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.

1991 Independent
1993 Myrrh Records (7016966615)

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

1. Wind 'an' Sea
2. Grey Clouds
3. Need a Love
4. Ocean Seems
5. Jesus Song (aka “Only the Beginning”)
6. Everything
7. Son Dancer
8. Wasteland
9. Freedom
10. All Good Generals
11. Sing Hallelujah

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

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

1996 Holiday Records / Atlantic Records (82864-2)

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

1. Falling Down
2. Rattlesnake
3. Railroad
4. Brother Mother
5. More
6. Befuddled
7. Followed Me
8. Sampled
9. Odd Man Out
10. Tommy

• Official Website
• Into the Son videos
• Welcome Race Fans videos