We've taken time to think about how to best approach engaging with artists here at setlist.fm. Given the state of the world, we felt a thoughtful, impactful approach will be the right direction for all involved. We want to be a part of the solution and we hope you'll join us, too.

Mother marks the seventh studio album from American heavy metal rockers, In This Moment. Fans may have to wait a while to see In This Moment's latest body of work live in person, but that's not going to stop anyone from rocking out at home in the mean time.

We caught up with In This Moment bassist Travis Johnson to talk about the state of the world, life in quarantine and the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement. Find out what Johnson and the band are up to.

[Editor's note: We interviewed In This Moment's Travis Johnson about life in quarantine well before the BLM movement, so we followed up with some questions about the political/social climate of the country, and that's what we are leading with.]

How are you guys participating in the Black Lives Matter movement?

We are literally doing anything and everything that we can do to help spread awareness of this continued injustice.

We have been posting useful resources and information online to help educate and enlighten the uninformed, Maria [Brink] and her son joined a peaceful protest in New York, and Randyʼs [Weitzel] wife even made empowering signs to give out to people that were protesting in Los Angeles to help spread awareness.

Like I said, LITERALLY anything we can do to help spread awareness and help put a stop to this, we are all on board!

What have you learned since the movement started?

I guess the main thing Iʼve learned is the fact that everyone is at a point where the overall consensus towards this matter is, “enough is enough.”

The L.A. riots in 1992 started on my 20th birthday while I was living in Los Angeles.

The fact that those officers got acquitted of all charges after seeing what they did to Rodney King was nothing short of a complete tragedy of justice. I remember thinking that with all that was happening in our city, as far as the riots and with all of the outrage across the world, something would change for the good of equality in the police department and/or the world for that matter.

Yet, here we are 28 years later and nothing has seemed to change. I feel like this was the last straw for us all as a society. Equality and love is what the world needs more than anything, and we are all willing to fight tooth and nail for it.

What black voices would you like to elevate?

I would actually like to help elevate every single Black voice in the world! We are but just one race...The human race. We must all love and protect each other as such.

How have you been affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic?

With the strict guidelines of social distancing, we, as well as the entire music industry, have been heavily affected by the pandemic. With the simple fact that we make our living by bringing crowds of people together in close proximity; it really casts a shadow of uncertainty as to when we will be able to get back out there and resume our live shows. We, as well as the fans, miss it dearly. We understand that there is a bigger picture here that we need to look at and are finding patience knowing this is what needs to be done right now for the safety of everyone. Shows and tours will resume at some point, hopefully sooner than later. We are definitely looking forward to seeing the fans, other bands, and our crew when Itʼs time to rock again.

Paint us a picture of your current headquarters.

Well if my headquarter painting had a name, it would have to be “controlled utter chaos.”

Iʼm surrounded by basses, my recording equipment is hooked up and ready to go with cords laying everywhere, weights and workout bands on the opposite side of the room, a table full of faceless freak masks Iʼm making for some amazing fans, and of course ROCKY memorabilia everywhere.

What activities have you been doing to keep yourself busy?

Iʼve definitely been hyper focused on weight training. It helps diminish the frustrations of everything thatʼs going on in the world right now. If there has ever been a time that I canʼt use the excuse of being too busy to train, it would be now, thats for sure.

Iʼve also been extremely busy making faceless freak masks for the fans. I really enjoy making them and its a great way to be creative and get lost in my art which eats up a big chunk of my day. Of course, recording music ideas or just sitting down and practicing is always great therapy to keep me busy as well.

What movies and tv have you been watching?

My wife and I watched the new season of OZARK and it was amazing! We are also HUGE crime show nerds so we generally watch things like Nightwatch, Disappeared, The First 48, Cold Case Files etc. Nothing beats true crime shows!

What music or podcasts have you been listening to?

Iʼve been listening to the new Sylosis' Cycle of Suffering and Testament's Titans of Creation records on repeat like a complete mental patient for weeks now. Those are two of the best thrash records of 2020 so far in my opinion, and The Joe Rogan Experience is the only podcast I ever listen to. Best of the best!

Are you planning on tuning into or producing any livestream performances?

I definitely watch a lot of the livestreams and especially love the quarantine jams when various musicians from different bands collaborate on a cover song. Itʼs just super cool to see people coming together to stay busy and do something fun.

As far as us doing a livestream performance, nothing has been planned as of yet but you never know. It looks like we will be in quarantine for a while longer so you never know what the future might hold.

Whatʼs your best song for getting through a scary/confusing time?

"EYE OF THE TIGER"!!
Anyone who knows me will not be surprised by that answer at all. I am a huge ROCKY fan and drew inspiration from those movies early on in life by believing anything is possible with determination and heart. Any time Iʼm feeling nervous or unsure of anything, I just put "Eye of the Tiger" on and Iʼm filled with that feeling of confidence I had as a kid watching those Rocky movies.

Where can fans get the latest info and updates from you?

Social media is always the best way to get info and updates from me.

Travis Johnson on Instagram and Facebook.

In This Moment on Faceook
In This Moment on Twitter
In This Moment on Instagram