Skateland is the moniker for Dorian Williams II, whose catchy tunes like his latest single, “Sunset Cinema” have helped him grow his fanbase. Opening up for Foster The People at a night show before Austin City Limits, Skateland impressed many in the audience and it was no wonder, as Williams II has noted the influence the band had on him. “I was just telling my dad before the show about how I remember us being in our living room watching David Letterman and it was like their first, I want to say it was their first live TV performance.” He shared, “I was sitting on the on the living room floor, just blown away by this band that I never heard before. I got really into their music and honestly they really are a huge reason of why I started making music myself, so it was a real full circle moment.” Growing up the son of a military dad, Williams II spent the majority of his childhood in Las Vegas, where he picked up the city’s penchant for showmanship and some of its glamour. He spent much of his time writing and creating electronic-based bedroom pop but has since incorporated more indie rock since moving to Austin for college. The multi-instrumentalist has played SXSW and opened for the likes of Two Door Cinema Club along with others and is set to release his next EP ‘Joyce Howell, How Are You?’ on November 15th.
Skateland spoke with B-Sides host Pete Mar at Austin City Limits 2024 about performing the night show with Foster the People, their influence, growing up in Las Vegas and more.
