Thanks to Wil at FatKidOnFire for asking us to do an interview!, head on over to their site to check it out HERE!!
We’ve been catching up with a lot of the original brands to first feature here at FatKidOnFire. We’ve recently had chats with Ben at Bake Designs and SB at Self Gained Treasures and today sees us continuing the theme. Chris’ and his work with Death Before Dishonour Clothing was the second person/ brand to be featured here on FKOF, a week after the original site started. A lot has changed for him and the brand since then so we sat down to find out more…
[The pics below from a recent shoot with dubstep Dj Lost and his MC Skullion Shadez rocking DBD. It was shot by our good friend Bannerworx in Croydon after one of their sets from about 3am till 4.30am. They are wearing the new pieces along with new colours in the logo and the Varsity sweat jacket that is coming soon.]
It’s been almost a year since the DBD x FKOF feature, what’s changed for the brand since then? I’ve started to put some cut & sew into work which is where I need to be. There have been some decent hook ups with musicians too. The new Japanese Popstars album has the DBD logo tee featured in all the press shots in the inlay.
‘Emaciated Buddha’ depicts the struggle the Buddha went through prior to his Enlightenment. He underwent severe practices causing him to go to to skin and bone. The Tibetan flames illustrate the torture he put himself through. The skeletons hands holding the eyes show the birth of supreme vision and the bones of the arms form the 8 spokes of the Dharma Wheel. He finally abandoned these practices, ate and kicked back. He then sat under a tree and it all happened.
You’ve just dropped your latest amazing print called ‘Emaciated Buddha’ on tees and a sweat. Are you still designing using the same influences as you were a year ago? My influences have pretty much always been the east. Samurai/ Ninja culture & Buddhism will always play a strong part in what I do. I love lots of different stuff and wish I could bring it all into DBD but I have to try to stay within the brands area of focus. I’m just about to try going back to the pencil and paintbrush/ sharpie as it’s much more fun.
I will be able to get deeper into the process before switching to vector or maybe now and again going for the the hand drawn designs like I did with Samurai Zombie. I’m still in the process of finding my style to be honest; I’m not there yet.
Can you shed any more light on the Fused Forces collab we eluded to in the feature with them? Even though they really liked the first comic strip style I did I want to scrap it. I have sacrificed impact for detail and I don’t think it will do their vinyl justice. I’m meeting them soon to propose alternatives.
When can we expect more from DBD – any exciting collabs or further designs to look out for in the near future? I’ve been asked to collab with several producers in the Dubstep scene, some underground but producing very strong and intelligent sounds and some massive. I have some shirts dropping soon, a sweat varsity jacket [which you can see below], denim [!!] and finally several sweats/ tees about to drop.
Has your opinion of the streetwear scene in the UK changed? I think there is a lot of talent in the UK. There always has been. It’s just a very tough time for anyone over here trying to set a brand up. The UK scene is in it’s infancy though, it’s undernourished at the moment and we’ll only see what capability and talent lurks when there’s more money and support about.
There needs to be a change in paradigm in product to customer delivery before we will see that growth. We UK brands need to get togther and pull something big off that brings us much more exposure.
Can I take this opportunity to thank everybody that has supported DBD, the customers especially!
We’re absolutely huge fans of Chris’ work. DBD has gone from strength to strength; so much so that whenever we go raving there’s always someone DBD threads. It’s mental how big the support for this brand is. Rightly so though, it’s how it needs to be! We’re 110% stoked on what Chris has got in the pipeline, the varsity above looks amazing and we cannot wait for the DBD shirting and the denim. Until then, stay locked on the DBD website, blog, Twitter and Facebook.
If you have any thoughts on what Chris has had to (re-)say, or thoughts on anything else you’ve read fire us a comment or get in touch via email, Twitter, Facebook or the FKOF TakesQuestions page.
It’s been a fair while since FKOF had a sit down and caught up with one of the original brands from FatKidOnFire back in the day. Too long!
Bake Designs were just the third brand to feature here on FKOF - real OGs! Ben is one of the nicest guys I’ve had the pleasure of meeting in my last year of running the site and Bake are one of my favourite brands in UK streetwear. All’s gone a bit quiet over at Bake HQ with Ben being in the last year of Uni but we caught up the other week to discuss where the brand is and what’s in store…
It’s been almost a year since the Bake Designs x FKOF feature, what’s changed for the brand since then? It has been a while man - too long in fact. A lot has changed, it’s been a busy year for me with everything on.
I’m in my final of uni now, and that’s been a big commitment which has affected Bake. I would have loved to be dropping pieces left right and centre and perhaps pushing the brand forward more, but Uni had to be my priority.
Things have still changed though, there is a much clearer direction with the brand now, I’m much more happy with that. I always wanted the brand to have a clean graphic feel and I think at times I was pulled into designing graphics that I just felt would sell. I’m less concerned with what others think now and more interested in just doing what I want. I’m not doing designs based on what’s in the news and riding the wave of current affairs. I’m not interested in doing a ‘winning’ t-shirt, or ‘swag’ crewneck. That’s just lazy.
What’s the plan for the Bake Mix series you were doing a few months back? The first two from Synamatix and Link were absolute fire! I hear in the pipeline BD are possibly doing a relaunch soon, what’s going on there? The Bake mix series is something that I’ve really enjoyed being able to do, I’ve seen a few people bitching lately about how everyone’s doing it and brands should be more original. That’s a fair point, but as far as I’m concerned I want to hear good mixes so the more the merrier.
As far as the first two went Synamatix and Link both absolutely killed it, so a big shout has to go to them. But yeah there’s going to be more on the way soon, it’s one of the areas that did take a bit of a knock from my other commitments. But it is back on track, there’s one of the way as we speak and a couple more in the pipeline for the future.
And yeah this relaunch business, it’s a funny one. I don’t know if ‘relaunch’ is the right word really, but it goes back to the brand direction and being confident in it. I got to the point where I knew where I was at, where the brand was at and where I wanted it to go. Basically, I’m just going to do it properly now, and hopefully that will keep the brand moving forward.
When can we expect more from Bake Designs – any exciting collabs or further designs to look out for in the near future? In the future, the plan is to expand the range a bit more and like I said keep moving forward and improving what is offered. I graduate soon which I’m hoping means I will have a bit more time to focus on Bake.
There’s a collaboration on the go as we speak that’s going to be released pretty soon, and it’s definitely something I’ve enjoyed working on so yeah hopefully more in the future.
As far as new designs, there are always new pieces being planned. Got a nice little bank of ideas to dip into so yeah new designs are always on the way.
Has your opinion of the streetwear scene in the UK changed? My opinion of the streetwear scene in the UK has definitely changed yeah. I would still say there is a lot of positive people about, who are really supportive of each other and that’s what I like about the scene. Unfortunately there’s still like an undercurrent of grumpy bitches who just sit around and whine - you get that with anything but it’s just a shame. There’s a fine line between constructive criticism and the bitching of people who have nothing better. There’s a lot of new brands popping up all the time, and I think sometimes these new brands get a bad rep as just looking for quick income, but if these brands are doing a good thing I’ll back them. Credit to anyone who gives it a real go and has a passion for it as far as I’m concerned. But yeah it’s still a nice community to be part of and I appreciate the opportunity I have had to be a part of it.
It’s been a quiet time for Bake over the past few months, but there are big things from Ben coming up. As always, you’ll see it on FatKidOnFire when it happens. If you want to follow Bake in the mean time, catch Ben on Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr. Head to the Bake Bigcartel page to purchase and support!
If you have any thoughts on what Ben has had to (re-)say, or thoughts on anything else you’ve read fire us a comment or get in touch via email, Twitter, Facebook or the FKOF TakesQuestions page.
Just a quick post - as you may have noticed it’s been a while since we updated the FKOF tumblr.
Would everyone like the FatKidOnFire tumblr to keep going? Either like this post or post a reply. If people do we’ll post all the new updates. If not we’ll leave it up but post all the new content on the FatKidOnFire dotcom website.
Peace, love and respect,
FKOF
We thought we’d drop you the latest designs from our friends over at Treacle Clothing. Bob and co have launched two new designs from two new artists and we’re pleased to see they are as dope as ever.
Treacle 011 features artwork from the extremely talented Cherry from Pink Syrup illustration.
Treacle 012 is by none other than Secret Wars artist Dirty30. T011 and T012 have only been printed 100 times and are sent out in Treacle’s limited edition collectors boxes with a couple of stickers and a certificate of authentication. Head over to the Treacle webstore and get your cop on if you like either of the new designs. We do!
If new Treacle wasn’t enough for you, our boy Sai returns with another outrageous minimix to get you in the mood for enjoying the weekend. Download and tracklist below!
Fook The Rave Let’s Mosh Mini Dubstep Mix by SAIBURMESEKID
Click to DOWNLOAD
Track list:
- Optimus Gryme ft. Tiki Taane - If Ya With Me
- Jogo - Take This
- Eptic - Obey
- Dayn - Getting My Rocks Off
- Dustin Hulton - Fck Your Bassline (Curtis B remix)
- Emalkay - Crusader
- J Rabbit - Sex Crime
If you guys are feeling the mix, hit up Sai on Twitter and let him know – he’ll appreciate the love.
If you have any thoughts on Sai’s latest mix let us know either via the comments section below or through one of the other forms of contact (email, Twitter and Facebook). Peace, love and respect. FKOF
Remember Jilted Royalty? Jay Read’s clothing company have been marking serious moves on our independent clothing scene here in the UK. Having only been releasing his collection recently, the range already consists of 4 crews, six tees and a beanie. Jay’s now expanding the brand to cater for the ladies.
Jay told me:
I keep getting asked for girls stuff, so to tide em over ‘till I start making women’s/ children’s clothing later this month/ early February I had the idea to tailor some dresses from men’s XL tees. The Readers logo is printed slightly lower so it sits perfectly under their tit line.
These dresses are available from the Jilted Royalty online store soon for £35 so stay locked.
Whilst we’re on the topic of catching up with previously featured brands here at FKOF, I saw this today and thought it’d be a worthy of a mention. Our mate Alan’s AnyForty brand have just released their first dabble in publishing.
‘Teeology’ containts the design archive from AnyForty’s 2008-2010 ranges, with photoshoots and artwork from artists such as 123Klan, Melbs, Waste & Jam Factory. The book is limited to 100 copies (50 with a green cover and 50 with magenta) and costs £12.50 from the AnyForty store. Peep the printing process in the vid below and grab yourself a piece of this brand’s history!
I’d like to drop this next update on those iPhone owners amongst you. I’ve slept on this App for a while but after downloading it and trying it out I reckon anyone interested in British independent clothing and the stockists we have here in this country.
STRADD is the new indie shop search App for tracking down your local independent stores & boutiques. STRADD lists an edited selection of the finest independent stores, so you can track them down on your iPhone. If you have an iPhone, the chances are that you appreciate great design and prefer dealing with independent-minded companies, rather than dull design and large corporations. STRADD helps you locate key independent shops & boutiques with a design-edge near your location.
If your local indie store isn’t featured on the App, you can even suggest a store. If STRADD sounds like your kind of app, hit the download here (it costs £1.79) or find the App and its info on Facebook and Twitter.
Finally, our friends over at ICU Audio have launched their awesome new website. Find music from the likes of our good friend Demon and the extremely talented N-Dread.
If you have any thoughts on what any of these updates, or thoughts on anything else you’ve read let us know either via the comments section below or through one of the other forms of contact (email, Twitter and Facebook).
We’ve welcomed 2011 with open arms, had a few new makeitgood x FatKidOnFire interviews (and mixes) and a re-interview and it’s now time to drop the first FKOF brand feature for the new year. It’s good to be back! This next brand is steeped in extreme sports and create apparel around their three main inspirations; music, art and sport. We reckon they’re definitely a brand that deserves more attention but we’ll leave you to decide if you agree…
[The Vapour team on the S/S 10 photoshoot]
For those of you who’ve been keeping tabs on FatKidOnFire for a while (big up to all of you, we know you exist!), you’ll be aware of the exclusive sneak peaks we occasionally get from the brands we’ve come to know during our time.
This next very exclusive sneak peak marks the first of 2011. Now we know it’s not really 2011 yet, but you’ll forgive (and understand) our excitement once you read on.
In September 2010 we brought you a feature on a brand that’s been touted as the UK’s answer to Benny Gold; none other than Studio RUDO run by our very good friend Tony. RUDO brought a stupendous amount of history with him when he dropped his first collection of designs and this next chapter sees the brand and the man continue his run of form. For his second release, RUDO launches something not many others have the balls to do. This is huge news…
Teaming up with downtown Los Angeles-based Quintin Co, Studio RUDO presents the RUDO Signature Cap.
Having worked in the headwear game for 5 years; when RUDO left New Era to set up Studio RUDO, he always intended to create more than just t-shirts. The obvious next step in establishing the brand was caps. Seeing the level of detail, handmade quality and sheer drive of Quintin to become the industry headwear leader truly sealed the deal. RUDO knew they were the company to work with on this next project.
Designed in the UK and made in the USA. Dropping February, 2011.
The RUDO Signature cap features unbelievable quality and a 3D embroidered RUDO logo on the centre crown of the cap. The Signature cap will be available in two colourways on release - black with a Kelly Green under-visor and black with RUDO orange.
Each colourway also comes with an embroidered ’Signature Line’ and ‘Quintin ?Q’ on the back. The cap also features dual branding through internal woven labels and printed taping. Until then, keep it locked on the Studio RUDO webstore Parts Unknown. Having already seen the quality of Quintin Co headpieces twinned with the passion, drive, skill and determination you always get with a RUDO release; FKOF is calling this one and we’re saying this is sure to catapult the brand to the heights it deserves.
For further information on each brand; hit the Quintin Co website and Studio RUDO’s homepage. If you’re liking what you’ve seen from Studio RUDO you can also catch Tony on Twitter.
If you have any thoughts on the RUDO’s latest drop let us know either via the comments section below or through one of the other forms of contact (email, Twitter and Facebook).
Peace, love and respect.
FKOF
[DBD x FKOF steeze at Saturday’s FAKE KID ON FIRE]
After longboy’s dabble in funky, another of the FatKidOnFire resident Djs brings the same flair back to the FKOF decks. This is Ropper’s 7th mix, and it’s bringing funky to the fold. In our opinion it’s one of his best yet. Peep the download or hit the play button and see what you think.
MIXTAPE #1.7 - ROPPER X FATKIDONFIRE by Ropper
Click to DOWNLOAD
Track list:
- Untold - Mass Dreams Of The Future
- Mosca - Square One
- Pearson Sound - Wad
- Von D - Berlin Call (Alps Edit)
- Jamie George - Flying Saucer (Roska’s Crop Circle mix)
- Chocolate Puma - Tonco Tone
- Sinden & Sbtrkt - Midnight Marauder
If you guys are feeling the mix, hit Ropper up on his Twitter account and let him know – love to Ollie as his Soundcloud has hit 1000 plays! Big tings.
If you have any thoughts on Ropper’s mix let us know either via the comments section below or through one of the other forms of contact (email, Twitter and Facebook).
Peace, love and respect.
FKOF
A few weeks after the last (re-)interview, we’re finally getting ready to post new material. Apologies for the lack of posts here at FatKidOnFire HQ over the passed nine days, but getting back into a career frame of mind (and the routine of working 12+ hours a day) takes a bit of getting used to! In the wind down to the Christmas holidays there’s time in the evenings for the blogging and the recaps (which is on its way as promised). The next brand to feature here at FKOF HQ have a very solid range of tees and have recently branched out into full cut and sew. Big moves and an even bigger result…
