The Fest in Gainesville Florida is considered by many to be the best punk festival in the United States if not the world. Folks from everywhere make the yearly trek to partake in 3 days of music, community and comraderie. I thought it might be fun to interview some of my and your favorite attendees, their bands, their brands, and see what makes this such a special event in the hearts and minds of so many. I'll try to get as many in as i can and hopefully convey a little of the joy it evokes!
Without further ado:
We start with an easy one:
Who are you? What do you do? Why are we even talking to you?
Uncle Damon, and I am president and co-founder of Bypolar Records. Over the years several of the bands we've worked with have played and attended The FEST so I guess maybe that's why?
Funny name for a label, what's that about?
Co-founder Andy Harrison and I beat our heads against the wall for months trying to find a good name. Finally he said something like " Wish there was a way to convey how we're old jaded punks, but still have hope and believe in the scene. I feel so bipolar about the whole thing going back in forth between discouraged and hopeful" And there ya go, lightning strike.
So, do you have bands there this year?
This year only one of our bands is able to play, Lightweight, and one of our alums Matt Caskitt and the Breaks. Both are great bands and amazing people and everyone should definitely go see them if attending, lol.
Have any great memories of The FEST?
I do not. This is my first year attending. I see the irony, and for years I've had our bands invite me but every time something came up. Not this year tho! *knocks on wood It's still 4 ish weeks away tho and I don't want to jinx it.
What are you most excited for then?
Honestly? To see a lot of friends that I've missed the past few years. I tend to move fairly regularly and so people I love tend to be scattered all over, but The FEST brings a bunch to the same city both as attendees and playing their music. So it's a big win for me all around.
What are some bands you're excited for this year?
So many! Some I've never gotten to see: Touche Amore, Pangolin, Age of Kid, The Copyrights. And some friends that i love seeing doing their thing: City Mouse, Ways Away, The Dopamines, MakeWar, The Penske File. I feel like i'm going to be overwhelmed but in a really good way.
Any recommendations for someone attending?
Bring comfortable shoes and drink water, and if you see me say hi! I'm a big friendly guy and I'd love to meet everyone I can!
There ya go. Interview number one. If you're interested in more then by all means follow along and hopefully i'll have a bunch for you to read before it all goes down!
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