Minneapolis duo Atmosphere have revealed the video for their upcoming single Shoulda Known.
The single is out on April 14th and is taken from the forthcoming album When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold which is out on April 21st. The album is incredible and this video is just a small taste of what’s to come, pimp it:
Sigur Ros guitarist/singer Jon Thor Birgisson will be displaying his artwork at a London Gallery.
Birgisson has teamed up with artist Alex Somers to form Riceboy Sleeps and their work, made from drawing on old books, photographing them and placing the results into worn picture frames, will be displayed at the Agency Gallery in London from April 10th to May 17th.
Check out the link below to find out more.
Minneapolis based band The Plastic Constellations have announced they are going on “indefinite hiatus”.
The band, which includes Doomtree’s Lazerbeak, have been together since the age of 14 and will release their new album We Appreciate You on Frenchkiss Records on April 15th.
The band have two tracks from the album on their MySpace, Stay That Way and Black Market Pandas, both of which should be enough to make you sad they’re splitting.
Hadouken have announced an intimate show.
The day-glo band will perform an underage show [fourteen and over] at the Barfly in London. The band have promised to “shake Camden Town to its very foundations” on April 4th and will be preview material from their much hyped debut album for everyone at the gig.
Whilst we’re on a Hadouken tip, peep this making of from their Leap Of Faith video. If you haven’t already seen it, you should do so now. Why? Because our very own Moose shot it. Winner!
CSS have remixed a track for the B52’s.
The Brazilian nutjobs have put their own unique spin on the track Funplex, taken from the Funplex Remix EP. Peaches has also remixed the band’s new single and it can be bought from iTunes.
The original track comes from the band’s Funplex album, their first release in 16 years.
A bloke called Forest Snowmuppet has won this years Easter Egg Hunt!
His name was picked randomly from the 21 entries who all found the Lucky Egg hidden in the Lakai ‘Fully Flared‘ DVD review and will be rocking a new Girl deck, DVS Shoes and Matix T-Shirt.
Look out for more comps that will hot the site next Tuesday and big thanks to Revival Distribution for supplying the fun.
Ben Nordberg has in a very short time come from the country fields and rolling hills of Bath, skating nothing but a small patch of gritty concrete, to getting headhunted from across the pond and getting on one of Britain’s hottest skate teams.
In his first ever official interview, we caught up with Ben to discuss how he came to where he is now, the rumours surrounding who he was riding for, fighting, music and doing chores for his Mum.
Interview: Nic Powley and Zac
Skate pic: Leo Sharp
Ben, is this officially your first interview?
Yeah man, will do my best.
Are you shitting yourself, I’ll try to make you look like a right tit?
Haha! Nah, ’cause I know deep down that you are more of a tit than I’ll ever be.
OK then, let’s start with the basics: Full name, age, years skating, sponsors etc
My name is Ben Nordberg, I’m 18, been skating for about 6 and half years and my sponsors are Vans shoes, Blueprint Skateboards, WeSC, Nueu eyewear and Detour skatestore.
You’ve been around for a while, how come you’ve only really started getting a load of coverage recently?
I made a sponsor me tape kind of thing to send out to some people, my mate sent it to you and you emailed me saying that he wanted to start sending me some Vans. I was stoked and then from there went on some trips, got my First Light out and then it’s all gone from there. It’s been a hectic year but a sick one!
But I had a sponsor me tape from you back in my O.G. days and didn’t you ride for Bomber and I-path for a bit or something?
Yeah I was on Unabomber and I-Path few years back but then that all fell through because they sold out or something like that. So then I went without any sponsors until recently, when I was hooked up on Vans and then almost on Stereo, and now I’m on Blueprint, so now everything’s going really well.
So, do you care to spill the beans on the latest switch to Blueprint, you were destined to Stereo and had a trip planned to LA right?
Yeah, I recently went to Mallorca with them and had a sick time and got on with everyone really well, Stereo weren’t really doing that much for me even though – I’m very grateful that they helped me out though. I just think it was time to try something different out and I’m stoked with the situation now. Jesus, it’s a long story, but it all started about Christmas time. I think when I heard that Blueprint wanted me to ride for them, which was sick. Then Wes from Out of Step phoned up Stereo and said that I might be going to ride for Blueprint, so Stereo said that they would get me out to the States etc, so I thought I’d stick it out and see if it actually came through. Then about 3 months later nothing had happened. Magee then asked me to come to Mallorca with them on a trip, so I went, had a sick time and got loads done. After that I started to think it would be the best the decision to skate for them because they have got a solid team and I’d get a chance to film a video part.
Did your Mallorca trip seal it?
Yeah, pretty much. It was a sick trip and got on really well with everyone who was there – it was really different to what I thought it would be like. It was really chilled out and skated some amazing spots. Was a sick trip!
What does Blueprint offer you more than Stereo in skateboard terms?
I get to film for their new video which is sick and to be part of a team here in England. I think it’s better than being on just flow for an American company because get to go on more trips and is just easier to deal with.
Are you looking to have your name on a deck and follow the likes of Brady and Jensen into Worldwide skateboarding?
Haha, fuck knows to be honest. Just take it one step at a time and just keep skating and travelling and see what happens in the future.
Before you got skate stuff posted to you for free where did you shop?
I used to and still shop at Detour skatestore. I’ve known the guys there for years and its now the only skateshop in Bath because Route 1 just shut down which is amazing! So hopefully that means Detour will be around for years to come.
What is view on Skater Owned Shops right now as they seem to be going down all over the country?
I think its all to do with locals not supporting the shop. Prime example is Story which was a sick shop but people would just find cheaper places to buy there stuff. Shame really cause if you don’t have a local shop then the scene will struggle to stay strong.
This photo below shot by Leo Sharp was one of those you would rather forget right?
Yep. This is the night when I did my elbow in….not a fun time.
Did getting the cover of Sidewalk change your life?
Ha, yeah it’s definitely been a dream to get the cover and when I found out I had it I didn’t really know what to do! Good times.
Seems like everyone wants a piece of you at the moment, how is it being this month’s hot property?
Well, stressful to tell the truth but it’s all good and now it’s chilled out a bit and I’ll just take it from here.
You’ve had a pretty hectic year, I think you’ve been on every Vans mission on offer, you even blagged on the UK tour, how was that?
Yeah man, summer was amazing! From the Ride With Us Tour, Prague Mystic Cup, other little missions and then of course the Vans tour, that was definitely one of the funniest and amazing experiences of my life and I’ll never forget it!
Obviously most people reading this would have seen the DVD but what was your personal highlight of the trip? Can you think of anything that got missed off the film?
There was so many funny moments on and off camera, but my favourite moment was either all of Tyreman’s impressions or when everyone got really pissed on the way to Glasgow, it got messy.
As a result of the tour it seems you’re now pretty good mates with everyone on the team, particularly Kris Vile, you’ve been skating with him quite a bit right?
Yeah, I became good mates with mainly Vile, Ross, Olly etc and yeah, I’ve been skating with Vile a lot which is sick because every time we go skating he pushes me to learn new shit, he’s ridiculous and also a good lad to be around.
And you must have been staying at my house about 4 out of the last 5 weekends, do you wish you were an honorary northerner like me?
Umm, nah, but it’s definitely sick to skate up here, the spots are amazing compared to were I live and also it’s good skating with peeps like Mike Wright, Manhead, Lyners and of course Dougie! And also you’re not a northener, you’re a fassy!
So just because you’ve been watching Kidulthood a bit you reckon you can talk to me like some West London thug now?
Yeah man your gunna get bashed up, still.
Talking of films how did you enjoy your introduction to Napoleon Dynamite the other night?
I could not believe how good it was, I was on the floor laughing..”You ever take that off any sweet jumps“…so good.
How did you get some good growing up in Bath as it’s not exactly the skate capital of the UK?
Basically there’s just the skatepark which is alright. It’s got a good block and mini ramp etc I just skate there most the time when I’m at home because there’s not to many good street spots but is all good.
What’s the history of skateboarding in Bath?
A lot of famous skaters have passed through here during the years and a lot of well known guys used to be around here like Flynn Trotman, Will Ainley and others. It’s a sick place to live with a decent little scene.
That skate park there has been there for years, I used to skate it 10 yrs back when the metal vert and mini was there. What other rippers are local to you that people should be aware of?
Definitely Jasper King-Harman. He pretty much lives at the skatepark and has got some crazy moves, also Whitlock who’s a got a serious heelflip on him. Also Fred Mansbridge is sick as well.
So what about music, what’s top of the pops on your iPod when you haven’t mislaid it?
At the moment I’m all about reggae, but I’ll listen to anything. Kunt and the Gang is always good.
Do you get up to much outside of skating, any other hobbies?
When not skating I’ll either chill with my mates, some basketball, getting pissed…but pretty much just skating.
And you don’t feel the need to mess up your day by having a job or anything?
At the moment I don’t really have time to get a job and also can’t be fucked.
Do you want to explain your general lack of respect towards my house, does Mummy do everything for you at home?
Well, I think you are over-reacting I’m a good boy really and I’m getting better I swear! Nah, I do chores at home but it’s just my Mum is chilled and she lets me get away with it sometimes.
Are you getting bored with all the ‘Lazy Style’ and ‘Asleep at the Wheel’ comments yet or do you take it as a compliment?
I just think it’s funny man and kind of take it as a compliment and if people are into the way I skate then that’s all good.
I’m sorry to bring it up but your laptop is seriously crap, when are you going to trade it in and get a grown up one?
You’re going the right way for a roundhouse punch! It might not be a Mac but it gets the job done…you’re jus playa hating.
Yeah that reminds me, what people might not know is that you’ve got some pretty powerful street fighter moves, what’s your favourite one at the moment?
Haha! At the moment its either tiger uppercut or spinning bird punch, but both get the job done.
Have you ever actually been in a fight and tried those moves out?
Nah, but I’m sure I’m gonna end up fighting you soon and then you will recogonise…Ha!
So you still reckon you could have me in a fight?
Umm, stupid question really. You know you can’t step to my roundhouse kick and several other deadly moves.
So what’s you’re plans for the immediate future, if you have one after trying to fight me? What have Blueprint got in store this year?
Got some trips planned, going to Barcelona, then going to New Zealand and Melbourne with Vile and Ross and some other people. The video will be out by the end of the year and just loads of travelling. Not just with Blueprint though, there will be lots of stuff with Vans and also some stuff with WeSC. Gonna be off the hook.
And you’d better say thanks to everyone that helped you out
I’d like to say thanks to you (Mr Nic Powley) for hooking everything up, all at Blueprint, Toff at Detour, Gegs Man, Ben Powell, Leo Sharp, Kevin Parrott, Wes at Out of Step, my parents! Whitlock for filming my stuff, all my mates and anyone else I didn’t mention, and JAH! Peace out.
Ben Cundall – 5-0 Backtail. Photo by Styley
Lee Osterholt – Nose Manual
Shaun Witherup – 360 Flip
éS Team – Arizona Goodness
Brian Tucci – Switch Impossible
Ryan Holloway – B/S Nosegrind Backlip Front 180 Out
Top 5s – Names that pre-determine a life of cool.
1) Sal Paradise
2) Tony Montana
3) Xavier De Rosnay
4) Daniel Day-Lewis
5) Gino Iannucci
Top 5s – Names that pre-determine a life of douche.
1) Gay Search
2) Lee Mead
3) Edwina Currie
4) Chris Waddle
5) Kim Twatt
6) Zac Leeks!
Pic of the Week
Speck snaps Black Tea from afar whilst the vespa brigade celebrate 10 yrs of 5th District
Send your moves shots to us here.
The Metros hail straight from the best part of London, south of the river in Peckham, and have been making their brand of indie noise together since being together at school. Whilst still in the prime of their youth, these lads are no stranger to success and have shared stages with The View and Milburn. With The Metros heading off on the MTV Spanking New tour very soon with Pigeon Detectives and The Rascals, we thought it was time to have words with these upstarts about music, soapy bottles and pasties.
So, The Metro’s are blowing up right now, being kicked off tours, causing chaos all around the country – introduce yourselves….
I’m Charlie and I play bass. We’re from South London. Peckham and Catford way, all around there. Me and the lead guitarist Joe went to school with our drummer, who lived at the back of Jack, our other guitarist’s garden.
In a shed or something?
Pretty much man, it wasn’t a very nice house.
[Saul]I’m Saul, singer. Me and Jack have known each other a long time. Our parents went to school together. Me and Jack were in loads of shit bands when we were like 13-14. Shit punk-ska bands. We finally managed to write a decent song one day. Our drummer now used to drum in our old band and he used to use a keyboard and just play the drum sounds off of that (Imitates drums) in the front room of his mums house. That’s where is all started.
And a few months later, you are signed to a record company and the dream is on….
Yeah, it did happen pretty quickly man. It was kind of unexpected which kind of made it much better. It was a real shock. We didn’t have to work for it too much did we?
So it was handed to you on a plate?
Yeah [laughs] Drunk A&R man…
Did you go through the whole A&R experience?
No, not at all man. James who signed us. He runs our label and he lived in Catford. He puts on a night in Brixton near where I used to live, called ‘The Windmill Of Your Mind’.
Ah we know it well….
We played there once and he saw us and then he came down to a show the next week in Lewisham. He is quite an impulsive kind of guy and he just signed us and that was Christmas…a nice present for everyone.
So it’s been over a year?
Yeah man, we’ve been signed over a year now, we just haven’t fucking done anything because everyone has been at school finishing exams and stuff! The albums done now though.
It must be quite hard juggling school and the band, are you all in the same boat?
Everyone’s finished now, Freddie and Jack are the only ones who managed to stick it out the whole way and get their A levels done. I tried, but never got there. Joe also tried but never went to school, but yeah, the other two stuck it out. Freddie failed miserably, but hey, he tried.
So let’s talk music, what kind of music have you all grown up with?
Erm, Charlie’s dad is really into funk and jazz and I think it has really influenced the way I play bass.
Your sound obviously has nothing to do with Jazz though…
I don’t know, there are elements, some of our later knowns tracks..[laughs] We are influenced by punk, me and the drummer used to have 3 mohawks and hang about on Camden bridge. We were really into American punk and hardcore and stuff like that. Minor Threat and Bad Brains, stuff like that. Later on we got more into more 70’s stuff, more English stuff, like The Squeeze, The Specials, Ian Drury. We are influenced by modern indie as well, like The Libertines and stuff like that. When we started our band I just wanted to be like Pete Doherty, but then I realise that was a really shit idea.
What are you guys listening to at the moment?
I’m really into psychobilly at the moment. Mad punk stuff. Some of that shit is really good.
King Kurt, Meteors…
So, you’re from down Peckham way, now there are a few famous people from down that way, namely Del-boy and Rodders. Do you get many cheeky characters floating around your neck of the woods?
No, not really. Although, we’ve got ‘No Neck Nigel‘..he hasn’t got a neck and he films porn and when he talks to you he has to turn his entire body to look at you. His dad Charlie is so cockney! So cockney in fact that you can’t understand a word he is saying! There are a few characters man, but mainly just rude boys, the kind you just want to avoid.
What about the music scene there?
Down New Cross way man, there is a proper good scene. There is always a lot of gigs going on and they have something called Rocklands which is like a poor man’s Camden Crawl. Mates of ours who we have been playing with for years who are just starting out are really into the scene there. Proper good little scene.
You guys went out on the road with Milburn, it was a university tour wasn’t it? Did it not go to well?
Erm, well it was alright, but we kind of witnessed the death of Milburn. They’re nice blokes but their band has just kind of plummeted. They booked a uni tour, because I think they thought if they played student unions during term times, they would get packed – but that didn’t happen. I mean, it REALLY didn’t happen.
How you guys doing with touring? Are you finding it hard?
I don’t think we are built for touring, or built for big tours any way. How long have we done? 12 days with a few gaps here and there and we are fucking worse for wear [laughs] We couldn’t tour for like 3/6/9 months – fuck that. No, I don’t think we’d be too suited to that. We need to start taking some multi vitamins or something?
Are you just living on chips on the road then?
[Charlie] – I wish! I’ve got an acid problem with my stomach, too much boozing. I’m fed up of paying £5 for a shit pasty from one of those motor way service stations. It’s all you can get apart from maybe a scotch egg! The worst thing is they do those scotch egg bars now! It’s like a sausage roll but instead of sausage, it’s got egg and sausage meat instead of pastry. They are disgusting!
And that’s what you live on, on the road?
Yeah, pretty much. That’s the healthy option! [laughs]
So you can’t wait to get a chef on tour with you then?
Yeah, once you’ve got a sleeper bus, I don’t think touring is that bad.
Are there any band rituals on tour?
Not really? Slapping Joe when he falls asleep, which is pretty much all the time. Our lead guitarist is never awake really?
So are you always slapping him about when he is asleep then?
Yeah, even when he is awake to be fair [laughs]
What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done to him on tour?
Nothing to bad to him, but Charlie…
[charlie] Yeah, I got the worst punishment.
[Saul] – We were all on tour in Norwich and Charlie fell asleep on his bed at the hotel and we had drunk a lot. I grabbed a bottle of beer and put a load of soap on the end of it and I put it up his arse and was waving it about and it made this noise [makes suction noise!]. Charlie then sat bolt up right and puked all over himself. Then Freddie pissed on him! That’s the worst, it was a bit severe! We are like a real family, very close! [laughs]
Is it true that you kicked The Ghost Frequencie’s arses for breaking your amp?
Beat them up? No! We threatened them! They look all cool but when I confronted them about it he was all like (puts on mousey voice) “Oh sorry, sorry, we will buy you a new one“
Does that happen a lot on tour? People borrowing your stuff?
We are quite careful about stuff like that. Their guitarist was jumping about and they had two amps stacked on top of each other and he stood on it and broke it. Bit annoying two minutes before you’re about to go on stage.
So you’re in the studio at the moment?
No no, we’ve just finished.
Who’s been working the record with you?
Baxter Jury, who sung on the late great. He has been wicked, really good to work with him. The majority of the album was done by him. We recorded in Wales and Chelsea. When we finished we did another couple of tracks with this geezer called James Cox, who did Blur, The Gorillaz and Jamie T. We’ve finished, it took a long time, but it has been worth it. We have grown with the music. Evolved. It’s all come together and become more of a master piece.
Do you enjoy being in the studio or do you prefer being out on the road?
It depends, in the studio, musically we aren’t the tightest band, or the most talented [laughs]. So it can be frustrating. We’ve all grown up with each other and we argue like brothers. So we can get at each other sometimes…like really really get at each other. I mean, I like the end process in the studio when you decide where you wants claps and stuff…its nice to hear it all coming together.
I mean, the worst thing in the world is waiting for a drum track to get laid down, so when it finally happens it’s great. To hear a whole song is pretty good.
Have you got a title for the album yet?
We’ve got a few. We aren’t really sure what to call it yet. We won’t be spilling the beans because I am too scared that you will think they are shit. [laughs]
The Metros released their debut single “Education Pt.2” on March 17th through 1965 Records.
This might be news to you but here’s a news flash, My Pal by utterly-obscure-split-up-years-ago Australian underground garage rockers God is one of the best punk rock seven-inch singles of all time, ever. It’s rough, ragged, sounds like shit but contains stamped within it’s grooves a raw emotion that never fails to get the hairs up on the back of the neck.
‘You’re my only friend, and you don’t even like me,’ they scream as the repetitive lead guitar hook line repeats over and over and lodges itself into your brain for good.
They never really wrote another song that came close to this, thus explaining their obscurity but this is Butchers Hook’s personal favourite single of all time and they must be ecstatic to have the chance to throw it back into the spotlight 20 years later.
My Pal crackles with energy and youthful mayhem. It’s Husker Du meets Dinosaur Jr meets Squirrel Bait and is drenched in so much fuzz you’ll think your ears are fucked. And they will be. Fucked by God.
James Sherry