The future is uncertain and the end is always near.
Words by Andrew Reynolds
ITW by Elisa Routa
Portrait picture by Robin Nilssen
Action by Arto Saari & Supra
Ali’s one of my best friends, and has been for ages now. He never skated for Baker because he’s someone who’s extremely loyal, and has always been grateful to Jeff and Tom because they were the people who discovered him and first helped him when he was a kid. But he’s still always been a part of the Baker adventure, of Piss Drunk, since the very start. The name Baker was actually inspired by him, because he used to spend his time « baking », boiling, and burning, at our place at Huntington Beach. The whole movement, the entire facet of skateboarding that we created, he’s always been a part of it, he’s one of the guys behind the whole thing. I can’t explain really how or why, all I can say is that Ali was there, and that without him, things wouldn’t have been the same.
Ali, how would you describe yourself to someone who doesn’t know anything about you?
It’s almost impossible for me to describe myself because I don’t always know myself and I don’t really know who or what I am. Oh hang on, that’s almost a description of myself, haha!
Could you tell us how exactly and when you first met Andrew Reynolds?
No sorry but I don’t remember exactly how we met. Maybe he knows. I have an A.B.I acquired brain injury now. I think we met around 1995 maybe, in HB. Sorry Andrew.
I read that one of your most memorable things about « the Warner days » was meeting me. That made me feel REALLY special.
I’ve been told that Andrew went on holidays at your home when he was 15. Do you remember that?
YES! I remember that but I think he was older than 15. We skated around Stockholm and filmed. Almost my whole part in Baker 2G (if not everything) was filmed then? One of my favorite video parts (« When I was young »).
How would you describe your relationship today?
Well, we don’t hang out like we used to when we lived together, or lived really close to each other. We live in different countries now but we’re still really good friends and I chatted on iMessage with him last night. And whenever he comes to Europe we try to meet up. We met in Berlin a while ago.
How did the whole adventure ‘Piss Drunx’ start?
P(iss) D(runx) started in Arizona and it was me, Aaron Pearceay and Punker « Matso » Mat. We are THE FIRST and original « Piss Drunx ». Anything else is a lie! We did not want or try to « create » anything. It was just a thing between friends who liked to get drunk. Now I feel that we created a fucking monster!!!
Now I feel that we created a fucking monster!!!
How did Piss Drunx become ‘Baker’?
First of all Piss Drunx was never and should never be a company. It’s just a group of friends. Andrew was one of our PD friends and he started Baker.
In which way was Baker different from Piss Drunx?
Baker is Andrew’s skateboard company; PD is a group of friends! I don’t like this question.
Why did you choose the name of “Baker”?
I didn’t choose the name Baker. My friends started calling me Baker(boy). When Andrew started his skate company he called it Baker.
What does skateboarding represent for you?
No, I was not born a skateboarder I started when I was 10 years old. To me skateboarding is just something fun to do. Others call it a way of life, a sport or an artform. I guess it could be all of those things.
Then, I’d like to know, what did you do after the Baker years?
This question makes no sense. Sorry no answer.
One day, your life totally changed due to a terrible accident in Oz. Can I ask you what happened or you can skip this (stupid) question!
Skip
How do you feel today?
I feel like a different man almost every day and it’s been 5 years so YES!
Oh, and congrats for your recent wedding!
Tank You!! HAHA I mean: Thank you !!
What are your plans now for the next few days/ months?
The future is uncertain and the end is always near.
The future is uncertain and the end is always near.
Do you still skateboard?
Yes, I have just recently been able to roll around a bit.
What is a typical day today when your name is Ali Boulala?
Watch Ellen DeGeneres, physiotherapy, hang out with friends, play guitar and play with my iPhone.
Do you still see Andrew Reynolds?
See answer 4.
What is your opinion of the modern skateboard scene?
I don’t know what you mean by « actual »
Do you have influences in your life, sources of motivation & inspirations?
Friends/teammates and musicians that I like.
