But here’s my story. I used to skate and surf since 1992; and I used to be in a self-financed band for years. These activities take more than half of my life. My background was 15 years in independent music industry, 2 years at managerial level in Boardriding-related fashion industry and a master degree of entrepreneurship management.

So I used to work at Volcom Indonesia at 2002 in Bali, and I used to own and run my music management company back in Bandung while I took a graduate business degree range from 2003 – 2006. Since late 2006, me and my family moves to Bali, to work for my old boss here at City Surf, a boardriding-related fashion retail chain. So I have experienced working at both industries.

In music industry, I initiate to sign 2 bands to the biggest major label in Indonesia, Sony BMG while also initiate to sign endorsement deals with Electric Sunglasses, Quiksilver and Volcom.

However, I can see that Sony BMG differently treated bands than Volcom treated their athletes.This is a simple and rather dummy example but please imagine this in other practice. Sony BMG doesn’t even call you back on hung up calls while Volcom will call you back instantly. I can’t understand this. Bands and artists are the source of income for music labels while athletes are mostly cost cows for boardriding companies. But how could they treat their money like that?

So I come to a conclusion that Boardriding companies treat their stakeholders better than music companies. I think that’s why music industry are at flaws and will continue to suffer from their idiocy. Fat music executives shall prepare their coffin.

Surfdog Records is an independent record label founded in 1993 by Dave Kaplan, an artist manager since 1985 when he signed his first major client, the British reggae artists UB40. Located in Encinitas, CA, Surfdog is one of five cornerstones of a broad-based entertainment group that also includes our companies: Dave Kaplan Management, Surfdog Music Publishing & Licensing, Surfdog Entertainment Marketing (SDE) and Surfdog’s Java Hut.

Niels Schroeter is Surfdog’s General Manager and oversees the staff and operations. Niels has over 21 years of music industry experience, 17 of which have been with Surfdog/DKM.

The label’s passion for music includes an eclectic array of genres spanning rock, big band swing, reggae, punk, Latin, folk, rockabilly, comedy, hip-hop and, in the early years, even a release of crazy cosmic galactic rock n’ roll by the Venice Beach icon, roller-skating/turbaned Harry Perry!
Surfdog has released over 65 albums by artists such as Brian Setzer, Stray Cats, Butthole Surfers, Slightly Stoopid, Richard Cheese, Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks, Gary Hoey, Wylde Bunch, and many more. We are also proud to have released several sountrack albums, including “The Endless Summer II” and “Step Into Liquid.” Surfdog artist’s music has been prominently featured in numerous motion picture films and television shows.

We are also very proud to be an ocean-conscious label and our three MOM: Music For Mother Ocean releases contributed to the biggest donations ever in Surfrider Foundation’s history. For the MOM albums, Surfdog assembled the biggest names in music, including Paul McCartney, Pearl Jam, Sublime, James Taylor, Rage Against the Machine, Snoop Dogg, Jimmy Buffett, No Doubt and many more, to gain worldwide attention for these classic cd’s as well as for the protection and preservation of our planet’s oceans.

Our classic Surfdog “stick-guy,” along with our tropical, Kaua’i-like office complex near the cliffs of the world-class reef break Swami’s, help contribute to our non-corporate vibe. Beware if we’re ever out at a “board meeting!” And if you’re ever in the area come by to check out our local hang-out, Surfdog’s Java Hut on Coast Highway 101 serving up killer smoothies, coffee, grindage, and ‘Froogies’!!

If you want to know more, you should check out their site here.

Legendary bassist Karl Alvarez recently suffered a heart attack. Alvarez is the veteran musician of notable acts including All, The Descendents and The Lemonheads.

While Karl is recovering, mounting medical bills are causing problems and some of his friends have set up a fund to help raise some money to offset some of those costs. You can click here to help.

Picture of Karl originally taken from the his MySpace benefit page. Hope you get well soon…

Thanks Mark Hopus!

Click here to view the embedded video.

“I’m talking about unity, brothers and sisters, because we have to get it together. We are the solution to the problem, if we will just be that.” —John Sinclair, from the uncensored liner notes to MC5’s Kick Out The Jams

We know what you’re thinking: What does the former leader of the White Panther party have in common with Venus’ most famous rock band? The answer is probably more than you think. While Valient Thorr’s 2005 debut, Total Universe Man, set the stage for total planetary domination, their follow-up, Legend Of The World, finds the band trying to save that same planet the only way they know how: through the power of the almighty riff.

The question is: Does Rock ’N’ Roll have the power to save the world?

“Rock ’N’ Roll is the only thing that can save the world,” explains red-bearded frontman Valient Himself via cell phone from the band’s RVT Starship Cruiser. “It can be co-opted as well, but it’s the only thing that’s sincere enough to make it happen, because when you’re out there, you’re putting all of it on the line.”

From the album’s furious opener “Heat Seeker” (which isn’t a live recording, but may as well be) to the politically charged rocker “Har Megiddo,” and everything in between, each second of the 49 minutes of unadulterated Rock ’N’ Roll that makes up Legend Of The World proves that—although Valient Thorr’s history and denim vests may sometime precede them (“People say we’re either too far ahead of the times or too far behind them,” jokes Valient Himself), it’s clear that they’re no metal joke band.

Click here to view the embedded video.

From the Bush Administration to capitalism to the hierarchy of the class system, there is no topic that Valient Thorr are afraid to stand up and fight against—even if costs them their Earth lives. Our messages are serious,” says Valient Himself. “If the shit went down, I would be out in the streets and wouldn’t be afraid to die for my beliefs,” he continues, clearly perplexed by Earthlings’ fixation with the afterlife and lack of respect for their own planet. “I’d rather be an example of how people should live their life; I’m not worried about what comes afterwards.”

But Valient Thorr’s message would be nothing without the music, and that’s the real centerpiece of Legend Of The World. Recalling acts like Thin Lizzy, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Iron Maiden, Kiss and the Hellacopters, the band’s modern take on classic rock is a refreshing blast in today’s oversaturated pop-punk market. “Rezerection” features harmonized hammer-ons and blazing leads; “False Profits” condenses all the best aspects of glam-metal into three minutes; and the driving “Exit Strategy” is the perfect backdrop for Valient Himself to preach his anti-war teachings to those of you keen enough to listen.

And if you’re too busy watching Fox News to give Valient Thorr a chance, well, chances are they’re invading your town soon. The band spent nearly 300 days on the road last year with acts as diverse as Comeback Kid, High On Fire and Strung Out, and this year they’ll be spending another summer on the Vans Warped Tour to spread their Gospel and show that even in a world as mixed-up as this one, Rock ’N’ Roll is still the one thing that can bring true salvation,

But don’t take our word for it: Put in Legend Of The World, crank it up and lose yourself in the music. Ultimately, Valient Thorr’s kindred spirit Rob Tyner from the MC5 put it best when he proclaimed, “Kick out the jams, Motherfucker!”

This post ripped from the band’s website. Check out their website www.valientthorr.com for more info.

The sound of this San Diego band has been compared as everything from Keane to The Strokes…The Beatles to Van Morrison. Dynamite Walls is Tom Pritchard (vocals, guitar), Alex Blundell (lead guitar), Allan Bates (bass), Paul Kimmel (keys), and Steve Serrano (drums). Each member struggled to find a band that expressed his true voice. When they decided to leave their individual bands behind and form Dynamite Walls, it all fell into place. They knew that at the end of the day it comes down to great songs….

The groups lyrics and melodies are delivered courtesy of Toms soulful voice, which brings to life the thoughts and emotions we’ve all had trouble expressing ourselves. “I write about everyday things. The good and the bad.”, says Pritchard. Led by his bold and honest song writing, the band has found a growing fan base that continues to hear more of this groups creative works. With recent interest from major labels, Dynamite Walls is poised at the edge of stardom eager to share their music with the world.

“Dynamite Walls’ melodic sound slips effortlessly into the ear, hooking the listener almost by surprise. Also from San Diego, the band claims lofty influences ranging from Coldplay to The Strokes, proving that high ideals spawn high art. Savor their unique blend of influences and innovation on “Kiss and Ride.” – from www.BMI.com

“Dynamite Walls might be considered Augustana with less emphasis on the piano or Switchfoot without the record sales was it not for Tom Pritchard’s great voice, which runs from breathless to powerful and takes a vulnerable touch with it through the whole spectrum. The Walls, whose members (Pritchard, Alex Blundell/guitar, Allan Bates/bass, Steve Serrano/drums, Paul Kimmel/keys) all left previous bands to form, have toured the West Coast and cornered a coveted stage slot on Tim Pyles’ Anti-Monday League night at the Casbah on the strength of their June 2006 self-titled 4-song EP. The single “Kiss and Ride” and a new song “Now (Tell Me)” can be heard on 94.9 and now, AmplifySD. ” – By Rich Baiocco FOR SIGNONSANDIEGO

Guitar-based power-pop with luscious vocal harmonies, the debut four-song EP from the San Diego quintet Dynamite Walls has the kind of immediate familiarity that makes it seem that surely you’ve heard these songs before. “The first two songs, “Kiss and Ride” and “Seasons,” are both near-perfect examples of what a pop song should be: slowly building theme with muffled guitar and synth chords behind the thickly harmonized vocals, both riding a catchy melody up to the refrain. They’re the sort of songs that get stuck in your head days on end, the kind of songs that have been making the Top 40 charts for the last couple of generations.. Only four songs for the band’s first release but the strength of the first two is such that it could well lead to a full-length release in 2007. – By Jim Trageser North County Times

“I think Dynamite Walls could have mass appeal.” – Rosey Bystrak for www.sddialedin.com

“Dynamite Walls are from San Diego, CA. I first heard about this band while driving back from Mexico with JG. I was listening to the 94.9fm local show and this song came on the radio. I immediatly contacted the band to play HELL YA! Very excited to have them.” – Heather Peggs for HELLYA! dj’s

Click the image below to go to our page on the iTunes music store. You can download the EP for $0.99 per song! We’ll be putting up more music soon!