When did you first realise that COVID-19 was going to have an effect on your band?
I think it was when we saw all the lockdowns starting to happen and then a lot of bands starting to cancel shows and tours due to the venues not being open etc because of the lockdowns.
Initially, what was that whole situation like, and how did your band overcome/react to it?
It sucked because we were at the starting point of putting together the release of our new EP however we used the time over lockdown to plan out the release better and more throughly then we have before so we made the best out of a bad situation and we’ll definitely take our time with future releases because it made everything a lot smoother.
How has your creative process changed as a band over the last couple of months?
Nothing’s really changed so far, just more delayed is probably the best way to put it, normally we’d discuss new songs or ideas as we go but now we’re all sat on a lot of stuff or we have a bit of a meeting before every practice and we’ve only just managed to have our first practice back so we’ll just have to start tackling anything else bit by bit as well as start working on new material.
What’s been the hardest part about writing/doing music this way?
Probably just the fact we’re all really eager to start getting back to normal and seeing who’s come up with what to get back to writing as a band of mates again.
What bands/artists have you been listening to over the last couple of months?
Matt: For me personally I’ve discovered a few new bands which are Hot Milk, Vexed and Conor recommended Holding Absence so I’ve been listening to them a lot as well as Bury Tomorrows and The Amity Afflictions new albums since they’ve come out.
Conor: I’ve discovered a few bands that I’ve been listening to a lot such as Dance Gavin Dance, Stepson and Inspirit (Boston). Other than them it’s been usual cocktail of Amity, The Maine and Scary Kids Scaring Kids.
So, what do you think you’ve learnt the most from being a band through COVID-19?
Probably just how much we miss being on a stage, the whole of the lockdown we’ve mainly been doing the business side of the band and taking away shows is almost like taking the fun away, obviously the behind the scenes is all necessary and can be fun when it’s the whole package of being in a band but not playing shows or even seeing the other guys who are your best mates can really suck so we’ve mainly just learnt too appreciate it all a bit more.
What kind of effect do you think that it’s had on the music industry all together, and how excited are you to see it return to normal?
We’re hoping it encourages everyone to go to shows more and support all the bands whether they’re touring or local bands, touring and merch sales is where most of the money comes from and how you get new fans more often then not so hopefully now we’re coming out of the bad side of things it gets even better for the bands then it was before!
What tips/advice would you like to give to other bands who are also going through this?
Make sure you remember how much this all sucked and not take any of the great experiences we get to have as bands for granted.