Narducci (Systematic, Spiral Arms) and Chris Manning (Jellyfish). With non-stop new content flooding the internet, Stormy Strong is quickly reaching gale force intensity. - Spill Magazine

“Stormy's voice has pure quality with a real emotion and strength to it. We think that the EP Take Her Down is inspiring and exciting.” - Sound Sphere Magazine

Santa Cruz, California’s favorite “saltwater” rock leviathan Stormy Strong has partnered with Stage Right Secrets for the premiere of his new music video, “Sail Away.” WATCH: “Sail Away” on STAGE RIGHT SECRETS

“”Sail Away” explores the themes of neglect and moving on, represented by the visual metaphor of an old fishing boat,” explains Stormy. “In the narrative, I struggle with images of my recent break-up as I prepare for a solo journey out to sea. With a naturalistic style and memorable imagery, “Sail Away” can be appreciated on many levels.”

To commemorate the premiere, Stormy will be taking over Stage Right Secrets’ Twitter from 11am-7pm PST, offering fans a behind the scenes look at the making of the video through photos, secret facts, and more. You can follow @StageRightS and the hashtag #SailAway to submit your questions.

Stormy has been making waves in the alternative scene since 2006, sweeping the globe atop a tsunami of salty melodic anthems. The nautical themed project formed as a mixture of two of his strongest passions: music and the seas. The son of a commercial fisherman, Stormy’s fascination with the sea started from a young age, eventually fusing with his love of music to create honest lyrics soaked in raw emotion that splice seamlessly with award winning song-writing. His songs will leave you cast adrift, melodies swimming around inside of your head long after the show is over.

Stormy is the recipient of the 2008 Billboard World Songwriting Contest award for his track “Save You,” and has worked with a slew of heavy-hitters including legendary guitarist and film scorer Lyle Workman (Sting, Frank Black, Beck), Davey Faragher (Cracker, Elvis Costello), David Bianco (Tom Petty, Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac), and Sean Beavan (NIN, Marilyn Manson) - Vents Magazine

We’ll leave the oceanic puns for our Twitter takeover with Stormy in honor of his “Sail Away” music video premiere, but until then watch below! - Stage Right Secrets

With the new single for “Holiday,” Stormy Strong presents a single that has more hooks at is disposal than a deep sea angler! - Dopecausewesaid

Overall, we think that the EP is inspiring and exciting. - Soundsphere Mag

“My life has been extremely crazy,” Stormy Strong laughs. “I don’t know, maybe it has to do with my name!” The local rock ’n’ roll singer-songwriter associates the word “crazy” with a variety of things—from relationships to the number of near-death experiences he had as the son of a commercial fisherman. “Crazy” also perfectly describes the music video for “Jumpstart the Heart,” off his latest EP, Take Her Down, which features vintage footage of daredevils doing acrobatic tricks on the edges of skyscrapers.

“‘Jumpstart the Heart’ is just about going for it,” Strong explains. “Being on the edge of chaos is invigorating. In skiing, when you’re ready to take the challenge of going down a black diamond slope, you usually don’t get hurt badly. It’s usually amazing and scary, but you get down there. For the video, it just made sense to have people doing off-the-wall stuff.” Take Her Down also features a raucous cover of The Pixies’ “Where is My Mind?” “I’ve always been averse to doing covers,” admits Strong. “I just didn’t want to do it. Then I thought, ‘If I’m going to do a cover, I want to do one of my favorite songs of all-time.’ It’s weird because that song is kind of like a decoder. People who are on the fence about the music we make, when they hear that song live, they understand where we’re coming from and what the influences are. It’s a good ice-breaker.” Strong and his band plan to play a mixture of new and older material at The Catalyst Atrium on Friday (possibly with a surprise vocalist), but he says he’s always thinking about how to make their live shows better. “The long-term plan is to have water tanks on each side of the stage with mermaids taunting the audience,” Strong laughs. “But that’s still a ways down the line.” - Good Times

Stormy's song "Jumpstart The Heart" was chosen as #1 in "Rick's Picks 2012" on 'The Best Radio You Have Never Heard' podcast (http://bestradioyouhaveneverheard.com), which also included songs from Smashing Pumpkins, Regina Spektor, Arcade Fire, Rage Against - The Best Radio You Have Never Heard Podcast - Chicago

Forget the un-rock ‘n’ roll name, this ReverbNation-tipped kid has some serious heart. Stormy Strong’s latest EP has a much more raw and old-school feel than any of his former work, though the sound still contains all the strong feelings portrayed by past songs such as the single ‘Mexico’. This time around however, the American singer-songwriter seems to have found greater inspiration by 90s grunge bands rather than his usual style which had echoes of Jimmy Eat World-esque alt-rock.




In ‘Jumpstart The Heart’, Strong shows us how he has grown in musical talent whilst still demonstrating his lyrical aptitude that won him the Billboard World Songwriting Contest in 2008, and the Great American Songwriting Contest in the alt/rock genre in 2007. The first track of this EP has a feel of determination and excitement in it, making the older melancholic tracks like ’She’ seem just a distant memory. His signature mix of contemplative lyrics and intense harmony are still present but Strong’s combination gives us an uplifting creation.

The second track is a Pixies cover for ‘Where Is My Mind?’ – a good choice for Strong given his breadth of vocal and his choice to move away from more relaxed melodies. It’s an interesting take on such a popular track and definitely worth a good few listens. Indeed, Strong’s voice has pure quality with a real emotion and strength to it, which you feel throughout the track. Overall, we think that the EP is inspiring and exciting!
- Sound Sphere Magazine

Santa Cruzan Stormy Strong's music played along with American Idols's James Durbin on KUSP on Lance's Lot. - KUSP Radio

"reminds me of Jimmy Eat World and early Weezer."

- Braving the Storm, Circles of Concrete - Circles of Concrete

"a solid rock band with...strong hooks" - Michael Fearnow, SF Underground Music (Examiner.com) - Examiner.com