Atlanta post rock duo ‘68 surprised us last month with their new EP, Love Is Ain’t Dead (order here). We caught up with guitarist/vocalist Josh Scogin to discuss recording new music during a pandemic, quarantine life, and more.
What were some challenges you faced releasing the new EP, Love Is Ain’t Dead, during a pandemic?
Honestly, as terrible as the pandemic is, it didn’t hinder anything for this EP. In fact, it was a huge catalyst for it. Since I was home and not touring, I had plenty of time to write and record it. One week to write it and one week to record it. Plus, I’m confident that on a normal basis, our producer Nick Raskulinecz would have his schedule full too, but, he had nothing going on at the moment so it just made sense.
Can you talk more about the video for “Bad Bad Lambo?”
The video is a very linear set of actions. At first I was just going to release the music with a still image of our snake logo. Then I thought it would be funny to have it glitch out like once in the middle for no reason. That glitch got bigger and bigger, until I decided to just make a glitchy looking music video. I guess that’s the power of boredom, during quarantine.
How has quarantine been like for you from the beginning back in March to how things are now?
I’m very grateful to be healthy and for those close to me to be healthy, a lot of people aren’t as fortunate. So, ever since March, I have just taken it one day at a time. Having been unemployed since Dec of 2019 makes it a slippery slope of depression, anxiety and stress but I do my best to stay optimistic and try to take advantage of this time to spend with loved ones. As someone who is typically on tour, more of the year, than I’m home, flexing on the relationships part of my life might not be a bad thing. None of us are promised tomorrow.
Have you been spending time working on new music and if so, how has the chaos that is 2020 affected the overall creative process?
I’ve mostly been working on music videos and visual stuff. Typically, I’m having to make our music videos while on the road or during a brief 2 week break in between touring. Now I have time, that is something I’ve never had before.
Bands and venues have been getting creative to have events happen including drive in concerts. However, it’s still uncertain when shows will go back to normal. What are your thoughts surrounding the uncertainty of shows?
I don’t really have any thoughts other than, I just can’t wait to mix and mingle with real people again. These fake shows on webcams with no audiences are for the birds. I know bands are scrambling around to figure out ways of staying in the spotlight during this worldwide pandemic but, these just feel strange to me. It would be as if Wrestle Mania went ahead and aired with no audience….oh wait.
With 2020 nearing a close, what are some of your favorite heavier albums that were released this year?
Hmmm, I’m not sure. Has that new Every Time I Die album came out yet?
Is there anything else you want to say or add to your fans?
🤘😷
