As COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc in our world it can be very hard not to lose hope. Things seem to be just getting better… then worse again; kind of a teeter-totter effect. I have faith that we will win in the end. It’s just a matter of waiting this out. As a new artist waiting to release an album I just thought of a few things to do in the mean time. I have six points I believe can make a big difference.

1) Take care of your mental health. It’s easy to lose heart when the thing you’ve been working on and waiting to happen for so long is swept from under you. Gotta remember it is temporary. Things will get better but maybe not in our timing. Try and stay positive even though things around you look dark. Sometimes that’s easier said than done but important. Surround yourself with supportive people. If not fully supportive then at least positive. It’s easier to be positive when that’s what you associate with.

2) Physical Health. If you’ll eventually be able to get your album out and hopefully get a few shows in then physical health is very important. This includes eating right, sleeping enough and getting daily exercise. You’ll feel better, look better, and perform better at your shows.

3) Final product mixing. Now is the time if you’re able to go back and get the little things you might feel need fixing in your music to make sure you feel each song is at its best.

4) Planning. Decide how you want to release and present your music so that when the time is right it will be productive and fun for you and everyone around you.

5) Practice. Even in front of a mirror (yes I mean it). The more ready you are the more confidence you’ll have when the time comes for you to perform. You want to give people the best possible you there is, so practice is essential whether as a band or solo artist.

6) Don’t give up. If this is your dream, don’t allow circumstances to pave your destiny. This time won’t last forever. You don’t want to look back one day and wonder what you could have been if you’d stuck with it.

I’m in waiting mode myself. I just listened to a bunch of my songs and I can’t wait for the day I can get this music out for you guys. I’ve only heard final mixing for one out of twelve songs and it blew me away. Every day is one day closer to getting this out. I’m excited for the day that happens. I know it will be worth it.