Growing up on Tony Hawk video games and HUF skate vids featuring icons such as Dylan Rieder, LA-based skater Andrey Tarasov has been skating since the age of eight. Evolving California’s storied skate culture, Tarasov’s signature approach to skating centres around finessed clean tricks – moving with rhythm and ease. Adopting a stylish style on and off the board, he’s attracted sponsorships and fashion campaigns, while he also has a keen eye for photography, documenting those around him with a warm, candid aesthetic. As part of our Songs to Ride to series, Tarasov curates a playlist of evergreen tracks that soundtrack his LA days – whether skating a bowl or out in the streets.

Ganja Smuggling by Eek A Mouse
“It’s fun to warm up and skate to classic reggae. Always a great fun vibe, especially shared with friends.”

One Spliff A Day by Billy Boyo
“Classic reggae track. I got really into Billy Boyo one summer and was fascinated with his story. Put this on and everyone’s into it!”

If I Could You Soul by Cities Aviv
“Kind of a cool louder, newer genre. I’m into it! Gets me hyped and it’s a fun track in general.”

Snake Man Freestyle by Babyfather
“This track’s strong and has a great voice over. One of Dean Blunt’s experiments, it’s so cool to see how he can change it up yet stay true to himself and his sound.”

Rock & Roll by The Velvet Underground
“C’mon, I had to had a Velvet Underground song. I love this one. I think I saw it in an older Huf tour video when I was in high school with Dylan Rieder and Austyn Gillette ripping Europe. This song sticks out in many ways, outside of skating it’s great too.”

Dancing with Myself  by Billy Idol
“To me, skateboarding has this cool 80s feel, especially in LA. Maybe I’m just weird. [Dancing with Myself] is a classic and is how I imagine a session in the 80s. I picture those dudes skating sick ramps listening to music like this and having the best time while trying new shit in a big pool or something.”

Photograph by Def Leppard
“This could be a music mistake or just a funny phase for me in like, six months. But I’m unapologetically into Def Leppard right now. It kind of cracked me up as a joke but it’s also kind of sick and has a nice rev to it! Def Leppard has been hyping me up, secrets out!”

The Passenger by Iggy Pop
“I have intense Iggy Pop phases in my life. Imagine skating through Los Angeles or Paris with this song on or in a car with your friends. It always feels cinematic to mess.”

Sur La Planche 2013 by La Femme
“LA Femme are so iconic to me. They are pioneers of their sound and not afraid to go faster and get weirder. The intensity makes my heart beat, makes me want to skate harder and enjoy every second. Seeing them perform recently in LA makes me love their sound even more. They are fun fun.”

Gold Teeth by Blood Orange
“Now we mix it up. More of a hip hop beat, yet has a smack to it. It’s good to mix it up on a session and this one’s sick in between the other sounds. Blood Orange is an impressive musical artist and has different types of sounds for different moments.”

This Is The Day by The The
“Man, this is like one of the best songs in the world. It’s the feeling of the best day ever. I choose to be pretty optimistic yet feeling every bit of reality – this song has that feeling. Let’s make something cool today – that’s the feeling I get.”

Ain’t Talkin’ ’bout Love by Van Halen
“Van Halen are ripping on guitar – I love the sound, especially for skating. It makes you want to take an extra push to get more speed and grind further with style.”

California Sun by Ramones
“The Ramones are a classic band. This song reminds me of Southern California, it’s an homage to returning to California and the energy that comes with it.”

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