Flipturn Ignites Del Mar With Their Indie Rock Energy

During their Burnout Days Tour at The Sound on March 6th, Flipturn flooded the venue with live, electrifying energy and indie rock instrumental riffs.

On a rainy day in Del Mar, fans both young and middle aged were decked out in short-sleeve button-down shirts, blue jeans, and beachy alternative attire–filling every inch of the venue, from the front of the pit to the upstairs balcony.

Lead singer Dillon Basse of Flipturn performs “Burnout Days” at The Sound on March 6, 2025 in Del Mar (Katie Flores).

A cascade of vibrant purple, pink, yellow and blue lights illuminated the indoor venue as Flipturn took the stage. The band opened the night with “Juno,” the first track on their album “Burnout Days,” a song about deep emotional conflict and connections.

Despite long lines outside in the rain, fans arrived early and were eager to catch the show. By the time the opening band, Krooked Kings, had finished their set, the venue was almost entirely filled.

Krooked Kings is an alternative indie-rock band most notable for their song “Lying Through Their Teeth.” The five member band set the night up perfectly for Flipturn’s entrance with a thrilling and upbeat set to boost the crowd’s energy for the main act. 

Krooked Kings opens for Flipturn at The Sound on March 6, 2025 in Del Mar (Katie Flores).

The crowd erupted as the chords to “August,” the band's 2018 hit single, rang throughout the two story venue. Lead singer, Dillon Basse, pointed his microphone towards the crowd as they swayed their arms and shouted the chorus, “August, honey, you were mine.”

The Florida-based band didn’t talk much in between songs, but right before “August,” Basse made a short speech dedicating their hit song to the long-time fans. 

“This one goes out to anyone at Soda Bar a few years ago,” said Basse. “And for anyone here since 2018.”

As the band made their way through their set, drummer VonBalson unexpectedly put one of his drums on his head, wore it like a hat, essentially blindfolded, and played “Space Cowboy.” The wide-eyed crowd erupted in passionate screams and laughter.

Drummer Devon VonBalson of Flipturn plays “Space Cowboy” with a drum over his head at The Sound in Del Mar on March 6, 2025.

VonBalson also brought a piece of his drum set and a cymbal to the crowd and played on the barricade as the fans rocked out with him. VonBalson high fived screaming fans, interacting with the crowd and creating lasting memories.

“The band members are really good performers and have a lot of energy on stage, which fueled the crowd,” said San Diego State University Student Eve Ruedisueli.

“Burnout Days,” Flipturn’s sophomore album, was released earlier this year in late January. The album explores the ‘messy’ emotions such as anger, confrontation, confession and of course, the feeling of burnout. It addresses different types of relationships from familial to romantic and the struggles they entail.

The show marked the band’s third time in San Diego, leaving a memorable impression by playing some of their most notable songs, including “August” and “Chicago” alongside tracks from “Burnout Days,” such as “Rodeo Clown” and “Sunlight.” 

A sea of fans scream to Flipturn’s performance on March 6, 2025 in Del Mar at The Sound (Katie Flores).

“Honestly, I wasn't expecting it, but my favorite song of the night was ‘Chicago,’” said SDSU student Demi Dussias. “It was really nostalgic and it reminded me of the first time I saw them in 2022 in Chicago at Lollapalooza. It made me think of my friends back home.”

The band was founded by lead singer Dillon Basse, guitarist Tristan Duncan and bassist Madeline Jarman in their high school years. They later recruited guitarist and synthesizer Mitch Fountain and drummer Devon VonBalson while in college, later releasing their debut album “Shadow Glow” in 2022. 

The indie rock sensation has been on an uphill trajectory to widespread fame, especially after performing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! earlier this year. They've also played at music festivals including Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits.

Flipturn's rise from local college band to indie rock darlings is a testament to their ability to blend funky yet melodic drum solos and guitar riffs with introspective lyricism.

Lead singer Dillon Basse of Flipturn performs “Burnout Days” at The Sound on March 6, 2025 in Del Mar (Katie Flores).

After a lively closing performance of  “Space Cowboy,” the band returned to the stage for a four-song encore. They played a dynamic mashup of “Burn and Weepy Woman,” followed by “Chicago” and ended the night with their song “Nickel.” 

Between Flipturn’s captivating instrumental breaks, deep lyricism and nostalgic set design, the band’s infectious stage performance was spunky and engaging, with fans resonating with the content or jamming out to the heavy tunes.

As Flipturn continues their Burnout Days Tour, it is clear that this is only the beginning for the one-of-a-kind, indie-rock band.

Written By Katie Flores

Photography By Katie Flores

On their sixth stop of the Burnout Days Tour, Flipturn performs at The Sound in Del Mar on March 6, 2025 (Katie Flores).