TIMOTHY CURTIS ISSUE 132
HURLEY.COM
JOHN JOHN FLORENCE
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No. 132 Editor-in-Chief
N ICK K A L IO N Z E S nick@blisssmag.com
Editor
JOEY MARSHALL joey@blisssmag.com
Creative Director
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Art Editor
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Snow Editor
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Music Editor
M A X R IT T E R
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C O NTRIB UTING P H OTOGRAP H ERS 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, PETER MORNING, BRYCE KANIGHTS, ARTO SARRI, ANTHONY ACOSTA, CAMERON STRAND, BRIAN FICK, DEVILLE NUNNS, GAGE THOMPSON, DEREK BAHN, TOM COZAD, BRUCE BEACH, ROBBIE CRAWFORD, RYAN DONAHUE, JOE FOSTER, SEAN SULLIVAN, STAN SIEVERS, CHRIS LOMENZO CONTRIB UTORS WILLIE MARSHALL, DANIEL RUSSO, 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, RICHIE OLIVARES, ERIC MEYERS, KELLY SHANNON, JP OLSON, BRUCE BEACH, BONES 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.
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ISSUE No. 132
T I M OT HY C URT I S
Untitled, 2018. Oil on canvas; 48 x 60 in.
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01. PRIMITIVE X RICK & MORTY
Anyone who watches Adult Swim on the Cartoon Network is more than likely familiar with the show “Rick and Morty.” Millions of fans rejoiced earlier this year when news came out that the series would be returning for another seventy episodes over an undisclosed amount of seasons. The mad scientists behind Primitive Skateboarding got to work and have just recently released their Rick and Morty x Primitive Skate collection. The collection consists of decks, tees, hoodies, hats, wheels and a few specialty items like the Pickle Rick coffee mug and Portal Glow in the Dark Wall Clock. Available now where finer skate products are sold.
02. GREG LONG X OTIS EYEWEAR
One of the most decorated big-wave surfers of our time, San Clemente local Greg Long, joins the elite ranks of Otis Eyewear family. Greg is one of most humble surfers we’ve ever met, always making time for fans, family and friends with one of the calmest demeanors we’ve come across. Which, to be honest, is the exact opposite of his hell-man surf persona. But it’s Greg’s core values that seem to align with Otis Eyewear, which is what makes this a perfect match. Committed to high quality, durable products with minimal environmental impact, expect to see an Otis X Greg Long frame in the near future.
03. AGENDA X MARK GONZALEZ
The second annual Agenda Festival went down literally as we were putting the July 2018 issue of BL!SSS Magazine to bed. Over 15,000 people showed up for the one-day festival that included hundreds of brand activations, limited-edition product drops, art installations, panel discussions, athlete meet and greets, the Dew Tour skate contest and of course the music festival headlined by Brockhampton. Needless to say, the event was a huge success with one highlight being the release of the Agenda X Mark Gonzales 10-piece capsule Collection. The “Gonz” was on hand signing autographs, hanging with fans and even did a custom art live-sketch. The limited-edition collection is now available at the Agenda store so click on over to www.agendafest.co and get yours today.
04. ECOFLOW RIVER BANK
Now we’ve all seen a plethora of portable power bank systems that charge your cell phone, iPad, cameras, laptop, speakers, whatever… the list can go on and on. But a first for us, the tech company Ecoflow a stackable power bank that has enough juice to jumpstart your car! It’s a genius concept; the first module is designed like the typical power banks of generations past, with four quick-charge USB ports and a 10W Qi wireless charging surface. The second is designed with AC port (so you can plug any device into it) and the third is solely dedicated to jump starting cars. Pretty effing nifty if you ask us, check it out at www.ecoflow.com.
05. ACCEL PLUS EVERSTITCH
Every so often we get an email from our favorite old-school [haha, had to], English, freestyle skate legend, Don Brown, about éS and their latest and greatest. Don’s been in the skate-shoe game for over two decades and anyone that knows him knows that he’s and all around great guy who brings humor and excitement to any situation. He reached out this past month in regards to their new ACCEL Plus Everstitch, a throwback to one of their most demanded styles with an incorporated modern twist. The ACCEL Plus utilizes STI Everstitch mesh, making it lightweight, beathable and durable. The infamous Velcro strap keeps your foot snug and secure while the STI Energy foam insoles provide supreme comfort. It’s everything you could want in skate shoe and then some. Get yours at finer retailers or at www. esskateboarding.com.
06. MOSHI ARCUS BAG
I feel like I write this twice a year, but one of our favorite things about Agenda is discovering new brands and all their new gear. This go-around our favorite BL!SSS advocate, Ashton Maxfield, introduced us to the good folks behind the brand Moshi. Moshi is a design-forward accessories brand that focuses on creating extraordinary products for enhancing the mobile lifestyle, all the while doing so in an ecofriendly format. Almost everything we’ve seen from them we want but what really grabbed our eye was their Arcus Multifunctional Backpack. Its modern design makes it stylish and lightweight while the side-loading panel combined with the DSLR camera insert turns it into a sleek professional camera bag. Dave “Nelly” Nelson was with us when we were getting the spiel so we thought it only appropriate that he should be our tester. Two thumbs up from Nelly – get yours at www.moshi.com or where finer tech accessories are sold.
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01. WSL X THE WOOLMARK COMPANY
The World Surf League has teamed up with The Woolmark Company to release an exclusive range of lifestyle and performance garments crafted from Australian Merino wool. The line includes men’s and women’s base layers, tees, a zip-up hoodie and a cozy beanie. The thing about merino wool is its eco-friendly characteristics – 100% natural, renewable and biodegradable – which aligns precisely with WSL’s commitment to ocean health. Log on to the WSL’s online store to get yours today.
02. VANS X T&C SURF
Released last month, Vans partnered with Hawaii’s iconic T&C Surf for a limited-edition collaboration featuring Vans footwear and apparel. The classic yin yang logo is the centerpiece of this heritage collaboration, which features three pairs of Vans footwear (Sk8-Hi 130 Decon SF, Authentic SF and the Slide On) as well as a bright yellow long sleeve, drawstring boardshorts and a matching distressed checkered hat – all of which scream 80’s surf. Get yours wherever finer Vans products or sold or at www.vans.com.
03. SPUN SPIRIT
Hurley and Pendleton Woolen Mills have joined forces on collaboration to celebrate and preserve America’s National Parks. The collections feature boardshorts, tees, tanks, hats and of course the staple Pendleton blanket. Inspiration and design for the collection come from four of our countries most beautiful natural resources: Glacier’s National Park, Yosemite, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. It’s exactly what you’d expect from anything that either Hurley or Pendleton do – with style and comfort and at an affordable price. A portion of proceeds from the collection will be donated to the National Park Foundation, ensuring these wonders to be protected and enjoyed long after we’re gone.
04. VERTRA TRANSPORT
Vertra, the surfer’s sunscreen, is constantly updating and improving their already fantastic sun care products. Latest to their line is Mick Fanning’s signature series face stick in his personal skin tone color, Cooly Beige. Like all of their face sticks they’ve release, this stuff actually stays on your face through the toughest conditions and harshest environments. Now available in SPF 35, save yourself from that leathery skin and be use this prior to every session. And for those adventure seekers out there, they’ve also just released the Vertra Transport – a custom carrying case designed to hold all your Vertra products in one convenient place. Our favorite feature has got to be the built-in application mirror; so no more looking in your buddy’s shades trying to make sure you’re completely covered up.
05. SURF ONLY TOWEL
The anti-blackball boys of Surf Only, the locals guide to the latest-and-greatest, must-have surf gear, have released their limited-edition beach towel. It’s a giant version of our favorite logo, the black flag with a centered yellow circle. And in case you’re a little slow and haven’t figured it out, it’s the opposite of the most hated flag in Newport Beach, the yellow blackball flags that plagues summertime fun. It’s exclusively available through their website, www.surfonly.com, and while you’re there check out what other key products you might be missing out on. They’re not telling you “what to do, just how to do it better.”
06. STANCE SHIRTS
The almighty sock company, Stance, has just opened up a new category and is now selling shirts. And we’re not talking about just one or two as there’s a whole range of men’s and women’s short, long and pocket tees. Like everything they’ve done so far, there sole focus is on quality, comfort and fit. And taking a page from there sock success, we’re sure it won’t be long until they’ll be dropping a variety topnotch collaborations. Stay up-to-date with all there latest at www. stance.com.
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WALKS ON WATER.
PHOTO : SAM SCHAFER
ANDY NIEBLAS regularly spends time walking up and down his surfboard out in the water. On land he walks in our new and improved double layer classic rubber sandal. We improved the quality of the closed cell sponge rubber and filled the tubular jacquard strap with recycled material creating an easier entry for your foot to go in. Once you put your foot in this sandal you’ll know why we reinvented the wheel.
Today, our goal remains the same: producing high-quality sandals that don’t end up in landfills. That commitment doesn’t end when our sandals leave the store. If your Rainbow®’s are nearing the end of their run and are past warranty, but still have some life left, please return them. We will repair and donate each pair to people who need them throughout the world.
W W W.R AINBOWSANDALS.C OM
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PRODUCT REVIEWS:
BILLABONG:
HURLEY:
Jacquard Beach Towel // $30
Loose Lips // $31.99
PENDLETON:
QUIKSILVER:
ROARK:
RVCA:
SLOWTIDE:
VANS:
Sunday Psych // $39.95
Eagle Gift // $49.50
Luke Pelletier Panther Towel // $36
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Freshness Beach Towel // $35
Black Hills // $29.95
LEUS:
Roark x Slowtide “Keep It Rollin” // $29.95
2018 VUSO // $25
BLISSS MAGAZINE // ISSUE NO. 132
DAN FERGUSON:
INTERVIEW // LIZ RICE MCCRAY
Dear reader, we met Dan Ferguson a couple months back via Instagram (positives of social media). Dan painted a portrait of Moscow Joe that largely resembled my father, so much so that I did a double take upon viewing it. At some point along the way we opened a dialog and that’s how this interview transpired. Dan Ferguson, born in London in 1973, lived and worked for over a decade as a secondary school art teacher in the capital. Recently Dan relocated to Belfast to undertake a place on the MFA in Fine Art at the University of Ulster, graduating in the summer of 2018. Dan was awarded the ArtisAnn Gallery Graduate Award for his painting and was also long-listed for the RDS Visual Arts Award (pending decisions) for the 2018 exhibition. Dan’s work is subtly political in a broad sense. It is important to him to try to remain true to what inspires him to paint and not to bend or change for a market/ industry. His current series of paintings have explored the disjointed memory of events, stories, family and strangers. Politics, heritage, traditions, heirlooms and mystery are all feature prominently. Previous works include portraits, landscapes, commissions, and decades of extensive life drawing. Thank you Dan for answering our questions, we look forward to staying in touch with you. To see more of Dan Ferguson paintings go to danferguson.co.uk and visit his feed on Instagram, @danfergusonart. My favorite question to ask, will you describe where you are right now? This way everyone reading along can imagine the setting. Holywood, in the north of Ireland, watching a beautiful Irish sunset over Belfast Lough, at the ridiculous time of 22:30. The days are really long at the moment. Sounds lovely. Now that we have a visual of a beautiful Irish sunset, will you please introduce yourself to our reader, a little synopsis if you will. I am best described as an “emerging artist,” having come to this life-choice really quite late. I’m in my mid 40’s, was a high school Art and Media teacher for nearly 15 years and previously an Art School graduate back in the 90’s. I parked my own creativity for a long time, only really teaching technique, process and idea development in others. I finally decided to go all-in with making my art in 2016. So my family moved from London to Belfast that summer and haven’t really looked back.
I am compelled to create a scene that I am moved by. High school is an amazing environment to develop a bank of creative ideas. I studied the students and my peers, both as a student and as a teacher. It is a place where hoards of people simultaneously try their evolving personalities on for size, and to tune into their stories and experiences, reactions and reservations is such rich material. Most of my work starts with school.
Dan, will you tell us a little bit about your creative process and the effects you would like to have on the viewer? I read a fair bit around memory and how it works, mainly starting with Henri Bergson. It seemed to make sense to me. And then I started looking at the notion of perception, and what Husserl called “fused horizons,” (how we all affect each other with our experiences and observations). These memories can be mine, or belong to others, and they seem to be channeled into a color scheme that tries to displace the conventional sepia of nostalgia, and instead evoke a spectrum exploding timelessness. I call it like I see it, but with You found me, or I found you… You presented your case as a viable interviewee. Or, color and form. I actually started following your art after seeing a portrait you had painted that has a remarkable resemblance to my father? I’m not sure what came first but I’m happy we Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions, where can people are doing this interview. Will you please tell us about the subjects you choose to paint? check more of your art? And any final words, shout-outs or declarations of love or You have one of the most eclectic and delightfully crafted Instagram galleries that I’ve come hate. across. When you see it done well you just know. So I followed you a little more closely than I am showing at a few galleries in the near future in Belfast, and I am hoping to show in others, followed the links and read around subjects. I took a chance for sure. Over here, we London and around the UK. Maybe even the USA! I’d love that. I try to keep my website call it “blagging it.” I’m not sure what they call it in the States. The painting was of my wife’s as current as possible, and my Instagram shows almost all of my successes and failures, grandfather from County Cork. He was a big tough railway man. A Communist man’s man. @danfergusonart. I think the main stimulus for my venture from teaching high school to being an artist came from a painting my dad made when I was a kid. It featured the Frantz Moscow Joe, they called him. Fanon quote, “every spectator is a coward or a traitor,” and it has tormented me with its I paint people and places, identities and souls, and seemingly banal crisis-heterotopias. I pertinence at every key point of my life. In my work, I don’t tell you how to think, I just always try to honor the spirit and history of a person or place. This can be stoic, political, implore people to think. romantic, playful, and terrifying. But I have to engage with the subject on a level beyond art.
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BORDALO II:
BLISSS MAGAZINE // ISSUE NO. 132
This month we welcome Portuguese artist Bordalo II, known for his “Big Trash Animals” – a series of artworks that aims to draw attention to a current problem that is likely to be forgotten, become trivial or a necessary evil. The problem involves waste production, materials that are not reused, pollution and its effect on the planet. The idea is to depict nature itself [in this case, animals] made out of materials that are responsible for its destruction. These works are built with end-of-life materials – the majority of found were found in wastelands, abandoned factories or randomly while others were obtained from companies that are going through a recycling process. Damaged bumpers, burnt garbage cans, tires and appliances are just some of the objects that can be identified when you go into detail. They are camouflaging the result of our habits with little ecological and social awareness. To see more Big Trash Animals by Bordalo II, visit his website at www.bordaloii.com.
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BLISSS MAGAZINE // ISSUE NO. 132 photographer • derek bahn • @dbahnphotos model • summer betti • @summerbetti
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My name is Diogo d’Orey, I’m 36 years old and I am a member of the almost extinct breed of water photographers. But I refuse to die, just like a terminally ill patient that loves life too much. It’s no news that surf photography is dying. Magazines are shutting down one after the other, social media made our world so accessible that having the opportunity to see people shred in the most unbelievable places across the world is not a novelty anymore. Shooting in the water became so easy and affordable, something we couldn’t have imagined happening a few decades ago. There were just a few of us in a huge market back then. It’s funny how the tables have turned, now our industry has its own celebrities and their own paparazzis. I don’t say this to offend anyone, but seeing any semi-famous surfer immediately surrounded by dozens of cameramen reminds me only of that.
Doing the one thing that I do best, and that is to push my limits,
face my fears.
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With cheaper cameras and GoPro footage populating social media, there are more and more people trying to “live the dream.” It’s ironic how all of this is happening while the demand for water photography is shrinking. So why do we do it? Why are we investing our time, money and health into something that is so rapidly becoming worthless? Something that has no future? I can’t say for everyone, but in my case it’s all about having a purpose in life. Doing the one thing that I do best; and that is to push my limits, face my fears. But most importantly, to feel like that young boy from Rio, who used to spend all his time surfing while his classmates were playing football.
But most importantly, to feel like that young boy from Rio, who used to spend all his time surfing while his classmates were playing football. I can’t say for everyone, but in my case it’s all about having a purpose in life. Doing the one thing that I do best, and that is to push my limits, face my fears. But most importantly, to feel like that young boy from Rio, who used to spend all his time surfing while his classmates were playing football. So what can we do in order not to become extinct? We turn into Jacks of all trades: combining photography with video and drones, doing rounds across the globe to try and offer our work to the few websites out there, selling prints, promoting Instagrams, and working on surf charters or resorts. Everything we can to make ends meet, and not give up on this lifestyle, which for many seems like easy living. As someone who is considered to be a member of the champions league of water photography, it’s hard for me to start from zero and adapt to this new world order, in which video is king and your social media following dictates whether you get bookings. I’ve had to let go of my ego and learn new things in order to stay relevant. But amidst this quest to find internet fame, sponsors and advertising contracts, I’ve made a promise to stay true to myself and not lose my identity. In order to do that, I’ve developed a set of rules which I’d like to share with the world:
1.) You’re only as good as the people you choose to shoot. That’s why I only work with those who I admire and respect. 2.) In the days of car park syndrome, where everyone goes to the same popular location, always drive a little more and find your own wave that is as good or even better than the famous spots. 3.) Staying in your comfort zone will always get you an average shot. Constantly push yourself to try and find new amazing angles, even if they sometimes come at the cost of your safety. 4.) Only work for those who value your talent and time. Always make sure that after all your financial, physical and emotional investment, you’re getting what you deserve. And by that I don’t mean social media exposure. And if you’re not, just say “no thank you” and go find another place to work. 5.) Never stop learning. There might come angles, technology or trends that don’t speak to you, but always make sure you try them all before calling quits. 6.) Having a positive role model in the surf community is extremely important. It influences your motivation, confidence and most importantly your lifestyle. My biggest inspiration as a friend, family man and photographer is Russell Ord. Make sure you check out his work on Instagram at @russellordphoto. 7.) Support your fellow lensmen. Get inspired, but never copy, spread the word, not hate, be generous but don’t let people use you and be a role model but never grow an ego.
PREVIOUS SPREAD: Torren Martyn, Padang Padang. OPPOSITE PAGE - TOP: It’s a special feeling to wake up in the channel on a day like this. Tyler Kennedy pulling in on one of the largest barrels I ever shot at Greenbush. BOTTOM: Two lucky men waiting for the right tide somewhere in Java. THIS PAGE -TOP ROW, LEFT: Inside outs are, without doubt, my favourite angle. With a surfer or not, it always takes me back to that moment. RIGHT: Portuguese beach breaks can be very fickle. This is Joao Macedo taking a break from the madness that is Nazaré. MIDDLE ROW, LEFT: It’s hard not to poach when you’re alone inside a bomb barrel with Luke Hynd. Sorry Lawrence. RIGHT: What shooting empties really looks like. BOTTOM ROW, LEFT: Desert point as seen from a top of the hill. Not an easy hike, but worth the results. RIGHT: We are only as good as the people we shoot. This is Bruno Santos, one of the best tube riders on the planet.
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The crazy ones who gave up
their lives to be close to what
they truly love,
THIS PAGE - TOP: This was one of the last times I had the pleasure to swim with the Brazilian legend that was Jean da Silva. Rest in peace, boy. MIDDLE: Mason Ho is always the one with the biggest smile in the water, even when he’s charging big barrels. BOTTOM: Banyaks from above while sailing with style aboard the Seriti surf charter. OPPOSITE PAGE - TOP: As a photographer I’m always searching for new angles. Rick Slim as seen from down under, somewhere in Bali. BOTTOM: Supertubos living up to it’s name with Eric de Souza.
I’m not the one who knows the expiration date on water photography, but I can only advise us to have fun while we can and enjoy every moment. And while we’re at it, try and get a few new tricks up our sleeves. Just so we can stay afloat and keep surprising our audience with something new every time. Who knows, maybe in this crazy new world of Instagram TV we’ll have to adapt to shooting vertical videos soon? And while we struggle to find our place in this crazy industry, I want to give a shoutout to those of us who give our lives to the ocean, day-by-day, through good or bad. The crazy ones who gave up their lives to be close to what they truly love, even if it sometimes smashes us hard or drags us through the water. And this praise is not only to water photographers, but to everyone working in surf shacks and on boats. And not because it earns them a living, but because that’s what makes us all the happiest people on this planet. After all this talk about staying relevant, wouldn’t it be funny if I didn’t ask you to follow me on Instagram? Because... @inwaterwetrust.
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- Diogo d’Orey
even if it sometimes smashes us hard or drags us
through the water.
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Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara presented Barry McGee: SB Mid Summer Intensive – a solo exhibition featuring a sprawling installation of paintings, drawings and sculptural objects by San Francisco-based artist Barry McGee. McGee embraces improvisation as a guiding principle in his work, finding a balance between chaos and meticulous attention to detail. Constellations and groupings of drawings and sculptures are juxtaposed against found objects, ephemera and collected works by other artists. McGee’s multilayered imagery is born out of elements of the urban experience, including issues of identity, homelessness and pointed critiques on consumerism and commercialism. Emblematic characters appear slumped and droopy-eyed, whose faces shift with wistful and sullen expressions. Framed drawings of these faces hang alongside candid photography and patterned graphics in an immense “boil” that bulges from the wall, creating a visual wave of energy that permeates throughout the Museum.
In this expansive exhibition the old is interlaced with the new. Rather than highlighting individual works, McGee has produced an environment at Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara that immerses visitors into decades’ worth of McGee’s practice. The resulting display is best characterized by its spontaneous, perpetual evolution. It is in this realm that McGee also pays tribute to the Santa Barbara community. Elements of surfing history are threaded throughout the exhibition, including a gallery dedicated to surfing legend Reynolds Yater. Surfboards shaped by Yater are stacked floor to ceiling and accompanied by photographs from the surfer’s personal archives. 2018 Surfers’ Hall of Fame inductee Herbie Fletcher and his wife Dibi Fletcher have also contributed works to the exhibition.
McGee’s attention to community extends to the “L. Fong Healing Arts Centre,” two rooms paying homage to local artists and McGee’s friends, who were invited to contribute to the space. Well-worn couches and vintage lamps become part of the landscape in what feels more like a crowded basement living room than a gallery. The flicker of stacked TVs play home video footage shot on McGee’s personal travels and surfing trips, in addition to films shot by professional surfers. In advance of the exhibition opening, McGee invited Noriyuki Ushio, owner of Scooters for Peace (www.scootersforpeace.com), to create a pop-up shop that featuring limited-edition works designed by artists, handcrafted Japanese items, and vintage goods. McGee has also partnered with professional skateboarder Elissa Steamer to create two limited edition beach towel designs that will be available for purchase at MCASB by August 1st. Exhibition sponsors are RVCA [www.rvca.com] and Scooters for Peace (www.scootersforpeace. com).
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PREVIOUS SPREAD: Padang Padang on Bali has some of the best afternoon light in the world. Here is Jack Robinson enjoying afternoon tube time basked in the orange glow of the Indian Ocean THIS PAGE - TOP: My favorite time of day is sunset time . Wherever I am I try and catch a glimpse, its therapeutic. The prism of light, Uluwatu Bali. BOTTOM: Padang Padang and Bruno Santos, A match made in heaven OPPOSITE PAGE: A lot of my life is spent in some not so friendly temperatures but my Cape Cods winters have some beautiful scenes. Here are some ice waves from last winter. It’s colder than it looks and it looks pretty cold.
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Cape Cod to Indo is a long ways away.
Most wouldn’t think they’d find a guy named Trevor Murphy, from the Eastern seaboard, deeply entrenched in everyday Indo living. But when you look at Trevor’s body of work, the insane surf imagery, dramatic landscape shots and in-depth nature profiles, it’s easy to see why he never looked back once he firmly planted himself in tropical paradise. Here, Trevor talks to us about life as a flourishing ex-pat photographer in a land with endless inspiration. Tell us about where you were born and raised. I was born and raised in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, a small spit of land in the Northeastern Seaboard of the USA. Where are you living at the moment? Currently, I split my time between Indonesia and Cape Cod. How did you get into photography? I got into photography after I had broke my leg and my brother just handed me a camera and told me to have at it. Seems like you love everything that Indo has to offer, how did this come about? Indonesia is wonderful and magical place, from her people to the beautiful landscapes. My brothers and I first traveled here on a surf trip in the 90’s and have been hooked ever since.
What’s the most memorable session you’ve ever shot and why? The most memorable session I’ve ever shot was actually a run of swells in Indonesia in 2014. It was hands down the best waves and conditions I’ve seen to date. It seems everywhere we went and every swell that came was just perfect. That whole season is still fresh in my mind. Who or what inspires you on a daily basis? The thing that inspires me on a daily basis is the fact that waking up everyday is a fresh start and a fresh perspective on things. From photographs to life in general, watching the sunrise is a blessing. Where else, besides the ocean, grabs your attention? Stunning landscapes and the different faces of the sky. Astrophotography and outer space in general are pretty darn interesting to me.
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Is a dramatic, gasp of breath reaction what you are looking to get from your audience? A great initial reaction is always a welcome response to my work, but a more lasting impression is really what I’m after. People recognizing your style and having your own unique feel is what really makes an artist stand-alone. What’s the equipment you’re shooting with on a daily basis? I shoot with a Canon 1DXII, Canon 5DIII and Canon glass. I use Aqautech water housing for all the gear and DaFins on the feet. Does Instagram play a huge role in how you promote yourself as a photographer and your work? Instagram does play a role in promoting myself. I’m not sure how much in the overall scheme of things but it definitely helps.
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Is it hard at times to keep people from taking advantage of you and your work through social media? Where do you draw the line? Social media has its ups and downs for sure. It’s very frustrating not being able to show off your favorite works in fear that they will be stolen or abused. I try and draw the line on people making money off my hard work and blatantly brushing me off. The attitude that if it’s on the Internet then it’s free is extremely frustrating especially by people (companies) that know better. Any big trips planned? I’m off to Western Australia as I type the answers to this questionnaire. Northwest Australia is an amazing and rugged place, magical.
...a more lasting impression is really what I’m after.
Who is someone that has inspired you in life? Inspiring people I look up to in my life are my family members. Anyone that just says, “screw it,” and does what the want, no matter what people think. These types of people are the Picassos, Albert Einsteins and mother Theresas of the world. At the end of the day what is the one thing you’re trying to convey through your photographs? I try and put the person there with me in that moment. So they can see what I saw and hopefully enjoy it as much as I did.
LEFT TO RIGHT: Indonesia produces some of the best seascape photographs in the world. This day is definitely at the top of my list on the perfecto scale. West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Sometimes my favorite shots are captured without screaming humans or thunderous applause. Quiet time during sunset hours over Cape Cod Bay. Winter time adds so much drama to nature. This country road glistened after a NorEastern Blizzard. The path led to some of the best waves Ive seen at my home break, def not the warmest. The technology these days is mind blowing. What five years ago was sci fi tech is now just another tool in your gear bag. Supersuck Sumbawa , Eagles eye view. Another perfecto moment from Indonesia. Seconds after I snapped this photo, I looked at it and smiled. As the guy paddled back up the reef I told him how epic the picture looked and if he wanted to see it? He just smiled, said no thanks and just kept paddling. Kris Wiernicki, Epic.
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Dear reader, this month we welcome the lovely and talented artist Timothy Curtis to the cover of Bl!SSS Magazine. To date, Curtis’ artistic style is defined by a powerful and evolving line that, for the artist, communicates his thoughts and emotions through the action of creation. Through facial and figure interpretation, Curtis uses intuitive painting and drawing techniques seeking to understand the mind’s innate way of constructing human representations. The work is intended to inspire an augmented visual language, inclusive of and available to all people regardless of access, background or conditioning. His playfully simplified figures are riddled by direct, as well as abstract, entanglements—a commentary as to the root and nature of human relationships—an essential and unifying connectedness. As further suggested through the compositional tension of his more recent bicycle paintings, there emerges a narrative on the complexities of progress, while preserving a child-like spirit of fun. Many thanks Timothy, for taking the time to answer our questions, as we really enjoyed interviewing you. To see more of Timothy Curtis’ art, visit his website at www.TimothyCurtis.com.
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My favorite question to ask, will you describe where you are right now? This way everyone reading along can imagine the setting. And once we have the visual, will you please introduce yourself to our reader, a mini-synopsis, if you would? At this moment I am at a memorial party in Philadelphia, celebrating the life of Tommy Gallagher, my friend Matt’s dad. Forever, Hothead and Ses are rolling dice with about ten other people on a table at the back of the party. I am on my phone answering these questions, wearing a brand new suit and surrounded by dozens of drunk people as well as a balloon sculpture of the painter Bob Ross. Tommy was a painter too, as well as a songwriter. His greatest hit was “I’m Going to Knee Cap You,” a song about a snitch in the Philadelphia Water Department, where he once worked. He was a star and loved by many. But more to your question, my name is Timothy Curtis – the first-born son of Lisa Milligan, born in Philadelphia the same year that Rocky 3 came out. I live in Brooklyn, New York, where I draw and paint every day, which is what I’ve been doing almost every single day now since Rocky 5 came out. Life is good. Agreed, life is good and a nice reminder to hear it. You are a self-taught artist; will you talk about your early beginnings? When I was nine years old, an older friend (he was 14 or so) named Steve King gave me and my friend Eric Sears our first tags. Mine was “Pipe,” which was short for Piper Tim. Steve was from Southwest Philly, skateboarded, and wrote graffiti really well. He was a large and looming figure, around 250 pounds, which made everything he did that much more incredible to watch. The day after he gave me my tag, Eric and I stole markers from Squire Drugs, we started writing on everything and I haven’t stopped marking things since. Steve passed away from a drug overdose but I recognize now that he’s the one that got me in motion from such a young age. I owe him, and he is missed.
Will you share with us your memory of the first time you tagged and the feelings you felt? The first time that I put a tag on a wall and thought about its purpose was in a hallway at Patterson Grade School, the short hallway that led to the girls’ restroom. I was trying to get the attention of a few girls. It worked. It still works. How did you adopt your moniker Agua? The name Agua came from a neighborhood in Philly called Overbrook. My friend Anthony always used to say, “I’m thirsty, I need some agua.” This was a joke, because at the time in Philly, mostly North Philly, you would hear “Agua! Agua! Agua!” in the streets and it meant that the cops were around. I was getting into a lot of trouble at that time, and the name stuck. Plus, I looked up to an older writer named Agent, so the “AG” was perfect then, like a reference to someone that I admired at the time. What would you say the difference is in today’s world, regarding street art and artists starting out on the streets? As far as I am aware, the streets and creating street art having nothing to do with one another. This is all a blur to me. If an artist has written graffiti or if they are self-taught, and if they paint a mural or do a project outdoors, they seem to be labeled a “street artist.” However, if an artist that went to school and has an MFA does a mural or a project outdoors, it seems to be labeled as “public art.” And at the same time, it seems that real estate developers like partnering with artists and organizations to put murals in the streets of the neighborhoods that they are working quickly to gentrify. How are these projects classified? I don’t know. Public art is very important, I do know that. If you’re an artist that’s from the streets, or if you’re an artist that goes into the streets, no matter what, at the end of the day you are an artist. People deserve access to art, so all labels aside, this is all that really matters.
PREVIOUS SPREAD: Untitled, 2018. Oil on canvas; 114 x 144 in. (C) Timothy Curtis. Photo courtesy of the artist. THIS SPREAD - FAR LEFT: Untitled, 2018. Oil on canvas; 55 x 112 in. (C) Timothy Curtis. Photo courtesy of the artist. LEFT: Two Wheels, Five Hearts (The Bicycle no. 15), 2018. Oil on canvas; 48 x 72 in. (C) Timothy Curtis. Photo courtesy of the artist. TOP: Broke Together, Not Rich Alone, 2018. ISSUE 132 Oil on two canvases; 60 x 72 in. each. (C) Timothy Curtis. Photo courtesy of the artist.
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THIS PAGE: Photo credit: Kyle Dorosz. OPPOSITE PAGE - TOP LEFT: Photo credit: Kyle Dorosz. TOP RIGHT: AGUA water tower, Philadelphia ca. 2002. Photo courtesy of the artist. BOTTOM: Beyond the Streets installation, 2018. Photo courtesy of Beau Roulette.
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What relationships/environments do you credit most in this moment to who you are? The city I grew up in and the things I learned there have shaped me into who I am today. My daughter Nassia keeps me focused and grounded and my friends keep me connected to what’s real. I would be nothing, and would not be able to accomplish anything, without the support of my family. There are about eight people who make my world go round and without them I couldn’t exist. If you don’t have good friends that you can trust, I advise that you find some quick. The pursuit of painting – from graffiti to studio art to galleries – will you tell us a little about your journey and what stands out most? First, learning and reading deeply about art and art history changed my life. Secondly, there is no exact formula. Sometimes the most interesting and valuable opportunities will come in surprising packages. Recently, Tal Cooperman and Jon Gray helped to rebuild the Palms Hotel Casino in Las Vegas. Ordinarily, I’m not sure that an artist would necessarily care, take notice, or have been asked to participate. But what they’ve done at the Palms is phenomenal, they have created something truly new — they’ve brought art to the masses in an incredible way with a centralized vision of audience participation. They rebuilt the casino around the owners’ Frank and Lorenzo Fertitta’s personal art collection, containing some of the world’s most renowned museum artists, like Warhol and Basquiat. But Tal and Jon are working to fill the public spaces with contemporary works by young artists as well, like the 20-foot painting I made for their Cashier’s Cage called “I Wear My Money on My Face.” Now, everyone who cashes in or out at the casino engages with my painting, which is probably more people than would ever visit a gallery. The guys invited me to the VIP opening of the casino earlier this year, and it was insane being there, like something out of a Scorsese movie but way better. I met the one and only Don King in person, he was wearing an American flag around his shoulders and carrying one at the same time. The whole experience was wild. And I think that’s what a life in art can offer; sometimes because of the art you’ll find yourself surrounded by all types of people, legends and otherwise, that you might never meet any other way. It’s like graffiti to me — race, class and celebrity can be forgotten and you can connect with people on a level field. It’s amazing, I’m very grateful for the experiences that creating art provides me both inside and outside of the studio.
What do you think is most misunderstood about your work if anything? I would put it this way: if my work is completely understood, then I’m doing something wrong. It’s good for both to exist, understood and misunderstood. Good answer. Your trade mark faces, I must say I want them all over my house, depicting all the emotions I may feel in one day. Will you tell me about the process and the expressions and how they evolve? I draw every day and I am different on every day. And so, my work evolves as I do. But more specifically regarding the faces that often appear in my work, I’ve spent years compiling notebooks that are filled with drawings of probably tens of thousands of unique faces. I reference my notebooks constantly for ideas. It’s like a visual journal, I catalogue every moment, idea, and feeling through drawing. Can you share a little bit about your recent solo exhibition with Kaikai Kiki in Tokyo,“Laugh Now Laugh Later”? A long time ago, I wrote on a wall “laugh now, cry later” and it was a perfect description of my life at that moment in time. I was reckless, and I laughed and had more fun than anyone. Then I experienced the consequences of the life I had been living and the choices I had made. Hard times build character and resilience, but you learn the hard way that laughing without a care is a luxury.
I titled my first solo exhibition “Laugh Now, Laugh Later” because it’s exactly where I am in my life. Takashi Murakami is a passionate and selfless person with an incredible eye who takes great care to support and honor younger artists. He gave me my first solo show and it was an unparalleled learning experience that I will be forever grateful for. But more specifically, I am eternally thankful to Murkami for his care, insight, and mentoring. What is a distraction/hobby that helps you with creativity? I am my own distraction. When I can sit still, I can draw all day with my eyes closed. But I am really hyper and have a lot of energy, so on most days I can’t really stay in one spot doing the same thing for too long. Writing and drawing do more for me than anything else, and I have found that learning to sit still in order to think for an hour or two can be very powerful. Not to be depressing, but when it’s all said and done how would you like to be remembered? As a good father and friend. The rest will be what it will. Pawn and king both end up back in the same box after the game is over, is what I was told. Any words of advice to artists just starting out? I don’t have any words of advice, but Cézanne does. “To a young artist: I have perhaps come too early. I was the painter of your generation more than of my own… You are young, you have vitality, you will impart your art an impetus which only those who have emotion can give. As for myself, I feel I am getting old… Let’s work! Perception of the model and its realization are sometimes very long in coming.” (Paul Cézanne, 1896) Very last question; do you have any last words, shout-outs, declaration of love or hate? All love, no hate. Thanks to Dana Gluck for all she does and for feeding me so well; to my little brothers Robert and Frankie, my best friends Eze and Christian; and tons of love to my Los Angeles friends who are too numerous to mention. Many of them put a lot of sweat in or have work currently on view at “Beyond the Streets” in downtown LA. I hope all BLISSS readers will check this show out before it’s over. And a huge thanks to Liz McCray and everyone at BLISSS for the wave. And a sincere thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.
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I first met Brandon Cocard when he and I were both around 12 years old,
both riding on the Alpine Meadows freestyle snowboard team in Tahoe. Back then, Alpine was off the map, but its endless ridgelines and solid terrain park proved to be the perfect incubator for future talent. Despite a full time USSA completion schedule, our coaches Jason and Kaveh took us in the backcountry, hiking steep lines, teaching us how to build jumps every day, and then had us hiking and sessioning the parks rails, jumps and pipe until we couldn’t walk. A decade later a huge chunk of that team was riding professionally: Johnny Brady, Ross Baker, Chris Galvin and Brandon Cocard were some of the standouts that made it to the top. Even back then I was toting a camera around, and now I shoot snowboarding full time. Flash forward... I hadn’t seen Cocard for almost ten years, and while on a photo shoot with Think Thank in Michigan we crossed paths with Bode Merrill and the Absinthe boys. And Cocard was right there in the mix, going shot for shot with one of the biggest players in the game. Since then, Cocard and I have stepped to Tahoe terrain we dreamed of as kids, travelled around Switzerland together and camped out at Superpark. It’s pretty rad to live the snowboard dream alongside childhood friends. Cocard’s perfect methods, back lips and backside rodeos haven’t changed over the past 20 years, only difference is back then he couldn’t grow a pirate beard and wasn’t a member of a band touring the globe.
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“Snowboarding has taken me to places that I never dreamed of going.”
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What was it like growing up in Tahoe and riding Alpine with our coaches? I didn’t know how lucky I was at the time, but I realize it now. Any kid that grows up in Tahoe and loves the snow is a very lucky kid. Yea, plus we had coaches that showed us how to ride the mountain before the terrain park. You’ve done some coaching up at Mt Hood in the summer, right? Our coaches in Tahoe were like gods to us, what’s it like riding with the next generation and having them look up to you? There’s a lot of new talent on the slopes these days, and if they have seen my video parts and draw inspiration from them, that’s really cool. And if not, that’s cool too. If you could give two pieces of advice to kids on the come-up, what would you tell them? One, don’t worry about the money. And two, snowboard every day. After Alpine Meadows I lost track of you… and then our paths crossed, both of us doing what we had always wanted. What happened in between Alpine and Absinthe Films? I started entering slopestyle contests and doing alright in them. I qualified for the Dew Tour and did that for a few years until double corks became a thing. I didn’t feel like learning how to flip twice on an icy park jump so I got out of that pretty quick and started focusing on filming video parts. When did you start riding for Capita? That team is stacked, who are your favorite dudes to ride with on that squad? I started riding Capita boards in 2007 or 2008? And I turned pro for them in 2011 after I filmed my first legit video part for their movie, “Defenders of Awesome.” I have really good relationships with everybody on that team. I consider them all very good friends of mine.
What is it like riding with Absinthe? That’s the heaviest film crew in the game. It’s an honor to say the least. I grew up watching Gigi and Nico in those movies, and to get to film video parts with them is a dream come true. I still trip out on that. Where has snowboarding taken you? Can you list the stamps in your passport that the snowboard facilitated? And where is your all-time favorite place to shred? Snowboarding has taken me to places that I never dreamed of going. That’s one of the best things about it: Seeing new places and meeting new people of different cultures has opened my mind and forced me to become more accepting of other people. When you travel you start to realize that your way of living is not the only way, and you become a better person because of it. My all time favorite place to snowboard is Switzerland. It has become my home away from home. I remember a competition at Diamond Peak where there was this hip jump in the park... everyone hit it as a hip, but in your run you blasted a method all the way over it. Everyone was tripping on how big it was, is the method your favorite trick? Yes, for sure. Either the method or the backflip. When I was a kid my only wish was to be able to fly. And those tricks, for me, feel like the closest thing to flying. This winter you did a Method over Chad’s Gap in Utah. That might be the biggest method ever done in the backcountry and is the thing that legends are made of, what sparked that idea? I wanted to fly! Chad’s gap is such a classic jump and it just called for a classic trick.
You’re also a full-blown musician and your band Easy Giant has gone on a few tours in the US and in Europe, tell us about how the band formed and what it’s like touring with instruments instead of snowboards? Playing music is my other passion in life alongside snowboarding. We formed Easy Giant about ten years ago and since my snowboarding career kinda took off I was able to combine the two by following the Absinthe Films premier tour. For the last few years Easy Giant has been coming on the tours with me and we play music after each screening. It’s kinda genius actually, because of the built-in crowd. If you are a new band it takes a long time to build a following and get people to come to your shows. Absinthe Films has a HUGE following so we’ve been playing to a few hundred people at each show. When we played last year in Zurich we did our set for just under a 1000 people. It was insane. What kind of plans and goals do you have for the upcoming winter? Same as every year, snowboard as much as I can! Any shout-outs? Shout-out to you Sean! You mentioned earlier in one of the questions that since the Alpine Meadows snowboard team we both went our separate ways and did the things we had to do to live out our dreams… And here we are today still doing what we love. Much respect!
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EVENTS // ISSUE NO. 132
RED BULL - DROP IN TOUR:
12 of the world’s best skaters will piled into an RV and drove for 10 days straight, stopping in 5 cities (plus some surprise stops along the way) giving local skate communities and fans a day that they would never forget. The Red Bull Skateboarding team set out on a tired and true road trip across the nation, putting on demos while looking for local spots and backyard ramps in towns across the U.S. A unique experience with a local twist was curated for each stop by Red Bull, in conjunction with local skate parks and shops. Though the stops were all different, at each you could expect demonstrations that featured skateboarding legend, RyanSheckler, whose name is synonymous with skateboarding, upand-coming stars, Jagger Eaton, Brighton Zeuner, Zion Wright, a competition open to the public and judged by the pros, and much more. The entire tour featured Ryan Sheckler, Torey Pudwill, Joey Brezinski, CJ Collins, Zion Wright, Jamie Foy, Jagger Eaton, Felipe Gustavo, Chris Russell, Alex Sorgente, Brighton Zeuner and Alex Midler. The video recaps all of the best moments and skating that happened with this legendary crew! We hope you enjoy!
WORDS // RED BULL
PHOTOS // RED BULL left to right: Jagger Eaton, Jamie Foy, Chris Russell, Torey Pudwill & Joey Brezinski Felipe Gustavo Felipe Gustavo & Torey Pudwill, tour life Jamie Foy Alex Sorgent Jamie Foy Ryan Sheckler Zion Wright The crew on the bus
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EVENTS // ISSUE NO. 132
VOLCOM PRESENTS - NOISE SWAP MEET:
Instead of fussing with the VIP lists and cocktail menus of a more traditional industry party, Volcom decided to invite a bunch of fun-loving freaks to mix it up with the surf cognoscenti who were frothing to see the latest flick from Noa Deane. Rolling Heavy Magazine organized a contingent of custom vans that could rival any heavy metal parking lot past, present or future. Music lovers were thrilled to dig through tons of records while an eclectic array of vendors served the Costa Mesa crowd. They even had a pop-up art gallery courtesy of Alex Knost. After a couple hours of free skate in the HQ park, guests enjoyed spirited sets from the bands Mosca Mostro, Chola Orange, Power Lunch and Here Lies Man. The free food and beverages from Weinerschnitzel and Pabst kept the crowd strong all day. Shaperstudios posted up despite the heat and one lucky raffle winner even won a board shaped by Andrew Doheny. Other choice prizes from the raffle included Volcom jeans or chinos for a year, a Lasonic Audio Boom Box and a prize pack from RidingEasy Records. If all this wasn’t enough, the crowds were certainly impressed by the movie “Head Noise” that saw Noa Deane doing what he does best. Volcom commemorated the drop of his Noise Noise Noise capsule with a nice pop-up while collecting canned and non-perishable foods for the Share Our Selves charity. Let’s just say a lot of rad stuff went down and good vibes were shared by all.
WORDS // KURT MIDNESS
PHOTOS // TOM CAREY left to right: Mitch Coleborn scored an N.W.A. album Rolling Heavy Magazine van lineup A true shaggin’ wagon Stoney groms Nate Tyler, Colin Moran & Joe G. Andrew Doheny with a Power Lunch salute Joe Dirt ain’t got nothing on this dude Alex Knost & Nolan Hall Parking Lot Party Ryan Birch with the lucky grom
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MUSIC INTERVIEW:
BOYTOY You recorded your latest album in Topanga with Kyle Mullarky, how was that? Saara: A literal dream. The Mullarky Ranch is a vision of my dream life – vintage cars and trailers, a quiver of fun surfboards, pump house studio, three dogs, two pigs, two awesome kids and dreamy starry nights with coyotes howling. I stopped eating pork after hanging out with Flower (pet pig). Mr. Pickles (piggy #2) bites. Chase: My favorite record I’ve ever worked on. I’m satisfied with it. That’s a novel feeling for me. Glenn: It’s really great to be completely immersed in a project. We stayed in the studio late, celebrated progress with Tim and Eric videos and continually taste tested the tequila to make sure it didn’t spontaneously turn poisonous. You have to keep an eye on the tequila. It was also the first time you had a prominent bass guitar in the mix, how did that change the songwriting process? S: We wrote a lot of these songs with Lena Simon (La Luz/Kiaros) playing bass. Kyle played on “I Get Distant.” A lot of the songs were also reworked in the studio so we came up with totally new parts on the spot and then relearned them later to play live. G: We’d been hesitant to add specific bass parts other than root notes on the last recordings since we didn’t want to commit to finding a fourth member. I think there is a lot of space on these songs and I think it’s carried by a strong rhythm section. I think we were ready to expand our songwriting. Some of my favorite songs by other people are driven by killer bass lines, so it was fun to explore that. You’ve done things a bit differently by having band members all over the map. I think you cover New York, Florida, LA, Europe, and previously Nashville. What advantage does this give you? What disadvantage? S: Honestly, a lot of it comes from an economic need. We fly to a lot of places and can save money on a plane ticket this way. It’s also awesome to have a bunch of different people because a lot of our friends who fill in also play in other projects and aren’t always available (La Luz, Cat Scan, Phil Hayes and The Trees). Ideally, we have a fleet of talented bass players spotted along the coasts nationally and internationally. G: We just want to start a cult and this is the easiest way to do it. But really it’s cool to have people spread out, making friends in all corners of the country and beyond. I think it creates opportunity, but we also have to handle the logistics of being spread around. It adds a step to any process but so far it’s worked in our favor.
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INTERVIEW & PHOTO // DAVID EVANKO
Regardless of where each band member lives, New York seems to be your home base. What is the music community like there at the moment? How does it compare to LA and OC? S: It’s definitely in an exciting place right now. A lot of good punk music and rock and roll is coming out of NY right now (Surfbort, Gnarcissists, The Muckers, Thick, Native Sun) and it feels more like a community. Like bands actually helping each other out and supporting each other. I feel like there was a weird moment there in NY where it felt like everyone was competing. LA is such a cool scene because there’s SO MANY BANDS. And everyone is a pro. There are so many people to play with and it seems like everyone is in at least two bands. There’s no shortage of musicians and it’s been so cool to see so many of our friends grow and blow up there. Tell us about your upcoming Europe/Australia tours. Are you setting aside some time to surf while you’re there? C: We’ll definitely get to surf in AU; the promoter is helping us out with boards. Hopefully we can do something in Portugal/Spain while we’re in the neighborhood. And maybe Thailand at the end!! S: We’re going to be gone August 27th thru mid-October, about a month in Europe and two weeks in Australia. This is our fourth time in Europe and our first in Australia. Then, we’re gonna stop off in Thailand on our way home. Turns out to be cheaper to fly in and out of Bangkok and it’s a great excuse for a post tour wind-down. G: We have to start doing our wave dances so that it’s not too flat when we get there. We’ve talked about surf/skate/snow movies and how they changed the way we listened to music. What level of influence did those movies have on your musical development? Any soundtracks in particular? C: YOOOO skate videos put me on to so much music! The first time I heard The Stooges or Velvet Underground was from “FLIP - SORRY”! My mom is younger and was playing En Vogue in the house, not David Bowie, lol. “CHOMP ON THIS!” was insane too... FAT BOYS AND GG ALLIN! The first time I watched an art film was “Modus Operandi.” I didn’t understand it, it made me uncomfortable. I was like ten years old. I just kept rewinding that scene when Marc Johnson flips that bowl of screws over in slow motion and talks about getting beat up by gnarly jock assholes. Oh my god, I’m going to make a playlist right now. S: Maybe more so “Tony Hawk Pro Skater” for me. I still think of that game whenever I hear those songs. That’s where I was first introduced to The Ramones. My friend once had her music setting on “shuffle” and so she thought that was the name of a lot of the bands. G: So many of those old …lost videos have an insane soundtrack. That’s where I learned about The Dead Boys and The New York Dolls and The Cramps. Same with the Girl skateboard videos. All of these were like the total epitome of cool to me as a kid. I remember absorbing everything and going to Turtle’s in Jacksonville, FL to spend all my money on CDs that I’d only heard one song from and then hiding them because they mostly all had that explicit tag. What do you have in store for us once all this touring is done? S: I want to take some time to create, art and new music. And spend time with my dog and maybe find a warm escape from the NY winter (sup LA). C: Yeah, make more music and read and surf longboards. G: I want to make a moon garden and a pepper garden, work on some new music and read. Hurricane season is coming up so hopefully only good things come from them: more waves, less destruction.
MUSIC REVIEWS:
LIVE SHOW // ALBUMS // ISSUE NO. 132
THE C.I.A.
LIVE REVIEW // WORDS & PHOTO // DAVID EVANKO
THE ECHO, LOS ANGELES, CA // MAY 14TH, 2018 The C.I.A., seen May 14th at The Echo, is the jarring, manic, bass-dueling tripod of Denee and Ty Segall, accompanied by Emmett Kelly. It was a power display of unconventional distortion pierced by a sputtering drum machine and a dismantled microphone. The C.I.A. is a new band that has sound engineers cowering across the city.
REVIEWS BY MAX RITTER Capital Punishment / Road Kill / Captured Tracks This was kind of an amusing story to me. Ben Stiller played drums in a self-described “ridiculously weird” avant-garde punk band in high school. This 1982 LP was, of course, never released. However, it’s been recently unearthed and will be given a probably undeserved new life by the label Captured Tracks. Stiller talked with Howard Stern about his role as “Ringo” in the band and they joke as if the band is completely terrible. I wouldn’t go that far, it’s actually not bad. But, I think the more important story to be discussed here is the importance of exploration of art in one’s youth. Other members of the band include a now Supreme Court Justice for Arizona (Peter Swann), a Professor of Slavic Studies (Peter Zuis), and a musician/documentarian whose family built the Brooklyn Bridge (Kriss Roebling). Does this prove everyone should be in an experimental band with a terrible name in high school for success in life? Yes, I think it does. The Gloomies / Romance / Thrill Me When you’re looking for new music for your trusty old playlist, do you ever feel like a famished, thirsty gold-miner hopelessly wading the waters of a desolate desert stream with your dented rusty tin pan? I know, me too! Look no further because this one’s a play through. Thanks to Cory Stier for putting this record out. I’m told Cory runs the Soda Bar, curates Thrill Me Records, and plays drums in Mrs. Magician, Cults, Hideout, Drug Wars and probably many others. If you like any of those bands then this is band is for you. Give Cory some money. Prophet / Wanna Be Your Man / Stones Throw Prophet was sort of like an obscure lo-fi version of Prince from the Bay area whom released an album in 1984 called Right On Time. That album ended up garnering an underground cult following for some years after. Stones Throw founder Peanut Butter Wolf had been playing that album in his DJ sets for years without knowing much about it when one day Prophet came up to him at a record fair and introduced himself. Just like that, and not too long later, PBW had him opening for Dam-Funk and collaborating on a new album with producer Mndsgn. It’s that weird 80’s funk, thirty four years right on time. Cat Power / Wanderer / Domino Cat Power teams with prolific skate filmmaker (and past collaborator) Greg Hunt, resulting in another sweet music flick for the new album’s title track Wanderer. She’s fittingly wandering in a desert and it’s quite a beautiful marriage. Cat Power’s new LP looks to release early October… Shout-out to Manny Machado #8. REVIEWS BY ROB MOLT Wild Wild Wets / Prisom / Yeah Yeah Blah Blah/Grizzly Records Wild Wild Wets are San Diego’s friendliest leather clad street gang and have been shooting up California neighborhoods with heavy reverb for a few years now. They’ve been spotted lately selling psych rock to kids in the form of their new extremely potent Prisom release. This stuff won’t kill you but it definitely gets you high. Prisom symptoms include bass-heavy pulsing beats, dreamy, sometimes distant vocals and sharp-layered guitar pains. If you come across these guys at night, ask to get jumped in. Ty Segall & White Fence / Joy / Drag City Too many Ty Segall reviews for you? Too bad. The guy makes too much good music so blame him. Now he’s collaborated with Tim Presley (White Fence) again, which means we have to talk about it. We’re talking about saving rock ‘n roll. That’s what these guys are doing. Joy is the perfect combination of Ty’s heaviness and Tim’s pop. Their patchwork-psychedelic lyrics are the album’s calling card, and so is their tendency to roll through peaks and valleys of sounds, letting withdrawn and reserved moments linger before sending them off with a big climactic release. It’s a perfect rock ‘n roll marriage. Congrats guys! Body/Head / The Switch / Matador A few years ago I saw the menacing guitar duo Body/Head. The Kim Gordon, Bill Nance experiment was playing the Casbah, and I wasn’t going to miss their wreathing, contorting, hiss and moaning, and at times, tough listen. It’s art noise stuff. I had just grabbed a beer at the bar when I turned around and almost bumped into the former Sonic Youth rock goddess. I just said “Ya Kim!” and smiled. She didn’t look, smile, or waiver as she cut through the dark crowd. Her face, stoic and focused, like her music, totally intense. Diarrhea Planet / Turn to Gold / Infinity Cat Diarrhea Planet broke up on Monday, they were my favorite band. For the last eight years they have been one of the most fun live bands with their four guitarists battling it out on stage with the biggest smiles. These Nashville guys would stay at my Mission Beach apartment, swim in their jeans all night, sleep head to toe across the floor, and then go jogging in the morning. True originals, best dudes. R.I.P. DP!
ISSUE 132
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BLISSS MAGAZINE // ISSUE NO. 132
MYLeS
STRaMPELLO @mylesstrampello
Favorite Skaters: Robert neal & Chris Joslin
Age: 12 Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA Sponsors: Vans, RVCA, Plan B, Grizzly Griptape, Bones Bearings, Bones Wheels, Destructo, The Mendid, Bell Skate Helmets & Citizen Water Co.
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