“Lockdown Blues”, a song created and performed by The Bottom Barrel Blues Band is a collaboration of some of South African blues and folk stalwart musicians. The song was recorded individually by the artists in isolation during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. The song is produced by the Cape Town Music Academy (CTMA), a Cape Town based not for profit company, creating opportunities for local contemporary musicians.
True to the nature of the blues, “Lockdown Blues” is an uplifting, bitter-sweet tune depicting the challenges of life under lockdown regulations. This song is a cheeky ode to the lockdown life in typical Blues pastiche.
Lyricist Nico McLachlan, also Chairman of CTMA, explains the inspiration behind the song:
“ I wanted people to know that its ok to get the blues during lockdown. I didn’t want to dismiss well intended advice about how to stay positive – see the silver lining, light at the end of tunnel you know that kind of hope springs eternal stuff. Writing a blues song is one way of staying a step or two ahead of the blues.”
The Bottom Barrel Blues Band Main vocalist Robin Auld, loved the idea of the song and drew inspiration for the lyrics from his own lockdown experience:
“Musicians spend much of their lives at home and so are perhaps better suited to it, and many are finding the forced incarceration a creative boost. I always enjoy working with Schalk and Kevin, so it was great to be involved in this project.”
During the Covid-19 pandemic many musicians have experienced a harsh decline or complete halt in income due to lockdown regulations and the ban on public gatherings. But despite these challenges, musicians will always express themselves, practice their craft and continue to collaborate.
Schalk Joubert, CTMA’s Musical Director and bassist on the track, explains a big focus for CTMA is to create performance opportunities for musicians in various contemporary music genres. “During lockdown we have looked to online mediums to continue creating work for our local musicians in order to still give them an opportunity to perform and generate some income, albeit virtual.”
The CTMA urges music lovers to support their local musicians by continuing to buy their albums, follow their online and streaming initiatives or by making a financial donation where possible. For more info on how members of the public can donate towards contemporary musicians, please contact the Cape Town Music Academy at info@ctma.co.za.
The Bottom Barrel Blues Band are Robin Auld (on vocals, guitar & harmonica), Steve Walsh (on vocals), Schalk Joubert (on bass), Simon Orange (on vocals and piano), Mauritz Lotz (on guitar), Tonia Möller (on vocals), Willem Möller (on guitar) and Kevin Gibson (on drums). The lyrics for “Lockdown Blues” were written by Nico McLachlan, Robin Auld, Simon Orange. Music by Robin Auld.
Check out the video for “Lockdown Blues” below:
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