“The surfing keeps me alive, and the music keeps me grounded”

   Born on December 10, 1972 in Downey, California Donavon Frankenreiter currently resides in Laguna Beach, CA among the things he loves – his wife, his son, his guitar, and the ocean.

   Growing up, his days revolved around the water, surfing every chance he had. At age 13, Billabong became Donavon’s first sponsor and afforded him a role most surfers dream of, that of a free surfer – paid to ride the waves, but not required to surf in competition.

   Like most in the pursuit of surf, at 14 years old Donavan ended up in Hawaii. He rented a room at Jack Johnson’s parents’ home to North Shore’s famous Pipeline. The two became instant friends. When they weren’t in the water they would learn guitar together, make up their own songs, and just hang out. When Donavon was 15, he got his first
guitar but it wasn’t until he was 18 that he started playing seriously and formed his high school band Peanut Butter and Jam. He has always loved to play music, but only in the last three years, has he discovered his own voice, style and confidence to go at it on his own.

   These days Donavon approaches his music with persistence – constantly playing guitar and writing whenever he has the chance. Donavon likes to keep it simple, allowing his music to be inspired by anything that moves him, especially his surfing. In 2002, Jack founded Brushfire Records. Coincidently, it was at this time that Donavon was stepping out musically, making it a natural pairing. Donavon’s self-titled Brushfire debut, due out
May 2004 was recorded at the Mango Tree, Hawaii and produced by Jack and Mario Caldato Jr.

   Although Donavon is still revered as one of the most charismatic and soulful surfers in the world today, his focus has shifted significantly to his music. This album is about the last 10 years of Donavon’s life and the love, travel, and all the new beginnings that happened along the way. Along with bass player Matt Grundy, drummer Dean Butterworth, percussionist David Leach, Koool G. Murder (from the Eels) on keys, Jack Johnson and G.Love both appear on the album.

   Recently Donavon linked up with Breeders drummer Jose Medeles and hopes to continue his great run of touring that has already included dates with Jack Johnson, G.Love & Special Sauce and Dave Matthews in 2003.