Alex Olson is the first skateboarder to take part in our Best Songs series, but it’s no mistake that we asked him. In addition to a storied career as a skater, surfer, and entrepreneur, Olson has made a name for himself as a DJ, musician, and record collector. Under the name Avocado Highway, for example, Olson has kicked out some rocking, cosmic disco. All this made us curious to know what some of his favorite songs for hyper-specific situations might be. Find out below!

Best song to silence crying babies?

An hour-long mediation chant

Tell me you don’t have kids without telling me you don’t have kids … I don’t think that’s a real thing. I’ll go and say that maybe some type of meditation chant that’s an hour long.

Best song that is a B-side?

“Scorpio Rising” by Death In Vegas

At the age of 16, I stumbled upon a video part that left a lasting impression on me, especially the last trick, which was so memorable that it took me 17 years to uncover the skater's identity and the video itself. It turned out to be Ollie Todd from the Blueprint video. I also had a fondness for the song featured in that video, which was by Death in Vegas. While I'm not sure if it qualifies as a B-side track, it is less known among Liam G's fans since he sings on it.

Best Song that puts you in a good mood?

“A Lover’s Holiday” by Change

It was a song on repeat for many years in my early 20s.

Best song to soundtrack a TikTok-style skating edit of you from 2011?

“Supermodel (You Better Work)” by RuPaul

I don’t really use TikTok—I don’t like posting things of myself. I wish I could scrub everything off the internet of myself. But not to be a wet blanket, I’ll say RuPaul.

Best song for an early morning drive?

E2-E4 by Manuel Göttsching

Probably some type of Laraaji song, sorry I don’t really remember titles of songs, but he has a good ambient album. Or maybe I’ll play E2 E4—if you know, you know.

Best song that is really sad?

"Everything in Its Right Place" by Radiohead or “Time” by Pink Floyd

Look up the lyrics, because it's written so well, and depressingly accurate about life.

Best song for skating transition?

Eliminator by ZZ Top

Lol what? More vibes than a song, I think usually anything that’s guitar-based, let’s say Metallica, the first three albums maybe; Slayer, the first two albums, maybe; some Ted Nugent or Jimi Hendrix. ZZ Top, maybe—I think that chapter of my life has ended, scratch metal was fun. I just want something mellow or not so aggressive so maybe ZZ. 80s ZZ Top.

Best song that you just randomly found recently?

“Chasing The Sun” by Caught In Joy

I just found this two minutes ago on Bandcamp.

Best song for getting a tepid dance floor moving?

I don’t have one that particularly works every time, usually it’s something familiar for people and it depends on what time of the night and how much alcohol is consumed. Also, huge factor is the setting that the song is being played. Are we at at some type of opening, or are we actually on a dance floor at two in the morning, and how well versed is the audience?