Taft Buckley is an Americana singer-songwriter from Redondo Beach, California, blending neo-traditional country with the warm, melodic influences of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Growing up by the ocean, music was always a unifying force in his life. From an early age, he was drawn to harmonies and the joy of playing with others, quickly realizing music was his calling.
As a child, he fell asleep to The Beach Boys and Jack Johnson’s Sleep Through the Static, unknowingly absorbing the lush harmonies and warm melodies that would later shape his sound. At 10, his mother sat beside him through piano lessons, encouraging him to push through—an early moment that laid the foundation for his lifelong passion.
In his teens, Taft became immersed in the blues, captivated by the expressive playing of B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Their soulful guitar work sparked his first deep musical obsession. Soon after, he fell in love with the great storytellers of country music—Marty Robbins, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Kris Kristofferson, and Ricky Skaggs—whose vivid narratives shaped his approach to songwriting.
During this time, The Growlers’ blend of surf rock and vintage tones also left a lasting impression. His close friend and bandmate, Stone Grandison, was neighbors with The Growlers’ guitarist Matt Taylor and admired his dedication to his craft. Though they never directly collaborated, that proximity and shared appreciation subtly influenced Taft’s evolving style.
Taft later spent time in Nashville, immersing himself in the city’s songwriting culture and refining his craft. He blended West Coast influences with the classic storytelling and musicianship that define Nashville’s legacy, further shaping his distinctive sound.
His passion for analog recording deepened when he acquired an Atari MTR-10 tape recorder from Scott Montoya, former drummer of The Growlers. Recording to tape became an essential part of his process, both in his home studio and professional settings, reinforcing his belief in warmth, authenticity, and timeless production.
After returning to Redondo Beach, he focused on developing his music alongside Grandison and keyboardist Matthew Moraveck. Their collaboration expanded his appreciation for intricate arrangements, drawing inspiration from artists like Elton John, Billy Joel, and Brian Wilson. Journey’s Who’s Crying Now and Lights also played a key role in shaping his melodic sensibilities.
For his upcoming performance at BeachLife Festival, Taft is joined by two great friends from St. Louis, Bobby and Charlie Hartrich, whose musical chemistry adds a dynamic element to the show. This connection carries deeper meaning, as Taft’s great-grandfather, Matty Malneck, also had ties to St. Louis.
A celebrated jazz violinist, composer, and arranger, Malneck collaborated with legends like Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, contributing to jazz standards like Goody Goody and the iconic soundtrack of Some Like It Hot. As a key figure in the St. Louis Blues Band, his work helped shape early jazz and swing. His legacy continues to inspire Taft, reminding him that timeless storytelling and musicianship transcend generations.
With a deep reverence for vintage sound and heartfelt storytelling, Taft Buckley is carving out his own space in the underground Americana scene, bridging West Coast influences with country and blues traditions. His debut release coincides with his BeachLife Festival performance on May 4, marking the next step in his journey.
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