" Hi, How are you " Daniel Johnston and Vans Skateboarding
Hoping to inspire renewed conversations around mental health, Vans teamed up with Daniel Johnston's friends and family for a release featuring artwork from his 1983 album "Hi, How are you". The Vans x Daniel Johnston Skate Authentic, featuring Daniel’s iconic cassette tape artwork on elevated suede and 6 oz canvas uppers. The artwork on this shoe features a checkerboard created from these cassettes, as well as the same lo-fi, gritty execution from Johnston’s unique art.
Recording his early work himself on cassettes and handing them out for free around Austin, Texas, Daniel soon garnered a cult like following in the DIY and Lo-Fi music scenes. Record stores in Austin soon started selling his releases and quickly turned him into the cities best selling local artist. Often referred to as a "childlike loner" and also a "eccentric genius" he released multiple albums recorded by himself throughout the early and mid 1980s. It wasn't until 1988 that he visited a professional recording studio for the album "1990". His mental health started to deteriorate further during this time and after an incident involving him tossing the ignition key out of a plane midflight, Daniel spent an extended stay in a Mental Health Facility. Not one to shy away from a challenge, he continued to write, record, and release his music throughout the 1990's and 2000's. After a flirtation with a few major labels, he released one album on Atlantic Records before returning to his roots and starting his own Indie Label, Eternal Yip Eye Music. He continued to release albums every couple of years (his final release in 2012 "Space Ducks") and toured up until 2017. And although mostly known for his songwriting, he was also an accomplished visual artist, with his illustrations being shown at multiple galleries across the world. Daniel Johnston passed away September 11, 2019 at the age of 58.
The "Hi, How are you" Skate Authentic is available in the shop now for $105.00