Kevin Bronson on April 15th, 2020

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Like most bands whose 2020 has been gutted by the pandemic, L.A. quintet Local Natives (new remixes out today) are seeking some kind of solace in isolation. Bassist Nik Ewing joins Buzz Bands LA for today’s edition of the interview/artist playlist series QUARANTUNES, talking about how much he misses shows, museums and basketball and sharing a playlist that brings him some comfort.

THE LATEST FROM LOCAL NATIVES

Local Natives, riding high from their 2019 album “Violet Street” and the single “When Am I Gonna Lose You” (which has proven to be their biggest ever), had their 2020 go topsy-turvy with the cancellation of a big tour with Foals. Early this year, they released a remix EP featuring four “Violet Street” tracks — and today they just released two remixes with Foals: the Oxford band remaking the Natives’ “Dark Days” and the L.A. band remaking Foals’ “Neptune.” They’re available for free download on Local Natives’ website.

HOW ARE YOU HOLDING UP AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MANAGE THE ‘STAY AT HOME’ EDICT?

Nik Ewing: I can only assume what so many others are experiencing: riding a wave between enjoying so much time at home and existential dread. I’m fortunate to not have a “real job,” so I’m lucky enough to be making music, art and design stuck in my home. I’m listening to a lot of Neil Young and Leonard Cohen, they’re a comfort blanket in these strange times. I’m watching “The Sopranos” for the first time and re-watching old basketball games.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WHEN THIS IS OVER?

Nik Ewing:My biggest forms of relieving stress/having fun are playing shows, going to museums and playing pick-up basketball. All of which are terribly unwise to do right now. I’m looking forward to all those again, but really I can’t wait to just go get food with my palz.

ANYTHING WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS PLAYLIST?

Nik Ewing: I often now find myself with my hands behind my back staring out the window watching brave (or foolish, it’s hard to tell from these heights) people walking on the streets as if I’m curiously critiquing a new exhibit at The Met. I feel alone. These songs embrace the loneliness of being home alone; solo or with a partner. We had the privilege of having Moses Sumney open a tour for us years ago. We have collaborated and befriended him since. His albums tend to deal with isolation, not in a self-help or music cliche of “I hope I find true love one day!” way, but just sitting in and accepting loneliness. This playlist gives me comfort when staring out the window hoping to see another lonely person walking. I hope it brings you the same comfort.