SOFT PALMS is the music project of wife and husband Julia Kugel (The Coathangers, Julia Julia) and Scott Montoya (Former member of The Growlers). The couple’s other contributions to culture and community include: Happy Sundays Fest – The annual free music festival in Long Beach, CA – this year from August 23-24, 2025. Studios For Schools – 501(c)(3) organization aimed at building recording/production studios in schools.

“Radio” is a song about the divisive nature of media and the alienation that results from the echo chamber of negativity, hearing second-hand information and the perception of persecution. The video is a reflection of that sentiment – surveillance cameras and projected messages reflect the idea of being watched and judged. It is the first single off the new album IN ECHO being released later this year on Everloving Records (home to artists like Jack Johnson and The Growlers). It was recorded and mixed by Julia and Scott at their home studio in Long Beach called Centre of Mental Arts (COMA), and mastered by BAFTA winner Mick Boggis. The video is being released exclusively on YouTube.

The first release was the self-titled SOFT PALMS (2020, Everloving Records), and the couple’s goal for the new album is to win some Grammys.

“Julia and I have over forty years combined experience in music. “Radio” will be our combined 352nd track on our combined 46th release, but it’s the first time we’ve ever thought to submit our work to the Recording Academy for Grammy consideration. Our best bets are the categories of Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Alternative Music Performance, Best Alternative Music Album, Best Music Video and (since nothing released in 2020 counts) Best New Artist.”

– Scott Montoya

SOFT PALMS 2025 TOUR DATES

4.18 – San Luis Obispo, CA – Libertine Brewing
4.19 – Visalia, CA – Cellar Door
4.20 – Reno, NV – Lo-Bar Social
4.22 – Bend, OR – Silver Moon Brewing
4.24 – Seattle, WA – Chop Suey
4.25 – Eugene, OR – Sam Bond’s Garage
4.26 – Portland, OR – Swan Dive
4.27 – Sacramento, CA – Old Ironsides
5.1 – Hermosa Beach, CA – Saint Rocke

order Radio by Soft Palms HERE