BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Musicians all over the state are heading into their second month without being able to play to live audiences. Many have been adapting to life in lockdown by teaching online and playing virtual concerts.
Peabody-native musician Ryan Montbleau told WBZ NewsRadio while he's no longer on the road or in the studio, he is finding upsides to life in quarantine.
"I play a show every week from my living room, and I don't have to go anywhere," said Montbleau. "A lot of people are tuning in, and people are so grateful. People have been donating to me, it's kind of like I'm still working and people are more thankful than ever for the work."
Montbleau said for him, there is no shortage of things to do in lockdown. He has been getting involved in online concerts to raise money for first responders, he's been writing some music while in isolation, and he's been learning cover tunes by artists he loves who have recently passed away, like John Prine and Bill Withers. He told WBZ NewsRadio he's also been taking piano lessons online.
"I got a nice keyboard right before this started, so I've been practicing my piano everyday," said Montbleau. "And even re-learning my old songs, to make my livestreams really special."
Watch Drew Moholland's interview with Ryan Montbleau here:
Listen to Drew Moholland's interview with Ryan Montbleau here:
(Photo: Getty Images)
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