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 Dematerialize’s Jeremy Verbin (guitar) and Stephen Jinga (vocals) as they’ve been spending this time working from home and taking online classes.
What have you been doing to pass time during Quarantine?
Jeremy: I’ve been fortunate enough to work from home and take the classes I need online during quarantine which keeps me busy. Even then, I still find myself with extra downtime that I’ve filled by making guitar covers and writing tons of new music for Dematerialize. I also try to make time every morning to walk my dog which helps me stay active and get out of the house for a bit.
Stephen: For a while I was working from home and really focused on trying to find some inner peace in a time full of uncertainty. This included a lot of hiking, meditation, and writing my thoughts which usually transcribe into lyrics down the road. Now that I’ve been back to work I’ve been spending my free time afterwards hanging out with my bandmates online and working on some vocals covers to keep my voice in shape.
Have you been listening to any music or have any playlists worth checking out?
Jeremy: Craig and I have been listening to the New Metal Tracks and New Blood playlists on Spotify. Our song Astral got added to both and we’ve discovered a bunch of new bands on there that we’re really digging. Stephen has been on a pop punk bug and curated a BANGERS playlist on Spotify.
A lot of people have been spending this time cooking including making their own bread, what food have you been prepping during this time?
Jeremy: I’m not much of a chef- cooking gives me anxiety so I eat a lot of sandwiches.
Stephen: I’ve been making an effort to make bomb lattes that don’t cost $5
In terms of entertainment, what movies, TV shows, books, or games have been keeping you busy?
Jeremy and Stephen: All of us have been playing a downright irresponsible amount of Classic World of Warcraft.
What advice do you have for your fans in isolation during this time?
Jeremy: I would encourage everyone to use this time in isolation as an opportunity to be productive and creative. Quarantine can be challenging, but working on something you’re passionate about can keep your mind busy and allow you to create something meaningful. We’re living through such a strange and unique time, hopefully we can all come out of it better and stronger than before.
Stephen: A lot of people always say that they’ll take some time to learn a new skill or eventually do something in their life. The time to do that is always now, don’t wait for tomorrow to come. Being at home we are given an opportunity to better ourselves and discover something new. Live in the moment and embrace your true potential.
Check the video below for Dematerialize‘s new single “Astral” taken from their upcoming album Omniscience, out September 18th via Famined Records:
