HOMEWORK
Words by Chloe Rogers, Produced by Art School Media,
with Special thanks to Charlotte Lloyd-Butler, Ronnie Cook & Kieran Clark
At Art School, we rely on a network of resourceful freelancers to create the best results for our clients.
Many of these freelancers are used to working from home, however self-isolation poses new challenges for some. Our photographers are adapting to life without studios by setting up shoots in their garden. Instead of meetings, we are reliant on our digital connections through email and phone calls. However, our freelancers are not the only people who have been affected by the lockdown. We spoke with a household of local musicians to see how it is possible to work from home when your income relies on live music, recording studios and group practices.
Indie singer songwriter, Charlotte Lloyd-Butler tells us how she is trying to look on the bright side of such grey times. Having a day job within the digital sector means that she is now able to continue her work from home. Without her commute eating into her day, CLB has found herself with more free time to focus on her musical career:
“Self-isolating has actually led to a creative spurt. I am spending more time around my instruments and in a place where I feel comfortable to write.”She explains that during this digital age, it is easier now more than ever for independent artists to record and release music from home.
CLB by Emily Marcoveccio
As she is unable to practice with her band, CLB is focusing her attention to writing a solo EP due to be released soon. She has also been commissioned to record instrumentals for the upcoming Noisy Women podcast hosted by Cornish photographer Emily Marcovecchio.
It is clearly possible for musicians to release content from their bedrooms, however self-isolation has still greatly impacted their incomes. In recent years, her band has performed on a variety of stages during tours and festival seasons. However, the cancellation of festivals and the closure of live venues this year means musicians around the world are having to adapt to stay afloat. In an attempt to rectify this situation, CLB thanks the internet for its ability to bring people together.
Entertainment platforms such as Cornish-based CLUNK magazine have been hosting Instagram lifestreams to help promote local musicians. Although, CLB admits she still misses the “real thing”.Despite the challenges facing CLB at this time, she notes that she is grateful to live with fellow musicians Kieran Clark and Ronnie Cook. As they are isolating together, they are able to offer support and feedback:“We can give suggestions if one of us experiences a bit of writer’s block. It’s also a really nice way to spend time together and create something slightly different by collaborating.”
CLB by Emily Marcoveccio
Singer-songwriter Ronnie Cook also spoke to us about how the lockdown has affected his musical career. Like many creatives, RC relies on a day job which he is unableto do from home. However, he is taking the opportunity to dive into the practical side of his music: “The upside to being unable to do my day job is that I now have a lot of time to work on creative projects that I otherwise wouldn't have the time or energy for. It’s given me the opportunity to focus on learning new things like Logic and music theory.” RC explains that the abundance of time has allowed him to circle back on old projects. Although he mentions it can be hard to find the motivation some days, RC notes that living with other musicians is helping him to stay positive: “[They] can be a great source of encouragement for sure, I feel like if I didn't live with musicians, it would be easy for the music to take a back seat to other things I have going on. They're a good source of motivation and inspiration for me.” Alongside moral support, the three musicians are able to share recording equipment and instruments, allowing RC to work on his music in his own space. “If you have the resources to create music on your own, now is the best time to be a bedroom producer”.Housemate and bedroom producer Kieran Clark agrees, explaining that the abundance of free time has allowed him to give in to the creative process.
RC & Friends by Joshua Collins