A method to the madness of JT Aultz

Thrasher Magazine, Jan, 2005 by Michael Burnett

Let's get this out of the way. When did you decide to get the mohawk, and why do you still have it so many months later?

A couple years ago, I guess. I was on a trip and I decided to do it, just for fun. I did it on a Deluxe trip.

So you've had the mohawk for over two years now?

No. I shave it off from time to time, whenever I feel like doing it.

How long has the current mohawk been in motion?

This one I've had for, like, six months.

How's your life different with the 'hawk? 'Cause it's a provocative hairstyle.

Yeah, that's why I like it. It gets people to judge you a little bit. So it helps to filter out the assholes.

Do you need that kind of filter in your life?

Yeah, it helps.

What have been some of the best reactions you've gotten?

The people at my bank kind of treat me shitty. Things like that. But, whatever.

What about the ladies?

They probably think I'm a scumbag or something. I don't think it's ever been an issue.

What kind of 'hawk maintenance do you have to employ?

What do you mean?

What do you have to do to the 'hawk to keep it looking good?

Uhmm, nothing.

You don't have to tend to the sides?

You could if you want, I guess.

Have you ever gotten any kind of weird sunburn?

No. It's been pretty problem free.

Do you use any kind of gels or mousses to keep it stiff?

No, no. Fuck that shit.

Who are some 'hawk role models of yours?

Tim Armstrong.

From Rancid?

Yeah.

Yeah. He's good. Are there any other outlandish hairstyles that you like?

I guess.

Dreads?

Yeah, they're all right. Whatever you're into.

Has your mohawk worked itself into any of your obsessive-compulsive rituals?

I don't know. You'd probably know more than me.

Like tap the board three times, spin the wheels, hold the trucks, brush the mohawk?

Maybe subconsciously. I might do it without knowing it, 'cause that's how those things happen.

Just to explain to the readers, you have many, many nervous ticks that you have to go through before you try a trick, right?

Yeah. I think it's getting worse.

When did you first notice you had them?

I don't know when I first noticed it. It's gotten worse over the years. Probably when I started trying scarier stuff or when I started filming.

What are some of your standard ticks?

Touch the ledge, or whatever I'm skating, grab the board by the trucks--I always have to do those.

Do you do anything with your clothing?

Yeah, grab my pants.

What would happen if you didn't do them?

Probably nothing. It would probably make the trick a lot easier.

Is there any time when you skate when you don't have to do them?

Yeah. It's only when I'm filming. I'm fine if I'm just cruising around.

It's only for stunt work?

Yeah, I guess.

When you were younger were you ever superstitious about stepping on a crack or having to hold your breath when you went through a door?

No, I do that sometimes now, but never when I was a kid. When I skate it's only when I film or try and get photos, so it doesn't affect my life all that much.

Do you ever worry you'll get sucked over into that world, where all you have is the ticks and you can't skate?

Yeah, a little bit. That would suck. That's why I'm trying to work on it.

You know what helps a lot of people with their OCD?

What?

Chain-smoking. 'Cause it gives their hands something to do at all times.

Yeah, I don't want to do that.

I don't want you to either. How long have you ridden for Real now?

A long time, five years now.

How old are you?

Twenty-two.

So since you were in high school?

Yeah, since my sophomore year.

Now that you're pro, what advice would you give to an am who's been an am on the same team for five years?

Just try and skate as hard as you can. Try and push yourself. A lot of time it's just because you're not skating enough. You have to get out there and try stuff every chance you get.

Did you get to the point where you had to tell yourself to try harder stuff?

No. I've always been pretty good about wanting to get better. Ever since I was a kid I've always been motivated to try stuff and keep improving. I've always had that mind-set.

How's your life going to change now that you're a professional athlete?

I don't think it's gonna change. I'll still do the same things.

Nothing different?

Well, I might be able to buy a new car someday, 'cause my truck right now is dying.

What kind of car do you want to get?

An older Cadillac. Those are only a couple thousand bucks.

What color?

Black.

That's a rough car for desert commuting.

Yeah. We'll see.

What do you and Julien Stranger talk about when it's just the two of you?

I don't know if it's ever been just the two of us.

What about you and the Gonz?

That dude's awesome. I went to a Green Day show with him, Jim, and Max. Afterwards Gonz and I were taking the BART back to The City by ourselves and we were just singing Green Day songs the whole way. Mark was all, "I really like this one!" And telling me about tagging on walls. It was fun.

Has Mic-E Reyes mellowed out? I haven't heard of him punching anyone in years.

I don't know if he's mellowed out. He just doesn't go on as many trips and so you don't get to see him getting wild very often. He's still around.