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 [+]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 recognised - 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 & 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
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