We are very thrilled about “Making Gravy”! Why? Because when it comes to skate edits, roller skating is still on the a barely touched side. After “Street Fighters” got lots of people hyped last year, this Australian roller skating film is another gem showcasing the creativity and radness of the eight wheels. If you are not aware what is going on Down Under, then check out this edit by Samantha Trayhurn and friends and read what she had in mind when initiating this project.
For those who don’t know, ‘making gravy’ is a lyric from a really iconic Paul Kelly song. Paul is an Aussie artist, and almost every Australian would consider this to be one of our best songs. If it comes on after a few beers, it’s an indicator that a good sing along is coming. So, when I decided to put together an edit showcasing Australian roller skating, this just seemed like the right name.
‘Making Gray’ was born during Covid-19 isolation when I was looking for a project to keep me busy and motivated. I asked a bunch of my friends to send me clips because I wanted to make a short film showing what the Australian roller skate scene is all about. As most people know, Australia is an island nation and it sometimes feels like we are really far from the rest of the world. Sometimes it also feels like we are underrepresented in skating, but I know how much talent is here, and how much fun we have, and I wanted everyone to be able to see and feel that. Not that many Aussie skaters have been sponsored this year. For example, Nikita is on the Nitro Circus tour and doesn’t have a skate sponsor, and to me that’s sacrilege! Also, while we were all so hyped to watch the Street Fighters edit and think it is one of the coolest things ever, there weren’t any Australians in it, so we got really motivated to create something of our own.
After I put the call out, over the next few weeks I was so stoked with the footage people sent in. My mate Isabel helped me edit it all together. I had a big stupid smile on my face the whole time I was going through the footage. The result is about 16 minutes of pure fun, shenanigans, some pretty killer skating, and lots of great spots. We hope this is just the beginning of a series of clips like this, and can’t wait to start working on the next one.
Credit where credit is due
It’s important to note that we made this film on Bundjalung, Yugambeh, Turrbal, Yugara, Awabakal, Worimi, Darkinjung, Gadigal, Darug, Tharawal, Wurundjeri, Boon Wurrung, Muwinina, Ngarluma & Yindjibarndi country. We acknowledge the traditional owners of these lands, and all Australian lands, and that sovereignty was never ceded.
The music in the film is from Aussie bands: ‘Burn the Mattress’ by Cupid and the Stupids, ‘How do you like me now!?’ by Bad Batch, ‘17’ by Traffik Island, ‘Better Think Again’ by The Living Eyes, and ‘Riff’ by Totty.
A big thanks to everyone who skated and filmed for the project. And to the brands that gave us their support: @hammiesshorts, @rollerfit, @grindstone_, @discoblox, @beachburritoco.
We are definitely on the lookout for other brands who want to be involved with the next one. If that’s you, you can email samantha.trayhurn@gmail.com.
There are so many great skaters in Australia, and not even a fraction of them are featured here. We hope to be able to work with even more skaters in the future. The skaters in the film can all be found on Instagram: @taylah.fraser @sugu.fu @dangersk8s @staceyskates, @funkaadelic, @lozshredz, @goldengardenn, @crazycagey, @whippa_156, @bozocakes, @bowzer___, @the_moljitov_princess, @marmaladeslam, @soapyprosciutto, @noodle0807, @infectedskater.girl, @cathh.b, @jessiejackson, @hayleyhalo, @dozerbell, @cosmic_crooks, @garrymanfroid, @nikita_elaine, @thatchitcray_ @skate_n_all_that_jaz, @theturquoisewell, @two_wheelers, @discosteward
If this video has inspired you in anyway, go shred, grab your friends and make your own clip. To me, this is what skating is really all about.
Words by Samantha Trayhurn