When the Coronavirus shut us down, clubs and festivals ceased, and everyone was essentially forced inside with no definitive end in sight, DJ Times wondered: How is our tribe coping? How are DJs getting by? So, we sent out our “Coronavirus Questionnaire” to DJ/producers from all musical genres to find out.
For the short-term (hopefully), DJ Times will be presenting the questionnaire responses from talented music-makers from all over the world. Here’s our first installment:
What’s it like where you are? I’ve been focusing on the positive side of having all this time off from touring around the globe: writing loads of music and spending time with loved ones. The simple joys in life that surround us are often overlooked.
Have you lost income-producing work? Like everyone else, my shows have all been rescheduled or canceled. Everyone needs to stay home and be responsible during these challenging times – then soon, we’ll hopefully be dancing our summer nights away together.
What are you doing now that’s ultimately constructive to your music life/career? I’m writing more music than ever before!
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve realized during this period of social distancing? That life’s little moments, which we sometimes take for granted, are beautiful and to be cherished… time tending to my garden, afternoons with my pets, re-watching my favorite films with family, and jamming in the studio.
Have you done anything online? I had so much fun last week with the ARTE Concert and United We Stream crew at [Berlin club] Watergate. I’ve played at Watergate more times than I can count, each and every time rowdier than the next, so you can imagine the contrast – just me, empty dance floor and a live-streaming video set-up. Thousands watched online to support a charity-stream for the Berlin nightlife and clubs. I’d do it again in a heartbeat!
Any theme tunes recommended for the moment? Mötley Crüe’s “Home Sweet Home,” an epic soundtrack for this unprecedented time. Or Krush’s “House Arrest,” when I’m in a club-classic mood.
Any advice on staying sane & relatively positive through this situation? Positive energy is omnipotent.
What’s it like where you are? I’m in the center of Paris. The streets are empty. There’s only few people outside walking their dog or running. Any other outside “leisure” is now forbidden. We’re totally locked down. If you go outside without no authorization, you receive a fine of about $150. So I just go out to buy groceries and I run 30 minutes a day. There’s something from science fiction in the air.
Have you lost income-producing work? I was supposed to be doing my first North American tour right now, but everything was cancelled little by little. At first, I stayed in L.A. to do music with American artists, but when it got worse, I really wanted to be at home if any confinement happened – and it happened.
Are you doing anything now that can or will produce music-related income? Not really. In France, we have “intermittence” for artists and technicians. It’s a way to get artists paid the days they don’t work. It’s saving lots of artists now, I think.
What are you doing now that’s ultimately constructive to your music life/career? Fortunately, I have my studio at home. This situation is getting me in front of my responsibilities – finishing my album. I have nothing else to do right now. All this free time will definitely help me to focus and put this last shiny coating touch to my new songs.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve realized during this period of social distancing? I can feel that people are more creative on social media – I love it. This is their only way to communicate with the outside. It will help
uncover lots of hidden talents, I guess.
Are you doing anything online? I’m actually doing a morning show every day. I love the idea of waking up, all
together, listening to music. Waking up is a moment when everyone is equal and needs a great vibe to start the day. I have to say I’m doing it for all the confined people, but also for me. This vivid energy with my fans warms my
heart.
Any theme tunes recommended for the moment? There’s a French song I love – Gérard Palaprat’s “Pour la fin du monde.” I’ll let you translate! Any advice on staying sane & relatively positive through this situation? I consider those lonely days as a hungover day – you know something is wrong, you don’t feel that good, but you adapt. You call your friends and you use this weird energy to do stuff you never do habitually. I love to bake cookies when I’m hungover even if I’m a really bad chef.
To check out more interviews, click here.
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