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.
During the crisis, DJ Times will be presenting the questionnaire responses from talented music-makers from all over the world. Here’s our latest installment, this time from South Florida, blossoming future-bass talent PLS&TY (aka Tommy Leas).
What’s it like where you’re living? Are you locked down? Until April 1st, there were no official lockdown orders. Governor Ron DeSantis quickly altered course, ordering all Floridians to remain in their homes to stop the spread of the virus. State residents are allowed to go to work and shop at essential business. People can also leave their homes to walk, bike, run, or engage in other exercise-related activities as long as they adhere to social distancing guidelines and remain 6 feet apart. Beaches are completely closed, and there are curfews in place as to when these exercise activities can be done.
How are you spending most of your time? I have been passing the time with family at home. I have taken this as an opportunity to reset. Traveling and performing acquaints such a fast-paced lifestyle that this has allowed introspection and rejuvenation.
Have you lost income-producing work? Yes, as with many other artists, I have lost performance income. Multiple festivals including Bonnaroo, Backwoods, Sunfest, Empire Music Festival, and more have been postponed or canceled for 2020. Additionally, numerous clubs and venue shows from my upcoming Very Special EP tour have been canceled or postponed.
Are you doing anything now that can or will produce music-related income? I urge fans to stream and buy their favorite artist’s work more than ever before. Revenue from music royalties and merchandise sales is essentially what many of us depend on at the moment. Despite people having more time than ever to enjoy music, album sales have plummeted to the lowest figure they’ve been in over 60 years. This urgently must change.
What are you doing now that’s ultimately constructive to your music life/career? I have been taking the opportunity to work on my mental and physical health. Lifting weights in my backyard, learning to cook, spending time with loved ones, and more, have all provided a refreshing escape in this moment.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve realized during this period of social distancing? I have actually realized that many humans simply do not know how to social distance. They do not know how to be at peace with only themselves. So many of us are concerned with our social image that this alternate lifestyle is entirely foreign. Practice self-care, self-love, and expand your horizons. We will beat this together.
Have you considered doing anything online like a Facebook Live mix? Have you seen any DJ video streams that impressed you? I have completed one live stream in partnership with Bandsintown as apart of their online concert series on Twitch. All proceeds were put towards Musicare’s Covid-19 Relief Fund. I am also streaming live sets in “DreamWorld Festival” and “Life On Pause Festival”.
Any theme tunes recommended for the moment? My new Very Special EP promotes positivity and good vibes. Check it out!
Any advice on staying sane & relatively positive through this situation? Take this opportunity as a time to spend with family if you’re fortunate enough to. Pick up a new hobby or learn a new skill. Enjoy simplicity at this moment. This too shall pass.
To check out more Life in Lockdown features, click here.
DJ Times Magazine is copyright © 2020 by DJ Publishing, Inc. www.djtimes.com
