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Artist Series: Mike Parillo

18.06.2013.

Mike Parillo was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Mike started pursuing a life of endless possibilities at age seventeen. An extremely avid snowboarder, Parillo lived in a tent on the snow in the mountains of local Big Bear, California where he dedicated his life to the sport that would soon become one the most popular winter time activities in the world.

Parillo developed a passion for painting and visual art in 1994. This caused a shift away from the snowboard scene and in 1998 Mike migrated away from life in the snow and “getting paid to play on the mountains with plastic toys”. Following, Mike moved back to his native LA from his snowboard fantasyland of Jackson, Wyoming to live with a group of friends and artists with similar motivations and plans: to dedicate their everyday to creating and self-education. Parillo has no formal art training and is self-educated in painting technique. The path he has taken is one of trial by fire.

Mike spent 1998 – 2008 accomplishing his goals while living between LA and Europe (Prague, Czech Republic). His creative journey was deeply infused with a myriad of new cultural, personal, and artistic experience as he went back and forth between continents.

After his last 2-year stint in Prague, Parillo came full circle and relocated to Jackson, Wyoming. He has found equilibrium there and combines the two worlds of his two major passions: an active outdoor existence and a full time creative pursuit of his artistic dreams. Mike now productively lives, plays, and paints with balance in the great state of Wyoming.

An icon in the snowboard universe, the legendary Mike Parillo is respected as one of the leading artistic visionaries of the action sports industry. Mike has contributed substantial inspiration and essential work to major companies like Volcom and Lib Technologies for two decades. His personal artistic endeavor conveys a soul-searching journey through reality and beyond. Parillo accesses extraordinary depth; his work maps the common as well as less traveled intricacies of our existence. Using symbols and visions from personal and universal human experience, he captures an essence of introspective awareness and sets a stage for true-life adventure. Total Fantasy / Absolute Reality.

Solé Fixtape Vol. 13 - Touch Sensitive

03.06.2013.

Future Classic's own, Touch Sensitive isn't a sound, it's a feeling. It's served frothy, always smooth, and imported strait from down under. We figured what better way to celebrate his move to LA then getting him on fixtape duty and tossing him a Solé to tear up the streets. With a wardrobe only to match the intricacy of his sounds, a beautiful music mosaic is formed. Ascending and descending melodies paired with funky bass will have you cruising in the sun-kissed rays in no time. It's time to eat some pizza, get sensitive, see sounds, and listen to colors because when this tape is over, you'll swear you might have drank a little too much of that serotonin smoothie.

Exclusive Download HERE

Tracklisting:

"Cry' The Reels
"Varsovie" Elton John Dub
"Cero" Galarude (DJ Harvey Remix)
"Triscuits" PBR Street gang remix
"Valley Of Paradise" Psychmagik (Greg Wilson Remix)
"Goldfisch" Kolsch (Original Mix)
"Blessings" Mark Du Mosch
"Paper Tears (Original Mix) B.d.i
"You Are My High" Demon
"Say Something (Original Mix) Fort Romeau
"Illuminations (Discodeine Remix) Zombie Zombie
"Peach Pit" The Swiss
"A Fax From The Beach" Classixx

About Touch Sensitive:

Touch Sensitive's debut single 'Body Stop' was one of the first tracks released on Future Classic, all the way back in 2004. Cloaked in anonymity it's cosmic vibes and Italo authenticity made it a cult favourite among discerning DJ circles from East London to Brooklyn. Re-emerging in 2006 under the Arithmatixx! pseudonym to produce a remix of (at the time) fledgling disco producer Mario Basanov it was later revealed both aliases to be the solo project of Van She co-writer and co-founding member Michael Di Francesco. Fast forward to 2012 and his third track 'Real Talk', a collaboration with Anna Lunoe, saw Touch Sensitive spend five (5!) months at the top of the Beatport indie-dance charts with what was universally recognised as one of the underground hits of the year. 2013 see's the release of his debut EP 'Show Me The Pizza Guy', previewed by LA super-producers Classixx in their mix for The Fader and Triple J they affectionally cite that "The Touch Sensitive tracks are masterfully produced and ultra-emotive. 'Pizza Guy' transports me to running the final stretch of my high school x country races in slow motion."

Solé Fixtape Vol. 12 - Cassian

14.05.2013.

Far Far away, in a land down under, there lived a man, a man known as the disco dictator. The legends told of him healing kangaroos from his bass reverb alone. It was clearer than a diamond in an icestorm that the man had talent. Once he started sprinkling in hi-hats and peppering synths, he would raise roos from the from the dead every time an 1/8th note hit. It is said every cactus in the outback is a remnant of a holy beats past. Seemed like it was only destiny that brought this lord to the fixtape series. His name is Cassian, and he likes to funk.

Express your Solé

09.05.2013.

Glenn Harris directed this video for us in-and-around 3 of the different boroughs of New York City, with the help of Glenn's exceptional Director of Photography Sergio Reynoso, and his hard working production team.

Most of these high-speed shots were captured in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, with the goal to express the charisma and personality of each different borough.

The main idea was to show constant motion during the course of the video. Instead of just looking at a stunning Solé Bicycle, the aim was to portray what it was really like to ride one.

The talent; Marilyn Rondon, is a Brooklyn based artist and tattoo'd major babe. Marilyn was the perfect subject to have a ride-along with, showing not only the pure fun of riding a Solé, but also the ease of transportation and light-weight functionality.

Check out Marilyn Killing it on the Burnside

Glenn's Notes:

"Solé is the exact kind of brand that I like to work with....hip and smart, with a genuine commitment to their product.

Even my SOLÉ turns heads wherever I go....and I am not a 'tattoo'd major babe'."

You can see all Glenn's filmmaking at www.gharris.net

Choosing Your Next Bike: Going Lightweight and Incorporating Artistry

09.05.2013.

Solé likes to think of bicycles as more than just mere transportation. Our bicycles are extensions of your life, and we want all our customers to feel the same. We’ve said it time and again that your bicycle should define art and functionality. It should be a mobile representation of who you are, or a mobile canvas. This is why we’re always talking to customers and helping them decide between a few sweet-ass shit design otions. As all our bicycles are fairly lightweight, we thought we’d just talk about all the aspects of choosing your first (or next!) Solé.

Going Lightweight

The lightweight bike is a European concept reintroduced in the US shortly after the war. It’s been a popular choice since then, whether for road, mountain, or commuter cycling purposes. With most featuring weight reduced by up to fifty percent compared to standard models, lightweight bikes are the easiest to ride. Think about it: you don’t have to use much energy, but you will go quite the distance on these babies.

All Solé bicycles are lightweight, and you can pick them up with just two fingers. Whether you choose to ride it as a fixie or single-speed, we’re proud to say you will get perfection. The construction of its frame geometry and tires maximizes speed and efficiency, ensuring you’re ready to cruise anytime.

Incorporating Artistry

Artistry – this is the element we’re most proud of. How many bicycle manufacturers can say they truly incorporate art into their products? Solé bicycles currently come in twelve designs, each with a distinct personality, tailor-made for its rider. From the sleek and opulent Delano to the feisty and powerful el Tigre, you’ll find something in our collection that will suit your personality best.

In line with our passion for design, we also make it so that you can modify the design of your bike. The bold and blank colors are your canvas, and you can make it as epic as you like. More than visuals, its construction is also an art, and you can rest assured knowing your Solé is not just stylish; it’ll get you places, too.

Visit the Solé Gallery and check out our collection and bike accessories.

Flying Solo

09.05.2013.

Recently a dude at a party asked us if switching from a multi-gear bike to single-speed one is a good idea. He has been using the multi-gears and finds it is super expensive to maintain, so he is thinking of getting one of ours. We don’t usually like comparing these two types of bikes because their features and functionalities correspond to different types of lifestyles and personalities. Nonetheless, we answered the question in the best way we could, and even went to detail for his benefit. Here’s how we explained it to him:

Shortboards and longboards

Multi-gear and single-speed bikes are like shortboards and longboards. Multi-gear bikes have gear ratios that offer its users versatility, and ease of use. It is easier to pedal when going uphill and is much faster as it easily picks up speed. The latter, on the other hand, is mechanically simpler. Because there are no derailleurs or other gear systems, single-speed bicycles are lighter, easier to maintain, and more affordable.

Pure Fun versus Flexibility

Most people will recommend multi-gear bikes because of the functionality they offer. But not everyone needs this type of mechanism. Multi-gears require more maintenance, and cost a ton more. They are also suited to avid cyclers, going on 40+ mile rides. Single-gear bikes, on the other hand, are simpler and quite honestly much more fun to use. The simplicity of their mechanism also makes it easy for users to customize them in any way they want. More people actually use the single speed bike, and the trend will only continue to grow far past the multi-gear platform.

To answer the question of switching between these two types of bicycles, it actually depends on the rider. The feel and function will obviously be different, but you will eventually get used to it. It all boils down to your lifestyle and needs. Whichever type you choose, Solé Bicycles will always be there to provide all the bikes, parts, and accessories you will ever need.

Solé Fixtape Vol 11. - Classixx

23.04.2013.

Back to back Fixtapes comin' at ya! The fine brethren of Classixx just dropped off this gem of a tape as another teaser for their highly anticipated album 'Hanging Gardens'. This fixtape is about as sexy as they come, and compliments our weather here in Venice California quite nicely. The tones are very dreamy and will have you floating rather than pedaling off into the future. Euphoria comes standard.

Download HERE

Tracklisting:

??? Coming Soon ???

More About This Month's Artist:

One of the world’s most universally respected DJ duos, L.A. natives and childhood best friends Classixx have headlined everywhere from the famed Paris Social Club to New York’s Webster Hall, touring constantly since the release of their exuberant 2009 single “I’ll Get You,” which featured Lady Gaga songwriter Jeppe. Following their breakout single with acclaimed remixes for Phoenix, Holy Ghost, Mayer Hawthorne, Groove Armada, Yacht, Major Lazer, Gossip and others, for the last two years Classixx have been intent on their debut Hanging Gardens, whittling the LP down from hundreds of sessions to a svelte 12 songs.

At once beaming, breezy and wistful, Hanging Gardens features a variety of coastal summer anthems, from haunting collaborations with Active Child and Superhumanoids singer Sarah Chernoff, to the gleefully catchy Nancy Whang-featuring “All You’re Waiting For,” French Touch-inspired gem “Holding On” and sublime chords of “Dominoes.” Playing a wide array of instruments on Hanging Gardens, Classixx’ full-length debut features impossibly sunny grooves, blithe melodies bred by the coast, coaxed out by the surf, expertly crafted for road trips, pool parties and dance clubs. Hanging Gardens will release on Innovative Leisure May 14, 2013.

Classixx's Solé's of Choice: The Ocean Front Walk & The Overthrow

Artist Series: Jeff Weins - Visiones de Los Muertos

17.04.2013.

Jeff Weins has taken a minimal approach on this beautiful art bike featuring warm contrasting colors and detailed penmanship. It has hand-done written all over it and is sure soak the essence of natural beauty. In this case, less is more.

Born and raised in California, Jeff Weins thrives on the abstract. With a knack for welding unconventional hues with vivid graphics, his work is an expression of the oddities and misfits in life. Influenced by the fast-paced culture of LA, Jeff Weins' whimsical art mimics the vibrant, off-beat quirks of the city. A boisterous artist with an impish charm armed with a brush and paint palette. The result? A massive collision on canvas that creates a larger-than-life animation. Each canvas, meticulously crafted and one-of-a-kind, skillfully blurs and blends intense pigments to create a memorable and priceless product. For the eccentric, the disobedient, and the revolutionary, each work is a lively fit to satisfy every taste and palate.

Solé Fixtape Vol. 10 - Plastic Plates

09.04.2013.

The master of composition from a land down under has graced us with curating quite the groovy, movement inspired number. Plastic Plates probably better known as Felix Bloxsom, has a strong foot in the jazz scene and has done percussion for the likes of Empire of the Sun, The Presets, & Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, just to name a few. Long story short, the mans a legend, and he's concocted quite the tale for your bicycle rides as the air becomes crisper and the sun shines brighter. Use this euphoric mixtape with caution, you might wake up doing the backstroke in a pool full of lotion.

Download HERE

Tracklisting:

Touch Sensitive - Show Me
Linus Loves - The Love
Body Language - Social Studies (Plastic Plates Remix)
Low Motion Disco - Love Love Love (Aeroplane mix)
Kris Menace - We Are ft. The Kiki Twins (Italo Brutalo Remix)
Marcos Cabral - Latin Box
Lonely C and Baby Prince - I Wanna Squeeze You
F3 - Deeper Thoughts (Tiger Stripes Remix)
South West Seven - Move Back
James Welsh - The Way
Box Of Wolves and Christa Vi - Boy (Cyclist Remix)
Plastic Plates - Things I Didn't Know I Loved

Felix's Solé of choice: The Overthrow

Solé Fixtape Vol. 9 by Le Youth

20.03.2013.

We love the month of March for a buncha reasons -- the weather, the waves, the extra daylight... But the real reason we are especially stoked this March is the fact that we are doubling up on our Fixtapes leading up to the summer months. Yup, you heard it right. Two Fixtape releases a month. I mean, we figure we've gotta keep up with the demand for some radical jams seeing that there's a music festival every weekend these days.

The spring Fixtape collection kicks off with L.A. native Le Youth. Ever wondered what it would be like if your daytime, cocktail filled pool party combined forces with a 90's R&B dance party? Well, we wondered the same thing and asked our buddy Le Youth if he would do the honors of making it happen. Think of this fixtape as your first class non-stop bus ticket into the warmer pastures of an endless summer. Shades on, fades on. Oh, and don't forget to flip the cassette tape.