Spencer Sabo of Mind The Journey 

Allston Pudding: When did you first find out about Bernie and how?

Spencer Sabo: Well, my brother went to school in Vermont and lives there now, so he told me about the Bernmeister pretty early into his campaign. It was interesting actually, I knew about him but didn’t follow. I was still a bit skeptical, really about politicians in general. But Bernie was hard to ignore, and as I saw my generation start to rally alongside him in a way I’d never seen with politics before I knew there was something special.

AP: What is it about Bernie’s campaign that resonates with you?

SS: Bernie Sanders is running on a beautiful idea. Instead of being backed by big businesses (and in turn favoring them when elected), he gets funds through individual donations. So basically, he can go against the corruption and not perpetuate it. Thing is, this is how every public office campaign should be run.

I like all of Bernie’s running points and the fact he’s never changed them for anyone. Free public college and health care is obviously fantastic and much needed. But even more, his ideas on restructuring the prison systems, his stance on social justice and racism, women’s rights, the environment, and cleaning up some of the corruption. Of course, these are huge promises that, with the way things in Washington are now, seem unlikely for all to come to fruition… but a man can dream. Besides, even accomplishing some is progress. I would sleep better having a socialist stallion like Bernie in office, knowing he’s fighting for the people and not whoever is paying him off.

Speaking of socialism, I find it interesting how so many people get offended when the word is brought up with Bernie. You can really see how the media, basically using pro ‘Merica propaganda, makes people believe pure capitalism is the best way, when in actuality it’s screwing a lot of us over. Most of us, actually.

AP: As an artist and voting person, how do you stay involved in the political process?

SS: I registered to vote last month, just for you Bernie!

You don’t see too many artists going against the political norm; it’s an easy way to lose a chunk of potential listeners. But I think it’s important, and powerful. Hell, it can be enough to spark change. Music that’s got political purpose elevates the art form to a whole new level- just look at Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly. Because of this, I’ve been putting more political statements into my music.

We released a new album this month called Color In The Gray Machine, and it follows a character as they discover certain things about the the world, the strict and narrow pathed system we live in. It’s ultimately about losing that naive, yet magical, view of what you thought life was. So that’s our political statement.

I mean, none of that really pertains to Bernie’s campaign though. Maybe I’ll release a Bernie Sanders-themed support album. I’ll call it “Bernie’s Got Balls”. Haha, I don’t know, whatever.

But young people! Get out and vote!