Archived Interview
Brian Solano
 early March, 2005

FRB: How did you get into climbing, Brian?

Brian: I grew up in Florida, no rock around. But there was a gym, managed by Chris Rogers at the time. I tried climbing once and was hooked.

FRB: Where are some of your favorite
          bouldering areas in the Front Range?

Brian: I love RMNP in the summer, its beautiful up there. I also like doing routes in Clear Creek and climbing the 1st Flatiron.

FRB: What are some of your favorite boulder problems?

Brian: That's a tough question. There were a few problems in New Zealand that were amazing. Millipede at HP40, Jungle Book in So Ill, and a few things in Australia stick out in my mind.

FRB: Who do you usually boulder with?

Brian: There are a lot of people I really enjoy climbing with. But the usual crew is Lee, Feinberg, Jonny G, Rob D, Segal, Coop, and Chris Sierzant when back East.

FRB: What bouldering videos have you made?

Brian: My most recent film is The Australia Project, which was released in Dec. 2004. I also produced and edited The Life, a compilation of home footage shot by Dave Graham, Joe Kinder & Luke Parady. Lately, I've been doing some shorts for the ABS.

FRB: What is your inspiration to make bouldering videos?

Brian: In the beginning, I just wanted to show my friends all the cool climbing I saw during my travels. Then, I got really psyched on the visual aspects of it. Climbing brings us to some amazing places and gives us great stories to tell. I want to be able to share these experiences with everyone.

FRB: How do you decide on which sound track
          to use for your bouldering videos?

Brian: That's probably the hardest part of filmmaking. I try to pick a variety of music styles so the soundtrack has something for everyone. And make sure the songs are fun and easy to listen too.

FRB: Where have you travelled for some
          of your bouldering videos?

Brian: I was in Australia last summer shooting The Australia Project. I've been all over the US and in France shooting The Players, a new project I've been working on.

FRB: Who did you travel with? How was the trip?

Brian: I was with Rob D, Matt Segal, and Emily Harrington in Australia. It was a great trip. We were there for 2 months and got to climb all over the East coast. We spent time in the Grampians and Mt. Arapiles, Nowra, Armidale, and Sydney. Other than a few epics, it was a smooth trip.

FRB: What trips do you have planned for your next video?

Brian: I'm headed to New England with Joe Kinder and the Red with Matt Segal to film for The Players. We're also discussing a trip to Colombia this summer.

FRB: What are some of the most difficult issues
          in making a successful bouldering video?

Brian: Making sure the entire piece flows and the story is told well. Also, it's hard to make a product that appeals to everyone. But I try to get as close to that goal as possible.

FRB: After climbing and filming all day,
          how do you like to relax and unwind?

Brian: Chill, eat some good food and get some sleep. Maybe watch a movie, I love movies.

FRB: Which Front Range rock gym do you prefer?

Brian: Probably The Spot, great people, great atmosphere.

FRB: Who do you think is the most creative course setter
          in the Front Range?

Brian: Jamie Emerson and Moelter do a good job, nice work at the ABS Nationals. Lets not forget about Chris Rogers either, he's the man.

FRB: Do you train for bouldering? If so, what do you do?

Brian: I used to train a ton, but not that much lately. I'd say cross training really helps. Swimming, running, etc.

FRB: How about injuries. How do you deal
          with bouldering injuries?

Brian: I've had a few injuries. Best thing I found to do is take time off climbing, and do other stuff to stay fit.

FRB: What do you dislike most about the Front Range
          bouldering/climbing community?

Brian: It seems like people talk a lot of shit about people they don't even know. Lots of gossip goes around, but maybe that's with any tight knit community.

FRB: The Spot Gym Nationals Competition after-party
          was over the top in its salaciousness. What is your
          opinion on that?

Brian: I thought the party was great. Other than the wild dancing in the yoga room, the nights events seemed mild compared to Hueco Rock Ranch, PCA, PBC parties.

FRB: What else do you do besides climb/boulder
          and make videos?

Brian: I've been doing a lot of photography lately. I'm also a full-time student at CU. I also like to run, swim, and play B-Ball.

FRB: A lot of boulderers today are drinkers.
          Why do you think that's the case?

Brian: I'm not really sure. It seems like it's always been that way. As John Sherman put it, being a boulderer is easy, "one-third food, one-third gas, one-third beer."

FRB: Do you think that drinking is good for
          your bouldering career?

Brian: It can't be good for you.

FRB: Final words of wisdom for the
          people just starting out.

Brian: Do what you love to do and don't let anyone get in your way.

FRB: Thanks for the interview, Brian.

Brian: No problem.

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