Dear Friends and Music lovers everywhere,
No matter who you are, these are tough and trying times. As a New Yorker based in Brooklyn, I’m effectively living in a city under ‘voluntary lockdown’. Empty streets and safe distances are the norm now. We all expect it rules of engagement to get more stringent until we flatten the curve, as they say. I’m concerned for friends and family around the world and for the past week, as the cascading sounds of ‘CANCEL’ and ‘Social Distance’ have reverberated throughout out the communities I’m part of, I too have been laying low. Going out when necessary and just hunkering down. I slightly mourn my lost freedom yet I’d prefer that to getting infected myself or what concerns me most of all – giving it to someone that may not survive it. I take consolation that so far, so good – my husband and I and our housemates are OK. Grateful to live in a house at this moment, little need to worry about who may or may not be coming here. With some space, isolation is easier to bear as well.
It feels like a time to go inside, think about what’s important. Who’s important? Who do we need to keep in contact with? Who and what do we value? How many records, books or movies can I finally catch up on because of the luxury of time – for a little while. What courses can I take? How can I go even deeper into my vocal, musical, compositional practice? What can I do to help others at this time? Here are some links below to helpful places to start if you’re an artist that’s lost work, need funds and more. I lost a bunch of work (as you can see from my GIGS page) but I should be OK if the shedding is short-lived. I do worry about my peers.
If you can though, and if this time is survivable for you – try to find solace in the quiet spaces and discover or revisit passions, desires and all the things that bring you joy. Provided I and those I’m close to stay healthy, that’s one of my goals at this time.
To RENEW my JOY!
COVID-19 ARTIST RESOURCES
Survey for Nightlife Workers, Freelancers, and Businesses Impacted by COVID-19
CoronaVirus is our Future
NYC Covid-19 Musician Support & Resources
Corona Relief Fund application
Wishing everyone the best of health, sanity and safety in these very strange and turbulent times. Much love and wellness to you and yours. Until we meet again!
Fay
Yours are comforting words, Fay. I’m one of the lucky ones who has a great day job that lets me work from home so I’m fortunately not in bad shape from losing gigs. For other friends of course, this could be a devasting blow to their security. It’s nice to be reminded of what we have to be thankful for and all the ways we can make good use of this time. I started taking online Spanish lessons today, something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time! My best to you and Jochem.
Hi Melissa,
Thanks for reaching out and I’m hoping that you and yours are still safe. We are so far. I lost a lot of gigs but gratefully, I’m still getting paid at the New School and Jochem still has his day gig as well. We feel very fortunate. Be safe, till soon.