Insect Surfers were originally formed in the summer of 1979 in Washington, D.C. Touring the U.S. extensively, they also released several independent lp's and singles that placed as high as #25 on the national college radio charts.

Founding member David Arnson regrouped the band after moving to Los Angeles in 1985 with guitarist/sax player Dan Dano Sullivan. They have since been featured on bills with such artists as Chris Isaak, B-52's, Jonathan Richman, Pylon, The Ventures, Dick Dale, Surfaris, etc. Before 1986, the INSECT SURFERS also played on the same stages as Iggy Pop, The Stranglers, Psychedelic Furs, Joan Jett, Echo and the Bunnymen, Revillos, etc.