Like the majority of you, all of us in the Philadelphia area are staying at home, learning to adapt to our “new normal.” MAGNET is checking in with local musicians to see how and what they’re doing during this unprecedented time. Photos by Chris Sikich.
Camae Ayewa (a.k.a. Moor Mother): When COVID-19 began spreading rapidly throughout the world, I had just returned from a solo European tour in February. I had shows in Italy and Spain, which then became two of the largest regions hit. I lost a lot of shows and two canceled tours due to COVID-19. My heart travels back to memories of performing in these places that are currently undergoing struggle, isolation and collective grief. I feel grateful knowing that I had been able to bring aspects of sonic joy, power and care to those communities during that time.
Since the stay-at-home order began in Philadelphia, I have been cooking and organizing my house. I am so fortunate to have a small home studio, and I’m really excited about the new music I have made I haven’t had this much time to work on music and art in more than four years, so I am really leaning into this moment. I have collaborated with many artists during the quarantine, and it has been a healing process for everyone involved. I have been getting into tea drinking and cooking. I’m getting ready to release the music that I have been working on. I want to create music that can be a healing force for the universe. My next release will be an instrumental project for writers and visual artists. I am looking forward to more creation—it helps me heal and stay positive.
