Railside x Soviet interview

We caught up with Soviet, a Pennsylvania-based graffiti writer who has been painting since 1996 and adopted his name in 2002. A respected member of the legendary NSF crew, Soviet is recognised for his distinctive handstyles, experimental lettering, street bombing and freight train work. Drawing inspiration from comic books, pop culture and regional graffiti styles, he has developed a unique visual language that has earned him recognition within the global graffiti scene.

After recently creating a design for our Railside merch, we sat down with Soviet to discuss his introduction to graffiti, how his style has evolved over the years, and the ideas and influences behind his design. Here's what he had to say.

RS: How did you first get into graffiti, and what attracted you to it?

S: As a kid, my dad would take me to baseball games & I remember seeing the graffiti in Philadelphia and on New York highways going to Yankee stadium. It was intriguing, like why the hell is there spray paint all over these neighborhoods? Later, I would do marker tags at our local skate spot trying to emulate graffiti that was in all the skate magazines. It seemed like an exciting activity to do.

RS: Who are three writers that have influenced your style and why?

S: That's hard to say because there are so many. SEAK CSN was an early mentor who had an interesting, more cerebral approach to graffiti. MFONE (rip) was an unassuming savage & we painted a lot together. He was unique as a person, artist & writer. SHAED had really good hand styles & motivated me to get better.

RS: How has your style changed since you started?

S: That's hard to say because there are so many. SEAK CSN was an early mentor who had an interesting, more cerebral approach to graffiti. MFONE (rip) was an unassuming savage & we painted a lot together. He was unique as a person, artist & writer. SHAED had really good hand styles & motivated me to get better.

RS: Who are three writers or artists that are creating interesting work?

S: RIME has been on his spiritual graffiti lifestyle journey that has been pretty interesting to watch. HORFEE's bugged-out paintings & animations are really cool & wild. FLESH DOZER's style & animations are creepy, I dig it.

RS: What motivates you to keep creating after all these years?

S: It's still enjoyable to paint & I just enjoy being creative. Really don't know what I'd do otherwise... probably make more money.

RS: What are some attributes of great and innovative graffiti?

S: Without a doubt, it's the willingness to take chances. I like seeing something unique, singular & appreciating it for what it is, whether it is mind-blowing or horrendous.

RS: What role does urban art play in society and why?

S: I don't know, people seem to like painting on walls & being seen & that's just what it is. People have messages or ideas they want to get across & urban art is a way to do that.

RS: How could we build a stronger and more impactful graffiti community?

S: I really don't know.

RS: What advice would you give to an emerging writer?

S: Learn some rules, then break them & try to be original.

RS: What is the inspiration for your T Shirt design?

S: Just a glance of a subway car immediately conjures a connection to graffiti in my head. I like the idea of subway trains still having this aura of purity & authoritarianism & that they should be painted on.

Link to Railside x Soviet shirt here.