I just left LA a few days ago and went up to Palm Desert, where I’m quarantined now. I was having more anxiety in LA, and I felt a little claustrophobic being around so many people. So I’m happy to be out here now. I’ve been able to take walks in the mountains and just listen to music. That’s been helping me a lot.
I’ve been going back to a few things like The Microphones. That’s what I’ve been listening to the last two or three days. I only brought a very small recording set up — an acoustic guitar, a little Casio keyboard. So I’m just listening to music that I can get some inspiration from. I want to make music now that I’m settled out here.
One of the main things that comforts me is being able to make and record music. It just takes me into a different headspace where I can really escape my anxiety, and what’s happening in the real world. From a musical standpoint, I like how The Microphones hold a lot of weight with very minimal instrumentation, so I’ve been listening to that for inspiration.
I was sick for the first few weeks of quarantining, and I was convinced I had COVID. I had this really bad, dry cough for, like, three weeks. I ended up getting a test, and I didn’t have it, so once that anxiety let up and I started to not feel sick anymore, I was ready to be creative and make music. During those few weeks, I was mostly just watching TV and not really trying to do anything. I had too much anxiety to even look at any news at all. It’s a really terrifying time to be sick, so I got peace of mind when I got a test. Now I’m recording music, and I feel like I can keep myself informed with what’s happening, how to take precaution going to the grocery store and whatnot.
The coronavirus has hit many people financially, and it’s been especially tough on musicians who rely on touring to support themselves. If you’re able and inclined, check out Day Wave’s website and order a T-shirt, some vinyl, or whatever they’ve got on offer. Every little bit helps.
(Photo Credit: left, Daniel Topete)
