Steven Vogel represents my idea of the modern-day Renaissance man. Even if you don’t know him by name, you’re likely familiar with some of the projects he’s headed up or played a pivotal role in. As a published author and former editor, communication is arguably his strongest suit but he’s much more than just a wordsmith.
Whether you’re an artist, a writer, a musician, a skateboarder, designer or even an entrepreneur, Mr. Vogel’s opinions are worth listening to.

—Don Pendleton, 19 April 2010

I was walking down the Prinsengracht in Amsterdam a couple months ago and came across Go Gallery. The exhibition at the time featured a bunch of really dope paintings done by two dudes named Two Things. The owner of the gallery was cool enough to put us in touch. We did an interview, went to a lot of rad openings, watched homies play Jenga for money and smoked hella cigarettes inside. These guys are super talented. Read about it, and look at some pictures.

—Omar Almufti, 03 February 2010

Dave Ackels has been quietly making local skateboard videos in Dayton, Ohio for almost two decades. His Absorb video project finally gives people all over the world a chance to peak in on the local scene and the people who make it what it is. The independent filmmaker discusses MTV, YouTube, company skateboard videos and how they can all coexist peacefully.

—Don Pendleton, 29 January 2010

Jazz, skateboards, art: if any of these things interest you then you’ll want to get familiar with Ian Johnson’s work. I always thought it would be dope to have an opportunity to ask Ian a few questions about the work he does, I hit him up and he was really cool about it. So put some Charlie Parker on the stereo, check out the interview, look through the gallery, and chill out for a bit.

—Omar Almufti, 08 December 2009

Graphic tickler, artist and Levelogger Lee Basford teamed up with friend and illustrator Simon Peplow to grit their teeth in a zen-inducing cyclothon across the south west of England. Hills came and hills went (and then more hills came and went) but, much like Pheidippides, they never gave up. Granted, then had gears, village pubs, comfy tent equipment and didn’t die at the end, but still. You try it.

—Chris Noble, 11 November 2009

When Don Pendleton offered Level an interview with (SLAP magazine editor and photographer) Mark Whiteley, it was immediately snapped up and slated to be an article. But it was related to Mark’s new book of his photos, so wouldn’t that be a goodstuff? A simple solution came to mind: make it both.

—Chris Noble, 06 October 2009

It’s just as contagious, but unlike swine flu, the nausea only lasts an hour. Rollapaluza is riding high amongst the UK’s hardcore cycling community. I went down, took part, shamed myself and liked it.

—Tom Oldham, 19 August 2009

My credit’s feeling a tad crunched so I’m off to the British seaside, just like I used to as a young pup. As the UK’s coastline enjoys a new enthusiasm, where else in a famously expensive location can a couple enjoy such a native treat without feeling properly tucked up? Warning: The following feature is a surefire sign that the writer is aging.

—Tom Oldham, 06 August 2009

Once again I packed my tour pant* and headed off on my (to date) nine-year documentary project with The Bays, driving all night to Soundwave Festival, Croatia. For the (not unreasonably) unaware, The Bays are possibly the least commercial musical enterprise since Cindi Lauper turned pro-wrestler—though at least their sweat and toil is appreciated by an ever-increasing audience, time after time…

—Tom Oldham, 29 July 2009

Craftsmen are a different breed. They are meticulous, working hours on end in solidarity, repeating simple processes over and over in search of perfection. They are a patient people.

Jordan Hufnagel is a custom bike builder from Portland, Oregon, one of America’s most bicycle-friendly cities. Hufnagel Cycles, hand built by Jordan, are known for their clean lines. Building everything from Track bikes to Road bikes to Cyclocross bikes, Jordan’s creations are increasing in demand around the globe.

Countless hours of brazing, sanding and polishing materialize into some amazing works of art.

—Jared Souney, 10 July 2009