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Days of Rona: Adam Nohe of Horseburner

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

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Days of Rona: Adam Nohe of Horseburner (West Virginia)

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?

In the grand scheme of people’s lives and, you know, all these dire elements, our little musical world seems small. But it definitely has temporarily derailed quite a bit of work. We had to cancel our first European tour which we’d been working on for over half a year with Howling Giant, never mind the years of work to get to that point. We had to cancel a couple gigs in Ohio and Pennsylvania as well. We have five shows in May we’ve been looking forward to, including one opening for one of our favorite bands, that I have a real bad feeling about. And then we were working on a three week June tour that hadn’t even been announced yet that I’m starting to wonder if it’s going to happen now as well. And we can’t effectively start rescheduling anything yet because we don’t know if there’s an end in sight. Honestly, it’s a complete mess right now and it’s disheartening to see all of our work just come to such an abrupt halt.

I was thinking we’d at least have time to really do some work writing, everything is mic’d up in the basement right now. We demoed a new song, recorded a few covers we’ve been wanting to do, but now that this Stay at Home rule is in effect we can’t really do that anymore either. We want to work, but we also want to be smart.

Jack and I both left full-time employment to really focus on music and touring this year. I’m a substitute teacher in two counties in WV and wait tables in the evenings, and I can’t do any of that right now. Jack’s focused more on recording bands, can’t really do that. Seth’s restaurant closed down for the time being. I think Matt’s the only one of us still getting a regular paycheck.

What are the quarantine/isolation rules where you are?

All the nonessential businesses are closed, and even grocery stores are all shutting down earlier than they normally do so there’s time to clean. We’re supposed to stay home unless it’s absolutely necessary.

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

You know, West Virginia was celebrating being the last state with any cases of the virus, but we also weren’t testing anyone for the longest time. It seems like a lot of people in these parts still think it’s a hoax or not that serious. I’ve had to make a couple supply runs, and I swear I actually see more people out at the stores that are still open. Grocery stores are packed. Home Depot is packed. I’m really hoping people around here start taking it more seriously.

The greater music community is suffering for sure. I’m worried about some of our favorite venues making it. But I will say this, I’ve seen a ton of people really step up and support bands and artists online right now. I know we got a bunch of orders the day Bandcamp waived their fees, and something like 4 million dollars were spent on music that day around the world. Honestly, it’s kind of beautiful. I hope people keep that love and fighting spirit once we’re all out in the world again.

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

I just want everyone to try to stay positive through this. We’re trying hard to, even if some of us are going a bit stir crazy. But we are not alone. We may be isolated, but this entire community is in this together. If people take this seriously and do what they’re asked, we can get back to our lives. I’m hoping to see some positive societal change come from this. People are learning, many for the first time, that a lot of our systems don’t have to be the way they are forever. It can get better for all of us.

And man, I cannot wait for that first show post-quarantine. It’s going to be magical.

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https://ripplemusic.bandcamp.com/
http://www.ripple-music.com/

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