You have been writing since the early 80´s, did you ever use any other names then Bates?

I had a few names before Bates! Shaky, Whyz, Simz and Sal 42, over the years I´ve been writing:
Dutch, Melt, Yet, Izme, Wazp and many more, but every time i paint with the name Bates, it just
FEELS right! I did my first Bates piece in 1986 and since then I´ve been stucked to that name.

How did you get interested in graffiti and what made you start writing?

My eyes catched the background on those bravo posters for electric boogie moves, starting to get curious about those flashy colors. Then I saw a news clip on TV where someone broke down the elements of hip hop, that got me started and I left the dancing behind…

What do you consider to be the most important ingredients to have a good style?

Style always win over technique, so style is the number one thing! Good styles means letters that moves, bend and dance. If you can recognize someones work just by its outlines, flare, bits or over all style. good example of style is Dondi.

read more here over at SPRAY DAILY