For those of you out there who are all about long introductions and crazy preludes to articles, columns, novels, interviews and whatever else… too bad. I don’t see a need to have to write a ridiculously long and painful introduction that ends up sounding like I’ve copy/pasted everything on to here. This’ll be short and sweet. He’s an artist, a skater, a musician, an established author and writer, a smoker and drinker, a fan and most importantly, he’s a provocative thinker. As the author of the book “Streetwear“, having written for Streetwear Today Magazine and for his blog on Hypebeast.com; not to mention his own website Blacklodges.com, Steven Vogel has definitely made a name for himself. He immersed himself into this subculture at the ripe old age of eleven and has been eating, breathing and living it since. The dance floor’s yours, Steven.

Shake that money maker, Steven!

From what I’ve gathered, you do a lot of thinking… and drinking. What goes on in that crazy mind of yours, Steven? What’s your next step?

I do think a lot, but then who doesn’t? I mean, at least it is something to hope for anyway. As far as the drinking goes, guilty as charged, drinking and smoking are my only two vices and I do indulge as much as I can. Not that I am some raving alcoholic, but you know that song “I drink alone” by George Thorogood? Well, listen to it and you’ll get a glimpse into my life. As far as the next step goes, as a matter of fact, I am going to be taking it very easy this year. I have a few projects that I am working on which I am very happy with, be that through Burton and / Black Lodges and that is where it is going to stay for now. I rather work on fewer projects and do them well then stretch myself into oblivion.

You’re clearly NOT a conformist and it sounds like you never have been. What part of being this renegade dilettante, do you love the most? Is it the freedom?

Interesting, I have never looked at myself in that light. Conformity is wrong in my opinion, however, rebelling without a cause is even worse. Fact is, if you look at what our world has turned into and look at it closely, I don’t see how you cannot rebel, or at least question what you are being forced fed. Like Shakespeare said, “There’s something rotten in the state of Denmark…” and I just happen to be very vocal about what I think. I think a revolution, in various degrees of our society, is becoming more important as the traditional channels of change, democracy for example, no longer work. I am not advocating a violent revolution though, violence doesn’t solve anything at all, but a lot of things need to change. That begins with the individual though; I don’t believe in the concept of the revolution from above, but rather on the organic revolution from from below. Anyone interested in that idea should read up on Antonio Gramsci, very interesting ideas. Freedom? You are only as free as you want to be.

Steven’s favorite pass-time activity: Smokin’, Boozin’ and Strummin’ away.

Is that (being a rebel) why you’ve been so drawn to this subculture?

No, I never thought of myself as a rebel. I got into this crap because I thought team sports and jocks were idiots and I skateboarded all my life. I think what people perceive this subculture to be today was modeled on my generations’ teenage life, so no, I wasn’t drawn to anything, every sort of collided back in the early 90’s.

I’m for one, NOT going to ask you what “streetwear” means in your opinion- you’ve answered that question so many times in previous interviews, I’m sure your eyes will bleed and you might vomit if you see that question again; either that, or you’ll just copy/paste your answer onto this. I AM going to steal one of your own interview questions that you asked Andrew from Invisible:Man on Black Lodges. What do you think will take its place once this industry goes mainstream? (That was an awesome interview, by the way… read it if you haven’t done so yet)

I have no idea and honestly, I am not actually that interested. What I hope is that this focus on product, the mindless consumerism and the insane need of identification through the product will stop ASAP. I find it so insane and dumb that people actually believe that by buying some product, they will be a part of something. It baffles me. So I hope that people will stop fretting about tees and so on and just go out, think, have fun, start a band, go skating and just experience the world; not electronically but in analogue and start asking questions. I know you are thinking in terms of clothing etc., but fashion is totally irrelevant to me, I have zero interest in trends or fashion for that matter.

STREETWEAR by Steven Vogel

Since you’re one to pull cards (hey, someone’s got to do it), I’ll be the first to admit that I boil and sweat over stuff that’s written in forums, but at the end of the day - they’re just words. As bad as it sounds, this industry does rely on hype, the shit talkin’ kids and who’s got “beef” with who, what your take on all that?

I have never been part of or read a forum to be honest. Except on stonerrock.com but that’s all about partying, getting stoned and listening to heavy metal, so it’s pretty mellow. Fact is though, these “shit talking” kids are the ones wanting, or least willing to buy product, so I think their opinions are valid, in the sense that they decide (idealistically anyway) what brand succeeds and which one doesn’t. You cannot take the internet serious though when it comes to all this e-thuggery, it’s a joke.

How do you feel about these “minute-brands” (my term for the quick-buck-brands) that just keep popping up? Pretty fucking lame or what?

To be honest, it’s normal - it’s happened in skateboarding 10-15 years ago, so I was expecting it. There’s nothing you can do about it except not buy from them.

What’s the best / worst thing your book has brought you? What was the most memorable moment you had while in the midst of writing this book?

I realized that no matter how good you are, you will never achieve anything that makes everyone happy. I think the book, or at least people’s perception of it and why I did it is a little wrong, I never intended for it to be a blueprint, but rather a snapshot of what is going on in this little part of youth culture right now. I am still waiting for someone else to write another book on this subject and kill mine, as there is plenty of room for that. The most memorable point was the launch party we did at The Three Threads store in London, I had no idea what to expect and since I had left London a few years before hand, I was quite unsure. Disregarding the book, all my friends showed up and we had a big ass party which was hilarious. So thanks to Gareth and everybody at the store for getting that together.

I’m sure it’s a love / hate relationship.

What’s the best and/or most important part to you about your “fanzine” Black Lodges?

All of it. To me, it’s an entity, all these different parts of my life and my interests represent what made me who I am today. Without wanting to sound condescending, but I hope that site gives a certain element of education to its’ readers.

So what’s with the two different book covers? Was that intentional? Is the difference of any significance?

I actually had little to say about that, the US publisher wanted their cover, for whatever reason I don’t actually know. So no significance or intention on my part.

I know that music has always been a crucial element in your life from a very early start, why is that?

Music is everything to me and it always will be, and how it cannot be to some people continues to amaze me. I grew up in a very music-interested family, and on my 9th birthday my dad gave me the entire AC/DC back catalogue so blame him, or thank him depending if you like my passion about it. Making music to me is the most relaxing and honest expression of emotion possible, it’s a great way to release tension and a way for me to get my head straight.

One of the KYUSS CD’s from Steven’s collection
SIDE NOTE: listen to “Big Bikes” and “Son of a Bitch” - great songs

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? 10 years?

I have no idea, I am not a futurist, hopefully happy and content with what ever I am doing.

In your opinion, what are the best and worst parts of this industry and why?

The friendships by a long shot, working with people that you like and creating something that you feel proud of is great. The worst parts? I tend to ignore those and getting hung up on petty bullshit.

Having said that, what would you like to see changed in this industry? What would you like to see more of?

More fun. I, for one, never got into this to have a career, I sometimes wish the fun factor would come back, but that’s pretty silly to wish for.

If you could have any supernatural strength/power, what would it be and why?

Flying! How rad would it be not to be effected by gravity? And time travel, I’m a history nerd so there are few events in history I would love to see for myself!

Steven with his wife, Nina - Kudos to Heidi Hartwig for this awesome photo

Which three words BEST describe who you are?

Ask my wife!

What word best describes your style?

A lack thereof!

Is there a specific quote or motto that has always stuck with you?

“You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star” - Nietzsche

If you could be ANYWHERE in the world right now, where would you want to be and why?

Right here, I am happy right now.

The End.

Julia