Is it possible this newborn virus could shift consciousness into a more collective state?
If anything, the trauma in which the world faces could be what humans need to draw closer to humanity, interconnecting through a network of heightened awareness and shared altruism amongst sentient beings. For me the most striking realization watching this coronavirus spread, is that surviving doesn’t lay in the hands of governmental systems or any kind of materialism, wealth is never really created or destroyed; it merely changes from one perception to another, and through this unprecedented situation shifts in perception are most certainly creating change. From my point of view, survival of mind , body and spirit lays in the core of nature; clean air, fresh waters and thriving wildlife which therefore creates a sustainable ecosystem to flourish from; something society has been savagely choking through greedy economic gain.
If all collapses economically we only essentially have each other to turn to in order to think cooperatively and creatively to survive, systems function then break, we, as humans are all interdependent of each other and this current situation certainly highlights that otherwise clouded fact. The way society is run we tend to forget that humans are an integral part of nature, and through our physical and mental illusionary divisions, which are propelled and accentuated by social class system structures, blinds our sight in humanity and misguides our perception in the roles we play within society. In this kind of virus situation we begin to recognize the absolute essential roles that so called ‘unskilled workers’ play. This title aggravates me intensely, no one role is as little or important, general labourers are the mechanics of the system, they keep the cogs turning. The person keeping the toilets clean in an office block is just as an essential role to play as a CEO. Ironically, we tend to look to the basics to survive no matter how complicated we choose to live our lives. At present these social barriers are breaking down and bearing the truth, that when the system is threatened, and all is stripped away there is only the universal common need to survive as humans on a spinning ball of rock.
“Thrivalist” is a mentality that forges its fires in collaboration, sustainability and community, the greatest revolutions are born from grass roots levels, communities need to support each other on a one-to-one humane level more than ever across the globe and collectively through a shift in the way we perceive our interconnectedness we can draw closer to our authentic selves and realize through clarity of mind and liberation of spirit that with great change we must face adversity. If anything, this global pandemic has allowed the planet to breathe more easily with less harmful emissions being pumped into the atmosphere due to city lockdowns. The reduction of world flight travel and people using their cars, as well as public transport has allowed for a slight pendulum swing in the rebalancing of nature.
Satellite images released by NASA and the European Space Agency have shown a dramatic reduction in nitrogen dioxide emissions, those released by vehicles, power plants and industrial facilities in major Chinese cities between January and February, and most recently the waterways in Venice has begun to run clear with fish returning to the canal waters because of ceasing boat trips for tourists. A similar pattern has emerged with carbon dioxide (CO2) — released by burning fossil fuels such as coal. From February 3 to March 1, CO2 emissions were down by at least 25% because of the measures to contain the coronavirus, according to the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), an air pollution research organization.
The creative communities are rallying together even tighter than before, performers are providing live link ups to their shows, musicians have been offering free download links to their fans, anyone creative in isolation is using their time positively to channel their creative talents through making music, drawing, designing, writing and many other avenues of creativity. Bandcamp has offered to raise even more awareness around the pandemic’s impact on musicians everywhere, by waiving their revenue share on sales this Friday, March 20 (from midnight to midnight Pacific Time), and rallying the Bandcamp community to put much needed money directly into artists’ pockets. It has been fascinating to feel the positive unity this unique, immensely challenging situation has created amongst people.
Here are a few artists who share their thoughts on the pandemic situation, in unison with sharing an expression of the times through their music.
At least in a time of physical Isolation, there is a time for unity through digital communication….
Berlin based, Electronica/Techno/Experimental producer, Max Dahlhaus who is on the independent, New York Haunted record label says:
“As a musician there is not much I can do to help in those weird times, except for staying home, washing my hands, offering my help, not buying 10 kilo of toilet paper and MUSIC. And music is what I would like to contribute….
Download my Blakc Otu EP for free:
https://maxdahlhaus.bandcamp.com/album/blakc-otu
It was released on Drvg Cvltvre’s, New York Haunted imprint in 2018 and I think it fits the situation very well. ….Stay safe! …..Stay in contact! …Good luck!
Cheers
Max”
Earlier I asked, Texture aka Bram E. Gieben, Scottish Chemical Poet/ Rapper about his feelings on the current Uk government measures. This is what Bram expressed:
“ I am kind of swinging between elation and terrified. This could legitimately crash the economy. The end of Capitalism, or at least the opportunity to kick it while its down and present alternative plans, it’s something I’ve wanted for years. Look at the canals of Venice after a week of no big business and tourism. Clear water. Fish came back. That’s its own argument for dismantling or reimagining society as we know it from the ground up. BUT! (and it’s a big but)
The people in charge are literally disaster capitalists. Their whole deal is the shock doctrine. Keep people afraid and off balance with perpetual crisis. This blocks progressive social change and wealth redistribution. Then you cream profits from reconstruction projects, privatized medicine, remortgaging public services to open the market. Rees Moggs dad literally wrote a book on it.
So, the treat that this is the thing that brings in martial law, total surveillance and the end of democracy is VERY real. If they keep people broke and indoors for three months, the summer could bring riots. Worldwide. The world is now fragile and precarious thanks to their politics. How likely do you think they are to piss on society if its burning?”
‘Idle Hands’ is a UK Bristol based music & movie store says:
“This is a worrying time for everyone and a situation none of us are used too. Events are moving fast, and we have to accept that major disruption is on its way. If Italy is anything to go by shops like Idle Hands will be forced to close indefinitely.
I’m proud to have survived almost a decade through some of the worst economic challenges we’ve seen in our lifetime. It might look like an easy job because the shop is still here and consistently opening its doors, but there have been times where idle hands has survived by the skin of its teeth – especially with the recent uncertainty of Brexit.
If at any time over the last nine years you’ve enjoyed coming to the shop, I’d ask that you please support us in whatever way you can over the coming weeks or however long we’re still able to be open. Come in and buy records, like and share our social media posts, buy online and share our website with your friends, give us a good review, but most importantly consider making your next vinyl purchase through us.”
http://www.idlehandsbristol.com
Paris based, French Electronic producer, Voiski is currently in lockdown at his home. Yesterday he released a two track Ep titled ‘Days Of Confinement’ this is what he expresses:
“French virus lockdown started.
As many artists, I will try to take the advantage of such unusual conditions and use this isolation time to re-think everything. I can’t help seeing what we are facing as the beginning of a new era. It’s been really hard for me to focus on creation since the confusion started, I managed so far to find comfort into housework and trashing old unnecessary items from the past. To give myself the necessary space to create (and to keep you informed that “I’m still alive” as Kawara would say) I decided to give away my unreleased productions day after day until the end of it. This is France Confinement Day 2. Free download on Soundcloud or Bandcamp. Hang tough, keep on creating, and stay safe”.
https://voiski.bandcamp.com/album/02-days-of-confinement
John Harcus, guitarist/ vocalist of melodic Punk band PMX expresses:
“I am currently in Japan on tour with my band. Life seems to be going on as normal over here. Busy bars and streets, a few bands cancelling shows due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but we are in good spirits and having a good time thanks to the guys at RNR Tours and the fans and bands who are supporting us throughout the tour.
I have been checking the UK and world news daily and in some places the situation seems dire.
Taking care of your mental health in a situation like this is key. The world is in an extraordinary crisis and the media are really pulling out all the stops when it comes to keeping the hysteria, doom and gloom in your face.
I ignored the news yesterday and for a brief moment felt like things were carrying on as normal.
I know when I return it might not be as easy.
I just wanted to let all my current clients and friends know that my band and I are in good health and good spirits.
When I return in the 25th I will be self-isolating but as I work from home, carrying on work as usual.
With that, I’ll speak to you all soon and stay positive.
Peace.
John.”
Mark McGee (Mark My Words) aka lead vocalist at, The Girobabies has a magnificently entertaining podcast, ‘You Call That Radio’ He Says:
“We are self-isolating and broadcasting from a secret bunker in parts unknown, Scotland as we investigate various theories surrounding the origins and spread of COVID- 19. We try to make sense of one of the craziest breaking stories of the century and figure out where we go from here.”
Listen to the entire episode here:
https://pod.link/1466719969/episode/ODRjZjNkZTEtY2RkMC00MDRjLWJlNzItYjZhOWZlYWRmZTli
BMX BANDIT, Duglas .T Stewart expresses:
“ This song feels appropriate right now. There’s a lot of uncertainty in the world just now for a lot of people. I send all of you out there love and wish you, and those you love, well.” – Dug.
And finally; Cabaret act, The Creative Martyrs has released a satirical coronavirus song on the following link below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ehpBO_kPdkyuMBVFyijws15PyHKvu3Rv/view?usp=sharing
Revel Rousers 