Days of Rona: Jason Ward of Irata
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: Jason Ward of Irata (Greensboro, North Carolina)
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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?
As a band we are following the guidelines provided by our Government and fearless leaders.
We have had to cancel a few tours. We had an eight-date tour scheduled around two big shows at SXSW.
SXSW was canceled a few days before we were supposed to head out on the road. We watched everything closely and as venues and cities started to shutdown we decided to cancel the run. It was tough decision but I think it was the correct decision. On the bright side side some bands are reporting losses due to not touring. By canceling our tour I think we actually saved around $1,500.00. Lol.
We have also canceled three other scheduled festivals and tours we had lined up for this Spring.
Right now, we are kind of in a waiting pattern to see when the right moment is to start scheduling runs.
Jon, sent a vid riff this morning over to me and Owen, we have not rehearsed together in a few weeks. So this virus has interrupted our group rehearsal schedule also.
The band’s health is good and our families heath is also good at this time.
What are the quarantine/isolation rules where you are?
NC has a “Stay at Home” order in place. Essential businesses are still allowed to operate. No more than 10 person max gatherings.
How have you seen the virus affecting the community around you and in music?
It has affected the community, while most bands could still probably have shows even with a 10 person max gathering rule, most have chosen to send out their music on the web. Online support seems to be there. I think as society comes back online and technology is able to accommodate more and more video and sound quality. I think the online shows and concerts will continue . For bands of small- to mid-level you can reach a wider audience and not spend money to hit the road. Online concert format I think is here to stay and will get better!
What is the one thing you want people to know about your situation, either as a band, or personally, or anything?
Our situation is such that we are using this time to relax a bit. Let the world work itself out. We are using this time to individually explore new riffs and new ideas for a new album or two. There maybe a live video or concert in our future. Other than that we ask that everyone stay safe and clean because when we do tour we would like to have some folks show up.
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https://iratalive.bandcamp.com/
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http://www.facebook.com/smallstonerecords
http://www.smallstone.bandcamp.com
