QUARANTINE PROFILE: CLOVER
We’ve launched a profile series to highlight how artists are spending their time during the quarantine. Several times a week we’ll highlight a new artist across the globe and see how they’re keeping busy during COVID-19 lockdowns.
A magical fav of ours over the last couple of months is CLOVER! She’s spent her quarantine on a journey from New York to California (or wherever the road takes her). More cool factors include all her eco-dyed merch and clothes, which you can check out more about on her Instagram. She recently released her latest single ”Sunman” (which you can check out the incredible video for below). CLOVER will be doing a Virtual Concert 5/27 @8pm EST (feat. New + Unreleased Songs) - Link to join: https://zoom.us/j/6476304524 **Suggested Donation $10** (venmo: @clovermusic)
CLOVER Online: Instagram | Website | Patreon | Spotify | YouTube
Where have you been spending your quarantine?
My quarantine story is not the norm, as I’ve had many quarantine locations. When the pandemic hit I was living in Brooklyn with my partner, Dani. Both of our jobs went remote so we decided to go live in a tent in Upstate NY on our friend’s property, using the house during the day for work and then heading back into the forest at night. Once it started getting too cold to camp, we took advantage of remote working and started a cross-country road trip. We took our time and busked along the way, bringing live music back to the people in the safest way possible. I am now quarantining in Ojai, CA, and experiencing my first warm winter ever!
How have you been staying busy during quarantine? (or not keeping busy is totally fine too)
I have started a lot of new creative projects including painting journals to sell while busking and botanically dyeing clothes with onion skins and avocado pits and skins. I’ve always felt conflicted about merch because a lot of it is not made sustainably. Painting journals and thrifting/dyeing/screen-printing my own shirts has allowed me to make merch that I feel is sustainable and valuable. The journals can be used for someone’s creative practices and the t-shirts are made without any waste - each one unique and made with so much love and care!
What’s something new you’ve cooked/baked?
Some quarantine food-related experiments have been sushi, oat milk, and microwaved chocolate lava cake.
Go to quarantine snack: Hummus, pita bread, olives, baba, labne - boom
This is a picture of the most beautiful outdoor bball court I've ever had the pleasure of playing on. This is where I spend some of my time after work in Ojai, CA. Most people are surprised when they hear this, but basketball has always been a huge part of my life and continues to be no matter where I travel.
Song (or album) you’ve had on repeat: “Hypotheticals” by Lake Street Dive. It’s on repeat on my Spotify and in my head.
What is keeping you happy?
Sunshine, my partner Dani, my many craft hobbies, baths.
What’s something you miss the most right now?
Hugging people when I meet them. I feel anxiety around meeting new people because of COVID. I feel like I can’t fully be myself or interact with them the way that I would naturally and that’s really complicated. I definitely miss the people that I know and love and haven’t seen in a while, but I also really miss interacting with strangers - especially while traveling. I’m living in a new place and I want to get to know the locals, but there are so many added layers of caution that it’s exhausting.
What do you hope we take away from this?
I hope we have all received clarity on who and what is important to us. The pandemic has provided us with the space and time to re-evaluate the way we live our lives, what we do with our time, and who we spend it with. I hope that we all come out of this with healthy new habits, new self-love practices, creative joys, and hope.
Anything new we should know about that you’re working on?
I have a new song and music video coming out in April that I am SO excited about! I wrote the song “Sunman” for my partner Dani’s birthday. He was born on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and also has a super sunny personality. We made the music video while I was quarantining in Upstate NY in the fall. I was lucky enough to be quarantining with a group of artists whose creativity knows no bounds so we were able to make a stunning video in the mystical woods of Hudson. I was quarantining with enough people that I was even able to have some backup dancers - you definitely don’t want to miss this one!
QUARANTINE PROFILE: Fast River
We’ve launched a profile series to highlight how artists are spending their time during the quarantine. Several times a week we’ll highlight a new artist across the globe and see how they’re keeping busy during COVID-19 lockdowns.
The band members are: Corey Durkin, Canyon Sharits, Dylan Cochrane, Andrew DeNicola, Daniel Caravella and Douglas Dejong.
Where have you been spending your quarantine?
Canyon: In our 900 sq ft apt!
Dylan: My fiancé and I bought our first house last April, and we have barely left since. But mostly spending my time in my temporary in-house studio, and Home Depot.
Andrew: Mostly at home, practicing/composing music, keeping in communication with my friends and family, and working part-time. Also exercising like hiking, jogging, biking, and Qi gong.
How have you been staying busy during quarantine? (or not keeping busy is totally fine too)
Canyon: I have two jobs in addition to being a musician and momma. So, aside from last March when lockdown first started, it’s been busier than ever before.
Dylan: I have a 1.5 year old son Odin who keeps me pretty busy but other than that working on music and small house projects. I built some really crappy shelves a few months ago :)
Doug: I've been practicing as much as possible and picking up a few new instruments. I've always "played" drums but now with quarantine, I figure my neighbors are more hesitant to knock on my door so I've finally been playing every day.
Dan: Playing an excessive amount of golf.
Anything new you’ve learned? / Something new you’ve done:
Doug: I started a hockey podcast - "Tougie's Take" - and spent a lot of time learning to mix and edit spoken word. There were a lot of subtleties to producing a podcast that I wasn't expecting, but roughly 100 youtube tutorials and 20 articles later, I'm pretty happy with the results I'm getting.
Dan: Learning how layer 1 through layer 3 networking works and how to consistently hit a cut or a draw on the golf course. Andrew: How to make different types of espresso drinks, recording my own music, and getting a personal trainer to learn new workout exercises.
Corey: I learned the difference between a leaf blower and a chainsaw.
Go-to quarantine snack:
Dylan: Double Stuff Oreos and milk all day every day.
Doug: String Cheese. I'm up to a 2-stick-a-day habit that I might need to kick when I finally go outside again.
Dan: Black forest ham/American cheese rollup with some dijon for dipping
Andrew: Knokkerbread crispbread crackers with hummus
Corey: Sourdough toast with butter wherein the toast is really just a vehicle for the butter.
Canyon: I went through a SERIOUS trail mix obsession in the beginning... like... serious. I was buying tons of different mixes (when I could find them from the bare-shelved store) and got to the point where I was combining different varieties (think dill pickle & cherry/chocolate). It got weird.
If you could only watch one film or TV show for the rest of time what would it be?
Canyon: Dateline!
Dylan: That 70’s Show
Doug: The Simpsons
Corey: West Wing
Andrew: The rest of Stanley Kubrick’s movies.
Dan: Lord of the Rings
What’s the best advice you’ve received during this time?
Dylan: Never leave your guitar pedals on the ground when you have a child. You will never find that "one" sound ever again.
Canyon: Do the opposite of what your brain tells you that it wants to do. If I’m ever scared/intimidated/overwhelmed by the idea of doing something... I force myself to do it so that my “fear brain” doesn’t win. I’d rather LIVE life than sit it out but man, it’s a CHOICE!
Doug: If you learn from your mistakes, they were investments.
Dan: When golfing, for every 10mph of wind in your face assume a 10% loss of club distance…for every 10mph of wind at your back, assume 5% increase in that clubs distance. Invaluable advice.
Andrew: To take your time with what you're doing, sharpen the tools that you already possess, and keep reaching out to people even if it feels difficult.
Corey: Dan told me to focus on details like 'picking a chord progression and tuning your guitars.' He wasn't wrong.
What’s something you miss the most right now?
Canyon: hugging people!
Dylan: Going to concerts and baseball games! I would give a lot to pay 12$ for a hotdog at a ballpark right about now.
Doug: It sounds like such a small thing, but I really miss those ridiculously oversized club sandwiches that pubs serve. Why are their sandwiches so much larger than other places? I don't know but I sure would love to eat one. Right now, even.
Corey: Watching my friends play shows.
Dan: I miss my friends the most, not seeing them all for months at a time is very new (in the grand scheme of things) and has certainly left a massive gap in my life.
Andrew: Performing live shows.
QUARANTINE PROFILE: Eliza & The Delusionals
We’ve launched a profile series to highlight how artists are spending their time during the quarantine. Several times a week we’ll highlight a new artist across the globe and see how they’re keeping busy during COVID-19 lockdowns.
We had a quarantine chat with Eliza Klatt, lead singer & guitarist for Eliza & The Delusionals. Quarantine may be a different life in Australia as compared to us here in the US, but there are still some setbacks. However, making music isn’t one of them. Eliza & The Delusionals have been busy releasing some new tunes in the meantime before they can hit the road again.
Eliza & The Delusionals Online: Website | Spotify | Facebook | Twitter | instagram
It’s not exactly quarantine in my home, but when we were recording "Sentimental" we did it in an Airbnb rather than a studio right before the whole country went into full lockdown. So here’s a photo from that!
Where have you been spending your quarantine?
Since we've been back from the US, I've been staying at home in Pottsville. We've built a home studio for recording and writing this year, so I've been spending most of my time there this year.
How have you been staying busy during quarantine? (or not keeping busy is totally fine too)
For being at home all year, it's been super busy. We've spent pretty much all of this year writing and demoing and things like that, which is something we wouldn't have had a lot of time to do if all of our touring plans went ahead as planned.
What quarantine trend have you fallen prey to?
I've definitely fallen victim to spending way longer than I should on TikTok... Not so much the dancing side of it, but I think it filled a Vine shaped hole in my heart and kept me entertained for the few hours before bed.
What’s something new you’ve cooked/baked?
It's not really new but myself and Kurt (our guitarist) always make this really yum vegan mac and cheese. It's the ultimate comfort food, and it's been especially comforting this year.
Go to quarantine snack:
Anything with hummus.
Song (or album) you’ve had on repeat:
For me, it has to be Fake It Flowers by Beabadoobee or Hayley Williams' Petals for Armour. I did make a playlist of some of my faves from 2020 if you want to check it out as well!
What’s a song that is your go-to comfort jam?
I think one of my favourite songs of 2020 was Why We Ever from Hayley Willams' new album. She did a stripped back version of it from her house peak-quarantine and it was probably one of my favourite stripped back versions of a song. It's super comforting and a really incredible song.
Something keeping Eliza sane right now: Besides writing songs all year in our home studio, I think that living near a beach that’s always empty has been a really nice escape from things when they’ve been too hectic this yea
If you could only watch one film or TV show for the rest of time what would it be?
1000% Friends. I've watched it soooo many times through now.
What is keeping you happy?
Writing music has kept me very happy this year, along with creating our first proper home studio. I will also say Animal Crossing has also kept me happy through 2020.
What’s the best advice you’ve received during this time?
Probably to make time to take care of yourself. It's been one of the hardest years for myself and the guys. I think a big key lesson I've learnt is that it's so important to have time to yourself doing things that are mindless and relaxing, it makes a massive difference on your mental health and your outlook towards work, and you shouldn't feel bad for taking time off.
What’s something you miss the most right now?
Touring in America. We were on such a high and had such a massive year planned playing with some of our favourite artists and dream festivals, so it was really difficult to have that taken away from us so suddenly. I think I can speak for everyone about how much we miss being over there and playing shows every night.
Are there any livestream concerts/events you’ve really been inspired by or enjoying right now?
We were all huge fans of Beabadoobee's album livestream. It sounded and looked amazing and really raised the bar for live streaming in 2020!
What do you hope we take away from this?
I guess that even though 2020 was a really f*cked year, there are still some positives you can take out of it.
What’s a puzzle you’ve completed during quarantine?
I think I'd have to be the only one in the world that didn't have a puzzle phase during quarantine... Maybe it's because I didn't take myself to Kmart to get one haha.
Anything new we should know about that you’re working on?
We just put out our new single "Sentimental" and we've spent all year writing and eventually recording some new music. So you can definitely keep an eye out for us in 2021.
QUARANTINE PROFILE: Ciarra Fragale
We’ve launched a profile series to highlight how artists are spending their time during the quarantine. Several times a week we’ll highlight a new artist across the globe and see how they’re keeping busy during COVID-19 lockdowns.
Ciarra Fragale has a gift for making some easy listening tunes. Not to mention her live performances (if we ever get to experience those again) are captivating with her true craft for songwriting and a winning personality to boot. She released her 2nd album Call It What You Will in 2019 and we’re waiting patiently for her 3rd album, which you can find out more about by reading on!
Where have you been spending your quarantine?
My home in North Adams, MA
How have you been staying busy during quarantine? (or not keeping busy is totally fine too)
I’ve been working on new music, cooking, and spending as much time outside as I possibly can. I also help run an artist collective called Common Folk, so that’s kept me quite busy as well.
What quarantine trend have you fallen prey to?
I’m proud to say that I still have never made a loaf of sourdough, but I have been experimenting with cooking quite a bit. My best friend and I made tamales for the first time and they turned out pretty well!
Go-to quarantine snack:
Copious amounts of coffee.
Song (or album) you’ve had on repeat:
People, I’ve been sad by Christine and the Queens. Such an incredible song by an equally incredible artist.
What’s a song that is your go-to comfort jam?
I’ve been circling around “The Bottom of It” by Fruit Bats recently. Listening to that song feels like you're getting a cozy hug. (Remember those?)
Something keeping Ciarra Fragale sane right now: This is a picture of the view at the top of my favorite hike. Nature is very accessible here in Western MA, which has been something that I've been incredibly grateful for.
If you could only watch one film or TV show for the rest of time what would it be?
Parks and Recreation is the only answer. Arguments will not be accepted.
What is keeping you happy?
Thankfully many things, but being able to safely & responsibly see my best friend every day is at the top of the list. I’d be totally lost if we weren’t in the same pod.
What’s the best advice you’ve received during this time?
Productivity shouldn’t come at the expense of your mental health.
What’s something you miss the most right now?
Playing shows, seeing my parents, traveling in general.
Are there any livestream concerts/events you’ve really been inspired by or enjoying right now?
TENNIS (my favorite band) recently put on a livestream concert that was a transcendent experience.
What do you hope we take away from this?
Trust science!
Anything new we should know about that you’re working on?
I’ve been working pretty tirelessly on my 3rd album for that last year or so. We’re finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel in terms of production, so I’m quite excited for people to hear it.
QUARANTINE PROFILE: Medium Build
We’ve launched a profile series to highlight how artists are spending their time during the quarantine. Several times a week we’ll highlight a new artist across the globe and see how they’re keeping busy during COVID-19 lockdowns.
If you’re in search of a catchy new vibe of a song, be sure to check out Medium Build’s “Good At Being Lonely” and thank me later…if you scroll down you can have a listen now. I came across this tune a couple of months back and it’s been on quite a bit in my rotation. Not to mention, Medium Build also has a lot of other musical gems we should be keeping an eye on. We had a chat with Nick about his project and what life has been like in Alaska (yes you heard me right, Anchorage to be exact) during the quarantine.
Medium Build Online: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Soundcloud | Bandcamp | Website
Where have you been spending your quarantine?
I’ve been spending most of my quarantine in Anchorage, Alaska. My parents are here. As well as my brother and my 6-year-old nephew.
How have you been staying busy during quarantine?
I have been ice skating and watching anime.
Anything new you’ve learned?
I’ve been learning how to play the drums! There’s a set at the brewery I work at and I try to sneak a few rips in every day.
What quarantine trend have you fallen prey to?
Ya I did it all. I watched tiger king. made an only fans. baked some sourdough. broke up with my best friend. did puzzles with my mom. Adopted a cat. Got super into tik tok. Played a drive-in concert. Ordered takeout. Fought boomers on Facebook. Voted by mail. Cut my own hair. Bleached my own clothing. Quit drinking. Started drinking. Hooked up with an ex. Thought I had covid but didn’t. Gathered outside. Walked.
Go to quarantine snack:
Go to lockdown snack is ramen 🍜 . Or an apple & peanut butter.
What’s something you miss the most right now?
I miss the second run dollar theater probably more than I miss anything. We have one in town that has a kitchen attached. The only place I’ve ever been able to watch Blazing Saddles and Frozen on the same day while drinking a banana milkshake.
Something keeping Medium Build sane right now:
Are there any live stream concerts/events you’ve really been inspired by or enjoying right now?
I like watching Kacey Johansing play from home. She has unmatched comfort in the live stream. Makes it feel like ur in the room with her.
What do you hope we take away from this?
An appreciation for our immune systems. I’ve spent so much time in crowded places, yet before 2020 I had never once pondered particulate or my distance to someone else. I feel like the masks might make the immune system think we don’t appreciate the job it had been doing. We weren’t paying attention before, but we are now. I appreciate your white blood cells. I’m just calling in some reinforcements (insert picture of my blue sequined mask) for a while til we figure this thing out.
What’s a puzzle you’ve completed during quarantine?
Still working on the puzzle that is my Instagram algorithm. You know when u got a nice sunset in ur town and ur whole feed is sunsets for a day. I’d really like to figure out how to get 50 percent celebrities and 50 percent friends. Maybe 40 celebs/40 friends/ 20 frog memes. Maybe I need new friends or I need a handful of friends to move away so I can see different weather patterns across my feed. Please send advice.
Anything new we should know about that you’re working on?
A pal and I are building a new studio down the stairs from my apartment so I’m gonna hole up there til the vaccine 💉 pops off and make a record. Been in a sad folk and slow RnB phase lately. Expect acoustic guitar and chimey keyboards. Expect a ton of vocal harmonies and hints of ego death strewn throughout.
QUARANTINE PROFILE: Wolf
We’ve launched a profile series to highlight how artists are spending their time during the quarantine. Several times a week we’ll highlight a new artist across the globe and see how they’re keeping busy during COVID-19 lockdowns.
Julia (aka Wolf) has slowly been releasing some new bops we think you should really have on your radar. Today we’re graced with a new banger called “Villian”, featuring her signature sound incorporating elements of Hip-Hop, RnB, and Pop. Not only has she been busy with new tunes, but she also has a recently launched clothing line called Girls in Purgatory. Read on for our chat with Juila about what else she’s been busy with during quarantine.
Here’s a photo of me I created when I dropped my Girls in Purgatory clothing line! Something I've been working on during quarantine.
Where have you been spending your quarantine? at home in Astoria, Queens! The first half was mostly in my bedroom (where I create everything) but now that we have a new puppy I’ve migrated on over to the living room to be with him.
How have you been staying busy during quarantine?
I’ve been super busy actually! But it’s all music related so you know I’m loving every second. Lots of filming videos lots of photoshop edits, LOTS of writing and recording new music. It’s been interesting trying to write new music without new experiences to speak on. So I’ve been forced to revisit my past quite a bit and create from there instead.
Anything new you’ve learned?
I’ve been teaching myself new things like after effects and whatnot, but what I’ve really learned is just how much I took for granted the opportunities to connect with other people. Pre Covid I was the first to say no to any new social interactions, or too afraid to ask the waiter for a new glass of Coke; I was constantly canceling plans just out of habit and avoiding new people as best I could. But this isolation has made me realize how acting that way is only doing a disservice to myself. We only get one life to live, so I think it’s important I suck it up and put myself out there before I really regret not having done so.
What’s something new you’ve cooked/baked?
Dumplings!!!
Album you’ve had on repeat:
While The World Was Burning- SAINt JHN
Something keeping Julia sane right now: Here is a picture of my sister Cameron!! I would be nothing without her, she's my other half. Not only does she watch Twilight every time I ask, but she makes me laugh the whole way through. During this quarantine, we’ve been baking new things, obsessing over new fanfic stories, and honestly just helping each other create (she’s a fantastic writer). With her by my side I can get through anything, I’m lucky to have her!!
What’s a song that is your go-to comfort jam?
My comfort lives with Taylor Swift, and I’m talking Fearless album. But can I also just say how lyrically incredible Folklore is? Every line counts.
If you could only watch one film or TV show for the rest of time what would it be?
"CALL ME BY YOUR NAME" OMG
What is keeping you happy?
100% my family. We have a minimum count of 3 laugh attacks per day. My sister Cameron is an automatic serotonin dosage, she just doesn’t know it. Pursuing my dreams as an artist is directly adjacent to that. Also the new Jack Harlow album.
What’s something you miss the most right now?
I miss Cafe Reggio and exploring NYC. I miss dive bars and dancing. I’m going to miss watching Fifty Shades of Grey at the movie theater (a yearly Valentine's day tradition lol). And most of all I MISS PERFORMING!!!
Anything new we should know about that you’re working on?
It’s album time baby!!! I’d also like to drop something in the new year for Girls In Purgatory (my clothing line) and just continue doing whatever I can to scale up and grow more each day. I haven’t even released my all-time favorite tracks yet so when I do that’ll be a HUGE moment for me in the near future.
QUARANTINE PROFILE: Danny Black
We’ve launched a profile series to highlight how artists are spending their time during the quarantine. Several times a week we’ll highlight a new artist across the globe and see how they’re keeping busy during COVID-19 lockdowns.
Philadelphia guitarist Danny Black has been touring for years, mostly as part of Indie-Folk trio Good Old War, or alongside Anthony Green…to name a few. As a solo artist, Danny has released two super adventurous instrumental records. In the Fall he took a new venture in his solo recordings. Teaming up with Vacationer’s drummer Ryno, the duo paired up to make Danny’s third album Black Ryno featuring vocals for the first time in any of Danny’s recordings. Read on to see how Danny’s been spending his quarantine since the album release and what’s up next for him.
Where have you been spending your quarantine?
For the first few months I stayed home but over the last month or so, I've enjoyed travelling around the country in my van. It's been a dream because it has pretty much all the amenities of home but I get to be out in nature.
How have you been staying busy during quarantine?
I have been making a lot of music. I've done virtual collaborations with artists from all over the world, played a few live streamed concerts, recorded an entire new album, done scores for short films and trailers and I am teaching online guitar, bass and ukulele lessons. Recently I've been recording music in the van on stops as I travel. My wife and I also played this game where we each made up a bunch of activities and every day we'd pick one out of a jar and try it.
Anything new you’ve learned? / Something new you’ve done:
Trying to get better at ping pong and cooking.
What quarantine trend have you fallen prey to?
I definitely watched Tiger King
What’s something new you’ve cooked/baked?
Suddenly I can cook a mean chili
Go to quarantine snack:Apples and peanut butter
Song (or album) you’ve had on repeat:
Gregory Alan Isakov-Evening Machines
What’s your go to song to make you feel less alone? / What’s a song that is your go to comfort jam?
Radiohead: Paranoid Android
If you could only watch one film or TV show for the rest of time what would it be?
Probably Breaking Bad.
What is keeping you happy?
My wife, dog, family, friends, music
What’s something you miss the most right now?
Hugs
What do you hope we take away from this?
How much we depend on human contact to stay happy. being afraid to see our friends and family is incredibly unnatural.
What’s a puzzle you’ve completed during quarantine?
We did a jungle scene that was so hard I quit. My wife ended up finishing it for us.
Anything new we should know about that you’re working on?
Well my new album, Black Ryno just came out and I'm working on a new album with a friend that I can't wait to share. I also will have a new solo album out early next year I hope. It's quite a productive time!
QUARANTINE PROFILE: DEYO
We’ve launch a profile series to highlight how artists are spending their time during quarantine. Several times a week we’ll highlight a new artist across the globe and see how they’re keeping busy during COVID-19 lockdowns.
Today we celebrate the 50TH QUARANTINE PROFILE! Thanks so much for following along with us on this lockdown journey and continuing to explore how artists are keeping sane during these crazy times. We’re all in this together and we’re here to highlight it all.
With all that said, super excited to bring you this latest piece featuring Brooklyn Indie artist DEYO (aka Christopher Deyo Braun). He released his debut self-titled album DEYO last year and we’ve been hooked ever since. DEYO brings a lot of different elements of sound to his album, there’s soul, there’s synth, there’s some poppiness… what more could you ask for? We got to chat with DEYO to see what he’s been up to during quarantine, his handy new hardware skills and what’s next for him. Give DEYO a listen below and read on…
Photographer and stylist: Courtney Spitznagel @CourtneySpitz | shot on 35mm film.
Where have you been spending your quarantine?
When the full shutdown happened in March, my girlfriend and I left Brooklyn to spend time with family in Connecticut. We moved back to Brooklyn in May after finding a COVID deal on an art loft that we couldn’t pass up.
How have you been staying busy during quarantine?
The place that I moved into was pretty bare, so I have spent most of the quarantine making it into a home. There have been about 350 trips to the hardware store, so it’d be hard to classify it as an actual quarantine.
Anything new you’ve learned?
I basically became a handyman/carpenter. With the help of the great YouTube library of DIY tutorials, I ended up building a mezzanine bedroom, stairs, shelves, rewired a lot of lighting, added a mini-stage and brought a beautiful old 1940’s stove back to life.
Song (or album) you’ve had on repeat:
I had a good 2-month streak where I was listening to the Dominic Fike album a few times a day. Arthur Russell’s album Iowa Dream has been steadily repeating for the whole year as well.
Something keeping DEYO sane right now: I built a home for my record player and record collection underneath my staircase. It really warms up the space and makes me feel grounded when I drop the needle on a good record
What is keeping you happy?
I’m playing a lot of music and practicing a lot, which always kinda puts my mind at ease. It feels good when you realize that you are getting better at something, even if the change is marginal. In my book, it still counts as leveling up.
What’s the best advice you’ve received during this time?
I made my own deck of Brian Eno’s Oblique Strategies during quarantine using an old label maker. I think my favorite one is "Discover your formulas and abandon them."
What do you hope we take away from this?
I hope that this time helps make our world more conscientious about what we are eating. We’d have a much easier time battling this virus as a species if we ate less food that came wrapped in plastic full of chemicals that we can’t pronounce.
Anything new we should know about that you’re working on?
I’m in the process of writing material for a new album. I have a solid back-catalog of songs, but right now I am just working on a new idea everyday and eventually I’ll come to the realization that there’s a cohesive group of songs in there that I can zone in on and start fine tuning them.