photo by Ivana Louvar

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 Romasa as they’ve been spending this time working.

What have you been doing to pass time during Quarantine?

Matthew Moorin: Working on other musical endeavors, writing for this project, learning new things and generally not leaving my house as much as humanly possible.

Rob Lovell: I’ve been fortunate enough to have been working full time throughout quarantine, so my schedule hasn’t changed much. Aside from eating out less and not playing any shows, I’ve still been going to work and having practice with all of my bands pretty much just like normal. 

Samael White: Reading, watching documentaries, and riding my bike. Also learning to play the banjo and drums, and the bands still get together regularly for practice.

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

Matthew: Current frequent spins: Suffering Hour – In Passing Ascension, Mark Isham – Vapor Drawings, Oily Boys – Cro Memory Grin, Geld – Beyond the Floor, Faceless Burial – Speciation,  Haruomi Hosono/Tadanori Yokoo – Cochin Moon, Yes – Close to the Edge.

Rob: I’ve been getting really into Wang Chung and Sting’s first two solo albums.

Samael: Listened to the new Ulver record quite a few times already. Mostly various Prog and 80’s Heavy Metal bands like Yes, Queensryche, Thin Lizzy, Rainbow, and of course, Ozzy.

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

Matthew: My veg crunchwrap game is strong.

Rob: I’ve made so many vegan cookies that I’m embarrassed to talk about them in detail. Specifically because I’ve eaten a majority of what I’ve baked.

Samael: I’ll be honest my cooking game leaves much to be desired but I’ve made some damn fine chili and street style tacos.

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

Matthew: Currently reading: Drawings From the Gulag by Danzig Baldaev and Compliments of Chicagohoodz by James O’Connor and David Corrado. Also a nerdy podcast called Darknet Diaries, if you only listen to one episode make it #54 – NotPetya, it’s a totally insane story.

Rob: I watched the FIREFLY series for the first time ever. That show is life changing and I thank my partner Melody for showing it to me. I really hope that somehow it gets a revival/reboot. 

Samael: Got introduced to What We Do in the Shadows (series) and The Social Dilemma on Netflix. Reading William Faulkner’s Light in August and also finally read For Whom the Bell Tolls (thanks Metallica). Been playing things on Sega Genesis like Sonic, Ecco the Dolphin, Castlevania, and Mega Man. Old video games are fucking hard.

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

Matthew: Make stuff and put it out there, even if you hate it.

Rob: Keep making as much music and art as your heart can crank out. The world will always want to hear, see, and feel your creations. Artists – You are humanity’s only hope!

Samael: Appreciate every moment. In music, every second counts so I hope our art helps people learn to experience life within the time they have to develop themselves and respect each other. We’re all in this together and it’s only temporary, just like life itself.