Interview by Jeff Halleran
PHOTO: SHIGEO
You recently underwent surgery. What was it for and how are you feeling?
About two years ago I was on a Toy Machine trip skating UC Davis. I was skating the rail Jamie nosegrinded I think. Anyway, after I was finished skating the rail, two college kids asked me to do a trick for a photo for their photography class. I said "sure" and went for a tailslide. It all went horribly wrong as I clipped on the way up sending me down on my right hip/butt. I didn't go to the doctor like I should have. I just kept skating as I healed up from the slam. My hip got worse and worse until I finally went in to see what was wrong. It turns out the slam caused my body to react by growing a spur in the joint. So I recently went under the knife to get that sucker shaved off. I'm looking forward to being able to skate in the next few months. Its hard for me cause it feels like people think I'm a pile or I don't care about skating anymore when I do.
Are you excited about the new Toy Machine "Brain Wash" promo, and will you have a full part?
Very. I should have a pretty full part. Most parts will be shared as it is just a promo.
What's Ed Templeton really like in person, having known him for quite a while now?
He has a rad sense of humor. Very caring. We don't see eye to eye on everything but I love him just the same. He's up front with how he feels and who he is. No masks. He holds true to his convictions and has helped me more than I'll ever be able to repay. I have footage of him crying at the hospital when my son was born.
Are you and Billy Marks extra tight, since you're both on Fallen and Toy Machine? Is there a sacred shredder bond you two share?
There is a 'sacred shredder bond' there (laughs). I don't see Billy all to often around SoCal but we do go back. Billy is one gifted person. All the guys on Toy, Fallen, and RVCA, there has to be a bond there. We've seen half the world together!
NOSE GRIND - PHOTO: SHIGEO
Can you tell us a little bit about your new Fallen pro model shoe, the Lotus?
It skates really well and looks cool. It's my favorite Fallen shoe made thus far.
How does it feel having your new new album, "There's A Rhythm" finished and for sale on iTunes?
It's a blessing. I'm working on another right now called, "Taller Than Trees." It should be out soon.
Hypothetical scenario: You're skating a demo, feeling it, ripping...and Led Zeppelin II starts playing on the stereo. Do you keep skating, or sit down?
Skate harder.
You get to travel with a diverse group of individuals with your different sponsors. How does a Fallen trip differ from a Toy Machine or RVCA trip?
It's hard to say cause I've been on good and bad trips with all of the teams. Fallen trips are usually a bit more stressful for me because when you're on a trip with guys like Cole and Tommy, its hard to get tricks. I sometimes can put pressure on myself and I don't feel as free. Or, I feel like if I try something it won't be worth it. It can take the fun out of it. I've learned to just do what I can, try my best, and be thankful to be there.
How's your family been, Josh? Gone on any cool vacations lately with the whole brood? Do you sing songs together in the car?
No vacations yet, just plenty of outings at the park. Harrison's favorite song is, "Don't Let Me Down" by the Beatles. We scream it together. Our second son, who will be named Henry, is due late April. We are excited.
Do you collect your signature Josh Harmony products in a keep-safe box in the garage?
I don't. I sometimes wish I did. I'm sort of a minimalist.
