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Days of Rona: Rae Amitay of Errant & Immortal Bird

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

ERRANT Photo By Andrew Rothmund

Days of Rona: Rae Amitay of Errant & Immortal Bird (Chicago, Illinois)

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?

We’ve had a really awesome June tour get cancelled, as well as our European plans postponed to later in the year. We’ll see what works out with all of that. We’re dealing with it as best we can, I guess. It’s disappointing but also universal — it’s not personal. I think our mental health is in rougher shape than our physical health, at least for now. Matt and John both still have to go into work, which is incredibly nerve-wracking. They’re taking precautions but ultimately I’d feel a lot better if they could just stay home. I miss everyone. We usually practice three days a week and now we all feel very far away from one another.

What are the quarantine/isolation rules where you are?

Going outside is only allowed for exercise and procuring essential items from grocery stores, pharmacies, etc. Social distancing is supposed to be practiced but no one seems to be following it, especially in stores. It’s maddening and terrifying!

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

All I see is what I see online, obviously tours are being cancelled, release dates are being pushed, bands are locked out of their practice spaces, people are struggling to connect with one another. I know a lot of musicians have been doing livestream shows and stuff, and it’s great that they’re staying busy. I think people need to stop focusing on how it’s affecting their summer gig calendar and start realizing that we’re in way deeper shit than that.

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

Wash your hands. Don’t go out. Don’t see your friends even if they’re “feeling totally fine.” Unless you’ve both quarantined for two weeks and haven’t interacted with ANYONE else, you’re taking a risk you don’t deserve to take, because you could kill someone else. Did I mention wash your hands and stay the fuck inside? Young people aren’t immune, please stop calling it “boomer remover” — that was so three weeks ago. Also, don’t feel pressure to create an isolation masterpiece. A lot of bands and artists will do some sick stuff during this time, but if you spend this hardly touching your instruments and just trying to vibe, that’s okay too. You do you. Stay safe.

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