As she took a seat across from a reporter in a Burlington coffee shop, winter sunlight catching her hair, Abbey Berger-Knorr admitted that speaking to others doesn’t come naturally to her.
It was a surprising confession from someone who has hosted multiple podcasts and radio shows, not to mention routinely gotten onstage to perform her own music — a delicate blend of breezy pop and heart-on-sleeve indie, as heard on her latest single, “Right Next to Me.” But Berger-Knorr has learned to get over her shyness, spurred by her curiosity about the creative endeavors of people — and artists in particular — around her.
“I was not a conversationalist when I was young,” said Berger-Knorr, 23, who performs under the moniker Abbey B.K. “I had to learn to be casual and build up the skill to be able to host a show.”
She did that after moving to Vermont in 2020 to attend Champlain College and subsequently joining Burlington’s Big Heavy World, initially as an intern. A nonprofit music foundation dedicated to promoting and preserving Vermont music, Big Heavy World offered Berger-Knorr vital life experience. She soon started hosting its radio station’s local music program, “Rocket Shop,” formerly deejayed by Vermont Green FC announcer Tom Proctor and Burlington Free Press writer and music critic Brent Hallenbeck.
The experience gave her the confidence to launch her own podcast in 2022. Titled “Abstract VT,” the show features all kinds of Vermont creatives, from musicians to business leaders and beyond. Past guests have included fellow singer-songwriter and podcast host Troy Millette, visual artist James Merrill, sports photographer Sara Elizabeth, and journalist Ella Ruehsen. Berger-Knorr has her guests choose five different songs that serve as jumping-off points for sprawling, in-depth conversations.
Unfortunately, after three decades, Big Heavy World was forced to close up shop in December, a consequence of the Pine Street studio being seriously behind on rent. Between the nonprofit organization’s significant debt and founder Jim Lockridge’s move to Arizona in 2023, the DIY operation became untenable. The closure has scuttled one of the longest-running and most important resources in the Vermont music scene. And thus, Berger-Knorr has found herself a DJ without a station. Though the closure spelled the end of “Rocket Shop,” the future looks bright for “Abstract VT,” which is still available on major streaming services.
She sat down with Seven Days recently to chat about the end of “Rocket Shop,” what’s next for “Abstract VT” and helping to document a local music scene.
Big Heavy World going under must have been a real gut punch.
Oof. That one hurt, for sure. Losing Big Heavy was just so unfortunate. I learned so many things there and [by] hosting “Rocket Shop.” It was such a safe, supportive space to pick up the kind of skills I needed to have in order to produce my own show.
As a musician and podcast host, are you concerned about the vacuum created by losing such an integral part of the local music scene?
There’s been a lot of anxiety throughout the scene about it, just like with all the venue closings going on. But I think Big Heavy World’s mission to document Vermont music goes on; I certainly view the podcast similar to that, in its way. I’ve only been doing “Abstract VT” since 2022, but it feels like it’s forming into a sort of historical document of Vermont creatives. I’d love if people 20 years from now were listening back to these episodes to study what the Vermont scene was like. That would be epic.
Is that the primary reason you started the podcast?
It certainly plays a part. If I psychoanalyze myself, I work in PR for my day job, so I spend most of my day trying to work out what will make a message resonate with the general public. I think that’s a part of it, as well. When I first moved to Vermont, I felt so taken in by the creative community. I was so inspired by what everyone I met was working on, and I realized just how badly I wanted to talk about it with them. I knew it would be fun, but I didn’t expect to have this kind of passion for it, honestly. I want to use the show as something that can uplift the community in a time where a lot of the old systems seem to be breaking down.
I imagine that being a singer-songwriter yourself — who performs and releases music in the community — must inform a lot of what you do on “Abstract VT.”
It definitely helps me have a pulse-check on what’s going on around the scene, though there can be a balancing act. Before I got so serious with the podcast, I was writing music just about every day. It’s funny, though: It was easier to write sad-girl folk when my life had more problems! But my 2026 goals involve a lot more music making.
Even though your guests aren’t always musicians, you have them bring five songs to listen to and talk about. Is that just about starting from a common point?
The music is a great way to connect with my guests, especially if I’m not that familiar with them already. I want to find the spark in people’s eyes when I’m talking to them, and incorporating their music choices really helps open them up. Some people are less likely to talk about themselves until they get into a song that really resonates with them. It just makes sharing part of yourself less intimidating.
With Big Heavy World closing, the studio is also gone. RIP, “Rocket Shop”! But what does that mean for “Abstract VT”?
RIP, “Rocket Shop.” So sad! But I’m also really excited for what’s going on with the podcast. One of my big goals for this year was to take what I loved about doing “Rocket Shop” — having artists play live in studio — and bring that to “Abstract VT.” So, starting on February 22, I’m doing a monthly live version of the show at the Venetian Soda Lounge in Burlington. There’s going to be three acts, and I’ll interview each of them for about 15 minutes, followed by a 30-minute performance. It’s a ticketed show open to the public, and we’ll be recording video and audio. All the content will get shared across “Abstract VT” socials and other platforms. I honestly can’t wait.
Any dream guests for 2026?
Not really. I mean, I wouldn’t mind talking to someone like Noah Kahan, obviously. But my favorite episodes are always what I call the “hidden gem” episodes. Vermont is a place where all these highly creative people come and hide in the woods; you have to uncover them a little. There’s nothing cooler than having a conversation with someone and wondering, How did I not already know about this? If someone is doing some kind of cool, niche artistic thing, I’m like, I have to talk to you! ➆
This interview was edited for clarity and length.
The original print version of this article was headlined “On the Air | Host and musician Abbey Berger-Knorr’s “Abstract VT” podcast uncovers hidden gems of Vermont’s creative scene”
This article appears in Love & Marriage Issue • 2026.
Got something to say?
Send a letter to the editor and we'll publish your feedback in print!