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 Ape Shifter guitarist Jeff Aug as he’s been spending this time writing and recording demos.
What have you been doing to pass time during Quarantine?
Been doing a lot of writing and recording demos for upcoming solo (Jeff Aug) and Ape Shifter releases. I’ve sent a few to Murat Parlak (Anne Clark, Harald Schmidt) and we´ve been collaborating on a few tracks. I’ve also sent some tracks to Sorry About Your Daughter singer Glenn Hall and bassist Aaron Wertlieb and it looks like there’s going to be a track or two. I´ve also shot a “riff” lesson for Guitar World and filmed a cooking episode for Brutally Delicious. On top of that, it’s been applying for whatever grant money is available, rescheduling shows and full on tours. My “Quarantine” demo sessions solo track went out on May 1st (only digital).
Have you been listening to any music or have any playlists worth checking out?
Oh yes! I found Vince Weber´s album The Boogie Man in my office. Someone gave it to me years ago and it hasn’t made it home to my record player until today. It is INCREDIBLE!!!! I looked the guy up on the internet and it turns out he died this past February (2020) and this album was his debut. Amazing. I wish I took it home to listen to earlier. Other than that, Scorpions’ Virgin Killers and Animal Magnetism; The Cars´ debut, Misfits Walk Among Us, and The Housemartins are getting lost in plays. It’s only a matter of a day or two before I put on Billy Bragg…. It´s the Summer of the evening, get ready and roll the cassette; there´s boys outside preaching genocide and trying to think up some sort of threat (“Lovers Town Revisited”).
A lot of people have been spending this time cooking including making their own bread, what food have you been prepping during this time?
Matzo Brei, Omelets of all sorts (pizza omelet is one of my favorites), … my wife’s an amazing cook and made some mujadara. She’s always cooking something. Thai Curry is on the menu for tomorrow.
In terms of entertainment, what movies, TV shows, books, or games have been keeping you busy?
Just reading the 4th Estate by Jeffrey Archer. Recently read The Velvet Monkeywrench by John Muir. Binge watched “The Ozarks”… Checked out some films on Netflix. My 5 year old daughter beats me at Memory. I showed my 9 year old son how to “thumb wrestle” and now he’s hooked. Been putting all the records and cds I will never listen to on Ebay.
What advice do you have for your fans in isolation during this time?
Advice? Respect others. Wash your hands. Wear your mask. Keep your distance.
