Music

Nominated for 2 San Diego Music Awards

noreply@blogger.com (OnSurfari) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 03:19:00 +0000

I am happy to say that I got nominated for 2 awards this year at the 2009 San Diego Music Awards.

My album, On Surfari Sessions, has been nominated for "Best Local Recording".

My band Superunloader has been nominated for "Best Hard Rock". This category is judged by the public, so be sure to go to www.sandiegomusicawards.com and put your vote in.

Thanks for all the support, and wish us luck!!

Two New On Surfari Shows

noreply@blogger.com (OnSurfari) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 03:02:00 +0000

On Surfari Russia and Nicaragua were recently completed, and I spent many hours huddled away in my cave behind the soft glow of an LCD screen cranking out spacey grooves, electromechanical meanderings, and acoustic accentuations.

The tunes came together nicely, though at times I thought my brain would melt from all the notage that was recorded in tiny digital bits on my overheating laptop. After seeing the completed video though I was again impressed how everything fit together like apples and mash potatoes.

Look for the shows on Fuel TV or iTunes.

On Surfari Vol 1 is a finalist at the Independent Music Awards

noreply@blogger.com (OnSurfari) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 01:06:00 +0000

I just found out that the album, On Sufari Sessions Vol 1 has been named a finalist in the The 8th annual Indie Music Awards. Thanks to everone who have written me emails from all over the world and showed their support for the music and the show, On Surfari. Vol II is in the works!

OnSurfari Sessions Vol 1 available now!!

noreply@blogger.com (OnSurfari) — Wed, 21 May 2008 23:49:00 +0000

After years of producing music for the Surf/Travel TV series OnSurfari, I have finally released a best of from the first 4 shows...India, Panama, Mauritius, and New York.

The CD is packed with 22 tracks of instrumental (and a couple vocal) tunes with lots of ethnic instrumentation and grooves. I hope you enjoy it.

Back From Brazil

noreply@blogger.com (OnSurfari) — Tue, 20 May 2008 23:48:00 +0000

Ahhh, the sounds of the ocean waves crashing just outside the window as the smell of fresh coffee and warm bread waff through the air and into my nostrils. The gentle samba rhythms tickle my eardrums, and the warm air beckons me out into the brightly sunlit afternoon.

I have always been an admirer of this facinating country, with its friendly people, rich culture, warm weather, and great food. Every time I think about going away, the idea of another trip down there always wins. This time was to the south, to see my girlfriend who was living there for a few months, and to see another part of the coutry that was new to me.

The past times I have always gone to the norther parts of this huge country, the states of Bahia, Pernamabuco, Sergipe, Rio, and Minas Gerais, but this time I headed further south to Sao Paolo, Santa Catarina and Parana.

The culture there is slightly different, with more Germanic influence in the people and the music. In the north, African traditions are strong and evident in the food and music....from Samba Reggae to Capoeira, with a strong emphasis on chilling out in the hot weather.

The south has a more organized feel, the people are hard workers, and the music is infused with more culture from Europe...and the weather can cometimes get a bit chilly.

I was facinated none the less, and had a wonderful time exploring the cities of Curutiba, Florinopolis, and Sao Paolo...all with completely different feels. The island and surf culture vibe of Florinopolis was total polar opposite of the hustle and traffic of the largest city in Brazil and 4th largest in the world, Sao Paolo.

The traffic was so bad, that the freeways resembled the border crossing at Tijuana, with merchants crowding the lanes, selling food, drinks, and crap. But once in the city, I was amazed at the possibilites, the music, the food, everything that this country offers, all in one tangled mess of steets, buildings, cars, and people. Luckily we had a GPS telling us politely in Portuguese to turn left here, right there, and U-turns everywhere.

My quest was complete when I found a street called Teodoro Sampaio, which was lined from top to bottom with music stores. It was like mini guitar centers over and over and over again, each filled to the rims with guitars, drums, percussion, and everything in between. I spent hours and hours cruising the streets looking for a particular guitar, the Violoa Caipira, a 10 string country guitar with an amazing sound. I must have played 50 of them before settling on one in particular. Of course, I bought my share of percussion as well to take home with me.

So, now I'm back to the grind, working, and playing music. I am happy to be releasing a new CD, The OnSurfari Sessions, Vol 1 and playing with all my favorite friends. Next trip?? The world huge, but you might see me back in Brazil before too long.

Justin Werner CD Available

noreply@blogger.com (OnSurfari) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 23:47:00 +0000

Justin Werner and Co’s new CD is here! Click here to get your copy.

It’s been a long haul..and after months of recording with Neumans in bedrooms and broom closets, mixing with Macs on memory foam couches, and permanently placing pixels with pin-point precision, the darn thing sounds downright dandy! I am really proud to have been a part of this great disc. Congrats Justin!

2 Movie Debuts This Week

noreply@blogger.com (OnSurfari) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 00:47:00 +0000

I just got back from a weekend in San Francisco and found 2 of the movies that feature my music are going to debut this week.

First off is the movie, Skid Marks, that starts showing this Jan 25th at Ultrastar Cinemas in San Diego.

Next off is the surf movie, Walking on Water, that will be showing at The Rock Church in San Diego. Click here for the flier.

Can’t wait to hear the music coming out of these super splendid surround sound systems. So maybe I’ll see you at one of the shows!!

Happy Happy Joy Joy

noreply@blogger.com (OnSurfari) — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 00:46:00 +0000

Wow...that time of the year again. Happy New Year to all you out there in cyber land!! I guess it's time to think about the seasons past, reflect on all that we've done and all that we want to do in the future. Me? Shucks...I just want to keep makin good music, cruise around the world, and make a quick million....well, not quick, not even a million...just enough to keep making good music and cruise around the world. I hope we all have the sense to keep spreading the love and keep this place in check. Here's wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2008!! -Peace out.

Mixing a New Album for Justin Werner

noreply@blogger.com (OnSurfari) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 00:45:00 +0000

Coming to the end of 2007...yikes. Time is flying like a Wham-O 365g freestyle frisbee on a summer day. I've managed to cross a few things off my list, but the list keeps getting bigger and bigger.

One project that I am excited about is a new album by my good friend Justin Werner. We have been in the studio mixing the tracks and I must say things are sounding great. He has a gift for songwriting, and some of the tunes remind me of George Harrison...gets you right in the gut and may even bring a tear to your eye.

There are many guest appearances on the album and it features performances by all members of the band Jalopy...guitar, violin, upright, piano, accordion, mandolin, banjo, and yours truly on flute, drums, and percussion.So look for the tunes to be available soon, and check out Justin's page.

New OnSurfari Episode in the Works - Indonesia

noreply@blogger.com (OnSurfari) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 23:44:00 +0000

I just returned from a month-long trip into the heart of Southeast Asia exploring the different cultures of Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand. While in Bali, I met the producers (Shanye and Shannon McIntyre) of the show OnSurfari and we crusied around together filming some scenes for the new show to be out later this year. Shayne filmed me visiting some of the local music stores and jamming out with some of the locals.

The rest of the music for the show was completed before I left. Over 17 songs recorded to be the backdrop of Shayne's new episode that takes place in Indonesia, mainly on the island of Sumba.

After meeting with Shayne, I traveled throughout the small island of Bali, exploring numerous beaches, jungles, and temples temples temples. Thailand was unique as well and in between the elephant rides and snorkling sessions, I managed to bring back a slew of new instruments. Can't wait to get in the studio and try them out. Look for the new episode to be out on FuelTV and National Geographic International.

Skid Marks the Movie

noreply@blogger.com (OnSurfari) — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 23:43:00 +0000

My song It's a Shame was chosen for a new movie called Skid Marks, a comedy about 2 rival paramedic teams. I'm not sure where the used the song, but I guess we'll find out in Feb '08 when it is released in theaters.

Walking on Water

noreply@blogger.com (OnSurfari) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 23:41:00 +0000

13 of my songs will be used in a new surf movie called Walking On Water The movie is the story of two kids as they embark on the surf trip of a lifetime. It is being released world-wide in the coming months.

]The production came out looking amazing with incredible surf shots and travel footage from around the world. Clck here for more info on the film.