 Peter Berdovsky, also known as Zebbler, was charged and detained early
2007 for “placing of a hoax device and disorderly conduct.” At that
time, the former Arlington resident and AHS grad, had no idea how the
event would affect his life, but soon he learned he was the center of
local, national and even international news. After a year full of
turbulence, he has moved on to more artistic goals, as well as plans to
help rescue his mother from Belarus.
The writer is a senior at Arlington High School
“Going shopping was no longer a normal thing for me,” Berdovsky, wrote in a lengthy e-mail, in answer to a series of questions. In fact, he shops less often after the perceived hoax.
At the meantime, Berdovsky has worked hard to improve his art style. For instance, he was chosen as the 12th best VJ in the world by the DJ Magazine, a London-based magazine.
'Urban terrorist'? YourArlington, 11/07
He thinks it was a nice surprise: “I work hard on my art, I am deeply grateful that I am recognized for it. I think every accomplishment like that adds something more to my chances to live a sustainable life as an artist.”
In the past year, Berdovsky has also appeared publicly as a performance artist. He said he has been “growing more and more fond of doing both sound and live video performances simultaneously.”
For example, he and his friend Encanti have presented their sound music videos to audiences at various locations, including Berkeley Museum of Art and Fire Arts Festival, in California.
“I am now being asked to do a repeat performance at Berkeley, having received a good reception there,” Berdovsky wrote.
In addition to presenting his art to the public, he also started his own record label, Vermin Street. His leader Nick Colangelo came up with this idea, and because their studio in Charlestown was badly infected with bugs, they thought “Vermin” would fit the label well.
“We are starting Vermin Street record label to promote underground electronic music, arts [and] media by providing performance [and] distribution outlets for independent artists while holding to a higher ethical standard: being conscious of its environmental footprint; using recycled materials when possible; and not releasing vinyl,” Berdovsky commented.
Even though the label is still under development, Berdovsky and his team have been working on a Web site, editing their audio tracks for their first compilation and creating art covers for the label.
Recently, Berdovsky has worked even harder to help his family in Belarus, a country under political turmoil. After Berdovsky moved to the United States 10 years ago, he has been communicating with his family using letters and phone calls. Most of his family members have either passed away or moved to other countries, only his mom is still left in Belarus.
“Life is hard right now I would imagine, she is practically homeless. Having lost a house in the village, she still owns a cow that is about to deliver a calf in the village-which makes it necessary for her to visit the village daily … she needs to escape though. Her violent and corrupt environment has been literally driving her insane for a good number of year,” Berdovsky wrote.
Berdovsky is trying to help his mom immigrate to Poland, a place that will give her the same rights that a Polish citizen might enjoy. He feels an enormous pressure because it is difficult to come up with money for relocating fees, rent, medical, and other expenses. He is already committed to work extremely hard on video productions and performances, things that generate most of his income.
“Hopefully, through my hard work I will generate enough clients to pull myself together,” he wrote.
At the same time, he also hopes the public will hear his concerns. His fund raiser is set for March 8, International Women’s Day, for his mom at the Good Life. This is just one of the first steps toward saving his mom’s life.
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