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Voleurz Spread the love like butter on a warm muffin. |
I believe the word ‘voleurz’ translated into French would mean ‘to steal' but really that’s not close to what it means in this case, or what it is about. To me Voleurz is a way of living. Like some off course cult that has formed to walk a different path. Something not very common in our mtb world.
Voleurz expresses their message through style, attitude and the visual art of story telling. Video Production chief Darren Rayner's ability to edit digital video is similar to a cool glass of water after a hot and dusty lap of A-line in mid August. It wets your pallet and refreshes your system.
Attention to the story is what I notice most in what Darren does. Not to take away from any other projects by other people in this business, but I used to explain it to friends like this (in regards to “Galactic Alliance”, their first video): "Some people feel the need to tell you what the soul of a sport is, but this video is what it is, no box cover or narrative should have to tell me what it's about. Voleurz does it through a visual gift: story telling". And to me, that is 'keeping it golden'.
They are about to release their second DVD "Yes No Maybe"; it's a casual collection of good times, the ones so often over looked. Since half the world likely has no idea who the heck these guy and gals are, NSMB has graciously given up some e-space to introduce you to some of the crew.
Ian: What is Voleurz?
Darren: Creativity, friendship, gnarlyness, laughter and a cold glass
at the end of it all.
Ian: It's a unique set up your running with, in the sense you have
skaters, bikers, skimmers and every other sport that can lead to a good session.
Is that a planned approach or is that just the way it happened?
Darren: It has been spontaneous for the most part. We've shot anything from
longboarding to roof jumping to surfing. If something's going down then we'll
bust out the cameras; it's reflex. Our website showcase’s the ongoing
story, whether its random goofyness, or an organized session.
Ian: So the new DVD is a ménage of all this?
Darren: 'Yes No Maybe' showcases the four majors: skiing, snowboarding, mountain
biking and skating. Our rider list is fairly diverse; from local shred-heads
to competitive athletes who travel the world. We also have a sweet little segment
that features footage from our end of summer road trip last year.
Ian: One great thing is that you’re all into a creative production
side as well as ripping; do you think that’s a strong contributor to the
flavor coming out your projects?
VLRZ: It's like having four hands. You need two to videotape, one to photograph,
and one to eat a sandwich…then you change positions. Having four hands
lets you gather up flavor in bulk haha. But when it comes to creativity, our
constructive discussions have yielded some of our best work. We often shoot,
critique our work, and re-shoot to get the results we’re seeking.
Ian: Where else do you think you guys are pulling influence from?
Mason: I’d like to think that a significant influence is derived from
film makers like ‘Robot Food’ and the ‘Collective’.
And from a photography perspective, ‘Embry Rucker’ definitely has
an influece, seeing as we say his name whenever its epic outside: “Man
its Embry out!”. However, in the social context of our crew/family, it’s
super easy to be influenced by one another on a daily basis.
Gio: Music definitely plays a large role; it helps me approach certain situations with a totally different perspective. I pretty much listen to music 24/7. Also, knowing that I can always do better plays a large role in keeping me motivated.
Ian: Personally I think Voleurz is the freshest camp to arise in mtb.
Like I hinted at before, I like how you just do it and let the visuals speak
for you. Is there a deeper plan you’re masquerading with your modest approach?
What are you looking to in the future?
VLRZ: Freshest next to modestbike mag! No cover up or disguise here. Just good
times and gnarlyness with our friends. We’ll continue to release periodic
shorts and episodes on our website for sure, maybe even a 'Noboard' short? We
have also considered releasing a free full-length video on the internet. A snowboard
crew from Europe (“Elekrep”) did that, and we thought it was a pretty
solid idea. We're pretty broke right now though, but when we cash in our cans
and bottles from the shed, we will invest towards improving our productions.
Custom threads are in the works as well.
Ian: I remember a day last year, Mason said he was going to do this
particular line. It was a big mountain line, something you would snowboard down
if you were in the big country. After a good look at the line it was go time.
Mason opened my eyes to a freshly refurbished style of freeriding. I still haven't
seen anything as impressive as that 1500 hundred foot in 10 second decent. What
was going through your head that day Mason?
Mason: I knew from the moment I laid eyes on it, that the line was going to
be a ripper. It reminded me of the lines Schley, Wade and Tippie were riding
in the first Kranked. I couldn't quite predict how fast I would exit, and I
was unsure about making the hairy left-hander at the bottom at mach speed. It
took me a few minutes to re-think it in my head, then I dropped in… and
held on. The rear brake did nothing to slow me from accelerating, and I could
only feather the front to keep from washing. It was the fastest, and sweetest
line I've ridden to date, and I will definitely bomb it again.
Ian: What other aspects of the movie are you involved with?
Mason: I like getting behind the glass. Both motion and still pictures get me
stoked, and I really enjoy experimenting with both. I find that there is a lot
room for creative progression in both mediums, and I want to continuously learn
and practice.
Ian: We were driving back on a trip and around every other corner was
a winding downhill road, Mason got out and skated every one he could... truckin,
tuckin and carvin' it up! Any recent big bombs you care to tell us about?
Mason: I ride my long skate all the time, and it has always been a good way
for me to cut the stress. A couple good turns, a fast bomb, or riding the banks
at the bowl are instant good times. It’s similar to surfing, but without
paddling. And then there are hills like the British Property bombs, 70 km/h
for 6+ minutes, talk about hairy! Darren filmed a ride by with Jan this summer
down one of the hills... not too sure how I feel about holding a camera at that
speed, but yea, bombing down hills is sick.
Ian: What are some things we should know about the movie? Premiere
dates? Where can we get it? web site URL?
VLRZ: First we want to thank everyone who has helped make it possible: the Voleurz
Family, Whistler Blackcomb, NSMB, modestbike, Shark Energy, Ryeka, O’Gio,
our shop sponsors who’ve been helping out with the premieres, all the
folks who were stoked to let us use their music, epic sunsets, cold beer, and
to everyone who we’ve had the pleasure of sharing time with.
Please come and join us in Toronto, Vernon, Whistler, and Calgary when we debut
“Yes No Maybe”:
Toronto:
Thursday Nov 2nd: No Regrets Bar @ 7:00pm
42 Mowat Ave.
Vernon:
All ages show: Friday Nov 10th- OC College room D310 @ 6:30pm
19+ show: Thursday Nov 9th- Monashees Bar @ 9:30pm
Whistler:
Friday Nov 17th: Garfinkles Bar @ 9:00pm
For more videos, info and to order your copy of ‘Yes No Maybe’ peep,
VOLEURZ.COM
Spread the love like butter on a warm muffin.
vlrz.
Got any spout about voleurz? Spout it here.
