Hidden Champion magazine/Stephane Royer Interview

The 4 page interview came out in July 2010. We thought we would post up the english version for everybody since the interview was all in Japanese. We've added a few pics in here that weren't in the interview

If want a copy of the Hidden Champion interview hit us up at info@sidual.com and we'll mail you a copy of the issue. We have limited issues on hand, so better hurry if you want one!

#1) Can you introduce yourself to the readers who don't know about you. (where you are from and your occupation, what you've done in your past life etc...)
Name: Stephane Royer Born: Cochrane Alberta Canada where the movie Rad was filmed. for those of you that don't know best classic bmx movie EVER! Current City: Summerland, BC Occupation: Pro Flatland rider. Owner of Sidual Apparel and also owner and operator of Sidual Screen printing shop. For those of you that don't know me. Our Crew dominated the flatland seen during the late 90's we were pushing the limits of flatland during this era. We documented our seen through Jason Brown's infamous flatland video's "Canadien Eh!", " 5 Combos" and "Millennium" . Now its a decade later we've all gone in our own direction doing our own thing, some of us still keep in touch. After my last visit to Japan in 2004 I decided it was time to switch gears to get re-inspired, this gave birth to my clothing line: Sidual. Most people today see screen print as a production line process, I personally want to show people that it is an art form like any other special craft. That's why I still personally hand screen all of my clothing. Just like my riding style I love pushing my personal limits. I've completely submerged myself into Sidual which obviously has taken me away from riding full-time like I used to. If you were wondering why you haven't seen me around good chances are I was locked away in my studio printing. I use to print 24 hrs straight with very little sleep! I wasn't kidding about completely submerging myself into Sidual. Riding and printing I pretty much attack it the same way FULL on! I don't have a moderation button. I just simply love to create concepts and make them reality.

#2) How did you start your company Sidual? and are there any meanings behind your brand name Sidual?

Before Sidual's inception in 2005, it was called Roland Industries which was a flatland parts company I started in 2004. For those that remember and have purchased my infamous peg system I thank you! most of them were sold in Japan, this is what helped to change the direction of my journey. Our first shirts were actually designed for Roland Industries . I rallied a bunch of Tattoo artists that I knew to help me design our first shirts, which eventually became Sidual designs later. Roland Industry shirt never made it onto the market.

Somewhere along the line I made decision to change the direction of my company and I went more towards the Street wear and Lifestyle brand. When I was sponsored we wore company logos which were text most of the time I was tired of that shit. I wanted to create rad graphic on shirts similar to the late 80's. Yes I'm a full on 80's kid ( which is apparent in some of our Sidual gear). The main reason I created Sidual was to communicate through a visual art medium that is accessible to everyone. So in a nut shell... Sidual is an art movement about the world we surround ourselves in. Think of Sidual as a mirror, and we as a conscious collective can decide what were going do about it. I created this company to do some good in the world so we donate 3% of our sales to different environmental and humanitarian groups.

#3) You grew up with BMX, especially flatland. You seemed to be not interested in contests much. What was/is the motivation to ride?
Very interesting question.

When I first moved to Vancouver in 1996 I was all about contest. Riding with Andrew Farris, Jamie Macintosh, Jason Brown, Dan Rigby, Nathan Penonzek, Cory Stratychuk, Steve Fong our crew was really competitive. It was all friendly of course....... Some of us were more competitive then others. We would have contest against each other in the parking lot practicing our contest runs. I was all about keeping it underground and being hardcore as much as possible.

I reached a turning point in in 1997 when I lost the use of my right hand, which eventually moved up my entire arm. I had chronic tendenidice throughout my right arm I couldn't even hold a glass of water. I had to stop riding for a complete years, so I partied instead, good times!

It's now 1998 it's been 3 months since I got back from the injury learning a complete new style of riding and all new tricks for our video 5 Combos. it's was to much for me after such an injury and all that time off I was ready quite riding for good. If you ever wondered why you saw me through my bike so much in videos back then I was getting frustrated! my arm was killing me. I had to start wearing braces so I could continue to ride. This is when I decide not to do contest I just wanted to come up with even harder combos I wanted to push myself to my ultimate limit and shit was just getting harder to learn and it took way more time to perfect then the combos I came up with before the injury. I loved the challenge!

Now it 's 2004 (after being pro for like 8 years) I'm on a plane to Japan for my first contest at the KOG. I can thank Travis Collier for that. After 8 years that's just too funny! I had a great time!! everyone was awesome! I sucked in the contest but who cares! I was in Japan riding and meeting new people and a culture that pretty much grow up whatching us on videos for years. it was great to experience Japan.

#4) relationship between you and BMX, do you think that relationship got changed when you were younger and now? If so, when or what made the change?
I started 2 business's at the same time within the clothing industry that consumed allot of my time. Two years ago I met my Wife and stepdaughter. We moved 5 hours away from Vancouver to Summerland (a small town). I'm a new dad! On April 20th we had a big beautiful boy named Bodhi. You better watch out if he decides to get into riding he's gonna kick your butts in the parking lot. He's the next generation and he's already programmed with my DNA. My stepdaughter Isla loves doing tricks on her bike,we took her to the BMX track a few times she did awesome! so between being a family man and Sidual my schedule is pretty full as you can imagine.

#5) What is/was BMX flatland for you? Freedom, Creation, Addiction, Happiness

#6) How do you think of the flatland scene in north america from your view?
From my point of view the flatland industry in Japan and the riders and the people really unite and everyone seems to support the seen, which amazing to see! it was interesting to watch the flatland seen grow in Japan throughout the years to what it is today. North America was once this way. Here in north America the flatland community is healthy where their is one....but the industry itself barely markets or supports flatland and if it does you almost need to strain your eyes to see it. It's very much all about street riding here, which I really enjoy watching but there is a clear division! its like flatland isn't part of BMX in North America. I stopped paying attention to the seen here years ago, I just love to ride so fuck'em!

#7) Can you tell us future prospects of Sidual? If you have that.
Opening my own stores. Spreading the good vibes to the masses. Raising money to help people in need.

#8) What is Sidaul for you?
An extension of my mind... learning about the world around me and I get to share it with all of you! Lots of work hours. Master of my own destiny.

#9) You have been to Tokyo/Japan before. How did you like Japan?
It's was great to be in a country that truly appreciates flatland. I've been to Japan twice and the hospitality is second to none, I felt like a rockstar.

#10) Do you think you coming back to Japan again?
I'm sure one day life will find a reason for me to return. Next time will probably be for my clothing line. I 'll just half to pack my bike too!

#11) There are still many your fans in Japan even we haven't seen you riding for years. Can we expect some more crazy tricks from you near future?
One thing I've learned, never say never. I do have some unfinished combos that I want to complete. For now I thought I would entertain you with some back wheel tricks for this interview. For those you that don't know me or my riding style I haven't touched the back wheel since the " Allied Loiter" video that came out in '97 I believe. My newest trick lately is changing my little man diapers cross armed.

#12) Do you have any messages to your fans in Japan?
Go to sidual.com and check out my clothing line and subscribe to our blog while your at it too.

#13) Last wards, if you forgot to say anything or you have anyone would like to thank.
First off I would like to thank Takuji Kasahara , he must be my biggest fan for setting up this interview. I left the industry for sometime now, it feels like that time period in my life was just an amazing dream. Thanks to everyone that ever supported me and my riding. I would like to thank my wife Devyn she's the fuel to my life. I couldn't have found a more loving supportive friend and partner. My last thank you goes out to all the riders in Japan for opening their doors to this great sport and for being a great ambassador for all us that love flatland. Well I guess that's it. Until next time - Peace!