1. Hey Sonik, thanks for taking the time to do this interview. To start could you please give a little introduction about yourself and what you do?
Thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed by Bombing Science. It’s an honor to share my journey and passion for graffiti videos with such an influential platform in the scene. I am a videographer and creative from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and this year I’ve immersed myself deeply into the world of Los Angeles graffiti.

2. We honestly thought you were a local—you have such a strong pulse on the LA scene! What brought you out to LA, and what inspired you to start documenting its culture?
I’ve been living in LA for over 10 years, so it feels like home. A friend I did parkour with moved back to California, and when I visited, LA felt like stepping into a movie, the energy was magnetic. That connection drew me in, and over time, I felt inspired to document the raw culture and stories of this city.

3. What’s your background with graffiti? Do you write yourself or strictly document?
I only got into the graffiti scene this year. I used to mostly channel my energy into parkour, climbing, and filming, but for some years, I lost myself because I tried to take life more seriously as I was getting older. At the end of last year, a new friend showed me how to get onto my first helipad, and we ended up exploring a huge abandoned structure nearby. That’s where I made my first viral videos, and it sparked my curiosity about graffiti and the culture around it.

4. What has your experience been like navigating the graffiti culture as an outsider? Have you faced any challenges building connections or collaborating with artists?
It felt natural. An artist asked me for a photo of his piece on one of the abandoned skyscrapers, so I found it and sent it to him. Later, I saw his work on a bold billboard takeover, blending raw and mainstream art. We started talking about capturing the process since I’d never seen it from start to finish, and it became the focus for a video work portfolio I was building. One thing led to another.

5. You mentioned that parkour and climbing were major influences in your life before graffiti—how do you think those experiences shaped your approach to documenting graffiti, especially in urban environments?
Parkour is all about overcoming obstacles, and parkour missions which are now more referred to as urban explorations are all about stealth and better understanding of where you are. I think it’s a very natural evolution to want to leave a mark, the language is very similar but the story is more specific with the completion of a piece. I think my experience of it being more about the journey makes me see and appreciate graffiti beyond the work.

6. How do you decide which writers to document? Do you prioritize particular styles or types of spots?
My drive is to go out and show something new every time. I especially appreciate artists who push their boundaries, particularly in artistic ways.
I’m drawn to wildstyle graffiti because of its boldness and complexity. My favorite moments are when I witness something bold becoming part of the environment, to the point where even people who don’t like graffiti can’t help but say something nice about it.

7. Graffiti in LA has such a rich history and diverse styles. What would you say is the biggest cultural or stylistic differences between LA graffiti and graffiti scenes elsewhere, like in Rotterdam?
I haven’t been back to Rotterdam since my interest in graffiti began, but from what I know about the city, it values its environment more and provides more legal opportunities and funding for artists to express themselves. Because of this, graffiti there feels less of a big deal compared to LA, where the underground nature and high stakes give it a different energy.

8. What role do you think videography plays in preserving and evolving graffiti culture, especially in a digital age where the lifespan of a piece can be so fleeting?
I’ve realized how collaborative graffiti can be when adding a video layer. Capturing the energy and attitude of the artist often leaves a lasting impression beyond the piece itself. Seeing people interact with the work on the streets and share their perspectives on social media keeps the conversation alive, making the art more impactful and far-reaching.

9. Are there any artists, crews, or other creatives you’d love to collaborate with in the future? What would that dream project look like?
Off the top of my head, Rams showed up like a mythical creature on a downtown freeway sign, the shock of seeing it while driving in the dark left a lasting impression. Skofe, Zwon, and Kong are another three favorites. I love their attitude of going above and beyond. Honestly, I respect and value the artists I’m working with right now, and I just want to capture more of their evolution. When it comes to dream projects, I’d love to create my own graffiti Olympics, similar to what 1UP has done.

10. What kind of equipment do you use to capture your videos, and how has your setup evolved over time? Are there any must-have tools for documenting graffiti?
My page was originally intended to be a drone portfolio, so I mostly focused on flying my drone. I use the latest DJI Mini drones, which are lightweight quiet, good in the dark and perfect for capturing wider closer angles. I believe it’s best to stick with as little equipment as possible to stay connected to the moment and push boundaries. There’s no other camera that lets you choose any angle like a drone does. Flying a drone feels like controlling a dream to me.

11. As we approach the new year, what are some of your goals for 2025? Are there specific projects or milestones you’re excited to tackle?
Right now, I’m focused on wrapping up the year by creating a one-of-a-kind photo book. It will feature never-before-seen footage and stories alongside all the classic moments. I’m excited to reflect on and write about all these adventures in a single body of work. When it comes to milestones, I aim to keep the momentum going and keep my audience hyped and engaged. Recently, I’ve started learning to paint, so there might be more of that in the near future. Eventually, I want to create actual movies, and everything I learn from these adventures is something I hope to bring to the cinema one day.

12. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Sonik. Before we wrap up, any shout-outs you’d like to give? Where can people check out and support your work?
Thank you for having me! Of course, shout-out to Skeam, Remer, Buzz, P, Crayola, STAW, and the BAMC crew, Buge, Asie, and Jake, for taking care of me. I can’t name everyone, but I truly appreciate everyone who reaches out. Big shout-out to the different Soniks out there for appreciating how I’m representing the name. Shout-out to all the graffiti filmmakers, especially Chopemdown, and a huge thanks to TSAW for always showing love and support. I haven’t been in these shoes for long, but I understand how stressful it can be, so I have a lot of respect for everyone who’s been in this game for 10+ years. Stay up to date with my graffiti adventures @SonikVisionX, and keep an eye out for my upcoming book!
