The Kevmaht interview

 Interview by Marshall Smith
Photographs by Aaron Bransdon


M; Whats up Kev, how are you?
Sorry this has taken almost a year to do, I've been slack with Dustie2.

K; Yoo man I have been good, yourself?
 Nah no worries, we got there in the end haha.

M; That's great to hear, I've been good aye.
Going to try get some regular content flowing for this thing.
Do you have some basic info for the Dustie2 readers?

K; Word dude, good to hear! Yeah for sure my full name is Kevin Austin.
I'm 22 years old and i live in Sydney, Australia.

M; I honestly don't remember in my scootering career (if you can call it that haha) that you haven't been riding. What keeps the fire burning for Kevmaht? What keeps you stoked on scooters?

K; Yeah dude I have been riding for a while now and dont plan to stop anytime soon either.
I think the Friendly crew has definitely had a large part in keeping me stoked as there is always people to rid with or go film. I think what gets me really stoked though is working on video parts. For me I just want to make as many video parts as i can and that has been my focus for a long time. Working on a video part is my favourite form of self expression.

M; I definitely see the dedication you have for that form of scootering. When ever I'm out riding with you, you put so much work into getting the trick or line perfect. Do you consider yourself a perfectionist when it comes to filming?

K;Yeah man I would definitely say I'm a perfectionist when it comes to filming haha. I usually in vision the trick to my best ability so most of the time i end up filming the same clip 2-3 times over until I'm satisfied. I think it's good to set standards high and I think that brings the best out of me for sure.

M; It shows in the footage you put out in the last two years, are you working on some new stuff at the moment?

K;  Thanks dude! Yeah for sure I'm always on the grind. The project I have been working on as of recent is my River Wheel Co part, which i have been filming since June 2016. I actually tried to get my ender yesterday but the cops showed up just in time to ruin the day haha. All I need is one last clip so expect that to be dropping in the near future.

M; Getting the boot always sucks let alone on your ender. I'me exited for new Kev footage as I'm sure most people are. You've been on River Wheel Co for a while now, how did that come about?

K; Yeah dude absolute worst man haha, I got hit up by (Matt) Mckeen shortly after my Downside Scooters video part. I guess him and Andrew (Broussard) were hyped on my riding and chose me to represent them in Australia so I couldn't be more stoked!

M; That's the go Anna, you went to a few different countries to film this part. What would you say was your favourite and why?

K; Yeah man I travelled a bit this last year and even in 2016. Favourite place for sure would have to be Singapore, it's just loaded with spots and so much variety. Been back twice now and I think i'll keep going back so long as I'm scootering haha.

M; Seem like there's so many untouched spots in Singa.
Being from Sydney, one of the biggest scooter scenes how has it changed over the past 5 years or so and where do you think it's headed?

K; Yeah dude I think a lot of Singapore will remain untouched for years to come. Yeah Sydney is pretty crazy. Over the last 5 years the 'street' scene has definitely developed a lot and the next generation of shredders are definitely giving us old dogs a challenge to keep up. Working at Scooter hut I have seen the growth and I hope it continues to grow for years to come. There's a lot of smaller crews within Sydney poppin' up which is really good to see as well.

M; Sounds like the scene is pumping.
Can you give us some of the musicians/  bands you frequently listen to?

K; Yeah dude it's really promising. Wow where do I even start haha. Music is a big part of my life but if i had to narrow it down to artists, I'd have to say Neil Young and Kevin Parker. I'm sure a lot of riders do the same but I;m a big fan of video part songs, they for sure get me hyped to ride most.

M; What about outside the sport?
What does Kevmaht do in his down time?

K; I'm pretty heavily involved in scootering and I have based a lot of my life decisions around being able to scooter as much as possible. When I'm not riding or working I just like to get in touch with nature and music. I love bush walks and live music and if I'm not indulging in those I would just be hanging with my girlfriend.

M; Do you ever hit the blue mountains up for bush walks?
I remember doing the sickest walks there when i was like 7 or 8.

K; Duuude that's my go to! The Blue mountains is in Sydney's back yard so I make it out there as much as possible. When you're in Sydney next I'll be sure to give you the best tour guide experience.

M; Damn, I've gotta get to Sydney soon for that tour.
You and a couple of the Friendly dudes recently rented a house, now I've seen jadlad (Jarrad Smith) cook a stir-fry on instalive. Who would you say is the best cook? and whats the beer of choice for the fridge?

K; Come through Marsh, welcome at mine anytime! Yeah dude with Jarrad and Aaron (Bransdon), soon to be Jon (Archer) too. Beer of choice would have to be Coopers Green but that's started to die out. Nowadays it's what ever 6 pack is on special on the back of a Coles receipt haha. Jarrad can be a good cook but there has been some horror stories. Aaron has some real good dishes but he hasn't cooked ma a meal in a while so i think I'll take the title for this one haha.

M; Yeah oath, I definitely need to get back to Sydney in the near future. I think we've got enough stuff, anything you'd like to add?

K; Yeah word send it my dude! We cab keep it at that. Shout out to Friendly lads and Sydney for keeping it real haha

TOOWOOMBA TRIP EASTER '17

WHEN I HEAR WHISPERS OF A FAMHUNGRY TRIP I START GETTING EXCITED ABOUT ALL THE GOOD TIMES AHEAD AND THE INSANITY I'LL WITNESS AND I WONT LIE I'M NEVER DISAPPOINTED. THE FOLLOWING PHOTOGRAPHS WHERE SHOT OVER SUCH A WEEKEND IN TOOWOMBA, A FAIRLY LARGE COUNTRY TOWN WEST OF BRISBANE WITH A POPULATION OF ROUGHLY 100,000 PEOPLE.

THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM.

WE HAD A FOUR DAY WEEKEND COMING UP AND YOU DON'T HAVE A BETTER EXCUSE THAN THAT TO PACK THE CAR UP AND HIT THE ROAD SEEKING GOOD TIMES, SO THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT WE DID. DAN, KRISTO AND MYSELF WHERE MEETING GUY IN TOOWOMBA EARLY FRIDAY MORNING. WE HAD A BBQ FOR DINNER ACCOMPANIED BY SOME BEERS, AFTER GETTING REAL PUMPED UP ON SOME SNOWBOARD MOVIES WE HIT THE HAY READY FOR THE EARLY START.

BACK SEAT CHILLING ON THE HOUR DRIVE OUT TO THE BAH

THE WORST PART ABOUT ROLLING WITH DOOSHY DUDE'S IS THE FLATS.

AFTER MEETING UP WITH GUY AT CHALK DRIVE SKATEPARK AT ABOUT 7AM WE HAD A WARM UP THEN ROLLED OUT TO SPOTS. THE FIRST BEING THIS OUT LEDGE, BIT OF A WARM UP SPOT BUT I'M PRETTY SURE GUY GOT A CLIP AND I'M FUCKN POSITIVE KRISTO GOT A FLAT.

GUY PERRETT WARM UP FEEBLE.

DAN CAME A GUTSA ON THIS RAIL AND IN THE PROCESS UNKNOWINLY SNAPPED HIS AXLE WHICH WE DIDN'T FIND OUT UNTIL THE FOLLOWING DAY.

HERE HE IS COMING AWAY WITH THE LAND.

AFTER SUSSING ANOTHER FIVE OR SO SCHOOLS AND COMING AWAY WITH A COUPLE MORE CLIPS BETWEEN US WE CALLED IT A DAY AND HEADED OUT TO GUYS MUM'S PLACE IN OAKY A 15 MIN DRIVE FROM TOOWOMBA. WE HAVE A FEW SIPS AND RIPS WE RETIRED FOR THE EVENING.

WE WERE UP EARLY AGAIN BECAUSE WE DONT LIKE TO WASTE DAYLIGHT ON THESE TRIPS.

THE VIEW FROM GUYS MUM'S HOUSE IN OAKY, QLD

DAY TWO OF THE TRIP AND IT HAD IT'S UP'S AND DOWNS, WE STARTED OFF THE DAY WITH A WARM UP SESH A SOME RANDOM PARK FOLLOWED BY A MORNING SEARCHING MORE SCHOOLS AND HITTING UP ALL THE HANDRAIL GOODNESS TOOWOMBA HAS TO OFFER. DAN FINALLY REALISED HIS AXLE WAS BUSTED AND KRISTO SLAMMED AND HURT HIS BACK SO THEY WERE OUT FOR THE REST OF THE DAY. IT TURNED MORE INTO A SEARCH THAN A DESTROY DAY UNTIL GUY STUMBLED ACROSS A BEAST OF A RAIL.

AFTER TAKING A FEW HEAVY SLAMS ON THE FLAT BOTTOM AND RATTLING HIS BRAIN ONCE OR TWICE, GUY WALKED AWAY VICTORIOUS.

WE ENDED UP THE DAY AT A LONG 15 FLAT 10 KINKER AND GUY ROLLED HIS ANKLE SO WE CALLED IT. WE HAD THE HOUSE TO OUR SELF'S TONIGHT AND WHEN WE DO ANYTHING WE DO IT TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITIES SO THE PARTY WAS ON. BEERS WERE BOUGHT, WE TRIED TO KEEP IT MELLOW UNTIL REECE GOT THERE AS HE WAS GOING TO BE AN HOUR OR SO BUT THAT DIDN'T LAST BY THE TIME HE GOT THERE WE WERE ALL ON OUR WAY I'LL TELL YA THAT MUCH.

BEERS AND BRO'S

KRISTOPHER TILLEY MIDWAY THROUGH THE SECOND NIGHT

UP EARLY AGAIN AND WITH EVERYONE HURT WE WANTED TO GIVE CONSEY THE GRAND TOUR AND I'LL TELL YA HE WENT TO WORK, ONLY WALKING AWAY WITH THREE CLIPS BUT MY GOD THEY WERE ALL ENDER WORTHY. AFTER REECE WAS DONE KILLING SHIT WE RODE A PUMP TRACK BOMBED SOME HILLS AND CONTINUED TO SEARCH UNTIL DINNER TIME. WE ROLLED IN HAD A FEED, SOME BEERS AND CHILLED. THE FOLLOWING MORNING WE GOT OUT EARLY AGAIN BUT WE DIDNT HAVE ANY PLANS AS EVERYONE WAS BEAT, THE FOUR DAY WEEKEND HAD BEAT US BUT WE STILL WANTED TO RIDE SO WE HIT TWO PARKS ON THAT WAY BACK TO BRISSY.

REECE JONES BS BOARD

SHED HANGS

COFFEE

GREEN TEA

MARSHALL SMITH, KRISTOPHER TILLEY, GUY PERRETT, REECE JONES AND DAN MCCORMACK.

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A conversation with Ralph Mcmoran

M; What's up Ralph, how are you?

R; It's going man, just trying to figure out how to scooter again it's been a while.

M; By the looks of the Instagram content that's been popping up you haven't had much trouble. I'm going to have to ask that cookie cutter question. Name, age, years riding and any sponsors?

R; Haha thanks man. Ralph Mcmoran, 22, been riding for about 11 almost 12 years maybe. Sponsors are Hellagrip and Affinity.

M; I see you recently started working for affinity also, have they been teaching you to weld?

R; Yeah they are very chill about teaching people to weld, but I don't have the patience man haha. I've tried a few times, I just to frustrated and give up.

M; Yeah TIG welding is frustrating as, I did a 2 week block of it for my apprenticeship and I only laid 1 decent bead. You've been on a fair amount of scooter trips, what have been your top 3?

R; Yeah I feel that, every time I just melt down the tube haha.

M; The struggle.

R; Top 3? Wow that's tough man, I think Australia is number 1 just because hanging with the friendly dudes is the best ever. They know how to have a good time and I'm really comfortable with them. 2nd would probably be Denmark, that place is amazing and for 3rd probably the 1st time to France. That was like my first trip out of the country so it has a special place in my heart you know?

M; I feel ya, did you try any local beers whilst you were here? If so how did they compare to American beer? do you have any plans to come back down under?

R; I had VB and GOON haha. I feel like VB is just like our Budweiser. I could be wrong though because it was a really long time ago and now that I'm of age to drink I just drink Mexican beers. I don't really choose to go with American light beer but if it's around I'm not complaining. I wish I could make out it there, man I'm hanging with Jon Archer right now. Dude is the best, everyone from Australia is the best! Maybe i'll save up my own money and make a trip.

post shotguns, Sacramento 2013
pic; Wheeland

M; Oh shit, tell Jon I said whats up. VB is foul but if someone's buying I'm not saying no. You're more than welcome to stay at mine or the new Famhouse. What have been your biggest influences from inside and outside of scootering?

R; He's somewhere around here we're at Wood Ward, but when I see him I'll tell him. Thanks man yeah hopefully I can do that. 

Dude influences are hard you know? Like when i was a kid it was like Matt Andrus, Jesse Macaluso and like Coedie Donovan. Then I hit teenage years and got into Matt Mckeen and like Dylan Kasson. Then i got really into skating and pretty much the old Alien workshop team, around mind field time. Now dude it's crazy it's people who don't even skate or scooter who influence me. Just moving to Arizona hanging out with people who didn't about that stuff was so refreshing, not talking about skating or scootering, I feel like I'm burnt out on that, I don't even watch skate or scooter video that much anymore. It just doesn't do it for me. I have to find my own motivation to ride now.

M; Do you find it hard sometimes to find that motivation?

R; Sometimes I do find it hard to get motivation but lately I've been working at Affinity and I have just been thinking of tricks I wanna learn or even how I want my part to be. Like the only way I go out filming now is if I have an idea I want to do but I'm usually down to just cruise with the boys and have a nice sesh but I mean scooter riders aren't really releasing parts anymore and I can't get hyped off of a 60 second video on Instagram. It just doesn't do it for me.

M; What do you think of the state of scootering is like compared to 3-4 years ago? There has always been a lot of "up there" riders saying "scootering is whack" have you ever been one of these people? are you still one of these people and if so, why?

R; I think scootering has changed so much compared to 3-4 years ago. Like 3-4 years ago it wasn't about being the best or how good you are. It was more about just being your own rider and filming video parts and putting more effort into it. Now I feel like everyone just really wants followers. They are still putting in the effort but in my mind it's for a different cause, and I watch all these insta vids and everyone just looks the same in my eyes. They aren't really trying that hard to do new stuff, they just add a new combo to  what everyone else is already doing. No one has a trick selection, they just wanna do every trick. I think back then I didn't think scootering was whack at all. I really liked seeing people with their own trick selection and style. Now it's not so much I think scooterings whack its the people in it. Like I was just at the SD comp and it just seemed like everyone had such a big ego because they had over 10k followers. So I don't think scooterings whack more the people in it. The business side is pretty lame too but scooters itself no. Scooters are tight dude! Jon also said whats up mate.

M; I see the ego thing a lot and the pursue for subscribers/followers seem to be at the height of the majorities agenda for sure. Touching on video parts, you just had some clips in that magnificent Hella Grip video and your Tilt 1 part stands out to me as one of the greatest to date. You mentioned earlier you're working on a part. How's that going for you? And what do you look for when searching for spots?

never stop hopping fences
pic; Wheeland

R; Thanks man means a lot. It's slowly coming, filming is a little more relaxed now since it's kind of on my own time. There's no rush really and I'm stoked about that. When it comes to spots, I really just like to find stuff with a little personality of each city I'm in. For example if I go to San Francisco  I'm not going there to ride a plain handrail down some stairs, I want to have some hill bombing or just look unique. That goes for anytime I travel. Also I usually have a trick in mind that I want to do and just kind of wait for the spot to show up.

M; It's always nice not to have a deadline that's for sure. I think that'll do it, we got a lot of good stuff. Any thanks?

R; Heck yeah man, Thanks to you for this opportunity and the people who support me.

Photo's by Tyler Wheeland

Words by Marshall Smith

JUZZY CARTER INTERVIEW

LANKY, TALL AND DETERMINDED. THESE ARE THE WORDS MAX PETERS USED TO DESCRIBE JUZZY CARTER. I WOULDNT BE AS KIND BECAUSE TO PUT IT SIMPLY HE'S NOTHING AND A FUCKWIT.

Interview; Marshall Smith

 Photo's by Jordan Turner, Max Peters and Marshall Smith

M; Juzzy maht hows it cracking?

J; Yeah not bad at all mate! having a grand old time, yourself?

M; Thats the go, yeah just kicking trying to keep cool. I guess we should start with the basic info you know, name, age, sponsors, years riding?

J; Skits! Well my names Justin, but people have been calling me Juzzy for a while. I'm 20, ride for Maddgear and have been on the scoot the last 7 years!

M; That decade is slowly creeping up. How did you first get into Scootering and who where you're influences as a young rider?

J; Holy shit, you forget how long its been ayy! Well I started Skateboarding when I was 6 and couldnt get enough of it but my friends stop skating and the local started getting more deserted I found a scooter to shred and have fun with. It wasnt until grade 7 that my friends showed me videos of Coedie Donovan and Terry Price and i fell in love at first whip! haha In my early years I was heavily influenced by the original MGP team. Watching edits of Coadie, Jaxon Andrawartha, Luke Pickett and the whole team got me so hyped to ride and learn as much as I could!

M; Yeah dude its crazy hey,this year is my ninth or something. You seem to have much of the same influences starting up as most riders our age that was the dream team, did you ever think as a little kid that you'd be sponsored by Maddgear let alone looked up to?

J; Never dude, it was literally a dream of mine. I looked up that team like they were gods. I was honoured to get a spot on the team two years ago. That thought didn't really sink in for a while though considering i'd been on a few teams before i got on Madd but but it's been a hell of a journey and I love every minute of it! Im hyped i can have a similar influence to other kids wanting to pick up a scooter.

M; Thats it dude, thats all you can hope for this sport to grow in the right direction. Now I've only known you personally as a street orientated rider, what made you step away from the worldies and onto rails?

J; haha I guess I got to the point in park riding where i'd done a lot of what i wanted to do and i was no longer finding normal riding enjoyable. To have fun id have to learn like 5 new tricks a session and i didn't like the way i was approaching scootering at the time. I've always loved street skateboarding and it only made sense to broaden my horizons and not confine my riding to the park. Since I changed it up I've been loving riding new things, filming and spot searching everywhere and every day i can! FUCKEN LOVE A GOOD RAIL THOUGH AYY.

 M; Thats living. Whos the most famous person that follows you on Instagram?

J; hahaha umm Dane Burnman actually asked me a couple of days ago what video had the scooter riders sending it down the 19 is San Diego (Scooterfarm SD street jam 2015) on instagram! other than that Jaws sometimes chucks my viddeos a like or two hah its always cool when the skaters are down for it :)

M; Fuck yeah, speaking of Instagram. We've been seeing you riding a longer Maddgear deck than usual, Care to explain? wait are you allowed to talk about that?

J; Fuck knows but lets just say its currently a prototype and all will be revealed very soon ;) haha!

M; looking forward to what ever it is. Kaysee (lang), Jordan (turner) and myself have fully gotten behind the word hectic so with that said whats the most hectic scooter trip you've been on? 

J; Fuck dude, totally tripped out on this! it's been three days ah! But yeah dude, I'd have to say the most hectic trip would've been to California last year. Ticked more than i thought i could off the old bucket list, met so many cool dudes, ate the best food and had the experience of a life time. It was hard to decipher what was better, visiting woodward (a lifelong dream) or riding the spots la had to offer. Either way both made me wanna pack up and ditch the great southern land!

M; That seems to be the case with everyone that goes to the states. Have you got any trips planned for the near future?

J; I've just come off uni break so until next semester finishes I cant leave the country, but hopefully by the middle of the year i'll be touring and filming if all goes to plan! It sucks I was meant to ride in the dissidence coalition comp and the Barcelona street jam but some dates changed and it would mean I'd miss to many classes. Hopefully next year I can make it over!

M; you seem really dedicated to uni, what are you studying?

J; I'd say I'm definitely more committed to scooters but uni is still important to me. I'm studying film and tv which is really cool as you learn shitloads about film making and you can also borrow dope camera equipment over the weekend! ;) hopefully going to be doing more of that this year. The only shit thing is I end up  missing out on a lot of events during the year like international jams, ect. It will be worth it in the end, there is always more jams. 

M; That's the go, interesting subject always good to have something to fall back on. Do you have any projects that you're working/ looking forward to working on?

J; Well once my full part is done, i'll be filming for a promo and travelling overseas for it on my next uni break. My plan is to get my own camera set up so I can develop some proper video parts this year, otherwise stay tuned for some big news in the coming months.

M; looks like you've got a busy year of riding and uni ahead of you. Any last thanks before we wrap this up?

J; Yeah I'm definitely keen for whats coming this year! Would love to thank my sponsor Maddgear, scootering and the fucking boys cunt!

Cheers for the interview Lash!

M; No worries mate, hope to catch up soon for a cold one soon or perhaps something not so cold. Peace.

J; Hhaha yes! Thanks mate

DYLAN CONNELL IS DUSTIE

SOME SAY DYLAN GOT GIVEN A DISCOUNT CARD AT THE PARRAMATTA KFC BECAUSE HE EATS IT SO OFTEN, OTHERS THINK HE IS DIRECT BLOOD LINE OF THE COLONEL HIMSELF. GET TO KNOW THIS CRAZY MAN BELLOW.

INTERVIEW BY MARSHALL SMITH

PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY AARON BRANSDON

M; Alright Dylan lets get this show on the road, Whats your name, age, sponsors, years riding and where you are currently.

D; My names  Dylan Connell I'm 19 years old, currently in Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia. Sponsored by Lifeboat Scooters and I've been riding for about eight and a half years.

M; Hell yeah, How'd riding for Lifeboat come about?

D; Funny story actually. I was riding for Native at the time and due to some minor issues with some of the team riders I thought parting ways with them would be better option for me, so I parted with Native and at the same time I was hit up with the opportunity to ride for lifeboat which was sick because I already got along with everyone so it was a no brainier.

M; Hell yeah, Regan (Thompson) steering the ship well. Do you smoke spin/mix or straight green?

D; GREEN all the way. I don't smoke any tobacco whatsoever and I'd like to keep it that way.

M; Guy (Perret) would be proud. Apart from riding scooters you are heavily involved in filming with the friendly crew, who's been in front of your lens lately?

D; Well everyone's constantly throwing down and filming for their own video projects but we have commenced filming for a project. I'm not sure what it will be but i want it to be filmed and edited perfectly.  I've already got a few clips of some of the crew.

M; Sounds like the homie video is alive as well.

D; For sure dude, would be sick to make a full length but we will have to wait and see.

M; its always a mission to get everyone filming, unless everyone is real keen,

D; Yeah and it doesnt help that my camera bag weighs 11kg, so its not that easy to go out filming for a day haha

M; Whats in that bag of yours?

D; I'v got a dslr for all fish eye shots with a 8-15 mm canon fish eye, super wide looking lens. I also have a HMC150 for long lens so I get that crisp HD zoom as well as a opteka pro handle, external mic and light.

M;  Dam you are locked and loaded by the sounds of it.

D;Yeah dude I'm petty hyped on my set up at the moment! looks proper.

M; Who should we be on the look out for this year? Who are you hyped on at the moment?

D; Just keep a look out on friendly man we have some big things planned!

M; I'll be refreshing the channel repeatedly this year don't you worry. Any thanks to give before we wrap this thing up?

D; Just wanna thank all the homies for being rad and keeping it real, also would like to give a shout out to everyone that doesn't make bad vlogs. <3