This year's Supernova International Ska Festival brought acts from all over the world, including Jamaica, Mexico, and England, to the beaches of Hampton, VA, for an unforgettable weekend that even severe thunderstorms could not dampen! Such icons as Derrick Morgan, Yellowman, and Marcia Aitken graced the stages alongside third- and fourth-wave ska performers like Jackie Mendez and Catbite.

Your girl on the rail sat down with Eric Blackbird to talk about the rise of Black Bird Records, after attending the debut of the label’s first album and a performance by Jackie Mendez.