Remi talks us through his self-care regime, in case it might help you too
Let us help him help you.
It’s a pretty challenging time for everyone right now, but among the hardest hit by the current crisis are our creative communities.
There are some phenomenal initiatives and organisations out there supporting artists in a practical sense (see here, here and here for starters), but sometimes it can also be a huge help just to know you’re not alone.
To this end, we spoke with Melbourne lyricist Remi Kolawole to see how he’s doing and what’s helping him get by. The result was a candid conversation, that we – and he – hope might help you that little bit too.
Hi Remi, thanks for chatting with us. How are you feeling right now?
The perfect balance of grateful and confused. I’m grateful for my personal circumstance, that I am blessed enough to have a safe environment to isolate in, and confused about what our collective future looks like.
What’s it like for the arts industry currently?
Well, that’s the confusion, none of us really know what to do. We don’t know where we’re headed. We don’t know what the other side looks like. But that is the reality for so many right now: another day-by-day situation.
We’ve lost a bunch of gigs and had to cancel an overseas tour but, to be honest, that pales in comparison to what so many others have been through. Like I said, I’m grateful.
How are you, personally, finding isolation?
It’s really day by day. My mood and positive outlook are dictated by when and how I get out of bed, what the weather’s like, what I’m eating, etc.
I’ve been trying to work out every day. I busted my foot and the physio gave me all these exercises I’ve been neglecting, so I’ve been doing them. I’m also usually listening to any updates on the situation while I’m doing this (Corona Cast, Political Announcements, Al Jazeera Livestream, etc.). Then I just drink heaps of water.
How are you structuring your days?
I try and set myself tasks every day. The first couple of weeks was honestly just a stoned haze of music-making, but if this shit goes on for six months, that’s a bit long for a bender. I try to start with activity, eat my three major meals, get outside while it’s still light then fill the rest of my day with whatever knowledge I can obtain and art I can make.
When you need a lift, what is your self-care regime?
For starters, record Digging on Discogs. Now that I’m unable to go into record stores to find new music that I might not find anywhere else, the next best thing is going on Discogs and digging to find some beautiful old music that will transport me momentarily from COVID-19 Melbourne 2020 to Kraut Rock Cologne 1980.
Type Discogs into Google, click on Discogs, type in one of your favourite albums, look at all the players, instrumentalists, singers, record label, etc., then click on the various players and see what other records they played on. ou will probably wade through a lot of shitty music to find the gems, but that’s the game.
I also recommend cooking for yourself the way you would for others. I find I’ll usually cook whatever for myself, but if I’m having people around, I’ll go above and beyond to cook an exceptional meal. This is usually because it takes time to prepare nice food and I often care more for others than I do myself. Now is the time to really focus on caring for yourself as much as others.
So, if you have an outlandish/intricate meal you can afford to make during these times or something you wanna try, I’d suggest going as hard as you can. I personally have started slowly, and am making sure I cook enough caramelised onions at the beginning of the week to lace my burritos, sandwiches and bruschetta.
Do you have any messages to share with FJ readers?
It’s okay to feel lost. There is literally no certainty to anything we’re being told. If you are privileged enough to be at home, or have found yourself in a jobless place isolated, focus as much you can on your needs. If what you need is to do nothing, do that. If what you need to do is get busy, do that. To all those still working from the home, I hope you can find a peaceful balance between your work life and home life. To those working right now, I’m so grateful for you. Thank you so much.
For more of what REMI has been up to, listen to the duo’s AA Side here.
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