With a name like Zooted, this Flip Parka suggests it will give you the meaness and don’t-fuck-with-me attitude of some really hench drug dealer. And it does exactly that. Makes you feel tough as nails.
Living south of the river in wartime Peckham meant this got two very different test situations. The first being in my normal persona of skinny white Englishmen from an academic city, and living in an old house with crap central heating. With the boiler out of action, I was forced to wear a coat indoors and this parka made me instantly feel like I was in a sauna, in Summer, on the outskirts of the Sahara. Bloody hell is this thing warm!
So cup of tea and sitting in front of the three-bar later, I took it out for a stealth mission to town for supplies. And it did it’s job of making me look like I’d kick the shit out of you, because I didn’t get mugged once. The massive pockets could have concealed knuckledusters, a machete and anti-tank missiles with ease, whilst the fluffy hood kept my face hidden from the pigs. Old ladies were dropping their shopping and running across the other side of the street when they saw me coming. But I helped them pick it up of course, because it’s all an act ain’t it, and I’m really a nice bloke.
So for making yourself look like a drug dealer, but keeping your shivering body warm whilst you run home for some cocoa in front of Gardener’s World, this FlipZooted Parka is the best thing you can buy.
Subcultures have always had their own brand of art and when a graffiti collective called Wildbunch in the 80s spawned the man known as “3D” they probably never came close to envisaging the global acceptance of his work musically with Massive Attack or as an artist.
Tie this in with the abstract photography from skater, and one time SlamCity employee, Will Bankhead and we have a body of work well worthy of checking out. These two artists plus a couple of other notables such as Warren Du Preez and Nick Thornton Jones make up the visual side of the Mo Wax creation known as Unkle.
Warpaint is art inspired and used on the latest Unkle album, War Stories. It’s quite a departure from the first Unkle offering, Psyence Fiction, of some 16 years ago, both musically and art wise its much more organic and blunt in comparison to the lazer beam sharp Pointmen art that Futura2000 created to match up with DJ Shadow and James Lavelles ground breaking soundscapes.
The art itself definitely has an eerie feel, the boldly blacked out gallery adds to Robert Del Najas (aka 3D) blurring of the relationship between silhouette and shadow. The imagery is tweaked to haunting proportions, creating lasting impressions of skeletal figures staring out desperately lost in warzones and terror carnage.
While the photography that accompanies the canvas is much sharper, it still keeps the surreal element firmly in the forefront. The mixing of the formats adds some clarity, and the use of negatives keeps the desperate essence of all the work on show.
The exhibition is running until the 25th April, and the Lazarides Printshop next door will be having the prints on display until they are all sold.
Legendary graphic designer Don Pendleton is the subject of the new Little Giants film series, focusing on artists that have been influential in the world of contemporary art, street culture and skateboarding.
Pendleton’s work for Alien Workshop and Element is iconic throughout the skate and art world, and volume 1 focuses on him entirely. The trailer can be viewed here, and the full DVD series will be distributed through Studio 411 very soon.
Muska Muska! That’s what kids shout even when there’s other skaters including Darrel Stanton, Chad Tim Tim, Jeremy Wray, Levi Brown and the rest of the Element team are at the demo.
Click here to see footage from the team when they visited the Tempe park.
The Flip squad are as true to skateboarding as milk is true to a cow, or goats for that matter, they are truly independent in this game and I see them as inspiration to everyone who enjoys skateboarding for what it is, not what it appears to be.
Long gone are the days of baggy jeans and 25mm wheels, but Flip still roll with the same passion for steez today as they did back then. They’re clothing lines are fun and have always been one of my favourites, especially Tom’s friends, it’s one of my all time favourite skate Tees, these guys know what’s platinum.
The Blood Stain T-shirt is one of the softest Tees I’ve ever owned. It’s 100% cotton and slightly fitted, not much, but I’d class it as a slimmer fit which comes up slightly shorter than your average medium. The print looks like a bandana that runs across the shoulders with Flip crosses bleeding throughout. Total hesh.
Specials T. They released the ‘Guns of Navarone‘ with this one, I knew off the cuff that I was going to get on well with this T in particular; it’s simple, black & white, it’s Flip and it’s the Specials! Its pure cotton and easy to the touch, again, it too sports a smooth print which blends into the fabric unnoticeably. Hit up the ‘Rat Race‘ with this one and find yourself looking for a ‘Ghost Town‘.
Heathen Hooded Sweat. Flip’s latest campaign comes in the form of ‘Hölle auf Rädern’, which simply means Hell on Wheels; yes we know, it’s fucking cool, so I’m happy to know they fly the flag on that one. The hoody is fairly straight forward, except it has the ability to completely fuck with any 3 chip camera that points in it’s direction, so I wouldn’t recommend rocking it whilst filming your million dollar lines, but if you’re not shooting for something, then rock it by all means, it’s fresh, it’s zebra like and has a German badge, Vorsprung durch Technik!
Plan B recently visited the Dominican Republic with the full team on a trip to get footage and see the sights.
With P-Rod, Jereme Rogers, Colin McKay, Pat Duffy, Ryan Sheckler and more, check what the team got up to whilst avoiding soldier with guns by clicking here.
Fallen have just released the trailer for their first ever video, Ride The Sky.
Featuring Josh Harmony, Tony Cervantes, Billy Marks, Jamie Thomas, Tommy Sandoval, Chris Cole and more, with some amazing production, this will be no-doubt a barrage of well-filmed hammers and slammers.
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
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.
With a name like Zooted, this Flip Parka suggests it will give you the meaness and don’t-fuck-with-me attitude of some really hench drug dealer. And it does exactly that. Makes you feel tough as nails.
Subcultures have always had their own brand of art and when a graffiti collective called Wildbunch in the 80s spawned the man known as “3D” they probably never came close to envisaging the global acceptance of his work musically with Massive Attack or as an artist.
The art itself definitely has an eerie feel, the boldly blacked out gallery adds to Robert Del Najas (aka 3D) blurring of the relationship between silhouette and shadow. The imagery is tweaked to haunting proportions, creating lasting impressions of skeletal figures staring out desperately lost in warzones and terror carnage.
The exhibition is running until the 25th April, and the Lazarides Printshop next door will be having the prints on display until they are all sold.
Legendary graphic designer Don Pendleton is the subject of the new Little Giants film series, focusing on artists that have been influential in the world of contemporary art, street culture and skateboarding.
The BBC has discovered a colony of penguins that have a very unique ability that no other penguins have – the can fly.
Muska Muska! That’s what kids shout even when there’s other skaters including Darrel Stanton, Chad Tim Tim, Jeremy Wray, Levi Brown and the rest of the 
The 
The Blood Stain T-shirt is one of the softest Tees I’ve ever owned. It’s 100% cotton and slightly fitted, not much, but I’d class it as a slimmer fit which comes up slightly shorter than your average medium. The print looks like a bandana that runs across the shoulders with Flip crosses bleeding throughout. Total hesh.
Heathen Hooded Sweat. Flip’s latest campaign comes in the form of ‘Hölle auf Rädern’, which simply means Hell on Wheels; yes we know, it’s fucking cool, so I’m happy to know they fly the flag on that one. The hoody is fairly straight forward, except it has the ability to completely fuck with any 3 chip camera that points in it’s direction, so I wouldn’t recommend rocking it whilst filming your million dollar lines, but if you’re not shooting for something, then rock it by all means, it’s fresh, it’s zebra like and has a German badge, Vorsprung durch Technik!
A bloke called Forest Snowmuppet has won this years Easter Egg Hunt!
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.
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?