If you are interested in the vocal distortions of The Strokes and like to put on an old 60’s track from the Beach Boys, Best Coast is a band you will definitely enjoy. Bethany Cosentino and her friend Bobby Bruno truly ride the last waves of the Beach Boys to create a modern version of the past.

So where does this eccentric brunette draw her musical inspiration from? The answer to this question is simply Bethany Cosentino’s native state of sunny California.

Bethany was born and raised in California and admits that she started to dislike home. It wasn’t until she was away in New York that she soon began to feel homesick and miss her oasis. Her current band titled Best Coast is influenced by tunes from the Beach Boys and 60s female singers—but Bethany has added a new touch of romanticism to those slammin’ oldies. Bethany's laid back attitude and mellow presence shines through the hypnotic rhythms and soft melodies of her music.

The former Fader intern has busted onto the music scene with confidence allowing her to release the unique track: “This is Real.” The thing that draws me to her music is her honesty. In recent articles she admits being nervous to play and sing in front of people, because now she had to learn how to “engage an audience.” While she was in her former band, Pocahaunted, she would solely be focused on just playing her guitar and not worry about song lyrics. Now in Best Coast, she has a different role as she takes the stage with the help of her friend Bobby Bruno.

Considering I am from Southern California, I understand how Bethany had to move to a different state in order to miss the one-of-a kind Cali vibes. Many times I have found myself sick of the jammed 405 freeway on a Sunday afternoon, or even fed up with the limited parking in Westwood. It’s not until you leave that you begin to realize the wonderful things about home. Bethany is indeed inspired by California and started Best Coast to reflect on her happiness about home. The two iconic phrases “there’s no place like home” or “home is where the heart is” can be found embedded in the themes of her music.

Bethany is extremely true to herself and to her surroundings. She learns from simple nuisances that often times go unnoticed (like the shadow that a palm tree casts) and intricately weaves them into powerful song lyrics. Little statements like this make her music so much worthwhile. Similarly to how most of us take our home environment for granted, most of us forget the small things around us.

My two favorite tracks are “This is Real” and “Sun Was High (So Was I).” I love how prominent the instruments are within the song while her voice resonates from a distant space. Particularly in “This is Real” her voice is very mellow and soothing. Her voice sounds from a different generation and I loved it. Bethany’s voice is so unique that it inspired creativity in me. I love the fact that I can relate to her experiences in California. Her soothing voice can interchangeably be used to help me study, write a paper, or set a new personal best around the track.

Check her out on MySpace and download her music if you need a study break or are headed for the gym. Perhaps you might be inspired by the small things around you, very much like Bethany is.

-Gevrina Seferaj

For a limited time only download "This Is Real" by Best Coast for free right here on Nikewomen.com