The Surfers (Singaporean band)
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1960s |
| Headquarters | Singapore , Singapore |
| Products | Singles, albums |
The October Cherries were a rock ensemble originating from Singapore in the late 1960s. They produced multiple singles and albums, securing a chart position in Australia.
Background
Drawing inspiration from The Beatles, the group earned recognition in both Malaysia and the Netherlands.
The Surfers
Initially known as The Surfers, the band was signed under the EMI label.
In 1968, The Surfers issued the Hooray for Hazel EP on Columbia (ECHK-602), which included tracks such as "Hooray for Hazel" and "Mony Mony". That same year, they also provided instrumental support for Asha Puthli on an EP featuring songs like "Angel of the Morning" and "The Sound of Silence".
Due to EMI's prohibition on releasing their material in Europe, the group adopted the name October Cherries in 1968 by leveraging a contractual loophole. This change coincided with the creation of their own imprint, Baal Records.
October Cherries
Known for their music steeped in psychedelic elements, the October Cherries produced tracks including "Lay Down Your Love", "Dreamseller", and "Felicia". Consistent with other artists signed to Baal, their recordings took place in Holland.
Career
Their debut album, Meet the October Cherries, was launched on Baal Records BCO 100 during 1968/1969.
According to a 2 December 1972 issue of Billboard, the band promoted their single "All Things Work Together" in Holland, which was released by Dureco under the Pink Elephant label. This track attained international chart recognition, reaching number 96 in Australia by January 1972.
Following a performance in New Delhi and Peter Diaz’s decision to join the Belgian group Pepples, the band dissolved in the early to mid-1970s.
In 1975, they issued World Hits 1975, an album comprising cover versions of songs such as "Kung Fu Fighting", "Honey Honey", "Rock Your Baby", "Rock The Boat", "Rock Me Gently", and "Billy, Don't Be a Hero". This release was also distributed in Australia via EMS Records, catalog number EMS 3026.
The single "The Buck Stops Here" backed with "Breezy" appeared in 1980 on Baal BDN 38054. It received a B− rating from Zigzag, which praised its pop sensibility but critiqued the vocal style as reminiscent of Gilbert O'Sullivan.
Later years
In 2015, Christie Rodrigues, daughter of one of the members, completed a short film titled October Cherries, which portrayed the band members in their sixties and contemplated a possible reunion.
Peter Diaz was slated to perform at the "Blast from the Past" event honoring Singaporean music at Esplanade Concert Hall on 3 March 2022.