Taylor Steele Returns to Encinitas Roots
Iconic surf filmmaker Taylor Steele is bringing his celebrated multimedia project back to its roots with the upcoming Sessions Surf Festival, scheduled for September 12–13 at Seaside Beach in Encinitas, California.
The Punk Rock Formula That Shaped Surf Culture
When Steele began editing foundational surf films like Focus at age 18, he relied on accessible punk rock tracks provided by friends of friends, rather than commercial licensing.
According to Steele, the editing process was meticulously timed to the rhythm of drum cymbals to maximize the visual impact of each maneuver. The raw tempo of punk naturally aligned with the fast-paced surfing of the era, creating an energized viewing experience designed to send audiences straight to the lineup.
Evolution From Adrenaline to Atmospheric Landscapes
As Steele’s cinematic style matured through projects like Sipping Jetstreams and Castles in the Sky, his approach to soundtrack curation shifted from high-octane drive to romantic, place-defining atmosphere.
Instead of shopping for pre-recorded commercial tracks, productions began recording original music on location with surfers and local musicians to capture the genuine feeling of a multi-week expedition.
Unwritten Law and Osees Headline Seaside Beach
The Sessions Surf Festival lineup features punk stalwarts Unwritten Law, whose music has accompanied Steele’s films since Focus, alongside experimental rock band Osees, known for powering the South American section of the film Psychic Migrations.
Community Screenings at Historic La Paloma Theater
According to event schedules, the weekend celebration encompasses both live musical performances at Seaside Beach and community screenings and gatherings centered around the historic La Paloma Theater in Encinitas.
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