BL!SSS Magazine | July 2011 | #47

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ALSO FEATURING:

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MICHAEL LALLANDE

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BLISSS_JULY11_HYPER_Luke.pdf

The Del Norte was designed in collaboration with Alex and features an 100% natural hemp upper, our super comfy Vanslite ÂŽ footbed, Captain Fin Co. logo embroidery at the heel, and custom lining and tongue artwork by Alex.

Look for Alex and the rest of the Vans surf team in the upcoming surf movie Get-N Classic, dropping summer, 2011.

Photos by Mitch Abshere Š2011, Vans Inc.

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dylan

congratulations on winning the transworld skateboarding reader’s choice award

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dylan rieder/ gravisskateboarding.com

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RANDOMS // 28 CALVIN NICHOLLS // 36 DIRT DRESS // 38 MARK TODD // 40 VOYAGE TO JAPAN // 42 CHECK ME OUT // 46 SUPER TASTE // 48 JAMIE PARKHURST // 50 EZEKIEL COMING IN SOFT TOUR // 56 FASHION // 62 THE ART OF MARCO ZAMORA // 68 BANZAI BARBADOS // 76 MATT MENDENHALL // 82 MIKKEL BANG // 86 AWESOME // 94 DESIGN FOR HUMANITY // 96 INSIGHT’S GET OFF MY CLOUD // 98 FYASKO X JAMES GILLETTE X URBAN OUTFITTERS // 100 JEFF THE BROTHERHOOOD // 104 CD REVIEWS // 106 GROMS // 110

Art: Marco Zamora

2011

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WeA c t i vi s t S HELLY ZA NDER SHOT BY CHERYL DUNN www. wesc. com

2011-06-16 11.02

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF nick kalionzes nick@blisssmag.com

EDITOR

joey marshall joey@blisssmag.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR mark paul deren madsteez@madsteez.com

EDITOR AT LARGE liz rice mcCray liz@blisssmag.com

SKATE EDITOR chris ortiz chris@blisssmag.com

SNOW EDITOR jon francis jon@blisssmag.com

MUSIC EDITOR max ritter max@blisssmag.com

ADVERTISING ads@blisssmag.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jason Kenworthy, Dominic Petruzzi, Daniel Russo, Toby Ogden, Tom Carey, Brian Beilmann, Jack Coleman, Andrew Mapstone, Adam Moran, Dave Nelson, Pat Eichstaedt, Julien Lecorps, Ryan Boyes, Zach Hooper, Tim Peare, Michael Lallande, Bob Plumb

CONTRIBUTORS

Matt Patterson, Willie Marshall, Daniel Russo, Liz Rice, Jason Arnold, Greg Escalante, Nathan Spoor, Tom Carey, Travis Millard, David Choe, Kai Garcia, Mickey Neilsen, Peter Townend, Hamilton Endo, Tawnya Schultz, Mike Murciano, Geoff Shively, Casey Holland, Steve Stratton, Robbie Sell, Andrew Miller, Pat Towersey, Raul Montoya, Ian Dodge, Spencer Pirdy

JULY 2011

BL!SSS Magazine 413 31st Street Newport Beach, CA 92663 www.blisssmag.com Disclaimer: Although all best efforts are made to avoid the same, we reserve the right to publish unintentional mistakes and/or factual errors which may occur on a monthly basis. No responsibility is assumed by the publishers for unsolicited materials/articles/letters/advertising and all submissions will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright and/or appropriate licensing purposes subject to Blisss’ right to edit and comment editorially. The views and opinions expressed in this magazine reflect the opinions of their respective authors and are not necessarily those of the publisher or the editorial team. Blisss Magazine reserves the right to accept or reject any advertising matter which may reflect negatively on the integrity of the magazine. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form [print or electronic] without prior written consent from the publisher.

Cover Artist: Marco Zamora

If your favorite shop isn’t receiving BL!SSS Magazine please contact info@blisssmag.com

beastieboys.com nixonnow.com

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ZERO TO SIXTY

AVE TIME RVCA and Von Zipper are presenting Mickey Avalon Live at the Galaxy Aug 27th for all ages, supported by Jacks Surf, Moskova, BL!SSS, FDX Hydration and Darkside Skate Boards. Tickets are available at all Jack’s surf shops so make sure to get yours before they sell out. A special signing will also be going down by Mickey on July 29th in HB at the Jack’s Garage grand opening on the final weekend of the US Open with WeeMan and other special signing guests. Mickey has currently got his Billy Squire remix ‘Stroke Me’ airing all over TV in a movie trailer and for one of the bigger video games coming out this summer. It’s safe to say that The Corey Helford Gallery will be celebrating its five-year anniversary every good looking female in SoCal will be at the Galaxy so get ready for this month with a major group exhibition entitled, “Zero To Sixty.” The one wild night. show features works by more than 50 artists including D*Face, Eine, Meggs, Nick Walker, Eric Joyner, Hush, Ron English, Alex Pardee, Greg Simkins and dozens more. With so much talent on the roster, there’s sure to be something for everyone. The show will only be running until July 9th so we highly suggest you get up to LA as soon as possible Christian Hosoi is immortal in the to check it out, it’s not often you get to enjoy this many amazing artists world of skateboarding and has gone under one roof. to great lengths to progress the sport. Although Hosoi has seen some bumps in the road he has come back in the past few years to reclaim his spot in the industry. Christian has teamed up with Vans and skate institution FTC to re-introduce his signature Hammerhead design skate deck. The deck is Japanese inspired and one that all skate enthusiasts will want to add to their collection.

The deck is available now so go grab yourself one of Christian’s finest.

CHRISTIAN HOSOI DECK

VANS DEADLY DUO

ELECTRIC GOODS

In a move that extends the Vans global surf team into the Southern Hemisphere, Australian Wade Goodall is now onboard with the original surf sliding company. Known for his competitive surfing in his early amateur days, Wade has now taken the road less traveled and can be seen all over the globe pushing the envelope in any kind of conditions. Wade joins the team with everyone’s favorite wandering gypsy, Dane Reynolds. Dane has always worn Vans, even before he was on the team, and now has made it official by signing with them. Dane is never one to take your eye off of, whether he’s in the water mixing in powerful carves with lofty airs or giving a comical speech, you’re always in for a treat when Dane’s around. Vans has added two of the worlds best and we can’t wait to see more from them.

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Electric has some of the best shades on the market and are constantly coming up with fun accessories to add to your Electric quiver.

This month the boys sent us over a couple of items that make summer outings much easier. The first item was the Drill Surf Bag, which had all of the storage space and pockets you would need, whether it be for a day trip to Lowers or a long summer vacation in Hawaii.

Team this up with the Tinny Terror cooler and you’ve got yourself a good time. Arriving at our office just in time for the 4th of July, this cooler bag is sure to be a favorite for all day blackouts at the beach.

We were very stoked to receive the new products but wondered why the cooler bag didn’t come stocked with a six-pack of coldies. Check them out for yourself at your local surf shop!

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FREE CONCERTS The biggest show in all of the land is coming to town this month as we see Huntington Beach being overtaken once again by the US Open of Surfing. The Open is always a great time with plenty of action from the surf world and other action sports along with great parties and hordes of spectators.

One of the highlights every year is catching great live concerts from premiere bands that are hand picked by the Hurley crew. This year’s lineup goes like this: Thursday August 4th The Sounds, Friday August 5th Jimmy Eat World with special guest Dead Country and Saturday August 6th MGMT and Surferblood. The place is sure to be as nuts as last year when Weezer took the stage on the final day in front of around 50,000 people. Make sure that you make it down some way, some how and be sure to party like its 1999.

HOUSE OF THRILLS We told you a couple months ago about a new website on the BL!SSS radar called cheapthrills.co, put together by our buddies Brooke McGreggor and Ryan Collins. Turns out they’ve been up to some big things down under and have just opened House of Thrills in Byron Bay. They had an all-out, alcohol fueled rager to celebrate the grand opening in the midst of a monsoonal down poor. Hippies, hipsters, sexy women and street machines are the vibe of the new shop so if you think any one of those fits your agenda we suggest checking out the new digs. We’ve all known Brooke for quite sometime and we’re more than confident that he’s got a few more tricks up his sleeve, we’ll keep ya posted.

TAVIK’S ECDC TANK Tavik is known for their clean, fashionable cuts and nonstop energy, music and motion. Tavik’s summer collection is available now and we’re stoked to share their newest ECDC tank. This striped premium knit has become one of our favorites, with a button down Henley neckline and woven patch. The yarn dyed cotton tank is quality comfort at the right price. Keep your eyes out for Tavik’s expanded knit collection for Fall and Holiday this year, and for more summer threads visit tavik.com.

REAL STREET

dEATH OF DONUT DAYS After 3 weeks of fun waves, picking up trash and serving most of Newport’s hungry surfers with donuts and coffee on Thursday mornings, the boys over at Analog have been shut down by the City of Newport Beach. Geoff Moysa and the boys were going about their business one Thursday morning when they were approached by a city official who said they needed to take down their tent and exit the beach with their donuts immediately. Not one to make a fuss, Moysa complied and walked away with the tent, his warm donuts and a hefty 100 dollar fine from Newport Beach. The city said that they were promoting a brand without the proof of a business license. Let’s get real here, the Donut Days are a harmless way where a group of people can support their local community. No crimes were taking place and no ones lives or businesses were in jeopardy. Word is that a local resident called and complained but that sounds kind of fishy to me. Anyway, we hope that the City of Newport Beach will soon come to their senses and quit being so lame. We at least hope to see the Donut Days come back to us real soon.

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The opening rounds of Real Street 2 began on June 28th with 16 of the best skaters in the world having entered into the competition. Real Street is in its second year and is a competition like no other in the skate world.

Riders such as Daewon Song, Dylan Rieder and Ryan Decenzo have submitted 60-second video parts that will be viewed by a panel of judges who will pick winners from each round until a champion is crowned. The contest is similar in style to the NCAA basketball tournament that utilizes brackets and head-to-head elimination rounds. The difference between the two is that the fans will be able to vote for their favorite in each round.

Round one is already in the books, round 2 is from July 5th-11th, round 3 is July 12th-18th and the finals are July 19th- 31st. Final results will be announced at X Games Seventeen on July 31st where the winner will receive $50,000 and an X Games gold medal. The skater who racks up the most fan votes will also win $10,000, so make sure to cast your votes to decide if your favorite skater gets the dough.

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FAB

GREENSCAPE CHALLENGE Cali Bamboo, a premiere manufacturer of green materials made primarily from bamboo, and Surfrider Foundation have launched the National Greenscape Challenge to promote eco-friendly landscape and garden designs. Homeowners, commercial landscapers and builders are encouraged to submit their sustainable landscaping project that includes photos and a brief description about their project. Once a project is submitted, it will be added to the contests interactive map that will display all of the entries. A panel of judges will then review these entries and on August 8th The best deals around on affordable items with cutting edge design a winner will be announced. This is a great new project and a fun way for can be found at fab.com. Similar to groupon.com, but with much everyone to do their part by building something sustainable. Visit calibambetter steez, Fab is a daily modern design flash site that offers the boo.com/greenscapechallenge.html for more information. public great products at an optimum price. Whether you’re looking for a water powered clock or a foldable bike, Fab has it all. The best part about Fab is that they are bringing the consumer and designer together, which in turn integrates great design into the lives of more people. Fab.com has everything you could want, from furniture to silk Isn’t it funny how everything screens, and the BL!SSS crew now has a new favorite site to log on happens for a reason? We got a to for shopping! good laugh when our dear friend Todd Miller swung by the office to tell us about his new job over at NamePlate, Inc. In case you don’t know, NamePlate is one of biggest manufacturers of decals, stickers, banners, cutouts, signs, etc. and has been servicing the action sports industry for decades. The ironic Comune has come up with an excitthing about this whole situingly new project and for Fall 2011, ation is that Todd is the one they will be launching a domestically partially responsible for all the produced, men’s capsule collection.

F54 stickers plastered around The collection will combine Comune’s pretty much every surf town from here to Timbuktu. We’re aesthetic design detail and price senstoked he’s hard at work again sitivity, along with the superior qualand expect big things to come. ity of USA-made products. The goal is to ultimately offer affordable products that are manufactured right here in the good ‘ol US of A. This first range offers denim bottoms under $100 and denim jackets at $138.

Look for the line to expand as the season’s progress and you can check out any of Having facial hair has its the Domestic Denim at advantages and disadvantages, but here’s one good select stores like the Closreason for growing out the et and Active Ride Shop old stash – GBMC. GBMC, or in Santa Monica.

The Gentleman’s Beard & Mustache Coalition is an active community of men ages 25 to 45 who meet once a month and share their interest in music, art, culture and facial hair. To put it bluntly, these guys are badass, whiskey drinking, facial hair enthusiasts.

Everyone is welcome to join the coalition and all you have to do is grow out those whiskers and show up to a “Whiskers and Whiskey” meeting. We flat out salute these guys because they’ve put down their razors and started a revolution. They’ve even come out with a clothing line called GBMC Apparel.

So next time you want to have a drink, share some laughs or just enjoy good company think of GBMC, Tally-ho!

STICKER BOY

MADE IN THE USA

GBMC

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NATHAN GETS VOTED ON

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Nathan Fletcher has been added to the elite Nixon surf team, joining fellow team riders Dusty Payne, Josh Kerr, Dean Morrison, Rob Machado and his good buddy Bruce Irons.

Nathan says that Bruce was the catalyst for dialing him in on the Nixon team and we have a feeling the two will be traveling and collaborating more than ever.

Nathan is quite possibly the best all around surfer in the world, growing up in the aerial movement in the early 90’s and currently leading the charge in the big wave paddle scene.

Bottom line is that Nixon and Nathan are a perfect combination and we’re excited to see what they have in store for us.

This is one of the coolest things we’ve seen in quite some time. It looks like the crew behind Lytro is gonna be revolutionizing the digital photo world sometime later this year. They’ve just released their findings on how their new camera is gonna allow you to focus on any point in the photo anytime after the photo has been taken. It’s kinda hard to explain in words but if you log on to lytro.com you can get a really good feel for what’s it’s gonna allow you to. We’ve already preordered ours and you should too.

JJ TIES THE KNOT Billabong headman and all around great guy, Jason Jackson and his lovely bride Candace were married this past month in Malibu. The two quickly scurried off to bask in the tropical Caribbean island of St. Lucia for their honeymoon and you can bet that Jason’s juggling skills were at an all time high while he tried to get in a few surfs in between tending to his new wife. Anyway, things went off without a hitch and we congratulate the newlyweds on their marital blisss!

MONSTER FRIDGE The BL!SSS office had an exciting new addition this past month courtesy of our buddy Jordan Brown at Monster. Jordan sent us a brand new Monster refrigerator fully equipped with every type of Monster Energy drink our little hearts could desire. The fridge is monstrous with some cool graphics on the side of some of the team riders shredding. We couldn’t be more stoked with our new fridge, the only problem is that we constantly have to restock the thing because folks just can’t get enough.

Thanks again for the fridge and for keeping our energy level at an all time high.

TEDDY NEEDS A BATH

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Our friend Tosh Townend’s wife Nicole is quite the entrepreneur. She has come out with a great new product that any parents would want to have for their little ones. Kids love stuffed animal and unfortunately they tend to get very dirty after being wrestled around with. Then, when you go to throw them in the wash they get thrashed and you leave your son or daughter’s favorite toy destroyed. Luckily, Nicole has come out with Teddy Needs a Bath. The product is a wash and dry bag that you place stuffed toys into and throw into the wash. They are cleaned without ruining the toy and then can be thrown in the dryer for a perfect finish. Teddy Needs a Bath is great for stuffed animals, pet toys, baby shoes and more.

It’s a pretty clever idea and we’re hoping Tosh and his wife strike gold with this invention so he can quit taking money from us with his lucky dice.

Check them out at teddyneedsabath.com and pick one up today.

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Growing up in the midst of the beautiful rural landscape of Ontario, Canada, Calvin Nicholls enjoyed his early ventures into art, propelled largely by his awe of nature. Not certain of his place in the art world, his fascination of the role of artists in communication saw him gravitate to the commercial art and graphic design discipline. In 1981, upon graduating from the three year Sheridan College graphic design program and with a year’s experience in an advertising agency, he opened his own freelance design studio in Toronto. Another desire quickly emerged in his life as an artist, as he discovered the satisfaction while solving his clients’ design and marketing challenges. His first experiments with dimensional paper sculptures began in 1984 and before long the medium played a dominant role in most of his work, enhancing an already bursting portfolio with a fresh new look.

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“I realized while working on my first bird sculpture for Noranda Recycled Papers in Toronto, that the layering, form and texture of feathers offered a perfect application for the art form. The desire to further refine my method was overwhelming as images of upland game birds, waterfowl, and birds of prey flooded into my mind from the many years of hiking and hunting throughout my youth. Two great passions had combined in that moment inspiring me to continue the search for new materials, tools and techniques. In the coming months my interest in 35mm photography took an enormous step as well as I purchased studio lighting equipment and a large format camera to capture the detail of my sculptures on luxurious 8x10 film. The sequence of those few months was amazing as I watched so many of my interests dove-tailing into an amazing career opportunity.”

Calvin’s first series of limited edition wildlife prints was released in 1989 and fifteen wildlife sculptures were commissioned for use as prints in 1992 for trust company National Trust of which over 40,000 were signed, numbered and distributed throughout Canada. With numerous commercial illustration awards and exposure in the United States, demand for his work increased from the corporate sector.

In late 1994, Follett Library Resources licensed the use of a Bald Eagle from his portfolio, subsequently launching a new advertising and international branding campaign. This series saw over 70 large wildlife paper sculptures commissioned and created in the following 16 years. This unique collection of Calvin’s technique remains on display at the corporate headquarters for FLR in McHenry, Illinois near

Chicago. During the same period, his work has also appeared for other corporate giants such as General Motors, Ford, Imperial Oil and for companies based as far away as Europe and the UK, including a billboard and print campaign for internationally renowned brewery InBev for their popular beverage, Stella Artois.

A member of the Society of Animal Artists in New York since 1996 and Artists for Conservation in Vancouver, Calvin is turning his focus to new possibilities with his technique and plans released through his website and galleries this summer.

Currently, Calvin continues to work on private and corporate commissions from his home studio in Lindsay, Ontario with his wife and three artistic children Trevor, Elizabeth and Philip. Make sure to check out more of Calvin’s work at calvinnicholls.com.

Words: H.A. Jeffords We are blessed and we are cursed.

Within Los Angeles and its many boroughs, sub-cities, and sister counties reside thousands upon thousands of bands. We are blessed like no other city with a grand number of options at our doorstep and cursed by geography and the great task of sifting through it all. For better or worse it changes how we approach music, and for better or worse it changes how people present their music. Like no other group, Dirt Dress navigates the seaweeds deftly, seemingly unstirred and uncensored.

Photo: Nolan Hall

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Back in late October of last year I remember having a conversation with Noah and Jose about their upcoming residency shows at Spaceland. Although they willingly admitted that there was a level of stress to organizing the five nights, it was clearly overshadowed by the excitement they shared at the opportunity for experimentation. It reminded me that with Dirt Dress, no matter what the context may be, to them, the perspective is relative. Their songs are built for any tempo, any volume, and any venue, and five nights in one place to them only equates to

a host of possibilities. This sentiment carries over into their recording process as well. For their latest release, a 7-inch on Volar Records slated to come out later this month, they decided to record it on their own, electing to build a studio in their backyard from the left over wood of a discarded skate ramp.

When I spoke to Raymond about the differences between recording in a homemade four-track studio in the backyard and the two-inch reel-to-reel multi-track consoled studio they are currently working on a full length at, he simply stated that, “The only difference

is that they provide different options for presenting our songs…”

Dirt Dress’ attitude towards recording and playing shows conveys that while context matters; what’s more important is what you make of it. Keeping that in mind, as we, the music fan, continue to sift through the bands, shows, and records I suggest we try not to become too jaded and remember that we’ve got it made here in Los Angeles, we’ve got bands like Dirt Dress, bands that enjoy music too.

Interview: Alan Garcia I assume you've been drawing since birth?

Pretty much. I remember drawing mazes and Star Wars stuff, war battles and things like that in 6th grade for kids on the bus.

Would you describe your work as folk art?

I wouldn’t say folk art. People ask me what my work is like if they haven't seen it. I find it difficult to describe. I guess it falls in that modern, pop culture world.

Regarding my comic inspired work, some people think that it is only meant for a certain group of people, closing others out if they are not into comics. I could see that and have tried to think more about that, but at the same time I think in a way it’s universal. I don't think you need to read comics in order to like the work. Although, if you understand the references and the subtle keys, then I guess you may get a deeper reading of it. Many fans of my comic work tend to be males of a certain age. 20-40 year olds.

Right. For me, I guess, I found an immediate attraction to your work, because it was instantly nostalgic. In that it took me back to when I was a kid and I would copy and draw things that I really liked, sometimes just tracing them. What makes your work more sophisticated than that though (again for me) is the way you deconstruct things, and break down shapes. There's an even balance of complexity and simplicity.

I don't actually read comics anymore. I buy them for the covers mainly and am inspired by them. When I was a kid, I was really into comics and collected 1000's of them. Bagged and boarded them and kept a price list. So my work is referencing that time in my life, that obsession. If it wasn't for comics, I may not have become an artist.

What is the significance of the recurring ghosts in your art?

Hmmm. I think it sprouted from word bubbles. Started as those and morphed into ghosts with faces. For me, they give a clue to the mood of the painting, or of the character they are drifting up from. It’s a way of saying something without using type. And hopefully they add some humor, not trying to be so serious.

What other symbols do you commonly use?

I use smoke, explosions, water and flames. All these things reference other things. Flames: Human Torch perhaps.

Rocks: The Thing. Black clouds, spider webs, drips, ooze... I also love playing with false perspectives and shapes behind shapes. I love revealing the process. I want the viewer to understand, "Oh, this is flowing behind that, and this arm is over that partially obscured type..." but in the end it’s all just flat, isn't it? It’s paint on a flat panel. I love that magic. I just started using this new symbol over and over in the newest series. An upside down distorted Spider-Man head with a sad face. I like the idea of using actual comic heroes and creating new versions.

Why Spider-Man? I like his patterning. I like that he doesn't have an actual face. My best friend growing up loved Spider-Man, so when I use Spider-Man I often think of him and friendship. The sad face kind of also references that because the kid had a pretty tough life.

Mark Todd will be showing at La Luz De Jesus Gallery from July 1st till the 31st.

Opening reception for "Force Field" will be Friday July 1st, from 8-11p.m. Visit his website at www.powerfury.com

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Words: Spencer Pirdy Every once in a while you hear a noteworthy story of a 17-year-old circumnavigating the globe on a sailboat or a harrowing rescue story that happened in shark infested waters hundreds of miles from land. Usually these stories are picked up by the mainstream media and before you know it, the people involved are all over Good Morning America telling their story. These people sometimes have a death wish, but for the most part they feel a calling to be with Mother Nature in the ocean. Well, our good friend Troy Feinberg of Leading Edge Yacht Services had the pleasure of meeting a fellow that seriously fits this mold. Troy met a man by the name of Kuo one day at one of the local yacht basins. Kuo is a 70 year-old man from Kokuro City, Japan. He came out to Newport Beach from Japan about a month prior to prepare for a voyage that would make the crews from Deadliest Catch seem like tadpoles. Kuo would be attempting to row from Newport Harbor to Japan. Yes, row and yes that is a whopping 5400-mile voyage.

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First things first, Kuo would have his custom 30-foot sailboat shipped out to California. This would be no normal sailboat though. She goes by the name Eolia (the goddess of the winds), and she is not what one would expect when we think of a sailboat. Eolia is 30-feet in length with no engine and no sails. The only thing that keeps here cutting through the water is a custom rudder that sticks about four feet out from the stern.

This rudder is what 70-year-old Kuo would be using to get him to Japan. For weeks Kuo worked hastily on prepping his tiny boat for the massive voyage ahead. He road a borrowed bike around to gather supplies at local stores, and soon made friends with residents that were baffled by what he was about to attempt.

Photos: Troy Feinberg

Kuo started sailing only at age 40 and mastered the sport relatively quickly. At age 59 Kuo took a 20-foot sailboat around the world in 288 days making him the oldest person in the world to do so. One would think that a man with such a track record would boast about such things but Kuo does nothing of the sort. His humble attitude showed in the way he carried himself during his quick stay in Newport. He made friends with the locals and a few liked him so much that they even put him up at a nearby hotel.

When the day finally came on June 16th, Kuo set sail for Japan he had everything on the Eolia prepped and ready. He would set out for Hawaii and after landing in Hawaii he would continue on hitting Japan in late December. He had plenty of food and water, a satellite radio installed and he had distributed a greater portion of his supplies to one side of the boat weighing it down in the case of a capsize. This would make flipping the boat upright much easier. He new the dangers of going off course, capsizing from giant seas, drowning or being eaten by sharks but none of this mattered to Kuo. Troy and his friend tied Kuo’s boat to the back of theirs and motored him out to the open ocean. Kuo seemed relaxed and calm for a man about to embark on a 6-month voyage. No news crews were on hand, no helicopters followed him out and no one lined the cliffs to send him off. He was doing this for himself. Just Kuo, the 70-year-old man, the Eolia and Mother Ocean. He shoved off on the Eolia that gloomy day in June disappearing in the distance like a mythical God. So the moral of this story is to not hold back, to shoot for the stars and realize that you always need to seize the moment. I think we can all learn something from Kuo and we wish him well on his voyage!

Rider: Jesse Merle-Jones Photo: Joe Foster

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488 E 17th St A107, Costa Mesa, Ca 92627 | PH: (949) 722-8329

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Raymond Pettibon hard at work // Alex Knost and his pretty hair // Dominic Petruzzi looking for members to join his scooter gang // Retna // Bigfoot wrapping up a mural at Wahoos // Dylan, Ryan’s girlfriend, Ryan Hakman & Liz Doyle

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Tanner and his little buddy // Alrik Yuill fresh out of the hair and makeup chair for this shot // We are going to owe Jeb Bear Flag for life when he see’s this photo // Nice shot Jason Maloney // Hosoi came by to pick up the new issue // The Chrisser hard at work

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Black Lips // Spencer is out there // Kelsey Brookes // Andrew Doheny and Tom Carey Stink dropping off his latest work // Gary Copeland & Eleonora Baiocchi // Mr Zach Boon // Winner winner lobster dinner, Alex & Koa Smith // Morning calisthenics with Levi Steve Sherman, point blank // Spanky sketching

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Photo: Dominic Petruzzi : dominicpetruzziphoto.com // Model: Whitney :: Otto Models If you’re not feeling like you’re in heaven after looking into the eyes of this angel then you might want to check yourself for a pulse. This gorgeous gal is named Whitney and she has blossomed into one of the best SUPERTASTE’s we’ve ever seen. She is the epitome of what women strive to be and what any man would wish to call their own.

When you’re this hot it doesn’t matter how many flowers are in the room because she’s the most beautiful one.

Hair & Makeup: Bri Leach // Retouch: JasonSchorle.com

Photo: Renee Parkhurst

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Photo: Foster

Interview: Warren Smith

He’s a man of many thoughts and great teeth. His thorax of gold and a hairline like the Great Wall of China, coupled by his progressive wave maneuverings and his affinity for worldly affairs makes him an exceptional human. But he’s been plagued by the shadows of San Clemente’s surf scene for far too long, and for this we should be ashamed. Speak up Jamie Parkhurst, we’re listening…

What are you up to?

Just hanging at the beach getting interviewed.

Ok, well I’m going to say that you grew up in the shadow of too many people: Gudangs, Dane Wards, these types of people… What was that like?

Ah fuck, it completely sucked. (laughs) Naw, it was good, because uh...

industry, I don’t think, so I feel like nobody took me seriously. But coming from a place with such abundant talent it’s hard to get noticed regardless of how good you surf.

I did get the run around a lot though. Man on the moon.

Did you guys all feed off each other?

Did you push each other? And why did I feel like you didn’t get the credit you deserved growing up as a surf man?

Yeah we, or they, fed off each other. I was basically just watching and learning. I never really got to their level, in the eyes of the

Ok what about like, avoiding um… like the downfall of San Clemente, like the drug culture and all that?

Like the …lost generation?

Yeah yeah, was that prevalent for you?

Like Crimo and all that kinda stuff goin

on?

Yeah, well I grew up around all those people, there are so many drugs in San Clemente growing up, it was crazy. Crimo was cool though, he always yelled at everyone out at Lowers. He’s a crazy little dude, he’d chop hop right over you. But yeah, I’ve seen a lot of friends get into some bad stuff, it’s all around you.

How’d you stay clear of that?

Ah, I dunno, I’ve always had a relatively good head, and I always knew what was right. You’d go to parties and drugs would

Photo: Carl Steindler

Photo: Foster

Photo: Foster

Photo: Foster

Photo: Hilleman

Photo: Foster

Photo: Foster

be there, but I never really got into it, I never really fell in with those crowds.

I wasn’t really into the San Clemente scene mentally.

Now you’re dippin’ your hands into graphic designing? How’s that going?

It’s going good, still learning a lot, still in diapers. I’m basically in the shadows of Grady Archbold now. Just stuck in the shadows.

Haha, so this is something you’re passionate about? The graphic design stuff?

Yeah, my dad kind of got me into it. But yeah absolutely, I think that it would be a career that I would enjoy and be happy doing. My ultimate goal is to be an art director, so I’m kind of dipping into all the aspects of creative design from photography to typography so I can be as knowledgeable as possible when I start working full time. Surfing is kind of like an elevator to nowhere, unless you’re Slater

or something, so I am not going to rely on that to pay the bills. I love surfing, and I’ll always surf, but I’ve got to look toward the future a little bit, cuz I sure as hell aren’t even a hundredth of a Slater.

Let’s expand on that, why is a surfing career an elevator to nowhere?

Well shit, its obvious that surfing isn’t a reliable career, with the exception of about 10 people. The money is not going to be there for long. There are so many good surfers that it seems that they’ve become more disposable. Look at majority of professional surfers in their 30’s, they either disappear or they become a team manager or a rep or something, and I don’t think I’d really ever want to do that. There definitely are exceptions though.

What’s your hot music picks right now? What are you getting down to?

Um, well Beach House, they are always on. The Growlers too, I can’t seem to

stop listening to them lately. Maybe a little Mazzy Star, Kurt Vile or some smooth jazz.

What was the last good show you saw?

Beach House a few months ago in LA. It was amazing, I almost cried.

What’s the worst drug you’ve done?

Cereal. I’m addicted – breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Do you have a bizarre sex story?

I think so, but I wasn’t involved, and it was on Chat Roulette.

Who do you look to for inspiration for your graphic design?

There are a few people I really like; Johnathan Zawada, Caleb Everitt, David Carson is a legend, Grady Archbold.

Any artist that gets your juices flowin? Like music or what makes you tick for graphic design?

I’m pretty into photography, I think a lot

of graphic elements influence composition in photography - they really compliment each other. Some photographers I like are Mike Piscitelli, and Jason Lee Parry. As far as artists, David Choe is pretty amazing, and Picasso of course.

Yeah you’ve always drawn Picasso’s stuff.

Yea, I love it.

Did you take art in school?

Yea, that’s what I’ve been doing for the most part, graphic design classes and stuff, and my dad is a good artist.

So what happened with Matix?

Ummm, I dunno, I was working hard but I didn’t really feel the love that I should’ve been getting.

So what are you working with now?

Well I recently signed with Ergo, and it is good. They’re helping me out, and I am a happy camper.

Cool, so you’re doing some design stuff with them as well?

Photo: Hilleman

Yeah, just putting my two cents in on some clothing designs and things like that. Kyle, the art director, is the man and teaches me things about the clothing design game.

Then you’re getting a little bit of experience in both.

Yeah doing clothing design is something I’ve been interested in for a while so its cool to work with it a little, and do design and surfing and all that at the same time.

So you said you grew up skateboarding?

Yeah I pretty much skated since I was 6 years old and did skate comps until I was about 13.

All the kids on my block skated, it was rad, we would always have a group of at least 10 kids just mobbing around skating everything and causing trouble. And Ryan Sheckler grew up across the street from me so he always had ramps and rails and shit to play around on.

How’d you get into surfing?

I just got burnt out on skating for some reason.

My dad actually took me surfing at San-O when I was like 6. He made me paddle out and it was pretty good size, especially for my feeble little arms, and I remember I got worked by like 5 waves trying to paddle out and went in so mad and never touched a surfboard again until I was 11. Then it was pretty much an every day thang after that.

So you basically grew up surfing Lowers?

Well, my friends and I surfed the pier and T-Street mostly for a few years, then when I could actually kind of do a wiggle we traded that in for Lowers.

Who were big influences on your surfing growing up?

Since we surfed lowers pretty much every day all day, we would see all types of pros. I think my favorite surfer out at lowers was Andy Irons, he stands out in my mind for sure. But yeah, Lowers is pretty unique because there’s always at least one professional surfer out there to watch and learn from. All the kids from San Clemente definitely influenced me too, they all rip.

What about some local dudes?

Well, Cordell is always out there getting’ groovy, he’s fun to surf with. Wardo creeps around out Photo: Renee Parkhurst

there and takes all the waves, and kills them.

Jason Miller, Ragenovich, they were always out there at Lowers shredding. You (Warren), I think I surfed there with you more than anyone, going left all day chop hopping. Thanks for the rides by the way.

Oh… and Cody the transient, always building rock forts and talking to himself. I remember one time he brought peanut butter, jelly and bread down there and he let me make a sandwich, which was pretty cool.

How do you feel about the gross online surfing community?

Sheez, well as far as the positives like the incredible amount of exposure that one can get through all the online surf sites and blogs and such is pretty cool. It’s kind of changed the surfing game up a lot. It’s pretty heavy though, reading the comments on some of the things on surf sites. No matter what is up, people are going to write negative comments.

I feel that is just so much easier for people to write negative things rather than something positive and constructive, but maybe it’s just for the sake of argument.

Has anyone in Orange County ever tried to fight you for the way you dress? Or called you gay?

Haha, yeah this one time I was standing at the bar, and this sporty dude came up to me and told me I had a douchey haircut, probably about 100 times, and then tried to fight me about it. That was cool, but I don’t really pay attention most of the time.

What are you chasing in life?

Hmm, to create beautiful things and make something worthwhile. To become an enigma.

Have a career that I love and just be happy, that is what life is all about. But seriously, I just want to own a pair of rainbow sandals and smoke a hell lot of weed.

How can we check out your stuff or work? www.stilllilll.tumblr.com I think we are done here.

Thank you.

Justin Cefai :: B.S Flip

Words: Justin Cefai :: Skate Photos: Mikendo :: Portraits: Jay Dibel I have never been comfortable urinating in public. Something about relieving myself several inches from another human causes my bladder to seize up, leaving me searching nervously for an uninhabited area. Sure, this is an issue that pains many people, but they’re not on an Ezekiel trip bound for San Francisco. Ezekiel team manager Mike Stanfield picked me up just after noon in West Los Angeles. I loaded my things into the van and we set out. Our crew consisted of Mikendo, John Lupfer, Derek Fukuhara, Steven Webb, musician Korey Dane, Ray Maldonado, filmer Junior Venegas, Charlie Thomas, Ezekiel photographer Jay Diebel, and myself, soon to be meeting up with Lee Yankou.

Most of the posse was already a few road sodas deep, and had decided on two strict terms for consumption. First, using a word to

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describe one’s sexual orientation in a negative manner would result in shotgunning a beverage. Second, “coming in soft” (which varied depending on who was paying attention) also resulted in the same. Needless to say, things got weird. We made it about an hour out of L.A. before someone called for a rest stop. Actually, come to think of it, two of our passengers had brought along empty gallon jugs for just such an occasion.

Which brings us to John Lupfer. This was the first time I had actually met John, and it won’t soon be forgotten. Unlike myself, John does not suffer from childlike stage fright when it comes to ditching water weight. Several times in the van, I would look back to talk to someone, and find him leaned over my seat taking care of business, all the while maintaining a totally normal conversation with another

passenger. Now, from my standpoint, that’s fucking admirable. Yes, he’s a rad person, we became friends, and he’s obviously a talented skateboarder, but pissing in a jug while crammed in a vehicle with ten other dudes? I don’t care who you are, that takes skill. John and I kicked it a lot on the trip, and I’m hyped we did. Good times were had.

We continued our drive North, stopped to get more food and drink, and Mikendo bought what he called beef jerky, but in all actuality could have been barbeque flavored tree bark.

Several bets were made, dignity was lost (or was it respect gained?) and a few passengers succumbed to the drink and passed out. We arrived in San Francisco just in time for Jay and I to witness my beloved Red Wings lose, and we cleaned up and headed out for the night. After a proper dinner, a few of us met

up with Lee and Venture team manager Josh Robertson at a local bar. Things were good until a spilled drink and misunderstanding led to some drugged up, Armani-clad goon pitching a cocktail glass at Josh’s head. Apparently un-affected, with 7 staples and 3 stitches, Josh was texting us the next morning at 10 a.m. in good spirits, ready to grab breakfast and head to Thrasher’s Double Rock Skatepark.

Enter Lee Yankou. There are plenty of claims going around of “so and so is a beast” or “dude, that guy charges,” but I’m going to go ahead and tell those who don’t already know, Lee gets down. On loan from our neighbors to the North, Lee is as friendly and easygoing as they come. He’s never without his “wallet,” which is a small Tupperware piece containing keys, money, herbal remedies and whatever

Justin Cefai

Derek Fukuhara

else may be of importance for the day. In any situation, he’s probably the best dude to have around. My favorite quote of the trip, and one that pretty accurately describes Lee’s worry-free nature is one of him directing us through the city. When asked which way to turn up ahead, he shouts, “Go left, or wait, right… umm…. yeah man, let’s just go wherever!” He ripped every spot throughout the trip and kept the positive vibes flowing.

After a few enjoyable hours at Double Rock, we made our way over to what is possibly the best natural cement bump in the history of natural cement bumps. Even with the gale-force winds blowing in the opposite direction of the spot, (which is somehow the case at every spot in the bay area) this one could provide hours of enjoyment with ease. After a ridiculous amount of pushing and wind battling, a few tricks were landed and we got on with our day.

Now here’s Steven Webb. He’s the one you can count on skating every spot first, and is still going when everyone’s tired. This probably explains why he can do everything. I remember seeing him a while ago

Steven Webb

John Lupfer

Derek Fukuhara : F.S Board 270

and thinking, “Oh, this kid’s good at manuals, alright.” Then I saw him shred a mini ramp. Then vert. And it goes on. Never the one to blurt out some dumb shit, Steven keeps relatively quiet most of the time. Not in any awkward sort of way, but more in a “what’s-worth-saying-will-be-said” type.

Save the verbal diarrhea for the kids, this one is man-status, and he’s got the skills to back it up.

We ended the night enjoying a couple

Ray Maldonado : F.S Blunt K-Flip

rounds alongside the fine art of Jason Adams then it was off to our modest accommodations to rest up for the next day. This is where things get a little blurry. We did go back to our Hostel, one that we shared with the uninvited guest colony of bed bugs, and we did get a little rest. Now, we’re all adults here, and I would like to think that we’re fully capable of making a generous amount of per diem last throughout the weekend, but when you find yourself roaming around a big city with money in your pocket, no

agenda to speak of, and bars on every corner, it’s surprisingly hard not to stop in for “just one more round.” Even after calling it quits for the evening, Jay would walk up with a shot and a beer for both of us and say “cheers!” Who could deny that?

That being said, most of our nights in “The City” keep blending together, or switching places in my memory. I know it was a good time, but people show up that weren’t actually there, and some things just disappear

entirely. Also, keep in mind that alcohol (coupled with skating non-stop for hours) will dehydrate your muscles to the point of feeling like you’ve been immobilized in a full-body cast for months. Our trip landed on the same weekend as a famous marathon titled “Bay to Breakers.” In short, it’s a marathon-turned-pride-march with everything from actual runners, to large naked men chugging from rainbow colored beer bongs at 10 am. All of us managed to avoid this, with the exception of Charlie, whose

Lee Yankou : Impossible

staying place for the weekend was along the sanctioned route.

So we wake up the next morning and head to a bench spot that Lee knows about, and here’s where Derek Fukuhara comes in. In my eyes, Derek has been pro for years. Even after the nights of drink, within the first five minutes he looks like he’s been warmed up for hours.

No lie, I’ve had conversations with people describing how rad a trick would look, only to hear them respond, “Wait, didn’t Derek Fukuhara do that?” Sure enough, upon consulting youtube, there’s the footage of some mind-blowing shit that he did like five years ago, chilling. Plus, he’s a fellow string-strummer, and talented photographer with an eye for composition to boot.

Another evening of spirits and one last luxurious night in the Hostel brings us to the end of our trip. We said our farewells to Lee and The City, hopped in the van, hit a couple more spots, and made our way back home.

As for the rest of our passengers, Ray Maldonado and Junior Venegas kept the Black Metal and youtube entertainment on blast throughout, Korey Dane probably skated better than anyone else at Double Rock, and performed a few impromptu solo shows in the Hostel for our enjoyment, and Mikendo kept everybody laughing and well-fed. We arrived back in L.A. safely, I got out to grab my things and say my goodbyes, Lupfer got out to piss in my front yard, we called it a weekend and that was that.

John Lupfer : B.S Nose Blunt

Steven Webb : Manny Revert Fk Manny 180

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Interview: Mark Murphy

LA based fine artist, Marco Zamora takes on the urban landscape much like a documentary filmmaker capturing the complex layers that make up a scene. Marco scouts his subjects with

his camera, absorbing the energy of the street transcribed by the careful flicker of his brush.

Marco Zamora creates scenes that absorb the urban landscape into a reconstruction of clues

which connects us to a vision that beckons close introspection.

Marco’s most recent gallery installation is currently up on view at the POVemerging

Gallery in Los Angeles and directly titled, “New Work.”

Fortunately, I caught up with Marco to chat more about his new show, noting his approach along the way.

At first glance it seems that you are a documentary painter, capturing the essence of urban life as it exists for the moment and the unique ways it presents itself over time. Are your paintings more of a time lapse of what is happening in an instant or more like a portion of a film, revealing a long segment of time? Please explain.

They are more of a time lapse of what is happening in an instant, but in a way both. I say this because I am capturing actions and things that are only there for a short period of time, but it is continual. Everyday there is a new object left behind or someone searching for something more. I photograph certain objects over a period of time to see if they are still there or if they have changed due to their surroundings. It can be as simple as an inflated balloon signifying a celebration, being there one day, then the next being deflated and left behind.

Do you leave visual clues in your work for people to discover later? How would you describe your visual narrative or the underlying story line in your work?

Yes. For the newest paintings I wanted to create a place where you have to search - I want people to discover something new in the work every time they look into it. Collecting plays a large role.

I’d describe the work as capturing something that is valuable for a moment and then letting it go. Maybe some of these objects were never important in the first place, but they served a purpose for that period of time. And by valuable I think that depends on who is viewing it. For me, these images of how we live, the things we do and attain are very valuable. I collage the collected imagery from the present and the past, whether it is people, objects or scenes.

The work invites people to analyze and take deeper meaning from the surroundings we occupy, rather than disregard or take for granted. Everything is valuable and serves a purpose.

Do you observe with headphones on? If so, what music you listening to? Or, are you letting the street sounds, voices, clamor of the hustle play out? How does the sound of the

street interject a place into your work? Is this a major influence into the work itself?

No, I don’t use headphones. I like to be aware of my surroundings and what is going on. Yes, it does play a big role. Sound creates individual feelings of where you are and instigates memories and emotions.

For me, these sounds cause my mind to race.

Is there a reason that many of your subjects are disguised in your work; wearing sunglasses, behind large moving objects, laying down, quarter view, etc? Are you paying homage to the people/personalities/ individuals you meet within the urban landscape?

Yes. I have a fascination for the unknown. I’m anonymous when I

photograph and do not know the people that I capture. Part of it is out of respect for the people on the street and the other is how I like to see things. Most of the subjects in my paintings end up portraying themselves in this way.

You have a new exhibit at POVevolving Gallery in Los Angeles entitled, “New Work.”

How has the response been?

Please describe the largest painting piece in your show and share a little bit about the process and where you derived your subjects and the color palette for this show.

The response has been great and very happy with this new body of work. The title of the main painting is “Smile.” I wanted to work on a larger scale and create a piece you

could get lost in – a view of the street with an abundance of what is taking place in the now. I know some of the imagery is heavy but it’s real.

Each object and person was placed specifically in the painting, not reflecting a direct representation of any one photo that I took. The color palette is taken from various places and memories – my childhood, watching my mom use these bright palettes to decorate and secondly, actual street scenes from my preliminary studies. They both give me a sense of nostalgia, using colors from old stores and buildings that have been painted over and over.

The faded pastels and peeling paint of the buildings from the hot sun with the neon signs trying to gain our attention. In a way, I am trying to do the same.

Describe a bit about the POV video installation and your approach to 3-dimensional installations. Please include the title.

My approach for installations and sculpture is very similar to my approach to painting. The difference is that I am using real objects rather than imagery to create the work.

A painting can only take me so far in that sense. The installations help me see my work in a different aspect because they are a little more organic in the sense that I don’t really know the outcome. I really enjoy the process.

The gallery show features a video installation titled “Cinder Block.” I wanted people to smell, see, hear and feel my work. Maybe, to see as I see. I decided to make a wall out of

240 cinderblocks and colored lumber. The outside of the piece was raw, and similar to the black and white in my paintings. Within the piece a video plays a four-minute loop of daily life on the street. But first, you need to find a broken block to peer inside.

Each painting is different, of course the more detailed the longer it takes. Not sure, week, month? I’m not sure I could spend a year on one piece. I would go insane. The painting is usually done when I don’t have a choice.

Where was the backpack installation installed originally and what was your concept behind this piece? Where did you get all of the backpacks and bags?

How many were there?

The backpack installation was originally installed at the University of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and my first large installation.

The concept came from a series of paintings I was working on about the baggage we carry out of necessity and pack them full of nostalgia. I wanted people to feel overwhelmed. It was an overload of the unknown. There were about 400 bags and the installation was “Untitled.”

What’s the most genuine comment you have ever heard about your works?

That my work is humbling.

Do you have mad photo logs of your journeys in an urban setting? Do you take lots of pictures or do you sketch while chilling on a park bench? Please describe your process to develop your ideas.

Yes, I have tons of photos. I actually get a lot of my photos while riding. It allows me to be in the open, stop and go anytime I please. The only time I sketch is when I am going to make a sculpture or installation. Everything else is collaged prior to painting.

Looking close at your paintings there are a lot of tight details. How long might painting take – days, months, years and when do you know when a painting is completed?

Share a bit about your travels and what you will be up to this summer.

I try to travel as much as I can. Last summer I had a solo show in Barcelona, Spain and spent a month there. I loved it.

So for this summer I will be moving there for about four months to create work in a new environment and of course enjoy the surroundings. But right before that I will be involved in a group show curated by you titled, “Lucid Dreams,” in San Diego on July 8th.

There are a couple of small projects I will be working on with Vans and will be collaborating with Cream In Barcelona on making art for some track bike frames.

Very excited.

Many kind thanks to Marco Zamora and all good fortunes for a wonderful trip.

You can experience more about Marco at murphydesign1.blogspot.com and many other exceptional artists, art resources and exhibition reviews.

Mark Murphy is a fine art promoter, book designer, curator, filmmaker and archivist who has designed a life dedicated to archiving living artists.

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Chris Ward

Photos & Words: Tom Carey Chasing swell in the Atlantic is about as foreign to me as ordering dinner at a French restaurant. I’m clueless.

So the fact that an Aussie, a Hawaiian and three Cali dudes scored so ridiculously hard is a damn miracle. I guess we had some help from a few friends that were unable to go but I’ve never recall being that nice to my friends.

It was like it was too easy. Flights were cheap, the house was lined up and the swell was definitely stacking.

Hurricane Igor was reaching Category 4 status and marching across the Atlantic. Igor was a monster, much like his name referenced, and he didn’t disappoint.

The swell models were looking to good to be true and the thoughts in my head were racing as go-time approached. What was Wardo going to be like? Is he coming for sure? Are the waves going to be crazy heavy?

All thoughts were drowned out as we woke up the first morning. Soup Bowls was already a playful 4 foot with hardly a speck of the howling trade winds that plague the wave. We spent that night preparing for the brunt of the swell – buying groceries, water, beer and umbrellas. The heat in Barbados, without the wind, was unbearable. Filming in the sun was out of the question. Angles were compromised if

there wasn’t shade and my skin began to boil… literally. A few days into the trip I was finding bubbles on my skin. I wasn’t sunburnt but my skin was bubbling, this was the first and last time this has happened to me.

The next morning Mason and Wardo were nowhere to be found. The sun was just breaking and it was already scorching. Looking out into the giant fireball we call the sun it was almost impossible to make them out. But then I saw someone driving into an eight-foot freight train. Right away you knew it was Wardo. He was like a surfed-psyched 8-year-old, you

couldn’t drag him out of the water.

Wardo was there filming for his new movie, Ward Stories. I’m not sure if it was for that or just because he loves surfing so much. Either way it was good to see someone his age that stoked.

Mason followed suit as well. He knew if it was barreling he better be out there. Plus, the waves were empty.

Granted it was big, heavy, no channel and a strong current. The only two locals to paddle out were Lonno and Barry. Our new friends and surf guides. Barry managed to get a couple but Lonno wasn’t so lucky. He

Josh Kerr

Mason Ho

happened to stab his heel with his fin and basically put the thing all the way through. It was a gruesome cut but at least he went out swinging in a big blue pit.

Lonno and Barry are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met on a surf trip. For no reason at all they went out of their way to make us comfortable and find the best waves, just to be bros. All the locals there have the thickest accents and I often found myself asking, “What?” quite often. At first it sounds like a regular English accent but then you start discovering a little bit of Irish twang in and a bit of Jamaican or something. It’s a trip. I swear we were speaking two different languages .You have to hear it to appreciate it. Apparently in the 1600’s European “white slaves” were imported along with Africans to work the tobacco fields. I’d imagine that’s where the funny mix of languages comes from.

Josh Kerr’s story on the other hand, is one of pure luck and if I were Wardo and Mason I’d want to strangle him. After a couple full speed wipeouts Kerrsy tweaked his neck. Now that might sound like no big deal, but going to sleep at night with the mosquitoes and heat, the last thing you want to worry about is a tweaked neck. So Josh took a sleeping pill. I guess it was a bit strong for him so he decided to sleep in along with Andrew Doheny. By the time they woke up and decided to surf, Mason and Wardo were done and on their way in. In their minds they were probably laughing

Andrew Doheny

Chris Ward

Josh Kerr

at the lazy fucks, but after Kerrsy’s first wave they weren’t laughing anymore.

I’m sure you’ve all seen the clip he posted the next day of an eight-footer that he was spat out of but I’m not sure if everyone saw the double barrel on the six-footer as well? It was as if Kerrsy waited for everyone to get out of the water so they could watch him. He only caught a few waves that session but he made them count.

Barbados is a relatively small island and that must be the reason Wardo found out that Corey Lopez and company were scoring another ridiculous right-hander down the road.

I’m not usually one to leave good waves to find another, but Wardo was spot on with this call. He was so psyched he basically left us at the house. I don’t blame him either, after watching Kerrsy’s waves. Luckily we hitched a ride to find another right and a sketchy left that was absolutely pumping. The waves looked scary with dry reef patches popping up in the front. A tiny keyhole was the only paddle out spot and at times it looked like the wave was just too fast. The boys were frothing and wasted no time. After a bit of time lubing up and setting up my housing I made

Andrew Doheny

Josh Kerr

it out. I almost didn’t make it as the water ripped off the reef and left me almost dry-docked with a four-foot wall coming at me. I got lucky however and scraped through to the lineup, just missing one of Wardo’s bombs. He was surfing like a man possessed. The wave reminded me of OTW or Backdoor, two waves that Wardo is definitely comfortable at.

A few broken boards and dozens of barrels later, we were exhausted. But that was one of those days you’ll look back at forever. Some of the best rides in that island’s history went down that day. I bet even Slater was shitting his pants. The next day the waves didn’t let up, Soup Bowl was firing but a few feet smaller. The local boys were on it with some fine surfing. An old legend was surfing on a single-fin, knifing drops and pulling in with style. Snake, one of the older Bajan surfers kept true to his nickname and caught a few hundred waves.

His fin finally blew out giving chance for some other dudes to find some tubes.

We were surfed out, sunburned and exhausted at this point and figured the waves couldn’t get any better. I guess we were hoping for flatness. With our bags halfway packed, we woke up to flawless 5-footers again. Mason, Wardo, Kerrsy and Droid jumped out there one last time. Barrell after barrel went down as the filmers had to run to the hills for cover. A massive rainstorm came in and pissed down water and wind for a solid half an hour. I guess it was God’s way of saying, “take off you hosers” and that we did.

Mason Ho

Gap Out B.S 50:50 Hubba

Intro: Charlie Thomas :: Photos: Ortiz Everyone once in awhile you get the pleasure of seeing someone ride their board who just has it. From the first time I met Matt I know he was a skater that I wanted to have on my team. We started getting to know each other at Crimson and after asking him for a couple of years he’s now one of the up-and-coming am’s on World. Check out his tricks in the new “It’s Your World” part that just dropped and you’ll understand exactly what I’m talking about.

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Interview: Terry La Rue So you ride for World Industries now.

How did that come about?

I’ve been friends with Charlie Thomas, the team manager at World, for some time now and he’s been trying to get me to ride for them for a couple years. After being flow for Toy Machine for a few years and nothing coming about from it I just decided to give in and see what they had going on.

So, you just had knee surgery and will be off the board for a while. What are you doing with your time off?

Just being a couch potato. Elevating and ice for sure. I’ll be back in no time.

How long have you been putting up with your injury before having surgery?

Like two or three years. The doctor said he’d never seen anything like it before. I had like, gnarly calcium deposits. He said it had been growing in a sac above my kneecap for years probably, super weird.

Who was your first sponsor?

Pharmacy Board Shop, I still ride for them now.

WORDISBOND. How crazy does it get on Pharmacy Board Shop tours?

I’ll just say I think every time I’ve been on a Pharmacy trip I’ve knocked a couple years off

my life.

did my first kickflip in cleats.

What are some of the jobs you’ve had before skating full time?

I worked a bunch of different jobs in retail.

I was a Levi’s manager once. Right before I got on though, I worked at Urban Outfitters.

It was cool. My girlfriend loved it because of the discount.

Explain to everyone out there how we got kicked out of school?

My sister opened her mouth to our principal to try and get us back in for missing school so much. Then we just never showed up again.

Kind of wish that’s not what happened.

Let’s go back a little bit, what type of shoes were you wearing when you did your first ollie?

Baseball cleats at baseball practice on a kid’s board he had brought. I didn’t get my own skateboard for maybe a year after that. I also

In high school you were the only kid I knew who had his own house, how did that come about?

My mom bought a house closer to town because she had just met her current husband and wanted to live closer to him, literally down the street. She didn’t stay one night in that

Heel Flip

Gap Out F.S 50:50

house (maybe a couple) for the two years I lived there. She just moved in with the new guy and I lived in this house. It turned into a party house and it got destroyed. I was only like 17-18. I definitely took advantage of that. I just felt sorry for my mom.

Why does Anthony Shetler think you have the biggest balls?

When I was younger I split them open and got 26 stitches. I guess it was the number of stitches that shocked him.

Ha-Ha. Why, is that a lot?

And why was there a picture of it on the fridge when we lived

together? It really made me lose my appetite.

Sorry about the appetite. I had it on there backwards so people that came over would be curious to see what the picture was and turn it over. Only to find my eighth grade split ball sac.

It’s pretty gross.

You have had some run-ins with the law. What happened?

I have two DUI’s. A few years ago I lived in San Luis Obispo being young and stupid. I wrecked my car with people in the car, which sucked. I had to do jail time for that. It was a gnarly situation. I hydroplaned super

gnarly and flipped four times off an embankment on a winding road. Then I moved to Huntington Beach and was hanging out at a friend’s house, having a few drinks and I drove again like a dumb ass. I got pulled over because I was the only car on the road. No swerving or anything. I was way under the legal limit but because I have a prior DUI it is zero tolerance.

I did thirty-seven days for that one and an 18-month program I am still attending now. I’ve definitely learned my lesson now for sure. All the money and debt that it’s put me in and time, and lack of transportation, it’s just not worth it. I would rather

overdraw my account on a cab home, than spend thousands of dollars and lose time. It’s made me open my eyes and appreciate life a lot more and not take all the little things for granted.

It has made me love the people I love more. SKATE – it’s the best thing anyone on earth could possibly do.

How was jail?

Sucky. It wasn’t too bad though because like all environments, you learn to adapt. It’s just the loss of time that really hurts. You’re just stuck in this gross place with a bunch of gross ass dudes. Everyone acts all hard. It’s ridiculous and

Gap Out K-Flip 50:50

a waste of money and time. You have to pay for your consequences, that’s for sure.

Did anything crazy happen while you were in jail?

I saw some inmates fuck up this guard so bad he almost died and now they are all getting life sentences. There was also a film crew there for a couple days for that show, “Locked Up.” That was weird.

Did you have to choose a gang or crew?

No. I just kept to myself. I made a couple friends. My bunkmate was this huge Samoan.

He was super cool to me so I just kicked it with him cause everyone was afraid of him.

What happened to your apartment when you where locked up?

Some douche bag broke into my house and was sleeping in my bed. He stole and messed up a bunch of things the day before I got out.

The shitty part was that my roommate at the time was letting all this happen. The guy even stole my cat!

It seems the law is always following you.

What happened with the SWAT team going to your house?

They were looking for a murder suspects who use to live next door. My roommate at the time was dumb and let them in. It was like 6:30 am, my girlfriend and I were sleeping naked and the swat team just barged in. They almost didn’t let my girlfriend put any clothes on, so crazy.

Who’s your favorite skater?

I’m not sure, I like all the Emerica dudes.

They’re all cool people and skate to a rawness that no one else can touch.

How did you learn tricks in Tehachapi before there was Woodward West?

I just skated around town and had fun with homies. JHF! Woodward didn’t even let us skate it when they built it. You either have to work there, which sucks, or you have to pay as a camper, which is like $1,000 a week.

Over the years I’ve been able to skate there.

Before that, I had like a 30-foot by 30-foot slab of cement I would skate for hours just doing flat ground.

What is your favorite skate spot?

The world! Just exploring and getting to skate new spots is the best. Let’s get a tour going

guys!

Miller or Bud? Bud. Why do you ride your board backwards?

I don’t know, more pop and tail to land on.

I’ve always done it so it’s just the normal thing to do.

What are you thankful for and any shout-outs?

I’m just thankful to be where I am today and where I see myself going. I love my family and friends. I love my girlfriend Chelsea, the hottest chick on the planet. All my sponsors, Charlie Thomas, Jeff Henderson, Mike Sinclair - Thanks for supporting me through my injuries, I’ll be ripping again soon. JHF.

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Photos: Blotto Over 5 months ago we received a folder of Mikkel Bang photos courtesy of Blotto for the Mikkel Bang interview. The problem was that I was dealing with some of snowboarding’s busiest persons to make this all happen. The first element was to collect the photos from Blotto, check. The next thing was to have Keegan interview Mikkel, since they have grown up riding together, shared a Burton pro model for a few years, and have become close friends. No check! In the end, trying to lock down one of the best and busiest snowboarders to come out of Norway, one of the best and busiest snowboarders to come out of the US, and to get their crazy schedules on the same page for this interview was simply impossible. So, in the dying minutes of our deadline and as a last resort I got a hold of some of Mikkel’s closest friends, some of his fans and asked for some personal thoughts and how these guys feel about Mikkel. Sorry there is no interview to go with the layout but this month I will let the Mikkel’s riding, Blotto’s photography and the quotes do the speaking.

-Jon Francis

“I’m sitting in a coffee shop right now, two hours before this Mikkel interview is due and I still haven’t been able to get him on the phone. He just showed up for X Games, but he was on the chairlift and his hands we’re freezing so he’s gonna call me back in a few… Mikkel wins a lot of contests, but he doesn’t really like doing contests. It’s just something that makes sense for him. Often I think style is sacrificed in contests because people are so concerned with getting to the bottom without falling. Mikkel’s an exception to this. I think it’s just because he never really sees it as a big deal. While other guys are up there a week ahead of time training on the jumps with their coaches, Miiks is at home in Norway skating or out shredding pow with his homies. I guess what I’m trying to say is that Mikkel is one of the best contest snowboarders out there, not because he trained to be, but because he really couldn’t care less if he ended up in last place. If you we’re to ask him what the judging format was for one of the contests, chances are he would have no idea because to him it’s just a lap through the park.”

-Keegan Valaika “Mikkel is by far one of my favorite people in the entire world. And pretty much everyone who meets him thinks that, except maybe his team managers, or anyone who has to be responsible for him. Since the first time I met him up until now, he’s always been the same classic kid who only wants to have a good time with no drama or stress. He lives his life by his motto which is “live everyday like it’s the best day of your live.” And every single time I’m with him he has a giant smile on his face and is having more fun than a 5-year-old with a Stretch Armstrong. I remember the first time hanging out with him about 10 years ago at the US Open in Stratton, and he didn’t speak English very well, he was like any of us when we go overseas, only learning the bad words. So we were on the chairlift and all of a sudden he starts screaming off the chairlift, “SUCK MY BALLS AND EAT BREAD!” at the top of his lungs. Somehow he put together suck my balls, and eat bread? Why or how I have no idea but ever since that day he has been one of my best Frends and favorite people to hang out with… Without a doubt!”

-Jack Mitrani

“Miiks is a ball of energy, always smiling and laughing about something. He’s down to earth, chill like a cucumber, a bad ass kid, a true lifeliver and a good ass friend!”

-Luke Mitrani

“Smoothest cat... on and off his board.”

-Forest Bailey “Bangerang is one of the most well rounded riders from here to Mars. Kangaroo pop, silky smooth style and the kid knows how to part!”

“Let’s not forget that Mikkel grew up with the Vikings in Norway... they conquered land and sea for centuries. With that background, snowboarding must seem easy!”

-Nick Russell

-Blotto

-Doran Laybourn

“To be honest, I’d way rather see Mikkel do a front three in the X Games big air then see someone flip three times.”

JACKS

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HURLEY’S AWESOME

Photos : Derek Bahn :: Words: Brad Beylik // (back) Scrappers, Bwana Spoons, Skinner and Martin Ontiverous (front) Melissa Erwin, Cody Lusby, Scott Patt, James Marshal and Jason Maloney // Hand made Totem pole by Bwana Spoons // Mike Hill and some chick checking out the art of Skinner // Joe Dugan, CR Stecyk and Jason Maloney // Scrappers artwork // crowd scene // Chris Bradley on the volcano skate ramp // more Skinner art // Scrappers inside the volcano skate ramp giving the two thumbs up // more Scrappers art What word comes to mind when you take four artists from the Pacific Northwest and cram their visual explosions of reeling images and color into Hurley’s )( Space Gallery in Costa Mesa, and then put on a pair of disposable 3-D glasses? Acid! Oh wait, no… I meant, Awesome!

Either one would have made a fitting title for the “Awesome!” exhibit that took place on June 11th at the )( Space Gallery. The event, perhaps more experience than exhibit, consisted of a rare collaboration between four prolific artists from the Northwest—Skinner, Martin Ontiveros, Scrappers and Bwana.

Large murals entirely covered the walls of the gallery, featuring what Hurley described as “neon colored beasts, fishermen, surfers, bats, turtles, bears, waves, wings, totems, walled cities, and one massive volcano.” Donning a pair of cheap

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cardboard 3-D glasses not only added a certain retro style to the evening, but also turned the art into breathing, seething masses of living tissue, with indefinable pieces of color floating by your head, or the teeth of some unnamed beast lurching out from the wall, threatening to devour your buddy. In short order, the volcano in the center of the room (which also doubled as a skateboard ramp made entirely of recycled materials) became a makeshift slide for peoples kids to play on. The laughing and sliding of children in this haunted world of colors and shapes made it even weirder.

The “Awesome!” attracted an odd mix of high school hipsters, grungy twentysomethings, surfers, skaters, musicians and families. Also present were a handful of other artists and designers, including veteran local contributors like Craig Stecyk and Jason Maloney. Basically, the usual crowd of local art enthusiasts.

PHOTO: DRAGONETTE

ActiveJulyBlisss.indd 1

ACTIVE TEAM RIDER: NORMAN WOODS

OLLIE OVER TO 50-50

6/1/11 5:00 PM

DESIGN FOR HUMANITY

Words: Amanda Wierenga :: Photos: Doug Neill & lifewithoutandy.com // Edward Sharp // Crowd shot // Jye Townend, his lady friend & JP Collet // Joe Huff, Christopher Friel, Chaunte Le Blanc, Chad Penry & Pat Loyd // Malcolm McCassy, Erik Bond, Tracie Laribee & Pat Towersey // Chase Wilson & his lady // Runway Show // Live art // Shon Lassister threading the needle // Edward Sharp & the Magnetic Zeros // Thania Peck & Sticky Take the city of Los Angeles, mix in two parts bikini fashion show, two parts music, two parts art, one part charity and shake it (not stir) and you get Billabong’s Design for Humanity, the perfect cocktail to kick off the summer. Billabong head designer Mandy Robinson created a swim line that made both boys and girls fantasize of luxurious pool parties and exotic beach rendezvous.

hometown crowd into a peace and love frenzy. Considering the event was to raise money and awareness for school music programs, Billabong’s Amy Sorensen made sure that there was never a moment of silence; bands and DJ’s (from Tina T to Mike Realm) played every open space throughout the Backlot.

The Paramount Backlot was the perfect setting for DFH’s 5th annual fashion fundraiser. Around every corner was art, live art, colab art, photography, autographed guitars, and original surfboards being shaped all to be auctioned off at the end of the night to raise money for the VH1 Save the Music Foundation, an organization that raises money for public school music programs.

The crowd was intoxicated (mostly from the free booze in the VIP section, and everyone seemed to be VIP) with good will as they pulled out their Amex’s for original artworks from a long list of Blisss faves like the Clayton Brothers, Taylor Reeve, Marq Spusta, and Tara McPherson. At the end of the night, DFH managed to raise over $120,000. Proceeds from the DFH line will also go to the Save the Music Foundation. Nice to know even in the face of an economic nightmare we find even an itsy bitsy bikini can create big waves.

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros headlined the night, working their

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INSIGHT’S GET OFF MY CLOUD

Words: Milk :: Photos: Le Panda // Chris Hess & Adam Winn of Le Blorr // Meat sweating // Steve Clair & Friends // Rama & Laura with friends // Ladies // Skye McRae & Friends // Store Front // DJ Ilitjana // More lovelies // Lindsey and her wolf hat // Lick my face Yeah, that’s right, Insight’s “Get Off My Cloud” exhibit by Peter Crawford and Steve Gorrow really came off and left most attendees in a cloud. All week people were buzzing about a psychedelic party at Insight’s new LA concept store and the “buzz” was an understatement. The party started the second the car door opened. Garage Artists, Blorr, filled a usually tranquil Venice Beach neighborhood with sounds of filthy rock and roll. The wall of Insight’s concept store were bulging with sexually charged co-eds ramped up on hipster select Pabst Blue Ribbon, and a bowl of jungle juice full of whatever the fuck booze that turned me into a Metro riding zombie.

After glaring at the acid washed inspired, tie-dyed photo collaboration cleverly titled, “Get Off My Cloud,” the sweet smell of a grass fed cow carcass led me back out to the streets toward a weird taco truck providing free beef. To add to the night’s festivities, there was a hippy Roach Coach serving tasty organics to pack your grill with. The taste of a well-treated cow is a truly awesome experience.

Quickly washing down the organic treats with a cigarette, I stumbled back into the

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party to listen to some sexy tunes from an even sexier female. DJ Ilirjana of Apache Beat set the night on fire with electronic lobe ticklers and everyone was sweating like Richards Simmons ball bag wrapped in caution tape. People were so out of their minds I actually heard someone scream, “Fuck my job, I quit!” And I really think she did.

The doors closed but the night wasn’t over, as most partygoers felt obliged to go down the street and wet their lips at the local watering hole. People partied ‘till their pockets were empty and their brains were full. Most of the night was a blur and all accounts written above are second hand or were gathered in digital form. Big thanks to everyone at Insight for letting me dance with your babes, consume your alcohol, eat your happy cows, drool on your art, thrash your hotel mini bar, sleep on your shower floor naked, puke in your toilet then not flush and probably do some other fucked up shit you and I don’t remember.

FYASKO X JAMES GILLETTE X URBAN OUTFITTERS

Words & Photos: Spencer Pirdy // Justin, Haunt, Clayton & Hannah // Adel & Hank // Brian, Danny, Joey & Farmer // Exposition // Richard, Ryan & Keser // Kiki & Adam // Live art // DJ Special Blend // Justin, Mike & James // Mark, Hannah & Joey // Annie, Yolanda & Ryan

On Saturday June 25th, Fyasko and talented artist James “Haunt” Gillette teamed up to bring us one hell of an evening at ECCO restaurant and bar at The Camp in Costa Mesa. The BL!SSS crew was on hand to mix things up as the media sponsor and plenty of dapper gents and pretty ladies filed into the joint to mingle, dance and drink the night away. The night started out with the usual meet and greets, but before we knew it the place was swarming and the night really kicked into high gear. When rapper Exposition took to the stage with DJ Special Blend things really went off. The cunning lyrics ripped through ECCO and had everyone on their feet. A standing ovation was given and people were high on the duo’s set. The highlight of the night took place outside on the patio where James let his creative juices flow on the canvas for a live painting while onlookers took in the magic. Fyasko has struck gold by partnering with such a unique artist.

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Back inside, Audible Mainframe pumped out tunes and many amateur breakdancers threw down. When “Upside Down” by Diana Ross came on everyone gave their best disco impersonations and it was hard to find someone who wouldn’t give the floor a go. Luckily, no one was injured in all the malay, but we definitely saw a side of some of our friends that we’d never seen before! Later on Mikey from Fyasko had some free shwag to give away and a lucky few walked away with some fresh threads. Laughter and smiles were contagious and the warm summer vibe kept everyone partying late into the night. The throw down was a great success and a big thanks goes out to Fyasko, James Gillette, Exposition, DJ Special Blend and ECCO for having us all!

Š2011 Luxottica Group, All rights reserved. (877) 680-0123

Blisss Magazine Arnette Timmy Reyes 10.5x13.625.indd 1

11-06-03 11:30 AM

Interview: Max Ritter :: Photo: Chad Wadsorth Jeff The Brotherhood is two brothers Jake and Jamin Orall from the outskirts of Tennessee that just like to play raw and loud and keep things simple. They’ve been tightening up their two-piece outfit since childhood and have recently seemed to dial in a great sound with their releases Heavy Days and We Are The Champions. They have their own record label called Infinity Cat Records run by their hit maker dad who is a successful pop songwriter. Try digesting JTB’s careless attitude, raw style, and catchy songs and it should all make perfect sense.

Many people might consider JTB a new band but technically this is your 7th album and you’ve been playing since you were in diapers, right?

Yeah… since we were about ten to twelve, but we’ve only been touring for about six years. Our last album was the first album we tried to release nationally. Every album we did before that was just sort of something to sell on the road.

How old are you and your brother?

Twenty-five and twenty-six.

What would you say are the biggest influences for JTB? Right now we have been kind of feeding off 70’s hard rock; kind of cheesy 70’s hard rock. Examples would be ZZ Top, Thin Lizzy and stuff like that. Then Ramones.

We’ve also been getting back into a lot of grunge stuff…

You guys might lean towards more of a straight up rock band but you have this punk vibe where you do everything DIY and play pretty raw style. Are there certain punk bands that inspired that?

When I was like 12-13 we would go to all these punk shows in basements. I don’t remember any of the names of the bands but there were a lot of pretty young kids who dropped out of school and were living in their vans. That was pretty inspiring for us. So we started our own little punk band.

You guys are probably more traveled than anyone your age.

What are the best and worst things about growing up on the road?

I guess the worst thing is it kind of fucks with your memory. Going to the same cities over and over, you can’t really remember what happened where and when. The best thing is it is really exciting and you never really get bored.

You’ve got an awesome and somewhat famous Dad. Talk about your Dad’s influence and the role he plays in your music.

He has always been really good at leaving it alone and letting us do whatever we feel like doing. He has always been really supportive.

There were a couple times where he tried to get us to do something differently and it was like a really big deal and we would get really mad. He would be like, “Hey guys, you really think it is a good idea to put that 30 minute noise jam right in the middle of your album?”

It’s like, “DAD…! Back Off!” (Laughs). It’s been really good. He has made it so that growing up we could sort of find out own music I guess.

It seems like your Dad is probably the exact opposite of you guys in terms of style of musicianship and songwriting. It’s pretty rad he totally embraces that and isn’t some slave driver band dad.

No, actually he surprises me sometimes with some songs he writes.

But he is definitely a firm believer in pop music and pop music production. I think him mastering a track for us that was recorded on cassette tape can be little tough for him sometimes.

Where did you get that raccoon tail you sport on your guitar?

Oh, it’s a fox tail actually. I order them off the Internet usually. Usually someone rips it off my guitar strap by the third or fourth show of a tour.

You got a stock of them?

No, I wish… in this case I got it at a travel store. One of those Native American travel stop places that have all the souvenirs and shit. Usually I order them off the Internet because they are ten times cheaper. I usually get red foxtails but they didn’t have any more.

You only play the top 3 strings on your guitar and you play through a crazy amp setup. Your brother plays a minimal kit. I think I saw him playing his drumsticks upside down. What inspired this setup?

I think mainly only having two people and really wanting to sound like a big loud band. Jamin and I grew up in the country in Tennessee. We didn’t really have anyone else to play in a band with, it was always just us. So we just sorta had to make it work and I guess that is just kind of the result of the last ten years trying to find a big heavy sound.

It works for your guys…

Yeah, I think it sounds pretty sick right now. (Laughs)

What do you got going? Your playing out of like bass amps and guitar amps linked up?

It’s an 8x10 speaker cabinet and a one 15-inch speaker cab that are daisy chained off a 600watt bass head and then there is a two-twelve combo guitar amp.

You have your own label Infinity Cat you’ve always put your stuff out on and now you signed with Warner?

Jamin and I as a band signed with Warner. Not the label. After this record we are going to do some records that come out Warner Bros slash Infinity Cat. Are you guys rolling cash now or what?

(Laughs) I Wish.

When can we expect the big budget video?

Couple years… It’s actually a pretty low-key deal; gives us access to their resources as far as publicity and promotion.

Do you think you’ll do the next record with a producer or are you going keep the same self-producing thing going on?

No, we’re going to keep it the same, self-produced. We might have more money to work in a nicer studio but we won’t let anyone produce it but Jeffery. One of the things with the Warner deal was we get to retain complete creative control. Maybe three records down the road when we’re tired we’ll take a crack at it.

What can we expect the rest of the year?

We’re booked through September, we have the record out and some 7” coming out. Thanks for waking me up!

No worries, Thanks Jake. Pick up Jeff The Brotherhood’s new record We Are The Champions out now on Infinity Cat Records!

The Echo, Los Angeles 6/3/11 Touring behind their new record It’s a Corporate World, the good time pop bros from Detroit brought the house down in Los Angeles, powering through an upbeat set beefed with covers. The crowd pretty much lost it when the band opened their encore with Steve Winwood’s, “Higher Love” complete with a Michael Bolton style saxophone solo. It’s no question the endless touring of dive bars in their NASCAR jumpers over the last couple years has definitely paid off because these guys are now literally all business when it comes to putting down an all out dance party. The dudes even capped their set with a rocked-out version of the late Gil Scott Heron’s, “We Almost Lost Detroit” that would have made him proud. If you haven’t caught these guys live or heard their record, we promise it’s a fun time.

Reviews: Max Ritter

Ty Segall Goodbye Bread Drag City

Hooray For Earth True Loves Dovecote

Black Lips Arabia Mountain Vice Records

Tokimonsta Creature Dreams EP Brainfeeder

San Francisco has a prospering music scene right now and there are a host of top-notch scuzzy sounding bands constantly dropping fire. Ty Segall is definitely one of the stalwart forerunners and it’s no secret this dude loves Marc Bolan. Not too long ago he dropped a T. Rex covers EP called Ty Rex and now we get his new and very Marc Bolan inspired LP. If you’re a fan of his previous work, then you’ll get down with this new record, but be prepared for a bit of a slow down. Ty takes down the tempo a few bpm’s and his signature blown out vocals aren’t quite as frequent; however, if you’re like me then you’re happy with anything this guy puts out.

I was pretty blown away when I first saw Hooray For Earth’s video for their single, “True Loves.” You have to admit the cinematography and concept is strongly forward and next level for a debuting band from a small label. That turned me onto the rest of the LP which turned out to be everything I like about a Depeche Mode or Yeasayer album; vast, weird, and hooky.

Thanks Eldrich for the heads up.

Atlanta’s Black Lip’s return with their highly anticipated sixth LP and boast a whopping 16 of their signature Stooges influenced garage punk, this time with a little out of the ordinary production polish. The Lips, notorious for their purposely shitty sounding self-produced records, oddly teamed up with artist/pop producer extraordinaire Mark Ronson, who’s resume mostly list’s famous British female pop artists. Sounds weird but that’s why it’s awesome and Ronson obviously knew what he was doing because he didn’t fuck it up. The duo reportedly spent a year and half making the record, which most of the time the band probably spent tripping out at the Louvre on psychedelics; that’s how I imagine it anyway. Makes for good music.

One of the standout new signings to Flying Lotus’s eccentric electronica label Brainfeeder is LA native Jennifer Lee, aka Tokimonsta. Lee works with an electronic and sample based beatmaking style to mesh sounds into a surreal dreamscape. Lee takes a progressive step from her debut with the addition of soulful R&B crooner Gavin Turek on two of the record’s stand out tracks.

Turek’s easy voice adds the special touch to two awesomely relaxing tunes.

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AGE: 16 SPONSORS: VOLCOM, DC, SMITH, PROLITE, NIXON, SUPER BRAND HOMETOWN: NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FL FAVORITE SURFERS: DUSTY PAYNE & DANE REYNOLDS

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S M O BY: R D G E T S RESEN S S !

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Photo: Tom Carey

AGE: 16 HOMETOWN: POWAY, CA SPONSORS: NEFF HEADWEAR, K5 BOARDHOP, POWELL PERALTA (FLOW) FAVORITE SKATERS: NICK TRAPASSO, LEO ROMERO, JORDAN HOFFART, ANDREW REYNOLDS, BRYAN HERMAN, DEVINE CALLOWAY

Varial Flip :: Photo: Ortiz

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