Big wave world champion Makua Rothman recovers from what was called a career-ending injury. One year later, he returns to surf his home break, Pipeline, and release transformative new music.
World champion surfer and Hawaiian musician Makua Rothman today releases his new single “HOOKED” via Regime Music Group. The rhythmic song layers lyrics of self destruction and redemption over an easy island ambiance courtesy of Sister Nancy’s legendary backing track, “Bam Bam.”
Courtesy of Regime Music Group
“I wrote this song while thinking of trials and tribulations that I’ve overcome in my life. I’ve been through the depths, through dark places in life and now I’m here back in the light,”
Using the woman in the song as a creative foil to mirror his own experiences, Rothman continues, “It’s a song about humans making mistakes – bad habits or a relationship you need to cut out of your life, but they’re so hard to kick. It’s a song from my heart, from a time when I wasn’t making the best choices. But ultimately, it’s about overcoming those vices and staying the course for a better day.”
The Making of “HOOKED”
Co-written with Nick Bailey and produced by Jimmy Messer, “HOOKED” was created at Kona Town Recording – Pepper singer and bassist Bret Bollinger’s studio in Redondo Beach, California. Rothman’s beach-punk flow intertwines with one of the most recognizable samples in reggae music to create an immaculate vibe on the juxtaposed lyrics.
“There’s no other song that makes you feel the way ‘Bam Bam’ does,” Rothman adds. “That Sister Nancy track is so legendary, it’s a staple in the reggae world, and mashed up perfectly with the song we were creating. I’m really grateful that we were able to tap into that feeling, even though the lyrics call back to a darker time.”
The release of “HOOKED” comes one year after Rothman suffered a devastating injury that threatened to end his professional surfing career. Turning to the healing power of music during his recovery, he emerged with songs like “HOOKED” and his previous single “The One And Only” from a forthcoming sophomore album – the follow-up to his critically acclaimed album, Sound Wave.
Makua Comes Full Circle
Born on the iconic North Shore of Oahu, Rothman made a name for himself as a professional surfer known to take on some of the most dangerous breaks on the planet. He cemented his status alongside the world’s greatest surfers by winning the 2015 WSL Big Wave Championship. In 2018, made national headlines after surviving a violent wipeout while attempting to ride one of the biggest waves in Fiji’s history. The stunt landed him in national headlines, with press coverage from TMZ, NBC News, iHeartRadio, and more.
Now one year removed from the knee injury that upended his athletic career, Rothman comes full circle with the release of “HOOKED.” He also returns to the waves, making his network television debut as a recurring character on Fox’s forthcoming North Shore drama series “Rescue: Hi Surf.” In addition, an autobiography about Rothman’s life is planned to release in 2024.
Catch Makua Rothman on tour and stay tuned for more at makuarothman.com.
Makua Rothman Tour Dates
• March 29 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up Tavern *
• March 30 – Pioneertown, CA – Pappy + Harriet’s *
• August 23 – Auburn, CA – Dry Diggins Festival
* with Save Ferris