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ISOLATION DRILLS

Isolation Drills: Korine

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.

Morgy Ramone (vocals): Quarantine feels like a mix of isolation and introspection. It’s almost like I’m around myself more than I was. The distraction of day to day has vanished, which leaves more time for introspection and mindless gaming. It has been heartening to see the way people have been helping each other—protecting each other. I applaud every protester for doing what is right and not settling for some lesser victories in the giant face of oppression. The climate feels heavy to say the least.

Beyond, this has left Korine with ample time to finish up the record and focus more on other aspects of the group since a live setting doesn’t seem realistic for the time being. The support we’ve received is beyond expectation, and I am grateful to those who have helped us in some way.

It’s hard to say I’m excited for the future, when everything is so up in the air and so many people are struggling, but—as I think it’s at a point where we aren’t going to take it anymore—I look forward to a better world for all.

Trey Frye (synth, programming, bass): It comes in waves. Going from feeling normal one moment to having the weight of the current state of the world crush you and leave you energyless. I do consider myself lucky to be in the position I am in during the pandemic. I qualified for unemployment, I haven’t struggled to buy groceries, I haven’t had to struggle too much to pay my rent like so many people I know.

I’ve had ample time to spend on my music pursuits when before I was struggling to make time and energy while having a service-industry job. There is a silver lining, but every day I think about how long it may be before we can ever play a live show again, which, for me, is without a doubt the most rewarding aspect of being a musician.

We had a 28-show, full-U.S. tour planned right when the pandemic started. We got two shows deep and had to turn back. Saying it was disheartening is a gross understatement. At the time, I wanted to throw in the towel and just call it quits, but with a new album planned for the fall, we decided to have a strong resolve. I truly can’t believe the support we’ve received during quarantine. We’ve sold record numbers of merchandise and received donations that have kept us going, and we’ve been able to donate portions of that to various outlets supporting the Black Lives Matter movement. While our band isn’t inherently political, our stance has always been leftist and we identify as antifa.

I believe that if you have any type of artistic outlet, it is your responsibility to be a voice in supporting what is right. Here’s to a brighter future. Wear a mask please.

Korine’s The Night We Raise is out today via Born Losers. You can order here.