The West Coast’s contribution to hardcore punk is undeniable. That tradition of aggression, passion, and scrappy melodicism continues with The Barbarians Of California, an engaging new manifestation of iconoclastic spirit and true bombast. Born from the shared passion of Aaron Bruno and Eric Stenman, the spirit of the underground and the personal catharsis delivered through metallic hardcore never left either of them. So, when Aaron learned that Eric crafted a batch of throwback bangers combining impassioned angst with modern sensibilities, he wanted in immediately. The Barbarians was born. In 2024, the band released their debut album, And Now I’m Just Gnashing My Teeth, and celebrated with a high-energy show at the iconic Troubadour in Los Angeles, cementing their place in the hardcore scene’s next chapter.
Makuakai “Makua” Rothman is a celebrated Hawaiian big wave surfer, song writer and singer. Born and raised on Oahu’s North Shore, he began surfing as a toddler and made global headlines at 18 by riding a 66-foot wave at Jaws, winning the Billabong XXL Award. In 2015, he became the inaugural champion of the WSL Big Wave World Tour. After a knee injury sidelined him from competition, Makua turned to music, crafting uplifting songs that reflect his aloha spirit. He has toured extensively, sharing collaborations with Wiz Khalifa, G.Love, Awolnation and stages with top artists such as Sublime with Rome, Awolnation, Steel Pulse, G.Love, and Slightly Stoopid.
Unpolished, unapologetic and unmissable. Vacation Phase, founded by Jimmy Messer and Evan Robinson, is self deprecation at its finest. The band formed in Venice Beach in 2022. One record quickly became ten, and before we knew it, we’re writing bios in the 3rd person n’ shit! We love what we do. We’ve both been makin’ music for other people for a long time. This time it’s ours! The live show is dope. These songs were consciously written and recorded with our live performance at the forefront. Aside from the undeniable vocal hooks, sticky grooves, and dreamy guitar work, we have some real shit to say. To quote myself from a recent interview I did with myself - “Goo goo ga ga muthafuckah I’m crazy. Stealin’ bars from a baby. New Rolly on my wrist and a G63 Mercedes. Just fuckin’ wit ya bitch I’m broke! For Christ’s sake, let’s git it poppin’ wit some wine, wait a minute shit I can’t drink.” All things combined make this band special and something we’re very proud of. Buy low, sell high, watch your six, keep your powder dry.
