LISTEN TO NEW GUARDS SINGLE “COMING TRUE”
We’ve got the second single from Guards for you to listen to and download. “Coming True” takes a simple new-wave riff and builds layers upon it, reaching cinematic climaxes, reminiscent of past projects we’ve worked on together…
Guards is a trio made up of Loren Humphrey, Richie Follin, and Madeline Follin of Cults. Together, Element and them have collaborated on countless projects, including the FUTURE NATURE and MAKE IT COUNT soundtracks, a ton of commercials and shorts, along with the music for the MAKE IT COUNT Contest Series, including the 2009 series that was set to Richie and Loren’s band, Willowz.
Guards are closing out the year with an East Coast tour (dates below), and the full-length album ”In Guards We Trust” will be out February 5th. For more info on Guards and past Element projects, including the music video to “I See It Coming”, check out THIS blog post.
GUARDS TOUR DATES
11/29 Boston, MA @ The Sinclair
12/01 Washington, DC @Black Cat
12/07 Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Necktie
12/08 Lancaster, PA @ Chameleon Club
12/09 Hartford, CT @ Arch Street Tavern
12/11 Clifton Park, NY @ Upstate Concert Hall
12/12 Buffalo, NY @ Mohawk
12/13 Ithaca, NY @ The Haunt
12/15 Brooklyn, NY @ Knitting Factory
Photo by Olivia Malone
NICK GARCIA “WELCOME TO THE PRO TEAM”
It’s a rare thing these days, in the age of the internet and all, when you can honestly say an amateur skater paid his dues to earn what he’s got, but for Nick Garcia, there’s nothing truer than that. Skating his ass off, and getting noticed the old fashioned way… “The harder you work the luckier you get” and with that said, we are proud to introduce Element’s newest pro, Nick Garcia.
Here’s a look back at Nick’s skating through the years, including video highlights, articles exposure, magazine covers, and his most recent footage and first pro ad… Congratulations Nick, you deserve it.
The Nick Garcia collection consists of the Welcome and Blue Collar boards, a cruiser shaped by Nick, and limited edition shirt. Everything is available in the Element store and at your local shop, so stock up now.
MAKE IT COUNT 2012 GLOBAL FINALS
Over the past year, we had 45 MAKE IT COUNT events in 30 different countries, with one goal; to get the most dedicated skateboarders from around the world for a life changing experience.
On August 11th, 23 finalists flew in for an all expenses paid trip to California for one week, and to compete in the global finals at Element YMCA Camp.
During that week, we went to San Diego and skated the Transworld park, hung out at Element headquarters, and had a day all to ourselves at The Berrics. In addition to skating, we hiked to the natural waterslides at Stony Creek, launched in Lake Sequoia, and saw a slew of wild animals in the Sequoia National Forest.
In the end, it was Jon Cos who took first place and a year’s sponsorship from Element, while Dustin Blauvelt came in second, and Nate Greenwood finished in third. Some left with trophies and prizes, but everyone went home with something much greater; friendships were forged, and our Element family grew bigger.
Thank you to everyone who contributed in making this series an experience of a lifetime.
For more info, to see the finals video, and to see the #elementmakeitcount instagram feed, go HERE:
“Second Nature” A Documentary Film About Janne Saario
Second Nature is a 18-minute documentary on Element team rider and budding landscape architect, Janne Saario of Finland.
The short film allows a glimpse of Saario’s thoughts and dreams, which float between design, art and skateboarding. Though it also reveals the important concurrence of post-industrial areas, sustainable concepts and natural environments, and unfolds the demanding obligation, towards today’s generation and those to come, to create positive and inspiring, local communities.
Over the past two years, filmer Yves Marchon’s keen eye reels in the various aspects and angles of Janne’s life and creates the perfect portrayal of what Element is most proud of and strives to constantly stand for through their products, artists and team riders: to bring progress to skateboarding in the most honest and ethical way.
The film was premiered in Janne’s home town of Helsinki, Finland which was named ‘World Design Capital 2012′. The film has received great feedback so far so check out the film and let us know what you think!
ELEMENT EUROPE MAKE IT COUNT FINALS – BERLIN
This years “MAKE IT COUNT” contest series has been incredible, so I was really looking forward to seeing what the Europeans had in store. While our main focus was the Europe Make It Count finals, we couldn’t just sit there and allow our down time in Berlin to slip away. We were out for a good time, and having a solid crew is essential. In this case, nobody missed a beat; everyone was down to skate, lurk the streets at night or make up ridiculous songs on the guitar and sing them at the tops of our lungs. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some good ‘ol America, but I miss Berlin already. Here are some Prints and Polaroids from our adventures in Berlin:
Evan and Levi
Kershnar displaying an American cannonball
Boo, Nick, Evan and Todd at the Berlin Wall
Evan hopping over the wall
Evan and Nick
Cole
Cole, myself, and Todd
From Top Left to Bottom Right: Evan Back Smith, Nick & Madars, Van Life, The Homies
Can’t wait till next year.