ArtistInfo

Insect Surfers

Band, *1979 US, Washington, D.C.
Rock

INSECT SURFERS were originally formed in the summer of '79 in Washington, D.C., after guitarist David Arnson envisioned a new Surf Band for the modern era that combined elements of psychedelic rock, 60s instrumentals, and punk rock energy. Touring the U.S. extensively, they released several independent LPs and singles that placed as high as #25 on the national college radio charts, and solidified them as one of the most unique bands of the late 70s/early 80s East Coast scene. It wasn't unusual to see Insect Surfers play on the same stages as Iggy Pop, The Stranglers, Psychedelic Furs, Joan Jett, Echo and the Bunnymen, Revillos, etc. After moving to Los Angeles in 1985, founding member David Arnson regrouped the band with guitarist/sax player Dan "Dano" Sullivan and debuted at KXLU's "Surf Day" in June 1986. INSECT SURFERS went on to be featured on bills with such artists as Chris Isaak, B-52's, Jonathan Richman, Pylon, The Ventures, Dick Dale, Link Wray, The Surfaris, and many more. Throughout the years, the band has released 3 critically acclaimed CDs on the Marlin Records label: Reverb Sun (1991), Death Valley Coastline (1996), and Mojave Reef (2003), as well as appearing on over 25 important compilation releases and numerous movie, television and DVD soundtracks. In 2012, a new chapter in the progression and evolution of the band was opened with the addition of guitarist extraordinaire Michael Abraham, known internationally for his work with jazz violinist Mads Tolling, Donovan, and the touring productions of Wicked and American Idiot. With bassist Jonpaul Balak, who'd become a key member of the band since 2008, holding strong, and the return of Death Valley Coastline-era drummer Jeff Utterback, the group experienced a revitalization that propelled them well into 2013 with the new album Infra Green, and their first European tour with headlining shows across Italy, Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium and The Netherlands. Far from being a nostalgia act, INSECT SURFERS play guitar-fueled instrumental rock for tomorrow - today! The 50's and 60's stylings of such artists as Link Wray and Dick Dale are filtered through psychedelia, punk rock and soundtrack themes to produce a unique, invigorating and danceable blend. "Jetstream propulsion, dual lead twang", "The Clash meets the Ventures", "Psychedelic Rangers", "Traditional yet progressive", are all taken from reviewers' descriptions. So...Submerge, hang twelve, and immerse yourself in the surfadelic sounds of INSECT SURFERS. Members: David Arnson: Guitar, Michael Abraham: Guitar, Jonpaul Balak: Bass, Chris Roberts: Drums

Members

	John Convertino dr US
	Jeff Utterback dr
	Steve Bidrowski dr, voc
	David Arnson g, voc
	Dan Valentie b, eb
	Mike O'Neil b, voc
	Jim Sciurba dr
	Dan Sullivan
	Jonpaul Balak b
	Michael Abraham g, eg