Like everyone on Earth, the past year has been strange to say the least. Disorienting, occasionally disappointing and, at times, oddly peaceful.
After returning earlier than expected from India last winter, Sahara and I hunkered down in our home in Nova Scotia, Canada. All our gigs were, like everyone else’s, cancelled, including a tour to BC and Alberta on Canada’s West Coast which we were excited about for April and May 2020.
But thanks to CBC Radio and a handful of local presenters, we were able to share music (live and virtually) over the summer. And we were chosen this fall to do a virtual artist showcase for the Atlantic Presenters Association, which was an honour.
Over the last number of months, I guess I’ve been alternating between periods of activity and contemplation – sometimes making plans, and other times staring into the distance. I did make an active decision a few months ago to step away from social media, especially Facebook, as I could feel myself sinking deeper into anger and confusion each time I spent more than a few minutes there.
As I write this, I’m just finishing up teaching at Acadia University for the fall term. It was a challenge, finding online ways to share my passion for drumming and global musics, while sustaining my own energy and enthusiasm for this “distanced” way of teaching, and I really appreciate all the students who stuck around until the end of the term!
The big recent news is that Sahara and I commissioned our brother-in-law Jegan to design and build us a studio on our property. It’s a completely separate outbuilding, overlooking our front garden, with two separate rooms, one for Sahara and one for me. There is still some finishing work to be done, but my plan is to have my space up and running soon as a dedicated YouTube studio. I’m excited to share more lessons and tutorials in drumming, rhythm and percussion.
As well, Sahara and I have begun offering our skills in video and audio production through Triangle House Studios. I’m just about to launch a new website which outlines the services we’re offering, including video production, audio production, and multi-camera livestreaming with high-quality audio for performances and workshops. In December, we produced live streams for Measha Breuggergosman (presented by Music in Communities) and Ardyth & Jennifer. We also just finished up filming a live concert for Halifax’s Open Waters Festival, and there are more to come. (Get in touch if you have audio or video needs for your self or your business.)
I hope that, wherever you are, you’re finding ways to continue connecting with your creativity, your humanity, and your sense of humour! See you on the other side of winter!
peace,
Ken