By Tracy Dietlin
The members of these three bands have been nominated for countless CV Music Awards and have won several. Unfortunately the CV Music Awards had to be postponed this year like every other event. 5th Town released their first CD on March 7th and we’re looking forward to doing a CD release party right before COVID- 19 quarantine hit. I reached out to Josh and Linda Lemke-Heinz and Chelsea Sugarbritches to see how they are holding up during quarantine and these difficult times.
Josh and Linda Lemke-Heinz: 5th Town, Blasting Echo
CVW: What projects are you working on while in quarantine?
Linda: “I’m working with Josh on our weekly FB live performances and songwriting.”
Josh: “I’m working on releasing some stuff that’s been sitting on the shelf for several years. I’ll have more info on that to come soon. I continue to work on new music, as well as playing and practicing.”
CVW: I know you’re doing FB live shows from home. How do they feel compared to real shows?
Linda: “It’s been fun, and nice that my family back home gets to see us play.”
Josh: “They are fun, but a little bit more nerve racking. I feel that you are a lot more exposed when you do these. I challenge myself not to repeat songs, or not often. So I’m trying to pull out old songs I rarely play or songs that may not work as well acoustically – but I try them anyway. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t. Linda has been great at suggesting songs or reimagining some of our own songs.”
CVW: Do you feel like you’re getting a lot of support?
Josh: “I think so. Everyone’s been nice and complimentary. I have received comments and messages from people who don’t watch it live, but still take the time to watch afterward. Neither of us have family living in California, so it is a nice way for them to get to see and support us.”
CVW: Have you been checking out other artists as well?
Linda: “Yes. Local, national and international.”
Josh: “For sure. Michael Keeth. Vinny Berry. Giselle Woo. Cody White. Mikey Reyes & Bryanna Evaro. Lance Riebsomer. Derek Jordan Gregg. Courtney Chambers. Jetta King.”
CVW: What music has helped get you through this time?
Linda: “Tibetan singing bowls. No, but seriously: Tibetan singing bowls.”
Josh: “Fortunately the new Pearl Jam album came out right as this started happening – and I like it a lot – so I’ve been enjoying that.”
CVW: What else are you doing to get through? TV Shows? Stuff around the house?
Linda: “When the kids aren’t doing their school work and I’m not teaching we have movie marathons, cook together, play the Just Dance video game with Christopher and Jack, make art, read and play outside…”
Josh: “I was really enjoying Better Call Saul, and that just ended. But fortunately the Chicago Bulls documentary started up. Around the house, I’m trying to get things done that I have put off and not gotten to. Finding the time has been harder than you would think.”
CVW: How are you guys dealing with both being home with all the kids?
Linda: “I’m grateful for the time I’ve gotten to spend with them. We make the most of it by having as much fun as we can.”
Josh: “We are working on keeping the kids busy. It’s tough to be stuck in the same house for close to 2 months without seeing your friends or having any other activities or interactions other than home life.”
CVW: What do you most look forward to when this lockdown is over?
Linda: “Seeing my family and friends again; my children getting back to their own lives with school and friends; discovering what kind of music comes out of us and other artists as a result of this soul-stirring experience.”
Josh: “Besides playing music with our bandmates? A true vacation! As a side note, our next show on Sunday, May 10th, we will be donating any tips to the Desert Autism Foundation. As you know, that is who we give the money raised from the Concert for Autism to. They had to cancel their golf scramble, which is the biggest fund raiser of the year for the foundation. So if anyone wants to help out, please donate on Sunday. Thank you!”
Chelsea Sugarbritches: 5th Town, Long Duk Dong and Yovés with Bobby Taffolla
CVW: What projects are you working on while in quarantine?
Chelsea: “I signed up for a music theory class which is cool and daunting…”
CVW: Do you feel motivated to write new songs right now?
Chelsea: “Depends on the day… I finished lyrics for a song from Bobby and I’s new project Yovés…”
CVW: Are you doing FB live shows from home? How do they feel compared to real shows?
Chelsea: “I’m too chicken shit to do live shows but I make random videos here and there… I love watching everyone’s live shows but I really need live shows to keep me sane!
CVW: Do you feel like you’re getting a lot of support?
Chelsea: “Honestly… I don’t know what I feel.”
CVW: Have you been checking out other artists as well?
Chelsea: “Of course! I’m in this group called Socially Distant fest on FB and its artists from all over the world! It’s amazing I watch a guy playing from Japan every night and it’s the next day where he is!”
CVW: What music has helped get you through this time?
Chelsea: “All music. All day long!”
CVW: What else are you doing to get through? TV Shows? Stuff around the house?
Chelsea: “We’re burning through all shows on Netflix.”
CVW: How is everyone in your house dealing with each other?
Chelsea: “Another thing that depends on the day. I think in my household I’m the one losing my shit the most not being able to go out and see people but we’re all trying our best… the kids have me making tik tok videos with them that’s hilarious!”
CVW: Would you like to share your thoughts about everything we’re dealing with?
Chelsea: “Just try and stay sane… love each other and be creative as much as you can!”
CVW: What do you most look forward to when this lockdown is over?
Chelsea: “Oh man… hugging my friends! Getting back to work, making music with my bandages and living life!”
