A stellar cast of pop culture legends including Christine and The Queens, Debbie Harry, Damon Albarn, and so many more reflect on the year via some quickfire questions
2020 has been a year where memories have felt impossible to make. Last week has often felt like last year; in what has been and continues to be a blurry, traumatic period of time. It’s felt simultaneously infinite and also like it’s finished quicker than you can say “where’s my mask?”
Everyone has experienced the world in a new way, done new things in the confines of what’s possible. Some of you made sourdough, most of you watched Tiger King. Millions of you hit the streets to protest racial inequality and police brutality. Many pined for dancefloors, for each other. Our perspectives changed, with people reassessing what and who is important to them. Will things ever be the same again?
To mark the end of 2020, we gathered a motley crew of people – from legendary musicians and models to anarchic rappers and chaotic TikTokers – to reflect on their year through some quickfire questions.
KATE MOSS
What new skill did you learn this year?
Flower arranging.
What TV show did you binge?
The Queen’s Gambit.
Which album got you through 2020?
The Velvet Underground & Nico.
What is one thing you got into this year that was unexpected?
Cutting hair, aromatherapy and meditation.
How did your perspective on the world change?
The world slowed down.
What did you do for your birthday?
My birthday was before lockdown so I spent it in Paris with some friends and family.
Meal you cooked most in 2020?
A Sunday roast.
Who is your person of the year and why?
David Attenborough for his “witness statement” documentary.
Favourite Instagram account of 2020?
Sum up 2020 in one word?
Enlightening.
DAMON ALBARN
What TV show did you binge?
What TV show did I not binge. I loved The Bureau, the French show. Then I went on to Baron Noir, another French. That was really, really good. I liked Star Trek, the latest one. And Succession. That said, every time I start binge-watching things I look at all the books that I haven’t read in my library and it makes me feel really bad. It’s like, what am I doing with my life?”
Which album got you through 2020.
That’s the hardest question. I think the thing that perked me up the most was this Columbian electro album, but for me to name the title of it is another story, so let’s just say early Columbian electro.
What’s the one thing that you got into this year that was unexpected?
Swimming.
How did your perspective on the world change?
It’s got a lot smaller!
What did you do for your birthday?
It was just right at the beginning, two or three days after lockdown. We all decamped down to the countryside and started to come to terms that we all had to live together. My mum cooked instead of me and we had a cake. I think that’s the only thing that changed on that date.
Who is your person of the year and why?
One person? I can’t choose. Just humans, generally.
Can you sum up 2020 in one word?
Opaque.
DEBBIE HARRY
Who is your person of the year and why?
I want to choose a man and a woman. More than ever, I think this is an appropriate approach. Andrew Cuomo, the American politician, author and lawyer currently serving as the 56th governor of the state of New York since 2011.
Cuomo did a very important thing with his unwavering communication about his deep concerns about COVID-19 and the need to take immediate and long-standing actions, all while standing resolutely against the President of this country. Cuomo was adamant in voicing science-led guidelines for prevention, while consistently providing brilliant leadership skills throughout the pandemic.
Stacey Abrams, the American politician, lawyer, voting rights activist and author who has served in the Georgia House of Representatives. I love hearing her speak. She’s done a tremendous amount for voter registration. She is terrific.
RINA SAWAYAMA
What new skill did you learn this year?
I did perfect Kimchi making, I’ve got the recipe down now (it’s basically just Maangchi’s one I just finally got it right!). Apart from that god I don’t know, is that really bad??? Oh! I learnt how to do livestreaming so I set up listening parties for my RINA EP and SAWAYAMA which was time consuming but really worth it. They were so much fun and cos I couldn’t tour it felt like a really nice way to interact with fans.
What TV show did you binge?
SUCCESSION!!!!! Honestly not been so obsessed with a show in maybe ever. I used to watch Spooks and kinda fancy Matthew Macfadyen so seeing him as Wambsgans is quite confusing for my brain. I think he might be the most genius comedy character ever written though.
Which album got you through 2020?
Too many to choose just one really....maybe Chloe x Halle edge it but I loved Gaga, Dua’s, Jessie Ware’s, HAIM, Folklore and now there’s also Megan’s and Miley’s to get in to. The girls really didn’t fuck around this year.
What is one thing you got into this year that was unexpected?
DIY I think....realised I’m quite good at it and its actually quite fun.
How did your perspective on the world change?
I think, I hope (!) we became more unified as it was a year where there were so many really difficult and heartbreaking shared experiences. There has been so much to feel shit about in the last few years, and especially this year, I feel coming to the end of 2020 there is a glimmer of optimism politically, socially etc that we just have to look forward positively now. It’s still all shit but things are looking maybe a tiny bit less shit.
What did you do for your birthday?
Luckily it was when restrictions were lifted a bit so I could see friends - just had a few people round for dinner and drinks which was glorious. I’m excited to do a bigger thing when we can and celebrate my album release as well!! It came out peak lock down so I haven’t seen any of my team and label who all worked so hard!!
Meal you cooked most in 2020?
People might find this really random but its quite a traditional easy thing in Japan. I have loads of Natto (fermented soy beans) in the freezer from H Mart which I eat with a bowl of rice, egg, pickles, kimchi, maybe some spinach or whatever green veg I have, with a load of furikake (seaweed or bonito, it’s just really umami seasoning) and then Sriracha with Kewpie mayo. That sounds like a lot but the only cooking involved is the rice and egg really.... Christ you didn’t ask for my life story but there we go - it’s healthy and delicious.
Who is your person of the year and why?
Gemma Collins... I started getting into Diva Forever and I cannot!!!! She’s too iconic. When she’s screaming to get the shoot done in two hours in that villa in Greece despite being booked for six is the energy we all need.
Favourite Instagram account of 2020?
Ummm....Dorian Electra, the GC, Mark Bryan 911, Slutty Puffin, Dua Lipa, Rickey Thompson. Icons only.
Sum up 2020 in one word?
CHAOTIC.
CHRISTINE AND THE QUEENS
What new skill did you learn this year?
Patience. I had to calm things down, for me, for others, and learn to be more indulgent somehow with every troubling thought, because I did not have the release of a stage. Like a mental kung fu. I could not rely on movement and adrenaline, it shifted perceptions in a very interesting way. (Still in progress though).
What TV show did you binge?
I started with The Sopranos, and fell hard, but then something unforgivable happened in the series (can’t spoil for those who haven’t watched yet) and somehow it stopped me cold. Ah, and also The Crown binge has begun. Why are we so enthralled by it ? It’s hypnotising. I cannot NOT watch.
Which album got you through 2020?
Fiona Apple did us very good when she released her glorious, hilarious, dementially genius record earlier for the first French lockdown. The latest Roisin Murphy gets me deliciously into the second lockdown.
What is one thing you got into this year that was unexpected?
Tarot. It’s actually a very poetic way to think about things, little or immense. I read Jodorowsky’s book about it.
How did your perspective on the world change?
I think things are going to be more urgent.
What did you do for your birthday?
I actually did a little party with my friends because the lockdown came to an end at this point. (Gemini luck). A few friends that I adore. A very good lemon cake. It was nice.
Meal you cooked most in 2020?
Eating pears? Eating chocolate? What is cooking?
Who is your person of the year and why?
My person of the year will always be Rihanna because Rihanna is just a mood, guys. A MOOD.
Favourite Instagram account of 2020?
My friend @nicolaslecourtmansion has the fiercest feed of all time. Unbiased, just facts.
Sum up 2020 in one word?
Challenging (the right pronunciation here is actually "challenginnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng" *and you make very wide eyes during the final stretch).
FIREBOY DML
What new skill did you learn this year?
Not necessarily a new skill but I learned how to improve my audio engineering skills.
What TV show did you binge?
Definitely How To Get Away With Murder. Solid show.
Which album got you through 2020?
Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps got me through the first half and APOLLO got me through the second half of the year. Both are my albums.
What is one thing you got into this year that was unexpected?
Going through a whole studio session via a mobile phone video conversation. It’s not my MO so it’s an unexpected thing for me.
How did your perspective on the world change?
I realised that we humans need each other more than we’d like to admit. Also... I think there’s a whole new civilisation coming up, a huge change. It’s just around the corner.
What did you do for your birthday?
I spent most of my time in solitude.
Meal you cooked most in 2020?
Definitely noodles.
Who is your person of the year and why?
Olamide, my boss and mentor. His steady guidance has saved me from so much mental stress this year.
Favourite Instagram account of 2020?
My favourite instagram account of 2020 is @cnn. CNN came through with so much needed information, especially during the lockdown in Nigeria.
Sum up 2020 in one word?
Wow.
ABBY ROBERTS
What new skill did you learn this year?
Dying my hair, I had been bleaching it for years and this year I decided to take the plunge and start dying it fun colours, so far this year I’ve been silver, pink and my favourite of all - purple. i’m not quite sure what colour to do next.
What TV show did you binge?
I feel like everyone went through the stage in lockdown where we all watched Tiger King, it was kind of a cultural reset.
Which album got you through 2020?
Nectar by Joji, he’s one of my favourite artists and I feel like this album really connected with me and related to a lot of the struggles I went through this year.
What is one thing you got into this year that was unexpected?
Songwriting! I’ve been so passionate about singing and music for so long but never anticipated getting into creating it myself, it was always a passion I kind of kept to myself and was too afraid to share with anyone else. Songwriting is something I began working on recently so who knows... maybe keep your eyes peeled for that!
How did your perspective on the world change?
I went through a rough breakup and it really made me realise how strong I am and to not be so trusting of people.
What did you do for your birthday?
I actually had a socially distant outdoor meal with a few of my closest friends lol! we all have a tradition where we meet up and get chinese food together, we usually would do this at my house but had to get creative this year!
Meal you cooked most in 2020?
I learned how to cook a bomb ass ramen and haven’t stopped since.
Favourite Instagram account of 2020?
@sitabellan has the sickest outfits!
LILA MOSS
What new skill did you learn this year?
How to make a log fire.
What TV show did you binge?
The Last Dance.
Which album got you through 2020?
Norman Fucking Rockwell!
What did you become passionate about this year?
Yoga.
How did your perspective on the world change?
Started to appreciate the little things.
What did you do for your birthday?
I had a BBQ in my garden with a few friends and family.
Meal you cooked most in 2020?
Sunday roast.
Who is your person of the year and why?
@janayathefuture for their ability to bring everyone together in a time of uncertainty.
Favourite Instagram account of 2020?
Sum up 2020 in one word?
Challenging.
GAIKA
What new skill did you learn this year?
How to do hard time in the lounge. That and Billy Blanks’ Tae Bo workout.
What TV show did you binge?
Rick and Morty. I find it weirdly close to home.
Which album got you through 2020?
My record – Seguridad.
What is one thing you got into this year that was unexpected?
Borrowing other peoples dogs and walking them for free.
How did your perspective on the world change?
I feel like I predicted a lot of stuff that quite literally came true in 2020. Still felt very shItty. I realised being right doesn’t really mean much. Words are empty without action.
What did you do for your birthday?
Drank beer in a studio in New York.
Meal you cooked most in 2020?
Curries of varying strength.
Who is your person of the year and why?
My brother Zenna for getting a pHd and keeping a cool head in America.
Favourite Instagram account of 2020?
Prolly @crimefaces, mainly for the commentary.
Sum up 2020 in one word?
Testing.
HARRIS REED
What new skill did you learn this year?
How to make a hat using only foam board and a hot glue gun.
What TV show did you binge?
Schitt’s Creek.
Which album got you through 2020?
Fine Line - Harry Styles.
What is one thing you got into this year that was unexpected?
Juicing.
How did your perspective on the world change?
Just be happy to be fucking alive.
What did you do for your birthday?
Spent the day with an EX… bittersweet.
Meal you cooked most in 2020?
Ice water lemon…. haha.
Who is your person of the year and why?
One of my best friends Ashley, she lives in NYC and we talked every single day and she helped me keep my sanity through lockdown, I love that girl.
Favourite Instagram account of 2020?
NOEN EUBANKS
What new skill did you learn this year?
Ghost hunting. I am a pro at ghost hunting.
What TV show did you binge?
The Mandalorian and anything with Gordon Ramsay in it.
Which album got you through 2020?
The Drive soundtrack.
What is one thing you got into this year that was unexpected?
Making Minecraft wallpapers.
How did your perspective on the world change?
I've become a lot more self aware.
What did you do for your birthday?
Nothing. Tried to pretend it wasn't my birthday.
Meal you cooked most in 2020?
Pasta definitely.
Who is your person of the year and why?
Baby Yoda because he is tiny and has three fingers.
AGNES MWAKATUMA (BLACK MINDS MATTER)
What new skill did you learn this year?
As boring as it sounds, how to use Photoshop and how to make fresh pasta at home.
What TV show did you binge?
The Crown and Moesha reruns.
Which album got you through 2020?
James Blake – Assume Form (for like the third year running).
What is one thing you got into this year that was unexpected?
Creating Black Minds Matter alongside Annie.
How did your perspective on the world change?
I’ve realised we still have a very long way to go but as long as I’m doing my bit for the world I envision, then that is all I can truly be in control of.
What did you do for your birthday?
Zoom Party! This was less than a month into lockdown, so zoom quizzes were still a thing. My good friend Sophie organised it all for me, which made it even more special because so much thought and care was put into the questions.
Meal you cooked most in 2020?
PASTA AND BRUNCH (I have a whole highlight dedicated to my love for pasta and all things brunch on my Instagram). I make sure to put as much effort into my breakfast/brunch at least three days a week so it feels like I’m eating out most days.
Who is your person of the year and why?
I’m learning not to put people on a pedestal because we truly never know what happens behind closed doors. But I’ll give this one to my Mum who has worked super hard during this pandemic. And basically everyone working in the healthcare industry!
Favourite Instagram account of 2020?
Jordan Firstman. I think I speak for many when I say those impressions have been a great way to escape through the power of laughter.
Sum up 2020 in one word?
WOW.
HUDSON MOHAWKE
What new skill did you learn this year?
Patience, it's one day at a time though.
What TV show did you binge?
Anything and everything on Eternal Family TV. I May Destroy You. I Know This Much Is True.
Which album got you through 2020?
The record I kept going back to was Lyra Pramuk - FOUNTAIN.
What is one thing you got into this year that was unexpected?
Crying.
How did your perspective on the world change?
I think it was a kick up the arse and a reminder that actually people can be mobilised on an almost worldwide level for the right reasons. It's important for everyone to be reminded of that I think, that real life people actually exist outside of a phone screen.
What did you do for your birthday?
My birthday was two weeks pre pandemic, feels like a decade ago, cant even remember now.
Meal you cooked most in 2020?
Sadness.
Who is your person of the year and why?
I think Ytiet, the counting/singing guy, saved me a few times.
Favourite Instagram account of 2020?
David Lynch’s daily weather reports, and also currently @pman817 / Dr Parkinstine - I cannot figure this guy out and I love it, seems to be completely genuine and earnest – a crazy kid building old science experiments and playing ragtime songs from 100 years ago.
Sum up 2020 in one word?
Hopefully “Eucatastrophe”. I had to look that up to see if there was a word for it.
HALSEY
What new skill did you learn this year?
I started studying for the Bar Exam! I learned the frustration of distinguishing between common sense and common law.
What TV show did you binge?
The Queen’s Gambit and Pen15!
Which album got you through 2020?
Phoebe Bridgers - Punisher.
What is one thing you got into this year that was unexpected?
Drinking broth for breakfast. I’m like a medieval soldier or something.
How did your perspective on the world change?
I’ve learned that not everyone thinks the same as those in your periphery. Step outside your bubble and see what evil lurks beyond it. If you are brave, try to make a difference. I also learned that routine is necessary and love is an action.
What did you do for your birthday?
Played Jenga and had an ice cream cake with Sydney Sweeney. Our birthdays are two weeks apart!
Meal you cooked most in 2020?
Birria tacos! Holy fuckkkkk they are good.
Who is your person of the year and why?
Stacey Abrams! Black women in America saved the election, and she organized a massive network for voter registration when she could have just walked away.
Favourite Instagram account of 2020?
@Dazed! (Seriously I’ve followed for years)
Sum up 2020 in one word?
Revealing.
A.G. COOK
What new skill did you learn this year?
I re-discovered the slightly strange video editing techniques that I used to do in the early days of PC Music releases.
What TV show did you binge?
Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Which album got you through 2020?
…I Care Because You Do by Aphex Twin.
What is one thing you got into this year that was unexpected?
Dungeons & Dragons.
How did your perspective on the world change?
As we’ve been forced into more ‘virtual’ communication and representation, I’ve tried to look for those moments that jolt you out of things slightly. Whether it’s something that feels true, exciting or just unexpected.
What did you do for your birthday?
Spent it in Montana so tried to make the most of that, while also catching up with friends and family on Zoom.
Meal you cooked most in 2020?
Different forms of pasta bolognese.
Who is your person of the year and why?
Anyone who was a member of Apple Guild (27 August - 23 September 2020).
Favourite Instagram account of 2020?
@mepaintsme - so many idiosyncratic visual worlds on there, a nice antidote.
Sum up 2020 in one word?
Polyphloisboisterous.
TOMMY CASH
What new skill did you learn this year?
Knitting, very useful as Christmas is coming and it’s a cheap and practical gift for family and friends. Also, I’m into sports, so I’ve been curling with my brothers five days a week, also I’ve learned how to fry eggs.
What TV show did you binge?
Sex & The City and Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
Which album got you through 2020?
Chris Brown, Chris Brown (Expanded Edition) 2005.
What is one thing you got into this year that was unexpected?
Guinness World Record at staying at home and not leaving the house.
How did your perspective on the world change?
I think the perspective change is yet to come.
What did you do for your birthday?
Went hunting, later enjoyed the elk meat in the candlelight with my family, friends, and team. Later went to wrestle.
Meal you cooked most in 2020?
Potato salad.
Who is your person of the year and why?
Trump (because he is finally leaving the office).
Favourite Instagram account of 2020?
Mine, duh! @tommycashworld and Pablo Rochat @pablo.rochat.
Sum up 2020 in one word?
Service could have been better, would not visit again. 1 out of 5 stars.
ASHNIKKO
What new skill did you learn this year?
I learned a few pole dancing moves because I impulsively bought a pole at like 3am one day.
What TV show did you binge?
The Walking Dead. It gave me nightmares for months.
Which album got you through 2020?
I relistened to CTRL by SZA on a loop one night while I was on shrooms and cried my eyes out. It was beautiful.
What is one thing you got into this year that was unexpected?
Pole dancing, painting, and trying not to go on extremely masochistic mental health spirals in order to write songs. lol!?!??!!!
How did your perspective on the world change?
The world is broken and run by dinosaurs who don’t give a shit about humanity. I learned a lot of things this year that I wished I already knew.
What did you do for your birthday?
Luckily my birthday was before the lockdown pandemic chaos. I had a surprise party that I forced my friends to throw me. It was Shrek and toilet themed. I was also at the BRIT awards afterparty as the clock struck midnight so I was looking fabulous and necking champagne, probably holding court in the ladies bathroom.
Meal you cooked most in 2020?
I made cinnamon roll sugar cookies every time I was sad, so I basically made them everyday.
Who is your person of the year and why?
All the single moms who have been busting ass to homeschool, parent, provide for their kids, and look after themselves this year.
BEABADOOBEE
What new skill did you learn this year?
Baking.
What TV show did you binge?
The Crown.
Which album got you through 2020?
Eight Arms To Hold - Veruca Salt.
What is one thing you got into this year that was unexpected?
Dressing up and doing loads of shoots.
How did your perspective on the world change?
That London is actually quite beautiful, especially in the summer and autumn - during lockdown my daily walk that we were allowed to do consisted of me looking at all the pretty flowers I once ignored.
What did you do for your birthday?
It was during lockdown so I just spent it with my family and boyfriend, we ordered cake.
Meal you cooked most in 2020?
Pesto pasta :) and gnocchi.
Who is your person of the year and why?
Soren because he kept me cuddled up during lockdown and he made me food.
Favourite Instagram account of 2020?
@Mignottetakespictures.
Sum up 2020 in one word?
Odd.
BENJI B
What new skill did you learn this year?
Reinvention.
What TV show did you binge?
The Mandelorian.
Which album got you through 2020?
Sault - Untitled (Black is)
What is one thing you got into this year that was unexpected?
Cycling everywhere in London.
What did you do for your birthday?
Hasn’t happened yet.
Meal you cooked most in 2020?
Thai chicken curry.
Sum up 2020 in one word?
Distant.
Favourite person of 2020.
Dave Chappelle.
BRAD MONDO
What new skill did you learn this year?
Patience.
What TV show did you binge?
The Queen’s Gambit.
Which album got you through 2020?
Lady Gaga - Chromatica.
How did your perspective on the world change?
There’s a lot more that we have to fight for when it comes to equal rights.
What did you do for your birthday?
I was in LA for work and had dinner with some friends and co-workers.
Meal you cooked most in 2020?
Postmates.
Who is your person of the year and why?
Joe Biden because I believe that he is going to make the changes that we as a country so desperately need.
Favourite Instagram account of 2020?
@best_of_grindr because I love a good gay meme account.
COSHA
What new skill did you learn this year?
To brush things off, let go of the stuff that isnt doing you good.
What TV show did you binge?
Sopranos, 1st time watching it all and it is as good as they say.
Which album got you through 2020?
Bday by Beyoncé. It was one of my favourite albums as a kid and i really got back into it this year, needed something to dance to!
What is one thing you got into this year that was unexpected?
Settlers of Catan boardgame (pro tip stock up on hay and rocks, they serve you best in the end game).
How did your perspective on the world change?
Definitely not for the better unfortunately, there were alot of existential crisis moments especially during all the BLM movement, it became apparent to me that the history of the world that i was taught in school wasn’t really just history, present day we’re still living in certain structures built in these older times. That was quite scary.
What did you do for your birthday?
Luckily my birthday was in Jan so I managed to sneak a party in with all my closest friends.
Meal you cooked most in 2020?
Spaghetti and meatballs (probably due to all the Sopranos intake).
Who is your person of the year and why?
That’s tough.. I’m gonna have to say two people: Firstly would be my partner, we’ve spent nearly everyday together this year and he’s always kept me stimulated with good conversation and was really there for me in some low moments, he also helped me finish my first album during lockdown! Secondly would be Shygirl, we grew very close this year and she’s been a very supportive and inspirational woman in my life. I feel so grateful to have had them both with me this year.
DORIAN ELECTRA
What new skill did you learn this year?
How to party by myself in my room.
What TV show did you binge?
The Black Death – online video course about the 14th century plague.
Which album got you through 2020?
Electric Wizard - Funeralopolis.
What is one thing you got into this year that was unexpected?
Selling feet pics online.
How did your perspective on the world change?
This year has been a strong reminder that everything can change suddenly at one moment, that we have to be prepared for that and not take anything for granted and continue to be grateful for everything we have everyday all the time and try to share that with others.
What did you do for your birthday?
I had a virtual party on Second Life with a few friends where we created avatars, played some music on virtual instruments in a virtual Rivendell and then went to 1920s Chicago into this dingy back alley sex warehouse and took turns being behind a glory hole at this taco shop down the street.
Meal you cooked most in 2020?
Amy’s frozen microwave meals.
Who is your person of the year and why?
Weston Allen, my creative partner. This year we were forced to get back to our DIY roots of making music videos with just the two of us and a cell phone.
Favourite Instagram account of 2020?
@incellectuals2
Sum up 2020 in one word?
Unpredictable.
POPPY
What new skill did you learn this year?
I learned how to ride a motorcycle.
What TV show did you binge?
Total Divas.
Which album got you through 2020?
Sneaker Pimps – Becoming X.
What is one thing you got into this year that was unexpected?
Anime marathons.
How did your perspective on the world change?
I focus on the things I can control.
What did you do for your birthday?
I went to Hawaii, pre-pandemic lockdown.
Meal you cooked most in 2020?
Popcorn and Fernet.
Who is your person of the year and why?
My cat Pi.
Favourite Instagram account of 2020?
@sailormoonwisdom
Sum up 2020 in one word?
Superfluous.
OKLOU
What new skill did you learn this year?
Drive a scooter.
What TV show did you binge?
Grand Army and The Queen’s Gambit.
Which album got you through 2020?
The only album I’ve been listening to from beginning to the end this year has been The Slow Rush by Tame Impala.
What is one thing you got into this year that was unexpected?
Work.
How did your perspective on the world change?
It didn’t that much tbh.
What did you do for your birthday?
A zoom call.
Meal you cooked most in 2020?
Breakfast meals.
Who is your person of the year and why?
My friend Sara because of the way she supported me through difficult times.
Favourite Instagram account of 2020?
I like @grubbytoad.
Sum up 2020 in one word?
Galore. It sounds a bit like galère in french which is accurate. It means ‘difficult situation’.
GHOSTEMANE
What new skill did you learn this year?
I always thought it would take years for me to find away to expel the erratic, nonsensical stream of consciousness from my mind and into a tangible piece of art, or junk, or anything you can feel with your hands.
With all the extra time I was able to just go for it and stop overthinking. Now I have physical art as a new means of expression.
What TV show did you binge?
For some reason I’m hardly able to binge a show without falling off from it or getting side tracked. However, Kakegurui was the anime to break that for me. Definitely recommend.
Which album got you through 2020?
Elliot Smith - Either/Or.
What is one thing you got into this year that was unexpected?
Racing motorcycles.
How did your perspective on the world change?
I think everything that’s going on has made my perspective shift a bit towards a sort of unification in that everyone regardless of religion or nationality is suffering at the same time, and trying to make sense of the volatility of the new world.
What did you do for your birthday?
My birthday is tax day. So that, and ate sushi with my fiancée.
Meal you cooked most in 2020?
*ordered from Uber Eats the most. Definitely Brazilian.
Who is your person of the year and why?
The guy who runs @catatonicyouths.
Favourite Instagram account of 2020?
@catatonicyouths
Sum up 2020 in one word?
Volatile.
JACK HARLOW
What are some of the biggest changes 2020 has ushered in for you?
Hmm. I’m back to listening to music again, you know. I wasn’t listening to music before this and now I'm back and getting inspiration from it. So that’s a big one for me. I mean my writing shifted, this album was fuelled by the pandemic because I was looking inwards, telling the truth. It meant there were less parties.
THE COCK DESTROYERS
What new skill did you learn this year?
Sophie: hosting a reality show!
Rebecca: it’s very embarrassing, I didn’t actually learn any new skills this year. I’m already very skilful, I just don’t know if I can learn any more.
What TV show did you binge?
Sophie: Yummy Mummies, it’s a Netflix reality show from Australia
Rebecca: Celebs Go Dating, which is how I got the idea of having a narrator for Slag Wars, it’s so bad it’s good. I love it.
Which album got you through 2020?
Sophie: Lady Gaga’s Chromatica.
Rebecca: Jessie Ware’s What Your Pleasure, she’s a massive icon, I love her so much, I love all her albums.
What is one thing you got into this year that was unexpected?
Sophie: Juggling my boobs, it just feels so good.
Rebecca: I got into staying in and I’m, like, accepting that it’s okay to stay in.
How did your perspective on the world change?
Rebecca: I think it’s made me think about how we need to think about the planet a lot more, where this whole thing stemmed from, the consideration of animals, it’s made me think about the planet as whole and we do need to make changes.
Sophie: I think exactly what Rebecca said, we were just not taking care of the planet, not taking care of ourselves and not being respectful to each other. There’s a lot more hate and anger in the world unfortunately and I think it’s going to get a lot worse.
Rebecca: But at least Trump’s gone!
What did you do for your birthday?
Sophie: I did a live on my OnlyFans and I sat on a cake, I sat on a chocolate cake!
Rebecca: I was lucky, my birthday was in August, so we were able to have a few people around. So, I got an inflatable bouncy castle in my front garden and bounced on it all day long on my own with my nephew, who must think I’m the best auntie ever cos I was like, no mate, get off.
Meal you cooked most in 2020?
Sophie: Oh, it has to be a good roast on Sunday. I am a meat eater so the roast would have to be chicken with stuffing, pigs in blankets, gravy, all the veg, I’m such a veg girl, a bit of broccoli, cauliflower cheese. Piled, with a bit of cranberry sauce on top.
Rebecca: Pasta dishes, my mum does the most amazing spaghetti, it’s red sauce and capers and stuff, it’s so easy. But how do you narrow it down to one meal?
Who is your person of the year and why?
Rebecca: For me, it’s Munroe Bergorf, I love her profile, she’s a massive activist. She’s our friend, we chat to her, and we’ve got such respect for her. I just admire her, love her and respect her so much. An incredible woman.
Sophie: She’s one of mine as well. She is just so amazing. Even when she went on the Piers Morgan show, you know how he is, but she was just so good.
Favourite Instagram account of 2020?
Rebecca: For me, DJ Fat Tony and his funny memes. He’s even been in the newspaper about them. I love seeing what he’s posting, it’s just so funny.
Sophie: Mine is Cherylyn Barnes. I just think her sense of humour is so brilliant, it’s so dry and right up my street. Each time I go on a post it’s either something very serious or she’s just taking the piss. And I love people who just take the piss out of themselves, like us.
Sum up 2020 in one word?
Rebecca: Wild. It’s been a fab year but it’s also been a really peculiar year.
Sophie: Rest. Because I’m so scatty all the time, from here to the next, I really got a chance to pioneer myself for 2021.
REBECCA BLACK
What new skill did you learn this year?
I finally got myself to play the guitar I’ve held on to from my dad since I was in high school.
What TV show did you binge?
Way too much Masterchef in my downtime (it’s the BEST television there is) and I also loved Normal People, though the book definitely beat it out.
Which album got you through 2020?
Grimes’s Miss Anthropocene, no doubt. I think I could define each month by a particular song off that record I was obsessed with at each point.
What is one thing you got into this year that was unexpected?
I started painting random walls and rooms in my home just for fun. I just find it so therapeutic and a great way to channel my energy into something that feels productive but isn’t necessarily solely based around work.
How did your perspective on the world change?
I think like many others realised, I took a look at how much I easily take for granted in my daily bubbles. So I’ve tried to commit myself to taking more and more steps into living life in a way a fid to be meaningful to me, rather than trying to shift it into what I think others find value in.
What did you do for your birthday?
Beach day!
Meal you cooked most in 2020?
I have eaten the exact same peanut butter and jelly oatmeal every morning for the past six months. Lol.
Who is your person of the year and why?
Frontline healthcare workers across the globe. While we have all been affected in our own ways this year, I cannot imagine how much sacrifice they have put up this year to care for others. During this pandemic. I am incredibly grateful.
Favourite Instagram account of 2020?
Definitely @goatsofanarchy. Consistent and reliably adorable rescue goat content? Hi.
Sum up 2020 in one word?
Long.