Social Distancing Diaries

Join alternative band Flawes as they reflect on their 2020, the year in which they released their debut album just before the pandemic took hold. Pyjamas, running, carpentry, jigsaws, and Louis Theroux all feature along the way, PLUS, the band treat us to a very special performance of a winter classic to close the show.

Singer-songwriter Morgan St. Jean takes over the show today, live from quarantine in LA. Listen in for board games, family bonding, a special guest appearance, and a stunning acoustic performance of her new single ‘Lola’

Singer/producer Phem is joined by her dog as she sends in a diary from LA, she reflects on time spent in quarantine and lockdown this year, and chooses some big names to self isolate with!

Abi and Humphrey from MarthaGunn quiz each other on their experiences of the pandemic and lockdown so far this year. From live-streams and poetry, to gardening and taking on Couch to 5k. They end the episode with an acoustic excerpt of their latest single 'Say When' 

In today's episode come and eavesdrop on Drug Store Romeos as the band have a  freewheeling chat. From The Secret life of Plants and ESP, to tales of ghost dogs, and re-telling some of Milton Jones' best 'so-bad-they're-good' jokes. 

Dutch-Ghanaian singer-songwriter Nana Adjoa tells us about her lockdown experiences in Amsterdam, and treats us to two acoustic performances of singles 'She's Stronger' and 'Throw Stones.' Nana's debut album 'Big Dreaming Ants' is released on 24 September.

Join hot new LA band more around the campfire, as they play us 2 songs from their debut EP. PLUS: biker gangs, psychedelic drugs, meditation, and pool cleaning!

Oli Fox gets to live out his dream by hosting an episode today. Having spent months in Scotland for the duration of lockdown, the rising singer-songwriter is now back in Southfields, London, where he recorded this episode. Stay tuned for tales of new songs, new babies, new dogs, getting sunburn, Oli’s ideal lockdown household, and, an acoustic teaser of his new single ‘Player 2’

Georgia and Amy from Nova Twins perform a genre bending mix of hip-hop, rock and punk. In this episode they explore the positives they’ve experienced over recent months. Embracing a slower pace of life, writing songs without distraction, bonding with fans online, and the allyship they’ve felt around Black Lives Matter movement.

Rock songwriter Joshua Speers sends in his experiences of the pandemic from LA for this episode. After releasing an EP in May, his tour plans for the year were cancelled. In this diary he details struggles to find tranquility, and the exhaustion of masks and screens. Praise comes for comfortable pillows, mindfulness, and nighttime drives.

Based in the Rochester suburbs of New York, Ronnie Watts sends in today’s diary. She considers how the acceptance of the pandemic has changed over time in the USA, and questions why she can't seem to remember anything of the whole month of April.... Stay tuned to learn about “water pong,” the writing process of her new single ‘Sad Summer,’ and revelations of accidental hair dye experiences.

On the eve of the release of their debut album 'I Slept On The Floor,' all 4 members of Another Sky join us for this episode, sharing diary excerpts and their experiences of the last few months. A raw and powerful listen.

If you've been affected by any of the issues in this episode, we recommend the following resources:

Producer, songwriter and musician, Luwten takes us behind the scenes of band rehearsals after 3 months of lockdown and her bandmates being apart. Recorded in the Netherlands, in this episode Luwten explores the challenges facing musicians in lockdown: from recording new material, to shooting videos. Along the way we meet her bass player Ralph, and join a phone call with her videographer Charlene.

Recording his episode whilst chilling at the piano, Northampton based singer-songwriter Maddox Jones sends in today's diary. He plays us debut single 'Headspace' and gives us an exclusive preview of brand new song 'World's Gone Mad,' inspired by the pandemic.  

R&B and soul singer-songwriter Kara Marni takes over the pod today, coming to us live and direct from her "Music Shed." She tells about her experiences of the last few months; from Zoom based writing sessions, and a new-found love of gardening, to the more recent issue of forgetting to leave the house with a mask. Kara closes the episode with an acoustic performance of her song 'Lose My Love.'

Rising singer-songwriter Max Pope sends in his diary today, co-hosted with his guitar. Max reflects on 12 weeks of lockdown spent between London and Brighton, sharing several musical interludes along the way featuring his own songs, a favourite Beatles number, and a composition inspired by his daily walks to the sea.

To kickstart our second series Arlo Parks sends in today's diary. With over 30 festival appearances, a SXSW debut, and a Hayley Williams tour support cancelled this summer, she's had a lot of time to reflect and continue working on her debut album.  Based at her parental home in West London, in this episode she shares excerpts of her lockdown journal and recent poetry; poses questions asked by the Black Lives Matter movement, and dispenses advice for self-care in this difficult time. Concluding with the podcasts, films, and albums that have been getting her through quarantine.

Luke Branch from UK rock band Asylums submits a diary today. He reflects on a few months spent in lockdown; how it’s allowed him to slow the pace of life, and also work songwriting into his daily routine, leading to the recording of over 130 new pieces of music. Studio time aside, Luke has been embracing family time and continues to run his own record label: Cool Thing Records. He tells us about balancing the needs of the label and gearing up for the release of Asylums’ third album ‘Genetic Cabaret’. An acoustic performance of single ‘Catalogue Kids’ closes the episode.

Singer-songwriter Empara Mi was poised to launch her debut album ‘Suitcase Full of Secrets’ at the end of March. With plans to celebrate the release with live shows subsequently cancelled in the face of the pandemic, Empara tells us how she’s been spending time at home. From working on a second album, to gardening, and embracing the world of live streams. A special acoustic performance of her single ‘WYGD’ closes the episode.

Joy Crookes is a soul singer-songwriter from South London, at the beginning of the year she was hotly tipped across the board, from the BRIT Awards Rising Star shortlist to the BBC Sound Poll, by MTV, YouTube, NME and more. In this episode she shares the highs and lows of her lockdown experience so far, introduces us to her new cat Diego, and reveals the mental health benefits of having a pet. Plus: The music, TV shows, and books that have been getting her through this time.

Limahl was the lead singer of pop group Kajagoogoo in the 80s, before embarking on a solo career which saw the release of 1984 hit ‘Never Ending Story,’ taken from the film of the same name; and most recently seen in Netflix’s Stranger Things. He sends in a diary today from his home in Hertfordshire, where he has been in lockdown. Spending time cycling, and promoting his new single ‘Still In Love’, Limahl also tells us what he’s been missing most during lockdown, and ponders what 2021 may have in store for gigs and travel plans. PLUS: an exclusive special version of ‘Never Ending Story’ closes the episode

Self isolating in South London, Gia Ford sends in today’s diary. She tells us about the experience of releasing her second EP ‘Murder In The Dark’ in quarantine, from dealing with cancelled shows, to a newfound space for creativity. She also provides advice on how to cope during lockdown, talks about things she is missing the most, and discusses her live-stream fundraisers to support trans rights during this time.

Ed, Dougal and Tom are 3 of the 5 members of London-based indie band Junodream. In this episode we join them as they discuss what they’ve been up to in lockdown, the effects of the coronavirus crisis on the music industry as a whole, and ponder how their plans for 2020 have been changed. PLUS: Lindsay Lohan, Bono, supermarket scraps, explorations in stereo, and a round of quickfire questions.

Singer-songwriter GRACEY recorded today’s diary at her family home in Brighton. She tells us about her newfound obsession with TikTok, receives an unexpected mid-podcast appearance from her grandma, and reveals how to celebrate a Top 40 single in lockdown. PLUS: a special bedroom performance of her single ‘Alone In My Room’

Australian singer-songwriter Josef Salvat has just released a new album, the appropriately titled ‘Modern Anxiety’ - in this episode he sends us a diary that spans from April to May, and takes us from Sydney to London. Along the way there are struggles with rural internet, impromptu hotel stays, tearful airport goodbyes, and rumination on what the new normal will be.

On lockdown in Holland, and unable to return to London for her debut live shows, singer-songwriter Eyelar sends us today’s diary. Alongside sharing tips on how to remain positive, Eyelar tells us how she has been spending her time: writing and recording new music, making her own lo-fi music videos, baking cakes and (via Instagram Live) even customising clothes with L Devine.

Ben and Tom from Aquilo have a socially distant call between Dorset and London in today’s episode. They discuss how they’ve been keeping busy during lockdown: from the benefits of south facing balconies, kitchen based song-writing, and running 10Ks, to Lidl middle-aisle appreciation, and weekly family chats. They conclude with a cover version of the Cat Stevens classic ‘Father & Son’ recorded exclusively for this show.

Currently self-isolating at her studio on a New Jersey farm, Birthh hosts today’s diary. Featuring: tales of dental surgery, an array of animals (parrots, dogs, cats, AND a crocodile… kind of), musings on the perception of time in isolation, and some final thoughts on the enriching power of art. Along the way Birthh plays 3 songs from her new album Whoa.

Rising R&B singer-songwriter AWA sends in a diary from her Sweden home for today’s episode. Recorded across a few days of isolation, join her as as she builds up to the release of new single ‘Too Late For That’ - navigating the challenges of launching a record remotely, and maintaining good mental health during these difficult times. 

Today’s diary comes from Roddy Woomble, solo artist and frontman of rock band Idlewild. Roddy lives on the island of Iona in the Scottish Hebrides, small enough that it only has two shops, and a population of 90. With no tourism incoming from the mainland he tells us what it’s like when a small island becomes even more isolated.

Blaine Harrison is the lead singer of indie band Mystery Jets. He sends us a diary today from the his apartment in Clerkenwell, where he is staying as a property guardian. Mystery Jets’ new album ‘A Billion Heartbeats’ was released on 3rd April, Blaine muses on what it means to release new music at a time when the band are unable to play gigs and in-store shows. He also tells us about the emptiness of central London, and how music, food, and drink have helped him get by during isolation. PLUS: car faults, roasting tin recipes, and an acoustic excerpt of some new music.

Hannah Jane Lewis is a pop singer-songwriter. In this episode she tells us about lockdown life in London whilst living in a top-floor flat, from window sunbathing, to finally getting to know her neighbours. Plus: Zoom songwriting sessions, early morning boot camp classes, chocolate cornflake cakes, Schitt’s Creek, and a beautiful performance of her latest single ‘Love Letters’

Singer-songwriter Eliza Shaddad sends in a diary today recorded over a few weeks of self isolation at home in Cornwall. She tells us how she’s embracing some aspects of lockdown, and figuring out how to structure her days; from green smoothies and binging The Wire, to puzzle games and PE with Joe. A special intimate performance of her single ‘Same As You’ closes the episode.

In a departure from our normal programming things take a turn for the weird today, as we tune in to Ciaran Lavery's Late Night Radio Show. Only available in the early hours of the morning while tuning your radio dial through static. Listen in with us for mysterious musings on Shia LeBeouf, the latest in Poetry Corner, postponed dating features, and stunning MC Hammer facts. Ciaran plays out the show with his single ‘Can I Begin Again’

Justin Jesso is a singer-songwriter from the US. Having written for the likes of Ricky Martin, The Backstreet Boys and Armin Van Buuren, his song 'Stargazing' with Kygo was a breakout hit in 2017. He is now releasing his own music. Justin's diary comes to us from Jupiter, Florida, where he has spent 14 days in quarantine. In this episode Justin tells us how he's been spending this time, and plays three of his songs in brilliant stripped back arrangements: 'Stargazing', new single 'If You’re Meant To Come Back', and his 2019 hit 'Bigger Than'

We hear from Nashville, Tennessee in today’s episode, as Ariel and Shawn from rock band Icon For Hire send us their lockdown diary from the USA. The band had to cut their European tour short and rush to get back to the States ahead of potential travel bans. They talk us through their quarantine experiences, from Netflix binges, to writing and recording new music, and reveal the benefits of Pinterest boards. A special stripped back version of their song ‘Venom’ ends the episode.

James and Rob from indie quartet Marsicans send in an update from from Leeds today. Fulled by multiple cups of tea, they got on the phone to each other and let us listen in. Lockdown chat veers from the serious - lack of work for crew, cancelled SXSW debuts - to the downright surreal - isolating with The Rock, and reclining toilet roll sofas. Both Rob and James have been putting this time to good use, writing new music on old laptops, and experimenting with remote recording techniques. To show off their skills they treat us to an acoustic version of single ‘Juliet’ - enjoy! 

Pop singer Call Me Loop sends in a diary from her flat in Clapham, South London, for today's episode. She talks about the experience of new supermarket shopping rules, the positives of working out every morning, and the added struggles of currently having no hot water. Along the way we get top TV recommendations, a 'Boost Your Brain' pub quiz to play along with, and learn the truth behind her efforts to learn Spanish. Stay tuned to the end to hear exclusive track 'Hot Thru The Winter'... now, did anyone get 6/6 on the quiz?!

In today’s episode we hear from Amsterdam, where HEBE is self isolating. Making use of her home studio, she opens this show with a stunning cover of David Gray’s ‘Babylon.’ HEBE tells us how life has changed, both as a musician and on a personal level, from cancelled tours and songwriting sessions, to missing loved ones. She has also managed to find some positives of the situation with the pace of life slowing. HEBE closes the podcast with a stripped back performance of her new single ‘Out of Sight.’

Rapper Grim Sickers brings us a lockdown diary from Swindon in today’s episode. He talks us through the good and bad elements of his routine so far: from regular runs, workouts and long walks, to fighting boredom by getting drunk on House Party. We also hear about postponed tours and festival appearances with The Streets, the music that’s getting him through this time, and the sport he is missing the most. Plus: Stay tuned to find out what links Ainsley Harriott, Lil’ Peep, and Chief Keef.

Pop duo HYYTS take over the show from Glasgow today, and things get silly. A very welcome distraction from these trying times. Adam and Sam discuss their favourite adverts, take part in a Spelling Bee, ask What Is The Scariest Thing? and perform latest single ‘Bullet’ acoustically. Plus: mani-pedis, pink gin, and their own specially made podcast jingles.

The Last Skeptik is rapper from North London, in this episode we join him during lockdown at his family home in Finsbury Park, recorded on Tuesday 24 March.  He tell us that plans for his whole year have been put on hold, shares the worries that this time are placing on independent artists, and talks through how he's coping. Plus: how to prepare for a zombie outbreak, the ultimate guide to cooking sweet potato fries, TV and livestream recommendations, and how he's stopping himself from saying "coronavirus." This episode closes with a very special a cappella performance of two tracks from his latest album 'See You In The Next Life.'

L Devine is a pop singer-songwriter from Newcastle. Currently self isolating with her mum in North Shields, in this episode she reflects on this unusual time and the impact it's had on touring, and the people in the industry that work behind the scenes. She also dispenses some great advice on how to remain relaxed and calm throughout this crisis - snacks and baths are essential! Currently undertaking a 'URL Tour' across her Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube accounts, keep an eye out for live-streams of performances.  This episode closes with a special acoustic performance of her track 'Daughter.'

JC Stewart is a singer-songwriter from Northern Ireland currently making waves with emotional pop songs. Based in London, he recently travelled back to his family home in Northern Ireland and is now spending isolation time there with his parents and sister. In this episode, via a series of voice notes, he talks us through how the pandemic has altered his plans for the year, and ends the show with an acoustic performance of current single 'Lying That You Love Me'.

Welcome to Social Distancing Diaries.

This is a podcast to document the strange times we are living in. We are here to give musicians, and the wider arts and entertainment community, a way to reach an audience with their words and music.

An opportunity to share their experiences during social distancing and self-isolation measures. Self-hosted snapshots of this unique time.

You might hear from a musician who has had to cancel tours and postpone releases. You may hear from comedians who want to test out new material they’ve written in quarantine. You might hear from people whose very livelihood is at stake through no fault of their own, and they will discuss how they are coping, and ways for you to do the same. Episodes may take the form of conversations, performances, or simply audio diaries.

Social Distancing Diaries will share the voices and stories of individuals to remind us that we are all in this together.

Subscribe, listen and spread the word.

If you want to discuss your own experiences, join the conversation. You can reach us on: