SpaceCadetz is very proud to present our latest interview with one of the dopest European brands that you’ve probably never heard of. Mekanism is a leading skateboard company based out of Paris, France, and they’ve been making plenty of waves not only locally, but in the global arena as well. The founder, Fred Maechler, was kind enough to take a few minutes out of his busy schedule to answer some questions for SpaceCadetz. Enjoy the interview and be sure to stop by www.mekanismskateboards.com to peep the goods.

What’s up, Fred. Please tell the SpaceCadetz readers who you are and what you do.

31 years old, live and work in Paris, France. I’m the founder and director of Mekanism. And from time to time I write a column at Highsnobiety.com called “The Columnist” about design, art and everything I find interesting.

So about Mekanism. What is the company all about and how did it get started?

Mekanism is a skateboard brand based in Paris and founded in 2002. I work in the skateboard industry since 95, as owner of a skateshop from 95 to 98 and of a distribution company of US skate brands in France since 99. In 2002 I came to a level where I was missing something, none of the brands of the skateboard industry had exactly the same vision of skateboarding that I had so I started Mekanism. Mekanism has a guideline, to communicate through a sober, very graphic field of vision, avoiding the superfluous, without sacrificing comfort and meaning. Since 2005 it has evolved as an UFP (unidentified flying project): we invite artists on limited-edition decks. We try to propose to a young audience the work of artists they are not always familiar with.

I’m assuming that many people on MySpace have never been to France before. This may seem like a very general question, but how would you characterize or describe the youth cultural scenes in France, particularly the skateboarding scene?

The skate/street industry is pretty big and independent in France, we have our own brands, magazines and videos. But I must admit that most of the teenagers are still obsessed by the US brands. The older people support more the French scene.

What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of running Mekanism from France?

The disadvantage is that in this skate/street culture in order to get recognized abroad, and even in France, you have to get recognition in the US at first. Only then people start to consider what you do. That means a lot of work and patience. The advantage is that once you got that coverage over there you are noticed easier because few of those projects are coming from France.

Each new season is given a theme, for example the ORIGAMI Series from Fall 2003. Is theme selection based on the art or how does that process work exactly?

The theme of each series comes from the mind of our graphic designer Saviane Auzende, except the Lego series done by Sébastien Caldas. Each theme is a mix of the in-thing with skate/street culture, modern and contemporary art.

Speaking of the art on your decks, I have to say that Mekanism has really elevated that to a whole new level, especially with the artist collaborations. The more recent collab was with German artist Katharina Grosse, in which she spray painted 100 decks in her signature style. How did that one come about?

I discovered her work at her exhibition at Palais de Tokyo in Paris last year and took a slap. I contacted her and ask her to do our next limited-edition deck. She agreed immediately. At first I proposed her the same format as all the other artists, a limited edition of 100 decks. After she agreed, I continued to study her work and thought that using such a medium, the spray gun, directly on 100 blank decks could give an even more interesting result. I proposed her this second method and she preferred this one as well. 100 original and unique skateboards were then created.

Our new project is with Invader. Last year we did with him a limited-edition of 100 skateboards and now he created three skateboards covered with real tiles and conceived a different mosaic for each deck. Three original and unique works of art on skateboards.

Have you thought about expanding the Mekanism brand into other areas like clothing?

We did t-shirts, sweatshirt, caps and accessories. But not on a regular basis, we produce new products whenever we feel like doing it.

You recently joined MySpace. How has your experience been so far?

It’s an easy way to maintain and expand your network. Especially when most of your contacts are abroad.
Any shoutouts?

You, Scott, for the interview, Saviane, Cédric, PY, all the artists we have worked with, all the people and media that support us.

http://www.mekanismskateboards.com

http://www.myspace.com/mknsm

If this doesn’t mean that SpaceCadetz has made it, then I don’t know what does. Everyone knows that MySpace is filled with famous females, but I can’t imagine that it gets any bigger than this….. SpaceCadetz is proud to present our exclusive interview with the one and only Holly Madison!! Hugh Hefner’s leading lady took a few minutes out of her day to answer a few questions and here are the results…enjoy!

Hi Holly! Thanks for taking the time to do this. I can’t believe SpaceCadetz is actually interviewing you! So how’s life treating you right now?

Great-we just finished shooting the second season of Girls Next Door! Now I am looking forward to a little time off to enjoy the sunshine.

You probably get asked this a million times, but what is it like living at the Playboy mansion? What are the perks and your favorite parts about living there?

There are so many great things about living here-there’s a 24-hour kitchen where you can order whatever you want to eat, a zoo in the backyard, a gym, great parties . . . but the best thing about living here is just hanging out with Hef and the chance to get to know all the Playmates that come through here.

So how did you and Hef meet and get to become a couple?

I was invited to come to the Mansion parties, and after a while I finally got a chance to talk to Hef and he asked me out. We hit it off immediately, and I moved into the Mansion two days after our first date.

The other question you must get all the time is what is Hef like? To people that haven’t met him, he’s almost this mythical god-like figure (at least to the guys he is haha), but you’ve clearly gotten to know him on a very personal level. Could you describe Hef in your own words and maybe address any misconceptions about him?

Hef is a really fun guy who is one of the most caring people I have ever met. He loves to be surrounded by people he cares about.
Didn’t Hef just turn 80 back in April? He must have had a crazy party. What went down with that?

The party was so fun-everyone was there-Paris Hilton, Donald Trump, Oliver Stone . . . 3-6 Mafia performed, Bridget jumped out of a cake . . it wasn’t just your ordinary party!

Could you give us a little background on yourself? Like where are you from, where have you lived, and how did you get into modeling and eventually into Playboy?

I was born in Astoria, Oregon and moved to Craig, Alaska when I was two. I moved back down to Oregon in middle school and did two years of college at Portland State University. I was a double major-theater and psychology. I transferred to Loyola Marymount University in LA-where I always wanted to live. I was working at Hooters to pay the bills and met a lot of really nice girls there. We were all going to the Playboy parties and that’s how I met Hef. I was never into modelling before that. Opportunities just come along when you live at the Mansion!

So I hear that you are currently filming a second season of your show Girls Next Door, congrats on that. Can you let the SpaceCadetz readers in on what’s going to be happening in the second season?

I have seen three episodes from the new season so far, and I love them! They are so much better than last season, which I loved as well. We start off with Hef’s 80th birthday party, take a trip through Europe, celebrate Kendra’s 21st in Vegas . . there’s so much crazy stuff!

How was that trip to Europe you took with Hef, Kendra, and Bridget?

The trip was amazing-we went to 8 different cities. I have been studying French for the last 5 months, so I got a chance to practice. I love Paris! And Venice. Those were my two favorite cities on the trip!

The slogan “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” probably applies to the Playboy Mansion parties as well, but are there any scanadalous party stories you could leak to us?

Hell no!

Does it ever get catty with so many girls living at the mansion? Without naming names of course, do you have any crazy Playmate vs. Playmate stories that you can share? Preferably ones that involve nudity and mud??

If only it were as simple as mud wrestling . . . . Bridget, Kendra and I are great friends, but in the past we have had some real psycho-gold diggers here as you can probably imagine. One of them accused me of drugging her drink once to get her to ride the bull at Saddle Ranch. Please. I am way too nerdy to know where to get drugs.

If you weren’t with Hef and living in the Playboy Mansion, what else do you think you’d be doing?

I think I would be working behind the scenes, producing a show or something. I love being creative and in control. Our producers and editors on Girls Next Door probably think I’m the biggest gadfly because I am always giving them suggestions.

In general, do regular guys even have a chance when it comes to dating a Playmate? If so, what’s the best way to approach one?

I think so. Playmates are from all over the world and lead varied lifestyles. Most of them don’t want to date the egotistical type, so i would just be myself, be low-key and try to focus on what we have in common if I were going to approach a Playmate (gentlemen, start your fantasies . . ) No, in all seriousness, I think a confident, nice guy is the best kind. But one who is accomplished and has a life. You don’t have to be rich or famous.

If you could make one wish what would it be?

Just one? I’m way to ambitious for that! Does it have to be a world peace wish or can it be a selfish wish? There are a lot of rules to this game . . . .

What’s the best thing about being Holly Madison?

I have a lot of opportunities and possibilities surrounding me . . . but I guess anyone does if they just know how to look at things.

Any shoutouts?

I wanna give a shout out to all my MySpace friends and say sorry I don’t have time to check my messages!

SpaceCadetz welcomes an extremely talented graphic/visual/musical artist named John Karborn whose talents truly defy convention. He’s been busy blazing new trails on your computer screen, in your speakers, and on your DVD player. Don’t believe me? Take a look at the YouTube video below that John made. After you find yourself sufficiently impressed, read the interview and ponder his genius.

How’s it going, John? Thanks so much for doing this interview. Why don’t you take a few minutes to tell the SpaceCadetz readers who you are and what you do?

Morning! Well, its afternoon here in London really. I’m devouring some blue cheese with avocado in a beautiful baguette, wonderful.

What I do? I always dread that question, I am never quite sure what to say on that. I perform art and visuals, by perform I mean I don’t just sit in a room alone always painting or working or designing, it’s often in the form of live performance, with gigs and crews as a VJ, mixing, mashing effecting video and visuals live. I bring visual personality to anything that needs it, and I interpret and present ideas and concepts in the form of my pieces and output. I am a catalyst for what I get involved with. I am a freelancer and run things my way, with the people/artists I respect.

How would you characterize your overall style considering that the breadth of work is clearly quite diverse and varied?

Psychadelic montage, a flash of London surreality, very modern. But at the same time, I have a strong lean to the classic, to the romantic, and to the beautiful. I am in love with a million, million colours, and adore both the beautifully simple, and the very complex. The more simple, often being the most effective and complex!

One of your more recent and high-visibility projects was working on Nikelab.com. Could you elaborate on what Nikelab.com was all about and what your role was in the project?

Yeah, that was a massive project, done at the very end of 2004/ beginning of 2005. I think it’s offline now from the main nikelab site now, but, huge! My role in that beast was to assemble, create and mock up elements and scenes for it, as well as writing documentation to help direct the feel of the whole project, it’s music, the way it would animate, from the sky down into the ground and back up out, the macro to the micro. The inspiration was to come from nature, from the world around us. My visuals were deep, complex creatures that each were to capture a very romantic view of nature, and provide depth to the project. More detail than that on the Nike project I don’t want to go into, I have spoken about it too much since it was done, and in all honesty, I am fed up of talking about it now. I almost wish people would focus on other projects, like the John Foxx – Cathedral Oceans DVD, which is coming out soon, or the System Error project, or paranoidplant.com

Simple answer, NO. I get bored easily, I want to touch everything, get everywhere, if I could do art on the insides of your muscles, bones and brain, I would. Actually, speaking in one sense, I can. Brains, bodies and minds, watch out!

When looking back on all the creative projects you’ve done, which is your favorite and why?

The one I am really feeling at the moment, is the John Foxx – Cathedral Oceans DVD, that will be out at the end of 2006, even though my work on it is finished, and the DVD is ready for press, it’s being held up by the usual bureaucratic nonsense that goes with these kinda projects. That is an amazing, beautiful, clever, perfect beast of a project, I can’t wait to see it playing out at Optronica, OneDotZero, OFFF, and all those, because they are all going to get it for playing in 2007, possibly it will start being seen as soon as within the next month here in the UK at a few shows we can catch with preview copies. As for why it’s my favourite, well, you will see why……

You are part of an elite group of creative individuals called the KDU. What is the KDU and why do you guys seem to kick so much ass?

The KDU is a NY based collective, and assembles the best of the creative, in any form, together under one roof. The KDU is also a structure to back with business, together we stand, divided we fall vibes. The KDU, from what I can see as a member and the way we are going about things at the moment, is seriously going to step up as a force in the next couple of years to be reckoned with. Much love to all the members, and especially Gensler and Aerosyn-lex for their management and running that beast.

Same question for The Clarabellas. The group’s slogan is “Not a collective, nor agency.” What is The Clarabellas then?

It’s a unity, that’s all, although I think the Clarabellas is on a kind of ice at the moment, let’s see.

You’re based in London, UK. For those of us the in United States and other countries across the globe, what is the current state of things artistically, musically, culturally, etc. in the UK, as seen through the lens of John Leigh?

You must know your stuff Scott, this must be a favorite question of mine, one that makes mates and people who know me groan, because I’m revoltingly enthusiastic about the UK and what’s happening here, that’s the truth. A beautiful balance here, of many different races, many different peoples, from all over, all collaborating, all in a big melting pot, beautifully simmering together. The music and art and output, energy, enthusiasm and uniqueness I see here in the UK, particularly London, is second to none. More free we are as a society, more liberal than Americans, certainly. The rave, drugs and creativity that came from our massive drive into electronic music, helped by the Jamaicans who always made a big impact in London and continue to do so, living and working here means we do things fast, raw, gritty and quickly. Which is great, being put on the spot and expected to react immediately, no time to think, just time to react, is a truly powerful thing to push the chaff from the grain.

I want to forward the UK visually, in its business sense, in which we have always been weak, for some reason, us British hate business and most of our major creative’s and artists live in relative poverty to their American counterparts, but then we ain’t greedy for money, we greedy for challenge, and to take it forward. So, everyone been outstripped time ago, and were leading, not in guns and violence and politics, but in creativity, collaboration and output. As far as I see it, I would never want to be anywhere else. NY and Japan seem solid enough places to take my wares, so let’s see. Hopefully people will disagree with what I say there, but I think it’s spot on.

I always liked saying this: The main difference between the US and the UK is this, imagine a chemical reaction in something the size of a pond, then imagine the same one in a test-tube….. the difference, is intensity and speed of said reaction.

What are some of your inspirations?

Mostly now, from music, just the emotion of music, particularly the Dubstep and Grime scenes I have been seeing rising up here in London recently, the dark, deep durty, minimal beats are just up my street. Reggae devil worship, as my flat mate called it, haha. Graffiti, nature, people, hate, love, blah blah. The desire for a structural change in society is pushing me along at the moment too…..

How has MySpace been treating you so far?

Dope, actually. I am impressed with this MySpace phenomenon, shame it had to happen on MySpace, get me? It has brought some incredible new contacts for people I never thought I could get hold of, from the most known to the smallest, everyone seems to be there. Take the power back vibes, there is going to be a big change in the balance of control from the major to the minor players, I know people said all this before. But it’s true. Let’s watch it evolve.

What projects are you currently working on, and are there any planned for the future that you’d care to talk about?

I am really busy this time of year, always. I will give a quick rundown of whats going on. I got a number of personal projects/collaborations with other artists, most of which are looking to be completed by the end of summer. My focus on working with musicians and artists is at a peak, I am jamming live with Akira The Don, doing the visuals and mashing that up around the UK with him. I’m still awaiting this project with Amon Tobin, on the Ninjatune label to begin soon, for his new album which is coming out in January 2007 I believe, I’m doing a set of 10 big & beautiful pieces for him.

The System Error project has been a big one, and we really got together some of the best UK/Jamaican MC’s and musicians for that one, The album is looking for launch before the end of this year, the website and first LP, featuring Horace Andy, Earl 16, and Brother Culture, is looking to be out before the end of summer, I do art work right across that project, to the live shows and input on where we are taking it, etc.

Might be something coming up soon for D&G too, they dropped me a line last week, Playlouder.com is looking to have input from me on their new website, in terms of user experience, and I am doing a beautiful large scale piece with Dan, called Nature Is War, huge canvas with crazy fluorescent vibes and warfare in nature on a mass scale. *breathes in deeply* I am also working on a number of personal pieces, those will be out sooner than later, as I have full control over them…..

Re-reading that paragraph, its fucking messy, but yeh, it gives the point, that’s how it actually feels to have it all hanging over me, like a massive balloon of psychic fuzz, mmmmm.

Any shoutouts?

Yep, shoutouts I have. FUCKING HUGE RESPECT to AKIRA THE DON & The Don Squad, playing with you guys is dreams in reality, I swear it. MUCH love to SYSTEM ERROR, and that project, which is pushing out soon. Of course to THE KDU & THE CLARABELLAS. JOHN FOXX, my brain has started shaking so I’m going to stop the shoutouts there, but those of you I miss, each and every time, you know who you are. EVERYONE in the UK music, art, creative scene, without the immense drive here, there would be nothing.

John Karborn’s MySpace Profile

www.karborn.com

You probably saw the movie The People vs. Larry Flynt, but that didn’t come close to describing the day-to-day reality that is Hustler Magazine. Allan MacDonell spent 20 years at Hustler and during that time rose to the rank of editor-in-chief, so if you were ever curious about what really went on behind closed doors, here’s your chance. Prison of X: 20 Years in the Hole at Hustler Magazine is an unvarnished tale from the man who evaluated thousands of XXX nude photos, and witnessed drug-induced stunts unlike anything you will ever see.

Hi Allan. Thanks for doing this interview with SpaceCadetz and congrats on your book. Would you like to take this chance to briefly introduce yourself to the readers?

I am a guy who dropped out of a college creative-writing program in the late 1970s because he was sure that the brand-new punk rock explosion would rocket him into an orbit of wealth, ease and constant, fascinating diversions. Punk rock did just that for me – except without any wealth and very limited ease – for about eighteen months. I’ve spent the intervening years piecing my life back together.

You worked for about 20 years at Hustler Magazine. How did your tenure there begin? What kind of a job did you have in the beginning and how did you find yourself applying for a position at such a notorious mag?

I’d had a crap job in a department store’s advertising department, proofreading newspaper ads and checking prices. This position, I felt, was beneath my three years’ of creative-writing education. Larry Flynt Publications ran an ad seeking an assistant copy editor at a ‘men’s sophisticate’ magazine. Sophistication was then a goal of mine; so I phoned them up and wheedled my way into an interview. Believe it or not, I used my creative-writing expertise on my résumé and claimed a college degree.

I’d known about Hustler for almost ten years at this time, which was as long as the magazine had been around. I knew that the magazine had creepy aspects and tended toward lameness, especially in its continual self-promoting, but I also admired their bluntness. I was a fan of Hustler’s ‘Asshole of the Month’ column. And Larry Flynt was a fascinating guy. He’d been shot and crippled about five years before I applied to work there, and he was bigger than life.

I didn’t get the job right away. The copy chief hired a far more qualified person than me, who also happened to have a gigantic rack. A few months later, the hiring guy had something like a nervous breakdown and took a six-week leave of absence. While he was gone, two of the women who worked for him dug out my application and hired me. Then job number-one became not getting fired.

What was the atmosphere at Hustler like when you started in the mid 80s? Walk us through a typical day, if such a thing existed there during that time period.

We were in Los Angeles, California, but every day brought another blizzard alert. I spotted a managing editor flying out of his office with trails of white down the front of his navy sweater. We formed an alliance within a week or two. Almost everybody, including Flynt’s wife Althea, was fueling their creativity with intoxicants. Larry was the exception. This was in late 1983, early 1984, and Flynt had undergone his first lazar surgery to sever nerves in his spine. The operation greatly reduced the pain from bullet fragments lodged in his backbone. So the boss was suddenly drug free and completely manic.

Every morning on the way to work, you’d wonder what kind of stunt Larry would be pulling with the press. He somehow obtained an FBI-filmed tape of a drug sting with automaker John Z. DeLorean tossing around bags of coke as big as throw pillows. 60 Minutes ran this video, crediting Flynt with having supplied it, and suddenly news cameras were on hand every day. The attention went to Larry’s head, and he developed a habit of cursing local judges and also the justices of the Supreme Court. He ended up in a federal prison complex for insane criminals. Things calmed down in the office after that.

You parted ways with Hustler just a few years ago. Has the company calmed down from its early days of hedonism, or is it still as crazy as people might think?

My contact with the magazine has been very limited since they canned me. From the few issues that I have seen, the place is being run by ruinous incompetents. Any inspired craziness has been replaced by an insipid lecturing tone and constant, unconvincing reminders of how great Hustler is. What I see in that magazine is a near-death experience. I doubt that the editorial pacemakers would survive any interesting flash of hedonism.

What was the craziest thing to ever go down in the Hustler offices?

Larry’s wife Liz, assuming she ever went down on him there at the office.

What was one of your favorite pieces that you wrote for Hustler?

Probably the time we ran out of ‘Asshole of the Month’ candidates and instead appointed actor Hugh Grant to be ‘Hero of the Month.’ Hugh Grant had just been arrested for receiving paid sex from a Hollywood street hooker. The amazing thing is that Hugh’s girlfriend was Elizabeth Hurley.

We felt that Hugh was a beacon to all the rest of us who had ever made a stupid, tragic, illogical, insane decision and been forced to live down the consequences. Hugh deserved recognition and even praise for bearing in public the humiliation that so many of us had, through our own idiocy, endured in private.

Another favorite article was a made-up nonfiction piece entitled ‘Boning Barfers.’ This article was about guys who have a fetish for bulimic women and haunt Overeaters Anonymous meetings to prey on young ladies on the verge of going out to gorge and purge. The idea was that while the woman is throwing up, her pelvic contractions would greatly enhance her male partner’s erotic experience.

Obviously, this item was a parody. I recognize that it was completely insensitive to a serious issue that plagues many young women and causes untold grief both to sufferers and to the families that love them. I only wrote it because a real article had been killed, and we needed something to fill in. A better person might be ashamed. But for the next year, I was continually running into people who – when they found out I worked at Hustler – would quote passages from that article. No one, male or female, could quote those passages without doubling over in grossed-out laughter. “So that was a good experience.

You eventually rose to the level of editor in chief. In that position, you were responsible for picking the girls who would appear in each issue. What was doing that on a daily basis like, and did you find that that type of work affected you at all on a personal level?

My policy was to select these models through photographs only. Rarely did a talent coordinator or a photographer bring the girl herself into my office. Meeting the models in person tended to destroy my objectivity. My job was to judge how well the girls would photograph, and I am very susceptible to even the slightest flattery; so it was a good idea to keep these girls away from me. Otherwise, I’d be insisting on putting Godzilla’s daughter on the cover just because she’d given me a wink and a bit of play.

For the most part, I usually didn’t notice any effect on my outside life after I’d spent the workday reviewing up to 1,500 slides of naked women. However, toward the end of my reign, I routinely pictured every new woman I met nude.

Since I’ve been fired, I’ve done some research. I’ve discovered that seventy to eighty percent of all heterosexual men – even the ones who never worked for a men’s sophisticate magazine – routinely picture every new woman they meet nude.

I’m sure that Hustler was filled to the brim with models on a daily basis. Everyone from the top executives to the mailboy must have been trying to hook up.

Actually, most employees made no move to pursue the ‘talent,’ but there were always a few driven souls up to the challenge. Sometimes you didn’t know who to pity more: The guys who failed to hook up, or the ones who made the connection.

One nice, college-educated editor kid from a staid, traditional East Coast background started off chasing blue-screen performers at a smut trade show in Las Vegas. A year later, he married a full-blown porn star. It was not the most comfortable or nurturing union. Having a doctor insert a steel rod up your urethra to clear out viral organisms is only one potential side effect to hooking up with XXX talent.

To be fair, a few editors did manage to form friendships with porn girls that included occasional sex and did not descend into absolute madness or jail-quality drama. Many of these ladies have winning personalities and charming, slightly cynical perspectives. They can be fun company and sort of tomboyish, even when surgically enhanced to look like cartoon females. There are a number of porn ladies who to this day, if I ran into them on the street, I’d be very happy to say hello and have lunch.

You knew Larry Flynt very well. What do you think is one of the biggest misconceptions about the man, and how do you think the American public will remember him?

It’s not a given that the American public will remember Larry Flynt. His magazine has become entirely inconsequential, and his primary function is to finance and distribute hard-core sex DVDs. There seems to be a misconception that Flynt is a champion of the working man. If that were true, he wouldn’t force the people he employs to pay for parking in a parking structure that he owns when they come to work for him. The American public has no idea of the vast pool of former Flynt employees who learned to despise him while in service to LFP. I actually speak better of him than do most people who’ve worked for him.

In your opinion, how true-to-form was the movie The People Vs. Larry Flynt?

It was true-to-form in that it was something Larry Flynt was involved with that was in some part designed as a tribute to Larry Flynt. Much of the movie was shot on a floor of the Flynt Publishing Building in Beverly Hills. So with locations provided by Larry Flynt, you can assume that this was by no means an objective production. It seems that Flynt also had some input with the script. He certainly reviewed earlier drafts of the screenplay that differed markedly from what showed on-screen. The movie was entertaining and absorbing as a sort of fairytale morality play.

If a person wants a more true-to-form account, I would be forced to recommend Prisoner of X: 20 Years in the Hole at Hustler Magazine. This is not to say that Prisoner of X is all about Larry Flynt. The book is more about me than about anything else. Think of Prisoner of X as that old John Carpenter movie The Fog. Larry is the fog, and I’m the Adrienne Barbeau character.

Why isn’t there a Hustler mansion? Or is there….?

The defining characteristics of the Playboy Mansion are the lavish parties that Hefner continually throws at great expense. This is an expense that Larry, evidently, is loath to incur. Thus, no E! Hollywood Story segments set at the Hustler Mansion.

Additionally, have you ever met Hugh Hefner or been to the Playboy Mansion, and what are your thoughts on the two?

I’ve never met Hefner or been to his house, but I guess you have to admire his commitment to the lifestyle. I mean, any other guy pushing eighty and toddling around town with three pneumatic blondes propping him up would be in danger of appearing absurd and pathetic. It’s a testament to Hefner and Playboy’s branding strategies that so much of America still eats up that shtick.

Now that you’re no longer at Hustler, what keeps you busy day-to-day?

Counting my blessings. Looking for friends on MySpace. Replying to emails, letters and phone calls from people who tell me how much they loved reading Prisoner of X.

What are your plans for the near future?

Next week I’ll be meeting with more executives and producers interested in bringing Prisoner of X to the screen. Especially with the success of The Devil Wears Prada, development people are sensing a goldmine in my book. So far, I have resisted pressure to change the Prisoner of X title to The Devil Wears Diapers.

I’m also forming up a concept for another book, this one tentatively titled (Fifty Is) the New Dead. I’m trying to trace connections between aspects of my life now and attitudes I had during the year and a half I spent writing for Slash magazine and hanging out in the early Los Angeles punk scene. I realized recently that at my core I am the exact same guy who stumbled down into the Masque nightclub in 1977, although now I am far less self-destructive and have almost 30 years’ more life to draw from.

As if all the info you’ve said in this interview isn’t enough of a reason to order your book on Amazon.com right now, why should people read it? Sell the skeptics.

The book is widely acclaimed as being very funny. There are plenty of raunchy parts to satisfy a man’s cravings, but also many sections of sensitive vulnerability that will gratify female readers.

Any shoutouts?

My sincere thanks go to Chuck Palahniuk and Evan Wright for the great endorsements that they gave my book (read them on the Prisoner of X MySpace page). Evan worked with me at Hustler. I’m grateful that despite experiencing me firsthand, he retains the grace to say something nice about my book. Chuck I have never met. The fact that he praised Prisoner of X went a long way to helping me realize that I’d done something right with this book.

Prisoner of X MySpace Profile Link

SpaceCadetz is pretty stoked to get the inside scoop on this new vodka brand that is taking the nation by storm. It’s called Bong Vodka and as you can imagine the bottle is shaped like a bong - that’s how crazy this vodka brand is. And there’s definately more to Bong Vodka than just the bottle, so I caught up with the designer behind it all, Jimi Beach, to find out more. Cheers!

Mr. Jimi Beach, it’s a pleasure man! Thanks for taking the time out of your hectic schedule to do this interview with SpaceCadetz.com. Please introduce yourself to the readers and tell them a little bit about who you are and what you do.

Sure…Basically I’ve been an artist and a naturalist all my life, from being a touring musician (Vans Warped Tour, Ocean Aid) to starting a water art trend (BLUWORLD USA, jimibeach.com), to club design (Rhythm and Flow, Pulse) to now with the launch of a new spirit revolution (bong vodka)…. I’ve basically spent my life figuring out what is fun to me…then crafted a product or company around it so that others could enjoy it too. I mean, if someone else would have developed Bong Spirit Vodka…I would be right there supporting them…it’s going to be a movement…you watch.

So let’s talk about the history behind Bong Vodka. How did did you come up with this crazy fresh idea?

A couple of my partners in the nightclub industry came to me and said, “we’ve just met somebody who can produce vodka for us…all we need is a concept and a bottle”…. And Eureka! A lot of hard work later…a super premium vodka that has been taking the scene by storm. We get calls from liquor store owners saying that they’re not just selling bottles….but selling cases to people. Apparently people are flying in from the states were it’s not available yet and buying it. It’s really amazing.

What is the concept behind Bong Vodka, other than of course the cool name and bottle design?

That’s a great question, because we actually do have a “concept”. Try asking that question to most of the popular brands out these days and they would be like, ”errrrr….you mean other than selling vodka?” Bong Spirit Vodka is only the first product of our new collaborative, the BONG SPIRIT COMPANY. Bong Spirit is a lifestyle that represents self-expression, individuality, with a big nod to the creative arts. It’s about hanging out, listening to your friends perform, spinning records, landing big maneuvers, meeting new people, traveling to new places…all in the name of having fun. Bong Spirit means different things to different people, but when you attend one of our events…you’ll walk away feeling like part of the tribe.

The vodka market is very competitive and consumers have a lot of choice when it comes to what brand they drink. What in your mind sets apart Bong Vodka from the rest of the pack and will keep people coming back for more?

The answer is tribal of sorts…contributive society…we promote the talents of the people that drink our VODKA. We offer opportunities for other artists to put their work on our bottles, our cartons, our t-shirts…giving them full credit and hopefully launching a few careers in the process. We won’t have to wonder if the community will dig our designs and merchandise, because guess what?….it was designed by the community. Once again…fun stuff.

Obviously people are going to love the Bong Vodka bottle and throwing one away is simply not an option. Other than its shape, what else makes the bottle special that people might not know about?

You wouldn’t believe all the work that went into this project…I’ve got to high five the entire team for that. The VODKA in the bottle comes from a Dutch family that has been producing spirits in Holland for over 150 years. They never distributed it outside of Holland. When we discovered its silky smooth flavor…we fell in love with it and licensed the worldwide rights to export it. I designed the bottle in 3D and had the first models made with clay and wood…then the artisans we hired in Milan, Italy made the first glass prototypes. Every bottle today is still made in this beautiful Italian city, individually numbered and produced with crystal flint glass. There’s no doubt it’s one of the most artistic bottles out there…then when you consider our collector artist bottles coming out….watch out!!!

Clearly a part of your job is throwing great parties to promote Bong Vodka. Can you tell us what went down at the Bong Vodka VIP Mansion Party in December of last year, and maybe at other subsequent events?

Let me just say…the party hasn’t even started… Sure we blew the roof off Mansion with the “Bong Girls Stage Show” we produced out of New York, but trust me…don’t feel like you missed the party because chances are…Bong Spirit is coming to your town…and if not…then maybe you could meet us halfway. It will be worth it.

As an entrepreneur, what has the process of creating a vodka brand from scratch been like? For example, what are some of the ups and downs, and challenges you’ve experienced thus far?

Well…I’m an extreme entrepreneur…it comes kind of natural for me…ups, downs, sideways, it’s all part of the love to create things. Most of the challenges we faced came not from the actual creation…but from my often impossibly high standards…or at least that’s what those close to me tell me…ha. But that’s the art.

How has public reaction been to Bong Vodka so far, and if it’s not in a certain area yet can we expect it soon?

It’s been overwhelming, really…but for real…we’ve only just begun. The product has already made its debut in Florida and Texas and we’re making brothers and sisters in every town we visit. Next up for August and September is New York, California, Vegas, New Jersey, and Arizona. Bong Spirit will be huge in these markets, with so much talent to explore. We have a tour bus we call the Bong Lounge. It’s a rolling nightclub that will pull up to your house and disturb your neighbors, or your money back.

What’s an average day in the life like for Jimi Beach?

Work, work, play, work. That sounds about right. We’ve got a 30 foot stage in the Bong Spirit studio in Orlando. We get plenty of time to jam out while planning world domination. And actually I just returned from a surfari in Central America (see picture). Honestly though…it’s A LOT of work to do what we do. But, if we weren’t doing it…it would be a shame, this product is going to unite a lot of people, with widely diverse interests, into a single nightlife mega force…I’ve seen the future…and it’s in a weird shaped bottle.

The late Sidney Frank of Jaegermesiter and Grey Goose vodka fame recently passed away. Many know him as one of the most successful liquor industry entrepreneurs ever. Has he been an inspiration to you as you try to build Bong Vodka? What/who else do you count as your personal inspirations?

Certainly. Although I never met him personally, there’s no doubt that he was a visionary in the industry. He set a goal…and over achieved it. Hats off. Inspirations huh? I get inspired by everything man,…good movies, the discovery channel, mad instrumentalist, the wind blowing through the trees…. People often catch me staring at things…no I’m not having a flashback…well, at least I don’t think I am.

Are there any upcoming promotions/events/new products from Bong Vodka that people should be on the lookout for?

Oh yea bro….big time stuff to watch out for. Artist designed collector bottles, Bong Spirit clothing line (big news to release soon), the Bong Lounge tour, tons of music, a short film, and guess where I was earlier in the year…a little city called Mexico…that’s right man, Bong Tequila is in the works. Este va a ser el mejor Tequila que has probado.

Any shoutouts?

I shouldn’t start…I’ll never finish….but one person NEEDS a shoutout…My man Trigger Gumm, who crashed yesterday while attempting to break the world’s longest motorcycle jump, a record which he already holds. Get well brother… http://cbs2.com/topstories/topstories_story_204230241.html

If you’re into underground hip-hop, then this next interviewee needs absolutely no introduction. Big Pooh is one-third of the group known as Little Brother, and he was kind enough to answer a few questions for SpaceCadetz. Check it out!

Sup Big Pooh! Man, thanks so much for doing this interview with SpaceCadetz.com. First off, congrats on Little Brother’s second album The Minstrel Show, which was released late in 2005. You guys recently finished up a pretty intense two month tour promoting the new album. How did that go? Any favorite cities or crazy stories to share?

Whats good fam! The tour was crazy man. It’s always crazy to be out on the road for that long man. We acutally did two tours back to back, Fort Minor then Dilated. The Dilated/LB tour was long overdue. The whole tour was solid from beginning to end but some of the spots that really stuck out were House of Blues LA and Anaheim, Baltimore, Boston, Dallas..insane.

For those who haven’t heard your music before, how would you describe the Little Brother sound?

We are everyday man’s music. What I mean by that is, no matter who you are, what walk of life you come from, you can kick back and enjoy a Little Brother record. It’s like a fusion of Tribe, Slum, Kast, Ghetto Boys, De La..all the groups we grew up listening too man.

How does your second album The Minstrel Show differ from The Listening, in terms of both content and concept?

Well we all matured since we made The Listening. We all had the chance to step out and do our own thing and bring something different to the table when we sat down to do the next record. As far as concept, with The Listening, we were just 3 dudes having fun, sitting in a room, making a record. When we sat down to do The Minstrel Show we wanted to make a statement. We knew we were playing for bigger stakes with this being our first release on a major, wanted to show folks that we could make that type of record on a major.

Little Brother often draws comparison to now legendary hip-hop groups like A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, etc. What are your feelings on that?

It’s flattering! Who wouldn’t want that compliment, to be compared with some of the legends in music. I mean, we have nowhere near the body of work that some of the groups we are compared to have but its still flattering to hear.

After all the critical success of The Listening and now with The Minstrel Show, Little Brother is considered by some to be pushing the boundary between mainstream and underground hip-hop, especially now that you are signed to major label Atlantic Records. I also remember a while back you posted in your MySpace blog about a fan who was giving you shit for “going mainstream,” but that was also part of another issue all together. What are your thoughts on those who accuse LB of “selling out” and what do you say to them?

I look at it like this, some people may feel like they aren’t part of the movement anymore if we get any bigger because it takes away from them putting us “on” to people. We are slowly moving away from “this little group I’ve found” to something bigger. When you make music, you want as many people as possible to fuck with what you do, signing to a major allows us the opportunity to get noticed by more people than just being on a independent. I ain’t done nothing other than progress since I first came into the game, if people call that selling out…then oh well, I can’t satisfy everybody. I know when I rise every morning, take a look in the mirror, I have no problem looking at myself.

What are your thoughts on the current state of hip-hop as it exists today, and where do you see it going in the next say 10 years?

I just wish it was more balance in the music. It’s a lot of good stuff out there getting heard but its a lot that isn’t getting heard. It’s room for everybody in this business, its enough money for everybody in this business. As far as where it will be in the next 10, who knows man…we have come so far from niggas throwing parties in the park and back then they didn’t see it being part of corporate america. I just hope the kids coming up learn about the beginnings, learn the history, have respect for this.

What’s the hip-hop game in North Carolina like right now and who else besides Little Brother is doing it pretty big over there?

It’s a budding scene. I would like to think that the success of LB has played a part in people actually wanting to check for some of the talent that we have down here. Trust, it’s still a long way away from being an Atlanta, or a Houston, but we got a lot of cats down here trying to make some noise. We got my man Supastion, Big Treal, Shelly B, Jozeemo, Hot Write, P. Batters, The Allies, Tyler Woods…and of course the HOJ!

One of my favorite Little Brother tracks off The Listening is “Speed,” which I can totally identify with doing the 9-5 thing and trying to make things happen with SpaceCadetz at the same time. I mean, this is truly an anthem for everyone out there hustlin’. What is it you do when that rare chance to take a breather from the grind and restore some balance to your life presents itself?

I’m a sports fanatic, junkie even. Thats me man, I love sports more than I love music and thats real talk. I’m not just talking about watching games and shit either..I’m talking about offseason is some exciting shit for me…drafts, trades, contract negotiations, shit like that. I swear I want to shadow a GM for a season and learn some of the ins and outs of the business of the NBA.

You put out a solo project in between albums called Sleepers. Do you have any solo projects in the works again now that you’re done with the bulk of the heavy lifting for Minstrel Show?

I’m always recording. I got like 12-13 joints in the can right now but I’m going to wait a while for my next solo. We decided to go right back in the lab and do another LB project so thats the focus.

Speaking of being in between albums, I know I’m not the only one wondering when the third Little Brother album is going to drop. Can you let your fans in on any future plans/ideas/timelines for the next album?

We are working right now, I’m acutally bout to head to the studio to lay some shit right after this.
Hopefully we will be ready for the world again early 07

What’s on rotation in your iPod right now?

Lets see…I usually just put it on shuffle and let it go..I got like 4 thousand songs. This is what I’m going to do…I’m putting it on shuffle, lets see the first 10 joints that come up:
1. Broken Drum - Beck
2. If You Didn’t Love Me (Don’t Go Away) - DJ Rogers
3. Altitudes - Little Brother
4. Turn It Up Loud - Warren G
5. PSA - Jay-Z
6. Stop - J. Dilla (RIP)
7. Do It To Me - Usher
8. J’Davey (Don’t know the name of this joint, crazy tho! produced by
Marco Polo)
9. I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing - Aerosmith
10. Stab My Back - All American Rejects (This album is the shit!)

If you could give one piece of advice to all the unsigned artists out there, what would it be?

Create your own lane, be persistent, be dope.

Any shoutouts?

The Hall of Justus, SpaceCadetz, thank those who support Little Brother legally and illegally!

Little Brother’s MySpace Profile Link

Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I was contacted by a journalist from a local newspaper in Pennsylvania for an interview a few weeks ago. It’s finallly up, and while I know it’s not like a Time Magazine interview or anything, it’s still kinda cool. You gotta start somewhere, right? Read the interview here, or just click the image below.

My apologies for the lack of interviews, everyone. Well I’m happy to report that things are back in full swing here after a one month hiatus. SpaceCadetz has some crazy shit in the pipeline for the next two months like you would never believe. How crazy is crazy? Well I’m going to kick things off with an interview of not only MySpace’s best DJ, but the best DJ in the entire world - DJ Craze. This 6x champion has done it all, and he took the time to talk with SpaceCadetz about his life, accomplishments, and what he’s been up to lately. Check it out!

DJ Craze!! What’s up man? Pretty much everyone reading this knows who you are, but why don’t you take a quick second and introuduce yourself to the SpaceCadetz readers.

What up yall, my name’s DJ Craze and I’m 6x World Champion (3 consecutive DMC titles, 2 Team World Titles and 1 ITF Scratch champion.) I’m from Miami, Fl. so you know I bring the HEAT!!

So how’s life these days man? What’s keeping you motivated and busy?

Right now everything is great! God Bless. I’m doing what I love to do, I get paid well doing it and I have a dope as Wifey and daughter. Right now I’m workin on several things. I just finished a Miami Bass mix cd that should be coming out in the next month, I’m workin on a hip hop album with my boy RIPPA from Miami. I got a D&B record label that I own with my boy Juju from SF called Cartel Recordings (We had it before daddy Yankee), we’re on a 8th release, I think, and I’m planning on doing a tour later on this year with the new DMC champ called I-Emerge.

Backing it up a bit, you’re the 3x winner of the DMC World Championship (consecutively), which is unprecedented in the history of the competition. What was it like winning each one and do they mean different things to you?

Winning the DMCs 3x times in a row was the greatest thing to ever happen to me. It has allowed me to live my life to the fullest and travel the world beyond my wildest dreams. The first time I won was dope because it was the first. The second time I won was dope because I proved that i wasnt a one hit wonder and the 3rd time was the illest because nobody had done it before. It still bugs me out nowadays when i think about that shit.

You’re originally from Nicaragua and then moved to the US later on in life. Did you first encounter hip-hop in the US, and if so what was it about hip-hop that grabbed your attention and made you pursue it so aggressively?

I moved to the US when I was 3. When i was 5 we moved to Miami. My first experience with rap music was Miami Bass and old school electro. I didn’t really like “hip hop” at first cause it was more of a NY thing and being that I was from Miami I really didnt give a fuck. I really got into hip hop my freshman year in high school. This dude that I was in band with started tellin me about Gangstarr, Brand Nubian, De la Soul, Tribe Called Quest and I was immediatly hooked.

Many of your fans know that your first love was hip-hop of course, but that you’re also a big force in the drum & bass arena as well. What about D&B differentiates it from hip-hop and makes it special and/or unique to you personally?

The reason why I love D&B is because of the vibe it gives me. In that world its still about the DJ and the music. The other reason I like D&B is because it takes from all musical styles to make it its own. You got soulful dnb, cluby dnb, dark dnb, jazzy dnb, ragga dnb, all kinds of styles. There’s alot of variation.

You’ve performed all over the world many times. Is there a particular city or party that stands out in your mind as the best?

Every city in the world has different vibes. I don’t have a favorite but some of the memorable ones include, LA, London, Singapore, Russia, South Africa, and of course MIAMI.

You’ve been deeply involved in the turntable scene for a minute now. In your opinion, how has the game changed in recent years in terms of sound, technique, style, etc.?

Turntablism has always had a special place in my heart. In the recent years people have lost interest in it for whatever reason. I think part of the problem is that nowadays there’s a lot of technicality but not enough flava. The dope shit about it is that the skill level is CRAZY right now. Everywhere I go I see young cats doing some amazing shit. No fear though turntablism will be here forever!

So there are a lot of aspiring DJs/producers on MySpace that definately count you as someone that inspires them. If you could give them one piece of advice, what would it be?

DON’T EVER GIVE UP. AND FOLLOW YOUR HEART, DON’T LET OTHER PEOPLE TELL YOU WHAT YOU SHOULD BE INTO OR DOING!

What’s your favorite move on the turntables?

Don’t have any favorite moves on the decks I just like doing my thing.

Top 3 favorite hip-hop tracks of all time?

My top 3 hip hop tracks of all time are (in no particular order) 1= Pharcyde - Passin Me By 2= The Roots - What They Do 3= Nas - Illmatic (the whole album)

Turntablism is __ % skill and ___ % practice?

50% skill and 50% practice

You’ve accomplished so much at such a young age. What do the next 20 years hold for DJ Craze?

I hope I keep doing what I love to do in the next 20 years. Scratchin, making beats and travelling.

Any shoutouts?

I like to give a shout to Cartel Recordings, Tekdbz, my nukka A-trak, Audio Research, Rippa, Contagiousmusiq, and everybody who show me love.

I’m definately stoked to introduce this week’s interview with artist/curator/overall cool guy Clayton Rochemont. Clay was taught by the best in the game (Stash, Futura, ESPO, etc.), and with that knowledge has become a trailblazer in his own right by pioneering the local art scene in Toronto, Canada. Whether you’re a student of the game or just an art fan, I can guarantee that you’ll enjoy this interview as Clay details his humble beginnings, talks about his approach to his personal and commercial artwork, and gives us the inside scoop on a “MySpace 5x” party he threw recently.

Mr. Clayton Rochemont, it’s a pleasure, and hey thanks for doing this interview. Why don’t you say a quick blurb about who you are, where you’re from, and what you do?

Interview is my pleasure. Well, I’m originally from Toronto, but was raised throughout LA, and San Francisco California, I reside back in Toronto now. I work as a fine / graphic artist and I curate high profile gallery shows as well.

So you are clearly involved in a lot of different things. I want to talk briefly about all of them, but let’s start with your art since that seems to be the genesis of it all. How did you get involved in the art scene and how has your style evolved over the years?

I’ve been into art since a little kid. I used to draw shapes like hex’s and triangles on my school binders and such and my teachers always commented that I should pursue it somehow. I think I paid them no mind as I wanted to be a firefighter. It was late in high school when I discovered Graffiti and fell in love. I never physically did it on walls then, but just loved the idea.

When I moved to San Francisco, I met Zero (CA Crew). He was a heavy bomber and had this amazing style of mechanic characters. He took me out one night in the presidio and I bombed my first wall, I was stoked and bombed every week thereafter. I then decided school may be in my best interest and studied art direction at Academy of Art SF, I chose that major as my concepts far outshine my ability in some cases and I didn’t want to be stuck in just one form of art. Just after school I worked as a manager of a skate shop in SF called NWS, Colin Miller walked in wearing a dope Nesm hoodie by Recon, which I commented on. He gave me his card, and I trekked to Recon to see what that spot was. I was offered a job weeks later that I couldn’t refuse. Being under the wing of Colin, Stash and the artists surrounding them was incredible and huge for me. Recon taught me how to market my work, and successfully toss an event as well. They always have been at the front lines of the design era, and I learned quickly to keep up and stay on top. I helped curate shows with Espo, Stash, Futura, lee Q, kostas, Phil Frost, and many others. I was asked at one point to be involved in a group show on skateboards which would later tour Levis Flagship locations across the US. That show involved Mars, Sam Flores, misk, Nome etc. I made great friends with these amazing people and began my network. We also did two more Levis shows that year, one on Motorcycle gas tanks, and one on Levis Denim.

At that point I decided to come back to Toronto to bring the west up here and the artists that I knew. I curated my first show called Launchpad (which thinking back now, the name was very fitting). It involved Sam Flores, Stash, Mars 1, Heavyweight, Colin Miller, Skam, Chris Wellard, and others. That was to be the event that broke the ice here in Toronto and since then an art show has been scheduled nearly every week. After that I brought up Mike Giant to do a unique event involving tattoo sessions, and a show. We had a blast and it was very successful. I have been involved in many shows up here since then as an artist and as a curator, its always intriguing and fun to witness the events from the inside.

As for style. It changes with the wind. I think the only thing that truly remains is the simplicity and graphic feel of my work. I like hard lines, great color contrasts and known themes. I try not to get too crazy so people don’t understand it.

You also do work commercially for different clients, which puts you in rarified company. For those artists who might also want to get into that, what is your personal approach to those projects and how has that helped you become so successful in the commercial arena?

I just stayed true to myself, and people approached me. It’s quite lucky I believe. There are hungry artists that constantly ship out resumes and portfolios and are constantly getting work as well, but my approach is much more laid back. I just chill and do my thing, I think that’s the natural way to try and shine.

Hx4 is a clothing line of yours. What is the concept behind it and what has that experience been like for you?

HX4 is my baby girl. I treat her like a daughter that isn’t quite ready to move out on her own yet. It’s a collaborative brand meaning that I only do designs that involve double labels. Two companies getting together for a limited run of clothing is something special, and something I was taught by the big guy, Stash. Once I feel that she’s ready, Ill let her move out on her own but that wont be anytime really soon, we still have college to get through. The experience of having something that people want is incredible. To see that there’s a person out there that treats my garment with respect by washing it in cold, and hang drying it, etc. baffles me but makes me very confident that I’m doing the right thing. My clothing is just as much my art as my pieces are, and I love the respect that gets.

So what’s the method to your creative madness? What are the things/people that inspire you the most?

Haha, madness. I like that. I really just keep to myself and try not to jock the scene. I don’t search for clothing and art. I try to be original in that sense, so if I’m biting something it wasnt of my knowledge, or even my subconscious. To be very mushy and honest, the things that inspire me the most are my family, and their support. My girl Johanna is an incredible selfless person that drives me to be the best I can, and my two cats just dont give a shit. haha

Care to comment on any aspects of the whole streetwear/art/graf/hip-hop/skating scene that is blowin up the spot these days? Like how do you view the current state of things and where do you see it all headed in the future?

Wow, I’m not sure where its headed but it’s saturated right now. Skate scene is making a HUGE comeback, and I’m proud of that. There’s a lot of great design in that scene, and I’m excited to see where it goes. Street wear isn’t what it used to be, and I just stick to what I know. I don’t really care who’s doing what as long as their not biting my work directly. The hip hop scene is just entertaining as hell, I’m loving where its at right now. Reminds me of the 80’s with all the slow bassy tracks. And finally the art scene, there’s a lot of amazing artists out there right now, and I’m excited to see new mediums and ideas come out of the young ones, but I’m also down with what the old guys are doing. Kaws, Lenny and people like them are still holding it down after all these years. Incredible.

Tell everyone about this crazy MySpace 5x show you just had earlier in the month and what went down with that.

Well, it started out as a release party for a tee shirt Adrift Skate shop and I were doing for their 2 year anniversary. We asked my boy Satva Leung to come up and spin, as hes probably the best skate DJ in the known world, and also Audiopharmacy and MP3 to open. Satva and Audiopharmacy came up from San Francisco, and MP3 came in from Detroit, what an event. It was hella fun, and the first real party I’ve ever organized that didn’t involve art. Myspacers involved were:

www.myspace.com/hx4
www.myspace.com/adriftskateshop
www.myspace.com/djsatva
www.myspace.com/audiopharmacy
www.myspace.com/mp3mntl

How can people cop that tee if they are interested?

The tee is available at Adrift. Maybe if youre nice theyll ship one to ya.

As you know there are a ton of aspiring designer/artists on MySpace. Do you have any advice for people looking to do something similar to what you have done?

Just keep true to yourself. Live well, and take care of yourself mentally and physically. All else will naturally come.

What’s the best thing about being Clayton Rochemont?

The best thing is being surrounded by the amazing group of friends I’ve made throughout the world. I’m extremely lucky.

What are you most proud of when it comes to your work?

I’m proud of the fact that I helped a city develop a scene, which it embraces so well.

Any final shoutouts?

Shouts to Johanna, Flo ( HXFLO ), Satva, Carlos, lyndsey, Teao, MP3, Colin, Jericho, and everybody else I love dearly.

For this week’s SpaceCadetz interview, I present to you Peter Fahey, the man behind the Sneaker Pimps World Tour, which will be making its way across the United States this summer. If you are into shoes at any level (and who isn’t really), then this show is a must-see. Read the interview and get the downlow on the show from Peter himself.

Yo whats up…I’m Peter Fahey - creator of the Sneaker Pimps World Tour - the worlds largest touring sneaker and street based art show.

Let’s take a quick glimpse into the beginnings of SneakerPimps. How did you come up with the idea for the show and what was the first one like?

Well since leaving high school back in 1999 I was always into doing events and shows which had a great personal appeal to me, so i was throwing hip-hop shows, skateboarding demos - one day whilst vacationing in California I came up with an idea to do a sneaker show - I loved sneakers - so it seemed like a natural thing to do….three weeks after having that first thought I put on the first Sneaker Pimps show in Sydney, Australia - my home town. The first show was held in a tiny gallery and displayed about 200 sneakers - only rare and limited edition sneakers - there was really no art element to the show back then - it was a collection of sneaker that my friends and I felt people would be interested in seeing.

Now that the show has been all over the world and running for a few years now, how would you say the show has evolved over time?

Well if asked to describe the show today - I would say it is a physical manifestation of what sneaker culture is all about today - hip-hop, art, skateboarding, basketball, fashion design etc. Right now we display over 1000 pairs of sneakers, sneaker inspired artwork fashion and photography - we have artists painting live at the events, we have fashion designers creating installation based around sneakers, we have video artists, we have major hip-hop groups and dj’s performing, skate demos with dope skateboarders.

The stage is set for the SneakerPimps USA tour, which will kick off next month in Los Angeles, and end in NYC. Many people reading this interview have never been to a SneakerPimps exhibition. What can they expect to see/experience if they check it out at one of your USA stops?

Well first over 1000 sneakers - broken down into various categories - rare, limited edition, celebrity signed, new release etc….about 500 of the shoes have been customized by artists from all over the world and from all different mediums i.e. Futura, Stash, Dalek, Dr Romanelli, SBTG, Doze, Shepard Fairey, Tkid, Cope2, Kinsey, Stay High, Brother Free, James Jarvis…and so on. We have original photography by legendary photographer Jamal Shabazz, paintings by Dave White. Aside from the artwork itself we usually have some major hip-hop groups performing….I cant say too much right now about who will be on the bill but last year we had groups and dj’s such as Public Enemy, Mix Master Mike, Biz Markie……Live artists painting on shoes, painting on trucks, painting on walls……live skateboard demos……ice sculptors and flame throwers…..product give aways, competitions….

Do you have any funny/crazy/weird stories that you’d like to share from your experiences running the show abroad?

Yeah always crazy shit is happening to me…..I mean when you do shows in third world countries you always run into insane situations and weird people - in Bangkok we dealt with being chased by phony customs agents and nearly getting all our shoes robbed along with cash and passports……nearly got kidnapped in the Philippines when I was on tour……I have run out of money midway through tours from credit card fraud hahahah man yeah some pretty hairy situations…..but looking back on it all…..I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Which city has been your favorite so far?

Impossible to pin-point one…but here are a few….Manila, Cape Town, Jakarta, New York, Belgium.

The logistics behind the show must be insane in order to transport that many rare and expensive shoes around the globe. How is all that handled?

YEAH!! Dude ask me what the worst part of touring Sneaker Pimps is and I’m gonna tell you it is by far SHIPPING AND LOGISTICS. Basically have to keep very close tabs on the amount of shoes I have….in every city i have to hire a very good customs agent and give them some money under the table to make sure everything runs smoothly.

What is it about the sneaker that makes this show so successful and universally accepted? For example, I don’t think this type of global exhibition could be done for any other article of clothing like jeans, tshirts, or even hats. Why the sneaker?

Yeah you just have to look at what the sneaker culture is made up of and it gives you a sense of why it has become such a phenomenon……sneaker collecting and customizing started way back in the 80’s, rooted firmly in hip-hop - it was/is a way for people to show off their status - like “yo check me out I got the new J’s” - so by having rare sneakers on or expensive sneakers you stand out in the crowd. It gives you recognition and individuality - and it seems, people crave to be individual, hence the popularity of the sneaker in such a way that it stands out more than t-shirts, jeans, caps..

Where do you see sneaker culture in the next 5 years? 50 years?

I don’t like to predict…..but check it out….look what the sneaker culture is made up off today….sneaker magazines, sneaker forums, clothing labels, customizing, entertainment, industry (footwear) - if you look at any major culture and its progression and growth into a mainstream stability you will find an industry and interest beyond the activity itself - in this case: magazines, customizing, entertainment etc…

What kind of shoes are you wearing right now?

Socks…but if I was wearing shoes I would be wearing these black denim dunk hi’s I just got.

The last pair you bought and/or received?

Supreme blazers and black and gold Stan Smiths.

Any shoutouts?

Scott from SpaceCadetz for the opportunity, Heavy.com, all the artists, sneaker heads and crew involved and everyone who comes to the show. See you out there!

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