Photographed by [Chloé Le Drezen](https://www.instagram.com/chloeledrezen/?hl=en).
In this current COVID-19 situation we all find ourselves in, one can’t help but question: “How can we individually and collectively work to create a better world post-pandemic?” Overcoats is a duo that may be perfectly suited to help answer that question with their new acoustic release, “The Fight (Reprise).” Hana Elion and JJ Mitchell of Overcoats stand unified in their voice; it’s as if one person is singing accompanied with serene, sweet-tempered guitar chords. This latest single is conveniently suited for our current times, with a visual rallying cry that asks - “What are you fighting for?” - as it urges us into action.
I can’t help but wonder if the state of society as whole has ever had a better opportunity to address change than now? To fight for what you believe in, to unite and reach across the aisles so we may all find a better future not just for humankind but also for our planet. If not now, then when? “This is the fight, the only time to start is now!”… Overcoats ask us to #JoinTheFight to rewrite our history as humankind progresses forward, to the tune of soothing sounds. Let’s all promise to stay mindful of what parts of the past we will allow to move forward with us, and what needs to be left behind. How can we improve our humanity? These are some of the curiosities spinning around in my head forming a foundation of thoughts that came across in my conversation with Hana and JJ.
Photographed by [Chloé Le Drezen](https://www.instagram.com/chloeledrezen/?hl=en).
**You two are a duo like no other in that you take extreme leaps of faith together, like shaving each other’s’ heads for your last video. What inspiration has this trusting relationship given you during these difficult times?**
Now, more than ever, it is nice to have a teammate & companion. We each have someone to face the storm with. We keep each other’s spirits up and are constantly coming up with new creative ways to take “the fight” digital during this period of isolation. We’ve been through so many ups and downs together. Nothing quite as apocalyptic as this. But we have faith that we’ll get through it and come out the other side…
**Are you two quarantined together currently?**
We are apart! It’s crazy! When we’re touring, we see each other 24 hours a day, 7 days a week…so it’s very difficult to suddenly have our tour postponed and find ourselves different states, communicating, writing, and working on ZOOM. JJ is in NY, Hana is in Western Massachusetts.
**The internet is obviously such a unifying force for humanity right now. You are utilizing it so well with the #JoinTheFight movement you’ve launched. Let’s talk about how this approach has come to change with the recent backdrop of the global pandemic.**
Life keeps getting more difficult each week, as the death toll rises and the evenings are filled with the sound of ambulances racing through the streets. And it’s going to get even harder, before it gets easier. These are scary times and we are doing everything we can to simply keep fighting. We want to show up for each other, for our listeners, and for ourselves and provide a lighthearted, fun, music-filled Friday night performance each week. We’re calling these weekly variety shows/concerts ‘Friday Night Fights.’
Photographed by [Chloé Le Drezen](https://www.instagram.com/chloeledrezen/?hl=en).
**Fight can be such a deterring word, yet you have put in in this gentle and inviting space. How did you arrive at this sound for your message?**
We wanted to release this intimate, soft, resigned acoustic version of “The Fight” as a follow up to our record. The version on the full length LP is a rock anthem that makes you want to roll down the car windows and fist pump as you scream the words. “The Fight (Reprise)” is the title track’s pensive counterpart—a way of inviting people to see the lyrics in a more delicate light. We hope that people can seek solace in this version of a song that we feel can unite people and provide hope in an otherwise hopeless period.
**When I was 12, I got my start protesting because of the Iraq war which consciously set me up for a lifetime of activism. What was your first “fight”? At what point in time did you realize the importance of rallying behind a cause for the betterment of society?**
Well, growing up female, we started understanding that we were going to be treated differently than our brothers (we each have one) at a young age. As we grew up and learned about the systematic oppression of women, from the lack of abortion rights to our lack of equal representation and pay in most industries, the feeling of wanting to fight against it grew even darker and stronger. We also were lucky enough to join the battles of our families: JJ comes from a family that is very involved in justice for Palestine; Hana's father is an HIV/AIDS doctor and LGBTQ+ rights have always been an important issue in her upbringing.
**These demons we carry you sing about are probably arising viciously for so many people who are in isolation with their own thoughts. How do you practice to keep your own demons at bay?**
No matter what, keep creating. Snuggle. Facetime a friend who is having a harder time than you. Fire up your empathy. Journal. Do yoga. Forgive someone. Watch Tiger King.
**As our parting words, would you please tap into the optimism you promote with this record’s call to action and share it with anyone who may need it…**
This record broke our hearts, but it also put them back together. Through the darkest of storms, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. And that is our humanity, our fragility, what binds us together. We are all together in this. We are stronger when we fight as one. You (and all of us) will get through this with perseverance and hope.
