ALEX JENKINS ISSUE 123
JEREMY LEABRES / TEMECULA, CA RVCA.COM/TOYMACHINE
MIKEY
FIRE IT UP We’re celebrating the snowy season with tons of fun and events for everyone. From first chair, beer toast, giveaways and $50 lift tickets on day one to weekend movie premieres and afterparties, Mammoth is kicking off winter right. OPENING DAY & WEEKEND BASH
NOVEMBER 9–11
ATHLETE: JUDD HENKES
IS ON THE RIGHT SIDE
p: Mark Welsh
Pursue your thrill.
Introducing the Outlier 2 featuring ChromaPop™ Yadin Nicol and Mike Gleason #AmplifyAwesome
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WWW.BLISSSMAG.COM
BLISSS MAGAZINE / ISSUE No. 123
22. RANDOMS 64. VANS HOMECOMING PARTY 26. PRODUCT REVIEW 66. RSD MOTO BEACH CLASSIC 28. MIKE LEE 68. CRR - SURFBOARDS & COFFEE 30. RICHARD MENDTORR 70. MUSIC REVIEWS 32. COURTNEY HEATHER 72. GROMS 34. SUPER TASTE 36. HURICANE IRMA 42. BEN WALTERS 46. THE ART OF ALEX JENKINS 52. STAN SIEVERS: PHOTOGRAPHER PROFILE 58. BODE MERRILL
PHOTO// STAN SIEVERS 18
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ISSUE No. 123 / STAFF
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Editor-in-Chief
NI CK K A L I O NZ E S nick@blisssmag.com
Editor
J O E Y MA RS HA L L joey@blisssmag.com
Creative Director
S A S HA L O P E Z sasha@blisssmag.com
Art Editor
L I Z RI CE Mc CR AY liz@blisssmag.com
Snow Editor
J O N F RA NCI S jon@blisssmag.com
Music Editor
MA X RI T T E R max@blisssmag.com
Advertising
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NI CK VA N DE K A M P vandekamp@blisssmag.com
MI K E WE T Z E L mike@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, 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 CONTRIBUTORS 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 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.
ISSUE No. 123
ALEX JENKINS INTERVIEW PG.46
ALEX JENKINS
If your favorite shop isn’t receiving BL!SSS Magazine please contact info@blisssmag.com
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@805BEER SEE MORE AT 805BEER.COM
RAN DoM S
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VANS ULTRA RANGE – HiTOP
With chilly weather on deck it’s time to break out the high-tops and there’s not a better choice than Van’s UltraRange Hi Collection. We first broke news of Van’s latest design innovation, the UltraRange, several months back but these new seasonal Hi-Top Silhouette’s have got our mouths watering. Designed with the winter elements in mind they incorporated warm linings, premium suede and water-resistant finishes to accommodate any and every condition possible. They’re the perfect companion for your next adventure, cop a pair wherever finer footwear is sold, you won’t be disappointed.
RASTACLAT X KLAY THOMPSON
Spreading positive vibrations one wrist at a time, the Rastaclat Family has teamed up with none other than three-time NBA All-Star Klay Thompson to announce the release of all 30 NBA team bracelets. The Rastaclat X NBALAB Collection is available at www.rastaclat.com and select retailers for a minimal $11.99, so there’s no excuse on why you shouldn’t be representing your favorite team no matter what time of year. It’s all about spreading those positive vibrations and giving back to the community so expect many more impactful collaborations coming from the Rastaclat camp in the near future.
ZEAL PORTAL
Zeal Optics has just released their latest snow goggle for this upcoming season and we’ve gotta say it’s one of the simpler, more impressive lens systems we’ve seen come to market. Their newest rimless-frame design, the Portal, comes equipped with their new Rail Lock System – which guides, slides and locks your lens in place anywhere on the mountain. Making for simple lens swaps when those conditions change on the dime like they so often do. Available in all three Zeal Optics lens collections [we prefer the Optimum Polarized Automatic+], they’ve got you covered for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. It’s November already, local mountains are open or opening across the nation so get out there and enjoy the snow.
NOMADIX TOWELS
With an ethos of “Own less. Do more.” it’s no wonder the guys and girls behind the Nomadix Towel are doing everything they can to bring us the most environmentally-friendly towel on the planet. Made from only certified recycled materials it’s no wonder these towels are becoming the go-to for environmentally conscious athletes across the nation. Whether your jumping in the water for a quick surf, practicing yoga, or embarking on an adventure of a lifetime, Nomadix has you covered with there light weight, quick drying, anti-microbial towels that come in plethora of fashion-forward designs. Check them all out for yourself wherever finer products are sold or direct at www.nomadix.co.
XM | SURF MORE
Not many people know where their surf leashes come from but chances are, unless you’re rocking an XM | Surf More, it was made in some factory overseas in less than ideal conditions and without optimum quality control. That’s where XM comes into play, manufacturing surf products right here in the good old USA for over 40 years. With unsurpassed quality control and manufacturing that has stood the test of time, isn’t it time you upgraded your child-labor leash to something that you know you can depend on. Available in a plethora of sizes and thickness for any condition, and with their patented power-clip and tangle free options, there’s something for everyone. Upgrade today where finer surf accessories are sold and feel confident this winter when surf starts pumping.
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RETAIL STORES 157 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672 (714) 361-3822 // 207 Main St. Huntington Beach, CA 92648
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ALUMINATI X PHIL LEWIS
Our favorite aluminum skateboard brand, Aluminati, has just dropped some insane new graphics by none other than Colorado native Phil Lewis. Phil draws his inspiration from the outdoors and the amazing wilderness he’s constantly surrounded by. There’s four bright graphics to choose from, each of which represent mister Phil Lewis and his artistic vision beautifully. Check them all out at www.aluminatiboards.com or wherever fine skateboard products are sold.
PROJECT NOMADIC
Kelly Slater’s brand Outerknown announced this past month the launch of Project Nomadic – a collection of items designed for your nomadic lifestyle that won’t break the bank. And that’s a very good thing because anyone that’s seen or owned anything Outerknown knows of the quality and comfort this line has to offer. But more importantly, the entire line has been designed using only responsible raw materials in factories that share the same values and follow the strict guidelines of the Fair Labor Association, Bluesign and Fair Trade – protecting the manufacturing process as much as the environment. It’s been Kelly’s dream and lifelong mission to bring “Sustainability for All” and with Project Nomadic we’re one step closer to making that dream a reality. Locate Project Nomadic at select surf shops or online at www.outerknown.com.
CATCH OF A LIFETIME
We’ve heard rumors for years now… rumors of a lake not too far from SoCal that hold cutthroat trout of behemoth proportions. Like, larger than you ever thought possible, larger than anyone has ever thought possible. Trapped somewhere where there’s an over-abundance of food, deep enough to not freeze-over and a unique genetics allowing them to grow way beyond the norm. But again, stories… that is, until Mammoth Mountain’s Jimmy Huh texted us this photo stating, “Oh, and I got this on Sunday!” Whaaatttt!?!? She went 20.5-pounds on the hand scale and is the one he has been after for years. We don’t even know where, but if you know Jimmy, maybe ask him… All we can say is, “Congrats Jimmy, well deserved!”
EXPLOSIVE BROWNIES
Winning second place for “Best Edible” at the Highlife Music Festival is no easy feat, that’s why were proud to announce Explosive Industries has expanded beyond their apparel with their new, award-winning, Explosive medical marijuana edible brownie. We opted for a couple samples before the deadline and nom, nom, nom these things are delicious. Boasting 400mg of medical cannabis, it’s safe to say I’m “Choco-Lit.” Ask for them at your local dispensary and to see everything Explosive give them a follow on the ‘gram @ explosiveind. And thank you for the edibles, it’s just what the doctor ordered.
LOS SUNDAYS
There is a new tequila company hitting the streets of Southern California and she goes by the name of Los Sundays. With the tag line “Tequila Kills… The Boredom,” we couldn’t agree more. A couple bottles somehow made there way into the BL!SSS headquarters and this stuff is dangerously easy to drink – smooth, delicious and with a hint of coconut, it is the best tequila we’ve ever had. Available now at www.lossundays.com, and with Blanco and Reposado on offer, we highly recommend you give them a try. Whether you’re a sipper, or the guy that’s slamming shots, trust us when we say, “You won’t be disappointed.” It already has quite the following as we’ve been seeing more and more Los Sundays around town, expect to see only bigger and better things to come in the near future.
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WWW.LURKINGCLASS.COM
PROD Uc T
RE VIEW
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No. 123 // Snow Dreams
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1. Adidas, Jake Blauvelt Boot - $150 / 2. Electric California, EG2 x Sketchy Tank - $199.95 / 3. Capita Snowboards, Spring Break Slush Slasher $369.95 / 4. Burton, Deep Thinker - $579.95 / 5. Jones Snowboards, Hovercraft Splitboard - $849 / 6. Howl Supply, Vans Mitt - $55 / 7. Adidas, Civilian Gonzales Jacket - $150 / 8. Vans, Jonesport Howl MTE Jacket - $109.50 / 9. Volcom, Pat Moore 3-in-1 Jacket - $280 / 10. Burton, Mission Bindings - $249.95/ 11. Vans x Howl Supply, Hi-Standard Boot - $189.99 / 12. Thirty Two, Lashed Bradshaw - $239.99 / 13. Adidas, Samba ADV Boots - $260
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MIKE LEE words / mike lee
In my art I seek to capture personal experiences through the use of form and value. I strive for my work to be simple and bold. In my earlier pieces, I created intricate observational drawings based on places I frequent in my daily life. Each element of the location was broken down to its basic shape, but collectively these simple forms created a detailed environment. The complexity of each space required an intense and tedious design process. In my current work I have shifted emphasis from objectivity to a more personal, abstract treatment of my subjects. By honing in on usually one or two figures floating in an undefined space, I am able to conjure mood and feeling through light and shadow. Whether the viewer simply appreciates my art on a visual level, or whether they’re affected on an emotional level, my goal is for my work to speak to everyone. To see more of Mike Lee’s art be sure to check his Instagram, @immikelee, or website, www.mikelee.one.
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SUPPORT CALIFORNIA SKATE PARKS
Mt. Tamalpais State Park
ENJOY THE JOURNEY. LEAVE NOTHING BEHIND.
www.mizulife.com @mizulife
RICHARD MENDTORR interview / liz rice mccray
Richard Mendtorr tells truths through painting, sculpture and performance art. Medtorr was born and raised in Tijuana, Mexico and currently lives and works in Mexico City. Richard Mendtorr defines his artworks as “small lies that contain huge truths,” creating self-portraits of his childhood that somewhat terrify us. Many thanks are in order to Richard for taking the time to answer our questions. Perhaps you could describe where you are right now, this way everyone reading along can imagine the setting. I’ve been living in Mexico City for almost two years now, but most of my life I lived in Tijuana. You describe your art as “small lies that contain huge truths,” will you elaborate? Yes, there’s very realistic and detailed portions within my paintings that are intervened with surreal and ghostly elements. For example, the painting titled “Villano x Vencer,” where the kid is playing a videogame, we see him joyfully reacting when the character from the game comes out of the TV and threatens the fatherly authority figure. The “small lie” portion of the painting is the realistic and colored elements (the kid and the living room) because even though they are depicted in high detailed, in the end it’s just painting applied over a surface that gives the illusion of the setting that involves the kid in the living room. The “huge truth” part would be the grey and dreamlike elements that consist of the parent and the shotgun-wielding character because they encompass the sincere thoughts of the child. I like to emphasize that part with the “huge” adjective, because that honest section of the painting (even though bleak and uncomfortable) is the most important factor on the whole composition. It portrays a situation that says a lot about our society’s current state of mind and expressing those kinds of ideas and messages are the main reasons that motivate me to make art. I want to keep on exploring the human mind and soul and try to give a tangible form to their content, make visible that which is invisible. What mediums do you mainly work with? On the biggest paintings I’ve made I used oil on canvas, with the typical and traditional tools – brushes, palette and an easel. But I’ve also done smaller paintings with pastels on paper. Pastels are not well-known because they are hard to use and very messy, they’re very similar to chalks, the way to apply them is to draw with them and use all the pigmented dust that comes out by rubbing it with my fingertips to fill the drawing with color. Since there is no mixing plate in which the colors can be combined, the colors are directly applied to the paper, and while I’m using my fingertips to rub, blend and blur the pigment, it’s almost as if they become the bristles on the paintbrushes.
There’s also a lot of residue dust that I have to clear out by blowing on it, but through that particular process I feel there’s a more direct and intimate connection with my artworks because there aren’t any tools that distance myself from the painting. It’s also quite difficult and dirty but that’s another one of the reasons why I like it. Kind of cliché artist interview question here, but where do you draw inspiration? From the world around me, I observe, question and examine myself, the people, demeanors, situations or events, which is why in many of my paintings I portray daily surroundings such as a classroom, school playground, park, church, dining room or living room. As for the paintings where the individual is not seen within a realistic environment, I like making a strong emphasis on human emotions and attitudes in those. Very last question, anything else you would like to share with our readers? Last words, shout-outs, declaration of love or hate? So many things I would like to share but for now I’ll just state a fact that some people might not be aware of, “painting is not art, its a medium to make art.” Since I was a child I made many drawings and paintings commissioned by people who saw my ability and draftsmanship. So as a way to obtain monetary gain I painted many conventional pictures of still-life’s, landscapes and portraits because that’s what the customers wanted but even though they were satisfied and praised the work I always thought, “These aren’t real art, these are just superficial paintings without an idea or meaning behind them.” They also served as a form of constant practice for me to develop my skill further but I always felt a little remorse because they didn’t show my honest view of the world. That’s why I didn’t even document those with a camera, they only served a decorative purpose, and it may sound corny, but they were made only by my hands, not by my mind and soul. So with that said, I think I’m trying to encourage to look beyond what our eyes can see and to manifest the resulting musings in a raw and unadulterated form. Personally, that’s the type of expression I find enticing and worthwhile, the one that penetrates deep. www.instagram.com/mendtorr www.facebook.com/mendtorr www.mendtorr.com
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PHOTO BY @ROBBIECRAWFORD
COURTNEY HEATHER interview / liz rice mccray
Courtney Heather’s admiration for the mainstream media has been a large influence on her work. Similar to the effect music, novels, and cinema have, she is interested in that which distracts us from the mundane world. Since pleasure can only last so long these distractions persuade us to replay them infinitely, provoking further pleasure with each repetition. Heather was raised in California, which she describes as an ideal setting that both allures and deceives. Most recently she studied an MA in Fine Art and has exhibited in various spaces across London. Many thank to Courtney Heather for taking the time to answer our questions. Make sure and check out more of her art at www.courtney-heather.com. Perhaps you could describe where you are right now? I am currently in my home, having a cup of tea and listening to Flora Cash as I type this. Now that we have a visual, will you please introduce yourself to our reader, a little synopsis if you will? My name is Courtney Heather and I am an artist. My paintings are referenced from video stills, influenced by the allure of the familiar and the unknown. Being raised in Southern California suburbia plays a role in my works, where there’s an infatuation with glamour. Similar to films, music, and literature, I create a copy of this idealization through painting.
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What are some of your consistent influences? Places and people. I find myself observing my surroundings and just seeing how everyone is reacting to the environment. Also, any entertainment media and pop culture. What drives you most to create? I’ve always been inspired by various types of artists and their work; whether it be musicians, authors, film makers, etc. That feeling of being excited to see their new stuff because I’m such a fan of theirs and admire their artistry… I try to do that with myself and see what else I can do.
What mediums do you mainly work with? I paint with acrylics on canvas.
What are you currently working on? I’ve been painting a lot of foods lately. I’m looking through footage I have of crowds at events I was at recently as well. I’m also dabbling with a bit of background digital painting on my down time.
How would you describe your style? I would say something like… stylized photo-realism abstraction? You can make out what the image is, but some parts are kind of like fillers and, “what’s that?”
And lastly, where can people check out your art? My website, www.courtney-heather.com, Instagram @courtney__heather and at Wallspace Gallery in Los Angeles, CA or GX Gallery in London, UK.
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S SUPER TASTE photography / dominic petruzzi / @dominicpetruzzi model / michaela watson / @babychaela makeup / jess rodde / @jessrodde agency / factor chosen la / @factorchosenla
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TOP LEFT// DUSTY PAYNE, BOTTOM LEFT// CONCRETE JUNGLE, TOP RIGHT// LIGHTHOUSE, BOTTOM RIGHT// MITCH COLEBORN
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HURRICANE IRMA
with Dusty, Mitch, Balaram & Gleason
PHOTOS.WORDS//
TOM CAREY
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ABOVE// MITCH COLEBORN - BETTER DAYS AHEAD OPPOSITE PAGE - TOP// MITCH, BOTTOM L-R// GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE, DUSTY, FLOATIES, MIKE GLEASON
I love the East Coast. There’s something about it that draws me there. The people, the pizza, the beauty, I don’t really know. The waves are a funny thing. It can go flat for a long time, but when it cranks it’s unbelievably good. The coastline bends just enough for you to work around the wind, jumping from New York to Jersey or North Carolina. I jumped at the chance to meet Dusty Payne in Boston for a few days before the swell approached. Dusty is a huge Patriots fan so going to the opening night game was a definite yes. It was my first NFL game and to experience it in Boston was a dream come true. The people there are crazy, but in an awesome way. They’re so loud and obnoxiously funny but at the same time they’re the nicest people in the world. And they love sports. We sat in the season ticket holder zone, allowing us to really experience the fans and the vibe. The fans are harsh. They didn’t take well to the Patriots losing opening night. They let them know how they felt talking shit on the defense all night. A few fights almost broke out between the home team fans. Arguments almost got ugly between a few liquored-up diehards, it was quite the spectacle. The next day we ventured up to Maine to check out a wedge that we heard might have been working. Unfortunately it wasn’t, but that didn’t stop us from exploring the coast and enjoying the sites. Maine is beautiful and somewhat untouched. It’s a breath of fresh air for someone from Southern California. We had seen enough of New England so we decided to head down to Jersey to catch some swell from a few lingering hurricanes. New Jersey was holding. Mitch Coleborn, Mike Gleason and Balaram Stack met up with us – and that my friends, is a dream team on the East Coast. Freight train rights lined the beaches from Monmouth to Manasquan. The water was still warm as the hurricane sat just off the coast sending
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waves for weeks. The funny thing in Jersey is everyone likes to surf together. It’s a small surf community in the Northern Jersey but they all seem to surf together. We fell into that trap for a bit too. The waves pumped for three days straight then took a day off, which was just enough time for us to venture up to New York and check the city out. Balaram showed us a good time luckily. It was fashion week and you’d think we’d go out and tear it up but instead we jumped across a few roofs and hung out in an old water tower with some amazing views. Someone brought a dozen eggs; let’s just say they didn’t get eaten. With rent through the roof in New York, Balaram chooses to live in China Town to keep the rent down but across the road is Max Fish, the raddest bar in New York. We opted for a cheap hotel nearby that night. It was disgusting. It was like some heroin den out of the movie Seven. Dusty took one look at the place and bolted for a nicer hotel nearby full of models in town for fashion week. I ended up taking a shower with a bucket. I guess you get what you pay for in New York. The next day we jumped on the train and headed back to Jersey. Balaram showed us some clips of him jumping off the top of the train into the Hudson. It was pretty nuts. He somehow slipped out of the top of the train and had a filmer waiting for his jump. He ended up getting caught as someone saw the video. He was arrested and fined several hours of community service, what a madman. After a days rest we were back in Jersey and surfing some fun overhead right-handers. It seemed like Groundhog’s Day after another four days of epic surfing. The East Coast might not have waves every day of the year but when it pumps it really fires. It’s not the easiest surf trip but with this years’ consistent hurricane activity is was a must and I’m sure glad we went, she’ll always have a special place in my heart.
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The people, the pizza, the beauty, I don’t really know. The waves are a funny thing. It can go flat for a long time, but when it cranks it’s unbelievably good.
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After a days rest we were back in Jersey and surfing some fun overhead right-handers. It seemed like Groundhog’s Day after another four days of epic surfing.
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TOP LEFT// DUSTY, TOP RIGHT// BALARAM - SUBWAY SURFER BOTTOM L-R// BALARAM, DUSTY O RAMA, MITCH 40
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PHOTOS / CHRIS ORTIZ (UNLESS NOTED) INTERVIEW / VINNIE HAGER Hey Ben, let’s start with the cliché questions – what is your age, hometown, sponsors and how many years have you been skating? I am 23 years old and originally from Bowie, Maryland but now I stay in Annapolis, Maryland. I currently ride for Blind, Tensor, New Balance, Wreck Wheels, and Pure Boardshop. I think I have been skating for roughly 12 or 13 years now. Who was your first sponsor growing up? My first actual sponsor was a shop in my area called Owens. I think I was 14 or 15 when I sent in a sponsor me tape but they denied me because the team was full at that time. Several months later they put me on after I skated well in one of their contests. It was kind of a weird situation overall but the guys were nice and they hooked it up with free product when I needed it, which helped out a lot. I think I started seeing you skate local contests around 2011-2012, give us the rundown of how you started skating and where you are at now. I started pushing around when I was about six, probably because my dad showed me his old Zorlac board from the 80’s and it caught my interest. My cousin was also skating at this time, which had some influence on me as well since I wanted to be like him, haha. Since then I’ve just been skating as much as I can in between going to school and also working. Have your parents supported your skating throughout the years? Yeah, they definitely have been supportive growing up and they still are. They would always buy me shoes or boards when I needed them and as I got older they would drive me to contests too. At the same time, however, they want me to be practical and have a plan B if skating doesn’t work out. They both emphasized on going to school and finding a job to pay bills and stuff, which I am always grateful for. And you recently graduated college as well right? What did you major in and how did going to school full-time affect your skating? Yup! I finished up this past May so I am stoked. I majored in psychology and then minored in sociology. Skating while going to school wasn’t too bad, I managed pretty well. There were many times I skipped out on class to go film if it was nice out. I actually set up my schedule the same for four years so I had longer weekends to skate and do homework. I was also working part-time as well so I had to fit that into the mix too.
That’s a huge accomplishment, congrats! Let’s talk about the skate scene in your area. From your footage, I have seen local spots to your area of Annapolis and also ones in Baltimore and Washington D.C. Thank you! And the skate scene around Annapolis is small compared to Baltimore and D.C. in my opinion. Spots can be scarce around Annapolis so it’s always enjoyable to skate new terrain in surrounding areas. D.C. definitely has a good history of skating and the scene is still alive and well so going there is always a fun time. Do you usually skate with a typical crew? Or do you find yourself always skating with a different crowd? I would say the crew varies depending on where I am. When I’m filming, it could be a solo mission with my filmer James and I, or the homies Ty, Kadian, and Yoshi will meet up with us too. If I am around Annapolis it is usually all Annapolis homies skating little spots around there, cruising downtown or going to the local park. So what would you say is a typical day for you when going skating? Usually I get up and have some coffee, then I’ll call up James to make sure we are still on for that day and meet at the skate park to warm up. Most of the time I have a certain trick in mind for a specific spot so the goal will be to go there first and try to get that out of the way before going anywhere else. If everything works out we just continue on to other spots or sometimes we call it a day and go to the bar for a drink, haha. I’d say that’s pretty productive as long as you get a clip. Yeah, we try and make the most of it and get at least one good banger. We operate a bit differently in the sense where we want to have a successful day filming and end it satisfied, so that’s why I like to plan stuff out instead of just meeting up and seeing what happens. I think it’d be harder for me to get stuff done that way. Is there anywhere on the East Coast that you particularly want to visit and skate? I definitely want to go to North Carolina soon. The spots there look so good and I have never been there before either. I want to check out Boston as well. Those spots look super fun too, just by looking at PJ Ladd or Dave Bachinsky footage. Boston also has so much history to offer, it would just be a cool place to explore.
“I started pushing around when I was about six, probably because my dad showed me his old Zorlac board from the 80’s and it caught my interest.”
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PHOTO / MICHAEL CHI
Speaking of pro skateboarders, are there any guys you looked up to growing up and who you look up to today? That’s a tough one. There are so many I love to watch and look up to. Growing up, Sheckler has been one of my favorites along with Corey Duffel and Kristian Svitak. At the moment, however, Ryan Decenzo, Cody Mccentire, Dave Bachinsky, Miles Silvas, Jordan Maxham, and Sierra Fellers are some of my favorites. Favorite video part? Another tough one. Decenzo’s Hallelujah part is amazing to watch and also Mccentire’s Thrasher part he put out last year. I could watch those two consistently. One part in particular that I love is Chris Troy’s God Save the Label part. Good music, tricks, and editing, it won’t get old. You recently won the Dew Tour Am Search for the United States and were flown out to Barcelona to skate the contest. How was that experience? It was amazing to say the least. I almost didn’t submit footage for the contest so winning the whole thing was so surreal. The experience overall couldn’t have been better, I met some great people, great skaters from other countries, skated spots I’ve only seen in videos, and I got to enjoy some super good food in the city. I was able to fly out with my filmer James too, so we filmed as much as possible before the actual contest because we both weren’t sure when the next time we’d be back.
PHOTO / MICHAEL CHI
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“I majored in psychology and then minored in sociology. Skating while going to school wasn’t too bad, I managed pretty well. There were many times I skipped out on class to go film if it was nice out.”
Do you have any other hobbies besides skating? Yeah, I am actually really into ping-pong and I like to golf when I can. Other than that, if it is a nice day out and I have nothing planned, I like to be outside skating. I know you’re sitting on a bunch of footage. Do you have any upcoming parts coming out? Yeah, I have a decent amount I am waiting to release. Right now I am working on a video part with my filmer James that will include some other local guys as well. But hopefully 2018 will bring in some new opportunities to release some more parts. Well I can’t wait to see it all! Hopefully you guys put it out soon. Yeah me too, I don’t like sitting on footage too long or else I feel it will get stale, especially in this era of social media where new content is put out every day. It’s hard to keep up. I know the skate industry is very prominent out in California and it’s known as the place to be if you want to make it in skateboarding, do you have any plans to move out there? Maybe in the near future it will be a possibility. At the moment I think I will just try and take as many trips out there as possible. If the opportunity does come up though, I will probably take it.
What does your future in skating look like? Only time will tell I presume. I just plan on filming as much as possible and keep trying to progress as much as I can. Any shout-outs before we end? Definitely. Shout-outs to Bill and Ricky at Blind and Tensor, Jason at New Balance, Chet at Wreck, Josh and Rob at Pure for helping me out whenever I needed it, Chris Opilla for always looking out and having my back, Ben Fordham for giving me my first opportunity to go to L.A., Robbie Gurlik and James Park for filming me and putting up with all the struggles, Chris Ortiz for this opportunity and taking rad photos out in Spain, all my friends for the support over the years, and my mom and dad for the continuous support since I first stepped foot on a board.
It’s hard to leave these wonderful east coast spots too right? (haha) Haha, I like the sarcasm. But honestly, there’s something about our spots that stand out in video parts and add to the footage because when you are from the east coast you understand the work it takes to land a trick since the environment is more gritty. L.A. spots are fun but they can get to your head when trying something because you begin to think of all the stuff that has been done and what you can do to set apart from that.
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UNNERVING THE ART OF ALEX JENKINS INTERVIEW BY LIZ RICE MCCRAY
Alex Jenkins is an illustrator/cartoonist based in southeast London. Jenkins works explore satirical and critical subject matter through a distinctive and vivid style. Jenkins’ personality in all ways evoke what his art is, character’s drawn from life experience and abstract story-lines based on his inner narrative. Jenkins’ distinctive palette of colors acts as a safety blanket of silliness and sweetness, which allows the viewer the comfort to take a deeper look at what is really going on in Alex Jenkins art. Thank you Alex, we really enjoyed interviewing you. Dear reader, make sure to check out the interview and enjoy his artwork (www.alexgamsujenkins.com.)
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“The notion of “expression” has always been a staple part of cartooning and for me personally, you can really tell the story of the image just in the face.” Hi Alex, when we last spoke you were in your old room at your mom’s house eating pizza, where are you at present time? Hello! I’m still at my mum’s house. But this time I’m working from the kitchen table, it’s a bit more roomy down here and food is more accessible when I decide to procrastinate.
What does your mom think about your art? I think my mum sometimes worries if it’s a little violent. I remember when I was about nine she was called in by the teacher because my drawings were also of a violent nature. But I think it’s more of a boyish thing instead of me being crazy.
I ordered pizza last night with mushroom and red onions but ever since our last interview I have been thinking about tuna on pizza. Is that a British thing? Plus extra tuna...how much tuna is too much tuna? And is it tuna fish from a can? I would highly recommend it; the strength of the taste of tuna really compliments the bland mozzarella of a cheap pizza. I don’t know how fresh this tuna is but I do sometimes doubt its authenticity, and I do hope it’s from a can and not an air sealant bag.
Your art has truly intriguing subject matter with underlying contradictions of humor silliness. Your work seems to have a lot of different levels. Will you elaborate on some of the subject matter in your illustrations and how humor creates the balance? Thanks, I’m honored! I always find it quite difficult to articulate what it is I’m trying to say, especially written or verbally. So often it’s a matter of trial and error through illustration. It can probably come across quite naïve sometimes but the good thing with illustration is you can leave it to the viewer as opposed to being put on the spot trying to explain yourself.
So where is your mom’s house? Tell us about where you grew up, the worst and best features? My mum’s house is in an area called Penge. It is as bland as it sounds. If you want fried chicken shops then you’re in luck as there is a selection of about five. I think if I went half way round the world for two decades though, I’d clutch Penge closely to my heart and miss it dearly. 48
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Last interview we asked about inspirations, influences, childhood ambitions, highbrow and intelligent way of describing your art. Will you give us a lowbrow description of your art? A bit grim but a bit silly too.
The facial expressions of your subjects are super funny, thought provoking, and sometimes a little disturbing but in a funny way; will you tell us a little bit about where you draw scenes from? Adding the facial expressions has always been something that’s enjoyable during the process and after. The notion of “expression” has always been a staple part of cartooning and for me personally, you can really tell the story of the image just in the face. Even when the face is one that is very simple and just consists of a pair of eyes on a baldhead, you can say a lot about character and narrative through this. Have any of your influences or inspirations changed over the last year? Hmmm… nothing that springs to mind. Usually when working I’ll have really mindless things in the background, like boxing interviews (of course you aren’t going to get much elaboration with that) but maybe these subliminally creep into my head in the form of mundanity! What’s your day to day? It seems to work backwards. I tend to wake in the afternoon then lounge around for a good few hours and try to remove the puffiness from my face, eat and eventually start working in the late evening. I don’t know why but I find drawing in the morning quite difficult, it makes me really sleepy again.
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What kind of art do you like? I cant quite put my finger on the art I like. I suppose the themes are usually quite macabre but not too much where it’s over-egged. Maybe images that have a good sense of humor too. What makes you most uncomfortable? Group speaking, that’s always nerve-racking. Is there an element of self-portraiture in your work? Most definitely to a degree, I think I draw things that usually have a mundane task, more then likely it’s something I have done throughout the day. Will you tell us a bit about your creative process? And what mediums do you mainly work with? I usually work with a felt tip to sketch the idea, then with an accurate pencil to map out the drawing on good paper, go over in black ink and then scan in and color digitally.
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If you were not an artist, what do you think you would be? Oooh… that’s a tough one. I was one of those kids who had literally no idea when I was younger to any inclination of what I wanted to do when older. I do enjoy doing manual work when not drawing; it’s a nice contrast to being hunched at a desk or table all day long. Very last question, any last words for our readers, shout-outs, declaration of love or hate? Just a big thanks for a second interview, I’m very honored! And a big shout-out to all the readers of this interview. I hope this interview will change your outlook on life from this day forward. Thank you, Alex. We enjoyed interviewing you.
“I think I draw things that usually have a mundane task, more then likely it’s something I have done throughout the day.”
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STAN STAN SIEVERS PHOTO FEATURE NOVEMBER
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BLISSS MAGAZINE ISSUE No.123 2017
SIEVERS STAN SIEVERS PHOTO FEATURE NOVEMBER
BLISSS MAGAZINE ISSUE No.123 2017
In a world of oversaturated digital surf media, where almost anyone with a camera is a “photographer,” quality becomes more of a premium. Every so often you’ll find someone new that slips through cracks of mediocrity and starts to gain some serious traction. We recently caught up with Stan Sievers, who has been climbing the ranks of the Orange County surf scene, getting photos published with major brands, major surf publications and media outlets. Sitting down with us, Stan showed us his portfolio from the last year or so and allowed us to pick his brain regarding the local surf scene and the current state of photography, enjoy.
STAN SIEVERS PHOTO FEATURE NOVEMBER
BLISSS MAGAZINE ISSUE No.123 2017
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“Surfing is something that transcends generations and helps us all connect to each other, regardless of our backgrounds or age.”
INTERVIEW / BONES You’re relatively new on the scene, but lately we’ve been seeing more and more of your photos published; when did you start shooting and why? I picked up a camera six years ago before going to Bali. During my trip, I took many photos and caught the photo bug. Two years later, I got my first (real) camera and wanted to understand how to shoot properly, using all the functions the camera had to offer. This process didn’t happen overnight. I shot thousands of bad pictures but each picture got me closer to understanding the mechanics of light and focus. What sets you apart from other photographers? I’m not sure if it sets me apart, but I’ve just tried to focus on capturing the moments that I’ve personally loved and enjoyed during my life. I spent my youth surfing competitively and later picked up other sports like motocross and snowboarding. I now use photography to enjoy those same activities but from a different perspective. I think it helps my photos to have personally experienced these sports myself. 54
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If you could only shoot one last session, who, what and where would it be? A boat trip in the Mentawaii Islands, with some of my closest surfer friends with perfect conditions and seeing everyone have a great time. Seeing the athletes I shoot with have fun is the most important part of the process.
Building relationships with surfers is a huge part of being a successful photographer, how do you go about that? It’s been relatively easy to build relationships because everyone has been so cool and humble. It makes it easy to relate to each other because everyone has love for the same thing – surfing. Surfing is something that transcends generations and helps us all connect to each other, regardless of our backgrounds or age. Where do you see surfing in ten years? I believe Kelly Slater’s wave pool model will be duplicated in several countries. I believe that we will be seeing more progression in the sport based on a wave that is static and breaks the same way every time. This will allow surfers to have a consistent platform to further their technical surfing. I also feel newer materials in surfboard manufacturing will change the equipment to work hand-in-hand with wave pools.
PREVIOUS SPREAD// Daniel Shea LEFT// Nolan Rapoza TOP// Dylan Horde MIDDLE// Parker Cohn BOTTOM// Teddy Navarro
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With every wave being the same in a wave pool how would you make a photo look different? It’s all about the angle. I’d just try to shoot from different angles and distances to try to catch a unique perspective. How do you think Instagram has changed the game? And is it for the better? I think Instagram is geared towards a younger user and provides for an instant medium to communicate. I feel that Instagram can be utilized in a positive way when you use good images. Athletes can develop their own brand as well as photographers. In a photo, what means more to you, clarity or creativity? I really appreciate the technical element of a photo when it’s shot. The creativity comes in when you crop and edit a photo. A photo can completely change its dynamics by cropping and coloring a photo just a little differently. The end product can turn a good photo into a great photo using both clarity and creativity.
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Which do you prefer, empty waves or surfer on the wave? I like both. On my Instagram, I alternate pictures surfing then an abstract or an empty wave. I feel that this keeps my page a little more interesting and visually entertaining. Any upcoming trips or projects planned? Where and whom with? Look out for the launch of my website, www.stansieversphotos.com, launching in November. Above and beyond surfing, what else do you like to shoot? I have a travel motorcycle and enjoy going on road trips to remote places that put me in unique spots to capture new images. I rode over 4,000 miles this past summer to places such as Zion, Grand Canyon, Mammoth, Yosemite and Sequoia National Park. These trips away from my normal surroundings helped me grow as a photographer.
“A photo can completely change its dynamics by cropping and coloring a photo just a little differently.”
OPPOSITE PAGE (L-R)// Mason Ho,Tyler Gunter, Perfection, Parker Cohn, THIS PAGE// Chris Kervin
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BODE MERR- ILL RIDER // PROFILE PHOTOS & INTERVIEW// SCOTTY ARNOLD
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“... I have worked really hard and I have a great resilience for taking a beating,” PREVIOUS SPREAD / F-BLUNT TOP / KINK-BS LEFT / METHOD RIGHT / BACK RODEO 1 FOOT
What project did you work on this past winter? The movie is called Pepper. It was a super fun project with a lot of close friends that turned out so good. If interested, check it out on iTunes! What signature items have you been working on with your sponsors and who are your sponsors? I have a handful of great brands that I have worked with for a long time: Billabong, Monster, Salomon, Anon, Arcade, Crab Grab, Cobra Dogs, Magical GoGo, Milosport, and Brighton. I get to work with Billabong on a signature line of product from highend outerwear down to street wear. It turned out great this year! It’s the Bode Merrill collection on www.billabong.com. I have a board with Salomon called the Ultimate Ride. It’s the best board I’ve ever ridden! It just won the Black Board experiment with Scotty James on www.snowboarder.com. Anon let me design a pair of goggles for the last few years too. They are sick! It comes with the craziest magnetic lens technology and magnetic facemask integration. It’s super high tech and works incredible. Also, I have a pair of Leather mitts called the “Man Hands” from Crab Grab. Many people refer to you as the best snowboarder in the world right now, would you agree? That’s very flattering and I’m honored if people really think that but definitely not... I have worked really hard and I have a great resilience for taking a beating, so I try things a million times until I either get a shot or I get hurt… but as far as talent and style go, I’d say I’m far from the best.
Who are your favorite snowboarders and why? That’s a hard question! I mean, I have favorites of all time, favorites of recent years, favorite up-and-coming kids, favorite washedup old guys like yourself… Haha, just kidding, you’re not that old yet. Nils is my favorite young powder buck right now. The Forum 8 had the most influence on me as a child and will always be my favorites. Danny D is my favorite pipe rider. Everything Louif does on a snowboard is god like. But my favorites usually are just my friends that I ride with most of the time. Real-life inspiration goes further than anything. Tell us about the events that you throw and why it’s important for you to put on contests that are more about fun? I just wanted to start an event so my friends could all ride a mini pipe together and have a good time. Over the years it’s snowballed into a legit series with multiple events and we get a lot of play out of them. There’s the Mini Pipe Invitational at High Cascade in the summer and the Quarter Pipe Classic at Brighton in the spring. They are still super fun and gratifying to host! You are kind of a one-foot god, do you think to one-up yourself you will start doing tricks with no feet strapped in? Probably not… Maybe a couple, I don’t know. I’m trying to stay strapped in more these days. Where do you see snowboarding going in the next ten years? Hopefully it starts growing again! The industry is hurting even though more and more people are snowboarding. Hopefully less corks and more style. Hopefully more inspiring snowboard films!
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What is your plan for the upcoming season? It’s still in the works, not 100% sure yet. Where can people find out more about Bode? @bodemerrill You have an uncanny ability to remember movie quotes and song lyrics, does this skill help you in your snowboarding at all? It helps me laugh at myself. Maybe that teaches me humility and that could transfer to looking stupid on my snowboard most of the time? How many corks are too much? We have already reached that point. If you have to rewind to count the numbers of rotations it’s probably too much. How do you feel about the Olympics in snowboarding? I’m indifferent. I don’t like how it portrays snowboarding and snowboarders. I like that it helps put money into the sport, which is currently struggling. So there is good and bad about it.
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“I just wanted to start an event so my friends could all ride a mini pipe together and have a good time.” ABOVE / ROOF LIP LEFT / SSBS RODEO 2
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MESA GLOBAL HQ VANS HOMECOMING PARTY COSTA
WORDS / JOEY MARSHALL
PHOTOS / CHRIS LOMENZO
This past month Vans celebrated their return to Costa Mesa with the “Vans Homecoming Party” at their new headquarters, located off South Coast Drive in the heart of city. The invite-only event went down Thursday, October 12th and was one for the history books. Not knowing what to expect we were blown away upon arrival at what can only be accurately described as the new Vans Campus. The facility is a true eye-pleaser with skateable features throughout, an in-house gym and basketball court, cafes for dining and just an all-around hip work feel to the entire facility. Not gonna lie, we were all a little jealous of the new digs.
left to right: Tony Alva jamming / Katrina Foley, Steve Van Doren & Doug Palladini / Briana Lee / Steve Caballero / The new HQ / Chris Russell / Ben Harper / Kyuss & Rasmus King / Moto row / Jeff Grosso / Dana Mesenbrink & Tony Perez
For the homecoming they left no strings untied as there were food and beverage vendors setup throughout, music playing on multiple stages, BMX and skate legends ripping it up on the halfpipe, an impressive employee art exhibition and many Vans athletes as well as friends and family members all enjoying themselves thoroughly. Tunes flowed throughout the day from Ray Barbee, Tony Alva’s band and B & The Hive before Doug Palladini and Steve Van Doren took to the stage to welcome everyone to the Vans new global headquarters. Costa Mesa’s mayor, Mrs. Katrina Foley, was also in attendance and was all smiles to see Vans family coming home to her beloved city. The highlight for me had to be when Steve Van Doren announced that he had planned on giving everyone in attendance a free pair of Vans shoes but had decided that after seeing firsthand the devastation from Hurricane Harvey in Texas that he donated all the shoes to victims in need – a true selfless deed. Following the announcement came another surprise by the way of a stellar performance by none other than Ben Harper. Everyone left with smiles, warm and fuzzies and I’m sure more than one of us thought, “Damn, I should be working here.” Big thanks to the entire Vans family for the stellar event and welcome to the neighborhood – we’re looking forward to more good times in the future.
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FREQUENCY
ART BY PHIL LEWIS
Shrink a landямБll. Save a tree. Ride Aluminum. Love Aluminum.
ALUMINATIBOARDS.COM
MOTO BEACH CLASSIC
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ROLAND SANDS MOTO EVENT
10/14/2017
WORDS / JP OLSON
PHOTOS / STAN SIEVERS
On an Indian summer morning Roland Sands inaugurated what could be the first of many MotoBeach Classics. The event drew thousands of moto-enthusiasts to view a variety of different flat track races, stunts and show bikes. All the usual suspects were present including Graham Gustin, C.R. Stecyk, the Stopnik tribe and Genevieve Davis. The morning kicked off with a Kook Box Speed Session hosted by Brian Bent. Brett Simpson and JJ Wessels competed on these Tom Blake-era surf crafts along with several others. Meanwhile, the show bikes rolled in one after another and featured some of Japan’s finest builders including Yuichi Yoshizawa and Menacing Ayu, with accented backdrops painted by Nicolai Sclater and Jackie Danger. Jason Britton from No Limit Stunt Team blew everyone away with his two-man stunt show on the street bikes. At high noon the races commenced on the 110-foot by 300-foot dirt flat track. Within an hour the track had a nice blue groove that I’m sure all the riders appreciated, including Roland who competed on a 1937 Indian Scout in the hand shift class where the shifter is mounted on the gas tank. The air grew thick with anticipation as we all knew our real reason for being there was the Super Hooligan Bolsa Banzai Championship Race just before sunset for a double points race. Although Frankie Garcia took home the W, Andy DiBrino won the championship for the year and the 750 Indian Scout. At the end of the day, we were all winners because we went home with good vibes and great tunes from Black Uhuru, Lit and Unwritten Law. Our biggest appreciation to Roland and the team at RSD for hosting the event, hope to see you guys at next year’s MotoBeach Classic.
left to right: Roland Sands on the Squatch / GT / Meatball from Hell on Wheels MC in the VZ vintage class / Go Takamine tank shift indian and Brat Style man genius / line ‘em up / Roland Sands / Andy Dibrino came 3rd in the super Hooligans race and won the overall championship and and new indian mc / Chopper Class
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CRR - SURFBOARDS AND COFFEE
WORDS / JOEY MARSHALL
PHOTOS / CHRIS LOMENZO
It was a nippy Saturday morning on the 21st day of October as we negotiated the PCH traffic into Newport for the third installation of “Surfboards & Coffee” at Common Room Roasters HQ in the heart of the industrial surf mecca. For those of you not familiar “Surfboards & Coffee,” it is a travelling surfboard installation, bringing communities together and preserving surf culture from an innovative era of surfboard design [1970’s – 1980’s]. This being “Expression Session #3,” was themed “twin fins” and did not disappoint. Mark Richards, Ben Aipa, Stussy, Lightening Bolt, Wave Tools, Lance Collins, McCoy, Carl Hayward, Local Motion, Hot Stuff… the list goes on and on – you name it and there’s a good chance it was there. It’s quite impressive to see so many classic, innovative and forever-changing designs all together in one single location. And the fact that these four gents [Jason Cohn, Zach Boon, Mark Arico & Aaron Ashton] have their collection on display where you can actually pick up the boards, feel the rails and see how much craftsmanship was put into shaping before the invention of the computer, is really what separates this events from others trying to imitate. That, combined with the fact that they always seem to pick only the best coffee houses makes “Surfboards & Coffee” an exhibition that’ll bring together the community each and every time.
left to right: Common Room Roasters / Larry Bertlemann’s board / Twinnies / Zach Boon, Rico & Ryan Hurley / Jason Cohen & Spides / admiring the twin fins / Zach Boon and Craig Stecyk / Bowie, Marshall & Troy Elmore / more Twin fins / the bar at CRR
Speaking of which, something has got to be said about their latest choice of venue, Common Room Roasters, which has been gaining local attention since day one. These guys have brought some of Melbourne, Australia’s finest roasted beans states side and have been serving up some of the best coffee we’ve ever had. Well, I stand corrected, because the week prior to “Surfboards & Coffee” Common Room Roasters were awarded second place for “America’s Best Epresso” at the prestigious Coffee Fest in Portland, OR. Which, is quite the feat, considering the amount of talented roasters on hand. The café is designed flawlessly, with special attention to detail and it’s quite a refreshing place to pick up your daily cup of Joe [or flat white] and start the day. Located at 882 Production Place, be sure to check them out next time you’re in town and tell them the BL!SSS boys sent ya.
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3 SEASON PASSES 2 MOUNTAINS 1 SCREAMIN’ DEAL 2017/18 SEASON PASS SALE PRICES GO UP DEC. 14 BIGBEARMOUNTAINRESORT.COM
M U S I C
RE
RE VIEW S No. 123
Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile
Deap Vally
DESERT DAZE FESTIVAL
WORDS / ROB MOLT
Joshua Tree, CA / October 12-15, 2017
“Whoa, check out the roadrunners, turn here, this is the spot.” The Institute of Mentalphysics, also known as the Joshua Tree Retreat Center, is a spiritual teaching site in the California desert, founded by Edwin John Dingle. He had Frank Loyd Wright design the place… yeah, a couple of heavy dudes. This whole place sits over three underground rivers, a place to find our minds – but we’re here to lose them. This weekend it has turned into the psych rock festival Desert Daze in its sixth year, and for the time being, Iggy Pop is the Shaman. “Let’s camp next to a Yucca Tree, man it’s beautiful here.” No corporate sponsored stages, no useless plastic giveaways. It’s specifically a lot of rock music to a smaller, guitar -following crowd. The lineup is cosmic and includes Ty Segall, Sleep, LA Witch, Spiritualized, Deap Vally, Boris, The Babe Rainbow, Hope Sandoval, Thurston Moore and Iggy. So much to get your head around, so much to see. Our new neighbor Sophie says, “You have to discipline your inspiration.” All right then. Art installations are dropped across the desert between stages and Andrew McGranahan’s poster art matches the trip perfectly. It’s the High Mojave and we’re handed beers that disappear, thanks to Dave and the boys from Brixton in the artist’s area. LA Witch’s drummer Ellie talks about why Sleep should never play during the day, and she is right. Another lemonade vodka. It’s a party man, were sucking on MediPops. Thurston Moore says, “This song is about turning gun stores into book stores.” We all agree. Saturday night is when it all came together to worship the true king of rock n’ roll, Iggy Pop. He sprung out like a desert predator and broke into Stooges songs, “Loose,” “TV Eye” and “Gimme Danger.” The rock icon included solo songs as he coiled and lunged through “Lust for Life,” “Gardenia” and “Skull Ring.” He is truly a freak of nature, an anomaly; he holds the crowd in his hand, as he melts our metaphysical minds. After his massive set we stand around looking up wondering which one of these stars we should name after him. The rock weekend continued and we got dirtier, happier and a little enlightened. We didn’t crush any plants, kill any animals or bum out any locals. We were cool man. “It’s Monday, you want to start heading back? Nah, let’s get Bloody Mary’s at the Joshua Tree Saloon.” We walk in only to find the fellow enlightened, not ready to leave either.
REVIEWS BY MAX RITTER
REVIEWS BY ROB MOLT
Ikebe Shakedown / The Way Home / Colemine Records
Bully / Losing / Sub-Pop
Great all-instrumental soul/funk record from Brooklyn, meticulously crafted in the band’s own analog studio, The Mind Hive. Members of this band have backed Sharon Jones, Charles Bradley and Lee Fields.
You know what they say, “If you want something done right, or nah… just let Alicia Bognanno do it for you. She really is DIY. Whether it’s the catharsis she howls in her Bully songs or the fact that she produced and engineered their second album, Losing, herself – it’s done skillfully. The 12 tracks are a nod to 90’s rock songs, that touch on Sonic Youth and Pixies influences, but its Alicia’s honest approach tackling anxiety and regret that make the songs sound timely and completely relevant to today’s social landscape. Brave stuff. So I’m not going to call her a female music force, these days you just call her a force.
John Frusciante / Niandra LaDes And Usually Just A T-shirt / Superior Viaduct
Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile / Lotta Sea Lice / Matador
The first solo record by guitar virtuoso John Frusciante, who first came to fame after replacing Hillel Slovak in the Red Hot Chili Peppers just before they became uber-ultra famous. This album was written and recorded on a four track in his spare time during the recording of Blood Sugar Sex Magik and released after he first left the band in 1992. It’s an interesting listen; a real mess at times, with some other very pretty moments. The fun part is you can hear shades of the early talent and signature playing style that would become so famous.
It’s just dark in Joshua Tree as the crowd assembles to hear the electric folk duets of Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile. They’re going to play their album Lotta Sea Lice; it’s like two flannel-clad, slim-jean existentialists trading conversation over neon-beer light guitars. The songs have an easy sway and jangle that’s his part Philly-country-psych, and her part clever-worded storytelling. The girl next to you smiles and you give a cool nod. Or was it cool? Speaking of clever, what are you going to say between songs, maybe just offer her a beer and shoot to the drink line. You’ll come up with something, it just wont be as cool as what Courtney and Kurt say. Try not to get all-existential though.
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers / Pack Up The Plantation: Live / MCA
David Bowie / A New Career in a New Town / Parlaphone
My wife and I have always bonded over his [Tom Petty] music since we first met in college and we saw one of his last performances together for my birthday at the Hollywood Bowl this past September. I couldn’t be more grateful for Tom Petty. Such a treasure lost too soon; what a good run it was though, my dude. I love the live version of “The Waiting” on this record. Funny enough, he also plays a song at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheater in 1983 on this record – now apartments.
I still miss David Bowie. I would gladly trade any of you to have him back. Sorry. I’d trade me out too. Have you had enough Bowie? Really? You don’t see yourself grabbing this new super deluxe box set? I will judge you so fast. What’s my problem? David Bowie is dead, that’s my problem. Now I’m upset. I’m not crying, you’re crying… …A New Career in a New Town, which spans Bowie’s releases from 1977-1982. The new set features the full Berlin trilogy – including a new Tony Visconti remix of 1979’s Lodger – the BAAL EP (available for the first time on CD), a new compilation of previously released B-sides and songs that didn’t appear on albums, and more. There’s also an accompanying photo book in both the CD and vinyl releases.
Grandaddy / Under The Western Freeway / Friendship Fever
Oh Sees / Orc / Castle Face
“Earlier on I tried to include people as much as possible. Then I realized the magic is me really prying stuff out of my head and getting it on to tape, and that stuff doesn’t happen unless I’m completely alone. Sometimes it’s about the right amount of blood sugar, just slightly hung over. And I’m really affected by the weather. If it’s too nice outside it’s insane for me, the concept of being inside. Everybody talks about this whole technology versus nature thing and if it’s anything, that is it. Look who my best friends are, a bunch of plastic and circuitry and electricity, when I should be running around getting chased by bumblebees.” – Jason Lytle. Sometimes you have to go it alone. This re-issue marks the twentieth anniversary of Grandaddy’s debut album along with a bunch of good stuff including some never released demos.
John Dwyer and the “Oh Sees” are ridiculous; too talented, too hard working and too nice. Last weekend I saw him in front of an Indian food place and went up to shake his hand and say thanks for all the music. It’s the least I could do, the guy is an animal. And his SF-bred, high-speed, heavy energy garage psych-rock is out of control and so much fun. And he was cool to me! Thanks. I’m such a fan boy. This is their 19th album, and every release brings something new. What have you done 19 times? I know right? By the time I’m done writing this, the Oh Sees will announce new record. I just checked, it’s called Memory of a Cut Off Head, out November 17th. No joke. ISSUE 123
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Loyal Cash Kenworthy @loyalcashkenworthy
Age: 9
Sponsors: Billabong Sunbum Madson Jacks Syck Trix Bell helmets
Hometown: Dana Point, CA
Favorite Surfers: John John Florence, Dad, Felipe Toledo, Kolohe Andino
Photo: Jason Kenworthy
kenworthy / 123
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ISSUE 123