Desktop Diaries: Lunar Vacation
Interview & Photos by Athena Merry, Collages by Jade
these interviews were conducted over zoom + email between april and july of 2020. the answers are mostly unedited, offering an honest insight into the headspace of various bands/musicians across the world during these months.
you can read more desktop diaries here.
Lunar Vacation
★
How have you been, really?
I’ve been okay. Just trying to paint a lot and listen to a whole bunch of music
How has quarantine affected the way you create? Are there any changes that surprised you? Anything that’s remained the same?
It’s definitely given me a lot more time but I’ve been creating the same way. More visually than musically, though.
Where have you been finding inspiration in isolation? And expanding on that, what’s the most random thing that has inspired you?
I haven’t been finding much inspiration! I get inspired by things I experience and things I see. When you're not around people and not able to go places, it’s hard to create like normal. It’s been making me look inward - maybe too much, to the point of overthinking… but, that makes the work really honest I guess!
What does your typical day look like now?
I had to finish up the rest of my school semester online; I would wake up around 9, do online class until I finished my assignments, then go on evening walks with my roommates. I am definitely very fortunate to live with my friends during quarantine; we cook together, watch tv shows together, and create together.
Have you picked up any new habits? (conscious or unconscious)
Yeah! I go on a run or walk every day now. It helps chill out my anxiety and stress. Also you get an excuse to listen to like 45 minutes of music and transport to a different headspace!
What do you find important right now? This can be as broad and world-effecting or as small and self-focused as you want.
Right now, I think I find music and nature most important. I think it's near impossible to live without either.
As a musician unable to play live shows - how do you find yourself connecting with fans, now? How do you think this is impacting our experience of and relationship with music?
Playing shows and meeting people is the ultimate form of connection! I guess I feel a little distant from everyone right now; no virtual connection can replace the real thing ya know?
What was the last selfish thing you did?
Hmmm. Probably smoke bombing my roommates last night during the middle of a discussion because I was tired. (smoke bombing is when you leave a situation very stealthily and without telling anyone lol)
Tell us about the last time you truly felt free.
This morning I woke up before the sun rose and ran along a path, completely alone. While I was running I was singing “Flowers” by Grouplove out loud. Definitely freeing.
What’s something you’re proud of at the moment?
I’m proud that I’m now halfway done with college!!
What long term effects do you think this experience will have on you moving forward?
It has already made me more grateful and appreciative of simple things, like going out for a coffee with a friend or just going outside.
What’s one thing you wish you would have done more of? One thing you will do more of after the pandemic has ended?
I’m not sure. I think I’ve made good use of my time and done the best I could during it!