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 Berlin, the Russian maker of house and techno tracks, Yulia Niko (aka Yulia Snoz).
What’s it like where you are? Hallo everyone, from Berlin! We are holding it down here super strong. We’ve been locked down at home for a while now, but I feel like I’ve just started my Corona V diary. I will be honest – in the beginning, I didn’t buy any single toilet-paper pack because I had some from before, and I think it’s enough for me, as I’m staying alone. I’m eating little, too. I’ve lived in Germany for more than three years and I’ve always had an excuse for why I haven’t learned the language. Fertig! Time to learn lots of things I’ve wanted to – read books and reconnect spiritually with nature. All the positive sides are here. We have to accept the circumstances. It’s too late for resistance – stay in and keep calm.
What kind of income-producing work have you lost? Please, tell me who didn’t. The most heartbreaking thing for me is that Watergate Berlin, where I am a resident, is facing a massive problem with paying rent. We all try to ask our friends and fans to support it and donate some money to save the club. The landlord doesn’t give a shit.
Are you doing anything now that can or will produce music-related income? I’m focused on keeping people entertained and calm – my latest track, “Fatima,” just dropped on Crosstown Rebels. I’ve been collecting tracks over the past two years to create my first ambient-meditation set, which I hope can help some souls. I can micromanage my expenses to cope fine.
What are you doing now that’s ultimately constructive to your music life/career? I’m working without deadlines and it’s absolute freedom – I have realized there is no “waste of time.” The future can be so different from what I expected. I feel very inspired. I am doing whatever without any regrets, for the first time in my life probably. I’m making all kinds of music, reading extraordinary books and fighting myself about where I should work if clubs don’t open again.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve realized during this period of social distancing? It’s essential to have your family close by your side. I am isolated and I am lonely. I think it’s time for me to settle down with my own family.
Have you done anything online? Yes, I have so much fun playing live streams. Especially on Instagram, I was talking to fans while playing. I found out it’s pretty much the same feeling as playing at a club. But online, it can be even more significant. It was great to be part of the United We Stream Berlin, which reached 1 million views on Facebook. I am open to doing more. I want to play non-stop anywhere I can.
Any theme tunes recommended for the moment? There isn’t anything better than “Breathe” by Télépopmusik: “Just believe, just breathe!”
Any advice on staying sane & relatively positive through this situation? Firstly, please do not over-eat and buy too much. When all chaos is over, you will regret it because it will be too much work at the gym afterwards. The internet is available for lots of fun. Try to see things differently and be positive about the circumstances we are in – that is, of course, if you didn’t catch the virus. Stay in and have fun. Maybe post a stupid or funny photo on Instagram and make someone laugh!
To check out more Life in Lockdown interviews, click here.
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