Boise Bound

There comes a time in most people's lives when they experience a BIG change. Many fear the idea of change because it shakes up their comfort levels. But on the other hand, change can provide great motivation. My friend/Cavotu family artist, Adrian will be leaving Vineland, New Jersey this week to explore life in a new part of the country. As Mr. Petty would say "the future is wide open."

Cavotuesday

The Walkman received its last rights. Sad news indeed. The cassette played a major role in my relationship with music as I was growing up. I had several cassette players over the years but this particular GE model is still alive and kicking. Now only if I could find some double A batteries around here.

The reality is that I never fully embraced the compact disc let alone the MP3. I hope the kids of the future will someday understand. Rest in peace mr. walkman. Gone but not forgotten.

Almost Famous

Cooper Wilt's shoe release party went down Saturday night at the new location of Sunken City Skates at 446 W 6th street in downtown San Pedro. The event also doubled as an art show for the super talented Eric Wollam of Almost skateboards.

The homey, Craig (Water Under the Bridge Records) brought down the house with the latest in dance/techno, total rave scene, kidding. The generous supply of booze and multiple kegs of Pyramid kept the thirsty kids very happy happy.

They even had a custom ice carving/shot luge of the Pedro shoe.

I wandered around to the front of the building to snap couple shots of the new digs. Unfortunately there isn't enough space to build a half pipe inside this time around but the walls are still freshly stocked with all your skateboarding needs.

The man of the hour and his lovely girlfriend, Angelica were all smiles. Thanks for the party guys. I can't wait to get my size 11's in the mail. Cheers.

Happy Birthday Speed

“Southern boys never die or give up, they just get busy gettn reborn”-Speed

Speed aka Scott Hall was an artist that I befriended in my early twenties. Our unique friendship began circa 1999 after I ordered a poster from his website. The poster was called Less Than Jake Fez Monkey. Back then I was a huge LTJ fan (I have seen them live in concert at least 15 times, always tons of energy). I always shared community space in apartments/houses during my SDSU days, my bedroom was the only place I felt comfortable decorating. I literally wallpapered entire walls with large graphics and album cover art that I had color copied from Kinko’s.

I eventually ordered more posters from Speed and we established an email friendship. Speed was always really stoked or really depressed. He mentioned that he had some mental issues but I didn’t know him on a personal level so I never knew what to make of it. Speed lived in Redondo Beach and we tried to meet up for coffee when I made my monthly visits from San Diego to San Pedro but never could coordinate our schedules.

In 2002, Speed moved to Hollywood and was crashing on people’s couches after a fire had burned down his pad in Redondo. Apparently his cat had knocked over a candle while Speed was sleeping. A majority of his personal possessions and artwork materials were lost in the fire. He set up a donation option on his website to help replace the items lost.

Speed invited me to the opening night of New Found Glory’s Sticks and Stones tour. I was a huge NFG fan at the time. Speed designed all the backdrop artwork for the tour so he promised VIP status and said that he ordered a limo to take us to the show. It sounded too good to be true.I arrived at Speed’s Hollywood apartment to find the door unlocked and all the lights turned off. We had never met in person so I was a little nervous going into the situation. Speed yelled from the darkness that he couldn’t get out of bed. He said he couldn’t go to the show and that he was sorry. I thought he was just kidding so I made myself a drink and sat down on the couch.

Moments later some dude came charging through the front door rambling nonsense and Speed yelled at him from the bedroom. The guy started going off about how he was waiting for a container being shipped from China but the Port of LA was closed due to the ILWU Lockout of 2002. I naturally offered a different point a view being that I was born into a pro union family/town. The conversation quickly turned heated and suddenly Speed emerged from the bedroom. He backed me up with pro union talk and made the guy leave. I was a bit confused and wondered what was going on, chaos. Speed quickly changed his mind about going to the show and he we took his truck to the House of Blues on Sunset. I never brought up the limo.

We grabbed our VIP wristbands and talked with Chad and Ian by their tour bus. They were really down to earth normal guys. We strolled inside the venue and bumped into LTJ at the bar; yes the whole band. LTJ were recording their Anthem record at a house in Malibu so they came out to support their fellow Floridian rockers. I felt pretty nervous talking with the guys at first. I told Vinny that I was a street team member for Fueled By Ramen (his former record label) and he was stoked so I felt pretty cool. Speed worked on several art projects with LTJ over the years. He didn’t speak with Chris because they brawled one time so it was a little awkward.

After the show we went backstage to hangout with the cool kids. Jordan was the only band member who drank so I asked him to take a shot with me at the bar. He wanted a chocolate cake shot and yeah he was serious. The night got a little foggy after that but I had a disposable camera so I captured part of the debauchery.

Our email chats were about weekly life experiences as well as future work opportunities. I was enrolled in several advertising and marketing courses so we often shared business ideas. Speed worked for Saatchi & Saatchi in the early part of his career so he understood how the game was played. Around this time, Speed started printing his art on tee shirts and Squaresville Clothing was born. The seeds of creating my own clothing line were planted but not fully actualized.

We agreed to meet up for the second time at the final show of the Sticks and Stones tour. I brought my friend, Dave along for the ride. Speed lived in a different part of Hollywood now and was neighbors with Beck. This vibe was completely positive when we entered the pad. Speed was super stoked to show Dave and I all his new concert posters and tee shirts. We saw the final draft of this poster before it was printed. Rad.

No limo and no car this time. We walked a couple blocks to the Palladium but barely arriving in time to see NFG. We watched most of the show up on the stage. Dave and I ran down into the pit for a couple anthems. The after party scene was rather foggy, Dave had to fill in quite a few parts but apparently I chatted with Travis Barker and made quite a drunken ass out of myself in front of everyone. Jack Daniels was never my friend. We ended up back at Speed’s pad and took turns ramming our heads into the coffee table with a motorcycle helmet. Madness indeed but sadly the last time we shared.

In 2003, Speed’s medical condition became worse and he moved back to his hometown in Florida to be with his family. I rarely heard from him after that. I would still send lengthy emails about what was going on in my life but he never responded. Somewhere in my mind I hoped that he was still reading even if he wasn’t replying.

In January 2004, I received a call from someone notifying Speed’s cell phone contacts that he had passed away. I was shocked and even more bummed that the call back number faded out with the reception. I never spoke with anyone to find out how he passed but from what I read it was said to be a natural death. My assumption is that it was an accidental overdose and hopefully not intentional.

I often wonder what our relationship would be like at this point in my life. Our friendship after all was pre college grad, pre Cavotu, pre wife, and pre kids. I can't even imagine the possibilities. Despite his battle with his disease, Speed was a cool guy. I am grateful for our memories. Today would have been his 40th birthday, which he shares with Tom Petty (60) who was also born in Gainesville, FL. Speed was always proud to share today with Mr. Petty. Rest in peace brother, today is your day to shine.

Side note: I am fortunate to own a majority of the concert posters that I included in the text above. Someday they will be framed and given a proper place in my future home.

Yeah Sweden Yeah

Throw-back tracks of the day. First off is Sweden's finest punk rockers, Millencolin. These dudes were on heavy rotation during the cassette mix tape days. Always upbeat and positive vibes.

And might as well throw in some Magnified Plaid aka MXPX for fun. Enjoy. Ok Saturday, I'm ready.

Thanks Lucas

I am in the process of getting stoked on music again. It sounds silly to say but it's true. Music has been very inspirational in shaping my life especially during my teens and early twenties. Unfortunately I have a million excuses as to why I no longer devote time to seeking out new artists but it is never too late to start making an effort. That being said, today's artist of the day is The Gamits. The band has been called the Brett Farve of punk rock because they can't seem to decide if retirement is permanent or not. Currently they back on the road promoting their new record. This video is just a demo but you get the idea. Listen and love.

Free Beer

Our Name is Fun

The Format was an amazing band from Phoenix, AZ. My friend, Dave first introduced me to them when I was in college at SDSU. I was pretty much hooked when I heard the first track. The band was created by two long time friends, Sam Means and Nate Ruess. Their music was a unique blend of indie, folk, and alternative rock. I was fortunate to see them perform live in 2007 and I was clearly blown away by their stage show. The band went on hiatus in 2008 and I am still waiting for their return...

In 2009, Nate formed a new band, Fun. Naturally I was drawn towards them because if its one half of the Format so it has to be awesome. Fun is a feel good band who mixes indie folk musical pop rock. The US tour starts this weekend in NY and will be making a stop in LaLa land at the end of October. Rad.

The Pedro

Cooper Wilt is a pro skateboarder from San Pedro who happens to be a real swell guy. The Duffs footwear company just released Coop's first ever Pro shoe. 'The Pedro' looks super rad in both color ways and can be rocked with denim and leather even when you are not riding your skate. Buy it now at your local skate shop. Support local business. Sunken City Skates is moving around the corner, check out the new digs. Skate or die.

Bird Man

Happy belated birthday to my friend, Sameer who celebrated the big THREE O by jumping out of a plane at 1500 feet. Wow. Talk about intense. I can't even do roller coasters. Sky diving is most likely not on my bucket list but mad props to the homey.

I've had the pleasure of knowing Sameer since 1998. As a brand architect, he definitely knows the art of wearing many hats and has currently been dabbling in the fashion game. One of the brands that Sameer works with is called Native Shoes. I read about this company a few months back but just recently ordered some product. From what I understand, Native shoes are basically the material like Crocs with a more fashionable style similar to Vans and/or Chucks. Can't wait to give my rainbows a break.

Wine Country

I just finished the last minute scramble of throwing everything in the old travel bag. The older I get I still appreciate the concept of traveling light. Tomorrow morning I am taking a flight up to Napa. Cavotu fam DJ B Free will be tying the knot with his lady on Saturday at the Jacuzzi Winery. The old college crew is rolling up so it's going to be a super fun party. Stoked.

I found this photo in archives. It was taken in 2006 when B Free was working the weekend gig at the Puma store in SF. Vintage Cavotu era.

Listen to Aaron

Shwayze has come a long way since I first blogged about them a few years ago. I know I said this before but for the record, Shwayze was never a Cavotu signed artist although some folks thought they were. In my younger days I had the gift of finding gems like Shwayze in the music industry before they became big timers. I stumbled upon some hidden talent over the years. Silversun Pickups anyone?

However I am still stoked that Cavotu artist A's Rage was the opening act for Shwayze when their tour rolled thru New Jersey. That was the closest Cavotu came to Shwayze which was still pretty cool now that I think back about it.

Back to the message at hand. I am on Twitter and I follow Shwayze. I have been reading Aaron's tweets about his solo project for the past month. I just downloaded the Love Stoned mixtape. Cool music. Thumbs up. Listen and love.

Tee of the Day

I thought it might be rad to share some inspirational fashion street/skate/surf wear that I come across when I am lurking on the inter-web. For now I'm calling this the Tee of the Day post.

Props out to Nick Diamond representing the Bay Area/Los Angeles/Fairfax like what. Most brands rarely deviate from the typical male shades of white, black, navy and/or grey but Diamond always kills it with this shade of mint. You all know my love for Milo and the boys so I won't even go there. Cool shirt. Thumbs up.

Cavotuesday

Little hands are taking over the world. One sticker at a time.

Dude...

Operator, operator, we have an important announcement. First of all, let it be known, when it comes to consistency with the blog, fail fail fail, the struggle continues. And second of all, big congrats out to Cavotu rider, Wes Wee on the birth of his baby girl, Adele James. Life is beautiful. Don't bulldog me buddy. Ten four.