Local musicians have found a way to stay connected even while concerts are impossible during an era of physical distancing.
The Locals Cover Locals series on social media features Saint John-based artists performing cover songs of other local songwriters’ tunes.
David R. Elliott started the trend when he posted one of his favourite songs by Adam Mowery to Instagram a few weeks ago.
“(It was) basically out of boredom, and because I love that song and have wanted to do a version for so long,” he said. “But then I thought it would be a really cool idea to see how many people I could get to do the same thing as a way to be together in the music scene at a time when we can’t (physically gather).”
At this point, a few dozen songwriters from around the province have used the #LocalsCoverLocals hashtag on FaceBook and Instagram to post their cover tunes.
The loss of concerts at a local level puts the arts scene at a disadvantage, both financially and creatively.
“Really, the shows are where (musicians) see each other, and talk shop, and you build the scene from there,” Elliott said.
He hopes that the idea could grow into something else, like a live concert series, once social distancing measures are relaxed.
For now, the hope is this eases the mental health burden of experiencing isolation and quarantine-based boredom.
“It’s a fun way to be together and celebrate the music scene when we can’t have shows,” said Elliott. “It’s nice to do something really nice together on the internet.”
