Days of Rona: Days of Rona: Dan Blomquist of Conclave & Benthic Realm
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: Dan Blomquist of Conclave & Benthic Realm (Hubbardston, Massachusetts)
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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?
Band wise for me is a little more involved than some just for the fact that I share time in two bands.
Benthic Realm held our last practice on March 8th. Maureen and Krista had plans to go to New York (funny enough, separately) on March 15th but due to the outbreak, everything began to shut down and all large scale events were cancelled. Pretty much at that point self-quarantining began and rehearsals have been put on hold since. We have studio time booked late July/early August and are still hopeful that we will be able to move forward with recording then. Current shows booked at this point are pretty much hanging in limbo as things progress. Health-wise we are all in good shape in regards to the virus, but we’re still trying to fight off the aging process ;).
Conclave is trying to juggle practices and polishing of songs as best we can with all the measures that have been suggested in Massachusetts. My wife is a registered nurse at our local hospital and we had a bit of a scare last week when she was exposed to a CV positive patient so we put practice on hold until her results came back. Thankfully she tested negative! We have studio time booked in the beginning of May which is just about exactly when the business closures and social distancing measures are scheduled to be lifted, but as we are all seeing on a daily basis, it’s anyone’s guess when that will actually happen. Each time frame that has been put forth from the State has been pushed back to-date. We are hopeful that we’ll still make it into the studio, but there isn’t significant improvement with the outbreak, then we’ll most likely be forced to reschedule. Health-wise everyone in Conclave is also doing well aside from being crusty and old.
What are the quarantine/isolation rules where you are?
I live in the town of Hubbardston which is in Central Massachusetts. The CV guidelines here are: All schools closed until May 4th. All public offices closed to the public (online services available). Business closure of all non-essential businesses (this list was updated on 3-31-20 again here) to the effect of only being allowed to offer take out, curbside or delivery services for the most part. No public gatherings. 6′ social distancing rule. In my town they have closed the playground and skate park to help mitigate the kids spreading it around. Stay at home advisory in effect (we are NOT in a shelter in place situation at this time). I think most of the rules/guidelines here are pretty typical across New England.
How have you seen the virus affecting the community around you and in music?
At first there was pretty widespread panic, hysteria, and hoarding of normal everyday household items. In the little bit that I venture out (I am self employed and work out of my house so I’m a Mon-Fri introvert for the most part) I’ve noticed people seem a bit more at ease, though more somber now. I haven’t seen a lot of congregating in my area which is encouraging to see, but I am hearing that the younger generation is having a bit of a nihilistic approach to the current landscape and feels invincible to it which is not so encouraging. Hopefully they just run their mouths a bit but apply common sense and don’t continue to throw Corona ragers.
Musically, the community has been 100 percent shuttered. No venues. No shows. No people. I’m friends with some promoters in the area and it’s just devastating for them along with the venues and staff. For so many of us sharing music is the one thing that is always there for us in times of celebration and times of trouble and to not be able to embrace that along with your friends in the physical sense is heartbreaking. Again, I’m an introvert most of the time and musical activities are about the only way I get out of the house… so, yeah, this sucks… for everyone.
What is the one thing you want people to know about your situation, either as a band, or personally, or anything?
I can’t speak for the bands I’m in aside from the fact that NONE of us want to lose anyone during the course of this pandemic and hope that you all take care of yourselves and your loved ones as best you can.
From a personal standpoint, please be cautious with whom you spend time with and how you interact with them. Live your best life but not at the cost of others.
Wash your hands…AGAIN!
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