SURFER/MUSICIAN FORD ARCHBOLD ON HIS LIFE IN MUSIC AND NEW VENTURE, SPUN SPIRIT RECORDS
Words By jimmy baeskens. photographs by Jimmy Baeskens and ford archbold.
In the ever-changing, ever-elusive surf landscape, Ford Archbold has always been a character on the fringes.
From legacy grom to lovable outsider, he's built a career following whatever sparks an interest: surfing, music, painting, screen printing, design, etc. The OC native has spent years living on his own terms, ignoring trends and fluxes, all while progressing and putting a stylish stamp on each avenue he's wandered down (see here).
Not unlike his pops, Matt Archbold, most respected non-conformists in the surf space draw on influences from outside the lineup. That's what makes the good ones so timeless. So naturally, we were interested when word got around that Ford was expanding his Spun Spirit clothing brand and launching a record label, aptly called Spun Spirit Records. Spun Spirit itself has gained steam in recent years with runway shows, exclusive collections for Ron Herman Japan, and just overall cool fuckers wearing the warped stars on tees, work shirts, and one-of-one pieces. Taking a short break from recording in San Clemente, here's a loose conversation with Ford Archbold about his new venture.
What's up Ford. What are you working on today?
I’m working on a song of mine. Making something up. And then brought over tape machine stuff to make some tapes.
When did the idea to do a record label with the “Spun” title come about?
A while ago. From the start I wanted to incorporate everything I’m into. So it’s kinda natural. Not just clothing but have it expand into whatever. Music, art, all that shit.
So Spun Spirit isn’t just meant to be t-shirts or whatever?
Definitely not. I mean, obviously that’s going to be the bread and butter. I’m just open to wherever it goes.
When did you start playing in bands originally?
I’ve been playing guitar since I was super young, like 15 or something. Then I started a band with Andrew Doheny.
What were you listening to at the time that made you want to play?
I’d been listening to music from a super early age because my dad was into cool stuff. The Cramps, The Clash, Sex Pistols, Black Sabbath. All the classics. Naturally I just liked it. It felt sentimental.
What did your and Andrew’s band sound like? Did you have a band name?
(Laughing) It was called Party Theft or something like that.
Damn, Party Theft is an epic name.
It was so funny. And super shitty, obviously. But I don’t think that even lasted for a whole year.
You guys were just surfing and hanging around The (Newport) Shores at the time?
Yeah, we played a 4th of July house party or something.
When did you start going to shows and notice local stuff happening in Orange County?
I went to shows as a kid but they were bigger bands, Social D or whatever. Before that I would just see bands at surf premiers or whatever. I remember some Japanese Motors shows at RVCA. Growlers and stuff too.
How did you join Tomorrows Tulips?
They were just looking for a bass player. I’ve known Alex (Knost) since we were super young and just learned as I went. I didn’t know shit when I started. Stand there and look good, play two chords. That kinda thing. Then I actually started writing my own stuff. He was cool enough to let me have my own songs in the band.
Did you start playing shows right away?
Yeah, I had a fake ID that didn’t look anything like me. It was from Florida, someone’s brother. But it would work everywhere. No one seemed to care back then.
When do you remember noticing or being conscious of a record label? Obviously Burger Records was rolling by now.
I really did not give a fuck. (Laughs) I just wanted to party and play some shows. Then I got more into writing songs. That made me pay more attention.
So it stemmed more from songwriting?
I don’t know, I don’t think I ever really thought of it like that. The way I work is just super in-the-moment. I’m still like that.
Did the Spun Spirit brand idea come from screenprinting or drawing?
It was the easiest, cheapest thing to do honestly. I love learning new stuff. And it was just something I was interested in and wanted to figure out.
When did you first start making shirts?
Probably 2017?
And it just went from there?
Pretty much. I’ve always liked aesthetics and the art surrounding bands. The things that make certain groups cool. Making a brand is kinda what that is to me.
Who are some bands you like musically or visually?
I like Sonic Youth. All their stuff was so well put together. Very cohesive. And Butthole Surfers. They would use that artist Don Rock. He would do all their tees. I love his stuff. He was super DIY. Vivienne Westwood for the Pistols stuff and her whole deal. Those are probably my early inspirations. They just started at the bottom and went for it.
It’s so crazy how Don Rock tees are worth so much money now. Insane.
I know, he did a bunch of people’s shit. And he still doesn’t care. Just doing his thing putting stuff out on his website. Just in his backyard doing it all. He doesn’t give a fuck.
I love people that don’t chase it, they just put their head down and make what they want.
That’s what it’s all about to me.
When you look back to when the Tulips were putting music out. Did you have much control over the packaging?
Yeah for sure. As time went on I would get more involved. Eventually Alex and I would do it together. At the start it was mostly him. He taught me a lot. He was into cool shit. It was awesome just to be around at the beginning and absorb it.
What’s happened with Spun Spirit in the last couple of years? I know you’ve done some things in Japan and you had the runway show with Tommy (Midnight) playing while the models walked. What made you want to do a record label out of this thing that started with clothing?
It kinda just gets boring for me if I only make graphic tees. I’m still gonna do all that stuff but it’s fun to stay entertained and expand. Do what you enjoy. At the same time, it’s cool to involve other people and have something entertaining for whoever wants to get into it. A whole package.
Talk a little bit about Warren Thomas from The Abigails. You helped him come down and record. Why was he someone you wanted to work with and help him put new music out?
I’ve always loved his music. He’s the only one I know that has a real 50’s dark but classic country style. And he hasn’t put anything out in so long. He sent me demos and they were so good. I instantly wanted to put a Warren record out.
Yeah he has such a unique style and voice, especially coming from Orange County.
Yeah, he’s super into it. Always finding old unknown artists and diving deep into his influences. Researching equipment and experimenting with sound. Songwriting. I like when people are like that.
How has it been recording your own stuff again recently?
Well, I never stopped writing songs. I’ve just been busy doing other things. It’s really fun to record and make stuff up on the spot. And Sonny (Garageland Studio) has this epic setup. I forgot how much fun it is. It’s just cool to see it come to life. To be able to layer and make your music sound good.
What are your loose plans for putting music out with Spun Spirit Records? Do you want to do tapes and vinyl?
I just want it to be a tangible art piece. Tapes, CDs, records, or whatever. Rather than just trash. Keep the same DIY aesthetic Spun Spirit has and incorporate some new ideas. It’s cool to get other people involved. I hope it turns into helping bands grow and giving friends opportunities. That’s the goal.
Is there a way people can reach out and send you a demo?
Yeah, if anyone wants to send me a demo tape, hit up @spunspirit on Instagram and I’ll tell you where to send it. It has to be a cassette tape though!
Fuck yeah, thanks for talking Ford.
Cool, thanks man.
