A while back Jeff K hit me up about why I hadn’t done an interview with Dom. I guess it was always in the back of my head about getting it done, and it was eventually going to happen. Well, that eventually is today. Dom has been a working man as of late and doing whatever it is possible to still make time for a good session his bike. It’s cool to be able to ask him questions since the Midwest BMX.net site was one of those really influential sites that got me into this web stuff. I still remember taking the i-frame code of their site for one of my old ones haha (I’m sure most of you are scratching your head). Alright, so just check out what Dom has to say, some photos, and videos. Then leave him some of your words in the comments!
Name:
Dominic Trovato
Location:
Milwaukee, in the backwoods
Sponsors:
Proper Bike Company, Ride Sports, Division BMX
Years riding:
10+
What was it that first got you into BMX? Any early memories come to mind?
I remember it being just like any other kid’s story of how they started riding.. I got a bike for Christmas when I was real young, started riding around the block and exploring. A babysitter at the time set a piece of wood with some tires under it… I gathered enough confidence to charge it, and the rest is history.
You are pretty well known as Dom from Midwest BMX. When you and Jeff started the site years ago, did you ever imagine it would become as popular as it has?
Well I wouldn’t call it big by any means.. But, i didn’t think so many people would be into it. We just started it for fun. Somewhere to document all these good times we where having living the BMX lifestyle.. The only reason the site is any good is because of the people around this area… give credit where it’s due! In the early days, and even now people support it and help out in any way they can.
You do a lot of the design and coding work for the site right? Now that the site is back, will you be doing an all new revamp or just small changes? How did you learn to code and everything in the first place?
Things are forever changing with Midwest… Im trying to get a new vibe going with it.. Right now just small changes.. i just realized its just a BMX site you can only make so much out of it.. I like watching videos and looking at cool pictures.. So the mainstay is the blog.. Well see if I get some solid editing time and make something I really like.
A lot of people have been saying you have disappeared, but you haven’t gone anywhere. What have you been up to lately anyways? I would imagine a sweet opportunity had to come up to keep you from your bike.
Yeah your exactly right… I didn’t go anywhere. I’m just doing what I have to do to put myself in a superior situation.. Anyways I got an in on part of the music industry.. Ive been working in Chicago, in the concert lighting industry.. It’s probably the coolest job I can imagine, beside those dudes that make a living off riding bikes! Thanks to my dad who is helping my become a lighting designer. He is traveling the world working for the biggest music artists.. I also work at a local venue in Milwaukee, the Eagles Club. All the national touring acts come through there. So I get to see and work with all the shows coming through town. Some of the latest ones I’ve been stoked on, Rise Against, Pennywise, The Killers, Thrice, The Crystal Method, Gwar, In Flames, Danzig… and many more…
You are still riding for Proper, how are things going with them? Do you have anything in the works with them?
Things are awesome… they support what I want to do, and that’s what matters. I love their products… Now that I think about it I don’t think I have ever broke any proper gear! I’m producing a video that they will probably have something to do with. Also i’m filming some clips for a Proper DVD coming out this year. Keep on the look out!
How much and where have you been riding lately? Who is your usual riding crew these days?
I’ve been riding half as much as I want to! It’s getting much nicer by me, which makes it easier to just go cruise around. Lots of late night parking lot sessions with my buddy Josh Fitch.. I really want to get out to the trails! Now that I have a “job” I’m starting to feel a new appreciation for riding..
Are you still going to be doing shows this summer with Micah and the Harley crew?
Division is still alive and thriving… We will be doing shows at Summerfest this year. Probably more that I just dont know about aswell, but that’s just how it is.. A portion of the crew has been shredding shows in Canada during motocross shows.
Have you been doing any traveling to ride at all lately? Do you have any trips planned?
The only traveling I’ve been doing is for work. Which really sucks! I plan on going to Lake Owen this summer, and a few other random trips that very needed! Maybe, hit up some where close soon like Ohio or Minnesota to see some friends..
What about filming? Will there be a new edit or video parts coming from you anytime soon?
Yes! I am producing a web video short that is going to the hottest thing out!! If your think hard you could probably figure part of it out… LUMENS LUMENS LUMENS! If not you’ll just have to wait..
Out of all of the spots you have had the chance to ride, what are your top 3 favorite spots?
“The spot” in Greenfield, its a wedge ditch with a hip, my dad used to skate way back in the day.. its chill. haven’t been there in a long time..
The late 4 Seasons, a place you always have someone to ride with, useful on rainy days
vercoe, trails trails trails, good people I LOVE TRAILS, any dirt will make me happy
It would appear the Milwaukee scene has blown up huge in the last few years. Are there any kids coming up that you think will be making a name for themselves sometime soon?
Miltown is always “on the come up”, a new generation of riders every couple years, that means us real bike riders are doing the right things by getting other people interested on trying it out.. Keep checking www.midwestbmx.net for new faces and you tell me who is making the grade.
What is the most important thing when it comes to BMX for you?
Having fun, and helping others have fun.
Do you ever get burned out on riding? What do you do to keep it fresh for you?
Yeah it happens, I find the best thing to do is go hang out with some buddys, play guitar and just not think about riding for a bit, if that’s possible.
If you could change anything about BMX, what would you change and why?
Think about if no one could see what other people are doing… what the latest hot trick someone is doing.. etc. I think people would be forced to get more creative… take your own path…
Outside of riding, and work, what are you usually up to?
Playing some electric guitar, being outside, fishing, grilling out, messing around with some computer program or designing something
A good night of partying consists of…
riding, friends, liquids, wild moments, safety meetings, food.. in that order, haha
Did you ever go to college? How do you feel about school?
I havent taken any courses yet. Ive been checking out degrees online, seems like something id be into… I did the highschool thing at home online. School is important, but ive figured out if you have the shit to show, and can produce that’s all you need. My friends that are going for graphic arts for 2 years so far, are still asking my how to do this or that, it doesn’t make sense.
What is one of the craziest or weirdest situations you have been in?
One that came to mind was the after party when local exposure came through town.. I’m pretty sure Micah invited the whole skatepark over to his house.. it was awesome. Alan Cooke gave me 20 dollars that night!
If you could relive any day of your life, what day would you pick and would you change anything?
I would pick 1 day on Local Exposure Golden Ticket tour in California. I woke up, jumped out of a plane, rode dirt bikes for hours, then went super fast in some shifter carts… I wouldn’t change anything cause it was the best.
What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next 5 years?
I want to move out. Travel the world getting paid the big bucks, and just be comfortable
Who or what are the biggest influences on your life?
Mom and dad, and my friends
What is the first song to come to mind? What about movie? Any reasons why?
Ozzy – I don’t know , im trying to play this song on the guitar. heavy stuff!
Being into web stuff, I would imagine you have a few favorite websites?
I actually hate the internet.. I like checking out tom’s site Vinyl BMX, DEFGRIP always has quality stuff, I try and check out most of the “cool” bmx websites… woozy is sweet, love that Europe flavor, fark.com is amazing!
If you could be rolling in any car, what would you be driving?
I’d be rolling in my Audi A4 with fresh rims, windows down.
What is something about yourself that most people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m a self taught genius!
What is the best advice you could give, or have ever been given?
I always liked don’t judge a book by its cover and What goes around comes around..
and FUCKING HAVE FUN well you can!
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks Kurt for the interveiw! anybody that checks out midwestbmx.net and thanks to everyone that has helped me out.
Proper Bikes, Ride Sports shop for letting me fix my 2 wheeler there, Division BMX, performance lighting
Anything else you want to say?
Get off the computer and go ride dudes!
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