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 Arsenic Addiction as they’ve been spending this time working.

What have you been doing to pass time during Quarantine?

Lady A: We have been taking the time to focus on our digital image as a band by making music videos, acquiring art for new merchandise, and getting quotes for vinyl. We are trying to ‘get our ducks in a row’ if you will, for when live shows can continue. The aesthetic of our band has always been important to us, and this has allowed us the time to really focus on what message/image we want to present that will represent our message well. 

Nate Dahlquist: Mostly TV shows, video games, and housework. With the occasional drumming when I can muster the enthusiasm.

James Kessler: Unfortunately, my work has been fairly busy with no real slow down. So between work, home life, helping with writing, and creating new imagery for AA, and some downtime it has kept me occupied.

Tyler Gipson: I’m lucky enough to be able to work, partially, from home. So, I’m still managing to get a few hours of work each day. Other than that, I spend my time with my creative hobbies.

Have you been listening to any music or have any playlists worth checking out?

Lady A: Of course music has been a huge part of quarantine. A playlist we’d recommend on Spotify is ‘Intro to Swedish Metal’ as it is a great compilation of metal bands both heavy, melodic, bangers, and thought-provoking pieces. If you’re looking for something more meditative we’d recommend ‘Northern Spirits’ which is a lot of folk, chanting, nature-inspired, with an old-world feel. 

Nate Dahlquist: Lots of music and vinyl buying. I also made a Spotify playlist called The Motivator that is 3 hours of songs I like with motivating song titles, lyrics, and feels.

James Kessler: I have been listening to a few stations shared to me by Lady A, including ‘Intro to Swedish Metal’, and ‘Morning Coffee Jazz’. Also ‘Folkesange’ by Myrkur, Tool, Black Sabbath, and St. Paul and the Broken Bones.

Tyler Gipson: Truth be told, I’ve been spending most of my time listening to D&D podcasts.  Think of it as an audiobook with different people controlling the outcome of the story. 

A lot of people have been spending this time cooking including making their own bread, what food have you been prepping during this time?

Lady A: Cooking and baking have always been a part of our routine, so I wouldn’t say we’ve gone out of our way to cook a new recipe or treat, but we’ve enjoyed watching all the videos of people discovering their love for food or baking. Some of our favorite recipes to make are definitely a variety of pies that are savory and sweet, and any cottagecore like dishes such as stews, roasts, jams, or one-pot dinners. 

Nate Dahlquist: I’ve successfully learned to steam vegetables and fry frozen, pre-grilled chicken.

James Kessler: I am usually a Sous Chef of preparing side dishes and helping prep for Lady A in the kitchen. If it is not spaghetti then I am helpless.

Tyler Gipson: Fast Food. That is all. 

In terms of entertainment, what movies, TV shows, books, or games have been keeping you busy?

Lady A: I am a huge fan of all things horror, but lately with the chaos of the world I find myself watching movies or playing games that are a little more wholesome or can be done with very little thought. When I feel emotionally spent I watch shows like ‘The Great British Baking Show’ and play games like ‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons.’ Sometimes simplicity is best. Also, Sci-Fi or Fantasy such as ‘The Mandolorian,’ ‘Star Wars,’ or the entire LOTR universe provides a much-needed escape. 

Nate Dahlquist: Spider-man and Star Wars in nearly all categories. Also, I got really into 30 Rock.

James Kessler: I love Horror films and just films in general. I have watched all the Star Wars Films, LOTR films, Hannibal (tv series), The Great British Baking Show, The Mandolorian, Saturday Night Live, and What We Do In the Shadows. I suck at video games so I usually opt-out and enjoy watching Lady A play them. Bookwise I have been into Stephen King, reading The Shining, Dr. Sleep, And IT. Also Thomas Harris’ Red Dragon and Silence of the Lambs. 

Tyler Gipson: I’ve been catching up on Star Trek; I’m nearly through the Voyager series. I also spend a large amount of time every week Playing Dungeons & Dragons. 

What advice do you have for your fans in isolation during this time?

Lady A: I had great ambitions when quarantine began to focus on music and the next album, singing techniques, piano pieces, reading, writing, exercising, and all the self-improvements I’ve been telling myself I haven’t had the time to focus on. Unfortunately, I’ve learned it wasn’t necessarily a lack of time but of motivation. Quarantine hasn’t helped that lack of motivation, and I was really hard on myself for the first little while. My advice to our fans is this – do not measure your worth in productivity. We are dealing with a worldwide pandemic, politics, social injustice, and more on top of our own personal issues. If all you did was manage to take care of yourself today, I am proud of you. Self-improvement and reflection is good, and something I think we should all focus on when we can, but part of that is making sure you are in a good place to make those improvements first. 

Nate Dahlquist: It’s okay. Everything sucks, but it’s okay. Take care of yourself when you can and others when you are able.

James Kessler: This has been a difficult time for everyone in one way or another, but we will get through it together. Sometimes just taking care of the simplest tasks is the best we can do for the day and that is okay. Try your best to take care of yourselves and others around you. 

Tyler Gipson: Spend this time to work on your creative hobbies.