Oshawa band Judgement finds a way during pandemic

by Tara Sottile

Photo credit: Tara Sottile

The pandemic has affected many musicians. For some, it’s meant cancelled tours. For others, it’s delayed plans for new albums.

The lockdown has been especially hard on bands just breaking into the industry in a big way.

Ryley Robertson is the drummer for the Oshawa, Ont., band, Judgement.

COVID-19 has impacted its plans for 2020.

Tara spoke with him about the changes the band has made as they look toward the future.

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What plans did the band have this year and how were they affected?

So, we just released two singles and a music video within like the past few months. So, we had a number of shows planned. We had a bunch in February that we just completed and then more coming up in March and April. We were visiting some radio stations in Ontario and things like that. But just because of the social distancing laws and everything, it was kind of just put to a stop. But thankfully, we have like social media and internet to work with currently. So, it's definitely slowed us down a lot.

What do you think is the biggest impact COVID-19 is having on the music industry?

I mean, it's having a really massive impact all around, especially for like, bands that are, I guess, more established than ourselves and especially those that rely on touring. Whether you're a musician or a crew member, like somebody that just helps out at the shows, or you work at the venues. And because of social distancing and everything, it's really taking a huge impact because you can't have a large group of people…So, I think that the biggest impact it's taken on the music industry is pretty much everybody that depends on it financially is being affected by it.

How did your fundraiser for the Canadian Mental Health Association start?

We decided to just give back to the Canadian Mental Health Association once again, because with the pandemic and everything, everybody's saying inside. We know that it's definitely taking a toll on everyone's mental health, some more than others, and the Canadian Mental Health Association definitely supports those that are in need for those times, whether it's like, funding for programs and things like that, we're just trying to give back essentially, as much as we can.

What would you say to people who are currently struggling?

I think I'm generally a very optimistic person, whether it's about like life or anything, I try and be very upbeat and positive. Lately my optimism has been kind of down. I've noticed that, and I think that's something that gives me a feeling of hope or happiness. And something that I can pass on to you is that we're all in this together. Like, we aren't alone. As cliché as that sounds, it's really true and I think that, I don't think it's going to last forever.