We had the good fortune of connecting with Dorian Williams II and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dorian, how does your business help the community?
Everyday I wake up and there’s some new tragedy on the news. It often feels like the word is crumbling around us which can be a deflating feeling to walk around with…that’s why I do what I do. To provide a moment of relief…an escape! If you can listen to one of my songs or watch a video for 4 minutes and forget about everything for a brief moment, then I feel like I’ve done my job.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The thing that sets Skateland apart from others is that ultimately it’s less of a musical act and more of an immersive experience. Since I was young I’ve loved music, but I was equally obsessed with film, architecture, and visual art. I spent my teen and college years playing in different bands, making funny YouTube shorts and films with friends, and reading about different painters and designers for hours on end, and I think Skateland is the culmination of all of those hobbies. Outlandish props and video projection are a big part of my shows, a lot of thought goes into the artwork and graphic design for each release, and I try and treat each music video like a short film from a cinematography standpoint. For my last EP “New Wave Revival” we went with a Studio Ghibli theme from a design standpoint, and even built a 10 foot red umbrella with fake rain (an ode to My Neighbor Totoro) and wore ponchos for the release show!

I got to where I am professionally today by supporting the work of others! If you’re the person who’s there to support others and root for their success (go to their shows, stream their music, show support online, tell your friends etc.) I’ve found that you won’t have to press for your own opportunities because they’ll find you. This has also been the biggest lesson I’ve learned so far….the kindness and support you put out will come back to you!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Footsie’s! It’s my favorite dive bar and one of the few places where people truly dance like nobody is watching ( which is a rare feat these days). They also routinely play indie sleaze music (Strokes, Yeah Yeahs, El Tigre, MGMT, Phoenix etc.), so for me it’s a chance to grab a cheap drink and dance to the soundtrack of my youth for an hour or two…excellent spot! I also recently shot a film at Malibu Creek State Park and I don’t think people realize how awesome it is up there, it’s a great place to spend a day outdoors with friends.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This is almost impossible to answer, but definitely my friends and family! Skateland is an indie project in the true sense of the word, and I am a product of the people around me. Every single song has been co-produced, mixed, or mastered by my good friends Sef Sarwar and Chris Daschke, my videos shot by my good friends Alex Dominguez, Jake Adams, and Cindy Xin. My old college buds Ivan Santiago Bravo and Jon Richardson have helped with PR, and even my entire live band are all my friends as well. My family has been great for bouncing ideas off of and ranting to, and my church community has been great at keeping my sane on this awesome but sometimes frustrating journey. Love you all!

Website: www.skatelanding.co

Instagram: @skatelanding

Youtube: @skatelanding

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/56Ufgy06KtGmwmzBvnMsBc?si=gLqc-YA-SyarQ9EnT3SsqA

Image Credits
Alex Dominguez, Kasey Williams, Ivan Santiago Bravo

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.