Forrest Frank is no stranger to side projects, but his latest venture — newly rebranded as Party Wave — has unexpectedly become something of a philanthropic initiative after a trademark dispute resulted in a fan-fueled pay-it-forward movement.
Frank and his friend, California-based singer-songwriter Noah Hayden, took to the beach to record a collaborative album under the moniker Dawn Patrol. Upon announcing the creative partnership, however, the name quickly fell under scrutiny due to a trademark issue. Thus, the pair of innovative artists decided to change their band name, turning to fans for suggestions and offering to award $10,000 to the person who came up with the best idea.
Together, Frank and Hayden chose Party Wave as the winning submission. Party Wave is a surfing term that describes the moment when multiple surfers ride the same wave together.
The initial winner, who goes by @thebucketlistfamily on Instagram, asked that the monetary prize be passed on to someone else. Following their lead, the runner-up — a couple preparing to welcome their first child — requested that the money be donated to A Father’s Heart, a nonprofit that seeks to aid vulnerable children affected by human trafficking.
As Frank and Hayden shared the story, fans caught the pay-it-forward vision and began to organically donate to the foundation, which earmarked the charitable contributions for construction of a children’s center in Guatemala. In a nod to the communal aspect of the Party Wave sentiment, fans collectively raised more than $90,000.
Meanwhile, Frank and Hayden dropped their Party Wave debut, “Dawn Patrol,” last month. The 16-track project boasts lo-fi surf-pop that radiates the laidback ethos of a sun-drenched day spent by the water, serving up the perfect soundtrack for the impending summer.
Speaking of summer, Frank is set to launch “The Jesus Generation Tour” June 1, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The massive trek will visit arenas and stadiums nationwide through the beginning of August and is scheduled to feature cross-genre opening sets from Cory Asbury, Tori Kelly and The Figs.
