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, R&B powerhouse singer and "Quarantine Queen" Sinead Hartnett shares her Quarantine Diary. Sinead's new single "Stickin", featuring Masego and VanJess, is out now.
[8 a.m.] WAKE UP, GIRL! I lie in bed and give myself about 30-45 minutes to slowly come back to reality. I love the feeling of stillness and in lockdown; we’ve been spoiled with it for the first time in most of our lives. Some of these moments in bed I’ll FaceTime my sisters so I can see my niece and nephews. They’re all precious and my favourite little people on earth! Slightly ashamed to say that this time of morning is also when I usually check my phone for emails, missed messages and notifications. Cheeky Instagram/Twitter scroll too, but I try not to be on it too much. Better for the mind to have that stuff in doses!
[9 a.m.] I make a hot lemon and ginger and do 10 minutes of meditation. It helps get my head straight and turn the noise down. Also, it helps me to focus on the tasks ahead. I use an app called Headspace because I prefer someone to guide me rather than doing it alone.
[9:30 a.m.] I usually wash up whatever I didn’t the night before and clean up the living room so that it feels like a cozy creative space. Tidy space, clearer mind. I’ll then make my breakfast smoothie! Oats, banana, oat milk, peanut butter, cacao—you should try it! BIG energy drink. Tastes like a Snickers milkshake but it's so good for you.
[11 a.m.] After doing some stuff on my phone like emails and replying to people, I’ll do a workout. When it’s hot here I usually do it outside so I can get some sun/nature. I LOVE the outdoors so much. It helps me escape the walls of my mind. When it's cold or rainy though, I do one in the flat. I don’t love the feeling during workouts, but I wait patiently for the exercise endorphins to show up! Exercise is good for the body of course, but what I get out of it for my mind is the real magic.
[12 p.m.] I usually make some lunch, which I demolish before showering! I don’t think I’ve cooked and cleaned more in my entire life than in this lockdown!
[1 p.m.–8 p.m.] During these hours, it's usually a juggling act of writing music, recording vocals, doing admin, promoting songs, making sure my socials are in check and calls with my team. etc. This time goes so quickly I almost feel someone’s pressing fast-forward. I’m always doing about five things simultaneously.
[9 p.m.–11 p.m.] I talk to family or friends that I haven't been able to get back to during the day. I'm not the best at communicating, especially nowadays because I don't like being on my phone too much. I prefer to see people in real life but obviously that’s had to change.
[12 a.m.] Ahhhh, rest time! I love to sleep so much! I've started a new habit of making sure I'm in bed no later than this time. I don't like the feeling when I wake up late, so I have to discipline myself to get into bed earlier. I always wonder where the day has gone and how I didn’t manage to watch a movie or switch off from musical work. But then I remind myself that music isn’t work, it’s a privilege and joy! Head down now, ready for more action tomorrow.
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.
