David Berman Two Years Later
I always meant to include this history of David Berman's college band, Ectoslavia, in my Believer interview , but there was no room. Gate Pratt generously took time to write this history for me in 2019 and I am sharing it with you today, a day and two years after David Cloud Berman's death. A History of Ectoslavia by Gate Pratt Ectoslavia was A DIY noise-punk band formed in Charlottesville, VA in 1987 that at various times notably included David Berman (Silver Jews), Steve Malkmus (Pavement), James McNew (Yo La Tengo). The band was formed and rehearsed in the basement of “The Red House”, an address with a long and colorful history of artists, musicians, writers and creative types. Ectoslavia was both an artistic musical collective and a house band. The name can be credited to David Berman, an exquisite wordsmith and the band’s leader, instigator and lyricist. A punk-rock DIY ethos was the inspiration, and lack of musical ability was no barrier to participation. Althoug...
