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BRETT SIMPSON F A C E B O O K . C O M / H U R L E Y
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F O R D
A L E X
K N O S T
D A N I E L D A N N Y D I N O
A D R I A N
M A K U A
T H E
J O N E S F U L L E R
K A L A N I
M A T T
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D A V I D R O T H M A N
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B A L A N C E
R V C A . C O M
O F
O P P O S I T E S
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COMUNE CLOTHING
20 // 11
PLG\\ VNDR DROP CITY ARTIST // COREY SMITH
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DROP CITY CONTRIBUTERS
PLG/VNDR
Plague Vendor aka PLG/VNDR is a young, raw, rock n’ roll band hailing from Whittier, CA. Their infectious drumming, snarling guitar chords, and rhythmic bass are accentuated by eccentric lead singer and preacher’s son Brandon Blaine’s howling vocals. With one of the most exciting front men in the LA music scene, Plague Vendor’s high energy live performances have been whipping crowds into a writhing frenzy in all the seedy venues, dive bars and any place in LA that will have them.
Check out plaguevendor.tumblr.com to see all the visuals and download their full length album for free.
DROP CITY
In the early 1960’s a man by the name of Buckminster Fuller (1895-1983) was known for designing geodesic domes, which used minimal resources while creating a maximum interior space. He was an inventor, poet, philosopher, mathematician, architect and engineer. Fuller urged people to think globally and act conscientiously to better mankind through a “design revolution.” His legacy has inspired artists, engineers and thinkers around the world.
In 1965 an artist commune in Colorado known as Drop City was created using many of Buckminster Fuller’s architectural and philosophical ideals. Drop City was to function in a “synergetic” interaction between peers to create experimental artistic innovation. COMUNE has launched their own “Drop City” artist collective and is curated by COMUNE Art Director, Corey Smith.
Drop City was introduced to attract like–minded creative people to the COMUNE artist community and collaboarte on special projects through COMUNE’s clothing brand. With participating artists including Andrew Kuykendall, Krystal South, Noah and Nathan Rice, Ray Gordon, Noel Sinclair Boyt, Wyatt Hull, Devendra Banhart, Mario Wagner, Alana Paterson, Beth Hoeckel, Bryan Schnelle, Amber and Ashlie Chavez, Jen Wolf, Kealan Shilling, Alex Mertz, Jason Levins, Adam Harteau, PLG/VNDR, Kevin Castanheira, Sam Avery, and Alexis Gross. Drop City is an ever evolving community and creative platform for all artists involved.
PHOTOS: C. SMITH, M. SELSKY
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TOC RANDOMS // 28 KELLY SLATER // 36 GREG EASON // 38 POSSO // 40 CMO // 42 SUPER TASTE // 44 TYLER HENDLEY // 46 RUSSO // 54 FASHION // 60 THE ART OF KENT WILLIAMS // 66 G-CODE VS SE-CODE // 74 LOVE + GUTS // 80 HURLEY’S RICK GRIFFIN AT MOLLUSK // 82 OIL & WATER AT KNOWN GALLERY // 84 INSIGHT PRESENTS 1000 WORDS // 86 MAMMOTH BIG WINTER KICK OFF // 88 THE STRANGE BOYS // 92 CD REVIEWS // 94 GROM // 96
Kent Williams
RZA LOGOS: RZA SHOT BY K A I R E GA N www. we s c. co m / ch a m b e r s
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BL!sssM AG.COM
E DITOr-IN-CHIEF nick kalionzes nick@blisssmag.com
E DITOR joey marshall joey@blisssmag.com
C REATIVE DI RECTOR mark paul deren madsteez@madsteez.com
ED ITOR AT LARGE liz rice mcCray liz@blisssmag.com
SKATE EDITOR chris ortiz chris@blisssmag.com
SNOW EDITOR jon francis jon@blisssmag.com
MUSIC EDI TOR max ritter max@blisssmag.com
A DVERT I SING 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, Peter Morning
CONTRI BUTORS Matt Patterson, 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, Raul Montoya, Ian Dodge, Spencer Pirdy 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.
DECEMBER 2011 Cover Artist: Kent Williams
If your favorite shop isn’t receiving BL!SSS Magazine please contact info@blisssmag.com
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MOUNTAIN HIGH GIVES BACK Southern California’s favorite snow resort is giving back to its local community this holiday season. That’s right, the folks at Mountain High are hosting a toy and canned food drive to help needy families. Any guest who brings an unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item to Mountain High between November 28th and December 16th will receive $10 off an adult, 8-hour lift ticket. With the snow season in full gear and so many people in need, it’s pretty much a no-brainer for us all to help in anyway we can. So remember to bring your unwrapped toy or canned food item and feel even better when you’re cruising down the mountain.
COALATREE GROW BAGS The crew over at Coalatree Organics made a stop by the office last month and gave us a little insight on what’s been happening out at their farm. They also offered up a few Grow Bags to us so that even our suburban homes could flourish with a little greenery. We were stoked to meet the whole crew and from the looks of things the Coalatree guys are destined to spread their stylishly sustainable brand to the world. We’ll keep you guys updated on the growth of our plants and for all of the latest and greatest in Coalatree organics log onto coalatree.com.
POSE WHITEWASH Past BL!SSS cover artist, Pose, is exhibiting 15 new pieces at ‘Whitewash’, an exhibition at Known Gallery, from November 19th until December 10th. The exhibit will have Pose’s work featured in the main gallery including six paintings done on plexiglas as well as other hand-painted collages of pop culture icons. Whitewash will also feature work from photojournalist KC Ortiz and the countless subjects he encounters in his travels. Whitewash is a great exhibition that you won’t want to miss, so make sure and stop on by and visit knowngallery.com for more information.
VOLCOM VOLCANIC ROCKOUT The Hawaiian Islands are once again starting to erupt with exciting events and happenings and one at the top of our list is the Fifth Annual Volcanic Rockout Tour presented by Volcom. The tour will be rocking this year to the sounds of JEFF the Brotherhood with three completely free shows in Oahu. Make no mistake, these will be some of the best parties of the winter so make sure to drop whatever you’re doing and get your rage on. The first show is on December 10th in Kailua and you can check for other times and locations by logging onto volcoment.com. We’ll see you there!
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RAW EL EMENTS Our buddy Mike Whalen has started up a new sunscreen company that is leading the charge in chemical-free UVA and UVB sunscreen protection. We’ve all sprayed sunscreen on ourselves and ended up smelling like pesticides or perfume that is way to strong, but now Raw Elements physical eco-protection sunscreen is bringing us world-class protection with a chemical free, eco-safe solution. This sunscreen is so legit that even Garrett “GMAC” McNamara is endorsing the brand. The screen is water resistant, won’t sting your eyes, safe for all ages, biodegradable and the list of benefits goes on. So don’t put your skin in danger anymore and go grab some Raw Elements sunscreen.
KC + TOM CAREY
We gotta give a proper congratulations to newlyweds KC Russ and Tom Carey. The extraordinary surf photographer and his longtime lady tied the knot this last month in good ol’ Palm Springs. Despite less than ideal weather, the event went off at the Ace Hotel and things were looking perfect as coordinator Veronica Lowe did an amazing job. Surf photog’s Jimicane and Pete Taras were on hand documenting the ceremony while up-and-coming surfers Ford Archbold and Andrew Doheny were spotted lounging poolside. Friends and family gathered for the occasion and it was great to see the smile on both Tom and KC’s faces as they exchanged vows. Congrats you two, wishing you many years of marital bliss from the BL!SSS crew.
ELECTRIC BEGGAR JACKET Electric’s new Beggar Jacket is exactly what you need for this winter season. Whether the sun is peering out or the clouds are rolling in, the Beggar windbreaker will keep you in check. This nylon windbreaker is lightweight and can pack itself into one small pocket. So what does that mean? It means this jacket is stylish and functional. Rock it at night in the urban streets or on the beach when you’re checking the surf. This jacket offers you warmth, comfort and protection from the wind, and is available in four colorways, so don’t delay - get yours today!
HAND ME UPS
COUSTE AU & BODY GLOVE Many surfers, at this day and age, have become avid divers. Just ask spear fishermen like Mark Healey or Cheyne Magnusson for more proof that dive and surf have come together. Jean-Michel Cousteau and Body Glove have teamed up to bring us a new line of wetsuits and other assorted surf, dive and ocean going products. Both the Cousteau family and Body Glove have been dedicated to protecting and preserving the ocean for generations, and a portion of the proceeds from the collaboration will go towards Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society. We all love cutting edge design, protection and helping out our Mother Ocean, so keep an eye out for these products to be hitting your local shops soon.
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Hand me downs, hell no, it’s Hand Me Ups. This new concept from Kurt Narmore is all about giving back to kids in need. Basically, the Hand Me Ups organization collects new clothes from partnering companies and takes athletes, celebrities and other important community leaders to help pass out and inspire underprivileged youth across our nation. This last month they hosted the Hand Me Ups Halloween Haunt in Venice Beach, CA where they had original Z-Boy Tony Alva and Calvin “Kid Creature” Saxton talked to the kids about life and dialed them in with new shirts from Kid Creature, hats from Volcom, socks from Stance and a ton of posters and stickers. The event ended with all out dodgeball game of epic proportions provided by Eagle Rock Yacht Club. Needless to say, everyone involved had a smile on their face for the rest of the day.
PENN Y SKATEBOARDS Doing it 70’s style, we were super stoked to see these Penny Skateboards back on the market. Almost all of us here at BL!SSS had owned one of these nearly indestructible, concrete carving, plastic skates as a youngster and we know they’d make the perfect holiday gift for anyone in your family. Absolute-Distributors are the ones pushing these bad boys all over the United States so log on to pennyskateboards.com or head down to the Froghouse and pick one up.
STEVE SHERMAN brixton.com
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RED SCARLET-X Here’s a little treat for all you future movie producers out there, the crew that brought you the original RED camera has just released their latest and greatest, RED Scarlet-X. With the ability to capture 4K-motion footage and 5K-stills, this will become the must have camera in the film industry. It comes standard with Canon EF and PL mount options, allowing you to access nearly all your previously purchased lenses, hopefully offsetting the nearly $10,000 price tag. I’m sure it won’t be too long before we see some insane action footage, so start saving those pennies and get to work.
AGENDA LONG BEACH It’s that time of year again, as we fly through the holidays while gearing up for the trade show season, and you can bet your last dollar that we are gonna be all over the Agenda Show in Long Beach. Always coming correct with the freshest brands and the proper art scene, it seems like Aaron and Tal have made Agenda THE tradeshow to be at. This year they’re taking the show to the LBC for the very first time, so we can all stretch out with a little more legroom and some new surroundings. We’re looking forward to seeing you all there.
TILLY’S & NEFF CONTEST MINI MOTO SURF
Tilly’s is teaming up with the folks at Neff to send a lucky fan to Salt Lake City, Utah to ride with a pro. Not only will you be flown out, put up in a baller hotel and be able to shred with a Neff pro, but you’ll also be thrown plenty of extra goodies including tons of Neff gear and a $500 shopping spree at the Tilly’s store in Farmington, Utah. You can enter to win at tillys.com today so make sure and get on it!
SANTA CRUZ X PABST BREWING
VOLCOM POSSO HEA DPHON ES Volcom has come out with a fresh set of POSSO designed headphones just in time for the holiday season. Volcom and Posso tapped Los Angeles based headphone company Eskuché to assist in designing this limited edition headphone that authenticates the fashion and music collaboration full circle. The POSSO Control-I model features single touch controller for seamless play/pause and answer/end technology. The headphones also come with plush ear cup cushioning, a soft pliable headband for hours of comfort and are compatible with iPod/ iPhones and other music output devices. These headphones are a must have, so make sure to grab a pair of these auditory masterpieces today.
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After putting some time in their local watering holes, the folks of Santa Cruz Skateboards thought it might be fun to pay a little tribute to their favorite after skate thirst quenchers. So the guys teamed up with Pabst Brewing to bring out a new line of 12 Cruzers. The Cruzers include two models each of Pabst, Colt 45, Lone Star, Olympia, Primo and Schlitz. The boards are looking pretty insane and feature inlaid bottle openers in the decks so you’re covered no matter where you are. Make sure to get your hands on one of these frosty decks before they run out, and of course Santa Cruz and Pabst remind everyone to drink and skate responsibly.
NEWPORT SUR F GALLERY
Apparently art is the new black, as everywhere you turn in Southern California a new gallery is opening up. Latest on our radar is literally two doors down from the BL!SSS headquarters as Newport’s original surf artist, Robb Havassy, has just opened up the Newport Surf Gallery. Showcasing more than a handful of his original art and photographs, the gallery serves as a gasp of fresh air. Make sure you check it out next time you are waiting for your order next door at the Bear Flag Fish Company. Robb’s having his opening reception the evening of December 17th and we’re stoked to have him as our new neighbor.
SLAM DANCE
ASP DRUG TESTING The Association of Surfing Professionals had two big announcements this past month. One being the resignation of longtime CEO Brodie Carr and the other being the implementation of drug testing on ASP athletes for the 2012 season. While no specific drugs have been named for the testing as of yet, one can easily imagine that the ASP would be testing for performance enhancing drugs as well as a number of recreational drugs. This really has been a longtime coming and the surfers have spoken as this rule was voted on by members of the ASP. Anyone who takes pro surfing seriously should be happy for this rule because it will continue to honor natural ability and legitimize the sport even further.
Michael Kershnar’s solo show, Slam Dance, will be coming to the city of San Francisco starting December 10th. Michael’s a past featured BL!SSS artist and his artwork is fascinating and majestic in nature as he focuses much of the subject of his artwork on wildlife. However, Michael’s talents are vast, he has been known to mix in some skate and rock ‘n roll influence into his work too. The opening reception will be on December 10th at the RVCA store at 1485 Haight Street in San Francisco with live performances by KNIVES and a DJ set by Ugly Norwegian. Plenty of refreshments will be flowing and good times will be going down and if you can’t make it, Michael’s art will be on display until February 4th so stop on by!
SKATER OF THE YEAR PARTY The boys at Thrasher Magazine up in SF are once again throwing their annual SOTY (Skater of the Year) party on December 16th to congratulate young Grant Taylor for killing it all year and taking Thrasher’s coveted 2011 SOTY award. Thrasher has been doling out the Skater of the Year award every year since 1990, and it has become one of the most coveted titles in skateboard history. We were lucky enough to find out that GT had been announced as the 2011 SOTY just hours before this magazine got shipped off to the printers and we wanted to be the first mag in print to give a big old congrats to Grant! So if you are up in SF in the middle of December, make sure you don’t miss this one cause it going to be a hell of a party.
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ES SQUARE TWO FUSION X 5BORO The newest shoe to come out of the eS collection is the eS vs 5BoroNYC Square Two Fusion by Jimmy McDonald. This shoe has been getting a lot of hype and is already a favorite by many of the eS team. The shoe utilizes fusion construction, which makes them stronger, lighter and better than anything else on the market. The shoe is comfortable, durable and flexible, allowing you to take your skating to the next level. Best of all, these things use far less resources to manufacture which result in an environmentally friendly shoe. If you don’t believe us then you can log onto esskateboarding.com and watch Jimmy McDonald put on a clinic in these things. A 5Boro x eS t-shirt is also available so make sure to mark down both of these goodies on your holiday wish list.
Words: Spencer Pirdy :: Photo: © ASP/ Kirstin
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If the ASP gave out world title rings instead of trophies, Kelly Slater would be looking to grow another finger. Aside from an ASP programming hiccup in San Francisco that had Slater prematurely crowned and many fans and critics of the ASP shouting in dismay, Kelly remained calm and took care of business by winning his round 4 heat against the eventual contest winner Gabriel Medina and his Brazilian travel partner Miguel Pupo. Both Brazilians are still in their teens and Kelly is old enough to be their father, but his surfing is as polished and precise as ever. The question does then surface of when or will he ever get too old for this stuff?
girlfriend of his. The only problem with these propositions is that, besides wedding Kalani, he’s doing all of the above and then some while maintaining world dominance on tour. Seen the latest Innersection? Kelly’s got a pretty amazing part in it along with numerous other films. Chasing swells? Well, if you remember his absence at J-Bay this last year it was due to him getting barreled off his head in Fiji for the swell of the century. Most people with Kelly’s accolades are well into retirement sipping hot chocolate in the French Alps and attempting to conquer golf (which Kelly’s pretty much done). For most, the flame has gone out by age 40, but for Kelly the fire blazes on.
Kelly won his first title when he was 20, and now two decades later, Slater shows no signs of slowing down or stopping with 11. Kelly was born on the 11th of February and maybe 11 is fitting as his point of departure from the competition scene. Maybe he can chase some swells and impress the masses without a contest jersey on. He could start working on some video parts and settle down with that longtime
Then the question of Kelly’s longevity comes into play. Parko and Mick are staples on tour but are failing, at times, to mix up maneuvers and add to the exciting melting pot of aerial assault that the World Tour has become. There’s no one discounting their achievements and ability, but with the way the tour has shifted and the cut that occurs mid season we may see some of the veterans drop off. Although,
there are those who know how to adapt, like the 40-year-old Taylor Knox. As of late he’s had a few semifinal finishes, one in France and one in San Francisco, two waves that don’t fit his surfing at all, but he just seems to find a way. That’s where experience can have a big advantage and Kelly has plenty of that. Experience and an unfathomable amount of natural talent, the likes of which we have never seen and may never see again in competitive sport. He’s adapted year in and year out. Kelly added the quad to his arsenal a few years back and has used it to his speedy advantage in hollow conditions. His airs have gotten a whole lot more technical. One air in particular that he boosted in his New York semifinal heat this year was a Hail Mary attempt that ended up being quite possibly the best air anyone’s seen in competitive surfing. This is what Kelly does, he thrives on the invitation that progression brings and this old dog has the ability to master new tricks. Many masters of their sport like Tiger Woods have failed to sustain their superiority over time,
but 40-year-old Kelly Slater has not fumbled. Whether you’re getting sick of this result year in and year out like Scooby Doo re-runs, one can’t help but shake your head in amazement. Kelly Slater is not letting up anytime soon. He loves surfing, but loves competitive surfing even more. If he attempts to leave the tour, chances are that he’ll then be back on it faster than a dog on a meat truck. He’ll lose interest in chasing swells and filming for video parts. He’ll be right back in his element, needing a 9.5 with 30 seconds left, seeking out the wave that he can make it happen on and executing a perfect 10-point ride. This is Kelly Slater in his element. Sure, Kelly has been quoted as saying that he’ll be giving some deep thought to whether or not he’ll be wearing a jersey next year and going for number 12, but I think we all know that one way or another, even if he misses an event or two, that Kelly will be gunning for another title this time next year. Who knows, he may even already have pocketed number 12 by this time.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE X-111 & FURY BOARDIES
Words: Kelly Shannon
Not often enough does art require us to ponder too deeply. However, Londonbased artist Greg Eason caught our eyes with his terrifically detailed drawings - and watercolors - that are not only beautifully drawn, but are also highly thought provoking. The simplicity of his drawings leaves so much to the imagination that it challenges viewers with questions of meaning, purpose and questions regarding the unhinged world surrounding us. What are your favorite activities? Discovering new music, ales, friends, beaches, Italo disco.
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Your drawings are fantastically detailed, can you please explain them? The negative space idea came from a project I worked on at university. I think it all started when I watched the film Koyaanisqatsi. Aside from falling in love with Philip Glass’ music, I felt a deep sense of unease with the state of the planet and the way mankind had affected it. I read up on Anthropocene, and researched extinct species. From there I drew lone figures and objects surrounded by huge spaces of paper. The space represents the disappearing natural world and my fears for the
future: there is nothing drawn, nothing left. My current work uses eggs and skulls, symbolic of life and death. The egg doesn’t always contain life. The egg hovering above the whale drawing is symbolic of hope. It’s apparent that these guys are still being unnecessarily pulled from the water, there seems to be an imbalance in ‘fishing’ at the moment. How and when did you learn to draw? I’ve always been able to draw quite well. I think it’s important to keep at it. I studied graphic design but ended
up back at drawing and painting in my final year at university. The graphic design and typography years have probably influenced the way I compose drawings, as they can be quite formal in composition, since everything is measured out. If you could travel anywhere, where would it be? Newport Beach sounds pretty awesome! Ultimately, I’d like to see the world. And embark on a trip to the Moon. To see more of Greg Easons work go www.gregeason.com.
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Marylouise: wearing vintage and POSSO Catsuit Vanessa: wearing vintage and POSSO Maxi dress
POSSO (meaning v: “I can”) is an out-ofthis world collaboration between best friends Marylouise Pels and Vanessa Giovacchini. Together, they bridge design, music, and art in an ever-evolving project that takes them all over the world. Their exposure as ambassadors for the Volcom brand, Volcomunity bloggers, models and DJ’s combined with their love for design has naturally led to an upcoming Volcom X Posso Spring 2012 product collaboration. A candid outtake of Marylouise and Vanessa interviewing each other… What is your favorite thing about designing with Volcom? As far as surf/skate brands, Volcom is the most fashion forward and innovative. From the owners to the interns everyone that works there is like that really cool family where everyone gets along, loves each other, and secretly wish was your family. We are so fortunate to work with a company that has built their brand in the spirit of being badass and passionately irreverent - they do what they want! We feel the same about Posso, and they get that. What do you think about when your are DJing? The people dancing and how in reality, I’m just one of those people too.
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Creatively what power do you think music has over other the creative arts? It’s not tangible and more emotional than any other art form. Why do you think everyone thinks we are twins? This is a perfect example of how vibes and energy are stronger than anything else. What do you think makes California style unique from other places? In New York, there’s an almost imaginary fashion tension of how people should dress. Southern California is like a creative wasteland where you can be, feel, and dress how you want, like in a dream. Thanks weather and sunshine vibes :) If you weren’t DJing, making music and designing what would you be doing? Trying to design and make music -or making babies and becoming an evil stage mom – JK, JK. If you could go back in time would you do your life exactly as you have? Yes. All the bullshit and struggle REALLY happened for a reason. If you could collaborate on a track with any famous DJ who would it be? A-Trak. We’ll see you on the Holy Ship cruise
Photo: Gary Copeland
in January! I’m going to ask you this question because it is the most asked and annoying interview question: What is the relationship between fashion and music? No logical answer here, only that innovative musicians almost always have innovative fashion sense - and often times have no money when they start out = more need for innovation: Madonna, Elton John, Mick Jagger, Lady Gaga. If you were trapped in an elevator with any of these three people who would you choose? The Situation, Kris Jenner, or Puck from Real World? Kris Jenner, as annoying as this stage mom may be, I would come out of that elevator with a line at Kohl’s, a new spin off show and an elevator endorsement deal. If you could only shop at one store the rest of your life what would it be? Virgo Downtown Los Angeles Who is hotter a surfer bra or a skater bro? V: Surfer bra: Shirt always off, not covered in scabs, and always wanting to vacation in exotic locales. ML: Skater bro: They are way more badass
and mysterious. Although I wouldn’t marry one cause they could loose their family jewels at any moment. Would you rather be Biggie or Tupac? Tupac. Amazing lyricist, much hotter, and possibly still alive! If you could listen to one band for the rest of your life who would it be? Led Zeppelin. No explanation needed. Would you rather have sex with Bob Dylan circa 1980’s when he was angry and wore eyeliner or Gene Wilder in Blazing Saddles? Always had a kinda creepy Freudian crush on Gene, however I’m gonna have to go with Bob here because he is probably one of the most genius men that has ever lived and I think he might be Jesus reincarnated. If you could give advice to creative girls doing what you’re doing, what would it be? Never lie about your age, it’s so pathetic. Don’t think too much about being a girl in this world, people will naturally compare and contrast you with men - the inherent problem with feminism. Just be your own person, be yourself.
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Chase “Super Star” Wilson // Banzai’s Chloe & Amanda // Riviera’s Solomon Antonell // Surfside’s kingpin Duke – looking ready to buy some BL!SSS ads
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Dan “Business Man” Taylor // Richard “Angel” Olivares lll // The lovely Shea // BL!SSS team surfer Dillion “YEW” Yowell
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Mike Townsend – a rarity in the OC // Corey Smith and his best friend Marcel at AR4T // Joe Frizzelle // Lugo Lugo // JJ Gonzales
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Indy driver Oriol Servia // Thomas Green – hard at work // Ellis Ericson // TK hottie Megan
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Tate – The Mac Guy // Rusty’s finest – Hector Santa Maria & Lil Joey
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Photo: Dominic Petruzzi : dominicpetruzziphoto.com // Model: Megan
This month’s Super Taste is an exotic portrayal of a not-so-ordinary LA girl. Megan brings much more to the table than her drop-dead gorgeous looks - she’s a hardworking woman who isn’t afraid to face a pool full of swans, and is currently studying her buns off while getting her degree at Loyola Marymount University. Megan is the type of girl who makes guys at her local gym fall off the treadmill, and if we lived in a perfect world she would be waiting for us under the mistletoe every year. Ha ir & Ma ke u p: Br ie Le a ch // Re tou ch : J a son Sch or le . c om / / B i k i n i - V I X : v i x s w i mw e ar . c om
B.S Ollie Hip
Interview: Adam Hoyle :: Photos: Ortiz The past twelve months of Tyler Hendley’s life have probably sucked worse than yours. With a new bionic arm and new board sponsor, the misunderstood kid from Orange County is now healthier and stronger than ever before and has set his sights high.
Oh man. I’ve broken my arm in six places in two separate incidents. The initial injury happened thirty seconds into a contest run in Germany. I slammed trying a crail grab, which is crazy because crails are one of those second nature type-of-a-trick for me. Even just bailing it didn’t even cross First things first, tell us my mind; let alone slamming about your busted ass arm. and exploding my arm.
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What did it feel like right when it happened? I heard a loud noise when I put my arm out to break my fall. I thought my arm had gone through the Masonite, but my arm had actually collapsed on itself. I lifted my arm and my hand flopped down and hit my elbow. My tattoos were on the wrong side of my arm. An ambulance took me to the
hospital where the doctor told me I needed surgery. My flight home was the next morning, so I told the doctor I didn’t want surgery ‘til I got home. I figured I’d suck it up and try to make it home and go to the hospital there. My passport and phone were back at the hotel, so the idea of being stuck at a hospital in Germany and cut off from everybody freaked me out. I
signed a release, left the hospital and went back to the contest. So you flew home? No, the doctor back at the contest told me if I got on a plane, I would most likely die from the pressure in the cabin. There were bone fragments floating around in my blood and the altitude would make my arm swell like a balloon.
If you hadn’t talked to the contest doctor, would you have flown home the next day? Y e p . Damn. How did the surgery go? While I was unconscious during the surgery, I had an allergic reaction to a pain medication they had given me. I woke up afterward and flipped out. I tried to get up out of the bed with IVs still
hooked up to me, fell to the floor and puked all over the ground. A nurse came in to get me back into the bed and I barfed on her too. They ended up having to strap me to the bed and give me more drugs to put me back to sleep. What was it like the second time you woke up? I slept for fourteen hours after the second anesthetic. I guess I had
caused such a ruckus the first time I woke up that they put me in a storage room incase I flipped out again. I woke up, still not knowing what was going on, in a room with a bunch of those metal halo things they screw into peoples’ heads that have broken necks. The first thought that came to my mind was that I was paralyzed. Naturally, I flipped out again. A doctor came in and explained what had happened.
N. B.S 180 H. Flip
How did they fix your arm? They put a metal rod from my wrist to my elbow with eight screws to hold everything together. I was in the hospital for nine days before I flew home. Did the cabin pressure screw you up on the flight home? No, but I had another allergic reaction from pain medication. I broke out in hives and my whole body itched so badly. To cope, I just drank myself to sleep and woke up back in California.
other bone in my forearm shattered and dislocated my elbow. This arm is cursed. What does your arm look like under the skin? Straight up Terminator shit. There’s a plate holding my radius and ulna together, sixteen screws and a bunch of pins. It’s pretty much indestructible now.
How stoked were you to get back on your skateboardafterallofthis? So happy. Being unable to skate reaffirms how much I What’s the story behind love it. The only thing that the second arm injury? sucks is when I slam, I can’t I had just flown home from use my arms to break the the Asia X Games. A drunk fall so I end up slamming a driver crashed into me. The lot harder. Since I started F.S Flip
Hardflip
skated again, I’ve knocked out two teeth and been knocked out a few times. Tell us about how you got on Dogtown. Chris Ortiz introduced me to Jim “Red Dog” Muir at Dogtown. I was ready to transition away from Forest, so the timing was perfect. We hit it off right away. Red Dog is such a rad guy and you can’t help but respect what he’s done and look up to him. I went pro in April. Congrats, man. do you like it so I love it. They’ve a company that I respected for as
How far? been have long
as I can remember. The team and the company have such a tight-knit, family feel. They’re a great group of people to be around. There’s so much history behind the brand and I’m honored to be a part of their future. You grew up in Orange County, basically the skateboard capital of the world, how has that influenced your career so far? It’s a blessing and a curse. It’s harder to get noticed in a place like this, with all of the other amazingly talented skateboarders crammed into one area. On the B.S Smith
K-Grind Gap Out
B.S T-Slide
Switch Flip
B.S Flip
other hand, being able to skate and build friendships with the homies around here is amazing. People have pigeonholed you as a contest skater, is that a valid stereotype? People say that, but I generally don’t do all that well in contests. The reality is that they’re a good way to make ends meet. Some are fun, some are bummers. I don’t live to skate contests,
but they help a guy like me get by and make skateboarding for a living possible. The streets and the parks are where I’m at my happiest and best. What’s the story behind the money signs? People assume I like money signs because I’m trying to be some baller. I ain’t a baller. I don’t have shit. I literally scrape by every month. They’re just
a personal reminder to keep me motivated and productive. You’ve never had a full video part. Can we expect something in the future? Yeah. My confidence level is so much higher compared to before. I feel stronger physically and mentally. There’s a Dogtown video in the works. I’m really looking forward to showing what I’m capable of.
Rad. Looking forward to it. Who is your all time favorite skater? Bastien. Hands down. Is there anyone you want to thank? Dylan at Oakley, Sasha Steinhorst, Mark Sweetser, Red Dog, my doctors and Chris Ortiz. P l u g s ? Oakley, Dogtown, SoCal Skateshop, Type S wheels, Dickies and Sony.
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Dress â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill oneill.com
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Top â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Alpinestars astarswomens.com
Jacket – WESC wesc.com Pants – WESC wesc.com
Shorts – Volcom volcom.com
Skirt – Dainty Hooligan daintyhooliganclothing.com
Bikini – Volcom volcom.com Jacket – Vans vans.com Headphones – Skullcandy skullcandy.com
Top – Hurley hurley.com Shorts – Vans vans.com Hat – Brixton brixton.com
Jacket – Hurley hurley.com Pants – Vans vans.com
Interview: Robert Mann Kent Williams has built up a formidable reputation as a powerful contemporary figurative painter. His is a bold realism with combined attributes of abstraction and neo-expressionistic sensibilities. His work is characterized by strong gestural forms combined with areas of arresting detail, rendered with rich dynamic brushwork. Williams’ approach to his subjects is often subjective and intense. Whether through multi-figured compositional complexity and suggestive narrative, or with the straightforward lone human form, there is often autobiographical narrative at play. Favorite models, friends, and the artist himself all play a role in the human story of his paintings. Williams lives and works in Los Angeles, CA and is represented by Merry Karnowsky Gallery. Check out more at www.kentwilliams.com. Although you’ve always had a goodly amount of gestural and visceral qualities woven into your work, it seems that more recently, and especially with your CONVERGENCE exhibition last summer here in Los Angeles, it’s even more so – even pushing towards abstraction in more than a few examples. Seeing the Willem de Kooning retrospective on exhibit now at the MOMA in New York, I was reminded of some of the qualities present in your current work. Well certainly de Kooning is my favorite amongst the Abstract Expressionists. I’ve always responded to the depth of his work, along with his use of color and well-founded compositional sensibilities. Why de Kooning over others – say Pollock? I don’t know, really. Why does one like an artist more than another? It could be that, as abstract as it may appear to be, at its core, it’s not really. There’s a true understanding of form in space, and how to represent that. There’s a breadth of observational understanding behind the markmaking and richness of brushwork that gives it its gravity and pictorial fullness that a Pollock doesn’t do for me. I can appreciate Pollock from an historical and a “romanticized life of an artist” standpoint, but it’s a de Kooning that genuinely and consistently moves me. Could you talk a little about the work from CONVERGENCE and your thought process? As the work started to reveal itself, or simply, as I had enough of the work completed, far enough along to be able to step back a bit and take it in, I realized that, after the past number of years fragmenting the figure in a somewhat abstracted, or at least a viscerally expressionistic environment, the background was now playing a bigger role in the makeup of my paintings. I liked what was happening. I knew that I was finally approaching a thing that I’ve wanted to happen for a while – a thing that I knew must be discovered and cultivated
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through sincere effort. I had to allow this thing to take its own journey because to force it into play would make it read as hollow. I’ve always allowed myself a certain amount of freedom or play with my environments – the space where my figures reside. For instance, pushing perspective around to a certain degree. Creating a world with a kind of ambiguity but yet familiar at once, both real and not real. I’m finally opening myself to, or to be more exact, discovering a means to take this idea even further – teetering on that line between grounded and chaotic, real and imagined. Naturally, this line is subjective and relative, and my perspective of it could
and most assuredly will change as I move forward yet. You seem to often reference the history of painting in your works. Why is this important to you? And why painting at all, since it’s been pronounced dead so many times? Painting has retained its eminent station for centuries now and maintained its influence on the way in which we see ourselves. The fact that it has this grand history behind it keeps me resolute that it is the premiere medium. I enjoy and embrace being a part of this very tangible tree of history. In large and small ways alike, creating images with paint on canvas – representing human life is, in return, life affirming.
To embrace the history of the medium – to respond to it, to borrow from it, to twist and infuse it into one’s own contemporary view seems reasonable to me. Why the human figure and choices you make in incorporating the figure into your paintings? Hmm... Well, I suppose, just as I perceive painting, and especially painting in oils, as the premier medium in the makeup of art history, I see the human figure as the premier and obvious vehicle for representing the human condition – or at least the image I can most positively relate to. Every artist sorts through his or her own awareness of truth, and this truth
or reality is represented in an assorted array of expressive symbols. I became aware of your paintings first in print. Upon seeing the originals for the first time, I gained a different level of appreciation for them. There’s so much that’s going on with the paint and surface and its relationship to the subject that’s just not apparent without being in the same room with the pieces. Well, yes. We often get so caught up in talking about the tangible or obvious elements that make up the picturemaking aspect of a work, that we don’t discuss the tactile qualities of a work or the painted surface itself. But this plays as big a roll in the resonance of a work
as the formal presentation of the subject. Mark-making: the pushing and pulling of paint to find the balance of a thing – the right feeling for a thing. Simply put, I love the painted surface, and I like working that surface – working the paint until I reach a place of satisfying emotional depth and weight. A thing that can’t be reached by organized principles of painting, but rather through intuition or gut feeling. That’s not to say that the foundational aspects of painting don’t play a role, but that passion for the thing is predominant. Thus, I think the desire I have for incorporating both highly realized or developed representational elements in my work, along with more abstracted aspects, allows for this intuitive play. But I do think that by incorporating both of these extremes in my paintings, I am able to weave the tangible with the intangible. This incorporation of disparate calligraphy generates a sort of electricity, a juxtaposition of opposing forces that make come alive the human aspects of my picture making and/or meaning. Also, quite frankly,
including both - or creating a world where both can exist allows me the opportunity to bring into play my enthusiasm for, and influences from historical and contemporary art. Real estate where the blessed and forsaken can play together (Hahaha). With your use of markmaking and seeing now how much the painted surface plays a roll in your work, I don’t think I see you wholly as a figurative painter. I’ve always been appreciative of the disparateness of the paintings of Gerhard Richter, specifically his extreme photo-realism side-by-side with his absolute abstraction. As I mentioned earlier, the more abstracted aspects are now playing a bigger role in my paintings. Maybe at some point this may take completely over. Or maybe, like Richter, I’ll have another body of work that is wholly abstract. I don’t know. Whatever happens, I want it to happen intuitively. I don’t want to force my hand. But I can imagine it, which is always the first step. Your paintings seem to have a static quality and a
gestural turbulence embedded in them all at the same time. Is this something you’re conscious of? Well, I’m certainly aware of, and it has always basically been there, even in my earliest work – sort of like a swell of energy trapped just below the surface? I kind of equate it to human desire. The wanting of a thing, and no matter how much we may get of it, we’re still never satisfied, always thinking there’s even more just waiting there if we could just tap into it. It’s there, bubbling at the surface waiting/wanting to erupt. I know drawing is of upmost importance to you and certainly that’s apparent even in your paintings. Somehow you seem to be able to allow the drawing of a work to reveal itself within the richness of your very realized and fullbodied painted surfaces. Passion is essential. Without it, I don’t know how one would have the basic desire to make work. And drawing is my means of exploiting or venting the passion for a thing. Rico Lebrun stated that, “The fundamentals of drawing are the fundamentals of active passion.” I believe this. Painting often overshadows drawing, but in my book, what is painting without drawing? You can take a great drawing and color it in with Crayola crayons and make a great painting. The opposite is not true. Some of
the best paintings by Egon Schiele have very little to do with painting, per se, but hang on the drawing. I most always show drawings along with my paintings in my exhibitions. If, for no reason, just to promote drawing, which seems to be in short supply these days. Your paintings often include disparate imagery; subjects that are dynamic and theatrical, combined with everyday or banal objects, such as items strewn about your studio floor – yet, somehow it all seems to make sense in your world. Well, this ties back into my previous answer related to combining the representational with the abstract; it’s this combination of extremes – the finding of balance between the two (or more) that amplifies the psychological resonance of the subject. I enjoy looking at and combining people with objects and placing them in space that can’t always be defined. A space where the figures still have gravitational presence, and where one believes the people in the space, even if one is not sure why. But the “why” has to do with the fact that it’s done through observation with an understanding of form in space, and an “active passion” for drawing – as personally distorted or spatially disrupted as it may be.
It’s too bad you can’t see Keegan Valaika’s expression in this gap frontboard. It’s pretty emotional despite his baggy pants, maybe it’s due to what looks like a wedgie?
Words & Photos: Bob Plumb The debate of baggy versus tight has been fought on message boards worldwide for years and it doesn’t stop there. When these guys have to film together you could cut the tension with a knife. They don’t like each other and who could blame them, they wear different size pants. I compare their dislikes for one another with the world’s dislike for fixed-gear hipsters. It’s amazing that some people can still film parts with one another. I’ve seen Jed and Grenier fight like brothers in a hotel room over this issue and they are on the same team. Keegan and Cale lived together for six months and shot each other with air soft guns. All this because of differences in fashion preferences. This madness must stop. It’s too bad Jon Lennon isn’t still around. I’m sure he could solve this problem with one simple Emo/Gangster song called, Imagine how dumb you sound when you still post shit about this subject on the message boards and hide behind some a fake-ass name.
Cale Zima looks calm on this gap frontboard but we all know his balls are screaming for a little breathing room in them jeans.
Jed Anderson wishes he were a pro skateboarder. So it’s safe to say he likes those form fitting pants.
Forrest Baily isn’t really G-Code or E-Code more like Veg-Code. I just hope he has some brain cells left in the next couple of years.
Gus Engle is from Alaska, someone needs to let him know it’s ok to shower and wash your clothes once in awhile.
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Any trick Alex Andrews does is an emotional roller coaster for the whole crew. Getting’ asked, “Is this cool, every try would make a sane man emo.
Justin Bennee lives G-Code. He only listens to hip-hop, wears triple XL pants and does nollies.
Matty Mo, no relation to Mike Mo claims to be a DJ these days and favorite track is In Da Club by 50 Cent. If that’s not G-Code I don’t know what is.
Chris Grenier likes to think he is G-Code. After looking at this photo we all know he belongs at a kids birthday party doing balloon tricks.
Timmy Ronin G-Code, “Like A Boss”.
Johnny Paxon is a Polo modelâ&#x20AC;Ś Haha.
Frank April is a French gangster, which means he gets gangster by smoking a baguette.
Bode Merrill is man of many tastes. He wears the G-Code snowboard gear but girl pants when he skates. Rumor is, he stuffs his girl pants too.
Jon Kooley was devastated when Shaun White came out in his form ďŹ tting leather chaps and let the world know he had gone EMO.
What would this page be without Will Tuddenham. The three riders on this page combine to form E-Unit.
Jordan Mendenhall, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not so much the clothes as the personality, he reminds me of Eeyore from Pooh Bear.
Words: Adam Hoyle :: Photos: Chris Ortiz // Hosoi, Paul Schmitt and Dave Duncan // Gallery Overview // Lance Mountain, Little Lance Jr and John Lucero // Eddie Reategui, Christian Fletcher and Bud Llamas // Ray Barbee and Pat Ngho // Steve Caballero and Dylan Radloff // Omar Hassan and Jim Gray // Steve Olson and Lance Jr. // David Loy and Neal Hendrix // Curran Caples // Dustin Dolin and Steve Stratton // Ryan Kingman // Tyler Hendley and Bob Burnquist // Steve Alba
A Love + Guts show and Thrasher party in Orange County? Free beer? Lance Mountain is gonna be there? Pinch me. It’s not often that something this rad takes place in my own backyard. Cool shit only happens in LA while Wyland’s lame whales rule the Orange County art scene. Those preconceptions of mine were quickly turned inside out. To celebrate Thrasher’s thirtieth anniversary, a photographic timeline of sorts was on display. Shots from the likes of Stecyk and Ogden lined the walls. Everything from vintage Hosoi to modern Way and everything in between. It’s weird how seeing some of those shots brought me back the exact time and place I first laid eyes on them in the mag. That shot of Cardiel’s face all banged up and bloody and crusty was the most iconic and memorable for me. ALL HAIL.
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On the Love + Guts side of things, works by Cab, Lance, Ngoho, Neckface, Hosoi, Salba, Senn, Barbee and Olson were on display. Seeing these dudes I idolized as a kid (I still do, by the way) and chewing the cud with them was unreal. Ray Barbee also played a solo guitar set. That smile of his brings the stoke wherever he goes. Restravrant followed Ray and rocked, as usual. Oakley, being an integral part and huge sponsor of the traveling Love + Guts show and bringing it home to Orange County, gave me a new found respect for them. Thanks. Let’s hope they make a habit of putting on events as enjoyable as this. Also, thanks to Asahi for the free beers and ungodly hangover, cheers.
HOLIDAY 2011
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Photos: Derek Bahn :: Words: Pat Towersey // Crowd gathered in front of 1600 Pacific Ave, for the release of Hurley’s limited edition Rick Griffin T’s and shoes available only at Mollusk Surf Shop // Party people, in the sea of fun, drinking, jamming out, chatting away and cutting loose // The limited edition Converse shoes - Jack Purcell x Rick Griffin // Beautiful girl, Amber Poloney, standing out amongst the crowd // Dane Zaun, Brandon Guilmette and Mitchell Ross, camera ready // Jaime Arkill and Venice surf legend Ricky Massie // Mitch Abshire and Pat Towersey, ah yep // Venice skate park’s wonder kid, Asher, under the influence of Murph the Surf // Good Peoples – Mollusk’s Chad Marshall and Farmer Dave behind the register, with party people watching Denny Aaberg and the Cheater 5 // The full collection on display // Denny Aaberg (author of Big Wednesday and musician in the band the Farm) and the Cheater 5, whaling away. Hurley and Mollusk Surf Shop put on a party of epic proportions on Thursday November 10th, in Venice Beach CA. Those who attended will attest to the profound spiritual awakening that took place on this historic evening. After putting out a token of appreciation to the divine party gods, we merchandised the incredible Hurley’s Rick Griffin collection, which includes a pair of limited edition Jack Purcell Converse and five T-shirt styles, all exclusively carried at Mollusk Surf Shop. Once Denny Aaberg and the Cheater 5 started jamming, people got in the groove and started dancing. The music was incredible, they played for two hours and people danced all the way through, everyone was STOKED! Denny is a legend, he wrote the most iconic surf film of all time, Big Wednesday, and played in one of the most influential surf bands of the late 60’s and early 70’s, called FARM. Mollusk Venice Beach storeowner (Chad Marshall), among 1st point Malibu’s elite wave slayers, has been long time friends with Denny and was able to get him to play at the shop for the party. Whether it was Rick Griffin, Hurley, Mollusk Surf Shop, Chad Marshall or JC, probably a combination, the blending of generations really cemented the pure
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Aloha of the event. In one corner you had Venice skate wonder kid Asher Bradshaw and across the room, cult icon/luminary CR Stecyk. Proud party co-sponsor’s, Kona Longboard Lager and Voli Vodka, lubed up the party and kept everyone hydrated. Following the event, everyone headed over to the Shore House basement where Club Pacific was in full swing, Farmer Dave was owning it with some electric slide guitar mashed up with some DJ beats that made you move your feet. Everyone danced the night away, VIVA CLUB PACIFIC! Mollusk Surf Shop is located at 1600 Pacific Avenue, the heart of Venice Beach. Whether it’s the local surf or skate kids, a famous musician or Swedish movie producer, Mollusk is a welcoming home for all surf junkies and fans to swap stories and buy cool swag. Go To Mollusksurfshop.com or hurley.com to learn more about the collection.
Words: Raul Montoya :: Photos: Morgnar // Oil and Water-Hand Brush painted by Sonny Boy // Oil & Water gallery // Special Construction ‘77 Shovelhead by Kutty Noteboom of Hippy Killer Garage // Hippy Killer art by Jesper Bram // City Fog Surfboard shaped by Nick Palandrani, art by Rick Rietveld // Eriberto Oriol, Tito of The Pricks & James Banuelos // ‘47 Special Deluxe Plymouth // Occupy Known Gallery // Viva Evel gas tank by David Lozeau // Adelita gas tank by Menso, Helmets (L-R) Biltwell by Honky Kong, Biltwell by Jimbo Phillips, Lowbrow tank by Sonny Boy // James Banuelos, Zane & Mike Glory // OG RISK // City Fog Surfboard shaped by Nick Palandrani, art by OG Abel
I was invited to head up to LA on the 12th of November to check out the Oil and Water Art Show at the Known Gallery curated by Us Versus Them founder, James Banuelos and Mike Glory. The awesome thing about this event was the natural cohesion of the motorcycle, hot rod, and surf cultures that come out of Southern California. It was an amazing vibe being there and everyone was having a great time. I’ve been to a few of these types of events but this was probably one of the best, hands down. It also didn’t hurt that they had what seemed to be an endless supply of PBR! I’m not much of an art connoisseur per say, but the end product at the gallery was nothing short of amazing!
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To get in the meat and potatoes of this gallery, they brought together dozens of artists and craftsmen from their respective backgrounds and beyond - from legends to rookies. Each artist was provided a particular canvas: a blank board from City Fog Surfboards, helmets from Biltwell, gas tanks from Lowbrow Customs among other items. You can see behind the scenes videos on the Oil and Water website oilandwaterartshow.com, well worth the watch.
Words: Milk :: Photos: Le Panda // Jonas, Ronnie & Eric // Alex & Tyler // Italians // Larry Castro // Keegan, Currie, Ty & Bob // Chad & Travis // Doug & Morgan // Ako & Atiba // Osamu & Brea // We love the ladies // Taylor Lomg // Jesse Faen // Bob & Chris // Evan Insight presents 1000 WORDS, a Dethkills gangbang, featuring the artist’s freshest paintwork in collaboration with nine of the galaxies most talented lens men. What came first, the chicken or the egg? Fucking hell, who cares! The inspiration for Dethkills new works were clearly spun from a web of shutter speeds, f-stops and clicks of the finger - gotta love that fingering. The last 10 or 15 events put on by those twisted bastards over at Insight seriously rung my bell. I didn’t even know they sold clothes until a few weeks ago! I thought they were a group of Satanists sent from hell to destroy my liver and induce maximum public boner factor. Insight’s obviously a multi talented group, producing insane clothes coupled with hosting LA’s wildest parties. Most gatherings start with a handshake, a high-five or even a hug if it’s a babe. Not with Insight, I was greeted with a “donkey show” and some random chick grabbing my junk. God, I love it. Peligroso Tequila conjured up a lethal concoction, mixing a toxic blend of their finest agave and Australian ginger beer, cleverly named the “donkey show”... more like the “donkey punch.” Immediately hopped up on agave and sex, I pin-balled my way through a crowd of
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equally charged co-eds. Pork Chop Express, the new up-and-coming DJ super group featuring Ako and Atiba Jefferson, Tino Razo and Benny Needles served up a raw-ass plate of sound meat that worked as the evening’s sexual soundtrack. Successfully navigating the sea of tucked in gents and tastefully skanked-out females, I made it to the mini galleria. Photographs of lost souls were mirrored by Dethkills unique “wordsbecome-images” style never ceases to blow my wig right off my skull. Standout piece, “The Ultimate Despair”, shot by Rick Rodney had me pondering my pathetic existence. The pondering lasted roughly 25 seconds because I have the attention span of a gnat and there were people to harass and PBR’s to swill. Fuck it, I saw 1000 Words, now I want to drink 1000 brews and so did the rest of the party plungers. Amongst the madness I bumped into skate celebrity Dustin Dollin, longboard tip tickler Jared Mell and Malizoo’s finest Chad Marshall. The night was a complete shit show, silver lined by beautiful art and photography. If you have a wild boars hair up your ass and want to have your nipples stimulated check out 1000 Words because it’s running till January 3rd, 2012. Start the New Year off right with a little culture you goddamn heathens.
Š2011 Luxottica group. All rights reserved.
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Words: Eric Meyers :: Photos: Peter Morning // Seems like last chair was just yesterday // Jack Mitrani // Good times with Mason & Eddie // Trevor Jacob on the new Oakley rail // Luke Mitrani on the 40-footer // Boardin’ Gordon on the Monster jersey barrier // FRENDS crew // Live Show at Canyon Lodge // Chris Benchetler, Nate Farrell, Shayne Pospisil, & John J
The crowd grew restless, hoots and hollers erupted from the group and a collective culmination of excitement raced through the lift line as Mammoth Mountain’s Chair One began to spin through the cold and sunny morning of November 10th. Months of anticipation built up through video premieres and picking out fresh new gear was instantly forgotten as the 2011/12 season was officially underway. Hundreds of early risers where whisked up the hillside, heads on a swivel, picking out their first lines below them, or scoping out the bounty of jibs and jumps over in Main Park. Mammoth Mountain laid it all out for their Big Winter Kick-Off. The park had a few jumps, one weighing in at a possible early-season-record of 45-feet or so, and nearly too many jibs to fit on the trails that were open. The sun was out on Thursday, exuding a spring-like vibe – perfect conditions to shake the rust off your old snow legs. A storm met everyone up here for the weekend, rolling in throughout Friday and turning the park rats into powder hounds before night fell.
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The Big Winter Kick-Off was about more than reuniting the snow industry on the slopes after a short summer in the Sierras, as it also provided plenty of après options. Movie premieres of Standing Sideways, TB20, and Good Look coupled with autograph signings by Burton and DC team riders drew crowds armed with Instagram and ink throughout the weekend. On Friday night, Hyde Lounge hosted the launch party for volume two of Unbound Magazine, and on Saturday Canyon Lodge transformed into a concert hall with Ra Ra Riot and The Black Lips performing for thousands of rockers and a few impromptu mosh pits. The weekend wrapped up after another epic day of riding on Sunday, with a somber row of red taillights getting smaller as they descended down highway 395. The good news, however, is that those carloads of sore muscles and fuzzy memories will be back on December 17th for the Night of Lights firework extravaganza and a free show from The Naked and Famous.
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Interview: Max Ritter :: Photo: Bekah Cope Something is just so damn compelling about front man Ryan Sambol’s strained voice. Combined with his countrywestern influenced songwriting, it conjures a nostalgia that hints at the nasal heavy vocal tones of greats like Petty or Dylan. I am sure either of those two would have approved a slow burner tune like “Doueh.” Not to mention Ryan can play the harmonica pretty damn well. These are just a couple of the reasons why you should get into The Strange Boys new album Live Music. Produced by their fellow Texas native Jim Eno of Spoon, The Strange Boys never sounded better.
happened to those sessions and why didn’t it work out? I think it didn’t really work out because Jay was just at the height of his fame at the time. Blood Visions was so big at the time. He is the reason we got signed to In The Red Records just from his recommendation to Larry Hardy about us. We went in there and it was just kind of rush, you know. He said he was going to do it on tape and then he ended up wanting to do it on the computer. He was too busy to actually give time to it and we just weren’t feeling it. I don’t know what actually happen to those sessions.
You once worked with Jay Reatard. I guess I am wondering whatever
You have spent a lot of time recording here in Costa Mesa, CA at
The Distillery. How did you end up here of all places from Texas? We had heard good things about The Distillery. We ended up going to test it out. We hit it off with Mike McHugh and we really liked him. It was fun. It all just kind of came together. This new record is a lot more polished and matured. It feels like a different band than the last two records - talk about the changes here. It wasn’t really a conscious choice to try to make it cleaner or more polished. It was just kind of the circumstances really. That is kind of the way Jim Eno does it.
Talk about working on half of the album with Jim Eno of Spoon. Spoon is from Austin, close to where you guys are from, was that a dream come true? How did that all work out? You know, he is a really cool dude. He was really nice to us and has always been nice to us. I like giving him a hard time. We disagree on some things but it was always fun. Tell us a little about some of the friends who are guests on the album. What did they do and play? Jenna Thornhill Dewitt, she used to play Saxophone with us. She was on there for a little bit. Tim Presley from White Fence out in LA who has been
a good friend of ours forever, he sang some stuff on it. My favorite tune on the new record is “Doueh”. What does that mean? What is the song about? It’s about this African band called Doueh. I was in Lisbon, Portugal two years back on New Year’s Eve. My friend played me all this really great African music and it just blew my mind. I thought it was the coolest stuff I had heard in a really long time so I just wrote a song about that experience when I first heard them. What is going on in this video for “Me and You” and where did you guys sprout this idea?
I was just kinda trying to figure out an idea of what to do. I thought about how you always see pianos in different kind of places all the time. We did it in Austin in two days. We went around to as many places as we could think of. We told people it was a documentary about the disappearance of pianos because when we told them it was a music video they wouldn’t let us do it, but when we said it was a documentary everyone loved it. Was it hard to get a piano in the back of a truck? Those things are heavy. Yeah, I actually almost broke my finger doing that. There is this place in Austin that had a really broken down
one. We were like, “Can we borrow it” and they were like, “Yeah, if you can move it…” So we got these other four guys to help us get it in the back of the truck. Everyone was making fun of me because I always tell everyone to put on their seatbelts. I was the one in the back playing the piano on the highway. What is it like being full time on Rough Trade Records now? It’s nice. Everyone we have met inside the company absolutely loves music. Every record label says they do but Rough Trade really does. They are obsessed with it. You have a brother in the band, do
you not? You guys get along pretty good? Yeah. He’s alright (laughs). He is the manager of the group so I don’t want to talk too much trash on him. He is the business brain. What is playing in the tour van right now? The new Reigning Sound album. Where is the tour van going next? We are going to Greenpoint, Brooklyn! Right on! Thanks Ryan. Check out Live Music by The Strange Boys, it’s a good one.
Galaxy Theatre / Constellation Room:: November 10th, 2011
You can tip your hat to Jon Reiser for all the good shows you’ve ever seen at Detroit Bar and now you can thank him for turning that notorious dump of a venue, The Galaxy, into Orange County’s best all-ages music venue. Jon and his team recently purchased the venue and in addition to completely renovating the place, he is booking awesome bands. With a brand new stateof-the-art sound system the place sounds incredible. You will also no longer have to enter with a facemask. Thanks Mr. Reiser and Volcom for bringing us this awesome face melting show with High On Fire and cheers to many more memorable shows right here in our own backyard. We are stoked!
Photo & Review: Max Ritter
Reviews: Max Ritter
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Thee Oh Sees Carrion Crawler / The Dream In The Red
The Spits The Spits V In The Red
Pangea Living Dummy Burger Records / Lauren Records
Male Bonding Endless Now Sub Pop
Front man John Dwyer has pointed out this year’s second full LP release is a little more face melting than the vocally strange first, Castlemania. He is definitely right and that manic/crazed/ weird energy that has become so synonymous with their live performances couldn’t have been captured any better. Dare I say it’s their prime? Recorded live to tape, the band’s shredding solos, droning organs, and tight running bass lines are just so locked in the groove here. Dwyer and company are killing it.
Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke. The Seattle punker’s long awaited fifth self-titled LP picks up right where they left off with another dozen of their signature “mutant punk” gems as their legend continues to grow. Nothing has changed sonically here, The Spits are still sludgey Ramones that never left the dive bar. Another jewel out on In The Red.
Check out this punktified garage pop band from Los Angeles. Dude has a gem of a screechy/wailing/raspy voice with a lot of character and some pretty catchy hooks. Burger Records has vinyl and cassette tape versions out, and you can pick up a CD or MP3 version from Lauren Records. Shout out to our buddy Tommy from TRMRS for turning us on to these guys.
These Sub Pop standout Englishmen wisely hooked up with one of the best alt rock producers on the planet (John Agnello) for their second LP. After the all too familiar “lets ditch the tape hiss” conversation went down Mr. Agnello succeeded in giving their nineties alt pop revival sound some needed clarity and life. Less raw, but a better time.
AGE: 14 HOMETOWN: KIRKLAND, WA SPONSORS: ALMOST SKATEBOA RDS, TRIPPLE 8, ETNIES FAVORITE SKATERS: BOB BURN QUIST, PLG, JAKE BROWN, ADAM TAYLOR Photo: Ortiz
S M O Y: R B G D E T S BL!SS PRESEN
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Rider: Jesse Merle-Jones Photo: Joe Foster
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