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.
Awan: Before the COVID virus became a pandemic, I had a tour booked like a lot of other musicians. It had to be cancelled, but boo hoo. It was necessary.
I don’t think music or the business side of it will ever die, but people will. Whether it’s by a virus or systematic oppression and brutality. Our country’s “leaders” have dropped the ball repeatedly on all fronts: politically, morally, economically, you name it.
We have to stay the course together. Protests are still happening, and action can still be taken. We can’t let desensitization and misinformation overwhelm and divide us. Anger pointed in the wrong direction becomes hate, fear and revenge. Anger pointed in the right direction becomes education, reform and justice.
The effects of both this pandemic and cultural revolution are global. I believe our collective reactions to them have the same potential.
I’ve been using my personal time to work on different types of art and random projects around the house. Lots of cooking, reading and music/podcasts as well. I will release new music when the vibe feels right. Or, at least, as right as it can during this time.
Stay well, and thanks for reading.
Here are links to a Google Doc of national resources in relation to the BLM/cultural movement and a COVID-19 testing-site resource.
