Authors: Michael Sanchez
German Precision: An Interview with Alex Mizurov
Mizurov has made a name for himself in Europe by competing in contests, filming video parts and supporting his sponsors. He is of Russian decent, but he calls Germany home because he has lived there most of his life. I recently had the chance to interview the European ripper and find out a little more about him. … read more
Zeds Dead @ The Great Saltair 10.12 with Krewella and...
Josie has an afro with a mind of its own, bouncing up and down as she tells the crowd to jump. Samples of “Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio and “Get Low” by Lil Jon get the crowd hyped in between drops. As Candyland end their set, I start thinking to myself, “Why did I ever stop going to these?” … read more
Film Review: Cold War
Every person wants to be remembered in some fashion. What Sandoval finagled down a 20-stair or what Burman did on a handrail in Philadelphia won’t be forgotten. The Zero crew stuck to their roots and put together another classic video. Cold War is a must buy for anyone who is into handrails, Minor Threat and skulls. … read more
Skate Part Review: Tennessee Baker
The skate industry hasn’t shown much love to Nashville, but what the Boss says goes. Andrew Reynolds is co-owner of Baker Boys Distribution and one of the most notable pros on Emerica and Altamont Apparel. When the Boss saw footage of Dathan “Dee” Ostrander at Sole Tech (Distributor of Etnies, Emerica and Altamont), he gave Dee a call and started sending him Baker boards. … read more
Pepper @ Lo-Fi Cafe 01.22 with Lionize
As the members of Pepper walk on stage, there is a roar coming from the crowd before the band can even touch their instruments. With little introduction, they go right into the newer song “Freeze.” Older songs like “Boot” and “Stone Love” make me feel more at home. … read more
Rodriguez @ The Depot 05.20
Being able to finish a film with an iPhone app was the MacGyver move that Malik Bendjelloul had to pull in order to finish his Oscar-winning project. Searching for Sugar Man is a documentary film about Sixto Rodriguez. The Detroit-born psychedelic folk singer has enjoyed a recent revival in popularity thanks to the film. While some believe that the documentary film does not tell the whole truth, I believe Searching for Sugar Man was a great showcase for his music, which is what ultimately brought me to The Depot on a Tuesday night. … read more
Battle at the Rez: Death Pitts Skate Competition 07.05
Over the fourth of July holiday weekend in Salt Lake, I could have seen a hobbit on turntables, LARPing at the Salt Palace or even the new Jonah Hill movie. Instead, I jumped at the chance to help support a cause that is close to my heart—substance abuse prevention. The Ute Tribe Alcohol/Substance Abuse Prevention Center held the Death Pitts Skate Competition at the Fort Duchesne skate park in order to get people off their couches and doing something productive. … read more
Gravytrain on Biscuit Wheels: Blue Plate Diner Video Premiere 08.17...
A restaurant producing a skate video is a strange idea to wrap your head around, but it totally makes sense when you look at the crew that works there. “Every skater who has a full part in the video also works at the diner,” Joe Mandl, co-owner of Blue Plate Diner let me know at the beginning of the night. … read more
Hairy Situations: Fredrik Wallin of Little Dragon
Little Dragon is a band from Sweden that features plenty of electro beats and the soulful singing of Yukimi Nagano. In preparation for their Salt Lake show, I had the chance to trade emails with Fredrik Wallin, Little Dragon’s keyboardist. Wallin gave me some insight into the process of the new album and some very creative answers. … read more
Little Dragon @ The Complex 10.22 with Shy Girls
To help promote their fourth studio album Nabuma Rubberband, Little Dragon scheduled a stop in Salt Lake on a Wednesday at The Complex. I have been waiting patiently for this show, but butterflies still form in my stomach while getting ready. I know it will by popping with energy from all of the YouTube videos I have been ogling over the past months leading up to this night. … read more