Archive for the ‘Interviews’ Category

Posted on August 22, 2009 - by SenorMustard

Jonestown Tragedy – Interview & Free Downloads

First off introduce yourselves and tell us what you play.
joey-vocals
biz-guitar
zach-guitar
bones-bass
jason-drums

The vocals are different from your previous music, how did that come about…was it a difficult transition?
Well honestly everything is different about this recording we wanted too have an overly produced sound we added alot of effects too the guitars and vocals our previous recordings were really half assed this time around we really took our time on it.

You guys have a unique mixture of genres going on, what genre do you all identify most with?
Well I know for the most part we all really love punk rock from hardcore/melodic punk too pop punk we all grew up listening too bands like strung out nofx to descedents and screaching weasels but yeah we all enjoy different types of genres but for the most part we all for sure identify best with punk rock.

How do you go about writing your music?
Writing our music can be stressful sometimes but its pretty basic i(biz) write a riff or half a song then take it too the jam session where jason and i complete the song together.

How long did it take you to make your new E.P.?
The EP took about 3 weeks we recorded with Charlie Vela and it was a blast he really helped us capture the sound we were looking for. He’s an awesome dude really has a passion for music so he was awesome too work with.

Where can folks get the cd?
If your old fashion you can buy the cd on interpunk.com or download it at downloadpunk.com

Are you nervous about performing with Girl in a Coma… Any plans on trying to hit on any of them?
Nervous? Not at all. We’ve played with Girl In A Coma a few times already. Hitting on them, Im married as far as everyone else I don’t know, haha.

Any special plans as far as touring or promotion for the new cd?
Touring is something were all itching for and hopefully we’ll make it happen next year.

Any last thoughts or anything you’d like to tell our readers?
Dont do drugs, don’t follow trends and most importantly don’t wear girl jeans if your a guy. haha jk

Is there anything you’d like to say about the 2 tracks you sent us?
The 2 tracks are terrible. na jk they’re fast melodic punk rock songs. ENJOY!!!

Download 2 free tracks from Jonestown Tragedy HERE.

Posted on April 27, 2009 - by ChrisDub

Quick 10 with Cat

NAME: Cat.
AGE: About 23-27, but my liver is probably screaming 30.
HOMETOWN: MacTown. born n raised in this hood!
SPONSORS: I get a lot of free drinks and free advice.
YEARS SHREDDING: I’m probably better at shredding paper. But I’ve been skateboarding for over 6 years.

1. INSPIRATIONS: Activism, people with OCD like me, and people who try 2 use their talent.
2. FAVOURITE SPOT: Secret ditches and backyard minis!
3. FAVOURITE VIDEO PART: Tranny gone wild
4. BEST THING ABOUT SKATEBOARDING: Everything bout it is rad.
5. WORST THING ABOUT SKATEBOARDING: Skate stoppers
6. BIGGEST FEAR: Showin up to a sick spot and forgetting my board. AHHH!
7. WORST INJURY: Either my concussion in ‘06 or all 4 of my knee injuries.
8. OTHER INTERESTS: Baca. Cardiel. Anderson. Bourne. Guzman.Tattoos. My rad little skateboard/skateart shop “ROOTS“. (look us up or stop by)
9. THE LAST SONG YOU HEARD: AL GREENS GREATEST HITS ON MY PORCH IN the HAMMOCK.
10. THANKS: To all the core companies out there that keep skateboarding raw, rude, real, righteous, fun, original. Thanks to anyone who has hooked it up. Thanks to my team for being rad. Thanks to our fans, the RGVJuice crew, the city of Olmito for building that new park, the cops for being cool at my b-day party and to Sammy Baca for having long hair and skating with his shirt off! Keep skateboarding fun.

Posted on April 21, 2009 - by SenorMustard

11 Questions with Charlie Vela

How long have you been recording other people?
I started recording other bands when I was about 15. The first band I recorded was called The Retarded Flies. I had no idea what I was doing, but nobody seemed to notice so it worked out.

Have you had any formal training or did you learn as you went?
No formal schooling for me. Most of my knowledge comes from reading voraciously about recording and practicing constantly. There’s such an incredible wealth of information that’s available for free I’m sometimes a little puzzled by the whole formal recording school thing. Don’t get me wrong, I know a lot of great engineers who went to school, but I have a pretty strong feeling that they would’ve been great engineers anyway. It’s all about the passion you have for what you do.

Could you give us a run through of the gear you like to use?
I try to keep it relatively simple when it comes to gear. It’s very easy to go after every new thing that comes out thinking that it’ll give you “THAT SOUND”. But the truth is learning how to make the most with what you have is the key to great recordings. Take it from me, it is entirely possible to make a $10,000 microphone sound like crap if you don’t know what you’re doing. And sometimes a $12 Radio Shack mic is exactly what a song needs. That said, I use a mixture of high end and low end stuff. When possible I try to build things myself to save money. My mic preamps are all built from kits by Seventh Circle Audio, and are based on classic console designs. They sound GREAT and cost me about a fifth of the real deal. I record to ProTools on a computer that I put together. Buying parts and assembling myself gave me a machine that literally smokes some of the high-end computers you see in music catalogs. Plus I’m one of those people who HAS to know how things work, so it’s a lot of fun for me.

Who would you like to work with alive or dead?
Oh jeez, this is more like a “who are your favorite bands” question isn’t it? Let’s see, Fleetwood Mac, At the Drive-In, Credence Clearwater Revival, Jimmy Eat World, Cursive, Iron and Wine, The Little Willies. I’m just going to leave it there before my wrist gets tired. Rest assured, it’s a LONG list.

“We come in early, work our asses off, and are in bed before midnight.”

If you could only choose one, would you choose recording bands or playing in a band and why?
That’s tough. Most of the time recording is all I think about, and I can usually get my music fix just fine that way. A lot of the time when you’re working with a band, you kind of get invited in as a temporary member. Probably because most of the groups I work with know that I’ve been there, and can relate to a lot of the questions and conflicts that can arise from being in a band. So that relationship can be incredibly rewarding. But on the other hand, nothing really compares to getting on stage in front of a crowd that is actually there to enjoy the music you’re making.

While you’re recording do you ever get the urge to jump in a jam too?
Not too often. In the studio, it’s the bands’ show and you have to always respect that. I’m there to get their ideas recorded, not to satisfy my own ego. Whenever I do get asked to play a part it’s a lot of fun though.

You’ve been recording for a while, any crazy stories you’d like to share?
You know, I really can’t think of any. Things can be pretty relaxed in the studio, and with the bands I’ve worked with anyway, it doesn’t really lend itself to wild debauchery. Maybe if I was recording in the 70’s or 80’s it would be a different story. But we come in early, work our asses off, and are in bed before midnight. If you ask me, that’s the best way to work. All that other craziness just gets in the way of what we’re there for: which is making music.

What projects are you working on next, any project you’re especially excited about?
I’m about to head in with Ideophonic for a new EP, and then after that Dignan and I are headed up to Austin to mix their new record. Madore should be in this May for a new EP as well. I’m really excited about all these projects, they’re all such good bands yet entirely different from one another.

Do work with all types of genres (record any tejano bands)?
I’m certainly interested in all types of music, and I take steps to make sure I’m up on the current trends in a lot of genres. But most of the people who contact me are in the rock arena, so that’s what I do mostly. If anyone reading this wants to make a completely out of this world country record, I am soooo down.

How should a band go about contacting you about recording/are their any requirements?
Getting in touch with me via myspace (myspace.com/charlievelarecording) or email (charlievelarecording@gmail.com) is the best way. I have some frequently asked questions on my blog to help bands get ready for their time in the studio. My main tip is to practice. I know that sounds so obvious a lot of people don’t even listen, but practice. It’s the difference between an ok record and a great record; a painfully slow and excruciating experience and a walk in the park. Plus wouldn’t you feel like a badass knowing that you can totally pull off your parts live?

In the end, what are your goals for the future in general?
I plan to keep making records for artists in the valley and Texas. I really think we have something special here, and things are getting to the point where the rest of the country will start to notice. I just want to do my part in raising the level of artistry and promoting good music by doing the best job recording it I can. Some friends and I are also working on a new business model for a record label something that can be competitive in the current market, and something that will also help showcase the talent we have down here.

Posted on April 18, 2009 - by SenorMustard

Oriin Interview

So can you state you names and what instrument you play?
Robert, guitar.
Daniel, drums.
Joseph, bass.
Art, guitar.

How did you guys meet?
Joseph and I (Robert) are brothers, and we both started playing these instruments around the same time. We are pretty much inseparable. Joseph and Daniel met at school. They were already good friends before Daniel joined the band. I (Robert) met Art through myspace. He had a profile of his solo project up on the net, and I enjoyed it and I thought he would be great for our band. Shortly afterwards, I messaged Daniel and Art asking if they would be interested in playing. They both agreed and Oriin was born.

Noticed you guys have had some line up changes; How is it working with the new members?
It is always scary getting new members. You never know what to expect. When Joseph and I (robert) first started playing with other musicians member turn over was high. Most of the time we were all on different pages. This is the first time where we have all connected. Daniel, Art, and Joseph are not only musicians to me, but they are my best friends now. We all enjoy each others company, and we’re in it for the long haul.

What’s the story behind the name change, what does Oriin Mean?
Oriin in essence means absolutely nothing but a boys name. We had no idea what it meant when we thought about it. It’s kinda weird we know but it just happened. It was originally suppose to be Orein, but there were dj’s and other bands with that name so we played around with the letters. Some of our friends have told us that according to mythology Oriin is suppose to be the god of shadows. To be honest, we all just loved the way it sounds.

We were in San Antonio for almost a week, eating, drinking, sweating, and sleeping music.

How was your experience recording your album?
Words could not describe how fascinating recording this album was. We were in San Antonio for almost a week, eating, drinking, sweating, and sleeping music. It was the best week ever. We not only recorded this album but we all bonded closer to one another. We are excited to go back, and maybe next time we’ll play some shows along the way.

As far as the album goes, what were you goals, what were you trying to capture, and how do you feel about the outcome?
As with all our songs, we put so much emotion into every part of every song. We feel that if a song lacks emotion it has no motive, or no where to go. Our main goal was to write what we felt at the current time. We never sat down and discussed how a song should feel or what we want to convey. We all pretty much just sat down and played.

So you guys are signed to 2 labels, and have a new album out, what’s next for Oriin?
Well, actually we are only signed to one, futurerecordings, which is based out of San Diego, California. The other label that we were licensed to did not work out the way we all had initally planned. Futurerecordings has been like a big brother to us. The owner, Adam, actually flew from California to Texas when we were recording. In the words of Nacho Libre, “He’s the best” lol. We do not quite know what is next for us. We want to get this album out to as many people as possible, and play for as many people as possible. I’m sure in the months to come we’ll have new songs and soon we’ll have another album, but right now we’re all just focused on spreading our name and music into peoples lives and ears.

Any final thoughts you’d like to add?
We would just like to say thank you to RGVJuice for this wonderful oppurtunity. We are grateful for your support. To our friends, family, and fans, we would like give a thanks, along with a big hug.

Posted on April 16, 2009 - by ChrisDub

Ralphy’s Roots Run Deep

What’s hoppin’ guys?
Cat: lots of rad stuff, were do we begin?
Ralphy: Sup dude?

New name, new shop, new board company. What HAS NOT changed with Roots compared to the old Ralphy’s shop?
Cat: (I still have dreads.) j/k Umm our attitude! Were still proud to be 100% Skater Owned and Operated. We still live it and love it everyday.
Ralphy: What she said, except the dreads part.

Anything yall are doing different?
Cat: (Ralphy cut his hair) Well, the sk8 art is a different thing. We are incorporating a lot of local and non-local skater made art and music. We want to show people the culture of skateboarding not just the product. I also focus a lot on chick skaters (of course, myself being one). The shop offers more for chick skaters than any other shop down here.
Ralphy: I started a board company that i think is a first for the Valley.

You guys have been throwing some pretty cool events, the latest being the “Juma Art Walk”. You’re focusing on the skateboard culture as a whole, and not just skating. How are those going?
Cat: They are awesome. Artwalk with our shop is an awesome get together where skaters (and nonskaters) can come hang out with us at the shop and enjoy the skateboard culture. It the first Friday of every month and you can enjoy live music, art, food, and other cool stuff. You should stop by sometime. (Quick shout out to “They Mean Us” and “Da Immune” and all the artists who have had booths.)
Ralphy: As far as events go, we always try to bring new things to the table to keep the skate scene fresh.

Talk to us about Lifer Skateboards.
Ralphy: Well, I was up in Austin skatin with some old buddys of mine and got some inspiration from just skatin with them. Then I told myself “looks like were goin to be doin this for life”. Then the word lifer just popped to mind; Its something I’ve been wanting to do for a while. So, finally just did it. Its going pretty good and got 2 riders on the team. We’ll see how it goes. Big Brother Skateshop in Brownsville now carries them and I’m trying to get them in other shops…..but yeah well see how it goes.

Why the shop name change?
Cat: It’s difficult to explain really. But the new name is a tribute to the old shop. We wanted to go back our roots and we wanted the skaters we had seen grow up at the shop to go back to their sk8 roots. It gets deeper…but not like the grand canyon deep or anything.
Ralphy: Its like Part two man.

When did you guys close Ralphy’s, and do you care to share why?
Cat: This one is for you Ralphy.
Ralphy: December ‘07. Ironically it was 7 years to the date. As for the reason, we’ll let that remain a mystery.

When did Roots open?
Cat: September 08. We had our grand opening in October. It was wild. We had it during Artwalk and lots of old skoolers and new schoolers came out to support us. Thanks to everyone who made it out.
Ralphy: It was like everyone wanted it to open or something.

What products are flying off the shelves these days?
Cat: Anything hardcore.
Ralphy: Anything with a lot of color.

Who is your typical customer?
Cat: People who already skate. However, we do get those who want to get back into it, or who want to start getting into it and that is always super cool. The other day a little girl came in with her dad and they both bought completes so they could skate together. That Rocks!
Ralphy: basically anyone who enjoys skateboarding.

Got any events coming up?
Cat: A couple more cool artwalks left and a video in progress.
Ralphy: Hope we can get another video together and stoke the scene again buts its gonna take some time. Hopefully not that long.

Who designs them?
Ralphy; Yeah I do the art on them. Spray paint and stencils. I use to do them for the Ralphy’s shop boards back in 2000 but these are taken more serious. Gettin a lot of good feedback from the kids.

Who are your shop team riders?
Cat: First and foremost our team captain hold’in it together: Germ. Then we got Dj, Diego,and Boss representin McAllen, Martin and Krystal rep’n Mission, then Manny and Edman rep’n Weslaco. Our team is cool cuz everyone brings their own style to the table.Check out our myspace to peep some pics and footy of our riders.
Ralphy: Yeah and we got out of town riders who ride LIFER decks every now and then and that’s danny, Mike and Justin. They’re down for there skate roots and they’ll be in the video.

Any up and coming local shredders you guys are pumped on?
Cat: At the moment I’m especially stoked on Germ and Krystal. I saw Germ grew up skateboarding at the shop and he just keeps on progressing. He’s always down to skate and his attitude makes him fun to sk8 with. If he keeps shredding hard and fast I feel it will take him into the industry for sure. Now Krystal, that chick is awesome. She is sooo stoked on skating im glad she’s on the team. Its cool to be able to throw down a real skate session with another chick. She is a true 100% skateboard chick that skates super good with cool style. She too has what it takes to get somewhere.
Ralphy: Well a lot of kids are ripping all over the valley its really come a long way I mean I remember when these kids were learning how to ollie like 90 % of these kids got there first board at Ralphys and did there first tricks there and now there ripping all over the place so theres a lot of local shreding goin on from all sides of the spectrum.

Any shop ramps in the works or being planned?
Cat: Yeah. Thanks to Nick(box), Manny(bank), and Ralphy (rail) and my landlady for being cool, we can session outside the shop any time we want.

Care to talk about the Switchfoot beef, or is that even still going on?
Cat: Who is Switchfoot?
Ralphy: That band sucks.

Name the most popular skate videos currently playing in the shop.
Cat: oh my god I will never get sick of Ride the Sky!!
Ralphy: the Independent 30th anniversary video.

What’s the best part of running a skate shop?
Cat: Living It.
Ralphy: everything!

Thanks for your time guys.

Posted on March 24, 2009 - by ChrisDub

Thirteen Quick Tens

So, I went digging through the ol’ Myspace friends list and sorted out every local shredder I could muster up and asked them a quick 10 questions. I was originally going to post these up one at a time but decided against it. If you, or someone you know should be on here, leave a comment and let me know, we’ll try and get a set of these out every few weeks or so.  Now I give you, in no particular order, Thirteen Quick Tens. Enjoy.

NAME: Jimmy Ferril
AGE: 20
HOMETOWN: Mcfuckinallen
SPONSORS: Switchfoot Skateshop
YEARS SHREDDING: 6

1. INSPIRATIONS: just the way the skate world is stepping up!
2. FAVOURITE SPOT: archer park
3. FAVOURITE VIDEO PART: mind field tyler bledsoe, at the moment
4. BEST THING ABOUT SKATEBOARDING: there is no limits!!
5. WORST THING ABOUT SKATEBOARDING: there is nothing bad, its the shit!
6. BIGGEST FEAR: FEAR IS FOR LURKS
7. WORST INJURY: torn the acl off the bone and maniscus (i can tear it but i cant spell it… is it right) 2 times
8. OTHER INTERESTS: umm my girls the shit!
9. THE LAST SONG YOU HEARD: fluorescent lights by windmill
10. THANKS: God, and the board i ride man.

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NAME: Michael Walker
AGE: 23
HOMETOWN: McAllen
SPONSORS: none
YEARS SHREDDING: 10′ish

1. INSPIRATIONS: friends
2. FAVOURITE SPOT: street/downtown corpus park/allen skatepark
3. FAVOURITE VIDEO PART: anything with marinez, homan, or aitken
4. BEST THING ABOUT BMX: freedom to do anything you like
5. WORST THING ABOUT BMX: no bikes allowed
6. BIGGEST FEAR: girls
7. WORST INJURY: just broken toes
8. OTHER INTERESTS: racing
9. THE LAST SONG YOU HEARD: at all cost- what is left to inspire
10. THANKS: everyone that rides with my boring ass

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NAME: Victor Molano
AGE: 15
HOMETOWN: Laredo, Tx.
SPONSORS: none
YEARS SHREDDING: 2

1. INSPIRATIONS: just knowing your in control nothings better than that
2. FAVOURITE SPOT: juice stop
3. FAVOURITE VIDEO PART: bails
4. BEST THING ABOUT ROLLERBLADING: everysingle thing
5. WORST THING ABOUT ROLLERBLADING: theres nothing bad about it
6. BIGGEST FEAR: breaking something again
7. WORST INJURY: dislocated shoulder
8. OTHER INTERESTS: basketball football
9. THE LAST SONG YOU HEARD: the bravery-beleive
10. THANKS: everyone out there

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NAME: MATTHEW CASTANEDA
AGE: 25
HOMETOWN: BROWNSVILLE TX,
SPONSORS: BIG BROTHER, MY MOM AND DAD!!
YEARS SHREDDING: 7 YEARS,PROBABLY MORE!

1. INSPIRATIONS: DAVID CONTRERAS,JOHNNY LOYA, HOMER TREVINO
2. FAVORITE SPOT: THE COURTHOUSE
3. FAVORITE VIDEO PART: VAN HOMAN,IN CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
4. BEST THING ABOUT BMX: INDIVIDUALITY
5. WORST THING ABOUT BMX: BEING ACCEPTED AT PARKS
6. BIGGEST FEAR: BARSPINS
7. WORST INJURY: SPRAINED TOE,FRACTURED FINGER
8. OTHER INTERESTS: WORKING ON CARS,MOTORCYCLES,
9. THE LAST SONG YOU HEARD: THE KILLERS,HUMAN
10. THANKS: TO MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND DAVID AND ICHA AT BIG BROTHER!!

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NAME: Caleb Bevil
AGE: 22
HOMETOWN: McAllen, TEXAS
SPONSORS: MOM, DAD, Big Bro Jake, Myself
YEARS SHREDDING: 7 or 8 maybe?

1. INSPIRATIONS: any one who rides just to have fun
2. FAVOURITE SPOT: anywhere i wont get kicked out
3. FAVOURITE VIDEO PART: anything with Joe Rich or Mike Aitken
4. BEST THING ABOUT BMX: No one can tell you how to ride
5. WORST THING ABOUT BMX: to many fad fags comin up in the scene
6. BIGGEST FEAR: failure
7. WORST INJURY: probly knee or ankle
8. OTHER INTERESTS: Surfing, off-road shit, hot rods, brews, kicken ass
9. THE LAST SONG YOU HEARD: Overkill by MotorHead
10. THANKS: My mom and dad, my big bro Jake, all my friends i have ridden with, anyone who let me crash on there floor on road trips and RGV JUICE!

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NAME: Mikey Sanchez
AGE: 17
HOMETOWN: Harlingen tejas
SPONSORS: none
YEARS SHREDDING: 7

1. INSPIRATIONS: Huey Hefner, haha.
2. FAVOURITE SPOT: Downtown Austin down Red River
3. FAVOURITE VIDEO PART: I say it would have to be jereme rogers part in girl yeah right
4. BEST THING ABOUT SKATEBOARDING: Progressing every day.
5. WORST THING ABOUT SKATEBOARDING: Havein to get shoes every two weeks fuckin sucks..
6. BIGGEST FEAR: Getting racked….
7. WORST INJURY: Falling down the tombstone, that shit sucked.
8. OTHER INTERESTS: Basketball, Soccer and fuckin with my friends when I’m drunk.
9. THE LAST SONG YOU HEARD: Steve Miller Band, The Joker
10. THANKS: To my DAD and my mom, RGVJuice letting me do the 10 questions, and to my brothers in the Valley.

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NAME: Jason Reyna
AGE: 25 years young
HOMETOWN: Harlingen
SPONSORS: Believers
YEARS SHREDDING: moving in on 15

1. INSPIRATIONS: my friends
2. FAVOURITE SPOT: depends on my mood, but lately i enjoy skating park
3. FAVOURITE VIDEO PART: anything by beau cottington
4. BEST THING ABOUT ROLLERBLADING: we go bigger than yours, no seriously. WE DO!
5. WORST THING ABOUT ROLLERBLADING: people hate because they’re ignorant and afraid to admit we go BIGGER!
6. BIGGEST FEAR: failure, but its not an option
7. WORST INJURY: broken ribs took me out for a month
8. OTHER INTERESTS: art, design, editing, filming, web stuff, bothering people, drinking, reading, movies, music, and traveling
9. THE LAST SONG YOU HEARD: no idea, but i listen to zepplin and the beatles daily
10. THANKS: my parents, my brothers (some are blood, some are just people i have bled with over the years), my friends (you know who you are), wild turkey, and naturally the believers who support me, and anyone who supports www.ROLLINGMISSION.com

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NAME: Dylan Cory Elm
AGE: 19
HOMETOWN: B Ville
SPONSORS: Big Brother, Virula
YEARS SHREDDING: 7

1. INSPIRATIONS: Seth Kimbrough, Nathan Williams, Corey Martinez
2. FAVOURITE SPOT: dont really have one, just like rideing
3. FAVOURITE VIDEO PART: when Seth Kimbrough does this crazy 360 over a high rail. INTENSE
4. BEST THING ABOUT BMX: It get me going, it never stops.
5. WORST THING ABOUT BMX: when my bike falls apart
6. BIGGEST FEAR: breaking a bones, i hate that
7. WORST INJURY: i was doing a high jump from a dirt trail. Tip the landing and flip and landed straight on my head almost broke my neck.
8. OTHER INTERESTS: Music, Guitar, making music, living life to it fullest
9. THE LAST SONG YOU HEARD: Minus the bear
10. THANKS: To big brother, my mom and dad my sister my brother for being there and just giving me support for everything. my freinds for pushing me and giving me alot of support and help.. thanks alot everyone

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NAME: Leo A.
AGE: 18
HOMETOWN: San Antonio, Tx
SPONSORS: Bigbrother Skateshop, Hooligan Design Clothing
YEARS SHREDDING: 3

1. INSPIRATIONS: Friends, skating itself
2. FAVOURITE SPOT:
3. FAVOURITE VIDEO PART: Lizard King – Baker has a Deathwish
4. BEST THING ABOUT SKATEBOARDING: Just skating period
5. WORST THING ABOUT SKATEBOARDING: Injures?
6. BIGGEST FEAR: Shitttt
7. WORST INJURY: Broken wrist
8. OTHER INTERESTS: Filming, editing, taking photos
9. THE LAST SONG YOU HEARD: My friend Bill flowing
10. THANKS: All my friends, family, Bigbrother skateshop, everyones whos hooked it up, popa satan, Bill for being so thug, anyone whos filmed or helped me edit stuff, YOU

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NAME: Jeremy Raff
AGE: 19
HOMETOWN: McAllen, TX
SPONSORS: my mom
YEARS SHREDDING: 7

1. INSPIRATIONS: Josh Villegas, Ray Soto, KB, Castor+Pollux
2. FAVOURITE SPOT: Rey Soto’s Backyard and other secret places that cant be on the internet lest a hoard of hooligans decides to mess them up with ledge chunks and graffiti
3. FAVOURITE VIDEO PART: Josh Villegas– Sink/Swim; Abdiel Colberg– Future of Rollerblading 2; Alex Broskow– KFC 2; Erik Bailey– We Are Valo 2 (search these on YouTube and watch!)
4. BEST THING ABOUT ROLLERBLADING: It is my motivation to travel; it gives my life purpose, structure, and color
5. WORST THING ABOUT ROLLERBLADING: I miss it when I cant do it
6. BIGGEST FEAR: being unable to do what I want to do
7. WORST INJURY: thrice broken wrists
8. OTHER INTERESTS: hey little girl dont flirt with me, i’ve got the capabilities to program your circuitry
9. THE LAST SONG YOU HEARD: Bob Dylan– Isis
10. THANKS: Dominic and Damien for picking me up to skate when I was little, Rey for being a jerk yet creating a young man’s paradise at his house, Josh for introducing me to Mexico and being a role model, my mom for thinking skating is great, the University of California for legitimizing my move to CA, and a special thanks to every kid who is strapping on rollerblades all over the valley… I cant wait to meet yall when I come home to visit!

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NAME: Salomon Colmenero
AGE: 19
HOMETOWN: Brownsville, Texas
SPONSORS: America Athletix & usk8 shop, hooligan design clothing
YEARS SHREDDING: 6

1. INSPIRATIONS: The Burning Sun
2. FAVOURITE SPOT: Anything Rad and Fast
3. FAVOURITE VIDEO PART: Reynolds with smoooth ass Roxy music.
4. BEST THING ABOUT SKATEBOARDING: it can get nasty.
5. WORST THING ABOUT SKATEBOARDING: it can get easy.
6. BIGGEST FEAR: God
7. WORST INJURY: fractured tibia.
8. OTHER INTERESTS: Love
9. THE LAST SONG YOU HEARD: MGMT time to pretend
10. THANKS: To (god) and all the wonderful people that have gave me a helping hand. I LOVE THIS LIFE!!! and thank you.

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NAME: Dominic Garcia
AGE: 28 years young
HOMETOWN: McAllen, Tx
SPONSORS: I roll for myself and no one else
YEARS SHREDDING: Rolling for a decade

1. INSPIRATIONS: I get juiced off my friends and the nuts out there killin it on thier skates
2. FAVOURITE SPOT: Park-Eisenbergs W Ramp,Street-5 kink in San Antonio
3. FAVOURITE VIDEO PART: (old school)Dustin Latimer – Brain Fear Gone (current fav)Chris Haffey – 4×4 Drip Drop
4. BEST THING ABOUT ROLLERBLADING: Your skates are part of you, endless possibilities and you best be ready to fall
5. WORST THING ABOUT ROLLERBLADING: Not enough people do it, too much pain and difficulty involved to get any good
6. BIGGEST FEAR: To stop moving
7. WORST INJURY: Retarded ass knee injury that hurts so much and will not go away
8. OTHER INTERESTS: Photography, Trail Biking, Flag Football, Conservative Politics…GOP represent nukka!!
9. THE LAST SONG YOU HEARD: Bonobo- Time is the Enemy
10. THANKS:
Thanks to chris for keeping up on Juice, all the kids that arent retarded and know to not get in my fucking way when i skate, and uuuuh all the guys that have picking up rollerblading these days and coming to our sessions

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NAME: John
AGE: 21
HOMETOWN: Brawley Ca/Mcallen Tx
SPONSORS: Finish Line Pro Bikeshop
YEARS SHREDDING: 9th year

1. INSPIRATIONS: The Streets
2. FAVOURITE SPOT: Anything with Rails Or banks
3. FAVOURITE VIDEO PART: FitLife dvd Eddie Cleveland part
4. BEST THING ABOUT BMX: Getting air
5. WORST THING ABOUT BMX: Breaking Bones
6. BIGGEST FEAR: Not being able to peddle my bike one day
7. WORST INJURY: face planted off a handrail
8. OTHER INTERESTS: Dirt Biking
9. THE LAST SONG YOU HEARD: (dying) by Obituary
10. THANKS: RGV

Posted on March 19, 2009 - by ChrisDub

Quick 10: Homer Trevino

NAME: Homer Trevino
AGE: 22
HOMETOWN: Brownsville
SPONSORS: BIG Brother
YEARS SHREDDING: 10

1. INSPIRATIONS: My Bike
2. FAVOURITE SPOT: Any street
3. FAVOURITE VIDEO PART: Van Homan – Criminal Mischief
4. BEST THING ABOUT BMX: Learning new tricks.
5. WORST THING ABOUT BMX: Getting hurt.
6. BIGGEST FEAR: Not being able to ride anymore.
7. WORST INJURY: Dislocated shoulder.
8. OTHER INTERESTS: none
9. THE LAST SONG YOU HEARD: idk
10. THANKS: My bike.

Posted on March 18, 2009 - by ChrisDub

Quick 10: Kevin Wagoner

NAME: Kevin Wagoner
HOMETOWN: Tulsa, Monterrey, Mission
SPONSORS: Me
YEARS SHREDDING: Started skating in ‘84

INSPIRATIONS: God, family, Dennis Busenitz
FAVORITE SPOT: China spot in Mission, gone for good.
FAVORITE VIDEO PART: Heath Kirchart in ‘Mind Field’.
BEST THING ABOUT SKATEBOARDING: Freedom.
WORST THING: Haters hate freedom, have to have everything their way.
BIGGEST FEAR: Not being able to skate anymore.
WORST INJURY: Blown knee, fell on my back so hard my lungs bleed.
OTHER INTERESTS: I like rock climbing, mountain bikes, playing guitar and singing for a crowd.
THE LAST SONG YOU HEARD: Where the streets have no name – U2

Posted on March 3, 2009 - by ChrisDub

Edgar Regalado is Dead Serious

www.myspace.com/edgar_in_ruins
Photo By: Nazvil Photography

Let the record show your name, age, and place of residence.
Edgar Ozzie Regalado, 21, Mission, Tx.

How long have you been in this art game thang?
Well I did one free design for the now broken up band; Firstborn From the Dead but the first “real” client was actually in October of 08′ when I lost my job and was trying to make money how ever I could. The first one design I did (for Face The Guillotine) was actually out of the blue and they were the ones that suggested I should keep designing for bands.

So making money with your art is still something fairly new to you?
Yeah, its still fresh, its still a bit strange asking for friends to pay. It’s not settled where I know I can get something every week but I enjoy doing it and if it includes a little something on the side then, I’m happy and the clients are happy.

Is this something you’d like to make a career out of?
I do see myself doing it for a while. They day I stop is when I have no ideas left but as long as the noggin keeps working, I’m working.

Any formal “art training”?
Only one art class in college, but it was strictly “still life” in charcoal. I did learn a few things regarding lighting and perspective but I would always add color and abstract florals so the professor never graded any of my stuff. Bummer.

What an ass. Wasn’t “traditional” enough for him, or what?
Well I kinda pushed the limits at times too. For example when we were asked to pick up a magazine and draw a model from it, I would substitute the models face for a skull or I would draw antlers coming out of an old boot. I always liked pushing it.

How would you describe your art style?
I like to mix some realism with pop comic style blends and colors with some what of a retro feeling to it all. I try not do it as much, but I love adding animal features to humans. I don’t know why though?

You stuff reminds me of 80’s skate art. Ever consider designing skateboard decks?
I’ve always wanted to do something like that. I know a couple of skaters that appreciate a good looking deck. I might just take you up on that and sketch on some friends boards.

Talk through your idea/art process, where do you start and where do you stop?
It’s usually in the morning when the brain begins to wake up and function. I like to write down ideas and when I have a solid image in mind I begin a rough sketch with pencil. I don’t discard any work, its rare when I have to re-draw anything, I just go over it with a ball point pen and add detail to the rough sketch. After that comes the long process of scanning, color and edit. Patience is my best tool.

What is your first art-making memory as a kid?
Haha. Mother’s day crafts!! All those cups, flowers and hearts with glitter, bathed in glue.

Nice, Moms rule hard.

The thoughts and emotions only able to express on paper through art are endless.

Inspirations?
Local bands, horror flicks and zines, fecal face, the great Brazilian artist Eduardo Recife, video games, and of course family.

Your play music too, tell us about that.
Its been about four going on five years since Lay In Ruins formed. We have seen so many bands come and go within those years. Its great to see new faces in the scene as months go by but I still miss those who were there when we started. Theres so many bands starting out that don’t realize how hard it was to get a show as a death metal band five years back, it kinda seems that there’s little respect for those old school bands and production companies that laid out the concrete for all these new, up and coming bands. with [that] said, I want to thank Adam Valley (VTHC), Mike with South Texas Metal Productions (STMP), Firstborn From The Dead, The Ones You Call Good Looking, DTD, Armed To Intervene, Phil Lotus, Dying Embrace and Walk the Graves (then know as Loyalty In Death) for making us feel welcome when we started out.

What’s the first thing you did when you woke up this morning?
Clinics….too many clinics.

Clinics?
Since the baby was born it’s just clinic appointment after clinic appointment. I spend most my time in lobbies than I do behind a mic.

Tell us about the kiddo.
She’s something else. So aware of everything with her little wondering eyes. Shes so incredible that words cant begin to describe her. Tiny hands and feet, I’ve never been so excited about shopping for tiny clothes.

Something about yourself the average person wouldn’t guess?
I was raised in Mexico for three years in a small ranch. Outback restrooms, wells (no plumbing), and tons of goats. Haha. We had to entertain ourselves shooting rocks and seeds, the size of quarters, to goats out of slingshots.

If you could only make one for the rest of your days; music or drawn art, which would you choose?
Hard question… I love the impact that one line has in a drawing and how the colors can express emotion. The thoughts and emotions only able to express on paper through art are endless, on the other hand, all the kids smiles at shows are something I can never give up. The stage diving and sing alongs… I love drawing but definitely music.

Where can people go to see your work, or get in touch with you?
Of course, MYSPACE!!!! www.myspace.com/edgar_in_ruins or just GO TO A SHOW!!!

Any parting words of wisdom you would like to share to the curious?
Never bring your ideas down to fit peoples comfort, stay true. Oh…and respect, it takes you places. My biggest problem with the world is that it seems like the art of respect is slowly being lost. Never lose respect.

Thanks for your time Edgar.

Posted on February 16, 2009 - by ChrisDub

Fred Benitez Interview

How are ya’ Fred?
I’m doing well.

For those that don’t know you, give us some background. Who are you? Where are you from? Where are you at? Where are you going?
My name is Jose Alfredo Benitez and I was born in Harlingen Texas. I now live in Denton Texas where I recently graduated from the University of North Texas. I plan on staying here for a few years for various reasons [the lady, the scene, and my new teaching job]

You sent me a bunch of really cool, hand screened, band posters/flyers. Explain the process behind making something like that.
The first step is usually contacting the band, because without their approval you can not showcase at Flatstock. Flatstock is a huge poster convention held two times a year in Seattle and Austin, so we are lucky to be close to one. Once the band agrees with the promotion, you begin designing. I try to do the images and text by hand, then work them out in Adobe Illustrator. Once the design is complete, you print out the design on transparency paper. This is so you can burn the image onto the actual screen. You have to lay a coat of photo emulsion on the screen. Also, with multiple colors there will be multiple screens. So you lay some heavy lights on the floor, say under a glass table, then in order, screen, design [transparency], some weight [books or sheets of wood]. Burn the image for a few minutes and there you have it. Now you get the type of paper you want, I try and use a heavy stock so it really picks up the inks and the color you want. Then you mix your inks, lay the paper on a flat surface, place the screen on top and then pull the ink over the screen with a squeegee. Done.  I usually have a run of 30-50 prints and I try and keep them under three colors. But thats because I’m lazy.

Why not just print them out on the computer?
I don’t know. When I moved to Denton, I planned on promoting bands from the Valley with digital designs and computer print outs. When I started working as a graphic designer for the university and one of my coworkers screen printed, I wanted to learn, and she taught me. Now I catch myself studying posters on the outside of businesses to see which ones are digital and which ones are screened. It’s usually easy to tell once you’ve seen a screened piece. I don’t think I’m any better than anyone else for screen printing or think less of digital prints, it’s just a detail I’m interested at this point in time and wish more people would print this way.

You said you only got paid for one of the posters (The OctopusProject), and that was because the band asked to sell them at the show, do you have any interest in making a profit from your work?
Yeah, It was the second Octopus Project poster I did for them and theyare fantastic people, and they offered to sell the posters and give me the money. It was cool. But that was them being nice. I haven’t thought about doing this for money, because it’s a hobby and an interest. Its time consuming and can get expensive over time, but I like the idea of promoting bands I like in my new town. I actually persuaded one band in particular [Battles] to come to Denton, they were only booked to play in Austin, but I offered them posters for free and a place to stay if they played Denton, and they did. Huge show too.

Do you see yourself as a promoter, a fan, both?
Definitely both, I do help promote the bands and so far, they are bands I like.

When I was younger I had a fascination with monster myths, like the Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot and so on.

I wanted to ask you about the “Kind of Like Spitting” flier. What’s with the dino emerging from the water?
Weird. When I was younger I had a fascination with monster myths, like the Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot and so on.  I was really nervous about the design because I’ve been a huge fan of KOLS for a long time and I didn’t want to mess anything up. I was stressing out and had a designers block for a while, then I saw a story on the Loch Ness Monster on T.V.. And there it was. Its a play on Nessy and her loneliness in and out of the water.

These differ greatly in design and layout than most other show fliers (that I’ve seen anyway). Usually you see the typical flier with cluttered grunge text, grungy background, with a grungy picture for good measure. Could you explain your style?
Hmm. Simple?I don’t know, I like sharp looking, clean (designs). I’d like to catch someones attention and then I’d like for them to be able to read it easily. I like cartoons too, so I use a lot of drawn objects. This is the best way to describe my style. You could just call it crappy.

You sent me a photo of some of your work hanging in a gallery of some sort. Is your work on display for people to check out?
It was up at the University of North Texas Union Gallery, Which was really cool. I never thought I’d have the chance to do that, I even got free drinks and fruit at the opening! Its not up anymore, but it was fun while it lasted and I got some nice reviews from it.

You seem to use alot of animals with your imagery. Can you explain that?
I like animals. I draw a lot at work and at school. Usually it starts out as nothing but ends up as an animal or robot. I also like food a lot so I think my next poster is going to have food in it.

Tell us about Ultimate.
Ha. Its my favorite hobby, maybe over screen printing. I don’t know what to tell. I play for the U.N.T. Men’s Team and have traveled around the U.S. on the school’s budget, just to play Ultimate. Its a disc sport, 7 on 7, fields 40 x 70 with 25 yard end zones. First to 15 or two hours, which ever comes first. You advance the disc by catching and throwing amongst your team, you can’t run when you have the disc but you can certainly run to get open. If there is a dropped disc, intercepted, knocked down or out of bounds disc, it’s a turnover. Offense and defense switch instantly. Its a lot of fun. I started playing in the summer of 1998 and have played since. There is a team in the Valley out of Weslaco/Mcallen. You can get more info on Ultimate at www.upa.org.

What can we expect to see from you in the future?
Well, I’m about to start teaching at South Garland High School and I’m sure that will take up my time. But I’m hoping to continue printing and I hope that more bands from the Valley will come up to Denton so I can make some posters for them. There are a lot of good things coming from the Valley, The Child Forgives and Creates, Dignan, Ennui Jolt, and of course .td (The December Drive). But there are others and I want to help them get up here and see what North Texas is all about.

3 websites you visit daily.
www.gigposters.com
www.upa.org
www.websudoku.com

3 places to visit.
Japan
Mexico
Home

3 restaurants.
The Tomato – Denton
TXRJ’s Burgers – Denton
Tacolandia – Mercedes

Last Words?
Thank you for reading this. Feel free to contact me at fred@texascurse.com

Catch up with Fred at www.texascurse.com