BL!SSS Magazine | March 2018 | #127 by Blisss Mag

AG U S T I N E ISSUE 127

K o f ie

JOHN JOHN FLORENCE

RV C A .C OM

#PR IM ITIV EFUTUR ES

LEILA HURST / MAUD LE CAR v a n s. c om / ul t r ar ange

ENDLESS GOOD STUFF Mammoth is the place to be for big mountain winter fun. From laughs on the lift and fist pumps in the park to amazing outdoor adventures on snowmobiles, snowshoes and snow tubes, the winter fun never expires.

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C LANDES TINA

CU BA

RV C A .C OM

#PR IM ITIV EFUTUR ES

No. 127 Editor-in-Chief

nick ka l i o n z es nick@blisssmag.com

Editor

joey marshall joey@blisssmag.com

Creative Director

S A S H A LO P EZ sasha@blisssmag.com

Art Editor

l i z r ice m c C r ay liz@blisssmag.com

Snow Editor

j o n f r ancis jon@blisssmag.com

Music Editor

m a x r itte r max@blisssmag.com

Advertising ads@blisssmag.com

nick van de ka m p vandekamp@blisssmag.com

co nt r i b uting P h oto g r ap h e r s 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 co nt r i b uto r s 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 Blisssâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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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RNDMS:

RANDOMS // ISSUE NO. 127

01. VERTRA X JJF

Practicing safe sun is something we take very seriously as sun damage is becoming more and more relevant and it’s semi-avoidable. In Australia they teach kids in school at a very young age to “Slip-SlopSlap.” Meaning, slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen and slap on your hat. It’s cute and it’s catchy and it absolutely works. I’m guessing John John Florence is a fan of the “Slip-Slop-Slap” slogan as anyone that spends that much time under direct sunlight has got to be aware of what kind of damage is being done. So it’s no wonder that our current world champ has teamed up with the Vertra Elemental Resistance group and released his signature line of products. The staple Vertra JJF Signature Face Stick is a must for every surfer and at a reasonable $23 is as good as a sunscreen that we have ever seen. Order yours at www.vertra.com or at your local shop and start slopping it on today.

02. FANNING OUT

One of our favorite Californian photographers, Corey Wilson, just a released a tell-all book with three-time world champ Mick Fanning. Corey and Fano have pretty much spent the last five years together in what many can call Fanning’s most emotional half-decade of his entire life. This coffee table masterpiece contains personal, hand-written stories by Fanning accompanied with exquisite, and quite emotional, photography from the past five years of traveling together. From winning his third world title, the death of his brother to the infamous shark attack seen across the world, it’s got it all. Click your little fingers over to http://coreywilson.shop and order your copy today.

03. OLYMPIC GOLD

The good old U.S. of A. did not disappoint this go-around at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea. It all started [in our world at least] when seventeen year-old Red Gerard stole the show on his final run in the men’s slopestyle event, narrowly edging out Canada’s Max Parrot and Mark McMorris. Next up was Jamie Anderson in women’s slopestyle, where conditions were so terrible that just completing your run seemed to be the golden ticket. Korean-American and California phenom Chloe Kim became the youngest woman in Olympic snowboarding to ever win a medal – and gold it was. And the following day saw the resurgent of “The Flying Tomato” [Shaun White], as he looked absolutely possessed and more focused than any other snowboarder at the Olympics. The USA snowboard team contributed to nearly half, four of the nine, of all gold medals won – big congratulations to all.

04. TOM SCHAAR TURNS PRO

The boys and girls at Element Skateboards surprised one of their own this past month when they officially elevated Tom Schaar to “pro” status. The soirée went down at Tony Hawk’s indoor ramp in Vista, CA where hundreds of family and friends eagerly waited for Tom to arrive and surprise him with his new pro model board and the good news. This comes as no shock as Tom is one of the best transition skaters of modern times. His new board is available now so go to www.elementbrand.com or your local shop to grab one today.

05. ALOHA POKÉ COMPANY

Aloha mister Hand! With so many poké shops popping up all over the place it’s hard to differentiate one gem from the next. Let us introduce you to Aloha Poké Co. They’re new to the neighborhood [283 East 17th Street in Costa Mesa] and their all-female dream team consisting of McKensie Kahnweiler, Viv Smith and Maggie Porter are serving up some the freshest and most delicious bowls we’ve come across in quite some time. Keeping it sustainable, Aloha Poké only sources fresh, line-caught pacific tuna and farmed-raised Atlantic salmon for their oh-so-delicious bowls. But the real draw for this new delight has got to be their sauces. Whether you like it hot [Volcano Sauce please] or wanna keep it traditional with their Spicy Aioli or Samurai, they’ve got a little something for everyone. What’s that, you’re Vegan or G-free, they’ve got that covered too, so go ahead and give them a try, your taste buds will thank you.

06. KAVIDIOL

Anyone who’s been to Tavarua is likely to already know about the magical healing powers of the indigenous root Kava Kava. The ceremony itself is something special and upon consuming your bowl, and with a clap of the hands, it’s hard not to notice the numbing effect in your mouth. Let us introduce you to Kavidiol, the topical pain reliever made up from Kava Kava and a full spectrum hemp extract. The result is a powerful anti-inflammatory, pain reliever and muscle relaxer that actually helps you heal and speeds up your recovery from injury. The full spectrum hemp extract used is non-psychoactive and non-addictive and thus far has had zero negative side effects. To learn more about this healthy alternative and/or to order your own visit www.kavidiol.com. ISSUE 127

RNDMS:

RANDOMS // ISSUE NO. 127

01. CHIMA PRO 2

One of the best from down under, Chima Ferguson has just released his latest signature shoe with Vans, The Chima Pro 2. Upgrades to the new shoe make it lighter and stronger with integrated duracap technology and an ultracush lite 3d sockliner – basically increasing responsiveness, cushioning, support and boardfeel – everything you need to rip like Chima. Along with the shoe, he’s also got his signature polo and long sleeve, all available now at www.vans.com or where finer skate products are sold.

02. CHOE HOUSEWARES

Legendary artist and long time friend of the mag, David Choe, has gotten all Martha Stewart on us. He most recently released a slew of must-have housewares items exclusively through his website, www.davidchoe. com. His watercolor Korean blankets are bright and beautiful masterpieces that are shipping now and can be on your couch or bed by end of week. They’ll go good with the Choe duvet cover, Choe throw pillow and Choe shower curtain you most certainly already have. So yes, make your entire house easier on the eyes and at the same time support one of the most interesting, unfiltered humans we’ve ever met.

03. REGATTA GINGER BEER

Regattas aren’t just for sailors anymore, let us introduce you to Regatta Ginger Beer. We were lucky enough to get a little office visit from Regatta’s Todd Engstrum, who laced us up with latest ginger delight and a bottle of rum. It’s has literally been dark and stormy since and to be honest office life has actually been a bit more pleasurable. Whether you’re a fan of Moscow Mules, Stormies [as we like to call them] or just want the refreshing taste of ginger, Regatta Ginger Beer is now our go-to for any situation. Next time your in the market give them a try or click over to www.regattagingerbeer.com and see all they have on offer – it’s that delicious ginger zing with none of the bite!

04. MERGE4 X SUBLIME

Sublime may very well have been the most influential band in the 90’s by blending the sounds of stoner-rock, reggae, dub, punk and hip-hop funk; essentially creating their own culture and pretty much redefining an entire era. So it really shouldn’t come as a big surprise that the boys and girls at Merge4 have just dropped their latest collaboration with the iconic band. With two pair of graphic socks available, paying homage the legendary Sublime Sun and the infamous Sublime dog, Louie Dog, these socks will not only keep your feet dry and warm, but will do in style. They’re hands down our latest favorite sock company and keep raising the bar on the sock game. Head over to www.merge4.com and see all the great options out there for ya.

05. YETI RAMBLER

Anyone who knows anything about coolers and keeping beverages and food cold has got to be familiar with the brand Yeti. Their ever-growing lineup is impressive as ever and available for everyone at Crown Ace Hardware. Newest to our drinking quiver is the Yeti Rambler 14 oz. Mug. It’s the toughest, most over-engineered camp mug out there. And unlike traditional camp mugs, this double-wall vacuum-insulated body protects hands from hot or cold contents while keeping coffee, chili, oatmeal – you name it – well-insulated. The mug’s wide opening means contents are easily accessible, but will cool quicker. That’s why the mug comes with the standard Rambler 30 oz. Lid (also compatible with the Rambler 30 oz. MagSlider Lid) so you can cap it and keep it hot until you’re good and ready. For a location near you, go to www.CrownAce.com.

06. SHARK EYES

We respect all people that “live it” instead of simply preaching it, and that’s exactly why we know the company Shark Eyes is the real deal. Owner/founder Shanan Worrall is a West Oz hellman – big wave surfer, abalone diver, spear fisherman and all-around waterman. And if you live and surf in West Oz it’s not if you’re gonna see one but when. After experiencing it first hand, when fellow abalone diver Greg Pickering was attacked and nearly killed. Shanan knew something had to be done. Borrowing an idea from ancient Asian tribes who wore mask on the back of their heads to thwart tigers from attacking them, Shark Eyes was born. The concept is easy, take away the element of surprise and the less likely you are to get attacked by one of these ferocious predators. Easy to use, non-invasive and extremely affordable, if you’re in the water where big sharks live why not invest in extra set of eyes. They’re available now at www.sharkeyesusa.com and shark conscious retailers.

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ISSUE NO. 127

PRODUCT REVIEWS:

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Modern Marlin Stretch Fit Hat // $22

Smithington II // $160

110L Split Roller // $220

Sunscreen Remover Wipes // $15 (pack of 20)

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JPT-TS44 // $400

Cassius Knife // $65

Wegener X INT Bluegill // $700

Wet and Dry Elite // $240

Tangle Free Comp // $29.95

Ultrarange // $80

V12 Aloha // $44.95

ESPO Hotel Terry Sandal // $36

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ENJOY THE JOURNEY. LEAVE NOTHING BEHIND.

Commemorating Mammoth Unbound for winning Transworldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s #1 Terrain Park in North America

BLISSS MAGAZINE // ISSUE NO. 127

Anthony Hurd:

words // LIZ RICE MCCRAY

Anthony describes his work as a selfish endeavor of exploring his own personal demons and understanding the ever-changing landscapes of life, a way of expressing sometimes the inexpressible. Since the loss of his sister ten years ago, and a series of unfortunate events including the end of an 18-year relationship, following life has been a seeming test of survival mentally, physically and spiritually. The motifs change over time but currently the works he’s pursuing focus on cyclical nature of life, the rise and fall, the destruction and rebirth, the dark and light. Fighting depression and anxiety with introspection and personal growth, the work is a bit of a celebration of survival, and the depths of darkness that have revealed his own personal greatest truths. Namely, that most everything he thought about himself is unfounded, untrue, that life is the unknown, that he is an emotional being. His connection with the world is to be determined by his own actions and pursuit. Ever changing, always a work in progress, his work and process are fluid and changes on a whim, without a plan from its creation, seeing where the roads lead, hoping for a peaceful and educational resolve. Favorite question to ask, where are you at this present moment? So we have a visual during our interview. Haha, I’m sitting in my living room, watching old episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race, with the dog at my feet, boyfriend at my side, a living room full of left over mess from a weekend with the kiddo, and a pot of chili cooking in the kitchen. Domesticity. Sounds lovely, your artist profile is pretty moving, will you tell our reader a little about yourself what makes you tick? I guess what makes me tick is always changing. I’m just always trying to find my center. I am very driven to find and remain in some form of authenticity and truth, which isn’t always easy. I’ve had more than my shares of ups and downs over the years but it seems to somehow always fuel me with the incentive to push forward and pursue things I love and enjoy. Life is difficult, it’s riddled with suffering and pain but there are so many rewards along the way too. So many great people and touching stories, everyone a mirror of sorts, showing me aspects of life I need to cultivate and aspects I need to let go of. Your paintings could almost be mistaken as digital; will you talk about the creative process? My process is pretty open really. I generally don’t go in with many ideas or preconceived notions on where it’ll go. I like to lay paint down and start pulling out shapes, and building on them, let the landscapes build out of the chaos and run with it. There are times when I go in with a specific idea in mind but I leave it open to change and allow a lot of room for plenty of improvising. How does your commercial work inform your studio practice or vice versa? Or do you keep them completely separate? They stay pretty separate. I didn’t paint for about ten years while my design career was getting going and I reached back out to art as an escape from that world mostly. While there are elements that cross over in terms of some aesthetics I tend to be a lot more experimental with my artwork and a lot less structured.

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Will you tell us about your commercial design work and some of your projects? My design work has spanned a lot of different areas. I worked primarily on movies websites and advertising for years, then moved more into broadcast commercials and television work, and the last few years have been a lot more brand focused. I still do storyboards and concept work but I tend to do a lot more general brand exploration and development. Seeing how marks and brands can evolve over the length of a campaign. What artists are you really into right now? I’m always fascinated with Erik Jones. He takes so many risks in his process and explores so many shapes and colors. I just love how vibrant all of his work is. Robert Hardgrave is one of my lifetime favorites. He is another one who just pushes mark making, shapes and compositions to such great heights. I like a lot of really expressive painters as well but I couldn’t narrow that down to anyone specific at the moment. We featured Erik awhile back and really enjoy his work. And we should feature Robert Hardgrave. Can you tell us where can people check out more of your art? My Instagram, @anthonyhurd, is where I post the most, and my personal website at www. anthonyhurd.com is where I post all my most recent works at a larger scale too. I’m starting to do open studio tours once a month here in Austin as well, where people can come in and see my works in progress in person, which is fun. Any last words for our readers? Do what makes you happy. Remember that not everyone is going to care, enjoy or support you on that path. Deal with life on life’s terms. Meaning shit is going to go down and there is nothing you can do to change that, accept it, let it go, move through it. What we resist persists. These are the lessons I’m tackling yet again for myself, seems like it’s what I see the most in others as well. Very well said, thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions. Thank you!

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Amar Stewart:

words // jason arnold

Amar Stewart [amarstewart.com] grew up in a typical suburb of London, Leamington Spa, as a self-described “chubby, skateboarding, snowboarding sneaker-head.” After making the move to the Big Smoke he was able to acquire the license to run the UK franchise store of the heavily-art focused, San Francisco-based Upper Playground, which led to curating many shows, taught him much about the art world and helped him rediscover his passion for painting. In addition, Amar opened up his own gallery in Covent Garden for a spell. Currently, Amar is focused on oil as his preferred art medium; he has been most noted in the past for his series of relevant hip hop icons garbed in 17th century attire. In 2014 Amar made the move across the Atlantic to New York City to further his career. Little did he know that one of his initial promotions would lead to national media attention; this is what went down in his own words: “When I first moved to Brooklyn a friend of mine who owned The Cotton Candy Machine offered to give me a month long residency in the gallery to create a body of work, followed by a solo show. On the opening night the place was packed out. I was talking to these guys who turned out to be plotting an art heist. They lifted three large oil paintings from the storage during the opening and exited through the fire escape. Sean, the owner, noticed and chased down one guy who was carrying a five-foot by four-foot portrait of Basquiat I painted. He got arrested and the others got away. Two months later the other two paintings were returned to the D.A.’s office anonymously. The story went nationwide on ABC, CBS, NY1 and Good Morning America; Wild!” Needless to say, things were looking like they just might take off for Amar until he received devastating news in 2016; Amar was diagnosed with Stage 4 Squamous Cell Carcinoma – CANCER! His tongue was removed and replaced with muscle tissue from his leg, his lymph nodes and eleven teeth were removed as well. “I’ve been left with some pretty big scars physically and emotionally but fortunate to still be here,” says Amar. “I just want to paint and enjoy the small things in life. When you go through something like cancer it really puts things into perspective. I just want to focus on things that make me happy and being in the studio being creative is what makes me happy which is what I want for the future.” They say that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger; I’d say Amar is a living example of the strength of human fortitude and a will to survive – an inspiration to many.

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SUPER TASTE:

BLISSS MAGAZINE // ISSUE NO. 127 photography / dominic petruzzi / @dominicpetruzzi model / fiona barron / @fiona.bl agency / mp management los angeles swimsuit / body glove

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This year’s Volcom Pipe Pro got better and better

as the contest days went by, which is how a contest should be, right? At first, the forecast seemed dreadful and the early rounds saw local favorites just squeaking by in tricky Backdoor conditions. However, by the time the final hooter sounded and a champion was lifted on his pal’s shoulders, it had become another Volcom Pipe Pro to remember. Maybe it’s the fact that there’s such a strong contingent of hungry Qualifying Series surfers, maybe it’s the beginning of the year that has everyone as fired up as ever, or just maybe it’s the depth of hard chargers that Volcom has on their roster [from Maui’s Imaikalani Devault, to Australian free-surf wizard Noah Deane and the newly added Pipe heavyweights of Kalani Chapman, Mikey Redd, Takayuki Wakita and Jonah Morgan]? Regardless of what it was, this Volcom Pipe Pro, like many others, brought the heat!

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For this year’s event, when Pipe and Backdoor finally delivered there was no shortage of talent in the water, and more times than not waves were ridden to their full potential and beyond. Highlights from the event were abundant with guys like Mason Ho, Joan Duru and Koa Smith surfing with confidence and nailing high 9’s. There were perfect 10’s that were posted from ex-Volcom rider and Costa Rica’s Carlos Munoz as well as North Carolina’s Cam Richards. Cam would wind up being arguably the surfer of the event. His approach was fearless and full on. Not to be outdone, Jack Robinson had one of the nuttiest Backdoor waves of the entire event. He rode over a hefty foam ball section and was given a meager 9.8 with many of the commentators claiming BS. The wave was a 10. The upset of the event saw John John Florence flying all the way back from Australia to face off against wildcard Noah Deane. Noah went out and casually defeated the current World Champ and past Volcom Pipe Pro Champ, showing the world that he is a force to be reckoned with in gnarly conditions from West Oz to the North Shore. Finals day dawned with first-reef Pipe bombs unloading, and everyone knowing it was going to be a special day. The day belonged to one guy though, and that was Josh Moniz. Josh’s performance leading into the final was a mirror image of his personality. Josh quietly made heat after heat throughout the event, at times just scratching by and doing what he needed to do to make it through. Josh has talent oozing from him and is accustomed to throwing himself over the ledge. In the final he faced Weslley Dantas, Cam Richards and arguably the world’s best at Pipeline, Jamie O’Brien. Josh got out to a solid start, but in the back half of the heat he made a major priority error, giving up a perfect ten to Jamie O’Brien. There was still time on the clock though and Josh composed himself. A Pipe wave came and in the dying minutes Josh took off, knifed it and emerged after the spit. The crowd erupted as he earned the score and a cheer from his family and friends up the beach. That night the Billabong house celebrated Josh Moniz as a humble champion who had earned the title of 2018 Volcom Pipe Pro Champion and World Qualifying Series leader at the beginning of the 2018 season.

Not a bad start to 2018 Joshy, congrats!

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PREVIOUS SPREAD: JOSH MONIZ FINDS A GEM, OPPOSITE PAGE - TOP: JAMIE OBRIEN GETTING SOME SHADE, BOTTOM: VOLCOM - TRUE TO THIS, THIS PAGE - TOP: CAM RICHARDS ON A MEATY ONE, BOTTOM: MASON HO - RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME ISSUE 127

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OPPOSITE PAGE - TOP TO BOTTOM: NOA DEANE COMING IN HOT, NOA - ALL SMILES, TAKING NOTES, JOAN DURU, THIS PAGE - TOP: KOA SMITH, BOTTOM: IAN GOUVEIA

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Growing up in Milford, Massachusetts it was hard to standout as an individual. In the seventh grade I picked up a skateboard because I saw one small group of kids in my hometown that were skateboarding. Eleven years later I live in Huntington Beach, California with all the same friends I admired when I was a kid. It all started back when my mom and aunts bought me my first camera for my 15th birthday at Skaters Edge in Taunton, MA. I quit all other sports and fell in love with filming/editing videos of our local, small-town crew. Skateboarding became my only interest and hobby, and as I got older I realized Massachusetts didn’t have much for me and my passion for skateboarding. The road was not easy but I came to Cali in 2013 and attended film school at OCC while working retail for Quiksilver and interning at DC Shoes. Fast-forward five years, I can’t believe how far I’ve come and what I’ve accomplished. I run the Digital Media Program for Woodward West during the Summer, a place I had always dreamed of attending while I was a kid. I’m teaching kids photography and video, the same things I was passionate about when I was their age. You can catch me around Orange County skateboarding and taking videos/photos. @bzillaaa

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How did you get into photography? I always had a video camera growing up and pretty much as soon as I went to Woodward I figured out how to really shoot photos.

Why did you decide to move to California? I was working in a warehouse in Massachusetts after high school that had nothing going for me and I decided I wanted to go to college in California after vacationing in California with my friend Stefan Lundberg.

What’s your favorite photo you have even taken? The photo I took of David Reyes doing a backside nose blunt on an 8-stair rail at Woodward West. After I took that, I realized I was pretty good at this and I could be a good photographer. It’s that photo that made me realize I could do photography. Who or what inspired you to become a photographer? I’ve always had a passion for skateboarding and I felt like shooting photos was a part of me and it’s a part of skating. What do you look for when taking a photo? I try to see cool spots that would look good and I also look for my skaters to be comfortable. I mess around with different angles while they’re trying the trick and I switch angles about 20 times to try to see the moment like how I grew up seeing photos in magazines. What kind of car do you drive? I drive a 2007 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg. What is your favorite deck to skate? Right now, I’m skating a Zero team deck.

What is your favorite camera to shoot with? Probably my 70-D.

What is your favorite lens? I have a fish eye lens I bought for $120 and it does the job - I think it’s an Opteka. What do you like to skate? I mainly like to skate rails, flat ground and lines. What is your favorite skate trick? Probably a varial heel flip.

What do you always buy at the gas station? Usually gas… and a Hubert Lemonade. What is your pet peeve? I hate feeling rushed, overwhelmed or late.

What made you move to California? What was the turning point? I didn’t want to work in Boston anymore and I knew if I wanted to pursue skateboarding I had to move out to California. What is your favorite candy? Airheads.

What is your favorite city? That’s hard… probably Boston because I’m from there and if I didn’t say that my friends would give me shit. Also, anywhere in Orange County, I love O.C. What is your favorite city to skate? Downtown Tempe, Arizona. What is your sign? I’m an Aries.

What is your spirit animal? Oh god, probably something on an island…

What is your favorite fashion trend of 2018? Toe cap shoes.

What fashion trend needs to be left in 2017? Colored camo pants. What skate trick needs to be left in 2017? Manuals.

Who will win Street League this year? Honestly, I don’t know. I havent watched in a long time but I’m assuming if Nyjah is in the mix he will probably win. Who will win SOTY 2018? It’s too early to tell but they’re going to have to be crazy. Who has the best 360 flip in the game? I always like Mike Mo’s Tre flip.

Who has the best laser flip in the game? Manny Santiago.

Which city has the best nightlife in OC/LA? Downtown HB is fun, Newport is fun.

Do you shoot other sports? Yeah, any action sport, BMX, mountain biking and surfing.

What is your favorite thing to shoot outside of skating? Lifestyle photos on 35mm film.

What was your first break? Woodward West learning from Grant Brittain, Travis Mortz and Shelby Grimnes. Who would you like to shoot with or for? Outside of skating, musicians and rappers. Are you sponsored? No sponsors… yet.

Where are you from? Milford, Massachusetts.

Where do you live now? Huntington Beach, CA.

Have you ever been injured? Yes, dislocated my elbow – flat ground landed primo and shot out.

What advice would you give a kid trying to get into photography? You don’t even need the most expensive equipment, just a basic camera setup with manual settings and a good flash and you’re good.

“I’ve seen a lot of people try to pursue this dream and it always comes down to how passionate you really are. BZ is 100% passion and that’s why he is gonna make it.” – Chris Ray

PREVIOUS SPREAD: David_Reyes_BS_Noseblunt_Woodward West, THIS PAGE - TOP: Sam_Curran_FS_Lipslide_Hollywood_Highschool, BOTTOM LEFT: Christian Hosoi.Judo Air. Woodward West, BOTTOM RIGHT: Christian_Twellman_FS_Feeble_Hollywood_Highschool, OPPOSITE PAGE: Alex_Hancak_Hippie_Jump_Santa_Ana

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“BZ is one of the coolest, most down to earth people I have ever met! On top of that he is focused, dedicated and passionate about skateboarding, which makes us life long friends. Keep killing it Brian, excited to see where your ambitions take you.” – Anthony Shetler

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*Ruti Talmor is Assistant Professor of Media Studies at Pitzer College. In addition to her research and teaching, Talmor works as a curator and programmer.

Inspired by the basic building blocks of the geometric world, Augustine Kofie has formed a retro-futuristic aesthetic which transplants these shapes and angles into a simultaneously soulful/organic, mechanical/ mathematical form of abstraction. Merging a traditional graffiti education with a lifelong exploration of predigital line-art illustration, architectural renderings, and mechanical concept drawing, Kofie manipulates form and line, balance and depth, to create paradoxical perspectives and spaces in his murals, paintings and collages. Born and raised in Los Angeles, the son of creatives, Kofie exceled in drawing by his early teens. A prominent member of the 1990s Los Angeles graffiti scene, he gained his technical foundation from the art form, as well as his love of construction and form. Drafting and sketching â&#x20AC;&#x153;wildstyleâ&#x20AC;? pieces, deconstructing and rebuilding letterforms, Kofie began to understand the architectural basis of writing. By the early 2000s, he had expanded his artistic practice into the gallery and museum world through painting and collage, while continuing his mural practice. 42

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“There’s control, there’s balance, there’s little fractals of memory thrown in – different time periods come in through found text and imagery that’s almost obscured” When you make work, what is the message or intention you have in your mind? What are you literally thinking as you work? What do you want the viewer to think and feel? I guess I don’t think about the end result or the viewer. I make work that covers particular points that I need to achieve. Ultimately, what I’m doing is building a painting. I’m thinking like that—like an engineer or a planner, a model maker of structures that never existed and will never be built. So I’m focused solely on creating a shape or a form, manually painted lines and assisted lines, merging, organizing, clustering. The control of chaos is I guess what I’m trying to go towards – a balance. At the end of the piece, when it’s coming together, it ends up being about balancing everything out, all this weight and all this information. My goal is to make this chaotic clustering seem balanced and complete. I want for people to feel uneasy but to get drawn in and see what that the balance holds. There’s control, there’s balance, there’s little fractals of memory thrown in – different time periods come in through found text and imagery that’s almost obscured – I want the viewer to figure it out. I’m process driven, did this work out or not am I happy with it? I don’t make work unless there’s some challenge to it. So that’s why the work gets a little intense: the collisions and things feeling banged up against each other. But I feel like I succeed if I can get away with that and still have some harmony and balance to it all. Do you feel like that’s an outlet of your emotional self? Yeah. It absolutely is. I’d be worried if it wasn’t. And maybe other people feel the same way when they see the work, people who are obsessive-compulsive or have an appreciation or affinity toward organizing. There’s a satisfaction when you see things all well organized together—like someone’s record collection.

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Some people’s work is fundamentally political, for others its exploration of sensorial or emotional experience. What do you feel you explore in your work? I’m the mechanic of things. I’m behind the scenes, the machine that runs the system. You know it’s there but you don’t know how it works. Maybe I’m lying to myself, and I’m creating machines that I think I have control over, but I have no control at all. Maybe that’s a false reality: building these paintings is the only control I have. Can you explain the collision of time periods? I like my work to seem like it can’t easily be fit into a particular place and time. It looks like it’s from the past because of its vintage color palette, the aging techniques, some of the materials – but then it has this progressive, futuristic (for lack of a better words) structure. Forward thinking but somehow trapped in time. It’s quite a challenge to pull off timeless. That’s why I like doing collage. The collage kind of overpowers my body of work. I’ve been doing it more than canvas, more than murals – it’s more time consuming, and it’s more involved, which satisfies me greatly. Why? Because it covers so many points for me in terms of process. It covers the researcher, the collector, the consolidator (in terms of organizing and archiving all those materials), the builder (by getting all the tools together to start the collage project and then figuring out the solutions to design problems that come up), the craftsman and the engineer.

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That’s a perfect segue to my next question. Your collage work is always built on vintage ephemera – magazines, packaging, invoice pads, office supplies. You get most of these materials in estate sales in the greater Los Angeles area. Can you tell us more about this part of your process? I have been compulsively mapping out the tiny corners of this city since childhood, first as a skateboarder, then as a graffiti writer, and most recently through my estate sale practice. I’m a digger, a consumer of the vintage. I replace anything new with old things from these sales. I originally was going to get records and spray paint materials, and then I started finding materials for my audio projects. And that led to my incorporating this stuff in my work. It’s the best way I have found to narrate the past – by using materials from the past and upcycling them. I don’t feel like I’m being wasteful. I feel like I’m justifying this collecting by reconstituting it creatively. And along this trip, I’m going through these homes of people that are all Angelinos, with all these different stories. I can’t get too involved in their stories, but I have a deep respect for the material, all the different neighborhoods, the different backgrounds and generations. The electrical engineers, the machinists, the architectural draftsmen – all these professions that are no longer practiced in the hands-on, analog way that they once were. The baby-boomers who kept everything, the old do-it-yourself men, working in the garage on the weekend with true American know-how; this wasn’t part of my particular past, those white picket fence memoirs. I have nostalgia for that, a respect for that work, and I feel like integrating the material into my new work is a homage, a juxtaposition. How I can take something from the past and make it current by highlighting it in an abstract way?

In addition to being a visual artist, you are immersed in music, especially independent hip-hop and plunderphonics. You make soundtracks for each of your solo shows. Do you feel like sampling is an important part of your process and a helpful way to think about your visual work? Absolutely. The narrative of my work is a lot of taking in information and material and then filtering it and sending it back out. I first realized that was possible through hip-hop production and taking sound bites and breaks from the past, extending, expanding, filtering them, then putting them out into a new composition that in itself became timeless to me. When I began exploring music and manipulating and sampling it, it made sense to me, I couldn’t wait to do that. To this day I still do it in my own way, and it was always personal, it was always to create my own audio landscapes during my painting and my art process. I think I apply that especially to my collage work, which factors in a lot of those same methods. Do you feel like part of what you are trying to control is the movement of time and the disappearance of the past? I ask because part of your mission seems to be a kind of saving of things that would otherwise be lost to time. To a degree. I’m optimistic for the future, but I reminisce often about my youth, and a past that I maybe have no real cultural connection to. What past is that? The past just before my time. Anything pre-1973. Everything I’m dealing with is all refuse, consumerist ephemera that wasn’t meant to be kept: magazines, packaging, notepads, it’s all just paper, dead tree material. I’m a funny kid; I see beauty in things that are just trash to someone else. There’s this Buddhist phrase, “The ephemeral is eternal.” I’m not religious in any way, but I like that wordage. I guess in the abstract sense, I take material from that time period and somehow by making an abstract time machine, I link these two universes and create my own histories.

“I’m the mechanic of things. I’m behind the scenes, the machine that runs the system. You know it’s there but you don’t know how it works.” SPREAD: Boston - photo - ToddMazer

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“I want to surf bigger and heavier waves and get barreled. I know my time will come.” PREVIOUS SPREAD: PHOTO - STAN SEIVERS LEFT: PHOTO - NICK MEISTRELL ABOVE: PHOTO - BRENT BEILMAN BELOW: PHOTO - NICK MEISTRELL

Give us a quick rundown of where you were born and raised? I was born at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach and then lived in Seal Beach for a couple of years of my life. I then had to move because I had really bad asthma. We moved to Long Beach because of that and I’ve lived there ever since.

How is it being a pro surfer from Long Beach? I mostly go surf down south because most of my friends live down south and I’ve always just liked going surfing down south. I usually like to go to Ventura a lot if the waves are good, and LA a bit, but I do usually surf down south in Huntington and Newport.

Who is the crew that you’re mostly cruising with? I mostly hang with Tyler Gunter, Dylan Hord and Wil Reid. Usually in the morning I’ll head to Tyler’s house and we’ve got a little routine where we’ll surf and then maybe go for a little workout and grab some food… I noticed you guys have been into getting some ginger shots to start off your day? Yeah, this past month we’ve been trying to be pretty healthy and get ready for the competitive year to start. We’re just trying to train and prepare and get better.

Give us a little history of your young career. My first major sponsor was Quiksilver, and that was during NSSA Westerns. After that I moved over to Fox for about three years. That was insane. Frankie D’Andrea and Christian Saenz were really cool to me. Big wins for me were the Volcom TCT World Champs and then the Rip Curl Grom Search Internationals at Ala Moana Bowls. That one was one of my favorite events. Matt Meyers (Rip Curl TM) was so cool and it was his camp that we all stayed in. I was trying to do my own thing and then Meyers had us all get together and bond. My most recent one was winning the North American region juniors overall ranking.

Right now you’re 20 years old, what are your goals for the year? My goal this year is to make it into the 10,000’s and build up my points on the Qualifying Series. My goal is also just to get mentally stronger. There are a lot of good guys on the QS and I just want to have my head right. How was the end of this past year? You went up to Mavericks and got some big waves? Yeah, I went up there with a few of my friends. The start of surfing there was pretty intense. We went up there and it wasn’t really breaking. We were on the cliff watching and waiting for it to turn on. Jaimie Mitchell went out on the ski, Tyler Gunter and John Mel went out on his ski and then Sage Burke and I paddled out from the beach. Out in the lineup it wasn’t that big yet. It was 15-foot, maybe 20-foot and as the session went on it got bigger and bigger. John and them were looking to get a quick start, but I wanted to wait for a bit and not sit on the inside and get caught. I got a medium sized one and it ended up being one of the best sessions of my life. We all had dinner together afterwards, and stayed up at our friend Brogie’s house in Pacifica.

What’s your favorite aspect of surfing right now? Right now what’s getting me the most psyched is thinking about going on a surf trip. I’m doing what I’m supposed to right now, and getting better in the small stuff and grinding for the QS. But I’m waiting for my time to do my thing in bigger surf, because that’s what I want to do. I want to surf bigger and heavier waves and get barreled. I know my time will come. What wave are you visualizing? I’d love to go to Cloudbreak. Cloudbreak is like my favorite wave. Just watching videos from there makes me want to go back. I went there when I was 13 and I realized that I never wanted to be scared again in waves like that.

Who are your major sponsors right now? Body Glove is my main sponsor and then Rockstar as well.

Is it a tough time for young pro surfers like yourself to get the backing they feel they deserve? Yeah, absolutely. After I was finished with Fox I didn’t have a sponsor for a long time, and then Body Glove came into the picture. There are so many really good guys that get great publicity but then get dropped out of nowhere. Tyler Gunter lost his sponsor, and it’s definitely feeling like times are rough. I’m really happy to have Body Glove on my side. Does this motivate you that much more? Yeah, definitely. I’m just trying to better myself that much more and not have people forget about me.

What’s the end goal for you? My main goal would be to qualify for the Championship Tour. I feel like once you qualify it would feel like it got that much easier. You get to travel and surf all of these great waves. The QS is an actual grind, so I feel like I’d maybe have a lot more time off to make video parts. Any final shout outs? I’ll give a shout out to my manager John Oda! Thanks for the time, Nolan! Go surf! Alright, Thank you!

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WORDS _ PAT MOORE PHOTOS _ SCOTTY ARNOLD

This past January Vans Snowboarding released their first team film, Landline. From the first sight at the world premiere in Denver, CO, it has been boasted as an “instant classic” and a “staple film” in the current state of snowboarding. The mix of top tier snowboarding and beautiful filmmaking, exclusively using 16 mm film, is an ode to the past while a push towards the future. The production value of the editing and music selection leaves you tapping your feet and itching to go ride yourself. Tanner Pendleton was the film’s director and he, with the assistance of his crew, created a product that truly portrays snowboarding as an art form. Something that so many filmmakers have strived for, but so many have fell short.

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The cast spans decades from legendary riders like Bryan Iguchi and Jamie Lynn to some of Vans’ newest members such as Cole Navin and Jake Kuzyk. If there’s one thing that’s for certain, the riders went all-in on this project, spending months on trips in places all around the globe: Russia, Scandinavia, Japan, Canada and even Iceland.

With two years of footage to work with, Tanner cherry-picked only the best shots, where the riders and the images were the most aesthetically pleasing. The trick and spot selections are unbelievable, with so many of the shots leaving you to pause and say, “How did they think of that?” The progression of snowboarding in this film went far beyond an additional rotation or an extra flip. It was portrayed in the way the riders and the cinematographers captured snowboarding, where the look of the shot and its feeling was as valuable as the trick itself.

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Snowboarding has evolved a lot over the years and with so many of the classic and groundbreaking production companies fading out there has been a strong urge amongst the fans and industry alike for something fresh. Even though Landline is a step forward in snowboard videos, you can certainly see influences from a lot of the classics. Touches of great videos such as The Garden to more recent milestones like Burning Bridges can be felt throughout the 45-minutes of play. With many new filmmakers like Tanner Pendleton now taking the reigns of snowboarding, their appreciation and motivation from classic snowboarding is very respectable. There’s a lot of excitement over what’s to come from all snowboard media in the coming years, but that isn’t to take away from the unmatched support that Vans committed to, specifically to Tanner’s vision.

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LEFT: Parker Szumowski treeride, ABOVE: Pat Moore lifey, ABOVE RIGHT: Mike Rav polejamindy, RIGHT: Pat Moore f9tail, BELOW: Mike Rav Tanner Pendelton, BOTTOM: Harry Hagan 16mm

For 25 years now Vans has held unyielding support for snowboarding. From their first days of making snowboard boots in 1993 till today, their values have always stayed the same. An example of this is in their team members. Looking back to their original lineup of Shaun Palmer, Jamie Lynn and Circe Wallace, Vans has always supported the outcasts and the champions of the core riders. That legacy continues on today with team riders such as Mike Rav, Arthur Longo and Sam Taxwood, these are some of your favorite rider’s favorite riders. The outpour of support for Landline after the world premiere was a justification of that. With Instagram posts and comments from so many of the industry’s pros and even unassociated brands giving praise to their favorite parts and to Tanner himself, the support has been unprecedented. In so many ways Landline wasn’t only a success for Vans, but a success for snowboarding as a whole. There is no doubt that the personal connection of social media and instant verification of short edits aren’t going anywhere (we love all of that too) but the polished execution of films like Landline is something special, something that every snowboarder can be proud of. All of us appreciate the eye and the hard work of Tanner and his crew, Jake Price, Harry Hagen, and Skylar Brent. Anytime talented people like this pour their efforts into snowboarding, everyone benefits.

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EVENTS // ISSUE NO. 127

Bondi - Bowl-O-Rama:

Bondi Beach, NSW, Australia It’s full-on summertime in Australia, which means no freeze alerts and no snowy forecast. But what it does mean is that the weather is HOT! The beaches are scorching with sexy, beautiful people and the blue bowl on Bondi Beach was heated all week long. And that’s why everybody tries to find an excuse to go to Bondi. Like always, the event consisted of skaters from all over the planet. This year’s gathering would crown a new Bowl-A-Rama “Pro’s” Champion, and it would be someone from Australia. It has been 13 years since an Aussie has taken the top podium spot. This year’s “Pro’s” division had a 39-year age gap in competitors with Keegan Palmer, the new champ, being the youngest at just 14-years young and legend Bucky Lasek being the oldest at 43. It would also feature Sabre Norris in the Women’s division, she’s only 13. She’s the first and youngest Aussie female to do a 540 in a contest and the judges took that into consideration by awarding her the top spot. She killed it even without the 540. She skated fast and flowed throughout the entire bowl, getting the local crowd hyped up and on their feet. Last year’s winner Poppy Star even left in amazement. Sabre’s run was something that would leave your jaw on the hot cement. Meanwhile, in the Hot Wheels Junior’s division, it was American Tate Carew who secured the top podium spot. While in the Master’s, Tony Hawk would be… well, Tony Hawk. Putting together runs that looked like he was doing a demo in his backyard blindfolded. It was more than enough to bring Birdman back to the Bondi top podium for the 4th time. After missing out last year to Steve Caballero, he left no doubt who the Master’s champ would be. It’s always a pleasure to watch the Master’s, as there are literally hundreds of years of combined skating experience in that division. The progression of skateboarding is evolving and the tricks the younger generation are doing is just unbelievable. It truly is an art form and expression. To see the new innovators skating with the OG originators in this type of setting, on a beautiful beach, is mind blowing. There is no other contest in the world that features the new and the old in one great arena. When you can see Keegan Palmer mix it up with legends like Rune Glifberg, it is nothing short of amazing. It’s just awesome to witness the level of talent and the capabilities that can be done on a piece of wood on urethane wheels. With 2020 Tokyo on the radar, skateboarding will have no shortage of talent to choose from. I can only imagine what top shelf skateboarding will look like in two years. Results: JUNIOR’S DIVISION Tate Carew (USA) Dylan Donnini (AUS) Jed Ragen (AUS) WOMEN’S DIVISION Sabre Norris (AUS) Jordyn Barratt (USA) Poppy Star (AUS) PRO’S DIVISION Keegan Palmer (AUS) Jono Schwan (USA) Tom Schaar (USA) MASTER’S DIVISION Tony Hawk (USA) Pat Ngoho (USA) Nicky Guerrero (DEN)

words // LEE LEAL PHOTOS // LEE LEAL left to right: Pat Black Colin Graham Ivan Federico Tony Hawk Heimana Reynolds Tate Carew Jeromy Green Sabre Norris Nicky Guerrero

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EVENTS // ISSUE NO. 127

HOBIE SURF SHOP- VINTAGE SURFBOARD FESTIVAL:

We really weren’t sure what to expect as we made the trek south along PCH to the neighboring town of Dana Point. Even before pulling into the legendary Hobie Surf Shop we were rubber necking the popups and hundreds of boards laid out on display in the neighboring park. We’ve been to quite a few of these vintage board events but never one like this. With an entirely different feel to it, it seems that the Hobie crew is more in touch with local vintage surf community than others. Maybe it’s there 60+ years of existence or just the iconic Hobie name but we were quite amazed and pleased with the overall community vibe and the number of old school surfers that showed up to participate – it just had that “warm fuzzy” feel to it. We overheard so many classic, California surf stories from days of yesteryear and it was hard to hold back smiles and wish you could step back in time to experience it first hand. And of course, the surf heritage was strong. We’re not sure how many different vendors were there, but there were quite a few collectors either selling (or just showing off) boards that most had had since the day they were shaped. It was really cool being able to talk to and talk about an era-past and the thoughts some of these older surf dogs had. It truly was a community affair, with the old surfers, collectors, their kids and their grandkids – again, warm and fuzzies all around. And it wasn’t just surfboards, some of the old timers arrived in style, in their classic “Woodie” station wagons. Other points of interest were classic Hobie skate decks, kneeboards and sailing paraphernalia as well. If you missed it, don’t worry as this is going to be annual event, so be sure calendars early and come out and enjoy the good vibes the next go-around.

words // joey marshall PHOTOS // CHRIS LOMENZO left to right: Hobie Surf Shop Classic red Gerry Lopez Lightning Bolt Tom Servais, Randy & Boston Surfboards weren’t the only items on display – classic Hobbie skateboards Tyler Warren feeling the heritage vibe Classic “Woodies” to match the era Boards, boards and more boards Zach Boon (back), Buggs, Aaron Ashton & Jason Cohen Hobie classics

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EVENTS // ISSUE NO. 126

RVCA SKATE X NYC:

The RVCA skate team headed to the big apple for a two-night extravaganza over Valentine’s Day in the big city. Night one, on V-day proper, consisted of a miniramp skate jam at Roughtrade Records in Brooklyn. It was hosted by none other than legendary KCDC Skateshop while RVCA advocates Andrew Reynolds, Curren Caples, Kevin “Spanky” Long and Mark Suciu sessioned the mini ramp to everyone’s delight. There was live music by the “Slashers,” free beers courtesy of PBR and Jenkem Mag hosted a very special “Date a Sk8er,” their V-day contribution. And a successful contribution it was, as there were more female contestants than males, making it safe to say that no one went home empty-handed. For night number two, the RVCA skate crew kept it in Brooklyn at KCDC for an all-out love affair. RVCA and KCDC teamed up for the event and were celebrating a full on RVCA makeover to the legendary KCDC Skateshop – a staple in NYC for decades. Pulling out all the stops, the RVCA crew had legendary artist [and past BL!SSS cover boy] Steve “Espo” Powers exhibiting his latest and greatest. Once again, PBR provided the libations and a grand time was had by all. The in-store collaboration will be running til summer so if you’re in Brooklyn be sure to stop by and check it out. Big thanks to Amy Gunther of KCDC, Jenkem Mag, Roughtrade, PBR and all those who came out to have a good time.

PHOTOS // JOHN BRADFORD left to right: Andrew Reynolds – city ollie Espo makeover at KCDC Roughtrade Records NYC Curren Caples – bs smith Steve “Espo” Powers Reynolds blunting out on the Coda miniramp KCDC’s Amy Gunther Mark Suciu - nosegrind Kevin “Spanky” Long - wallie Curren Caples KCDC love affair

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SURFER: SEAN HARRYSON PHOTO: MAT KESTLE

NEW COLLECTION LIVE NOW INTSOFTBOARDS.COM

ISSUE NO. 127

MUSIC INTERVIEW:

SHARK TOYS Tell us about your new record… This record, Labyrinths, is our third full-length LP. It’s our first record for In the Red, which has been one of my favorite labels forever, so that’s really rad and exciting. To have our record on the same label as Jay Reatard’s Blood Visions, the Ponys’ Celebration Castle, and Reigning Sounds’ Too Much Guitar (all records I grew up on) and to be label mates with buddies like Wounded Lion, Lars Finberg/Intelligence, Tyvek, Fuzz, CFM, Lamps, Zig Zags, Endless Bummer… It’s really ideal and the perfect label. This record was recorded by Andrew Schubert at Golden Beat in Los Angeles and mixed by Mikey Young in Australia. It’s the first Shark Toys record without Rina, our keyboard player and my wife, who I formed the band with way back in 2008, and the first with Bill Gray on bass. What was the recording process like? It was really easy! Andrew and Bill go pretty far back together so even though I didn’t really know Andrew initially it was instantly like being in the studio with an old friend. We did the record in two weekend sessions. The first, in the end of 2015, shortly after Bill joined, we had just wrote a ton of new songs from the new energy he brought, and then again in 2016 shortly after Larry from In the Red approached us and we had a bunch of newer songs already that we wanted to add to the record. Mikal Cronin came to the first session and played some sax on a few of the songs. From listening to the premiere track “City Lights,” it sounds a bit heavier than previous releases. Yeah, I think it is. It definitely has a different feel than anything we’ve done before, but I feel it still has the “Shark Toys” essence as well, haha. When Rina and our old bass player, Mike, left and Bill joined we considered changing the name. We wrote a new set of songs and played a few shows under a different name. So we kind of started from scratch soundwise (despite the fact that Emanuel and I had been playing together as Shark Toys for a few years already). But it gave it a new feel and we were able to write more freely and not feel constrained about trying to fit into a Shark Toys mold, or something. But then, shortly after that the Emotional Response 7” and the Outsider Sect LP on Mt.St.Mtn. both came out and we felt we had to start playing as Shark Toys again but now with a new batch of songs and slightly different sound.

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INTERVIEW & PhotoS // david evanko

How did writing this record differ from the others? Most of the songs were written live between the three of us rather spontaneously at practice. One of us starts playing something, then we all jump in and usually it’s a song within a 20 minutes or so. It’s weirdly easy for the group. When this record was written I had both just gotten married and also had a few close friends die in a short time span, so I was going through some rather confusing emotional highs and lows. It was a tough time and though I felt like I was handling it fine at the time, lyrically it’s a difficult record for me to listen back to.

I thought of to replace him. I didn’t know him too well, just that I wanted to play music with him. Once he joined he brought a great energy to the group and we began writing music we were all excited about really quickly. And we all just get along really great. I know it sounds dorky, but it’s a fun and exciting group to be in.

What inspires the disjointed/angular sound you guys are notorious for? Um, I dunno. That’s just the type of music and guitar playing I’ve always been into. I’ve never been into classic rock guitar virtuosity or anything like that. I like it really weird and really simple. I first picked up a guitar and formed Shark Toys once I heard the Messthetics DIY post punk comps. I know just enough basic guitar and song writing to distort it just enough where it sounds somewhat normal yet somewhat weird. The perfect spot to my ears.

I hear you’re an avid book reader. What are you currently reading and does your reading ever influence your writing? Yeah, I’d much rather be home reading these days than out partying or anything like that. But yeah, I was an English major in college and it definitely affects the way I view language. I think of my lyrical writing as first person observational fiction. Though I sing in first person, the lyrics don’t really portray me as a person at all. Sometimes it might, but most of the time I just want to tell a story or describe something I see and I feel like it’s more compelling if it’s sung as if it’s happening to myself rather than as third person. I think that freedom and understanding of the use of language definitely comes from that.

How did you meet the guys and how did they become part of the new line up? I first met Emanuel years ago at the Smell. His band, Mutations, which he sang and played guitar in, were opening for our buddies Plasma Center, who we did a split tape with. They ruled and I did what I never do, I went up to him after the set to gush about how great they were. I guess he recognized me and then went on to say he was a Shark Toys fan and started singing our first single! Haha. We became buddies and started playing shows together with our bands. In the end of 2013 Shark Toys got asked to play a show with 100 Flowers, Le Face, and Cuntz in Long Beach and our old drummer decided he didn’t want to play a few days before the show. So I asked Emanuel if he wanted to play the show, even though he wasn’t a drummer and had never played a show with us. I think he had one practice before the show and he’s been with us ever since and is a killer drummer!

I’m always reading a few things at once. Currently I’ve been reading Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath. For some reason I never read it when I was younger like everyone else did, but reading it now, when our country is going through an equally strange time of inequality and bigotry, the fragility of the “American Dream” and the perseverance and strength of the American spirit it portrays, I think I find it especially relevant right now. I’ve also been reading a poetry collection of Silviana Ocampo’s. She was a contemporary of Borges and I think her writing is really great. Well, the English translation of it is, haha. I love Latin American literature and I would love to read Spanish better. I can read some but my understanding is really elementary. That’s a goal of mime. Aside from that, I just finished Philip Glass’ autobiography and John Blaney’s survey on the UK pub rock scene, A Howling Wind, both of which were really great.

I met Bill at Permanent Records at one of our shows when the shop was still in Eagle Rock. I met him either through Lance or maybe Sharif (Exploding Flowers, Alice Bag, Sex Stains, etc.). Like with Emanuel, from the few conversations I had with Bill, I could tell musically his head was in the same weird place as mine. We liked a lot of the same bands and records and had a lot of mutual friends. I think I contacted him about starting some new band when the old Shark Toys lineup was winding down and then when Mike left he was the first person

What can we expect from Shark Toys in the upcoming months? Our LP is out March 9th on In the Red. We plan on doing some LA shows and some touring around in the following months. Also my buddy Stewart at Emotional Response is releasing a Jowe Head (from Swell Maps) LP and we’ve been talking about a joint West Coast tour in the fall, which I’m really excited about because the Swell Maps are definitely up there as one of my favorite all time influences!

LIVE SHOW // ALBUMS // ISSUE NO. 127

MUSIC REVIEWS:

Flatworms

Live Review & Photo // David Evanko

The Echo, Los Angeles, CA // January 3rd 2018 The Echo dedicated the first week of 2018 to bands we should be excited for in the New Year. To bands like Flatworms whose tempo is close to an earthquake and an audible strobe light, whose closing set the night of January 3rd disintegrated eardrums and set the bar absurdly high for the remainder of the year.

REVIEWS BY MAX RIT TER The Jim Mitchells / Love Hypnotic / Third Eye Stimuli Records Smooth debut album from a band based in Sydney, Oz. The group is named after their front man; you guessed it, Jim Mitchell. What’s it like, you ask? It’s Melodic-ie, psych-ie, and garage-ie. Think White Fence or The Kinks. Alex Chilton / Free Again: The “1970” Sessions / Ardent/Omnivore The best cover of The Rolling Stone’s “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” ever done because your day needs it. Just a suggestion. Parquet Courts / Almost Had To Start a Fight/In and Out of Patience / Rough Trade Sometimes it’s good to not fix things that ain’t broke. You know what I mean? I don’t know who came up with that saying. Other times, like Sheryl Crow said, “I think a change would do you good.” For the band’s 8th full length Parquets Courts’ decided to ditch their usual self-production and try something new by working with producer Danger Mouse. Maybe the first single of Wide Awake! offers up some serious promise for those skeptical about the collaboration? Great band you can’t really mess up anyway, the album is out May 18th. Digable Planets / Reachin’ (A New Refutation of Time and Space) / Light In The Attic Digable Planets’ 1993 debut album sees its well-deserved first vinyl reissue for the record’s 25th anniversary. Their sound relied heavily on smooth jazz samples when most of rap’s direction at the time was much harder (see Tupac Shakur). Their lyrics drew heavily from literature and politics. It’s been, and still is, a refreshing and classic album. Fun fact: today, MC Ishmael Butler continues to make music as Shabazz Palaces.

REVIEWS BY ROB MOLT Kyle Craft / Full Circle Nightmare / Sub Pop “Was she the train wreck? Was she your last drag? Was she the little piece of mind you thought you once had? Was she the cure-all or just the disease? Was she the ransack gutter kid denim jeans?” If Ryan Adams and Elton John had their genes cloned, with Mick Jagger as the surrogate, it would make Kyle Craft. The Portland troubadour is the sharpest dressed guy in the brothel, and has a problem with all the women there. And he lets them know with clever lyrics over a classic rock swing. Superchunk / What a Time to be Alive / Merge Records Chapel Hill’s Indie rock/post punk mainstays, Superchunk, are back. And they brought a protest album. The DIY diehards have recorded eleven albums along with forming Merge Records and while Superchunk has always been relevant and mostly un-fuck-with-able, this latest offering is more urgent and powerful than their recent records. The band has always been destined to stay at the club level when it comes to touring, and they’re on the road right now selling out the dark bars every night. Superchunk and post punk fans can rest assured “What a Time to be Alive” is eleven focused and poignant tracks of straightforward guitar rock, by true experts at it. And at just the time we need it. The Velvet Underground / 50 Anniversary Box Set / Verve Records This shouldn’t need any description to any rock n’ roll fans worthy of their mixed drink, and to the kids out there, this is what music as art sounds like when distilled down to its purest form. It’s six albums that changed everything. The box set is limited to 1000 copies for the world and all LP’s pressed on 180g vinyl. It includes: The Velvet Underground and Nico (1967), Nico Chelsea Girl (1967), White Light/White Heat (1968), The 1969 Album (New Compilation), The Velvet Underground (1969) and Loaded (1970). The Creepy Creeps / 10 Bangin’ Hits / Dionysus Records The radioactive seawater has started to eat through the hull of the ship. You are sinking. The nuclear wind still pushes you slowly towards a deserted island, complete with a smoking volcano. The albatross hangs from your neck, as you are the last one to survive the mutiny and the world-ending storm. Now crawling up the beach you hear a psychotic surf punk sound. Menacing keys, heavy horn, and frantic guitar lets you know there is life on the island. But it’s mutant life. This is the island of The Creepy Creeps, the lone survivors of the apocalypse, and they welcome you with a free tattoo and a Mai Tai. Start carving your tiki mask, this is your life now.

ISSUE 127

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BLISSS MAGAZINE // ISSUE NO. 127

TASSO

DAoUSSIS @anastasssios

Sponsors: Pocket Pistols, Focus Board Shop

Age: 18

Hometown: Orange, CA

Favorite Skaters: Aidan Campbell, Daniel Vargas, Dylan Witkin and Tony Hawk Photo: chris ortiz

ISSUE 127