Before You Read, Press Play!
Its mid morning and we’re driving aimlessly between the two legs of Garland, Texas’, Hwy 30 and 635. Garland is home to King of the Hillcreator Mike Judge, Leann Rhymes, Mitchel Musso (some guy from Hannah Montana), and Swang and Bang; But I dare not write about a horrendous cartoon, country music, or teeny boppers. I’m driving around this suburb of Dallas, Texas, searching for a correct backdrop that will contrast the low-key and low stance of a few cars from Swang and Bang.
Born in Texas and raised in Garland, Swang and Bang is group of friends who all share a common interest, being a bad ass and riding duurty. They do this ever so effectively, with the help of miscellaneous rides. But their cream of the crop consists of a couple of G35’s and 350z’s. All of them living the lifestyle that is Stanced, Swang and Bang boss hogs their cars around town as if a speed bump doesn’t phase them in their quest to their main destination. Something, I find quite intriguing.
Thing is though, as much as I would love to showcase these cars and give you all sorts of statistics and numbers that would make your Mother think you’re completing calculus equation, I feel there is more going on than meets the eye. There is something that I wished most of you enthusiasts should realize, with this “Car Club,” this brotherhood, this Stancehood, Unity and Friendship have much to do with the way this group works. As well it effects the way how these cars look, it is their jointed opinions what makes these cars stand out.
They all have been friends for over many years, some extending, or exceeding 10 years, which is probably the lifespan of your “unexpected” child. I’ve observed this group together, watched them work. I felt as if I were Sigourney Weaver in “Gorillas in the Mist,” but minus the Gorillas.
It’s actually quite interesting to watch them organize their route to their main destination. Even our US government would be proud to see SnB’s organizational skills. What I love about their routing skills is the understanding between all of them, that they all live low, and they all must agree on one route that will be forgiving on their investments.
Witnessing them drive down the street, is almost like watching the music video for Slim Thug’s song “Sittin’ Sidewayz.” I had the honor to cruise with them to each spot, that is driving my stock Miata. Yet it only made me envy them more, being as they were keeping their eyes scanning the road for imperfections, I was watching the other bystanders, driving in their Ford Explorers, slowing down next to them to gawk.
Over eating some various Vietnamese sandwiches, they let us dip into their everyday lives. As we were curious to find out how, we ourselves, could accomplish Internet stardom like them. Even though these masters of offset, are looked at as Movie Stars, they act as if they have never touched the map of the world we know, “Stance.” They were all ever so humble, and tried to treat us as one of their own.
But we weren’t.
Problem was, we couldn’t reverse time to join them back in 08’. To sit on the same couch drinking a few brew’s and joking about starting an underground crew dubbed Swang and Bang, inspired by an E.S.G. song.
But we settled, Eating our sandwiches, gazing at Caveman status presented in front of us.
In any kind of light provided, these car looked like a million dollars. Its hard to believe though, that the owners of these cars are Blue Collar workers just like most of us. Goes to show, that you don’t have to make a million bucks in order to look this good. It may cost quite a bit, as well possibly empty you bank account, but once you put those new set of wheels on, its orgasmic. I’m sure most of us had looked at our bank statements, and saw only double numbers, but glanced outside our windows to see the new rims on the ride. Happiness, bliss, pleasure, and satisfaction are words that might describe the feeling.
This is how most of these guys live. Make sacrifices to ride low, ride wide, all for the personal satisfaction. For the culture of being low, being Stanced.
Q: How and when did SnB form?
A: Me and my friend Yong where just kickin it, drinkin a couple of beers and at the same time. We were listening to a song by “E.S.G. – Swang N Bang” so we were just fooling around talking about making an underground crew just for us called “Swang N Bang,” cause we roll the streets everyday swangin away from the crazy pots holes and sometimes we would end up hitting one and BANG!! haha So I pushed the name out and got the vinly cut in April of 2008, just for shits and giggles. “Never thought it would of came out this far though.”
Q: What was the motivation for starting it?
A: Cause’ it has a meaning to what we do everyday, “SWANGIN N BANGIN”
Q: What is your perspective on Stance scene in general?
A: I see the Stance scene as a natural progression. It was only a matter of time before people started to realize that sunken wheels, and 4×4 status wouldn’t cut it anymore.
Q: Where do you see the scene going?
A: You can find the answer to that question in all the forums. Cause’, every thread dedicated to aggressive wheels and hard stance, is where everyone’s at. Those threads have the most views, and the most replys. I think it shows that more and more people are joining the movement.
Q: Where does SnB go from here?
A: hmmmmmmmmm Really? Nowhere cause’ we are mostly here for the scene.
Q: What do you say to the people that find this styling absurd?
A: Everyone has their opinions, and my opinion is that these people are the haters. Cause’ they can’t do what we do. Our stlye is for the savage only.
Q: What’s the biggest thing you would like to see happen in 2010?
A: I’d like to see the scene grow, and produce cars that will inspire us. After all, that’s how we got to where we are now. We inspired each other, who in turn, inspired others.
Where will Swang and Bang go from here? As they say “Nowhere cause we are mostly here for the scene.” The scene? For them, I see it more as their lifestyle.
-Justin
THE L4YERED CAKE
