CABIN FEVER with Fractures

As the world goes deeper into self-isolation, it is important to keep the lines of communication open and continue to support each other as much as we possibly can.

Acid Stag has launched a new series titled “CABIN FEVER” where we ask artists from all over the world to give us some insight into how self-isolation has affected their creativity and mental health, and also ask what they have/will be doing to keep their sanity and creativity flowing through these difficult times.

Todays instalment of the series sees us check in with Melbourne multi-instrumentalist / producer Fractures!

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What is your current situation; are you at home alone, with family, or friends?
Fractures: Home with my wife, Soph. Soaking in the marital bliss.

Have you been dealing with any mental health issues as a result of this isolation?
Fractures: Lucky enough to have avoided any major mental health issues of my own. I’m as anxious, saddened and bored as anyone else I would imagine but not in a way that has gotten in the way of what I’d call normal function.

What have you been doing to manage your mental state (e.g. meditation, yoga, writing music etc).
Fractures: Writing music is always the fallback. That’s usually the cause of most of my angst too, especially when I’m not all that productive or creative on a certain day, so making sure I step away when I feel I should is also something I try to do.

Like most people, getting outside for a solid hour of walking or whatever when I can, some call it exercise. Then there is the world of gaming, at present I am a young Jedi Night which takes my mind off the real world for a while.

Have you tried collaborating with other artists online, and if that is a yes, do you feel this has helped you feel less isolated & confined?
Fractures: I’ve got a few things going on but mainly over email so I wouldn’t say it has made a huge dent in feeling less disconnected but it’s still nice to have some music ‘admin’ to do so it feels like I’m achieving something. I’ve done some Zoom stuff here and there too which is flawed and frustrating but it’s as close as I’ll get to being in a room with other musos so I’ll take what I can get at this stage.

In all honesty, being a bit selfish and trying to finish my own songs has been front of mind more than anything.

Do you have any words of wisdom that you would like to share with fellow artists and your fans?
Fractures: I’m not one for maxims but I’d like to think most of them know the score at this point, so just do whatever keeps you happy and sane within the constraints that have been placed upon us. I’d probably refer to my previous answer: if you’re not feeling creative then don’t force it. It tends to only make you feel slightly or entirely inadequate. That’s what I’ve found anyhow.

What is your “go-to” song right now?
Fractures: In all honesty I have made little to no effort to listen to music but one of the last tunes I found myself playing is New York Minute by Don Henley. No reason beyond the fact it’s a great tune. So that’s me.