Metal Inside(r) Home Quarantine is Metal Insider’s new column during this time of isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We asked artists five questions on what’s been keeping them busy ranging from their favorite movies, food they’ve been eating, music they’ve been listening to and more. We caught up with Brass Against’s Brad Hammonds as he shifted his focus to his own well being instead of watching the news.
What have you been doing to pass time during Quarantine?
In the beginning I was really glued to the news and kind of stunned and freaked out at the whole thing. A few weeks ago, I shifted the way I’m viewing it. I think it’s either a great time to say fuck it and drink it away or really focus on well-being. I’ve been practicing a lot of guitar, meditating, exercising and not really doing the social media thing. It’s still really stressful but much easier when productive (for me at least).
Have you been listening to any music or have any playlists worth checking out?
I’ve been finding I’ve been going back to things that I’ve loved over the years with music, books and movies. I haven’t been in the mood to listen to music with vocals during the quarantine, so I’ve been listening to a lot of Flamenco- Paco DeLucia, Rodrigo y Gabriella as well as Phillip Glass. We were supposed to be in Europe now, so I think it’s my way of feeling that energy. I’ve been practicing a lot of Bach and other classical composers. It’s really calming. I have been watching a lot of shows online.
A lot of people have been spending this time cooking including making their own bread, what food have you been prepping during this time?
I’m an awful cook and this has really tested me! I’ve been trying to eat really well- a lot of salads and fruit lately.
In terms of entertainment, what movies, TV shows, books, or games have been keeping you busy?
I’ve re- watched all of Richard Linklater’s Before series: Before Sunrise, Before Sunset and Before Midnight. Also: Vicky Christina Barcelona, Amelie and The Hours. Reading- Elegance of the Hedgehog, Let the Great World Spin and Kafka on the Shore. It feels good going back to the familiar and to know I’m going to enjoy it.
What advice do you have for your fans in isolation during this time?
Once a week I have a concert night with friends where we pick a show online and all watch it at the same time. It’s really fun- and I highly recommend it. We’ve done Pearl Jam ’92- Pinkpop, Radiohead- Live in Berlin and Jeff Buckley- Live in Chicago.
Brass Against’s debut EP, featuring the group’s first original work following covers of Rage Against the Machine, Tool, etc, is out now (order here).
