Redwood Rockers: Todd Novak and Brian Sagrafena’s Sonic Journey

In the secluded redwoods of La Honda, California, tucked away in the Santa Cruz Mountains, a musical partnership was forged. Todd Novak and Brian Sagrafena, both veterans of the rock scene, found in each other not just a kindred spirit, but a creative dynamo. Drawn together by their shared pasts and irreverent humor, their bond was instant and electric.

Both Todd and Brian had cut their teeth in the whirlwind world of pre-digital music. They knew the grind, the rewards, and the grit of the industry before streaming turned everything on its head.

Brian Sagrafena spent years pounding the drums for Echo Brain with his Metallica comrade, Jason Newsted. Todd Novak, meanwhile, built a resume with an eclectic mix of signed touring bands including the Dragsters, Ronald Koal & The Trillionaires, Kevin Salem, The Schramms, Cryin’ Out Loud, The Hootowls, and The Cowlicks. Their paths would cross occasionally at gigs or the local La Honda country store – the sole market in town.

For over a year, Brian had been coaxing Todd to check out his home-built recording retreat, Sloth Mountain Studios. Eventually, his persistence paid off. “Todd, you just need to come up and we’ll record a song together,” he insisted. And so, their collaboration began.

Todd would write a song and head to Brian’s studio, where they would build new tracks from scratch. Todd handled guitar, vocals, and bass, while Brian engineered and played drums. Together, they created tracks blending a retro style with a modern vibe. They used a mix of old-school recording gear and innovative techniques, channeling the spirit of the Beatles’ studio experimentation after they hung up their touring boots. It was a liberation from the need to reproduce the music live – an unfiltered dive into creative exploration.

Sessions were intense and exhilarating. In a single day, Todd would often leave Brian’s studio late at night with a near-complete track, a rough mix on a CD-R in hand. The process was reminiscent of Todd Rundgren’s solo efforts, where the artist would play and sing nearly every part. It was fun, fast-paced, and, to Todd and Brian, magical.

Before long, the duo had laid down nine tracks. Then, the world stopped as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Yet, undeterred, Todd Novak and Brian Sagrafena pressed on with mixing and mastering their creations.

Their debut song and video, fittingly titled “Lucky,” is out now. It’s a testament to their journey and a signal of what’s to come.