Interview: Drew Bachrach

You made your impact with some of the most progressive videos back in the day, how do you feel about this time?

A: I am glad that I took advantage of my time in the rollerblading industry.  I am proud of all the videos I made back in the day, especially the LIFE+ series.  I hope that the people making videos right now are in it for the right reasons, to have fun and show the world what real rollerblading is all about.

When you decided that you would do a DVD for life+ everyone was saying that you were too early, but then from one day to the next pretty much everyone switched to DVDs. What do you think about this step in retrospective?

A: It makes me laugh when I think about all the people who said DVD’s weren’t going to take over VHS.  At the time there was a question weather we were going to sell enough DVD copies, but Cory and I made the decision that the only way we could correctly do LIFE+ was DVD only.  Sometimes you just gotta go for it.



You were running pretty much a unique format in rolling DVDs, why did you choose to do the DVDs this way?

A: The basic concept was to make a non-linear video “Magazine”.  There was no set order of segments, it was up to the viewer to choose what they waned to watch.  In addition to the regular skating segments we also included “Info” segments about the industry and behind the scenes stuff.  LIFE+ wasn’t just about tricks.

What would you suggest up and coming videographers?

A:  I think that it’s very important for everyone to post his or her work online.  The Internet is a huge asset that we need to take advantage of.  If everyone uploaded all the best segments from their videos, random people will stumble upon them.  These are the people that will become interested in skating and maybe even become bladders. 

You have always been a very creative person and have also started your own gallery, how did you decide on doing this?

A: The gallery came about while in art school.  I met 5 really passionate artists who were all looking to start something new.  None of us had lived in LA so we decided to move there after school and open a gallery.  It was an amazing experiment. 

You moved to LA from San Diego, where do you see the differences and are you planning any other moves?

A: San Diego is the best place in the world.  Perfect weather and great skate spots.  I moved to LA to try something new.  I am always looking for cool places to move next.  A few of my favorites are Louisville, Baltimore and Cleveland.  If I could find a job in Europe I would love to live there too.

Are you still involved with rolling a lot?

A:  I try to skate at least twice a week.  Sometimes more.



You just published a DVD called DrewTube. Can you tell us something about that project?

A: I have been doing this DrewTube thing live at bars and clubs lately. I mix YouTube videos between two computers and project the images while bumping music.  It’s a new idea in audio video Djing, and I am trying to spread the word.  The DVD is a 1-hour mix I performed live in LA.  It’s a sampler for people who haven’t seen my act yet.  You can find out more at YoDrew.com

The last time we went skating with Brian Shima you showed us the spots in LA and every time we went to a spot, you put on your skates and bladed around like a 12 year old kid who just got new blades. To see you skating just makes you want to put on skates too. Do you think blading got too serious and the fun part is missing these days in videos and in rollerblading in general?

A: Skating is an individual sport.  If you want to make it serious, you can, if you just want to have fun, that’s an option too. I have nothing to prove anymore, I have been around the world and have paid my dews to the game of rollerblading.  Right now all I give a shit about is having fun.

You just got a new pair of skates, which skates are you rocking right now and how do you feel about those?

A:  I just got set up with some NIHM’s and they feel great.  I am very proud of my boys Jon and Brian, they have really done a great job designing their skate.  I wish them all the luck in the world.

Any future plans on doing some projects again in rollerblading?

A:  I am trying to learn top souls, and have been filming off and on for an old man video with my boy Collins Schude.  If any of you old guys have any footage, holler at me.

Photos and interview by Philipp Forstner

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