Donavon Frankenreiter, Musician, La Casa Artist Residency
Live every moment as if it is the last ...
It was during his days as a professional surfer that Donavon first began to indulge his love of music, a passion that became harder to ignore once Donavon met his friend and mentor, Jack Johnson, while living in Hawaii. Music steadily took hold of Donavon’s life and he now has five full-length albums to his name. Impressively, his latest album Start Livin’, was recorded in southern California in just seven days. Continuing Donavon’s musical journey, the album is characterised by his playful guitar melodies and rich, intimate vocals. Ahead of his string of shows this Sunday at the Story Bridge Hotel, Jubilee Hotel and Eaton’s Hill Hotel, Donavon had a chat with The Weekend Edition about his weekend rituals.
Image by Chris Searl
How do you like to start your weekend?
With my family on the beach watching the sunset, starting a bonfire with some cold Coronas and enough ingredients to make s’mores for the kids.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
Wake up before the sun comes up, get a good cup of coffee going and get ready for a surf adventure with the family.
How do you like to unwind?
I love going surfing. It’s the best thing in the world for me to do to unwind and feel free.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Friends, family, guitars, surfboards, cold Coronas and plenty of food.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
Taking out the trash, mowing the lawn, helping my wife with the laundry and doing dishes.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
Thinking about how to make the weekend last all week and finding out where the waves will be best on Monday morning.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
Some amazing free acoustic shows in some incredible pubs around Brisbane. We have been having so much fun doing these shows. I hope everyone gets a chance to come out and share some good times with us.
What are you reading at the moment?
A lot of kids books with my two sons, including The Cat in the Hat and Green Eggs and Ham.
What inspires you?
My family, surfing, playing music, listening to music, watching movies, travelling and everyday adventures.
What was your childhood dream?
To be a pro surfer and play music for a living.
What has been your greatest achievement?
Having a beautiful wife and two amazing kids. I am so lucky to have a family and to be able to do what we are doing.
What is success to you?
Love and happiness. Two things you can never buy.
What are your words of wisdom?
Live every moment as if it is the last. Enjoy everything you do to the fullest. Live in the moment and Start Livin’.
Only a local would know … if you’re not a local, respect everyone no matter where you go.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … home.
Relax … beach.
Dine … my wife’s home cooking.
Indulge … Coronas.
Shop … Billabong surf shops.
Catch-up … in the surf.
Be inspired … sunset.
