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 this period, DJ Times will continue presenting the questionnaire responses from talented music-makers from all over the world. Here’s our latest entry, this time from Australia, the electronic-pop, sibling duo Lastlings (aka Amy and Josh Dowdle).
What’s it like where you are? It’s really nice where we live – we’re very lucky. It’s so calm and quiet, it feels like we’re separated from everything, even though we’re only about 15 minutes from town. We were in lockdown for a few weeks, but now the restrictions are starting to be lifted. Other than everything being closed, it didn’t feel too different for us because we’re always at home making music anyway.
What income-producing work did you lose? Unfortunately, yes. We had a U.S. tour planned, some Japan shows at the end of the year and a short headline run around Australia.
What are you doing now that’s ultimately constructive to your music life/career? Amy: I have been learning to DJ and produce, which has been a lot of fun.
Josh: My friend and I just finished directing a video clip for one of our friends, “Golding.” I love film, so being a part of another project in that capacity was really exciting. I’ve also just been honing in on my production and mixing skills trying to become better and achieve sounds quickly, the way I hear them in my head.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve realized during this period of social distancing? How a lot of people don’t really take the restrictions and rules that seriously… It’s crazy how many people during the peak of the pandemic in our city would still go up to each other and shake hands, hug, etc.
Have you done anything online? Have you seen any DJ video streams that impressed you? Yes, we have. We recently did a set for Untitled Group’s Virtual Day Party. But we’re also thinking of doing a DJ set at home or something that’s a bit different from our usual live set. We loved the Four Tet “Streaming from Isolation” Boiler Room and also his other NTS Radio shows!
Any theme tunes recommended for the moment? The Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind?”
Any advice on staying sane & relatively positive through this situation? Amy: Exercising regularly and eating healthy has definitely kept me sane and positive, especially during this situation. Listen to your favorite music every day, dance around the house, spend time with/call your loved ones and start doing the things you have always wanted to do! Reconnect with yourself. A lot of people are undergoing stress and loss, so remember to be kind to yourself and others especially during these times.
Josh: I’ve found this time to be extremely useful in just stepping back and assessing a lot of things with a fine-tooth comb. For example, just figuring out areas that I would consider my weaknesses and working on them so that I’m a more well-rounded musician/producer. I have a problem where I have too many hobbies, but I think spending your time doing something new and exciting that you don’t normally do is a really nice way to bring something new to your day-to-day.
To check out more Life in Lockdown interviews, click here.
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