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.
Marisa Dabice: What am I doing during quarantine? Probably a lot of the same things you are. I cook at least once a day. I play video games. I listen to music sometimes, but listening to music makes me miss touring, so I think I subconsciously avoid it. I’ve re-watched The Office up to season five, episode five. Every time I watch it, Jim and Pam become more pathetic to me. I watched Tiger King, and I don’t think Carole Baskin killed her husband. He faked his death and is living somewhere in Costa Rica.
I’ve packed up and shipped out more than 650 Mannequin Pussy merch orders to fans around the world. I want to cry, but I’m blocked. I wrote a new song I like. I wrote two that are trash. I’ve taught guitar lessons through Instagram. We painted the wall in the backyard a light pastel coral pink. I like it, but I don’t think Vinny does. I’ve scrubbed toilets. I’ve swept. I’ve stared directly into the sun. I’m starting to lose steam. I walk around the house. I’m having trouble focusing. I’ve bought toilet paper and food. I got Logic Pro X and am learning to use DAWs. I’ve paid my bills.
Finding motivation to do anything at all becomes messy. I’m fantasy real-estate shopping in Florida. My sweetheart squeezes me and cracks my back once a day. I’ve tie dyed shirts and pillowcases and bedsheets. I’m taking a MasterClass with Timbaland. I want to dust, but can’t find the energy. I dance in the kitchen. I’ve kissed Vinny in every room of the house. I want to scream. I want this to end soon. I’m afraid it won’t.
