Everything
The days are slowly but surely rolling on as we work and create from our homes. Whether it be on the lounge, dining table, bed or for the lucky ones, a home office, the will to stay inspired day-to-day is a guessing game. Though it is okay to have days when it all seems too hard, we hope to fill the void, even just for a few fleeting minutes of this article. In a fresh series, ICON speaks with industry creatives – be it music, style, dance, writing, or even social media – on how to stay inspired during self-isolation. And hopefully a handful of tips for you, the reader, on the way.
Next up, ICON speaks with Sonny, an artist and DJ hailing from Melbourne who made the big move to Copenhagen in 2017. His debut record Union: Integration of the Shadow released from self-isolation is out now.
ICON: Can you explain what a normal day looks like for you at the moment?
Sonny: Up until now, I had a studio at home, so I would wake up, check some news about COVID-19 and then begin my day recording. But I’m moving to Sweden on Friday, so I had to pack it down! When it’s back up and running I’ll be working on my second album though.
How has your daily routine changed since lockdown?
S: I think it hasn’t really changed that much. I always worked from a home studio, but maybe its been a little more difficult because my girlfriend is writing her thesis at the moment and is forced to do that from home too. So I’ve had to share the space a bit and take up fishing as a hobby to give her some music free time. That’s been nice however, to just get out and relax a bit in nature.
What are the three items you have with you whilst you work/create?
S: My computer, a bottle of soda stream and my Casio CZ5000.
How are you staying creative during this time? Where do you look for inspiration?
S: It’s difficult to get bogged down in statistics and news items at the moment, so I’ve started looking less and less. But it has affected my creativity in some ways as it’s almost like going through a grieving process. The fishing has helped break it up though and I’ve noticed after being outside one day that the following days have been really productive and inspiring. So nature has to be the big answer there. I also try and walk for at least an hour a day just to see other faces and see the energy of the city.
Do you have any advice for people struggling with the transition of working from home?
S: Don’t put so much pressure on yourself would be the first thing. It’s completely fine to just stay in bed and do nothing for a day or two midweek. Everyone is in the same boat. But it’s also good to set goals for the week that are achievable to make you feel some sense of completion or satisfaction. Also stay away from alcohol would be a big one, as it’s not helping. Instead, get into something different, like cooking amazing food. So many great recipes are floating around on the web and the supermarket is not off-limits!
You can read Part 1 with Paul Watson, Head of Communications for Menswear at MatchesFashion, here.
