Starting a New Role in the Middle of a Pandemic...

I’ve been granted the rare occasion, immersed here in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, to start supporting Concord Music Publishing working from the comfort of my home. It’s been quite a transition from 'Netflixing' and playing keys all day back into a formal routine, but it’s going well.

So what’s different from before? I can confess the new-found pleasure in waking up 'late' for work with enough time to make breakfast has been pleasant. Not worrying about the controlled chaos of the moving sauna we know as the central line, or trying to recall where I last left my work-pass has also brought more tranquility to my mornings. I’m still working my way through the new applications but the IT department is helping from a distance.

Saviours of the time - Zoom and Citrix - relinquish the thousand of miles between the team so maintaining a collaborative environment has been achievable. However, from time to time, the lagging of internet connections becomes a small blockade to progress. Otherwise, I’m slowly getting used to it.

Notable changes made to my schedule include less coffee breaks and sourcing new ideas for snacks. Skateboarding has been the answer for killing two birds with one stone; I can simply stock up from the local corner-shop to meet my cravings and fulfil my one form of exercise for the day. It’s definitely great for a change of scenery.

I’ve been listening through our roster’s catalog during this time. It’s so exciting for me as it includes music from my favourite artists such as Bombay Bicycle Club and Oh Wonder. Working through the catalogue, I’ve made many great new discoveries, one being 'Carrie' by Alex Metric and Fakear. I’ve had it on repeat since finding it last week. The process of discovering good music for sync and new music for myself has been working hand in hand.

Ultimately, things are going really well. We still run like a well-oiled machine, and it’s been a delight to be back with the team. I have curated a short playlist too with some of my favourite tunes.

- Dan Olaifa, Concord Music Publishing