Who's going to walk away with first place Am Getting Paid this year? It could very well be the upstanding lad below, Mitch Phillips. After all, he did win  Edmonton's Am Getting Paid Qualifer and thus securing the coveted Golden Ticket for September's event. How about we get to know Mitch a little through some words and the photography stylings of Keith Henry.

How old are you and where are you from?
I’m 18 years old and was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta



Were you surprised when you got first place or did you think you had it in the bag?
I was definitely surprised. There was a lot of buck skating going down that day everyone was killing it, I just skated and had a good time with the homeys and ended up in first place.
 
Are you nervous about skating in such a big contest?
I’m more stoked then anything, juts being able to get out of Edmonton and go skate in such a word up contest is the dopest thing ever. I’m sure when I get there the nerves will kick in but ‘til then I cant wait.



Threading the needle over a hydrant by way of a Kickflip.

What’s your hometown skate scene like?
The skate scene here is so rad everyone’s down for everyone you go from one park to the next and everyone is just chillin' its defiantly a scene that I'm proud to be apart of! 



How’s the talent level there?
The talent level out here is amazing there are so many underrated skateboarders that will just blow your mind when you watch them skate.

Who should people look out for coming out of there?
SD crew for sure, Shane Barlow and his burly-ass hard flips, Jetski for simply being the gnarliest human being alive with or without his skateboard. Both these homeys straight up kill it 24/7. I could go on for days on how many sick skateboarders Edmonton has but I'm to baked right now so you'll just have to come check it out!!!! 



Halfcab Noseslide Bigspin.

Who are your sponsors?
I ride for Rumor Boardshop, Alien Workshop flow, Pearly Wheels and Street Demon.
 


Have you been prepping at all? Looking at footage of the park, planning lines, etc?
I’ve only seen the park once on YouTube or some shit like that it... looks tight I cant really prep until I skate it and know how it feels. I seen some stuff I'd like to skate so just got to wait till I’m there. 
 


Have you ever been to Montreal before?
Never, but I heard it's fucking ridiculously sick there.
 

Kickflip Nose Manual with a stylizied Nollie Flip dismount.

How long do you get to spend there? Is it just for the contest or do you have a few days to check out the city?
I'm planning on going for a week and making it a skate trip. So I can have some time to go filming and skate the spots I hear Montréal has a lot of them. 
 


What tops your list of Montréal spots you want to skate while you’re there?
I know I’ve seen a lot of Montréal spots in videos and shit but cant remember them all. I'm just goning to have to wait and see, and find out what that place is all about.

360 Flip to Fakie.

Are you going solo or are any of your friends entered as well?
My buddy Nate Roline is entering, and a bunch of my homeys are flying out with me to watch the comp and party it up! 
 


How are your French language skills? Those could come in handy for the “Am Getting Laid” after party.  
Hopefully the pipes down there don't care if I have no clue what there saying. I have absolutely no French skills what so ever. I'm just going to river it; maybe get a translating book or some shit. That would be tight!