QUARANTINE PROFILE: Wild Rivers
We’ve launch a new profile series to highlight how artists are spending their time during quarantine. Several times a week we’ll highlight a new artist across the globe and see how they’re keeping busy during COVID-19 lockdowns.
Toronto’s Wild Rivers started off May with a new EP, ‘Songs To Break Up To’. The band has always had a modern approach to their music, with refreshing blend of country-folk influence scattered throughout. Wild Rivers are Khalid Yassein, Devan Glover, Andrew Oliver & Julien Laferrière. Like many bands, they had a US and European tour scheduled for this Summer and now everything is on hold. As we wait for new plans we have the gang here to tell us what they’ve been up to in the meantime.
Wild Rivers Online: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Spotify | YouTube | Website
Where have you been spending your quarantine?
Andrew Oliver: I have been downtown Toronto, living with two of my best friends. Obviously it has been a scary and stressful time, but we’ve been fortunate and have managed to have a lot fun just being bored together.
How have you been staying busy during quarantine? (or not keeping busy is totally fine too)
Devan Glover: Although there have definitely been challenges, we feel lucky that we can do a lot of our job from home. We all have basic home-recording studio setups, so we’ve been finding ways to remotely collaborate on new song ideas by sending session files over to each other. It’s been an interesting process, and has forced us to adapt and be creative in different ways. Other than that, I’ve been doing more cooking than ever! It’s not something I get to do much, because the band is often on the move, but my family and I have been rotating who is in charge of dinner. It’s become a little bit competitive and everyone’s vying to make the best meal, so it’s been pretty funny.
Anything new you’ve learned?
Andrew Oliver: I spent a week on YouTube learning card tricks. I used to love magic tricks when I was younger, but realized a few months ago I didn’t know any. I was waiting for a good opportunity to learn some again, and here it is! I have thoroughly annoyed my roommates with them, but I think they are pretty sweet!
What’s a song that is your go to comfort jam?
-Devan Glover: “Somewhere only we know” by Keane; or anything Coldplay or Kacey Musgraves
-Khalid Yassein: “Pink Moon” by Nick Drake
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Khalid Yassein: I heard the singer songwriter Passenger talking about his career once in a podcast. He was speaking about how in unconventional careers like music, it’s difficult to feel productive and know what to do. His piece of advice that really hit home was to do just ONE thing every day to push you closer towards your goal. It could be as small as replying to an email you’ve been putting off. Life is a series of tiny steps.
Are there any livestream concerts you’ve really been inspired by or enjoying right now?
Julien Laferrière: Questlove has been doing some really cool DJ sets.