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Days of Rona: Zack Kurland of Green Dragon

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

green dragon zack kurland

Days of Rona: Zack Kurland of Green Dragon (Maplewood, New Jersey)

How are you dealing with this crisis as a band?

Well we text a lot and are pretty good with making each other laugh, or letting off some steam about how demented this all is. It’s tough because Jenn, Ryan, Herb and I all live close and we love getting together to play and hang out. But going inside the garage or to the studio right now together… gotta wait. Which sucks. Herb has been doing our numerology and feeding the cats outside our practice space. Ryan is figuring out how to grow his own food, we video chat sometimes. Seeing each other and feeling like the band is still active in some way helps. We’re going to start choosing the same record a day to listen to to stay connected musically. Jenn and I had a good front yard distance visit.

Have you had to rework plans at all?

We were supposed to be recording our second full-length album this weekend. And the batch of songs are ready to go, and we were really excited about it. And of course that’s on hold for a minute. Which just makes me want to break a window and scream in rage. BUT Green Dragon has always been a slow burn, so gotta be patient and let it come in its time. Shows will have to wait indefinitely; Jersey and NYC spaces are shut down.

We’ve been trying to figure out how to play together remotely so we can keep some sense of routine. Zoom was too laggy and sounded crazy. We are going to use Garageband to pass around new vocal melodies, riffs, bass lines and beats. Try to approach this musically in a different way. Make something… capture the sound of this time and isolation tracking in layers. We’re still trying to find a way to jam live virtually.

How is everyone’s health so far?

Physically so far, so good… everyone holding strong. Occasional bout of mania and rage. Sense of time is slipping.

What are the quarantine/isolation rules where you are?

Maplewood is right outside NYC, so it’s heavy right now. No going to work, going out only if it’s essential like to get food. I mean I hate going out. Apocalypse shopping is the worst. HATE IT. Gotta dodge the momos who didn’t get the memo about social distancing. Then you gotta wipe everything down before it comes in the house; and then strip and take a Silkwood shower as soon as you walk in the door. Jenn came up with Silkwood Shower, you know that movie with Meryl Streep and Cher about the nuclear facility? Crazy times but you have to do it.

How have you seen the virus affecting the community around you and in music?

Definitely. First just taking it all in as it was just happening. Leaving work, getting the family home, and then never leaving again for weeks to come. And at first really resistant to letting go of band practice and recording the next record together. Then realizing how real and dangerous and long term this is. A ton of our friends who make their living in music are losing their jobs and livelihoods. All our friends who are bartenders, sound people, publicity, the people who made playing live and being a band possible are suffering right now.

Yesterday I went to this place Dave’s Sound Repair in Whippany, NJ to pick up a Marshall amp that I had dropped off right before this COVID all went down. Going to pick it up seemed epic. And Dave and I both had gloves and masks did our pick up thing from 10 feet away. Felt good to support Dave right now, supporting each other with some business when we can is important. And the amp sounds amazing in my basement. Trying to think on how we can do more of this small business and music community support.

What is the one thing you want people to know about your situation, either as a band, or personally, or anything?

The virus has highlighted what’s important to us as a group. Seeing each other in person matters. Staying a band matters and the music still matters to us even during the apocalypse, sometimes as much as figuring out how to get food. We’re a group of people where music is as important as other essentials. Some old friends from NYC are fighting the virus; one passed away. Another is a paramedic and he’s a super hero to me. I’m lucky I get to mostly dotter around the house like a negative creep, drink coffee, play records and keep my family close. We hope that even when we can’t see each other we can keep this piece of our lives going. Been thinking about everyone and grateful for people like you who are keeping everyone connected.

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