Artists Off Stage - POLARTROPICA

by LEXI MCCOY

Polartropica is spending her quarantine days delivering homemade pastries, releasing new music, going live on Instagram - and hanging out with rabbits!

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Hello Polartropica! If you had to pick a fictional character to describe your current mood, who would it be and why?

Kermit the frog in the forest vibes - singing songs, recording them for friends via IG Live  :) 

Without being able play shows, we're asking artists how they've been spending their time during quarantine. What have you been doing to stay sane and busy?

I've been baking a lot for my new project Polarmidori, that my friend Yoko Okumura and I started in quarantine. We wanted to bring joy to friends and family with safe pastry deliveries of wholesome, delicious home-baked goods made from fruits from my yard. We're also finishing up a fun lyric video for the new record with a friend and I've been hanging out with my rabbit Ronnie as much as I can too! Been doing fun little live sessions with friends with music/live drawing and makeovers, podcasts, anything to foster community and friendship :)

You released your new album "Dreams Come True" (which I LOVE!) during quarantine, how was that experience?

It was so surreal - the record came out just a couple days after our release show was postponed, 3/14 so there was a lot of confusion and uncertainty. I remember vividly that it was a sort of dark, gloomy rainy day and I got a lot of messages from friends telling me they were listening to the record inside in the rain.  It made me happy that the music could bring them comfort.  There's honestly been so much love and support for the album, and we'll be able to celebrate together with hugs when the time comes!

What have you been doing for self care during quarantine - any tips?

I am resting as much as I can, taking walks and just trying to learn about whatever sparks my interest and enjoy everyone else's art at this time. I'm trying to remember to eat vegetables as well, in addition to my brownies and pastries :) meditating or taking time to breathe and ground myself whenever things start to feel shaky has been essential.  

What are a few songs you've currently been listening to?

“Afterglow”  - Luna Li

“Only Yesterday” - The Carpenters

“You'll Be In My Heart” - Phil Collins

“Ultralight” - Psychic Love

“Washing Machine Heart” - Mitski

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This interview is part of Artists Off Stage - a series of snapshot style interviews and photo-stories highlighting how musicians are spending their time during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

All interviews are done remotely as we continue to practice social distancing. For resources and information regarding COVID-19, click here.

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Interview by Lexi McCoy