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.
Hello MAGNET readers!
My name is Derek Anthony Wilson, I am the vocalist and keyboardist of the theatrical soul rock band Archpalatine.
COVID-19 has a silver lining on which I choose to focus instead of its destruction. This silver lining is that social distancing has allowed me to get back to myself. Projects and hobbies that were set aside are again my focus. I’m finishing writing song ideas, painting and designing clothes, reading, watching classic movies I missed, resting and more. Additionally, I have been working with my church to help supplement their virtual services by arranging and producing traditional hymns from home—thus getting close to my God again. And I feel more fulfilled to my core self because of it all.
A project that I have been working on with my friend, producer/rapper Danny Newport, took some time to get together due to different life situations. Quarantining has allowed us to finish the collaboration remotely. Due out Friday, our full Transition Period EP will be available for purchase on Bandcamp. And we’re very excited to share it with you as we all are going through a “transition period.”
Because of recent events, I would like to share first single “Riding And Rolling” with you. I feel the pain and importance of all the peaceful protests for George Floyd, and I want to focus the narrative of the destruction to helping black and brown people create multi-generational wealth. To do this, I’m dedicating proceeds from sales of “Riding And Rolling” on Bandcamp specifically to two charities that help in this cause: Code2040 and Opportunity Hub. Thank you for partnering with us while also sharing in the joy of song.
Let’s ride and roll!