When Wyatt Shears arrived at Turcs, the party was already underway. Turcs, a well-known, casual beach bar on Pacific Coast Highway in Sunset Beach, was a regular spot for the 32-year-old Orange County local. But this particular Tuesday, the bar was packed with people much older than him. A “Happy Birthday Bill!” banner decorated a potluck buffet of food in disposable trays and slow cookers, and Bill, surrounded by family and friends, was clearly enjoying his retirement.
Although he’s not facing the same physical changes as someone his age, Shears has come to value the aging process, which many people fear.
Twins Wyatt and Fletcher Shears started their experimental rock band, the Garden, when they were teenagers. They’ve evolved from energetic young newcomers into respected, innovative artists, all while staying true to their unique vision. Today, they’re even more confident and embrace their unconventional style than ever before.
Wyatt Shears believes that while society often views aging negatively, especially with social media, it should be seen as something to be proud of. He explains, sitting at a table outside Turcs, that experience is valuable – like earning a ‘purple heart’ for surviving and continuing to create. He admires bands like Motorhead who persevered despite the challenges, finding their longevity inspiring for his own band, which has been performing for nearly 15 years.
Since forming in 2011, The Garden has gained the admiration of musicians both more and less experienced than themselves. Their recently released sixth album, “Bootleg,” showcases yet another evolution in their sound and style. Despite these changes, they’ve consistently maintained the wild energy and exciting live shows that have attracted a diverse fanbase, spanning genres like hardcore punk, hip-hop, and experimental electronic music.
The Garden, a duo from Orange County, has played major festivals like Coachella (twice!) and toured with popular artists across many genres, including an upcoming arena tour with The Strokes. Despite their unique sound that doesn’t quite fit into any one category, they’ve gained a surprisingly large following. However, the Shears brothers are just as happy with the dedicated fanbase they’ve built, consistently selling out shows nationwide with their energetic and unconventional performances.
× Fletcher Shears explains that while he’s open to new opportunities, he’s incredibly content with where his band is right now – the venues they play, their fans, and the music they create. He’s proud of their current position and feels they’ll continue making music regardless of whether they experience more or less success in the future. He’s happy to explore unexpected chances, but ultimately satisfied with their present situation.
Honestly, it still blows my mind that people come to see us play, whether it’s a huge concert or a little gig in Orange County. That’s really all I could ever ask for. I remember the days when we’d play to almost empty rooms, so to still have a connection with an audience is amazing. Our dream is to keep hitting those smaller theaters across the country, maybe grab a drink, and just soak up the atmosphere – and see what kind of history, or even ghosts, each place holds. That’s what we’re all about.
For the past fifteen years, this band has consistently performed and reinvented itself, always moving forward. They’re famous for their energetic live shows and unique style—the twin siblings are also high fashion models, and many fans remember their signature black-and-white jester makeup. Throughout their six albums and six EPs, a strong punk rock attitude has remained a defining characteristic of their music.
The Shears brothers in The Garden don’t hide their diverse musical influences. Both have individual careers – Fletcher even tours as the drummer for punk band The Adicts – but The Garden’s music covers a lot of ground, from polished electronic sounds to raw garage rock. Their new album, “Bootleg,” continues this trend with songs that blend danceable electronica, industrial noise, and post-punk vibes, making it hard to categorize. Despite the variety across its 14 tracks, “Bootleg” still feels distinctly like The Garden, carrying on the sound established in albums like “haha” (2015) and “Kiss My Super Bowl Ring” (2020).
× Fletcher explains that all their songs share a core identity – the personalities of them and Wyatt. This consistent element is what ties the music together, even when exploring different genres or sounds. They believe listeners gradually get to know them through their music, recognizing that consistent personality, regardless of how the sound evolves. You can always tell who’s behind the music, even if it’s different from their previous work.
The Garden began as very young musicians on Burger Records, where they learned a lot even though they didn’t quite feel like they belonged alongside many of the other bands. Over time, they developed and gained experience until they were established veterans amongst their peers. While they’ve grown up from their rebellious teenage years, their drive remains the same: They still champion artists who are bold, innovative, and willing to challenge the status quo. And they’re as frustrated with the world today as they ever were.
“As long as we’re inspired, angry and willing to learn, we’ll keep making music,” Fletcher says.
Wyatt says they’re still motivated and enjoying themselves. They still love listening to and creating music, and don’t see a reason to quit just because they’ve gotten older.
2026-07-23 13:31