By Will McGuirk
Makers don’t stop making. Even a global pandemic won’t stop makers making and thankfully so. For the rest of us, going forward will require new thinking, creativity, innovation, outside, inside, other side of the box thinking and it will be to the makers we will turn. Here in Durham Region, our artists are woodshedding new ideas and finding new outlets for their creativity. We take a peek behind the stage curtain to see what musicians are doing as shows have been cancelled worldwide.
Each photo will link to the Unison Benevolent Fund.
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Slowcity.ca: Who are the members in your band?
Rachel Jeans: Members of my band are: Earl Johnson - guitar (from Moxy) Ron McLeod - drums, Carlo Pontone - bass
SC: Where are you from?
I grew up back and forth between Ajax & Stouffville, ON where our farm was.
SC: Have you been able to perform together in any capacity - if yes how
During quarantine we had the opportunity to play for Q107’s first ever virtual Canada Day, as well as the East York Jam Fest. We played a drive in concert in Lindsay for Big Brothers Big Sisters in September 2020 - that was a lot of fun! It felt so great to be back on stage, and though we missed the face to face interaction with the audience, it was great in its own different way, hearing everyone honking their horns in place of clapping, and dancing by their cars from a safe distance. I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to be on stage, doing what I love, during such difficult times.
SC: Where and when was the last gig you played before Covid-19 guidelines on shows kicked in?
Before lockdown, in Feb 2020 I spearheaded the fundraising event “Artists for Australia”, a benefit concert that took place in 5 locations, across 4 provinces in Canada, with local musicians donating their time in order to support such an important cause close to my heart. As a result we raised just shy of $10,000, with 100% of the proceeds donated towards two non-profit, boots on the ground organizations in Australia aiding in the welfare of the wildlife during the tragic bushfires. The following weekend my band played a packed The Edge (Ajax), full of energy, friends, family, and a lineup out the door. What a great night! After which within a week we were all in lockdown. I like to think we went out with a bang haha!
SC: Do you have any recorded music available online, if yes where?
I am currently working in the studio recording new material, and hope to have the completed EP ready and released later 2021 - stay tuned! With new safety restrictions in places the project has been delayed, but you know what they say. . . “good things take time!” In the meantime, please check out my socials @racheljeansmusic on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with new music, announcements, shows, and live music!
SC: What are you doing during this break from live music, any new hobbies?
During lockdown I have found much inspiration and have concentrated my additional free time towards writing new material, broadening my knowledge of the guitar and teaching myself keys! Aside from music, I have spent time learning more about photography, investing in an additional lens, enjoying capturing moments outside hiking with my rescue pup Raven. Being at home has been such a blessing in terms of having so much more time with my animals. Animals have always had a special place in my heart so I am extremely thankful for the time we’ve had. Times flies if you don’t stop to take it all in, so I love to capture the precious moments in between. It’s been another really great outlet to have throughout these tough times.