Isolation Drills: Jared Feinman

Like the majority of you, all of us in the Philadelphia area are staying at home, learning to adapt to our “new normal.” MAGNET is checking in with local musicians to see how and what they’re doing during this unprecedented time. Photos by Chris Sikich.

Sunday, March 22, 2020
It’s 4 a.m., and I woke up in a panic again.
For the last 10 days, I’ve been in survival mode.
Picked up three weeks of food for my family.
Isolated.
Watched the news.
Read the news.
Little things that seemed important before are now insignificant.

Friday, April 3, 2020
Do we need to wear masks? Yes, wear a mask.
Turn off the news.
Time to get back to work.

Friday, May 1, 2020
What started out as a song turned into something more meaningful.
Today marks the start of the Love And Be Free Foundation, a nonprofit I created with my family to raise funds for struggling Philadelphia-based musicians and venue workers.

I also released the song that birthed the foundation, “(Let’s Sing For) Love And Be Free.” The song cries for reconciliation, and the foundation’s mission is to heal the world through song.

The emergence of the pandemic provided a distinct opportunity to give back. When my first stimulus payment came in, I put it toward the foundation.

Then, some generous family and friends donated what they could. We sent the funds directly to Philly Music Fest to disburse appropriately, as they had already established a successful micro-grant initiative.

Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Today, I put on a special, socially distant performance for the healthcare workers at Riddle Hospital in Media, Pa. One of my neighbors is a registered nurse for Main Line Health, and I was inspired by the work she and her colleagues were doing.

Monday, Sept. 7, 2020
I am working on a groundbreaking communal initiative surrounding Love And Be Free. I will not divulge anymore because I am superstitious and don’t want to jinx the momentum.

After the Love And Be Free Foundation was up and running, I focused on finishing my first album.

Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020
Witnessing the 2020 turmoil, the final verse to my song “Wait For The Judge” came:
Rectify our temples with the burning of the sage/This ain’t no trial, this is the coming of the age/The congregation is filled with rage/While the choir sings “Amazing Grace,” waiting/For the judge

Monday, Nov. 30, 2020
Recorded final vocals.
Sequenced the album.
Approved final mixes and masters.
Now, I’m working with my designer on the vinyl artwork.

Friday, Feb. 12, 2021
Today my debut album, Love Is an Obstacle, arrived.
I made two music videos with my close friend and film director, Tommy Czerpak. Here is one of them:

Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021
Lately, I’ve spent my time writing new music. I am a novice in the embryonic stage again. I forget how to write a song.

I have a headlining show booked at City Winery on June 26, but we may have to keep postponing until it is safe.

I have no idea what the future holds.

What I do know is my relationship with music has deepened in isolation.

Music is my ultimate connection to the divine.

Friday, Feb. 26, 2020
It’s 4 a.m. again. The panic hasn’t gone away.

We must all learn to live and co-exist with one another. America is The Great Experiment. The world is watching us.

Please visit Love And Be Free to join the movement. Buy a shirt, mask or vinyl if you are able. 100 percent of the proceeds from the song and merchandise go toward the foundation’s work. No hidden salaries or fees taken.

Jared Feinman’s debut album, Love Is An Obstacle, is now available everywhere.