Donavon Frankenreiter

“The surfing keeps me alive, and the music keeps me grounded” Born on December 10, 1972 in Downey, California Donavon Frankenreiter currently resides in Laguna Beach, CA among the things he loves – his wife, his son, his guitar, and the ocean. Growing up, his days revolved around the water, surfing every chance he had. At age 13, Billabong became Donavon’s first sponsor and afforded him a role most surfers dream of, that of a free surfer – paid to ride the waves, but not required to surf in competition. Although he still surfs every chance he gets, Donavon’s focus has shifted towards his music. When Donavon was 15, he got his first guitar but it wasn’t until he was 18 that he started playing seriously and formed his high school band Peanut Butter and Jam. He has always loved to play music, but only in the last three years, has he discovered his own voice, style and confidence to go at it on his own. Donavon likes to keep it simple, allowing his music to be inspired by anything that moves him, especially his surfing. In 2003, Donavon signed to Brushfire Records, Jack Johnson’s signature label. Donavon’s self-titled Brushfire debut, due out May 2004 was recorded at the Mango Tree, Hawaii and produced by Jack Johnson and Mario Caldato Jr. Recently Donavon linked up with Breeders drummer Jose Medeles and hopes to continue his great run of touring that has already included dates with Jack Johnson, G.Love & Special Sauce and Dave Matthews in 2003.

Born on December 10, 1972, in Downey, CA, Donavon Frankenreiter took to surfing at a young age. By the age of 13 he had a sponsor -- Billabong -- and the pursuit of a professional career in surfing led to a move to Hawaii a year later. He had rented a home from the parents of Jack Johnson, a fellow surfer who would become a successful recording artist years later. The two became fast friends, learning guitar together, surfing, and just plain hanging out. Music was always fun to play for Frankenreiter, but it wasn't until 2002 that he was confident enough to try it professionally. Meanwhile, Johnson's musical career had broken through into the mainstream, and he was starting his Brushfire Records label. With guest spots from Johnson, G. Love, and Koool G Murder of the Eels, Frankenreiter's self-titled debut appeared on Brushfire in May of 2004. For his next record, Frankenreiter broke from his mentor's label and moved to Lost Highway for the release of 2006's Move by Yourself. An EP full of cover versions called Recycled Recipes landed in 2007 with the polished full-length Pass It Around following a year later. ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide