The Idle Class artists-in-quarantine series features local creators and their spread of good fortune and creativity in a time of social distancing. What exactly are these artists doing to lift the spirits of our community while practicing social distancing? We’re here to find out. First up in the series: local musician, Angela Edge. 

Angela Edge, an eccentric musician of the Northwest Arkansas area, began her musical journey at age 14 with her electric bass. While enamored by the instrument and teaching herself to play, she soon molded her own concept of bass, melody and harmonic style. Not to mention, she had been playing the trumpet since she was 12 and majored in music education for the trumpet at the University of Arkansas. 

Throughout her college years Edge toured with a classic rock cover band in the Fayetteville area, allowing her to further develop and expand her sound. Ready for the big time, she was then contracted for a 5-week tour with a national folk artist. During this time Edge had the opportunity to play with musicians such as Cris Williamson and Peter Yarrow. Edge also played at festivals featuring musicians such as Les Claypool, Michael Franti, Melissa Ferrick and Alix Olson. She has played at Washington D.C. PRIDE, San Francisco Pride, High Sierra Music Festival, The Folk Alliance in Montreal and the Kerville Folk Festival. Edge has also played at The Blue Bird in Nashville and The Bitter End in NYC.

Over the years, Edge says her music has evolved from the days of playing in coffee shops and local venues—she now has found her own unique voice with potent lyrics and sweet melodies. 

As artists find ways to be creative during a time of social distancing, here is what Edge told Idle Class she is doing to spread light and art in a time of seeming darkness. 

What have you been doing creatively during the self distancing period?

I started a songwriting group on Facebook a few weeks before all this started.  Each week, the members of the group take turns posting a lyrical prompt for us to use to write one song a week. That keeps me busy creatively. I will have many new songs on my set list when I eventually return to performing live shows.  Social media is amazing in that it allows me to do live concerts online, when the mood strikes. I also try to record one video a day that highlights one of my songs. 

Why are you doing it? 

Mostly, it keeps me busy doing what I love, but it also gives me a chance to reach out and share a part of myself musically with others who may have never seen me perform a live show.  I’m an introvert at heart. So, sharing music online is right up my alley. 

Why is staying active in your art and finding new ways to express it important at a time like this? 

Unfortunately, sharing my music online does not compare, financially, with what I have lost from performing live. So, while I need to continue to create for the love of music and for personal therapy—hopefully it will have some therapeutic value for others along the way.