Artist of the Day | SIMON & THE ASTRONAUTS ft. RACHEL HADEN
ARTIST OF THE DAY
20.02.2022
SIMON & THE ASTRONAUTS
ft. RACHEL HADEN
LOCATION
London, England
CURRENT MEMBERS
Rachel Haden
Chris Potter
Ben Hewerdine
Simon Wells
With the current pandemic, the state of the music and touring industry has dramatically changed. Where were you when everything was brought to a halt?
I was at the last gig Elvis Costello and the Imposters played before lock down in the UK at the Hammersmith Apollo. It was such an emotional night. There was fear in the country. Touring musicians were thinking, will I get home ; how do you keep the road crew and the audience safe. Elvis knew the tour was done and gave a firework display of rock and roll including Hurry Down Doomsday (The Bugs Are Taking Over). He captured the moment as the crowd exploded with love, relief and the joy of one last party before the quietus.
How has that affected your plans for the coming year? Did you have a tour planned, upcoming album release?
For us it changed our plans but gave us focus to write the best music we could. Rachel was going to be touring Europe with her sisters and recording with us on her days off. Which all went out the window. We want to do some small shows in the UK but with Covid still around its too much of a risk. We have 4 singles coming in the next 4 months and the self titled album out in April. We got a record deal in the USA and have some beautiful vinyl as well, with a cheetah cub on the front. Thats another story.
What have you been doing to fill/make the most of your new-found free time at home? How are you supporting your mental health through all of this?
For me its been going back to things I love. Walking in the parks and green spaces in London. Reading books which sometimes I found difficult but when I got into it was a revelation. As always I write bad poetry and struggle with the guitar. Friends being there has been a massive support for me. Recently I've started meditating by placing vinyl onto a turntable and listening for 20 minutes. It takes me to the ritual I discovered as a kid listening to Patti Smith.
How are dealing with the Covid fifth wave? Have things locked down again in your region? Have you had to cancel gigs, tours, etc.? Are things reopening & restrictions are lifting in your region? Have you booked any new gigs, tours, etc.? What are your plans for 2022?
The UK has opened up but some gigs feel very reserved while others nearly resemble a Clash gig.
Favourite Starlite Room Moment?
I was not there but I saw Feist played there and I bet that was special.
Do you have a message for everyone at home reading this?
Connect with people, listen to new music ; try something new and get your 10 league boots on and get out there.
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