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 Vanilla Sugar, an amazing alternative artist from Los Angeles!

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

I feel like this time at home has given me an opportunity to connect with fans more. I livestream across all platforms three days a week. I really enjoy getting to learn more about everyone. It feels like we are all hanging out together. Before the pandemic, I was scheduled to tour the US and the UK with The Birthday Massacre. The US portion has been cancelled, but the UK tour has been rescheduled to July and August of 2021. I can’t wait to tour again.

What daily activity did you miss the most during quarantine?

I really miss being able to play shows! That was my favorite thing to do. Other than that, I am an introvert, so I feel like I was able to adapt at this stay at home life easily.

Were there any pluses for this period without concerts?

I think so! The key is to always stay busy, no matter what. I went back to college virtually to learn more about music. That has really given me a lot of insight into different types of songwriting. I also enjoyed being able to hang out with fans online. We have been having a blast. On Monday nights I livestream video games on Twitch, we chat and play the game together. Thursdays, I host an Ask Me Anything on Facebook & Instagram, which is essentially a hangout room for us to get together and talk about literally anything. On Saturdays, I host a cooking show on Youtube and Twitter. I take recipe suggestions from fans and turn them into a gluten free and vegan version of that dish. (I have to keep that diet because I am allergic to gluten!)

How does it feel to return to some normalcy?

I feel like things will always be a little bit different from now on. I think that people will be more keen to sanitizing and being cautious, which is a good thing. I also think that people are so hungry for live music. I know that I can’t wait to be able to perform and go to concerts again. It’s certainly a special experience.

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

I am working on music video concepts for each song on my debut album, She. It’s a good idea to be prepared, so that once this pandemic starts to calm down, we can get right back to work and start making new content.

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

Don’t give up!! Sometimes it can feel incredibly overwhelming, but this will pass and we will be back to gigging and recording. I have had my own moments of feeling that way, but realized that this is all temporary. People still love live music and we will be back to it soon!

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

Thank you so much for reading! Please join me online. I would love to see you in one of my livestreams! Mondays 7pm PST – Twitch.tv/vanillasugarmusic – Thursdays 7pm PST – facebook.com/vanillasugarmusic and instagram.com/vanillasugarmusic – Saturdays 1:30pm PST – youtube.com/vanillasugarmusic and twitter.com/iamvanillasugar .

Interview by Radu Mihai