Vodka can be used to make effective DIY hand sanitizer

Local artists maintain creativity by performing live from home contact the editor: lifestyles@alestlelive.com 650-3527 READ NEXT WEEK ABOUT TATTOO ARTISTS DURING THE PANDEMIC lifestyles alestlelive.com page 4 thursday, 04.09.20

ISOBEL ABBOTT-DETHROW reporter

Across the United States, over 6 million people have filed for unemployment benefits as the pandemic continues to close businesses, shut people at home and put industries on hold. In the music industry, record production has been postponed, concerts are canceled and musicians are out of their careers for the time being.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected artists close to home. The St. Louis music scene relies on D.I.Y. house venues, hole-inthe-wall venues and the chance to support touring artists at wellknown venues across the city in order to get their music exposed. Audiences can no longer discover music that may be in their backyard.

Keyboardist Noah Gregory for St. Louis band Thames, of Fenton, Missouri, revealed they were just getting a following as the pandemic began to spread across the country. Thames played their last show at Blueberry Hill Duck Room on March 3, supporting Oregon-based touring band Flor.

“Thames usually plays a couple shows a month,” Gregory said. “Our last show [with Flor], we gained 30 followers, which is a significant number. It sucks we can’t be out there promoting ourselves, because no one is out there to listen.”

According to Gregory, Thames was eight months into making a new record. With everything shut down, the album is at a standstill.

“We’re missing out on shows, publicity, marketing and just meeting people,” Gregory said. “It’s just set us back so much.”

Within the chaos, there seems to be a glimmer of hope for musicians to still play for people cooped up in their homes. On Instagram, a new account has emerged, “Concerts From Your Bedroom.” The mastermind behind the account is Soph Sterzl of St. Louis, who is in a band herself, Grandpa’s Basement.

“I was trying to find ways to keep my friends coming together,” Sterzl said. “With situations like this, people need a place to go, a community. The music scene is a strong community in St. Louis; it’s impacted me in the best ways possible and I know it’s done the same for others. I wanted people to know that we’re still here supporting each other and there was a place for people to go.”

Bands across the country have used the account, but it is mostly local. The first band showcased was from Tennessee; Sterzl wanted to make sure her touring friends were included. The account was created right when the pandemic picked up steam in the United States on March 16 and has already gained about 200 followers. A few bands have streamed live so far and others are in talks of taking part; Sterzl hopes that a different band will use the account daily in the future.

One of the perks of “Concerts From Your Bedroom” is that live-streaming bands don’t have to miss out on turning a profit.

“I put everybody’s Venmo in the [account’s] bio,” Sterzl said. “I did this because I work for larger concert venues. [The pandemic] ripple affects the whole industry, not just small bands. I was hoping people could contribute whatever they can to provide for others. I’ve seen a pretty good response, even if it’s just a couple dollars.”

One local band that is interested in live-streaming a concert is The Slow Boys. The Slow Boys run one of St. Louis’ D.I.Y. venues, Dugan Haus, in Tower Grove South, among other houses in the neighborhood. According to keyboardist Dylan Andersen of St. Louis, The Slow Boys had a tour lined up before the pandemic hit, along with some shows at Dugan.

“It’s a place for touring bands to play, make money and sleep if they need to,” Andersen said. “We told the bands that were supposed to come that we weren’t doing any more shows. Every day, a band was cancelling. Nobody’s doing anything right now.”

Andersen is able to keep a job working on a garden, without any human interaction. At home, The Slow Boys are writing and recording music everyday. Andersen is currently working on a solo EP.

Gregory is also working on music projects during self-quarantine, such as his other group, Blond Guru. Unfortunately, Gregory was laid off from his job for the next few weeks.

“I currently have no source of income,” Gregory said. “Thames is making more than we’re spending now, but all those side gigs are gone.”

Keep up to date on live music by following Concerts From Your Bedroom on Instagram and check out Thames and The Slow Boys’ music on Spotify.