Most of the world has been in lockdown for over a month now due to the COVID-19 crisis. A moment frozen in time, when people are faced with solitude, grief or anxiety and see their daily lives shift for the better or the worse. In this time of extreme uncertainty, we can also take the time to reflect, create and enjoy the passing of these strange elastic days. We thought it would be interesting to ask musicians around the globe how their creative process has changed during the quarantine and if it has been an inspiring or rather daunting experience… with a quick snapshot of themselves in lockdown. London-based musician Lauren Auder is the second artist to take part in this project. With a brooding, melancholic and profound voice, she creates spectral folk pop songs that transcend eras to reach a timeless, haunting chill that moves you from inside. A modern-day baroque poet who carries her sombre and refined melodies to new heights in her latest EP two caves in, released in March.

How has your daily life changed since the quarantine began?

It’s been hard for me. I tend to leave my home as much as possible, I tend to get intensely stir crazy staying inside too much. I miss people.

Have you changed the way you create?

it’s odd because in theory a lot of my creation happens either from my home or online but it’s true that just the possibility of external inspiration has been cut off quite a bit which has made things that much harder.

Have you realized anything during this time?

The only real takeaway so far is the realization of how fragile the body is.

Does the quarantine inspire you or rather paralyze you?

I think it will be inspirational looking back. Once it’s past I’ll have things to say about it I feel. For now, it’s just something to get through.

Have you started or resumed any activities that you do not normally have time to do?

Not really… all I’ve done is watch more movies and do Pilates honestly…

What lessons do you think you will take away from this shutdown?

Appreciation for taking the train. 

Are you worried?

Yes, most definitely. I’m scared of the lasting effects of increased surveillance.

How do you see life after this crisis?

I hope life changes a lot. I think it may be the death of constructive politics in a big way. We’ll see, for now the guillotine factories are closed.

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