In this QUARANTINED interview, we talk to our favorite voice on radio, Jeff Morad of WEQX 102.7 to see what hes been up to while staying at home and social distancing. Read what Jeff has to say below!

How are things going since the impact of COVID-19?
In my 46 years on this planet, things have never been this grim. However, I was just thinking this morning that generation upon generation will be reading about this in history books. What is it about us that we want them to be reading? We want them to read about how strong we were, how we came together to become stronger as a nation and as a world. We want them to look up to us like we look up to the World War II generation. If for nothing else, let’s rise above this not for us, but for future generations! And to look cool in history books.

What things have you been doing to keep yourself busy? Top 5 things I’ve been doing:
1) reaching out to loved ones
2) cranking tunes a little louder than usual
3) learning
4) sleeping more
5) trying to talk erin into getting another dog

What has WEQX been doing to keep the public informed new updates on COVID-19?
I’ve always looked at radio as a technology that was invented to communicate info to people. It’s most important role was and is to provide updates during emergencies. Since there were never enough emergencies (thankfully), radio started providing entertainment (music in our case) to fill the gaps between emergencies. So we’re staying true to that belief. We’re providing important and fact checked info while still playing da tunes.

How has corona’s impacted the live music/entertainment industry effected you?
90% of our revenue comes from live music so we have taken a huge hit, but just like everybody else we are using our skills to adjust, adapt, and overcome. We are dealing with this problem on a day-to-day basis. Our goal is to keep the lights on today and figure out tomorrow when tomorrow comes.

Do you feel a sense of responsibility to keep music fans and fans of the station feeling positive throughout these stressful times?
Absolutely! If we freak out, the possible ripple effects are devastating. For example, the other day when the coronavirus task force told us to expect up to 240,000 deaths in America, I turned on the mic and admitted it was the toughest day in my broadcast career which I immediately followed up by saying “there’s always a silver lining. We’re staying home, we’re self-distancing. I’ve never heard chipmunks, birds and the rest of nature like this before”. Its the law of cause and effect stating that every cause has an effect and every effect becomes the cause of something else. In addition to that, I have never been more inspired to play music that fits the mood.

Fill us in with what is going on with Capital Region Covers Challenge that WEQX is partnered up with the city of Albany on?
We’re really proud to be a part of this project because honestly there’s nothing more dangerous than bored musicians. Let’s keep them busy! More info at weqx.com

Do you have any advice for musicians/artists/industry related folks struggling?
If there’s any group of people I’m NOT worried about, it’s artists. They’ve always struggled. The best art comes from struggle. They’re probably pissed that struggle is so main stream right now. God bless them and their adaptability

What beverages have you been enjoying while staying home?
I strive to consume nothing from more than an hour outside my circle so I’ve been consuming the usual suspects…Brown’s, Indian Ladder Farms, Albany Distilling, NIne Pin, Frog Alley etc.

What was coming up for you in the coming months prior to the impact of COVID-19? So many things…fuck you just reminded me of how many flights and Airbnb’s I stilll need to cancel.

What things do you miss the most with having to social distance?
All the hugs. We have such an amazing community here. We all know each other and love each other. Ribs are gonna break when this is over!

What music has been getting you through these stressful times?
It’s actually been fun to seek out those tunes. I’ve come to find that a lot of lyrics have taken on a whole new meaning for me. I’m trying to find tunes that will connect with the masses and since most of my frends are in the service industry, The Dandy Warhols-Bohemian Like Me has struck a chord that it never had before. There are so many more but that’s the best example right now.

When going out and about, what precautions are you taking with social distancing?
I’m acting as if I have it and don’t wanna pass it on. I’m also acting like I don’t have it and never fucking want it.

How can music fans support the bands during these tough times?
Just like they did and/or should have been before….support them! Not a plug for our website, but more for the bands…Luke and Ryan have put info on how to support them up on weqx.com