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 Plasma Canvas’ Jude McCarron (drums) and Adrienne Ash (guitar/vocals) as they remind us to forgive ourselves and to hold onto our hobbies that will make things less sucky during this time. 

What have you been doing to pass time during Quarantine?

Jude: I’m considered an essential employee, so unfortunately I’m still working full time and trying to maintain social distancing and staying safe. Since most things are closed I’ve been working towards tightening my chops and doing a lot more writing. I’m also trying to make sure I check on my friends and making sure they’re doing okay.

Adrienne Ash: I still have a factory job so that eats up a lot of my time, but I’ve been trying to stay in a good mood. I end up playing a lot of video games and smoking a lot of weed. I try to get out and take walks whenever I can, so I can feel some sun on me. My partner skates, so I like to hang out with them while they shred! Lots of coffee and guitar playing in between all that as well.

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

Jude: Always listening to music and trying to keep up with all the live concerts that people are doing. Bands I’ve been into lately are When Particles Collide, Cheap Perfume, PEARS, Every Time I Die, The Distillers, and Jimmy Eat World. 

Adrienne Ash: I actually made my own playlist on the SideOneDummy Spotify! It’s called, Living Room Mosh Pit Dance Party, and it rules! Other than that, I’ve really been digging into The Menzingers lately. The very first song I heard with them has that line “Where we gonna go, now that our 20s are over?” and as someone who’s about to turn 30, I felt that. 

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

Jude: I’ve been trying to be more plant based with my diet so I’ve been cooking with a lot of Seitan from a local food vendor called Mama’s Tofu. I made an Orange “Chicken” the other day that turned out real nice. 

Adrienne Ash: I’ve been making so much food lately, and it’s awesome! I made proper St. Louis chili the other day, from my mama’s recipe. I’m finishing it up right now as I type this. It’s been so nice to feel that much closer to family by making something we always used to eat growing up. I’ve also been making a lot of spaghetti and throwing ALL THE CHEESE on it. It’s the best. 

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

Jude: I’ve been trying to dig into a WW1 novel called the Great War by Peter Hart, watching the James Acaster Special on Netflix on repeat, and playing Stardew Valley with my Partner.

Adrienne Ash: I’ve been listening to a lot of podcasts to pass the time and stay informed. Some favorites include 100 Words Or Less, Lead Singer Syndrome, Turned Out A Punk, Punk Rock MBA, The Daily, Start Here, and Swindled. My partner and I live together, so we’ve been watching a lot of our favorite nostalgia pieces. Personal favorites there: The Iron Giant, A Night At The Roxbury, and The Office. I also spend more time playing Mortal Kombat and Spider-Man than any person reasonably should. Reader, step to me and I will CRUSH you with Sub-Zero.

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

Jude: I’ve been trying to remind myself that this will be over, hopefully sooner than later, so I’m trying to take advantage of all my friends’ being home and calling them to talk. Also forgive yourself. This is a hard time for a lot of people and if you aren’t getting as far as you think you should be on your projects and goals It’s okay. Do the best you can.

Adrienne Ash: Try to remember every single thing you love and find a way to do it in a way that’s safe and protects the people around you. Remember that this isn’t going to last forever, even though it feels like it will. Listen to your favorite music as often and as loud as you want. Find any small thing that gives you joy and cling to it. Don’t worry if you have a quirky hobby or interest that you think people will make fun of you for. Anything that makes the endless suck of this virus seem slightly less sucky is worth holding onto.

Plasma Canvas are gearing up for their new EP, KILLERMAJESTIC, which is scheduled to arrive on June 12th via SideOneDummy Records (pre-order here).