Beach Music

Originating as a regional phenomenon in the American Southeast, Beach Music is a dance-oriented subgenre of R&B and soul. It is defined by a moderate tempo (typically 110-130 BPM) and a distinctive 4/4 shuffle rhythm, often called the 'Carolina Shag' beat, which provides a smooth, rolling foundation for dancing. The sonic texture merges sweet, multi-part vocal harmonies with bright, punctuating horn sections, creating a sound that is both relaxed and rhythmically compelling. Its ethos is one of summertime leisure and romance, capturing a sound that became the permanent soundtrack to coastal life and social gatherings, particularly in North and South Carolina.