SKATE NEWS

Listen up y'all. We've officially entered a recession. It's a bummer I know. maybe you're feeling the pinch or maybe your parents are feeling it. But any way you cut it, now is a good time to pay close attention to what you support and what you choose not to.

It's just come to my attention that some good friends, the folks at Listen skateboards, are feeling the harsh economic downturn. Apparently they're taking some time to re-evalute their situation:

"First of all thanks to everyone who has supported us for the past 4 years. Due to the unforseen economic downfall and obstacles beyond our control, we have collectively decided to take these next two months to restructure our company financially and operationally in order to bring you a new and improved Listen skateboards and Listenskateboards.com, in January 2009.

Listen Skateboards

This sucks. Remember to support skaters so companies like Listen and good people like Danny Montoya, Rob G and Brian Brown can keep inspiring us with their skating.
If you're down with real skateboarding, drop the folks at Listen a line to let them know you've got their backs. Everyone on that team and all the folks on the back end as well are real-deal skaters and should be supported by real skaters.

If you need a refresher on some of the Listen team's skills check out this Adio promo with Listen pros Brian Brown and Danny Montoya in there crushing it.

One In A Trillion

Kevin Coakley Hits The Lottery Twice

Krooked

Kevin Comes Up Once Again
When Jake Donnelly, last year's winner of Slap's "One In A Million Contest" was quickly added to the Real amateur team, I suddenly thought about the same contests OG victor, Kevin Coakley. "Poor bastard," I said to myself. The guy took out hundreds, if not thousands of entrants, got to choose a company to have a pro board on (he chose Krooked) for a little while and then disappeared into utter obscurity as quickly as he came. "Fame, you sonofabitch!" I once even cried aloud during a Cantonese supper with my girlfriend. I began to despise fame. Not the popular television sitcom of the 80's which featured phenominal dance sequences and complex characters, but the encompassing notion of short-lived notoriety. I even swore to boycott Slap's "OIAM" by refraining from voting in such future skate footage elections. "Vote for the best footage, my ass," I said. "And do what?...promote this skate democracy which is hugely encrusted in lies?...over my dead body!"

Needless to say, I was outraged by it all. But that was until I heard about Kevin Coakley being added to the Blueprint Skateboards team. This swiftly served platter of justice not only invoked a feeling of love and harmony deep down inside myself, it made me feel guilty for ever doubting the righteousness of mankind...and of skateboarding as a whole. To make this victory even more glorious than ever, Kevin will forever go down in history as the first American to ride for the UK based board brand.

Celebrate with me folks and watch this video of Kevin giving a tour of his homestead and destroying the streets near and far. And remember to be on the lookout for Kevin's part in the upcoming Blueprint video, Make Friends With The Colour Blue. Congratulations Kevin. If I lived in Boston, I'd be sure to track you down and offer up my chest in a thoroughly executed thug hug.

Deluxe Distribution

Not long ago, Arizona skate scene staple, Lee Bender, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Ever since, his fellow skate brethren have pulled together to help him raise funds for his continuously growing hospital bills. Tomorrow, Nov. 1st, starting at 12 PM, skaters from all over the U.S. will gather at Forest Park Skatepark in Noblesville, Indiana to session for Lee. Presented by Rise Skateboard Shop and Deluxe Distribution, this benefit jam will also mark the debut of the new Real, Lee Bender Board, with all proceeds going straight to the pocket of Lee himself. They'll be an old fashioned race, a game of S.K.A.T.E., a best trick contest, raffle, cook out and more. If you're nearby, come out to skate and show some support for one of our own through these rough times.

SULLEN CLOTHING ADDS PRO SKATEBOARDER CHAD KNIGHT TO FAMILY OF SPONSORED ATHLETES

Veteran Street and Park Skateboarder Showcases Sullen Brand to International Skate Scene; “Turn Up the Hell” 1031 Skateboard Video Release on Halloween Night

IRVINE, Calif. (October 31, 2008) — Sullen Clothing, Southern California’s definitive art-driven lifestyle apparel company, today announced the addition of Pro Skateboarder Chad Knight to the Sullen Family of sponsored athletes, artists and bands.

Knight, a veteran professional skateboarder, is perhaps best known in recent years for his appearances on FUEL TV’s “Daily Habit,” “Adrenelina” and “American Misfits” along with his featured performances in the 1031 Skateboard Videos “Bleed for Me” and the new release “Turn up the Hell.” He has also been featured with numerous interviews, advertisements and editorial coverage in skateboard magazines around the globe.

“My relationship with Sullen is a win-win,” said Knight. “I have spent 3 years searching for a clothing sponsor that I felt fit my style. I proudly wear the clothes because they exude dignity in everything they produce; using all original artwork. I respect the support they give to the Sullen Family athletes. Our goal is to expose the brand to everyone who skates for the love of the sport. I am definitely up to the challenge of showcasing the Sullen brand in as many skate scenes around the world as possible!”

Currently, Knight is promoting the release of the new 1031 skate video “Turn Up the Hell” and returning from a series of global demos that featured appearances in: Dublin, Ireland; Seattle, WA; and a summer tour across Japan and the entire United States. He is currently represented by Sports Unlimited Management and also sponsored by: 1031 Skateboards, NSS Footwear, Landshark Wheels, FKD Bearings, Independent Trucks, Vitamin Water, Dragon Alliance, Mouse Griptape, Blendz (smoothie shop) and CD Skateshop out of Staten Island, New York. More information can be found at www.chadknight.com

“We welcome Chad with open arms to the Sullen Family, and we are stoked to have him on board,” said Sullen Clothing co-founder Jeremy Hanna. “He has a hardcore attitude, a ton of humility and a healthy respect for the tattoo culture that permeates everything about the Sullen brand. Our roots are in the skate/surf community, and having Chad continue to fly our banner in skate scenes around the world is an honor.”

Making a name for itself during the past eight years as an art-driven brand rooted in the So Cal lifestyle and tattoo art culture, Sullen Clothing has transcended the boundaries of genre by making art, attitude and tone its distinctive brand calling card. With its early popularity originating in the action sport community, the brand has continued to grow by taking on the challenge of bridging its popularity across the global skateboard, surf, snow, bmx, fmx, motocross, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), tattoo, urban and alternative/hardcore music scenes.

Now an international upstart sold in retailers throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia and parts of Africa, Sullen Clothing has built its solid reputation and frontline creditability as an artistic force and now collaborates with some of the best and brightest of the tattoo and artistic underground, including such noted talents as: Shawn Barber; Nikko Hurtado; Tom Berg; Carlos Torres; Carlos Rojas; Big Gus; Franco Vescom; Jack Mosher; Tattoo John; Curtis Burgess; Grant Cobb; Preston Chambers; Alex Castro; Zurk; Christian Nguyen; Riton Man “Henry B”; Bob Tyrrell; Jay Langer; Jay Cooper; Erik Rieth; and Braden Kendall… just to name a few with many more artists in the upcoming series yet to be announced.

About Sullen:
Sullen is an art-driven lifestyle apparel brand based in Orange County, Calif., the nation’s hotbed for the action sport and style-based clothing industry. From its humble beginnings in a Huntington Beach, Calif. apartment in 2001, the company has grown into a nationally recognized upstart in the apparel world. Today, Sullen’s reputable account base exceeds over 1600 retail locations that range from large mall-based chains to core skateboard shops and boutiques. Known for its captivating original artwork and uncompromised commitment to bold style, Sullen offers distinct lines for men and women. Sullen is also known for its steadfast support of today’s hottest bands, FMX and BMX riders, skaters, surfers, MMA fighters, tattoo artists, event promoters and charitable causes – the Sullen Family. For more information about Sullen, its current catalog offerings, special events or “family” members, please logon to www.sullenclothing.com.