CREATING THE GOODZ SHOWCASE #4 - PETE LA CHIC OF FOR THE HOMIES
We recently caught up with our homie Pete Le Chic of For The Homies for an interview as part of this instalment of Creating The Goodz.
Before we jump into the interview, for those that are not familiar with Pete or his brand we present the background story of For The Homies…
A bridge between menswear and streetwear with signature custom designs, tailored garments, graphic tees and accessories, the brand is the vision of director and founder Pete Le Chic.
Most streetwear labels venture into cut and sew clothing design in order to keep their t-shirt brands in the game, but this is where For The Homies got their start.
Pete’s first ever dream job was to be the artist who made the art for skateboard decks. At age 18 he realised this dream by working for a skateboard company that gave him his first opportunity to begin working with clothing, pattern makers and manufacturers. Through this he found a love of designing and went on to become an apprentice tailor for 2 years where he began sewing clothes. He was making streetwear, but using the tailoring techniques he was learning in his apprenticeship with a vision that there was a better and more interesting way to construct clothes than the mass produced way.
Since all the clothes he made were starting to pile up he decided to give them to friends, who happened to be artists, DJs and musicians. With the exposure of this small group Pete was contacted to see if he wanted to sell some of his clothes, and For The Homies was born in 2006.
Choosing never to sacrifice on quality the production is managed by like minded and passionate manufacturers in Canada, USA and Japan. Each release is heavily influenced by Pete’s personal experience, his love of art, skateboarding, graffiti, street culture and particularly by music.
For The Homies has never been a brand for the masses and is distinct in its visual identity and culture, creating an “insiders club”. By bringing people together it has paved the way for a flourishing niche.
Yo Pete, thanks for joining us homie, for the latest instalment of Creating The Goodz. Tell us about yourself, as well as your history as a creative and the path that got you to where you are today?
My first memory is going to the national gallery with my little textbook with He-Man on the cover and drawing as many paintings as I possibly could. Plus the sheer amount of weirdos wanting to look at my drawings, who know where my parents were!? I was especially drawn to Picasso, I don't know if it was more the colour combinations or the abstraction but, ‘Weeping Woman’ is still one of my favourites to date.
At around 8 years old, in 1988 I found skateboarding. That freedom of being on the streets and the rebellion that comes with it has led to that downfall for the rest of my life haha. The discovery of the art, music and the introduction of style changed everything, I wouldn't be the same person without it. Off the leash!
Can you give us some insight into your creative process?
I'm heavy on research, if I'm not learning while I'm working how much can I enjoy and take away from it? Every collection has a starting point theme. For example, the next season is based on the West Indies cricket team touring Australia. Viv Richards and Curtly Ambrose cap titled, dripping in gold and looking so cool even on the pitch. It was my introduction of style in sports, all pre NBA. the next game changer…
Any memorable projects or clients through your journey over the years that instantly come to mind?
My favourite tshirt is the Wu Tang/Metallica FOREVER. That was initially for A New York Thing, then that brand went under. I sat on it for like another 4-5 years before coming out simply because I thought people wouldn't get it. There are no bad ideas but, there's bad timing and bad placement- for example not putting something out in the right lane where the correct audience will understand it.
For any creative inspiration is a major influence on our mindset and part of the projects and work we produce. What influences you and your work especially when it comes to the label?
Simple, hate and anger. Not really, but there's still a part of me that thrives on it. These days it's more so trying to be better than the last time in anything I do. That's my only goal. Even if it's a small improvement and I notice it, that's enough. That comes down to planning and organising thoroughly.
“Just watch my back, I got the front, yo” Mobb Deep
With your label For The Homies from memory, my first interaction with the label was seeing your Homies, Lovers, Friend Tshirt back in 2008 in your eyes what do you think has given your brand such long longevity and what could you recommend to other brands owners?
I can’t stress this enough, you’re not competing with any brand or anyone but yourself. The next guy is always gonna have a bigger budget, more talent or more connections. Do better than you did last time and get your skills up. Find people you admire and ask questions, then put it into practice. Everyone wants to be the Supreme or whatever but, you can only be you.
Photo accreditation & sources: For The Homies, Up There Store.
SHORTCUT BEATS #2 - THREATNIQUE
The second installment of Shortcut Beats - Lockdown Series presented by our Fam at The Chop in this recent episodes special guest is Threatnique.
LIGHTS OUT - DRU BLAST FT DXVNDRE & LEE MONRO
Lights Out is the recent video & single from Dru Blast aka Mr Clean feating Lee Monro & Dxvndre from his recent album Out Of The Red.
Dru has dropped some cinematic visually tantalizing clips for this drop under his brand Thriller Vision make sure to also check out his last release GMS (Grown Man Shiz).
Check out and purchase the album here and it is also available on all streaming platforms.
UNDERTOW - NO SLEEP
Homie Undertow recently dropped his second clip and single from his recent album “ON SIGHT” with this vibrant animation by Tenth DAN.
“Life can be so stressful with work and general life commitments. Everyone needs a release and that’s what this song is about”.
Having propelled into the music scene with his new EP ‘On Sight,’ Undertow returns with the release of a colourful animated video for his single ‘No Sleep’.
Animated by hip hop and artist Tenth Dan (Danimation), Undertow effortlessly showcases his carefully balanced lyricism whilst continuing to build a perspective that is relatable which further showcases his versatility.
‘No Sleep’ is a song that reflects the rapper, where he rhymes about being loose and learning how to release himself from life’s everyday struggles.
“Life can be so stressful with work and general life commitments. Everyone needs a release and that’s what this song is about”.
On the video, Undertow said, “The video is an animated clip which flashes to different metaphors throughout the song. The song is super fun and bouncy so I thought I’d do a clip which reflects that.”
“I’m really happy with the way this has come out! I’ve wanted to do an animated clip for so long, and he really smashed this one. Super easy to work with and produced the goods.”
Check out and stream the album here or on any streaming platform.
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WIN A THE GOODZ SCRIPTED RUGBY
We are running an Instagram Giveaway Competition.
To enter all you have to do is
1. Follow @gimmethegoodz on Instagram & Like the post
2. Comment your size and @ 3 Friends
*Bonus entries for post shared & stories
This competition is worldwide winner announced on Oct 11 2021 on Instagram
SOII - RUGGED FIDELITY
Soii is killing it! This is the second instrumental album drop in the last couple of months. Go cop it and support local music and acts.
Purchase on Bandcamp or stream on Soundcloud & live on Spotify at the end of the June.
GTG TEE PREORDER
All Condition Goods
Classic cut relaxed fit, Black heavy weight, 220 GSM, 22-singles 100% combed cotton, Neck ribbing, side seamed, shoulder to shoulder tape, double needle hems, preshrunk to minimise shrinkage, front & back print with money bag branded patch on sleeve.
Limited Run
Free Shipping.
PRE-WINTER WEEKEND SALE
Pre-Winter Weekend Sale is now live running from Fri May 28 till Mon 31.
CREATING THE GOODZ #3 SOII
Soii is a sample based producer, DJ, and Crate Digger from the Blue Mountains, Australia.
Soii is also one half of the talented duo “Monastry” with fellow Australian producer Atoribeats aka Pro/gram, Soii is also the 2019 winner of The Chop x Today’s Future Sound Beat Battle, Turntablist, and retired battle Dj competing in DMC competitions over the years, and all round good bloke.
You will not be disappointed as Soii takes you on a journey with Combination Therapy a skilfully crafted album. Made in 2016, this EP is an emotional journey comprised of moody soundscapes, heavy drum patterns, and complex musical arrangements. The aim of this album is to take the listener away from the present, and into a world where they can visualize what can they hear.
Created with an Akai MPC 2000XL and a vast number of rare and unique samples from vinyl.
You can show some support by purchasing it on his Bandcamp or streaming it on Spotify.
THE GOODZ SCRIPTED RUGBY
We will be going live on the webstore next week for presales of our The Goodz Scripted Rugby with embroidered script and branded patch.
Keep an eye out we’ll have more information asap.
THE GOODZ X PROLIFIK THE GIFTED
Music Producer, Mc, Dj & Wrestler. Prolifik The Gifted this homie has always been supportive and humble not to mention talented!
Photo by Johnny Bigg
Design by 808 Creative
THE CHOP: QUALITY BEATS FEAT SCOTTY B & RAINE SUPREME
Our Fam at The Chop knows what up, still hoping for some more episodes in the near future.
The Chop presents "Quality Beats" an ongoing day in the life short video series featuring local established and upcoming Beat-Maker/Music Producers giving insight into their day to day lives, music, production process and more. Third up, on Quality Beats, we have been lucky to have Scotty B The Digital Assassin and Dj Raine Supreme join up for a collaboration on this episode they take us on an adventure show a joint production routine and process where Raine dug the vinyl and laid cuts and Scotty laid down his handy work on making the beat .... enjoy.
Listen to the full track version of "Down Right Nasty" here.