Words by Alistair Rhodes
Skrillex recently released a new tracked called Would You Ever featuring Poo Bear. The film clip for the song is a massive talking point at the moment here in Australia as it stars one of our own. Milan Somerville, previously known as The Hairy Longboarder who now goes by the name of Sepakuma, is filmed riding and dancing to the song on his longboard down a long stretch of road somewhere in America. We caught up with Sepakuma to talk all things lifestyle and Skrillex.
Where did the name Sepakuma come from?
I invented the word to describe what I do and Sepakuma is the art of expressing one’s true self through which ever medium you see fit. It’s a lifestyle that I live by and my ultimate goal is to teach that to people through dance, skating, yoga and self expression.
You were known as The Hairy Longboarder and that name still sticks to this day, when did that name come about?
That was actually the name I used for my original YouTube account about four years ago.
You starred in Skrillex’s film clip for Would You Ever, what was it like working with Skrillex?
It was awesome working with him, I only got to meet him briefly as he was really busy mastering the track and doing the final touches. His work ethic is inspirational.
How did you being in the film clip come about?
The videographer for the video, Liam Underwood, saw my viral video ‘Sepakuma’ and showed it to Sonny. He loved it and wanted me to star in a video for him. Not long after that they got in contact with me and we started planning.
Where was the film clip shot?
It was shot in LA along this long slight decline road near Joshua Tree National Park.
You’re a very talented skateboarder, it looked like you nearly stacked it a couple times in the clip. Did you stack it at all during filming?
Yeah I did stack it properly once during filming where my foot caught my wheel, though I did manage to do a sweet ninja roll out of it. The guys filming were very impressed.
How many takes did you guys do/how long did it take to film?
Hard to say how many takes we actually did, but we were filming for about four hours to get the main shot of the video. We were filming around sunset so it was amazing to skate down the road with the sun setting over the desert.
At the start of the film clip you’re seen putting some headphones in. Were you actually listening to Would You Ever as you skated down the road?
Yeah I was definitely listening to the song whilst I was skating! I don’t like to make videos any other way.
Yeah at about the halfway point of the song it looked like you were singing along at times.
Hahaha yeah I was singing along actually, I was really enjoying it.
What type of music do you usually listen to when skating recreationally?
Mainly Psy Trance.
I remember you mentioning that Sonny made the song for you and to compliment your skating. Tell me more about that.
I was Sonny’s inspiration for the song. He said to me that he watched my video while making the track and that he would think ‘what kind of drop would this guy like to dance to’ and that’s how it came about.
