Photos: Best Coast Live on KCRW

During an intimate performance at Red Bull Studios in Santa Monica, CA, Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino told KCRW Music Director Jason Bentley that she wasn’t happy with their second studio album, “The Only Place“.

“Bummed” was the actual word she used.

She attributed this sensibility to a sophomore slump, the come-down from the epic heights they reached after their debut album saw so much success — and then not having time to explore new avenues in between touring and label obligations.

It’s a common conundrum for artists who find themselves in the same place. What do we do next? Where do we go from here? How can we keep it up?

For their third release, “California Nights“, Best Coast made the entire album without the initial support of a label. This allowed them to make songs without imposed limitations and really craft each one with it’s own identity.

The resulting record came out of the gates dripping with swagger and confidence, which peaked the interest of Harvest Records who signed on to distribute the album.

“Bummed” has turned into “pumped,” which if you’re California’s quintessential beach band, is really the only way to live.

Hear the live session on Morning Becomes Eclectic on May 14!

Best Coast Live on KCRW – Set List

FEELING OK

CALIFORNIA NIGHTS

HEAVEN SENT

THE ONLY PLACE

IN MY EYES

NO ONE LIKE YOU

FINE WITHOUT YOU

SO UNAWARE

FADING FAST

DREAMING MY LIFE AWAY (inspired by the mermaids in Peter Pan)

I DON’T KNOW HOW

JEALOUSY

WHEN WILL I CHANGE

GOODBYE

BOYFRIEND

**All photos by Jeremiah Garcia