Angel Forrest & Denis Columbus

How are you handling this major disruption?

You can be sure we go through waves where we have good days full of positivity and hope for the future as well as bad days when we are reminded of what we've lost because of the virus. As struggling musicians, you are always running, never not working on something. It's somewhat comforting to know that we are not alone.

Having more time on your hands, what have you done with it?

We've had time to breathe, time to realize that were not so crazy about running on a hamster’s wheel. We had time to plan our virtual tour across Canada. We had time to adapt our life to living in a tour bus. Time for Denis to finish the vocals on his new country album. Just more time for ourselves.

What new music have you discovered or rediscovered during this pause?

I've been filling my boots with my favourite Led Zeppelin tunes, a lot! As for new stuff, Simrit for meditation and Lukas Nelson, whom I adore! They’re fairly new to my turn table and I love that vinyl is back!

What have you been able to do during this pause that normally you would be too busy to do?

As some of you know, we are living in our 1986 Prévost tour bus - it's been a year now. We had relocated to Nashville last December but when Covid arrived, we came back to Quebec in March. Summer came and went and because we live in a bus; we decided to go West for winter weather that’s a little more clement. “Maggie The Bus” calls for much attention and maintenance so we are constantly working on her. We decided to make the most of our trip and set up a virtual Tour 'The Hell Bent Road to Grace'... from then until now.

13 shows in iconic spots across Canada, revisiting my catalogue of 11 albums. Denis and I doing an acoustic show up close and personal from a distance!

What personality have you been following on social media during this pause that has benefited you personally and why?

I love Jacqui Childs, she's my kind of woman all around. She’s no bullshit, straight shooting, kind, sexy, a very smart woman who lives out loud and she’s Canadian to boot! With my new record ‘Hell Bent with Grace”, I address a lot of women issues, life at large; the good, the bad and the ugly. I find Jacqui a person I can relate to on all these life issues.

What do you appreciate more now than before the Pandemic?

Downtime has been such a rarity in our lives, so much so that in the beginning, I felt guilty for not running around and it was killing me! I started to smoke a little doobie by the fire, I found it relaxed me, helped me just to be in the moment. It also helped me set my emotions free, cleanse and process the feelings I was experiencing. Now I don't need the “Bud” for that, I have finally learned to relax.

I also do Kundalini Yoga, it helps keep my lungs strong and my mind clear.

What have you missed the most during this disruption?

Making music with the band, dancing with folks, touching, embracing, loving people up close.

Have you been able to help others during this tough period?

Reaching out online via FaceTime has been a priority for us. Staying connected to friends and loved ones but we realize as well that we've always been hands on people. Support from a distance is all we have to offer and it really sucks! Never take for granted the power of human connection... it is love... it is truth... it is a matter of survival!

Have you been able to do some cleaning of stuff you have gathered over the years?

We were way ahead of the Covid cleaning game. Last year when we moved into the bus: we cleaned, cleared, sorted, sold and gave away four stories of stuff... not much left and it feels great!

What were some good stuff/memories that you reconnected with during the pause?

I have years and years of VHS cassettes and Super 8 videos I took of my kids growing up, shows, parties and even camping. One special one I have is where the camera is fixed on my Mom sitting by the fire in the daytime talking about all kinds of stuff while I prepare the campsite. A wonderful memory to have since she's passed away... I have time now to transfer those tapes to the iCloud for safekeeping and to be able to pass on to my kids.

A little resume video of our virtual tour across Canada. Final destination Hornby Island B.C.!

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