Skate videos—short films or clips capturing skateboarders performing tricks—have been a cornerstone of skate culture from the very start. These videos highlight the creativity, style, and skill of individual skaters or teams, almost like a showcase of skateboarding’s best moments. Major skate companies and shops use these videos to promote their teams, capturing each skater’s unique stylistic choices. Each video carries its distinct style, shaped by factors like filming location, group of skaters, and, most importantly – the soundtrack.
Ever since the early days of skateboarding, skate culture has been inseparable from music. From the humble beginnings of sidewalk surfing in the 1970s, music has played a pivotal role in shaping the identity of skaters all around the world. The DIY ethos of skateboarding naturally aligns with punk and its adjacent genres, creating a deep connection between the two.
In the 70s and 80s, skateboarding was an underground sport, often associated with rebellious youth and counterculture. During the same time, punk rock was making waves across the US, characterized by loud, fast, and aggressive sounds that stood against the mainstream. The raw, counterculture vibe of both punk rock and skateboarding converged and was highly prevalent in the skate scene.
By the 90s, skateboarding had evolved, and so had its relationship with music. Hip-hop had become the main music of choice, and soundtracks started to become completely oversaturated with the use of hip-hop and rap music.
In the 2000s and beyond, skateboarding continued to diversify, and so did the music in skate videos. Indie rock, alternative, and electronic genres became common, marking a shift toward more creative and introspective skating, often accompanied by experimental soundtracks. People started to use more of a variety of genres instead of sticking to one or two, creating a unique image for each video. Each video’s soundtrack often reflects the musical vibe of the skate scene at that time, whether it’s punk rock, hip-hop, indie, or beyond.
The 80’s
“Hokus Pokus”, the second video from legendary skate company H-Street, is an iconic piece in skateboarding history. The first four songs by the punk band Sub-Society, perfectly capture the rebellious, gritty essence of late 80s skate culture. Although being a revolutionary skate video by itself, the soundtrack of this video is quite limited, featuring songs of artists of mostly one genre.
90’s
“Mouse” is the second full-length skate video by Girl Skateboards, one of the most prominent companies in the industry to this day. The soundtrack in this video starts to show the shift from completely punk-rock-oriented music to a more diverse music selection, from hardcore queens rapper Royal Flush to the soft-spoken melodies of Bob Dylan.
2000’s
“This is Skateboarding” is the second video by Emerica Footwear, and is considered one the most influential videos of the 2000’s. This soundtrack pulls together a killer mix of genres that keeps the viewer engaged and watching. “Drive Me Wild” by The Richmond Sluts, captures the raw, energetic spirit of skateboarding with its fast-paced garage rock sound. Meanwhile, “I Don’t Love Anyone” by Belle & Sebastian adds a softer, more introspective tone. These contrasts in genres keep the video interesting and entertaining to watch.
2020’s
“Play Dead” is clothing brand Supreme’s 5th skate video. Featuring skateboarding from all around NYC, some of the best skaters in the city are featured in this 53-minute video. This video is the prime example of a new-age skate video, featuring artists and tracks from all different genres, such as 90’s rock band Deftones, world-famous NYC rappers Jay-Z and Cam’ron, and last but not least, a song from the piano man himself, Billy Joel. These tracks blend in perfectly to make a soundtrack that keeps viewers engaged and wanting more.
