LIKEbutter Magazine – EA Skate Rag

Lb is proud to bring you this month’s interview and mag photo feature with combat vet and OG skater, Soulex?. We are glad to have him back, no doubt. Please enjoy the interview below. Photos by BladderBoy.

Wassup stranger! How are you Soulex??

Doing pretty good man. How are things on your end?

Real good. Real busy. Thankful I have the opportunity to sit down and chat with a true OG. You and some of your homies been gone for a minute – showin up a little late to the party in Port Carverton. Where you been?

I decided to take a break you know? Lots of drama came with the move to New San Van. It went from how everyone skated, and the love for it – to personal issues and conflict. A lot of us got caught up in it, and peaced. Pulled something like a Tom Penny. Just disappeared man.

I remember those days very well. Sometimes you need time to reevaluate, think about what youre doing, and why you are doing it.

Yeah, exactly. So many people get lost on the way. Worried about that fame in place of the thrill of landing something you’ve been trying for days.

It’s great to see you come back swinging with a new solo. You digging your new home in PC?

PC is pretty chill. Not nearly as many monster gaps as I’d like, but the lack of security guards makes everything a little more pleasant when trying to get that trick in.

What’s your favorite area of PC so far?

I’ve been finding lots of roof gaps down by the docks that I like. And of course Danny Way’s place and the Sanatorium are pretty sick.

Yeah you got some spots on lock at the Sanatorium. So your return begs the question – is Stay Down coming back?

It never left.

Who is on the team now? Crypt making a comeback too?

A lot of OG’s. Damien, Plastic Malice, Senner, Vicious and of course Crypt. Crypt’s made a comeback. He already released a short little vid of the Black Box when it first opened. He killed it.

Dang that flew under Lb’s radar. Who do I fire for that eff-up?! Great to know Crypt is still floating around – I assume we will be seeing a lot of his deck designs and artwork in the future? The guy is a very talented designer and illustrator.

Haha, the video wasn’t a huge thing. Anyone who wants to see it can check it out at http://www.staydown.org A lot of his decks are out too. Crypt was a huge reason why I joined SD. I remember asking him to get on, and he gave me this trick list. I did it, and the end result was horrible on my part. But he worked with me. I started the Neoteric Design series to show him what I was working on over the course of a few months. By the finale he was convinced to let me on the team. He’s a great friend as well as a mentor.

He really put you to the test. Crypt don’t eff around, apparently. Who else was on Stay Down back then, when you first joined?

Man, I miss that line up. Alot of great skaters. BigRedTakeover, Crzboarder, Damien… There was a massive amount of talent.

Great lineup. I’d love to see another full length with those guys. Only The Strong was a legendary SD OG vid. Anything on that scale brewing already?

Haha. You never know what’s coming next from us. I’m not one to spread rumors but you might see something from us soon.

Cant wait to see what happens. So are you mainly going to be skating for SD, or are you editing and designing as well? What role will you be playing?

I’m just skating right now. The Angrycake solo was my first attempt at using Vegas. Once I get better, I’m sure I’ll try to step up and be an editor.

Is Stay Down going to actively recruit new team members in PC? Or are you gonna stick with the proven formula?

I’m not too sure to be honest. Everyone on the roster had an OG release or something close to it. I’m sure we would not be opposed to recruiting, but it’s a different team than it used to be.

What’s different?

It’s more about the love for skating than anything else. Back then we were pumping out videos left and right. Now it’s more about good times with friends. It’s relaxing to say the least. Damien, Crypt and myself have had more than a few good nights skating some random park together.

Yeah I noticed a bunch of OGs are taking that approach now – many of them just going solo, relieving themselves of the pressure that comes with deadlines and expectations. What do think the advantage is to coming back as Stay Down, rather than kicking it solo?

Home is where your heart is. My heart was in this team since I was an upcoming kid on Magik. It’s brought out the best in me. Back then Stay Down was a standard. It’s a happy reminder that I’ve met and surpassed that standard, and others have too.

What teams or skaters outside of SD do you think are pushing the boundaries, and surpassing that standard?

I’ve always been a fan of DP. They look at the world through such different eyes that sometimes I think “I would have never seen that as a spot.” Reign, before it collapsed, was a great team. Lots of skaters are a complete joy to watch. Eflixx, Slammoh, BeRT, Crzboarder, Tnofilms, Midnight, Stevland, Giant Kanen, Skh88. As far as pushing, or surpassing the OG SD standard, it’s subjective really. We aren’t trying to make it look like we’re the best there ever was. Everyone likes different skating. Though the common denominator is that most everyone I mentioned above was either on DP or SD at some point in their career.

Tell us about Magik. Was that the first team you were on?

Haha yeah it was. It was different. Wurk had me try out, liked what I did and was put on the team. We dropped a few team vids, and I dropped a solo or two under the Magik name. Then I think everyone started to leave, and that was the time I was approaching Crypt to get on SD. So I left and went solo for a while.

Yeah a bunch of teams came and went back then. Only the strong survive, and keep pushing. What are the future plans for SD? Should we be looking out for an Stay Down park or label?

There are a few parks out there for SD. Nothing official yet. It’s something that’s being worked on.

What SD video are you most proud to be associated with?

The Lost Tapes was hands down the best video I’ve done. It was a mix of footy from videos that never left the edit bay. Even though it was dropped recently, looking back the skating was some of the best I have ever done.

How would you describe your skating style? Is there an Stay Down mantra that guides you when skating and filming?

I skate big gaps, huge sets, and long rails. I’ve always been the “Go big or go home” type of skater. I can be a little tech sometimes. Depends on the spot. But there isn’t a mantra or guideline for skating and filming. We all continually push ourselves to be better

Any specific personal goals you’d like to achieve with your skating career?

To never forget why I started skating in the first place.

Why is that?

Like I mentioned earlier, a lot of people lose track on why they began to skate. They get caught up in the skate hate and just spiral out of control. It almost happened to me. One of my favorite SD decks is “No Love”. Because that’s exactly what some people have left.

I agree that it should be fun and positive – at the least. So what do you do when your NOT skating? How do you pay the rent?

I’m actually in the military. I’ve been deployed in Iraq and in Haiti. I skate in what little free time I have.

Well I can speak for everyone at Lb, we appreciate the hard work you do for our country, and others around the world. Have you gotten more injuries in combat or while skating?

Skating definitely. I’ve gotten a 5 compound fracture in my left forearm from skating. So far all I’ve gotten from the military is a snapped ligament.

How did that happen?

Let’s just say that you can get hurt doing combatives. Even if you are instructing.

I bet you could teach Coach Frank a thing or two. See any kids skating in Iraq or Haiti? Is there a scene over there?

I know when I was over in Iraq, there was a project to get Baghdad it’s first skate park. I never got to see it. And Haiti was in too much disarray. The streets were crowded with people. There was no way anyone was skating. Not to mention the rubble.

I’d love to see a military issue Soulex deck. What do you think?

It’s a possibility. Im sure there are some other military skaters out there that’d rock it.

What’s your rank, soldier?

Specialist.

What do you specialize in? What are your responsibilities?

Right now it’s Ammunition. When I was in Iraq I was responsible for keeping track of every round in theater. I recently re-enlisted though to get a new job. I’m going to be a radio broadcast journalist as soon as my ankle heals.

You plan on a lifelong career in the military, or would you like to apply your skills to a civilian job?

I’m going to make this a career. I love my country, I love wearing the uniform and what it represents. Not to mention, you can’t beat the benefits.

Good luck with that man. We wish you the best. You seem to be an extremely busy guy, but do you think SD will ever make time to revisit San Van for a video in the future?

You never quite know with us.

What do you miss most about San Vanelona? Favorite Spot?

I spent countless hours at DIY. I never really had a spot that I stayed at a lot. I roamed around a lot. Looking for that next big gap. That untouched stairset.

Favorite trick?

Switch Hardflip or FS/BS flips.

Favorite obstacle?

Stairsets.

Most challenging trick?

Inward Heels. It takes me one or two extra tries to land those.

What brands do you rep? What’s your board setup?

SD Splatter Deck with Indys and Autobahn wheels. I’ve always been a big supporter of Indy, Volcom, and DVS.

What 3 things could you NOT live without?

Music, good food, and my family.

Whats your favorite song to skate to?

I listen to mostly chill music when skating. Stuff like Deftones, Atmosphere, Blockhead, and others. I listen to everything.

So you love Lady Gaga, got it. Finish this sentence: 10 years from now I will be….

Remembering the good ‘ol days, doing what I can to get that last ride in.

Finally, if you could make any object fall from the sky and safely land in front of you, what would it be?

A walrus, and I’d make sure that Rhekaan was in front of me.

Hall of Walrus Meat. Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with Lb. Look forward to seeing more of you and Stay Down in the future. Stay safe!

Thanks man. It’s been a pleasure.

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Lb is proud to present the first Port Carverton issue. Despite a few delays and technical problems, it came to life due to some truly amazing talent on the streets of PC. Private sessions, GC artwork, skate parks, local deck designs, submitted photos – we’ve got it all.

Special thanks goes out to Stevland, who stepped in for tnofilms after a scheduling conflict, and allowed us to ask a few questions about his career as a founding member of DP. Also to Moses, who built a skate park masterpiece exclusively for Lb mag. You’re gonna want to skate this thing, no doubt.

Make sure to read Stevland’s full interview here, if you haven’t already.

Looking Forward,

BladderBoy

Due to scheduling conflicts we couldn’t feature tnofilms from DP this month, but fortunately Stevland stepped in at the last minute to provide us with some insight into his personal life and career as a founding member of Doppelgänger Produktion. After speaking briefly at Lb HQ, Stev and I hit the downtown streets for an exclusive session featured in this month’s issue. Photography by BladderBoy.

How are you Stev?

Doing good, thanks, how are you?

Solid. The move from San Van kicked my ass, but solid nonetheless. Moving sucks. Enjoying your new home in Port Carverton?

Yes and no. It’s great to have a new city to dig for new spots. Then again, PC has a lot of oversized stuff. A lot of spots look the same. But I still skate the hell out of it.

Hear ya. I haven’t seen half of the city yet. Still poking around ya know. You exploring?

For sure, I’m always exploring. That’s my main motivation I guess. Finding new spots. Not the obvious stuff. Like spots you skated past a hundred times and suddenly you realize how to make it work.

Yeah, I think there are a ton of spots lurking in the shadows. That’s literally true – just have to find them. What’s your favorite area of PC so far? Any spots in particular?

Favorite area has to be downtown. It has the most variety. For a favorite spot, it’s too early to know, I guess.

I am a big fan of your DP parts and solos. Who or what inspires your work?

Besides my own team, I’m a huge sucker for Mr. horsehead. I think we have a similar approach by thinking outside of the box and pushing it a little. Watching a horsehead video usually results in me deleting my own clips. Besides that, I love videos that feature things I can’t do. Southie – for his long ass tech lines. Demz – for crazy cam work. Knex – for being crazy in general.

So how did DP start? Who were the founding members?

Back in Old San Van I started uploading single clips to youtube. Tnofilms saw them and approached me. I guess he liked them. We live like 90 minutes away from each other, so we started talking, showing each other our clips etc. Tno wanted to make a team right away, but I hesitated. Then I started the Strictly series. One video for each district in Old San Van. Tno liked the idea and joined in. I think it was the third in the series, Strictly Res, when I agreed to make a team.

Where did the DP name come from?

Doppelgänger, because it’s a german word used in English as well. And since we’re both german, it’s produktion with a “k”. The whole abbreviation thing and it’s other meaning, wasn’t part of the plan, hehe.

I believe you. Seriously. I do.

It’s always fun to see the reactions when you rock a DP shirt though. From grossed out looks, to questions if you like Deep Purple or “Deutsche Post” (German Mail). My favorite convo though went something like this:

“Hey, I see you like Depeche Mode?”

“Nah mate, that would be DM”

“Ohhhh, that’s right”

I had a good laugh.

Well, it’s been years since the DP was first established. What role do you play on DP now?

I think “anchor” fits quite good. I don’t see myself as a leader, but I guess the major decisions are made by me. Backed up by the team though. I also usually edit the team videos. And obviously I don’t tell my boys what to do and what *not* to do. But when it’s time for a team video, I can get a little annoying when someone’s slacking.

Who’s slacking? Name names please.

They know who they are. But the worst is Midnight. There were times when I kicked him off the team twice a day. Fun memories. When he reads this he’ll probably tells you about all the videos he does. But that’s just a façade. He’s slacking; he probably bribes his roommate to film stuff for him. Right Midnight?

Is DP actively recruiting new team members in PC?

Nope.

Any DP newcomers we should look out for?

Maybe…

I guess I’ll keep an eye on the DP blog for more details, thank you. You’ve helped build a very talented team over the years. What the greatest asset that *you* bring to the team? This is not a job interview by the way.

I guess you have to ask my team.

If you’ll be my translator, I’ll ask tno next time I bump into him. You know he asked me if I was into rollerblades the first time I met him? I took it as friendly jest instead of an insult. Was I right?

First of all, you shouldn’t take anything on the internet as an insult. Secondly, tnofilms is a strange man, hahaha. He has a rollerblading background himself. I don’t know about this particular situation, but I can tell you this: you’ll probably never meet another person taking things as easy and lighthearted as tno, I don’t think he ever tries to insult anyone. And the rest just gets lost in translation. For you guys at least.

I’m just giving tno a hard time. I’d love to film him one day. He’s got mad style. How would you describe DP’s style overall?

I think the good thing about DP is that we cover all bases. Well, maybe not *all*, but for example – dead red and tno, they’re both tech. Skhate and me, on the other hand, like to push the limits. Fast and huge.

What DP video are you most proud of?

That would be DP54. collabo with our good friends from 1954. To this day I’m still 100% behind this video. It’s basically the only video I stand behind to that extent since I’m very critical towards my own work. Great skating from everyone, great track, and dare I say, great edit.

Your work behind the camera and in the edit bay rivals your skills on the board. Have any past experience with shooting and editing?

I been working for a local tv station for basically the last 10 years. I started with filming, but very soon found my love for editing. Doing this skate thing is a welcome diversion to the hectic day to day work in television news.

What software and hardware do you use?

Quadcore with 4gb RAM, Windows 7, 64bit, Sony Vegas 9, AE CS4, Photoshop CS5.

What do you do when you are not skating or editing?

I like playing the videogames. I like watching the French arthouse films – black & white, at least one person smokes. And I like drinking the beer with my friends.

I must say, DP definitely rocks rad graphics. Who is the genius behind the artwork?

Tno does the majority of the GC stuff for DP, but schnavolda, falling, jack and midnight bring it as well.

Who do you like outside of DP?

The ones I mentioned before – 54, ‘naut, AM. Especially bullet, eflixxx & slamooh.

Is there a DP park we should know about?

Midnight’s DP’s playhaus just opened. Double polejam kicks ass. Get in there while it’s hot.

Any advice for someone trying to start a skate team? I see them popping up every day in PC.

I think people need to get away from the idea of HAVING to be on a team at all costs. There’s nothing wrong with going solo. See it like this: no one will tell you what to do.

“Hey, I’m making a team, anyone wanna join?”

“Yup, I’m in.”

“Cool, we’re a team now.”

Doesn’t usually work out. If you join up with people, make sure you know more about them than one single trick clip. Also, stay true to yourself. Don’t adapt to someone else’s style or skate in a certain way, just because the community seems to like that way more. My philosophy goes something like this: I want people that can skate – diversity Is king – but I also want people I enjoy hanging out with, even going a bit further than the skate thing. Being the “Oasis” or the “Stones” of skate doesn’t work out for me.

What are the future plans for DP?

I guess we just continue what we’ve been doing the last couple of years. Having fun, making videos, passing out drunk on our couches.

Speaking of passing out drunk, are there any personal goals you’d like to achieve as a skater?

Being interviewed in a skateboard magazine…oh…wait…

Scratch that off the bucket list. Is DP ever going to revisit San Van for a video in the future?

Most definitely. It’s where it’s all started. SV is king.

What do you miss most about San Vanelona? Favorite Spot?

The city itself. SV has so much character, so many great spots. As for my favorite? Gonna have to say the art gallery.

Favorite trick?

Frontside flip.

Favorite obstacle?

Any kind of skinny ledge.

What trick do you find most difficult?

Hurricanes.

Last trick you learned?

Hurricanes, kinda. Still hard to do.

What do you think your greatest weakness is?

The technical stuff.

What’s your board setup? Any sponsors?

Nope. I go for custom graphics usually, trucks all loose, wheels all soft. Good for the skinnies.

What do you find most rewarding about skateboarding?

Finally nailing that goddamn trick.

Favorite album to listen to when skating?

A Tribe Called Quest – the Low End Theory, best album there is.

Shoutouts?

Everyone who is/was DP. The Hood, Animal Machine, Couch, SSS, Alzheimer, OATS, the other teams i may have forgotten. The community who watches and likes the videos and all that jazz. And a special shoutout to skHate and eflixxx, we hang out almost every day. Always fun.

Finish this sentence: 10 years from now I will be….

…hopefully as wise as my role model and mentor, Jack Barclay.

Finally, of course, if you could make any object fall from the sky and safely land in front of you, what would it be?

The blonde from ABBA in her prime.

Effin-a right! Thanks for dropping by Lb HQ, Stevland. Cheers!

Alright (In a Karl Pilkington voice). Also… Midnight, you’re off the team!

Cheers mate, thanks for having me.

One more thing… Midnight, you’re off the team!

Preview? Where’s the mag?

Lb #03 will be delayed for a couple of days. Sorry guys – hate me, flame me, be cool, or eff off. There is no question that producing Lb requires a ton of prep and work. We just arrived in Port Carverton two weeks ago, so we are still settling in a bit. That, combined with a complicated international session schedule, and the huge volume of content being crammed into this issue, we simply need a few more days to finish. It will be well worth the wait, as I refuse to publish anything that isn’t polished.

In the meantime, check out SOME of what will be featured in #03:

Foxx @ the ghetto spot –

Crazy custom obstacles at MOSAIC, built by IMIoses –

Lb staff photog Roccity shoots Riggs and Perm at Threat HQ -

A ton of new ads featuring GC artwork –

Bangin decks, new GC Art Show, and MORE! Who’s on the cover? Wait and see…

BTW, anyone know a solid film developer in PC? We are receiving small, fuzzy, pixellated images at the moment, and look forward to finding a new vendor.

BB

Check this fantastic miniramp session: