Q&A with:

Surf Ambassador Hendo

DJ/Video Editor/Blogger/Frother*
Los Angeles, CA

websites:
http://surfambassadorhendo.blogspot.com/
http://soundcloud.com/surf_ambassador_hendo

“Life’s too short not to be Frothing all the time!”

 

Famous Quote: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

What/who inspires you as an artist:
Art/Design: My Dad, my friends: Taylor Dunfee, Gus Thompson, Alex Herbst along with guys like Banksy, Blek Le Rat, Mr. Cartoon, and other such street artists.

Beauty: Myrt Reynolds, the ocean, waves, the beach, the mountains, and the sky.

Culinary: My family’s cooking skills, Myrt Reynolds and my mate Geoff who’s a personal chef on a legendary musician’s yacht. Some favorites include: Pizza, Sushi, and Hawaiian poké (preferably from Kahuku Suprette).

Fashion: The Ampal Creative, Crap Eyewear, MsQueza, and Pistols & Lipstick.

Film: Tim Burton, Bruce Brown, Rick Kane, Taylor Steele, Johnny Utah, Leroy “The Masochist”, Kai Neville, Larry Haines, Mike Prickett, Seeworthy Project, Fellini, Ian Emes, and Italian Neorealism.

Literature: My Mom, David Rensin, Steinbeck, R.L. Stine, Robert Frost, Hunter S. Thompson, and Stab Magazine.

Music: Any kind of Live music always inspires me as well as all my friends doing big things within the music industry (Guns In The Sun, dF, GDD, Bixel Boys, Tropicool, Viceroy, Junkyard, MazKaraté) and the heavy hitters like: Oliver, JUSTICE, The Magician, Poolside, Goldroom, Vanguard, Holy Ghost!, Cut Copy, Arcade Fire, Duck Sauce, Bag Raiders, French Films, Miami Horror, and Fred Falke. I’m also a big fan of Motown, soul, disco, 80′s, hip hop, and indie rock music.

Online: Globe.tv/Dion, FollowTheFish.tv, Hypem.com, GottaDanceDirty.com, thedfm.com, TheAmpalCreative.com, FilterGlove.net, MindTai.com, JunkyardKicks.com, Surfline.com

Photography: Helmut Newton, Carlos Nunez, Camilo Lara Jr., Taylor Dunfee, Reed Decker, Chris Heim, Greg Byers, Anthony Ghiglia, Clark Little, and Russo

Stage: Jersey Boys, Point Break Live, Aziz Ansari, Pablo Francisco, Cabaret, and Phantom of the Opera

Television: Eastbound & Down, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Boardwalk Empire, Entourage, The Layover, Idiot Abroad, and any other travel show

Surfing: Kalani Robb, Chris Ward, and Dane Reynolds

Can you describe the time when you first realized that creating was something you absolutely had to do:
I’ve been creating music and making videos ever since I was a grom, but I don’t think it was until I graduated High School that I realized that I was over math and science and that creating and being creative was something I had to do. I couldn’t imagine a normal life with a 9 to 5 job stuck in a putrid cubicle, staring at the slo-mo clock, and just living for the weekends. So far my career path has taken me to some amazing places; I’ve met some really genuine and creative people, and have experienced the completion of many of my dreams. I love the work I do and I only do work I love. It’s not always easy but I wouldn’t change it for the World.

What are you trying to communicate with your art:
My music is meant to communicate happiness, warmth, laughter, and a deep sense of letting yourself go and just having fun! A big part of me yearns for the vibe that the music made in the 70′s and 80′s elicited (disco and synth-driven tunes); a sense of freedom, fun, and love. Ultimately, songs that I’ve edited or put in my DJ sets are meant to encompass a modern twist on a classic era while communicating a feel-good/fun in the sun/beach party vibe!

Any exciting projects on the horizon:
Currently I’m working on a new “Re-Froth” (re-edit) of a classic disco track that is really coming together nicely and is set to be released on a compilation with a bunch of my disco friends (French Kiss Collective, Falcon Punch) and some NuDisco legends. Also, I have a new mixtape that will be released soon in collaboration with an international apparel brand that I’m really stoked about. On top of that, my summer DJ residency with the legendary “No Shirt / No Shoes” party presented by Dub Frequency is set to start on April 28th at the Standard Hotel in Downtown LA. The Epic monthly party will be continuing at the Standard rooftop and throughout California the entire summer long. I can’t even begin to express my froth/excitement for this party!

Which creative medium would you love to pursue but haven’t yet:
I’d like to pursue some kind of band that incorporates a whole blender of eclectic musical weirdness including such sounds as: indie/electro/tropical/disco/80′s/punk/surf rock/froth music. I’ve been playing guitar and songwriting all my life but haven’t ever really pursued being in a full band. I had a mini band with my best mate Daniel in High School and it was awesome creating music, recording songs, and eventually playing a few songs for our friends! It would be so epic to play in a band with music that I’m really passionate about and just completely let myself go on stage while jumping around singing, frothing, and acting like the complete freak I am. It would be one hell of a show, that’s for sure!

What are your greatest accomplishments in the industry:
One of my greatest accomplishments within the music industry would most certainly be becoming a resident DJ for the “No Shirt / No Shoes” party series. Last summer was truly something magical that opened up so many creative doors for me. Alongside my buddies who are the 2 other resident DJs who go by: the Bixel Boys (the creators of the party series along with Dub frequency) and Tropicool, we were fortunate enough to create a Party Vibe that was something new, fun, and had a charismatic energy that just progressively grew bigger and bigger. With support and loyalty from our friends and sponsors, we eventually were DJing all over California. From San Diego, to San Francisco, all over LA and eventually even DJing at Filter Magazine’s Culture Collide Music Festival in Silverlake! I’m very thankful for that and have since gotten many great gigs and have had my song Re-Froths up on Hypem.com. I’m also incredibly proud of one particular No Shirt / No Shoes DJ set that went down on July 23rd, 2011. With perfect weather, all of my friends from high school, college, and LA in attendance/frothing, plus a handpicked DJ set chalk-filled with NuDisco and 80′s retro jams, that DJ set is still the best one I’ve ever had in my life. Energy levels and fun were through the roof and afterwards, I felt like I just won a million dollars, it was amazing! Those are all many accomplishments that I’m super stoked on. I’m still really new to the whole DJ game and I know there’s plenty of room to grow, but so far I like how things have started.

What one thing that has happened in your life has made the biggest impact on who you are today:
Ultimately the way my parents raised me has had the biggest impact on who I am today. Throughout thick and thin, they’ve supported my alternative career path and have believed in me every step of the way. I’m very fortunate for a support system like that and their unconditional love.

The one thing that musically (in regards to DJing) made the biggest impact on who I am today, was watching DJ AM’s set at La Cita bar about 3 years ago. The way he successfully managed to mix all of my favorite songs without ever missing a beat, opened my eyes to a whole new realm of playing music and fully utilizing creativity. He was a true legend who not only inspired me, but a whole generation the World over as well.

What makes you truly happy:
I’m usually always happy so it doesn’t really take all that much to make me happy but I’d say that definitely: family, friends, music, surfing, and laughter make me truly happy. Sometimes the littlest things make me happy like hearing from an old friend, a good random/bizarre joke, catching a good wave, getting booked to DJ an awesome show, or even the feeling I get after a long productive day exploring various creative avenues. True happiness is everywhere!

What keeps you balanced and sane:
The ocean and surfing keep me balanced and sane along with the support I have from my family and friends. I’ve been surfing for about 17 years now and there’s just something about being in the water that never fails to set my mind and body at ease. The ocean and the act of surfing put a halt to any stress or worries that the real world may dish me. Every time after I surf, whether or not the waves are firing or complete horse crap (like El Porto), I always come out feeling rejuvenated, fresh, and alive. Some have even said that I glow for a hot minute after I’ve been hanging in Poseidon’s Playground. My friends and family keep me sane and balanced as well and without their support and belief in my dreams, I surely wouldn’t have made it this far; Myrt Reynolds keeps me sane too. A big thanks to all!
* The term “Froth” or “Frothing” is a standard word in my vocabulary derived from my good mate Nai Snagtor and the Aussies. Its meaning is similar to that of being extremely excited, stoked, or a general sense of supreme happiness. More info about my unique/bizarre vocabulary can be learned about and seen here: http://vimeo.com/6529261