Cover: Luke Hunt - BS Tail

Contents: Sean Malto - Crooked Grind

Photos: Sam McGuire
 Editors
Adam Sever
Chris Pernula

Contributing Photographers
Sam McGuire
Trevor Klopp
Sheldon Sabatini
John Straub

Contents
Slowly Killing...
@ the Show
GVR
Mike Kershnar
Erich Dummer
Stencil Steve
Emeric Pratt
Handjob
Featherproof
In the Garage
Common Enemy

Contact
swimmersearmag@yahoo.com
myspace.com/swimmersear
P.O. Box 2076
Maple Grove, MN 55311

Swimmer’s Ear is a product of

 Memo: An Ode to Longboarding

Icecaps have melted

Shed a tear for snowboarding
Bomb another hill

-Chris

MEMO:
If you would have asked us 7 1/2 years ago if we would
ever make it to issue 20, we probably would have said
that we’d doubt we’d make it to issue 2. But here we
are, 19 issue later, releasing an issue with the exact
same number of pages as the first issue. If you asked us
now if we’ll ever make it to issue 50, we’ll probably tell
you that we won’t make it to issue 21. You’ll just have to
wait and see.

-Adam

Some things are only possible on a skateboard.

Alexisonfire “Crisis”
Vagrant
Alexisonfire is like a Canadian version of Rise Against. They have
the post hardcore/screamo thing down, but it sounds like they are
trying to hard to find a mainstream audience. The problem with
this release is that it brings nothing new to the musical table and
this genre has been done better for years by bands like Thursday
and Rise Against.
All City Affairs “Bees”
Lujo Records
To be in a band is to know compromise. To be a solo artist is to
have total unmitigated control over every aspect imaginable. This
seems to be the goal of Peter Andreadis, who wrote, recorded,
and mixed “Bees”, along with creating the album’s artwork. Most
of the songs were performed solo, with the exception of a few
tracks that included live instrumentation. Onstage is also a one-
man show; Andreadis is accompanied by pre-recorded music
rather than a backing band. There is no one specific sound on
“Bees.” Tracks are graced with touches of rock, jazz, funk, and reg-
gae, a feat that Andreadis pulls off seamlessly.
Archaeology “Chant Chant Camp”
Thug Factory
I hesitated to listen to Archaeology’s new album, due to the
album’s artwork. The design reminded me of some white dudes
doing bad hip-hop, mainly because the Archaeology name and
rest of the text is in a graffiti-ish type font. I hadn’t planned on lis-
tening to this CD, but after I had imported it into Itunes, I acciden-
tally double clicked on one of the songs and it started playing.
What had played though, caught my ear enough to make me
want to listen to the album over and over. Archaeology blend
indie, math rock, progressive, plus many different styles so effortless-
ly it’s amazing. Definitely a band worth checking out.
Aspen It Is “Release Me From the Weights of Gravity”
Peirmont Records
Aspen It Is play poppy upbeat rock, with vocals starkly similar to
Saves the Day. They’ve shared the stage with such acts as Rookie
of the Year, Houston Calls, and Hidden in Plainview. Their latest
release was recorded and produced by Jesse Korman and
Emanuel Ayvas. If you’re a fan of Saves the Day’s vocal stylings,
you may want to pick this up.
Ben Davis/Des Ark Split “Battle of the Beards”
Lovitt Records
This release was originally supposed to be a split between Ben
Davis and the Rosebuds, but the Rosebuds couldn’t do it for some
reason. The first 5 tracks on this album go to Ben Davis, and they
are a mixture of Pinback subdued indie and Mark Mallman’s piano
driven pop. Des Ark has the next 5 tracks and are similar to what
they have done in the past. A couple of the songs have acoustic
guitars and the other tracks are full on rocker. The last 2 tracks are
collaborative efforts, and sound similar as they both have strings
and are mostly sung by Amy of Des Ark. Both artists do great jobs
on this release and I’m eager to see what they do with next full
lengths.
Bigg Jus “Poor People’s Day”
Mush Records
This album claims to “document the timeline for an era of media
control during significant global crisis.” Loose rhymes and beats
make it difficult to get into this album. The lyrics and inventive and
the music has promise, but things break up too easily and don’t
flow together as well as they should.
Blood Brothers “Young Machetes”
V2
If you want your brain to totally shut down and make the most
easy things, like backing into a parking space, impossible, then lis-
ten to the new Blood Brothers joint. On the way to work one day, I
was listening this to at a high volume, and when it came to back
into my parking spot, I didn’t have enough mental capacity to do
so until I turned off the CD. What you can expect from “Young
Machetes” is the typical Blood Brothers approach, scream, thrash,
repeat. Pretty similar to their Previous “Crimes” but longer.
Blood Brothers
Blue Sky Black Death “A Heap of Broken Images”
Mush Records
This is a two-disk set, the first a mellow arrangement of instrumentals
that include violins and cellos. Things pick up speed on the second
disk, which features an army of independent hip hop artists includ-
ing Heiroglyphics’ A-Plus and Pep Love, and the one and only Guru
of Gangstarr fame. Other notable acts include Virtuoso, Mikah-9,
and Lil’ Sci. A solid album with a variety of guests, “A Heap of
Broken Images” aims to please and leaves little room for disap-
pointment.
Chad Rex and the Victorstands “Gravity Works Fire Burns”
Mars Motors
Kansas City’s Chad Rex has released another collection of rock/alt-
country tunes. Highlights include “Mile Marker Town” and the slow-
paced “Blind the Moon.” In the past, critics have drawn compar-
isons to the Replacements, which is fitting considering this disc
includes a track entitled “Song for Paul Westerberg to Sing.”
Che Arthur “Iron”
Sickroom Records
“Iron” is the new solo album from ex Atombombpocketknife gui-
tarist Che Arthur. The sound of the album instantly reminded me of
Foo Fighters and Nirvana, but with a more punk feel. Overall the
CD is pretty good. If you liked his previous album, you’d be into this
one too.
Chin Up Chin Up “This Harness Can’t Ride Anything”
Suicide Squeeze
The release of “This Harness Can’t Ride Anything” marks a one of
many firsts for the band. This is their first release after the death of
Chris Saathoff, their original bassist. It’s the first release with their
Chin Up Chin Up
new bassist, Jesse Woghin of Narrator. And it is their first release on
the Suicide Squeeze label. The sound on this album reminds me of
that Rusted Root song, “Send Me on My Way”. It’s easy on the ears
and it’s a great long drive album.
Coho “Things Change”
Lujo Records
“Things Change” starts out with a slow whispery song, but then
barges into the genuine indie rocker “I Will Disappear”. This pattern
of slow/soft to loud/fast continues throughout the album. You can’t
deny this Seattle musicians skills, but you have to be in the right
mood to sit through the sludge before getting to the good parts. If
there was one song on this album that I would suggest, it would be
“Mahatma Denver”. It starts off slow, then half way through,
explodes into it’s sound, suggesting influences from Cursive’s “Ugly
Organ”.
Copeland “Eat, Sleep, Repeat”
The Militia Group
Copeland singer Aaron Marsh learned how to use a vibraphone
before recording this album and it shows in a couple of the songs.
It seems to me that the band discovered Radiohead’s “OK
Computer” before writing, and were so enthralled with it, that they
decided to emulate Radiohead’s sound on tracks “Where’s My
Head” and “Careful Now”. The other 9 tracks are similar to some-
thing Jimmy Eat World would do. They do show some originality on
“Love Affair”. The first half of the song is a slow piano driven ballad,
but then turns into a jazzy trumpet and drum number. It’s a nice lit-
tle ending.
The Dark Romantics “Some Midnight Kissin’”
Lujo Records
After sending some demos to their friend, Jason Martin of Starflyer
59, Martin agreed to produce and record the band’s full length.
With the backing of Lujo they went in and recorded 10 original
indie rock ditties with a slight feeling of Starflyer 59. Some of the
lyrics are bland like “she stole my heart like a million bucks // she
stole my heart like an armored truck”. Sure it makes sense but lacks
in the intelligence department. “Some Midnight Kissin’” is a strong
debut and it shows some promise of things to come.
Dead Voices on Air “From Labrador to Madagascar”
Invisible Records
Q: What’s better than listening to noisy ambient industrial influ-
enced music? A: Not listening to it. There are many artists that do
this style of music that’s dark, slow and quiet, and sure I appreciate
your “art” but I don’t see a need to listen to this while sober and
not depressed.
Decembers Architects “,Apiary Ennui And Curiosas. The Brew
Shakes”
Say & Stay Said
The long awaited release of Decembers Architects’ final recording
is finally here. This album fucking owns. It’s a shame that this band
has been broken up for years now and that it took so long to get
this album released. It is the perfect blend of bands like Cap’n
Jazz, Joan of Arc, The Promise Ring, and Braid. It has a very indie
Chicago sound like the previous bands mentioned. Get your hands
on this, because it has a limited pressing, so they won’t be around
forever.
Denison Witmer “Safe Away” & “Are You a Sleeper?”
The Militia Group
“Safe Away” is a re-release of Denison’s 1997 humble beginnings.
What was originally created as a gift for friends and family has
become a favorite among fans and critics, remaining his best sell-
ing piece of work even though it was never an “official” release.
Newcomers can now enjoy these songs that were written when
Denison was only 19 years old. Included is the EP “Are You a
Sleeper?” which includes stripped down versions of previously
released material along with new songs. Gentle vocals and relax-
ing acoustic guitar grace each track and leave a lasting impres-
sion.
DJ Shadow “The Outsider”
Universal/Motown
DJ Shadow’s latest offering is over an hour of music with a variety
styles and guests, including David Banner, E-40, Chris James, and
Q-Tip. Mellow retro funk tunes like “This Time” sit right alongside
bass-thumping hip hop tracks like “3 Freaks”. Guitar-driven tracks
like “Artifact” and “You Made It” break things up and give the
album more depth. This is an impressive recording with something
for everyone.
The Drugstore Cowboys “Chapter 3006”
Lujo Records
This Washington D.C. two-piece combine elements from across the
music genre spectrum to create something that can only be
described as electro-hardcore-hip-pop-rock. Vocalist Jeff Scott lists
a variety of influences that include Botch, The Blood Brothers, Three
6 Mafia, Linkin Park, Postal Service, Britney Spears, and Head
Automatica. One second there’s screeching vocals over unforgiv-
ing programmed destruction, the next second the beat drops and
hip-hop influenced lyrics smooth everything out (see track five,
“Mind of a Salesman”, for a perfect example of this meshing of
styles.
The End of The World “You’re Making It Come Alive”
Flameshovel
I think you have to be in the right situation to truly appreciate some
music. Take for instance The End of the World’s new album. I think
I’ve “listened” to this 3 or 4 times but never remembered or got it.
Then one day at work I put it on and it clicked with me. “You’re
Making It Come Alive” shares sounds with The Jim Yoshii Pile-Up, but
a little faster and less gloomy.
The End of the World
Ferocious Eagle “The Sea Anemone Inside of Me is Mighty”
54°40 or Fight
Ferocious Eagle is a two guitar and drums band from Portland,
Oregon. Their new album is a mixture of angular art rock and half
shouted vocals. Think BARR making babies with Hella and you’re
getting close.
Form of Rocket “Men”
After six years and numerous lineup changes, Form of Rocket has
completed their third album. This is high energy spazztic rock,
hands down a good live performance. Guitar work and vocals
similar to MN’s Signal to Trust or STNNNG, each song is like an
audio beatdown. Can you make it through all ten tracks?
Four Star Alarm “S/T”
Thick Records
This 5-song EP from the Chicago band Four Star Alarm is a promis-
ing debut with little need for improvement. Solid song writing and
Guitar work in the vein of Seaweed, FSA deliver a taste of what
can be expected from future releases. This is post-punk with origi-
nality, a unique sound that hasn’t been mass produced and mar-
keted within an inch of its life.
The Good Mornings “S/T”
Thick Records
Lansing, Michigan The Good Mornings self titled debut features
atmospheric indie sung by the buttery voice of Carmen Paradise
and some impressive guitar work from Jason Lantrip. Both artists are
members of the space rock band Calliope.
Happy Together Compilation - Various Artists
Lujo Records
The idea behind this is quite cool. Lujo Label owners, Eric and
Jocelyn, met through the label a few years ago, and got to know
each other and then fell in love. They recently got married and as
a gift to all those in attendance they gave away this Happy
Together compilation. What do you do when you have to order
500 CDs from the pressing plant, but only have 200 guests? You
give the extras to the press and sell them on the website. Now this
isn’t any ordinary compilation with songs you’ve heard before. All
the songs on the album were specifically wrote for this compilation
or are covers. The bands are mostly Lujo bands but there a some
outsiders like Hanalei.
Hair: Chicago Punk Cuts - Various Artists
Thick Records
This CD starts out with a song by Allister that features a guitar riff
reminiscent of Green Day circa “Insomniac.” From there, things
kind of blend together until we come across Holy Roman Empire
and Emily Schambra’s signature vocals. After that it’s a lot more
pop-punk from groups like The Methadones and The Bomb.
Heavens “Patent Pending”
Epitaph
What electronic pop duo features an indie icon from a long run-
ning popular group, and an electronic beat maker who is semi well
known? I’m not talking Postal Service, but the new project from
Alkaline Trio’s Matt Skiba and Jonah Steinbrick from F-minus. While
Heavens and the Postal Service have many exterior similarities, it’s
the music that sets them apart. Ben Gibbard’s lyrics are complete
opposites to Matt Skiba’s dark violent tones. For example, the
opening line of “Another Night”: “Another night with your head in
the oven // Simmering like a heat wave over you // Sweat drops
hiss at the bottom // Blood droplets cook like glue”. Sure the lyrics
are dark, but the danceable beats make it a great combination.
Jill Cunniff “City Beach”
The Militia Group
Jill Cunniff, formerly of Luscious Jackson, has hereby ruined eating
orange popsicles with the release of her new solo album “City
Beach”. The opening track “Lazy Girls”, is a summer-y blend of
infectious beats and loops with sugary female vocals that whispery
say “eating orange popsicles” in the chorus. So now, whenever I
eat an orange popsicle I will think of this song. Couldn’t she have
chosen a different flavor like grape or cherry or the flavor that no
one likes, root beer? “City Beach” is a welcome half ray of sunshine
for us city dwellers or landlocked individuals tucked away for the
winter. At least two of these songs could easily be played on the
radio and have the kind of one hit charm as Len’s “Steal My
Sunshine” or “All Star” by Smashmouth.
Juhu Beach “Scenes of Abandoned Industry”
Juhu Beach can be compared with bands like The Narrator. Kind of
angular in a sense. This CD is only 4 songs, but it is quite good.
Lakes “Photographs”
The Militia Group
Seth Roberts, formally of Watashi Wa, has reemerged with
“Photographs”, the debut 5-song EP from his new group Lakes.
Several tracks feature guest vocals from Mike Herrera of MxPx and
Aaron Marsh of Copeland, but do not overshadow those of
Roberts. The vocals are definitely a strong point on this recording,
with lyrics of turning points and finding love.
The Lemonheads “S/T”
Vagrant
The first track of this album contains the line “Kill a werewolf, wood-
en stake it.” Aren’t wooden stakes used on vampires? I’m pretty
sure you’re supposed to kill a werewolf with a silver bullet. At least
that’s what they did in that movie Monster Squad, after they
kicked him in the nards. I’d hate to see the Lemonheads get
attacked by werewolves and try to kill them with stakes. Someone
tell them, quick!
Make Believe “Of Course”
Flameshovel
Almost a year to the day of their debut full length, Make Believe is
back again with a better album than their debut. All of the credit
usually goes to eccentric front man Tim Kinsella, but a job well
done goes out to Sam Zurick, Bobby Burg, and Nate Kinsella for
playing the hell out of their instruments. “Of Course” is the closet
any of Tim’s music has gotten to Cap’n Jazz. This album would be
great for those people who couldn’t get into Joan of Arc or Owls,
but respect Tim’s musicianship.
Make Believe
The Marked Men “Fix My Brain”
Swami Records
The Marked Men play a sort of garage rock that the Deathray
Davies play, but at faster speeds, and their songs don’t go past the
3 minute mark. It’s a good CD, but after listening to it a few times,
most of the songs sound similar and it’s hard to pinpoint a stand-
out track.
Minus The Bear “Interpretationes Del Oso”
Suicide Squeeze
I’m on the fence about this Minus the Bear album being a good
idea or a bad one. I mean “Menos el Oso” was a good album in its
own right, so why remix it. But on the other hand, the remixes were
done by musicians like P.O.S., Alias, and J. Clark of The Blood
Brothers. Some of the remixes are good and some aren’t. The
opening track “Drilling” remixed by P.O.S. is the best. It would have
been nice if “Interpretationes Del Oso” had the same track
sequence as “Menos el Oso”.
Minus the Bear
Motion Commotion “S/T”
Peirmont Records
This indie-rock quartet was formed only one year ago, yet in that
time they have managed to record a demo tape and a 7-song
concept album, sign with Piermont, and tour nationwide. This self-
titled EP was produced by Jesse Cannon, who has worked with
such artists as the Cure, Saves the Day, and Dillinger Escape Plan.
The members of Motion Commotion all have extensive musical
training, adding depth to each track with accordion, clarinet, and
violin.
Nakatomi Plaza “Unsettled”
Red Leader Records
For an album that was mastered six times, took 3+ years to finish,
and almost broke the band up, you’d think that this album would
sound a little bit better. “Unsettled” is quite good, but there is one
aspect that I just can’t stand. The screaming vocals. Nakatomi
Plaza has good vocalists, both male and female, but when the guy
screams, it sounds like a chainsaw sawing through cats. Luckily the
majority of the screaming is isolated to track two, but makes slight
appearances throughout the album. The instrumentation is quite
good also, but at some parts it sounds like the guitarist is trying too
hard to get that riff and it comes off as cheesy. If I were you, I’d
give this album a listen and make your own opinion about it.
New London Fire “I Sing the Body Holographic”
Eyeball Records
“I Sing the Body Holographic” has songs about a man in love with
a prostitute, but she won’t stop whoring herself for him, a song
about a serial killer that strikes every year on Valentine’s Day, a
song about two ghosts trying to find each other in the after life,
plus other songs. The lyrics may be dark, but when they are sung
against the pulsing danceable beats that the New London Fire
produces, it works completely well. Each song sounds different
than each other, but as a whole it creates a cohesive piece of
music that doesn’t disappoint.
The New Trust “Dark is the Path
Which Lies Before Us”
Slowdance
It’s hard to explain how good The
New Trust is. The drums and open-
ing bassline of the album opener
“A Spoiled Surprise, A Cheap
Reveal” will get stuck in your
head for days. The Velvet Teen
member Josh Staples in in charge
of vocals and bass and his wife
sings back up on some parts. This
album will surely be high on the
list for best albums of 2007.
Pinebender “Working Nine to
Wolf”
Lovitt Records
I know Pinebender is a well
respected band, but some
songs on this album I could
certainly do without. Like the
thirteen minute opener “Parade
of Horribles”, by the six minute
mark, I’m begging it to be over.
Luckily there is a skip button,
which brings us to the better,
shorter, less epic tracks like “She
Destroys the Light”, “Mask Tree”,
and “Polly Grey”.
Portastatic “Bright Ideas”
Merge
Mac McCaughan has done it
again. He has written another
Pinebender
perfect pop album that is up to
par with his previous release “Bright Ideas”. “Sour Shores” and “I'm
In Love (With Arthur Dove)” are examples of the lighthearted song
writing while tracks like “Getting Saved” and “Like a Pearl” show
a more serious personal side. I shouldn’t have to tell you to go out
and buy this, because you should already have it.

The New Trust
One Night Band “Way Back Home”
Stomp Records
A ska band is a rare sight in these days filled with horrible rock and
emo. One Night Band is a ska band from Canada, with rotating
male and female vocals. They play a subdued reggae two tone
version of ska, with plenty of horn solos, uppicking and organs.
“Way Back Home” may not be the best ska album, but with the
rarity of ska releases, it will do the trick.
Owen “At Home With”
Polyvinyl Records
You pretty much know what you’re getting into when you pick up
an Owen release. You’ve got Mike Kinsella on the guitar playing his
soul out. While “At Home With” tracks are all of quality, some peo-
ple might like his previous album “I Do Perceive” better. “At Home
With” does feature a nice cover of the Velvet Underground’s
“Femme Fatale”.
Pete Yorn “Nightcrawler”
Columbia
“Nightcrawler” sounds like a cross between, Josh Joplin, Portastatic
and something you’d find on an adult alternative station that plays
stuff like Dave Matthews Band and Coldplay. It’s pretty harmless
music. There are a few stand out tracks like “Maybe I’m Right” and
“Ice Age”.
Protokoll “S/T”
I Heart Comix
Protokoll’s self titled ep has a sound influenced by British Guitar Pop
bands of the 80’s as well as New York Post-Punk and No Wave from
the same era. They blend synth-pop melodies with a rocking
rhythm section that will keep your body moving. “Risen” is the
stand out song on the album. Four of the five songs are over 5
minutes so you can listen to it over and over again and never get
sick of it.
Shanna Kiel “Orphan”
Thick Records
Shanna was in the midwestern punk band Sullen, but left St. Louis
for the glitz of Hollywood, CA.“Orphan” is loud and gritty, with simi-
larities to Courtney Love’s band Hole.
Shat “Cuntree”
Buddyhead
69 songs clocking in at exactly 69 minutes, “Cuntree” will either
deeply offend you or make you occasionally chuckle if you have
the sense of humor of a 13 year old boy. After the first 15 or 20
tracks, it becomes depressingly apparent that the album could
have been reduced to one raunchy song about genitalia rather
than over an hour of it. All of the lyrics are printed in the booklet,
so you can sing along to such classics as “Butt Ugly”, “I Got a
Rubber”, and “What the Fuck do you Think Christina Aguilera is
Doing Right Now?” Sounds like something that would have been in
a CKY video if it had only come out about seven years ago.
Shiny Toy Guns “We Are Pilots”
Universal/Motown
Claiming to have found the perfect balance between rock and
synth, the songs on Shiny Toy Guns’ first full length are definitely
more synth-heavy, bordering on electronica on more than one
occasion. Declarations of creating a revolutionary new sound are
perplexing; if anything there is a retro quality, reminiscent of some-
thing off of the Hackers soundtrack.The music itself is undeniably
catchy pop, with choruses specifically designed to stick in your
head. If something sounds familiar to you, the track “Don’t Cry
Out” can be heard in Mack Dawg Productions’ latest film “Follow
Me Around.”
Speakerfire “Audio Alchemy”
Peirmont Records
If you’re looking for unoriginal, poorly written rock, then look no fur-
ther than Speakerfire. The majority of this album is comprised of the
same rock (i.e. Nickelback, etc...) that pollutes the top 40 radio sta-
tions. A couple of tracks on this album are salvageable, but who
wants to wade through 30 feet of shit for fool’s gold.
These Arms Are Snakes “Easter”
Jade Tree
A great follow up to their previous release “Oxeneers...”. “Easter”
lost some of the noise elements that “Oxeneers” had, but TAAS
singer Steve Snere has found his voice with this release.
Titles “S/T”
Welcome Home Records
This Connecticut-based group is comprised of former members of
the band First Aid Kit. Unlike their previous endeavor, Titles play
relaxed songs with the occasional hint of blues within the vocals.
Lyrically, these are songs of confusion and indecision, topics every-
one can relate to while growing up and faced with the responsibili-
ties of adulthood.

Stylex “Tight Scrapes”

Ohio’s Stylex blends together the sounds of two other well known
bands from the big O, Devo and Brainiac. “Tight Scrapes” will have
you dancing until your heart stops, because each song is energiz-
ing and will make you want to do nothing but listen to it.

The Subjects “With the Ease Grace, Precision, and Cleverness of

Human Beings”
Pretty Activity Records
The Subjects are a teacher/student 4 piece that plays a Strokes-
esque style of music but more lo-fi. The whole album is good. Great Titles
and inventive guitar work and fun pop songs.

Villebillies “S/T”
Universal/Motown
Villebillies is a 10-piece, half of which are vocalists, with really cool
names like Tip E Toe, Reverend D, Juju Badcredit, and Malty Hops.
These guys rap about stuff like bluegrass, being rednecks, and get-
ting drunk. The result is pretty much as unappealing as it sounds.
These are the types of guys who will somehow play a sidestage at
Warped Tour and get all pissed off and yell when they see people
walk away during their set.

Your Black Star “Sound from the Ground”

Wonka Vision
The songs on Your Black Stars’ “Sound from the Ground” have a dif-
The Subjects ferent sound from one another, but they all have the same cohe-
sive feel. The songs sound textured and atmospheric. “Strings” is by
Tahiti 80 “Fosbury” far the best and most original track on the album.
The Militia Group
“Fosbury” is a perfect blend of classic 60’s and 70’s pop, disco
and a bit a French flair. “Big Day” the album’s opener will make
you feel that you’ve jumped into a scene from Saturday Night
Fever. “Here Comes” infectious chorus will have you singing along,
and then the rest of the day because it will be stuck in your head.
The U.S. version of this album is packaged with a bonus EP that has
covers of “Happy Together” by the Turtles and “Give it Away” by
The Chi-lites.
There has been a running inside joke between Chris and I, that Swimmer’s Ear is a cursed magazine. It seems
that when we interview a band, within a few years or so, that band breaks up. We didn’t notice it at first, but
after a few bands we’ve interviewed started disbanding, we thought something must be up. Every time a
band breaks up that we’ve interviewed, we say that the curse has struck again. So, if you’ve ever wondered
why your favorite band has called an unexpected “indefinite hiatus”, chances are we just interviewed them.

Issue 3 Issue 9 Issue 13

The Hippos Q and not U - Also interviewed in #13 Hey Mercedes
Current Projects: Southbase, Dirty Little Current Projects: Ris Paul Ric Current Projects: The City on Film (Bob
Secret, Foreign Born (Christopher Richards) Nanna)
Georgie James (John Davis)
Issue 4
Evaline End This Day
Current Projects: Unknown Current Projects: Unknown

Issue 6
Devastator
Current Projects: Everest Hey Mercedes

Nehemiah Issue 14
Current Projects: Everest Despistado
Current Projects: Sylvie
Flipsyde
Current Projects: Somerset
Issue 16
Del Cielo
Issue 7 Current Projects: Katy Otto runs Exotic
The Anniversary Fever Records
Current Projects: The Only Children
(Josh Berwanger) Issue 17
The Cardinal Sin
Bumbling Suaves Current Projects: The Evening Rig
Current Projects: Unknown Q and Not U (Becky Hantin)

Issue 19
Issue 10
DMRE
Song of Zarathustra
Current Projects: Unknown
Current Projects: Chariots, The Cardinal
Sin

The Book of Dead Names

Current Projects: Chariots

The Anniversary
Issue 11
Cave In-(on “hiatus”)
Issue 8 Current Projects: Clouds, (Adam
The Crush McGrath), Stephen Brodsky's Octave
Current Projects: The Cardinal Sin (Jon Museum (Stephen Brodsky),Zozobra
Ness), The Evening Rig (Jason Miller) (Caleb Scofield)

The Cardinal Sin

Band: Sofa King Killer - Ryan Burgy (vox), Chris Chiera (guitar),
Paul Bartholet (bass), Brad Thorla (drums)
www.myspace.com/sofakingkiller
Venue: The Lime Spider, Downtown Akron, Ohio - 11/7/06
www.thelimespider.com

Photos: John Straub

Lakai Cairo Foster 3 LTD
These shoes are a limited edition collabora-
tion between Lakai and Popwar Skateboards.
They should be even more of a collectors
item now, since Cairo no longer rides for
Popwar. They are available in nubuck suede
in the Popwar Brown with grey, red and blue
accents.
Etnies Fakie
These slip-on shoes from Etnies may not be
the best for skating, or for wearing in the
winter, but as a summer chill shoe these can’t
be beat. The Fakie features vulcanized soles
and optional flip down tongues to reveal the
Etnies logo.
DVS Regency
These shoes from DVS are a mix between
two long running shoes from Vans and
Converse, the Old School and Chuck Taylor.
They come in canvas and suede and have a
vulcanized sole. These would be good for
light skating or cruising.

Anthem Boy Skateboards

Anthem Boy is a skateboard com-
pany from the great state of
Kentucky. They have a large range
of boards that will fit every rider.
Independent Stage 9 Low Trucks
Both these skateboards have just
Everybody knows that Indy Trucks
the right amount of concave and a
have been the best trucks for over 20
nice stiffness. They released a
years. One product that has been
promo DVD a year or so back,
lacking in the Indy line is a truck
which is pretty good. They have
designed for street skating. The Stage
Chris Head, Thom Hornung, Chany
9 Low has the same Fast-Action
Given, Jacob Bryan, plus many oth-
Independent Geometry and the same
ers representing their team. You
kingpin and pivot angles as it’s pred-
can find Anthem Boy product in
ecessors. The Low Truck is designed to
Minnesota at 3rd Lair. In Wisconsin
keep the bulk of the baseplate out-
at Underloud and Elements. In the
side of your wheels for solid nose and
Chicago area at FA, Order 66, and
tail tricks. Also the shape of the inside
RQ. And in Detroit at Refuge. If
portion of the hanger has been
you’re interested in carrying
rounded for additional grind space
Anthem Boy product in your shop,
while doing smiths and feebles. These
you can get it through AWH Sales
trucks are available in silver and the
and directly from Anthem Boy.
Koston pro model trucks come in
black and gold.
 Powell Peralta “Have You Seen Him” Shirt
It’s impossible not to look fashionable in this classic “Have You Seen Him” Shirt from Powell
Peralta. They have been making this shirt for years and is a standard for any old school pool
skater.

Bones Brigade Video Tunes

Just as you got “McTwist and Shout” out of your head, Powell Peralta decides to release a CD
with 25 tracks from all your favorite Bones Brigade videos; Future Primitive, Animal Chin and
the Bones Brigade Video. Some tracks included are “Del Marista Daktar” from the Bones
Brigade Video, “Calling All Cars” from Future Primitive, and “Skateboard Shuffe” from Animal
Chin. Too bad this couldn’t have come out on cassette.

Listen Skateboards Outlaw Series

Listen is a semi new company that has pros Rob Gonzalaz, Danny Montoya,
Rodrigo Peterson, and Brian Brown. Also, Minneapolis skater Jamiel
Nowparvar ride flow for them. This series features four boards with similar
shapes and sizes. All four boards are solid and have a nice concave. Check
out Listenskateboards.com for more info on these boards and the Listen team.

Lance Mountain “Crest” Flip Skateboard (Left)

This skateboard by Flip is 9.0 x 33, perfect for pool riding. It
has wheel well cut outs so you won’t get wheel bit while
carving. This board has a great old school shape.

Lance Mountain “Lancelot” Flip Skateboard (Right)

This skateboard by Flip is 8.5 x 32. This would be perfect for
someone who wants to just cruise downhill to the skatepark,
then shred the pool when they get there. This board features
two sets of holes for varying truck base plate sizes and wheel
well cut outs, to reduce the amount of wheel bite.
Crimson Skateboards
Crimson Skateboards is the new brand start-
ed by veteran skateboarding pro, Kris
Markovich and features Kris, James Atkin,
and Richie Belton as pros and Rick Eusey,
Jeremiah Babb, Vince Del Valle, Steve Fauser,
plus others on their am team. You can go to
www.bleedskateboarding.com or www.crim- DVS Spacley Windbreaker Jacket (Bottom Left)
sonskateboards.com and view the Crimson This jacket from DVS features 100% poly with a mesh lining throughout and a breathable
Promo video featuring the team. vent on the back. This would be a great outer shell for a breezy California day.

The Crimson boards all have a nice quality. DVS Nolan Jacket (Top Left)
Graphics on both sides of the board, the top This 100% poly stadium jacket comes with an interior satin lining. This jacket will keep
being just the Crimson logo. These boards you warm in the harshest of California winters, and maybe even Minnesota’s too. Comes
have a nice pop with a good concave. in brown and black.

Matix Perimeter Camo Long Sleeve (Top Right)

Everyone loves camo prints. Stand by some trees and no one will find you. This shirt is
made with 100% thermal cotton so you know it’s gonna be warm. Pair this up with the
Matix Paladin Jacket and you’re set for winter.

Matix Paladin Jacket (Bottom Right)

So you want to be warm and look like a Logger. Then look no further than the Paladin
Jacket from Matix. It’s 100% cotton flannel with a nylon quilted fill lining. I dare you to
get lost in the snow with this one.
Text and Photos provided by Etnies

2006 GvR Winners - Goofy

At the start of the third annual Etnies’ GvR, Goofy and Regular were tied with one GvR win each, and on Sunday night at
the close of the third annual GvR the Goofies won their second title. This was the closest GvR yet with the Goofy team
only beating the Regular team by 39 points!

Led by team captain Dave Swift, editor-in-chief of The Skateboard Mag, team Goofy was on fire with Jereme Rogers land-
ing more tricks than nearly everyone combined, including a mighty impressive switch tre down the 11 set. Ronnie Creager
switch hardflipped the 11 set, Nyjah Huston (this year’s Team Goofy MVP) busted a heelflip front board down the rail, Dylan
Rieder ollie impossible tailgrabbed the barrier, Rodolfo Ramos and Greg Lutzka were belting out bangers left and right and
Collin Provost was ripping all-terrain style.

The Regulars appointed SLAP Magazine’s, Mark Whiteley and Joe Brook as their co-captains. And, even though they lost,
their skating was top notch. Guys like Andrew Reynolds, Chris Cole, Ryan Sheckler , Sierra Fellers, Peter Ramondetta and
Alex Mizurov, Bryan Herman and Danny Fuenzalida didn’t hold back a bit. Reynolds graced us with frontside flips over the
rail. Cole backside 360 flipped the 11 set as perfect as could be. Proudly sporting his unreleased Etnies Sheckler 2 pro
model, Ryan earned himself MVP status by rifling off tricks all over the course like there is no tomorrow.

Etnies GvR Results

Goofy Team:
1. Jereme Rogers – $10,000
2. Team MVP Nyjah Huston – $6,500
3. Rodolfo Ramos – $2,500
4. Greg Lutzka – $2,000
5. Ronnie Creager – $1,500
6. Collin Provost – $1,000
7. Darrell Stanton – $1,000
8. Danilo Cerenzini – $1,000
9. Dylan Rieder – $1,000
10. Pat Channita – $1,000
11. Colt Cannon – $1,000
12. Michael Simonetto – $1,000
13. Tyler Hendley – $1,000
14. Javier Sarmiento – $1,000
15. Collin Hale – $1,000
Oct. 20-22, 2006
Regular Team: Etnies Girl Push Jam Final Results:
1. Team MVP Ryan Sheckler – $2,000 1. Marisa Del Santo – $3,500
2. Chris Cole – $500 2. Evelien Bouilliart – $2,500
3. Andrew Reynolds – $500 3. Lacey Baker – $1,500
4. Alex Mizurov – $500 4. Vanessa Torres – $1,000
5. Danny Fuenzalida – $500 5. Amy Caron – $600
6. Sierra Fellers – $500 6. Lauren Perkins – $400
7. Bryan Herman – $500 7. Elizabeth Nitu – $400
8. Emmanuel Guzman – $500 8. Elissa Steamer – $200
9. Peter Ramondetta – $500
10. Dayne Brummett – $500
11. Vince del Valle – $500
12. Dominik Dietrich – $500
13. Tony Cervantes – $500
14. Chris Troy – $500
15. Robert Lopez – $500
Ryan Sheckler

Ryan Sheckler

Regular’s Ryan Sheckler and Goofy’s Jereme Rogers

Ryan Sheckler
What inspires or influences your artwork?
My greatest inspiration is the Natural World and all of its inhabitants. The loving energy behind it
all with The Creator as a designer or artist is endlessly inspiring. I love indigenous artists from
around the globe as well as Alex Grey, Ed Templeton, and VCJ, the skate artist who did all the
early Powell graphics. I use what is going on in my life and what I see in nature to do my person-
al work, through my art. It is very helpful.

What do you want people to take away from your art?

Ideally I want to inspire people to have a closer connection with nature, better
communication with other humans, and to ring the Bell of Dharma
wherever they are. But I think most people just think "How cute."
Alien Workshop pro Heath Kirchart likes to come up with nick-
names for my pieces like "Weak Beak" and "Gay Paw".

Are you more comfortable with a pen and paper or

brush and canvas?
I have more control with a pen but I love the brush and
think it is so much more rootsy. I have been doing a lot of
India Ink on paper lately with a brush. Gotta keep progress-
ing, you know.

Have you always been into drawing and painting? When did
you realize that you had a talent for it?
I have always been into art. I remember if I couldn't sleep at night as a little kid, my parents
would let me do etchings with Judaica that we had. It was a pretty mystical late night mixture of
art and culture. In elementary school I used to make all of these Egyptian style paintings with q-
tips for brushes. In high school I was really inspired by Toy Machine as well as the whole Eastern
Tibetean Buddhist vibe. In college I discovered primitive wilderness survival skills and that whole
philosophy has been my greatest influence since. I don't really think of myself as having that
much raw talent, more just like dedication and follow through to finish a piece. I think anyone
can be a great artist who picks up a brush, a pen, or a chisel.
You once placed one of your drawings on the wall of the Museum of
Contemporary Art in New York just to say that you had a piece of work dis-
played at the museum. Did you place it in a high traffic area, or in a spot
somewhat hidden? Do you know how long it hung there?
I was in Chelsea in November and really inspired. I went to some
galleries with a portfolio to try to get into a New York
gallery. Some people were pretty rude and definite-
ly did not look at my portfolio. I was really
inspired by that museum and street artists like Banksy so I was like, "Ok, no
one in Chelsea wants to look at my portfolio, I guess I'll just decorate the
neighborhood." The flower I attached right next to the Elevator that that
they bring all the work in and out of. It is cheerful and it looks like it is
growing out of the ground so I didn't think anyone would mind. I have a
picture of it. I don't know if it still there. I hope so. I never told anybody
that I had a piece in the museum or anything. It is more like an articulation
of a goal. I'm on the outside looking in now, but hopefully I'll be in there
some day. I think I just need to develop my technique and sleep with the right
people. Ha Ha.

How often are you painting or drawing? Do you make a living selling your
artwork?
I do art for hours everyday. Even if I am traveling, I am on the street art mis-
sion. I like to block out color early in the morning and do detail work
throughout the day, and start new projects in the evening. As I look
around my studio right now I see 7 pieces I am currently working on,
and many more I want to start. Right now I am just scraping by as
an artist. It's funny, I have never done it, but from what I have seen,
it is much easier to sell drugs than art. My goal is to be able to live
and raise a family as an artist. It gives me the greatest freedom and
sense of accomplishment. I feel the vibe is positive so it offering something valuable to
the world and I work with kids in the summer so I feel like a contributing member of
society not just a hermit artist drop out. Right now I am in the starving artist phase, but
a hungry wolf will definitely bring something down. I guess art is my teeth and claws,
and thankfully I have a nice wolf pack of friends who are amazing support.
What made you want to start Elemental Awareness?
When I graduated from UC Santa Cruz I was very passionate about creating something that
would be positive to youth in the world of skateboarding and at the same time incorporate
primitive skills. My best friend Todd Larson had the same drive, and we approached Johnny
Schillereff, the founder of Element and Elemental Awareness was born. It's an example of
an idea manifested.

What is Elemental Awareness and what is your part in it? Now that Elemental
Awareness has been going for a few years, has it been easier to find funding?
For the last five years I served as Elemental Awareness president. I recently stepped down
and turned that position over to Todd, to pursue art full time. I am still involved as an
announcer at skate contests, and with the nature skills programs. It works out that way as
Todd works at Element so they have the their corporate give back program in house and
don't have to deal with a loose cannon like me.

What is the goal behind Elemental Awareness?

The goal behind EA is for all the youth that we work with to have a greater understanding
and connection of the natural world, as well as in society, and to spread light while living
your Vision. Empowered youth with determination to shine and make a difference in the
world through their passions.

Where can someone find more information about you and Elemental
Awareness?
mikekershnar.com
elementalawareness.org
myspace.com/kershnar
and I grew up in Minnesota riding the same little hills with fast
rope tows. They would take about two minutes to do a com-
plete lap. That means we would do about a million laps a night.
Through the years of knowing him, I've really noticed how fast he learns
,
things. He is the type of person who wants to figure things out by himself
rather than having it taught to him. He is very independent, and is always
had the
working hard at something he wants to accomplish. Every time I have
he takes turns. You can
chance to ride with him, he amazes me even when
g him smile when he's in
really tell that he loves snowboarding just by watchin
g on staying until
the snow. Currently, he is in Minnesota, and is plannin
January so he can get some early rail-boarding done with his pals.
Then he is moving to Colorado to live, and snowboard with his
second family. I'm so blessed to know him, let alone watch him
express himself through snowboarding. I can't wait to see what
happens this year! Viva La Dummer!
-Jonas Michilot
 Interview by Matt Peterson
Photos courtesy of Academy

What was your first snowboard?

My dad had a board before I did and he was cool enough to lend
it to me during ski club
Wednesdays. It was a 159 Rad-Air Groove that towered about a foot
over my head and probably
weighed more than I did. I was stoked!!
How and when did you get into snowboarding?
I grew up pretty close to Wild Mt. in Minnesota. I had skied forever
and when my older brother start-
ed to shred, I naturally wanted to mimic him. He let me tag along
with he and his friends, Chad
(Otterstrom), Matt (Peterson), and Micah (McGinnity).
How big was your local mountain?
I think it was like 400 vertical feet. Enough speed for one 25-foot
tabletop, no problem.
Who were your favorite snowboarders growing up?
My Bro, Terje, John Cardial, Jamie Lynn, Daniel Franck, Jeff Nelson
, Matt Peterson
Who are they now?
Chad Otterstrom, Mike Casanova, Jussi Oksanen, Jonas Michelot,
Travis Parker, Mikey LeBlanc
You are about to finish college, are you nervous?
Yeah, I’ve always planned on saving the world when I no longer had
to spend my days studying for
midterms. In December, I’ll actually have to step up and I don’t think
my superhero costume will be
finished by then.
 Hard Wire)
How was it working with Autumn Line Productions? (Formerly
are so commi tted to the video. Super down to stay out as long as possi-
The Porter Bros, the producers,
caliber, so there was a good sense of
ble to get things done. Also, the talent involved was definitely high
some break though moves.
pressure to try harder. Stoked on the final product, Jonas’ part has
What are your plans after college?
y tree into something that can feed
Give her hell again this winter in CO and then try to grow the Academ
and shelter all the kids.
Are you a My-space-r?
Myspace is for 15 year old chicks!! ...so yeah, I’m into it.
How much time would you say you spend on the Internet?
Big ups to Ali-G, John Stewar t, and
I don’t have a TV right now so Youtube has been my media outlet.
rollerbladers nutting hand rails
How important is filming a video part to you?
your arm, that’s a shot too. To me,
I like the fact that if you stomp your move, it’s a shot, or if you break
parts are a good way to show your all
knowing that I’m filming for a video part is a huge motivator. Video
around shred ability and creativity.
How about contests?
cool to win beer money, but they defi-
Where filming is about friendships, contests are about rivalries. It’s
nitely take the fun out of snowboarding most of the time.
Switch Method
What is your favorite snowboard flick for this season?
patterns and Eero’s part
I haven’t seen all of them yet. I liked a lot of the parts in patchwork
al parts up on Youtube so I could mix
in the Mack Dawg flick. I wish they would put individu
and match.
How about favorite shred movie ever?
The Garden, hands down.
What inspires you outside of snowboarding?
always down to try new
I think my dad has been the most inspiring person in my life. He’s
exiting. Also, this may sound weird, but I
things and face new challenges, ways to keep life
in their shoes, knowin g they hate every
love to see obese people out jogging. I put myself
a better life keeps them going.
second, every step, but the dream to achieve to find
What influence do magazines and videos have on you?
nately. I think some-
They set the bar. Lately everything is starting to look the same unfortu
before skiblad ing makes a big comeback!
thing is going to need to change in snowboarding
What kind of music have you been listening to lately?
those chill out, life’s
Mason Jennings, Jack Johnson, Years Around the Sun, Yovee. Kinda
okay melodies.
Who are the new kids coming up in the Midwest?
some noise when they
Ethan Dice, The Russian, Austin Young, and Easton Gilman will make
get out west.
How is Academy different from your other sponsors?
rs work by making a
It’s definitely an involved relationship with Academy. My other sponso
fall and spring. Academ y is a team
few phone calls and receiving boxes of goods in the
moving . I like that family feel.
effort with everyone doing their part to keep the ship
BS 360 Japan How do you feel about Olympics?
The Olympics took snowboarding
off the streets and put it in the spo
China’s Olympic team in 2006 and tlight. Bur ton sponsored
2010, so now there are countries
school and putting them into a half taking kids out of
pipe. Good for sales, bad for inde
ture. But I guess its cool to get peo pen dent snowboard cul-
ple all around the world hyped.
Are you going to try in 2010?
I thought about it, like, what if I ded
icated every minute of my life for
1440’s and switch double-mctwis the next four years to
ts? Gold medal and MasterCard
Do you think you can make it? spo nsorship, who knows?
Probably not in snowboarding, but
I’ve already qualified for mini-bla
I recently perfected the quad-spaffy ding’s aerial competition.
! Watch out!
If you got a gold medal in the 201
0, would you ride for “Oscar Mey
offered you a million buck$? er Wieners” if they
Forget the million$, I’d ride for them
if they paid me in bologna and let
hot dog car! me drive around that
Any last words?
Thanks to all my sponsors and frien
ds who have gone out of their way
Thanks especially to Academy Sno to help me out.
wboards for the sleepless nights
as they follow their dreams. JB, Kyle thos e guys have put in
, Duane, Matt, you guys make it
possible.
If you’re tired of the same old boring grip and want to try
something with a little flash, check out Stencil Steve’s
selection of handmade designs. We caught up with
Steve to find out more about his head turning artwork
and what’s in store for the future...
How did you get into stencil art and grip tape art?
While living in San Diego I became friends with Aric
Sanders, who rides for Willy's Workshop. He always had
these dope stenciled graphics on his grip. I've been drawing
forever, also a fan of both stencil/grip tape art, so it was a
natural progression. I moved back to Minneapolis from
California and really missed the skating back there and see-
ing that stuff around. Maybe to fill a void I started doing my
own thing and it's grown from there. Basically my unfulfilled
dream of drawing skateboard graphics resurfacing in a DIY
fit of rebellion.
Do you do murals or work on canvases as well?
Yeah, that is where my real passion lies. Unfortunately,
between skating, working and this whole griptape experi-
ment, creative time is at a minimum lately. I still find time to
do the occasional canvas and there are some mural ideas
itching to get outta the sketchbook, so keep your eyes
peeled.
Who or what inspires your artwork?
People and events that have left an imprint on my life.
The type of stuff that never leaves your memory. My artwork
serves as a visual diary which documents my experience
on this ball. If people can relate to or gain some sense of
enjoyment from the different pieces then I am truly inspired.
Which is your most popular stencil?
The Biggie gets quite a bit of attention. But truthfully it all depends
on where you are and the crowd you're surrounded by. It's fun to
watch when a person is flipping through a stack of grip for the first
time. Since there's such a random mix of subject matter it tends
to catch people off guard a bit.
Have you thought about getting a skate team together?
Yeah, we should be launching a "Get A Grip...Again" world tour
with Aerosmith in early '07. That's somewhere down the road a
bit. This whole experience has been so "grassroots" that I'm not
really sure where it's going at times. Hopefully I'll be around long
enough to see a team materialize.
What are your future plans, and celebs you plan to make sten-
cils out of?
Just would like keep things small and maintainable for the time
being. There's gonna be a bunch of new stuff dropping in the
upcoming months. The celeb concept has been fun and there will
always be new celeb grips in the mix, but there are a few other
ideas I would like to try as well.
Where can people contact you or find your grip?
You can reach me and check out the grip at
www.myspace.com/griptapeart. Or send an email to
sk8ter_1@hotmail.com. SK Grip is available in the Twin Cities
area at these fine shops: Cal Surf, FL Project, The Hut, 3rd Lair
and Familia. Feel free to contact me with any inquiries! Should
have a legit website up and running sometime soon. Thanks for all
the support everyone!
The original intro to this interview had some unkind words written by Emeric
directed towards a former sponsor that were written back in November. After
showing this issue to a few people, it was suggested that we should see if
Emeric still wanted the harsh words published. Emeric replied back to us say-
ing that he was pretty pissed when he sent them to us and that he would like
them removed from his interview, not wanting to add any more fuel to the fire.

The photos in this interview doesn’t nearly show the skill or innovation that
Emeric has on a skateboard. Check out any of his video parts to see him doing
tricks that went unrecognized, only until pros started doing them. Like for
instance, in Benji Meyer’s classic 1999 video, Midopoly, Emeric ends his part
with a boardslide heelflip out on a ledge, years before any pro would commit
that to film. Or in that issue of Transworld from years ago, there is a sequence
of him doing a melon grab to backside lipslide down a handrail. Better yet, go
on to YouTube and watch his part in last years So Quick, Achieved video. I dare
you to not want to go skate after watching that part. If Emeric keeps skating
like he does, his video parts and photo sequences will continue to impress and
teach all skateboarders to view skateboarding in a different way.
How did you get into skateboarding?
I started skating because my brother and his friends were doing it.

What is your earliest memory of skateboarding?

My earliest memory of actually riding a skateboard would be my riding on one knee cause I wasn't comfortable enough
to stand up right.

What part of Golden Valley did you grow up in? What was the scene like in GV when you started skat-
ing? Did you go to Minneapolis a lot? Did you ever go out and explore other suburban areas out side of
Minneapolis?
I grew up in an apartment complex in Golden Valley. I didn't really start skating in MPLS until I was 16 or so. That's
when my friend Wayne started driving so we'd skate everywhere.

What skateboarders influenced you when were growing up?

All the standards, the people who were killing it at the time, but for a while I was all about Guy Mariano.

From interviews and photo/videos I’ve read/seen, to me you’ve always seemed like the type of skate-
boarder that isn’t concerned about sponsors or getting a lot of coverage, but rather just having fun on
your skateboard. Is this true?
Well the most important thing for me with skating is to have fun and I always want to get better. That's all that really
matters. The other stuff comes second.
Boardslide to Backside Lipslide - photo: McGuire
Where do you get ideas for some of the tricks you do like the, melon to lipslides and
boardslide body varial to backside lipslide?
I think that comes from skating with so many different people and I always just want to push
myself, you know try to figure out something new for yourself.

Where are you staying in CA? Do you have your own place or are you couch surfing?
I've been in Oakland lately. I was in Santa Cruz for a while actually living at the Consolidated
warehouse, but pretty much Oakland.

Are you staying in CA year round or do you come to MN for the Summers? What do
you miss most about MN? After skateboarding, where do you see yourself settling
down?
I always like to come back to MN in the summer or fall. Those are the best times to be here. As
far as living in Cali for the rest of my life, I don't see that happening.

Have you done a lot of traveling through skateboarding? Where is your favorite city
to skate?
I've traveled a little bit but it doesn't really matter to where just as long as it's a new city and
there's stuff to skate. The best part is that it's something new to you.

As a skateboarder who’s ridden for small brands like Iota and Illenium and larger
more established brands like Consolidated. What is your opinion about the
skateboard industry?
The skateboard industry is just like any other, it's a bunch of business' that want to make money.
About the incident with Nike and Consolidated. I’ve either read that you quit Consolidated or that
Consolidated cut you from the team because Nike was one of your sponsors. Can you explain and set the
record straight as to what really happened? Was Nike one of your sponsors before you got on
Consolidated?
Well I was getting shoes from Nike before anything happened with Consolidated. Birdo and Leticia decided to give me an
ultimatum, either one or the other, but you can't ride for both. My stance on the whole thing was that I didn't care and I
wanted to ride for all the companies I was getting stuff from at the time. Karma told me that before I decided on any-
thing he wanted to go on one more trip with me and Brian Heck. When we got back from the trip, I spoke with Birdo and
told him I couldn't be involved with them anymore. I look at it as they forced me and Seth to quit, it makes them look
better, than if they would have straight out fired us.

In an interview you had on the Thrasher website. You were asked about “life as a black man in Oakland”
and you responded with “I don't stand out quite as much out here, but I pretty much deal with the same
bullshit everywhere.” What are you referring to at the end of your statement and can you cite some
experiences?
I was just saying that things are messed up everywhere. There's going to be open and close minded people everywhere.

Crooked 360 Shuv-it Out - photo: McGuire

Frontside Halfcab Flip - photo: McGuire
Are you currently filming for any videos?
Not really right now. I just finished filming for Krux though, Seth and I are going to share a part and hopefully Heck will
have some footy in there as well.

Who are you riding for?

Krux Trux, Familia Skateshop, Roughneck Hardware and I get shoes from the nice people over at Nike SB.

What do you want to accomplish with skateboarding?

I want to keep having good times with all my friends I've made over the years.

Shout outs and thank yous?

Arrrrrrgh thank ya'll.
Ezra Jacobson, backside 360 Indy. Utah Backcountry near Alta, Utah.
Mike Roeder, backside 50-50 180 out
Tony Conrad, lipslide on an icy wooden rail. Near Two Harbors, MN
Ezra Jacobson, switch backside180 Mute. Wasatch Mountains, Utah.
Tony Conrad with a Hawaii 5-0
Ezra Jacobson, Boardslide in SLC
Who’s behind Handjob?
London: Eric Vermilyea (Bozzmin), Luke Hunt
(London), and Ryan Damian (Boston, still on sabbati-
cal).
How many of each shirt design do you print?
L: On average about five of each size get produced.
Our limit is ten in each size.
How many designs have been made so far?
Bozzmin: No idea. I have made a few that were true
one offs. But ballpark would be 30ish.
L: Yeah, that’s a hard one. This year has been a bit
more structured, doing things like the Friend of the
Hand shirt with Tucker from Familia. I would say for
this year we ran about ten different designs so far.
What’s the deal with that skate mag claiming a
Handjob shirt as a Duffs shirt?
L: I’ve been secretly moonlighting for other compa-
nies... actually I sent the guys at Sidewalk Magazine
a box, mainly to get Weekend Warriors a review in
the video section of the mag. I tossed some shirts
and stickers in there and one ended up on the prod-
ucts page. Maybe the proofreader thought the
“Handjob” title was a mistake and just ran it as Duffs.
It shall remain a mystery!
B: I think our strategy was to first infiltrate the maga-
zine under the cover of Duffs, in order to make peo-
ple feel relaxed and unthreatened. Then when they
least suspect it we drop the cement hand on their
nuts. Plus we are working on a deal to purchase the
Duffs Dynasty.
What have people’s response been to the
designs and ideas behind Handjob?
B: It has been good. I think people appreciate that
we are making things ourselves. Most people are
feeling the designs. We are more about self expres-
sion and getting an idea out of our heads and onto
the backs of the homeless.
L: It’s been all positive, I think. Boston is probably
our biggest critic. We enjoy what we do so much
and plus the fact that we get to produce whatever
feels good shines through our work.
London Luke. Sequence: Brian Ueada
It seems nowadays everyone is starting their own cus-
tom artsy fartsy t-shirt brand. What makes Handjob so
special?
L: I think our main advantage is being small business
owners. We have no investors or creative directors to
answer to, it’s just us. So an idea goes from paper/screen
to print really fast. We also have the added pleasure of
being able to print/produce all of our own merchandise.
Any Handjob item that graces your palm will have been
touched in someway by one of us before it leaves our HQ.
Plus we all skate together.
B: We started this as a way of being able to express our-
selves. I really am not too concerned about the artsy fart-
sy shirt scene. We don’t do overprints with birds and get
emo on peoples’ ass. That is one difference. The other is
low quantities, and when we’re out, we are out. I just don’t
want to wear what some kid in the suburbs just picked up
at Zumiez.
What’s the best part about making your own clothing?
L: I really like learning new things, like trying a new ink or
technique. It’s rad working with your friends. I’m really
gung-ho and Eric is more about taking a breath and look-
ing at the whole situation. It makes for some funny
moments. We’re always having a blast when we print,
drinking, joking, and keeping it fun.
Have you done prints on things like posters or back-
packs?
B: London went through a phase where he would print on
anything I had laying around or that he could get at
AxMan. We have some other things going that aren’t
screen printing that fill that poster and backpack void.
L: I used to print everything under the sun. I would pile up
all this crap that I found during the week then bring it on
Thursday night and try to get some ink on it! I think the
best result was a set of eye covers that you use on a
plane. I still use mine every time I fly. It’s rad because
across the front the stewardess sees “Handjob” when
you’re passed out from too much Jack n’ Coke.
B: Yeah, I liked the faux leather mini dice table too. Ryan
used to do a full line of men’s hot pants as well.
London Luke. Sequence: Sam McGuire
 “We are currently accepting
donations, especially
in amounts ending
in 6 or more zeros.”
- Zach
Why did you want to get into independent publishing?
John: Zach and I had shared opinions about publishing, namely
that it seemed this inaccessible monolith, and that it suffered by
this inaccessibility. Not that mega-publishers don't publish good
books, obviously they do, but we felt like there was a niche here in
Chicago we could fill, that we could put out good books by writers
who we loved and do it the way we wanted. What I mean by that is
that we stole a lot of our business model from independent music
(profit-sharing with the artist, working closely with the artist on
every step, touring a ton, keeping prices low, etc.).
Featherproof started out doing downloadable mini books, was it
always your intention to release paperback novels?
John: Yep. The downloadable mini-books were a) free and b) fun, so
we did those first. Publishing novels is fun, too, but much more time
and labor intensive. It was also a way to get word out there about
what we were doing.
Do you get a lot of writing submissions for the mini books? How do
you decide which stories will become mini books?
Zach: We’re getting a lot more now. A feature in Poets & Writers
really caused a deluge of submissions, which is great, though it is dif-
ficult to find the time to read everything. But that is certainly our
policy. As far as selection goes, usually consensus is pretty easy for
us, or one of us manages to talk the other into a story that we real-
ly like. It’s a good system, the stories chosen are ones we both like,
while the collection is also representative of our individual tastes,
which I think keeps it interesting.
How many mini books have you e-published so far?
Zach: Let me count. Twelve. And more are on the way. We try and
get them out there pretty regularly. Look for one soon called “Eight
Permutations on the Binoculars of Power.”
What have been some challenges or mistakes that you have encoun-
tered while publishing the first 2 novels?
John: So many. Well, the primary one has been distribution, get-
ting the books to bookstores and into reader's hands. That's been a
long process, and I don't think Zach and I are completely satisfied
with how it's gone so far. It's just hard to get a distributor really
working hard for you when you're as small as we are. Publicity has
ebbed and flowed, though I'm surprised how few reviews Todd's book
has received. That book is really strong, a very interesting and live-
ly book that I would think would stir the interest of book section edi-
tors all over the place. Readers are loving it, but critics have slept
on it.
How has the response been to "Enchanters..." and "Sons of the
Rapture'?
Zach: Response has been really great for both books. The
Enchanters got a lot of smashing press in all sorts of magazines and
websites. There were many funny reviews. It seemed people really
picked up on it’s vibe and took it on it’s own terms, which was great.
Sons of the Rapture impressed people, I think. Todd Dills went on
tour, and his reading style is so idiosyncratic, I think people really
respond to watching him read. The book has done really well in the
bookstores, in no small part because of that. The good reviews are
still coming in for Sons of the Rapture.
How do choose what writing you want to publish in a novel? Do
writers contact you or do you seek out writers that you like?
John: We take submissions and actively solicit. We like novels that
feel like they could have only been written by one person, that has a
really personal, idiosyncratic style. "Originality" is obviously a pret-
ty empty word, but I think you can tell when a book comes from only
one place.
What books or writing do you think everyone should read at least
once in their lifetime?
John: I've changed my response to this about a billion times now.
Here's my final answer: I'd recommend people read Lydia Davis
(Samuel Johnson Is Indignant) and then read Hunter S. Thompson
(Preferably Hell's Angels, but Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas will do).
The two of them, I think are diametrically opposed in style, but they're
both such amazing writers. Read those books back to back and you'll
get a sense of how both concision and bombast can be precise.
What releases do you have planned for the future?
Zach: Well, right now things are as murky as the black water
inside a magic eight ball. What is that stuff anyway? When the lit-
tle white triangle pops up, bright and clear, we’ll make sure to let you
know what it says.

If you had the chance to release any writers future work, whose
would it be?
John: I don't know. That's tough. Maybe I should say Mary Higgins
Clark, so we could ride that potboiler to the bank. In reality, there's
a guy named Brian Evenson whose work I think is really special, and
wholly his own. I'd love to work with him.
Check out www.featherproof.com for more info on Brian Costello’s “The
Enchanters vs. Sprawlburg Springs” and Todd Dills’ “Sons of Rapture”.
 I have always skated in garages. With Minnesota’s harsh winters,
garages act as a semi warm haven to learn new tricks and perfect old
ones. I learned how to do tre flips in my garage in the winter of 96/97.
An old high school friend of mine built a mini ramp in his garage, to
complement the one he had in his back yard. Overtime, his 2ft garage
mini was neighbor to a 3ft quarter ramp. Then creativity took hold and
an explosion of wood and coping covered every inch of the garage floor
with tight transitions and ramp dust. What was born was an 18 foot wide
mini ramp that extended from the back wall of the garage to the very
front, leaving just inches for the garage door to open and close. I clocked
in more hours in that garage than I did at home. I learned numerous
variations of the blunt stall including the kickflip to blunt and blunt to
frontside shov-it to axel stall. Some of the hardest tricks that I ever
accomplished to land happened on that mini ramp. I can’t tell you how
many times I tried fakie smith stalls to kickflip out, but I can count on
two hands how many times I’ve landed it. When my friend moved, his
mini could not go with him, so a ten foot section came to my garage.
More late night and rainy day sessions followed. But as I got older, my
responsibilities became more and my skating time became less. I hard-
ly ever skated the mini anymore, maybe once or twice a year, and slow-
BS Tail ly it moved to the back of my mind.

Wallride Disaster
I recently moved into my own house, with it’s own garage, so it was time to move
my teenhood ramp to my adulthood home. But as the time since I road the ramp
accumulated so did the pile of junk that was on top of the ramp. Armed with
drills we started unscrewing the ramp. As luck would have it, most all of the
screws were stripped from my putting it together, so our drills were traded in for
hammers. Once the ramp was completely destroyed it was loaded up and hauled
to my new garage. Plans for a new ramp were thought up, but money and time
deflated any hopes of building a new ramp any time soon. So with creativity in
one hand and a bunch of stripped and bent screws in the other I built a series of
faux quarter ramps, each one getting better than the last. The final product is a
wobbly four foot wide quarter with a pile of wood for the coping. Still the tricks
I land on it feel way better than the ones landed on professionally built ramps,
due to the fact that the ramps moves, shakes and bends every time you go up and
down it. So here I am, 25, and still having the time of my life skating in a 2 car
garage. It may be a while before I build another mini, but my garage will always
be there for any wood creation that I make.

Pivot

Wallride Disaster - 2nd Try FS Tail

Pennsylvania’s Common Enemy have emerged to remind us
all that playing music is all about having fun, with songs
about zombies, video games, TMNT, and of course, skating.
2006’s Thrashing Under the Influence is an all-out eardrum
assault that’s undeniably fast; nineteen tracks clocking in at
about twenty one minutes. The album’s carefree attitude
couldn’t have come at a better time, in an era overrun with
genres and subgenres a little too concerned with dresscodes
and dance moves.
Could you give a little history on the band up until now?
Tank: We started this band for fun!
Justin: Let’s see, we started in 1998, but didn’t get serious about
playing out and having fun until 2003 when Sonic and Greg
joined the band. Then it was nothing but good times! In 2005
Sonic decided to go to school in Florida at Full Sail. We then
asked long time fan, Mikey to sing for us. And the rest is yet to
be written!
Who are some other groups that influence your sound?
Greg: I think everyone in the band has their own influences.
Personally, I’m influenced by Minor Threat, Black Flag, Aus
Rotten and tons more.
Justin: Anthrax, SOD, Vitamin X, and JFA.
Tank: Suicidal Tendencies, DRI and What Happens Next?
Favorite skateboarders?
Tank: Peralta and J. Adams (Old School)
Justin: Don’t really have a favorite skater, but love to watch any-
one with the old school style and flow!
Do you get a chance to skate and find new spots while tour-
ing?
Greg: Hell yeah, we try to hit up every spot we can find when
we are touring!
Tank: We try to hit up skate spots as much as we can, but it’s
hard with some of the really long drives.
Mikey: Hell yeah, I had a blast in Dallas, Texas and Huntsville,
Alabama. I basically learned how to skate there.
How did your tour of Germany come about? What was the
experience like?
Justin: Sonic was actually over in Europe with his first band,
Idle Youth. He had the contact, we hooked it up, and went over
to support our album and get our skate on. It was fun as hell
skating in Europe! Can’t wait until we do it again in the spring
of 2007!
Greg: It was so much fun!
Tank: Germany Rocks!
Favorite place to play in PA? Outside of PA?
Tank: Too many choices, the people make the shows and there
are a lot of really cool people at shows, either home or away
from home.
Greg: Probably Philly and Harrisburg. Outside of PA my
favorites are Long Island and Baltimore.
Mikey: My favorite venues are the Championship in Lemoyne,
PA; The Silo in Reading, PA; The Sidebar in Baltimore, MD and
Molly Blooms 2 in Amityville, NY. There are so many awesome
places.
If you could only do one for a whole year, would you play
music or skateboard?
Greg: I’d have to pick both, I couldn’t pick just one.
Justin: I’m with Greg on this one!
Tank: I would have to say music, that’s my first love! Other than
Beer!
Mikey: Music; I’m better at that, but I would probably skate-
board when no one was looking.
Favorite zombie movies?
Greg: Dead Alive, Dawn of the Dead and 28 Days Later.
Tank: Bad Taste and Dead Alive.
Justin: The Undead and of course Dead Alive!
Mikey: Shawn of the Dead, I’m a sucker for comedy!