Still Proud Clothing

by Jason Walsh

This up-and-coming South Florida franchise is a new outlet for hardcore and hip-hop themed designs. SPC is yet another independent endeavor that is not driven as much by money as it is the message. The roots of owner/operator Gavin Otsuka is like so many others.

“As cliché as it may sound, hardcore and hip-hop have been a huge part of my life and as a result, I’ve been actively involved through many mediums such as writing, playing in bands, booking shows, and really saw clothing as another creative outlet. I’m drawn to clothing because as simplistic as it is, it has the ability to convey a powerful message in a very direct way.”

There are five designs in the line, all with singularly different bold statements. “Keep Metal Out of Hardcore,” “FCK Fighting,” and “American Straightedge” are a few of these.

“Over the years I came to find out that a lot of my favorite bands were edge, so I felt that if your going to put out a line encompassing the hardcore scene, what not a more proud faction to appeal to,” Otsuka said. “Sadly enough, just about every show I’ve attended has had at least one fight, so this design (FCK Fighting) was a given and its appeal really goes beyond the hardcore or hip-hop scene. You can wear it to any event that calls for a good time and that’s why we decided to put it out.”

Otsuka gets the most comments about the “Keep Metal Out of Hardcore” design. “There are many people that believe metal has thinned hardcore out, chipped away at its punk foundations and commercialized it, while others believe it is a natural progression of the music that has kept it interesting. We can argue either side until the sun comes up but at the end of the day it’s a matter of personal preference.”

“SP Hammer Time” is a design based on the legendary 80s hardcore group, Judge. The shirt is an ode to the crossed hammers logo found on all Judge’s albums and merch. Otsuka felt this was a tribute to the band and their message.

“Judge was a very influential band in the hardcore scene so I thought it would be fun to put our take on it. Also, while every shirt has our logo on the back, this is the only one in our first line that blatantly states the company name.”

The last shirt in this first run states “Support Independent Hip-Hop,” which as Otsuka stated, was a large influence in his life.

“I’ve always had an appreciation for independent hip-hop as it harbors a more organic sound and dedication than any commercial artist I’ve come across. I felt it was important to put this one out because I believe that the independent scene is a much better definition of what hip-hop is. Hip-hop, in my opinion is not about flashy cars or bling like MTV has made it out to be. It’s about real life issues and a true appreciation for the art form.”
Philadelphia based outfit, Outerspace, is one of many who have lent their name to the line. MC Planetary of the raw Philly hip-hop crew was all about working with Otsuka.

“The company is run by a great guy, the gear is dope and Outerspace is always down to network and build a relationship with quality, indepenedent companies such as Still Proud. Besides the look, we like the fact that it brings two seemingly different crowds together.

Miami’s Knock ‘Em Dead is a heavy hardcore five-piece that has also joined forces with Still Proud Clothing. Frontman Hamlet echoed the same sentiment of the positive messages that a shirt can convey about a company.

“We have been long time friends with Gavin and we support independent companies helping the scene. We like the fact that Still Proud is a genuine, underground company with a DIY ethic because that is the same approach and foundation that Knock Em Dead was born out of. If you are a fan of hardcore and hip-hop, you should support independent companies like Still Proudas they risk a lot like us to keep the spirit of this music alive and functioning in society.”

Otsuka plans on selling the current stock before planning the next wave in the line. He’s had success at local hardcore and hip-hop venues in South Florida and will continue to expand as time rolls forward.

“Success has a very different meaning to each individual and I think I’ve started off on the right path,” he said. “I’m not out to make a million on this but that does not mean that I’m not going to push this company as far as it can go. I started this company as a way to stay involved in this music as I’ve great respect for the bands and individuals, so as long as the kids are digging my stuff and helping me release consistent designs, I’ll take that as success.”



http://www.myspace.com/stillproudclothing