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 entry, this time from Los Angeles, the eclectic, electronic talent Ducky (aka Morgan Neiman).
Ducky, Quackhouse Records, Los Angeles
What’s it like where you are? I live in California and we are on shelter in place. I’ve been in my house forever… I don’t know. Time is kind of blending together! But I’m staying really busy. I stream daily on Twitch, make music, practice guitar, practice German on Duolingo, exercise, and walk my dog every day – in a responsibly, socially distanced way.
What income-producing work have you lost? My debut North American headline tour, “Blue Skies Ahead,” was postponed. We are working on makeup dates closer to the end of the year now.
Are you doing anything now that can or will produce music-related income? I am an affiliate on Twitch and earn money from subscribers and donations, but it’s a slow build. It was a really big hit to lose my whole tour, especially since I wasn’t touring for nearly three months leading up to it because we had this planned.
What are you doing now that’s ultimately constructive to your music life/career? I’ve been really surprised at the quality of music I’ve started to write. At first, I felt really uninspired with the weird energy of everything going on, but after a break, I’ve found I’m happier with what I’m writing now more than I ever have been. I also am happy to be more focused on Twitch again. I’ve been on the platform for a few years now and I think it’s really special.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve realized during this period of social distancing? How smart my dog is… Like, I knew he was smart, but I swear he’s starting to understand full sentences. That, or I’ve been in social isolation for too long.
What are you doing online now? I stream daily on Twitch, including DJ sets twice weekly – Tuesdays and Fridays. You can check it all out here.
Any theme tunes recommended for the moment? I’ve been listening to “715- CR∑∑KS” by Bon Iver a lot. Not a good pun or anything, but very soothing.
To check out more Life in Lockdown interviews, click here.
