Canada's East Coast instro-nuts, URBAN SURF KINGS, play surf music, 1960’s style. Think the beach blasts of Dick Dale, the leather jacket rumble of Link Wray, and the biker fuzz of B-movie heroes Davie Allan & the Arrows.
The 13 year old trio features Rev Hank on surf guitar, Crash Flagg on surf bass, and Inky on traps. That’s right, no singer, but not to worry…there’s always plenty of dancing on and off the stage: the swim, the frug, the watusi, the twist…
URBAN SURF KINGS have 9 releases to date, including their latest spaghetti western themed CD, “Bang Howdy Partnerâ€. They even released a 45rpm titled “el Toro!†a while back to capture their surf sound on vinyl (the way it should be!)
Fall 2008 will see the release of the new USK 7 inch ep, “Learn to Skiâ€. We decided that being from the Great White North, we should be releasing an "authentic" snow recording?! Not to mentioned CDs are so 1990's.
With a fan base that extends around the world (including North & South America, Europe, Asia & Australia), Urban Surf Kings may be the busiest surf band in Canada.
Awards & Nominations:
Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards (2008) - nomination for Best Instrumental Album (Bang Howdy Partner)
Aboriginal Peoples Choice Awards (2008) - nomination for Best Group or Duo, and Best Instrumental CD (Bang Howdy Partner)
Aboriginal Peoples Choice Awards (2007) – nomination for best instrumental recording (Live in Hell)
Music Nova Scotia Awards (2006) – Award for best Aboriginal Group
Aboriginal Peoples Choice Awards (2006) – nomination for best instrumental recording (Live in Hell)
Indian Summer Music Awards (2006) – nomination for best instrumental recording (Live in Hell)
Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards (2004) - nomination for best instrumental recording (Surf vs. the Flying Saucers)
Genie Awards (1999) – nomination for best original score (Beefcake)
Atlantic Film Festival (1999) – award for best music composition (Beefcake)
2007-2008 Highlights
August: Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards (2008) - nomination for Best Instrumental Album (Bang Howdy Partner)
July: Aboriginal Peoples Choice Awards (2008) - nomination for Best Group or Duo, and Best Instrumental CD (Bang Howdy Partner)
July: USK invited to showcase at the Aboriginal People's Choice Awards & Manito Ahbee Music Fest, Winnipeg, MB
May/June: Bang Howdy Partner charts across Canada on Campus & Community Radio Charts
May: USK put on annual Guitar-Fest (IV) at the Seahorse Tavern
May: This week's Chart Sizzler Award goes to a bit of an underdog, as Urban Surf Kings' Bang Howdy Partner beats out perennial Canadian campus radio favourite Young And Sexy for the top debut. Bang Howdy Partner hits the chart at 17, while Young And Sexy's Arc arrives at 20.
Apr: USK record several tracks for upcoming Earth Surfing compilation for California's Rickshaw Records
April: Bang Howdy Partner receives 5 star review from renowned surf media Reverb Central
April: Bang Howdy Partner CD released, fastest selling USK release to date, distributed world-wide.
Feb/March: USK work with legendary California surf guru Phil Dirt to master new CD.
Dec: USK record 4 song ep (unreleased) with Hayward Parrot (Rush, BTO, David Foster) at St Cecilia Studios
Nov: Aboriginal Peoples Choice Awards (2007) – nomination for best instrumental recording (Live in Hell)
