As we approach the first anniversary of lockdown restrictions being imposed on the music industry Folk and Tumble caught up with some of our musician friends to see how they had coped with the restrictions and their hopes for the future. First up, it's progressive folk-rocker Joshua Burnell.
FT: We have been in a cycle of lockdowns and restrictions for a year now. How have you found that year?
JB: Much the same as everyone I speak to: in a perpetual state of waiting and trying to keep busy. It is very frustrating but I’m counting my blessings!
FT: Have you found any unexpected inspiration during the restrictions and what, if any activity, have you found that has helped keep you grounded?
JB: Inspiration has been hard to come by when each day is so similar, but thankfully I’ve always had a backlog of ideas I never have a chance to work on – so when inspiration is lacking, I delve into a mine of unused voice memos and scribbly notebooks.
The best thing for keeping grounded has been maintaining a routine. Every week we’ve been doing “gig night”. We eat an exciting dinner at the “restaurant” then queue up outside the living room, take our seats in the “auditorium” and enjoy whatever is on at the “venue” that night. We even got to see Bowie at the Hammersmith Odeon in 1972 which we wouldn’t have been able to see in normal times, so I think we’re pretty lucky. I think it’s Steeleye Span this Friday – and that’s an ACTUAL live stream!
FT: Have you received any government support for loss of income?
JB: No.
FT: What have you missed most about playing live shows?
JB: Making loads of noise, listening to stories fans have to tell and escaping the world for a few hours with some of my best friends.
JB: Many artists embraced the streaming of live performances. Did you, and what are your thoughts on that?
JB: We did two ‘duo’ live streams at home, which sold well but were frustrating – it’s hard to put on a spectacle at home! And I’m all about a spectacle. However, we have found a way of putting on a full-band show with top-notch sound, lighting and projections in a great space and all streamed live in HD. It’s going to be on 10th April and it is going to be incredible. It’s already selling well and we’re all going to have an excellent time!
FT: If this is the last lockdown, when do you think you will be able to confidently take bookings for shows again?
JB: As long a provision is in place for the audience’s safety, as soon as possible. Most venues have very robust plans in place to enable events to take place safely. I think people need to make their own decisions as to when they are comfortable going to shows. Everyone’s situation is different.
FT: COVID restrictions aside, how do you feel Brexit will affect your career?
JB: Until further agreements are made, I think it will make touring abroad more expensive and logistically difficult. We have had great successes touring abroad and it is a shame we won’t be able to do it again for some time. Music aside, Brexit is going to make it harder to see my family who live in France, so that’s the first thing to look into.
FT: If you could advise the government on how to proceed with the re-opening of live music venues again, what would your advice be?
JB: Operate a similar system to “Eat Out To Help Out”. Perhaps “Rock Out To Help Out” with a little ‘rock hand’ emoji at the end. They need to focus on supporting the grassroots venues too – this was a breaking system before the pandemic.
FT: When things return to normal, what are your plans?
JB: See my family, see my friends, go to lots of gigs, tour the UK, release an album I’ve been building up to for years, then go for a meal at the pub.
Tickets are on sale now for Joshua Burnell’s live stream with full band performance on April 10th at joshuaburnell.veeps.com.