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.
Stone: For three or four months following March 13 of last year, I had zero interest in creating anything new. None. There was too much awful in the world to feel like I should complete anything I had already started, and starting anything new felt entirely unnecessary at the time.
Unfortunately, all of my jobs pre-pandemic involved large groups of people drinking inside. I worked at Boot & Saddle (R.I.P.; I love you), Franklin Music Hall, the Mann Center and Johnny Brenda’s. So, if there was a collective doom cloud, I occupied it.
Thankfully I know people who were able to kick their own butts during The Great Quarantine, and I got to arrange and record vocals remotely for a few records. Relearning how to be my own engineer was not a very smooth ride, but I can confidently say that they were completed, and to my knowledge everyone is happy and no one wants their money back.
I’m still not entirely back in the groove of writing. I’ve started, maybe, six songs and finished none. But with the help of a friend, I eventually was able to finish up ancient mixes from long lost songs and released one on March 28. I am eternally grateful for the patience of those who have to read between the lines of my/anyone’s mix notes.
