Shed
"little children beating senior citizens, and a rollerblade dummy filled with cat poo chucked into the crowd"
Interview & photos by Schmitty
I've known Sam Hitz for a while now. He's always been the guy to turn to when you need an honest opinion about something. He’s a straight shooter; he'll tell you how he sees it, and he's been in the game long enough that you know better than to second guess him. When we started discussing another Skate Rock album, Shed was one of the first bands thought of to be included. Along with Hitz, Darren Navarrette, Aaron Scott, and Chad Mohler, the group’s been rocking together since 1999, while their skating speaks for itself. I caught up with Sam to shed a little light on their current state.
How long has Shed been a band?
I guess we’ve been banging on shit since ’99.
What's the current status of the band?
Good question. Pretty much in and out of hiatus. We suck.
Who are some of your major influences?
We've stated the obvious bands before, but just watching our fucked up friends skate and geek it. Like G-Man and old man Andy; they usually create some grim punk rock situations.
There's a new Skate Rock project in the making. What part in that will you guys have?
Well, we recorded a shitty song called “SDFFU” exclusivley for Skate Rock 13. There’s a DVD side, too, so there should be some skating and footage from a couple shows.
Talk about the process you guys use to create new material; is it out of jamming or does someone write shit down and show it to the other guys?
It's completely retarded. It's like making a five-year-old do geometry. That’s completely it! Ignorance is bliss. We don't want to be infiltrated by rules that say “this is how you are supposed play your guitar” or whatever.
Projects galore. I'm on a video kick right now. Prepare for Collections of the LARB.
What’s one of the best shows or memories for Shed as a band?
Police helicopter 50 feet above my head, kicked out windows, little children beating senior citizens, and a rollerblade dummy filled with cat poo chucked into the crowd, all with in an hour’s time.
What would be a dream show or tour for you to play?
How about Shed, Johnny and the Dudes, and Highway Murderers for five nights in TJ.
What would you like to say to all the rollerbladers of the world?
Cut your feet off.
Which band member would win in a game of skate history?
I'll have to go ahead and give that one to Darren. But our drummer Aaron is a third generation Z-Boy so I don't know.
What's the best excuse you've heard not to get together and jam?
“It's Hamburger Helper night.”
Do you prefer to play loaded or wait to get loaded ’til after you play?
It escalates from start to finish. We never censor our vices.
What does the future hold for Shed?
Hopefully none. Skate Rock 13 is a good number to die on. You could never beat Skate Rock 3 with COC, the Accused, and Gang Green. But from what I heard so far this is going to be the best one since. No outsiders. Down for life: pure skate rock.
-
4/26/2024
Skegss Interview
Australia's Skegss are the reverb drenched summer soundtrack you need. Read the exclusive Thrasher interview. -
4/26/2024
Beirut Interview
The music of Beirut has been featured in many skate vids over the years, most notably in Mark Suciu’s “Verso” masterpiece. Mark caught up with Zach Condon, the man behind the band, in this exclusive interview. -
4/26/2024
Tom DeLonge Interview
Angels & Airwaves was born out of Tom DeLonge leaving Blink-182. Here he talks about charting that band’s own path along with his thoughts on skating and UFOs. -
4/26/2024
Greta Van Fleet Interview
Using musical chemistry, the band members of Greta Van Fleet extract the essence of various classic rock anthems. They combine the parts they like and create a sound all their own. These guys truly rock and roll. -
4/26/2024
Mononeon Interview
The term "musical prodigy" doesn't quite capture the bass-playing abilities of Mononeon. It's more accurate to say he's one of the best to ever pick up the instrument. See for yourself. -
4/26/2024
Animal Collective Interview
Animal Collective blew up in the skate world when their song was used in Jake Johnson's Mind Field part—which is regarded as a masterpiece of skating/editing/music. The band's unique legacy and sound has only gotten stronger in the following years. -
4/26/2024
Thurston Moore's Interview
Thurston is a founding member of Sonic Youth and a guitar virtuoso. His various projects have created a rich musical legacy. He also has deep roots with skating and video-making. Here he describes the mutual affection between skating and his music. -
4/26/2024
Soft Kill x Welcome Skateboards
Welcome gets the singer from Soft Kill on the line to discuss music, addiction and their recent collaboration. -
4/26/2024
R.A. the Rugged Man Interview
During his 30-year career, R.A. has occupied both the spotlight and the status of an underground hip-hop legend. His song "Uncommon Valor" is regarded as a lyrcial masterpiece and he shows no signs of stopping. -
4/26/2024
Third Eye Blind Interview
After millions of album sales since the mid-90s, Third Eye Blind frontman Stephan Jenkins continues to make music without compromise or concern about radio hits and pop charts. He features Cher Strauberry in his newest video and she sat with him for an interview.