QUARANTUNES, COVID, CHAOS, and COMFORT....Erica Sunshine Lee

April 14, 2020

In one week, I’m releasing a brand new album, but I can’t have an album release party…no concerts til at least May 2, and Easter just happened and boy was it strange to just watch the service online, not be around people at church. I’m just taking this whole thing in. What a month. Take a Breath. It will be okay….

WOW, what an incredibly weird and unprecedented time in our world. To live in this pandemic where we can’t go to our jobs, can’t go to restaurants, to friends houses, to shows, or even hug our friends and family may feel like a strange and lonely time. I’m sure it’ll take a while for everyone to adjust to this “new normal.” I definitely miss touring, seeing friends and fans, but the good thing in the midst of all this crazy chaos, is that I’m learning to hear God’s voice telling me to “Be still and know that I am God.” I mean, after all, He created the universe, and yes we have the free will to do what we want, but I believe that this time is a necessary rest from the rat race of the world, and especially from my life touring the past 12 years. I’m using this time to slow down and focus on what matters. My faith, family, friends, fitness, and good ole comfort food. ;)

I’m grateful for technology that has allowed us to continue to catch up with loved ones, write songs on FaceTime, and yes, even play concerts on Facebook and instagram live. Thanks so much to everybody who has been so supportive, tuning in, requesting songs, and watching, as we musicians try to continue to do what we love to do, especially those of us who are full-time musicians, and this is the only way that we make our living.

I’ve never been good at sitting still….In fact, I thrive on being busy, being social, traveling, moving, and working, but this is definitely something I’ve never encountered, but in a good way I’m learning to breathe, and try to see what it is I’m supposed to be learning during this time of rest. Time of rejuvenation. Time of refocus and rethinking. It’s easy to take life for granted when it’s going well, but learning to appreciate our health, or jobs even when they’re stressful, our families, even when we get on each other’s nerves, our fitness, even when we don’t feel like working out, and our finances, because overnight, as we’ve recently learned, all of that can be taken away. We all have numbered days on this earth, and I want to focus on how I’m gonna live, instead of how I’m gonna die. I’m choosing my faith in God to get me through these days, instead of fear, a virus, an invisible enemy, or negativity.
GRATITUDE is my word for the year.

Focusing on what we have, not on what we don’t have.
Being grateful in the moments, even in the hard times, for all I’m blessed with, and there’s always a silver lining.

So, I’m playing concerts online. I’m washing my hands like crazy, and sanitizing everything that’s around me. I’m quarantined at my folks house in Georgia, and enjoying this rare occasion to be still, be at home, be with family, and be in the moment. Sure, it’s a lot of commotion, and a lot of time being cooped up, but nature, running, walking, and exploring around my childhood memories has actually been pretty soothing. Feeling right at home, and of course, cooking good ole comfort food in Mama’s kitchen has definitely eased some of the stress, although I’m possibly gonna be coming out of this with the Quarantine 15, but I’d rather be healthy and happy. We have to go through the rain to get to the rainbow, and I’m excited for the next chapter. I’m releasing my 9th album on 4.20.20, and it’s called “Bulletproof.” I can’t think of a better time in my life and in the world to release this album, showcasing strength after trials, love after heartache, healing after hurt, and restoration after destruction. From tornadoes, to breakups, to pandemics, death, and depressing news, we’ve had a lot of heavy hearts this year, but like my song says, I know “Hearts still beat after they break,” and we’ll all be able to get through this together. With love, kindness, courage, compassion, faith, we can all realize that we’re not that different, and find our own little ways no matter who you are, where you live, where you’re from, or what your limitations are, that YOU CAN BE THE GIRL (OR THE GUY) that can change the world….for the better. Thank you for sending you love, and listening to songs. I hope they bring you joy, healing, strength, and I cannot wait to see y’all at a show soon!!!

Love, Erica Sunshine Lee

Bob Marley “Don’t worry about a thing, cause every little thing is gonna be alright.” -3 Little Birds

God “The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, but I’ve come to give you abundant life.” John 10:10