Tom
Curren
In his five-year
rise to World Surfing Champion, Tom Curren led the way in
cutting edge, perfectly tuned performance. Despite his youth,
Curren was acknowledged as surfing's first genius. He single
handedly altered the anti-establishment mindset of hundreds
of thousands of American surfers before turning pro.
To surfers, Curren
was bigger than the Beatles. Rolling Stone gave him headline
space as a matter of course.
Curren has played
a variety of instruments since fifteen. His drumming, bass,
guitar, singing and composition took a form that reflected
his unique personality. Famously reclusive, his musical gift
was only recognized—although highly regarded—among
a small enclave of musical celebrities.
Curren broke track
in late 1993 by committing to a 27 stop national American
tour, in which his band 'Skipping Urchins' drove to every
hardcore surfing outpost. The tour was a stunning validation
of his artistry and endurance.
His musical depth
grew through the mid '90's as he collaborated and jammed with
premier talent. Curren also relocated from France back to
Southern California. It was during a visit to Sydney in '98
that he exposed himself as a prodigious musician. One evening,
unannounced, he walked in off the street to EMI Studios. Curren
laid down six live tracks with just guitar and voice.
The music of Curren
features raw and honest performances. The folk influence,
bluesy, gritty feel with a minimalist approach may have been
seen as contradictory to what some believe as the 'surfing
music market.' However, the recording success of his long
time friend Jack Johnson, is testament to the fact that the
'surfing music market' is a past tense definition, and that
the market is receptive to a wide variety of styles.
Curren's music
goes beyond the immediate 'surf market'. He explores musical
styles and combinations of sounds that reflect his unique
take on music, and a glimpse into the Curren persona.
Composing and recording
is now routine, as is rehearsing his band for performances
at major surfing events (whether he's competing or not), as
well as mainstream venues.
The expansion of
Curren's horizons into music seems a natural path to him.
In many ways, the culture and lifestyle of surfing and music,
are one and the same.
"Curren's
reputation as one of the world's greatest surfers in history
is supported by his accomplishments as a competitor. But most
surfers would define Curren as an artist, then as a world
champion..." - Matt Warshaw, Surf Riders.
www.tomcurren.com
www.myspace.com/tomcurrenmusic
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