INTERVIEWS
Andy Howell Delves Into the Origins of Underworld Element
Underworld Element was the prelude to what has evolved into the convergence street culture that’s become a driving force behind popular music, art, and fashion. It came from the mind of Andy Howell, who could be considered the forefather of streetwear. His recent Supreme collaboration is a testament to his influence.
At a time when skateboarding was vastly different than it is to day, Howell created something new and original that helped define a large part of the culture for future generations.
The brand grew out of Howell’s Urbanistics studio in Atlanta. He sheds some light on his vision for the creative space that birthed the movement starting at the 1:26:03 mark of the latest episode of The Nine Club.
I was in Atlanta at the time; and there was a convergence for me of music, computers, skateboarding, and fine art. So I built this studio in Atlanta that I called Urbanistics. I was super inspired by Warhol’s Factory. I had grown up, especially as an art student, looking at art history. And I was privileged enough to meet Keith Haring, and see Basquiat’s art on the street in New York, and things like that.
I was super inspired by Warhol’s approach. He wasn’t a street artist; but he was an artist that appropriated what was going on in our everyday lives. And then, made us look at it in a different way. He said, “While I’m here, I might as well make films. While I’m here, I might as well make Interview Magazine. Interview Magazine needs models, I might as well start a modeling agency…”
So he had this spot where all of the celebrities of the day had to go to Warhol’s Factory in New York. I wasn’t of the age to do that. But I was so inspired by that; I thought I should make something like that in Atlanta.
Learn more about Howell’s history and current projects above. And if you’re feeling nostalgic, revisit Underworld Element’s Skypager [1993] below.
INTERVIEWS
Pocket Skate Mag Features Daniel Ledermann in ‘Followed’
Pocket Skate Mag crew went with Daniel Ledermann in his chosen home of Innsbruck, Austria in this episode of “Followed“.
They began their day with a short hike in the Alps and then visited his apartment before hitting the streets to watch Dani get clips both in front and behind the lens of his own setup.
INTERVIEWS
How to Make it in Skateboarding? Your Fave Pros Got Some Answers
Chris Joslin, Felipe Gustavo, Mariah Duran, Matt Berger, Ryan Decenzo, and Giovanni Vianna discuss the dominance of Brazilian skateboarders, the forces that drive progression, and more in “Unfiltered.”
“Unfiltered” is a debut content series that offers an unedited glimpse into the minds of the world’s most prominent action sports stars. This roundtable conversation covers a range of topics, including the sport’s evolution, how to handle competition nerves, the impact of social media, and much more.
The first collection features nine episodes, with additional episodes, athletes, and topics scheduled for release this fall. Every Friday, new episodes are released on the X Games YouTube channel.
INTERVIEWS
‘Cold Call’ Presents Andy Anderson
In this episode of Thrasher’s “Cold Call“, Andy Anderson explores Venice’s iconic spots channeling inspiration from legends Natas, TA, and Rodney before unleashing his own freestyle prowess.
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INTERVIEWS6 months ago
‘Cold Call’ Presents Andy Anderson
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Pocket Skate Mag Features Daniel Ledermann in ‘Followed’