Interview with Paul Wilkes, February 10, 2022
Project: Gig Economy Workers in the Arts During the COVID-19 Era Oral History Project
Interview Summary
In this follow-up interview, Wilkes describes the music scene in Tulsa, Oklahoma and how 2021 turned out to be one of his most productive years to date. Wilkes explains how the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded in Oklahoma. Wilkes describes what it was like to return to performing in front of live audiences after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown ended. Wilkes also talks of how he came to be an extra during season one of the popular Sterlin Harjo television series "Reservation Dogs," and how that helped shape his year. Wilkes describes how he expanded his musical creativity during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Wilkes relays his experiences with participating in livestreamed concerts and performances. Wilkes considers why touring gigs have not re-emerged as much as local gigs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Wilkes assesses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on local gigs, including increased demand for bands in Tulsa. Wilkes describes the unstable nature of being a full-time musician. Wilkes explains why he decided to remain in Tulsa despite wanting to experience life in another part of the world. Wilkes lists some of the upcoming albums he has collaborated on recently. Wilkes concludes the interview with a reflection on his enjoyment of being a television show extra.Interview Accession
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Sterlin Harjo Oklahomans Film extras Upright bass Music gigs Reservation Dogs (Television show) Mask mandates COVID-19 vaccines Live streams John Fullbright (Artist) Jacob Tovar (Artist) Americana music Touring Regional acts Local acts Music residencies House bands Lockdowns (COVID-19 pandemic) Studio recording Music releaseInterview Rights
All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.Interview Usage
Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.Restriction
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All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.
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Wilkes, Paul Interview by Kopana Terry. 10 Feb. 2022. Lexington, KY: Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.
Wilkes, P. (2022, February 10). Interview by K. Terry. Gig Economy Workers in the Arts During the COVID-19 Era Oral History Project. Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries, Lexington.
Wilkes, Paul, interview by Kopana Terry. February 10, 2022, Gig Economy Workers in the Arts During the COVID-19 Era Oral History Project, Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.
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