The Japanese Motors

Japanese Motors are the most exciting band to emerge from Orange County since the heyday of Social Distortion and TSOL. Hailing from Costa Mesa, California, United States and comprised of RVCA pro-surfer and singer Alex Knost, guitarist Nolan Hall, bassist Chris Vail, and drummer Andrew Atkinson, the band is known around Southern California for the insane, all-night blowouts they put on as much as for the driving, raucous garage pop they set the partying to.

Rather than fight the influence of their surroundings like so many of their So Cal contemporaries, Japanese Motors have channeled it into their music, making tunes every bit as sun-baked and laid-back as their coastal environs and rife with positive imagery. "Most bands from here are trying to sound like they're from London or New York," Nolan says. "We embrace where we're from." In return for their local pride, the Southern Californian surf community has embraced them right back. Japanese Motors are part of RVCA's Artist Network Program and fellow surfers Emmett and Brendan Malloy (who made three White Stripes videos) directed the video for the band's first single, "Single Fins and Safety Pins."

BAND MEMBERS

ANDREW ATKINSON - Drums
ALEX KNOST- Vocals, Guitar
NOLAN HALL - Guitar, Bass, Vocals
CHRIS VAIL- Bass, Vocals