Artist Spotlight: Up-and-Coming Musicians on Creating Amid the Pandemic
This article is an online version of the print article for the A/W ‘20 Lexington Line edition. The print version can be viewed here!
While quarantining, creatives used their extra time to get the ball rolling on all the projects they were previously too busy to pursue. Pan Arcadia, Fiona Silvers, and The Knee-Hi’s are three newer artists in the alternative scene worth exploring.
Pan Arcadia
Photo taken by Nicol Maciejewska
Quarantine was the much-needed break that NYC-based rock band Pan Arcadia never anticipated needing.
“In December, we were swimming in songs. The theme was using the quarantine period for construction, and now we have an album's worth of songs. All that wouldn’t be possible with everyone’s schedules six months ago,” says manager Alec Segalman.
The band chose to live together this year and renovated their basement into a studio, where they composed a new EP.
“Now [quarantine] is going to be wrapped up into the EP because we want it to be this escape—it’ll be a sound that the world needs right now,” says bassist Henry McGrath.
Pan Arcadia wants to make music that reflects the time in which it was made. “What makes an album or a song [impactful] is if it serves as a window into a world, time, or place, and that’s what I want to do,” says singer and guitarist Eamon Rush.
During these turbulent times, their lyrics reflect exactly that.
“I try not to write about anything too specific,” Rush says. “It’s about broad ideas. It’s about an American Dream and what kind of selfishness that could take to achieve.” Besides the lyrics, Pan Arcadia aims to create music that resonates with listeners—physically and emotionally.
Even though quarantine was an all-in-all good thing for the band, Pan Arcadia did encounter some hindrances.
“I think it’s tempting when you're alone during quarantine to write mellow, moody, and laid-back music, but I think everyone is itching to get out and get going. So we’re making something a little faster, more energetic,” Rush says.
Their biggest challenge was constructing a studio in their basement. They had to excavate their basement, lay concrete, paint the whole room, and then waterproof—but in the end, it was well-worth the hassle.
“Now we just chill out, have a good time, and make the music,” Rush says.
The biggest downside to isolation is no longer being able to perform live.
“I just miss the high after playing a gig. You always feel so good,” McGrath says.
Pan Arcadia’s new EP is expected to drop in 2021.
Fiona Silver
Photo taken by Sarah K. Craig
During quarantine, Fiona Silver recorded her new album at iconic Carriage House Studios in Connecticut. Here, she filmed her music video for “Love Potion No. 9,” a cover of The Clovers’ 1959 classic, featuring Dennis Dunaway of Alice Cooper.
“It’s been an incredible experience working at Carriage House Studios. I’ve been afforded the chance to really spend time with my songs and get deeper into the process than ever before,” Silver says.
Her music is a blend of Lady Day-era jazz, classic rock, and vintage soul. Through her voice, Silver hopes to inspire people to be fearless. She takes inspiration from artists like Hole, Garbage, and Gwen Stefani in the era of Tragic Kingdom.
“People usually describe my general style as Blondie meets Amy Winehouse,” she says.
Silver has already had a number of memorable moments throughout her career.
“Being on tour with Gary Clark Jr. was like a gift from God, and playing the Fillmore in San Francisco was probably the best of all the shows—on the fourth night, Carlos Santana came, and he was incredibly kind and inspiring. My only regret is that I was so nervous when he invited me on stage with him, and he just wanted me to let go and shine more. But hey, you live and learn!”
The Knee-Hi’s
Photo source: Instagram
The Knee-Hi’s are a Chicago-based band known for their vintage aesthetic. They believe that music is the soul of Chicago.
“It really is an incredible scene. I love the strong jazz and blues presence here. It’s my favorite thing about Chicago!” says drummer/vocalist Chris Goeken.
“People here are so genuine. The history of the city holds such magic, and you can feel it when you are in certain venues, like the historic Green Mill,” says lead guitarist/vocalist Alice Strider.
The Green Mill is one of their favorite places for a night of dancing and listening to jazz.
During quarantine, The Knee-Hi’s released their first single, “Darlin’ Darlin’.” They recently released a ‘60s school-dance-themed music video as well.
Strider describes the amassed response to this video with warmth.
“We had an overwhelmingly positive response to the single. This has really driven us to put more music out. My favorite part about that song was probably recording it,” Strider says.
Chris Goeken adds to Strider’s sentiments about the recording process, claiming that watching the song evolve over time, ultimately transforming into a new and fresh sound, was very special to her.
Ash Goeken and Dev Crimson share their other bandmates’ pleasant astonishment.
“It was the wildest thing to create something with my best friends and then send it out into the universe,” rhythm guitarist/vocalist Ash Goeken says. “I honestly got tears in my eyes when we saw a girl do a spectacular cover of our song the same day it was released!”