====== Dakoda Motor Co. ======

Alternative Rock\\
La Jolla, California, USA

Hailing from La Jolla, Southern California's Dakoda Motor Co. blended a unique version of beach inspired pop songs, with the sometimes fast paced guitar inspired by the early Ramones. Dakoda was formed in the early 1990's by professional surfer Peter King and Davia Vallesillo. It was Peter's brother, David King (guitar from Mary's Danish) who told Peter if he started a band they could be the opening act. Peter recruited drummer Chuck Cummings ([[Common Bond]], [[Lifesavers]], [[Uthanda]], etc) on drums and Dave Koval ([[Breakfast With Amy]]) on lead guitar and Derik Toy on bass guitar.

With the first performance being televised on MTV //Rock the Vote//, Dakoda found a niche with its female lead singer, long haired surfer guitarist, and a series of catchy songs. Their first album //Into the Son// was recorded in 1991 at the home studio of Earl Mankey of Sparks, and was produced by Louis Guiterez (Mary's Danish), and Michael Gurley of Dada. It was picked up by gospel label [[Myrrh Records]] and re-released in 1993. Koval left the band by 1993 and was not pictured on the cover art.

Dakoda's 1994 follow up //Welcome Race Fans// included Elliot Chenault now on lead guitar. It featured a much more polished and professional sound, including the final track "Rockin’ in the Mall" which was used in a Chevy Camaro radio advertisement. Several videos were produced for //Welcome Race Fans//. "Trip to Pain" and "Truth" were directed by [[Steve Taylor]]. "Stand Up" and "Uglier" were produced by Peter King.

In 1995, Davia left the band and Melissa Brewer joined as lead singer for their first major-label record on Holiday Records / Atlantic Records. Holiday Records was a short lived imprint run by David King. //Railroad// was released in 1996. The band called it quits not too long after that.

Around 1998, Peter King formed a group called The Surfers with Kelly Slater and Rob Machado. The released their one album //Songs From the Pipe// in 1998 on Epic Records. The album was produced by [[T-Bone Burnett]]. Derik Toy and Chuck Cummings played bass and drums on some of the songs. King also hosted two seasons of the game show //Sandblast// on MTV.

In 2009, the band reunited with Davia. There was talk of a new record, but nothing materialized. They have performed occasional concerts with the //Welcome Race Fans// line-up.

===== Discography =====

| 1991 | [[https://christiantapeunderground.wordpress.com/2026/07/22/dakoda-into-the-son/|Into the Son]] |
| 1993 | [[https://christiantapeunderground.wordpress.com/2026/07/22/dakoda-into-the-son/|Into the Son]] | [[Myrrh Records]] |
| 1994 | Welcome Race Fans | [[Myrrh Records]] |
| 1996 | Railroad | Holiday Records / Atlantic Records |

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==== Into the Son ====

1991 Independent\\
1993 [[Myrrh Records]] (7016966615)

Davia Vallesillo - Vocals\\
Peter King - Guitar\\
Dave Koval - Guitar\\
Derik Toy - Bass\\
Chuck Cummings - Drums

  - Wind 'an' Sea
  - Grey Clouds
  - Need a Love
  - Ocean Seems
  - Jesus Song (aka "Only the Beginning")
  - Everything
  - Son Dancer
  - Wasteland
  - Freedom
  - All Good Generals
  - Sing Hallelujah

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==== Welcome Race Fans ====

1994 [[Myrrh Records]] (7016976610)

Davia Vallesillo - Vocals\\
Peter King - Guitar, vocals\\
Elliot Chenault - Guitar\\
Derik Toy - Bass\\
Chuck Cummings - Drums, percussion

Rick Braun - Flugelhorn\\
John Nau - Piano, Hammond B-3\\
John Grab - Trombone

  - Alive (4:21)
  - Truth (3:02)
  - Trip to Pain (4:59)
  - Uglier (2:18)
  - Love Runs Home (3:02)
  - Where Did It Go? (2:47)
  - Stand Up (3:50)
  - Ooh, That Girl (3:31)
  - Friend in My Eyes (3:35)
  - Free (3:28)
  - Rockin' in the Mall (1:43)

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==== Railroad ====

1996 Holiday Records / Atlantic Records (82864-2)

Melissa Brewer - Vocals\\
Peter King - Guitar, vocals\\
Elliot Chenault - Guitar\\
Derik Toy - Bass\\
Chuck Cummings - Drums

  - Falling Down
  - Rattlesnake
  - Railroad
  - Brother Mother
  - More
  - Befuddled
  - Followed Me
  - Sampled
  - Odd Man Out
  - Tommy

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===== Links =====

  * [[https://dakodamotor.co/|Official Website]]
  * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23jhBx4_RsQ|Into the Son videos]]
  * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSEttxuXiyI|Welcome Race Fans videos]]

{{tag>alternative_rock california united_states 1991 1993 1994 1996}}