Days of Rona: Graham Bywater of Possessor
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: Graham Bywater of Possessor (London, United Kingdom)
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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?
Hi, we are all doing Ok thanks! All things considered. Nathan (Perrier, drums) has temporarily set up shop with his family in the Isle of Wight, but took his drums with him as he’s a wise chap. This has helped us greatly as we have a new album to release this year so we’ve still been able to rehearse via dictaphone messages on WhatsApp and video recordings. It’s actually proved to be a lot of fun as the other two of us are still in London. I’ve been taking Nathan’s drum tracks and recording along to them. We’ve hammered out some solid demos and a few entertaining covers to keep us amused and inspired. We’ve done a hefty little cover of ‘Paper Plane’ by Status Quo. Maybe one day we will share it.
What are the quarantine/isolation rules where you are?
It’s pretty intense and unsettling. We can’t leave the house unless it’s to buy grocery’s or collect prescriptions and essentials. Minimal exercise is not really agreeing with me as I walk everywhere I go and need the fresh air.
The pubs and swimming baths closing was the final nail in the coffin for me.
How have you seen the virus affecting the community around you and in music?
Absolutely. It’s 110% screwed up everyone’s plans. We had two big shows coming up (Riffolution Festival and Desertfest) which both had to be postponed. It’s really heartbreaking as there is so much work put into these things to make them run smoothly for artists, labels and promoters so I feel bad for everyone involved. We’d been waiting to play Desertfest for a while so that one was a particular disappointment. We have other festival shows booked for later in the year but it’s hard to know if we should be excited or expect the worst.
That’s my main issue with the pandemic, it’s impossible to know how long this is likely to last, or what the outcome may be. I know a lot of folk are really missing playing live and even simply rehearsing. This is going to really make or break a lot of stuff. And that’s a little scary.
What is the one thing you want people to know about your situation, either as a band, or personally, or anything?
Well for anyone’s who’s a fan of either Possessor or any of the other Killer bands on the wonderful APF Records, we want everyone to know that we have a new album completely written and if things pan out in our favour we will be stepping back into Bear Bites Horse Studios with our buddy Wayne Adams to record it late June. But as with everything, this is completely up in the air right now.
Musically, expect the best Possessor record yet with some new gnarly twists and turns. You’ll also get a little more Neil Peart worship than usual. But all in all, expect full on horror metal to warp your party brains and help you remember the good times.
Everyone needs to try and stay focussed and positive as hard as that may be. We also need to support each other in whatever way we can and not forget what makes us happy.
Personally I’m keeping super isolated beside a quick walk round the block each day to help me keep my mental health in check. I’ve had the chance to catch up on a ton of films which I always find quite therapeutic.
I feel blessed that even though this isn’t ideal I get to spend every moment of every day with my wife and two little ones at our humble flat in South London.
I can’t complain.
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