When did you first realise that COVID-19 was going to have an effect on your band?
We were recording our debut album around the time the news – and the virus – started to spread. Our biggest concern then was that we would not be able to finish the recordings, but we got things done just in time. The next problem was then how to plan the release as we were slowly learning the live scene was going to be shut down for at least the summer of 2020, exactly when we were originally going to release the album. We decided to release the album anyway and it came out in October 2020. It was not ideal, but we also did not want to sit on it too long.
Initially, what was that whole situation like, and how did your band overcome/react to it?
We play in this band first-and-foremost for the live gigs so not being able to play for such a long time has been rough. We started working on new materials already before the debut album was released and decided to record an EP in the first half of 2021. That EP (‘Conspiracies, Threats and Chaos’) is now ready and will come out in November, with the first two singles already out.
How has your creative process changed as a band over the last couple of months?
In terms of how the songs come about, the process has not changed much. But when it comes to the arrangement and production process, we have learnt and evolved. This is partially due to the pandemic but also a result of the album recording project and working with a top producer. During the first months of the pandemic and lockdown, I (Lasse, singer and songwriter in Flush) learnt more about recording and producing on my own, and as a result I now aim to create much better demos of the songs before taking them to the band. This way we can adopt and eventually adapt the songs faster, and they have already gone through one round of pre-production before even reaching the practice room.
What’s been the hardest part about writing/doing music this way?
Music is a social activity and it’s less fun when not doing it with others. It’s not the same thing to bounce of ideas with yourself than with the guys in the band. We have practiced regularly, but it’s not the same when you don’t have gigs to practice for. The EP was a valuable and worthwhile activity to focus on, in the lack of live shows.
What bands/artists have you been listening to over the last couple of months?
There is a lot of interesting new music out there. Recently, I’ve been listening a lot to Spanish Love Songs, Deafheaven, Mogwai, Deftones, Oranssi Pazuzu, Bossk and much, much more.
So, what do you think you’ve learnt the most from being a band through COVID-19?
It definitely helped crystalize why we have this band and what motivates us. It also enabled us to learn more about the production process as well as music promotion in today’s digital world.
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?
I genuinely don’t know. I really hope people realize and appreciate how important it is to support the small and independent artists, labels, and venues more so than the big ones. Live Nation, Warner and Spotify have no concerns about their survival, but that local live club you used to go to and see the new bands, might not stand a chance. I also hope people invest their money where art and creativity happens and not just lazily consume music commodities where all revenues are channelled to suits and business men.
What tips/advice would you like to give to other bands who are also going through this?
Now, more than ever, we need to put our money where our mouths are and go out and support each other as we start playing live shows again. We need to pack the small indie clubs and make sure nobody is playing for empty rooms anymore.
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