What’s SŌK Been Up to During the Quarantine?
By Jonah Nink
Artwork by Alexis Plain
This is a weird time. I think that I speak for everyone in the band when I say that we miss performing for all of you lovely people greatly. While social distancing can be a bummer, risking the health and well being of ourselves and our fans would be even more so, which is why we’ve decided to hunker down and do our part to help stop this nasty illness. That doesn’t mean that we can’t at least fill you in on how we’ve been spending our downtime! So if you got a few minutes, which you definitely do because you should also be at home right now you dummy, here’s a look at how each member of SŌK is helping to flatten the curve.
Nick
Let me preface this by saying if you’re reading this and you’re feeling well, then you’re luckier than many out there right now. I’ve been constantly reminding myself of this throughout this catastrophe of a month. We can all be negative about this and wallow in despair for as long as this goes on, or we can remind ourselves that this too, will pass. A great way to do this is to make a list of what you’re grateful for and lucky to still have. Here are a few of mine:
I’m grateful I can still go for runs outside and conquer the great outdoors.
I’m grateful I can still create music within the comfort of my own home.
I’m lucky that school, music, and work were all put on pause on a good note.
On my last day of teaching lessons, one of my bass guitar students told me I’m her “favorite teacher ever” and then her mom told me after the lesson how she always talks about how much she loves coming to the lessons and learning. Memories like that will help get me through the times to come. I didn’t talk about this enough, but I can’t stress how important it is to help others out during this time. That can be as simple as ordering take-out from your favorite Mexican restaurant a few times a week to keep giving them business.
Alexis
This quarantine season I’ve been gladly taking a moment to slow down and catch my breath. Being a full time student, part time employee, and full time band member gets to be a lot, so the extra rest has been good for me. Other than beginning Game of Thrones with my roommate and hardcore binging, I’ve been taking the time to write a lot and work on several unfinished projects. Reading some books (like my queen Patti Smith), working on DIY clothes (get ready for some patchwork denim), and creating online content for SŌK (including our first YouTube video).
Plus my cat Nala is thrilled to have me home, she’s been getting all of the scratches and kitten milk. Also I’m trying to be hip with the kids and get into TikTok? We’ll see how this goes.
Cameron
For this social distancing stuff, I’ve spent time working on new material for the band, listening to new music, and taking a lot of naps. Overall, trying to find healthy ways to adjust my time and adjust to the change.
(Editor's note: Cameron’s note is shorter because he is currently in a deep meditation to discover the art of the perfect blast beat. If this is interrupted for too long, the very fabric of reality may collapse.)
Jonah
I only just recently came to terms with the fact that my school year effectively ended a few weeks ago. Sure, I still have work and online classes but… come on. Apart from not being able to jam with my bandmates, my radio show, Household Dragons, was also cancelled for the rest of the semester.
But it’s ok though! I’m doing my best to keep busy with my writing, which I love almost as much as my jazz bass. I’ve contributed a healthy amount of work to the Hard Times, Chicago Machine, and the UIC Radio Blog, and am currently in the planning stages of a larger personal project. I’m also trying to learn how to use some recording equipment that my family got a hold of recently. I apologize in advance for any terrible acoustic David Bowie covers that might result from it.
But what would a quarantine be without some quality albums, movies, video games and TV Shows? Here’s my shortlist:
TV: True Detective, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Video Games: Doom Eternal, Borderlands 3, Civilization 5
Albums: Just as I Am by Bill Withers, John Prine by John Prine, London Calling by the Clash
Movies: Misery, Hot Fuzz, The Fly
If you’re looking for more ways to help out than just social distancing, here is a great overview of how to assist non-profits, restaurants, and those especially at risk to illness during these uncertain times.
If you’d like to help support SŌK during this hiatus, you can purchase merch from the SŌK Store here or send donations to our Venmo or Cash App: @AlexisPloen.