Long Beach-based musical duo Soft Palms, composed of married couple Scott Montoya and Julia Kugel, released their second album, “In Echo,” last Friday through Everloving Records. The 10-track record, which took over five years to complete, reflects the duo’s frustration with societal and political shifts since 2020. The album’s sound blends a breezy 1960s-inspired vintage pop style with sharply critical lyrics addressing contemporary issues.
Montoya and Kugel, who first connected in 2012 at a music festival in Dallas, have longstanding ties to the music scene. Kugel was part of the Atlanta-based band the Coathangers, while Montoya played with Orange County’s the Growlers before leaving in 2016. The couple married in 2017 and settled in Long Beach, where they began collaborating on Soft Palms, drawing from songs Kugel had written but not previously released. Their debut album arrived in July 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the couple’s disappointment with global events inspired further creative work.
“In Echo” channels a more direct sense of anger and disillusionment. The lead single, “Radio,” released in 2025, critiques the heightened polarization and seemingly endless conflicts in recent years. Another notable track, “Nervous as Hell,” explicitly addresses media influence, with Montoya singling out Fox News, referencing the network’s $787 million settlement with Dominion Voting Systems and its impact on public discourse. The album’s themes extend to personal realms as well, evident in “The Wedding Song,” which was inspired by Kugel’s experience at a family wedding marked by tension and difficult dynamics.
Beyond their recording work, Montoya and Kugel have cultivated a committed presence in the Long Beach arts community. They co-founded Studios for Schools, a nonprofit organization that supplies recording equipment to under-resourced schools, and organized Happy Sundays, a free music festival that celebrated local talent and fostered community engagement. After a hiatus in 2026 to focus on their new album and upcoming tour, they intend to revive the festival in 2027.
In addition to their musical pursuits, the couple recently published a self-published guidebook titled “How to Be Self-Reliant in the Music Business.” Motivated by their own experience of being denied royalty payments, the book aims to educate musicians on navigating the complexities of the industry. With input from legal and financial professionals, the guide covers a wide array of topics, including contracts, social media management, and backstage conduct, providing an updated resource tailored to artists working in 2026.
Currently preparing for a forthcoming U.S. and European tour, Montoya and Kugel are already planning future projects, including a potential follow-up book. Despite juggling multiple creative and professional endeavors, the duo remains committed to building their career on their own terms, embracing the challenges and rewards of sustained independence in the music industry.