Rock Monsters Romania

The quarantine was a really hard period for bands and artist. We talked to some bands from all over the world to see the real effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic in music.

Today we talk to Fatal Switch, a Montreal-based Rap-Metal band.

How can you describe the changes generated by the pandemic in the band’s activity?

FS: At first it was a bit of curve ball for us but we quickly adapted to finding ways of making progress in the areas where we could. We made sure to have weekly meetings and take away our homework despite being remote and isolated from each other and the growth we found was very beneficial for us all. We aligned on software’s and tools so that working on songs was very easy to do at a distance. We also learnt how to work in pairs and found new ways to divide and conquer so like a lot of other businesses, it forced us to rethink how to do things and discover new possibilities.

What daily activity did you miss the most during quarantine?

FS: Going out to concerts and playing shows. Having the one thing we love so much taken away from us was truly a shock to the system. But like everyone else we had to endure our fair share of sacrifices but as they saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Were there any pluses for this period without concerts?

FS: I think so. I think a lot in life has do to with perspective and the positive can be found in most situations if you look for it. We managed to release our latest single and our debut album both titles Doctors & Demons during this chaotic time. It isn’t the situation we were hoping for and truth be told it has hindered a big part of our business strategy but it doesn’t mean that we have given up. We are focusing on other ways to connect with new fans and we have managed to divert our efforts and seek out other ways of discovery. Time will only tell if this has been a blessing in disguise or an obstacle to make us stronger.

How does it feel to return to some normalcy?

FS: Sadly, we haven’t. My city just hit code red we are actively in lockdown. With the second wave coming I believe more areas will soon follow suit.

What plans have you got for the rest of 2020 and for 2021?

Promote our album as much as we can while we write new material for our second studio album. We are taking the time we would have spent on stage and we are putting into the studio so no second has been wasted. Hopefully we land some radio waves and sync deals as well. Fingers crossed and hands clasped.

Do you have any message for the bands or artists who are still in lockdown/quarantine?

FS: We feel your pain. Keep your hopes high and spirits light. Find ways to make progress and keep in touch with your bandmates and loved ones through video chats or phone calls. Do little things that make you happy and spend some time with yourself. Take a walk, breath the fresh air, listen to some new music, read that book you’ve been meaning to. Stay inspired and keep inspiring so that we can all feed off each other.

What message do you have for the people who are going to read this interview?

FS: Stay safe and healthy. Thank you for reading and thank you Rock Monsters for having us. The world will be back to normal before we know it. Until then hunker down and keep calm.

Interview by Radu Mihai