Connect
To Top

Meet Wesley Hill, Shae Kakos, and Alex Burdess of The Only Ocean

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wesley Hill, Shae Kakos, and Alex Burdess.

Lompoc, California born three-piece, The Only Ocean renders a fresh approach to Rock, marrying a wide range of sub-genres from Psych-Pop and Post-Punk to Acid Rock.

Comprised of childhood friends, Wesley Hill, Shae Kakos, and Alex Burdess, The Only Ocean, has quickly become one of Southern California’s beloved. The first single off of their upcoming album, ‘Replaceable,’ offers both something to dance to and something incredibly honest- something many may find they can relate to.

The song begins with a mesmerizing build, drawing its listener in to ensure when singer Wesley Hill sings opening line, ‘yes I know that you love me, but you can see when something’s wrong,’ his words are taken seriously. On the meaning behind ‘Replaceable,’ Hill entrusts, ‘Replaceable’ is about my struggle with anorexia and body dysmorphia.

About how I act as if nothing’s wrong and try to continue my day-to-day though all I’m thinking about is how I look. It also touches on me not being happy with myself, and thinking I’m replaceable to everyone in their lives.’ His transparency is as fulfilling as the melody.

Jonathan DeBaun (The Mars Volta, Le Butcherettes, Antemasque) is the producer and a contributing writer on their forthcoming LP. Follow The Only Ocean for updates on their latest involvements, future release dates, and upcoming show listings.

Has it been a smooth road?
The only struggles we’ve faced have been balancing our personal lives and being in a band. It’s easy to forget about the world if you’re heads down focusing on music.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Only Ocean – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
We genre hop but somehow we always make it seem like us. We don’t ever want to be known for one thing so we’re constantly exploring what we can do with our music.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I think Lompoc has actually been a good thing for us. We’ve met some really talented people here and the surrounding cities. I don’t think without that kind of help and support we would still be doing what we do.

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Savannah Campos

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in

  • Portraits of the Valley

    It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them...

    Local StoriesApril 28, 2025
  • Portraits of Hollywood

    It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them...

    Local StoriesApril 28, 2025
  • LA’s Most Inspiring Stories

    Every neighborhood in LA has its own vibe, style, culture and history, but what consistently amazes us is not what differentiates...

    Local StoriesApril 28, 2025
  • Hidden Gems: Local Businesses & Creatives You Should Know

    Every day we have a choice. We can support an up and coming podcaster, try a new family-run restaurant, join a...

    Local StoriesApril 28, 2025
  • Portraits of LA

    It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them...

    Local StoriesApril 18, 2025
  • VoyageLA Gift Guide: Services Spotlights

    Our goal as a publication is to encourage more folks to spend their dollars with small businesses, artists and creatives.  Our...

    Local StoriesDecember 15, 2024
  • VoyageLA Gift Guide: Experiences to Consider

    Our goal as a publication is to encourage more folks to spend their dollars with small businesses, artists and creatives.  Our...

    Local StoriesDecember 15, 2024
  • VoyageLA Gift Guide: Products from the Community

    Our goal as a publication is to encourage more folks to spend their dollars with small businesses, artists and creatives.  Our...

    Local StoriesDecember 14, 2024
  • Podcast: Your Journey As An Actress

    We’re so lucky to have a great guest with us today to discuss your journey as an actress and so much...

    Partner SeriesOctober 22, 2024