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 Evereal, an amazing metal band from Vancouver, Canada.
How can you describe the changes generated by the pandemic in the band’s activity?
Steve: We’ve taken a much more introverted approach. When quarantine hit, all our shows were cancelled and we were unable to get together for several months. This led to a lot of soul searching and out of that a couple new songs emerged.
Gord: A lot of creative ideas in writing at home have been brought to the table. Lost out on a few big shows that were scheduled.
Nelson: One big change, for us, and other bands as well, was moving to a virtual format for playing. We partnered with a local studio, MNET Media, to produce a one-hour virtual concert which was taped and broadcast. It was basically a live performance, but without an audience, except the camera guys.
What daily activity did you miss the most during quarantine?
Steve: To be honest my daily activity didn’t change much. I am fortunate to work in healthcare which became quite busy. The hardest part was lining up at stores to get basic food and supplies.
Gord: My family are RVers so living in Canada I missed traveling around the USA . But we took up a new outdoor activity and stayed active here in BC.
Nelson: For a few months there, at the beginning of the pandemic, we couldn’t even get together to rehearse. I’m one of those guys who actually loves rehearsing, so that was one of the things I missed most. I also missed being able to go to the gym.
Were there any pluses for this period without concerts?
Steve: The lockdown was both psychologically hard and at the same time life affirming for some. It forced many to realize what is really important in their lives. Hopefully this will include missing live music. If venues can survive we can only hope there is a resurgence in live music and people getting out more to support live music.
Gord: I am very hopeful that the live music scene will come back stronger than ever.
Nelson: The only plus I can see was that we were forced to try this new format for playing — a virtual concert — and we ended up turning it into a fundraiser for the ALS Society for BC. We raised about $900 for the ALS Society from ticket sales, so that was a plus.
How does it feel to hear the idea of returning to some normalcy?
Steve: It will be a welcome relief to return to normalcy, but I think the new normalcy will never be the same. We have learned so much from this epidemic and hopefully we take some of those lessons into the future.
Gord: At the beginning of all this I was very stressed out and felt a lot of anxiety. You can tell now talking to people that there is more positive chatter now than there was before. Definitely feel more appreciative towards life, family and friends.
Nelson: I am hoping that, once things get back to normal, that there will be a pent up demand for live music. I kind of envision this “Let’s party our asses off” atmosphere like after the end of the Second World War. I’m sure that was a hell of a party, and I am hoping that it’s going to be like like that.
What plans have you got for 2021?
Steve: Musically we are working on new material. Personally I am returning to some old hobbies I have put aside to pursue band priorities. 2021 may be a mixed bag for the most part until we get the green light to continue as usual.
Gord: looking forward to releasing some wicked tunes for you all this year.
Not much has changed in my personal activities due to being an avid outdoorsman.
Nelson: Realistically, I don’t think the live venues are going to be opening back up until at least the fall or maybe even the winter here, because Canada is behind a lot of other countries in getting people vaccinated. But that doesn’t mean we’re going to just sit back and wait. We can still practise and be ready with a well-rehearsed show ready for the stage, as soon as the clubs and festivals open back up.
Do you have any message for the bands or artists who are still in lockdown/quarantine?
Steve: Keep exchanging ideas and talking. It’s easy to become complacent. It’s this complacency and lack of moving forward that tanks bands as members lose interest in pursuit of greener pastures.
Gord: stay positive and keep in touch with one another. Playing my guitar and writing music always helps keep my mind off this pandemic.
Nelson: Might as well use this down time to channel whatever emotional turmoil you are going through into writing music.
What message do you have for the people who are going to read this interview?
Steve: Visit us on social media and interact. It’s your interaction, comments and subscriptions to our pages that keep us moving forward. Share our posts and provide us feedback.
Nelson: What Steve said — we want to hear from people. We want to have a conversation with them.
https://www.facebook.com/everealband
https://www.instagram.com/everealofficial/?hl=en
https://www.youtube.com/c/EverealBand
Interview by Radu Mihai
Rock Monsters Romania 
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