Photo Credit: Syd Wong
Since COVID-19 impeded our days, it almost seems as if every inch of society took it’s turn for the worse. Specifically, the music industry took a full stop forcing many venues to close down and leaving artists to figure out what is in store for their futures. Getting in touch with an artist was important to show the view of the musician in this time.
Ben Larsen, lead singer of The Jins, is the rare sighting of a rockstar you might be looking for nowadays. “A fun rock band from Vancouever” as they call themselves, their sound is unmissable and the perfect balance of alternative.
I was lucky enough to have a short but sweet chat with Ben about his musical experience during COVID-19.
The Catalyst: First and foremost I hope everyone is healthy. How have you guys been doing with life after Covid?
Ben Larsen: We’ve been recording a new record for the most part and practicing as per usual, aside from not playing shows the band is still operating pretty normally.
The Catalyst: Since the world has been on a stand-still have you all noticed if you’ve been more or less productive?
Ben Larsen: We’ve been productive in other aspects, I think the first 5 years of the bands life was so focused on live music that its almost a good thing that we’re taking a break this year, practicing a lot and trying new things, hopefully we will be a better band by the time we play again.
The Catalyst: Did Covid keep the band apart?
Ben Larsen: Not really no, we’re still seeing each other on an almost daily basis.
The Catalyst: Lately, I’ve noticed that the idea of “isolation” was such a foreign subject to many. We’re in September now and we’re all still stuck at home for the most part! How have you guys dealt with the issue of collabing and just making music together during Covid-19?
Ben Larsen: We still meet up at our jam space to practice but we have been isolated from all our peers which has shifted our focus a lot more towards social media.
The Catalyst: With how society has drastically changed it’s left everyone to wonder if what is “the new normal” will be here to stay. Do you think the idea of collaborating virtually will become more frequent in the future?
Ben Larsen: I think if this IS the new normal I would be driven insane.
The Catalyst: In the late awakening of the Coronavirus artists have been unable to tour and do shows. It must be relaxing to stay home; but how much do you guys miss doing shows?
Ben Larsen: We miss them immensely, and especially touring and seeing new places and meeting new people.
The Catalyst: Distribution, advertising, music sales, tours and more have drastically taken a crash with the coming of the Coronavirus. What do you think music fans can do to support the industry in this hard time?
Ben Larsen: Buy the merch, buy the music and support us on social media!
The Catalyst: I personally took a listen to your new release “Drug Store,” and just want to say it was phenomenal as usual! Are you guys working on any future projects right now?
Ben Larsen: We have a new record that is currently in the process of being mixed right now.
The Catalyst: Thank you for your time!
Ben Larsen: No problem!
