[SONG OF THE DAY] Brix - "Call Me Naïve, But I Guess I Thought If The World Was Ending, You Would Call"

lovingly lifted from Brix’s Instagram

So I had a completely different SOTD picked for today but in addition to the vibe not feeling right, I happened to tumble into something much more powerful.

Enter: Brooklyn-based quarantining COVID-surviving chanteuse, Brix (born Sophie Dupin).

I should have known the second I saw the title that it was going to deliver a swift kick right in the feels, but my curiosity needed to know what a song titled, “Call Me Naïve, But I Guess I Thought If The World Was Ending, You Would Call”.

Y’all.

Speaking on the track, Brix shared, “I wanted to share my story so that if even just one person felt a little less alone, then it was worth it.“

🥺

In addition to this song being so deeply vulnerable and beautifully executed by Brix, the accompanying video for the song equally packs its own wallop. Recorded throughout the course of her quarantine (and subsequent successful battle with COVID-19), she took to her balcony on the daily to record herself performing in quarantine, leaving little notes for days that stood out throughout the process. In addition to this being a diary of sorts for herself, this is such a time capsule for what the experience of quarantining in New York has been like, all the way to the very end of the video (no spoilers here from me).

[SONG OF THE DAY] Starflyer 59 - "This Recliner"

I cannot believe in spite of my decades long lovefest with SoCal’s Starflyer 59 that I have missed the opportunity to make sure that y’all were hip to the homey. I guess it’s been wrong of me to assume that not everyone listens to shoegaze or dreampop records and thinks, “I wonder which SF59 record they played in the studio when [insert band name] were working on [song/album]”. Sometimes I try to guess to myself just for fun. With 15 full-length albums and a slew of EPs and singles spanning his 25 year career, I’ve always treasured SF59 as constant that I can always come home to and be delighted to find more to love every single time.

That all said, frontman Jason Martin is not showing any signs of slowing down, releasing “This Recliner” off his forthcoming EP, Miami, which is out on June 19th courtesy of the longtime loved label Velvet Blue Music. Following up last year’s LP, Young In My Head, the track recounts Martin’s worry, discomfort, and the yearning to feel safe and well after spending a handful of nights in the hospital back in February for reasons he’s chosen to not disclose. Here’s hoping all is in the clear now. 💖

velvet blue music · STARFLYER 59 - This Recliner

[SONG OF THE DAY] All Things Blue - "Chad"

photo credit: Erika Mugglin

Stepping out with one hell of a first impression, Los Angeles pysch-pop outfit All Things Blue have unveiled their debut single, “Chad”, from their forthcoming debut album Get Bit, due later this year. There’s so much to love about “Chad”. Well, except for the ‘Chad’ of a dude that frontwoman India Coombs is singing about.

Finding yourself suckered into the giving end of a situationship is incredibly exhausting and frustrating, if not rage inducing. The way that Coombs was able to encapsulate that very feel into her vocal performance is really the big winner of the song here. Although that’s not to say that the hazy lovestruck soundscapes that her vocals nestle into aren’t equally crucial, but damn if I don’t have the urge to yell, “TELL👏🏻HIM👏🏻GIRL” at her most belty moments.

Speaking on the track, Coombs shared, “See-saws are fun until you're riding an emotional see-saw; when you want someone that doesn't want you, but makes sure to keep you around. Sometimes you only realize in retrospect; that person was just a Chad.”

Also fun little factoid for you before I peace out: at the end of the song they left a clip from the recording session in. Apparently Coombs was holding co-founder Jon Joseph’s week old baby while she was recording vocals for the track and the baby FELL ASLEEP DURING THAT TAKE. HOWWWW!?!?! 😂

[SONG OF THE DAY] Big Black Delta - "Lord Only Knows"

photo credit: Josh Giroux

Omg cute internet people I have the BEST NEWS TO SHARE!

My most favoritest man crush Monday, Jonathan Bates, better known to y’all as Big Black Delta has announced that we’re getting a fourth BBD full-length AND he further blessed us with a new single, “Lord Only Knows”. This dramatic little ditty that he’s just casually launched into the universe is such an exciting evolution for Bates and his signature sound that comes through in all the right moments on this track. It’s loud. It’s lush. It’s certainly not what I was expecting what would follow lead single from back in March, “Summoner”, which makes me love it all the more. Anyone who listens to “Lord Only Knows” for a whopping 30 seconds would not be the least bit surprised that Bates has recently rekindled his romance with heavy metal. The sharp left-turn to that Liberace moment, though. *chef’s kiss* That’s when things go next-level. The track isn’t long enough for me to toss it in a rock opera-esque kinda category, but if ever there were to be an extended edit of this song, I can only imagine the places it would go.

As previously mentioned, “Lord Only Knows” comes from Big Black Delta’s [now HIGHLY FUCKING ANTICIPATED] forthcoming album, LP4, which is available for pre-order now and drops on July 10th. From first glance at the tracklisting, hopefully I don’t have to wait very long to know what a song called, “Air Conditioned Dork” sounds like and I am already bracing myself for what something titled “Ballad of the Co-Dependent” is probably going to do to me. Regardless, the t-shirt + LP combo pre-order is calling my name, possibly that slick mask, too?

While we wait, please enjoy the third installment from director Adam Osgood, who previously provided the BBD universe with videos for, “Huggin & Kissin” and “Bitten By The Apple”. At this rate I would totally watch a movie exploring this father-daughter relationship that continues throughout all three videos, if only to clarify the timeline going on here. Does god-dad get to go back in time once he becomes god-dad so he can accidentally kill the dinosaurs? Did god-dad always know he was a deity? I have so many questions, lmao.

4

Release Date: July 10, 2020

01. Lord Only Knows
02. Vessel
03. Politics Of Living
04. Summoner
05. Ballad Of The Co-Dependent
06. Sunday
07. Heaven Here I Come
08. Canary
09. White Lies
10. Killing Me
11. Air Conditioned Dork
12. Yes

Pre-Order

[Album Review] Miro Shot - 'Content'

In the final track, “Boston Dynamic”,  off Miro Shot’s debut EP Servers, recently my mind has casually fixated on a lyric quite frequently as we complete our 2nd month of quarantine in New York,

“As soon as we begin again I’ll restore our fallen friends.”

Since I have been granted the honor of getting albums in advance, I had already been playing their debut full-length, Content, for quite some time before the world ground to a halt. I had also already written something quite lovely about the album, delighted with myself that a cohesive group of words actually came to me that quickly about a record that I was obviously very taken with. However, as it came time to publish those words, the context of how this album would enter the world completely changed. Even so, listening to Content with a totally different perspective of the world, I firmly stand by my stance that Miro Shot is the soundtrack to the future we deserve. I know that in addition to this whole ordeal shining a light on the multitude of societal problems across the globe that  a lot of people have been saying that they’re devoting some portion of their quarantine taking stock in their pre-quarantine lives and thinking about the types of changes they want to make for themselves and their communities. It is my hope that Content be included in a portion of that meditative process.

Opening with, “A World You Made Yourself”, the broody track kicks off the album’s venture into self-exploration, thoughtfully navigating the boundless complexities of our very modern, very online world. Tackling society’s cumbersome relationship with technology and all that it entails, from the rampant online harassment women often face to the way that social media distorts our realities while disguising itself as a way to “connect” to our loved ones and everything in between, Content is essentially that moment when you decide to switch your phone to airplane mode and shift your focus to where you’re at in that very instance, as well as every subsequent screen tap once you switch back for that matter.

Tracks that hit so differently since the world changed: “Joined At The Hip”, album closer “I.R.L.”, with the most dramatic transformation being, “Seven Seas”, featuring Mary Wilson of Supremes fame. I already revered the track as a stunning glitch gospel in its own right, but the imagery that the chorus alone evokes in the current climate is enough to simultaneously warm your heart and send shivers down your spine:

 “When you’re lost but you can’t stand the silence / When your face looks nothing it used to do / When the sand has shifted instead / And that crown was pulled from your head / I’ve got you and you’ve got me.”

Without a doubt the world is going to be a very different place post-pandem. Hopefully it’s a world as full of potential as Miro Shot envisions, mindful of the obstacles we need to address in order to succeed. The cosmic timeliness of this band and the relevancy of Content and the future it stands for, especially right now, is something I sincerely hope folks won’t sleep on.

Content is available now on all DSPs.

Full album stream:

[LISTEN] Various Artists - 'Music For Containment' (Full Album Stream)

I don’t know about y’all but I’ve noticed that the longer I’ve been in quarantine the better my deep listening skills have gotten. Recently when I’ve been playing records I assumed I had memorized forwards and backwards I’ve been picking up little details that I’ve never noticed before. To a certain extent, even in spite of everything anxiety inducing that is happening around me in the epicenter of the pandemic, the act of shifting my brain’s focus on soaking in every last detail of a song has really brought me some peace.

If I’m being honest I think miraculously stumbling into Music For Containment a few weeks back when I was really anxious was partially responsible for this. This is an effort organized by French artist, Molécule, with all proceeds going to the Fondation de France, who are using donations towards caregivers whether or not they’re in hospitals, as well as to finance research projects and anything else they can contribute towards those most vulnerable. The compilation contains 33 different French artists and it’s almost three and a half hours long, so there’s more than enough here to soothe your senses. The artists range in varying levels of popularity, too. A lot of them I had never heard of until then, but I was definitely delighted to see Étienne de Crécy and Rone amongst those who contributed (who are coincidentally also on this week’s diSKOAver weekly update).

If you’ve been having trouble staying calm during the day, or falling asleep at night, this is at least worth putting on once. If it works out for you, think how interesting you’ll sound at future gatherings telling folks you got through a pandemic by listening to French ambient music. 💖

#diSKOAverweekly: Week of April 23, 2020

this update is just like me: thiccc as fuuuuuuckkk

YAH BISH IS HEALTHY AND SAFE. Lorde help me if I had caught the COVID after that writeup about trying to go to shows when this wasn’t ABSOLUTELY WHACKY. Felt pretty crazy at the time publishing that, but I can’t help but wonder if folks had taken shit that seriously back then if we’d all be cutting our hair out of boredom in quarantine.

ANYWAY.

Your favorite deep cuts diva has finally climbed out of the pits of despair and double the fuck down on trying to give you things to cherish during all of whatever this is *gestures wildly*. That’s right, cute internet people! For as long as I can muster it, instead of 16 songs a week, you gonna get 32! Fuckin two more than you get randomly assigned from the goddamn Algorithm AND as always pleasantly arranged with one of these here liner note posts. I can’t wait for y’all to check this one out for sure because GOOD LORDE some of the stuff that found my ears will knock the wind right the fuck outta you it’s so damn good.

Here are the 32 ways I love you best this week:

1. Étienne de Crécy - “DAYDREAM”

   I literally rearranged this entire playlist to kick off this update with this song because we could all use some reassuring right now. Weird to think if I hadn’t gone to Paris in January and record shopped my ass off that this wouldn’t be in my life right now. One of my plans for this coming week is memorizing this man’s entire catalog so get ready for me to be even more annoying about him.

2. LEFTI - “4ever (feat. Hoodboi)”

   The next time I see my self proclaimed best friend imma hug him 4EVER for both this song and his recently launched cooking show on his Instagram called CHEFTI. I am gonna get up the nerve to try one of his recipes by the next time I have to go get groceries (and at the rate we’re going with this fucking pandemic it sounds like I will probably have time to go through all of them. 🙃PLEASE STAY THE FUCK HOME )

3. Tom Aspaul - “WM”

   This is my new favorite song to lip sync into Instagram when I’m intoxicated using weird filters (including Tom’s) and then not send it to anyone because I haven’t quite perfected it yet. More practice on that after this update! 🤪😂

4. REYNA - “Coachella”

   You know those songs that when you hear them you assume that the band has to be huge and you just missed the boat on them? This is one of those songs. This is such sugary poptastic perfection. Also I always love to hate on Coachella but my heart goes out to everyone enduring the effects of all these massive cancellations.

5. LoveLeo - “BOYFREN”

   There’s still a lot to learn about the eldest spawn of John C Reilly, who goes by LoveLeo. Apparently this catchy ass TikTok hit was recorded in his bedroom (which like, props bro). I love how delightfully weird he is. I feel like He would be the most fun to have in a group chat.

6. Harry Nathan - “Frontin’ Me”

   Is Dream House a genre yet? That’s how I would describe this. Anyway I would live a Harry Nathan dream house if I could feel as chill as I do when I listen to this.

7. MILCK - “Slow Fade”

   Um, so like, everything about MILCK is wonderful. Her heart is as beautiful as her voice. She deserves a hell of a lot more attention than she’s getting right now, so…..FIX IT. And check out her latest EP ‘Into Gold’.

8. BAYNK - “KISS ME (feat. Mood Talk)”

   I’m so hype that BAYNK is dropping another EP. I practically lived inside of ‘Someone’s EP II’. The next one, "‘A Study In Movement’ should be dropping sometime next month. In the meantime, he’ll be DJing this weekend via livestream so def check that out. And yes I have my homework assignment to investigate Mood Talk further don’t you worry.

9. Sly Fieri - “Akimi”

   We love a punny band name. I am going to be checking out his new mix called ‘Scars’ after I finish this so hopefully you do the same once I sell you on him with this.

10. JVLY - “monsoon”

    lmao I am way too good at Aussie finding baby bands. Also sorry for sending through sexy vibes if you’re quarantining alone.

11. Hamzaa - “Write It Down”

    This song knocks the wind out of me every fucking time I play it. I have to fight back tears. It’s such a beautiful tribute to songwriting and how it’s a combination of art and therapy.

12. Rone - “Ginko Biloba”

    You have to watch the music video for this song because it’s SO WILD. It had to be the most fun thing to shoot of all time. Also Rone’s fifth studio album ‘Room With A View’ comes out this week so GET HYPE.

13. Teischa - “not ok”

    When she sings, “lately I’ve just been wasting my days. I’m not broken but I’m not ok” good LORDE does that feel like a collective mood right now. When you love this you can go thank Slum fam for talking her up in their insta stories. Also please go listen to her new record, ‘momentary’, that dropped earlier this month, it is quite excellent.

14. Baby Rose - “Mortal”

    Girl sings the ever loving shit out of this song. WHEW. Her debut album ‘To Myself’ is out now. Love her. Now. Do it.

15. Rufus Wainwright - “Damsel In Distress”

    Some days Rufus is literally the only thing keeping me together during this fucking pandemic. If you don’t follow him on Instagram for his daily Quarantunes updates you are doing this whole thing wrong. While I’m upset that he pushed back releasing ‘Unfollow The Rules’ to July 10, the way he spoke about how important the physical aspect o the release was super important to him will make this worth the wait.

16. Monad - “Dissolution”

    I lost track of Monad but they are back on my radar and have dropped a delightful EP. This is the title track.

17. Johnny Hunter - “Try As You May”

    I’m pretty sure I can confidently say that no one in North America loves Johnny Hunter as much as I do. God damn, there is something so timeless about this band. These dudes need to crank out more jams IMMEDIATELY. I doubt I’d wear these out any time soon, but goddamn I just want to cocoon myself in blanket of their songs.

18. Car Seat Headrest - “Hollywood”

    Okay. I clearly need to get caught up on all things Car Seat Headrest because OH MY GOD THIS SINGLE BROKE MY BRAIN. This is throwing me hellllllaaaaa Beck vibes, circa…Odelay maybe? I definitely always think of “MTV Makes Me Wanna Smoke Crack” when the chorus kicks in on this one. Wow. Yeah. I got a lot to catch up on here. This one’s a big hell yes from me tho.

19. Tesla Boy - “Абьюзер”

    First, I’m gonna need you to take a moment to appreciate how much effort it took to find the tracklisting of this album in copy/pasteable form so I could accurately display the track title. At any rate, this cut from his latest album ‘Андропов’ (yes that was another copy +paste) is an earworm and a half, even if I have no idea what the fuck he’s saying. Fuck it, I’ve got time. Maybe I’ll learn some fuckin Russian so I can love this man harder.

20. Blondage - “I Love Music”

    In addition to this song being relatable as fuck, I would like to gift you the ability to hear “cause people suck and so do youuuuuu” ring through your head the next time you see someone rolling by without a mask on when you’re out (it has been a lovely coping mechanism for me, lmao).

21. Mason x DJ Glen - “Attention”

    I’ve caught a few of Mason’s DJ sets he’s been livestreaming on Facebook to pass the time. He’s got good energy in spite of this, in case you’re in need of extra doses of that right now.

22. Wassu - “Overcome”

    We got a new house hunny to loveeeeee. Y’all better give some love to this local or I will cut u. 🔪

23. Ryan Hemsworth - “New Life" (feat. Love Mansuy)”

    In addition to dropping this double A-side single, Ryan Hemsworth has an ongoing thread on Twitter dot com right now where he drops new music recommendations. If you weren’t temporarily satisfied from this update (rude) there’s a lot of cool stuff in there. Also he’s doing a set tonight at 9:20 EST for 420 on what is arguably the craziest livestreaming experience I have ever been part of (I peeped it earlier as the whole shebang was getting started). Also the timing of this song considering we’ve all got so much time to reflect what our new lives are gonna be like when we’re able to roam freely and safely again.

24. Classixx - “One More Song (feat. Roosevelt)”

    I have missed both Classixx and Roosevelt so this was a well timed update from them. I know when Classixx dropped “Love Me No More” there were hints of more to come in 2020. This better not be the only update, swear to god.

25. Pat Lok - “Salvation”

    Twitter fam’s new track is a total Vibey McViberson!!! Get itttt. Also this literal angel has been randomly started doing song breakdowns on Twitch and then uploading them to his [very robust] YouTube channel. His latest one was for Justice’s legendary track, “D.A.N.C.E.” and apparently lotsa other cool kids show up to talk about the songmaking process while he’s doing this. I will absolutely be watching this later so I can bask in all of the hard work that I take for granted.

26. Sunda Arc - “Daemon”

    I gave myself a headache trying to remember where the fuck I found these guys but it doesn’t matter just enjoy some dope ass beats from Norwich and stop being so ungrateful 😂Also they dropped a record in February called ‘Tides’ and you gonna like the way it sounds I guarantee it.

27. RAAVE TAPES - “Red Flag”

    This is probably weird to say, but I feel like these guys give off the same intensity level as HEALTH but are like….less loud and hella dancier about it? Does that even make sense? Listen it’s 420 and I am abstaining from celebrating until after I hit publish on this. Just go with it and enjoy the fuckin track. You’ll thank me later.

28. Kari Faux - “While God Was Sleepin’….”

    Husky hunny Danio produced this track which is how I came across this. I now worship at the temple of Kari Faux. Please join me in prayer.

29. seeyousoon - “Steamy”

    Wooo we love fresh hometown heroes! Orlando doesn’t have to be exclusively embarrassing! 🙏🏻They’ve only got two tracks out, which means you can claim “I knew them way back when” rights if you get on board now.

30. CMillano - “Winter”

    Whatever Bador fucks with, I fuck with…..and therefore you should probably fuck with.

31. Lucas Estrada - “Mind On Overdrive (feat. Wave Wave and Kyan Palmer)”

    This song sounds like the soundtrack to a party I desperately want to be at instead of sitting in my bed all day for an indefinite period of time. Kyan Palmer and that excellent album of his from last year, ‘it’s called branding sweetie’, is how I tumbled into this track. Will get to know Lucas Estrada and Wave Wave more intimately now. This why I follow as many bands on Spotify as I can. Everyone’s always collaborating and really cool stuff spills out unexpectedly everywhere you look.

32. L Devine - “Boring People”
    It’s funny how well this song translates to current day boredom even though it’s pre-pandem. I wonder how this song is sitting with her now that we’re all stuck like this? Might try and slide into her DMs. I mean, I got time…..

An Attempt At Mitigating Concert Related COVID-19 Contamination

Photo by Anthony DELANOIX on Unsplash

WHEW it’s getting real up in here y’all!

Cancellations galore in the music industry is increasingly stressing everyone out, both fans and industry folk alike. As a person who doesn’t want to see anyone get hurt from this, I have been weighing this decision heavily about how to proceed as a person for the next few months. I think we can all agree that missing your favorite band is better than someone getting really sick or dying.

THAT ALL SAID. If you’re going to give it a shot, here are some tips for how to navigate going to shows in a COVID-19 infested world:

• Don’t go to the show! No but really, REALLY have a conversation with yourself if it’s worth potentially being exposed and subsequently exposing someone to something that can get you killed is worth seeing someone.

  Social distancing is the most effective way to make sure no one gets hurt. It absolutely fucking sucks, but assume that the second things are free and clear that bands will be clamoring to hit the road so they can be adored by you. If you feel bad about missing the show, I strongly suggest you find their online merch store and buy enough merch to cover the ticket price you would have paid PLUS what you would have probably spent at the show on drinks/merch.

  Give that band all your fuckin money.🤑🤑🤑

  It’s an intentional move they will absolutely appreciate. If they don’t have enough of a variety and you have to buy multiples of the same thing, who cares!? Give it to a friend. You’re actually doing the band a bigger favor because merch is a gift that keeps on giving in terms of marketing. SPEAKING OF! Since we’re all about to be Very Online™ for awhile, now would be the time to like, RT, share, etc. as much of the band’s content as you can. I imagine some folks are gonna get really creative with ways to entertain you while we’re all laying low. Make it worth it to them! SHARE THAT SHIT.

Fuck okay you actually wanted to read more which means you’re actually gonna try go go okay remember I’M NOT A DOCTOR I’VE JUST BEEN READING A LOT THROUGH THE LENS OF A SHOW-GOER OKAY. Also industry fam if you see this and have thoughts I am SO HAPPY TO EDIT THIS!!!!

• Wash your fucking hands: Don’t be gross. Wash your hands. Use hand sanitizer if you can’t get to a sink. We’re all sharing the WashYourLyrics memes. Use that fuckin thing. 20 seconds minimum. No exceptions. Touch a thing you didn’t see someone wipe down with a fresh sanitizing wipe of some sort? Yep, you gotta do it fam. Your hands will sting by the end of the night, so this better fucking be worth it.

• Don’t touch your face: This doesn’t really have a lot to do with being a person at a show specifically, but you touch your face way more than you think you do, so if I tell you again not to do it, hopefully you’ll be more mindful of it. In general be really mindful of where your hands are going in general when you’re among other people. You should be doing this at shows anyway—keeping your hands to yourself, that is.

• Cough/sneeze into your elbow/shoulder: Remember that whole ✨we’re not tryna spread a deadly disease✨ thing? Even if you never get COVID-19, at least help other people stay calm by doing everything you can to keep your potential germs to yourself. If you find yourself in a coughing/sneezing fit, try to get the fuck away from everybody. WHO is saying you gotta be at least 3 feet away from someone who’s coughing. If you use a tissue or something, get rid of that shit ASAP. No pockets. Garbage can. Now. Not later. No chances.

• Arrive early to the show: This sounds weird and possibly uncool (*gag*), but if you’re the kinda stan who needs to be in the front row and don’t wanna have to push through people…. get there early! See all the openers instead of just the band you came to see! Oh no poor you, you saw more music in the process and possibly got another favorite band out of it. Wah wah You know what’s worse? Death, but you’re still doing this anyway.

• Bouncer/Ticketing interactions: these brave souls have to touch your IDs, put wristbands on you, stamp you, etc. Offer to put on your own wristband to limit the time you have to interact. Hand sanitizer is your bff. Consider being a fucking hero and bringing some disinfectant wipes and wipe the counter in front of any ticket windows. Pave that good germ free shit forward when you can.

• Limit your drinking: Try and be hydrated before you get to the show so you don’t have to pee and wash your hands a billion times. Also you don’t know who is taking the same precautions as you, so wading through a crowd, resting your hands on bars while you wait for your drinks, etc etc is just asking for more opportunities to make your hands sting with hand sanitizer. If you’re into green things, consider that instead and (I hate saying this) be greedy and don’t share. You don’t *need* a substance to enjoy a show. That said, if you don’t want to pregame, hand sanitizer is your friend. Tip the shit out of the bartenders because they’re taking risks too. Avoid cash if you can. Credit Cards + Hand Sanitizer/Wipes. Ugh. Are your hands not fucking burning yet?

• Avoid using your phone: Unless you have the receipts to prove that you wiped your phone down with a sanitizing wipe as you walked through the door of the venue, your phone is probably gross as fuck with god knows what. You should be paying attention to the band anyway, but that’s for another rant.

• Limit convos. See how fucking annoying this is getting to be outside? Having conversations at shows requires you to get super close to people because it’s loud as hell. Being super close to people is how this kinda germy stuff gets around real fast, which is why everyone is championing social distancing. Are you hype to have a really awkward time at a show? Welcome to #COVID19Concerts, my friends!

• Don’t touch anyone, especially not the band: I know you wanna shake their hand or give them a hug and tell them their show was so fucking worth risking your life and the lives of others, but for fucks sake have you been reading any of this? The band is already risking their livelihood by touring, don’t complicate shit any further. People are crushing it with the high elbows and foot tapping, if you insist on human contact of some sort, do that. Also, be content with where you’re at in the room. I imagine shoving your hand in between people to get through a crowd right now will result in someone screaming at you or worse, so just hold still.

• IRL MERCH interactions: Speaking of interactions with the band, think about your options here. Cash? 😬 Credit Cards? 😬 It’s already gonna be kinda iffy with the handing merch off bit (we are assuming bands are taking precautions obvi), but in an effort to spare everyone’s hands, offer to use Venmo or Paypal if you’re able to. If I were a band/merch person, I wouldn’t want you touching my device that has Square/whatever on it, although you might get lucky and they have one of those credit card machines with the tapping or where you could insert the card in yourself, but again with the screen touching on someone else’s device. Again, be mindful. If you’re too weirded out to touch shit, just make note of what you could get online and do that.

• Don’t come if you kind of feel sick: Tucking this here at the bottom because I’m trying to give y’all the benefit of the doubt, but don’t be an asshole and show up if you think you might be sick at all. You shouldn’t do this ever anyways, btw.

So yeah if all that seems doable for you, best of luck out there. Remember: you don’t have to be in full panic mode, you just have to be smart and more thoughtful of others around you than we have in the past. Common sense, facts, and keeping your hands clean are your new best friends when you go outside now. Also, moisturize your hands when you get home and wash your hands one more time before bed. This is gonna be a rough few months on your hands.

Spread love, not germs. 💖