Clay Brown
Clay Brown "Words from your Local Pusher"
Far from any coast in the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains a city appears like an oasis in the desert. Driving for many miles across I-70 coming from the east there is no sign of life until you find yourself coming over the hill to witness a city landscape of tall buildings blanketed by a mote of houses and neighborhoods. Many would never expect to find such a thriving scene of Bmx riders. And it possibly wouldn't exist if it wasn't for a deep rooted pride from the older riders. Names like Troy McMurray, Scott Fyffe, Yellow, and Zach Sprinkle come to mind. A history of the unknown riders making a large gash in the history of Bmx. One of those people is Clay Brown. A man with a strong opinion, strong ties to Bmx, and an even stronger will to express his opinions about Bmx. Clay is the unofficial Mayor of Denver Bmx and it is a title well deserved. No one has more experience, no one has given more to help the Colorado scene come together as a force.
COM: How did the concept of Pusher begin?
CLAY: Kevin Dana and I wanted to do a zine where we could show off our friends and express our opionions of something that means so much to us.
COM: Who has been involved with magazine?
CLAY: Lots of people over the years. Kevin Dana and I started the thing Dayv Widdecombe kicked ass in the art depart for years for us. Duncan gore and troy mcMurray have always been the best ambassadors a friend could ask for. Right now it's Chris Cotter and I. Chris brought a new look and concept to magazine and it shows he's helping out a lot but he's pissed at me right now so I don't know for sure. Everybody that helps has and always will be family. The mag could never have lasted this long with out all the help. Thanks to everybody!
COM: What kind of Influence has growing up in the Denver scene brought to the idea of the magazine?
CLAY: Denver is a party town and the magazine is a lot of partying. Besides the party scene I've been living in this scene for 20 years so almost everything about the mag is Colorado influenced.
COM: Being one of the OG’s in Bmx, how have you seen our way of life change throughout the years?
CLAY: Crazy ass changes have happened, some good some not. There's more to ride today but the kids are way more spoiled so they don't get it. Bikes are better than ever and basically all the same. I've seen all the fads come and go, some I partaked in, some not. It all remains bike riding.
COM: Mark Losey, one of Bmx’s most well known, has said how envious he has been towards you for saying many things he hasn’t been able to in other magazines. How do you feel about that?
CLAYThat's pretty cool coming from a guy who's seen the world. I'd probably shut my mouth long enough for a free trip to Australia. I've always been open with what I say, the mag reflects that.CLAY:
COM: Is that a major thing that separates Pusher from others?
CLAY: I think so. That's kind of what were know for. It's probably costs a few ads here or there.
CLAY: Kevin Dana and I wanted to do a zine where we could show off our friends and express our opionions of something that means so much to us.
COM: Who has been involved with magazine?
CLAY: Lots of people over the years. Kevin Dana and I started the thing Dayv Widdecombe kicked ass in the art depart for years for us. Duncan gore and troy mcMurray have always been the best ambassadors a friend could ask for. Right now it's Chris Cotter and I. Chris brought a new look and concept to magazine and it shows he's helping out a lot but he's pissed at me right now so I don't know for sure. Everybody that helps has and always will be family. The mag could never have lasted this long with out all the help. Thanks to everybody!
COM: What kind of Influence has growing up in the Denver scene brought to the idea of the magazine?
CLAY: Denver is a party town and the magazine is a lot of partying. Besides the party scene I've been living in this scene for 20 years so almost everything about the mag is Colorado influenced.
COM: Being one of the OG’s in Bmx, how have you seen our way of life change throughout the years?
CLAY: Crazy ass changes have happened, some good some not. There's more to ride today but the kids are way more spoiled so they don't get it. Bikes are better than ever and basically all the same. I've seen all the fads come and go, some I partaked in, some not. It all remains bike riding.
COM: Mark Losey, one of Bmx’s most well known, has said how envious he has been towards you for saying many things he hasn’t been able to in other magazines. How do you feel about that?
CLAYThat's pretty cool coming from a guy who's seen the world. I'd probably shut my mouth long enough for a free trip to Australia. I've always been open with what I say, the mag reflects that.CLAY:
COM: Is that a major thing that separates Pusher from others?
CLAY: I think so. That's kind of what were know for. It's probably costs a few ads here or there.
COM: How do you feel about sensorship in the media?
CLAY: The world has always been overly sensored. Fight those bitches.
COM: Pusher recently released a new video, Can you explain a little about that?
CLAY: Cosa Nostra is about the BMX family, having each others back no matter what, always comitted and dedicated.
COM: What do you see for the future of the magazine? Any projects in the works?
CLAY: More road trips for sure, get the web site pimpin and just keep doing our thing. Were not going anywhere. Your subscription will be late but you will get it.
COM: Explain a typical day for the Editor in Chief of Pusher.
CLAY: Lately I wake up answer Cotter's emails or suffer the wrath. Then I hit the bong and take the dog for a walk. Call everybody and try to get them to dig and ride the trails. Bartend or hang out with my girl at night. You can throw in a bong hit after everyone of these things. Most Pusher shit happens at night.
COM: Anyone involved with Pusher and the Denver scene always has some unbelievable stories. Give us your two most interesting stories?
CLAY: We took some guy out who was in town to film Troy McMurray. It was the first time somebody came to film so we wanted to show him a good time. We hit this bar up and everything is cool but then after about 3 black and tans I fart and shit my pants real bad. I went to the bathroom and cleaned up leaving the under wear in the trash can.I went back and got the filmer and took him to bathroom. I grabed the under wear and lifted them over my head. The bathroom was in the back and you had to walk through the restraunt to get to the front. The people at the bar were horrified the looks on their faces was priceless. I got to the front door and everbody is looking the security guys won't come near me. As everybody is watching I shake the dirty runny under wear and shit goes every where. I throw the dirty draws on the floor and walk out. Next bar please!
COM: Denver seems to have a growing number of cement parks opening up, along with the growth of “TheV”. Video premieres, jams, and contests all find their way here. What do you think accounts for such a strong scene?
CLAY: Roots is the first thing. The old-school guys really lit this place up and put it on the map back in the day. Plus the weather is awesome here, even winter can be good. As well as there are a lot of talented riders here. Colorado rules!
COM: Who and What are your influences?
CLAY: Matt Hoffman, DMC, Dave Mirra ,Jay Miron, Dave Voelker, Eddie Fiola, Upland skatepark, Freestylin' Magazine, GO the rider's manuel, Fuzzy Hall, Spike Jonze, Mark Lewman, The Plywood Hoods, Scott Fyffe, Troy McMurray, Dig Magazine, Ride Magazine, Larry Flint, Aggroman, Eddie Roman, Camirillo Ramp, trail builders, and the number one influence was my first bike.
COM: Any words of Wisdom?
CLAY: I'm not a wise man so ride because you love it not because it's cool to. Give back to BMX as much as you can. Respect the people who rode before you. Stop eating fast food, put down the playstation and stay out of the foam pit.
Com-Unity
Post a Comment
Reader Comments