KITSCH Skateboards just dropped their new Spring/Summer catalogue featuring some great new looks by a couple of our favourite artists, Andrew Pommier and Ben Tour. It's kind of like taking a canvas right off the wall and slapping trucks on it, which is tough to do, but will make you the most sophisticated skater at the park.

Check out more KITSCH in the latest issue of COLOR (11.1)

If Blind's latest film DAMN wasn't enough, check out this Q&A with filmaker Mike Manzoori on the making of the film.  You can also learn some more about Mike and his creative process back in Color issue 8.5.

Blind's latest film DAMN premiered last night to a stunned crowd at first PacificBoarder followed by a real shake-down at London Pub's Turnt-Up-Tuesdays. A must see video for sure with must see parts from our favorite Canadians Morgan Smith and TJ Rogers! Check below for some more shots of the nights festivities. Photos courtesy Neal Lally.

https://www.facebook.com/events/175934652571052/

In this extended interview from our "Worldwide Underground" article in Color 11.1, Jai Ball breaks down his vision for Studio Skateboards and what it means to be an independent skater-owned company from Canada.

Wade Fyfe, switch crook [ o ] nicholas

Canada has a unique industry with a variety of companies. What about Studio makes it reflect what’s going on with your scene?I always wanted Studio to visually embody that big city aesthetic I grew up in and loved. Being from Montreal, as kids we were always stoked on NYC, Philly and Washington. Those cities had scenes and a vibe we related to. In terms of the team and skating, it seemed Canada was typically represented a certain way and if you didn't fit that handrail, stair skating mold you weren't gonna go too far. At least that's how I always felt. I wanted Studio to be for the others skaters, the guys who interpret the city they're from with some sort of style and originality, be it Montreal, Vancouver or wherever.

How much of an international response have you gotten and where can people pick up the boards outside of Canada?When Mood Lighting premiered on SLAP the response was great, Hella Clips too. I don't think there was one bad online comment, that I saw, which is pretty shocking in these days of raging messege board hate. I got emails from kids in Europe and the Czech Republic who were stoked and wanted a copy of the video. Outside of Canada, Supreme will be carrying them in New York and I'm working on the rest! If any International distributors are interested shoot me an email! I'll have a new online store for spring as well.

Grab a couple of these gems in the Studio online store

What companies did you look up to when you were coming up with Studio?There's definitely some old mid 90s Zoo York in there and its hard to avoid that Alien and Habitat Photosynthesis era as well. We were looking at that end of the spectrum in terms of inspiration.

What are some of the pros and cons of making web only edits vs DVDs?For web, the pros are: reach, accessibility and cost. Especially for a smaller company looking for as much exposure as possible. I still feel you need to do both for the bigger projects. If you have it in your hands, you watch it more; I've never heard the opposite. The tangible quality of a DVD or Blu Ray in terms of a skater's collection is undeniable. You watch it around your flat screen with a few buds and it's a rad, classic skate experience. DVDs are so cheap to make now too, so kids can buy it in the shop for 10 or 15 bucks, or you can just give them away with magazines or boards. And for smaller promos or ads, online is there for you. The true issue is quality ideas and production and it needs to be there whether it's full lengths, DVDs or web edits.

This no nonsense message from the Studio site says it all.

Has the popularity of other smaller brands helped Studio get into new shops?I think there's a movement towards DIY companies done by real skaters, and the right shops that know are backing it. Quebec always had a few local brands due to the proximity to manufacturing. When Studio started there were like five brands in Quebec alone. It almost had a negative impact because shops felt like they carried enough local stuff. We had to prove that we were more than just product and then doors opened. Outside of Quebec I definitely related to what Geoff Dermer was doing with Kitsch in Vancouver and we helped motivate each other to keep pushing. Eventually, shops started to mention us in the same sentence and I think that helped.

"Worldwide Underground" from Color 11.1

The Mood Lighting video was something different and a shift from what we’ve normally seen. There is a real timeless feel to it. What made you want to make a film like that instead of following the trends?I think you should always do what is true to you and feels right, whether it's your skating or your videos. I've always liked old movies from the 70s and skate videos from the 90s. We were filming on a VX1000 and Super 8 camera, so that set a certain tone visually. When it came time to edit the video with my creative partner and editor Jason Auger, I had the songs and an idea of something stripped down that made you wanna go skate. Jason understood exactly what I meant and worked his magic from there. In terms of the trends, it's like anything else, they're just agreed upon by a few people and become the norm. You can always do exactly what you want.

How much should a graphic reflect the rider?I think you wanna try and reflect the rider whenever you can and a good idea is there. I think its easier to do when you make less boards as well, so I try to take advantage of that as much a possible.

With the move to Vancouver will the company get a more West Coast feel to it?I find that visually Vancouver has a lot of the same architecture, grit and back alleys that inspired me in Montreal. Most of the team is back east as well, so in terms of the over all feel, it's never gonna change. If I moved to San Diego, then I'd be worried!

Studio Mood Lighting Full Length from Studio Skateboards on Vimeo.

Visit Isaac McKay-Randozzi online at mydumbluck.com

Orchard skate shop in Boston just released their Off Campus Housing capsule project with Antihero Skateboards and artist Dennis McNett.  Boston has a long history as a college town, and this capsule pays tribute to some of the harsh realities of moving out of the nest.

In addition to a collab Orchard x Antihero deck, the capsule comes complete with a "Care package from Mom" including these co-branded life essentials:

• Toilet Paper
• Roach Killer
• Emergency Tighty Whiteys
• Bar of Soap
• Travel Toothbrush
• #2 Pencil
• MOB Griptape

The package comes complete with snacks and assembled in a box packed with love from Mom. Available for $54.99 including 8.06" board, this limited release of 75 care packages is available only at Orchard and in their online store: http://orchardshop.bigcartel.com/product/orchard-x-antihero-off-campus-housing-package

In celebration of the project, Orchard and Vans hosted an exhibition of Dennis Mcnett's artwork for Antihero in the Extension Gallery at the shop.  Visit www.OrchardShop.com to see photos of the opening which included visits by special guests John Cardiel and Julien Stranger.

Trunk Boyz in Puerto Rico...and Malto and McCrank too!!

It was a nation-wide holiday here yesterday, which means this post is one-day late. But hey, it's kinda like your week is shorter now, too...

Mandy-Lyn comes through with another babe for #MandyLynMonday. Meet the sultry Star M.

Follow us on Instagram for a photo every Monday morning and a steady dose of skate culture to keep you inspired.

@colormagazine #MandyLynMonday

On May 11, 2013 the Wallie World Cup was held at a vacant parking lot in Vancouver. Presented by Vans Canada and Polar Skate Co. YT Distribution's Yan Tremblay along with JF Taillion (fellow Quebecer/reigning champion from 2012), put on quite a show. We were happy to have been a part of it. Vancouver truly has an amazing skate scene and it showed through this event.

115cm in the rain by local John Hanlon (not pictured here) with a soaked board... it was quite something—you'll have to wait to see that photo in the magazine.

After the contest the party continued at Antisocial with an exclusive artshow put on by Polar Skateboards with original work by skaters Pontus Alv and Jacob Ovgren of Sweden.It didn't stop there with Glory Days happening just up the street at the Biltmore Cabaret.

Thanks to PBR and everyone who came out, including Hershel from Girl/Art Dump and Mr. Rick McCrank! SKATE or D.I.Y.

Stay Tuned for the full video recap in the next few days!

A$AP RockyLONGLIVEA$AP(Sony)

Has anyone been more hyped in the last decade of rap? (Aside from Kanye West, that is). A$AP Rocky has been riding pretty high ever since he signed his multi-million dollar deal with Sony based strictly on his 2011 mixtape LIVELOVEA$AP, an album that has yet to see a physical release despite being hailed as one of the best rap records of this new century. With LONGLIVEA$AP, Rocky proves that his debut was no fluke. His ear for producers is just as strong as ever, filling the record with beats that range from dirty south to codeine-infused trip-hop to the bass-heavy block shakers that suit his ascendance out of Harlem. He was also smart enough to not overcrowd the record with guest MCs, though the ones that do appear, like Drake, 2 Chainz, Kendrick Lamar, Yelawolf and Danny Brown, are some of the sharpest in the game right now. A$AP himself is just as sharp, dropping tongue twisters next to memorable hooks with apparent ease. LONGLIVEA$AP is the record that will cement him as one of the great rap hopes of this current generation.

-Mark Richardson

Raen linked me with this short film about their Handmade x Heartfelt Campaign answering the mysteried about hand made eyewear we all have .... well at least me .

WATCH HERE <3 <3