🎧 Listen Skateboards: A Sonic Pulse in Skate Culture

In the ever-evolving world of skateboarding, few brands have managed to carve out a niche as distinctive and soulful as Listen Skateboards. Born from a fusion of creativity, community, and a deep respect for skate culture, Listen was never just about decks and tricks—it was about rhythm, style, and storytelling.

🎬 Origins: Where It All Began

Listen Skateboards was founded in early 2005 by Danny Montoya and Rob Gonzalez, two skaters known not just for their technical prowess but for their artistic vision and commitment to elevating skateboarding as a form of expression. Based in Southern California, the brand emerged during a time when skateboarding was undergoing a renaissance—moving beyond the gritty street scenes into a more refined, lifestyle-driven space.

Montoya and Gonzalez envisioned Listen as a brand that would reflect the soul of skateboarding, blending music, art, and street culture into every board and video they produced.

🛹 What Made Listen Stand Out

Listen Skateboards quickly gained recognition for several reasons:

• Artistic Direction: Their graphics and video edits had a cinematic quality, often accompanied by jazz, soul, and hip-hop soundtracks that set them apart from the punk-heavy aesthetic of other brands.

• Inclusive Vibe: Listen was known for promoting diversity and unity within skateboarding, often spotlighting skaters from underrepresented backgrounds.

• Clean Aesthetic: Their boards featured minimalist yet striking designs, often with subtle nods to musical influences.

🌟 Team & Sponsorships

From the start, Listen built a team that reflected its ethos:

• Danny Montoya and Rob Gonzalez led the charge with their smooth, technical styles.

• Rodrigo Petersen brought Brazilian flair and street credibility.

• Brian Brown added depth with his powerful, precise skating.

These riders weren’t just chosen for their skills—they embodied the brand’s philosophy of skating with style, intention, and heart.

📼 Notable Projects

Listen’s video releases were always anticipated events. Their edits were more than trick showcases—they were mood pieces. While they didn’t flood the market with constant drops, each release felt curated and meaningful, often featuring soulful soundtracks and thoughtful editing.

🔄 Where Are They Now?

As of today, Listen Skateboards is no longer active in the traditional sense. The brand faded from the spotlight sometime after the late 2000s, with its founders and riders moving on to other ventures. Danny Montoya and Rob Gonzalez have remained influential in the skate world, contributing to other brands and projects.

Though Listen may not be producing new boards, its legacy lives on in the way it influenced skateboarding’s aesthetic and cultural direction. It’s remembered fondly by skaters who appreciated its blend of style, substance, and soul

Listen "Viajeros Locos" (2007)

Listen Skateboards - The Remix!