The Beaches on Breakups, Going Viral, and Meeting the Rolling Stones: A New Chapter of Alt-Rock Fame

From Heartbreak to Headliners: The Beaches Open Up About Viral Fame, Creative Growth, and Life on Tour

Since the explosive success of their punk-inspired breakup track “Blame Brett” in 2023, Canadian alt-rock band The Beaches have been riding a major wave of success. The track — a raw, tongue-in-cheek anthem about post-breakup frustration — topped the Billboard Canada Rock Charts and resonated with fans well beyond their home country.

“It honestly took us all quite by surprise,” says guitarist Kylie Miller, 27, in a conversation with PEOPLE. “We’ve been a band for 12 years, and we had never seen a moment like that.”

The band — composed of Jordan Miller (lead vocals/bass), Kylie Miller (guitar/vocals), Leandra Earl (keyboard/guitar/vocals), and Eliza Enman-McDaniel (drums) — are now preparing for a landmark moment in their career: performing at Coachella 2025. Alongside their festival debut, they’re also gearing up to release their new album, No Hard Feelings, in August.

A Viral Moment That Changed Everything

The viral momentum of “Blame Brett” didn’t just make waves on streaming platforms; it brought in an entirely new generation of fans.

“When the song blew up on TikTok, we saw a big spike with that specific track,” Kylie explains. “But the coolest thing was people went back and explored our full discography. They got into our older stuff, came to shows, and started engaging with us on a deeper level.”

The impact has been profound. It marked a turning point not only in popularity but in how the band connects with their audience.

And yes — the infamous Brett has definitely heard the song.

“He’s also in a band in Canada,” Kylie laughs. “They actually covered it at their New Year’s Eve show, which was pretty fun. He’s been a good sport about it — well, he was, then he wasn’t, then he was again. There’s always drama when you put your ex’s name in the title of a song.”

Creative Pressure After a Viral Hit

With success comes pressure — and the band felt it deeply while working on their follow-up to Blame My Ex.

“There’s definitely pressure,” Kylie admits. “When we wrote Blame My Ex, Jordan was going through the worst breakup of her life. But now she’s happy in a new relationship, and it’s like, ‘What do we write about now?’”

Rather than pivot to love songs, the band chose introspection as the theme for their new album.

“This next record is more about turning the lens inward,” Kylie says. “Instead of blaming our exes, we’re asking ourselves if maybe we’re part of the problem too.”

New Music, Same DIY Spirit

No Hard Feelings continues the sonic journey started with Blame My Ex — a fusion of moody ‘80s guitars with upbeat, anthemic melodies. It also features more queer-centered themes and a blend of energetic bangers with a few slower, more introspective tracks.

And they’re doing it all independently.

After spending a decade under a major label — a deal they signed in high school — the band decided to go indie in 2023. The freedom has been liberating.

“Being on a label has its benefits, but you lose a lot of creative control,” says Kylie. “Now, we handle everything ourselves — business, visuals, socials — and we love it.”

Their album is distributed through AWAL, the same platform used for their previous release, but the band remains fully independent.

Behind the Scenes: Roles, Support, and Coachella Prep

Each member of The Beaches plays a unique role beyond their instrument. Kylie handles the business and finances, while her sister Jordan leads the creative direction. Leandra runs the social media channels, and Eliza, lovingly referred to as “the mom” of the group, makes sure everyone is mentally and emotionally supported.

As they prepare for Coachella, they’re not taking the experience lightly.

“We’re putting a lot of thought into this performance,” Kylie shares. “We’ve got some fun surprises planned, and we’re hoping to make some new fans out there.”

Coachella essentials? Sunscreen, water, electrolytes — and, of course, tequila. “Also, bandanas for the dust,” Kylie adds, “especially when you’ve got to sing in a desert climate.”

While they’re excited to play, Kylie is also looking forward to catching Charli XCX’s set. “I’ve seen her twice already this year, and I can’t wait to rave — responsibly, of course, since I have a show the next day.”

“Jocelyn”: Fame, Fans, and Self-Doubt

The band’s recent single “Jocelyn” offers a glimpse into the emotional tension of sudden success.

“It’s about performing for thousands of people and still not feeling great about yourself,” says Kylie. “It reflects the weird mix of fame and personal pain.”

Interestingly, the song’s title came from a real fan they found on Instagram — a student named Jocelyn from the University of Iowa — and they included Easter eggs in the lyrics dedicated to her.

Inspirations and Collaborations

For No Hard Feelings, The Beaches drew inspiration from artists like The Cure, Chappell Roan, and Doechii. Though sonically different from artists like Role Model, they admire the current alt-pop landscape.

So who would they love to collaborate with?

“Definitely Chappell Roan or Olivia Rodrigo,” Kylie says. “We’re actually playing Osheaga the same day as Olivia, so maybe we’ll meet backstage.”

A Moment to Remember: Opening for the Rolling Stones

One of their most unforgettable experiences? Opening for The Rolling Stones.

“We got to meet them the first time we opened, and it was surreal,” Kylie recalls. “Their tent backstage looked like something out of Harry Potter — this massive, immaculate white space with crystal chandeliers.”

Not only did the band take photos with the Stones, but Jordan even got a kiss on the cheek from Mick Jagger.

What stuck with Kylie the most was witnessing their enduring passion.

“If you love being in a band like they do, you can keep doing it forever. That’s what I took away from that night — it’s a lifelong love.”