While the rest of the world has been slowly returning to their normal work and play routines with adjusted precautions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the music industry continue to find themselves uncertain of their futures.

With crew workers, venue staff and musicians alike all wondering how their careers will play out over the next few months (or years) as the world attempts to find safe ways to make live music return, artists are forced to find new ways to keep their creativity flowing while also staying safe and active in order to not lose out on a year of their professional lives.

And though that task can seem daunting, especially while the world is crumbling around them, millions of musicians are now expanding their portfolios, skillsets and creative endeavors to keep both themselves and fans engaged in new ways- and Ireland based alternative rock band Stone Sea are no different.

Following the cancellation of their UK tour earlier this year, the band have found new ways to keep themselves busy while also honing in on their craft. From learning new methods of production to revamping old tracks, the band have not stopped working and aren’t letting 2020 get them down.

We had the chance to chat with the band about how their 2020 is going and to find out how they are staying creative in a year of uncertainty. You can read our full interview below, and be sure to check out the band’s latest single, “Dream Song,” out now.

Second Society Report: How are you holding up during this insane year that is 2020? Hopefully your friends and families are staying safe and healthy!

Stone Sea: Doing fine and family and friends are safe and sound (though slightly out of their minds), thanks for asking! 

SSR: Did you have any big releases or tours that were put on hold because of the pandemic? How has that affected the band? (could be personally, financially, morale wise, etc.)

Stone Sea: Unfortunately yes, we had an album to record and a tour to promote it that was already booked in UK this September. We had to cancel everything. I think it affected all of our good expectations for this year but sure look, we weren’t the only ones.  

SSR: How have you been spending your newfound “downtime” while the world has been essentially shut down?

Stone Sea: This was actually the bright side of it, I always wanted to learn and put my mind into producing music myself, so I ended up buying seven online courses related to it that really helped me keep sane. Apart from that it was a great moment to write new songs, learn languages and read books. In other words it was a great moment for introspection that I like to think I used it wisely.  

SSR: Have you picked up any new hobbies while quarantining that you’d like to share?

Stone Sea: Apart from the ones I mentioned, I was also doing yoga, I got myself a USB joystick and with emulators I played many video games I loved when I was younger, I also made a website for myself. After a while I was already bored with all of that though; I wanted to get out and see people, hug all my friends, go to the bar, to a role-coaster, literally anything but staying home, so in a way I also got close to insanity and boredom. 

SSR: Have you worked on any new releases during this time? Any that are already out or that we can get a sneak peak of?

Stone Sea: In fact yes, we just released the music video for an alternative version of our song “Dream Song” that counts with my mom singing in the end of it and Carl Sagan, Charles Manson & more in the sound FX apart from my family, friends and old tapes of my family in the video. The result is pretty insane, check it out! 

SSR: If already out- what was the inspiration for the release? Have you written any songs specifically about the state of the world right now?

Stone Sea: “Dream Song” came out after forcing myself for a few months to describe what happens with my unconsciousness when I sleep. The images I had from past dreams and from thoughts that would come to me when I’m about to sleep were partially described in the lyrics, but more importantly, the feelings I felt were described in the nuances and melodies of the song. I think it is a special song, it talks about so much in such little time, I feel dreams are exactly like that too… And the music video does relate to a lot of what’s happening today, especially in the nightmare section. 

SSR: How has it been being an artist in a time when you cannot tour? How have you been working to promote your music and expand your reach?

Stone Sea: I’ve been trying to focus on composing new songs and talking to the public on social media. There are plenty of things we could do, we just gotta be creative in delivering arts to the public. I’m sure people recognize how art is important; we would literally be mad if it wasn’t by art entertaining us in this quarantine. 

SSR: Do you have any words of advice for fans that are feeling particularly bummed out about the live music world coming to a halt?

Stone Sea: For all the good and bad things that happen in life we have to keep in mind one thing: it will pass. Meanwhile, craft your art.

SSR: When the world returns to a safer spot and we are able to (hopefully) attend live shows again- say in 2021- what do you hope to achieve?

Stone Sea: Next step is to record this new album, a few music videos, and when gigs are back again we want to release it and go on tour. That’s the plan so far. Can’t wait to be back on stage.  

SSR: Is there anything you wish your fans would know about you or about the current state of the music world?

Stone Sea: Thank you all for helping us reach 10k views on the “Dream Song” music video.

You stream “Dream Song,” out now, and be sure to connect with Stone Sea via the links below to stay up to date on all of the most recent news.

Facebook / Instagram / Youtube / Soundcloud / Spotify / Bandcamp