03/13/2026
Jack Johnson announces SURFILMUSIC, a new documentary chronicling his evolution from surfer to filmmaker to world-renowned musician. The film makes its World Premiere today at SXSW ahead of a special concert tonight at Stubbâs in Austin, Texas, where Johnson and his band will perform with Hermanos GutiĂ©rrez.
SURFILMUSIC traces how Johnsonâs early years making surf films with close friends became a foundation for a much broader creative life, capturing moments in and out of the water that later surfaced in his songwriting. Blending rare footage from those formative surf films and Johnson's personal and family archives with present-day reflections, the film weaves together how lived experience, friendship, and exploration shaped the sound and stories behind the music. Directed by Emmett Malloy, featuring Jack Johnson, Kelly Slater, Rob Machado, Gerry Lopez, Chris Malloy, G Love, Ben Harper, John Florence, Emmett Malloy, Kim Johnson, and more, with a beautiful score by Jack Johnson and Hermanos GutiĂ©rrez. In loving memory of Tamayo Perry.
In addition to the new film, Johnson has announced a companion double album, SURFILMUSIC Soundtrack and 4-Tracks, arriving May 15 via Brushfire Records. The soundtrack features the filmâs original score by Jack Johnson and Hermanos GutiĂ©rrez alongside remastered selections from Johnsonâs early four-track recordings. 4-Tracks presents a deeper dive into the archival music from Johnsonâs personal tapes, including raw recordings and previously unreleased gems from his earliest days making music.
The first track from the soundtrack is a new rendition of âDrink the Water w/ Hermanos GutiÄrrez,â and is available now on all digital streaming platforms along with an accompanying music video.
