Vital Skate Features

Interview: Dave Carnie

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 05:19:31 -0000

Wikipedia has you tagged as quite the infamous industry figure... Editor In Chief of Big Brother Magazine, one of the original creators of Jackass, "Career launcher" to Knoxville, Steve-O and Pontius, and current editor of Jackass.com... But why don't you give yourself a proper introduction for those who may not know?
Yeah that Wikipedia entry is kind of weird. It’s true I was nearby when those guys’ careers (among other things) launched, but I can’t take credit for launching anything except the occasional turd out of my ass. For those who don’t know, I was a writer and editor at Big Brother magazine. I started contributing to Big Brother in issue two and eventually worked my way up to editor in chief. I enjoy white wine.

Official word on the street is that Big Brother Magazine is back. Realizing that there is an entire generation of kids who have no idea what Big Brother is/was, can you break that down in a nutshell?
Well in the late 80s/early 90s, when the Bones Brigade was dying out and street skating was taking off, skateboarding totally changed. At the forefront of this new movement was Steve Rocco and World Industries. Unlike the magazines at the time—TWS and Thrasher—Rocco had a sense of humor and he made fucked up ads that poked fun at other companies and had adult humor in them. They also looked like complete crap, an aesthetic we continue to use to this day. Thrasher and TWS refused to run his ads. So Rocco said, “Fuck it, I’ll start my own mag.” And Big Brother was born. I think the best way to describe Big Brother was that while the other mags focused on skateboarding, BB was more interested in what went on around skateboarding. And that, naturally, put us in some very naughty situations. It was a pretty stupid magazine.

What actually happened to the original Big Brother?
Simply put, no money. Skateboard companies don’t have huge advertising budgets and when you’re the third place magazine, there’s not much left over. And the industry was in a slump at the time, or gearing up for one, so even our trusted advertisers were having trouble. And then of course because of our reputation, there was a whole slew of companies that simply wouldn’t advertise ever for moral reasons. Another reason was that Flynt wouldn’t help us with marketing. We had no budget for tshirts, stickers, etc.. So it was just a magazine on a newsstand in a sea of magazines. The magazine literally had to sell itself. Which works with porn, but not a skateboard magazine. There were a lot of reasons why it died, but I think the main one was there wasn’t any support from the industry.

Do you think the initial news of Big Brother's return got some of the skate mags shook?
Yeah, no one said anything directly to me, but I heard some rumblings. I think that’s pretty funny.

Why is Big Brother completely cutting out it's presence in print, and publishing the mag strictly online?
Well it’ll be online at first, and we hope to get some stuff in print down the line. Mostly because we’re retarded and don’t have our shit together.

So do you have to pay for the online subscription or how does that work?
No. It’s totally communist and free, brother. Positronica vibes, man.

Is the original cast and crew behind the relaunch on the mag?
Yeah everyone is here except for Marc McKee. Tremaine, Kosick, Cliver, Dimitry, Nieratko (well he’s in New Jersey), even Earl Parker.

What kinds of things are going to different about the new Big Brother? What will be the same?
At first it’s going to function as a kind of archive. There’s going to be new stuff going up—just anything skateboard related that doesn’t fit into jackassworld.com—but we’re not trying to fool anybody into thinking that we’re making a skateboard magazine that can compete with what’s out there. (Kind of like what we used to do.) And that’s the one thing that’s going to be so much more fun about it now: we don’t have to care about skateboarding. Before, it was a business and we kind of had to know what was going on in skateboarding and make sure we got interviews and tours and shit with the pros that all the kids care about. Now? Fuck that. I’m not a fan of sitting around watching the latest videos and worrying about who’s hot and who’s not. We’ll be hanging out with skateboarding monkeys all day. But it’ll function as a magazine and a video hub. There was actually about half a video that was unfinished when Flynt pulled the plug, so we’ll be rolling that out in pieces on the site as well.

BB was always down to talk shit where need be. Does anything bother you about the state of skateboarding right now?
I don’t think there’s anything about skateboarding that BOTHERS me right now. Skateboarding is skateboarding and it’s going to go where it goes. I think you could argue that the competition/jock element has whittled away at the original spirit of skateboarding—it’s certainly become “cool” in some circles—but it’s not hard to avoid. It’s kind of analogous to how people who transplant themselves in LA like to complain about LA. I moved here in ’97 and, yeah, I’ve met some pretty shitty, sleazy people, but there’s shitty people everywhere. That’s why I keep to myself. And that’s the beauty of skateboarding: it’s about you and your board and nothing else. Unless you want to worry about that shit. Actually I’ll admit that there is one thing about the state of skateboarding that bothers me: I suck at skating now.

What voids will BB be filling that is currently lacking from the skateboard media?
Skateboard media is a funny term. For one, it’s a joke. If there was a skateboard media they’d be reporting on shit in skateboarding that really matters, instead they just do fluff pieces every month. No one calls bullshit when bullshit needs to be called and everyone is so nice to everybody else because you don’t want to offend the wrong person and lose their advertising dollars. I think that’s why we just focused on ourselves and our little world. There really isn’t any news in skateboarding, so we created our own. “Skateboard media” is funny also because a skateboard is a toy. It’s like saying, “hopscotch media.”

Skateboarding has changed a lot since the last run of Big Brother. How will that change the direction of the mag (If at all)?
Well I understand the kids these days don’t use lappers anymore? I’m not sure how we’re going to be able to get up curbs now, but we’ll manage. I guess the new fad is the “oilly,” or the “ally” or something? I think once we learn to ally, we’ll be right back in the swing of things.

Were you bummed when that gay, unrelated Big Brother reality show came out on CBS?
Yes, but not for the reason you think. I never saw the show, actually. I heard American audiences didn’t really get into it? Anyway, before that show even came about, we told Flynt that we needed to trademark, or copyright or whatever you have to do legally to make the name Big Brother skateboarding ours. As I said earlier, LFP wasn’t very interested in our marketing ideas and they continually brushed us off. “Yeah, yeah, yeah,” the lawyers would say. Well by the time they finally got around to it, that damn show was on TV and they had swooped up all the trademarks related to Big Brother. So for the last few years of the mag’s existence, we couldn’t make any merchandise while our lawyers were embroiled in legal proceedings…actually “embroiled” is too strong of a word, because they weren’t doing shit. So, really, I can’t say I’m as bummed on the TV show as I am on Flynt’s lawyers.

Will the new BB still show tits?
If you know where we can get some tits to show, we’ll show em.

Anything else we should know?
The site was supposed to have launched by now, but we’ve realized there’s a lot more work to getting a site up than we had thought. I think we’re tentatively looking at an August launch. Penis. Vagina.

Globe Best Trick Contest WInners

Sun, 11 May 2008 14:39:20 -0000

Cot dayem! That was by far some of the best stuff we've had uploaded to date. It was a tough call, but this fakie double flip got the seal of approval from Chris Haslam himself. Big props to filmdestroy3 and the rest of the top ten for getting down. If your video is featured in here, email mmetcalf@vitalskate.com to collect your goods.

filmdestroy3

martinB.

Krookiemonster

bomb ass sam

serenosk8r87

dirtyjames

HAMBURGER41

j-bro

LetsLive616

rickysanerve

VitalSkate Interview: Josh Hawkins

Thu, 08 May 2008 04:21:18 -0000

Interview by Mike Metcalf

Is it true that this is you and your chick’s 6-year anniversary?
It will be true on the 24th of this month.

Have you kissed her yet?
Doy!!!

Have you cheated on her while on tour yet?
No way man. I'm not that dude.

Explain how one might build themselves a home if they were to have 3000 dollars and a hammer handy...
First of all, move to Culver City California. Work construction with Jared Lucas for 6 months to support your skateboarding career, but never get to skate because you work too much. Second, move back to where you came from because you know if you were not born in California, you don't belong there. Third, acquire yourself a grandfather and a father that love you dearly. Then make sure at least one, if not both, know their construction well. Finally, work your butt off for over a month. Now you have your self a house that you have to tear down because the asshole neighbor called the city on you and its not up to code!

Does Jared Lucas get slapped every time you guys go film or was that a one-time thing?
You know what that happens with Jared every once in a while.

CLICK BELOW TO SEE THE JOSH HAWKINS REMIX TAPE

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Gas Station Sponsor: QT (It's an AZ thing)

Airline Sponsor: American

Pizza Delivery Sponsor: Lucky's Pizza

Vehicle Sponsor: Honda

Five best reasons to never move to Arizona?
1-It’s hot
2-You skate the same spots over and over every day
3-It’s hot
4-Bros
5-It’s hot

Best way to pass the time in Arizona besides skateboarding?
Fishing.

Why do people rep AZ so hard when it sucks so badly?
I don't know man? (Yay AZ!)

Last time you threw up and why?
I don't throw up

God, Buddha, Krishna, Allah, Jesus, Zeus, Jehovah or Morpheus?
I’m Catholic... So I'll guess Buddha.

Worst advice you've ever gotten?
Jump down big shit... They will love you for it.

Worst way to blow up in skateboarding?
Jumping down big shit.

Shout outs?
All my Friends, Family, Sponsors. And whoever took the time to read this. Yup you.

VitalSkate Best Trick Contest

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 06:21:24 -0000

Today we’re setting off another VitalSkate Video Contest. You should know the drilly by now but in case you don’t, you’re one video upload away from being entered in. We usually want something specific, but this time we just want one beautiful banger. The single best trick will win $250 worth of Globe gear. The top ten will all receive Globe T Shirts... Hajiboi.

Feel free to upload footage you’ve already got on ice, or go film something between now and May 5th. Just make sure it’s uploaded to VitalSkate by Midnight of that Sunday. You can upload as many different videos as you want, we will be choosing what we consider to be the best 10 bangers. Now go off and get it crackin…

You have to be a member to upload videos. If you’re not yet, CLICK HERE.

If you’re already a member, CLICK HERE TO UPLOAD A VIDEO.

Interview: Jimmy Cao

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 04:53:37 -0000

Interview by Mike Metcalf. Photos by Dan Zaslavsky.

Sponsors: City, Venture, Bones, DVS, Matix (flow), and Willy’s Workshop

I think Jimmy Cao is one of those names that must be stated in full at all times. Is my theory correct? Or do some jerks just call you Jimmy?
Your theory is partially correct… See, Jimmy Carlin is from San Diego as well. People just call me Jimmy, and they call Carlin "Jimmy The Best". He’s always been killing it (Laughs).

I'm yet to hear any hate on Jimmy Cao. How have you avoided the trash talking in this era of skate hate?
Love and hate goes hand in hand, and I’ve had my share of haters. I try not to worry too much about what people say. I’m just trying to keep it real… No fake shit here.

Do you ever google "Jimmy Cao" to see what the cyber streets are saying about you?
I just typed my name on Youtube and THIS VIDEO came up... Peep game.

That video was buttery. 2008 seems like it's extra crackin for you already... Have you been working extra hard or are things just falling into place?
I guess its a little of both. I’m just trying to skate as much as possible. I think timing has a lot to do with it as well. Certain team changes occurred, which opened doors for me.

What God awful life would you lead if you never started skateboarding?
If I never started skateboarding.... Man, I can’t even imagine what I would be doing. I’de probably do the typical Asian stereotype and get a rice rocket.

Are you ride or die with the brands that rep you?
I’m down for my sponsors but I don’t think I’d die for them. That’s a little extreme if you ask me.

Have you ever had to get a jobby job to pay the bills or have you beaten the system?
I think I got lucky because my parents have always hooked me up. I wasn’t spoiled or anything, but they took good care of me. They raised me thinking I don’t have to get a job as long as I do well in school. I did pretty well, but skating just worked out so much better than school did. I guess I worked my way around the system?

You seem like your pretty grounded, meaning, I don't think we'll be hearing that Jimmy Cao fell off his game with a huge coke problem or anything like that. Have you learned from example? Good parenting?
I’m sure good parenting had a lot to do with it. My mom always taught me to keep a good head on my shoulders. The environment I was raised in had nothing to do with coke or any drugs for that matter. I guess it’s just common sense too. You don’t need that shit.

What is your favorite Asian stereotype?
I’ve never eaten dog. Reda always asks me how the sticky rice and dog paw tastes.

What does Jimmy Cao say to Jimmy Cao when Jimmy Cao is looking at Jimmy Cao in the mirror?
Hey, is that a booger in my nose?

Do you make more money from your sponsors monthly paycheck or from selling their product out of the trunk?
I don’t sell too much product… Maybe to some random kids but I like giving product away to homies that need it.

What trick could you go the rest of your life without seeing?
Skateboarding wouldn’t be the same with a missing trick! I wonder how skateboarding would be if the ollie was never invented... Slappies all day I guess.

What are the best and worst things about skateboarding in San Diego?
Best things: Weather, homies and spots.
Worst things: Cops, security and more cops.

SD of SF?
I’ve never really lived in SF. The longest I’ve stayed there was probably three weeks. Even though living in SF would be closer to Street Corner, I would definitely rather live in san diego. Home is where the heart is.

What pros did/do you look up to?
Willy Santos, Marc Johnson, Kenny Anderson, Mike Carroll and Andrew Reynolds.

Do you still need that tape I have with your run at the bench school? Cause I lost it.
That was the only time I’ve filmed a switch flip crook in a run. It would have been nice, but its all good.

Shout outs?
SK858, Nicole, Jamie Palmore, Nick Lamm, Brandon Lefever, Mike Crady, Billy Antonio, Alex Caceres, Timmy and Terry Nguyen, Steve Treboux, Rogene, Brian Gille, Trung Ngo, Steve Mcneal, Tony Vitello, Cameron Bohannon, Moose, Dan Zaslavsky, City Skateboards, Venture Trucks, Marcell Turner, everyone at street corner, Willy, Shalihe, and Junior Santos, everyone at Willy’s Workshop, Gabe Clement, Reda, Steve Berra, Daewon Song, Tim Gavin, Tony Evjenth, everyone at Podium, Jared Lucas, Rob Washburn, Bones, all the San Diego skaters that are killing it, Walker Ryan, Tyler Surrey, Wes Kremer, Shuriken, Sk8mafia, Marius Syvanen, DC24, Larelle Gray, Kellen James, Mike Migawyi, Poway Park, Little Jake that needs a ride, Lao-Tzu and the Tao Te Ching… Man there are so many more people. I hate forgetting people. To everyone I forgot, your in there by heart.

CLICK HERE TO SEE JIMMY CAO SKATE PHOTOS. HOLLER.

VitalSkate Line Contest

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 23:46:39 -0000

Tis the contest season… Tampa Pro sets off this weekend, Break Yo’ Self is next week and Phoenix Am tops everything off (We’ll be covering all those by the way). In the midst of all the craze, we’ve decided to give away some more of the shit that’s been piling up in the office while giving you a chance to showcase skill.

Today we’re setting off another VitalSkate Video Contest. You should know the drilly by now but in case you don’t, you’re one video upload away from being entered in. As always, we want to see something slightly specific, so this time around we’re asking to see your best lines. We’re not picky, so we’ll leave it at that. As long as there are atleast 2 tricks landed while the tape is rolling, we’ll take it.

Feel free to upload footage you’ve already got on ice, or go film something between now and March 30th. Just make sure it’s uploaded to VitalSkate by Midnight of that Sunday. You can upload as many different videos as you want, we will be choosing what we consider to be the best five lines. VitalSkate shirts go to everyone in the top five, along with Birdhouse decks to the top three. Now go off and get it crackin…

You have to be a member to upload videos. If you’re not yet, CLICK HERE.

If you’re already a member, CLICK HERE TO UPLOAD A VIDEO.

Vital Video: Greg Millions

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 05:02:19 -0000

Words By Che George

You want to tell that insane story?
I was recently in a horrible car crash that really woke me up. We went to pick someone up and on the way back to my house, the foot patrol tried to pull us over for having our music too loud. We swerved around them and sped off going through a blind intersection. We had a stop sign but perpendicular traffic didn’t, we nearly caused a wreck there. At the next intersection, the same thing happened. We were going about 80 and three bikers came out of nowhere. We swerved around and lost control. We slid and hit a parked car which sent us spinning to the other side of the road and crashing into six cars total, plus ours. My head bounced off the window and I was hammered so I kind of blacked out. All I hear is “Run! Run! Run!”, but my door wouldn’t even open so I went out the broken window. This happened at around 11:30 on a weekend where the streets of Isla Vista resemble Mardi Gras. There were people everywhere and the fact that we hit none of them was an act of God. So I’m out the window and I hit a straight line over five fences. Once I realized what happened, I went back to see hundreds of people, fire trucks, ambulances and my friend Trevor on a gurney… It was not good. Then I see my hat under the totaled car and as I picked it up, a cop runs up, grabs me by the neck and starts screaming at me. I told him I had nothing to do with it and he let me walk away. Trevor had internal bleeding in his neck but they released him from the hospital that night. That was the beginning of my night. Don’t drink and drive, please.

Who's your skate crew?
Jeremy Reeves, Dane Nomellini, Sean Meeker, Peter Danzig, Corey Duffel, and Bobby Groves.

Who do you usually shoot photos/film with?
I have been filming with Charlie Hayes when I'm back home, also Mike Svenson and Matt Brower. I used to shoot with Dan Z. but now I shoot with Tadashi Yamoada.

Who hooks you up with the goods?
City Skateboards, Hubba Wheels, Venture Trucks, FKD, Scifen Clothing and Metro Boardshop.

Top 5 skaters of all time?
Koston, Mariano, Duffy, Danny Way and John Cardiel.

Do you work or does skateboarding pay the bills?
Sadly, neither. I’m an entrepreneur.

Dream Session?
I would really like to go out of the country with some of the City Skateboards homies that I haven’t got to skate with much.

Thank those who got you where your at?
My family and friends, Justin Williams has done a lot for me, Jeremy Reeves too. Tony Vitello, Jamie Harris… Anyone who has ever shot photos or filmed me.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH GREG MILLION'S SKATEBOARDING VIDEO

Grill Session: Karl Watson

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 22:43:58 -0000

Karl Watson is and always will be one of my favorite skateboarders, so it was dope to catch up with him in Oakland and put him on the grill. Take a second to catch up with skateboarding's Mr. Nice Guy in Grill Session Volume 10...

Interested in buying any of the products from Karl's sponsors?

Check out:Organika, IPath, LRG, Satori, Krux, Ninja

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE KARL WATSON GRILL SESSION

Some footage taken from LRG's "How We Roll" DVD

Vital Video: Street Overhaul #2

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 15:46:33 -0000

Zach Lyons, Walker Ryan, Chris Troy, Mike Long, Brad Hererra, Kyle Leeper, Andy Beaumarchais, Spencer Ramsey, Kenny Hoyle, Tim Thomas, Miles Woods, Matt Whorley, Alex Heskit, Evan Munnely, Danny Scher in one of Lesar's best video's to date...

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE SECOND STREET OVERHAUL SKATEBOARDING VIDEO

United By Fate: Episode 3

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 19:27:59 -0000

This episode is a serious banger featuring Matt Mumford and Jake Duncombe alongside Mark Appleyard, Rodney Mullen, Chris Haslam, Greg Lutzka, Paul Machnau and David Gonzales. Get some popcorn, it's just under 20 minutes long...

CLICK HERE TO WATCH UNITED BY FATE: EPISODE 3