Daze TN - Graffiti Artist Interview

November 2009

Interview with Daze, a graffiti artist based in Alabama USA who paints with the TN Crew, NSA Crew and more recently RTM Crew.

How old are you?

I am 32.

Where are you based?

I am currently living in Birmingham, Alabama and will probably never leave by choice.

When did you begin painting graffiti?

I started writing graffiti in 1990 but didn't get serious about it untill around '96 or so.

How did you get into graffiti and what made you start painting?

I started writing because I seen some shit heads in New Orleans jump out a car and crush shit… it made me want to be a turd also.

How did you choose the name Daze?

I didnt really choose the name Daze, I guess it kinda chose me. I hate the name but it's been here this long so I guess it's staying. Daze = lame name!

Do you write under any other names?

I never paint any other names but mine, I've swapped names with guys on productions but that's about it.

Do you write with any crews and if so which ones?

My original crew is TN Crew and then NSA Crew. I recently hooked up with some RTM Crew guys and I'm doing that jam now too.

How would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as bad.

Where did you paint your first piece?

I can't really remember my first spot I ever painted but I'm sure it was amazing!

Have you done many collaborations with artists overseas or travelled abroad for your art and if so then where is the most exciting or interesting place you have painted?

I travel a good bit to paint and art it up but I don't really have a certain place I like over another. Its always nice to hook up with other writers whether it's an hour away or across the sea.

Earlier on this year you visited the United Kingdom and painted in Ireland and at MOS London, how did you find the scene in the UK and how was the whole experience of painting over here?

Painting over there was a bit different for me, it seemed to be real low beef compared to here and I didn't see no fights or even too much dissing… no "You cant paint with this guy because he writes with this and that crew". I would say it's easy going and laid back over there but I didn't get to bomb as much as I would have liked so I didn't get the whole vibe from that.

Were there any aspects of the UK scene which surprised you or you weren't expecting?

No, nothing surprised me.

I believe graffiti in America has been invaded by heartless computer fags that paint wack versions of graffiti.

Daze TN

What are your feelings on the graffiti and street art scenes in the America at present?

Ok, here we go! I believe graffiti in America has been invaded by heartless computer fags that paint wack versions of graffiti. It's turned into a shit show over here and there's so much bad graffiti your eyes would bleed! All of us older guys got soft or something? These shits need their asses kicked and a fill in placed over their half ass bubble letter junker they called writing! I hate what graffiti has become but I'll give it a few years to not be cool in the hope it will return back to the real deal. If you want i could continue on this question but I'll let it rest… ha-ha-ha!

Have you done much commercial work and if so what would you say was your most well known piece?

I have done commercial work in the past, the funniest would be designing some shit for the police department anti-graffiti task force! I've also worked for Coca-Cola, Red Bull and some clothing companies.

Is there any one point in your career you would class as 'your big break'?

Nope, no big break and ain't looking for it either.

What are your thoughts on graffiti being just a likely to be found in a gallery as on the streets these days?

Well art is creative and so is graffiti so it only makes sense that it could be in galleries.

Have you ever had your work displayed in galleries and if so is there any one show which stands out from all the rest?

I've done about 25 shows and none of them stand out. I am not a people person outside of graffiti, not good in crowds and even worst at talking art with someone.

Do you see yourself as an artist or a graffiti writer?

I am a graffiti writer at heart… a dirt bag, an urban pirate, a thief.

I think the media and corporations have grabbed and ruined everything else and that graffiti is one of the last footholds in the world of anything underground.

Daze TN

There seems to have been a sudden surge of interest in graffiti and street art recently, why do you think this is?

I think the media and corporations have grabbed and ruined everything else and that graffiti is one of the last footholds in the world of anything underground. Thanks to the internet and business lets all go paint a boost mobile billboard or bomb the front of some fancy paint company and see how much they love it then? I bet their minds will change on how cool it is! Red Bull loved me untill I painted some of their shit and then they had the cops asking me questions… it all changes when it resorts back to it's real state, when graffiti is unmasked and the monster comes out!

There is a very fine line between those who see graffiti as art and those who see it as vandalism, what are your views on this?

Lets go paint their shed or wall for free and see how many of them say it's cool art then, I bet not too many! It's only art to them if they can remove and sell it.

Do you paint legal or illegal pieces?

I'll paint any where but illegal is where it's at… no boundaries.

Have you ever 'felt the long arm of the law' because of your art and if so can you tell us about it?

I've had my moments. Court fines are a bummer but that's life.

Do you try to keep your identity anonymous where possible?

Being a no-one is a good thing!

What is the biggest risk you have ever taken for your art?

Any REAL graffiti writer knows painting in general is a chore, from going through gang neighborhoods to climbing razor wire and so I would have to say painting in general.

Where is the most obscure place you have ever left a tag or piece?

Not real sure on that.

Which other artists work do you admire?

I admire anyone who writes graffiti that didn't just start doing it because their internet chat buddy told them it was cool or gave them a comment on Flickr.

Which other artist would you most like to work with if you were given the chance?

I've been lucky to have met and painted with some of the best and well known writers in the U.S., it's all been great. It would have to be a someone over seas… maybe Bates or Can Two.

What is your preferred medium for making marks with?

Anything free that makes a mark and that doesn't have to be ordered over the internet.

What is your colour of choice?

I think it would be green… no blue… well maybe yellow or black. Reds cool but purple is nice, also I would have to say… uh… well… ok, one of those!

What is your favourite surface to paint on?

Old raw brick or metal.

Do you have a favourite piece of all time?

No sir.

Can you tell us one thing about you which most people wouldn't know?

I won a sexiest man contest once.

What kind of music are you into?

Music huh? Black metal, real hardcore 80's or early 90's and thrash old gutter punk and metal.

What is the last album you bought?

Last album? Ringworm, it's been a while since I've bought music. Oh wait, I take that back… Wizard, I just got that, I lied… sorry.

What are you working on currently and what plans do you have for the future?

I am currently working on some graphics for some major skateboard companies and art projects with Urban Outfitters Clothing. I have two large art shows planned with some Californian writers and two book projects, one on freights and one with billboard painting. I'm doing as much as I can… and reinventing the wheel.

For further information about Daze TN please visit:

Daze TN Profile

Daze TN Flickr Photostream

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