18 May Local Artists Navigating Covid-19: Ryan from Out Cry
We’re fifty-something days into our lockdown here in South Africa, and admittedly, for the first time, I feel like I am starting to accept that perhaps life isn’t going to look or feel like it used to, or at least it won’t for a while. Coming to this acceptance has given me the opportunity to refocus and create a new normal and shake off the funk that I have been carrying around for the last few weeks. With this newfound energy and enthusiasm, I decided to reach out to local artists to see how they were navigating Covid-19 with the hope of sharing their stories, tips and most importantly, sharing ways that we, as a community, can support our local talent, especially during these trying times.
First up, is Ryan from Out Cry.
Out Cry is a group of young, passionate, driven individuals, who believe music has the power to unite and connect people across society’s self-made barriers. This multicultural and internationally acclaimed band originates from the small town of Piggs Peak, Swaziland and creates a unique blend of Indie, Afro Pop, Alternative and Rap to provide fans with an unforgettable visual and listening experience.
How have you been using your time during the lockdown?
I struggled to find a balance at first and had a couple of days where I started naming the walls in my apartment (haha). But finally, I have gotten into a good rhythm of work, quiet time, home exercise, video calls with family, and still an unhealthy amount of Netflix.
What’s the first thing you look forward to doing when this is all over?
Travelling to the ocean!
I feel like the weight of the global pandemic and economic crisis has left many of us feeling overwhelmed, how do you rise above that and stay creative during this time?
It’s great to have dependable people in the group that I can lean on for inspiration and creativity; and technology has made it easier than ever to collaborate with people, even though we are physically apart.
Everyone is having to change the way they do things, as a result of the pandemic – how has your own industry changed, what challenges do you now face that you hadn’t before, and what steps are you taking to overcome them?
I work as a musical director of a church that has had to move our entire Sunday service to the digital world. It has been an awesome, crazy, stressful and incredibly fulfilling time; taking the team on this journey. Given the unprecedented state that the world is in and the realm of constant uncertainty, I’ve learnt patience is really key; as we can only deal with what is in front of us and take it one step at a time.
What is your message of hope to the people of South Africa?
We are all in this together! The current crisis has the ability to unite us across barriers of gender, culture and religion as it affects us all equally as HUMANS. So, be considerate of our neighbours and bear with each other in this time and likewise after.
How can South Africans support local artists during this time?
Please share our videos and songs with your friends and family. They all have God’s heart of hope and love woven in them.
Follow Out Cry:
Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Apple Music
I’m a coffee-wielding mood reader and romance book collector who may or may not have a slight addiction to buying books. I read a variety of sub-genres within romance, including rom-coms, dark romance, and fantasy. I love sharing my thoughts on books, whether it’s through book reviews, quotes, or recommendations inspired by my current reads. Through my romance book blog, Literary Inspired, I aim to provide in-depth book reviews, curated reading recommendations, and exclusive author promotions. I’m passionate about supporting indie authors and sharing my latest book discoveries with others. When I’m not reading, you can find me cheering on my favorite football team and F1 drivers, crafting, baking with my kids or playing with my pets.
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