Hailing from Long Beach California, Lennon Stankavich is a sophomore at UCSC studying film. He is interested in independent films, documentaries, and travel films. Lennon’s most recent projects for film class have tapped his creativity in scoring music for film. From composing all original music to playing and recording all the instruments with a digital interface, Lennon combines his love of music with his interest in cinematography.
Under the “subliminal” reference name Jaws, he spins “shark rock” tunes on Swimmin’ With The Sharks, Thursday nights from 7:00-8:30. Lennon says that Shark Rock includes original 60’s surf rock music, alongside any more modern rock, garage and punk that uses lots of reverb and treble. Lennon notes, “There has been a resurgence of new surf rock artists from southern California and the Bay Area. If it can fool me into thinking it’s old school, then I like it”
Between being raised by parents who were adamant about his exposure to alternative rock and working at a local record store in Long Beach, Lennon was exposed to a wide variety of music. Starting his collection at a young age, his first vinyl acquisition was a White Stripes 45. Even with all this musical input, it was 2003’s Richard Linklater film “School Of Rock” that influenced Lennon more than any other media. Growing up having a cousin involved with radio in Boston, Lennon was naturally drawn to KZSC. This, along with DJ brickfrog‘s day glo shades at a KZSC recruitment fair, cemented Lennon’s devotion to KZSC.
When I asked Lennon to invite 3 people infamous or deceased to his party, Lennon replied with the question, “What kind of party is it?” Fittingly deciding upon a bonfire party at the beach, Lennon said he would invite Teddy Roosevelt, not only because he was the most interesting president, but he could probably build a good fire. His second choice would be Morgan Freeman because having had his heart ripped out more times than others, Morgan would tell some good camp fire stories. Lennon’s final choice would be Steve Martin. Not only would Steve bring balance to Morgan’s heartbreak hotel stories, but he would bring his banjo too.
Lennon is currently a member of the Program Review Committee and is considering a run for Station Manager next year. You can follow Lennon’s talent for photography at instagram.com/lenstank