Josh Zickert "JZ Radical" Interview

Josh Zickert “JZ Radical” Interview

November 11, 2011

Where are you from and who are your sponsors?

I’m from Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Sponsors: NK, Pull-In, Black Flys, Freestyle, and I get shoes from Emerica or Es through the homies.

Who was your first skate influence?

Seeing Natas Kaupas and Mark Gonzales in the mags.

Why did you move to New York?

I was living in Pacific Beach for a while, going to Pacific Drive skating every day, love that place. So much to skate and a rad scene fa-sho. That’s the place that really influenced my skating. So many rippers skating at the beach. I learned a lot there. I had always wanted to move to NYC so I got a one-way ticket here in 2002. The cops are super chill here in the city. I like that a lot. And I like to party and get wild, so NYC is perfect for me.

First trick?

No comply. It has been my first trick each day since I learned it as a kid.

How does it feel to be a CEO of a skater run/owned company?

It feels good. It’s a lot of pressure at times, but we are 17 years and runnin’.The entire NK crew is rippin’ the streets tough as fuck. Nothing is gonna stop us.

How would you describe Natural Koncept?

Katch’s art is really the platform NK stands on.The crew is insanely talented and full of heart. All of ’em are skaters for life. I’m really proud to be a part of it all.

How did you end up hooking up with Lamborghini?

Just living in NYC and networking, I guess. I was lucky enough to be introduced to one of the top executives in the company, and we spoke about Natural Koncept. I showed him some of the graphics, and he was impressed by Katch’s artwork. He was really interested in a USA tour we had coming up etc. I followed up with an email the next day. The follow up is key. And that’s where it all began. We did a collaboration deck, and they helped the last few tours…pretty cool fa-sho.

The much-anticipated third Natural Koncept video is dropping soon. What should everyone expect?

A skateboard film with a focus on life. I’ve been at home editing for three weeks straight. Just eating pasta, smoking, and sleeping.

You have been known as a world traveler. Where have you been?

I’ve skated/explored 39 countries in my life. Just returned from Medellin, Colombia. That place is epic. Killer spots and rad skaters. San Paulo is endless. Montreal is fun. Tokyo is rad fa-sho””lots of marble. Osaka is off the hook, cool natural tranny spots and packs of 15 skaters hittin’ the streets together. Eastern Europe is wild””Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. Once in a lifetime style spots. Athens is gritty and I loved it. Paris is beautiful and I always enjoy skating there. Basically, I’m just gonna keep trying to explore the world, experience new culture, and enjoy the endless architectural gems to skate.