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

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.

Element Founder, Johnny Schillereff has announced the winners from the Element Tree Logo Contest, and we’ve got all the details HERE.

The top two picks will be turned into an Element T-shirt, and win a special package from Element. The honorable mentions will also have a hand-packed box, delivered straight to their door. And, every single entry in the Element Tree Logo Contest will receive a special thank you letter and gift from Johnny himself.

Thank you everyone for participating in the first of many online contests from Element. And please follow @elementusa and @johnnyschillereff on Instagram for more details.

Nyjah Huston dominated X Games this past weekend, first with an incredible run in the “Skateboard Street” contest, where he walked away with the bronze medal, while Ryan Sheckler won silver, and Paul Rodriguez took gold. Nyjah’s winning run can be see HERE.

Nyjah then won the gold medal for his “Real Street” video part; a video contest filmed entirely in the streets over the course of the past six months. The one-minute video can be watched HERE.

In other X Games news, 12-Year-Old Element rider Tom Schaar landed a flawless 900º during the “Big Air” competition, and ended up on ESPN’s “Top 10 Plays of the Week”. You can see the clip HERE.

At 12 years old, Tom Schaar has become the youngest ever to win an X-Games gold medal, and did so by landing the first ever 1080º in a contest. With a score of 94.00, Tom topped the podium with his gold medal, while Bob Burnquist, who won silver, had this to say.

“He’s very advanced for his age. In his head he’s very cool and that usually comes with time, but he’s had that right away. He’s going to go a long way and we’re going to have to deal with Tom for a long while.”

And in his humble fashion, Tom followed up with nothing but praise toward his heroes…

“I’m just excited to be here and be skating with all of these pros that I’ve looked up to. It’s the best feeling!”

You can see more of Tom Schaar in the newly released FUTURE NATURE, The Element Am Video.

Footage courtesy of Colin Clark.

Element Advocate, Loren Humphrey and his band Guards are going to SXSW, and playing a jam packed schedule (listed below). And while you’re there, don’t forget to check out the Thrasher Death Match with live bands and a mini-ramp. The event’s sponsored by Converse, so our very own Julian Davidson will be there. If you’re in town, enjoy the music and mayhem, and we’ll see you there.

Loren Humphrey (Guards drummer) originally wrote and recorded the song “I See It Coming” for MAKE IT COUNT, The Element Story (chapter 4). Guards then reshaped and rerecorded the song, including lyrics written by Richie Follin. The song became one of the top singles on the band’s first EP, and was their first official music video. The video was shot in a mortuary, with an orchestra playing the live instruments which were originally multi-tracked. The end result is nothing short of amazing.

Guards are Richie Follin and Loren Humphrey of Willowz, along with MGMT‘s James Richardson and Madeline Follin of Cults. Loren has worked closely with Element for years, creating all sorts of exclusive music, including the MAKE IT COUNT soundtrack, the music for the FUTURE NATURE and RISE & SHINE trailers, a slew of commercials and look-book videos, and all of the music used for the MAKE IT COUNT Contest Series for the past three years.

For more information on Guards, visit them HERE, you can even download their EP for free.

And when you have time, check out their live performance on MTV HERE, with Loren and Richie rocking some Element Emerald gear! The two later came by the Element Emerald launch party at Saturdays in New York, as seen below with Johnny Schillereff (Element Founder).

Guards on the SXSW schedule, and details below.

Tuesday 3/13 WHITE IRIS PARTY 8:45pm @ Parkside 301 E.6th St.

Thursday 3/15 SMALL PLATES / ULTRA 8201 PARTY 2:15pm @ Lovejoys 604 Neches St.

Thursday 3/15 DEATH & TAXES PARTY 6:00pm @ Cheer Up Charlies 1104 E.6th St.

Thursday 3/15 WINDISH AGENCY SHOWCASE / PURE VOLUME HOUSE 9:00pm @ ND Studios 501 North IH-35

Friday 3/16 FLOATING FEST / HYPE MACHINE PARTY 10:00pm @ Hype Hotel 504 Trinity St.

Saturday 3/17 BROOKLYN VEGAN / PARTISAN PARTY 5:00pm @ Hotel Vegas 1500 E.6th St.

Saturday 3/17 CHEVROLET SOUNDSTAGE 11:45pm @ 612 E.6th St.

Photo credit: Amber B Dianda

Julian Davidson and Nick Garcia came up with this special set of Travel Well cruiser boards, called “Day Trippin’”. Designing them was one thing, but what came next was the fun part; hitting the streets. Nick and Julian headed off to Skate Camp, and took the long road to get there. From bombing hills and crushing rocks to flatground and mini ramps, these boards are truly all terrain vehicles.

Music by:
Boom Chick
“Ghost of Bo Didley”
boomchickboomchick.com

GET A CLOSER LOOK AT THE DAY TRIPPIN’ SERIES:

The recent Travel Well video, featuring Chad Tim Tim, was set to a soundtrack by the band BOOM CHICK. Now, the band is preparing to release their new single “Shake Can Well” and the first 100 pre-orders will receive it on clear purple vinyl! We’ve already got our order in, and are checking the mail every day.

You can listen to the new music on their Bandcamp page, and pre-order the album there too. For more information on the band, including music and tour dates, check out their site; BOOM CHICK. And look for the next Travel Well commercial, starring Julian Davidson and Nick Garcia, coming soon.

Elemental Awareness hit the road to visit their friends on the Apache, Flathead, and Navajo reservations, where they were able to skate with the kids, and connect on a larger level…

Through the CHANGING LIVES THROUGH SKATEBOARDING program, they were able to give away more than 100 pairs of shoes, 50 skateboards and tons of other product. Needless to say, the kids were hyped and received some much needed gear.

Click here to see some photos from the tour. And for more information on Elemental Awareness and their programs, visit their site and Facebook page.

Element is proud to announce that  ”RISE & SHINE” The Nyjah Huston video, is now available on iTunes worldwide!

In 2011 Nyjah 3-peat’d at Street League, won X-Games gold, and became The Berrics Battle Commander. Now he’s out now to prove his talents where they matter most; in the streets.

Click HERE to view “RISE & SHINE” in the iTunes store.

In anticipation of “RISE & SHINE” the Nyjah Huston video, we are releasing a new clip, once a week until the video drops, so check back for more footage and information.

http://bit.ly/nyjahvideo

Filmed by:
Nathan Groff

Recently, DC Shoes got together with The Berrics to release the “The Fix S” skate shoe. To launch the special edition collabo’, they brought in Evan Smith, who stars in this commercial, going where few have gone before…

Evan Smith, with an aptly named, smith stall on the vert wall.

We all knew it was coming, but we didn’t know it’d be this good… Nyjah takes top honors at the most famous skatepark in the world, The Berrics, and is crowned the official Battle Commander with this video part.

So, until “RISE & SHINE” releases on 11.11.11., click play, and prepare to have your mind blown with Nyjah’s Battle Commander video part at The Berrics…

On September 24th 2011, Element and Beachworks joined forces to present the ELEMENT EQUINOX FESTIVAL. Set in Element’s own Orange County backyard, the festival included an amateur contest, team demo, team signing and a bevy of booths to keep attendees psyched. Two amateur contests were held: thirteen and under and fourteen plus. A total of $1,000 was awarded to the winners, $700 of which made its way into the back pocket of 14+ winner Edgar Barrera.

In addition, a free trip to Element / Ymca Skate Camp was awarded to the winner of the thirteen and under contest, Vinny Villani.

As impressive as the 14+ contest and demo were, the young kids contest really brought the stoke. Seeing the young’uns with decks as big them go for glory brought smiles to the faces of even the most jaded among us.

While not watching the skate action, attendees tie-dyed t-shirts, got henna tattoos, played skateboard wheel plinko to win free Element gear and checked out an array of animals on display from Inside the Outdoors.

For more photos from the event, visit our Flickr page.

The Mohave backpack, loaded with an unending amount of compartments and stash pockets, can practically carry the weight of the world.

In honor of its diversity, we got Mike Kershnar (Element Advocate) to pack up, and hit the streets. Through the eyes of filmmaker, Sean Desmond, we get an insider’s look into Kershnar’s daily grind, skating and painting in San Francisco…

Watch the video above, and swing by your local shop or click here to purchase an Element “Mohave” backpack.

The Mohave backpack, loaded with an unending amount of compartments and stash pockets, can practically carry the weight of the world.

In honor of its diversity, we got Mike Kershnar (Element Advocate) to pack up, and hit the streets. Through the eyes of filmmaker, Sean Desmond, we get an insider’s look into Kershnar’s daily grind, skating and painting in San Francisco…

Watch the video above, and swing by your local shop or click here to purchase an Element “Mohave” backpack.

Nyjah Huston and Element formed a relationship when Nyjah was only 7-years old. Then,  a twig on the Element tree, Nyjah grew into his own… In 2011 Nyjah 3-peat’d at Street League, and won X-Games gold, but he’s out now to prove his talents where their matter most; in the streets.

Element presents “RISE & SHINE” – The Nyjah Huston video, available on iTunes worldwide on 11.11.11.

Nyjah Huston and Element formed a relationship when Nyjah was only 7-years old. Then,  a twig on the Element tree, Nyjah grew into his own… In 2011 Nyjah 3-peat’d at Street League, and won X-Games gold, but he’s out now to prove his talents where their matter most; in the streets.

Element presents “RISE & SHINE” – The Nyjah Huston video, available on iTunes worldwide on 11.11.11.

Leading up to the Nyjah Huston video, we are releasing a new clip, once a week until the video drops, so check back for more footage and information.

http://bit.ly/nyjah-huston-video

In anticipation of the Nyjah Huston video, we will be releasing a new clip, once a week until the video drops on 11.11.11.

The inaugural clip is nothing short of death defying, as one wrong move, and your neck deep in pain. The roll up and ride away conditions are nothing to write home about either, but Nyjah manages to walk the line with a frontside nosegrind down the double set.

Click HERE to watch, and check back each Friday for a new clip of Nyjah.

Chipotle, friend of Element friend and MAKE IT COUNT sponsor, has put out an incredible short film entitled “Back to the Start”. The film depicts the life of a farmer as he slowly turns his family farm into an industrial animal factory before seeing the errors of his ways, and opts for a more sustainable future.

Both the film and the soundtrack were commissioned by Chipotle to emphasize the importance of developing a sustainable food system. The soundtrack is by country music legend, Willie Nelson, who sings a cover of Coldplay’s “The Scientist” is nothing short of moving.

We love the film and its message, and wanted to pass it on. Get inspired, and for more information, visit:

Back to the Start

To learn more about the the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation, visit:

Chipotle Cultivate Foundation

And pick up a limited edition Element x Chipotle burrito board at your local shop. Each one comes with a gift card for a free burrito!

Nyjah Huston and friends rolled through the Chino park recently, and left no ledge unturned. Subscribe to Nyjah’s friend, Nathan on YouTube here for more Nyjah footy, as they’re always out skating, rain or shine.

Chad Tim Tim walks you through the basics of a switch crooked grind. Active is holding a contest here, where whoever sends in the best footage of them doing a switch crooks, wins a year supply of shoes from Dekline. Don’t forget the bonus clip and contest at the end of the video too.

Evan Smith gets a surprise request from skateboard legend, Josh Kalis, while on tour with DC in Europe. Watch and see if Evan can land a “Straight 8″ on call. The “Straight 8″ is when you do the two fundamental flip tricks, kickflip and heelflip, in the four possible ways, which equals 8… Kickflip, fakie kickflip, switch kickflip, nollie kickflip, heelflip, fakie heelflip, switch heelflip, and nollie heelflip.

The Mattson 2 are performing tonight at Mollusk Surf Shop in San Francisco with special guest, skateboard legend, Tommy Gurrero on bass, along with Casey Mattson too. The show is all-ages and free, so get there on time, as you won’t want to miss this one!

They’ll also be selling their new album, “Feeling Hands” and T-shirts at the show. If you can’t make it, the new album is available on iTunes, CD, and even vinyl, or check out the Mattson 2 site for more info.

See you tonight!

August 23, 2011 (7pm doors open)

Mollusk Surf Shop

Music by:
Dirty Fences
“Haily Hallway Looker”
Facebook.com/dirtyfences
dirtyfences.bandcamp.com

In honor of the new Berrics park in Westchester (LA), Steve Berra proposed a “First Try Fridays” for Chad Tim Tim that’s like no other. Enjoy the ride.