Interview by Gracie Vanover
Theatre director Robbie Steiner started recording himself singing one song a day during quarantine. However, he never expected it to hit local news outlets like the News and Tribune. After reading these articles I wanted to hear from Steiner what started his idea for these videos. Steiner uploads a new song every day so be sure to check them out. To find his YouTube channel and videos just type “Robbie Steiner” in the search bar.
Bagpiper: “What inspired you to start COVID Carols?”
Robbie Steiner: “As I began adjusting to life in quarantine, I thought it would be a good time to add some things into my daily routine that I enjoy but usually don’t have time to do. I love singing and have been wanting to have a more consistent routine to exercise and develop my voice, so I decided to record a song every day until I no longer have to social distance. I came up with the hashtag #covidcarols and started posting them because I thought it would be a nice way to share some joy during this difficult time.”
BP: “How have you used this as a coping mechanism?”
RB: “Singing releases endorphins, just like exercise, so I’ve always found that it helps me relieve stress. Plus, it is helpful to get out of my own head and see the world through someone else’s eyes for a few minutes. I found when the Coronavirus started impacting our area that I was listening to the news constantly and not sleeping well. Singing has helped me channel my emotions into a character, which allows me to process my anxiety.”
BP: “What is your overall goal when making one of these videos?’
RB: “On a personal level, I approach each song with the goal to perform it to the best of my ability. I’m about to take a leave of absence from my job at FC next year so that I can focus on developing myself as a performer, so I’m trying to use this as a training ground for myself. I try to look at each song both through a vocal and an acting lens so that it gives me the chance to practice both as a vocalist and as an actor. On an external level, I hope that the pieces provide others with a combination of an escape and a chance to process what’s going on at this time.”
BP: “Did you expect these videos to become a local hit?”
RB: “I never imagined these videos to take off like they have. I’ve been blown away by how many people have made them part of their daily routine. It has been very moving for me; I am very humbled by the support and I’m also thrilled that the art I’m creating means something to others and is helping to bring comfort and routine during this crazy time.”
BP: “What is something you want all the people watching your videos to know [whether it be about you or what is happening in the world]?”
RB: “Dark as this time is, there is a beautiful silver lining in that we have a new opportunity to be creative in ways that we have never been before as a species. I encourage everyone to find inventive ways to express themselves and to bring the arts into their quarantine. I love seeing the many ways people are using performance art to cope and how so many artists and arts organizations are being so generous by sharing their work while people are social distancing. While we have to make and consume art in new ways in order to keep ourselves safe at this time, there’s no doubt that art is necessary for humans to survive and thrive.”
Steiner’s latest upload:
