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GRAMMYs

Bettye LaVette

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Quarantine Diaries: Bettye LaVette quarantine-diaries-blues-legend-bettye-lavette-staying-mellow-wine-watching-lots-tv

Quarantine Diaries: Blues Legend Bettye LaVette Is Staying "Mellow" With Wine & Watching Lots Of TV

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As the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic continues to rock the music industry, the Recording Academy reached out to a few musicians to see how they were spending their days indoors
GRAMMYs
May 7, 2020 - 10:35 am

As the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic continues to rock the music industry, the Recording Academy reached out to a few musicians to see how they were spending their days indoors. Today, GRAMMY-nominated blues Hall Of Fame inductee Bettye LaVette shares her Quarantine Diary. LaVette's new album, Blackbirds, arrives on Aug. 28. The album's lead single, "I Hold No Grudge," is available now.

Well wishes to everyone, from West Orange. This is Bettye LaVette reporting.

I've been asked to talk about my daily activities during this terrible coronavirus assault. Most people know that I'm not very active on social media, though I have been lately. But I like to talk to people in person, and I HATE to type. Anyway, here goes...

I came home from my last gig on Feb. 3, and I haven't been out of the house except for some things out in the yard since.

My husband Kevin goes to the store once a week. He doesn't want me exposed. As I have been deemed part of the "elderly." LOL.

Although stuck at home, my days are pretty much the same as they were before the stay-at-home rule went into effect. Except it's EVERY DAY, instead of being mixed with working days. And I have to say, I am SICK of the repetition. If it would only get warm and dry, I'd be happy to work in the yard every day.

[5:30 a.m.–7:30 a.m.] Anyway, my day starts around 5:30 a.m. when Otis and Smokey, our kitties, jump on the bed and wake me up to feed them. They whine, almost speak, bite on my arms and hands gently, sit on my head...and Kevin SLEEPS right through all this!

I get up and go downstairs to the kitchen and feed them. Then I smoke my morning joint and check in on "Morning Joe" until around 7:30, when I go BACK to bed—until around 10:30.

[10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.] I turn on the TV and all day long it's between MSNBC, CNN, FOX and "Bar Rescue," while practicing the first part of the day's housewifery. And/or planning or prepping the dinner for that day. When I get home from the road, I am pretty much sick of restaurant food, so I cook almost everything.

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[12 p.m.–2 p.m.] At noon, I work out for about an hour. I vocalize as often as I can, trying to help keep my voice in shape. But that is no substitute for doing my show. At 74, I worry that I won't come back as strong after this long a break. There is just so much sh*t to think about.

I then go down and say hey to Kevin, who is always working at the computer. I let the kitties in, feed them again, and let them out again. Check in on the TV (old movies from the '30s and '40s, political shows) while practicing more housewifery.

I am not a music enthusiast, so I don't listen to music for entertainment often. And I find reading boring, unless it's for information. I really, REALLY like television.

Occasionally, Kevin will holler out from his office, "Baby, come listen to this," and I go in and listen. It's usually something that he thinks I would sound good singing. Or something completely ridiculous. If it's good and it fits me, then it goes in my "To do" folder. That's about as much work as I do on music when I am not recording.

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[2 p.m.–6 p.m.] I make lunch at around 2, do some other domestic chores, all the while watching TV and letting the kitties in and out. Sometimes the afternoons get broken up by phone interviews. And then I let the kitties in or out.

The one upside about this is that I smoke joints and drink champagne and wine so I can stay "mellow," as they used to say. And I can't quite do it like that while I'm working.

Then I round up the kitties for the last time and start making dinner, sometime between 6 and 8.

[6 p.m.–12 a.m.] Kevin and I meet after dinner to watch TV together. I also play solitaire through all this time to fill in the gaps. Until 11. Then Trevor Noah, Colbert's monologue, over to "Perry Mason," then Seth's monologue, then to bed and Alfred Hitchcock puts us to sleep.

Since I do not write my own material, that means that almost all of my income comes from live performances... Ughh. Thankfully, my husband is a hawk with money, so he is keeping us safe for the moment.

That is pretty much a day in the life of Betty Kiley, which is who I am when I'm not BEING Bettye LaVette. As scary as the current situation is, I think if we can all just hold on, we can beat this. In fact, I'm sure of it.

I'm so grateful to have my wonderful husband and my kitties here with me. I love you all, and I'll see you on the other side of this mess.

Soulfully, 

Bettye LaVette

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If you wish to support our efforts to assist music professionals in need, learn more about the Recording Academy's and MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund.

If you are a member of the music industry in need of assistance, visit the MusiCares website.

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PJ

Photo by Ana Paula Sanchez

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Quarantine Diaries: R&B Singer/Songwriter PJ quarantine-diaries-pj-making-tiktoks-covering-roddy-ricchs-high-fashion-binging-ozark

Quarantine Diaries: PJ Is Making TikToks, Covering Roddy Ricch's "High Fashion" & Binging "Ozark" On Netflix

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As the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic continues to rock the music industry, the Recording Academy reached out to a few musicians to see how they were spending their days indoors
GRAMMYs
Apr 2, 2020 - 9:39 am

As the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic continues to rock the music industry, the Recording Academy reached out to a few musicians to see how they were spending their days indoors. Today, R&B/soul performer PJ, who has penned hits for Charlie Puth, Meek Mill and Wiz Khalifa, shares her Quarantine Diary.

Wednesday, March 26

I have been extremely lazy and eating everything in my path. Like, way more than usual. And honestly it’s been very hard to switch that up. I keep hearing that it's good to make an actual schedule, so I def have that on my to-do list.  

[8 a.m.] I typically wake up around 8 a.m. every day—today was a little later. Around this time is usually when I reach for my phone and get sucked into the black hole that is Instagram by 8:15 a.m. And it isn’t usually until my dog licks me to death to take him outside that I actually roll out of bed. His name is Zombie, by the way. I walked him for about 35 to 40 minutes. 

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[11:30 a.m.] I finally convinced myself to do something halfway athletic. I don't really know when this mandatory quarantine will be over, and I don't want to come back from it heavier. Honestly, this quarantine has been more of a hibernation period for me. And I've had trouble convincing my body to be active. It's almost as if my body is in a constant state of sleepiness. My friend Fresh sent me a workout. I think it’s only supposed to take about an hour, but due to my A.D.D. and lack of fitness, it was probably about double the time. For the record, I hate squat jumps. And it's very hard for me to take cute fitness pictures, so I’ll pass on that, LOL. 

[1 p.m.] Nothing too crazy, but I did download Photoshop and Adobe After Effects. Even though it's been super hard for me to be productive. I'm not gonna lie and pretend that I've just been churning out songs and content. But I do want to make sure I'm able to create stuff. So I thought it would be dope to figure out how to make some of that content on my own. So I've officially downloaded it, and I really hope I actually get to it.  

[3 p.m.] I ended up with enough courage to make a TikTok for my cover of Roddy Ricch's "High Fashion." It took me unlimited tries, and I destroyed my room changing clothes, trying to pick an outfit. It definitely stressed me out.  But of course, after that, I took a million selfies, since my makeup was already done.

@justpeej

##roddyrich ##highfashion ##remix ##covid19 ##happyathome ##comingsoon

♬ original sound - justpeej

[4:30 p.m.] I sent changes to my engineer Blue for a cover of Justin Bieber’s "Yummy" I'm doing. I've been doing covers to put out during this quarantine. I needed him to move the drums around, and some vocals. Luckily, Blue has his own home set up, so even though Atlantic [Records, my label] is closed I’m still able to get some work done. I ordered some equipment yesterday, but it doesn’t get here till tomorrow.  

[7:15 p.m.] I ended up in the danger zone, a.k.a. my couch. So as we speak I'm binging Netflix. But really I'm just waiting till "Ozark" comes out tonight at midnight. Best show on television, in my opinion. I have other faves, but I'm addicted to this.  
  
So that’s pretty much what I’ve been doing; this was probably my most productive day. And I hope to keep it going and not sleep this entire quarantine away.  

Also, tip.

For those of you still looking for toilet tissue, check Big Lots before 10 a.m. 

Love, PJ. 

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If you wish to support our efforts to assist music professionals in need, learn more about the Recording Academy's and MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund.

If you are a member of the music industry in need of assistance, visit the MusiCares website. 

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Black Pumas

Photo by Jackie Lee Young

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Quarantine Diaries: Black Pumas' Eric Burton quarantine-diaries-black-pumas-eric-burton-working-new-album-spending-time-garden

Quarantine Diaries: Black Pumas' Eric Burton Is Working On A New Album & Spending Time In The Garden

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As the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic continues to rock the music industry, GRAMMY.com reached out to a few musicians to see how they were spending their days indoors
GRAMMYs
Sep 29, 2020 - 10:50 am

As the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic continues to rock the music industry, GRAMMY.com reached out to a few musicians to see how they were spending their days indoors. Today, Eric Burton from the GRAMMY-nominated duo Black Pumas shares his Quarantine Diary.

[10:05 AM] Good morning! It’s 10:05 AM in my world and trying to ride a vibe. My mornings usually start off with a cup of coffee, and one of my favorite tunes or a new tune that I had yet to have heard.

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[11:20 AM] I love visiting the garden! The squash at my friend’s place is beginning to produce. It’s nice to reflect on the process of growth and it’s very grounding to see it and touch it physically on a daily basis.

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[12:15 PM] One of my favorite things to do is check in with friends overseas. I feel so connected to be able to hear how things are going from their perspective as it pertains to our world and our lives. 

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[1:25 PM] Now I’m sitting down at a piano trying to keep that inspiration going to some degree. I make sure that there’s a lot of equipment or instruments around especially analog. The Black Pumas are working on our new album right now. We’ve got a few handfuls of ideas for material that my bandmate Adrian and I have been trading back and forth.

I think we spend most days really stoked about the opportunity we have to create time and space for ourselves to continue to do what we know and love. I usually am very motivated and competitive with myself to do something better than I did the last time. I tend to stay committed and focused playing music, just jamming out and seeing what I can come up with.

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[3:33 PM] I've moved from the piano to an analog keyboard now. I usually like to listen to music that is very much natural and acoustic and/or listen to music that has a lot of different weird kooky sounds that are more on the digital side, just for the idea. 

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[4:22 PM] The weather in Texas can be ever changing and in a short period of time. In that, it’s nice to observe it and reciprocate some art from it. I’m an autumn baby anyway, so maybe that plays a hand in how I feel at home in the rain today.

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Quarantine Diaries: Lisa Loeb Is Celebrating 25 Years Of "Stay (I Missed You)" & Watching "RuPaul's Drag Race"

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Lisa Loeb

Photo courtesy of Lisa Loeb

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Quarantine Diaries: Lisa Loeb quarantine-diaries-lisa-loeb-celebrating-25-years-stay-i-missed-you-watching-rupauls

Quarantine Diaries: Lisa Loeb Is Celebrating 25 Years Of "Stay (I Missed You)" & Watching "RuPaul's Drag Race"

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The GRAMMY-winning '90s mainstay is also releasing a new music video featuring Michelle Branch, "Doesn't It Feel Good"
GRAMMYs
Sep 23, 2020 - 8:22 am

As the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic continues to rock the music industry, GRAMMY.com reached out to a few musicians to see how they were spending their days indoors. Today, GRAMMY-winning indie-pop/rock favorite Lisa Loeb shares her Quarantine Diary. Lisa Loeb's latest studio album A Simple Trick To Happiness is out now. Watch Lisa's new video, "Doesn't It Feel Good" featuring Michelle Branch and directed by Jessa Zapor-Gray, exclusively on GRAMMY.com below. 

[7:00 a.m.] I start off the day early before the kids get up, to feed my 19-year-old diabetic Tortie cat and give her insulin, drink a strong coffee (Lisa Loeb Wake Up! blend, of course, perfect flavor and strong with milk and sugar), Ezekiel Bread toast with almond butter and super fruit jelly, and a walk outside before the day begins. The sun shines pink through the window at the top of the stairs at my house in Los Angeles. You can see the sunscreen on my nose, because it’s early and I always wear my sunscreen, but was probably too tired to notice I didn’t finish blending.

[7:45 a.m.] I make the kids breakfast, something like bagels or pancakes, fruit, bacon, yogurt, and hope that they eat it before they get into their virtual classes.

[9:30 a.m.] while my 8-year-old, Emet, has a break, I take a tap class—distanced, in the back yard, with masks. I love walking, dance classes and strength training, most of which is happening online, but I finally moved the tap class into the back patio with a couple of like-minded moms. Connecting with humans, safely, set to music, really lightens things up. 

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[1:00 p.m.] After I make lunch, the kids go back to their virtual school. I stay in earshot of my son while trying to scoot into my office to answer a million emails and stay on top of the myriad projects I have going on: a new family friendly children's album, new songs for a new grown-up album, voice-over auditions, fan club vinyl signing of my 25th anniversary no. 1 song, "Stay (I Missed You)," which was also GRAMMY-nominated!

[4:00 p.m.] Later, after the kids are done with their school, I change clothes, turn on the bright lights, set up the gear, and start pre-recording events and concerts. There are so many virtual events happening all over the country: from voting events to women’s cancer and lupus, I’m honored to play all of them, and people have been reaching out to musicians a lot. Sometimes the events are live, but often they’re prerecorded, so I’ve become a pro with lighting, makeup, hair and audio, and really trying to get our wi-fi up to speed—literally. 

Sometimes I have fan club events online, watch-alongs, or live concerts, including two concerts in which I’ll be playing my entire Tails album acoustically on Sept. 26 on the LoopedLive app, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its release. Here I am pre-recording a TV appearance for a Ziggy Marley duet that will air on the Kelly Clarkson show, then I’ll finish up with an appearance for a Hallmark special to honor Hero Dogs. 

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There’s usually a number of Cameo shout-out requests that have come in at this point for birthdays, anniversaries, or just uplifting message, and I try to squeeze them in before I make dinner for the kids. Or if I’m smart, order in Thai food!

[7:30 p.m.] After dinner, Emet watches part of an Avengers movie with my husband, Roey. I cuddle with my daughter, Lyla and our aforementioned cat, Sweetie McGee, while we eat ice cream with chocolate chips and watch "RuPaul’s Drag Race." 

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[8:30 p.m.] Then it’s up to bed to brush teeth, get in the PJs and read with each kid, if it’s not too late, and then time to finish up some work, clean the kitchen and get in bed to read. I’m an avid reader, and during the distancing orders, I’ve been able to read more than ever. Then, time for sleep, and to set the alarm for the next day to see what it will bring.

Making Heads Or 'Tails' Of Success: Lisa Loeb Celebrates 25 Years Of Her Major-Label Debut Album

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Sinead Harnett

 
 
 

Courtesy Photo: The Orchard

 
 
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Quarantine Diaries: Sinead Harnett quarantine-diaries-sinead-harnett-facetiming-family-meditating-making-energy-drinks

Quarantine Diaries: Sinead Harnett Is FaceTiming With Family, Meditating & Making Energy Drinks

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As the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic continues to rock the music industry, the Recording Academy reached out to a few musicians to see how they were spending their days indoors
GRAMMYs
Jul 10, 2020 - 7:21 am

As the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic continues to rock the music industry, the Recording Academy reached out to a few musicians to see how they were spending their days indoors. Today, R&B powerhouse singer and "Quarantine Queen" Sinead Hartnett shares her Quarantine Diary. Sinead's new single "Stickin", featuring Masego and VanJess, is out now. 

[8 a.m.] WAKE UP, GIRL! I lie in bed and give myself about 30-45 minutes to slowly come back to reality. I love the feeling of stillness and in lockdown; we’ve been spoiled with it for the first time in most of our lives. Some of these moments in bed I’ll FaceTime my sisters so I can see my niece and nephews. They’re all precious and my favourite little people on earth! Slightly ashamed to say that this time of morning is also when I usually check my phone for emails, missed messages and notifications. Cheeky Instagram/Twitter scroll too, but I try not to be on it too much. Better for the mind to have that stuff in doses! 

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[9 a.m.] I make a hot lemon and ginger and do 10 minutes of meditation. It helps get my head straight and turn the noise down. Also, it helps me to focus on the tasks ahead. I use an app called Headspace because I prefer someone to guide me rather than doing it alone.

[9:30 a.m.] I usually wash up whatever I didn’t the night before and clean up the living room so that it feels like a cozy creative space. Tidy space, clearer mind. I’ll then make my breakfast smoothie! Oats, banana, oat milk, peanut butter, cacao—you should try it! BIG energy drink. Tastes like a Snickers milkshake but it's so good for you.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCBzzanjklM

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Content Not Available

[11 a.m.] After doing some stuff on my phone like emails and replying to people, I’ll do a workout. When it’s hot here I usually do it outside so I can get some sun/nature. I LOVE the outdoors so much. It helps me escape the walls of my mind. When it's cold or rainy though, I do one in the flat. I don’t love the feeling during workouts, but I wait patiently for the exercise endorphins to show up! Exercise is good for the body of course, but what I get out of it for my mind is the real magic. 

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[12 p.m.] I usually make some lunch, which I demolish before showering! I don’t think I’ve cooked and cleaned more in my entire life than in this lockdown!

[1 p.m.–8 p.m.] During these hours, it's usually a juggling act of writing music, recording vocals, doing admin, promoting songs, making sure my socials are in check and calls with my team. etc. This time goes so quickly I almost feel someone’s pressing fast-forward. I’m always doing about five things simultaneously.

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[9 p.m.–11 p.m.] I talk to family or friends that I haven't been able to get back to during the day. I'm not the best at communicating, especially nowadays because I don't like being on my phone too much. I prefer to see people in real life but obviously that’s had to change.

[12 a.m.] Ahhhh, rest time! I love to sleep so much! I've started a new habit of making sure I'm in bed no later than this time. I don't like the feeling when I wake up late, so I have to discipline myself to get into bed earlier. I always wonder where the day has gone and how I didn’t manage to watch a movie or switch off from musical work. But then I remind myself that music isn’t work, it’s a privilege and joy! Head down now, ready for more action tomorrow.

GRAMMYs

If you wish to support our efforts to assist music professionals in need, learn more about the Recording Academy's and MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund.

If you are a member of the music industry in need of assistance, visit the MusiCares website.

Quarantine Diaries: Lindgren And Melanie Fontana Are Hosting An Open House, Cooking Blue Apron & Watching "Cake Wars"

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Some of the content on this site expresses viewpoints and opinions that are not those of the Recording Academy. Responsibility for the accuracy of information provided in stories not written by or specifically prepared for the Academy lies with the story's original source or writer. Content on this site does not reflect an endorsement or recommendation of any artist or music by the Recording Academy.