Days of Rona: Jonas Waaben of The Sonic Dawn
The statistics of COVID-19 change with every news cycle, and with growing numbers, stay-at-home isolation and a near-universal disruption to society on a global scale, it is ever more important to consider the human aspect of this coronavirus. Amid the sad surrealism of living through social distancing, quarantines and bans on gatherings of groups of any size, creative professionals — artists, musicians, promoters, club owners, techs, producers, and more — are seeing an effect like nothing witnessed in the last century, and as humanity as a whole deals with this calamity, some perspective on who, what, where, when and how we’re all getting through is a needed reminder of why we’re doing so in the first place.
Thus, Days of Rona, in some attempt to help document the state of things as they are now, both so help can be asked for and given where needed, and so that when this is over it can be remembered.
Thanks to all who participate. To read all the Days of Rona coverage, click here. — JJ Koczan
Days of Rona: Jonas Waaben of The Sonic Dawn (Copenhagen, Denmark)
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How are you dealing with this crisis as a band? Have you had to rework plans at all? How is everyone’s health so far?
We’ve had to reschedule big time. Our new album, Enter the Mirage, was scheduled for release 27th of March, on Heavy Psych Sounds. That had to be postponed until 1st of May. Our European album tour in the spring will surely be affected, perhaps entirely cancelled, which is a big setback for the band. Our existence relies on tours in so many ways, not least financially. Our whole year will be different than planned. Fortunately our amazing fans have stepped up by pre-ordering the new LP or buying a t-shirt or such from our Bandcamp page, which really helps out.
We’re currently in good health and not worried about our personal situations, but try to act responsible in our everyday lives, so as not to put others at risk, of course. We were completely isolated for 30 days when we made Into the Long Night, our second album. This ain’t our first rodeo in that sense. We try to make the best of it. For example we’ve recorded some super hi-fi vinyl rips of our albums, which will be available on The Sonic Dawn’s YouTube and as lossless audio for subscribers on Bandcamp, so you can get a digitalized taste of vinyl. Hopefully it can light up somebody’s day.
What are the quarantine/isolation rules where you are?
Here in Copenhagen, Denmark, people are self-quarantining. It’s up to the population to remain responsible, but public events are also banned, most shops are closed and many workplaces are closed as well, just like schools and universities. People generally act disciplined and stay home and it seems to be effective.
How have you seen the virus affecting the community around you and in music?
Everything is deeply affected around us, especially in the music business. Cancelled tours and postponed albums hit not only bands but also venues, record labels, booking agents, concert promoters etc. The Sonic Dawn will make it through, so will our label, but for others, losing the entire spring season (or maybe more) will mean going out of business. On the other side of all this, many things will be more difficult in the music underground, but the crisis can also create closer bonds between artists and fans, and strengthen DIY structures with people aiding each other mutually.
What is the one thing you want people to know about your situation, either as a band, or personally, or anything?
Don’t forget the workers and healthcare personnel supporting everyone through these times, at their own personal risk. Listen to their insights about how to improve the system and support their demands for better working conditions when this is over. And don’t forget the politicians responsible for the cutbacks and privatization of national healthcare either, if you have limited or no access to treatment these days, should you need it. Healthcare is a universal right. Vote for someone who works for your best interest, not a puppet working for big money.
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