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 NeoNera bassist Stephanie Leger as she’s been spending this time playing lots more bass.
What have you been doing to pass time during Quarantine?
Definitely playing lots more bass. I’m finding longer stretches to be able to practice where I can really sink myself into learning something new. I also took a few online lessons from one of my favorite bass players Ryan Stasik (Umphrey’s McGee, Doom Flamingo) which was super rad and not something I’d ever expect to be able to do. A lot of artists are offering to teach since they aren’t on the road touring, definitely worth checking out! We also built a new garden this year too so that’s kept me busy and it’s a great place to escape to and get some peace when the world is heavy. Or I go on long cycles along the river and just zone out.
Have you been listening to any music or have any playlists worth checking out?
I’ve been finding myself listening to more punk lately, especially when fired up from the state the world is in. Revisiting some older Pennywise, AFI, Rise Against, The Suicide Machines, they just released an album that’s super good.
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’ve made bread, but that’s not new for me. My new thing was homemade flour tortillas. Tacos are my jam so this upped my game and they are surprisingly easy to make and way tastier than store-bought. Filled with charred fish and fresh mango salsa… heaven.
In terms of entertainment, what movies, TV shows, books, or games have been keeping you busy?
I’ve watched a ton of livestreamed shows. I would regularly go see live music every week before quarantine so I’m missing that like crazy. A lot of bands have been streaming past shows or live from their homes which is cool and sort of helps fill that void for now until we can get back to live gigs. I’ve also watched a few bass talks put on by Berklee which have been super awesome seeing some of my idols all hanging and talking bass together, everyone from Justin Chancellor (Tool) to Shavo Odadjian (SOAD), led by Victor Wooten and Steve Bailey. I binge-watched Dead to Me on Netflix which was great but I’m not usually super into watching tv. I read Flea’s biography, he’s a pretty big musical inspiration to me so it’s cool reading about his life and adventures.
What advice do you have for your fans in isolation during this time?
We’re all thrown off of our usual rhythm, and shaken up. If we can ride this wave, learning and growing along the way I feel we’ll come out stronger. In all of history there have been struggles civilizations have fought through and I think if we dig deep enough we can find the strength to weather the storm. Take the time to appreciate the little things that you may miss when life is crazy busy, be kind, and look out for one another.
