Hey Jose, how's it going man?

It is going real well man! Just focused on skateboarding and filming.

So let's jump into this, you just had this new Official Roj "O" collection drop. How hands on were you with the collection? What made you choose these items for your signature collection?

Yeah I had a new line of "Roj O" hats come out this season and couldn't be happier! It's dope because the designers at Official allow me to be completely hands-on and specific with every detail on the hat. That's what makes everything come together nicely because they listen to what we have to say; even if they don't like the idea they will always make us samples regardless. For this new line I just wanted something basic and clean with a great fit. For example, I love the burgundy "Roj O" hat cause it's basic. But I added small little details from the rustic metallic rivets on the eyelets, to the brown leather strap back, making sure it was unstructured so you can literally fold it up and put it in your back pocket then put it back on and it fits the same!

I noticed that camera case too, looks good. I might have to pick one up for myself. Are you into photography?

Thanks! You gotta get one, it's perfect. I am so excited about the camera case! I've always had a love for photography but never really like to put it out there.

What's your go-to camera and how did you get into it?

My go to camera is definitely my Olympus Stylus Epic point and shoot! It's small, easy and fits perfectly in my Official camera case. I got into shooting photos when I began traveling. It was a real easy hobby to get into when you get to travel all over the world and experience amazing sites, people, nature, foods, etc. Why not!?

I've heard you enjoy watching dj's and what not. What's been on the Jose Rojo playlist lately?

I enjoy watching live music in general! When it comes to music I'm all over the board for sure. I just watched Dam Funk and Egyptian Lover do a set a few days ago, which was amazing! I like Madlib a ton but lately I've just been listening to Tame Impala. They've been my favorite since the Innerspeaker album.

So, let's talk Oververt. How many Jose Rojo boards do we have to buy to see the rest of that footage?

Haha! Well I'm no longer held hostage and my footage will be released later this year.

I mean if you're doing this interview obviously you have been released from captivity. Can you go into all that happened and how you got out of that sticky situation?

I've been advised not to talk about that traumatic situation. Ha! Jk! Naw, it's part of what we had going on, but in between the process I got hurt pretty bad so it was put off for a bit. But it's back in the process now and will be out this year. I'm very excited and looking forward to it!

How different was the filming process for Oververt versus Bag of Suck?

The fun part has always been the same for sure. The only different things were obviously not having Jerry Hsu or Matt Evs a part of it. It's a great video with great memories for sure!

How did you feel about Matt Eversole and Jerry Hsu leaving? And how did that affect you?

It was definitely a blow for all of us, but we powered through and in the transition process we ended up getting Team of the Year at the Transworld awards!

What projects are you currently working on? Any new parts on the horizon?

Yes, I'm working on an enjoi part now that will be out this year.

Can you talk about getting onto Nike SB? What's going on with all of that?

Well it was an easy transition for me. Some of my buddies like Hunter Muraira, Daryl Angel, Sean Malto, and Koston helped in getting me on the program and I thank you bros a ton!

How do you feel about the Internet leaking rumors and things of that sort? Does it make your job harder? I know there was that whole ordeal with your pro models getting leaked before you even knew.

Yeah, unfortunately we live in a day and age that as soon as a person hears anything it's on the web immediately. So I just really try to distance myself from it and focus on skateboarding- and try not to believe all these crazy rumors that you hear through the grapevine.

How's the Tiltmode Army been? Haven't heard much from that neck of the woods lately. Maybe I'm just in the wrong woods.

The Tiltmode Army is still shredding strong! Lots of the dudes work a lot but you can catch the boys out every weekend getting some in the streets of San Jose!

I think it's rad you've always stayed true to your roots in San Jose. Have you ever felt pressure to move? What has kept you in San Jose for so long?

I love Northern California and I don't think I'll ever leave. It's great because the skating is really good, the spots are rad and good-looking and you don't get the over saturation skaters and skating here. We've always had a good scene, but I definitely don't mind going to Southern California for a month at a time to skate with the homies there and visit my sponsors, etc.

Do you have any ridiculous Louie Barletta stories? And how do you feel about him canning the bowl cut?

I'm not gonna lie it's kind of a bummer not seeing that bowl cut flapping in the wind anymore! Ha! Louie is a one of a kind human of many talents and is definitely one hilarious guy! I've heard him say stuff in the middle of the air as he's trying a trick and roll away from them! It's always crazy to me!

I saw a pro setup video of you and you were riding an 8.75. You don't hear of many dudes skating street with that big of a board. You still running that large of wood nowadays and if so what made you step it up to that size?

I went down a tad from 8.75 to 8.34 and a much smaller wheelbase than before, so my board actually flips quick again! I love that!

Have you ever shaved your head?

I did shave it once with clippers but never went down to a zero. I went number three all the way around and felt weird, so needless to say I will never do that again. Ha.

Who has been on your radar lately? Who should we be keeping our eyes on?

Our enjoi ams are awesome! Thaynan Costa, Mika Adamov and Blue Turner are coming up! Joey Guevara is a great skater to watch as well as filmer Miguel Valle! He is incredible and films great as well.

If you're not skating, what are your go-to activities?

When I'm not skating I love hiking through the coastal redwood forests. It's very therapeutic and just getting away from society and being amongst nature and wildlife is epic! Great photo opportunities as well!

Thanks for doing this Jose. You got any last words?

Thank you, Skate Warehouse for the interview! And thanks to all my sponsors and the people who support me. Official, enjoi, Nike SB, OJ, Royal Trucks, Diamond Supply Co, Imperial Motion, Bones Bearings, Glassy Shades.
Much love,
-Jose