Samir Isis / FS Boardslide / Photo: Jeysus
interview
Samir Isis I met this kid almost 10 years ago. He had less pop than me (means not at all), but already had iron balls. This fool was kickflipping and dropping everything on his way, just for the hell of it, or for a disgusting “Soft Cake” box. He had his first cover shot on #41, which was never printed; but then on, he scored multiple other covers. He even had an interview on #48 with his mate Mini-Michi. Let’s see if, like me, 10 years after, he’s still the same fucking stupid idiot... Hey Samir! What’s up? You didn’t got kicked-out of Switzerland yet? I mean, with such a family name... Hey Jey! Haha not yet, I’m still living in same village where tolerance and sympathy for foreign cultures is a key asset. Just kidding, they probably want my ass out haha. But jokes aside, it kinda sucks to be honest. People are more biased than they should be..I mean I’ve had people come up to me and asked if my name had something to do with terrorism. That’s really an astonishing level of ignorance displayed here by some but I’m losing track. To answer your question, It sure is a burden but not quite enough to get me kicked out haha. Do you still hate me for this never printed cover? Come on man! I never hated you. If there’s one thing i understand, it’s being broke. I’m only crying myself to sleep once a week because of it. No, it really doesn’t matter to me. It meant a lot to me at the time and kept me motivated, which I’m grateful for. Still riding for KSG & Bad Shit like in the good old days?
Samir Isis / Ollie / Photo: Jeysus
Samir Isis / Noseslide / Photo: Jeysus
Samir Isis / Kickflip / Photo: Jeysus
Hahahaha good one! Almost forgot about Bad shit. For those of you who don’t know Bad Shit Skateboards, which is most certainly everyone haha, I’m willing to provide explanation. Basically, a friend of ours, Toby, decided to start his own skateboard company. His general lack of ambition eventually led to him only being able to make about 20 T-shirts in 3 years and not a single Board. I wonder what Toby’s doing now, you should track him down and do an interview. Fortunately, KSG was able to provide me with some more advanced support. They eventuelly were forced to undergo some changes as well, which made everything fuzz out to a certain extent, where I felt it didn’t really matter what I did. But they sure as hell helped out a lot and I’m nothing but thankful. So, what’s next? Having a “bro-model” with the Versus Army Skateboards soon? That would be the ultimate goal. But I don’t see anybody wanting to ride that thing hahaha so don’t be in a rush making it . Tell me that you’re not smoking because of me... please... I’m sorry Jey. After a myriad of hours of contemplation I came to the inevitable conclusion that you in fact are single-handedly responsible for my smoking habit. There is no other possibility! It’s alright if you’re crying now. At least, you learned some good french at my place years ago didn’t you?! I actually did! But I pretty much forgot everything as soon as I got home. What I did’t forget is what a bottle of Ranger does to people ;) I heard you’re about to be a judge? Or a lawyer? What the fuck?! I mean, you’re a skateboarder, with Serbian / Jordanien background, so, you are supposed to be a loser, and / or a soccer player! Not a fucking smart ass dude! How come?! I’m not too sure about what I’m gonna do. I just had to choose something I could picture myself doing. I wouldn’t consider myself smart and I guess the path I chose actually makes me more prone to end up being a loser. I mean some friends of mine are making decent money because they’re educated. At the same time they hate everyday at work. I just hope I don’t end up like this haha and regret I didn’t have the balls to be a PONK like yourself and did whatever haha!
Samir Isis / FS Boardslide / Photo: Fabio Stoll
Samir Isis / BS Kickflip / Photo: Jeysus
Samir Isis / BS Kickflip / Photo: Jeysus
How old are you now? Can you still picture yourself, jumping down shit, like you’re doing now, in a couple of years? I’m 20. I try not to think about that. I hope I can still do it at 25, otherwise I won’t be able to film videoparts anymore because this kind of clips is the only one I can watch. I know you don’t give a shit about all those social media stuff... But do you think it affected your “skateboard-career” in a way? Don’t you get a little of pressure from your sponsors? No, no pressure really. I still feel like there would be some benefits, but I don’t plan on doing anything anytime soon. If there would be pressure, I’d do it for sure, it’s not like I’m gonna die. I’ve recently watched an Interview with Wes Kremer, the dude still uses a flipphone.. and He’s pro. So why would I need any of this crap hahaha and more importantly who would bother watching it. What’s your point of view about skateboarding at the Olympics in Tokyo in 2020? Hmm... I hear some people say it’s a good thing in terms of exposure. The olympics will introduce skateboarding to a broader audience, which leads to more Skateboarders in general and hence more skateparks. While I get the point, I still couldn’t care less. The implementation of skateboarding in most likely going to be so bad, that skaters won’t watch it anyways. What about the Versus video #2? Or are you filming for something at least lately? Yeah man go ahead announce it now! It will be done by 2025. I’ll have some Tricks in the AJVT video, which is premiering in August (DVDs available at the local shops I’m assuming). Apart from that, I filming with anyone who’s motivated in Bern. Pretty much the whole Bumblefuck crew you made an issue about at some point. I’m not sure when it’s going to be done but I’m not gonna let you leave switzerland again before sneaking a Trick in! I’m pretty sure you didn’t expected such a “serious” interview from me right?! I actually didn’t. Hope it’s not too boring. But you know, there’s always the possibility of not printing hahahahah. Alright kid, that’s it, wanna add something? It’s time! Yes, Thanks Jey for the opportunity and for everything else! Ah before I forget... You could finally admit that Raclette ist not from Savoie and get your ass back to Switzerland hahahah... Who wants to live in France anyway ;)
Sancho Pancho / Kickflip 2010 / Photo: Jeysus ( the actual never printed before Versus #41 covershot )
Poliakov / FS Rock’n’roll / Photo: Jeysus
Le Dude / BS Slasher / Photo: Jeysus
Jeysus / BS Carve grind / Photo: Claude Christen
Le Dude / Melon / Photo: Jeysus
Adrian Almendinger / FS Slasher / Photo: Jeysus
Jérôme Heim / BS Smith grind / Photo: Jeysus
Charles Moore / Tail Bash / Photo: Jeysus
Jeysus / Rock’n’roll / Photo: Pascal Minder
Jérôme Heim / Ollie Truck bash / Photo: Jeysus
Ceesus / BS Disaster / Photo: Jeysus
Pascal Minder / Kickflip 1st try / Photo: Jeysus
Mike / FS Slasher / Photo: Jeysus
Pascal Minder / Shove-it tailgrab / Photo: Jeysus