As the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic continues to rock the music industry, the Recording Academy reached out to a few musicians to see how they were spending their days indoors. Today, GRAMMY-nominated songwriter Eric Bellinger—whose collaborative album with Nieman J, Optimal Music, is out now—shares his Quarantine Diary

Friday, April 24

This was a big day for us because we released my newest project, Optimal Music. This was the first time I dropped an album and didn’t have a big release party, listening party or club event, but we made it work!

[9 a.m.] Ely [Bellinger's son] woke me up.

[9:30 a.m.] Me and Ely got dressed. He likes to dress like his dad, so we wear matching outfits a lot. La'Myia [Bellinger's wife] is with our newborn. 

[9:45 a.m.] Called into the Morning Show with Nick Cannon to discuss the album. Spoke about the recording process, features and some of my favorite moments from Optimal Music.

[10 a.m.] Breakfast made by me. Mickey Mouse pancakes this morning.

[10:30 a.m.] Live with Ely and his school. We did arts and crafts today. 

[11 a.m.] Yoga and meditation with Ely. I’m big into meditation, especially in times like this. It’s important to make sure I’m keeping a good balance in every aspect of my life. 

[12 p.m.] Work out with trainer. He comes to the house in full sanitation gear so I can still stay in shape while keeping everyone safe.

[1 p.m.] Açaí bowl.

[2 p.m.] Lunch.

[3 p.m.] Cut some new records in my home studio. It’s tough not having my engineer with me, but I can’t help but to still record music every day.

[6 p.m.] Link with Niem for "Malibu Nights." We usually do a concert once a month where I invite some of my friends like Tank, Ne-Yo, BJ to perform acoustic cuts, and then I have some new aspiring artists perform and show off their vocals. Now, because we can’t have a concert, we moved the whole thing to IG live. Every Friday, eight new artists compete with each other in a singing competition that me and Niem host. I love being able to give artists a new platform, and it’s a great way for us to discover new talent as well.

[9 p.m.] Meet with Niem. We always have so much music in the pipeline, it’s important that we stay communicated and on top of everything. This new project has some big records on it, and it’s important that we have a precise plan for everything.

[10 p.m.] Movie or Netflix with Myia. Right now we're really into "Little Fires Everywhere," "All American" and "The Last Dance."

If you wish to support our efforts to assist music professionals in need, learn more about the Recording Academy's and MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund.

If you are a member of the music industry in need of assistance, visit the MusiCares website.