The Path (Jon Berg)
1. What are your top five albums that were released in 2020? (In order 1-5)
- Daufødt - 1000 Island
- Bait - Another End of The World is Possible
- Jawstruck - Peace through Pain
- MS Paint - s/t
- Smedja in Smetke - Sme?e da se re?e
2. What band did you discover in 2020 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? What made them significant?
School Drugs was going to be on my top 10 for 2020 but their records came out in 2019. That band is everything I want from a hardcore punk band. I've had their record on constant rotation for months and I can't wait to have a chance to get them up to Vermont.
3. How will you remember 2020? (In terms of music)
2020 was a great year for discovering new music. Places where people normally would turn to be exposed to new and exciting music aren't available. Show flyers, posters in record stores and stickers all over a venue bathroom have been replaced with online forums, podcasts and bandcamp tags. Losing those passive means of finding new bands has caused me to aggressively search out bands far beyond my area. As a result most of my favorite records this year are from bands outside of the US.
4. What can we look forward to from you in 2021?
Since shows have been cancelled we have shifted gears and have been doing a lot of work for 2021. We have recorded for an upcoming split 10" that will be on State of Mind. We have written for another split and a 7" as well. Details for those will come out as they get closer to production. I am really excited to get a chance to collaborate with the bands and labels that we have plans with and I think that people will be excited for those releases when they are ready to drop.
5. What records are you looking forward to most in 2021?
I am dying to get a copy of the next Redbait LP (New Age), the Void Bringer 7" (Blind Rage/625 Thrash) and the Rig Time LP (State of Mind) next year.
6. Trying to put a positive spin on things, what is your favorite development from the global pandemic this year? (Is there a new medium you enjoy, a specific song or collaboration, personal news, etc. that was a bright spot?)
My favorite part of being involved with DIY Punk and Hardcore is being part of a scene. Something larger than myself. Since I can't be in a room with the people that live nearby, I have shifted gears and expanded my scene. I have built new friendships this year that are leading to really exciting collaborations, interesting conversations and a lot of new music to listen to. Despite being wildly isolated I still feel connected to a lot of like-minded folks. Until all of these gross pigs put on masks and wash their hands this will have to scratch the itch. Once this is over though I am certainly ready to fuck up some rooms with some folks I miss a whole lot.
