World champion surfer turned musician Makua Rothman has never been afraid to ride uncharted waves. On his new single “All I Ever Wanted,” produced by the heavyweight Jimmy Messer, Rothman proves he’s just as fearless in the studio as he is in the water.
The track is a lush, melodic cut that threads together Rothman’s soulful delivery with Messer’s radio-ready production. Built on shimmering guitar lines and a steady pulse, “All I Ever Wanted” leans into a timeless pop sensibility without losing Rothman’s island-bred authenticity. There’s a yearning in his voice—equal parts tender and resilient—that makes the hook hit harder than the crashing swells he’s conquered on the North Shore.
This track delivers an unfiltered look at Makua’s experience growing up surrounded by gangs and drugs, brought to life in a music video directed by Hollywood legend Frank Coraci (The Waterboy, The Wedding Singer). The single will debut at OhanaFest this weekend, alongside performances from Kings of Leon, Hozier, and Green Day.
“All I Ever Wanted” speaks to universal themes of love, longing, and the pursuit of fulfillment—concepts Rothman himself has lived through as both an elite athlete and a musician striving to find his voice. The chorus rings out with a cinematic swell, the kind of refrain that could soundtrack a summer romance or a late-night drive. It’s intimate, yet widescreen, a reflection of Rothman’s own ability to think in both personal and epic terms.
While Rothman has released music before, this single feels like a new benchmark—an arrival. It’s the sound of an artist unafraid to take risks, tapping into a producer whose track record is nothing short of legendary. And just like in surfing, timing is everything. With “All I Ever Wanted,” Rothman catches the perfect wave.
Watch the video for Makua Rothman’s “All I Ever Wanted” Below!
