The ongoing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the varied responses of publics and governments worldwide, and the disruption to lives and livelihoods has reached a scale that is unprecedented. Whatever the month or the month after or the future itself brings, more than one generation will bear the mark of having lived through this time, and art, artists, and those who provide the support system to help uphold them have all been affected.

In continuing the Days of Rona feature, it remains pivotal to give a varied human perspective on these events and these responses. It is important to remind ourselves that whether someone is devastated or untouched, sick or well, we are all thinking, feeling people with lives we want to live again, whatever renewed shape they might take from this point onward. We all have to embrace a new normal. What will that be and how will we get there?

Thanks to all who participate. To read all the Days of Rona coverage, click here. — JJ Koczan

Days of Rona: Alexandre Canhetti of Gods & Punks (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

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How have you been you dealing with this crisis as a band? As an individual? What effect has it had on your plans or creative processes?

In the beginning, we were worried about the new album we had just finished writing. We were in a tight schedule since Pedro, our lead guitar, is gonna move to Barcelona in August. Not only that, but we’re currently without a permanent drummer so Andre Leal, from fellow Brazilian stoner rock band Stone House on Fire, offered to record the drums on this next one. And we still had to rehearse all of the songs before recording them. So, that’s probably not gonna happen and Pedro might have to record his parts from Barcelona so this might be our first album recorded in the traditional click-track studio style.

The second step, as a band, was putting all that behind for a while and thinking of what we could do at the moment. So we recorded an EP with four acoustic versions of our past singles, mixed it, and mastered it in two days, and released it as a way to raise money to help people that are in extreme poverty here in Brazil. That’s because, when you live in Rio, you know that a there’s quite a portion of the population that barely has any access to information, basic sanitation and a decent place to live. And now those people would have to stay home and possibly starve during this pandemic. So yeah, we thought it would be a good idea to help out by having 100 percent of the money we got from that EP go to those people through a local charity foundation. And that’s what we did. Now, we’re trying to get more donations while trying to find a way to get ready, so, whenever this shit ends, we can record the new album.

How do you feel about the public response to the outbreak where you are? From the government response to the people around you, what have you seen and heard from others?

Well, in that aspect, there’s basically two types of people here: those that support the president, and those who don’t. Those who do, are often against social distancing measures as they think the impact on the economy would be worse than the corona virus itself. Meanwhile, those who either didn’t support the president before, or no longer support him, think we need to prioritize our lives and health, and follow the guidelines suggested by the WHO. However, while politicians debated, the numbers here have risen exponentially, and we now have an average of 800 deaths a day by coronavirus, and a sum of about 15k deaths, while public and private hospitals in all major capitals are reaching their maximum capability and the government does not have tests for everyone. Basically, we’re in deep shit. There’s no other way to put it. Plus, there’s a huge corruption scandal involving the president and his family, in the middle of it all, too. So, yeah. My main concern in terms of what I’ve heard is the huge amount of fake news people are believing. From pointless health measures to dangerous self-medication suggestions people are sharing online. Plus, there are also those who believe it’s all a huge conspiracy for whatever reason, and end up spreading false information.

What do you think of how the music community specifically has responded? How do you feel during this time? Are you inspired? Discouraged? Bored? Any and all of it?

I feel like the international community is doing its part and is as active as ever. Bandcamp is still on fire, I get new music suggestions every day from people I follow, and I see this beautiful movement of people supporting the musicians they love and it’s fucking amazing. However, here in Brazil, I think many bands who have always been both politically and socially active, have gone kinda quiet. I don’t know why. I expected something completely different. The local psychedelic rock community here feels kind of faded. That’s a bit sad and disappointing, to say the least. Me? There’s days and days. Some days I wake up inspired and energetic, other days get me down, with absolutely no energy for anything, creatively speaking. I’ve been trying my best to maintain a steady routine, though.

What is the one thing you want people to know about your situation, either as a band, or personally, or anything? What is your new normal? What have you learned from this experience, about yourself, your band, or anything?

Yeah. How important is art? I mean… Music, literature, movies… That is what’s been keeping me sane, basically. Where the fuck would we be without it? So, yeah, I feel grateful that I can discover new bands and sounds every day and get away from all of this even if it’s for 40 minutes or so, thanks to artists from all around the world. And that’s possible because fans support these artists. And I’m so grateful for that. Plus, I want to thank everyone who downloaded Different Dimensions on Bandcamp. The minimum price tag was 1$ but the average amount you guys spent on the EP was $4.20. That’s so awesome. As Brazilian money is really devalued right now compared to USD, you guys have no idea how many families you guys helped. Thanks so much. And, as a final message, if you haven’t listened to our new acoustic EP, Different Dimensions, check it out on Bandcamp! Cheers!

http://facebook.com/godsandpunks
http://instagram.com/gods_and_punks
https://godsandpunks.bandcamp.com/

The ongoing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the varied responses of publics and governments worldwide, and the disruption to lives and livelihoods has reached a scale that is unprecedented. Whatever the month or the month after or the future itself brings, more than one generation will bear the mark of having lived through this time, and art, artists, and those who provide the support system to help uphold them have all been affected.

In continuing the Days of Rona feature, it remains pivotal to give a varied human perspective on these events and these responses. It is important to remind ourselves that whether someone is devastated or untouched, sick or well, we are all thinking, feeling people with lives we want to live again, whatever renewed shape they might take from this point onward. We all have to embrace a new normal. What will that be and how will we get there?

Thanks to all who participate. To read all the Days of Rona coverage, click here. — JJ Koczan

Days of Rona: Justin Storms of Wailin Storms (Durham, North Carolina)

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How have you been you dealing with this crisis as a band? As an individual? What effect has it had on your plans or creative processes?

Yeah it’s been really bad timing for sure. It derailed a larger tour we had planned in April/May which would’ve supported our newest record dropping May 15th on Gilead Media (US) and Antena Krzyku (EU). We were also discussing a European tour in November but that’s now been postponed until things calm down. Basically, the thing that funds future records like many other bands has now come to a standstill. We’re hoping to be able to make up for this through online sales but we love playing live so it’s pretty disheartening to not get that outlet now.

We’re all pretty restless as individuals, even me though I’m more of an introvert. We went from practicing constantly workshopping new songs to not being able to do that for now. We might find a work around but I think being in a room and feeding off that raw energy is crucial for us but just about every one of us has a partner with health issues so it’s not worth the risk at the moment.

I thrive on solitude creatively so Covid hasn’t hindered that much for me but it’s nice to have that weekly practice to bounce ideas off each other or venture into new territories and dynamics with other elements in there.

How do you feel about the public response to the outbreak where you are? From the government response to the people around you, what have you seen and heard from others?

People have been decent about being safe in our town (Durham, NC) but I’ve seen numbers spike to 800 new cases since opening up some businesses again and I’ve seen a lot of folks without masks inside supermarkets, on trails, and hanging in parking lots which drives my anxiety through the roof. The government response has been fairly proactive here in our state which is nice to see and they’ve been hesitant to reopen fully which is the ethical thing to do until we find a vaccine. A lot of our friends are out of work including our lead guitarist who ran sound for several venues in town so it’s tough out here right now.

What do you think of how the music community specifically has responded? How do you feel during this time? Are you inspired? Discouraged? Bored? Any and all of it?

I think the music community has been really supportive but there’s only so much you can do if everyone’s struggling and venues are likely to close so it’s just the beginning of an already rough road for artists and music venues. I personally feel severe anxiety and depression since I deal with auto-immune issues, I’m worried about getting this and dying in two weeks. I’ve become a hypochondriac and feel like I want to just live in some small town in Europe again and all day making art and drawing until this blows over but the world’s a mess so that’s not going to happen.

What is the one thing you want people to know about your situation, either as a band, or personally, or anything? What is your new normal? What have you learned from this experience, about yourself, your band, or anything?

My new normal is trying to stay healthy and sane. I’m in survival mode so it’s not the easiest time for making art but I have to do it so hopefully my mind will allow me to keep making things.

I’ve learned to take more hikes on trails and began mushroom hunting which is something I haven’t done in a long time. The silver lining of this thing has made me closer to my family and my partner since I don’t have a slew of things to juggle every day now. It’s forced me to slow the fuck down and smell whatever nature’s cooking that week: crimson clover, wild roses, buttercups, honey suckle, bleeding hearts, and bloodroot.

https://www.facebook.com/wailinstorms/
https://www.instagram.com/wailinstorms/
https://wailinstorms.bandcamp.com/
https://gileadmedia.net/
http://antenakrzyku.pl/

The ongoing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the varied responses of publics and governments worldwide, and the disruption to lives and livelihoods has reached a scale that is unprecedented. Whatever the month or the month after or the future itself brings, more than one generation will bear the mark of having lived through this time, and art, artists, and those who provide the support system to help uphold them have all been affected.

In continuing the Days of Rona feature, it remains pivotal to give a varied human perspective on these events and these responses. It is important to remind ourselves that whether someone is devastated or untouched, sick or well, we are all thinking, feeling people with lives we want to live again, whatever renewed shape they might take from this point onward. We all have to embrace a new normal. What will that be and how will we get there?

Thanks to all who participate. To read all the Days of Rona coverage, click here. — JJ Koczan

Days of Rona: Susie McMullan, Jamie McCathie & Jordan Perkins-Lewis of Brume (San Francisco, California)

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How have you been you dealing with this crisis as a band? As an individual?

Susie McMullan: I love and respect Jamie and Jordan, they are family. I deal with it like I do my own family, I am there on the front line if they need me and try not to have any expectations of them at the same time. Jamie, Jordan and I are not interested in being famous or popular. We like to make music that is meaningful to us, something we’d listen too, something that connects with others that may feel the same way. As soon as it feels like a job or a burden, we back off or slow down. It is the luxury of being a musician as an adult with other talents and interests. For instance, Jordan was recently nominated for an Emmy for his video work, Jamie won a Grammy with his design work at a fancy design firm, and I love science and engineering just as much as making music.

When you don’t know how the music industry will change or how long it will be before we can interact safely or if you can pay your bills next month, then we are all living with this low level stress. Stress will manifest itself in ugly ways like flakiness, laziness, eating disorders, relationship problems and health issues. The kindest thing we can do for each other is drop our expectations of one another outside of mutual respect and help people feel less lonely.

Jordan Perkins-Lewis: All band activities have been cancelled indefinitely. I’m just chillin’.

Jamie McCathie: I’m lucky enough to have a job, an amazing wife and kid at home and time to relax or do house projects. We are bummed to not be touring our recent album but man, mostly we miss drinking warm beers at our practice space and hanging out together.

How do you feel about the public response to the outbreak where you are?

SM: I feel like people are doing the best they can with the information they have, especially my California neighbors. On a national level, it has been deplorable. Our president has lied to us, created unnecessary panic, unnecessary delays and a national sense of hopelessness.

JPL: Feeling good overall. Bay Area!

From the government response to the people around you, what have you seen and heard from others?

SM: Imagine if your government’s political agenda is more important than public health. That is what is happening in the US. The people of the united states are being lied too, mislead and left in a state of confusion because facts do not align with the administration’s political agenda. In short, Donald could care less if many people die unnecessary deaths as long as he gets re-elected. He could care less if half of the country is homeless and without healthcare as long as he gets re-elected. That is our government, he’s a disgrace to the honest good people of America and doesn’t represent our morals or national tone. He’s a delusional, egomaniacal unfortunate circumstance of the last four years.

JPL: I’ve been sheltering in place since March 13th. I haven’t seen much of anything other than delivery drivers and streaming tv.

What do you think of how the music community specifically has responded? How do you feel during this time? Are you inspired? Discouraged? Bored? Any and all of it?

SM: Pandemic to politics, music is bigger than anything happening right now and always will be because it gives you the feeling of hope. Hope that you are connected to others when you love the same song. Hope that propaganda has not brainwashed everyone when lyrics speak to your heart and not the local news, hope that we are not united under the false pretense of nationalism but united in an unexplained feeling swaying at a club to the same song. The community has responded like we always do, with more music.

On a personal note, I’m feeling very creative because that is how I process stress, depression, uneasy feelings I can’t explain. It’s interesting how we all respond differently. Some of the most creative and talented people I know can’t even look at an instrument and others text me daily with the excitement of a new idea or riff. As long as we listen to what our mind and bodies want, and tell social norms to go fuck themselves, then we’ll emotionally survive a pandemic.

JPL: We are the soundtrack of this crisis. I’ve enjoyed watching all the live streams. It’s a great time to get weird.

What is the one thing you want people to know about your situation, either as a band, or personally, or anything? What is your new normal? What have you learned from this experience, about yourself, your band, or anything?

SM: Right now someone you know is suffering because they can’t pay their bills or because they are really lonely, try to think of who that is and help them.

JPL: Find your tribe and keep them alive. It’s a once-in-a-century plague event. Enjoy it.

JM: As a band, we most probably won’t be playing any shows in a long time… but as friends, we are lifers. We three are lucky and hope others have the same.

https://www.brumeband.com/
https://brumesf.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/brumeband/
http://brume.bigcartel.com/
http://store.merhq.com
http://magneticeyerecords.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MagneticEyeRecords

The ongoing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the varied responses of publics and governments worldwide, and the disruption to lives and livelihoods has reached a scale that is unprecedented. Whatever the month or the month after or the future itself brings, more than one generation will bear the mark of having lived through this time, and art, artists, and those who provide the support system to help uphold them have all been affected.

In continuing the Days of Rona feature, it remains pivotal to give a varied human perspective on these events and these responses. It is important to remind ourselves that whether someone is devastated or untouched, sick or well, we are all thinking, feeling people with lives we want to live again, whatever renewed shape they might take from this point onward. We all have to embrace a new normal. What will that be and how will we get there?

Thanks to all who participate. To read all the Days of Rona coverage, click here. — JJ Koczan

Days of Rona: Shayne Reed of Almost Honest (New Cumberland, Pennsylvania)

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How have you been you dealing with this crisis as a band? As an individual? What effect has it had on your plans or creative processes?

As a band we have been taking the time to learn new skills. Some of us having been learning new scales, how to play banjo and overall just improve ourselves musically. For me personally I have been reading a lot which I hope will give me inspiration for lyrics. I have also been practicing my vocals and messing with different pedal combinations. Our plans have all been cancelled just like everyone else. We had a New England/Canada tour get cancelled along with our June tour. We were also supposed to start recording our new album in March. I will say that this has given us more time to work on the songs we were going to record. I think that once we are able to finally get back into the studio they will be the best they can be.

How do you feel about the public response to the outbreak where you are? From the government response to the people around you, what have you seen and heard from others?

At first I think in our area they were handling it very well. Even though we had to keep apart I felt like there was a unity and people knew what they had to do for the betterment of others. Now I feel like people are sick of being inside so in my area you have seen a lot of defiance and I fear that it will only get worse. At the time writing this we are still on full lockdown until June 4th. I’ve started seeing more and more people go out without a mask. Where I am that is required. It is going to be very interesting to see how people around here start reacting by June.

What do you think of how the music community specifically has responded? How do you feel during this time? Are you inspired? Discouraged? Bored? Any and all of it?

They have responded with compassion and hard work. People have been collaborating on music, buying merch, doing live streams, offering free services, and so much more. I don’t know what the future holds for the music industry or live concerts but I at least know that I will be surrounded by great people. I personally am ok. I have been working from home and spending more time with my family. It has been very hard to get inspired during this time but I have been reading a lot of books and hiking which is helping.

What is the one thing you want people to know about your situation, either as a band, or personally, or anything? What is your new normal? What have you learned from this experience, about yourself, your band, or anything?

I am lucky enough to be in a band with people I can call my best friends. They are both hard working and I know that this time off is only going to improve the album we are going to record. I don’t think anyone in this band is used to there new normal but it does make us appreciate what we had and we are itching to get back on the road. We don’t want to rush it because we want to be responsible but as soon as it is safe to do so we are taking our van, hitting the pavement and playing our favorite cities. This has been a journey and though unfortunately I think it is far from over I have learned a lot. I am very lucky to be in the band I am in. I am also lucky to have the fans we have. People are still streaming our music through all of this and have continued to throw their support behind us. There is nothing more humbling than people supporting your music. We will all get through this together and once it is safe to do so we will see you on the road.

https://www.almosthonestofficial.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AlmostHonestOfficial/
https://www.instagram.com/almost_honest_pa/
https://almosthonestpa.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/65vNU7jxsZhy5B2W57cA6O
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuSry0azmLaXA8uyiwYQs7w

The ongoing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the varied responses of publics and governments worldwide, and the disruption to lives and livelihoods has reached a scale that is unprecedented. Whatever the month or the month after or the future itself brings, more than one generation will bear the mark of having lived through this time, and art, artists, and those who provide the support system to help uphold them have all been affected.

In continuing the Days of Rona feature, it remains pivotal to give a varied human perspective on these events and these responses. It is important to remind ourselves that whether someone is devastated or untouched, sick or well, we are all thinking, feeling people with lives we want to live again, whatever renewed shape they might take from this point onward. We all have to embrace a new normal. What will that be and how will we get there?

Thanks to all who participate. To read all the Days of Rona coverage, click here. — JJ Koczan

Days of Rona: Emilio Torreggiani of Tenebra (Bologna, Italy)

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How have you been you dealing with this crisis as a band? As an individual? What effect has it had on your plans or creative processes?

The covid pandemic has been a lightning in the clear blue sky. We were all busy in the studio working on our new material and a while later locked on our houses for this long, also we all live in different cities except for me and Mesca, the drummer, so we couldn’t meet up, because of the quarantine rules!

Fortunately we finished our new demo tape just before the lockdown began, so we were able to send it to some record labels. We already found a cool label to release it on vinyl. I’m really happy about that. On the personal side of things: I’ve been lucky. I’m a motiongrapher and a video editor and I worked quite a lot from the quarantine, and I also written some new tune for the band. I can’t complain. For sure I miss my bandmates and my friends, in general.

How do you feel about the public response to the outbreak where you are? From the government response to the people around you, what have you seen and heard from others?

Italy has been hit hard and first by the pandemic, plus our political establishment is not “first class” at all (unfortunately it’s pretty common, today and worldwide).

The rules of the lockdown are pretty strict, but also very confused, so, for example, until a week ago it was forbidden to walk with a friend maintaining a safe physical distance, but it was ok to travel in crowded buses or work in factories where the social distancing is impossible. If the contagion curve is very low it’s because the people, in general, had a wise behaviour, I hope it stays that way.

What do you think of how the music community specifically has responded? How do you feel during this time? Are you inspired? Discouraged? Bored? Any and all of it?

We have a great small club in Bologna called Freakout. It’s like a “temple” for the underground music scene here in Bologna. Obviously music venues were the first places to be closed, so the Freakout guys organized a crowdfunding and they raised more than 8000 euros in a few days. Our underground community is small, but very tight, and it was awesome to see people give money to keep the club alive.

As for me, I’m a music junkie! I have always a guitar in my hands, I play my guitar during my work breaks too! I’m not discouraged, I’m confident that we will be able to lead a normal life pretty soon. We will cut a new record, hopefully in the next fall. I’m very happy with the tunes, it will be a great LP!

What is the one thing you want people to know about your situation, either as a band, or personally, or anything? What is your new normal? What have you learned from this experience, about yourself, your band, or anything?

Reality surpasses fiction. I never expected something like this would happen. But Tenebra never stopped writing and composing. We look forward to getting back on the road!

https://www.facebook.com/thetruetenebra/
https://www.instagram.com/tenebraband/
https://tenebra666.bandcamp.com/

The ongoing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the varied responses of publics and governments worldwide, and the disruption to lives and livelihoods has reached a scale that is unprecedented. Whatever the month or the month after or the future itself brings, more than one generation will bear the mark of having lived through this time, and art, artists, and those who provide the support system to help uphold them have all been affected.

In continuing the Days of Rona feature, it remains pivotal to give a varied human perspective on these events and these responses. It is important to remind ourselves that whether someone is devastated or untouched, sick or well, we are all thinking, feeling people with lives we want to live again, whatever renewed shape they might take from this point onward. We all have to embrace a new normal. What will that be and how will we get there?

Thanks to all who participate. To read all the Days of Rona coverage, click here. — JJ Koczan

Days of Rona: Leif Herland of Bismarck (Bergen, Norway)

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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?

Well, it’s a challenge to release an album right now, that’s for sure. Not being able to play live is weird, and we’ve moved and cancelled all planned shows. Everyone in the band is in good health, and none of us have caught the virus yet.

What are the quarantine/isolation rules where you are?

In Norway it has been quite strict. Now the country is opening up slowly. Bars, restaurants and shops are opening with restrictions. Events are now allowed with up to 50 people as long as they respect the one-meter rule. If you’ve been out of the country and returning you have to be in quarantine for 10 days.

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

People are keeping their distance to each other. The culture business is suffering. Musicians, technicians, event companies and so on are having a hard time surviving due to the restrictions. A lot of people are temporarily laid off too.

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

We’re healthy, we just released our sophomore album Oneiromancer, and it has been very well received! We’re meeting up and we’re rehearsing, and when things are turning back to normal we’re ready to get on the road and play shows for you! Stay safe and stay doom!

http://www.bismarck.no
http://bismarck.bandcamp.com
http://www.facebook.com/bismarckdoom
http://www.instagram.com/bismarckdoom

The ongoing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the varied responses of publics and governments worldwide, and the disruption to lives and livelihoods has reached a scale that is unprecedented. Whatever the month or the month after or the future itself brings, more than one generation will bear the mark of having lived through this time, and art, artists, and those who provide the support system to help uphold them have all been affected.

In continuing the Days of Rona feature, it remains pivotal to give a varied human perspective on these events and these responses. It is important to remind ourselves that whether someone is devastated or untouched, sick or well, we are all thinking, feeling people with lives we want to live again, whatever renewed shape they might take from this point onward. We all have to embrace a new normal. What will that be and how will we get there?

Thanks to all who participate. To read all the Days of Rona coverage, click here. — JJ Koczan

Days of Rona: Carson Russell of Ealdor Bealu and Ghorot (Boise, Idaho)

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How have you been you dealing with this crisis as a band? As an individual? What effect has it had on your plans or creative processes?

Coronavirus dealt a swift and all-encompassing blow to both of my bands in mid-March as Idaho finally succumbed to the pandemic. Ealdor Bealu was slated to play Treefort Music Fest in late March as well as a Pacific Northwest Tour in April/May in support of our sophomore record Spirit of the Lonely Places. It was a disheartening setback, but fortunately most of the tour dates were successfully rescheduled to a larger West Coast tour in October. Only time will tell if that tour will come to fruition, there is little to rely upon these days. My new doom-metal trio Ghorot (featuring Chad Remains of UZALA) was also set to play Treefort Music Fest supporting the almighty YOB.

More importantly, Ghorot was slated to record and mix our debut record at Rabbit Brush Audio (Boise, ID) in April, but those dates have now been moved to August. On a positive end, both bands were just recently able to practice again for the first time in nearly two months, an immensely necessary and cathartic meeting to say the least. The future is most uncertain, but being reunited in music has given us purpose and strength, and I know we shall persevere through this crisis and arrive on the other side with renewed vigor for life, music, nature, and the artist community we so proudly hail from.

How do you feel about the public response to the outbreak where you are? From the government response to the people around you, what have you seen and heard from others?

Idaho is our home; its natural, rugged beauty greatly impacts our music and inspires our lives.

That said, it is also unfortunately a very conservative, religious state and its politics follow heavily along those lines. Although the local government has acted in a rather surprisingly but certainly welcomed cautious manner throughout the crisis, there has been a lot of pushback from the far-right community. Heavily armed anti-lockdown protesters gathered by the hundreds at the capitol demanding their freedom to return to work and Amon Bundy, the leader of the Malhuer County Wildlife Refuge takeover in 2016 and son of Clive Bundy, attempted to hold a 2,000 person Easter church service in defiance of social distancing enforcement (only 60 showed up, to the chagrin of every touring musician who knows that’s just how gigs go haha).

It’s been disheartening to see so many people here refuse to adhere to wearing masks and social distancing. A lot of Idahoans just can’t seem to wrap their heads around the idea of enduring minor inconveniences to protect someone you don’t know. Luckily, we seem to have dodged the bullet as our case load and deaths have been minimal so far. However, as the state begins to reopen we now face an uphill battle to keep those stats low as many look to flaunt guidelines meant to keep our community safe. Freedom, it would seem, comes at a cost we have yet to reckon with.

What do you think of how the music community specifically has responded? How do you feel during this time? Are you inspired? Discouraged? Bored? Any and all of it?

Our situations have varied greatly over this time of crisis: some working full-time in essential industries, others working remotely from home, and others without work or pay since mid-March. It has been a difficult task to maintain some sort of positivity when the world seems to be falling into chaos. Luckily, Rylie, Travis, and I (three of the four members of Ealdor Bealu) share a home, which has created the ability to continue our writing and practicing via acoustic sessions. It’s been a beautiful spring in Boise, despite the circumstances, and our nights around the campfire singing and strumming guitars have been a lifesaver. It is still uncertain how this crisis will affect the Boise music scene.

We are a small, but vibrant community that greatly cherishes our local music venues like Neurolux and The Shredder as well as our independent record store The Record Exchange. These institutions mean the world to us all, and although we can’t yet know the impact this work stoppage will have on their ability to continue operations we have great hope that they will all make it thru these trying times and we may yet return to nights of sweat and booze, laughter and love, guitars and a fuck ton of amplifiers!

What is the one thing you want people to know about your situation, either as a band, or personally, or anything? What is your new normal? What have you learned from this experience, about yourself, your band, or anything?

This crisis has revealed our most vulnerable positions as a country, and as a species in general. Humanity, finally given a chance to show some semblance of unity under a global problem, has pushed instead toward a further divide between the have’s and have-not’s. The disparity between the ruling elite and the rest of us has never been so starkly laid bare before our eyes. But I feel that the working class, the true lifeblood of human civilization, is becoming galvanized by these savageries instead of backing down. The fight for equality, for equity, for decency, and for truth is growing to levels not seen in most of our lifetimes.

Protests and demonstrations were at a virulent high across the world before this crisis struck, and I believe this situation will only guide the 99 percent further down this path rather than backtrack. We must stand now, arm in arm, and with a singular unified voice demand a world that works for all of mankind, not just the one percent. As musicians, friends, and family we must do everything in our power to champion each other during these perilous times so that we may arise from the ashes stronger than before.

https://www.facebook.com/ealdorbealu/
https://ealdorbealu.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ghorot/
https://ghorot.bandcamp.com/

The ongoing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the varied responses of publics and governments worldwide, and the disruption to lives and livelihoods has reached a scale that is unprecedented. Whatever the month or the month after or the future itself brings, more than one generation will bear the mark of having lived through this time, and art, artists, and those who provide the support system to help uphold them have all been affected.

In continuing the Days of Rona feature, it remains pivotal to give a varied human perspective on these events and these responses. It is important to remind ourselves that whether someone is devastated or untouched, sick or well, we are all thinking, feeling people with lives we want to live again, whatever renewed shape they might take from this point onward. We all have to embrace a new normal. What will that be and how will we get there?

Thanks to all who participate. To read all the Days of Rona coverage, click here. — JJ Koczan

Days of Rona: Shaun H. of Close the Hatch (Dayton, Ohio)

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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 far?

We are all doing our best to stay busy but still communicating internally. Plans for booking shows and touring are on hold. We had to cancel a small group of dates unfortunately. We are all healthy thankfully. Healthy Friends and Family as well. Fortunate to have that.

What are the quarantine/isolation rules where you are?

There is a stay at home order in place but it is slowly relaxing a bit. It is all day to day. Ohio was quick to lock down so it slowed some of the spread initially. Who knows how it will all turn out though?!

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

Venues locally are hurting, a lot of the local crowd are in the service industry & they have been hit the hardest. There has been some good in that people are selling things online and doing live streams to some extent.

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

First just stay safe and healthy in your communities. We all have our hurdles here. Some of us are unemployed , some are working significantly less, one of our crew is unable to go home to be with his wife due to this whole virus thing. They have a home in Canada and he is not a citizen of Canada yet so he cannot cross the border until restrictions lift. If you are with family don’t take it for granted. Thanks for chatting with us.

http://www.closethehatch.com
http://www.facebook.com/CloseTheHatch/
http://www.instagram.com/closethehatch
http://www.redmothrecords.com/
http://www.facebook.com/RedMothLLC
http://www.instagram.com/redmothllc