In a time when you’re only as good as your next leap of faith of fashion accessory, it’s hard to spot the skaters that keep it real in every sense of the term. Somebody that understands company loyalty and doing what they please is the not-so-young-anymore Brandon Turner. Brandon is often looked over by the media but they are quick to forget how good this guy really is. As a change from the norm, Crossfire tracked Brandon down in Europe and asked him about San Diego, japanese food and strippers. Brandon knew a bit about all three, and more…
Hey Brandon, how are you doing?
I’m cool. Where are we? Lyon? Yeah, I’m just chillin’ in Lyon right about now, trin’ to score some weed… (Laughter!)
You’re touring with the Osiris team, travelling all over the place. Where were you before this?
We were in Paris right before Lyon, and before that we were in London and that whole side of Europe.
Was it cool over there?
Yeah it’s cool, I like the people, man. It’s all some different experiences and shit!
This isn’t the first time you’ve been to Lyon, though. The Osiris team came once before about 2 years ago.
Nah, the last time I came out here was with Shortys. I like the spots in Lyon, the people. Shit, I just want to party! Just skate, chill and party with some, you know, special people. (Smiles)
Are you guys still tight over at Shortys? Do you hang out together a lot?
Yeah, we hang out. Actually we’ve been busy filming for the new video. We got some new riders so we’re just taking our time with them and the video, so it can be the best it can be. Not comin’ out any time soon.
Osiris has changed quite a lot over the last couple of years, but you’ve been on the team since day one. How have you felt those changes?
Well, it changed a lot with the style and the people. I mean, definitely the whole team is different. Me and Jerry Hsu are the only original people on the team since day one. I’ve seen a lot of people come and go. So far as me, I just keep doing what I do, it’s not like I can do much about it.
Where are you living at the moment?
I’m living in San Diego.
Have you lived there all your life?
No, not all my life. I lived in Japan for 5 years! That’s like my second home. It’s real different from the States! The culture’s different, that’s the main thing, besides that, you know.
What are some of your favourite places you’ve travelled to?
Japan, fo’ sure! I like Canada, Barcelona, Paris. I had fun in Belgium, too. I’ve got my favourite places! (Smiles)
Belgium?
Oh, I’ve just got good friends there, ever since we first toured there with Shortys. I just like it, you know! (Laughter) The people are cool and we have good demos.
Do you still see Peter Smolik a lot?
Yeah! That’s one of my best friends!
What’s he been up too lately?
He’s busy running Skate Mafia, and he just had an interview in the Skateboard Mag. He’s just doin’ his thing. He was injured for a while and that’s why nobody saw him skating. He had like a chip in his ankle or something, but it’s fixed now.
You’ve had a couple of bad injuries in the past. Tell me about them.
I broke both my legs!
That’s kinda harsh. How did you deal with not being able to skate?
It was only a couple of months that I wasn’t going to be able to skate on each injury. It sucks, but it’s something you have to go through.
Are you looking forward to continuing this tour?
Yeah, I’m looking forward to it. My shoe just came out, so I’m busy tryin’ to promote that, you know? I’m just tryin’ to get my interviews going, and film a part for Digital while I’m out here, too. With that, I think it’ll be me and Zered Bassett, and a couple of other guys.
What did you think of skating in New York?
It’s weird. It’s different. I like New York, but as far as skate spots go, I think it’s kind of a hassle. But I liked it out there, it’s cool!
Have you got any plans for the future?
Just keep on skating! I’ve got my shoe comin’ out. Eventually own my own shop or restaurant, or something, in San Diego. Like a Japanese restaurant or something. Try and travel as much as I can.
Have you got any crazy stories of things that have happened during this tour?
Yeah, actually I do have a crazy story! Where was it again? . Bristol! Yeah, in Bristol there were these crazy girls that wanted me to strip for them! We were eating at this restaurant. I guess it’s the town where people have their bachelor parties, or something. Anyway, we’re eating at a restaurant and a girl comes up to the table, and I guess her friend must have just got married because it was all girls at their table! They wanted somebody from our table to come over there and act like a stripper! You know? (Laughter!)
A gang of English girls let loose at night can be pretty dangerous Brandon!
Yeah! So, they were all like, ‘One of you come over and act like a stripper and ask for Lisa’, or somebody. So, I’ve had a couple of beers by now and I was up for doin’ it. I just walked over there and acted like, ‘Who ordered the stripper?! Where’s the Lisa Duet party?!’ The girls start getting all embarrassed, and I’m walking up in there shakin’ my shirt and shit! (Laughter) The girl was wearing some roses over her, so I took one of them and started ticklin’ her, she goes all red and I’m just jokin’, you know?! (Laughter) The whole table went crazy. I’ve never met the girl in my life, but I posed for like a hundred pictures with her and her friends, you know! Her memories of her marriage will be of me, but she brought me a couple of drinks, so we’re cool. (Laughter)
That’s wicked Brandon! Cheers!
Cheers to you and cheers to Crossfire too!