QUARANTINE PROFILE: Local Nomad
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.
We had a chat with songwriter Local Nomad to see how he’s been spending his COVID lockdown in Long Island, NY. He just released his 80s tinged self-titled EP today and we highly recommend it if you need a little pick me up today.
Local Nomad Online: Spotify | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Photo via @portaitsofpeopleiknow via facetime
Where have you been spending your quarantine?
I’ve been spending my quarantine back at my parents’ house on Long Island writing and recording new songs.
How have you been staying busy during quarantine?
I’ve been keeping pretty busy for the most part, doing a family Skype workout a few times a week, listening to a lot of vinyl, going for walks, and really taking the time to focus on myself. I think the quarantine has been a great time for self-reflection.
Go to quarantine snack:
Popcorn
Song (or album) you’ve had on repeat:
The Replacements - Dead Man’s POP
Emily King - Sides
Lenny Kravitz - 5
St. Vincent - Masseducation
Run the Jewels - RTJ4
Nick Drake - Pink Moon
Mogwai - The Hawk is Howling
What’s keeping Local Nomad happy right now: His Rev 2
What’s a song that is your go to comfort jam?
Rod Stewart - ‘Forever Young’
If you could only watch one film or TV show for the rest of time what would it be?
I could watch Breaking Bad on repeat for days.
What’s the best advice you’ve received during this time?
The best advice I’ve received was to keep going. We can’t control what happens in this world. We can only control the energy we put out in the world & how we treat others. I’m striving to be a better listener and give more.
What’s something you miss the most right now?
I miss live music.
Anything new we should know about that you’re working on?
I’m releasing my self-titled LOCAL NOMAD EP on July 10th and I am currently working on a full length for 2021. I’m looking forward to releasing more singles this year!
QUARANTINE PROFILE: Hayfitz
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.
If you’re looking for something to chill you down or to focus and reflect during this time and haven’t come across Hayfitz yet, then have a sit down with his new album Capsules. We had a sit down with the ambient Brooklyn artist to chat about what he’s been up to during lockdown.
with my roommate and bandmate Sean Camargo (from S.C.A.B.) on one of our several bike rides shortly after we shaved our heads live on IGTV
Where have you been spending your quarantine?
On the border of Brooklyn & Queens - Ridgewood, NY
How have you been staying busy during quarantine?
I've been writing more than ever before and pretty darn close to finishing up writing the next record which is exciting. My roommate and I have been exercising like crazy too - it keeps our mental health in check in a big way.
Anything new you’ve learned?
Yes, actually! I've been spending tons of time learning - I now know my way around Ableton, piano, Spanish, and even some digital marketing. Been trying my best to make the most out of a very unfortunate situation.
What’s something new you’ve cooked/baked?
I must say I think we've mastered the art of cooking tofu during this quarantine. Our three person apartment family cooks dinner every night and we all eat together - we've been making each other family recipes which has been especially comforting during these times.
Go to quarantine snack:
Dark chocolate & peanut butter :)
Song and/or Album you’ve had on repeat:
Altopalo - farawayfromeveryoneyouknow
Blake Mills - ‘Summer All Over’
What’s keeping Hayfitz happy right now: our roof - we spend as much time as possible out here and are so grateful to have so much outdoor space during something like this
What’s a song that is your go to comfort jam?
Anything ambient/instrumental keeps me calm and collected. Bing & Ruth, Stars of the Lid, Emily Sprague - all such beautiful and patient artists I couldn't live without.
If you could only watch one film or TV show for the rest of time what would it be?
The Office, duh
What keeps you happy?
Being outdoors, biking, great food, creating, and a happy home :) All of which I've had a lot of access to thankfully.
What’s the best advice you’ve received during this time?
I think just being kind to yourself and calling your loved ones as much as you can. I've been trying to slow down as much as possible and listen to my mind and body when I need a break or to just do absolutely nothing for a whole day.
What’s something you miss the most right now?
I miss just being able to walk out of my door and go without first getting through the several obstacles of sanitizing and preparing to be around other people. I miss hugging my friends. I think more than ever we all need a big hug right now.
Are there any livestream concerts/events you’ve really been inspired by or enjoying right now?
I've been working with the kind folks over at Side Door and am so excited about what they're doing with live streaming. Since March they've brought in nearly $200k in ticket revenue for artists for virtual shows. I really appreciate how much value they put on artist's performances, even with them being virtual. Artists shouldn't be giving away their beautiful art and expression for free especially in a time like this (unless for charitable purposes!)
What do you hope we take away from this?
I hope to take away a new found appreciation for slowing down and being hyper aware of my surroundings and habits. Our old ways of living and operating were so problematic and I hope this time will have ever-lasting impact on how we spend our days and treat the people around us.
Anything new we should know about that you’re working on?
My debut record just came out on May 29th and I'm working on a supplemental ambient EP where I'm taking stems from a lot of the songs from the record and re-sampling them. It's been a super fun project for me, especially in that everything is now instrumental and has a completely different approach/workflow.
QUARANTINE PROFILE: Maya Delilah
We’ve launch a new 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.
A big happy quarantine EP release to Maya Delilah! Maya just released her debut EP Oh Boy, which I have to say is a delight. If you’re a fan of Betty Who you’ll definitely be having this EP on repeat. To quote Maya’s bio, “including as many unique guitar harmonies as she can to show how girls can stand out and be a badass on guitar,” which we’re 100% here for and if you want to watch her do so, just head over to her instagram. We had a chat with Maya to see what she’s been up to during quarantine around her EP release.
Maya Delilah Online: Spotify | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Anything new you’ve learned?
Yes yes, I have learnt to cook proper meals finally! I have always wanted to be a really good cook like my parents, so have been trying to cook as much as possible and challenge myself // experiment with recipes. I have also learnt to embroider, so currently trying to make all my boring clothes much less boring.
Song and/or album you’ve had on repeat:
AHHHH too hard to narrow down so I’m going so say a song and an album. A song would be ‘Change For Me (With Samm Henshaw)’ by Brasstracks and the album is A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships by The 1975.
What’s something you miss the most right now?
The pub. I miss the pub so much. The pub with my friends in the Spring // Summer is one of the best things ever to me, so I’m counting down the days (even though that’s not possible) ‘til I can go to the pub with my friends.
What’s keeping Maya happy right now: This is my bike. It means I can get out of my area (which is much needed as I can’t stand to be in one place for long periods of time) and also means I can go and see my friends (with social distancing of course), which is definitely keeping me sane.
Go to quarantine snack :
Probably a fried egg. Not sure if this counts as a snack.
Anything new we should know about that you’re working on?
I have just released the latest single on the EP ‘I’m Just Stupid’ along with some funky merch (t-shirts and sweaters), if you need some new comfy stay at home clothes.
PLAYLIST: Back Into The Sun
We’re back again to kick off your Summer with our July playlist! We’ve handpicked 30 tracks to bring some sunshine inside. We may not be able to fully go outside, which we all know has taken its toll on all of us. But The Photo Ladies are here to try and help cheer you up!
With 100 founding members, and over 1000 Photo Ladies part of our community, we all have a huge variety of musical tastes, and we plan to showcase them each month through our upcoming playlists. Full playlist below, along with some Photo Lady blurbs behind the choices.
“One of my old favorite bands, The Dig, are back under a new name! Here’s their debut single, just in time for Summer. Whether we’re still in quarantine, or manage to make it out into the sunshine, this song brings the good vibes we all need.”
Put summer in a song and you get Watermelon Sugar. Harry Styles is at it again with this incredibly addictive single that captures all the lazy glory of a summer evening. - Dana Jacobs | @pics.by.dana
I’ve really been enjoying DOUBLECAMP’s new tracks. Every single they’ve released has been a Summer bop waiting to happen. - Carolyn Lederach | @Cled1024
Operation Ivy was a huge part of my teenage life. Whenever I think of that period of time, all I see is sunshine and good times. I’m probably viewing the past through rose colored glasses, but I don’t care. Op Ivy and their songs always bring me back, and I love it. - Stephanie Augello | @sawjello
“It’s time for some summer grooves. Khruangbin dropped a couple singles recently in anticipation of their latest album, ‘Fly Mordechai,’ out on June 26th. They’re a perfect band for practically any occasion, but I personally think their tunes were made for sunny summer days. ”
“‘LDN’ always makes it onto my summer playlists (along with ‘Smile’ and other Lily Allen hits). But now, more than ever, I identify with this song summer approaches, the states start reopening, and people are out and about as if there isn’t a global pandemic still killing thousands daily.
’When you look with your eyes/
Everything seems nice/
But if you look twice/
You can see it’s all lies’”
Aly & AJ not only released this powerful yet moody dance bop, they made a stunning music video to go along with it (made in quarantine)! The video draws inspiration from 1928's silent film The Passion of Joan of Arc, and ties in today's current political climate. - Erin Brown | @erinbrown_photography
“Quarantine isn’t stopping her. Lauren Jauregui released her new single Lento while stuck at home. Lento is a sensual, bilingual hit that’s all about getting lost in an entrancing rhythm and wanting to ‘go slow, a little slower.’ Lauren is still releasing singles and is in the finishing stage of her debut album that will be released sometime this year. ”
“Hayley Williams has always been known for being energized and fiery in her performances with Paramore, but ‘Dead Horse,’ off her new solo album Petals For Armor shows a more groovy, introspective side to Williams as a writer and musician. It’s super funky and fun sonically while still being so personal and intimate lyrically, I love it. ”
QUARANTINE PROFILE: Alexander Wren
We’ve launch a new 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.
We caught up with Nashville’s Alexander Wren to see how he’s been spending his quarantine. Alexander has been one of our favorite authentic songwriters we’ve come across as of late. His songs give a sense of nostalgia while living in modern times. There’s something to love about starting off the day with an easy listening song and Alexander brings that. Scroll down to see what show he’s been watching for 15 hours straight and savoring the lockdown.
Alexander Wren Online: Spotify | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
How have you been staying busy during quarantine? (or not keeping busy is totally fine too)
I haven't been staying busy- that's the best part. At a time when everyone is flocking to social media or zoom to virtually connect, I've intentionally unplugged from everything. You'd be surprised at what happens when you take away your phone. I mean really take it away. Have you ever seen how long you can just sit and do nothing? No music. No Netflix. Just you and your own silence.
Song (or album) you’ve had on repeat:
Anything I wouldn't have found myself listening to before. Not in English? Give it to me. Not easy listening? Give it to me. Red-dirt country? Give it to me. I have a 'Surviving COVID-19' playlist which includes all of my favorites on Spotify!
If you could only watch one film or TV show for the rest of time what would it be?
Right now it would be, The Office. I binged the whole show for the first time throughout quarantine... I learned that Erin Hannon is the love of my life. Oh, and I watched Spongebob for fifteen hours one day... Why not?
Things keeping Alexander sane: I’ve been spending time writing
What’s the best advice you’ve received during this time?
My dad told tipped me off to a parable. It goes like this...
A Harvard grad goes to Mexico and sees a fisherman. He compliments the fisherman on his catch and asks about his profession. The fisherman explains that he only catches a few fish; then he goes and rests, plays with his family, learns the guitar, and in the evening he drinks with his friends. The Harvard grad tells him that he should catch more fish. With those extra sales he can buy a boat, then turn that boat into a fleet, and that fleet into a marina- he could make millions! The fisherman gets excited and then asks what he'd do after he invested all of the time and made the millions. To this the Harvard grad says... Well, after that, you can rest, play with your family, learn the guitar, and in the evening drink with your friends!
What do you hope we take away from this?
Perspective and balance. These in the sense of remembering why I do what I do. Why do something that isn't eternal? Why do something that doesn't make you or someone else happy? If you aren't checking any of those boxes, you might as well stop... What meaning does it have? Well, what meaning does anything have, really? ; )
Anything new we should know about that you’re working on?
Yes! While I've had to cancel close to fifty tour dates (big bummer), I'm excited to be sitting on five new singles that will begin releasing early fall. These will be included on my first record!
QUARANTINE PROFILE: Emily Burns
We’ve launch a new 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 got to check-in over in North London with the lovely Emily Burns. Also today she released her newest track 'Curse', so she’s been keeping bust in lockdown with new music and hopefully some new Summer jams to come as we all know Emily can make one hell of a bop!
Emily Burns Online: Spotify | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Where have you been spending your quarantine?
I’ve been quarantined in my flat in North London, with my friend George. We surprisingly haven’t driven each other completely mad yet.
Anything new you’ve learned? / Something new you’ve done:
At the start of lockdown, it felt as though there was this mad pressure to use all the extra time productively. I obviously took that very seriously and immediately ordered myself a plate-spinning kit. Needless to say, it hasn’t been too successful. I have been working on learning to play some piano though which feels good.
Go to quarantine snack:
I know this is rogue but, cous cous. I’ve been eating SO much cous cous. And you know that peri peri nandos sauce. Just bowl after bowl of that. Sue me.
Song (or album) you’ve had on repeat:
I can’t get enough of Selena Gomez’s “Rare” album. It’s honestly one banger after another. I’m a terrible dancer and this album makes me want to dance, which is a big deal for me.
Things keeping Emily sane: When we went through the stage of only being allowed to go for one walk a day, it forced me to explore my local area and find some beautiful streets I've never been to before. Definitely kept me feeling sane and fulfilled.
What is keeping you happy?
I have the most wonderful friends and family and I’ve been making sure that I keep talking with them as much as I would ordinarily. Filling my evenings with facetimes or socially distanced meet-ups in the park has been getting me through. Although after lockdown, I don’t think I will ever do another pub quiz in my life…
What’s the best advice you’ve received during this time?
My Grandpa always tells me to “live through this day only.” He’s a big advocate of just dealing with what you can deal with at any moment and not worrying or stressing too much about what might come next. Whenever I’m feeling anxious or overwhelmed I remember that… just get through one day at a time.
What do you hope we take away from this?
I’m hopeful that we will all come out of quarantine with a renewed love for the small things in life. I’ve realised there are a lot of things in my life that I take for granted and will definitely treasure more moving forwards. Also, big up the key workers… we would not have gotten through this time without them and in future I hope we will all appreciate the work they do every day a little bit more.
QUARANTINE PROFILE: Jake Isaac
We’ve launch a new 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.
The lovely Jake Isaac had a chat with us to catch-up on what’s been going on during his quarantine lockdown. Last week he released a live EP from the legendary RAK Studios in London entitled Things I’ll Tell You Tomorrow. It’s definitely been a soother for the trying times right now. Word on the street is he’s been up to writing an album during this lockdown and we can’t wait to hear it. Scroll down and check out what else Jake has been up to.
Where have you been spending your quarantine?
I’ve been home! missing family and friends A LOT.
How have you been staying busy during quarantine?
Funnily enough, I’ve actually found myself writing an album lol. Feels like the write time to have space to channel some thoughts and feelings in to melody and music.
Anything new you’ve learned?
I’ve learned the stopping isn’t always a bad thing. I’ve learnt that physical touch and interaction is something everyone needs at some point. I’ve learnt that things might not ever be the same after this, but that doesn’t mean i should have to worry.
Go to quarantine snack:
Twiglets
Song you’ve had on repeat:
‘Rain’ - Sunday Service Choir
What’s a song that is your go to comfort jam?
PJ Morton - ‘Everything’s Gonna Be Alright’
If you could only watch one film or TV show for the rest of time what would it be?
Things keeping Jake sane: im tryna get back into learning Spanish. im failing.
Desperate Housewives of Atlanta.
What keeps you happy?
Family
What’s the best advice you’ve received during this time?
"Now is not the time for stinginess, now is the time for generosity" - My Dad.
What’s something you miss the most right now?
Going to the barbers. Sitting in boujee coffee shops pretending I’m a coffee snob and pretending to do work, but really just trolling my mates on instagram.
Eating out at Nando’s. Doing the salsa in the Nando’s toilet to the restaurant music.
INTERVIEW: VAR
VAR
The Photo Ladies Interview
Icelandic melodic indie-rock quartet VAR have recently released their new album The Never Ending Year via Spartan Records, full of dreamy soundscapes and soaring instrumentals. Although the band's first album, 2017's Vetur, was sung mostly in Icelandic, the new album is the quartets first all English album. It was not a conscious decision by the band to make an English album, but flow of the songs dictated the language for which the songs would be sung. Influenced by the creativity, inclusiveness and collaborative and vibrant nature of the Icelandic music scene, the band has developed their own unique sound that encapsulates beautiful compositions with powerful vocals. What began as a solo project for Júlíus Óttar Björgvinsson (vocals/guitar/piano) in 2013 soon developed into a collaboration with his wife Myrra Rós (synths, vocals) and his brother Egill Björgvinsson (bass) joining the band along with friends Arnór Jónasson (guitar) and Andri Freyr Þorgeirsson (drums). VAR wrote and recorded their Vetur EP with this line up and performed for several years, building a fiercely loyal fanbase. With time and competing responsibilities, Myrra Rós was pulled in a different direction and drummer Sigurður Ingi Einarsson replaced Andri Freyr to solidify the band's current and more concentrated lineup. The current lineup has become a catalyst for the reimagining of VAR’s sound into something more refined, louder and faster. You can follow VAR and stay up-to date on all upcoming music and news, as well as stream and purchase their music, via the following links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | YouTube | Deezer | Bandcamp
You released your new album The Never-Ending Year in April. It has been described as a challenging listen that requires patience and space as it builds and settles. Was it always your goal to make an album that was intricate in its sounds that people would have to really dig into? What inspired the louder and faster sound?
We did not set out with a specific goal for the album. We work on things until we are satisfied with them and then you might say our goal is achieved. If some people feel they need to ‘dig into’ the album and listen more than once I think that’s great because personally I think those are some of the best albums, the ones you have to sink your head into. The louder and faster sound of the album is something we link to moving our practice space back to the garage at my father's house, the good old garage band feel.
You worked for the first time with a dedicated producer, your friend Eiour, whom you have said had a specific sound you wanted to try out. What was the sound? You have also said that you recorded the song "Moments" before deciding to make the full record. What do you feel made the collaboration work, which led to you continue on with a full record?
We did not know Eiður very well personally before we started recording. We knew him mainly from the bands he had been playing in. He had been producing and mixing the music for his own bands and we were all big fans of them. He has a very specific sound with a kind of a 90’s vibe to it which we found very intriguing and felt would fit very well with ‘Moments’. Eiður made ‘Moments’ sound exactly like we wanted it to, and during the recordings we had a very good working relationship and a great friendship so we felt it was a logical next step to work together on an album.
You wrote and recorded the album over the course of a year. What were some of the high points of the process for you and what were some of the low points?
What might be called a low point is that the process took a lot longer than we planned at first and some things happened very slowly. But in the end we are very happy with the album and we gained a good friend and co-worker that we will definitely be working with again in the future.
You have talked about the influence for you of the power and sounds of the ocean. What can you tell me about your love for the ocean and how it influenced the sounds of the album? Were you also influenced by any other aspects of your country, such as landscape or other natural aspects? It is such a beautiful country!
We are now practicing at my father's pipe organ workshop which is located in an old fish freezing plant by the shoreline in the small town of Stokkseyri. I live there myself and take my dog for daily walks along the beach and the ocean can draw very strong emotions from you, the great power that you can hear from it and at the same time have a strong feeling of calmness. When the other boys come over for a practice they drive a very scenic and beautiful route and I am sure that has an influence on their creativity. It might sound like cliché but the closeness to this beautiful and powerful nature is bound to have some influence on you.
You have said that "Run" is a song that you weren't sure would fit on the record due to having a different vibe, but that your producer vetoed the decision. What did he love about the song and how did he convince you that it belonged on the album?
He immediately liked the power and rawness of he song and wanted to work on it further. He took it more as a challenge to make the song sound right and fit in with the whole.
What can you tell me about releasing your first fully English album? You have said that it really wasn't a conscious decision. Why do you feel that the songs flowed better in English?
We never decide whether a song shall be in English or Icelandic. We usually write the songs first and when it is time to find a melody to sing that’s when it comes clear whether it will be in Icelandic or English. The two languages have a different rhythm to them. All the songs on The Never-Ending Year happened to have a better feel to them in English. That does not mean we have stopped writing in Icelandic, but it is just a question of what we feel fits best for each song.
I know you have mentioned not being influenced necessarily by any particular band, but you have talked about what is described as the "Icelandic Sound" coming from musicians in Iceland working together and collaborating with each other often. Do you feel that the collaborative spirit of the musical community in Iceland has pushed your creativity?
It definitely has an impact and some influence to have the opportunity to work in different projects with people that you respect and have listened to through the years.
How have you guys been adjusting to life in isolation/quarantine due to COVID-19? You've said that whereas you normally come up with songs at practice by playing together, now it's more one-on-one. What has that been like? Do you see any positive changes in music coming out of the self-isolation when this is all over?
It has been strange not to have been able to play together. Arnór for example had to go to quarantine for two weeks and he used that time to record some new ideas that we have been listening to each on his own, and it is going to be exciting to work through those ideas very soon. The creativity is flowing and we have a lot of new ideas that we look forward to becoming full songs, and maybe even an album.
What can you tell me about the videos you plan to record soon? How have the shutdowns and self-isolation affected your process, if at all? Did you have ideas for the videos before the shutdowns that you now have to modify?
We originally intended to record the videos at the time that the album was released but had to postpone because of the situation. The process will be the same, only released a bit later than first intended.
You have talked about how musically diverse Iceland is, with hip hop, metal and hardcore becoming popular. Do you see yourselves forging into new sonic territory going forward and experimenting with different sounds?
We don’t intentionally try to follow any specific sound or genre, we just do what we feel like and we have not planned what the next album is going to sound like. I think all musicians keep experimenting with new territories and different sounds and that is something that we will keep on doing as we think it is important not to stagnate.
What's next for you?
To continue with this never-ending year. We hope to be able to follow up on our album by touring and playing shows when that will be possible again and continue to work our way through the Covid-demos.