Artist of the Day | JOKER'S HAND
ARTIST OF THE DAY
17.06.2021
JOKER'S HAND
LOCATION
Torrance, CA, USA
GENRE
Rock, Punk, Pop
CURRENT MEMBERS
Kevin Kawano & Matthew Lau
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?
We had an EP release show at Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach on March 8th, 2020 to celebrate the release of our debut self-titled EP. The same night, one of the songs off of that EP, “Gold Rush,” was played on KROQ’s Locals Only for the first time; this was our first song on a major radio station. With an upcoming tour and festivals planned for the summer, we finally felt like we had gotten the ball rolling after years of hard work. Within a few days, the world had been turned upside down. Live shows were suddenly a thing of the past and all of our immediate plans for the future were put on indefinite hold. We were saddened to hear about the closing of Saint Rocke, one of the few remaining venues in the South Bay area, and had hoped to play there again when the world opened up for live music again.
How has that affected your plans for the coming year? Did you have a tour planned, upcoming album release?
We had a tour and multiple festivals lined up to promote our debut EP once it was out. We were supposed to be playing a few showcases at SXSW and were set to play the Beachlife Festival with big names like the Steve Miller Band, Counting Crows and Sublime with Rome. Our plans came to a screeching halt when the shutdown happened. We were forced to re-evaluate and try to figure out how to promote our new EP in a world without live music. Having our song on KROQ at that time was truly a blessing. Aside from the fact that LA’s most famous rock station was playing our song, that whole experience gave us all something to look forward to every week when things were truly at their lowest. We’d constantly be getting messages on our socials from friends letting us know that they had voted “Gold Rush” week after week. And every Sunday with Kat Corbett on KROQ felt like an event to look forward to. It really helped us hang in there mentally when all hope seemed lost.
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?
All of the time away from performing for the past year has given us plenty of time to write some tunes! We were able to continue recording new songs in the studio by keeping socially distanced and wearing masks. Our new single, “War Profiteer,” was recorded during this time. Outside of recording, we’ve found solace in this new, lonelier world through family, friends and new routines such as exercise and reading. Reaching out to those you love is so important, especially during these trying times. We’re all in this together, and the last thing we’d want is for someone to feel like they’re alone in this struggle. Believe me, you’re not.
How are dealing with the Covid third wave?
We’re dealing with the third wave of COVID better than we had dealt with the previous two, that’s for sure. After an entire year, social distancing, wearing masks and washing our hands excessively just kinda became the new norm. We’re grateful to be in an area where socially distanced events, such as the AAPI #StopAsianHate rallies we’ve played at, can be held. We’re lucky enough to say that California is currently beginning to open back up again, but we know that the virus is surging elsewhere on the globe.
Favourite Starlite Room Moment?
Our favorite Starlite Room moment has got to be the launch of “Sessions’ Concerts!” It’s so cool Starlite Sessions is giving these bands a voice and a stage during a time where stages have disappeared.
Do you have a message for everyone at home reading this?
Hang in there and don’t give up hope. This past year has been VERY trying for everyone. There were times where things felt hopeless, as if all the work we had ever done would amount to nothing. Nothing sobered me more from these thoughts than the people around me. It is so important to have good people around you to help remind you of what is important and to push you to be your best self.
If you would like to be our next ARTIST OF THE DAY please email us at:
JEN@CONCERTWORKS.CA
