because someone offers them a bundle of money
and a video part if they "bust-out?" If everyone
involved in skateboarding were doing the right
things for the right reasons, skateboarding would
be more positive and enjoyable and less tense and
stressful. People would stop worrying about what
other people thought of them, and everyone could
concentrate more on what they really want to do.
And if someone is satisfied with a trick and
they're serious about filming it for a video, it
shouldn't matter if it's not considered cool.
Exactly. When I see Julien Stranger in a video, I
have so much respect for him because I know
that's how he skates. He doesn't go so far out of his
way to over-perform for the camera. He skates the
way he feels is the most fun. You can see that when
you watch him. I'm not going to judge him on
whether or not he is doing any particular trick
because he knows what he likes and it shows. Mark
Gonzales is the same, and 99 out of 100 people
will always respect him. It's the same case with a
lot of skaters too. It's what feels right to you.
It's like whoever plays
the guitar the fastest
isn't necessarily the
best guitar player.
I play guitar. I can't
read music and I don't
know a lot of scales, but i
I definitely have fun
playing. I feel fairly sta
ble with playing guitar
because I've learned
how to play the music
that I like fairly well. I
don't want to learn how
to play fast scales so I
Nothing has to
can impress people with looking
fancy. I want to get as creative with
it as I can, so I learn through prac
ticing what I think will help me in
that way. I definitely want to get bet-
ter though, so playing what I want to
play will become easier.
Well now that you've
mentioned playing guitar,
how closely would you
say art is related to skate-
boarding?
be simple or
average. It's
limitless what
can be done.
There are so many artistic
things that can be done within
skateboarding. Skateboarding is a very creative
sport, there is no set way it has to he. There is so
much artwork involved, as far as advertising, board
graphics, video, layouts, clothing, everything. I
think companies should take more advantage of
the fact that they can be as creative as they want
with everything they make. Nothing has to be
simple or average. It's limitless what can be done.
What about traveling?
I like traveling a lot. My favorite trip was the
last tour we did of Europe. I saw a lot of new
countries and did some filming with my super
eight camera. I'd like to travel around the US
again, it's been a while since I've done that.
What do you think of LA?
I like Los Angeles, there is a lot to do and see
here. There are a lot of good theaters where you
can see films or stage performances. There are at
lot of art and bookstores. And it's a good city for
taking photographs
Or going to a good Indian restaurant.
I like the Moonlight Tango Cafe. Big bands and
jazz bands play there and they serve good pasta.
What does the future hold for you?
Skateboard until I feel I'm done and continue
working with Stereo,
What do you want to do after that?
I want to own my own publishing company and
a film production company. I want to publish my
own books as well as other people's books. I want
to produce my own films as well. I'm writing a
screenplay right now and want to try to make a
film about it in the near future. I have a lot more.
goals now, I want to accomplish as much as I can
with music, writing and filmmaking. I want to
learn to play the cello. I'll marry Marissa.
Do you see an end coming for you in skating?
No. I feel good. It's how a person feels, it's up to
them. I'm twenty-four in April.
EVENTURE
Mike Carroll
52 THRASHER