Q&A with Minds Idle – Support Local Bands

A worldwide pandemic has not been the best time for upcoming music artists. With gigs being cancelled and live performances postponed for the foreseeable future, it’s even harder for small bands to get their music heard. We got in touch with ‘Minds Idle’, a local psych pop band from Sheffield formed by four friends inspired by old records. We wanted to hear how they’re handling lockdown and if they have any plans for a post-COVID music industry.

How did lockdown affect the band initially and have you been working on anything during this time?

“So when lockdown hit, we’d already recorded some raw tracks that needed mixing, so I locked myself in our rehearsal room/studio and mixed our debut EP, which came out in May. This was super lucky, otherwise we might not have been able to work on anything musical during lockdown and we’d have fallen behind. Aside from that, three of us live together so we’ve been able to keep jamming and writing songs, but it’s hard to stay motivated as there are no gigs to plan for, and we can’t get in the studio to record the new material.”

How do you think this pandemic has effected upcoming/small bands?

“It’s interesting seeing how artists have adapted to this new setting. Live stream gigs seem to be the new norm, and I think this will continue after COVID. Music seems to be following the same path as TV, Film, shopping: all heading into the online sphere, for better or worse.”

Do you have anything in store for after lockdown?

“It’s hard to plan something for after lockdown, as no one is sure when this whole thing will end! So we don’t have anything specific planned, we’re currently working on a music video and other online content. We’re aiming to get into the studio ASAP and record some new tracks, and have them out by Christmas!”

Keep up to date with the band on Instagram - @minds_idle

Stream their new EP, available on all streaming services now.