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Justin Grzechowiak Interview & 'Memoir' Part
Gap to frontside boardslide - Photo Kyle Hofsass
We're always keeping our eyes on the upstate scene thanks to the work of videographers like Michael Breitmaier shedding light on the shocking amount of talent that calls the northern part of NY home. Michael recently finished a new full length entitled "Memoir" and we were honored when he offered to not only let us carry some of the dvd's but also host Justin Grzechowiak's part on the TOA Youtube channel. So we wanted to follow it up with a little interview and find out a little more about the man behind the impossible last name. Our man Jake Todd caught up with Justin and what transpired is below....enjoy.
Interview by Jake Todd:
Please help me pronounce your last name...
(Jeh-ho-vee-ack), It's Polish
Thank you haha. I think the first time I'd seen you was in Tristan's video 'Fool's Gold', that fs blunt between the two rails and crook transfer where Tristan flies down into the parking garage, that really stood out.
Thank you! Filming for that one was fun, just spending time with my closest friends during the early onset of Covid. In May 2020, we started working on what became 'Fool's Gold', which was filmed in just under a year. It was obviously a weird time for all of us, and honestly, the video gave us something to focus on and look forward to in a really difficult time.
Obviously you've been around before that, you grew up in Buffalo, NY?
Yeah, I grew up just outside of Buffalo, in Hamburg, NY. Growing up, we moved around a lot, and I struggled to find my place and was acting out until my dad started driving me to the indoor skatepark, 'Xtreme Wheels' when I was like 10. I met a lot of other skaters there that welcomed and encouraged me, most of those people I still skate with today. Once I had my own wheels I'd drive about twenty minutes to Sunday Skate shop almost everyday after school. That was a really important community and getaway for me back then.
Switch Flip - Photo Mike Korocynsky
Do you think Buffalo is an overlooked city in terms of skating? I know Ricky O and crew took a traffic trip there years ago, and Jake Donnelly came up from there.
I've always thought that in the past, but people are finally starting to explore Buffalo and Upstate, NY more, which is really sick. And yeah, there's some good Ricky footage in Buffalo. JP, the owner of Sunday Skateshop, has told me some funny Ricky stories, breaking pool sticks and what not back in the day. "Shine on 90" is an old Orchard video that highlights the lesser seen parts of New York State but there's a bunch of recent videos too. & yeah, Jake Donnelly and Dan Plunkett are from the Buffalo area, I've always looked up to them both.
What are your thoughts on the love the Upstate NY scene has been receiving lately? A lot of crew have been taking trips, making edit going up there as of late.
Right now the Upstate scenes are all blossoming and better than ever. It's really incredible to see how far it's come and how much each skate scene does for their community. Dave at Mom's Skateshop just did a really sick event for the shop's new video 'Call Your Mother'. He threw a skate jam in front of the shop and made a skatable replica of this cellar door we always look at outside of this local bar haha. From what I remember- it was a great day.
You have a younger brother Nate, that also rips.
Nate is the best, we've been through hell and back, and I'm so proud of him for so many reasons. He's got a ton of heart and it shows in his skating. I couldn't have dreamed of a better brother and friend to grow up skating with. We've had so many memorable sessions together and that means the world to me. I can't wait to work on something together again soon.
Switch Back Tailslide - Photo Kyle Hofsass
How'd did you get hooked up with Scumco?
I was welcomed to ScumCo just over two years ago now. I kept running into Ty Beal when I was living in NYC. He eventually asked me who I was skating for and I laughed because I wasn't skating for a board company and had always appreciated ScumCos' graphics and the random shit like the "street sweeper" collapsible broom and the skate-stopper removal kit. I was shocked when Nick actually hit me up a few months later and gave me a tour of Penns Wood. I'll never forget that, it was surreal.
Not having a part in 'Heirloom' how'd you and Mike connect for this one?
Brick and I crossed paths a bunch over the years, but just recently became close friends. I only filmed a couple clips for 'Heirloom' because I was still living in Brooklyn at the time. With the recent opening of Pastime Skateshop in Rochester, I've gained even more respect for him, their crew, and their scene. When I moved back to Buffalo he was a rock for me and we slowly started plugging away at 'Memoir.' His most recent video is mainly a collection of meeting up on the weekends in either Rochester or Buffalo over the last year or so. I really love that he still makes DVDs and photo booklets for his videos, it's important to have something tangible for me.
You share a part with Nick and Tyler, what’s your relationship like with them?
Yeah, so Nick (DiCara)and Tyler (Stier) are two of my closest friends. Nate and I have been skating with them for at least 15 years now. It’s amazing to see how far they have come in their lives and in their skating since we first met them.They’ve motivated us and helped make so many trips happen. Stoked to still be skating and working on projects with both of them. Nick was also my roommate for about five years when I was going to Buff State, incredible times, shout-out to the Ashland house!
Were you conscious he was filming all long lens for this part?
I was, I felt like certain spots weren’t fit for his video at times because he was using only long lens, it made me take a bit of a different approach than usual. I’m really stoked on how it came out in the end despite my hesitations.
Do you prefer to film vx?
I definitely prefer filming VX. I grew up watching mostly VX videos and always loved the audio and how spots and skaters fit in the frame of that camera. When I think of filming something I usually imagine it VX.
Backside Tailslide - Photo by Kyle Hofsass
When working on a part do you have an idea of spots or places in your head you’re mapping out for a part?
I think it’s a mix, there’s certain things I have in mind and certain things you just stumble upon along the way and that’s the beauty of creating a part to me.
Any notable stories from filming this part?
Haha, of course but I don't want to lose my day job.
Ha, respect. What are you working on next?
I've been working with everyone on ScumCo. for a video that Tristan is also filming, set to come out this year. & I've also been working with my friend Taryn on a video for about two years now that should also be out pretty soon. A few other things in the works, but I'm focusing on those two for the time being.
Any last words or shout outs?
Thank you to all my friends and family in Buffalo, I wouldn't be here without their constant support. A major thank you to all the skate shops in New York State for providing a home along the way, especially Mom's. Thank you to all the filmers and photographers that I am so fortunate to work with and call friends out there that dedicate their time documenting these special moments. Thank you ScumCo, Mom's, Vans, & Dial Tone. And of course, thank you Jake and everyone at Theories of Atlantis!!!
Pick up a copy of the "Memoir" DVD here...
Watch Justin's part in Michael Breitmaier's newest video, 'Memoir' below...
Joshua Stewart
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Posted on October 19 2022
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