"Beach Bunny" is an American indie pop band hailing from Chicago that was founded by Lili Trifilio in 2015. Initially conceived as a solo project and stage name, Beach Bunny evolved into a full-fledged four-piece band in 2017. The lineup features Lili Trifilio as the lead vocalist and guitarist, accompanied by Matt Henkels on guitar, Jonathan Alvarado on drums, and Aidan Cada on bass. However, Anthony Vaccaro replaced Aidan Cada in 2019.
Describing their sound as "sad surf honey tries to ride the biggest wave in the Midwest," Beach Bunny has become known for their unique blend of melancholic yet catchy indie pop. Their musical journey began with two solo acoustic EPs, Animalism and Pool Party, which were intimate recordings by Trifilio, showcasing her talents on acoustic guitar and ukulele. The release of their third EP, Crybaby, saw the inclusion of drums by Trifilio's friend, Ryan Adams, and marked a turning point for the project as it expanded into a full band.
The breakthrough for Beach Bunny arrived with their fourth EP, Prom Queen, featuring the eponymous track that gained viral popularity on TikTok. Subsequently, the band signed with Mom + Pop Music in October 2019 and released their debut full-length album, Honeymoon, on Valentine's Day in 2020. This album further solidified their place in the indie music scene and showcased their ability to craft infectious hooks and relatable lyrics.
Continuing their momentum, Beach Bunny unveiled a new single titled "Good Girls (Don't Get Used)" in November 2020, followed by their fifth EP, Blame Game, in January 2021. The band kept their creative energy flowing with the release of the single "Oxygen" in October 2021, followed by "Fire Escape" in March 2022. These tracks served as teasers for their eagerly anticipated sophomore album, Emotional Creature, which was released in July 2022.
To build excitement for Emotional Creature, Beach Bunny released three additional singles: "Karaoke," "Entropy," and "Weeds." Notably, these singles were accompanied by music videos that formed a captivating sci-fi trilogy, conceived and written by the talented Lili Trifilio. The band's dedication to their craft and ability to create immersive visual experiences demonstrate their commitment to delivering a multi-faceted artistic expression.
With their infectious melodies, introspective lyrics, and captivating live performances, Beach Bunny has established themselves as a rising force in the indie pop genre. As they continue to evolve and explore new sonic territories, fans eagerly await what the future holds for this talented Chicago-based band.