1. Why is fascism’s most advanced form here in Amerika?

America uses the Fasces in an almost subliminal way. It’s symbolized on court houses, state capitol buildings, the Lincoln memorial, United States House of Representatives, it was even on the back of a dime. I’m sure that’s not a coincidence.

I think America is still trying to figure out what she wants to be.

2. Fascism is one of my personal favorites from IV as well as a Bay Area centric shirt… III had Zodiac, any more Bay Area shirts coming?

It’s impossible to not be influenced; there is just so much history in the Bay.

3. Do you think that with every release you start to have more and more to say through each piece? Because each piece has it’s own story but it all fits into a bigger collective that helps makeup 5th Column.

There is never a shortage of things to say; with each piece another one begins..

4. What’s next?

V. [Downfall] and eventually death..

1. Name/Occupation/Purpose in life?

Co-Owner & Creative Director for Us Versus Them

2. Who is “them” in Us Versus Them?

When we first came up with the name it wasn’t really directed a specific target.  It really was more of a positive attitude we had about our confidence in ourselves in the face of all that stood in our way to becoming successful. We wanted to spread our gospel of supporting independent business. To promote pride in being an outsider creating your own path.

Subcultures that had previously been built up by independent artists, businesses and early adopters were (and always are) being mined for inspiration and profit by corporate businesses, who rarely ever contributed culturally (only financially) to the scenes they profited from.  We saw a problem with that because the smaller companies and artists basically took a lump of coal and turned it into a diamond, only to have a giant corporation come in, throw out some sponsorships while it steals that diamond, never to return it.

As we started building the line aesthetically, I wanted to use the platform to expand the messages, bringing attention to social injustice, hypocrisy in leadership (cultural, moral and civic) and other forms of conflict.  So in that respect, “Them” became pretty much any person or organization that desired to control and manipulate through less than honerable means.  Be it a specific event, like the Kent State shootings which we used for a tee a couple years ago, or a message – our “No One Left” tee in the upcoming summer release touched on public apathy in the face of injustice – we want to remind people that they have the ability to positively affect the lives of others as long as they stay awake and aware of whats going on in the world.

As we move forward, I want to build off of that positivity and push the idea that you can always better yourself and your position in the face of any adversity and any adversary.  Ultimately I hope our tees will inspire confidence in those who need it and motivate those who concern for the welfare of others to get to work helping them.

3. What inspires you?

Those who create something out of nothing.  Those who can endure hardship and harness that experience into a positive direction. Self-confidence. The infinite complexity of Nature.  Being a father.  The never ending cycle of creation and decay.  Human emotions. Conflict & ethics.  Absurdity.  Logic & reason. Living simply.  Classic and functional design.  All music from all cultures.  Buying things that are built to last not built to be cheap.  HAVING FUN AND MAKING A LIVING DOING WHAT YOU LOVE.

4. Do you give a hoot?

Maybe too much. Ha.

5. Isn’t it easier to fool youth than adults?

All humans can be mislead, but the youth have the natural urge to question and rebel on their side.  As you grow older and take on more “responsibilities” and more stress, people forget to question the truth, because it is easier for them to live life with blinders on and let the media think for them.

Photo Source: Known Gallery

My real name is Angel but everyone knows me as NA

How has being from NY inspired DEADLINE?

Well being that my partner is from LA we try not to do just a new york inspired brand but NY def plays a big part in the brand as far as style,graphics etc etc.

Why does the industry suck right now?

If you look around everything sucks right now from streetwear, hiphop, movies and even the cities we live in suck its all changing but i think it’ll all come back around sooner than every one thinks.

What inspires you most?

I get my inspiration from people around me who are doing their own thing such as friends, family and mary jane has inspired me a whole lot as well.

Do you give a fuck?

I give a fuck about certain things and people but over all I would have to say… NO I DONT GIVE A FUCK!!!

NA is one of the realest dudes we know, he has worked at Supreme NY and now life has led him to DEADLINE.

Charles Grady. I’m the caretaker.

Why does the industry suck right now?

I wouldn’t say this industry sucks, I think it’s in a transitional stage. I can’t say I’ve really been inspired by what I see right now.  I think the universe is on a tilt. We may be witnessing the beginning of the end.

Do you give a fuck?

I do. Sometimes. But only for those who give a fuck about me. But I wouldn’t mind watching it all get flushed down the toilet. So maybe I don’t.

How is Brooklyn treating you?

Brooklyn gave me life and feeds me everyday. So I have to show love and give blood. I love her dearly.

What is the meaning of FYIAD?

FUCK YOU. I’M A DRAGON.